#i should have put them in numerical order but i didn't think of that until later

[alto-tenure]

when clover said zero might be one of them I instantly thought of among us

[theresthesnitch]

Remus should have fought harder for Sirius and Harry!

No, but... how do you know he didn't? Canon is absoluely silent on it. What we know is that Remus didn't see Harry again until he taught at Hogwarts. Canon tells us nothing about what he was doing during this time.

We also know that Dumbledore had Hagrid pick Harry up from Godric's Hollow on October 31 and fly him straight to the Dursley's house. Hagrid tells us that he went straight there on the bike he borrowed from Sirius Black. Harry was placed with his aunt and uncle, by Dumbledore's order, and kept so completely unaware of magic that he didn't have a clue that magic--magic that he could do, by the way--was real until a giant burly man knocked on a shack in the middle of the lake on his birthday.

Harry was hidden by the most powerful, well respected wizard of the time. Sirius was blamed and put in Azkaban without a trial. This is already a terrible starting pace to *finding* and *rescuing* them, even if Remus had the capability to do so.

Remus is not Harry's godfather, he's got no means to care for Harry, and he's got once a month that he knows without a doubt that Harry is in more danger with him than without. Perhaps he knew that Harry was with his aunt and uncle, but no one suspected that the Durselys would abuse Harry as they did. Even if they hated magic, no one expected them to turn him into the boy in the cupboard under the stairs. That's perposterous. It's unthinkable.

Remus has no power. He's a kid with a wand and very little else. He doesn't have a name, he doesn't have money, he doesn't even have a clean bill of health. If he's going to try to get Sirius out and Harry back, he's going to go to the most powerful wizard he knows. Which, after the War, is Dumbledore.

Dumbledore received numerous awards for whatever it was he did during and at the end of the war. He received honors. He was the only one that Voldemort ever feared. he was given designations and authority, and no one really questioned him.

So Remus goes to him and pleads for his help. Let Sirius out, he demands. You know Sirius would never do this to James. He would never do this to Peter. They were his friends. Dumbledore says I didn't think he would either, and yet their dead. Remus says give him a trial, because there must be an explanation. Dumbledore tells him that Sirius laughed hysterically on the way to Azkaban. Sirius confessed, he says. "It's my fault their dead," Sirius says, because he believed it to be true, and they accepted his confession.

Remus begs, but Dumbledore tells him it's settled. Who is Remus to fight Dumbledore? Perhaps he tires, perhaps it's hopless. Or, perhaps, he asks to have contact with Harry. Even if he can't care for him, because no one would trust the boy who lived with a werewolf, let him at least have contact with Harry. Harry deserves to know his parents. Dumbledore tells him no. It will be too confusing for the boy. It will be dangerous if you bring death eaters with you. It's better for him if he grows up believing he is a member of that family. it is better for him if he doesn't have contact with you.

Remus has los everything, and the only person that he thought might help him has turned him away.

Remus has nothing left. He has no one left. No one will listen to him if Dumbledore is against him, and everyone is celebrating while Remus can only think of what he's lost.

What did he do for the next fourteen years? Personally, I think he left the country. Traveld the world as a magical creature exterminator for hire. He had nothing left in England. Why would he stay? Perhaps he didn't even keep track of the years--what do they matter anyway--until he gets a letter from Dumbledore asking him to come back.

He has nothing else. Why not return? Perhaps it's safe for Harry to know who he is, now. He just has to get on the train the morning after the full moon, but it's fine. he can sleep all the way there.

[wilted3sunflowers]

just to say upfront You not have any right to repost my art at all, you got here through your own course of actions and only now you want to suggest possibly 'I.d.'ing them yourself?

Multiple people block you and you keep harassing them, literally having an account called blockdodger22, @'ing people and you think that's okay? You do not know how to have any etiquette online, much less talking to people in a clear concise way and then getting pissy with them for not bending over backwards for you.  You have no concept of being respectful.  You are behaving as an obsessive, stalking, creep. Flat out. How are you online and do not take a block and leave.  It is as simple as that.

You did not even start out our first 'exchange' with a clear message and goal.

You kept commenting under peoples posts just at random, especially after just freshly following them. Saying "Image description?" and myself included didn't understand what you're even asking about. Under multiple posts you asked me that and I didn't even know what was wrong with my description under my image until a friend told me you were asking for a description of the image itself not that you were questioning the actual description under my image.  Another person even brought to my attention you flat out said to them on their own post "Image description?" "I should not have to ask more than once." paraphrasing as you even mistyped once then corrected your typo. So much time to just correct that and comment instead of just. doing what you command of people.  What gives you the right to even demand any of that from anyone?  

Which is not even a proper exchange, it's you barking orders at people like they're a bot and not someone to converse with. You put your time and energy into continuing this act not just towards sme but multiple other people online. Instead of just bringing it up to someone and leaving them with the choice to try to do it or not. You do not get to demand what people put on their posts or not. If it has been such an issue do not follow them. For me I want to post my artwork with the minimal words i can because I'm tired. I want to post and go. This is an art blog. I post my art and I go. I do not even have a far reaching "platform" like you're trying to insinuate. If i did, i would've been able to keep up my patreon with enough money to comfortably have. But I didn't and I had to close my patreon because i could not grow it and all my energy went into patreon rewards with very little income for me and couldn't actually find the time to create what I wanted.

You want to act like this is me hating accessibility but this is you wanting to come on, annoy people unprompted, numerous times to random people on the internet and being blatantly rude and demanding and backpedaling as if this is an actual care. 

You are a rude and hypocritical individual coming up to bother people  in the name of "accessibility" . You do not genuinely care. 

People who actually cared would not go this obsessive, harassing, rude length. You spend more energy doing this than doing what you say you set that server out to do! In multiple times you wanted to 'contact me' you would post the same comment under over 10 posts with no clarity, I tell you i'm annoyed and with a broken keyboard with multiple people attesting because they're actually close enough to see me in discord servers and streams to see the broken keys you wanted to act as if you knew better. as if I'm the liar. you came onto my posts just to get snotty and bratty. So I of course block you. months pass, I get a new laptop, you use your blockdodger22 tumblr account and only THEN want to declare there's a discord server to 'help'. 

"But I literally sent you a link to people who will do this for you. And I'm in that server too. I'm in there helping people who care about accessibility." If this is how you act to random people online, why would I ever want to come into a server with you? If this is how you behave? Why would anyone? 

if you did care you would flat out be commenting on the image description you want to see typed out for yourself. As many people already DO on tumblr without any issue at all! you wouldn't have to do this fake song and dance.

 I've had multiple people in the past of my works,- typically only Steven universe fanart itself which i do not make a ton of, only adopts, They will reblog with the image description. They don't even have to ask, they just do it. Why? Because thats what they want to do and what they care about. You want to say "Oh I'm only trying to help, I guess you don't care about accessibility." You did not want to help, you wanted to make a mountain out of a molehill to random people online who are not influencers or even big time corporations. You are not treating anyone I see you come into contact with any respect or politeness.  

All you genuinely want is to either 

1. feel better about yourself thinking you're doing  good with something you're not putting the actual energy towards that you say is important to you. Like other people online, who do that thing and especially do it for artists unprompted because they want to SEE it being done and take the time for themselves. 

or

2. to look for a fight using these people as a smokescreen because you keep obsessively trying to get people's attention on their posts and then act automatically like you're in the right despite being nasty and rude online.

If you cared so much you would be putting your money where your mouth is. You would be putting your energy into putting all these image descriptions on these images that you want without all this fluff. But you don't, why? I genuinely don't care for an answer from you. I want you to leave me and everyone else alone.

There's people behind these screens, you don't care, you only care if people do what you say at a moment's notice. 

You want to say I don't care about people with disabilities for the fact I don't do one thing. One thing that only you have demanded of me in all my ten years on this blog.

 You're acting as if I'm bashing people online and saying they have no right to be here. As if I hate them. You're now just wanting to paint a broad stroke of me hating disabilities in general instead of the actual topic at hand. I make multiple characters with disabilities for myself and my adopts. That I myself have issues too.

 I am doing my own thing. I am simply posting my art. You are simply annoying the hell out of many artists myself included. 

This is a matter of me disliking you. 

Especially when I found out you are not only harassing me but people around me, other artists and even smaller artists at that! What gives you the gall and the right to be acting so self righteous when all you've done is act as a genuine dick to people. 

[gwenllian-in-the-abbey]

[ sorry not very fluent in english ] what do you think of the fans who say that Rhaenyra didn’t “ran” to dragonstone? And that dragonstone represents a trial-run for the heir to the throne? And that she was expected to rule and govern there until the time came for her to ascend the iron throne ?. I honestly think that they shouldn’t compare ruling dragonstone to ruling the seven kingdoms.

I've seen this brought up a lot too and I think the idea that Dragonstone is where Rhaenyra is expected to be the majority of the time "learning to rule" is a bit disingenuous.

Dragonstone is a tiny holding, with one settlement of smallfolk by the docks, Dragonmount with the dragons (this is the real advantage of Dragonstone, and why you want to keep it in the family) and Dragonstone castle to manage. Running Dragonstone does require managing numerous towns, farms, guilds, trade agreements, lords, smallfolk, foreign powers, etc. I've always imagined "Prince/Princess of Dragonstone" as the in-world equivalent to "Prince/Princess of Wales," that is, it is essentially an honor title given to the heir apparent. Running Dragonstone does not take any more skill or oversight than running any small holding, can mostly be handed over to a castellan (and was, during the war), and is certainly not comparable to ruling the realm.

On top of that, running Dragonstone does not require the prince or princess of Dragonstone to be continually in residence. In fact, over the years, most Princes of Dragonstone split their time between King's Landing and the Island. Sometimes, like during most of the regency of Aegon III, there was no real Prince of Dragonstone. Dragonstone is also not that far away, especially if you have a dragon, so if something comes up that requires attention, you can get there in pretty easily.

So Rhaenyra was definitely making a tactical retreat-- people In KL were talking too much about her sons and it was easier to stay away. And it does differ a bit from the show to the book, because in the book Viserys didn't give her and Daemon a choice, they were ordered to stay away after they married because he was pissed off, whereas in the show it was clearly their choice to stay away, which did put them at a disadvantage when Viserys died.

That said, the "experience" argument is pretty weak on both sides, whether it's black fans saying Rhaenyra had experience ruling Dragonstone and therefore should be queen, or green fans saying she didn't have experience whereas Aegon's experienced council would rule through him. Hereditary monarchy is not a meritocracy in which the most qualified candidate gets to rule. Literal children have become kings, including Rhaenyra's own son, who was completely shut out of royal politics by his council of regents and came into his majority at age 16 with no leadership experience at all. Rhaenyra staying away from King's Landing matters because it allowed the greens to get a jump on the coronation and anointment of Aegon, but what she was doing in Dragonstone is pretty irrelevant.

[storiesundercandlelight]

Could you please write for Geoffrey but something soft and fluffy? No male dom vibes, just a very tired and sweet and cuddly boy after a long and hard night of hunting… he could even be a little bit submissive for his girl, if he wanted to… 🥺

Okay I wasn't sure if you wanted NSFW or not so...I added a little *** to indicate where the NSFW begins so you can chose to read this with or without :)

Warnings: After *** NSFW, F!Reader, Oral (F Giving)

The sounds of his boots on the chipped and warped wood of the theatre was the first indication of Geoffrey's return. You turned the page down in one of the old journals you'd picked up from Geoffrey's desk, he didn't mind you reading through them, a small smirk always pulling at his lips when you recounted a fact from past leaders of Priwen that he had already read a thousand times over.

The room was warming slowly thanks to the small fireplace, a luxury Priwen had never had until they moved into the old theatre. You were so shocked when you walked in to see the empty hearth, dusty and covered in old ash and soot, that a small squeak left you as you turned to Geoffrey with a smile on your face.

Geoffrey was still getting used to having someone, especially someone like you. That night he spent what little hours he had before hunting cleaning out the fireplace and ordering a few of the younger recruits to get wood to light. The look on your face when the fire caught and flames flicked gently, warming the room and filling it with an amber glow was something Geoffrey would strive to put on your face for the rest of his life.

When the door to the room opened and Geoffrey walked in you were already on your feet, walking over and leaning up to place a kiss on his jaw, your hands already pulling his damp jacket from his shoulders and hanging it on the back of the door. When you looked over his face you could see how tired he was, the hunt he'd just returned from had lasted a good few more hours than he'd expected and his muscles ached from fighting numerous ekons.

Geoffrey let you lead him over to the bed, you climbed on first settling into the corner by the wall, he followed after kicking off his boots, slumping down against you, his head resting on your stomach. You let your fingers push through his hair, playing with the longer strands as you watched his eyes drift shut.

"You were gone much longer than I thought, I was starting to worry"

Geoffrey hummed in agreement, his eyes opening just enough to look up at you. "Told ya, ya don't need to worry about me"

"Won't ever stop me though" You smiled gently, continuing to play with his hair as he slowly started to drift off again.

"Geoffrey we should get you out of these clothes" When Geoffrey didn't move you decided to take things into your own hands, sliding out from under him to start unbuttoning his shirt. He groaned in protest but didn't fight you on it, his clothes were damp and dirty from the hunt. You couldn't help admiring Geoffrey as you helped him undress, the hard muscles that made up his body were littered with scars, one in particular your eyes always drifted to, just above the fine hairs on his chest, below his collarbone was a jagged scar. He told you the story of it once, simply shrugging when you showed sympathy.

You let yourself lean over him to place a kiss on it, and another on a scar just lower down before leaning up to place one on Geoffrey's lips. He returned the kiss lazily, his eyes still closed and his breathing deep. When you pulled back he opened his eyes to look at you. "I still don't think I'm used to this"

"Use to what?"

"To coming back after a hunt and have you look after me" You smiled laying down beside him, resting your head up on one hand as the other traced along his jaw.

"Well I'm not going anywhere so you better get used to it"

"I'll try" You knew he was joking with you, the light smirk pulling at his lips as he let his eyes close again. Despite his joking he knew that he didn't want to be without this, the way you waited for him, looked after him, wanted him. He may not admit it out loud often but Geoffrey couldn't imagine coming home to anything else.

Your fingers idly traced along Geoffrey's chest, playing with the hairs there before tracing down between the muscles of his abdomen and down to his hipbones. You smiled when he twitched, knowing you'd brushed over a sensitive part of him, not that you'd ever comment on the fact that he was ticklish there. But just as quickly as he tensed he relaxed again letting you trace over his skin as his eyes grew heavier and heavier. A content sigh leaving his lips, knowing he would happily die right here and now if it meant never having to be without this feeling.

***You flicked your gaze back to Geoffrey, his eyes still closed before stealing another quick kiss to the side of his mouth. "Geoffrey?" he hummed in response but didn't open his eyes this time. You knew your intentions were slightly selfish given how tired he was but you couldn't help yourself as you let your hand slide lower still, brushing against his member.

This got his attention enough for him to open one eye to look at you. You played innocent, putting on a questioning look, but you both knew what you wanted. "I want it too but, sure I don't think I can move let alone do that"

"Don't move then, I will" You made quick work of removing your own clothes, climbing gently back on top of Geoffrey. His member pressed against you as you settled above him. He let his eyes close when you moved your hips once, dragging yourself along his length, a deep sigh coming from him. You brushed some of his hair back into place before leaning down to trail small kisses along his jaw and down his neck.

It was rare for Geoffrey to let you take control but when he did he did it fully, his hands came up lazily to stroke your thighs but he didn't rush you to do anything more, he simply laid there and enjoyed whatever you gave to him. His muscles relaxing under every kiss you left against his skin, every squeeze of your hands against his tense muscles working him looser. He was sure if he wasn't so hard he would have fallen asleep, but his body had slightly different ideas as his arousal grew.

When you'd moved down to his abdomen you felt his muscled tense as you kissed, nipping gently at his skin. Geoffrey felt your breath ghost over his skin as you moved down him, teasing and gentle, when he felt it against his member he let a soft groan leave him, anticipating your lips on him but you kept him waiting. Your lips pressed down instead to the top of his thigh, so close to where he wanted your mouth. Geoffrey almost protested but you didn't give him a chance before your lips wrapped around his member, the surprised moan that slipped from Geoffrey's lips was loader this time, his body tensing against the pleasure of feeling your warm mouth around him, taking his length slowly.

The pace you set was a slow and lazy one, moving your lips gently, your hand taking up what your mouth couldn't. Geoffrey cursed himself for not taking things this slowly more often, life wasn't alway predictable enough for him to enjoy time away from his duties to Priwen. When you felt Geoffrey start to move his hips to meet your mouth you pulled away, leaving your hunter momentarily frustrated at the lack of attention.

You climbed back on top of Geoffrey settling yourself as you had before, looking over him, his gaze heavy with sleep but also lust as he watched you. "Promise you won't try to take over?" He nodded gently, watching as you lifted your hips just enough to take his length inside of you. It was hard not to push up into you but Geoffrey halted his hips, letting you set your own pace which just like before, was slow.

You always felt Geoffrey so deeply in this position, taking his full length, your hands pushing against his chest to keep yourself steady as you moved your hips against him, each rolling movement pressing him deep within you. You listened to the soft groans and deep breaths Geoffrey was letting out, trying to keep your own at bay not knowing which of Geoffrey's men were in earshot of your room.

Geoffrey felt you take his hands in your own, pressing them into the mattress either side of his head as you leant down closer to him. Your foreheads resting against each others as you continued to grind down against him. The urge to speed things up took over a little, Geoffrey felt his hips stutter up almost on their own, hitting a spot inside of you that made you gasp in surprise. "You promised" You scolded, voice full of play as you looked at him in mock annoyance.

Geoffrey smiled lazily at you. "Sorry, couldn't help it" you hummed in response, smirk pulling at your lips as you sat back up, placing his hands on your hips you began moving slowly again.

"When I say so you can move as well, but only when I say so, you're suppose to be resting remember?"

"Says the one who initiated this" Geoffrey laughed gently at your annoyed pout. "Alright, when you say" You continued your slow movements, taking in the way Geoffrey's body tensed and the rise and fall of his chest as his breathing quickened when you picked up the pace, moving against him faster now as you felt yourself growing closer to the end.

Geoffrey could feel you tensing around him, pulling him with you towards your climax, his fingers dug into your hips, holding you tight, waiting...slightly impatiently now for you to let him move. "Please?" He whispered.

"Yes, move" it took less than a second for Geoffrey to sit up, pulling you close against him as he pushed up into you, his hips lifting up to meet yours with every thrust. Your head fell against his shoulder, pressing your face into him to muffle the growing sounds that you found harder and harder to keep quiet as you moved against each other.

Geoffrey's grip on you never faltered as he held you close, his movements faltering just slightly as he grew closer and closer. You didn't last far beyond that, your orgasm washing over you suddenly, fingers digging into Geoffreys shoulders as you came, taking him with you. Warmth filled you as Geoffrey finished, his breath hard against you own shoulder as he tried to keep quiet.

It took a few moments for you both to gather yourselves, your breathing slowly returning to normal as you leant back, pushing Geoffreys hair back into place as much as you could, your hands brushing gently down the side of his face as he look back at you.

"Now you should sleep" You whispered, your voice laced with your own exhaustion now. Once you had righted yourselves you got back into bed, Geoffrey turning and cuddling up against you, his face buried against your neck as you wrapped around each other. It didn't take long for sleep to trap the hunter, his breathing deep as he finally let sleep washed over him.

[cheerfulmelancholies]

Mysterious New Member-Chapter 1

Summary: After a set of unusual circumstances, the BF5 find themselves with a new member. Although they're glad for the extra manpower during the war, there's still something off about their new teammate. Vert can't quite put his finger on it, but he knows there are secrets to be found. There's little time to figure it out, however, as tensions rise between the BF5 and the Reds. All they can do is hope their newest member doesn't have something to do with it.

Or: The BF5 fic I wrote when I was younger, stopped working on, remembered again years later and decided to revamp. Also on AO3 and FFN.

Writing below the cut so I don't clog anyone's feed.

"Zoom! Head for the Key. Agura and I will cover you," Vert ordered over the radio. The scout gave an affirmative and shot off to the right; Agura pulled up alongside the Saber and stayed level as they rumbled towards a group of Vandals, kicking up desert dust.

"Oh, no you don't," Agura said as one of them swerved to chase after Zoom. She slammed on the brakes and launched a grapple at him, dragging him to her front tire before batting him away like a pest. She turned in time to see Vert send his car into a spin, blades out, knocking away several Vandals. She charged at the remaining group, ramming two aside before launching into the air to pounce on the last one, engine roaring. The poor thing barely knew what hit him.

"That takes care of that," Vert said, adrenaline still coursing. "How're you guys holding up?"

"Everything's good over here," Spinner said, giving his younger brother a high five after they took out Krocomodo. "How about you, AJ? Did that cat give you trouble?"

A groaning Kalus lay in a heap beneath his chariot. AJ rumbled past him to join up with the Buster. "Nope. Not a scratch."

"And I've got the Key," Zoom added, popping a wheelie on his way back to Vert and Agura.

"Alright, team, meet up at the Earth portal so we can head out of here." He waited until the scout was nearly caught up to put the pedal down, and the three of them rode back into the canyon.

The Zone had an unusual layout; large, open spaces the size of a football field before winding, narrow canyons. A bit like massive crop circles, to put it in Sherman's words. They'd gotten a reading on the Key pretty early on but had to split up due to not knowing which path was correct. It took some trial and error, and numerous run-ins with the Vandals, but nothing they couldn't handle.

Vert rode through the portal first, followed by Zoom, Agura, Sherman and Spinner, and AJ. When they were all out the scout grabbed the Key, tossed it and slapped it on the front of his bike.

"Good job today, guys," Vert said, taking his first calming breath in a while. "Now let's head on home so we can–Huh!"

In the distance, a black car was racing away. A cloud of dust was left in its wake.

"Who is that?" Agura asked, already scoping them out. "Do you think they saw us?"

"Whoever they are, they're sure in a hurry," AJ said, feeling uneasy. "Should we, like, go after them or something?"

"Maybe they didn't see us," Spinner offered. "They could've just been out driving. It wasn't like they were right here."

"I can go check it out, if you want, Vert." Zoom had his hand on the throttle, ready to go.

Vert thought about it. "No," he said finally, trying not to sound worried. "Spinner's right. If they were closer I'd say yeah but… they were already pretty far. The Salt Flats are perfect for racing. It's probably nothing."

"If you say so," said Agura, still on edge.

"It didn't take us that long to exit the portal," Sherman reasoned. "It's really unlikely they saw anything. And even if something does come up, like a video, we can always just deny it and say it was special effects for a movie."

"C'mon, guys, let's get back to base." He didn't want to stay out here any longer than necessary. Sure, it probably was nothing, and more than likely his nerves, but that didn't make him feel any better.

They went about their usual business upon returning, each of them branching off to spend the rest of the evening relaxing. The next morning was nothing out of the ordinary either, though it did see Spinner get into an argument with Tezz about having 'borrowed' one of his gaming devices for an experiment. All in all, nothing noteworthy.

Vert strode through the Hub and found Sage sorting through files by the Mobi. He walked over to her. "Morning," he said, getting her attention. "Everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is fine," she said after a brief hesitation.

Vert recognized the pause all too well. "You seem worried." Ever since the whole Mobi 3.0 ordeal, she'd been getting far more expressive. At this rate, she'd be easier to read than Stanford.

Sage took a second to process how she wanted to respond. "There is something that's been… confusing me," she admitted. Embarrassment wasn't something she had personal experience with but she knew the feeling when it arose.

"What could possibly confuse you?" he asked, worry gnawing its way to the surface. Was it something to do with Krytus? The Sark? Was the planet in danger from some sort of catastrophe?

"It is nothing of life-threatening concern," the Sentient said, seeming to read his mind. "It is just some abnormal readings I've been getting."

"From what?"

She pulled up several screens showing charts and graphs, and divided them. "These readings are from the Storm Shocks," she said, pointing to the graphs on the right side. "The initial burst of energy from the portal opening combined with the electromagnetic waves they generate upon interacting with the planet's own electromagnetic field. All perfectly normal."

"And the weird ones?" he questioned, eying the other screens. The activity there was much lower, hardly a blip compared to the massive impact the Storm Shocks had.

"These are not from Storm Shocks. At least, not from the kind we need to worry about." At his bewildered look, she added, "Sometimes a portal does not open fully and only a mere spark is produced, so to speak. It is quite normal, however, it should not be so frequent. What I'm picking up could merely be residual energy, but it is unlikely. The locations are inconsistent with those of the Storm Shocks and it is appearing at different frequencies. It is most perplexing."

"Sounds like it's worth checking out. Is there anything we can do to help?"

"You can see if you find anything at the locations of the anomalies. Perhaps Sherman and Tezz could be of assistance."

"Got it. We'll head out right now."

"I will send the coordinates of the most recent one to your cars," she said to his retreating form.

A few minutes later saw the Buster, Splitwire and Saber roaring into the desert. Tezz took the lead, his need for answers kicking in, while Vert and the Cortez brothers flanked him.

"Hey, Vert," Sherman said when they were halfway there. "Take a good look at where that most recent anomaly was."

He glanced at the map, not getting it until he zoomed out a bit. "That's where that car was," he said in shock.

"What car?" Tezz questioned, curious as to how an ordinary vehicle could cause such a reading. It wasn't high-powered like theirs, it wasn't even close to the level he was sure his project car had managed. But it was there nonetheless, and that should've been impossible.

"Oh man," Spinner said, "that means that guy does know something."

"We don't know that, bro."

"Why else would his car be leaving such weird readings?"

Vert cut in before Spinner could draw anymore conclusions. "Relax, Spin. That's what we're going to find out." To Tezz, he explained, "Yesterday when we exited the portal there was a car racing away from us. It was too far to say he was waiting but after what Sage said about those readings…"

"You think they might be involved somehow," he finished.

"Exactly. We can't let people find out about this. It's too dangerous and could cause some serious problems." He eased off the gas as they approached the area. They slowed to a stop and he got out. "Nothing out of the ordinary so far. Sherm?"

"Aside from the odd readings Sage picked up, nothing's wrong here."

"He is right. There's no trace anyone was here." With nothing but miles of rocks and sand, it wasn't worth getting out and looking either. Tezz typed on his console, trying to track where the mystery driver may have went, but the trail fizzled out after several hundred feet. There were a few nearby towns some miles away and a near day had passed; they could be anywhere by now.

Vert took in the surrounding area and hummed. Radioing in to base, he said, "Agura? We could use your hunting skills out here."

"On my way," came the response.

"What are we gonna do?" Spinner wasn't one to question Vert's leadership, but he couldn't see the point in this.

"We're gonna trace their tracks as far as we can and hopefully get some answers." He hopped back into his car to wait. "If anyone can track this guy, it's Agura."

Ten minutes later the Tangler skidded to a stop beside them and Agura stepped out. "What have we got?"

"So far, nothing," said Sherman. "The residual energy they left behind stops about seven hundred feet West. After that, they might as well have vanished."

"There's no tire tracks left either," Spinner added.

She scoffed. "I don't need something as easy as tire tracks. If there was a car passing through here, I can find it, even if it sprouted wings and flew."

"And that's why I called you. Lead the way."

They drove to where the energy trail died and let Agura do her thing. She inspected the ground and took a quick reading on the wind. "They went further West," she said. She brought her binoculars up. "Actually, I'd say about half a mile down, they turned Southwest. It's out of the way of Handler's Corners, but there is another town out that way. That's gotta be where they're staying."

"I don't know how you do it," Vert said. He didn't think he'd ever get tired of watching her work. She never ceased to amaze him. "Alright, team, let's go do a little reconnaissance."

"You want to go to the town? Isn't that taking a risk? I thought you said they might be involved." Scientific interests aside, even he knew not to risk exposing the BF5. Even if he was dying to know what was causing these anomalies.

"We're not gonna go into the town. Let's just see if we can pick up any readings. If we don't find anything by the time we reach the outskirts, we'll turn back." They drove off full-throttle, Vert in the lead.

Sometime into their journey, Sage called in to check on them. "Have you found anything, Vert?"

"We know the anomalies are being caused by a person. We're trying to see if we pick up anymore readings from a nearby town. We think that's where they're at. I'll let you know if we find anything else."

"Understood," she said before disappearing.

"I don't have anything so far, Vert," Sherman said in preparation of the sure-to-come status report. "Actually, my scans haven't picked up anything since we left that last one."

"I do not have anything unusual either," Tezz supplied. "We're getting close to that town as well. Perhaps we should turn back?"

Agura hummed in agreement. "Yeah, Vert. Knowing this guy's out here doesn't really help us that much. It isn't like we can follow him into town. If there's nothing else out here we really should head back. What if a Storm Shock opens?"

"You're right. We'll have to try something else. BF5, head back to base." They spun around and raced back to Handler's Corner's.

Sage met them as soon as they arrived. "I have found a pattern in these anomalies," she said, drifting over to the gathered Battle Force. "It seems they occur most commonly at night. Whoever is causing this is being very careful not to be observed."

"Well, I guess we'll just have to catch them in the act," said Vert. "We'll have to set up a stakeout. We're gonna find out what's going on here no matter what."

Chapter 2: here

[rainofaugustsith]

ETA since some apparently don't get this: I will not debate anyone who reblogs to argue with me on this issue; I just block and ignore. If you like the Jedi, cool, do it in your own space and leave me out of it. If you can’t do that, I’ll help out by blocking you. If you don't like that the source material shows the Jedi removing kids from their families and cutting them off permanently while indoctrinating them into lifetime religious and military service, complain to Lucasfilm, not me, because that is what was written. ***

Ah, I see the "oh noes, the Jedi don't kidnap children, that's all mean genocide apologist talk" is making the rounds again. Sigh.

The Jedi conscript kids into their program as toddlers and babies. This is not debated anywhere in the media. As to the ethics of that, no, they may not have put kids under their arms and run away with them, but it can't be denied that they did conscript those kids, train them for Jedi combat and expect them to serve the Republic for the rest of their lives, while denying them attachment, contact and community outside the Jedi Order.

That's not propaganda. It's what we see in Star Wars media. I'd like to call attention to the fact that a major Jedi character in the entire Star Wars franchise, Luke Skywalker, had issues with this aspect of the Jedi Order and specifically changed it. Is he "Sith propaganda" too?

Exhibit A: Luke Skywalker's New Jedi Order specifically cited the lack of attachment and methods of the old Jedi as problems. Luke's Jedi were allowed to keep all attachments and ties to their families.

This is the old AU, but a substantial body of work, literally decades of books, revolve around Luke's New Jedi Order. Also, in the Jedi Path (my bad, I called it Book of the Jedi, sorry) which IS Disney canon, Luke makes several notations about "my order won't run like this, it will be completely voluntary, and I think attachments are good."

Exhibit B: The Jedi Path published as Disney canon as the collected thoughts of various Jedi says, among other things:

1. The Jedi absolutely were thought of as kidnappers by some, to the point where there were organized groups in the Republic who opposed them.

2. There was Republic law that allowed them to take children from their families if the families didn't want it.

3. The issue that the children didn't consent was dismissed as them being chosen and consenting because they were Force sensitive.

4. The Book of the Jedi also notes specifically that attachment to birth families needed to be disavowed, which is something Luke Skywalker objected to in the footnotes.

In various Star Wars media we also see:

1. Numerous characters such as Ahsokha and Ashara Zavros who say they have had no contact with their families for decades.

2. Jaesa Willsaam's family being told they should not expect to hear from their daughter again.

3. Shmi not being allowed to remain in touch with Anakin and actually rebuffed when she tried to call him at the Jedi temple.

4. Anakin being told by Yoda that if harm to someone is troubling him, drop the attachment and stop caring.

5. Baby Ludi. This was a case where a Force sensitive baby was taken during wartime and given a new name. When her mother was found to be alive she exhausted all resources going to Coruscant to try to get her child back. The Jedi refused. She sued, and Republic courts sided with the Jedi. The Jedi refused to allow her to even see her daughter again.

Yes, the Jedi did originally think the baby was orphaned, but upon finding out that wasn't the case and that the mother was in fact desperate for her child to be returned, they did not return her. Nor did they restore her birth name.

6. In the original trilogy, Obi-Wan and Yoda expect Luke to give up attachments by a) leaving Han and Leia to die on Bespin; b) deliberately not sharing that Leia and Luke were siblings until their hand was forced; c) insisting that Luke needed to put aside any familial feelings to kill Darth Vader.

Luke succeeds in the original trilogy because he refuses to give up his attachments. He calls Vader 'father' and pulls on that thread of attachment until Vader can't resist it - and does the right thing.

7. Yes, Jedi do keep their own cultural traditions but they are still not largely in touch with family or their communities as a whole. As to keeping their own names, tell that to Ludi Billane, Depa Billaba and Sar Labooda.

8. "But the kids and parents consent." Okay, Qui-Gon asked Anakin if he wanted to be a Jedi. Did he sit down and explain it meant he would be bound to a strict moral code for the rest of his life, would not be allowed any attachments or family contact, and would have to sacrifice any of his friends for the greater good, or fight for the Republic regardless if he agreed in their cause?

And even if he had, do we routinely let nine year olds conscript themselves into lifetime military or religious service? Or do we recognize that they should perhaps not make major life decisions at that juncture? Moreover, since the Jedi recruit toddlers and babies do you think they have even the slightest amount of comprehension at that point as to how this will affect the rest of their lives?

But Shmi said yes. Yes, she did. It was offering her kid a ticket out of being enslaved on Tatooine forever, what do we really think she was going to say? If Qui-Gon had said "I'm going to buy your freedom, and your son's, and help you start a new life" would she have made the same choice? Yes, other parents said yes. How much were they advised that this was the safest way for their child, the ONLY way for their child?

9. "But they can leave at any time!" Mhmm. Now how far will they get without any money, possessions, professional connections, experience with living outside the Jedi Order, etc? Yeah maybe they are lucky and can reclaim an inheritance like Dooku but maybe they end up like Ahokha living hand to mouth in poverty on the lower levels of Coruscant.

None of this is "Sith propaganda." It's what the writers of Star Wars actually described. If a fan wants to think this level of separating children from their families and attachments is acceptable, and justifiable nothing I say will change that. Appreciate Star Wars as you want. If some of us think that it's one reason the Jedi kind of suck and had very harmful practices (and let's use critical thinking here and realize that saying "the Jedi kind of suck" is not in any way agreeing with genocide, erasure, slavery or fascism, or similar practices found in other factions), that should also be fine. Don't like that? Such is life.

[outsideratheart]

When in New York (Kelley O’ Hara x reader)

Part 2

You had just finished post game media following your game against New York Liberty. You weren’t a huge fan of doing media but it made it easier considering Seattle had won. 

You leave the conference room with Stewie who you had been doing the interview with.

“You seeing your family tonight” You shake your head.

“What about you?” She nods hers.

She bumps her shoulder into yours “Two New Yorkers beat New York in New York. Sounds like something to celebrate to me” She says and maybe she had a point.

You both walk into the locker room, some players have already left and some were still packing up.

“Y/N? Megan texted saying that her and a couple other teammates are at your parents restaurant and asked if we wanted to meet up with them” Sue asks.

Very few people knew about the family restaurant, you wanted to keep it a secret so that it could stay authentic. Your family was Italian and the restaurant was like a little piece of Italy in New York. The only people that knew where your Storm teammates and Megan, the honorary team mom.

You look at sue and she is giving you the look. After signing for the team she had taken you under her wing meaning that the two of you had got quite close.

“Ok, ok. No need to give me that look” You says.

After a quick shower and a change of clothes you leave the area, luckily for you the restaurant is only a few blocks away so you and Sue opted to walk saying that I would be your cool down / recovery.

“You said teammates” you says putting air-quotes around the word teammates “who’s there?” You ask.

“Alex and Kelley” she says which instantly bring a smile to your face.

“I thought that would cheer you up”

“Shut up”

You had a crush on Kelley, both Sue and Megan knew it. You met her last year when to US were playing in Seattle and Megan had invited you to a game. There was something about the defender that you really liked. You wasn’t if it was the fact that on the pitch she is a beast and off she is teddy but always had fun when you were with her.

You both enter the restaurant being greeted by your mom as soon as you come through the door.

“Mrs L/N nice to see you again” Sue says.

“Sue I have told you before, you can call me Maria” You mom says as she hugs you and sue makes her way to your friends.

“buon gioco dolce ragazza” (good game sweet girl) she tells you.

“grazie mamma” you reply kissing her cheek.

Meanwhile sue heads towards to table of soccer players.

She waves at everyone getting a mixture of hi’s and hello’s 

“Hi babe” She says kissing her girlfriend on the cheek. 

“Hi” Megan replies. “Where Y/N?” She asks noticing that you wasn’t behind sue.

“She’s in here somewhere” Sue says. She knew that you would probably been saying hi to your dad in the kitchen but she couldn’t tell them that.

“See Kel, you have a few more moments to get your crush in check” Alex jokes with her friend.

“Shut up!” Kelley replies.

“Hi guys” you say as to approach the table.

You notice Kelley staring at you so you take the opportunity to tease her.

“Like what you see?” You say making the defender blush.

“Have you ordered food yet?” You ask.

“No we were waiting for you. We know we are having though” Alex tells you as she hands you a menu.

“Thanks but I don’t need it” You say handing the menu to Sue who shakes her head letting you know she doesn’t need it either.

“You already know what you’re having?” Kelley asks.

“Not exactly” Sue says which confuses the others.

Looking around the restaurant you catch the attention of one of the waiters.

You let him know you are ready to order. 

Each of the women tell him what they want and then it is your’s and sue’s turn.

You look at sue and she nods her head.

“dì a gianni che avremo quello che consiglia” (tell gianni we will have what he recommends) Sue says 

“Certo” The waiter says.

You look at Sue and smile in approval.

“You getting very good, maybe time for a trip” You say.

“You speak Italian?” Kelley asks Sue.

“Y/N does and she has been teaching me for the past couple of years”

“Who is Gianni?” Alex asks.

“He is the chef here” You explain.

You start talking about the storm game when you mom bring across a bottle of limoncello hand you the bottle and 5 shot glasses.

“Grazie” You say

You pour everyone a glass and hand them out. 

“You get table service here?” Kelley asks.

“No, I asked for it when I came in” You reply.

You raise you class and everyone copies.

“Here to us. We change the game and provide hope for the next generation of female athletes” You say and everyone takes a sip except Kelley who shots it.

“You sip it Kel. If not you’ll be on the floor an hour” Megan says.

“You would know” you tease causing you and the forward to laugh.

“I will pour you another but this here” you say pointing to the bottle “is the real stuff, not something you find in a liquor store. It comes straight from a vineyard in Italy where this restaurant makes it’s wine” 

“You know a lot about this restaurant, the chef’s name and now where it makes it’d alcohol” Alex questions.

“What can I say, I have been coming here since I was a baby” you explain.

“that’s one way to put it” sue says under her breath, no quiet enough though as you send her a glare.

You look at Kelley as she takes a sip.

“Tastes better doesn’t it” She nods her head.

Your food arrives and you all say how nice it looks and smells. 

“Oh.my.god” Kelley says between mouthfuls.

“I agree, this is incredible. Megan how did you find this place? Alex asks.

“Y/N” Megan replies and Alex nods remembering that you said you came here when I was younger.

Conversation is small and simple as you all focus on your food.

You thank the waiter telling him the the food was delicious as he clears the table.

“Y/N can I ask you a question” Kelley asks.

“Only if I can ask you one?” 

“Why Italian and are you fluent” She asks

“I’m Italian so I had to learn in order to talk to family in Sicily”

“Prove it. Tell me something in Italian?” 

“quando ci siamo conosciuti pensavo fossi la persona più bella del mondo”

“Sounds very romantic” Alex says.

“What does it mean?” Kelley asks.

“it means ‘when we met I thought you were the most beautiful person in the world’” You tell her making sure to look her in the eyes when you say it.

Kelley is at a loss for words, what is she suppose to say to that. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable” You say slowly regretting what you said, not that you didn’t mean because you did.

“I’ll go get us some more drinks” you says excusing yourself from the table.

“Kelley” Alex says trying to get her friends attention.

“Does she say that kind of thing to everyone?” Kelley asks sue.

She shakes her head “She isn’t that type of person Kelley”

“You should tell her how you feel” Megan suggests.

Kelley shakes her head “what if she doesn’t feel the same way”

“You honestly think that after hearing what she just said” Alex says not believing her friends blindness.

You walk back to the table with two bottles of red wine.

“Dessert wine anyone?” You say trying to avoid the awkwardness. “trust me, this will be the best you tasted”

“It’s what they make in Italy right?” Alex says, you nod pouring her a glass.

Out of all the woman at the table to knew that Alex was the one that drank wine. You wait eagerly to see If she likes it. 

“Nice right”

Alex nods her head.

You all sip on your wine talking about everything and anything, for a moment you forget that you are all major athletes and it just feels like a group of friends catching up.

Once you are done Alex gets the attention of the waiter for the bill but he tells them that it has been settled.

She looks around the table confused but notices that Megan and Sue and looking directly at you.

“Y/N” 

“What? We don’t do this very often. Let me treat my friends”

“Thank you” Alex and Kelley say at the same time.

You are just about to leave when your mom comes to the table.

“Did you all enjoy your meal?” She asks. 

“It was incredible, I cannot wait to come back” Kelley says.

“I agree, I will definitely come back whenever we are in New York” Alex says.

“I’ll see you two soon ok” she says putting an arm around Sue and Megan. She had met them numerous times when she came to Seattle but her comment stumped the other two.

“Of course, next time your in Seattle you have to show me how to make your lasagne, I always eat the ones you make Y/N” Megan looks at you when you realises what she said.

It looks like your secret was about to get two new keepers.

“Alex, Kelley” your mom says now directed her attention to the other two soccer players “Any friends of my daughters are always welcome here”

“Wait, your daughter?” Kelley says looking at you confused.

“Meet my mom Maria” you say.

“This makes more sense. It is why you know so much about this restaurant” Alex says.

You nod your head.

You all make sure your way our of the restaurant. You had learned that Megan, Alex and Kelley were all staying in the same hotel as you and sue so you walked back together. Sue, Megan and Alex walk ahead leaving you and Kelley alone.

“I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable earlier, it’s just that whenever I am near you I feel this connection and thought maybe you felt it too. I wouldn’t have said what I said if I didn't” you say

“I wasn’t uncomfortable, you caught me of guard. Nobody has every said something like that to me, definitely not in Italian” Kelley explains.

“I find that hard to believe, I mean look at you, you are beautiful” You say.

Kelley blushes again which you find adorable “ You were right before. I feel the connection too but I never did anything about it because we live so far away from each other”

“Can’t we just let ourself be happy even it it’s only a short period of time. We focus so much on the bigger picture that we don’t see what is right in front of us” You tell her.

“What do you have in mind?” She asks and you smile, you had wanted to do this for a quite a while.

“When do you leave New York?”

“Not until the day after tomorrow” 

“Perfect! Have breakfast with me?”

“I would love to” she replies.

Kelley stops walking “for the record, I find you very beautiful too”

You smile holding you hand out and she takes it.

You walk back to the hotel hand in hand, not talking just making the most of each others company whilst you can.

[cheeseandstrawberrytartlover]

The Ritual of Mania

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

Ben still couldn't believe it as they stood in the house of Mania. They had poisoned Thadon's wine and meal.

They just stood there, frozen. It was close to 8 pm and Ben's instinct was starting to tell them to stop Thadon from eating and drinking, but it was for Sheogorath. It was for the Ritual of Mania.

Thadon had been the only one who was nice to them except Sheogorath. They stayed silent as the food was being served.

Ben watched as Thadon was enjoying his meal until he stood up in front of the rest.

"Oh my yes, I feel especially delighted this evening! Perhaps it's time I recited my latest soliloquy.

Ahem. The lady fair, our love is told. With hair as fine as soft-spun gold.

Lips as red as a sun-drenched dawn, skin as soft as a newborn fawn.

Eyes as blue as a cerulean sea...uhh...what...

...my heart...can't breathe...help me..."

He reached out to hold onto the table and made eye contact with Ben as they stood there. Thadon's face had no glee on his face only sadness. He was dead before he even hit the ground. Death by his favorite drug.

Everyone at the dining table arose in shock.

Ben felt heavy while walking past the table, towards Thadon's corpse.

They had promised not to do this again. They burned down the Black Hand for a reason. This cycle would never stop, would it?

It was as if everything slowed down for a second. The cook cheered at Thadon's death. Wide-eye sobbed. Ben crouched down to Thadon's corpse and made a slit on Thadon's wrist, filling the small ampoule with blood. Ben then grabbed Thadon's Diadem of Euphoria and moved towards the door to the throne room.

There was a muffled ringing in Ben's ears. It was drowning out any noise. Ben's heart never had felt so heavy as he entered the throne room.

The whole way to the Sacellum was harder than usual. Ben felt nothing as they put the blood onto the altar, but they were temporarily blinded by the bright yellow flame.

The Ritual has not been completed yet.

Even on their way back, the heaviness of their action was still weighing them down. Their walk was sluggish, as if they would tumble any second.

As they entered the throne room once more, Sheogorath was standing there.

But he wasn't smiling like he usually did. He raised both of his arms to welcome them.

Suddenly the doors swung open and a familiar voice screamed, "Do not complete this ritual!"

Sheogorath looked at Syl who was entering the throne room.

"Syl! Do not make this harder than it has to be!"

"You let Thadon be murdered! My dear Thadon! OUR! Dear Thadon," her voice cracked as she screamed.

Haskill started to face away from this situation. Ben noticed the sorrow in his eyes, even though he did not want to show it.

Syl was close to screeching, but her crying apprehended it, "We loved you! He loved you as much as I did!! Do you have no heart?! Where was your love for us?!"

"I didn't kill him! They did! This change is necessary for our survival," Sheogorath started to scream back at her.

Syl sobbed heavily and turned to Haskill who was facing away in shame.

"How could you do this to us?!"

"Syl! Go back to your quarters! You're still alive-"

"No! I see what's going on. I should have seen it before. You conspire to destroy us all! You're a fool if you think I'll allow this to happen."

Syl was close to falling to her knees.

"Order stands at our door. They've taken the Fringe! Did you even know? Do you care? And you speak of "change"?"

Sheogorath was filled with sorrow as well, "Of course, I care! But I can't stop this! Change will preserve us!! I told you to flee numerous times, because I loved you both! Thadon's death brings me the utmost sorrow! You were the ones that wouldn't leave! It is your fault!"

The duchess of Dementia started to cover her ears, "I-I- I can't do this anymore!"

Sheogorath was no longer screaming at this point, "Please- just return to your quarters-"

Syl sniffled and exclaimed, "Yes! That's what I'll do. I'll go. The enemy of my enemy. Order is the key. I'll keep them close."

The guards drew their weapons.

"No! Let her go!"

Syl sprinted towards the entrance to the palace.

"Syl!"

Syl stopped momentarily.

"I am sorry that this happened. I- I can't stop it."

Syl turned around and uttered with the worst spite that she had in her body, "I will give myself to Jyggalag. As a Priest of Order, I'll be safe. Your empire will crumble before the armies of Order!"

She slammed the doors shut as she left and Sheogorath leaned on his staff to support himself.

Haskill came closer and held onto his master as he was close to falling over. The Daedric Prince looked at Ben.

"Wondering why I let her go, aren't you? I can see it in your face. Mostly in the eyes. I may take those from you when this is done. This has never happened before. The ruler of Dementia turning traitor? Unprecedented..."

The Daedric Prince struggled to keep on lying.

"I loved her, my dear champion. Believe me when I say that I have always struggled with love and showing it. And now? Now It's over..."

Sheogorath looked down.

"I now declare you as Duke of Mania... Leave and see what is going on in the Fringe..."

Ben nodded and grabbed their armor and backpack by the door. They looked back at Sheogorath. He was pale and... Ben couldn't describe it. They just left to see what was going on in the Fringe.

[your-brilliant-lady-m]

Part 4 - Basic Concepts of Miraculous Ladybug: Glamour

You can call it however you want: kid's show logic, superhero disguise logic, magical girl show logic, cartoon laws, suspension of disbelief, etc. But the fact that nobody recognises Marinette, Adrien and others when they are suited up IS NOT BAD WRITING. It's one of the main laws of this genre. That's not because characters are stupid, okay? So, being frustrated that everyone in the show acts stupid about this "wearing a mask that covers only eyes" trope is strange. This criticism is not valid or fair.

But, this trope has to make sense in-universe as a worldbuilding and narrative element.

Miraculous doesn't give us much direct information on how glamour works. And in this case, I think we need both SHOW and TELL. Because if you don't establish the glamour rules clearly, you are going to run into problems and create unfortunate implications with your storytelling choices.

Appearance

Miraculous obviously gives our heroes magical glamour. In "Lady WiFi" we find out that masks can't be taken off. It's magic. No other explanation is needed.

Miraculous can slightly change the appearance of users (eyes, face shape, height and hairstyles). People can identify and notice the hairstyles of heroes (numerous Ladybug wigs, statue in Copycat). Jagged Stone points out the change of hair when he mistakes Chloe for Ladybug ("Antibug"). But it's just a costume. There is no magic that prevents Jagged from understanding that Chloe isn't Ladybug. So, how does it work? But it's forgivable because it's cartoon logic. Suspension of disbelief works here, I suppose. I won't judge this too harshly.

Glamour also obviously prevents people from making a connection that Marinette and Ladybug have identical hairstyles. So people know that Ladybug wears her hair in pigtails, but magic does not allow them to notice similarities.

Another important question. Does glamour work on Kwamis? Can they see who is behind the mask?

New York Special makes it clear that magic does not affect robots and they can see through glamour. Does that mean that Markov, AI built by Max, knows the identities of Ladybug and Chat Noir? And it's never addressed.

Plagg in "Frightningale" says that holders can subconsciously choose their superhero appearance. This is actually pretty interesting and I like this idea a lot. Except the show is not consistent with this. The transformation of Master Fu looks identical to Nathalie's. And we have seen how different from each other Ladybug and Black Cat holders looked in the past. At the same time, Master Fu and Nino have different takes on Turtle superhero suit.

Age Glamour

Does age glamour exist? Do people see Ladybug, Chat Noir and other heroes as adults even when they look like teenagers to the audience (their height and build are smaller even when they are transformed)? Is that why no one ever questions the fact that children nearly die on a daily basis?

I mentioned unfortunate implications earlier. Well, this is where they come into play. Let's talk about "Copycat". A lot of people discussed it before me, so I won't bore you with details.

When I watched "Copycat" for the first time Theo's crush on Ladybug didn't bother me, because I thought that he sees Ladybug as his peer, a girl who is about 20-23 years old. Theo is an artist, his character design is that of an adult. He has his own studio, its appearance indicates that he did serious commissions in the past. The guy has no idea that Ladybug is like 13.

But then we get "Heroes' Day" and "Ladybug". And Hawkmoth calls them "kids", which means that there is no age glamour. Others see Ladybug and Chat Noir as teenagers. Perhaps, other Miraculous users aren't affected by age glamour. Therefore regular people see all heroes as adults but other heroes are able to guess their age more or less correctly. But you must spell this thing out because the audience can interpret "Copycat" differently. If there is no age glamour, then Theo is crushing on a teenage girl and he is fully aware of this fact. And this doesn't look good for your show.

The "No Age Glamour" theory is further confirmed in "Sapotis" where Alya just straight up analyses voice recordings and says that Ladybug is a girl their age. If glamour exists then it should also cover technology. Kwami can't be photographed. Face and voice recognition software shouldn't be able to analyse transformed superheroes and detect their identities in any way.

Besides, after "Sapotis" Alya should definitely be sure that Ladybug is not 5000 years old (also not an adult), especially after she wore Miraculous herself and was one door away from detransformed Ladybug.

SEASON 4 UPDATE! There's no age glamour after all.

In "Furious Fu" Su Han calls Chat Noir a child without knowing his identity. It means that everyone knows their superheroes are teenagers. "Copycat" can't be saved from that, uh, subtext anymore. No one questions the danger of their job or the balance of their lives outside of the mask. No one doubts their competence after "Origins" ever again. No one becomes annoyed after being bossed around by two teenagers in spandex. You had many opportunities to drop these details into the narrative. Someone could have been akumatized over this (I will not be ordered around by some magical kids!).

I don't know why writers decided not to use at least this idea and slightly adjust "Copycat" if they got rid of the age glamour completely. It can be explained as kid's show logic, but unfortunately, I'm reluctant to do it. If many characters sympathise with akuma victims on-screen, why not with the teenage superheroes who must fight them?

New York Special had this weird focus on collateral damage out of nowhere (the damage done by sentimonster Robostus) and yet it has 0 effect on the main story. No one in Paris is pissed that their 2 teenage protectors weren't there.

Ironically, "Furious Fu" and that one remark made by Su Han also created unfortunate implications for other moments in the show. Just hear me out. Apparently, Jagged Stone wrote a "thank you" song for Ladybug knowing that she is 13-15 year old child back in "Pixelator". Fandom is more than happy to roast Lila for lying about saving Jagged Stone's cat and him writing her a "thank you" song. Fandom claims that Lila's tale could harm Jagged's reputation, when he wrote a song for teenage Ladybug several weeks prior. Meanwhile, in-universe this lie is 100% believable.

If we put on "realism glasses", then both this whole song situation and Theo's crush in "Copycat" have uncomfortable implications. However, the show's canon can't be viewed and criticised through "realism glasses". I admit that bits and pieces of my criticisms are affected by these "glasses", but, ultimately, I'm trying to be fair and concentrate only on things that can't be justified by "cartoon logic and worldbuilding".

Could the existence of age glamour solve this problem of unfortunate implications and other concerns mentioned above? YES. Is it better for the narrative? YES. Is essential for the story? NOT QUITE. Could the absence of age glamour be called an irredeemable storytelling flaw? NO.

Disclaimer: On a side note, only older audience can notice these implications. Children, the target audience, most likely won't understand this subtext simply because they don't have enough experience. So, perhaps, this criticism is unfair, because these moments only look weird to me as an adult. It's like an adult joke in a cartoon that you don't get until you reach a certain age.

There's nothing technically wrong with adult writing a "thank you" song for a teenager. It's just an expression of gratitude. However, unfortunately, we live in a world, where adults normally wouldn't write songs for teens to express gratitude only. In real life similar actions would imply pedophilia and would be actively scorned by the public. No one would risk their reputation like that even if their intentions were genuinely pure and sincere. But this show can't be viewed through "realism glasses", because it's a cartoon and in certain cases we as the audience must use suspension of disbelief and pretend that certain things are possible for plot to happen.

Su Han also wants to give Ladybug and Black Cat to adults. Why didn't Master Fu do this then? Writers don't give us any explanation. Throughout the show we never question this up until the moment it's revealed that adults don't have time-limited powers. Then comes "Furious Fu". Story suddenly becomes self-aware here. Because apparently nothing prevented Fu from giving the most powerful Miraculous to adults who won't have time limit and will be more effective against Hawkmoth (see part 3 for more details).

I have a very good example of Age Glamour done right. It works in the story. There is no confusion or unfortunate implications. There is like one plothole connected to the glamour (it's been years and I still can't forgive them for Cornelia and Caleb) but otherwise, it's a pretty solid example of both show and tell. Clearly, writers wanted to avoid uncomfortable implications which are present in "Copycat". I am talking about W.I.T.C.H. comic books and animated series.

If you are not familiar with it, I'll give you a brief explanation. The story follows 5 girls, the Guardians of Kandrakar who are chosen to protect their world and parallel ones from evil. They receive magical powers from the amulet known as the Heart of Kandrakar. Their powers are based on elements: fire, water, earth, air and energy. Our main characters are about 13-15 years old. In the animated series they are younger and they attend middle school, making them 12-14 years old. But the transformation makes them look 18-20. They look like young women to each other and to other people. At the same time, people can recognise them, their looks and voice don't change. Most people don't know that they are really teenagers when they are not transformed and these people don't know that magic can make them look older. That's why everyone treats Guardians like adults when they are transformed. Comics establish this fact in the very beginning. In first issues characters state that they look older, we are also shown this multiple times.

In fact, one of the first side plots revolves around the fact that Irma uses her powers to sneak into the disco club to meet up with her crush. Irma is 13 at the beginning of the series, she is a high school freshman. Her crush, Andrew Hornby is a senior guy 17-18 years old. Irma has liked him for a long time and wants to impress him, so she decides to be clever about this. She transforms into her Guardian form of the 18-year-old girl, hides her wings, sneaks out to the club after her parents are asleep without any problem, and meets Andrew, who obviously doesn't recognise Irma in this girl who looks about his age. Smitten Andrew offers her a ride and 13-year-old Irma doesn't understand the implication of that offer, so she accepts. And, obviously, he decides that she is interested in more than just a ride home, since she agreed, and the comic implies that he fully intended for them to have sex in the backseat of his car. But Irma understands the implication only when Andrew tries to kiss her. She panics and turns him into a frog. And she actually pulls this "I need to look mature" trick more than once over the course of the series.

It's not the only situation where this age difference is handled well and makes sense. People who know the main characters in everyday life remark on their older appearance during transformation. Sometimes people flirt with Guardians when they are transformed. In one of the side-novels centred around Cornelia, she is worried that the prince of the realm they helped to save from famine would try to marry her. That never happens, but Cornelia actually brainstorms with her friends about how to tell the prince that she is really 15.

There are many other plot points where this happens, but I think that you got the idea. I really like how "Age Glamour" was handled in W.I.T.C.H.

How do we fix this? Create the situations where people offhandedly mention "Age Glamour" in the presence of Marinette or Adrien, use Kwami for this.

"Don't worry, dear. Chat Noir and Ladybug are adults, who know what they are doing. I am sure that they will handle this. "

Theo could say: "Oh, I wonder which university Ladybug goes to?"

"So, does that mean that other people see us as grown-ups, Tikki?"

A few words and boom, problem solved. Then allow the "show don't tell" rule do the rest.

[theredsuzuran]

Yandere Muzan x Reader

I apologize in advance for any grammatical errors, also for my crappy writing I hope It does not bore you lol. Slight mention of gore

It was the time of summer

A multitude of people hovering over one another in the vast space of the lively Asakusa city occupying the streets like tiny ants. Unfortunately it was same monotonous sight for kibutsuji Muzan progenitor of the morbid demon race, who seems to be roaming around uninterestingly looking for a suitable prey to hunt. The fleeting lives of mortals, their compassion, happiness, sorrow, pain held no value to him. They are pests who belong in the dirt or beneath his feet, inferior compare to a perfect being like himself. Nothing more than a tool that he won't hesitate to discard after his desires are fulfilled. All of a sudden his gaze felt upon a petite figure near a tailor shop, a large number of people gathering around her.

What's the matter, mister? Muzan inquired to a man next to him.

"if you are new definitely try her kimonos, now make way" the man said quickly as he rushed to the shop pushing all the people away. He was interested to know what the deal was about so he decided to stay for a while hoping it's worth the wait.

After a long delay muzan finally got the chance to view the women. As their eyes locked the dazzling city lights broader than the day itself felt dull in comparison for a moment, the once monochromatic world seems to change vibrantly with her luminous presence, As if goddess Amaterasu, the diety of sun herself have ascended from the heaven into the mortal realm. The demon lord stood there mesmerized by her breathtaking beauty, how can someone so close to perfection exist alongside those barbarians.

"How can I help you mister?" She questioned politely with her soft vocal. His endless thoughts were interrupted breaking the silence.

"Show me your kimonos"

And so his obsession started..

Days passed since his last encounter with the woman. He have come across numerous marvelous humans in everlasting lengthy life but never have his ruby eyes caught a glimpse of someone as alluring as her. The girl possesses an unique aura that differentiated her from the rest of the crowd, able to draw attention from the cold hearted creator of cannibalistic demons. At first muzan was just curious to know about that woman, possibly persuade her to become one of his underling because of the potentials she may carry. He frequently begun to visit her shop to but or sew different fabrics. Gaining basic information, like her name, likes and dislikes, etc. Her grandfather owned the tailor shop which sold finest quality garments from the beginning and were highly respected for their excellent tailoring. Continued by (y/n) at her family's will, who runs the shop with equal undying devotion.

She treated him with such kindness even though he was a ruthless demon not that she knew about it or let alone the existence of demons. The deepest corner of his dark heart illuminated with pure light whenever she was around and he came to the conclusion that she was the ray of sunshine he desires to perceive. Eversince he was cured from his fatal illness the only goal in his life was to conquer the sun which prevents him to achieve absolute perfection, in order to live an eternal and indestructible life or so he thought until that very day his eyes laid upon you. It would be stupid to think that demons are capable of experiencing love, concepts of feelings are completely foreign in their conciousness, it was more like obsession. His megalomania makes him believe he needs you no he wants you.

Alas, if only it was a fairytale. The king does not always gets what he desires and same goes for the demon lord when he finds out that his beloved darling already has a lover. As he witnessed the sight of you hugging your partner with passion. The way her eyes flutter infront of him when he caresses her cheeks making her turn away bashfully and how she hold his hand with her delicate ones while exchanging vows of love and loyalty towards each other made his blood boiled with fury. If anyone who can hold her fragile frame is none other but the demon lord himself yet there she was sharing intimacy with some filthy creature. His narcissistic self was put down with a lowlife, he cannot accept that his (y/n) was claimed someone else's. It was something he would never allow to happen.

"Kibutsuji san would you like to buy something today as well?" The women who now acknowledge his presence asked him cheerfully.

"Should I visit you later" a force smile graced on his pale features.

"Oh no, it's fine, let me introduce you to my fiancee" she said excitedly.

"Nice to meet you kibutsuji san" your fiancee said

"Pleasure to meet you as well" The demon scoffed under his breath but Kibutsuji was quite adamant he knew it was not hard to turn the tables anytime sooner as with a blink of an eye he can get rid of him by simply ordering his underlings without even hesitating to dirty his hands exclusive for his precious darling. But that was not what muzan was planning to do at all as his mind was engulfed with much sinister thoughts.

To insanity?

"You have been restless for a long time, what's wrong my child?" A man asked with a look of concern written all over his face looking straight at the figure of an anxious woman roaming around impatiently within the house.

"Its been a week father since he last wrote a letter to him" she mumbled softly disappointment painted across her features. The father could not help but laugh a little by her daughter's remark.

"Father please it is serious"

"I am sorry sweetheart but it might be that your fiancee is busy with wedding preparation" which made sense because the wedding would be taking place after three day and it was obvious that he was caught up with the arrangement. However there was a strange feeling inside her stomach which made her believe otherwise.

As the days passed the wedding day came close, with (y/n) still not receiving any message from her lover. Worried her to the core at this point all she wanted was to make sure of his safety as something constantly felt off. The guests came in one by one for the wedding ceremony but there was no sign of the groom.

It was getting unbearable for her to remain confined. Ignoring her father's request to stay inside she went outside in hope to check whether or not her lover was approaching but once again she was greeted with emptiness. Her eyes swell up with tears forming on both corners allowing her body to slowly hit the surface as she convinced herself that her lover will never come. The worst was yet to happen and before she could make any movement the ground beneath her feet started shaking and a shoji door opened consuming her into the darkness.

It was just the start of her miserable life under the demon's control.

"So you are finally awake", a sudden voice came echoing into her eyes as she slowly opened her eyes after regaining her consciousness. She moved her hands upwards in order to ease the headache only to find her hands tied up with shackles, a chilling sensation of overwhelming fear filled her entire senses as she remembered what happened prior.

"Where am I? Why am I chained?" Who are you?" she demanded furiously at the mysterious figure infront her which was now advancing at her direction from the dark corner of the dimly litted room.

"You are quite an impatient one?" The man gripped her chin roughly as her eyes protruded out with bewilderment.

"Can't even remember your daily customer?" A wicked smile curved across his countenance.

"K..Kibutsuji san" she parted her lips. Tears forming in her eyes once again. This made muzan even more irritated as he tightened his grip on her chin. (Y/n) whimpered with pain crying out loud.

"Your shouting won't help dear nobody apart from me can hear you scream" he said bluntly with his cold apathetic voice.

"Why?" (Y/n) lowered her head down holding his hand with her delicate ones trying her best to get a hold of him.

"Pardon?" Muzan inquired as he stared at your quivering form with his souless eyes there was no empathy in them or whatsoever although he felt pity. He cannot deny the fact that he was indeed attracted to her that's the reason why he put her into so much hassles.

"Where is my lover?" She asked sternly with her voice shaking a bit.

"Oh" muzan responded his hand still holding her chin tightly. This made her even more anxious she was unaware of the power he might possess and definitely she didn't had any intentions to risk her life.

"Why can't you humans move on and accept circumstances given before you?" it startled her as she cannot process what he meant.

"I don't.. u..understand" she said.

"Then you have to learn to accept me as your partner" muzan replied coldly (y/n) sat there looking at him with disbelief her heart and soul belonged to someone else and for a long time they have been together it's absolutely impossible to change the reality she was accustomed with just because some maniac wants to make her his partner.

"I can never" she murmured with disgust hinted in her voice. "I love him" throwing daggers in his direction not ready to submit her futile attempts of protest should pissed the demon lord even more but to her surprise she saw him smiling menacingly and in the corner of her eyes she saw the figure of her debilitate lover.

"Start from his fingers" muzan ordered one of his subordinate as they began chopping one of his finger making him scream in pain.

"No! please don't hurt him" trying to break free from the shackles she was tied with realizing it was fruitless she fell on the demon's knee begging with all the strength left within her in a last desperate attempt.

"You left me with no other choice, dear" he explained playing his sick games of manipulation on her. This was exactly what he needed to break her mind and she cannot help but rely on him pleading for his forgiveness feeding on his massive ego providing him ultimate satisfaction to witness the quivering frame of his darling clinging onto his knee in pure submission.

"Please I will do anything you say" she requested shaking like crazy.

"Anything?" Muzan questioned raising his eyebrow

"Yes" she replied without any hesitation.

"Be mine"

She already knew that he wanted this and she readily obliged in order to save her beloved, sacrificing her own life. Her only purpose was now to satisfy the demon lord, he was successful until the very end and it won't take long to make her completely his.

[lia-bones]

The night when everything collapses

Remus Lupin x Reader

Summary: It is a full moon night. Remus was gone as always. (Y/N) was alone until she received an unexpected visitor who brought terrible news.

Warnings: Angst, Angst, Angst, Swear words, injuries, dead, murder, tears and grief.

Words: 2154

Author note: I am so sorry. So sorry. Why do I always write angst stories? It was so difficult for me to write that. It always depressed me so much. I wrote it over several days because I always needed a break from the grief.

(English is not my main language. I apologize for all misspellings, grammatical errors, and translation errors.)

not my gif

* * *

It was a restless night. The wind rattled the windows and the moon cast dark shadows in the room. It was pouring, so that large puddles formed on the ground.

The sky was deep black, only now and then the full moon shine through the gaps in the cloud cover. Nobody would be on their feet voluntarily on nights like this. (Y/N) would now prefer to be in her bed, cuddling with her boyfriend, under a thick blanket.

On other nights that wouldn't be a problem at all. But on nights like this it wasn't. Not because of the rain or the storm, but because of the lunar circle. Her boyfriend couldn't be with her on full moon nights, and she couldn't be with him. He would never let that happen. He was infected with lycanthropy as a child. Since then he turned into a werewolf every full moon. Just like today. Usually his friends would be with him but they were all busy.

James was with his wife and one year old son and Sirius and Peter were on missions for the Order. So Remus spent that night alone. But she would wait for him. Just like she always did.

(Y/N) was mixing batter for brownies when there was a knock on the door. Confused, she looked out the window. The moon was still in the sky, so there was no chance Remus would be back. Maybe it was Lily who just wanted to sleep for a few hours without being woken up by Baby Harry. The poor boy was just getting his first teeth and screamed terribly at night.

"I'm coming, I'm coming. No need to rush." she called when there was another knock on the door. This time louder.

She wiped off her hands with a towel and then hurried across the living room to the door.

She held her wand tightly in her hand as she opened the door, ready just in case.

Whoever stood in front of her house made the young woman pause.

Her former Hogwarts teacher, professor mcgonagall, was standing in the open doorway with an expression on her face that made (Y/N)'s hair stand up.

"Miss (Y/L/N). May I come in. I've got news that I can't deliver out here.

The younger woman nodded a little confused and took a few steps to the side to make room for her teacher to enter.

Both women stood facing each other in silence. (Y/N) kneaded her hands and looked at the floor. The behavior of the normally so composed woman, scared her a little.

The older woman looked nervous, her eyes were red and she was breathing hard.

"P .. Professor? ...what is it that you have to tell me?"

The mood in the room was tense. McGonagall didn't look at her at first.

The feeling that something was wrong spread through every fiber of (Y/N) body.

And now that the eyes of the two women met, she noticed that tears were running down the teacher's slightly wrinkled cheeks.

"I have bad news (Y/N). Terrible things have happened."

(Y/N) bit her lip and started breathing hard. She opened her eyes wide and tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

Her mouth go completely dry and she was terrified of what McGonagall was about to tell her.

"Voldemort attacked the Potters. Lily and James ... they ... they are dead."

The statement came in a whisper.

(Y/N) suddenly couldn't breathe. As if all the air had left the room. Tears ran down her cheeks, which had turned a deep red from the lack of air. Her lip had started bleeding from biting too hard.

It couldn't be. What her teacher just told her couldn't be. Lily and James couldn't be dead, she had seen them yesterday.

"Kinds of Miss (Y / L / N). You have to take a deep breath." McGonagall said, placing both hands on the younger woman's shoulders. (Y/N) looked at her with a panicked expression and stammered: "No. No, no, no, no, no. This can not be true. Please, please tell me this is not true. They can't be dead. YThey have to live ... they ... " The older woman cut her off by patting her lightly on the shoulder.

"I wish I was lying. Unfortunately, it's the truth. They were found dead in ther house an hour ago."

(Y/N) Face color went from deep red to pale.

So pale that you could see the blue veins on her neck and face shimmering through the skin. She felt as if someone had kicked her head. McGonagall wasn't lying. Why should she lie about something like that? Two of her best friends were, in deed, dead. She would never see them again. James and Lily, who had just started a family, were no longer with them.

And then it came to (Y/N) mind. The Potter family. James, Lily and Harry. McGonagall hadn't said anything about Harry. What's about Harry?

"What about Harry? Is Harry alive? You didn't say Harry was dead! That means he's alive, right? Or? You bring him here ,right? " she exclaimed furiously and grabbed the woman opposite by the upper arms.

McGonagall released her grip, but still held her hands tightly. A sad smile formed on her face that did not reach her eyes and slowly shook her head.

(Y/N) jerked her hands back and her mouth fell open.

McGonagall pulled her lips in and didn't meet her eyes.

"Yes. Harry is alive. He is fine. He only has a cut on his forehead. But we're not going to bring him here. Dumbledore has decided that Harry will be taken to the Dursley's. Harry is probably safest there, he says. Voldemort may be gone, but you never know what his followers are up to. Nobody will suspect him there. Away from the magic world, with the Muggles." explained Minerva matter-of-factly and folded her arms in front of her body.

(Y/N) was speechless for a moment. The old man couldn't mean that seriously.

"To the Dursleys? Really? That can't be serious! We are his family. He had it better with us than with them. They don't love him. They don't care. Who knows what they're doing to him!" She pleaded and gestured with her arms. The woman opposite took a few steps backwards and looked at the floor in shame.

"You are his family too. They are blood relatives. He's safer with them."

(Y/N) tensed her jaw and bit her cheek until she tasted the metallic taste of blood.

They couldn't mean that seriously. These people had never been interested in Harry before. Harry would be safe with them too.

"Such a crap. He belongs here. To me, Remus and Sirius ... we are ... "

Again she was interrupted by McGonagall, who drew in a sharp breath when she called Sirius' name.

(Y/N) closed her mouth and looked at her inquiringly.

"There's other bad news that I have to deliver. Sirius Black was brought to Azkaban some time ago by the Aurors, which he will never leave again. He was convicted of murdering numerous Muggles and Peter Pettigrew in cold blood.He betrayed us."

(Y/N) slumped. Her knees hit the floor and her hands caught her torso. She felt as if she was about to throw up, but she could only choke dryly.

McGonagall was about to take a few steps towards her again to comfort the young woman when she suddenly hit the floor with her fists and let out a desperate scream.

"FUCKING BULLSHIT. YOU LIE TO ME! THAT CANNOT BE TRUE. FUCKING LIED DIRT SHIT!"

McGonagall stared down at her with wide eyes and made a wry face.

"No Miss (Y/L/N). I'm so sorry. But there is nothing to be done about it."

(Y/N) gasped in response.

"I'll meet Dumbledore in a moment to hand Harry over to his aunt and uncle. Have a seat and calm down, please. Harry will be fine and as soon as he gets to Hogwarts you can see him again. Please, (Y/N). There is nothing we can do now. Calm down, we will send you more information soon.

I ask you to pass the latest events on to Remus as soon as he gets back. I think you can tell him the best. Be there for one another in these difficult time."

The older teacher put a hand on her head for a moment to comfort her and then turned away and left the house.

(Y/N) was left alone.

she sat on the floor and felt her whole body wrapped in cold. The horrible realization that she had lost three of her best friends that night ate into her bones. The lights in the whole house flickered and she felt the magic going crazy inside her. She screamed from the top of her lungs and at that moment several glasses cracked in the club.

She curled up on the floor like a fetus and hugged her legs. The tears furrowed her cheeks and there was a lump the size of a quoffel in her throat.

It hurt so much. Everything hurt so much. It was like her skin was on fire, her bones break like matches and her inside, felt like she'd swallowed acid.

Crying didn't feel like enough for (Y/N), the emotions in her just had to get out.

She pulled herself up and walked into the kitchen on shaky legs.

Her baking ingredients were on the counter as she had left them. She clawed her hands in the sideboard and blinked to get a clear view again.

"Fuck, Shit, damn it!"

With a quick arm movement, she ripped everything off the kitchen counter. Flour, milk and eggs were scattered on the floor and on the walls, with broken glass from the dough bowl in between.

With a heartbreaking sob, (Y/N) fell into the mess.

She lay down on the site and with her arms pulled her legs to her chest as tightly as she could. Splinters pecked her face, but she made no move to change that. At least, the sting reminded her that she was still there and hadn't just dissolved.

Hours passed like seconds and before she even realized it, the door opened and heavy steps shuffled through the house.

"(Y/N), dear. I'm home. Are you awake?" Remus called in a limp voice looking for his girlfriend.

She heard how he came closer, how the footsteps got louder and louder. But she couldn't move, couldn't answer him.

'How am I supposed to tell him? How am I supposed to tell him that his whole family is dead? ' she thought and screwed up her eyes more tightly.

"Hey (Y/N/N), what about the glasses ..." Remus asked as he entered the kitchen, but stopped when he saw his girlfriend lying on the floor.

"Fuck! (Y/N)! Fuck! what the fuck happened?" he exclaimed excitedly, hurried across the kitchen and fell on his knees next to his girlfriend.

Carefully he stroked her cheek and held her hand with the other.

She blinked and looked up at him. His face was pale gray and there were a few new scratches on his face.

She sucked in air through clenched teeth and let it out with a sob.

"(Y/N). Hey love, what happened? Please talk with me." her boyfriend whispered, leaning further down to her.

She sat up and leaned her back against the wall. For a moment she could only stare at him. How was she supposed to tell him something that she knew would hurt him immeasurably?

Just as he opened his mouth again to say something, she said in a scratchy voice: "Something bad has happened."

Confused, he drew his eyebrows together and brushed the last glass of residue off her cheek.

She opened her mouth again to continue speaking, but only brought out a hoarse croak.

She couldn't look at him. We didn't want to see the pain in his eyes when she was about to ram a Methaforic knife into his chest.

"Hey look at me. It won't be that bad. Everything will be fine."

She looked back at him and instantly tears began to gather in her eyes again.

'No. It was worse. Much worse.'

"Remus, sit down." she whispered and took his hands as he did as he was told.

Her throat went dry and she started shaking all over.

"I do not know how I should begin. I don't want to say it. That would only make it more real...."

[guigz1-coldwar]

'Tough' : New chapter for "Redemption in a Spirit in a Cold War" is out !

"Tough"

"Even if that russian girl is tough, I will find an way to break her enough !"

Chapter Summary : After having an talk with Lazar's vision, Yirina is finally feeling determined to avenge her fallen friend and face Naga.....

To read it on AO3, click here !

Words : +3200

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I had one thing to do at the momen : pull the trigger to avenge Garrett and an lot of peoples who has suffered from Naga but instead....I followed the orders....that stupid order to capture Naga for intels as Sims said and I was so fucking stupid to obey that, lowering my gun before starting to walk away from the scene in shame, fearing to see in the eyes Park and Song too, they were looking to support me and I did let them down in that promise. I had to kill Naga for everything he has done but instead...I followed the orders.

Looking behind me was so difficult for me to do, knowing that maybe Park or Song or maybe both were maybe following me to know why I didn't do it. I failed them, I failed Garrett by not fullfilling my promise to him. One bullet and it was still in that mag of my M1911. I walked back on the path I used to get inside the temple, retreating myself back at the entrance of the base and seeing some reinforcements arriving for us to help clean up the mess and maybe capture Naga for 'interrogation'....I should have shot him.

After seeing them, I preferred to walk through the main path leading to the temple instead of the side one, discovering some bodies along the way but also trucks filled with gold bars like the ones who were hidden in the temple. I saw Naga getting dragged by Sims in the other direction and Sims was nodding to me but I didn't do something back. For him, I did an good thing but not for me. Then, I heard some screams inside an building at my right, causing my attention to check it out.

I had to climb up an ladder to get into that building and then, I discovered Wolf, Woods & Rivas standing in an sort of weird room, torturing an still alive Perseus soldier on an chair.

"I don't know anything !" The man shouted, scared as Wolf was next to him, the guy was only still wearing an boxers and his hood.

"Stop taking us for fools, shithead." Woods spoke up, taking out his knife to approach the guy, seems that no one actually notice me until Rivas saw me but she didn't say an word to me, allowing me to lean against an table, curious of what will happen. "You know things and you will tell us now." He added, getting the knife at an few centimeters from the guy face.

"I swear it, I know nothing." The man repeated again but it didn't convince Woods who decided to plant his knife in the man left knee, producing another loud scream.

"You're deaf or something ?" Wolf asked him, getting behind him, his hands on the man's mouth to cover the sounds. "You either going to talk or you will suffer worse that been captured." He ordered to the man, removing his mouth.

"You have rules, right ?" The man questioned back to us. "You know the Geneva Convention ?" He added, trying to put some senses in us.

"Sorry but ain't working in here." Rivas replied clearly to him as Woods retreated himself, letting his knife into the man's left knee to get next to me.

"You're okay ?" He demanded but I shoot my head to him, sure of my own state right now. "Listen, I...."

"Don't start." I breathed, looking at him with deadly eyes. "I don't want to have apologizes from you about what happened." I continued, thinking about not pulling the trigger against Naga, been forced to lower my gun because of Woods & Sims.

"Yirina, I know that it was stupid." He said, making me sniff away from him, crossing my arms.

"You don't know what happened in one hour for me in that jungle, Woods." I whispered, clenching my fists inside my arms, looking at the man getting brutalized by Rivas & Wolf. "We lost Garrett but apparently, our orders are still our priority even if one of us died." I added.

"I know." He told me.

"No, you don't know an thing." I exclaimed, keeping my voice down, letting the others do their jobs. "If you knew what happened, you would have let me pull that trigger." I admitted, sending apparently some guilt in him, looking by his face, his eyes down. "I don't know why I didn't pull the trigger." I sniffed

"You said that you didn't want to hear it but I'm sorry, okay ?" He decided to say it anyway despite my suggestion.

"Yeah, I said it." I chuckled silently.

"Listen, I will talk." The man's voice was louder that it got my attention back on him as Woods moved away from me to get back at the position.

"So, talk." Wolf ordered in an clear voice.

"Adler....we moved him away from here long before you arrive here." The man started, trying to fight the pain of having an knife in his knee. "Stitch, he wanted to make an trap for all of you." He continued, his face looking to Rivas, holding the knife.

"What trap ?" Rivas asked him.

"Adler, he was the bait to get you here but he know that he wasn't going to be enough." The man replied, taking an deep breath as Rivas was slowly moving the knife inside his wounds. "So, he decided to use another thing to make sure that it will be good."

"The Nova-6 ?" I stepped inside the conversation my head still looking down.

"Yes, yes !" The man nodded, sounding almost relieved, thinking that it will make him get away. "Stitch created an supply of Nova-6 gas."

"And where is it ?" Woods questioned him, serious in his voice.

"In this base, just below that building." The man responded, making signs with his head to the ground. "Stitch asked us to make sure that the gas will get spread in the region if necessary to cover our tracks." He continued, giving us some intels of how Stitch will have use the gas in here.

"To eliminate any loose ends, right ?" Rivas demanded and the choices of her words start to make me feel weird, my eyes slowly narrowing at hearing her words.

"Yeah....to ring any bell inside your minds." The man answered and hearing 'bell' make me feel dizzy, my hands shaking. I couldn't stay here, watching this torture and knowing that at any moment, I could pass out.

So, I decided to slowly get away from the room, going into another direction instead of taking back the ladder that I used moments earlier, finding myself in an porch that was uniting this 'torture house' to another house, maybe filled with people looking around for intels but I wasn't going to get myself involved with that, wanting to have some peace right now with no one trying to have an talk with me, I don't want that.

I couldn't go back inside the house so I preferred to install myself on the porch, sitting on the edge of it right in the middle. In front of me, the first truck I saw with gold bars in it with some soldiers around, trying to unload the content of the truck as I was watching them with narrowed eyes, wondering what they were actually thinking by seeing the numerous gold bars in that truck but that thought flew away in the instant, not wanting to know about it.

While I was still sitting at the porch, I was hearing the screams from inside the 'torture house' from the same guy, meaning that he wasn't talking and if this guy don't talk, why would Naga will ? I'm so fucking stupid to have let him live, certainly getting transported back to base and probably getting healed while us, we're still here, trying to find something and me...trying to wonder why I fucked this up with Naga. It's with that thought that I closed my eyes for an few instants, trying to find something in my mind.....

I was breathing anormally as I was tied up to an chair, my hands impossible to move along with my knees and I was badly beaten, looking at my shirt almost filled in blood, replacing the usual white by an dark red. My face ? My nose was bleeding from the both holes, my mouth was mostly tasting blood in it and my left eyebrow was opened, some blood getting out of it. Bandages were covering part of my chest, especially the places I was touched by bullets....I was captured by the CIA...

As my head was looking down, I got it up, finding Adler himself, standing in front of me with his fists clenched, an little of blood on them, my blood. I looked around to see that we were in an interrogation room with an window where I couldn't see anything through it except my reflection, like an big mirror.

"You're going to talk one day !" Adler affirmed, stretching his head before moving to get in front of me, getting his right hand to hold my chin. "I can say that...you're an pretty curious woman, miss."

"Go fuck yourself." I breathed right into his face and his reaction was to pull away an part of my bloodied shirt, especially the part of my shoulder where I was hit, discovering that the bandages was in bad shape.

"You want me to go fuck myself ?" He said silently, his left hand moving to touch my gunshot wound and then, he start to put his index finger next to the hole. "You're sure ?" He added and I firmly nodded.

"Go...." I wanted to add before he put his index finger hardly inside my wound, making me scream in pain, an scream that could have been heard in the whole building.

"More you don't talk, more you will suffer !" He explained, his finger still in my wound, looking at me with deadly eyes through his sunglasses. "And you know that I can do this for an long time." He admitted, removing his finger off me but still staying in front of me, his hands holding my arms on the armrests. "Are you going to talk or you want me to make you go through an lot ?" He asked me.

"Is the best you have ?" I scoffed, trying to break an laugh in me but in fact, my whole tone wasn't sounding joking. "You did something..."

"I did things, you will have to be precise." He told me in an clear voice, removing himself from me to get his leather jacket off. "I think that you know me well."

"Why...why did you do this ?" I demanded, sounding suddenly worried.

"What I did to you ?" He whispered, grabbing an chair to sit in front of me in reverse. "I did what was necessary, I wasn't going to let this happen." He replied, getting his arms on the back of the chair.

"You didn't have to do this." I exclaimed, angry, trying to move an little.

"You didn't wanted to talk so...."

"No !" I cutted him straight in his words. "I wanted to talk but you did this to me !" I added, fully angered this time.

"Bullshit." He shook his head, sure of his words. "You were lying and I don't like liars." He stated, taking an breath to look at his hands. "You see what you make me do, miss." He showed me his hands with my blood on it. "You're making me act like an monster."

"Because you're one, Adler." I told him, making him surprised that I know his name perfectly, thinking that I was stupid enough. "Yeah...I know you...Russell Adler, the American Monster..." I continued, looking at him straight in the eyes. "It's not because the CIA doesn't acknowledge you in their records that I don't know."

"So, you know me well, it seems." He affirmed, scratching the back of his head, looking impressed. "But...as you see, you're the one tied up and I'm the one asking the questions." He said, making him got up from his chair and pulling it aside. "Answer me : where's Perseus ?" He demanded, putting his hands back on my arms.

"Perseus ?" I repeated him in an low voice, preparing something. "Here it is !" I exclaimed before deciding to spit the blood that I was gathering in my mouth right into his face.

"Fuck !" He shouted, receiving my blood on his face making him step back from me. "Damnit !" He added in rage, passing his hand quickly through his face to try to clean up the blood before going back next to me. "Take that, you bitch !" He expressed furiously before I could feel an hard punch from his right hand and it was enough to make me fall on the side while been on the chair. "Don't fucking spit blood on me !" He ordered before someone opened the door but I couldn't see right as my vision was all blurred thanks to that punch.

"Hey, doc'." An male voice said and I couldn't know who it was...it was maybe Sims....

"I'm busy here, Sims." Adler told him clearly as I saw him with the vision I could get, cleaning up his hands.

"Yeah but she has arrived." Sims explained, making Adler breath loudly.

"Okay, okay." He breathed, putting back the towel he used to clean up the blood he had on his face and hands. "Get her back on her feets, she needs to be presentable for her." He added, pointing at me as Sims moved to get next to me, getting me back up with the chair.

"Doc, you might have gone too far, you know." Sims stated.

"There's no limit with them." Adler exclaimed before he threw the towel aside and putting his jacket back on him, ready to left the room.....

"Even if that russian girl is tough, I will find an way to break her enough !"

"Yirina !" An female voice interrupted me in my memory I just got but I wasn't opening my eyes again, wanting to know more about what did make me refuse to talk. "Yirina !" The woman said again, making me open my eyes for good, discovering that the truck was gone and the person who had her hand on my shoulder was none other than Park. "Yiri." She added, using my nickname.

"Yes ?" I whispered in an very low voice, seeing her next to me.

"Uhm...you maybe want to talk ?" She demanded but even if I wanted to be alone right now in peace, I couldn't refuse.

"Yeah, yeah." I replied, sounding sure in my voice but not in the inside. "Let's go somewhere else." I suggested, wanting to have an private talk with her and not in here.

I then moved with Park, going through the other house I didn't go but it wasn't there that I wanted to talk before we got below the place the captured Perseus soldier talked about : filled with some blue barrels with Nova-6 inside as some people were near them, trying to find an way to disarm them while me & Park, we decided to move somewhere else, passing through an very old Huey wreck and finding an peaceful place to talk : an view overlooking the jungle.

"You want to know about Garrett, right ?" I started, leaning myself against an barrier, putting my arms on it to look at the horizon and she moved next to me, slowly nodding.

"Yiri, it's....I'm not angry, you know." She stated, her voice filled with sadness.

"You should be." I told her clearly, looking at her. "I could see that you & Song wanted me to pull that trigger but I didn't." I added, removing my eyes from her, in shame. "Where...where is she ?"

"She returned back to base 5 minutes ago." She replied, sounding low.

"I'm pretty sure that she's hating me." I claimed, feeling so bad for not having killed the man responsible for Garrett's death. "I had one thing to do but I didn't do it." I continued, moving my right hand to hold my head. "He said that I had to do it."

"I'm not angry." She repeated and she was sounding very sure of her words. "How...what happened ?" She questioned me, curious.

"You don't want to know that." I exclaimed but she nod, meaning that she wanted to know. "I'm not sure and it will not help me but...." I stopped myself, realizing that it was maybe better to talk about it even if it's painful. "The helicopter crashed and we both survived but the Huey landed on an cliffside." I started, taking an deep breath. "It moved, causing Garrett to fall off the wreck but I managed to grab him but it did make me fall too, holding myself and him by one of the Huey's skid."

"And...and ?" She whispered, feeling bad.

"He decided to save me, knowing that the helicopter was going to fall before I could have help him to get back inside." I responded, closing my eyes, reliving that scene. "He....he sacrificed himself for me...." I snorted, holding back my tears and reopening my eyes. "He wanted to tell Song that he loved her and he asked me something." I looked fully at her, my eyes fully moved. "He asked me...to take care of you....like Laz'." My voice cracked and my words make Park slowly crying, tears falling from her eyes.

"Garrett..." She said silently, her face in pain and looking away as I moved my hand on her shoulder. "He....he was there for me since the day I stepped inside the MI6." She explained, her voice cracking to tell me that before she put her hand on top of mine on her shoulder. "He was like William for me." She added and tears came from my eyes too.

"I'm sorry." I apologized, thinking that she wouldn't want to hear it from me but it was better for me to say it.

"He didn't deserve that." She exclaimed mixed between angriness and sadness but the latter was more audible.

"I know." I breathed "I wasn't able to fullfill my promise to him, he died for nothing." I claimed, moving my hands away from her as my sight was now on an lonely Nova-6 blue barrell. "Adler isn't even here and...." I stopped myself, closing my eyes for an second and clenching my fists. "He only died for that fucking gas !" I shouted before kicking with my right feet the blue barrell, knowing the danger but I was more stunned when the barrell moved like if nothing was in it. "What the hell ?" I whispered, moving to get the barrell back at its position easily. "There's nothing inside."

"What ?" Park spoke up, sounding surprised.

"There's no gas in it, it shouldn't move like that." I affirmed, shaking the barrell with my hands and it moved too much and when I opened it, there were really nothing in it : only air. "It was an full trap !" I added before throwing the barrell away behind me. "That whole Nova-6 threat was all fake." I stated, angrily.

"Stitch wanted to have us entirely here : for Adler & stopping the Nova-6." Park admitted, looking at the barrell behind me. "And we were so blind to think about it." She thought, putting her hands on her waist, that revelation did put an shock in us...all of this...for nothing....

"We should prevent the others, we have been played for too long."

[tyunniverse]

TXT x DISNEY Halloween Shorts 🎃 (2/5)

pairing: ot5 x reader

genre: fluff, crack, college au

warnings: light swearing

synopsis: there's a halloween event at your uni and a few students are in the mood for misfit.

yeonjun | soobin | beomgyu | taehyun | hueningkai

SOOBIN | Snow White (1.5k)

The streets of the university were busier than usual, with various departments and classes loitering around the campus holding their own events for the Halloween festivities tonight. Your class decided to keep things simple, stating that you're already working hard enough with your studies so why not use this time to relax and well, not do much despite still participating. Yeah, that's it. You couldn't agree more.

So the entire class opted to hand out free candied apples to those that can recite the names of all seven dwarves in Snow White. It was that or going out dressed as said dwarves while aggressively singing the Heigh Ho song as you went around the campus. Although, you did spot a few classmates of yours earlier wearing dwarf costumes but then again you could've just been seeing things. Too much candied apples, you think.

“Y/N, let's head over there. A lot of people are gathering.” Your classmate, Soojin, tells you and the two of you follow your other classmates towards the crowd.

Soojin takes out a sign printed on paper that read: Free Candied Apples. It didn't even say anything about the condition in order to earn them, and lacked any indication that this was for a Halloween event. Perhaps your classmates took the “Let's take it easy.” advice too seriously. You ponder whether or not people would actually accept your sweet treats.

“Free food?” A guy with pink hair, carrying a huge duffel bag walks by and takes a look at the sign before eyeing the tray of candied apples in your hands. “Looks good. Don't mind if I do then.” He grins and was about to take one of the apples when Soojin grabs his hand.

“You get one if you can recite the names of all the seven dwarves in Snow White.” Soojin deadpans.

The guy retracts his hand. “The only dwarf I know is that Duck guy but oh well.” He sighs. One last look at the apples and the guy was scurrying away.

You look at Soojin and giggle. “I'm pretty sure he meant Doc.”

“He didn't even try.”

You tell Soojin that you'll roam around for a while to hopefully find more people who're interested for a quick bite. “Free Candied Apples if you can name all seven dwarves in Snow White!” You announce, repeating it twice for good measure.

From the corner of your eye, you spot a guy with blue hair fast approaching. You pretend not to see him until he called out.

“Hey!” The guy greets, now grinning in front of you. “These candied apples are free, right?”

You give him a look over and notice that he was already carrying around a bunch of goodies that you assume were also from other classes that were handing out free stuff. This guy was on a roll.

“Yup. If you can tell me the names of all seven dwarves then you get a free apple.” You smile back at him.

“That's easy.” The guy's smile grows wider with confidence. He must be the first person you've encountered tonight who looked so prepared to answer.

Soojin quickly calls your attention from afar, waving her hands frantically before pointing at the folder sticking out of the paper bag you'd brought along. “Oh!” You put the tray down on the bench and take out the folder, opening it. You look back at the guy with yet another smile. “Since you look like you can actually win this, I'm gonna have to write your name here on our customers list. Can you tell me your first name and department?”

“Soobin, Nursing Department.”

“Alright, thank you.” You say, writing his name before putting the folder back in the bag. “Okay, Soobin.”

The guy, Soobin, perks up after hearing his name. His eyes flutter towards the tray of candied apples that you were now holding.

“A dree apple in exchange for the seven dwa—.”

“Bashful, Doc, Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Happy, and Dopy.”

“...” A laugh escapes you when he started enumerating. You thought it was cute how he was too excited to even let you finish. “Impressive.” You tell him.

Soobin smirks, feeling pretty proud himself. “I memorized their names today in the shower. You never know when you're gonna need it during events like this, right?” He winks and you can't help but notice the dimple on his cheek. That just made him ten times cuter than he already was. You doubt he actually memorized their names in the shower though. From the looks of it, he might've been a Disney fan since he was a kid.

“Go ahead, pick one. You deserve it.” You raise the tray higher and Soobin happily takes the one in the middle.

He was about to say something as he took the apple when the two of you hear a faint chanting in the distance that got louder and louder as the seconds pass.

“You think there's some sort of performance going on?” Soobin asks but you couldn't quite hear him over the chanting.

“What?” You lean in closer and so does he.

“Is there a performance going on?” He asks, his voice a bit louder than before.

“I—”

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho

It's home from work we go

In an instant, you were surrounded by a group of seven dwarves whose faces looked far too familiar for you not to notice. They're circling around you and Soobin, continuously chanting the song lyrics aggressively.

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho

It's home from work we go

It didn't take a few seconds for you to piece together that these were your classmates who'd suggested the whole dwarf idea in the class meeting. Looks like they really wanted to do the thing afterall. But they weren't the only ones who'd gone against the class agreement tonight.

A mischievous grin creeps up your lips as you eye Soobin, naïvely chuckling at your classmates' buffoonery. Poor guy just had to pick the one in the middle, you thought.

There was a reason why you'd separated from Soojin earlier. And it was to switch one of the candied apples with one you'd personally tampered with. You'd gone through numerous trials and errors this morning but you'd finally succeeded in hiding a gummy worm inside an apple, and now that apple was in Soobin's hands. It was Halloween afterall, a little scare prank should be okay, right?

You eagerly watch as Soobin takes a bite, his attention still on your classmates, not noticing the gummy worm that had sprung out.

“Soobin!” You call out to him, hoping he'd hear you despite of your classmates' loud chants.

Soobin turns to face you and smiles, still chewing on the piece he just bit off. “Yes?”

“How does it taste?” You ask, trying your best not to sound too obvious.

Soobin continues to chew on the apple, thinking that the texture felt a little odd. As if something unfamiliar was mixed along the snack. “It tastes great.” He says despite the odd feeling in his mouth. “I'm a huge fan of caramel.”

He wished caramel and apple were the only things he tasted in his mouth right now but there was something else. A taste that he couldn't quite describe.

“That's good to hear. We put in a lot of effort in making them tonight.” Well, you put a lot of effort in inserting the gummy worm but he'll find out about that soon. “We especially wanted it to look right.”

“Looks and tastes pretty good to me.” Soobin says, looking down at the treat in his hand. His eyes widen when he spots something small in the middle, moving around in a swaying motion. The weird texture in his mouth, the unfamiliar taste mixed in with the caramel, and now this thing inside the apple— this thing that had its head bitten off of it's body— Soobin was quite sure of it. He had eaten a worm.

A worm.

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho

It's home from work we go

“Soobin, is something wrong?” You couldn't hold back the grin in your face.

Soobin looks at you and then back at the apple. “I think I'm gonna—”

He wasn't able to finish his sentence the apple falls from his hand and onto the ground, his body soon following after. One of your classmates manages to catch him and you put the tray down and hurry to his side.

“Oh shit. I think he fainted.” Your classmate tells you and you gulp. “We'll get him to the infirmary.”

In a split second, all seven dwarves were huddled around Soobin, hoisting him up and quickly maneuvering their way towards the infirmary. You were about to run after them when Soojin approaches you, Soobin's candied apple in her hand.

“Care to explain?” She dangles the piece of fruit in front of you and you frown.

Perhaps putting gummy worms in apples was a bad idea after all.

Soobin furrows his brows, feeling quite uncomfortable with the amount of arms holding his body up while taking him towards who knows where. He makes a mental note to himself: stop playing fainting pranks on people.

[msmarvelouswinchester]

Two Weeks

Part 2

Summary - You don't know the value of someone until you lose them. Dean didn't understand the importance of you in his life until he was too late.

Pairing - Dean x Reader(?)

Warnings- Angst, Fluff-ish, Swearing, self doubt, Dean being a dick (sorry)

Word Count - 1.5k

Square filled - Slow Burn ( @spndeanbingo )

A/N - I had thought of leaving “Two Weeks” as a one shot but since y’all had shown the first part so much love, I thought about writing a second part and it turned into a series.

This is also written as an entry for @jensengirl83 ’s 200 follower challenge. My prompt was “I don’t want to fix this again!”

Spn divider by @talesmaniac89💕

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

“One more,” you ordered the bartender.

“I think you should take it easy now, hun,” she raised an eyebrow at you.

“I can handle my alcohol,” you slurred.

“It doesn't seem like that. Come on, no more drinks for you. Go home, get some sleep,” she said and passed you a glass of water. You rolled your eyes, gulping down the glass of water and stood up from your seat. You swayed a little, maybe she was right about you being drunk.

The cool air hit you in the face as soon as you managed to stumble out of the bar. You were looking around yourself, unsure of what to do next when you heard a deep rumble and a car pulled up beside you.

You knew it wasn't a creep - you knew exactly who it was. You could recognise that purring of the engine anywhere. You didn't bother to take a look at who was in the car not wanting to see him, not after so long. You were done with him for good.

You heard the door of the car open and slammed shut after a few seconds. You heard footsteps approaching towards you.

“Y/N,” he said in a gruff voice, ���I read your letter.”

You turned towards the man you once loved.

“And?” You said in a cold voice. You saw him staring at you with those piercing green eyes.

“Why can't you let me be happy Y/N? You and I - we never had a future. It was only sex for us. I love her- the woman you saw kissing. I want her. She is my future. You can't mess that up for me just because you didn't get what you wanted,” Dean said, his eyes hard.

“Wha-” you felt your throat closing up, you couldn't believe what you were hearing. It all meant nothing to him. You felt your lungs give up. You tried to breathe but it felt like you were drowning. You heard a sound - was that your phone ringing?--

You woke up with a start. You were back in your motel room, your phone ringing on the nightstand. Ignoring your phone, you got out of the bed to get yourself some water. Beads of sweat were still lining your forehead. It was still dark outside. You drank an entire glass of water and came back to the bed.

You gently rubbed your temple, thinking back on the dream. This was a recurring nightmare. What if this was your mind subconsciously hinting at that truth? What if you really messed up everything in Dean's life just because you were pathetic? Maybe he left you because he wanted to get the hell away from you. You were not his girlfriend, then why were you expecting him to drop everything and run back to you? Maybe this was his only chance at a normal life he always wanted. Why did you have to fuck up everything?

Picking up your phone, you saw you had missed a call from Bobby. That old geezer was always worried about you. You decided to pay him a little visit the next day to let him know you were alive.

You sighed loudly. You needed to get on with your life. Four weeks had passed by, Dean didn't bother to contact you. It was not like you had cut him off entirely from your life. You still had the same number because you were hoping that he would realise his mistake and call you up. You waited but he never called. You realised that loving him was a mistake. Dean would never reciprocate those feelings.

You felt anger replacing your sadness. You were done being treated as his second option. You realised he would never put your name on the top of his list, you would never be his priority. You were going to get over him.

You started to pack your bags for the second time and prepared to leave the motel room which had been your home for the last two weeks.

Tomorrow would be a new day for you.

You looked at yourself in the bathroom mirror. Numerous questions were haunting you - why did Dean have to break your heart like that? Was it really all a game for him? Were you really not worth his love?

Your train of thoughts were broken when you heard the main door open loudly. You checked yourself. You didn't have your gun on you and there was an intruder, probably a monster in your room. You looked around yourself searching for anything that could come handy.

When you didn't see anything useful, you tiptoed out of the bathroom. You managed to secure your gun from under your pillow and turned around to point it towards the intruder.

Your breathing hitched at the sight of him. The forest green eyes you once loved locked with yours. You dropped the gun in your hand.

“Y/N,” Dean spoke in a gruff voice, creating goosebumps all over your skin, “I read the letter.”

There was a sense of déjà vu in what was happening. You looked down, bracing yourself for the impending rejection.

“I have the answers,” Dean said, surprising you. You looked up and saw him waving the piece of writing you had left for him. You remained silent which Dean took as a sign to continue.

“Y/N, when I saw you that day hurrying out of the story, wiping your tears on your sleeves, I realised the grave mistake I had committed. During the entire drive back to the motel, I was going over all the ways I could ask you to forgive me but none of them seemed right because I knew you wouldn't forgive me,” you scoffed at his words, “I know you don't believe me but this is the truth. Lisa...she is not you. Y/N, I am ready to fight for us, because you are worth it.”

You hadn't noticed, but during Dean's speech, he had come closer to you. He put a finger under your chin, making you look up to him. Your eyes roamed around his face, taking in his features. He was there standing before you, wearing his best apology but you couldn't forgive him. You were too scared to let him in again. He tilted his head and leaned forward. He pressed his lips onto yours, kissing you gently.

He had expected you to kiss him back but what he didn't expect was you to push him back, your palm connecting with his left cheek. Dean stood there in front of you looking dumbfounded.

“I don't want this - us.” You said.

“Why?” He asked, his voice low. You didn't want to slap him, but you also knew that he deserved that slap because of all the heartbreak he had put you through.

“Don't act like you don't know Dean,” you said, your voice laced with venom.

“Y/N, I-” Dean squeezed his eyes shut. “Y/N, I am sorry for what I did.”

“Don't say that crap. Don't you dare apologise. Two weeks Dean! I waited for you for two long weeks. Holding onto that false promise of yours like my life depended on it. You never once looked back at me when you walked out of that motel room. What would have happened if you hadn't seen me in that store? Tell me, Dean,” you sniffled, wiping away the tears angrily that rolled down your cheek.

“I know what I did is unforgivable but Y/N, I'm here now and we can make this work. Come on sweetheart, we can fix this,” Dean pleaded.

“That's the thing Dean! I don't want to fix this again! I can't let you break my heart again. I am done being your second choice. I-I c-can't-” you broke down in front of the green-eyed hunter. This was the last you wanted to happen. Now he was going to think that you were weak and pathetic.

You felt Dean's arms around you. Even though you despised Dean for what he did to you, he was still your home, your safe place.

“I will never leave you again, sweetheart.” He rasped.

“How can I trust you again, De?” You said, your voice barely a whisper.

“I am ready to fight for us. It will take some time,” he whispered in your ears and cupped your face, "but I will do anything to make you mine again."

You looked up, your eyes meeting his.

"You better not fuck this up, Winchester," you warned.

"I won't sweetheart, I promise," Dean said, planting a soft kiss on your forehead.

Let me know if you want to be tagged in the series!

Feedback is appreciated!

Forever taglist - @miss-nerd95 @foxyjwls007 @donnaintx @devil-in-my-boots @amandamdiehl

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Two Weeks Taglist - @evemarie05 @fofisstilinski @harleygirl3089 @yeollidokai @woodworthti666 @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @moron225

[ahhhhhhdonna]

Summary: I really just wanted to write Jaskier getting locked up in a pillory!  Like this one:

And then this Yen and Jaskier fic just happened.(Warning for swearing, if that’s not your jam.)  Is there more to this? I don’t know.  For now, though, this:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

High heeled shoes walked into his line of vision; beautiful, impeccable, without a single speck of road mud on them.  The hemline of a black dress in some expensive fabric.  Silk, maybe.  Or satin? Organza... If that was a fabric.  Didn't really matter, he thought miserably. What mattered was the insidious owner of said shoes and fancy dress was standing close enough he could feel the chill of her shadow and smell her perfume.

Somewhere above him, she laughed. Not a demure lady-like chuckle either, oh no, a real belly laugh.  Downright rude, if you asked him. He straightened up, as much as he could straighten while being locked rather piteously in a pillory.  

“You know, I was beginning to think this day couldn't get any better,” Jaskier said, amicably, “and yet...ahh, here you are.”

“Oh, Jaskier,” she said, with that tell-tale edge of sarcastic delight. It felt on his ear like a finger-nail catching in a pill on a silk coat.  “How did you get yourself into this little predicament?  Did you get caught fucking the alderman's wife this time?  Or, oh dear... did she catch you with the alderman? I know you aren't terribly...discerning when it comes to your pitiful little conquests.”

Jaskier's mouth opened with a huff before he snapped it closed, unsure which bit was more offensive.  

“I...I'm- I am discerning,” he managed, “and for your information, Yennefer, none of my...my conquests- as you so charmingly put it- would consider the encounter pitiful in the slightest....not that you will ever know...you...you could be the last woman alive, and I promise I would rather put my-”

“If your usual debauchery didn't land you here,” Yennefer cut him off, the smile still in her voice, “then what else would warrant such a public shaming? Was it your big mouth?”

He sniffed and went silent, fuming. He heard her long lacquered nails ticking on the wooden slat above his head.  One lovely shoe tapped impatiently.

“Well,” she said, after it was clear Jaskier wasn't going to be forthcoming, “whatever it was you did, I'm sure the punishment is well deserved... However, I do find it hard to believe Geralt would have allowed them to put you in the stocks.  He has a soft spot for your antics, no matter how stupid.  So, where is our witcher?”

Oh, wouldn't you like to know, Jaskier immediately thought but didn't say. Regardless of what Yennefer thought, he wasn't that stupid.

“Our witcher is not here,” Jaskier ground out, instead.  “He's on a hunt.  He picked up a contract here.  Actually, he's...well, he's... he’s missing.”

The tapping of nails stilled.  

“Oh, it's not like you're going to help,” Jaskier spat, “so why even bother?  Why don't you just portal off somewhere else and leave me alone?”

“Jaskier.” Her voice was quieter but impossibly more dangerous. “Geralt is missing?”

“He's...more late, really,” Jaskier said.  “He was due back three days ago.  I tried to tell the good alderman that monster hunting is not an exact art,  but...it was quite a well-paying contract, and Geralt was given half up front...and the alderman thinks Geralt has just taken off with the gold.  So--”

He waggled his hands in the holes beside his head.

“--they decided that since they can't punish Geralt for the alleged thievery, why not punish his faithful companion instead?  They locked me up this morning and I'm to be kept to the pillory until Geralt eventually returns or... or they tire of all of this, or I die, I guess.  I don't know.  On orders of the alderman.”

He swallowed.

“I'm rather...worried about Geralt, actually.  He's fine, I'm sure, he's always fine but it's not like him to-”

“-He'll return,” Yennefer said, decisively.  “In the mean time, I could free you but far be it from me to interfere with local politics...  I think it would be rather more interesting to see this sort itself out, don't you?”

“I knew it,” Jaskier muttered.  “I knew it!  Why did I even bother?..”

“I’d best be going,” she said, and he could hear her infuriating smile again, “Lovely chat, dear. But It does looks like it might rain.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Yennefer listened to the rain pounding on the inn roof that night as she sat by the fire and drank mulled wine.  She tried to think of Jaskier and glean some satisfaction for his suffering but now, as the wind howled a bit in the rafters and the night's chill crept in, she frowned into the depths of her cup.

He was only human, after all.  A weak, stupid, annoying human, to be sure, who prattled on and on and wrote nasty songs about her and pretended they weren't about her when they clearly were. But...Three days late, he'd said. And Jaskier-for all his glaring and numerous faults- did harbor a deep and unyielding love for their witcher.  Her witcher, she thought, unbidden, and drank.

It had been a surprise when she had come into this blighted town and saw the familiar bard clamped into the stocks in the town square.  Another strange coincidence. Since their fateful and brief meeting in Rinde, she had run into Geralt on two separate occasions and now this... She had only come here to provide a service, a round of cures and magical remedies, to fill her purse for another dose of that probably useless fertility treatment with the cost of it ever increasing.  It was better to keep moving to different towns, she found, some were more friendly to magic than others. 

A town that treated friends of witchers so poorly might not have a high appreciation of mages either.  Best to move on, she decided.  In the morning then.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The next morning, Yennefer cursed herself as her legs led her back to the town square, her velvet cloak enchanted to keep her dry as the rain continued pouring down and the mud pooled around her boots.

Jaskier was soaked to the bone and looking twice as pitiful as ever, bent as he was and trembling with cold.  When she approached, he contorted his neck to do his best to look at her, squinting and sniffling.  He looked as pale and red-eyed as a wet white rabbit.  

“Yennefer...I, uh, to... to what do I owe this... odious pleasure?”

Ah, he had been crying then.  It wasn't just the rain.  She bit back the worst of her responses- a decided act of charity, if there ever was one- and went straight to the point.

“What was he hunting then, bard?”

Jaskier blinked at her with swollen eyes. He certainly seemed no longer up to their usual verbal sparring and she was glad to not waste time.

“The alderman didn't know what it was, just that it smelled terrible and was killing villagers who wandered too far into the woods.  Geralt thought it was a rotfiend.  Should just take a day, he said, maybe two if it was hiding...”

“And it's been five,” Yennefer mused. Yes, Geralt should have been able to handle a single rotfiend in a leisurely afternoon.  And while the man could certainly be accused of moving on without saying good-bye, he would have at least returned for the payment.  Priorities, she thought, wryly.

“Nearly six,” Jaskier said and then his teeth chattered loudly enough that Yennefer could hear it over the din of the rain, like a tin cup full of dice. He once again tried to look at her, lifting his head an uncomfortable angle.  

“...Are you going to go looking for him?  Please.  Please, please tell me you're going to go looking for him. Please. If he's hurt, only you can...If anyone can find him, it's you, Yen, it’s you....”

“I'll look for him,” Yennefer said and watched the bard sag against the restraints with relief.  

“Thank you,” he murmured, in a voice soft enough that she was sure she wasn't meant to hear it.  She was sure he expected her to leave him there and, oh gods, did she want to.  Especially after his last ballad about the 'violet eyed siren of Vengerberg, with generous bust, who eats men's hearts for sport and lust'--  Ugh!  He deserved to stay here in the stocks, all ruined silk and wet lace and aching back! It might humble him and he certainly needed some humbling for all his lyric writing to the contrary.

But... Geralt would not forgive her easily if she left his companion to starve or freeze in the stocks and, fuck, if the thought of his disapproval didn't strike an irritating chord inside her. And if she was somewhat swayed by the bard's sudden spell of repentant gratitude, well...he'd never have to know it.  Bound and begging was surprisingly a good look for him, she thought.  And she was feeling absurdly generous this morning, so...

Yennefer made a little gesture and the thick padlock on the pillory unlocked itself and fell to the ground with a thud.  Jaskier startled and gaped at the fallen lock.

“You...you just...?”

“Come on, then, and don't make me regret it, Jaskier,” she said, in a tone she hoped implied that she already did.  “Lead the way.”