#i understand she has probably been trained to lead her house

[varantthedruid]

Why did anyone (like the people who were still there and had sway, like Shoola or anyone else who stepped in) feel like: Ah yes, this other faction leader recommended this grieving and traumatized 23 year old to lead us to victory. Let's do that. This 23 year old. This 23. Year old. This!23!!!!! Year old. Like wtf???

[yoru-no-seiiki]

https://www.tumblr.com/yoru-no-seiiki/751614308271718400/hii-so-like-ive-been-starving-for-yandere-eren

def something w/ canon eren! but other than that you can could go as wild as u want! :p

god where do i start?? i’ll mostly write for early seasons eren since i refuse to watch the whole thing until i’m done with season one on my quotev book as a motivator but i’ll add some tidbits that i got from other fanfics. go check it (my book) out btw!! it’s called Walk With Me!! (currently on the next chapter which is around 10k words atm huhu)

as always he’s aged up to 18 during enlistment and massive spoilers for those that don’t know the lore/story yet.

MDNI. DDDNE!!

yandere! eren is a force of absolute willpower. he is obsessive, he is protective, and very much goddamn possessive. he needs you, he needs you to need him too if not moreso. he grew up in a very traditional household and expected to be the provider in the family. the least you could do is have him in your thoughts at all times.

if you want max yandere! potential with him, it’s best to have known him even before armin. be close family friends. maybe your parents worked with his dad since marley and were similarly banished (but not turned into mindless titans).

as children he’d always been protective of you. he’d always stick to you like glue. and because of future him’s influence over grisha and essentially your parents, you were arranged to even sleep in the same bed.

but this sort of backfired in the long run cause you saw him as this annoying brother figure that just wouldn’t stop bothering you.

and one day you just blurt out, tired of the suffocation you felt with your friend, with your parents that vehemently kept pushing you two together, of everything in your life that you couldn’t control.

“i wonder what it’s like beyond the walls.”

i feel like armin would still be the true trigger of eren’s obsession with the outside and freedom (after all, he doesn’t give a shit about yours so why and how would you influence him in that area?), but you probably pushed him in terms of the survey corps.

you were dumb at the time. i mean as a kid, who isn’t? so you announced to literally everyone you knew that you planned to join the military and eventually explore the outside world.

you didn’t really understand the concept of death and all but whatever that was, you still thought it would be better than eren’s basically isolating you from anything that moves.

you dont truly understand death until eren kills those intruders in mikasa’s house right in front of you.

you were supposed to help him, but only stood there frozen in fear.

thankfully mikasa awakened just in time, with eren shouting at her to save you.

speaking of mikasa, her true allegiance/ackerman blood thingy is still with eren in this fic but i headcannon that since his first command was to for her to fight for you she also has the same knee jerk reaction for whenever she perceives you’re being harmed.

in anycase, that day ™️ happens and you all start training.

it had already been obvious since you were teens but eren started looking at you from a different angle. the sexual kind.

your lack of contact with other people due to his influence had made you a bit of a pushover, as such he’d often coerce you into sex or other related acts.

i mean, you had to pity him! he never had the opportunity to explore and act on his urges. mans stayed a virgin til he enlisted and he’s pent up. you try to argue that it’s cause he was so hung up on revenge that he’s bitchless but that only leads to him questioning you if you’ve been seeing other people behind his back.

i mean you two were basically together, why would he see other people? don’t tell him that you’ve been … cheating on him? how could you!

so yeah he does the same thing to mikasa (the manipulation not the sex lol) and forces her to guard the two of you during your ‘trysts’ (which is just him, the inexperienced boy rutting into you and getting off while you stood/laid there uncomfortable silence)in addition to basically shutting down whatever feelings she might have brewing for him (poor mikasa dude)

but surprisingly eren is the most lax to you during this time period. despite the literal r*pe, he basically allowed you to roam around and do whatever for a change. frankly, it was mostly cause he had to catch up in terms of training, but also cause his FREEDOM ideal is the strongest during this phase.

anddd depending on your behavior you might get pimped out. only to those that he can trust though. god even jean got a taste of you because he lost a bet. he promptly beats up the man afterwards though.

if you’re more focused on training and acquiesce to his demands (hormones) however you’ll be enjoying the only three years of your life where eren’s presence wasn’t looming like dread of your death by a titan’s hands.

now i can’t vouch for how accurate i can portray later seasons eren but basically he’s the worst in yan levels at that point.

once he can fully utilize his powers there is literally no escape for you, not even his death, unless you have some sort of power that hides your ass. he’d already prepared for everything from your captivity to how your life will be like after his inevitable demise.

like i said before, he’d be the type to give you an illusion of freedom. he hates the idea of being caged and vice versa. so specifically speaking after his death and the end of the series, you’ll go from being stuck in a remote area to being free but with hundreds of armed guards watching your every move. hell maybe even the whole “town/village/city” you live in will all just be paid actors he had staged. he will never let you move on from him. whether you like it or not, you’re his in life, in death, as he is dying, and beyond that.

[4ce-of-2pades]

Imagine a Heroes of Olympus AU where, due to the empathy link, Hera can’t snatch Percy and wipe his memories without also messing with Grover’s mind. (That or she’s just worried Grover would use the link to find Percy before the time is right, so she gets him out of the picture too.) Maybe she sends both of them to the Wolf House together, but more likely she doesn’t think Grover is very important and just drops him in the wilderness somewhere.

So Percy’s following Lupa’s instructions and heading to Camp Jupiter, fighting every single monster within a five mile radius along the way, and the whole time he’s got this feeling like he’s getting close to something. He assumes it means he’s getting close to camp, but meanwhile Grover has been traveling towards him, following that same unidentified feeling like a compass, as the only lead he has to go on with no memory. After like a full week(?) of fighting weird monsters that want to kill him, Percy encounters some guy with horns and goat legs and probably attempts to slay him on sight to get things over with. Grover of course yells “I surrender! Don’t kill me!” and they get to talking. Percy is mildly suspicious, but takes Grover’s word that not all animal hybrid creatures are out for his blood. So they set off for Camp Jupiter together.

When they get there, none of the Romans are too happy to welcome another “good for nothing” faun onto their territory, but Juno gave Percy her endorsement, and Percy gave Grover his endorsement, so if the Romans want to follow Juno’s instructions and make sure the son of Neptune sticks around, they’ve got to let the faun tag along. Grover is uncomfortable with being so utterly disliked on first sight by so many people—and he can read emotions, so the message is coming through loud and clear. Before he encounters the fauns of Camp Jupiter, he probably just assumes he’s a random monster on par with the gorgons, and that’s why he’s so hated. Monster or no, though, Percy is already unwaveringly loyal towards his new friend. Grover is the first person he’s met who hasn’t wanted anything from him but his companionship. No harsh training to survive, no fighting to the death. Just traveling and talking and making stupid jokes together to make everything seem less scary. The way they clicked, it was as if they had been friends for far longer than a few days. In fact, Percy can practically feel Grover’s fear and shame at the Romans’ reactions as if they were his own emotions, and it only makes him more defensive of his friend.

Eventually Grover and Percy encounter Don the Faun, prompting Hazel to explain that fauns, collectively, aren’t much more than beggars, thieves, and freeloaders. Of course, she probably phrases it just a smidge more tactfully, given that Grover is, y’know, standing right there. He now understands the dismissive way he’s been treated. A faun welcomed right into camp and given the “New Legionnaire” tour alongside Juno’s chosen hero. What a joke. He almost wishes he really was a monster instead. Evil or no, at least monsters are powerful and impressive, not… useless. He sees what Don is like, what all fauns are like, apparently, and he feels ashamed of himself. Percy tries to cheer him up, tries to remind him that the Lares keep calling him a Greek. An enemy. Nevermind how Neptune and his children are apparently barely respected here. If Percy and Grover are outcasts at Camp Jupiter, then they’ll be outcasts together.

That makes Grover feel a little bit better. But not much.

Grover certainly doesn’t want to seek out the other fauns. Even if it is off-putting that no one cares they’re all basically homeless, Grover still finds those that he’s met to be unfocused and irritating. He feels different from them. Grover sticks close to Percy, because Percy is pretty much the only person in the Legion who acknowledges his existence. Grover is not invited to join the Legion with Percy. Not that he particularly wants to sign up for ten years of army, but at least it would have given him a place to belong. Grover also isn’t invited to join the War Games, but no one stops him from coming either. They don’t seem to think he’d make a difference one way or the other, so if he wants to go charging in to his death, why stop him? Hazel and Frank have interacted with Grover enough, by way of interacting with Percy, to know that he’s at least a little different from other fauns, so they don’t mind having his help. And besides, the Fifth Cohort knows what it’s like to be the underdogs. How much worse could one faun make things?

When the Fifth Cohort takes the War Games by storm, and Hazel, Frank, and Percy prove their abilities, Grover is right there alongside them, using nature magic as a crucial part of their plan. Through this shared victory, Hazel and Frank and the rest of the Fifth gain respect for Grover as an individual, and the rest of the Legion at least has to notice that he’s there.

When it comes time for the quest, of course Percy wants Grover to come with him and Frank and Hazel, even if three is the usual quest limit. (I don’t remember if it is with Romans.) Whether three is the limit or not, though, the Romans aren’t too keen on letting a faun join a quest. Best case scenario, they think, Grover wouldn’t take it seriously, and would run away at the nearest sign of trouble. A waste of a choice for a companion. Fauns aren’t heroes. They’re just nuisances. Percy is clearly angry and about to argue, but Grover stops him, instead speaking calmly for himself, and putting to use his skill for convincing people of things. (You’d think he could charmspeak, honestly.) Grover swallows his pride and recommends himself as more of an assistant than an actual member of the quest. Someone to carry the equipment, set up camp, get groceries now and then, etc. A servant, practically, for the real heroes.

“You know you’re not getting paid for this,” Reyna points out.

Grover has to bite his tongue to keep his temper. “Yes. I know.”

In the end, Grover is allowed to join Percy and the others on the principle that, again, his presence shouldn’t make that much of a difference one way or the other. And besides, if he’s not technically part of the quest or the Legion, they can’t stop him from happening to travel to the exact same places at the exact same time, can they? If the questers don’t have an issue with it, then sure. Let the faun go on a quest.

Grover is laughed out of the Senate House. He tries not to get too upset. He got what he wanted, after all. But at the cost of humiliation.

Percy asks Grover why he would even want to come on a dangerous quest when he doesn’t have to, especially when the Romans made it as hard as they did for him to be allowed. Grover says he wanted to help Percy because they’re friends, and because Percy is the only person who’s ever stuck up for him.

Percy says, “I appreciate that, but we’ve only been friends for the better part of a week. Is this really worth the risk, for someone you barely know?”

“Even if it wasn’t,” Grover replies, “I can’t stay here. I won’t stay somewhere I’m hated. I’d rather be out there with you, doing something useful, than get treated like I’m worthless.

“Besides,” he says, “I’m sick of people telling me what I can’t do.”

[aita-blorbos]

Am I the a-hole for running away from home to avoid having to meet my relatives for Christmas?

I (12M) have never been able to smile naturally. I can force myself to with a bit of work, but it usually hurts a lot, so I'd rather not bother. Mom (40F) and Dad (38M) have always been understanding of that fact, as has my brother (12M), so normally it wouldn't be an issue. However, Mom comes from quite an esteemed family, which is accordingly very strict about our conduct. That I can't just plaster on a perfect, friendly face all the time, is a source of frustration for Mom's siblings, especially two of whom I will call Uncle G (42M) and Aunt K (45F).

The last time I saw them for Thanksgiving, G pulled me aside into the kitchen and threatened to carve my face up with the knives there if I didn't smile, because it was a celebration and we should be happy, and me not smiling brought down the mood. And then, when K caught me not smiling later (because I needed to rest my face), she threatened to pour boiling water on me so as to teach me a lesson about obeying elders.

I'm scared they'll actually go through with it for Christmas, because we were all supposed to stay in one big lodge together for a week, and I can't keep up a smile like that for such a long time. I never told Mom, Dad or my brother about it either, because according to our other uncle D (49M), who is the patriarch of the whole family and a super important politician so he's very wise, sibling relationships are really important. Telling Mom about it will make her argue with K and G, and maybe D as well, and it will ruin her relationship with all of them. And Dad and my brother would just tell Mom anyway.

So when I had just finished packing my bag, the night before we were to leave, a thought suddenly occurred to me. Everything I needed to survive the next few days was in the bag - my clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, water bottle, etc. I could just leave. I thought about Uncle G and Aunt K, and what they would do to me, and, in a moment of impulse, took my bag and left while everyone else was sleeping. I snuck onto a train and made my way to my best friend S's (11F) house. Her mother, Auntie C (older than Mom, F) let me stay at her house for as long as I needed, and offered to call CPS, but I told her not to because Mom's family is important enough that calling the cops on them would probably result in the caller getting arrested instead.

So, right now, I'm with S, we're both officially having our first sleepover (that could potentially last forever) and it's really fun! We had a movie night, and also got to play video games, and I even got to help them make traditional desserts for the solstice (which may or may not have devolved into S and I flinging flour at each other and having to clean the kitchen after that). I'm really thankful that I left and came here instead. But, my parents and brother have apparently been really worried - they even called Auntie C asking if she'd seen me, but I begged her not to tell them so she didn't. We haven't seen any missing child posters go up yet, though that's probably because my relatives don't want people knowing the family managed to lose a child and isn't quite so picture perfect.

I know I should be ashamed of myself for making my family panic so much, especially since I managed to overhear that my brother has been really depressed since I left, so much that he keeps refusing to eat. And I do feel guilty! But going back will just lead to me getting shuttled off to the lodge and getting punished even worse than before. It's selfish, but I don't want to go home. I'm happy here, I'm happy that I left, which is probably why I'm TA. It's been weighing on me, and while S insists I'm NTA, I think she's biased because spending time with friends is fun. So, if anyone out there might offer a more objective view of the situation - AITA?

UPDATE: Basically I still got found anyway, but Auntie C and a few other family friends convinced me to tell my parents about what happened last time. I did, and now Mom has cut all contact with her family. And also G and K are actually getting arrested! Good riddance - I just found out that they had been really harsh to my brother too, and he also didn't tell anyone for the same reason as me. I'm honestly starting to wonder if D's emphasis on siblings might have messed up our entire family a bit...

[fairykazu]

SNOW WALTZ FT. AYAKA contents // friends to lovers, pining, requited love, fairies au (?), implied scaralumi & implied kokotao, plot holes and ice skating masterlist notes // i couldn't finish this one or complete it in the way i wanted to so it's unfortunely unfinished

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although it was hard to explain to your normal friends that you kept in touch with fairies, one particularly being a snow fairy princess. your friends were confused as to why you were still friends with imaginary beings but assumed it was a bit so they went along with it. you asked her if it was alright if you brought along two friends and she agreed as along she can too.

"it might take awhile for her to be human sized. it's actually way easier if we were smaller." you explained while both of your friends and you were in your backyard, sitting on a nook of a weeping willow. the tree has been decked out with fairy decorations or houses.

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you remember the first time you had met ayaka. maybe when you were around fourteen and ayaka was around the same age. ayaka said that she heard she was birthed from a baby's laugh or breath when she was born, saying that your laughter brought her peace.

you thought she was being a little crazy especially when you met her she was very... human sized. "what do you mean? weren't you born from your mother's belly?" you asked, curious.

ayaka seemed to laugh, her silvery hair flowing in the wind, not even getting disheveled. "no? do you?"

"yes?"

"oh! that sounds terrifying." ayaka said, her face twisting in horror trying to imagine how that must had felt. you agreed, "it was. or at least it sounds it does? wait..."

wait, this girl isn't from the neighborhood. she's too... pretty to be in this neighborhood. no offense to anyone living on oceanvines blvd, but you have seen the people who live here and they look average. she looks out of this world. also! you're fourteen you should remember, stranger danger???

"who are you?"

"um, im princess ayaka kamisato. i live in winterbreeze-" you caught onto her lie but you played along. "avenue and i like to play in the snow."

"where is winterbreeze avenue anyway? i havent heard of it."

ayaka's face grew visbly nervous, "um, you'll see it's a new street." the blue eyed girl looked at every other object and animal but you. seeing when the animals in the area scurried to her as if she really was royalty made you question if you were dreaming or not.

you pinched yourself.

you weren't. you heard some weird sparkling sound behind ayaka. "hey, uh, princess?"

"yes?"

"what's that?" you pointed at her back, showing a pair of light blue wings that show up as transparent as ice. ayaka froze on the spot, getting caught. she groaned, leading you on the park's bench. "um, so, i am a princess."

"right."

"and i am a fairy and i come from a place called tevyat." although you did had a suspicion, that she was really out of this world, she sounded crazy. if she was a fairy, it would make sense since she was too pretty to be here. but you were still confused, nevertheless. like why was a fairy like her on earth with you? why here?

"okay, let's say you are a fairy-"

"which i am." ayaka fluttered her wings as you corrected yourself.

"you are a fairy princess who lives in tevyat. why are you here with me as a human sized fairy? if you're okay with telling! if it's like sensitive stuff, it's totally okay with me." you smiled as sweet as you could muster. hoping that you don't look like a total freak.

"i... i wanted to escape from my world. although it is magical and i love it since i grew up there. but there is so much responsibilities i have to take over and care of. i was trained since i was a child to do all this 'princessy things'. it just feels out of place for me."

although you weren't a princess and certainly not a fairy, you understood where she was coming from. "don't worry, i understand. but you should probably go back home because your family is most likely worried about you. if you do want to talk to me, let me know. you're really pretty... looking!"

ayaka's natural rosy face flushed, "thank you so much-"

"name."

"name. i will visit soon, i promise."

"okay!"

eventually, ayaka kept coming back to your house. playing pretend with you, hanging out with you; you spent most of your teen years with ayaka and you were even able to go to the fairy land too. however, as the both of you grew up, you weren't able to hang out as freely as before and without realizing it, the both of you developed feelings for each other.

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"what?" you turned to hu tao, tilting your head.

"what? i know it's a bit... confusing. but she's real."

a blonde laughed,"yeah, right. she's as real as hu tao's crush repiocrating feelings."

"lumine, she said she would think about it." hu tao frowned.

suddenly, a gust of cold breeze danced through the backyard, swirling itself around the willow tree. eventually, it formed a silhouette of a girl with long silver hair that couldve been created by threading ice, a fair complexion dusted by rosy cheeks and the winter breeze. "hi, princess!" you said, waving at ayaka. across from you were hu tao and lumine agape.

"she's real??"

ayaka smiled, "of course, im real! as promised, i also brought my friends." they were right behind ayaka, stepping out to reveal themselves. one was a manifestation of wind, blowing the strands of lumine's hair. he was tall and had a purple-blue hair flowing down. the other was nearly like a mermaid if you had mistaken her wings as a tail, which was weird to think about without the context.

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between the group of fairies and yourself, leaving out of your friends, you all decided it was probably best to transform as little elves or fairies instead of being big ol' humans. "as well as not jeopardy the future of fairies."

"i agree." you said, nodding your head. keeping the conversation very hushed as lumine and hu tao gets progressively more and more curious.

you turned around to hu tao and lumine, "so, we are becoming little elves in the fairy world. im going to hang out with my good friend,"

hu tao raised a brow. she has seen the way ayaka looked at you and it was more than just being "friends". "ayaka and you two can have a tour of the fairy tevyat. ayaka says it's okay and plus, she is the princess so whatever she says goes."

"i don't think a princess of a nation should-"

"shut up, lumine, fairies are real. get with the drill." hu tao interrupted.

[tiredcatsblog]

Jack with a celebrity MC, trying to keep MC safe from obsessed fans (including Ian).

Okay, hmm, let's think about it now!

——————

I think at first like this, Mc we have a bright personality with charisma and quite attractive appearance (although I think the main thing for an actor is memory, charisma and control of emotions, so let's omit the appearance, because it's actually you and me!)

First let's think about how Ian and MC met, maybe it happened in childhood, before MC became an actor. Thanks to their confidence, they were able to get into the heart of this insecure boy, because MC is not afraid to express his feelings and lead people. Therefore, their acquaintance is the same as in the canon.

And now the moment has come... the casting is announced in the city, which the MC has successfully passed! This is where the presenter's career begins. Ian is so happy for us because he probably wouldn't dare to do it himself. Years pass, MC's popularity only grows, and Ian falls in love more and more, especially when he sees us on stage / on TV or backstage, where we definitely invite him

"After all, my God, this is my girlfriend! Am I worthy of her???"

And yes, I almost forgot, imagine the moment when in an interview they tell the whole world "Ian is my boyfriend, I love him! "

This cute guy is fainting, fans either congratulate or write angry letters that he is not worthy of her! By the way, and this is what makes Ian think and start doubting himself. But the MC assures him that this is not so, because he is the person who has always been there, accepted all the shortcomings (let's admit, acting life is stressful, so there will still be breakdowns or some qualities, we are all people!)

But Ian still decides that he does not want to be in the shadows and will prove that he is worthy of us. He starts learning, talking about this MC, of course they help him in this, they say that he will be a great actor!

I imagine these days, training, move, how they both watch college!

And then they have to say goodbye, because It is leaving, although he doubted, because he was afraid to leave us alone, the fans are not asleep!

But MC assures him that everything will be fine, because we are strong! And on this touching note, they say goodbye, kissing each other goodbye.

"Don't worry, to see me, you just need to turn on the TV and I'll always be there for you, hahaha. Just don't give up..."

Everything seems to be fine, Ian is studying in college, MC continues to act in commercial or movies, and they also continue to communicate, sending each other hearts and wishing good luck .Isn't it beautiful??

This finishes them off, she cut herself off from the world, refused to shoot, even moved somewhere far away and did not communicate with anyone. MC just sits at home and eats all sorts of delicious stuff and watches TV, frowning every time he sees himself or the news about her disappearance. It just doesn't matter anymore..

Ian is bombarding us with messages, fearing for us... and eventually he realized that we were his meaning... And now why fight? That's right, for us! Now he is trying his best to bring us back and beg for forgiveness, but such humiliations cause only disgust and pain. That's where that obsession comes in..

" I'll... get you back.. I will prove that I am worthy"

One cloudy day, MC went outside and went to the store in a hood and mask. We have enough money for everything, but going to a regular store is not the best idea, in case they find out. Therefore, everything is usually done through delivery or a flea market. That's where MC finds the tape.

Jack... This is our sun, which of course we were afraid of. Like some guy at our house!?! Who are you??!

But over time, we get used to this clown, who, with his bright smile, makes us slowly come to our senses. MC tells him about his life, about that pain.. Jack tries his best to support her, because he can understand her stress!! (well, we do not consider the conclusion in the cassette).

Has everything really gotten better? Of course a ghost, but he is next to us, can hug, support, cook delicious pancakes and love.. It's finally become so calm..

But unfortunately not for long, fans, crazy fans who could recognize their idol by one hair color! But there were only two of them, but they did not allow MC to live normally. They were persecuted, sent notes with confessions, asked to return... and then the attempted attack.

Imagine their surprise when something invisible throws a chair at them or... even a knife. MC is all in tears, hiding in the room under the bed, there were several voices, then a crash and a scream... then silence.

After a while, MC decides to get out from under the bed and sees Jack, his savior, who hugs us with a warm smile.

"Don't worry, sunshine, I'll always be there for you and I won't let anyone touch you.."

It's even scary to imagine what he will do to these fans if they come for the MC. And if Ian? Who will probably arrive with a huge bouquet of flowers and will be on his knees, not going to leave. Jack will take care of it, because now he is our savior... although in fact there is still one crazy fan, the only one forever... .

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Well, I hope my first attempt to write something like this was successful, hehe.

[illmetkismet]

I wanted to add my thoughts on Leon saying "You don't need me" at the end.

I just think he grew to care about Ashley alot (obviously) and he was evidently super proud of her. I mean, girl was literally holding her own against pretty damn well. But i also think because the life he leads, he probably believes there are no escapes or alternatives for him and naturally dragging Ashley into that would probably add on to the guilt and weight he carries from every person he lost. I just think he doesn't want that happening to her. She's still young, she'll be able to heal and get back up from what happened. Meanwhile like you said, Leon is probably gonna be scarred for life because some things are irreversible no matter how much you try to make amends. Those are just my thoughts. As always reading your takes is so fun and insightful^^

Hiiiiii thank you for this ask!! Thinking about the end of re4r is so interesting to me.... Like, you're absolutely right - Leon is proud of Ashley, and he does think she'll be better off without him, that she'll be ok from here on out. But, I don't think he's right on those last two points!

I don't think we can assume that unlike Leon, Ashley is going to bounce right back from her ordeal. I made a post a while ago about Ashley being the same age in re4r that Leon was on re2r. She's young, sure, but so was Leon, and what happened to him continued to haunt him. And in a way, what happened to Ashley was worse:

- She's a civilian; Leon was a cop. A rookie cop, sure, but he went into the profession, he got training on how to handle dangerous situations, he was proficient with firearms. Ashley was a sorority girl...

- Leon had an opportunity to turn back after the gas station, and at any point during his and Claire's drive through post-apocalyptic Raccoon City. Up until the truck explodes, he's making the choice to keep going into danger, because he wants answers, and he wants to help. Ashley was betrayed by people she thought were protecting her, bundled onto a shipping container, and then spent the rest of the game alternately being rescued and kidnapped, with no say about what happens to her.

- Leon was collateral damage; Ashley was the target of an orchestrated attack on her specifically, with a whole horrific end game plan to have her go back home infected and bring down the US government.

- The thing that haunts Leon the most are the people he lost in Raccoon City, and I'm sure Ashley remembers Luis for the rest of her life. She's alive because of him, because instead of cutting and running he chose to do the right thing and help her and Leon, and it got him killed. I think that will weigh on her for a long time.

So Leon is definitely well-intentioned in his desire not to get Ashley involved in his horrible world, but here's the thing: she already is. I don't think he drops her off at the white house and she just goes back to her life like nothing happened. She's going to go through all the post-traumatic awfulness Leon is still going through, and you know what I think she could really use? Someone by her side who understands what she's been through. And Leon is the one person who understands it exactly.

I think if it was possible that the government would actually let him retire from STRATCOM to work Ashley's detail instead, that it would have been SO good for both of them.

Basically, despite what Leon says at the end of re4r, his decision not to take Ashley up on her offer has more to do with himself and his own issues than with Ashley truly not needing him. It's sweet that he says it, and he definitely does think she handled herself really well, but ultimately I think he turns her down because she's offering him an out from continuing to atone for guilt he's not ready to put down yet, and like you said, I don't think he believes the government will let him go, even if Ashley puts in a word for him or whatever she offers.

I just think Ashley would have really benefited from having him in her life after what happened to her. She's going to be recovering from her ordeal for a looooooong time.

[felixcloud6288]

Fullmetal Alchemist Chapter 30

We've had one traumatic death, yes. But what about second trauma?

Y'know how Greed said Ed was the type who doesn't mind getting beat up but will lose his cool when others get hurt?

Greed is also that type of person. This is the only time he's been furiously angry, and it's after seeing Loa and Dorchet killed in front of him.

I wonder if Bradley knew Martel was inside Al's armor before she tried to kill him. If she had kept quiet and let Alphonse quietly sneak her out, I wonder if the scene would have ended with Bradley saying something like "Before you go" and then running his sword down Al's chest.

The scene transition after Martel is killed implies Al lost consciousness from the shock. I wonder how that works though. I know falling asleep and being rendered unconscious are two different things, but I'd assume there are some overlapping characteristics that should cause Al to be unable to fall unconscious because of his condition.

I wonder if Martel's blood spilling on Al's bloodrune might have momentarily disrupted the seal and disconnected Al from his armor and if maybe Ed pulling Al's soul might have had something to do with Al not having his memories to begin.

I've got no real ideas with that. If something comes up later, I'll talk about it then.

But Al managed to reach that silhouette of his mother and that's what caused him to lose his whole body.

Bradley demands to know if Ed and Al traded any information or made any deals with Greed and threatens to kill them if they did. Considering what Bradley is, it's pretty wild he'd make that threat. He was willing to kill one of their sacrifices to ensure their plan wasn't found out. Or maybe he was intimidating them into silence.

Al being a suit of armor was probably known to the Homunculi long before this point. Greed found out because of the rumors in East City after the fight with Scar, and Lust was on the train to Resembool. Bradley asking about why Al is a suit of armor might be the first time they considered him as a sacrifice candidate though.

I'm glad Ed pointed out the inconsistency from Bradley saying he wants to find out what the military conspiracy is but then killing a bunch of people who could have been potential leads. Of course we as the readers understand it's because the conspiracy goes all the way to the top at this point.

Wouldn't it suck if you bought a house in Central and there's a window that allows one of those searchlights at Central HQ to beam into your house?

The scene with Riza is playing out like that scene with that white girl in every horror movie, right up until she pulls out a gun and shoots Barry.

I just love how she hid a gun in her grocery bag. Did she put it there after leaving or does the grocery store stock fully loaded revolvers next to the pet food? And where did that other handgun come from? She's not keeping a holster of any kind and just before this panel, she was using her right hand to hold her groceries.

Her grocery bag also had dog food so she canonically has Black Hayate at this point.

There was a missing person flyer for Yoki.

We can still see the bullet holes Danny and Maria gave Barry.

We see the military banner. It's a horned(?) dragon(?) with a winding tail.

It must suck for the people whose office windows are behind the banner.

back

Spoiler Discussion

Bido being established as not at the Devil's Nest during the raid shows how far ahead Arakawa had the story planned.

Arakawa planted a little seed here which would bloom into a major plot point dozens of chapters later. Hindsight and this scene proves she planned to have Greed return and have him betray Father a second time.

[thefisherqueen]

I'm reading Letters from Watson's The Veiled Lodger today on this cloudy, quiet saturday morning. I'm so ready for the coming autumn! Give me rain, cold, long dark evenings to cuddle up in blankets and just do quiet things by myself. But I'll have to wait a while, it'll be sunny and warm again next week here in the Netherlands

When one considers that Mr. Sherlock Holmes was in active practice for twenty-three years Wish I could retire after only 23 years. I'd be halfway there already

There is the long row of year-books which fill a shelf, and there are the dispatch-cases filled with documents, a perfect quarry for the student, not only of crime, but of the social and official scandals of the late Victorian era. My librarian and social historian and archivist heart is fluttering at this

I deprecate, however, in the strongest way the attempts which have been made lately to get at and to destroy these papers. The source of these outrages is known, and if they are repeated I have Mr. Holmes's authority for saying that the whole story concerning the politician, the lighthouse and the trained cormorant will be given to the public. There is at least one reader who will understand. A very politely worded threat. Tread carefully, unknown citizen, I don't think that Watson will take kindly to any kind of danger regarding his dear Holmes. I do want to read about those buglary attempts, though. And certainly about the trained cormorant

But the most terrible human tragedies were often involved in these cases which brought him the fewest personal opportunities, and it is one of these which I now desire to record. So I'll need to prepare for a tragedy today? *grabs some tissues*

an elderly, motherly woman of the buxom landlady type What does that mean? *googles buxom landlady* Oh. Pretty much the only results are literal porn videos and erotic fiction novels. Not what I expected. Did Watson really just call her the victorian equavalent to a milf?

"This is Mrs. Merrilow, of South Brixton," said my friend, with a wave of the hand. "Mrs. Merrilow does not object to tobacco, Watson, if you wish to indulge your filthy habits. I hope Watson told Holmes to shut his nicotine stained mouth after this

Mrs. Merrilow has an interesting story to tell which may well lead to further developments in which your presence may be useful." "Anything I can do——" It's probably just a result of me looking up 'buxom', but this reads like the start of a porn script. Fucking hilarious

You say that Mrs. Ronder has been your lodger for seven years and that you have only once seen her face." "And I wish to God I had not!" said Mrs. Merrilow. "It was, I understand, terribly mutilated." Now that switches the mood around really quickly. Who did what to this poor lady's face

She seems to be wasting away. And there's something terrible on her mind. 'Murder!' she cries. 'Murder!' And once I heard her, 'You cruel beast! You monster!' she cried. It was in the night, and it fair rang through the house and sent the shivers through me. So I went to her in the morning. 'Mrs. Ronder,' I says, 'if you have anything that is troubling your soul, there's the clergy,' I says, 'and there's the police. Between them you should get some help.' 'For God's sake, not the police!' says she, 'and the clergy can't change what is past. And yet,' she says, 'it would ease my mind if someone knew the truth before I died.' I will really need those tissues, won't I? I like that women go to Holmes with their troubles, probably having heard from other women that he will be sympathetic and respectful and willing to help

Our visitor had no sooner waddled out of the room—no other verb can describe Mrs. Merrilow's method of progression Very, very unnecessairy addition, Watson

For a few minutes there was a constant swish of the leaves, and then with a grunt of satisfaction he came upon what he sought. So excited was he that he did not rise, but sat upon the floor like some strange Buddha, with crossed legs, the huge books all round him, and one open upon his knees. Holmes has the best poses

The caravan had halted for the night at Abbas Parva, which is a small village in Berkshire England really has the funniest place names

He was the rival of Wombwell, and of Sanger, one of the greatest showmen of his day. There is evidence, however, that he took to drink, and that both he and his show were on the down grade at the time of the great tragedy. A case of abuse in the world of show business, then

"They had among their exhibits a very fine North African lion. Sahara King was its name *does some reasearch* I learnt a new Thing. Apperently lions used to be quite common in north Africa. Since the 60's the local population is considered extinct in the wild. I guess, then, that it was the lion who attacked this woman

There was no other point of interest in the evidence, save that the woman in a delirium of agony kept screaming, 'Coward! Coward!' as she was carried back to the van in which they lived. Now that is curious. Did mr. Ronder assault the lion in some way, maybe, upon which it turned against them?

"I should think the whole camp was crying out by then. As to the other points, I think I could suggest a solution." "I should be glad to consider it." I think it is the first time so far that Watson comes up with his own theory? Keep doing that my dear :)

I fear I lied to him. Perhaps it would have been wiser had I told the truth." "It is usually wiser to tell the truth. But why did you lie to him?" "Because the fate of someone else depended upon it. I know that he was a very worthless being, and yet I would not have his destruction upon my conscience. We had been so close—so close!" Is she talking about her husband, which would make not much sense as he was already dead, or about someone else?

"You compliment me, madam. At the same time, I am a responsible person. I do not promise you that when you have spoken I may not myself think it my duty to refer the case to the police." Refreshing honesty from Holmes here

Reading is the only pleasure which Fate has left me, and I miss little which passes in the world. :(

"Those two pictures will help you, gentlemen, to understand the story. I think I know where this is going. Did ms. Ronder have an extramarrial affair with the strongman?

When I became a woman this man loved me, if such lust as his can be called love, and in an evil moment I became his wife. From that day I was in hell, and he the devil who tormented me. Husband was an abusive asshole

"Then Leonardo came more and more into my life. You see what he was like. I know now the poor spirit that was hidden in that splendid body, but compared to my husband he seemed like the Angel Gabriel. He pitied me and helped me, till at last our intimacy turned to love—deep, deep, passionate love, such love as I had dreamed of but never hoped to feel. So they did have an affair. But he was abusive, too. This is a very sad story

One night my cries brought Leonardo to the door of our van. We were near tragedy that night, and soon my lover and I understood that it could not be avoided. My husband was not fit to live. We planned that he should die. Murder! And then, after, the strongman also attempted to murder her? Oh, no, I think the lion was seen mauling her face. Something clearly went wrong

Leonardo could have saved me. If he had rushed forward and struck the beast with his club he might have cowed it. But the man lost his nerve. I heard him shout in his terror, and then I saw him turn and fly. That explains the shouting of 'coward!' Can't really blame the strongman for freaking out, though, that's a natural reaction

Its hot, filthy breath had already poisoned me and I was hardly conscious of pain. I think that was the adrealine, madam

When I came to myself, and saw myself in the mirror, I cursed that lion—oh, how I cursed him!—-not because he had torn away my beauty, but because he had not torn away my life. I had but one desire, Mr. Holmes, and I had enough money to gratify it. It was that I should cover myself so that my poor face should be seen by none, and that I should dwell where none whom I had ever known should find me. That was all that was left to me to do—and that is what I have done. A poor wounded beast that has crawled into its hole to die—that is the end of Eugenia Ronder." Very tragic. Cruel world, making her feel like she like she had to cover her face and hide away. The misogyny of it all. Is it really the worst thing that can happen to a woman, to get visible scars and deformities? Are our appearances really our whole worth? Men with scars are at least considered heroes. Women are just 'ugly'

But what of this man Leonardo?" "I never saw him or heard from him again. Perhaps I have been wrong to feel so bitterly against him. He might as soon have loved one of the freaks whom we carried round the country as the thing which the lion had left. She speaks with such loathing of herself. Horrible of Leonardo to abandon her

"Your life is not your own," he said. "Keep your hands off it." "What use is it to anyone?" "How can you tell? The example of patient suffering is in itself the most precious of all lessons to an impatient world." I will not cry I will not cry

Holmes held up his hand in a gesture of pity and protest What would that look like? I can't picture it

Two days later, when I called upon my friend, he pointed with some pride to a small blue bottle upon his mantelpiece. I picked it up. There was a red poison label. A pleasant almondy odour rose when I opened it. "Prussic acid?" said I. "Exactly. It came by post. 'I send you my temptation. I will follow your advice.' That was the message. I think, Watson, we can guess the name of the brave woman who sent it." She didn't! I'm so relieved. I need to believe she keeps in touch with Watson and Holmes and someday feels free to go outside unveiled

I made it without crying. Well, that was certainly a different kind of story than most of the other ones. Quite beautiful, though, it evoked some deep thoughts. I loved the ending

[naehja]

ok little idea that i shared with @officersnickers on pm =)

It all start when the demons decide to choose one woman in all the ones who are pregnants OR who gave birth to a baby in less of a year (so a baby who has not been sent in an orphanage for now).

Why? Because of a anniversary of the promise, for exemple, and one demon suggest to free ONE woman and her born (or still unborn) baby. The queen is not happy but she thinks that nothing will assure that the baby will be a good student and will have good scores so…she just decided that one woman will have two more baby to compense the lost of these two.

They decide to limit the choice at Grace Field: So a woman at the Grace Field headquarter, who is pregnant or who gave birth since less of a year.

You can guess, it's Isabella who is chosen. She has give birth to her baby since 6 months and was finishing her training before being sent to Grace Field House 3. She was going to be send to the orphenage in like...one week. One week later and she would have been removed of the selection.

One day she is given the new and can't believe it. She will have the chip in her heart and the one in her ear removed. Her tattoo will also be removed. And her baby will be given back to her, his own tattoo removed too.

One demon is very greedy and says "you are not forced to take your baby with you, you can leave him here if you want to forget everything about this life"

But Isabella, even if she is not especially attached (for now) to her baby who is the symbol of his captivity and slavery (or it's what she want to believe)... refuses to let him here (so it's a boy..she didn't know) because she refuses to let the demons win, even a little. She'll have the last word, she'll not let her baby between their claws.

So when she return of the surgery, without chip or tattoo, she sees, in her room, in a cradle, a baby with some black hair on the head and a bandage on the neck, where was his tattoo, who has been removed too. He cries because he suffers of the removal of ther tattoo but as soon she takes him in his arms, he calms down immediatly.

Like if he recognized her.

Or maybe (probably) because he just wanted attention.

The Ratri clan offers her a appartement, they help Isabella to have a diplome ir two and also help her to find a job, they give her a bank account with a nice sum in it, and then, they leave her alone, in the human world, free.

Years pass, Isabella get used to her freedom, to her new life. Ray grows up in a world where he'll never been in danger.

Sometimes, he does nightmares where he sees monsters, and sometimes he touches his neck but there are nothing here, right? Why he feels weird about it...he doesn't understand.

When he's 6, Isabella feels happy, really happy. In another life, her son's life would now be at risk to be ended any months. Even if he's smart and would have probably survived until 12 years old. The thought of "he'll live past his 12th birthday" comes at her and she starts to cry, and Ray panicks "mum what's wrong?"

Now he's 8 and they speak about Ray's nightmares who come back so often. Isabella admits everything to him and he can't believe the luck they have had. He doesn't resent her, he can't blame her because he knows she loves him and he loves her too. And she looks so sad when she speaks about it....

He's almost 12 and she smiles because Ray will live, will grow up, will become a teenager and then a adult. no woman will take him to a gate to be killed and he'll never been eaten by a demon.

(Meanwhile Norman discovered the secret of the orphernage, but has bveen shipped to Lambda and Emma has lead the escape alone, with Don and Gilda and maybe another kid who took Ray's place? Maybe a kid who will sacrify his life for her at Goldy Pond?)

(After that, everything is the same except that Ray isn't here)

When Ray is 13, one day, a lot of children and adults with tatoos appears everywhere in the world. Isabella has flashbacks and wonders what happens. And then her son comes back with a unconscious girl with ginger hair. He finds her in the forest near of their home he says.

The girl wakes up, but her green eyes are full of confusion and she doesn't remember anything.

Isabella has now a house with four bedrooms (she had started to think about having another kid, just a thought for now) and offers one to the girl.

Months later, a lot of kids find her and call her "Emma". but she chooses to stay with Isabella and Ray because she got attached to them. And she enjoys to lives with them.

Everyone is confused to learn that Isabella and Ray WERE former cattle people but have been spared by the demons for some weird reasons.

"but why? Why you?"

"Actually i have never got a reason from them"

Everyone is even more confused to see Ray so attached to his mum (even knowing everything) because they have mixed feelings toward the one who raised them. She loved them but she had shipped so much of their siblings.

I shared this idea but i don't plan to write it. So if you are inspired...feel free to take it =)

[daydreamgoddess14]

My bad habits lead to you pt. 5

MASTERLIST

Sequel to We lie awake in love and fear

From a prompt by @lilacmermaid25:

5 times Ted returns from Kansas for a wedding, one time he returns 'just because'.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Here we go... nearly at the end now. Sorry in advance for the cliffhanger! 😘

Chapter 5

Colin and Michael - New Year's Day 2025

From: rebecca.welton@richmondafc.com

To: henlasso@gmail.com

Date: 31st November 2024

Subject: Stuff

Hello Henry,

Thanks for your email, I hope you've recovered from Thanksgiving? How's the TIE Fighter coming along? You'll have to send me a photo next time. I was thinking of getting a Millenium Falcon for Christmas but I'm not sure your mum would want it taking up her house! Maybe I can get one and you can keep it here. I'm sorry to hear about your dad and Marie, you were right - he didn't tell me. I hope he's OK, he told me what you said when you came over last time. He wants to be close to you, and I can't blame him - you're so much fun to hang out with! Next time you visit we'll have to plan some days out - as long as you don't mind me tagging along?

Speak to you soon!

With warm regards, Rebecca

(Hi Michelle, of course I don't mind, it's lovely to hear from both of you. I sometimes wonder what might have happened if Ted hadn't been so stubborn in keeping his UK and Kansas lives so separate. Take care, R)

From: henlasso@gmail.com

To: rebecca.welton@richmondafc.com

Date: 7th December 2024

Subject: Christmas 

Hey Becca (can I call you that? Dad does so…?),

I hope you're ready for Christmas? I can't wait to visit again, I hope I can get dad to agree to take me in the spring. It would be so cool to have a Millenium Falcon! But it is huge, mom said it could live at yours and we can build it together when I visit. I asked mom whether I could visit more but she said it's up to my dad. 

Thanks for the Roblox credits! There's a way cool new game on there I want to try!

Love H xoxo

Hey Rebecca, at this point I think Henry’s ready to hop on a plane alone to visit. He misses Richmond so much! I think I'll join him! It's a shame Ted can't understand that it's not just about where he is. I'm guessing you haven't spoken to him recently but he's probably less present a few blocks away than he was 4000 miles away. How can I persuade him that home isn't a place? After what I've heard about/from Marie, I get it now. It's you. Will keep trying, but you know how stubborn he is! Speak soon, Chelle xo

From: rebecca.welton@richmondafc.com

To: henlasso@gmail.com

Date: 18th December 2024

Subject: Christmas 

Hi both! 

Did you get the Christmas box OK? Just some things for both of you. The Falcon is safe in my office ready for when you visit! 

You're both welcome to visit whenever you want - without Ted if you wish! 

(Here’s the boring bit for mum! If only you knew the things I suggested to him. Schools for both of you - anything you wanted or needed. I know it was too much to ask of you though. Just as I'd never ask Ted to leave Henry, he'd never ask you to uproot your lives in Kansas. It's not about me, I know this is the sacrifice he believes he needs to make as a parent.)

We had a crazy Christmas party this week - Isaac dressed as Santa again and we somehow managed to get Jamie to dress up as an Elf! I've sent some of the tamer pictures for you, but it did get wild! Nate has got a new Karaoke machine and it gets a bit of a workout every Friday after training. I’m pretty sure it’s just so Roy can go and do some work in peace though and he knows they won’t bother him. I’m going to Leslie’s for Christmas dinner this year, but first I have to go and take some gifts to some families in the community. I’ll pop in and say hello to Mae for you, H - she asks after you all the time! She suggested one of the gifts in your box - I wonder if you can guess which one?!

Love, Becca (of course you can call me Becca, darling. I love it!) xxx

From: henlasso@gmail.com

To: rebecca.welton@richmondafc.com

Date: 24th December 2024

Subject: Christmas 

Hi Becca,

Merry Christmas!

Your gift box was way too generous - thank you! Henry loved all of it - especially the dart board! And I'm so grateful for the things you included for me, you really shouldn't have! 

Hen told his dad that we'd been mailing you, I think he was a little surprised! 

I don't think you overstepped by looking into schools etc. It just shows how much you care for Ted - for all of us, really. Things were obviously a bit strained at the time with Jake around. Turns out he wasn’t as great as I thought - always the way!  

Have a great Christmas & hopefully we'll get to see you soon. 

Love, Chelle & H xoxo

~~~~~~~~~

Rebecca beamed at her inbox, the month she’d spent exchanging emails with Henry and Michelle had been lovely - her responses had gotten less and less formal and she’d really been able to see Michelle in a new light. Though she hadn’t heard from Ted personally and therefore wasn’t supposed to know about his split with Marie, she was grateful that Henry had told her. It had brought her so much joy to send a huge gift basket over to them for Christmas. She’d laughed hysterically at the thought of Henry and Michelle trawling through the big box with gifts for both of them while Ted looked on utterly bemused. She’d sent a box to him too, a separate one with new LASSO Richmond shirts - she hadn’t taken him off the staff workwear order list so every few months a handful of new training polos arrived for him, she’d taken to sleeping in them. She’d also put a really great picture of the two of them from Keeley and Roy’s wedding where they’d been laughing together in the box along with the snacks she knew he’d come to love which he couldn’t get in the US. She’d had the guru in the IT department burn a CD for her - to their horror - of songs she’d noted that reminded her of Ted. She could picture him driving Henry to school and the Macarena coming on. She’d had a wonderful Christmas dinner with the Higgins’ and members of the team who didn’t have family locally. Since the year when everyone had descended on his house, the event had remained popular and once she’d done her gift deliveries she’d joined them. She’d taken photos of the huge table - the surfboard needed to be used again, selfies with half the team and Julie, and sent them to Ted. She’d video called Keeley, Roy and Jamie who’d had a quiet morning but were expecting Phoebe for a sleepover, she’d caught up with her mother, Sassy and Nora and exchanged messages with Trent. By 10pm she was back home and exhausted. She poured a large glass of wine and took it to her sitting room where she could put her feet up and Netflix on. Her phone buzzed on the arm of the sofa with a call from Ted.

“Hello stranger. Merry Christmas.”

“Hey Becca, Merry Christmas. Sorry it’s been a while.”

“I’ll forgive you. How’s your day going?” She checked her watch, late afternoon for Ted.

“So far so good. Been at Michelle’s with Hen and both of our moms.”

“Hmm… ouch?”

“Something like that. I keep running into Michelle in the kitchen trying to hide from them. Henry keeps dragging us back in so he doesn’t have to handle them alone.”

“Poor boy, you can’t do that to him!”

“Good job someone sent him a heap of lego to keep him busy?”

“If you think that’s a lot of lego, you should see my home office.”

“You didn’t have to, you know?”

“I wanted to. Henry means a lot to me, he deserves to be spoiled.” 

“And Michelle?  I didn’t realise my ex wife and my… you had gotten so close.”

“My you? We’ve made a connection, that’s all. And I remember you said she’d heard about my skincare routine so I thought I’d send some products. One of those luxuries she’d never purchase for herself.”

“At 200 dollars a bottle?”

“Ted, we’re in our forties, I have no intention of looking like my father when I get to 70 and ‘m sure neither does Michelle. We have to take care of ourselves.” He didn’t respond. “Ted, are you mad that your ex wife and son and I are emailing each other?”

“No. Yes. I don’t know. Why does it feel like you’re all conspiring against me?”

“We would never do that. I don’t know what kind of woman you think I am, Ted, but I distinctly recall telling you that I would never influence your choices when it came to Henry. And Henry and Michelle are looking out for you.”

“Some would call it meddling.”

“Some would call it loving you. If you’re going to be a prick, I’m hanging up. It’s Christmas day and You’ve Got Mail is on.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right. Of course Henry isn’t meddling, he’s a kid.”

“He knows more than you give him credit for. He knows his own mind, and he knows when the people he loves aren’t happy.” Silence again. “Are you coming over next week? For the wedding?”

“Of course, I’ve got a streak to maintain.” Rebecca choked on her wine. “In that, I haven’t missed a Richmond wedding yet?”

“Right, that streak. Well Colin is very excitable. Everyone is looking forward to seeing you.”

“I’m surprised they’re not sick of me. Is it me or has there been a lot of weddings since I left?”

“No, there has. Keeley and I were talking about it. They all seem to be happening in very quick succession. I’m ready for a break from them now. But you know us, any excuse for a good party.”

“True.” He mused. "How've you been?"

"Good, I've not long gotten back from Leslie’s. Half the team were there, it was a lovely day. Thierry is awful at charades and Richard brought his new Victoria's Secret model girlfriend."

"Sounds fun, what's she like?"

"Oh she's lovely, she's doing a PHD in mechanical engineering. The modelling is just a side hustle."

"Sounds like the premise for a romcom."

"It does, doesn't it? Suffice to say all of the boys were very enamoured with her. Though I think she's far too smart for them."

"Someone I know is remarkably similar, actually."

"Keeley? That's what I said."

"You, sweetheart."

"Don't be silly."

"Underestimated by anyone and everyone."

"Except you."

"Oh I'm definitely stupid enough to have underestimated you in the past. I try to avoid it now." She heard hushed voices in the background of the call, "hang on a sec." She waited for a minute and her phone beeped with a request to switch to video. She accepted and the screen filled with Ted and Henry. 

"Henry!"

"Becca! Merry Christmas!"

"You too! Having fun?"

"Both grandma's are asleep on the sofa. I came to get dad to do some lego."

"You guys had better run then! Can't miss out on lego."

"Have you had a good day?"

"I have, thank you, all the better for seeing you though!"

"Mom says hi, she's starting the book you sent her."

"That's wonderful, darling. You've still got the rest of the day to have fun, it's nearly bedtime for me." Ted watched back and forth, first surprised by Henry calling her 'Becca', then by her calling him 'darling'. "I'll let you both go, thank you for calling me. It was so lovely to hear you both. Ted, I'll see you in a few days? And H, we'll work on a Spring visit? See you soon my love!" She said with a wink.

"Go choose a lego set, Hen, I'll just say goodbye to Becca." Henry disappeared from view, "A Spring visit?"

"We've got some great days out planned. You should join us." Rebecca said with a smirk.

"You're trouble."

"Only occasionally."

"I'll see you in a few days."

"You will. Goodnight, Ted. Merry Christmas."

"Goodnight, Bec. Merry Christmas."

~~~~~~~~

Ted was due to arrive the day before New Year's eve. Rebecca and Keeley had planned on attending the match late afternoon on New Year's eve and then a low key team celebration to see in 2025. Roy had given strict instructions for everyone to have a tame night, nothing wild or crazy, so that they could all be fresh and ready for Colin's wedding. 

"Come on, Jamie!" Rebecca roared alongside Ted as Jamie received the ball from Dani and found space through the center of the pitch. They were 2-0 down and the second half had just started. They needed three goals in the next 45 minutes to avoid struggling in the second half of the season. He hit the post and Rebecca growled in frustration, the ball bounced back towards Sam who managed to get it under control and take a shot of his own. Nelson Road went crazy as Sam's shot found the goal. Rebecca was on her feet, as were Keeley and Ted. The ball was barely back in play when Dani took a shot of his own to make it 2-2.

"I don't know whether I like watching from up here more, or down by the pitch. I didn't realise how excited you get." He said with a knowing grin. 

"Ted, this is nothing - I thought she was going to run down to the pitch during your last game!" Keeley laughed. The match frustratingly slowed down and Richmond were unable to score again, luckily neither did the other team so they settled with a tie. Beard did some complicated math over dinner at Ola's and tried to come up with the various combinations of final standings until Rebecca took his notebook away with a glare, 

"We are 5 months away from the end of the season. We're only halfway through." She sat back down next to Ted and stashed the book into her bag. Isaac's hand came down to knock on the table. 

"Get the karaoke out - Jamie's gotta sing Britney!" he ordered. 

"Why?!"

"You hit the post. Thems the rules bro."

"Nah man, we got the goal!"

"Sammy got the goal. You got the post. Sing for me, pretty boy." Jamie cursed and grumbled while Nate set the machine up. He soon warmed up to his audience and treated them all to a rendition of Toxic - complete with saucy dance moves. 

"It's no Macarena, but that boy can dance." Ted pointed out. 

"One day, I'm sure he'll teach you how to Macarena if it means that much to you." Rebecca soothed. 

"I'd rather learn it from you. Them hips definitely don't lie, honey." They’d hardly left each other's side since he arrived at Nelson Road just in time for the match, they'd also not said a word about Marie. Rebecca could feel the knowledge that he was single coursing through her veins, it both put her on edge and comforted her all at once. It seemed to put more tension between them. Should anything happen, neither of them would be in the wrong this time, but the arrival and departure of both Matthijs and Marie hadn't never really been the issue. They'd just been disguising the original blocker of Ted's move back to Kansas. The karaoke continued despite Roy trying to tame them all. When it became clear that Colin and Michael were also up for a party, no one else had any excuse to leave early. If the grooms wanted to sing karaoke the night before their wedding then the team wouldn't let them down. After much persuasion from Rebecca and Keeley - who'd both worked their way through the Spice Girls back catalogue - Ted was finally on stage. He'd refused to sing alone though so Keeley cued up a duet for him to share with Rebecca. 

Don't go breaking my heart

I couldn't if I tried

Honey if I get restless

Baby you're not that kind

Don't go breaking my heart

You take the weight off of me

Honey when you knock on my door

Ooh, I gave you my key

They bumped hips in time to the music, Rebecca’s arm over his shoulder and a shared microphone between them. Around the room, the team loved every second. 

Woo hoo

Nobody knows it

But when I was down

I was your clown

Woo hoo

Nobody knows it

Right from the start

I gave you my heart

Oh-oh

I give you my heart

Rebecca pointed at Ted, singing every word to him. He joined in, laughing and spinning her around. Jamie watched curiously,

"Ey, are they together or what?" He nudged Roy.

"Fuck if I know." 

"I mean, they look like they're together. They act like it. Do ya reckon they've fucked?"

"Course they have." Despite having asked the question, Jamie still nearly fell off his chair in shock. 

"Fuck offffffff! How'd you know?"

"Cos I fuckin' know."

"Keeley told ya dint she?"

"No, she wouldn't tell me anything. I guessed. And I had to go back to our room at Beard's wedding so I overheard them. Scarred me for life."

"Obviously dint scar ya that much, me an Keeley had a great night." He teased. "I can't believe it. I mean, I can, it's just weird to think about."

"Too weird to think about?"

"Too fuckin weird."

"What's weird?" Keeley asked, squeezing between them. 

"Ted and Rebecca fucking."

"That's not weird. That would literally be the hottest thing in the world. I'd combust."

"Hang on, hang on, you've got us… but you wanna watch that?" Jamie asked, affronted. Keeley nodded her head, 

"Duhhh! Anyway, it's nearly midnight so get ready for a snog boys!" Sam managed to wrestle the microphone from Beard and gave them a two minute heads up. He switched the speakers to the radio for the countdown and went back to drag Simi away from the bar where she was lining up row after row of shots. Ted returned to Rebecca after catching up with Nate for a while. 

"So, boss-"

"Not your boss, Ted."

"If you say so. Who ya kissing at midnight? Keeley Jones-Kent? Beardo the Weirdo?"

"You?"

"Me? You sure about that?"

"I'm not fully convinced, but I don't exactly have long left to find an alternative." Ted turned to face her. 

"You want an alternative? How 'bout Dani?"

"Hmm. Both girlfriends are here."

"Jan?"

"You?" She suggested again, an exasperated smile forming. 

"Back to me again, huh? Wow you're really limited on options." In the background, the team were counting down. 

"Oh, I think you might be the best option." She leaned in towards him, 

Six, five, -

"In fact, you're the only option."

Four, three, two, -

She hesitated briefly halfway to a kiss, but of course, he met her in the middle. 

One! Happy New Year!

The noise of their family around them faded into the background as Ted's hand cupped the back of her head and his fingers tangled into her hair. He pulled her closer, sliding along the bench to bridge the gap between them. 

"Happy New Year, Becca." He whispered, resting his forehead against hers. 

"Happy New Year." She went to lean back in to kiss him again, "Will you come back with me tonight?"

"Sure will, sweetheart, if that's what you want?"

~~~~~~~

The party quickly began to fade with the new year coming in. Colin and Michael left to try and get some rest before the next day. With Leslie, Julie, Trent and the other older members of the group heading out, Rebecca and Ted decided to join them. They all jumped into a selection of waiting Ubers, calling out goodnight, blowing kisses and looking forward to the wedding. No one said a word when Ted got into Rebecca’s cab. She leaned against him in the back seat, her hand on his thigh and his hand tracing patterns down her arm. At her house, he helped her out of her coat and followed her upstairs where he unzipped her dress. She sat on the edge of the bed while he removed her high heels, a hand stroking up her calf. She pulled the dress up and over her head, leaving her in the lingerie set she told him she brought with him in mind. He sat back on his heels with a smile.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you," she said shyly. "I missed you." She reached out for him. "I've had enough of quick, stolen moments."

"Tell me what you need, baby?"

"I need you to make love to me, Ted." He stood up to remove his clothes while she watched. He blushed, but she pulled him towards her by the waistband of his boxers and kissed a line from one hip to the other. She palmed the hard line in his boxers but he gripped her wrist before she could touch him any more. He pushed her gently back onto the bed, still holding her wrists, and raised them above her head. 

"Keep those hands right there for me, honey."  He muttered against her skin, then he kissed a hot path down her body, his mustache scratching against her stomach and hips. "I just realised the most terrible thing." He said, pulling her lace knickers down. He pulled her thighs apart and dragged her down to the edge of the bed. "I haven't gone down on you since the first time."

"That can't be true." She whined as he licked through her folds. He stopped to reply, making her moan with the loss of contact. 

"Sure is baby, it's been more than a year of quick, stolen moments, remember?" Before she could reply again, his mouth was on her clit and he was pumping two fingers inside her. He had her on the edge almost immediately, knowing exactly where and how she needed him. She came hard, her hands still above her head but frantically gripping the sheets. He didn't let up as she came, he continued to suck and tease her until her thighs clenched around him again. Unable to touch him with her hands, she ground her hips against his mouth, desperate for more contact, more of him. He took his time so he could really see her fall apart, he'd missed being able to drag it out for her - they’d had such little time together. When he released her clit with a pop, she moved her legs and reached to pull him up the bed. "Where d'ya want me, sweetheart?" He asked, hands coveting her body, biting a nipple through her bra. 

"Sit up." He did as she asked, back against the headboard. She straddled his lap and wasted no time in sinking down onto him. 

"Hmm, thought we were taking our time?" He asked, grunting into her collarbone as she settled. She stopped moving, 

"Maybe you were. Shall I go slow?" She teased, bringing his face up to her. She ground her hips so slowly, it was like she'd barely moved at all. They both groaned deeply. She fucked him slowly, languidly, rising and falling onto his cock at an agonising pace. The friction against her clit was exquisite each time she rolled her hips. The tension built until they were both mumbling each other's names and little else. Rebecca captured Ted’s mouth in a filthy kiss, sending them both over the edge as he gripped her hips tightly while he spilled inside her. He held her against him as they caught their breath.

"Fuck, Becca. I love you." They fell asleep together quickly, knowing that for the first time in over a year, they'd also wake up together. Their morning together reminded Rebecca of the morning after their first time - right before Ted had left. Before Matthijs, before Marie. She woke to him spooned around her, hands roaming her body. He pulled her leg back to hook over the back of his knee and open her up to him. His hand snaked across her waist, dipped to guide himself into her and then rolled around her clit until she reached behind her to pull him into a messy kiss. Then in the shower, he’d gotten to his knees while she was trying to wash her hair. In the kitchen, bent over her kitchen table, just as he’d dreamed about. And then finally, on the stairs before they left for the wedding.

~~~~~~~~

Rebecca watched Colin fiddle with his tie again. The young Welshman looked more nervous than she had ever seen. She couldn't hold herself still any longer. She passed Ted her bag and brushed past him. It was only a few steps to the front of the room where she took his hands away from his tie and held them gently. Ted watched her smile at the young man, she talked quietly to him as she released his hands, unknotted and retied the tie. She kissed his cheek, also turned to Isaac alongside him, and held his hand for a second before popping back to her seat.

"Soccer mom." Ted teased. 

"Fuck you."

"Please do. That was very sweet, is he OK?"

"Have you not had enough of me since midnight?" she asked, eyebrows raised. "He's nervous. He'll be fine. The very public declarations of love are the hardest part." Michael appeared in the doorway, appearing far calmer than Colin. 

"There's no such thing as enough of you." He whispered. Once again, Rebecca cried during the ceremony while Ted supplied tissues and held her hand. Once the ceremony was over, the attendees headed toward the bar. Colinand Michael had chosen a lovely boutique hotel in central London for their venue, both families had descended en masse along with seemingly all of Richmond. 

“Someone had a good night.” Keeley said to Rebecca while Ted was at the bar with Roy and Jamie.

“Are we talking about you guys? Because, I would probably pay to watch that.”

“Aww babe! I’d let you watch for free. I meant you though.”

“You’re too kind.”

“You’re glowing. The kind of glow that only comes from about 5 orgasms.”

“Pretty sure it was more like 7 or 8.” Rebecca muttered.

“Fuck me!”

“I’m a bit tired actually, can we reschedule?” 

“I’m not surprised you’re tired! How are you still standing?!” Keeley asked gleefully.

“No idea. Gin and the promise of more?”

“Yeah that’d probably keep me going too. So are you… together? Giving it a go?” Ted was on his way over with Roy and the drinks.

“No idea, haven’t talked yet. Mostly just fucked.” Rebecca managed to admit just before they were in earshot.

“Hi Ted!” Keeley greeted him with a knowing grin. “Get back to Mae’s ok last night?” She asked innocently.

“Hey Keels,” he kissed her cheek, “did you guys have a good night? I stayed at Rebecca’s last night, shared a cab y’know. New Year's Eve, crazy Uber prices and all that.”

“Hmm yeah. I mean, it’s not like you’re both filthy rich or anything. Who needs to spend an extra 30 quid on a taxi, that would just be reckless.” She raised an eyebrow. Rebecca cleared her throat.

“Excuse me, I’m just going to the ladies. Keeley?”

“Nope, I’m good right here thanks babe.” Rebecca hesitated,

“Sure?”

“Yep, off you pop.”

“What is it with you two and off you pop?” Ted questioned as Rebecca disappeared from view.

“I’m asking the questions here, pal.” Keeley spun to face him. “What’s going on?” Ted had a caught in the headlights look about him.

“I… don’t know?” Roy stood behind Keeley shaking his head.

“Wrong answer. You’re in for it now.”

“Wrong answer. You’ve got this whole perfect boyfriend vibe going on since you arrived yesterday, loving on her like you two haven’t been torturing each other for over a year. And she told me about last night. Or this morning. Whichever, whatever.”

“Keeley, I-”

“I want to make sure that you’re not going to hurt her. You have no idea how brightly she shines when you’re around - those little infrequent visits and the hot, sneaky sex and then you bugger off back to Kansas and it’s like she’s not sure of herself.”

“She always shines.”

“She does, yes. But when you’re here it’s… honestly it’s something else. And maybe you don’t see it, but when you’re not here there’s a piece missing.”

“Let me guess, the lemon in the gin? The salt in the tequila?”

“Yes! See - you do get it!”

“Beard said something similar. So did Becca, actually. But they were referring to…” he gestured around the room, the team. “All of this. Everyone.”

“It is everyone, don’t get me wrong. But we all have something, someone. I’ve got Roy and Jamie, Leslie’s got Julie, the team are the team. We all pulled each other along when you first left and we got by, but you just don’t see how much harder it is for her. Going home alone every night? She’s the only one with no one.” Ted looked down into his whiskey. “I, we,” she looked around the room, “care too much for her for her to be alone. We care too much for you too.”

“I’ll bear that in mind. Thanks Keeley.”

“I love you , Ted.”

“I love you too, hon. You’re the best.” He put an arm around her.

“Don’t fuckin’ tell her that, she’ll get a big head.” Roy groaned. “She’s already got enough people under her thumb.”

“Including you, baby!” Keeley replied with a wink and a finger gun.

“Oh god, are we telling Keeley how great she is again?” Rebecca rejoined them.

“I’m the best, apparently.” The younger woman beamed.

“Yes you are, darling. I certainly can’t live without you.” The party soon got into full swing, despite hangovers from the previous night. With Keeley’s comments echoing in his mind, Ted focused on Rebecca. Slow dancing with her, joining her with the team and staying by her side. No one questioned it, no one asked what they were to each other. He stayed at her house again that night. He made her a cup of brown water in the morning to take back up to her in bed, eager to get back to her.

“Goodness me! Ted, you nearly gave me a heart attack!”

“Mornin’ Deborah, nice to see you again.”

“Good morning. Nice to see you’re wearing clothes.”

“Yeah well, Rebecca warned me you have a habit of dropping by unannounced. I’ll go and get her.” They spent the day together, went out for dinner with the coaches, their partners, Leslie, Julie and Trent. Rebecca could almost believe that it was real, that this was their life together. She watched as he packed up the small suitcase he’d retrieved from Mae’s after apologising to her for not once sleeping in the bed he’d paid for. She sat cross-legged in the center of the bed wearing one of his coaching t-shirts. He’d found the drawer full and she’d had to come clean about why she had them. 

~~~~~~~~~

The following morning, he left her with a kiss at the front door to go to the airport. She managed to wait all of 20 minutes before she was hurriedly dressing and following him out of the door. Habit again saw her purchasing another first class ticket.

“Well this feels a lot like deja vu.” He said, stepping away from the ticket desk. “Another first class ticket? Where for this time?”

“I need to say something.” She replied nervously. “I didn’t say it last time, I was too scared. But I can’t let you leave again without saying it. We’ve both ruined potential new relationships because we can’t seem to let go of whatever this is. I need you to know that I love you, Ted. I love you more than anything in the world and I’d do anything if you’d stay. I want-” her voice broke over her tears as she voiced everything she hadn’t said previously. “I want you to come back to me. I want you to come back for me. If it means I spend half a year in Kansas with you, I’d do it. Whatever it takes, I need you to know that I’ll be all in, just say the word. But we can’t keep doing whatever this is. I love you too much to keep stringing this along. I love Henry too much to take you away from him. So we either find a way, or we don’t.” He stepped forwards to hold her as she cried in his arms again. 

Last call for passengers to Paris, France.

“Let me… let me think. Let me talk to Michelle and Henry. God, sweetheart I’d give anything to be selfish right now, but I can’t. I love you, Rebecca. I’ll love you forever, but I need to figure this out first.” She nodded through her tears, her fingers holding onto his until the last moment as he stepped through the gate to his waiting flight.

[periwinckles]

THE TRAIN BACK TO TWELVE - CHAPTER 13

Week 6- Thom (part 2)

“How many of you?” Cyrus asks, as we circle around the clairing, Purnia leading the way through a well trained path.

“Thirty six, the night we left. We lost twelve in the first twenty four hours. We buried them in the clearing.” She says, pointing out to our right. “Three more, a couple of days later. There’s twenty one of us now.”

I’m following behind, Cyrus and Purnia walking side by side. They walk purposefully, almost in sync. Purnia’s talking to him, but she’s keeping her voice loud enough for me to hear. She looks behind her shoulder towards me, several times, until Cyrus’ tells her off.

“I told you can trust him.”

“I figured as much, when I saw you were bringing him along.”

It feels completely surreal. Twenty one survivors. Not that many when you think of how many died, but still. It’s twenty one more who managed to escape that terrible night.

“We were all on the south side of the district. The bombs hit town... there was fire everywhere... we couldn’t cross the square. That’s when Max and I gathered as many as we could and headed out this way.”

“Max is alive?” Cyrus asks incredulously. Another peacekeeper I take.

“Yeah. Lupo and Claudia, too. And Felix, Marcus, Julian and Adria.”

“All peacekeepers?” I finally ask.

“Those I mentioned, yeah.” She answers back, turning to me. “But the rest are mostly Seam folks. We have a couple of merchants too. Plus one of the school teachers.”

I think I'll never forget the panic around us that night. Her story makes sense. Those that were on the town square or close to it stood no chance. Rumor has it that the first bomb hit the bakery, the second one the Mayor's house. Seam residents had a heads up, but not by much, as soon the bombs started to hit there too. Only those that were far enough were able to escape, like Cyrus who was at the peacekeepers headquarters. I was one of the lucky ones too. I stayed home that

night, but being a single worker with no family and no house, meant I lived in one of the common

houses near the mines and not the Seam. Once I realized what was going on, I tried to reach the community home, but like Purnia said, once the fire started it was impossible to cross. The only way to go was out of the district.

“Unbelievable.” Cyrus breathes out. "Why didn't you show yourselves to us, once you figured out we were back?"

Purnia pauses, and I notice Cyrus eyeing a small group of boulders. I would probably miss it if not for his telling gaze. We've reached the bunker, apparently, but Purnia is in no hurry to get inside.

"First you need to understand what it was like for us. We managed to reach the bunker and we were completely oblivious to what was going on for days. We only came out to bury the dead. Then after a few days, Lupo managed to catch some radio transmission on the bunker's device. It took us a while to piece together the snippets of information we were getting, but we ended up figuring out District Thirteen was alive and leading everyone to rebellion. We considered making the trek there. We probably would have if it was just the peacekeepers."

She takes a sit on the ground and we follow her lead. I guess we won't be getting inside anytime soon.

"But you were scared the Capitol might get to you first, if you took the trip."

"We were. Most of them are just miners, untrained in the woods. We have a couple of teenagers too, and two kids, brother and sister, a 5 and a 7 year old. We thought it would be better to stay put."

I would have been too. Our own trip to the lake was more than eventful and that was just a few hours walk. District Thirteen managed to get to us, but what if we had to make the whole journey by ourselves?

"Then what?" Cyrus asks, urging her to keep talking. She takes a small stick from the ground and starts to draw random circles with it.

"A couple of months ago we lost communication. We thought the device might be faulty at first. We tried to bring it above ground, Lupo tinkered with it, and still nothing."

"The war ended on January fifteenth. That's why you stopped getting communications." I tell her.

"We guessed as much after a few weeks of radio silence. But we still didn't know who had won at this point."

The small laugh that comes out of my mouth is inevitable. I know they must have survived a lot of hardship to be here, but still. Hiding in a bunker until the war was done? That's a real piece of luck, right there. I would gladly trade with one of them.

"What made you move, then?" Cyrus asks curious.

"We were getting low on supplies. We sent two scouts to check on the district. It was deserted. But Victor's village was still standing."

Realization hits us both at the same time.

"You're the thieves."

Read the rest on Ao3

[solesommerso]

I would just like to request that you continue at some point to post more Zoe/ Street Werewolf au because I loved the first chapter. Thank you for all the hard work you put into your writing.

an alpha red || zoe powell & jim street

|| continuation from this moodboard post

|| tags : werewolves/supernatural au, alpha!street, background case, swearing, luca bashing but it’s not too bad

-

They work the case together, a simple drug bust that Zoe’s seen a million times from her brief time in narcotics. She had to move departments when the smells of everything started to give her pounding headaches, she switched to undercover work after that, much more her style. She’s always worked alone and doesn’t have many good experiences with a partner, but Street flows with her easily, they don’t run into any problems as they try and nail down guy who ran from their initial raid. Street tells her they’ll be done with the case soon, that he has faith in her skills, it’s refreshing to be lifted up by someone rather than put down.

Zoe wishes the rest of swat could be like that. Nobody else in the building seems to understand any of Powells actions or even what she’s trying to say, she’s critiqued on practically every move she makes, whether she means to be doing something wrong or not.

Luca’s the worst of it. Hicks and Hondo have loosened up a fair amount, but Luca can’t let go of the few stunts she pulled before she became an official swat officer. It’s annoying. Street must pick up on it when Luca walks in the room, his nose twitches and his eyes glance at Zoe for a split second too long.

“Did you guys get anything?” The storage unit they rummaged through was a big waste of time as all it was filled with was old childhood memorabilia from the main suspects past, all baseball caps, and funny enough, werewolf books. Street and Zoe both blissfully ignored those though, Powell only taking a minute to chuckle to herself at how badly written they were, well, from a real life werewolf perspective anyways.

“Nothing. What about you and Deac? Anything from the banks?” Luca shakes his head with a sigh, not even sparing a glance to Zoe as he starts to type away on the tablet he has in hand.

“Someone has to know where he went.” It just had to be the main suspect escaping from the raid, none of his “friends” are giving any information up either.

Zoe wishes she could grill them like she would when undercover, sure it was unethical and will probably send her to hell when she dies, but it was effective and her supervisors always looked the other way when her suspects came in with a black eye or bloodied lip. She never took it too far, never pushed someone that didn’t deserve it, and the bastards sitting in holding right now definitely deserve it. But that was before she was bit, she’s not sure if she has enough control to not take things too far now. Maybe Street can help with it.

“Hey we got a lead!” Hondos voice cuts through the room, Tan behind him with one of those smiles Zoe’s noticed he gets when he figured something out. Victor helped Luca train the recruits quite a few times so Zoe’s more familiar with him, he’s quiet but nice, the least prodding of the trainers she had to listen to all day.

“So, we know Blake’s parents are dead and have been dead, but Tan found an old house they all used to live at. It was bought under his mothers maiden name that’s why we didn’t catch it before.” The map of where the house is pops up on the screen, it’s on the outskirts of the city and far off from any other homes nearby, perfect place for a fugitive to hide.

“What are we waiting for?” Luca questions with more impatient than even Zoe herself, and she’s been waiting for this shift for months now.

“Hicks is getting the warrant then we roll out.”

“Is she coming?” The bitterness takes Zoe off guard, sure she knows Luca doesn’t like her but they had no issues this morning at the first raid.

The room stops with not even a breath being heard after Luca speaks. Street looks ready to snap and Hondos blinking in confusion so many times Powell suspects he’s never seen Luca be so outright hostile towards someone. She wills herself away from saying anything back, she could argue but todays supposed to be good, it needs to be, it’s her first real day on swat and she’s determined to make it good. The wolf in her is more hurt than her human side, she can feel the whimper pushing at her throat, the question of what she did to him, what’s warranted this all.

“Of course she’s coming, she’s been working the case all day.” Street’s tone is level and has none of the anger Zoe expected to hear considering his face being locked tight with irritation. Luca sputters a moment, twisting his lips, almost in disgust. She feels herself instinctively shrink down, she could get up in his face and start to yell, but that’s not what today is about. She just has to keep reminding herself of that.

“She was sloppy in the field this morning.” A beat passes before Streets arms go over his chest, his jaw somehow clenching harder, it has to be uncomfortable by this point.

“No she wasn’t, I was with her the whole time and she was fine.” There’s a look shared between Deacon and Tan, letting Zoe know this must happen more often than she assumed.

“Her footing was off going into the house.” It wasn’t, she knows it wasn’t. She made sure of it.

“Seriously? You want to bench her because of her footing being off? Get over yourself Luca.” Powell gasps small in surprise, both because having someone stand up for her is new, and because the sass Street just used was both shocking and iconic, she wonders if he gets like this a lot.

“It’s a valid reason!”

“Okay that’s enough, Powell isn’t getting benched and if her footing is off you can help her practice.” Hondo finally cuts in, shaking his head and rubbing a hand over his face before Hicks comes barreling in telling them to roll out.

Zoe lets Luca leave first, staying in her place behind Street but noting that his shoulders are still tense. Guilt twists in her gut, she’s already causing fucking problems, Street shouldn’t have to fight her battles or deal with any of this. He’s only ever been nice to her.

“Hey you didn’t have to do that.” She stops him just for a second, a hand on his shoulder that softens his pissed off expression.

“Your footing wasn’t off and you deserve to see this case to the end.” He says simply, as though it’s not the nicest thing she’s heard since moving to La.

“Thanks. Luca uh- doesn’t like me that much.” Her hand drops from Streets shoulder to rub at the back of her neck subconsciously, she hates already having someone dislike her. She’s never been one for trusting people or having many friends, but people usually tolerate her, assume she’s just quiet and shy, recognize that she’s smart and a good cop, that her being a loner doesn’t affect how good she is at her job. They don’t see her as fuck-up like Luca paints her.

“Well he should get over himself.” Streets eyes flash red, a bright red, an alpha red.

Zoe instinctively steps back and lowers her shoulders, she’s never met an alpha before, she’s read about them and how much power they hold but having one right in front of her is unreal. She’s never even met another wolf period, she doesn’t know what to do. But then Street blinks and the red is gone, almost looking regretful but she’s unable to read into it as Hondo’s pulling them to Black Betty.

[gogogoats]

Dragonblade Deep Dive - Chapter Nine

Chapter Eight

Still just me and my opinions and the growing need to defend Gunther.

Chapter Nine - Two for One

Jane and Dragon have been deliberating over whether or not to try unlocking the sword for “a while”. They go back and forth, agonizing over whether or not to try doing this thing that they have done countless times before. Like, we see Jane playing with the handle, twisting the runes, it’s not a big deal and in fact she’s probably done it so often absent-mindedly that I’m amazed she hasn’t accidentally unlocked many of it’s secrets. It’s basically a built-in fidget toy.

Anyway. Dragon is acting more like himself, Jane says it’s nice. Jane decides they will line up the runes and Dragon is worried it could be a lethal booby-trap. Jane says she knows the sword won’t hurt her just as she knows Jester would never hurt her or Smithy would never hurt his pig. She thinks that this will lead to them uncovering the history of dragons and that’s what they’re actually scared about.

Jane remembers which runes to line up, but not the order they are supposed to be in. This is the most drawn-out build-up to what I suspect is going to be a massive anti-climax. While Jane fiddles around with the sword, Dragon speculates about why a dragon would have made a dragon-killing sword for a human to use. Jane gets the order right, yay. After a brief labour, the sword gives birth to a dagger.

They admire both blades, which are extra light-weight now they are separated, and Jane swishes them around for a bit. Then she decides she must go into the cave to check on Robert. Sadly I don’t think she means to make sure he’s dead. She says she trusts him now and she wants to see the secrets he has for her. Dragon is against the idea but Jane says he promised to show her a true dragonblade if she proves herself worthy.

So now the teenaged-girl is running after the creepy adult man who lured her into a trap and took advantage of her isolation to disorient her, because she wants to prove her worthiness to him. Fabulous.

Back in the village, Jester and Gunther are still hiding near Magnus’ house, spying on Theodore and Haroldus. Jester can’t understand why Gunther would have confided anything in him, and decides that since he is a “schemer” and “cut from the same cloth” as Magnus, he must have a reason for doing so. Yes Jester, he had a reason. It was because you wouldn’t listen to sense or let him do what he needed to do without tagging along. But no, it must be because he’s a horrible person, as evidenced by none of his behaviour thus far. So nice to mention that he’s “not AS bereft of virtue” as Magnus, though! What a compliment!

Gunther is focused on the task at hand and notes that Theodore is fuming. Jester thinks he might be injured too, and Gunther agrees, deciding he must go to him at once, which he does.

Jester watches him go and reflects on him. He has always been a pawn of his father but he was also influenced by his training to become a knight. Jester has watched Gunther struggling to reconcile these two influences with admiration. Jester seems to have some very strong, very conflicting opinions about Gunther.

Suddenly, Jester is no-longer seized by the need to do whatever is necessary to learn what has happened to Jane. He doesn’t want to be around while Haroldus is being interrogated, and the need for answers about her location or safety has become less pressing. Instead he needs to go to the tavern and drink.

He tells the taverner he’s there to hide from Lavinia, takes his drink and sits in the corner, where he tries to solve the incomprehensible riddle of why Gunther would want to talk to someone about some of the crap his father is up to.

Jane is preparing to enter the cave, but it’s dark in there. Dragon sets a tree on fire and gives it to her so she can cut off a branch to use as a torch. She takes out the dagger, picks up her torch, ignores Dragon’s advice and heads in.

End chapter.

Overall impressions:

Really struggling to care about Robert and the cave. Kind of wishing that Jane and Dragon would just fly off and leave him there. I guess we’re supposed to wonder about how and where he learnt about Jane’s sword and how to unlock it. Was it his father who passed on the knowledge, or did he read about it somewhere? Will we ever find out? Eh.

Does Jester have a drinking problem? He woke up with a hangover this morning and he’s back at the tavern at midday because he needed a drink to help him think straight. Hair of the dog, maybe?

If one more character compares Gunther to his father, the father they KNOW has treated him badly, I swear. Why can’t he be his own person? Why can’t he see his father’s schemes for the horror show they are and want to confide in someone about it? His life is ruled and manipulated by this huge, evil, conniving monster of a man and Jester can’t figure out why he might need to talk about it sometimes?? You’re supposed to be the smart and insightful one, Jester! 

Times passed since start of novel: day two, afternoon

[psylockexs]

A starting point Pt. 1

While Mikhail and Niko went on their small visit, Lorelei tried to sort out things on her end. It was already hard enough that looking for Mikhail took over a month. Now, things were made harder with the fact that Lorelei didn't have any leads on what to do. She'd gotten Mikhail and Niko to see the bigger picture at least, but that was it. She had no idea how to contact the other people Maria had been scouting. Lore was truly at a loss 😮.

Knock, knock. Lore finished turning on the washing machine then went to answer the door. Min-ho stood there with a smile on his face.

Lore: nods for him to come in Did you smell my blood boiling with confusion?

Min: Kinda. walks in I could probably hear you thinking from here.

Lore: Well, you're right. Wanna think with me?

Min: I think better with music. You got something to play?

Lore: Hmm, would you like what I listen to?

Min: We'll see. Surprise me 😉

Lore puts on the player https://youtu.be/18zTOaTENLA?si=4W9hNS-OfsXBHUn4

Min: Ok I can definitely think with this.

The pair start dancing while chatting.

Min: So. What's on your mind?

Lore: I thought you'd be at your club at this time.

Min: Heh. I do have caretakers, you know. The break is appreciated.

Lore: Fair. So. We're here, home alone and bored. Sure you don't have any tricks up your sleeve? 😏

Min: Should be asking yourself that, heh.

Lore was trying to focus on dancing, but she couldn't take her eye off Min-ho's moves. Maybe cuz he was a club owner, he'd learnt some moves. Either that or he had training, but damn he could move. She hoped he didn't catch sight of her licking her lips 😬.

Min: Earth to Than! You there?

Lore: Oh, yeah. Sorry, your tats are just so interesting. Or I guess they're marks, right? Min: Haha, yes they're marks. You keep staring at them.

Lore: Ok, sorry pokes her tongue out

Min: Ha. shakes his arms out a bit So, you found the other people your mum herded up?

Lore: Sadly no. I could ask you to help but I don't know what they look like.

Min: That's too bad. So I guess you're stuck until inspiration hits?

Lore: Yeah- ding! Lore checks her phone. It's a text from Morgyn to meet at a set of coordinates. Well, maybe Mr Goody-Two-Shoes Caster will offer some insight.

Oh, he could offer way more than insight. Morgyn ported them to a house in an interesting region. It had the same vibes as the Forgotten Hollow, but a little lighter. Or at least this side of the world was lighter. A mature woman opened the door of the house whose coordinates were in Morgyn's text.

https://on.soundcloud.com/4NHnCwGy2YP29seEA

Woman: Mr Ember, thank you for agreeing to see me.

Morg: The pleasure is mine, Ms...?

Woman: Specter. Olive Specter. But please. There is no need for us to be so formal.

Morg: Heh, fair. As I mentioned in my message, I believe you could help me...or all of us...regarding our plans to keep Maria Erwin from secretly wiping us out.

Olive: Yes, so I've heard. This is the first time my goals have aligned with someone else's, let alone a Morrigan. looks to Lorelei with awe and respect

Lore: What, what about me?

Olive: You are hoping to foil your mother's plans, are you not? Well, I am also seeking something that must stay out of human hands. Our goals are the same.

Lore: So...

Olive: Please. Allow me first. Lore nods, then Olive continues What do you know about Tarot cards?

Min: Tarot? Don't psychics use those to render their visions into understandable words?

Olive: Very astute of you. But it is not only for psychics. Witches can use those cards to enhance or distribute their power as well. The deck that I seek is called The Deck of the Reaper. It's a deck of cards that were scattered to prevent humans from finding it...

Lore: But, given that humans are looking into supernatural things more than ever, the deck can be found?

Olive: Precisely. This deck is something that mustn't fall into human hands. A human could not begin to fathom the power of these cards.

Lore: But what does a deck of cards have to do with ruining my mum's plans?

Nyon: speaks with an accent similar to Lore's The last time I remember, Morrigan, your mother's plans and these cards are connected.

Lore: The last I remember, you look like you failed all your math exams 🤨.

Olive: And yet, he can divine several possibilities with a simple deck of cards. Don't underestimate this issue. In fact, I understand you need help with another piece of this puzzle, don't you?

Lore: Well...yes...I guess?

Olive: Well then. You can either daydream about bedding the hemomancer all day, or you can talk to me about these cards and how we, as a whole, need to find them.

Lorelei spluttered at Olive's choice of words. 🤭

Lore: WHAT? What are you talking about?

Min: Huh? What does she mean?!

Nyon tried his hardest not to laugh at Olive's words, but the latter fixed him with a hard stare. He still couldn't hold it. Here we are, with a terrible situation on our hands, and Lorelei is only thinking how hot the tattooed guy is? Hilarious!

Morg: Urgh. Ms Specter. The cards?

Olive: Ahem. Yes. Please follow me. leads them to a secluded room

🤔

[timeoverload]

I am so glad I got off work at 4:30 today. My boss gave me a lecture this morning about staying late too much. They don't want to pay me like $33 an hour to do that. It's not my fault and I don't want overtime anyway. I tried to explain that to her. She said I needed to leave early since tomorrow might be a little crazy. I told the evening team lead when I had to leave, and he got crabby about it. I told him that our boss told me that it looks bad when I am staying late and there are other people that leave early. I could tell he was mad about me saying that because he got quiet and walked away from me quickly. I know the evening shift people get to leave early a lot and my boss confirmed that. I asked my boss to talk to him after that because it made me anxious that he was upset with me. Everything seemed cool after she talked to him. I really wasn't trying to inconvenience anyone. I was just trying to do what I was asked to do. I was done with everything by 4 so it's not like he had anything to worry about.

Aside from that, today was pretty boring. I didn't have any cases this morning so I sat around and talked to my co-worker about random shit. I was glad that I could take my time eating breakfast, but my food was cold so that sucked. I didn't have much to do until 9:30 since the morning team lead took over an hour to get anything in the washer. He was training 2 people so I guess I understand. I wrapped totals until lunch. I didn't want to buy lunch because several people said it was horrible and I had a bad experience at breakfast. There's a new guy working in the cafeteria and I thought he was also sort of rude this morning. He was really projecting how much he didn't want to be there and he was not friendly. Hopefully he was just filling in for the lady that usually serves that food. I didn't have very many cases this afternoon either. I was ok with that. Nothing else interesting happened at work.

I was also happy that I got off early because I avoided getting stuck in the crazy storm we had. I got lucky. The clouds looked very ominous while I was walking to the car. It was nice that they were blocking the sun so my walk wasn't quite as hot and miserable. I still get worried about walking next to an empty field when it's lightening. The tree in the lot where I park got struck by lightening a couple weeks ago so I don't like that. It didn't start raining until I got home. The wind picked up really fast. I had just gotten comfortable and then the power went out. I was so upset. It didn't last very long. I had to turn everything back on. As soon as I got comfortable again, the power went out a second time. It was so frustrating. It didn't go out again after that so that's good. I don't know how much damage we have over here. I don't want to get up again right now so I guess I will find out later. As far as I know, all of our trees are still standing. My aunt texted me to check on us and she said that the trees by her house got torn up. I hope she doesn't have any other damage to her house. I think the worst part is past us now so I think I can relax.

I don't want to do anything now. I have still been feeling mopey. I probably will try to go to bed early again since I have a long day tomorrow. Hopefully it's a good day.

I hope everyone else has a good day too. 💖💖💖