#i'm glad that isaac came around in the end

[rockwgooglyeyes]

concept based on the “what if?” of “what if Ivan didn’t go back with Till when they ran away and instead ended up with the rebellion?”

(also based on this post from @alalnsted)

note: this is going off of the assumption that they were in their early teens during their escape attempt (~13-14)

While watching Till run back to the garden despite being given a chance at freedom, Ivan comes to the conclusion that nothing he can ever give Till will be enough. If nothing Ivan could ever offer Till would compare to Mizi, and he only annoys Till, then he has no real reason to stay. Ivan believes that Till will be happier without him around bothering him constantly and he will be forced to watch Till be in love with Mizi, as well, so he chooses to leave instead. He thinks of it as a selfish decision, leaving his friends and his beloved behind, but he also thinks that they will be better off without him, so it’s not that hard of a pill to swallow.

After leaving, Ivan kind of just drifts for a while before crossing paths with Hyuna, who he recognizes from the Garden. Hyuna recognizes him too and scoops him up off of the street because he reminds her of Luka and if she can take care of Ivan, and he turns out fine, then maybe that will mean that she didn’t fail Luka (and that she didn’t fail Hyun-Woo, by extension)

Taken under Hyuna’s wing, Ivan grows up into someone a little more crass and brusque than his charming persona in canon- as Para (@shakingparadigm) said, his child self is actually really close to his real self, and his child self is blunt, quiet and stoic- and I think that if Hyuna, Dewey and Isaac were some of the figures he was growing up around as a teenager, he would end up presenting more authentically insofar as he would kind of lean into that more brutally-honest side that we can see when he's a little kid. He might be a little more sarcastic and outright rude but he would still have some of his more playful nature we see in his canon adult self (after all, Hyuna’s definitely easygoing and witty, and she, Dewey and Isaac definitely seem like they enjoy just fooling around and shootin' the shit together)

Ivan becomes the rebellion’s bookkeeper! He would still be able to fight and go on missions himself but he would mostly make sure that the money and the documents are in order, allowing the rebellion to execute more covert missions and stay on budget. I just think he’s more of a strategist/planner than someone on the front lines.

At his canon age of ~22 (I think), the new ALNST contestants are announced and he realizes that Sua, Mizi and Till are part of that group, I think he would probably panic. The human rebellion in and of itself seems like it is focused on dismantling ALNST as an institution anyways so having a mission surrounding the upcoming season makes sense but Ivan initially removes himself from it, because it’s personal and he doesn’t want that kind of attachment to cloud his judgment. Hyuna drags him into it, either right before Round 1 or after Sua dies (I really don’t know if I want to keep Sua dying in or not because as much fun as it would be to have Sua, the whole point of this AU is kind of to have Ivan and Mizi both grow on their own, separate from their partners. Ivan would get to do that pre-ALNST and Mizi would do it afterwards). Ultimately, they save Mizi. She and Ivan have a tearful reunion. Though she isn’t happy with him for making her think he was dead, she forgives him.

Eventually they save Till, too, but that’s actually less important tbh. I mean. Ivan and Till have a reunion and Till is glad to see that Ivan is still alive and that Mizi is still alive and he has to work through his own guilt and Ivan is kind of just . . . tired because he might still be in love with Till but at the same time, he came to terms with the fact that Till would never love him back a long, long time ago and he’s way past hoping for something like that

I'm thinking of writing something with this idea but if anyone has any notes or ideas in regards to this AU please let me know! I have some doodles for it that I'm probably gonna post later today or tomorrow . . . who knows though haha

[missielynne]

CBS Ghosts Review: The Work Retreat

Like I've said in previous posts, *this* (compared to last season's less than thrilling effort about his brother) is how you do a story about Trevor Lefkowitz. In fact, I would even say it's *better* than the others in a way because he finally gets to hear positive things about himself and it's not just him finding out that his brother is kind of a weasel, or that his parents are divorced, or that his so-called "friends" didn't hesitate to throw his body in the lake after he died instead of helping him prevent it.

I thought his plan to get through the retreat was a really good one and it was nice to see Jay play along without belitting and insulting him along the way. (Although seriously, when is he gonna get over the whole Bela thing? I mean yeah, it's weird, but it was consensual! They were both into. If it were one sided I could see him justified in still being mad but it wasn't so I wish they would let that go.)

I also liked that since Jay had to play him, Trevor giving all the info showed that he was a really smart guy. I mean that's not my area but I bet it's not the easiest thing in the world to figure out and Trevor was a whiz kid at it.

And when he said the thing about Trevor being his mentor which led Trevor to learn that he really DID make his mark and have a positive effect just because he helped Pinkus...that almost made me cry. (And it was nice to get an update on him too. I hope we actually see him again in person to have him thank Trevor personally before the show ends.

Also, the character Sam came up with, and then having to be her "twin sister" when she forgot her accent was just so funny, as well as Jay's reaction to it.

Sas and Hetty are always a good team up, and the rumor was perfect since, as Nancy, his official "fake girlfriend" when needed, pointed out, it's not the first time something like this has happened for him. (And it was nice to see Pete get his comeuppance for all his bragging, even though I'm also glad he's comfortable enough with his powers now to brag about having them, considering how reluctant he was to use them in the first place after his disastrous first time out.)

I have to side-eye Isaac yelling at Pete and slapping him because he based his decision to leave Nigel on Pete's story about his supposedly fake girlfriend. Even if he HAD been lying, it was still Isaac's choice and Isaac's choice alone. Pete didn't directly tell him to do anything. And I wonder...since he was so torn up thinking he made the choice for false reasons...does that mean he still has feelings for Nigel and they might start Nisaac up again at some point? Or does "New hair, don't care", and how he was romping around at the end prove that he's past it? I wonder.

Love the Donna twist. I didn't see it coming at all, and since I usually love all the spoilers I can get, shows rarely surprise me. I really can't wait for the follow up with Pete going face to face with Murderer Donna.

Conventional wisdom would have him reject her since he's such a good, stand-up guy, but at the same time, we're all too aware that even hearing about Carol's betrayal is the one thing that can make Pete come close to being genuinely angry. I want it to be a bonding thing between them, talking about how horrible they thought their spouses were. I think going that route would be way more interesting.

I also loved seeing some of the Farnsbys' ghosts again. Hearing Nancy and Judy yell rumors at each other and insult people together just...I love it and I want more.

[hopefulromances]

one is on the other's lap, holding their face between their hands, kissing them and instantly forgetting everything else in the room with them + the espectacular sam obisanya and f reader pleaseeeee 😭🩷😭 I can't get enough of your writing

You were nervous. Sam was taking you to his team's annual Christmas party at a collegues house and everyone would be there. You loved Sam, you really did, but this was like jumping into the deep end of meeting friends.

Sam was walking a bit in front of you, his hand in yours leading you, telling your the names of all the people coming and a little bit about them.

So far you had Isaac, who was the team captain and acted tougher than he was, Richard, who would most definietly be bringing someone but would also try and flirt with you at the same time, Jan Maas, who came off blunt but meant the best, and Bumbercatch, who was convinced Christmas was just a corporate holiday made up by capitalists as a way to exploit people.

As you approached the house you found yourself overwhlemed by you nerves and stopping. Sam tugged slightly but then looked back and eralized you had stopped.

"(Y/N), do not worry," He reassured you, ducking his head to look you in the eye. "They are going to love you."

"But what if I say something wrong or, or, or, I'm not cool enough or whatever," you rambled, your eyes darting back and forth between his.

"I promise you that you are 100% cooler than anyone you'll see in there." Sam took you by your forehead and kissed you softly. "You're going to be great."

You smiled gratefully at him and squeezed his hand to let him know you were ready. It turned out, you fit right in with his friends. They all flocked to you immeditaly as you walked in, making sure to let you know that Sam talked about you all the time and that he was totally whipped for you.

At some point you'd gotten pulled aside by the host's, Leslie Higgins's, wife and she was talking to you about your home and family. You answered her questions graciously but kept looking over at Sam talking and laughing with his friends.

Finally, you had to excuse yourself to go talk to him. Sam saw you on approach and uncrossed his legs to make room for you to sit. You sat down so you were sideways on his lap, arms around his neck.

"So, how are you doing?" He checked, rubbing his hand up and down your leg.

You nodded at him, feeling quite content in his lap. "Good, your friends are all so kind."

You looked around at the group. Practically the whole team was there, all excited to be around each other and share in the many holidays they were all celebrating. It was so heartwarming to know how close the team was.

"They're a good guys," Sam agreed, following your gaze. "Even if they can be a little crazy from time to time."

His gaze lands on Isaac stacking empty beer cans as Richard is talking adamently to Jan Maas about something in french. You giggled as you looked at them. Sam gently brough his hand to your jaw, turning you back to face him.

"But I'm just glad that you are here," he murmured.

You smiled and brought your hands up to cup his face just as delicatly as he was holding yours. Then you kissed him and everyone else in the room vanished. It was just you and him. Forget angry frenchmen, forget the children running around playing with nerf guns, forget beer cans. Just you and Sam.

That was until you were being shot at by said nerf guns.

"No being gross at the dinner table!" One of the younger boys shouted, pointing their nerf gun at you.

"Hey! That's my girlfriend you're talking to!" He moved you off his lap gently and got up to start chasing them. You laughed, watching him run around the table.

[after-nine-at-the-oasis]

Quick post for Ghosts 3x03

I never got around to making the post but it's almost time for the next episode so let's do this lol

Hetty's scandalous artwork xD genuinely loved that lol, so good

And Nancy's comment xD she slayed that lol

Genuinely though, getting more Hetty backstory was amazing!! It's so sad what happened though :(( I know we know her dad was Not Good but it just sucks :(. And her poor man xd.

I am glad Isaac ended up not listening to her though lol. Like sure, protecting your money in many cases is totally valid. But also like. It's 10 thousand dollars and you're dead xD. What is either of you gonna do with it without the other's say so lol. It's not a deal breaker xD. Anyway, I love Isaac and Nigel with my whole heart thank you <33.

I knew Bela would start seeing him as a bad boy after lying to her xD. I'm glad she still stood up for herself though!! Also it's just wild that he came up with that lie in the first place 💀. Poor ghosts though, they were so happy and hopeful for a second xd. Anyway, I do think it would've been interesting to see them try and communicate it without Sam! But Sam coming back made for some hilarious moments lol. Her and Jay lying about it too was wild though 💀. And him throwing himself down the stairs xD man is out of control slfjdhs. Also naur the Flower mention 😭😭💔. Also oof for blowing his cover with that xd. I am glad Bela found out, though, she deserved to know. Also the biker being a ghost XDD. But nonetheless, I am glad she's still with a mostly good guy lol. Also why didn't Jay and Sam just try and convince her that made him a bad boy instead of keep up the lie lol xD.

And I genuinely kinda expected him to start seeing ghosts for real after his fall and not have anyone believe him for a hot second XD. Anyway lol!

Ahh right his name is Eric

I saw it when I was looking up a summary to make sure I wasn't missing anything xD.

Also, I loved seeing Thor and Sass watching Hetty's flashback! A their reactions were great lol, and B it's nice when we see the older ghosts in flashbacks :)! Helps everything more connected :D. Also I'm glad they managed to help because of it.

Anyway, Alberta, Pete, and Trevor also slayed <3 we just didn't see as much of them. Though of course there's still Trevor being hung up on Bela lol. Good for him I guess xD

Oh and the idea to bring Flower back with a seance!! I'll talk about that in a minute but for now just AAAHHHH that would be so slay :'D

I also watched the promo for the next episode, and WOW it looks wild lol. A seance, AND CAROL DYING?? I'm wondering if maybe she'll die but go up to heaven, and the seance will bring her down (briefly). But, who knows I guess ┐⁠(⁠ ⁠∵⁠ ⁠)⁠┌. I don't think we're going to see Flower, but it would be really nice :')). Especially for Thor :'D :'( 🥰🥰❤️. I miss her so much 🥺😭❤️. But, I'm just not sure that I believe we will.

Anyway, I loved this episode!! It was great :D. It was fun seeing Eric and Bela again, and thinking, if even just for a moment lol, there might be someone else who can see ghosts xD :). And it was great to see more of Hetty's life! Also, just, Nisaac <3. But yeah :DD! I had a lot of fun watching this episode :)).

I'll see y'all for the next one!!

[emberapatow]

ember runs into an unexpected familiar face, aka @vallaurent

The clinic was, once again, pretty quiet. Renee had been out for part of the day, so it was left up to Val to care for any incoming patients. Of which, so far, there had been very few. Just a few scrapes and bruises. Val had, luckily, taken one of her books with her to pass the time. Completely occupied with it, she only noticed that someone had entered Redwoods little clinic when she heard the footsteps coming up to her desk.

"One sec, hun, this is just getting interesting-" she called out, casting a quick glance upwards to check whether the person standing there was dying or in any state that would require her attention - which made her pause.

"Oh, Ember. Hey." Val smiled, a little bit awkwardly. Shaking off the surprise at seeing the other woman there, she closed the book. "What can I help ya with? Got hurt?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

Saying Val was the last person she expected wasn't fully true, if her mother or sister showed up suddenly at the clinic, that would have been more of a shock, but Ember certainly didn't expect the person to turn around to be Val, and it only really confused her more when the other seemed to be less of a surprise than it was for her.

"I-- Val. Hi," she stumbled over her words, blinking rapidly. The world was such a small place for sure. "It wasn't really me, there's a little girl outside, she fell and hurt her knees and I came in to get some bandages but-- I'm sorry, what are you doing here?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I work here?" Val responded, slightly surprised at Ember's confusion, before realizing that Ember probably had no idea that Val had even made her way to Redwood. Val knew everyone who came and went, because she knew how to get information out of people. But Ember hadn't been here for that long, and why would anyone mention to her that Val was here?

"I came here a few months ago, after I split from my last group." The honest answer. Val sighed softly. "I heard you made it here not too long ago, yourself. Congrats on makin' it back to civilization, by the way. Heard you have some family here, too."

~~~~~~~~~~~

"...Thank you?" Val's been here for a while, of course. Of course. And it was a big thing when she showed up, everyone knew about Isaac Apatow's daughter, and Val knew about her family status, knew about the dad who hasn't been there since she was four, it wouldn't have been hard to put it all together. And then casually stay out of Ember's way, considering everything.

It made sense, of course it made sense, but still, it stung.

"Sorry, all of this is just a surprise to take in, I didn't think-- well, I guess that's obvious." She forced herself to get over it, it was really not helpful to keep being the human equivalent of a question mark. (She didn't think about why meeting Val actually surprised her more than, say, meeting Orion here.) "But yeah, I kind of came looking for my father, so that was a positive find. And to be clear, I'm glad you're okay, and not zombie food."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Val felt her own bad conscience tug at her. The fact thet she'd been avoiding Ember was, probably, pretty dang obvious. Should she have acted surprised? Pretended that she didn't know that Ember had been here all along? Somehow lying felt wrong in that moment, but maybe that would have been the better option.

"Thank you. I appreciate that, hun." Val smiled her typical smile, because she was glad to see Ember. The fact that she was alive was a miracle. Val hadn't thought she'd be seeing the other woman again. But then the knowledge of why they hadn't even been together in the first place weighed heavily on her. Shaking those feelings off, Val quickly turned her full attention to Ember.

"What about your mom? I... I know she isn't here with you. What happened? If you don't mind me askin'."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Val was simply making conversation, Ember knew that. Was trying to be nice, asking about her mom, but Ember's stomach lurched at the question and felt like running away. Like maybe Val not telling her she was here was a good idea, actually.

(It was for both of their sakes.)

"It was the age old story, really. Zombies came, zombies chomped, only one got out bite free, life intact," she said, trying to keep her voice casual even though if one person could see through it, it was Val. Her dad knew her mom decades ago for the most part, aside from the phone calls, Orion barely knew them to really get to know her mom, but Val-- she came to dinners at their place, chatted with Izzy while she waited for Ember to get ready. She knew how close the family was. "It happened over a year ago now, so it's been a while.

"...anyway, did you arrive here alone or with somebody?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

Val found her heart cenching when she heard Ember tell her about her mom. It was something Val had been afraid of, but now had her confirmation. Seeing the casual way Ember was talking about it felt worse. Not because it was disrespectful to Isabelle in any measure, but because Val knew Ember enough to know it was a facade.

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry." The pain in her voice was genuine as she stood up from behind the desk. Their relationship right now seemed unstable, unsure, or at least Val didn't quite know just how to handle Ember, but even now, she felt it was right to pull the other woman into a hug. "She was real special. I'm sorry you lost her." It took Val a moment to pull away, hands pressed gently against Ember's shoulders.

"I came here alone. My survivor group disbanded, and after that I stumbled here. Ember... I hope you know this but... I'm so glad you're here."

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I-- thanks," Ember said because really, what could she do to such a genuine show of sympathy that came from Val in that moment, seeing right through the walls she tried to put up and then Val even came up and hugged her and it was so easy to just let everything else fall to the wayside and wrap her arms around Val herself, enjoying it for a moment before Val pulled away.

Pulled away but not too far, her hands still on Ember's shoulders as she explained how she got here and then added that she was glad Ember was here too with those dark, deep soulful eyes of hers looking down at her and Ember was moving before she could really register what she was doing - leaned forward and pressed her lips against Val's, gently, almost like a question.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Val wasn't sure what she had expected - what she'd hoped for - but when Ember suddenly leaned forward and kissed her, she realized that this had been part of it. Ember was gentle, questioning as if she didn't quite know whether this was okay or not. It still felt the same after all that time. Val couldn't help herself in that moment. She reached up, cupping Ember's face with her hands and kissed her back, letting her thumbs trail over the other woman's cheeks as she did so. Only for a few seconds before she pulled back enough to look back at Ember's face.

"Honey, I-" Val looked at her, realizing that she'd missed this in ways she hadn't even realized, but also remembering why they hadn't had this. Why she hadn't seen Ember in all those years. "You know I'm no good for you, hun."

~~~~~~~~~~~

There was that first moment of the kiss where Ember wasn't sure if Val would kiss back or pull away - both understandable and possible reactions, given their history -, but then Val leaned into it, cupped her face and kissed back and Ember let out a sigh as she lost herself in those few moments before Val pulled back again.

Ember chased her lips for a second before looking at back at Val - fuck, that honey just rolled off her tongue so easily and it was so incredibly distracting. Val was probably right, she knew that. They were bad for each other, they've come to that conclusion plenty of times before. But they've been in this exactly situation after those conversation just as many times, and Ember in that moment didn't - just couldn't - care about the past. "I don't really care right now," she said and when she kissed Val again, this time there was no hesitation, no question, just the desire to keep doing it and not let her brain overtake her.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Val had expected their past to overcome both of them. Make them pull back and realize that after the many times they had split up, they should have learned their lesson. To not get too close again. But it was hard, not getting pulled in when Ember was so close, when she said she didn't care with no hesitation. And when she kissed Val again, the woman knew she lost that internal battle, at least for the moment.

Val kissed back with the same determination, one hand still cupping Ember's cheek, the other trailing into the other woman's hair, gently. Ember still kissed the same way she did back then. She let herself get lost in it, until she needed to pull back to breathe. "Did I ever tell you I love the way you kiss me...?" Val muttered, close enough that her breath ghosted over Ember's lips. Biting her own lip, Val pulled back enough that she could look into Ember's eyes. "Do you wanna get outta here? I like kissin ya, but the clinic entranceway probably ain't the best place for it."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ember kept her eyes closed for a moment after Val pulled back, smiling before she peppered a couple of feather light kisses on Val's lips. "I am pretty sure you have, but I still love hearing it. And right back at you." And when Val asked if she wanted to get out of here, she let out a small chuckle and nodded. "That's smart, this is-- don't get me wrong, pretty awesome, but yeah, not the kind of place for that."

Still, she gave Val one last kiss and then pulled back. "Good to see you in an environment like this though, it makes sense they snatched you right up here." She slid her fingers through Val's. "Fuck, I really missed you, you know?" She ignored everything else - they could deal with other realities later, for now, "Lead the way - where do you live?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

It felt so, so good. The small kisses, the little affections, so familiar to her. Letting her hand run through Ember's soft dark hair, Val looked at her with the awe and affection she hadn't allowed herself. Lettinger her fingers thread Ember's, she chuckled. "Yeah, it... feels good. Normal. The way it was before, kinda."

Especially with Ember here, now. Val would let herself forget and be happy, for just the moment. She deserved that much, right? And Ember did, too. "I missed you too, lovely. Now, let's get outta here. My apartment ain't that far away." Quickly radioning Renee that something had come up and she'd be out, Val pulled Ember with her, outside of the clinic into the sunshine. Still holding her hand, as if the other woman might just disappear.

It was a 10 minute walk to her studio apartment. It was in a somewhat lonely part of Redwood, but Val liked the size and just because she was a chatterbox didn't mean she didn't like the calm and quiet. Opening up the door, she led Ember into a spacious apartment. Tall windows letting the sun in, shelves and other furniture lining the walls, filled with books and other knickknacks to make the place cozier. A makeshift bedroom made with a portable divider, and, in the middle facing the outside, a small Island of couches, chairs and a table. Normally Val would've asked if Ember wanted to drink something, offer her to sit down, along those lines. But now she just reached up, cupping Ember's face and pulling her into a kiss, loving and gentle and a little bit deeper than she had allowed it to be back at the clinic.

~~~~~~~~~~~

It was so easy to fall back into walking next to Val, holding her hand, Ember's fingers gently caressing the back of the other woman's hands. There was something calming and excitable at the same time to be heading over to Val's place - something she's done plenty of times before and yet, it was all new, in a new place, unknown territory.

They were on the same page, though - when they arrived, Val didn't linger, didn't do pleasantries, they went right back to kissing and Ember sighed into it, the neediness that she didn't show too much before coming out now.

She's seen the place just enough that after a few moments she started leading the two of them towards the couches and once Val's legs hit the couch, Ember pushed the other down onto it, standing there, watching her for a few moments, taking in the entire woman - the frizzy, curly hair, the desire in her expression, the lanky body, those breast that curved and fit right into her palms, Ember knew from experience. "Fuck, you're still so gorgeous," she breathed and then climbed into Val's lap, straddling her and kissing her again, deep and full of desire.

~~~~~~~~~~~

They picked up where they had left off. Like there hadn't been several years that they hadn't seen each other in, they just slipped back into their old rhythms. And Val didn't mind it. Kissing Ember with the same desire and need, not holding back as if a barrier had been broken.

Val followed Ember's lead, let herself be pushed onto the couch, meeting Ember's gaze as they stared at each other for just a moment. Things may have changed but she was still as beautiful as ever. Those warm, brown eyes that Val could get lost in. Her beautiful brown hair, sometimes tied up, sometimes falling onto her shoulders. Val remember how she played with it when they were half-asleep in her bed, strands between her fingers. "Can only say the same to you, honey." Val immediately reached out to Ember, kissing her again, letting her tongue gently trace Ember's lips. Her fingers found skin, soft and warm beneath her fingers, just from where Ember's shirt had slipped up. Her fingers traced the familiar curve of the other woman's hips, before pushing upward her back. Val pulled away enough to let her lips trace the gentle line of Ember's jaw, placing kisses, soft and feathery, down to her throat.

"Mh... Can I...?" A lingering question muttered against the crook of Ember's neck as Val's tugged on Ember's shirt.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ember chuckled against Val's skin, eyes closed, leaning into Val as her head tilted, giving space for Val's lips to caress her skin softly, gently as she asked Ember whether she was okay with going further. It was all so familiar and so new somehow at the same time and Ember didn't want either of them to stop. "Fuck yeah, please. I want this. I want you." There was no uncertainty after, both of them getting lost in the pleasure of each other, not caring about the past or the future, only about the other person, about feeling good and feeling close, feeling that intimacy and closeness they've known well over the years between the two of them.

END.

[overnightheartbeats]

She was glad that her joke landed, and only smiled in response. Laurel followed his gaze back to the both and the sweet lady smiling at the next slew of customers. Think about it? For a brief moment, her confusion was clear. She looked back at him, feeling his quiet energy coming forward. Her head tilted to the side, and when he asked again, she understood. There was an easy way to answer this. Yes, I've been thinking about us nonstop for weeks. This..it's great, but I want more. I wanted to tell you then, how I feel, and after almost losing you...even more. I want more, everything with you. But, the words were stuck in her throat. Laurel looked around for a sign or a nudge, anything, but nothing came. "Yeah, it's crossed my mind before, not in a ha ha way." She left it at that, because everything else that came after felt too heavy to share. Confessing such a thing, and expecting an answer from him in the middle of the fairgrounds.

The more he spoke, Laurel was so grateful for her bit of decorum in not telling him how she felt, because what he was sharing with her? Well, it told her one thing: she was not worthy of any of it. Not worthy of his friendship, or anything else. Laurel nodded solemnly, biting her bottom lip as she listened to him explain. She had broken a promise that she prided herself in for many years, to never shut him out. Promises that he always had a space in her life, gone. "I fucked up," she whispered, mostly to herself. "I never wanted to break that promise. I should've never shut you out. I was just...it's not an excuse, but my feelings just got the best of me. I was being immature, and I jeopardized everything. Our friendship, and your safety. I know that if I hadn't—if I had been better, we would've talked and we would've caught the shit that went wrong before it even happened." The last portion were more Isaac's words, something she'd been repeating to herself since. The last of their friendship? Oh, her heart shattered at the realization. He thought their friendship was coming to an end. That could be the furthest thing from the truth. "You have plenty of reasons to be mad at me, you should be mad at me. I hurt you, I put you in danger. I wish you hadn't gone in that day," she shook her head at herself, knowing how horrible that sounded. "Don't get me wrong, I'm...so grateful that you were there, but I didn't deserve you risking your life that way. Whatever happened on the mission, it should've just been on me."

She pushed her hair back behind her ear, unable to touch the pie she had been looking forward to, only minutes ago. "I don't want out of our friendship," shaking her head adamantly. Laurel couldn't even bear the thought. "Ever. I never want out of this friendship. I have a lot to make up to you, and I don't want to make you suffer."

Her hand tapped against her thigh, her gaze focused on her hand before looking up to the crowd. The happiness that she saw in the crowd, and only wished he could be experiencing that happiness instead of everything she'd be putting him through. "You've been through a lot, it's understandable that you felt that way towards the world. Not knowing where you come from, where you belong." She almost wanted to ask if he wanted to know about his past, if that was something he needed to know about. "You have gone through a lot. Leaving Chicago and your family, it's not fair that they made you feel like leaving was the best option. You deserved much better, that's a lot for a child." After some silence, a small smile tugged on her lips at the memory. "You brought that style back," she remarked amused, unable to resist the memory of their first meeting. "I was scared too. That portion of time where you didn't remember, it was the most terrified I've been. Almost losing you, in more ways than one. It was hard, to look in your eyes and be met with...nothing, just confusion."

Laurel's attention was drawn back to him, his description of his unconscious time tugging on her heart strings, and shattering whatever remained. He felt every single thing. The consolation she held during that time was that he was asleep and wouldn't experience all the pain and discomfort they had put him through. To know that wasn't the case, it hurt her to think about. Nonstop pain for him from the moment he ran in to save her. She knew why he told her this, he had never lied to her, but hearing it was an inexplicable feeling constricting her chest. A knot formed in her throat, she could only reach out to take his hand, her thumb brushing against him as she tried to keep her tears from forming. "I don't know what it's like, the foggy lens, but it sounds terrible. I don't blame you," she mumbled softly. "I hate thinking that you felt like that, and that I didn't know, but I can't judge how you processed what you were going through. I'm just glad you stayed, whatever it was that kept you here..I'm glad that you held on. I don't want to even think of you being in a situation like this again, but you need to know, just for general reference, I don't want to lose you. Please don't leave me."

He sat with the pie box on his legs and chuckled hearing her joke about her liver. "Taking good care of me." The words muttered softly as he reverted back to his quiet self. The one who was always thinking. "Do you ever think about it?" He looked over at the lady at the booth. "Not in a ha ha funny manner but in a realistic way. Have you ever thought about it?" He got real quiet and uttered the with me so low it was barely audible. "If I had known you were upset because of her then I'd have explained. You promised you'd never shut me out and then you did. I was mad at you too, you know. I wasn't going to go in that day. You had more than enough backup but I just couldn't leave you. I thought well, if that was the last of our friendship then the least I could do was watch your back."

He shook his head as he stuck his fork into the pie and took a bite. "I'd understand better. But I won't hold that against you. It is in the past. I do want you to be honest with me though. If you want out of our friendship then please tell me. Don't make me suffer thinking we're good when we're not."

Going back to their paused conversation he chuckled and nodded, looking out to the crowd. "If you ask him he'd tell you I was standoffish, distrusting, angry. Not at him but at the world maybe? He knew and could trace his family back a couple centuries. I couldn't. I still can't. I've never really ever had a nana. When I left the family, after his parents died, I felt that anger again. Everyone wanted the kids but they never wanted the orphaned kid. I felt like that tween again waiting to see who'd stand up and fight for me. Though, I was older back then, enough to make it on my own. Leaving Chicago wasn't hard because it is just a place but it was hard leaving them. The night I left, Isa made me promise to keep in touch. I was going to say sure but then never do it. They deserved better. But then I looked at little Emma's face and I couldn't lie to them. I promised them I would. I enrolled myself in the first Texas University I saw and lo and be hold I met a yapper who asked me if the hobo style was back in as an ice breaker." He laughed at the memory and sighed. "I was terrified these memories would be lost forever."

"Do you know what it is like to see your entire life through a foggy lens. Knowing somewhere you're in there but can't get to it. People think being under is nice and you rest. That's not true. You feel everything. Every poke. Every tube. It's a terrible feeling not being to say stop." He had never lied to her and this wasn't going to be a first. "I wanted to give up."

[becharm-27]

Mother(figure)s of Stargirl

screenshots credit: @StargirlWiki on Twitter; gif credit: @stripesysheaven

Barbara certainly lives up to the phrase on her mug. Not just for the kids who live with her, either. It's so sweet the way she takes care of their friends as well.

While Bridget started out the series among the ranks of moms who don't deserve their titles, she certainly gets her redemption arc as the story goes on. My favorite moment of her supporting Beth comes from Summer School: Chapter 8, but I also love that she becomes a sidekick.

Speaking of redemption arcs, watching Paula turn her life around was one of the most pleasant surprises from Stargirl. She always loved Artemis, but seeing her become a hero cemented that. How her story ended hits even harder today. I'll explain more at the end of the post.

Wouldn't dare go this whole post without mentioning Maria, and no I don't mean Montez. Maria Carmen Saravia was a better mom to Yolanda than her biological mother will ever be.

Now for some mothers I wish we could've seen more of. Denise is up first because, like Joey, I was invested in her character very quickly. They were like my Henry before Henry, because he took time to earn my respect. I dunno, there was just something about her.

Anaya's main trait was coddling Isaac. There had to be more to her story. I'm assuming she wasn't always so smothering, and that developed after the death of her husband. I really would've liked to see who she was beyond her affiliations. And that power set was worth exploring.

My jaw hit the floor when I heard Christine's dying wish. Nice subversion. Evil as she and Jordan might've been, they clearly loved their kid (the latter up to a certain point, anyway). If nothing else, I'm thankful she gave Cameron his talent.

I couldn't find or make a decent screenshot of Wendi. Her only scene goes by so fast. You can feel the panic as Rick's parents left him behind. There's no way she knew JUST how bad her brother was. I wouldn't name a legacy OC after her otherwise.

Neither Suzanne nor Bobbie ever got to be happy, and I blame Dragon King for that. He made Cindy into the monster she thought she was, which is probably why Eclipso was able to manipulate her. I'm sorry they suffered.

Merry's early JSA affiliated days would've been so cool to see. It's a shame her only appearance is in a single picture.

And lastly, two mother figures I was glad to be wrong about. Nurse Love was revealed to be just trying to help for decades. She just had the wrong idea about how. And once Miss Woods got put in check, she really came through reminding Rick of his worth.

An honorable mention, Maggie. What she did in her past put her on top of the list of mothers who don't deserve to be called such. But the last thing we see her do is try to be better. I really wanted to see her earn her happy ending.

To close, I wanna talk a little about my mom.  She shared qualities showcased by some of these characters:  Sweet, hardheaded, creative, caring, smart, beautiful, funny.  She passed away in 2005.  I miss her always, but today more than usual.  She's my greatest inspiration. 

[iturbide]

Unrelated to FE, what did you think of the recent dragalia event with Luca and Isaac?

LOOK. I LOVE MY BOY. I WAS SO HYPED THAT HE GOT TO STAR IN A SIDE EVENT.

BUT OH, MY BOY FUCKED UP BAD.

I know he wasn't being malicious, but he made a huge error while he was trying to help, and there were major consequences for it. The fact that he had to grapple with this was really engaging, and I liked that the core conflict that the siblings ended up on opposite sides of was a grey one, rather than there being an obvious 'right' and 'wrong' take: there's clear value in what exists here and now, but there's equal value in old traditions that keep us connected to our individual cultures and heritage. I kind of wish we'd gotten to see more of the actual practices and traditions from that Sylvan village, but there's only so much hard worldbuilding they could do, and I respect that.

But probably my favorite thing about it was that my boy managed to kick a hardline traditionalist into recognizing that he was thinking about everything wrong. Frankly? Luca was right: tradition isn't dead until every last practitioner is, so Isaac's immediate defeatism when Yggdrasil withered, as though the root of Sylvans' entire culture had died with it, didn't make any kind of sense. The fact that Yggdrasil comes back just adds to this, especially since Isaac made it so clear that the dragon was so sensitive to the feelings of its people: it seems entirely possible to me that Yggdrasil's widespread withering might have been partly the fault of the traditionalists, who gave into despair as they rigidly clinging to the notion that change is cultural death; and its rebirth came only after they let go of that mindset and embraced the notion that they were the heart of their tradition and could endure with the support of Sylvans from outside the village who share in that bond of kinship and cultural heritage.

Overall I loved the event, I loved that Luca had a chance to shine and show off what makes him so great, and I loved that it ended on a hopeful note even though things changed. Luca might not have been the main focus, since Sarisse was the character we spent most of our time following in the story, but he was still a key part of that satisfying resolution because it was his perspective that opened Isaac's eyes. It was so much more nuanced as a story than I usually expect from a mobile game and I just found it well-handled on the whole.

[nelxruiz]

"Good, I like a man with luscious locks. Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with short hair but.. It adds an extra something." She smiled, bold enough to lift her hand and capture a lock of his hair between her fingers, stretching it to see the length. "Definitely keep it." She mused before dropping her arm again, looking ahead of them. She hadn't noticed they had already circled around the supermarket, and she secretly didn't want it to end. "Sergeant? Congratulations." She had no clue how police ranks were made up, but she figured it was somewhere up the ladder. "Isaac? That's a cute name for a dog. Can't wait to meet him." She tried to figure out if maybe she had seen him with his dog before, but nothing came to mind. "I'm glad him and Sarah got back together again. Sarah's been looking much happier since."

"What? These locks?" Wyatt lifted a hand and ran it through his hair. "Not a chance," he grinned, "these are staying around for a while longer." He had often sported some shorter hair but lately, his hard had been of a shaggier length. "I'm a Sergeant now," he told Penelope, "I've got Isaac, too, a police dog. We work a lot of cases together." It had always been his goal to work in the division. "I do, yeah," he nodded his head, "Gale's a good man."

[angel-ixily]

Tao’s Torment

Pairings: None (Platonic) x gn!Reader

Pronouns: They/Them

POV: First Person

Fandom: Heartstopper

Warnings: Language, heavy sarcasm

Summary: A movie night at Tao’s is always an interesting scenario. Joking around and sarcasm is always a must when dealing with Tao’s specific taste in movies.

Movie nights at Tao's were always the worst. He wouldn't let us watch anything interesting like Marvel, Game of Thrones, Supernatural, or even some good ole Disney movie.

He'd end up making us watch some weird movie about how James Bond saved the world with curriculum and the logic of League of Legends. That's what it felt like we were watching anyway.

We watched Deadpool once, which is the greatest movie of all time, and the only thing he did was shit on it. The entire time!

"Yeah, Ryan Reynolds is a good actor, but what is the point of the movie? I don't see the big deal!"

"Tao come here."

"No. Why?"

"Tao, I said come here."

"No, you're gonna hit me!"

But nonetheless, it was just one of the things that made our little friend group special. Even if Tao hated Ryan Reynolds because Elle simped over him more than Tao, it was always a fun time.

Today, though, we didn't let Tao pick the movie.

I picked it...which was a bad idea because we have entirely different tastes.

Charlie and I arrived at Tao's house at around the same time. The both of us, which were extremely late by 20 minutes, were for sure going to be shit on by Tao. That in itself was destined to be set in stone.

We knocked on the door, almost in sync. Instead of Tao's mother greeting us with her usual warm smile and the offer of tea, Tao slammed the door open, glaring at us.

"You two are 20 minutes late!"

"Were you just waiting by the door until we knocked?"

Tao was silent for a moment, thinking about Charlie's claim. "I... that's beside the point. You guys are both 20 minutes late. Y/N, you literally live two houses away!" Tao exclaimed. His hands were on his hips, standing in a mom pose.

"I wanted to be fashionably late," I gestured to my outfit. "And here I am!" I lightly pushed past Tao to get into the house. Charlie chuckled, following me in. We took off our shoes at the front door and Elle came down the stairs, wrapping her arms around me happily. I hugged back.

"I'm so glad that you're here!" She exclaimed excitedly, pulling away and hugging Charlie. I turned to Tao and put my arms out in a hug gesture. A nagging smirk on my face.

"Huh?" I teased him.

"You. Are. Spiteful." He seethed. I placed a hand over my heart, faking my offense.

"Oh, golly gee! Just because I'm picking the movie for the night doesn't mean you have to get your panties in a twist." I sassed. Tao tried hiding his smile, rolling his eyes.

His mom rounded the corner at the commotion and smiled brightly once she saw me and Charlie. "Oh Y/N! Charlie! I didn't know you guys were coming, today!" She greeted. Charlie and I put our attention to her.

"I didn't really know we were coming over either, ma'am." Charlie replied. He gave a smile to Tao before giving his attention back to his mom.

"Oh, well I'm glad you guys did! If you need anything at all just come right down and ask me, alright?" She offered. We gave her our thanks before Tao pushed us all upstairs. Isaac was sitting on the bed, scrolling through his phone. He smiled once he caught sight of us.

"You know Tao, I love your mom." I announced. "Is she married?" I asked him. Elle snorted.

"Ha ha, very funny Y/N. You've known her since we were babies. Yes, she's married!" He argued. I put my hands up in defense.

"Listen Tao, listen. Freedom of speech, okay?" I reminded him. His mouth formed into a wide O; his eyes dead. he didn't speak for a moment. He was probably wondering how he had made friends with such a dumbass.

"What do you think this is? America?" He asked me. He just stared at me for a little longer before shaking his head. "Let's just...let's just get this over with. What terrible movie do you have in mind for us to watch?" He asked, tired of my bullshit.

I scoffed. "How dare you assume that my movie choices are terrible. Personally, I think they're top tier, must watch, films." I defended. One of my hands were up sassily, while my eyes were closed to look like I was offended. Tao rolled his eyes.

"We're going to be watching Harry Potter!" I admitted. Elle gasped excitedly, Charlie nodded in approval, Isaac gave a thumbs up, and Tao groaned.

"Out of all the movies...that one? I would have preferred to watch My Little Pony!" Tao complained. I turned to Charlie, raising an eyebrow.

"If you would have wanted to watch My Little Pony...My Little Pony it is than!" Charlie compromised. Tao's eyes went wide with regret as Charlie leaned for the remote. Tao stopped him.

"No! No! No! Harry Potter! Harry Potter!" He exclaimed quickly. Elle laughed.

"Damn, Tao. You could have just said you wanted to watch Harry Potter." Isaac joked. Tao sighed.

"I get bullies too much by you guys..." He mumbled in defeat. i happily placed a hand on his shoulder.

"But you know that we love you." I spoke, the only kindness heard in my voice that you'd hear all day. I smiled up at him while he just gave me a look. I pat his shoulder before Isaac threw the remote at me.

I didn't catch it, but the floor did.

We all stared down at it. I nodded and picked it up, examining if it had any cracks or broken pieces.

"Good going, Y/N." Charlie said, sarcastically. He had a smile on his face. I smiled back to him.

"Oh, for sure! I should 100% join the Rugby team! Nick Nelson would welcome me in with open arms!" Nick Nelson would indeed not welcome me in with open arms. But at this point in time, Nick Nelson had no idea I existed. This was before his and Charlie's romance.

I faced the TV, turning it on. I scrolled past Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Peacock to get to HBO Max. I clicked it and we waited for it to load.

"Huh...almost like waiting for Tao's stubborn ass to-"

"Shut up."

"I love you, Tao."

"Ew! Go away."

HBO Max loaded, and I went to the search bar, looking up Harry Potter. As soon as I clicked H A R, it popped up and I clicked on Sorcerer's stone. We all got comfortable and began to watch the movie.

That silence and comfortability didn't last long.

"What houses are you guys in?" Isaac asked, I tore my eyes away from the movie.

"You do know that 'Hogwarts Houses' don't define you, right?" Tao asked. I cut him off before he could say anything.

"I'm a (Your House), Elle is a Hufflepuff, Charlie is a Hufflepuff, Isaac's a Ravenclaw, and Tao is a Slytherin." I said rather fast.

"I... what? Aren't Slytherins the bad guys?" He asked. I looked up to him.

"No. It's just that most Slytherins easily get manipulated and convinced to join dark sides because of how society views them." I explained to him. "They're not the bad guys, either. Just very stubborn and resourceful." I finished my statement. Tao grabbed his phone, probably to search up signs of a Slytherin.

We were quiet again, just watching the movie. That's until Tao spoke up again.

"The Hogwarts quiz says that I'm a Gryffindor, so HAH!" He laughed in my face, pointing his phone towards me. Elle looked concerned, amused, and confused.

"Did you just take a quiz to prove Y/N wrong?" She asked him, crossing her arms. Tao blushed, his face flushing.

"I do admit, I may have been wrong. But Tao does carry some traits of a Slytherin. You can search it up." I offered, not taking my eyes off of the movie.

The movie was almost over when Tao got up to pee. That's the excuse that he told us anyway. The movie ended and he still wasn't back. Charlie got up off of the floor, stretching. He was the first to notice Tao's disappearance.

"Didn't he say he was using the bathroom 23 minutes ago?" He asked as I had gotten up. I stretched.

"Mans is probably taking a dump or something." I assumed. Elle reached down to Tao's phone, which he left on the bed, to check the time. As soon as she tapped the phone, it opened, revealing a 'What Harry Potter character am I?' Quiz." I snorted, covering my face in my hands.

Never in my life would I think Tao would be the one to take these types of quizzes.

When Tao came back, he had 3 buckets of popcorn. He looked at the Tv. "Oh, it's over already?" He asked. He seemed fine until he looked at all of us, crowded over his phone, dying. "What are you guys doing?" He asked, placing down the popcorn.

"You're Animagus is a Blobfish?" Isaac asked, laughing. Again, Tao blushed. He quickly ran over and grabbed his phone, hiding it in his chest.

"I just wanted to check because they mentioned it in the movie." He defended himself shyly. I shook my head, a huge smile on my face.

"If you enjoyed the movie, you should have just said so. We could have made plans to watch the second one!" I proposed. Charlie looked over to me.

"It's only about 8:30. We still have time." He offered. I looked at Elle and Isaac, who nodded. I looked up at Tao.

"I guess. I mean, I made all this popcorn for nothing if we didn't watch another movie." He confided. I smiled.

"Awh so you do like the movies!" I exclaimed. Tao cringed.

"What? No! I just...I... just play the movie!" He said, sitting on the bed. He handed me and Charlie a bucket a popcorn, him, Elle, and Isaac a bucket. The third one was for refills.

"Ready to watch the movie, wand with kelpie hair, troll whiskers, and 3 hairs off of a unicorn?" I asked Tao teasingly.

"Shut up and put on the movie," Tao paused for a moment. "And stop looking through my phone!" He ordered. I played the movie.

"The day that I stop teasing you will be the day I stop going through your phone. And that won't happen until I'm dead." I joked around.

"Good thing I poisoned your popcorn..." He mumbled.

"What?" Charlie asked.

[booppooo]

Body Guard: Chapter Five

Abby Anderson x Fem! Reader Series

AN: Hehehehe I'm glad y'all like this, but you won't for very long

Warnings: swearing, mentions of intense pain, hospital setting, seizure, lethal weapons, blood and injury

Word Count: 2145

-

June 12th, 13 hours remaining

Y/n's hands came up to cover her ears and her eyes screwed close. Abby's ears rung as the roar bounced off the walls and continued to shake the floor. Heavy footsteps boomed and more ceiling crumbled around their feet. The soldier swore under her breath; no amount of training could prepare her for what was next.

-

Isaac writhed in his bed, grasping onto his stomach and drenching his sheets in sweat. For the first time in his life he found himself begging for mercy from God. Whether the divine power was real or not in this world, it was all he had left as he felt the blood drain from his face with each labored breath.

Mel carried a tray as she passed by his room, sending a quick glance in to check his status. It was the dead of night and most of the patients had been long asleep. From what she could spot he had been peacefully dreaming with his back faced her direction.

The ill man coughed and struggled to catch a full breath as the pain crippled his body. He now trembled from the agony surging through him and was far too weak to call for an extra dose of anything that would put an end to this. Then his lids grew heavy and the pain grew to much to bare forcing his world to grow black.

Mel heard the alarms beeping loudly from his monitors. Tossing the tray full of food onto the nearest surface she raced into his room as fast as her feet would carry her. A few more nurses rushed in behind her, all of them breathing hard from the adrenaline.

"His oxygen is dropping." Mel reported.

"He's flatlining!" another nurse cried.

Mel crawled on top of Isaac's limp form, careful not to put pressure on his tender stomach.

"Starting compressions!"

Just like she had learned many years ago, she laced together her fingers and began to press the heel of her hand into him rhythmically. A sweat broke out on her brow as she focused. Still the monitors wailed mockingly in her ear and the hurried footsteps of the nurses meant things were going downhill and fast.

"Clear!"

Mel hopped from the bed and his shirt was ripped open before the defibrillator sent a jolt through his body. They all stared at the screens intently, hoping and praying for anything but the blaring beeping. The short haired woman grew antsy and stated she was ready for compressions but was held back.

The monitor showed a heart beat and a sigh of relief was shared. Mel wiped the dripping sweat from her forehead and took a satisfied deep breath. A few nurses stepped from the room proudly, but were too quick to celebrate.

Isaac shook and convulsed in his bed as white foam slid down his cheek.

"He's seizing!"

-

It was clear now why the exit doors hadn't been mauled or torn from their hinges. The monstrosity responsible for the roaring and the blood stained floor wasn't just roaming like normal infected:

It was hunting.

And Abby and Y/n had essentially called its name from the commotion they caused in the room behind them.

The grotesque creature rounded the corner with speed, its horrifying body reaching for the two cowering women. Both of them reacted with differing instincts.

Y/n was cemented to the floor and let out a blood curdling screech as her mind numbed from the absolute nightmare closing in on her.

However, the soldier next to her (despite also being close to wetting her pants) grabbed her wrist and ran as fast as her strong legs would allow her.

"The supplies!" Y/n heaved using everything in her to keep up with Abby.

"Fuck the supplies!"

The mutation tailing them grew closer and closer as it's dying hunger for them multiplied. Abby and Y/n were jumping over beds and prying open doors, but it did them no good since the only real exit was the other direction. Another door became an obstacle and the blonde cried out as she used all her strength to pry its rusted metal, not noticing how her stitches had ripped open and began soaking her coat.

Another scream of terror came from behind her. She whipped around and saw the doctor in the lethal grasp of the infected feet above the ground. She swung and kicked at it but she was pitiful against its massive form. From an outside perspective, Y/n was soon another victim who faced death in the most gruesome of ways. And Abby did the only thing she could think to do and shoot at it until her clip emptied.

Y/n wailed, "You shot my leg! Fuck!"

The floor underneath them crunched and snapped loudly, but this didn't initially deter anyone. With another loud crunch it sunk and jerked the monster and the soldier shooting at it. Abby jumped from the crater toward the door seconds before the floor caved in. Next she heard a great splash and another petrified scream.

[realityescapee01]

You Got It Good, Stiles

Steo as Isaac sees it

"You need someone like that, Stiles. Exactly like him." Isaac clapped Stiles's shoulder. Towering over him. He was back to Beacon Hills for a while. He just went when he heard about Erica and Boyd. He just wanted to pay respects.

He then stayed a few days to see how things are. How things changed. And sees that one change in Stiles's life: Theo Raeken.

Isaac thought, if this guy had been around earlier, Jackson being the kanima would've been found out quickly. Jennifer wouldn't stand a chance. The alpha pack would've been definitely played and sent out somehow.

"So, where do you wanna go, Isaac?" Stiles settled in the drivers' seat.

"What's the best hangout place here right now?"

"Okay, I'll bring you there. But we gotta pick up Theo first."

Stiles told Isaac who Theo was. All of it. Including what happened with Scott. Liam. Lydia. and Stiles. Then the wild hunt. Then the civilian hunters. And how he got to work off all those bad things and how he was reformed. But Isaac could tell that the smarts, and the cunning is still there. Stiles just left out one detail when he was briefing Isaac about Theo. That Theo is his boyfriend now.

Theo came to view. "Oh... Damn, Stiles!" and Isaac had his mouth wide open. "He's very good looking."

"Yup, Isaac." Stiles and Isaac's eyes dragged from Theo's head to toe. "Fucking beautiful, huh?" Stiles boasted a little.

Theo got in and greeted Isaac. Isaac greeted back then smiled back to Stiles. Stiles just grinned and began driving. And showed Isaac everything new in Beacon Hills. Isaac listens but observes Theo closely. And he could tell Theo knows he's observing him. He just doesn't give him much thought, probably because Stiles already told him who he was.

When they got to the hip mall uptown, Isaac asked Stiles about what has been itching him since the 3 of them got in the jeep. He smells Theo on Stiles. And Stiles on Theo.

"Whoa! Boyfriend, Stiles? I never thought."

"Me too! I would've never imagined." Stiles rubbed the back of his neck.

"Are you two... did he, you know."

Stiles just grinned and tipped his head a little to the side, allowing Isaac to look at his neck with werewolf eyes.

"Yeah. There is his mark."

"By the way, Isaac, do you know a way for me to mark Theo? I mean, humans don't really 'mark' like that. But I want to."

"How about the tattoo?"

"Nope. He heals very fast. No. Oh boy. Nope." Stiles shook his head violently, a tell that they already tried the tattoo.

"I'm afraid that's the only way I know. Sorry, Stiles."

"It's okay." Stiles dropped the topic.

They went around some more and ultimately ended up in the woods where Erica and Boyd... passed.

Stiles and Theo stayed back a little, giving Isaac some privacy. Then Isaac asked...

"Theo, if you were here back then. What would you have done?"

Stiles had told Theo about what happened before, Theo then began telling Isaac what he would've done back then. Isaac listened attentively. Theo's plans were good. They would've definitely worked. If only... maybe Erica and Boyd are with him in Paris right now.

Isaac was glad to know that the one who have Stiles right now is that guy named Theo Raeken. Stiles really needs someone as smart as him. And Isaac could tell Theo is devoted to the mole-speckled boy. Scott isn't exactly a great alpha. Honestly, Isaac thought Derek would be the ruler of Beacon Hills now, but after everything that happened to Derek, it's alright to just follow what he wants and live a free life as much as possible. He's glad Derek is out there in the world, with his sister. They deserve something else other than Beacon Hills.

Isaac doesn't hate Scott, it's just that from all he's seen and heard from Stiles, Scott isn't doing well as alpha. He hoped it had changed when he gets back from college. For Liam and the new pack members' sake. For Stiles, that boy is covered real well right now. Hell, if Theo ain't a chimera, he well could've been an alpha.

Stiles is good, pure, loyal. Would go deep into the woods in the dead of night for his friends. He needs someone that would kill for him. Literally. Balance. The light and the dark. Yin and Yang That's how it works.

That's why Isaac thought he'd be good for Stiles. Honestly, Isaac thought what happened was good in a way that Scott should put more importance and weight to Stiles's value in the pack. And Scott ought to know better. Mygod! Anyone would be wary. A beta suddenly showing up? Stiles got proofs. Stiles has a hunch. Oh, Scott. What were you thinking?

Anyways. He's time is up now. He must leave and go back to Paris. Stiles and Theo drove him to the bus stop.

"You got it good, Stiles."

"I know. I know, Isaac."

Isaac looked back at Theo. "You got Stiles's back, right?"

"As long as I live. And if I die before him, I'll find a way to get back." Theo answered him.

And Stiles was all blushing and flattered and thinking 'Oh, you're so gonna get laid later, Theo baby!!! ' Actually, Stiles wanted to jump him right there and then.

Isaac kinda knew what Stiles was thinking.

"Okay, hold up, Stiles. I'm leaving."

-+-+-+ ( complete ) +-+-+-

thank you. more on my master list here

Like the gifs used here? See source under them. Reblog, do not repost. Thank you all gif creators here ♥️

[dailyreverie]

Happy New Year to everyone!

It has been a crazy year for me in here. I joined baclk during the first months of the year, after being away since around 2016, and I never imagined how amazing and welcoming the community would be in here.

To every person who followed me: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! We are now 2.2k people in here and I can't even begin to process that. I love you all so so much! Either you came here for Oscar Isaac or Bucky Barnes (or both, hopefully lol) I love and appreciate you all so much 💖 and hopefully 2022 will be a good, happy year.

I gotta thank some of my mutuals and favorite people too...

My Bucky girl, @chouettedubois , your fics live rent free in my head, the way you write Bucky has definitely been the fuel of my Bucky thirst for most of the year. Every single one of your fics lives forever in my head. I can't wait to keep sharing Bucky thoughts with you the next year.

@jobean12-blog you were one of the first Bucky writers I followed in here and now we are mutuals 💞 your fics always put a smile on my face, your way of writing Bucky is so fun and sweet, and I can't wait to keep reading your work next year!

@mariesackler GIRL, I thank you every time for the endless Oscar thirst, but I have to give you an special thanks now that the year is ending 'cause you made my days so so much better with your asks full of pics.

@edencherries bestie! You end up on both the Oscar and the Bucky fandoms and I love you for that 💖 Finding you in this mess of a site was one of the best things of the year, I would love nothing but to give you a big Zemo hug!!

@castleamc sharing Poe headcanons with you is one of my favorite things ever, even if they sometimes make me emotional lol thank you for sharing those with me! I can't wait for you to see what I have planned for next year (Yes, it is that fic 💍)

@thedukeofcaladan Lorena! Mi paisana! So weird to find another Mexican who's also thirsting for Oscar Isaac, and yet here we are! I'm glad to have find you here! Feliz año nuevo ✨✨

@the-little-ewok you are such a lovely person in here, always inviting people to feel included and invited, and joining the Oscar Isaac community with you was the best thing ever. Thank you for being so great and friendly, you are the sweetest! Also, thank you for writing such amazing moments this year, they will carry on with me in 2022.

@starryeyedstories @anetteaneta @fisforfulcrum your writings made my days a thousand times better and brighter. You all have a way with words that I can only hope to get one day, I love you all so so much! And I hope 2022 brings endless joy to you!

@beydameron @salome-c your creations always amaze me, and seeing all of your work going around in my dash always makes me so happy! I also still can't believe we are mutuals lol You all have amazing talent and I'm so glad that I came across you this year 💞

I'm definitely forgetting people, and I'm sorry in advance lol but in conclusion, I hope 2022 is a fantastic year for you all, mutuals or not. I'm sending you big, warm hugs to a of you, and I hope you all have a safe, healthy, happy new year.

Here's to one more year of being together on this weird site 🥂

Love, Jul xx

[loominggaia]

Question for each of the FGG: how would you describe your childhood?

Evan: "Things certainly could have been better, but I was a very sick boy. My family did their best. My sister was like a second mother to me; I don't know where I'd be without her. She and Mama sacrificed a lot just to make me happy. And my papa, well...I know he loved me too, even if he didn't like to show it. I had the best childhood I could have had, given the circumstances. I only wish I had shown more gratitude. I was a nasty little brat."

Lukas: "Miserable. I don't want to talk about it."

Glenvar: "I grew up without a Pa. It was just my Ma and two sisters, so I was the maska of the house. Of course that don't mean shite when yer knee-high and gettin' knocked around by punks half yer age...Feck childhood. I'm glad it's behind me."

Alaine: "It was great! I mean, my family was really poor, but money isn't everything, you know? There was a lot of love in that crappy old house. My parents worked so hard. Sometimes I'd help Dad find scrap metal or I'd go help Mom catch critters for dinner. But mostly I just ran around the village and played with my friends. Mom and Dad wanted me to go to school in the big city so I wouldn't be a peasant like them when I grew up. I always wonder what they'd think of me now."

Jeimos: "Oh, it was dreadful! What a depressing little existence I lived! Looking back on it now, it almost feels like a bad dream. My parents were quite wealthy and I realize I was privileged in many ways, but that wealth couldn't buy me happiness. My parents did their best with me, I suppose. It's just that their best was simply not good enough. I was a difficult child. I can't imagine trying to raise a pest like me, especially in a dystopian empire like Damijana. I used to resent my parents for the rotten childhood I had, but I've come to realize it wasn't exactly their fault. I just wish I could see them one last time..."

Isaac: "I don't remember most of it. All I remember is waking up in a weird black place, then the Guys took me away. My childhood with them was the best, I wouldn't change a thing! I used to get mad 'cause they wouldn't let me come with them on contracts when I was little, but I know why now. I wasn't ready yet. They taught me everything I know, and I know a lot of stuff! Sometimes I think I know too much stuff. The more stuff I know, the more stuff they make me do, so like, maybe I should get rid of some stuff so I can go back to being a kid?"

Linde: "I never knew how good I had it until it was gone. My parents gave me everything--and I mean absolutely everything a girl could want! I had a loving family and a beautiful house in Zhoulcha, I was enrolled in school at the World Athenaeum, I had my whole future laid out in front of me and I didn't appreciate it at all! All I did was whine and complain. 'Boohoo, I'm so ugly!', 'Boohoo, I don't want to study floemancy!', 'Boohoo this, boohoo that!' Ugh! If I could just go back in time, I would never complain again."

Balthazaar: "Me 'n my brothers didn't have a lot growing up, but we appreciated what we did have. My parents were honest, hard-working people. I had a lot of respect for them. Not a lot of respect for my brothers--we fought like animals--but at the end of the day we always put it behind us. Those were simpler times then. Sure wish I could go back..."

Skel: "It was the last time I was--and ever shall be--happy. That's all I have to say about that."

Javaan: "My childhood? Pff, I was a never a child! Back where I'm from, you become a man the moment you fall out of your mother! I came out swinging 'cause the world was swinging on me from the start. I had to fight for my life every day. But you know what? I'm a better person for it. Soft lives make soft people. I'm hard as stone, baby!"

Elska: "My mother died when I was young, and my aunties raised me for a time. This was a bad time. I was not happy with so many mothers. They could not agree on anything, and nothing I did could please them. When I started refusing their milk, my father took me away from them and raised me himself. The times with my father were the finest times of my life. I hope I am making him proud."

Mr. Ocean: "That was all so long ago...I can hardly remember it now. I had many difficulties, as I recall. I was a slow child. My parents worried that I would struggle all my life. I suppose I do struggle still, but it is my own fault. My mother always told me that people would be unkind to me because I was different, so I must be kind to myself. I should have listened to her."

Zeffer: "My good-for-nothing father took off when I was still in diapers. Mother worked her hands to the bone for me. I was all she had after Father left, and she was all I ever had until I met Evan. We lived in a bad area. She was afraid the filth around us would drag me down and swallow me like it swallowed my father and all the other men in that shit-hole town. She begged me to rise above it. Spent every coin she had just to send me to school, and half the time I just skipped class to drink with my hoodlum friends anyway. I know she was disappointed in me. I wanted to be better, but I just...I didn't believe I could be anything more than a worthless punk, I guess."

*

Questions/Comments?

Lore Masterpost

[heliads]

yes and i'm obsessed because yesterday i basically watched all of season 2, i'm only 2 episodes away of the ending and i just NEED to know what happens next. it's a really great show, thanks for the recomendation <3

YES I KNOW ABOUT THE MOVIE I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT, i want to watch it with my friends when it comes out because they are big fans, so i'm trying to watch everything really fast. and about the spoiler, i think i know what it is because my friends hate me and told me about that one character who dies so yeah and i've seen that she came back

i do like scott a lot too, i think he's so cute and kinda dorky?? i don't know, the way he literally gets so dumb around allison it's so adorable, he's really cute and i agree that he's genuinely a good guy. he's trying to save the town because he cares, not because he's somehow responsible. so far i'm liking season 2 better than season 1!!

and yes i LOVE allison, she was my favorite but lydia just stole my heart she's THE CUTEST and i love her sooooo much, also love her friendship with allison, even though sometimes i feel like she gets a little excluded but i get it, she doesn't know about the whole werewolf thing, but she's in a moment where she really needs help and no one seems to notice?? i just want to help her 😭😭😭😭

i've never thought about scott x isaac but now i definetly WILL pay attention to they, i feel like they would work really well. AND I LOVE STYDIA i love stiles so much and lydia is my baby so they're MY FAVORITE COUPLE, but i think i understand why stiles annoys you

oooh i will comment everything with you i promise! just wait and i'll be back <3

- 💫

YESSSS it's just so good!! omg i'm so glad you like it. season two is also so fun bc of the dynamic between derek's edgelord pack and scott's normal pack just existing. i mean, the scene where isaac rolls up to the lacrosse game and scott's like "you're here to help?" and he just does that smirk thing and is like "i'm here to win"???? POETIC CINEMA

it's a comfort show i cannot make the rules but i do enforce them. i do love stydia though because it's just such a cute ship?? the whole trope with the guy falling first is one of my faves and it's done so well in teen wolf.

basically, <3333

[oscarseyebrow]

Came back here to say two things and I already apologise because I'm spilling my guts here lol . First: I confess that started watching The Mandalorian few months ago mainly because I've found your blog - I was obsessed with Aphelion and thought 'Oh, this story might be very good as well, let me watch the series first to understand' - and now I am so obsessed with the show I even started watching The Book of Boba Fett (which I didn't intend to watch at all). Until the pandemic, I've never was too drawn to the Star Wars fandom, I watched the last triology of movies in the cinemas more because of my father - I went to watch all the movies during the lockdown, but even after that I didn't get THAT exiceted about it, just started developing a small crush on Poe Dameron (and Oscar as well). It was only this year when I saw the trailer from Moon Knight that I started to search for fanfics of Poe (makes no sense, but I had to supress my need for Oscar Isaac lol) and that's when I found your blog haha Anyway, such a long story to say that I'm very thankful for your amazing, excelent, incredible, perfect writing that got me motivated to watch these amazing series. Not even my dad, or friends or ex boyfriend had this power of persuasion lol And about chapter 6 of Hurricane that I read this morning: I thought that everything would be fine and then Mando it's threating to kill her - but I'm glad that it seems that they're good now, I'm little afraid of what comes next on chapter 7 lol

P.S.: This gif represents my inner self while reading the beginning of the chapter

okay, so. i read this as soon as you sent it and i've been thinking about it ever since but i wanted to wait and give it a proper reply. it still makes me so ALSDHASDASJDHAD whenever i think about how lovely this is 🥺

i absolutely love that you started watching the mandalorian after finding my blog. i'm so incredibly thankful that you found me and decided to stick around in the fandom, your thoughtful messages are so kind and i really love that you take the time to share your thoughts.

i hope that you continue to enjoy the content that you find in these fandoms and i also hope that hurricane doesn't break your heart too much by the time you reach the end of it haha.

have a wonderful day 💖