#if youre wondering WHY you make it... well because youre deranged and your sister suggested it and you were compelled by the challenge

[palukoo]

mary/crystal - taste

[majimemegoro]

Hello Ms. Majimemegoro! I saw that you're playing Lost Judgement now, so I have a few questions I'd like your opinion on (feel free to answer as seriously/un-seriously as possible sgsggdsds this is def for fun)

1. Why do you think RGG Studios decided to name the generic boss fight theme song in LJ as "vore"?

2. In Soma's theme song "Viper", there are at least 2 (3?) instruments playing. Obviously Soma can't be playing his own music since he's busy doing the stabbing, so do you think he outsourced the job to his RK lackeys? Or does he only trust Akutsu to play all instruments? He is a very competent subordinate after all!

3. What is your opinion on this detective?

For me, Nabe-san's the hottest man in the entirety of LJ hands down, but also he ruined my Hard mode streak because my controller wouldn't respond to his QTEs and I had to switch to Easy for his fight only, which I'm still bitter about

4. Which do you side with (aesthetically or morally or whatever), Black Leather Jacket with Cigarettes, or Brown Leather Jacket with Vapes? (follow up question: does your mom agree?)

1.Why do you think RGG Studios decided to name the generic boss fight theme song in LJ as "vore"? I saw the full name is vorarephilia and i was like 'oh but thats just latin, i wonder what it means'

ok. no further comment.

2. In Soma's theme song "Viper", there are at least 2 (3?) instruments playing. Obviously Soma can't be playing his own music since he's busy doing the stabbing, so do you think he outsourced the job to his RK lackeys? Or does he only trust Akutsu to play all instruments? He is a very competent subordinate after all!

i think soma has no boss theme, that wonderful terrifying slasher music was in my mind. a reflection of my mental state.

3. What is your opinion on this detective? Well I think he should be friends with Date-san because they are both gruff slightly rumpled but competent detectives whose hearts are in the right place. I don't have strong opinions with him really but my SISTER. well she thought this dude had mad chemistry with Yagami. and also with her.

4. Which do you side with (aesthetically or morally or whatever), Black Leather Jacket with Cigarettes, or Brown Leather Jacket with Vapes? (follow up question: does your mom agree?)

aesthetically kuwana's outfits suck, he has a big baby head, and vaping is yuck. i also find his voice in the dub really annoying. finally I think he is, frankly, an idiot.

*BIG SPOILERS ALSO MENTIONS OF BULLYING AND SU*CIDE* there's room for nuance and im not categorically opposed to vigilanteism in principal. But there's one thing I can't get over: out of people who kill themselves, a certain proportion of them will have done so partially in response to someone who was harming them in some way—emotionally or physically or whatever. but only a specific subset of these harm-creating people are going to be called 'bullies': and that's kids. Kuwana is choosing to go after specifically children whose behavior led someone to su*cide, and not adults whose behavior did the same. WHat the heck kuwana!! did you even think this through !! hes a deranged little man. i can appreciate that in a character but sadly coupled with his lacklustre aesthetic this is an L for him on all sides. and my mother:

"This is easy! Black and brown leather jackets are both fine, but more important to have a vintage/used one! Cigarettes - you actually know what they are doing to you. Sorry, vapers, but to me those look stupid, like sucking on a great big ball point pen. Plus, popcorn lung."

After i gently suggested that the question was supposed to make her pronounce on yagami vs. kuwana, she said the following:

"One. *disparaging tone* Kuwana's voice.

"Two. Yagami is cute but in a mainstream way that's a bit irritating.

"Three. Well I might get in trouble for saying this. But I like the way his jeans fit and the way he walks. They did... a good job on that.

"Four. Yagami is better in every way.... except when he's dancing and he SMILES."

she also drew a picture of yagami getting hit by a car <3

[izzielizzie]

Now I’ve Seen You I’ve Seen It All Chapter Two

This is a really long fic title, dang. Anyway, enjoy!!!

The next morning, the counselors are sitting drinking coffee in the Big Cabin before the children wake up and the morning rush sends them in a million and one directions. Addy’s texting someone, a grin on her face as her mug hovers between the table and her mouth.

“Are you talking to Keely?” Phoebe asks, peering over Addy’s shoulder.

“Yep, she’s got this major project designing a wedding dress for someone, and she’s pestering me about whether cream lace or white lace looks better, or something like that.”

Phoebe giggles, thinking of her own mother as she leans back against Knox. “Well, there was no lace on my dress and we survived.”

“Tell that to Keely.”

Addy, Phoebe, and Knox laugh. Farther down the table, Cooper and Kris are wrapped up in each other, discussing the weather. “If it rains, in the afternoon, I’ll have to cancel wiffle ball,” Cooper muses. Kris rolls his eyes affectionately. 

“What’s with you and wiffle ball?”

“Maeve won’t let me use real baseballs.”

“They’re dangerous!” Maeve protests from her spot in Luis’s arms.

Kris runs a hand through his curls and grins. “She’s got a point, babe. Look at what happened yesterday.”

“Kris that was a wiffle ball not a baseball so your point is invalid.”

“Imagine the kind of damage Ellen could have done if she had a baseball!”

“Kris please if Ellen wants to inflict damage she doesn’t need a baseball for that.”

“Speaking of, I wonder if Ellen and Ali are getting along,” Maeve says musingly as she rests her head on Luis’s shoulder.

“I’m sure they are,” Luis says.

Everyone at the table - minus the deranged couple - exchanges looks clearly indicating that they do not agree.

They would be correct.

“Ellen stop humming,” Ali grumbles from her bunk as Ellen stands in front of the mirror brushing her shoulder length hair.

Ellen hums a little louder.

“Ellen I mean it, stop humming.”

Ellen switches songs and hums louder.

“Ellen.”

“Hmmm.” Ellen’s stopped humming at this point and is now shouting random vowels as she continues methodically running a brush through her hair. 

“Ellen-I-don’t-know-your-middle-name-Rojas stop this instant or else. You’re giving me a headache and you’re off pitch.”

“HMMM- hey!”

In a desperate attempt to get Ellen to shut up, Ali leaps off her bunk, landing on top of Ellen with a bang.

“Shut! Up!” Ali shouts from on top of Ellen, ignoring her bruised arm.

“My hair! My hair!” Ellen shouts.

Ali pauses. “Your hair? Your hair? Girl I just jumped on you and you’re worried about your hair?”

“My hair!” Ellen repeats.

Ali rolls off Ellen. “Are you seriously that worried about your- ah!”

Ellen uses the opening to roll over on top of Ali. “Stop being so mean and bossy all the ti- oh hey Aunt Phoebe!” Ellen says, dropping her hands from Ali’s shoulders, which she had been shaking with every word.

Ali and Ellen both stand up, sheepishly turning to Phoebe, who had just pushed the door open, a tray of food balanced expertly one one hand. 

“Hello girls, I brought breakfast since Maeve wants you two to stay here and think about your actions. Which I’m sure you’re doing.”

“Oh yeah,” Ali says.

“For sure,” Ellen agrees.

Phoebe raises her eyebrows, not fooled. “Well, I’ll just leave this here so you can keep thinking,” she says, placing the tray on a desk. Both girls nod and wave as Phoebe leaves. The moment the door closes they scramble for the food, pushing each other until they’ve both grabbed something. The cross to opposite sides of the cabin and sit, glaring at each other. They stay this way for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon, pausing here and there to read books or throw thinly veiled insults at each other, but mostly they just sit in silence. Until the rain starts about an hour after Knox brings lunch.

“It’s raining,” Ellen says.

“Yeah I’m aware,” Ali responds. 

“It’s making the roof leak.”

Ali looks up to see a hole the size of a quarter in the roof, water slowly dripping onto the floor. “You’re worried about that? At home the roof was dripping so badly my dad had to redo the entire ceiling.”

Ellen tilts her head.

“My dad owns a construction company.”

“Oh. My mom’s a lawyer. We live in an apartment building.”

“Does your mom fix stuff?”

‘“We’re not allowed. And anyway, I don’t think she’d like to. She’s really neat and not… handson-y.”

“What about your dad?”

“I don’t have one.”

Ali nods once before turning back to her book, not sure how to proceed. If the girls realize they’ve just had a real conversation, they don’t acknowledge it. They stay silent until Ellen looks up to roll out her neck and realizes that the hole has become more like the size of her palm. 

“Ali! The hole!”

Ali looks up and jumps up in surprise. “We need to catch the water before it gets anywhere!” she cries as the water splashes down onto the wooden floor.”

“We need a bucket!”

Ali looks at Ellen like she’s grown three heads. “Right. Let me go get it from my car.”

“You don’t have a car.”

“And I don’t have a bucket either!”

Both girls scramble, frantically dancing around the water to find something suitable for catching the precipitation. 

“Your bag!” Ellen shouts, pointing to Ali’s oversized bag.

“What?”

“Yeah, it’ll work, we can line it with your leather jacket, it's waterproof right?”

Ali looks around frantically, trying to find a better alternative to her bag and jacket (which is waterproof). She doesn’t find one. “Okay! Fine!”

Both girls scramble to dump out the contents of the bag, and they line it with Ali’s jacket, pushing the bag under the water. They step back, catching their breath as the water starts to collect in the bag. Once she’s sure that the bag will hold the water, Ali turns to her things. She crouches and starts collecting everything, putting them on the bunk underneath hers. Ellen’s about to go back to her bed when she sees Ali picking up her things on her own. Feeling guilty for suggesting they use Ali’s only bag, Ellen climbs back down the ladder and starts picking up assorted things: a chapstick here, an earring there, until she sees an old tattered picture and freezes.

The picture is a normal picture: a girl in a green cap and gown, a grey dress peeking out underneath. She’s standing in front of a fireplace, a grin on her face as she holds up a diploma for the camera. But this isn’t just any old girl, it’s a girl Ellen recognizes. She knows the dark framed glasses and grey eyes and tan skin and brown curls. It’s her mother. Blood rushes to Ellen’s head. 

“Ali?” she asks quietly. Ali freezes, surprised by Ellen’s tone. 

“What?”

“Why do you have a picture of my mother?”

Ali turns, sees the picture in Ellen’s hand, and yanks it back. “Hey! Be careful with that, it's important.”

Ellen tries to take it back. “I mean it, Ali, why do you have a picture of my mother?”

Ali makes a face. “Your mother? That’s my mother, stupid.”

“No, that’s my mom.”

“Why would I have a picture of your mom?” Ali asks. 

“How am I supposed to know! Here, I’ll prove it.” Ellen fishes around her duffle bag for a moment until she pulls out a wallet. She opens it, and slides a Polaroid picture out from the slot where IDs are supposed to go. It’s of Ellen and Bronwyn, taken in their penthouse apartment the day before Ellen left for camp. Bronwyn had her arms around Ellen as they smiled at the camera that, at the time, was placed on the mantelpiece. Bronwyn was wearing a grey blazer and her hair was down, and it’s easy to see the resemblance between the Bronwyn in the Polaroid picture and the Bronwyn in Ali’s picture. Ellen hands Ali the picture. Ali stares at it for a moment, looking between the two pictures. When she finally turns away from them, Ellen can’t tell if she’s confused or about to cry.

“Why do I have a picture of your mom?”

“That’s what I’m asking.”

“But, does this mean I haven't been looking at my mom?” Ali’s actually crying now.

Ellen softens her tone. She can’t imagine finding a picture of her father and then learning it’s not her father. “I don’t know. Where did you find this?”

“In my dad’s office. I thought that person in the corner was him. I thought it was the only picture of my parents in the same room that I had.” Ali’s sobbing, and Ellen puts a hand on her arm. She doesn’t pull away. 

“Is that him? In the corner?” Ellen can just make out an arm in a leather jacket. Ali nods. Ellen thinks this isn’t a lot to go off of, parents wise, but Ellen can understand Ali’s desperation. She’s always wondered about her father, but her mother’s only said that she’s moved on and doesn’t want to talk about him. “I’m sorry Ali. Did your dad grow up in Bayview?”

“Yeah,” Ali sniffs.

“My mom too. She hasn’t been back since I was born. That was twelve years ago. Thirteen in October,” Ellen adds. Ali’s head shoots up.

“October?”

��Yeah, October thirty first. I’ve always loved that I was born on -”

“Halloween. Ellen, I was born on Halloween. I’m twelve almost thirteen.”

Ellen looks at Ali. “That’s a funny coincidence.”

Ali grabs for Ellen’s shoulders. “What if it’s not? What if we were born on the same day? What if your mom is my mom? I mean we look alike right? Everyone says so. We only disagreed because we didn’t like each other.” Ellen notices the past tense. Maybe Ali doesn’t hate her anymore. 

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I mean, we both have black hair. We both have freckles. Our skin is the same shade of not-pale-but-not-tan-either. And our eyes are… wait are they blue or grey?”

“I’ve always called them ‘grue’,” Ellen admits.

“Me too!”

“Wait, Ali, are you saying we’re sisters?”

“Ellen, you doofus, we’re twins.”

It takes a moment for this to sink in, but all of a sudden, Ellen’s crying in a way that she hasn’t in a long time. She’s hugging Ali, rocking back and forth and sobbing into her shoulder. “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god,” they keep saying over and over in unison, almost like they’re identical twins that have had their entire lives to do things like say the same thing at the same time. When they pull away, Ellen asks: “Does this mean your dad is my dad?”

“Yeah! I think it does!”

“Oh my gosh, what’s he like?” Ellen asks.

“He’s great! He’s funny and really nice and we watch movies together and he takes me to work and he built me a treehouse.”

“Oh. My. God. That’s so cool.”

“What about Mom?”

“She’s a lawyer. She’s super cool and she has the greatest fashion sense and she drives the coolest car. Oh my gosh, Ali, this means that Aunt Maeve is your aunt too!”

Ali starts crying again at this realization. She truly does adore Maeve.

“Do you think she knows?”

“I don’t know. Ali, we should ask!”

“Yes! Let’s go!”

Both girls sprint out of the door, hand in hand, glancing at each other every few moments, reveling in the feeling of finding family, their past animosity long forgotten.

[extremelyblackandwhite]

where does it end?

Pairing: Queen!Reader x Knight!Bucky Barnes 

Warning(s): angst, sexual themes, triggering content, dark!steve

A/N: by @lookiamtrying​ request, i am posting the last part to an year old mini fanfic i wrote. last chapter inspired by love me or leave me. enjoy xx

The world had barely seen the Queen ever since her loss. She was locked in her room and never left for any reason. Steve had been assigned her duties and her meals were taken into her chambers by her handmaidens. She had even moved her King and husband from her room. No one heard from her and some handmaidens were quick to start coming up with the wildest of theories while some believed she could be expecting, but James knew it wasn’t the truth. 

     - The King’s calling for you, Sir Barnes. - Natalia walked into the training chambers where he was supervising some new blood into the royal army. James sighed, turning to his second and telling him to take his place before following the redhead into the King’s headquarters.

He wasn’t very keen on talking to him much less look at him. James despised him with every drop of his being but yet he couldn’t figure out if it was because he had gotten the ultimate prize or if he had threatened to have her head cut off due to infidelity which had never happen. 

They finally stopped in front of the King’s Quarters which had been the young Queen’s library and now rudely turned into somewhere where Lord Rogers rudely tried to take her place. He was royalty but he didn’t have the grace or the beautiful ruling ability the Queen had. 

    - Your Royal Highness ... - the redheaded female knocked on the huge mahogany doors whose initials had been removed. She slowly opened the door to see the blonde reading some papers. - Sir Barnes is here, as you requested. 

    - Thank you, Lady Romanova. - he said, not even looking up from his papers. Natalia took James inside, leaving him there only hearing his heartbeat and the wood crackling on the fireplace. He heard the doors closing behind and his last conversation with the king came to mind. 

    - Your Majesty, what do you wish from me? - no matter how hard he disliked the man, he was still his King and while Y/N was unavailable, he’d have to answer to him and only him.

    - You are a smart man, Sir Barnes. My advisors say you take it after your father, ever so calculating. You’re a man who, like me, knows that despite our dear Queen being ever so thoughtful, ever so loved, she has one job that she needs to do as a Royal of her gender. Can you tell me what is it?

    - Provide heirs to ensure the house keeps on. - James refused to look Steve in the eyes. He didn’t understand where he was going, he didn’t understand why he asked that. - What does that have to do with me, your majesty?

    - She refuses to see me and since she’s the rightful heir, her advisors have suggested another husband for the Queen considering we won’t produce any heirs. - Steve got up from his seat walking up to one of the countless shelves filled with books owned by the crown family. - I’ve spent years in my brother’s shade, heir in spare and I will not have my marriage annulled and lose my crown because my wife refuses to lay with me. 

    - I don’t understand what that has to do with me, Your Majesty. 

    - My wife clearly doesn’t want to lay with me but she doesn’t seem to have minded laying with you before we were married. At this point I don’t care who the child is as long as she’s pregnant. 

Bucky’s heart sank into his stomach as his brain started to process what he was asking of him. It couldn’t be, he wouldn’t want that, Bucky couldn’t do that. His eyes seemed void of life as he looked up at his King whose position was so so fickle.

    - I don’t think I understand, your Majesty. - Bucky hoped he didn’t understand, he really hoped he was wrong. 

   - What part of fuck my wife do you not understand, Sir Barnes? - he growled at the man standing in front of him. - I will not be thrown off my rightful throne because my wife refuses to get knocked up. 

   - With all due respect, your Majesty, it is her rightful throne. She’s the heir.

   - You see, Sir Barnes I really don’t wanna accuse my wife of adultery. It will end up in her beheading and I really don’t think the people would enjoy that. Besides, of course I will pay you a good amount for your service and it’s not like I will deprive you of seeing the child. - Bucky could feel himself churn at the thought of the man so many called loyal and rightful treat Y/N as if she were a breeding dog, as if she were a business, as if she wasn’t the human with the heart of gold he knew she had.

No, no, Bucky couldn’t do that to her. He knew his Queen like the palm of his heart, she was sweet, fair and anyone who’s by her company normally basks in her light which seems to reflect of her own words. He couldn’t agree to treat her as if she was merely a breeding object but he also couldn’t allow for her to be beheaded. It terrified him to see the face he used to love to wake up next to, her little smirky whenever she stole swords from knights as her princess, her sunny smile whenever she performed an operetta correctly gone. He couldn’t see her gone. No. He had promised to protect his sovereign and she would always be her Queen.

     - I cannot do that. 

     - Your father fought to protect this kingdom. I am fighting to protect it too, you cannot let a woman rule by herself, who’ll inherit the throne? Besides, you surely didn’t mind fucking her like a cheap whore when she wasn’t married.

     - Your wife has always been loyal to you since her marriage. I’ve told you that before. 

     - Then I think you have a choice to make. 

Bucky felt the world collapse on top of his. Through his mind rushed the moments he had shared with her, from the very first moment he met her sitting at one of her mother’s teas, pink frilly dress, the smile she gave him to her wedding when he refused to stop the ceremony. He wondered if he should’ve had stopped but he also wondered what life he could’ve given her. It didn’t matter anymore, he should’ve stopped it, he should’ve done something. He thought of the life she could’ve had if he had stopped her, she wouldn’t have gotten pregnant, she wouldn’t have lost the baby, he wouldn’t have disappointed her once again and she wouldn’t be traded around like a harlot.

As he exited the study, he knew what he had to do. He had to take her away from the kingdom as sure as possible, send her to one of their allies, maybe to one of her younger sister’s kingdoms gained by marriage, anywhere that could aid her in stopping what was happening behind her back.

    - Don’t. - he turned around to see his wife, Natalia. She held a cold look in her face, too cold contrasted to her fiery red hair but he still could point out the crack in the ice of her eyes. It was still there, begging. - I know what you’re thinking about, James. Don’t do it. 

    - Get off my way, Natalia. - she stood in front of him like an unmovable rock, stronger than the tide itself, never stopping. - I won’t say it again.

    - Just sleep with her, James. He’ll pay you well and we could leave this, we could maybe buy a piece of land, start over. - jealousy is a damned thing, he realised. He realised jealousy had shaped the wife once friend who he had known all his life as someone who knew right from wrong, it had shaped her into a cunning woman, one which knew how to ride the problem of her marriage away. But she couldn’t erase the problem, she could never get what was already someone else’s, no matter how hard she tried. - You’ll only end up getting yourself killed.

    - Move.

    - No, James. 

    - Do not make me hurt you. - he stepped closer to the red head, close enough he could feel her breathing on his face, fists clenched. 

    - Would you hurt your wife for her? 

Yes. The answer was yes but he wouldn’t say it to her. Instead he shoved her away from him, watching as his lack of answer broke through her cold facade allowing him to overpower her. Natalia watched as he strode through the halls, not even looking back. He had been gone a long, long time away, but now, now he was walking away and she stood in the corridor, on her knees, stubborn soul refusing for the tears gathered on her eyes to stream down her face, hate growing where love once blossomed. 

Bucky strode through the corridors, the phantom of Y/N still haunting him as if the memory of younger, better days were pulling at his brain like bottled regrets. She would always let her hand close to his, hoping for him to grab it and he never did, he never did. He wondered why he never did. As he stepped closer to her chambers, he could see her handmaids surrounding the door, still locked out and not allowed in. 

   - You’re needed elsewhere. - he spoke in a tone which left no room for interpretation. The girls immediately rush away, fears of the man which seemed to had turned bitter with time too present in their minds. Bucky didn’t care or feel any pity for them. They had comfortable lives, they didn’t need pity, they needed to be away from the Queen.

His hand went straight to the door handle, pushing it open but the door didn’t budge. Y/N was still locked in. He tried in, hoping the door would cave in but once again it didn’t. They weren’t supposed to cave in. His fists started banging against the gold encrusted door and had he not lost his flesh arm long years ago, it would’ve started bleeding from the force alone. 

    - Open the door, Y/N! - desperation dripped from his voice but she herself, like the door didn’t cave in.

   - Stop banging on the door and go away, James. - he could hear her from the other door. So close and yet so far away.

   - Open this door or so help me I will break it down myself. - Y/N didn’t doubt him. She knew what his arm could do but she was also much too smart not to get hurt again. Nevertheless, she unlocked the door, turning the small golden key held by the lock and he immediately pushed the door open. Her eyes scanned him, he was deranged, like an animal in the wild.

   - Get out, James. I swear I will call the guards on you. 

   - We need to go. - he walked into her bedroom, straight to the hanger where her cape hanged from. Grabbing it, he threw it at her but Y/N remained in her spot, no affection for him in his face. Had he not been so concerned for her head remaining on her shoulders, it would’ve hurt him. - I said we need to go, Y/N. 

    - You don’t get to order me around. 

    - Do you still love me? - the question took Y/N by surprise. Almost as if something had hit her, she took a few steps back, looking behind her to see that not so far away there were some guards. She could just call for them.

    - James, I will call the gu ...

    - Do you still love me? - he interrupted the young queen, punctuating every single word like a stab on an already aching heart. There was no saint, there was no devil, just two aching hearts filled with scars that were starting to harden the youthful hope it used to harbour.

Did she still love him? Yes. She can’t find the words to tell him, head and heart bleeding in negative thoughts. She could never say to him she didn’t and whenever she told him she did, he would turn his face and walk away leaving her broken, shattered on the floor by a love surely classic love tales warned her about. In her memory everything still burned from when he said he didn’t love her from when he called himself a mere companion. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him she loved him so instead she nodded.

    - I have to get you out right now. I’ll explain later. - he stepped towards her but there was no ice cold nature to him, no violence. Instead, he slide the cape behind her, tying it around her neck before placing the hood over her head. It was a bleak brown cape she would use whenever going into the town’s market. 

His hand wrapped around hers as he turned the opposite way from the guards, walking towards the training grounds from which he could sneak her out and into the carriage which led into the town where she could get a train ticket into one of her sisters’ kingdoms. He kept rushing through the halls until a very familiar voice made him stop, rushing her to the opposite corridor. Both of them were up against the wall. 

   - Thank you for letting me know, Natalia. - the voice boomed through the corridor before he turned to address the guard with him. - Make sure Sir Barnes and the Queen leave. Sadly, our Queen seems to have chosen an illicit affair over her wedding and therefore she is a traitor to our country. 

Y/N looked up to Bucky, not understanding exactly what had happened but knowing she clearly couldn’t remain in the castle. Bucky mouthed kitchen to her, before helping her rush down the corridor onto the kitchen. Both of them ran through the oven heated grounds until the wooden door. Luckily for them, it was open.

   - Here. - Bucky handed her a small pouch. - There’s enough for a train ticket and more if anything happens. 

   - Are you coming?

   - Bucky, you’re gonna be killed. If affair isn’t believed, he’ll surely blame you for rape or kidnapping and he’ll kill you.

   - Y/N.

   - Do you love me? - she had one hand on the open door’s handle and one extended to him.

Yes. His hand touched hers and they exited, door behind them closed as everything was left behind.

[manikas-whims]

Messing with Her

Pairing: Shouto Todoroki X Momo Yaoyorozu

Words: 1711

Rating: T

Read on: AO3 | FFnet

One. They are supposed to share just one lesson with the students of class B every week and yet somehow it has become the least bearable thing for Shouto. Although he isn’t much of an extrovert, he can bear with a few new faces but this doesn’t mean he’s ready to share seats with said new faces. And as if this isn’t enough, fate decides to play a dirty trick on him by giving him the worst possible seatmate for this particular class— Neito Monoma.

Not only does the blond hold some kind of personal grudge against class A but he is also nearly deranged. His obsession with annoying people is seriously worrisome. Negativity is known to eat away one’s inner conscience, deprive the person of liveliness and joy yet this boy thrives in chaos. Disaster fuels him like no drug can ever. And Shouto is extremely disgruntled to have to share a seat with him for a whole year.

He doesn’t pay heed to the crazy boy’s taunts and focuses on Sir Cementos, who is explaining something about strategizing which they’ll have to apply later on in test missions. His eyes glance ahead, stopping upon the back of a girl with silky, black locks next to an orange haired girl from class B. He sighs. It was his lovely, dark haired, seatmate herself who had suggested this new seat arrangement by drawing lots so as to help the two sections become more accustomed to one another and to make some new friends. Well he certainly does not need new friends. He is content with having her, Midoriya and Iida.

“Ohh so Mr. Cool Guy here is now ignoring me.” Monoma speaks, feigning a hurt expression.

Shouto finds the nickname funny, considering how hot-headed he gets when having to deal with idiots like these. But just like the rest of his classmates, he’s promised his class representatives that he’ll try to learn from this experience, not pick fights. And so, he tries to concentrate on what is being taught right in front of him.

“Is it your class rep, you’re thinking about?” Monoma says, his eyes now fixated on Yaoyorozu.

“Oh I know..” Monoma clicks his fingers, as if he’s discovered Shouto’s deepest, darkest secrets. “You’re thinking you’d rather sit with her than having to face a genius like me.”

Shouto huffs, cracking his neck to diffuse the annoyance building up within him. He has to! He promised Iida and Yaoyorozu.

“You think she’s better than me?” Monoma asks haughtily. This guy doesn’t know when to give up, does he?

Shouto ignores him.

“She is intelligent, I’ll give her that. But isn’t her kindness off-putting? I dunno, she almost seems too good to be true. Hey! Maybe she’s faking being nice to-”

“Fuck Off” The words escape Shouto’s lips before his rational mind can stop him.

It is only when the whole class turns towards him, some gasping in shock whilst several others hooting in approval of the possible incoming argument that he realizes he’s said the curse words loud enough for everyone to hear. He looks away, unfazed by everyone’s undivided attention on him. He only swears if it is to humiliate his bastard of a father. But people like Monoma press the right buttons, pushing him to lose his composure. It would’ve been fine if the arrogant boy had kept his snarky comments limited to him but he tried to insult Yaoyorozu, someone whom Shouto holds very important in his life, just like his other friends. He assures himself with that thought but wonders if he’d actually reacted the same way had it been Midoriya or Iida. Anyways, he couldn’t have just sat there and let the guy say whatever.

Sir Cementos puts down the chalk in his hand and opens his mouth to berate him for his language but Yaoyorozu beats their teacher to it.

“Todoroki-san! How could you?” she stands up, disappointment clear in her voice.

How could he? Normally, he would’ve simply told her that this stuck-up class B student just badmouthed her. But with an audience around, he can’t. He just knows that’ll hurt Yaoyorozu more than Monoma’s false remarks. So instead of stating the truth, he decides to lie. “Because he deserves.”

From the corner of his eyes, he can see Iida itching to chide him but is stopped by Midoriya.

“Swearing is wrong!” Yaoyorozu emphasizes, her hands resting on her hips. “Whether or not a person deserves it, is not as important as you spoiling your tongue by using such foul words.”

Here it is, her ‘good girl’ speech. Although she’s right, she can’t force everyone to stop swearing. And he’s already not the most ideal boy in his class. He is kind of a brooding, no-nonsense, cool sort of guy but that doesn’t mean he’s not bad. It may not be apparent but he’s just as handful as any other teenager. He doesn’t answer much to his sister and he treats his father like trash (which the man actually is). Oh! And not long ago, before the sports festival, he used to be pretty rude and uncaring about others. Its surprising that she and the rest of his classmates collectively decided to forget all of it as soon as he started opening up. So yeah, he doesn’t really care if swearing is wrong.

“It’s my tongue I’m spoiling, so you don’t need to worry.” He says with a shrug, earning some collective ‘oohs’ from the other students.

Her expression darkens at the nonchalance in his words. “I’m not worried. I just want you to apologize.”

Shouto’s eyes widen for the fraction of a second before returning to his stoic demeanor. Apologize? Him? To this jerk? And that too for cursing at Monoma because the blond was mocking her kind character? Not in a million years. If asked, he can share his soba with her but he will definitely not ask for this obnoxious boy’s forgiveness. He cocks his head to the side as he responds, “Or what?”

His words ensue a set of gasps, hoots and snickers. Even Bakugou quirks a brow in amusement. The sassy intonation in his words, makes Shouto question himself too. Crude words are one thing. But where is this coming from? He doesn’t remember ever speaking like this to anyone. Especially, since he had only meant to decline her request. Somehow he ended up saying these..challenging words!? He’s not in the position to challenge her for correcting him. So then, how did he let such words slip out of his mouth? Must be due to his time spent in the company of Bakugou and others at the provisional training.

Or is it because he enjoys messing with her? He knows she’s genuinely too sweet to scream at him for his words. Plus, he has noticed her always blushing cutely when he says something unpredictable. He isn’t sure why she reacts the way she does towards some of his actions but he likes it. He likes getting under her skin. He wants to witness how much she can take until she finally snaps back at him and takes action.

“Or..” she begins through gritted teeth, “I’ll never talk to you.”

His brows furrow immediately. The last time she stopped speaking to him was a disaster. Yes, he had talked it out with her. But he doesn’t have the energy to repeat that because he knows most of class A will be eavesdropping on them like the other time. He balls his palms into fists, the temperature rising on his left side whilst decreasing equally at his right. This isn’t fair. He didn’t expect her to be this strict on him. He isn’t saying that he’s special but she always does make him feel so. Wishing him good luck during tests, lending him spare stationary material by actually using her quirk to create it for him, offering him her expensive variety of tea and so much more. It’s just that her little gestures make him feel warm and happy..make him feel special and loved.. So now that she’s the one reprimanding him, it’s disheartening. Still, he cannot apologize to Monoma. He just can’t.

“It’s okay, Yaoyorozu-san.” Fortunately, the orange haired girl from class B intervenes. Kendo right? She’s the one who keeps her classmates in line. “I know Monoma is a bit provoking in nature.” She says sheepishly. “So there’s no need to say sorry to him. I think a written apology to your homeroom teacher will be better.” She suggests, looking awkwardly between Todoroki and Yaoyorozu.

Yaoyorozu bites her lip as if contemplating if she should agree or not but then relaxes visibly. “Fine then. Todoroki-san, please write an apology to Aizawa sensei.” With that said, she turns around, a frown still etched on her face to express her disappointment in him.

He watches the others turn back to Cementos, assuming the matter is over. But not for him. For some inexplicable reason, Shouto can’t get enough of this. He knows this isn’t a competition and that she wasn’t serious when she said what she did. He knows. Yet..

“Or what?”

“Or..I’ll never talk to you.”

The statement echoes in his head. He can’t believe that she shot back to his pugnacious words.

Shouto knows that it’s unnecessary and he’s being childish. But he can’t help himself from wanting to have the last word in this silly, one-sided argument with her. Maybe it’s his adolescent hormones kicking in but he wants to spite her, test her some more..

“Well then you better keep an eye on me or I won’t be writing that apology letter.” He drawls out but he doesn’t get to wait long. He sees Yaoyorozu instantly push her chair back with a noisy screech. In a few quick steps, she stomps towards him, glaring Monoma to get her message across. The blond boy immediately vacates the chair for her and she sits down next to Shouto, passing him a fiercer glare. He smirks, relishing in the hooting that follows anew as a result of his playful words.

Seriously, if all it takes is a few swear words and silly comebacks to make her sit by his side, then he’ll gladly do it all over again.

A/N: Amongst class A students, i think Shouto is the most badly behaved one. He's rude to people he doesn't like or doesn't respect, regardless of their age. There's so much I've noticed about him that I feel like he is the Bad Boy type right next to Bakugou 🤭

Well, I hope you guys enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing..

OH, I'M OPEN FOR REQUESTS NOW

If you have a scenario, AU or just sn idea about todomomo and you want me to write it, please comment about it here ☺

[tvdversefanfiction]

Canary Carnage

Fandoms: Arrowverse, DC Universe, TVDverse and The Originals

Chapter Seven: Bane Bound

Warnings: I don’t own any of the rights, content or characters belonging to any of the DC content I use within the story along with not owning any rights, content or characters within The Vampire Diaries, Originals or Legacies.

18 Rating: Moderate/Graphic displays of violence, sexual innuendos, sexually charged scenes, SMUT, strong language and potentially triggering scenes.

Pairings: M/M, F/F, M/F.

To say things have been difficult for Laurel Lance since winding up on Earth Blood would be a severe understatement she had found herself swaying backwards and forwards from enemies to allies with her brother Lucas, as well as almost being murdered by a family of original vampires and had her sister Sara return from the dead only for her sister to kill a Mikaelson and start a war with their family before she returned to the dead or better put undead.

Laurel had been through a lot back on her Earth mourning her sister, then her father and dealing with abandonment issues over her mother Dinah leaving her and her brother but she had gathered up all that pain, rage and hurt and turned it into something good by becoming the vigilante known as the Black Canary and turning herself into the hero that Star City so desperately needed.

However, the once forever hopeful District Attorney for Star City had found herself struggling to be hopefully on an earth in a city run by vampires that couldn’t die vampires that couldn’t be trusted and vampires that wanted her younger sister Sara dead.

The news of her brother somehow burying the hatchet with Klaus and Elijah should’ve calmed her but it only worried her more as she once trusted the Mikaelson family only for them to try and kill her so instead of Lucas’ latest alliance comforting the Black Canary found it even more troublesome leading to her arranging a meeting with the only two people within New Orleans she believed she could trust.

“Well I can’t say I’m surprised whatsoever that your brother has struck up some weird kind of friendship with Klaus Mikaelson from the way you talk about him it seems Lucas would fit right in with him.” Davina admitted to Laurel as the two ladies sat at the counter of the bar within the New Orleans Voyage Hotel, each lady holding a cold bottle of beer in their hands. “You’re right to be even more worried now I mean they either hit it off a little two well and cause all kinds of carnage wherever they go or they’ll soon fall out and get to killing each other which considering Lucas is the only one who can die doesn’t look good for him.”

“My brother has a tendency for aligning himself with the worst possible monsters due to some pretty messed up daddy issues and usually when he has this new alliance is when he’s at his most dangerous and any newfound loyalty he seems to have grown towards me or Sara will be straight out the window.” Laurel explained to the wonder witch before taking a drink from her beer. “It wouldn’t take much for Klaus to turn him against us especially if he chose to do some digging.”

“I get he’s this big bad back where your from but around here everyone drops bodies frequently it’s a horrifying truth but it’s still a truth and whether you like it or not sooner rather then later the lines between good and bad begin to get blurred and all that really matters is protecting your loved ones.” Davina replied, attempting to reassure the Black Canary. “I guess what I’m trying to say is just because he’s a deranged psychotic killer doesn’t necessary mean he’ll turn on you as messed up as that sounds.”

“I know there’s some fucked up sense of family loyalty buried deep down inside of him I mean he wouldn’t have pulled that whole undead man-oeuvre with Sara if he didn’t still care for his family in his own twisted way but all he needs is another reason to hate us and then we’re screwed.”  Laurel said, continuing to admit her fears to her magical new friend.

“You’re literally this pillar of all things good Laurel I mean back on your Earth you’re a freaking superhero what the hell could you possibly do to piss him off bad enough to make him turn against his sisters?” Davina wondered, knowing Laurel was hiding something.

“That’s just it, Davina we’re not his sisters well at least not biologically.” Laurel revealed to a stunned Davina who had no time to reply to this revelation before Marcel vamp sped into the bar and over to stand in between the two ladies.

“You’re definitely proving yourself to be the wisest canary Laurel.” Marcel told the Black Canary, who feared the upgraded original had just overheard her conversation with Davina. “Klaus making any friends is unlike him which normally means he’s either plotting something or god forbid he really has made a friend and the latter is a much more terrifying thought.”

“Then we strike today once they’ve dealt with this whole Bane guy when they least expect it, we make our move and make everyone know that the Mikaelson’s no longer own this city.” Davina suggested before downing her beer and standing up to face Marcel.

“And how exactly do we strike against a family who can’t die?” Laurel asked as she too stood up to face the other two. “I mean I’ve literally blown off their heads and they just grow straight back.”

“Actually, there’s something I know that can kill an original.” Davina revealed to Laurel while giving Marcel a knowing look, much to Marcel’s dismay.

“I’m not killing them Davina I’m not saying they don’t deserve it, but I am saying I refuse to be the one who does it.” Marcel point blank refused.

“I don’t want them dead either I still care for Kol like you care for Rebekah however I’m not just going to sit back and then Klaus win yet again.” Davina told the upgraded original, leaving Laurel confused by their conversation. “I want to use your extra special upgraded venom style poison to weaken Klaus long enough to put him down.”

It was late that night within the Mikaelson’s abattoir or compound as they often referred to it and Klaus Mikaelson had found himself unable to get to sleep as he just lay on top of his bed covers wearing just a pair of boxers as he thought about how he and Lucas Lance narrowly avoided a showdown with Bane earlier that day wondering why Bane never continued to follow them back to the compound and continue to come for Lucas.

There were many reasons Klaus could think of as to why Bane didn’t continue his attack but funnily enough a threat which he had been convinced was a big deal thanks mainly to the fear on Lucas’ face wasn’t the top of his concern that night instead it was Lucas Lance himself that Klaus couldn’t get out of his mind.

From the day Lucas showed up in New Orleans he had been fearless, arrogant and frankly reckless but Klaus had to admit he had a certain way about him that made the original hybrid find time in the Red Canary’s presence enjoyable whether he wanted to or not.

Lucas challenged Klaus, infuriated him constantly and even outsmarted him once and yet instead of wanting him dead he wanted to continue this game of wits with him. Lucas’ sister had killed Klaus’ sister and although he wanted revenge for his fallen Freya, he realized he didn’t want revenge on Lucas.

He wasn’t foolish enough to develop feelings for such a manipulative trickster or foolish enough to believe there was something there between them worth fighting for but he knew he was attracted to the Red Canary and there was only one way he’d get over that attraction.

“I guess I’m not the only one unable to sleep tonight.” Lucas stated as he appeared standing at Klaus’ doorway, Klaus instantly responding by vamp speeding his way to stand out of his bed, wrap his covers around his exposed body and vamp speeding over to stand in front of the Red Canary.

“I’ve reluctantly agreed to help you with this enemy of yours that doesn’t mean you can just randomly come in and out of my home especially in the late hours.” Klaus snapped at the man, refusing to admit his curiosity to why Lucas was stood in front of him.

“I went for a walk at night like I normally do when I can’t sleep and before I knew it I had found myself looking at every shadow fearing he’d attack and I’d meet my end…I’ve never been scared of much in life and I really don’t like it.” Lucas admitted to Klaus, shocking the original hybrid with his honesty. “The truth is I’m not sure even with your help I’m going to make it out of this one alive and facing death has really got me looking back at my life.”

“I can’t say I’m thrilled about how much you seem to underestimate me Lucas I’ve lived for a thousand years killing every enemy in my path without so much as breaking a sweat your enemy will be no different I can promise you that.” Klaus replied, somewhat unamused by Lucas’ seemingly dismissal of Klaus’ strength.

“I was always alone and for a long time I learned to be okay with that,” Lucas continued to reveal as he walked into Klaus’ room. “Laurel had dad and Sara had mum then Laurel had Oliver and I guess so did Sara and all I ever had was me growing up, don’t get me wrong they weren’t terrible or anything but I was always alone and then after Sara and dad I really was completely and utterly alone.”

“Why are you telling me all this?” Klaus wondered, stunned to see a softer side to his enemy.

“Then I met Slade and he saw something in me something special I guess and for the first time in my life I believed I was and I’d do anything to keep that feeling even if it meant killing.” Lucas revealed to the original hybrid. “I can still remember my first kill and how it made me sick to my stomach but I continued and continued until I felt nothing anymore or at least I fooled myself into thinking I felt nothing because being a monster was easier than facing the truth that I allowed a man to complete me, to change me, to defeat me a man who didn’t even love me. I wasn’t special I never was.”

“Now is really not a good time for you to suddenly go all soft on me Lucas not when we have a man to kill.” Klaus told him, clearly feeling awkward over Lucas’ honesty.

“I made so many monstrous mistakes with so many men just longing to feel special to feel like I mattered in this mad world but the truth is I never did and I never will my life won’t make a single difference to anyone and so I just continue with my destructive path until I die and now that day’s probably not far away.” Lucas admitted as he began to walk towards a cautious Klaus. “But before that day comes, I just want to feel special for a few moments, can you do that for me Klaus? Can you make me feel special?”

Klaus found himself staring at Lucas with adoration in his eyes as Lucas stood in front of the original hybrid realizing that this was probably the most honest Lucas had ever been with anyone noticing for the first time the wounded man within the monster who like himself just longed for someone to love him for who he was, no questions asked and before he knew it he found himself leaning in towards the Red Canary slowly kissing him on the lips.

The two men shared a moment together just looking into each other’s eyes as if they were looking into each other’s souls and meeting each other for the very first time until Lucas reciprocated Klaus’ kiss with another before the two shared a loving smile as Klaus suddenly ripped off Lucas’ shirt and trousers with speed and strength leaving Lucas exposing his tight, chiseled body with only a pair of tight white boxer briefs hiding his modesty.

Lucas wasted no time in throwing the cover Klaus had wrapped around him on to the floor so the two men were both wearing nothing but boxers as Klaus smiled at him with a devilish grin that almost made Lucas weak at the knees before the original hybrid pulled the red canary’s body in towards him as they shared a passionate kiss, their tongues crashing against each other’s as Klaus made his way towards his bed and threw Lucas down on to it before climbing on top of the younger man with excitement in his eyes.

Klaus wasted no time in attacking Lucas’ neck with kisses causing Lucas to let out groan after groan as he began kissing his way down Lucas’ impressively muscled body slowly moving his mouth lower and lower as he worked his way towards Lucas’ boxers brief before tearing them off to reveal an already erect and throbbing member which was at least 8 inches of pleasure.

Klaus was beyond thrilled to see he had made Lucas that ecstatic already and before he knew it he found himself slowly taking the tip of Lucas’ dick into his mouth teasing the tip with his tongue, licking it slowly then quicker before removing his tongue and then repeating a few times before deciding to take more and more of Lucas inside of him as he heard the Red Canary moan louder and louder.

Klaus continued to take Lucas deeper and deeper into his mouth enjoying the feel of Lucas’ entire body shaking as Klaus thrust his mouth up and down Lucas’ member while using his right hand to begin playing with Lucas’ balls moving his hand further and further before sticking his pinkie finger into Lucas’ tight yet excited asshole, the sensation of Klaus’ finger inside him causing Lucas to shake even more viciously as his groans of pleasure continued to get louder and louder.

Lucas found himself in pure ecstasy as Klaus continued to take all of him inside his mouth while fingering Lucas’ hole, slipping in two fingers inside of him as he thrusted his head further down Lucas’ member picking up the pace and continuing to make Lucas let out a series of increasingly louder groans as he began thrusting himself harder and harder into Klaus mouth.

Klaus stood back up ripping off his own boxers revealing his very impressive member in the process much to Lucas’ delight who wasted no time in pulling the original hybrid towards him as Klaus lifted Lucas’ legs onto his shoulders so he could face Lucas as he slowly pushed his throbbing dick inside of the Red Canary’s tight hole.

Klaus thrusted himself into Lucas with such force it made Lucas whimper, the sound of Lucas whimpering making Klaus smile as he leaned in to kiss Lucas passionately and began thrusting himself in slowly at first, continuing to passionately make out with Lucas as he began thrusting himself harder and harder into his eager hole as the two mean began groaning in sync to the pure pleasure of their two bodies connecting.

“Bite me!” Lucas demanded through a series of groans, surprising Klaus with his demands who was hesitant at first. “I trust you.”

That’s all the permission Klaus needed as he went full vampire mode while still inside of Lucas and suck his fangs into Lucas’ neck, draining him of his rather exotic blood while continuing to pound the red canary’s ass harder and harder as he felt the blood from the canary enter his veins causing Klaus to hit a level of pleasure he had never felt before as he began grunting louder and louder while pounding Lucas into the bed harder and harder until he found himself shooting a load inside of him while stopping drinking from his neck at the same time before collapsing his naked and sweaty body on top of Lucas’, his dick still inside of Lucas as he continued to unload himself inside of his ass.

Klaus didn’t stop there it wasn’t enough just to make himself come he wanted to make Lucas come too and so he quickly began kissing his way back down Lucas’ chest working his way back to Lucas’ throbbing member which looked more than ready to unload as Klaus put his mouth back around Lucas’ dick and began thrusting Lucas’ dick further and faster down his throat, not taking Lucas long before he found himself coming inside Klaus’ mouth who was more than willing to swallow Lucas’ load.

Rebekah Mikaelson had grown somewhat fond of the canaries herself well more so Laurel Lance and not so much her sister’s killer or the canary that took up far too much of her brother Klaus’ time but ultimately her fondness for Laurel had her second guessing the desperate need for avenging her sister Freya I mean after all they had forgiven Marcel for killing Finn although admittedly they were a lot less fond of Finn than Freya.

Rebekah was relieved for a brief moment after hearing from Elijah that her brother Klaus had managed to broker some kind of peace with the canaries but that moment didn’t last long as Elijah then revealed it was Lucas Lance that Klaus had made the pact with.

Now Rebekah had no reason to hate the Red Canary I mean it was the Black Canary who had attacked her and the White Canary who had murdered her sister and she was thankful for Lucas’ attack on Marcel but she knew Lucas was the least trustworthy out of the three canaries and she also knew her brother Klaus was growing fond of him which was not a good sign for anyone.

“And you’re always accusing me of sleeping with the enemies.” Rebekah quipped immediately waking up Klaus and Lucas after vamp speeding into her brother Klaus’ bedroom the next morning to find Klaus momentarily asleep and naked while cuddling into an equally asleep and naked Lucas, only covers hiding the two men’s modesty. “I guess however it’s different when you’re the one getting laid Niklaus.”

“Well this is awkward!” Lucas gushed as he sat up in the bed at the same time as a speechless Klaus, both covering themselves up as much as possible with the covers.

“Not really my dear brother has had far worse bed companions than you although I admittedly he’s also had far better.” Rebekah replied to Lucas, enjoying revealing to the Red Canary her brother could do better a little too much.

“What the bloody hell are you doing in here?” Klaus snapped at his sister, finally finding something to say.

“Your latest lunatic lover’s former partner has been located by Davina, so I figured we strike now kill the bastard and get back to doing whatever the hell it is we’re doing these days.” Rebekah answered her brother, while giving him a disapproving glare. “That is if you can pull yourself away from making this canary cry long enough.”

“I like you!” Lucas laughed at Rebekah only for her to respond with a death glare aimed right at him, making it clear the feeling was far from mutual.

“Can you meet us downstairs?” Klaus asked, clearly ashamed by his sister finding him in this situation with an enemy knowing he had spurned her many times for the exact same thing.

“Trust me it would be my pleasure to get the hell away from this mess as quickly as possible.” Rebekah replied before a wicked smile appeared across her face, realizing a way to make things even more awkward between the two men as she revealed to Klaus. “You know he’s already slept with Kol right? I’m guessing Elijah’s next.”

Rebekah sped out of the room more than happy to leave Klaus with that bit of information as Klaus turned to look at Lucas, shocked to know he had already been with his brother Kol which was a tradition in his family he wasn’t particularly a fan of, as Lucas just sat there looking at Klaus unsure of what to say to the original hybrid unsure of whether he was meant to defend himself or just get changed and pretend what happened between the two of them never happened, just like he did with Klaus’ younger brother Kol.

Catching her brother Klaus in this particular situation did amuse Rebekah immensely especially with her history of sleeping with the enemies and being torn to shreds verbally by Klaus for doing so but unfortunately her amusement was also met with fear knowing her brother who acted like he had no heart tended to love just as carelessly and reckless as she did when given the chance.

In that moment Rebekah didn’t care about bloody betrayals, potential deaths or even the chance of daggers making a comeback if Lucas and Klaus became a true partnership what she feared more than anything was her brother developing feelings for someone unworthy who would hurt him and that’s when she realized the tables had turned and she had become Klaus as she began to wonder if that mean she was justified to kill a lover of his for a change.

Sara Lance wasn’t exactly thrilled about walking into enemy gates with Laurel and Oliver despite knowing she could trust either with her life she also knew she was ultimately walking into the home of a family who’s sister and lover was taken from them by her a family who supposedly couldn’t be killed and had recently aligned themselves with her little brother Lucas who had recently turned Sara from a canary into a vampire, a vampire who could no longer canary cry a power which the White Canary had quickly found herself missing.

The Mikaelson’s were notorious on their earth and although she hadn’t been there long, she had already heard many monstrous and terrifying stories which neither member of the family came off particularly well.

She wasn’t judging as she had quite a few of her own horror stories from being in the league of assassin’s knowing if she had worked for them for a thousand years the stories about her would be as bad as the Mikaelson’s but she was very much aware this family were extremely deadly and wanted her dead and that left her somewhat cautious but she had no other choice knowing this alliance benefited them for now until they got Bane out of the way.

Sara had never actually met Bane before but she had went up against Batman or rather her former master Ra’s al Ghul had and for someone to go up against Ra’s and survive well that made him a formidable foe in her eyes and this formidable Bat had been broken by Bane many times before making him just as dangerous as Ra’s or Batman, if not more and she knew her siblings were going to need all the help they could get to take Bane down.

“I’m all for keeping the little brat alive for as long as possible even if he’s one big bitch fit in overdrive but when did we get desperate enough to start trusting this lot again?” Sara asked Laurel as she, her sister and Oliver walked into the compound to be met by Rebekah who vamp sped herself into the compound.

“It’s our family who should be doubting ourselves after all you are the bitch who killed my sister so if anyone can’t be trusted it’s you.” Rebekah snapped at the White Canary.

“Hate to say it Sara but she has got a point.” Laurel butted in, all too quick to tell off her little sister.

“Seriously Laurel now is not the time to take a swing at me.” Sara told the Black Canary while rolling her eyes out of frustration.

“Well I for one am just glad everyone’s coming together to get Luci out of trouble I’ll be the first to admit his kind of trouble has definitely grown bigger over the years but damn it’s a good dose of nostalgia helping him out of another scrape.” Oliver said with a joking tone, hoping to cut the tension between the three ladies.

“I’ve got to ask ladies what the bloody hell did you ever see in this pompous fool?” Rebekah asked Sara and Laurel who instantly laughed much to Oliver’s embarrassment. “I swear my brother Niklaus randomly hunted down a werewolf just like him years ago just for sport if you’d like I could snap his neck right here and you girls will have one less thing to hate each other for.”

“I don’t hate my sister…I’m just severely pissed off at her.” Laurel answered Rebekah, Sara feeling relieved that her sister didn’t hate her despite having every reason to.

“I’d never hate you Laurel you’re my big sister when I think about what Oliver and I did and how much we must’ve hurt you it makes me sick.” Sara explained to her big sister. “We were young and stupid, and it never meant anything.”

“Sara’s telling the truth Laurel it meant nothing which I guess just makes everything that much worse because I really did love you and I fucked it all up.” Oliver apologised to Laurel who clearly looked confused on how to take her ex’s and her sister’s apologies.

“I’ve lived over a thousand years and in those thousands years it’s become impossible for my siblings not to share lovers at some stage Klaus and Elijah fought over Tatia then Katherine although admittedly Klaus wanted her for more sacrificial reasons than romantic…Klaus also knocked up Hayley who was in love with Elijah but that came after she got pregnant which isn’t as weird as it sounds and now Kol and Klaus seem to be sharing your brother.” Rebekah revealed to the three of them, surprisingly finding herself trying to calm the tension instead of stirring it up for a change. “What I’m trying to say is shit like that happens all the time but in the end family’s all you got whether you want them or not.”

“I for one definitely second that beautiful sentiment from my dear sister Rebekah.” Elijah agreed after vamp speeding over to announce himself to the group. “I’m Elijah Mikaelson I don’t believe we’ve quite had the pleasure of meeting until now.”

“Wait,” Sara said, demanding Rebekah’s attention. “What do you mean your brothers are sharing my brother?”

“I think that kind of explains itself Sara.” Laurel laughed at her younger sister. “I figured that’s why he suddenly partnered up our brother tends to only ever stay loyal to people he wants to sleep with.”

“I guess he never slept with Bane then.” Oliver continued to joke, trying to take some seriousness away from their current situation.

“Well at least the man stays loyal to who he sleeps with.” Elijah teased the Green Arrow, amusing Laurel in the process as the two found themselves meeting each other’s eyes mid smile, a look Oliver noticed and wasn’t amused by.

“I was going to ask where’s my brother, but I no longer want to know instead I’m going to ask where’s Hayley from what Laurel says she seems to be the only one I’m willing to even consider trusting.” Sara asked Rebekah and Elijah.

“She’s other wise engaged with factional business.” Klaus announced as he appeared at the top of the stairs, now fully clothed, before vamp speeding down to stand beside his sister and brother. “Besides I think there’s enough people invited to this party as it is.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Lucas said, the next to appear at the top of the stairs, also now fully clothed. “Now let’s jump right to the killing which preferably doesn’t result in me also being killed!”

Nobody was happy with this particular alliance but Sara had no choice she didn’t want to see he brother dead and neither did Laurel or Oliver and surprisingly to everyone including himself neither did Klaus, or at least for now although a certain revelation about his younger brother Kol Mikaelson definitely had him beginning to reconsider.

Lucas Lance wasn’t foolish enough to believe his recent dalliance with Klaus Mikaelson would earn him any loyalty and he had spent too long avoiding his family to freely put his faith in his sisters but he also knew they were his only option to go head to head with Bane and stay alive.

Now what Bane had in strength which had amplified since coming to Earth Blood he had matched in intelligence which meant a drawn-out plan was never going to work and Lucas knew this.

So instead of trying to play a game of wits with his former cellmate a game he knew he’d never win instead he decided to tackle him head to head in a battle of strengths and with the Mikaelson family uniting with the Lances power was most definitely on their side but that didn’t necessary mean a win was on the cards for the Red Canary.

“It’s awfully brave of you to arrange this little meeting and I’ve got to say that little magic trick with the paper appearing out of nowhere was impressive but I’m not foolish enough to believe you came alone.” Bane said to Lucas as the two stood in the middle of Lafayette Cemetery. “I’ll just have to kill every idiot you fooled into helping you and then I’ll kill you.”

“And people say I can hold a grudge I mean so what I screwed you over to get a head start on getting the hell away from Arkham as fast as I could it’s on you that you didn’t screw me over first.” Lucas replied, trying to mask his fear which amused Bane who laughed at the Red Canary’s fake act of bravery.

“You always did talk far too much!” Bane told Lucas before running towards the canary only for Laurel to appear from behind a tomb releasing a canary cry stopping Bane in his tracks as he quickly found himself struggling to stand as Laurel’s canary cry continued to grow more powerful.

Lucas quickly joined his sister Laurel by releasing a cry of his own, aiming it at Bane only for Laurel and Lucas to be left stunned when a portal appeared in between them both and right in front of Bane which was most definitely not a part of their plan as they stopped their cries and watched on in shock as Bane found himself dragged by a unseen force towards the portal before flying right in and disappearing within the portal.

“That was way too bloody easily I mean quite frankly it was a bit of a let-down.” Rebekah moaned as she sped her way into the cemetery, until she stood beside Laurel.

“That wasn’t supposed to happen I’m not entirely sure how it happened.” Lucas replied to the original female vampire as all three of them continued to stare at the opened portal.

“We made it happen Lucas just like we did before…I think that’s the portal back home.” Laurel revealed to her younger brother as Klaus, Sara and Elijah sped into the cemetery, the three of them now standing next to Laurel and Rebekah.

“Are you going to go back?” Sara asked her sister, knowing she couldn’t return home, fearing Laurel would leave her on this earth.

“It’s my home Sara…Star City needs the Black Canary.” Laurel explained to the White Canary as Oliver appeared from behind another tomb.

“I’m sure it could do with the Green Arrow too…I mean two vigilantes are always better than one.” Oliver said to them all, making it clear he was ready to return home.

“You were always the best of us Laurel.” Sara admitted as tears formed in her eyes while she walked over to her sister and gave her a tight hug.

“This is probably the time where we leave the canaries to their goodbye cries.” Rebekah suggested to Elijah and Klaus. “Besides brothers we have much to discuss back home.”

Laurel Lance’s family meant the world to her but then she lost them one by one all starting with the supposed death of her younger sister Sara which was quickly followed by her younger brother Lucas going off the rails, her father drinking himself to death and her mother deserting them all.

Before she knew it she was alone, hurting and had a new powers to come to terms with and so she made the decision to put those powers to use as she became the Black Canary and vowed to keep her home Star City safe.

Earth Blood gave Laurel her sister back and somewhat helped her bond with her brother but it was never her home and she was always determined to go back, the only problem was her family wanted to stay put and now she had to choose between her home and the friends who became like family or her actual family not that there was much choice because unlike her siblings she always did the right thing and being the Black Canary in Star City was the right thing to do.

“Wow Oliver really wasted zero time in getting the hell out of here shame I was planning on getting around to killing him once the whole Bane business settled down.” Lucas said breaking the silence between him and his two sisters as he, Laurel and Sara stood side by side in Lafayette Cemetery looking at the opened portal.

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that mainly because once I go through there, you’re no longer my problem…unless of course you’re suddenly wanting to go home.” Laurel replied to her brother.

“No thanks sis, the enemies on this earth are far better than the ones on the other earth Bane was a painful reminder of that.” Lucas told the Black Canary before speeding out of sight.

“I guess that’s his way of saying goodbye…I guess that little brat is just my problem now.” Sara said to her sister, trying to mask her sadness over saying goodbye to her.

“Once I’m home I’ll get to work on closing this portal from both sides hopefully that’ll keep people from visiting here although if they really want to, I’m sure they’d find a way.” Laurel replied, also trying to mask her sadness. “I really wish we could’ve had longer to work everything out because believe it or not I still love you and I’m really going to miss you again.”

“Well if you miss me too much, I’m sure you’ll find a way to get in touch at least time you know I’m alive well undead, but you get what I mean.” Sara joked with the Black Canary before giving her sister another hug. “It’s probably best if I stay dead on that Earth.”

“Yeah I figured as much.” Laurel responded as she hugged her sister even tighter. “Please keep our psychotic little brother from winding up dead and keep the alliances I’ve made with Davina and Marcel under no circumstances can the Mikaelson’s be trusted.”

“Yeah I worked that one out pretty quickly.” Sara admitted as she broke off the hug with her sister. “Don’t worry I lived with assassins for years this earth is going to a breeze in comparison.”

“I guess New Orleans needs the White Canary just as much as Star City needs the Black Canary.” Laurel said with a smile on her face, knowing she could trust the White Canary to keep Earth Blood and its inhabitants in line.

Laurel and Sara stood there for a moment basking in the moment that they had the opportunity to be reunited as they tried to hide their sadness over their reunion being cut so short as Laurel and Sara wished Lucas stuck around for a proper goodbye, both knowing in his own way he did say goodbye.

The two Lance sisters continued to stand there for some time before Laurel gathered up her strength to walk through the portal as Sara watched on with tears on her eyes as she watched the Black Canary, her sister, disappear into the portal believing she would most likely never see her big sister again.

[ontherockswithsalt]

This Charming Man - Something To Wear

A Joble Fanfic

Rating: E

(previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) | (ao3 story link)

A/N: This was a classic scene to rewrite and I hope you like it lol. Adding Bianca into the mix made it more fun.

Chapter 6.

“Bianca.”

“Who is this?” My sister’s scratchy voice mumbles on the other end of the line.

“It’s me!” I angle the receiver closer to my mouth before I pick up the hotel phone from the nightstand and pull it onto the bed.

“Noble,” she realizes and I can hear her shifting around. I obviously woke her up. “I tried calling you all night. You never answered.”

“I haven’t been home.”

“Are you okay?”

“Guess where I am.”

“Oh jeez.” She groans. “I told you if you get arrested, to use your one phone call on Bobby because I don’t have bail money--”

“No listen.” I blow that off, refusing to acknowledge that of all places, she assumes I’m in jail. “A guy picked me up last night -- in a fucking Lotus Esprit -- and I’m in his penthouse at the Waldorf Hotel.”

“What?” She shouts.

“Yeah,” I laugh. “And get this. He wants me to stay the week and he’s gonna pay me three thousand dollars.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” 

“No.”

“What’s up with him?” She wonders.

“I don’t really know.”

“Is he… like, deranged?”

I chuckle. “No. Well. He doesn’t seem to be.”

“Ugly?”

“He’s…” And I pause, closing my eyes because I need to stop believing that he’s so goddamn attractive. It’s going to get me in over my head. “Decent-looking.”

“What sort of-- No, don’t answer that.”

“It’s like he just wants someone to hang out with him for the week.”

“That can’t be it,” she doubts.

“But here’s the thing. I have to go to fancy dinners and shit with him because he’s some big deal and I’m supposed to wear a suit. So will you help me?”

___

“Can’t we just go to Canal Street?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder at my sister and book it through the crosswalk. “I’ve seen this sign in my neighborhood -- two suits for thirty dollars. They’ll custom fit.”

“Noble, that place has roast duck hanging in the window, you’re not getting a suit there.”

“They sell the suits out of the back.”

"No. You need something nice," she insists. "This guy is expecting you to look the part. That's why we're on Madison Avenue."

I peer up at the sleek designer storefronts, one right after another, and I sort of dread the idea of spending money up here. But obviously Bianca doesn’t because she tugs on my arm and hurries over to one of the shops.

Inside I don't even know what I'm looking at. Backlit shelves feature like, one tie displayed next to a rack with minimal options of white shirts. As we peruse, I flip over a price tag on a sleeve and see six hundred and something dollars before I flick it from my fingers and move on. 

"Is there something I can help you with?" One woman proposes, whose gaze has been trailing us from the front counter since we came in here. 

Bianca speaks up. "Oh, we're just looking."

I glance over and offer my best attempt at a pleasant smile but I know I just make her uncomfortable.

"What is it you're looking for?" A man -- probably the manager and definitely gay -- rounds one of the displays and feels compelled to join in this investigation. He eyes me, and not in the intrigued way Jamie does, but like he can't believe I've set foot in his store in a shirt I've had since high school and jeans I stole from an ex. 

I chew nervously on the edge of my thumb. "I uh… was checking out your suits," I tell him. Then I look over and spot a headless mannequin in what looks like a normal enough suit. "How much is this?"

The manager, with his John Waters mustache that he's not pulling off, tilts his head. "I don't think that would fit you."

A puff of a laugh escapes me. "I didn't ask if it would fit. I asked how much it was."

He blinks over at his associate. "How much is that suit, Annette?"

The woman, wearing big dangling earrings, her bleached, almost white hair pulled back tight narrows her gaze. "It's very expensive."

He looks at me and echoes, "It's very expensive."

"Listen," Bianca pipes up. "We've got money to spend in here--"

"Hey." I stop her with a subtle touch on her arm. "Don't." These assholes would call the cops for nothing. 

"I think you're in the wrong place," the manager tells us. "And you should leave."

"Oh," my sister gripes. "Why, what are you gonna--"

"Come on," I mutter to her with a step back. "Let's go." And I can't even look at these people as we turn for the door. 

"I wouldn't shop here anyway," Bianca can't help but chirp over her shoulder as I lead her away. "Unless I was some--" Then she pauses to gesture a swirling hand at the salesman. "Washed up magician."

I push open the door and I hear the man bid us a fake good day before I look back and see Bianca present her middle finger and follow me outside.

"Jesus, what a dick," she complains. 

I'm already lighting a cigarette on the sidewalk when she makes her way over. "Yeah well--" I hold my inhale for a calming beat before I let out a steady stream of smoke and we start walking. "What do you expect?"

"Let's try Macy's or something," she suggests.

"No." I'm already over it and I set my gaze some place far away. "I'm probably just gonna bail."

"Fuck them, Noble. We'll go somewhere else. How hard is it to buy a damn suit?"

"I don't want to, Bianca." I cut her off and walk a little faster, making it hard for her to keep up as we weave through the people on Madison Avenue. 

"You gonna bail on three grand because a couple nobodies at a store were mean to us? Who cares about them?"

Apparently I do because it got to me. The way they looked at us got under my skin. I don't know how it's so thin all of a sudden; people judge me all the time and I'm pretty good at ignoring it. But I'm too aware of it now -- how less than I am. Why should I try to fake that I'm not?

"I'm gonna go back to the hotel," I tell her once she's at my side again. "I'll figure it out."

She knows me well enough not to press and just walks with me for a minute. “You sure you’re good?” She eventually asks.

After a long drag, I flick some ash away and lift my chin to slowly exhale. “I’m good.”

“You promise you’ll call me, okay? I worry about you.”

“Bianca,” I chuckle. “Do you realize what you’re walking me back to? This is easy. Don’t feel sorry for me.”

“I’m worried you’re going to get hurt.”

I look over at her. “Hurt drinking scotch in some rich guy’s penthouse? I don’t think you understand the kinds of shady places I’ve ended up in the middle of the night. This is like a vacation.”

“I don’t mean hurt like that. Like that guy who tried to stab you,” she says. 

I glance down, considering it over another drag. “I know what you mean,” I murmur. “It’s just a job.”

“Alright,” she agrees softly. “I’m gonna leave you here then, and head downtown.”

That’s probably a smart decision. The staff at the Waldorf-Astoria don’t need to leer at me walking in with this chick with fire red hair and an artfully torn up KISS t-shirt, leather mini skirt and fishnet tights. They already have their suspicions about me. Although a part of me does want her to walk through that lobby just to give someone a stroke. 

“I’ll call you,” I assure her. And with a hug at the corner, we part ways and I head on to Park Avenue.

Once I push through the revolving door, I keep my head down but I’m only a few steps in when a woman in a smart skirt suit follows in step beside me.

“Excuse me, sir, can I help you?” She wonders.

I keep walking. “I’m going to my room.”

“You’re a guest here?” 

And just then I remember I forgot to take the credit-card-looking key thing with me to let myself back in. “Yeah.” I scratch a hand through my hair and slow my pace to look at her. “I’m on the top floor. I’m… staying with someone.”

Her gaze falls briefly. “And who would that be?”

“Jamie,” I tell her, then press my lips together in this guilty way and sort of hope that my otherwise charming face convinces her to let me into the room.

“Jamie,” she repeats. 

“Mm-hm. Jamie…” Then I glance away for a moment. “The… lawyer.”

She nods once. “Right. I’m going to need you to come with me.”

“Ah, come on,” I complain, suddenly louder which I know isn’t helping my case. She places a hand on the middle of my back and guides me around the corner. “God, what? What is with everyone today?” I call out irritably as she steers us down a hallway door and I’m led into what I assume is her office.

“Now what is your name, young man?” She wonders after I’ve sunk down in one of her leather chairs opposite a heavy desk.

“What do you want it to be?” 

She blinks from her seat, but otherwise her face doesn’t move as she stares me down. 

I give in. “Noble.”

“Thank you. Noble. I’m Jacqueline Hart, I’m the manager of this hotel. Now--” She starts in, folding her hands on top of her desk. It makes me feel like I’m in the principal’s office. “Things that go on at other hotels don’t happen here at the Waldorf-Astoria. However, we take very good care of our guests. And Mister Reagan is a very special guest. We’d like to consider him a friend and for a friend, we’ll make certain exceptions.”

I cut my eyes to the side to keep from rolling them skyward. I could tell you stories of things that actually go on at these hotels, lady.

She goes on. “So I assume you’re a…” Then she pauses and looks at me, eyebrows raised. 

My forehead creases and I stall for an answer.

“Family member?” She finishes.

Bringing my hand to my mouth, I bite the edge of my finger and mutter, “Yeah. I’m his…” Then I clear my throat and shift. “--Cousin.”

“Of course.” She gives me a tight-lipped smile. “That’s fine. And I hope it’s your understanding that after your stay here, we won’t be seeing each other again--”

I blink in surprise, pulling my chin back.

“And while you’re here,” she continues. “I think it would benefit you to dress more appropriately for a hotel of this caliber. That’s all--”

“No--no-no.” I sit up. “That’s not all. See, that’s the problem. I tried to go out today to pick up some things to wear while I’m here, but it’s like I couldn’t get any help. Which is bullshit,” I rant, shifting to reach into the pocket of my jeans and I notice her visibly stiffen as she anticipates my next move. I dig out the cash and present the rumpled, folded bills. “Because I have all this money. Right? But the people at these stores are assholes--”

Furrowing her brow, Jacqueline turns toward her phone, and tries not to let the alarm surface on her face but I can see it in her eyes.

“What?” I wonder as she picks up the receiver and presses one of her speed dial buttons. “What, are you calling the cops? Great.” I shrug, slumping back in the chair. “That’s great. Tell them I said hi--”

She swallows hard. “Sam in menswear, please.”

I shut my mouth and watch her, one eyebrow gradually perking up.

“Sam, this is Jacqueline Hart from the Waldorf. How are you?” She pauses, glancing off to the side with a grin, then lets out this airy giggle as they exchange opening small talk. “I’m sending over a very special friend this afternoon. His name is Noble and I would be so appreciative if you could take good care of him for me.”

[ralfstrashcan]

3x18 Reaction / Commentary

Anxious feeling of imminent doom in my gut? Check. Skipping breakfast in favor of running to my laptop like a starving person? Check. Chances of surviving this episode with my sanity intact? Uhhh.... Well here goes nothing.

But one more thing before we get started (Does anyone wanna get out? Yeah, me!!!! Okay sorry.)

Who's this mysterious “Alex” person?? A new player on the board???

Alright alright, I'm stalling, I know. It's weird, last week couldn't pass quick enough but now I really don't wanna click the play button... okay anyway you're probably not here to read my angsting, so. Deep breath and here goes.

In terms of putting my nerves at ease this is working out pretty good. I love Becky, okay, and her sibling ship with Simon and the Sneak Peek made me real happy and I can't wait to see more of those two together (especially considering this'll probably be her last appearance on the show). So, yeah Team Lewis! (Also that comment about them and Clary never missing a Halloween together? I need all the kid fics!!!)

Lol dude I mean you literally died for knowing about it, but sure, make an understatement XD Also, “all the way from Florida”??? Last thing I knew about her she was lying in a hospital bed a week ago (aka 3A)? When did she get released? And relocated? I missed that???

:D :D :D <3<3<3

Queen Izzy :))))))) btw those kids had seriously lacking survival skills if you ask me. That wasn't normal, right? And where were their supervisors??

Effing f-i-n-a-l-l-y.

Also, Magnus with the deflecting again as soon as he's recovered just the tiniest bit is both painfully ic and also just painful </3

Ugh, can you believe Clace entered the Malec scene even though they must have felt it was a bad time and deranged it with their flirting? Unfair. In any case I agree, Clary was always and will always be an idiot XD haha okay sorry, I don't really mean that (only like, 83%) it's just the setup was too good to pass it up ;) I mean even Alec laughed at Jace calling her an idiot so I'm well within my rights to do it, too XD

Thanks, Alec, for sabotaging the one shot at open communication you had. I mean, I want to believe he does it because he realizes Magnus is back to his deflecting self and prodding will get him nowhere, but uhm, could he try for longer than three seconds before giving up? Is he really gonna let Magnus off the hook so easily and do something stupid and reckless instead?? *sigh* BUT ALSO HIS FRAKKING FACE OKAY I CAN'T

“Back from the Plot Fold”

Alec “Tact” Lightwood looooool

“Bitch I worked on this performance for centuries how dare you”

SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.

sdfshfsjdkfjsdf I love the way he talks okay. Exquisite. (Also he has a birthmark on his lip. It's really distracting. Am I implying Asmodeus is hot? Maybe. You can't prove a thing.)

............................................................your self-confident didn't make any progress since season 1, did it, Alec? *sigh* I mean he's basically agreeing with Asmodeus that this is what will happen if their situation doesn't change.

Okay what is structure, let me just yell my impressions of this scene at you. 1) Both of their acting is stellar. Love all the little body language cues, especially Asmodeus's mocking facial expressions. 2) “Return what you stole” and Asmodeus protesting it because clearly he had a “fair deal” with Magnus. 3) Alec breaking eye contact whenever Asmodeus lands a hit (“One he already regrets.” “You make him vulnerable, weak.”) 4) The fact that Alec protests the potential-line with “We love each other.” I was confused at first but when you think about it Alec says that they help each other access their full potential by loving each other and that's a beautiful sentiment. 5) Of course then Asmodeus lands another hit with “Then I'm afraid you will be the death of him” and Alec is back to looking away.

Thank you, Alec, for not being a total idiot.

“...or else the deal is off.” Obviously. Thank you, Asmodeus, for not being a total idiot either.

.........did he just nod? I knew I was right making that 'total' italic, implying he's still somewhat of an idiot XD

sooooo pretttyyyyyyyyyyyyy

And I can't believed Clary missed Luke so much she visited him in prison a total of 0 times.

Look I'm weak and I dig the Jace-Luke-father-son-in-law-dynamic.

Also can we take a moment to appreciate the fact that Alec is able to function as Head of the Institue even though he has to make the hardest decision of his life at the same time?? Just saying. Guy knows how to handle his shadowhunter responsibility. If only he was as capable in handling other things and omg this is not an innuendo you naughty people, I meant emotional intelligence goddammit.

I mean, he's not wrong? The way he cares about her is uniquely twisted, so.

.........................is Alec having 2x12 flashbacks? Because I sure am.

Hmmmm always admiring Clary's screaming skills :)

*sigh* I mean she didn't just SAY intense pain for a short while? Why am I even bothering.

The scientist has spoken lol.

1) They had a whole underground basement full of tons and tons of that serum, right? If those are all made up of nanoparticles then I really really wonder how big the Glorious splitter was that they extracted the serum from. Since, you know, that whole stash was supposed to be enough for the Downworlders all over the world. Wtf 2) I guess “self-destructing” that basement is gonna come back to roost them and they need to recover the original sword to eliminate the Evil Rune, right???? haha

Asmodeus wrote: Hurry up pretty boy, our deal isn't on the table forever ;)

I'm actually impressed Jace remembered to ask Alec about the proposal. You get some more diligence starlets, Jace <3

OMG ALEC ARE YOU SHITTING ME ARE YOU SHITTING ME ARE YOU SHITTING ME *sigh* I mean, those two situations are obviously totally comparable, right? I for my part am, again, having severe 2x12 flashbacks, where Alec asked Jace's council about something that Jace totally wasn't equipped to answer. *SIGH*

And I guess Jace isn't suspicious because of Alec's super suspicious behavior, right?????? Ugh.

The sad part is, Alec will probably see that as confirmation that he should go through with it because he doesn't want to be selfish. So while yay, Alec seeking council, he does it in the worst way possible :( at least I got some parabatai feels out of it :/

On the one hand I'm glad she sees it that way* on the other hand this is clearly supposed to be the influence of the rune, so that's kinda undermining her statement and making it even less credible. Thanks, show.

*Yes he was a victim, no he still carries some responsibility for his actions because free will is a thing and he's had some time on earth where he wasn't exactly coerced by anyone. Manipulated, yes. But he's aware of his agency and he should have used it better. I get that I'm asking for a lot here, maybe too much, and circumstances were always against him, but I'm also not absolving him of all his crimes.

Magnus deflecting because that's what he does. God forbid a scene that could be about him actually ends up being about him instead of a side pairing I couldn't care less about. *sigh*

Also, I'm not exactly sure if Magnus really thinks Alec thought being around Maryse could help him, or if he just said that as another means to deflect because honestly, the way Alec suggested to Magnus he go to Maryse was more the here-go-see-your-babysitter-approach than anything else, especially because he basically cut of the conversation they where having before Clace interrupted. *SIGH*

WELL I COULD

YOU NO FRIKKIN SAY, MARYSE

“My lips are sealed.... especially about my issues ¯\_(ツ)_/¯”

THE DISDAIN AHAHHAHAHA CATCH ME WHEEZING ON THE GROUND

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SEELIE QUEEN IS QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is this.... actually......... a scene with Alec and Izzy???? HELL YEAH

Okay, words. First off, I LOVE that Alec spills all the beans, and to Izzy, the one emotionally capable Lightwood. I mean, yay Jalec and all, but it's an universally acknowledged truth that Lightwood Men seem to be pretty unable to handle their emotions in a productive way.

Second off, the music playing in the background? Is the one from the Malec Breakup Scene from 2x18. Yay mood reference, I mean. Thanks for that lovely detail, show. (Hahahaha I don't even know if I'm sarcastic or not because it's so witty but on the other hand it's just cruelly twisting the knife like r u for real man give me a damn break.)

Third off, I love basically every line of this dialogue. The fact that Alec (or anyone really) FINALLY acknowledges that Magnus gave up his powers and saved Jace for Alec. Alec's argument: “Magnus sacrificed everything so I could feel whole and now I have the chance to do the same for him.” Also that wording, “a chance”? Not an obligation, not a repayment of a dept. A chance. Because he loves Magnus and this is his chance to fix it. (In his eyes at least, pssssh.)

And Izzy's intent “He wouldn't want this. He loves you so much.” So valid. And less biased (aka skewed by shitty self-esteem) than Alec's assessment of the situation.

Also this

Ouch, just. Ouch. So ic.

Also this

Izzy asking all the right questions. The way Alec looks away means “No” and the determined way he meets her gaze again after means “But that doesn't matter.” Very good scene.

(Honestly the only thing I would have wished for is that Izzy is a little more firm in her assertion that Magnus wouldn't want this and she like, tries to change Alec's mind instead of just accepting his decision.)

hehehe :)

The same time you moved to Florida apparently.

hahaahahha <3<3<3 kick-ass sister material

.........<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3 this deserves so much recognition okay. Since we all know drinking away his problems is Magnus's No 1 coping mechanism. Too bad he'll be pushed into his liquor again by Alec unwisely breaking up with him at the end of the episode (because I daren't dream of a change of heart on Alec's side.)

Also is this the part where Maryse blabs out Alec's proposal plans??

Ugh yay, so after Maryse reassuring Magnus that they are all here for him I guess the breakup is just gonna get 5 shades uglier. Yaaay.

Love that necklace damn.

Obligatory Sizzy moment in front of Becky so she can call Simon out on it later: Check. Just glad this role doesn't fall to Raphael. (Also you bet your ass I chose Becky's line as a picture for this because I'm really that petty.)

Also omg, I just peeked into the German dubbing because obviously the Count von Count pun doesn't work because the words for Count and the word for counting aren't the same here and the guy is named Graf Zahl. And just skdjfslkdjfklsdjfkld Simon's line “That does sound really made up” is honest to God transated with “You're right, I just made him up” like oh my God who is in charge of translating this and why are they so incompetent honestly!!!!!!!! W H Y

Lol that's gotta be the first time in his life that he called her Isabelle. Probably because she was slacking off during patrol.

AAAAAND I'M WHEEZING AGAIN AHAHHA HER OFFENDED FACE Honestly the seelie queen and Becky should start a comedy spin-off, I'd be watching the shit out of that XD

HAHAHAHAH HAVE MERCY XD XD XD Then again, can you blame Simon? Izzy is sooooo droolworthy.

1) She's gonna let Alec, Jace and Clary (two and a half shadowhunters ahaha) take on a whole nest of demons alone? Instead of backing them up? Okay???

2) Why they telling them that??? As far as they are concerned Simon and Becky are civilians, not their parents.

?????? NO SHE SHOULD TAKE BECKY WITH HER!!!!!!!! CAN YOU IMAGINE BECKY TOURING THE INSTITUTE? BECKY MARVELING AT ALL THE UNREALISTIC SHADOWHUNTER TECH?? BECKY KIDDING AROUND IN THE LAB??? I WAS ROBBED!!!

:)))) even Jace breaking out the comedy :D :D :D I approve

Those are some nice wings. Not perfect, but very very nice.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME HAHAHAHAHAHAH

Okay, Parabatai Fight Scene!!! 1) Jace again with his axes, nice.

2) Being sassy instead of, idk, picking up his weapons: Check.

3) True dat, but uh, Jace, what was the plan if Alec hadn't shown up? Inviting Drevak Queen out on a date?

4) I mean, why shoot one when you can shoot five, right? Good motto. But I still kind of want an explanation how two of those arrows could land in the Drevak Queen's head and the other three in her chest, like, what are physics anyway amiright?

5) Shot meant to make Jace look heroic when really, since we earlier learnt that killing the Drevak Queen kills all her spawn*, this was just Alec doing Jace's work for him XD

*Uh, yeah what the hell is up with that. Chitauri Genetic Defect or something? *sigh*

*Feelings of terrible foreboding intensify*

sssssssssssssssssssssssudden

Look, I agree. I just don't think Maia could really comprehend / accept that so fast (and off-screen) because ugh reasons, too tired to repeat myself again *waves hand unhelpfully* but whatever, I can accept this. I made my peace with it.

1) Last time I checked those cells were secured with a combination lock thingy.

2) Thanks Lanaia for sabotaging Sizzy, I'll be sure to send you a gift basket (or, if what I think will happen happens, some flowers for your grave lol).

*snorts* Reminds me of Hannibal who was always making cannibal puns at people and no one noticed XD Also, her knocking Jace out was really dumb? I mean, he wouldn't have stopped her from saving Jonathan because, uh, that's saving her own neck, too. And if she'd portaled them both to the cell she could have disposed of him there way easier, locking him up – since apparently she didn't plan to kill him, and that nice straightjacket would have kept him from alerting the other Shadowhunters way longer than that pipe over the head. So, wholly unnecessary. I mean, in a way it's nice to know that Demonic Clary isn't smarter than Regular Clary.

Dude she's literally wielding a spear, how dumb are you.

Aaaaaand there goes my order to the nearest funeral wreath shop XD

Look I have questions (which, okay, I should have asked sooner but what even is continuity right). When that weird gratifying wing dream sequence started I thought it was Clary tapping into the rune connection and it was the real Jonathan communicating with her. When Jace entered the play field it was clear at least some part must be fake because Jace sure as heck wasn't unconscious / in trance at the time and later didn't give any indication that he participated in some creepy contest for Clary's affections. But now Jonathan is surprised by this, too? He, too, was a product of Clary's imagination? I have so many questions, first of all, why the wings? And the really cheap back-white-symbolism? Also, why did Clary feel so drawn to Jonathan if this was all in her own mind? Was it the influence of the Evil Rune? Does the Evil Rune have a user interface that's shaped to look like Jonathan? Does that mean Jonathan has a Clary-shaped interface??? I need answers.

Ugh. Let's make this long and painful, shall we.

OF COURSE IN THE ONE SCENE WHERE SHIT WILL GO DOWN THEY DON'T FAIL AT CASUAL INTIMACY THANK YOU FOR  N O T H I N G

Let's not talk about the fact that the thought, Alec could mean anything but a break together from everything that's been going on, doesn't even cross Magnus's mind because no. Noooooo. I'd rather talk about how absolutey awesome both of their acting is. For Alec I really like the way he moves his eyes, like the gaze darting around alternating with the rigid stare. For Magnus, uh, everything, just like, his whole face is perfection?? Yeah, that works.

The way he interrupts because he just needs to get this over with as quickly as possible.

Dammit, he does this eyelid dip here, it's not a blink, it's just his eyelids twitching down for a second because this is like a slap in the face. And then he turns and takes a step away because his instinct is to run from this because what is this, this can't be

“Is this about last night? Because I'm going to quit drinking.”

Magnus “forever apologizing for being an 'inconvenience'” Bane, final installment.

Dammit, his face. And again with the deflecting, trivializing his feelings, anything to keep this conversation from going where he thinks it's going.

*EYE ROLL* Sorry but you don't get to play that card after being effin obtuse for 7 episodes, Alec. Nope. Nope.

Magnus, his usual walls rudely ripped away. He has no chance but to admit how shitty he's feeling. And if it wasn't for the circumstances I'd say “yay, finally some communication” but well.

“Fine. I'm in pain,” he says, and Alec turns away, breaking eye contact for a moment because the final confirmation is too much for him for a moment.

I love that Magnus doesn't deliver this line meekly. He's worked up, sure, but there's also a confidence when talking about their relationship. Breaking up is an unrealistic concept to him in that moment because it's so absurd. It's not fixing anything so why would it happen? Makes no sense. *insert weeping sounds*

Brutal and efficient. Very ic.

Damn how does even his blink convey so much vulnerability??? (Somewhere Lexa is nodding approvingly.) (Also why didn't I find gif sets of this :c)

“You said there's nothing I can do to make it better.”

There's an audible difference in his voice, because this part is true and he's not lying. The controlled monotone isn't there anymore. This is his real despair in the face of not being able to do anything to help Magnus.

“It's not your job to make it better.”

Again, if this was a constructive conversation it would be a great step in the right direction. But sadly it isn't, and so this is too little too late.

“Well, what am I supposed to do? Just stand by and watch you suffer for the rest of our lives?”

Alec is still speaking the truth, and this is his motivation to go through with it. Because a) he believes what Magnus said about never being happy again without his magic (sidenote, he didn't, in fact, say that, he said it might never pass (meaning being affected by the magic loss) and he's not happy at the moment, which isn't the same as he'll definitely surely never be happy again without his magic, but whatever) and b) he's sure he doesn't mean all that much to Magnus. He's his current love, but that's about it. Nothing special, not worth leaving such devastating traces in Magnus's life and he certainly doesn't mean as much to Magnus as Magnus means to him. And especially from that second part stems his gravely false assessment of the situation which in the course of consideration leads him to the conclusion that breaking Magnus's heart will hurt less in the long run than him not having his magic. There's also the fact that be probably didn't think about how him doing this to Magnus will confirm every last insecurity Magnus ever had about not being lovable, because I can't believe he would have gone through with this if he'd thought of that. Or at least, he would have been visibly more torn about it, maybe even talked out of it by Izzy, etc. But it's ic for Alec not to think like that, because in a way I guess he loves Magnus too much to really understand that Magnus has these doubts. And Magnus mostly playing his vulnerabilities close to his chest isn't working in his favor here either.

“This isn't you. You're not this selfish.”

This is what I mean. If Alec was less convinced that he's doing the right thing this line might have shaken him out of it. Honestly, I half hoped he'd object this, consequentally incriminate himself and Magnus would catch on that something was going on. But ofc that didn't happen.

The spark line, just. Ouch. Again, very clinical and minimalistc. The way Alec stares, his voice back to being monotone, the way he clenches his jaw. And then his work here is done and he's ready to leave.

It only gets worse from there. Magnus, frozen in disbelieve because this can't possibly be true, and then he starts begging and it breaks my heart every single time okay. To see him reduced to this desperation is just cruel.

I still can't help but note the way Alec readily turns around before Magnus has competely turned around himself. I think he was on the brink of giving in.

The way Magnus holds on to him, hands fluttering over his arms, shoulders, cheeks. The way Alec can't even look at him for the barest second, eyes closed, breath going heavy. Magnus's everything. Just kill me now.

And let's not talk about their kisses and Magnus's whispered words because no. There's nothing to say to that except perfection. Intense, top notch emotion portrayal on both parts.

Then Alec pulls away (how???? gotta admire commitment and an iron will when you see it but boy is it misplaced) and Magnus's hands tremble because this can't be happening, this can't possibly be real.

Note that Alec doesn't look him in the eyes once because he knows if he did, it'd all be over. Also note the look of utter betrayal on Magnus's face. It's not just hurt and heartbreak, it's betrayal because this is what this is. Alec promised him something, made him believe that he could trust in him, in them, and now he's going back on his word.

Well, this was fun, let's never do it again.

Look, I don't have the nerve for this anymore, so I'll keep it short and in no particular order: - Asmodeus is ass powerful and manages to distance-summon himself, yay, nice to know that the one time a shadowhunter doesn't act stupid and impulsive it still doesn't pay off. - Asmodeus killing pissed off warlock lady was both obvious and unnecessary. - His smile is creepy. - “My son needs me.” MY ASS - He still needs to support himself on the back of the chair because he's a weak bitch hahaha.

Conclusion: *sounds of despair*

I just watched the 3x19 promo and.... they're really gonna end Malec on a train wreck this season, aren't they?? Oh God. They hoped they'd have a forth season to work through it and that's why they served themselves with issues and second helpings of extra issues, and since s4 isn't a thing we're gonna get an unsatisfying as hell 2x20-style resolution in the finale. God please say I'm wrong but like. Arrgghhhh.

(Also, credit where credit is due: “Before we get started, does anyone wanna get out?” is the line from Captain America in TWS before the elevator fight.)

[madamebaggio]

Notes: I hope you’re enjoying it.

Chapters one and two can be found here.

Chapter 3

The woman guarding them –Brienne, Lucy had found out –asked someone to bring other two blankets for them and Susan was immensely relieved by it. She was dreading the moment they’d be called in front of the king –or whatever his title was –to explain themselves, for how could they explain they were from a different world?

They’d be lucky if these people didn’t think they were assassins sent for their King.

The older man that had searched Edmund and Peter for weapons came in and gave them all a look. “Gentle Queen?” He called.

Susan answered on a reflex born of years hearing the title. “Yes, my Lord?” 

The man himself looked surprised upon hearing her reply. “The King wishes to speak to you, my Lady.”

Peter stood. “How does your King know her name?” He demanded to know.

“Peter, don’t be rude.” Susan chided getting up. She passed her blanket to Lucy. “I’ll talk to your King.” She informed the man.

“Not alone!” Peter protested immediately.

“Anyway he wants.” Susan almost hissed at her brother. “He has proven himself a man of his word, and we do own him an explanation.”

Susan’s voice as gentle and calm, but her eyes told Peter that if he didn’t shut up she’d kill him. After many years, Peter was smart enough to understand it and be quiet.

The man opened the cell door and Susan nodded at him as she passed. He gave a stiff nod to Brienne and so they left.

The man walked ahead of her and two guards were right behind Susan. They walked silently until they stopped by a door.

He opened the door for Susan and she stepped into the room. Behind a desk was the man she’d seen before, the King. He had a serious face and a frown, but he was quite handsome. He was young, but the scars on his face showed he was a warrior. He made quite the imposing figure.

To his right there was a beautiful red-headed woman –his queen, perhaps? –and to his left there was a brunette who wore breeches and a very unfriendly face. On a corner of the room, almost like they were hiding, there was a boy sitting and a girl with wild hair by his side.

“Your Majesty.” Susan curtsied prettily and saw the man frown at the title -maybe they used something different here? –but he didn’t correct her.

“I am Jon Targaryen, King of the North.” He informed her. “Who are you and where have you come from?”

“My King…” She started carefully. “I will gladly answer to that, but I am afraid you’ll think me deranged if I do so.”

The two women close to King arched their browns in such a similar way that Susan was convinced they were sisters, or at least closely related. The King’s frown deepened. “I’d hear your answer anyway.”

She nodded, her posture perfect, because image was essential right now. “I am Queen Susan, the Gentle, ruler of Narnia, Duchess of Silvershore, Chief of the Narnian Archers and Dame of the Most Noble Order of the Lion.”

Everybody just stared at her.

“I am sorry, we’re overly fond of titles. You should hear Peter’s.” She offered.

“Lion?” The brunette repeated. “She serves the Lannisters!” She accused.

Susan controlled her impulse of arching a brow. “I know nothing of Lannisters and I am a Queen. I serve no one.”

The King’s eyebrows went up, but the redheaded woman grinned a bit. “You said Narnia?”

“Yes, my Lady. That’s my country.”

“Never heard of it.” The brunette said, and once again it came out as an accusation.

They all traded looks, and one by one shook their heads, concluding no one had ever heard of it. Susan, however, wasn’t surprised, she’d been expecting this.

“Is it beyond Westeros?” The King asked.

“I believe it is actually beyond your world, Your Majesty.” She replied honestly.

In face of her words, the other red head took a step forward, clearly interested.

“Beyond our world?” The brunette inquired. “What does that mean?”

“I told you I would sound crazy.” Susan reminded them.

“You certainly do.” The woman accused –again.

“Arya.” The King admonished quietly, but his eyes never left Susan. “Is that the world you brought Spring to?” He wanted to know.

Susan couldn’t hide her surprise. “How do you know that?” She asked, forgetting for a second he was the King and should be addressed as so.

“So it’s true?” The redhead beside the King wanted to know.

“Well, yes, but not because my siblings and I have any kind of magical power.” She hurried to explain. “It was part of a prophecy. Our arrival at Narnia ended the 100-year-old Winter.’

“Arrival from where?” The King asked.

Oh Aslan, this would get worse. “From our original world.”

“So you’re telling us that there are two worlds beside ours?” Arya asked dryly.

“More like a thousand, my Lady.” Susan replied. “Infinite possibilities.”

“This is ridiculous.” Arya declared to the King. “She’s mad.”

“Your Majesty.” Susan did her best to hide the worry in her voice. She had to be strong, she had to convince him they weren’t a problem. “We mean you and your people no harm. We don’t even know how we ended up here, surrounded by your men.”

The King was looking at her, but didn’t say a word, so she took this as an encouragement to keep going. “Let us go and we’ll leave your Kingdom. You have my word.”

The other two women were looking at the King, waiting for him.

“The four of you are siblings?” He questioned. 

“Yes, my King.”

“And you’re the Queen?”

“We rule Narnia together.” She explained. “The four of us are Kings and Queens of Narnia.”

He traded a look with the redhead. “So you’re married.” He concluded.

Whatever Susan had been expecting it wasn’t that conclusion. “I… I just said we’re siblings.”

“So?” He insisted.

What kind of place was this? How could he think this kind of question was even remotely appropriated? “We are not married, Your Majesty.”

“Why do you keep calling him ‘Majesty’?” The redhead asked curiously.

“Is it not the appropriate title?” Susan asked bemused.

“No, lass.” It was the older man who replied. “It’d be ‘Your Grace’.”

“Oh, I do beg your pardon, Your Grace. I meant no disrespect.”

“It’s of no consequence.” He dismissed her concern as if he couldn’t care less about it. “We have a problem here, you see? I can’t just let you and your family go, because I don’t know for a fact that you won’t hurt my people. However, I also can’t keep you as prisoners, since you’ve done nothing.”

“If I may, Your Grace.” Susan called respectfully. “Perhaps we could stay and serve you as your subjects. That way you will be able to keep your eyes on us and we’d still be useful.”

“I thought you served no one.” He reminded her of her own words.

“I am no Queen here.” She indicated.

“And how would you serve me?” He wondered.

She had no idea if he’d intended for the question to sound so suggestive, but based on the look of confusion of the other women they were also surprised by his choice of phrasing.

Susan chose to ignore it. “We’re all trained warriors, so we can help train your people.”

“You’re a warrior?” Arya didn’t even try to hide her disbelief.

“I don’t carry a bow and a quiver as accessories because they match my dresses.” She told the other woman sweetly.

“What else?” The redhead asked.

“Peter and Edmund became quite good with constructions and repairs and I saw you need it.” The way from the cells to this room had showed that the castle was in bad shape. They’d probably faced some kind of battle recently. “Lucy and I are decent seamstresses. Besides that we’ve become quiet efficient at running a kingdom, since we’ve been doing it for some time now.”

This time the King himself looked a bit incredulous. “How long would that be?”

“Ten years. How about you?” Her smile was still sweet, but the King was not fooled.

“Careful there, my Lady.” His voice had a reminder.

“I apologize, my King. I was just asking.” Her face gave nothing. “We can also teach the children their letters and numbers.”

This apparently was way too shocking for everybody present and the King seemed positively baffled by the offer. “Teach the children?”

“Yes, Your Grace. All the children in Narnia know how to read and basic Math.” She informed him. She chose not to say that those “children” were actually talking animals, since she didn’t know if they had those here.

“Why?” The redhead asked.

“Why not?” Susan offered back. “Educated children become more efficient adults. It is a better form of making sure that news and messages get everywhere and places are run more efficiently.”

The King still didn’t seem convinced by her argument. “Anything else?”

Susan knew she shouldn’t, but she was tired of being accused of absolutely nothing, but still treated like some kind of criminal. “Unless you wish to order me to warm your bed, Your Grace, no, nothing else.” She didn’t exactly snap at him, but it was a close call.

The King became perfectly still for a minute, and all the others seemed to hold their breath. Susan knew she had said smoothing beyond stupid and thoughtless but now it was too late. “You are lucky, my Lady…” He started slowly, his voice as cold as ice. “That I am not the kind of man that would hold you to that offer.”

Susan took a deep breath and bowed gracefully. “I am truly sorry, Your Grace, my words were beyond inappropriate.” Her apology was sincere, mostly because she had to fix the mess she herself had made. “But as much as I understand your worry as a King responsible for the welfare of so many people, I ask that you understand my frustration and worry as my family and I are facing judgement, even though we’ve done nothing.”

He stared at her for a long minute in complete silence. Susan looked back, unflinching.

“Ser Davos.” He called, without taking his eyes off her.

“Your Grace?” The older man took a step forward.

“Bring the others.” He ordered, finally breaking his gaze. “Ask Brienne and Tormund to accompany you.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” The man left and Susan had to stand there in silence with all of them staring at her.

But if this brute was thinking it would affect her, he was out of his mind. She would show him the true meaning of being a royal.

So she just straightened her back and waited.

Notes: So... There we go.

Oh, by the way, this work is also on my AO3 account, and it has more chapters there. So if you are interested in more, come visit me here. 

Cheers!

[hysterialevi]

When the Devil Cries pt. 21

Fanfic summary: (NO SPOILERS IN THIS STORY) After arriving in Saint Denis, Arthur ends up falling in love with a seemingly innocent pianist, only to find himself in a battle with one of the most notorious outlaws to ever emerge from America. Now, between working for Dutch and robbing money for the gang, Arthur has to also protect the man he loves as the two of them try to find their freedom.

Pairing: Arthur Morgan/Male OC

Previous chapter

This story is also on AO3

From Eddie’s POV

THAT NIGHT

FORT BRENNAND

Struggling in my restraints, I made a futile attempt to shake out of the shackles holding me as the harsh metal scraped against my wrists, causing me to hiss in pain as the cuffs gently clinked throughout the lonely cellar.

It didn’t look like anyone above had noticed what I was doing -- or at least trying to do -- but it didn’t matter much anyways. Without someone to help me, or some sort of tool to break free, I wasn’t going anywhere for a long time. There were far too many guards surrounding me -- as well as some loyal hounds they had trained -- and considering my history with Atticus, I doubted the man was just gonna “forget” about me anytime soon.

If there was any hope of me escaping this place, I’d need help to do it.

I let out a disappointed sigh and allowed my arms to slouch in the shackles, thinking to myself as the night carried on.

What the hell was happening...? How did I end up here? It was only this morning that I was robbing a bank with Dutch, and now, not only was Hosea dead, I had also fallen right back into Atticus Rose’s grasp...after so many years of trying to avoid him.

Part of me almost felt that it’d be best if I just took off on my own, and left the gang behind. I didn’t want to leave Arthur alone, and I loved that man more than anything, but I was putting his life in danger simply just by being around him.

Everything we had gone through, all the people we’d killed -- it was because Arthur was trying to protect me. I was the one thing bringing Atticus’ attention to him and his gang, and I was also the reason that Hosea was now gone.

Perhaps they’d be better off without my company. They had enough to worry about aside from Atticus, and it wasn’t as if I had never been on my own before. Maybe leaving Dutch was the best option. Maybe I could just...disappear somewhere in the country, and never come back. But...I also couldn’t just forget about Arthur either. I couldn’t abandon him.

That man had done so much for me, and shown me a sort of love I’d never experienced before. I had no idea how I didn’t realize it sooner, but Arthur was my freedom. He was the only thing separating Theodore from Eddie, and without him, my life would’ve honestly felt pointless.

I mean, my whole family was already gone. My father, my mother, my sister -- none of them were coming back. And my home was nothing but a distant dream now. Arthur was all I had left, and I’d be damned if I ran away from him too.

Breaking my train of thought, the sound of someone opening the cellar’s door suddenly reached my ears as they pushed it open with a firm thud, strolling inside as if they didn’t have a single care in the world. It was Rodrick.

The deranged man brought a cigar up to his mouth and took a drag, making the smoke dancing around his face in an enigmatic manner as he approached me step by step. He let out a cold chuckle.

“There he is...” Rodrick thought aloud. “...The very last Bishop.”

I was silent in response and simply threw a glare at him, causing the man to walk even closer to me as I turned away.

He crouched down.

“Y’know,” Rodrick began, “when I first told Atticus that you was runnin’ around with Dutch goddamn van der Linde, and falling in love with his right-hand man...heh, he didn’t believe me. Looked me square in the eye and said he thought it was bullshit. Told me he wouldn’t believe it until he saw it with his own, two eyes.”

Rodrick paused for a moment and brought the cigar up to his lips again, afterwards letting out a nonchalant sigh before continuing to speak.

“That’s important, you know?” He pointed out. “If you wanna survive in this beautiful country, you can’t just go around believing every damn thing that everyone tells you. Words ain’t nothin’ but a mask, and it’s a hell of a lot easier to dodge a bullet when you can see it coming.”

I disregarded what he was saying and went straight to the point, eager to get out of here.

“Look, what do you want?” I snapped. “Why hasn’t Atticus killed me yet? I thought that was the whole point of bringing me here.”

Rodrick looked disappointed in my lack of interest in his games and shook his head, but answered me nonetheless.

“Because you clearly ain’t the same little boy we last saw in England,” he replied. “You’ve obviously learned a thing or two since our last encounter. And the truth is: Atticus doesn’t need you dead. He just needs you to be under his control. Besides...with your newfound skills, I’m sure Atticus could find a use for you.”

I instantly rejected the idea. “That bastard’s out of his goddamn mind if he thinks I’m doing anything for him--!”

Rodrick suddenly threw a strong fist at my gut, causing me to cough aggressively as a grin stretched on his pale face.

“Haven’t you noticed, pretty boy?” He taunted with a laugh, leaning dangerously close to me. “We’re all out of our minds. But I wouldn’t worry too much. You’ll come around eventually. It’s just gonna take some...persuasion.”

I scoffed, still slightly dazed from the punch. “...And you’re going to be the one doing the persuading, are you?”

Rodrick rose to his feet and spread his arms out in a proud manner, giving me one last smirk before taking his leave.

“Well...somebody’s gotta do it. And who better than the man with so much...charm?” He fell silent for a second. “I won’t lie to you, Theo. It’s gonna be a long road from here on out. So take care of yourself, you hear? Because Atticus certainly won’t.”

From Arthur’s POV

OUTSIDE FORT BRENNAND

Observing the gang’s hideout from a distant gathering of trees, Dutch, John, Charles, and I all hid among the bushes as we scouted the place out, searchin’ for any signs of a covert entrance or clues that coulda told us where Eddie was.

We had managed to follow Atticus’ tracks back to an abandoned fort not too long after he took the boy, but now that I actually knew what we was dealin’ with exactly, I could already tell that getting Eddie outta there was gonna be a completely different story.

So far, all we could see was a shit ton of Atticus’ men along with a decently-sized group of some O’Driscolls, and from our angle, it looked like they had a number of supply wagons goin’ in and out at all times. Probably sending their people out to raid and bring whatever they stole back to the camp. It was an effective process, if a bit blatant, but now I could certainly see why Atticus’ gang was so strong.

I lowered my binoculars, turnin’ to speak to Dutch.

“It’s a goddamn fortress...!” I whispered. “These fools actually got walls to hide behind, and even more men to guard ‘em. Ain’t no way we can just attack a place like this. We’re gonna have to find another way in.”

Dutch continued searching through his own binoculars, his gaze stuck on the main entrance.

“I’m all up for ideas. Any of you boys see a weak point in their walls? Could be a sloppily patched hole somewhere, or a blind spot we can scale.”

Charles shook his head. “No. If anything, it looks like they’ve reinforced the fort’s protections. If we’re gonna scale the walls, we’ll need to draw their attention elsewhere.”

John offered a suggestion. “Wait, what about the supply wagons?”

Dutch quirked a brow. “What about them?”

Marson thought a for a minute. “Well...maybe a few of us could sneak into them. Enter the fort all nice and quiet-like. Maybe sabotage some o’ their supplies while we’re at it. That’ll draw their attention away from the walls. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang could climb up. Take out the guards up top while they ain’t looking. That way, we’ll have men on the inside and outside.”

The older man almost sounded impressed. “...You know what? That idea ain’t half-bad.”

I chuckled softly, returning to my binoculars as I continued to examine the fort. “I’m tellin’ you, Dutch...we oughta let them wolves have a go at this boy more often.”

John’s expression flattened with annoyance. “Shut up, Arthur.”

“I’m just saying, you’ve been suspiciously clever ever since they ate half your brain.”

He sighed in irritation. “I’m startin’ to wish you woulda let them eat all of it at this point--”

“--Hush, you two,” Dutch jumped in, grabbin’ our attention. “Look who’s entering the fort right now.”

Focusing our sights on the main gate, the four of us watched with a newfound curiosity as we fell completely silent, lookin’ to see who Atticus’ guest was. They appeared to have arrived with an especially large supply wagon as well as a handful of men to guard it while they trotted up to the entrance, all full of themselves.

There was crates of dynamite, food, moonshine, and weapons sittin’ in the back, and the more I examined their mounts, the more I realized they probably stole them from our camp. The bastards. Was there anything Atticus didn’t take?

Bringing my binoculars back to the guest, I zoomed in a few times before studyin’ their appearance, only to realize it was none other than Colm O’Driscoll himself. Of course.

“The hell is Colm doing here?” Charles questioned. I let out a worried breath.

“He and Atticus have some sort of...partnership going on,” I explained. “They’re teamin’ up against us. Though, I hadn’t seen Colm ever since Eddie broke me outta his camp. And I certainly didn’t expect to see him again after that shitstorm. Makes you wonder why he’s suddenly decidin’ to show up now.”

Dutch recommended an idea. “Well, maybe this is our chance to find out. John and Charles, you two stay here a while longer and keep scoutin’ this place out. Tell me everything you find when you get back. And be discreet. Arthur, you and I’ll go back to camp and think of a plan to assault this fort. Maybe we can build off of John’s suggestion. Either way, we need to move quick. Atticus has proven himself to be a man who doesn’t waste time, and we can’t let him get away with Mister Ryan. Lord knows what they’re doin’ to him now.”

I sighed in nervousness. “...If it’s anything like what they did to me, it ain’t good.”

Dutch switched to a more reassuring tone. “Have faith, Arthur. We will get Eddie out of there before it’s too late. Tell him, John.”

Marston gave me a sincere look. “Eddie gave himself up to save Jack. Me and Abigail will do whatever we can to help. That boy’ll be fine.”

I tried to hide how much this situation was truly scarin’ me and kept a straight face, simply staring blankly at the grass below.

“I sure hope so.”

Dutch packed his binoculars and began walking towards his horse, signaling me to follow.

“Anyway, we should get moving. Not only do we have a man to rescue, we also gotta figure out where to move our camp next. Shady Belle ain’t safe for us no more, and I don’t want a repeat of what happened this morning. We’ve got to leave.”

I climbed on top of my own mount which I had switched out with Bullet and gave the big boy a pat on the neck, lightly kicking my spurs into his sides as I rode alongside Dutch.

“And what about...Hosea?” I asked, my voice a bit softer than I intended. “What’re we gonna do about him?”

Dutch’s face sank with sorrow at the thought. “I...I sent Bill and Lenny out to bury him somewhere proper. Somewhere peaceful, and away from this horrible swamp. I’m thinkin’ of paying him a visit later, once we get things settled.”

I nodded in agreement. “I might come with you.”

The older man’s melancholy was suddenly replaced with a sense of anger, and he gazed at me through the night’s darkness, giving me a determined glare.

“He’s the last one, Arthur. No more. We ain’t losing anyone else. Especially not to Mister Rose, or to those goddamned Pinkertons! We are survivors, for God’s sake. We fight to live free, and I will not allow these...sheep to think they can simply kick us around! Hosea said it himself: people like Eddie are the reason we do what we do. People like him are the reason we’re more than just common outlaws and criminals. Because unlike Atticus, and unlike Colm, we have got something to live for. And I’ll be damned if I let them take that from us.”

I picked up my pace and broke into a gallop as Dutch and I entered the more open fields, the two of us ridin’ underneath the moonlight while we headed back home.

“Well, whatever we do next, Dutch...” I said, “I’m with you.”

He glanced over at me, his brown eyes filled with a sense of protection.

“I know, son,” he replied gently. “I know.”

[theygotmewhipped]

Skin - 1.Change

Word Count: 1422

-Slice of Life, Fluff

Summary: ~ Yumi likes her quiet and lazy lifestyle, living with her sister, safe in her comfort zone only few people are allowed in. Everything seems to change the moment her sister decides to move out. Yumi's new flatmate is everything she didn't want him to be and more. In order to get rid of him, she makes a bet with him. What happens next, Yumi could have never expected.

“What do you mean you are moving out?” I watched as my sister was piling up suitcases and boxes in the hallway. “Why?!” I followed her around.

“I’m moving in with Hyojong.” Minha answered and put down another box.

“But why?!” I was anxious.

“Ehm, because he’s my boyfriend and after like three years of dating it’s normal thing to do?”Minha replied like I was the one being stupid even though she’s the one leaving me just like that. She stopped piling up her things and looked at me. “Yumi, look…” she started with a soothing voice. “I know it’s been only a year we’ve lived together and that you’ve just started college so it’s really stressful for you but take this is as an opportunity for you to become more independent. I’ve been babying you here all the time just like our parents used to and that’s not good for your personal growth.” Since when is she the expert in psychology and personality development? And what does that have to do with her leaving me?

“You are just making an excuse ‘cause you want to be with Hyojong without me being a bother.” I accused her. She sighed and went to her room for more of her stuff.

“You know that’s not true. I do want to be with Hyojong but I’m not leaving because you are bothersome. It’s just another step in our relationship and as it happens in your life as well.” She calmly explained.

“Well…” I contemplated. “Okay, I guess that makes sense in a way but doesn’t make me less angry. How am I supposed to pay for the rent without your share?” I would have to get another job or ask dad for more money but I’d hate to be a leech. He’s already giving us a lot as it is.

“About that…” A ring of a bell interrupted her. “Oh, that should be Hyojongie. Will you let him in please?” She yelled from her room. I let out an annoyed sigh and went to the door.

“Hi, I’m…” When I opened the door, instead of Hyojong’s face I was looking at someone else’s chest. Someone, whose voice was way too cheerful for Hyojong. I would compare it to Hoseok’s but it was way too deep and Hoseok doesn’t exactly come over unannounced.

“You are not Hyojong. Who are you?” I cut him off and looked up at his face. He looked kinda baffled by my reaction at first but then he returned to his cheery mannerism.

“I’m Park Chanyeol. I called the other day about the flat mate slash cuddle buddy ad. I was supposed to come…” He was smiling the whole time and his curls bounced on his head as he talked.

“Wait, stop. What did you just say?” I frowned. “Did you just say flat mate and cuddle buddy and advertisement and…what?” I was completely dumbfounded.

“Oh, you must be Mr.Park.” Minha showed up beside me. “I’m Minha. We called together.” She smiled at him.

“Please, call me Chanyeol.” He smiled back at her. What in the heavens is going on? I looked between them while they talked. Advertisement. Flat mate. Moving out. Flat mate…Moving out…She did fucking not! I’m killing her! “Then you must be Yumi, my roomie and cuddle buddy.” Chanyeol happily looked at me and went in for a hug.

“Whoa, whoa, stop right there, big guy.” I took a step away from him and held up my hands in defense to keep him away. “There seems to be some kind of a misunderstanding.” I angrily turned at my sister. She apologetically returned my gaze.

“How about we come inside and I’ll make us some tea?” she suggested and let Chanyeol inside.

The three of us sat in the living room over a tea. I was glaring at my sister and Chanyeol was looking left and right between us, confused. After a moment of awkward silence, I stood up. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with my sister in private.” I tried to say as politely as possible in a given moment and basically dragged her into her room. “Care to explain?” I grumbled.

“I might have put up an ad renting a room in cuddle buddy application form for you.” She almost whispered in a tiny voice, smiling wryly.

“Why the hell would you do something like that?!” I shouted at her.

“I knew I was gonna be moving out…”

“Which you kinda forgot to mention until like an hour ago!” I complained.

“Sorry?” She shrugged. “I knew, you would panic.”

“I’d be prepared at least!” I opposed.

“Anyways, since you would need someone to split the rent with I went ahead and made an ad so someone would move in right after I leave so you wouldn’t have to be alone for too long.” She explained. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes pinching my nose bridge.

“Yeah, cool, awesome, whatever, right? I mean I could live with that somehow? But what’s up with that cuddle buddy bullshit?” I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Uhm, yeah, that…” She scratched her neck. “I and Hyojong thought it might be nice if you had someone you could feel safe around and with whom you would be able to share a bit of an intimacy.” She guiltily smiled.

“So Hyojong’s in on it as well, just awesome.” I fakely returned her smile. “Argh.” I growled at her and raised my hands pretending to choke her. “You, are the worst person I know. You know that I can’t stand that shit. That anytime someone other than you or parents touches me I feel like it’s the end of me and you go out of your way to make my life worse. How much do you hate me really?” I was pissed off.

“I don’t hate you. I love you more than anyone.” She opposed.

“Yeah? Cuz somehow your actions contradict your statement. You always talk about how communication is the key in a relationship and what not but for some reason it only applies to Hyojong but not me.” This is just ridiculous. My sister is moving out, I have a guy in my living room who is supposed to be my cuddle buddy or what and I have never been so deranged in my life.

“I know and I am sorry, but I have a feeling this will work out great for you.” She is definitely not sorry.

“And now I’m expected to believe your gut?! This is insane. You are insane.” My eyes were wide open as I spoke. “What if he’s some kind of a harasser, what if he hurts me, what if they find me flushed out on the shore of the river murdered and raped or worse?! Have you thought about that?! You have completely disregarded my safety and feelings!”

“Yumi, just calm down, okay? I’d never put you in a harm’s way.” She tried to coo me. “I had a long talk with him over the phone and if something doesn’t feel right now that he’s here I won’t sign the contract with him.”

“Don’t tell me to calm down.” I said through gritted teeth. She remained silent. You got this, Yumi. Everything is perfectly fine. We will sort this out somehow. I sighed in exasperation and ran a hand through my hair. “You know, you could have just bought me a goddamned teddy bear if you wanted me to cuddle something so badly. I wouldn’t even mind a dog so much. But why does it have to be an overgrown man I’ve never met?” I reasoned.

“Well, it doesn’t have to be a man, it could’ve been a woman if one had called.” She tried to lighten up the mood. “Take it as an opportunity to finally connect properly with another human being and make a friend as well as get rid of that fear that’s crippling your life.” She was smiling innocently.

“You know what? Fuck you, Minha.” I dismissed her commentary. “And I already do have friends.” I said as I was leaving the room.

“What are you doing?” I asked the boy who wasn’t where he was supposed to be but instead was curiously walking around the room. He awkwardly looked at me.

“Sooo…Can I move in tomorrow?” He grinned at me.

“Sure, let’s have chat and then we can fill in the paperwork.” Minha answered instead of me. I scoffed and went to hide in my room.

Next Chapter

Hey there :) If you by chance wondered of to my blog or this post, I’m happy to welcome you here along with your opinions of all kinds. I’ll be posting a new part soon so hopefully, see you then <3

[sabineelectricheart]

Humanity Found in Delirium

Summary: Byleth is tortured with their prisoner’s nightmares. She goes down to the dungeon to see him.

Rating: T - Suitable for teens, 13 years and older, with some violence, minor coarse language, and minor suggestive adult themes.

Words: 1200

Notes: Dimitri’s mental health is a roller-coaster and I’m an adrenaline junkie.

The first time that Byleth hears him, she is unabashedly glad.

It is just a startled gasp, the harsh breathing of a man woken suddenly from his dreams, but Byleth has been with a ragtag mercenary company for long enough to recognize the sounds of a man trying to quiet himself after a nightmare. No matter how far-gone Dimitri is lost to his madness, no matter how much he resembles an animal, he is still a man, and a man she knows well, at that.

He should have nightmares, she thinks viciously. He should be haunted by the deeds he's done in broad daylight. Deeds other men would not have dared to do in the dead of night.

For that sole hour, she hopes he is haunted for the rest of his days.

*_*_*_*_*

The second time, it keeps her awake.

Long after the guttural shout has died away, Byleth lies awake in her bed. It sounded so tortured. Was the Tempest King capable of feeling true remorse? Did he wake in the night because of what he had done? Or was it simply fear? That basic, senseless fear that steals over one in the dark.

Once upon a time, many years ago, she can still remember that she had been afraid of the dark when she was little. Her father travelled around and would often leave her to the care of farming families along the road, accounting it as part of the payment for whatever service he has been hired for. None of the caretakers ever bothered to waste a candle on her, arguing that she was too old for such nonsense. She should not have been afraid of the dark at her age.

Byleth lies there, in her cloister at the monastery, with the candle burning, and wonders if it is truly the darkness that the Tempest King fears.

*_*_*_*_*

The third time it makes her choke on her own breath.

Those quiet, agonized sounds coming from Dimitri's cage. She cannot bear it any longer. The dry, choking half-gasps, half-sobs, the Tempest King is making discomfort her profoundly. It speaks for a humanity that she does not believe either of them really have in their hearts.

She should not feel this way. She does not want to feel this way. The fact that she does only makes her guilt weight heavier on her.

Yet, there is nothing that can be done to assuage neither his or her pain, so she lies there, hiding her eyes, hating Dimitri, and hating herself for her own tears.

*_*_*_*_*

The fourth time, she pretends does not hear him, burying her face in the blanket as well as she can.

It does nothing to shut out the sound.

*_*_*_*_*

The fifth time, she goes to him.

Dimitri is hunched over in his cell, head bowed almost to his knees. Byleth stares at him.

“Do you regret any of it?” She asks, the words breaking the silence between them.

Dimitri raises his head. “What have I to regret?”

His face is shadowed by the too-large bangs and the sickly glow of the fire that she carries.

“Everything.” Byleth hisses. “Everything you have done. Rebellion, dark magic, kidnapping. Killing your sister.”

“It was all done for love.” Dimitri hisses back. “Every last thing I have done, I have done for love of my family, love of my friends, love of my country. You think me deranged, but I have never thought so clearly before.”

For a moment he strains against his chains and the professor takes half a step back. Then, the former prince slumps and leans back against the pole, looking up at her.

“One would think you of all people could be able to understand that.” He muttered.

The woman sighs. “If I believed you...”

“And why should you not believe me?” Dimitri persists.

“Why should I?” Byleth snaps back.

Her hands have formed fists. She wants to strike him so very badly, her hands ache.

“You knew Edelgard better than anyone and you know what she was capable of. Your grief blinds you to what is obvious.” Dimitri says, righteous. “Besides, I have no reason to lie to you.”

The things that Edelgard was capable of. Indeed, she was a promising young woman, if she is to use her professorial parlance. She had a dynamic set of skills that were unmatched amongst her peers at the Academy, perhaps even amongst the knights and professors.

Dimitri has always been convinced that this talent was both work and service to a nefarious force, in regards to Lady Patricia’s involvement at the Tragedy of Duscur, but nothing has ever been proven and his claims were dismissed. He never accepted that, and took matters upon himself.

The woman kneels beside him. “What do you dream of?”

His chapped lips tighten. “What does that matter?”

“It matters to me.” She tells him in turn, eyes icy.

Dimitri looks at her for such a long time that her face grows warm and she wants to look away, but even a crest stone heart like hers have their pride and she will not let herself.

“Kiss me and I shall tell you.” He offers, his gaze lingering upon her lips.

He thinks that she will refuse, that she will slap him for the uncouthness, or leave in a fury. Byleth could very well do any of those.

Instead, she leans forward, pressing her lips to the Tempest King's. His lips part willingly under her own. His tongue caresses hers, drawing her deeper and deeper until abruptly she is drowning in his kiss. It ignites inside her, something fierce and hungry and she pulls back, panting.

“Tell me.” The green-haired woman says, her voice as even as ever.

“I dream of things in the past.” Dimitri says, not quite looking at her. “Not regrets precisely. Simply things I would have done differently, perhaps, but I still would have done them.”

He faces her squarely then. “Do you understand?”

“Tell me, then.” Byleth demands. “One thing you would do differently.”

She knows he shall not talk about the Blue Lions, or his uncle. Nevertheless, she does not expect the words that actually come from him.

“If I had been only a little quicker in the dorm room, no one would have seen me. Perhaps then, you would call me Dimitri now, instead of Tempest King.” He smiles at her. “But I would still kill her. So, you see, it is not the act that is different, it is how one goes about to do it.”

Byleth does not want to hear any more of his drivel. She gets to her feet stiffly.

“Well-met, Professor.” He states his good-byes with an easy smile on his rugged face, one she does not ever remember seeing before.

“If things were different, you might have called me wife, instead of professor, but things are what they are and we cannot change them.” She says, and then turns to leave.

“And even if we could change them, we would never do it.” Dimitri argues. “Would we, Byleth?”

Her name on his lips sounds wrongfully right and the pain pierces her heart. “No, we wouldn't… Dimitri.”

She leaves him there alone with the night.

*_*_*_*_*

Fire Emblem Masterlist

Three Houses Masterlist

[hskswife]

identity +chapter 5

Mafia!BTS AU

Summary: Your boyfriend Taehyung goes undercover as Irene’s boyfriend to learn secrets about her brother’s identity who’s the leader of an infamous Mafia called SM

prologue || chapter 1 || chapter 2 || chapter 3 || chapter 4 || chapter 5 || chapter 6

A/N: OMG YOU GUYS I REACHED 1K FOLLOWERS!!! I want to do something special for you guys so go ahead and send in suggestions loves!! ((AND ALSO I NEED SOMEONE OUT OF THE US THAT I CAN HAND OVER MY BLOG TOO AND STILL BE ABLE TO TALK TO ME VIA iMESSAGE just in case net neutrality is repealed so message me and we’ll talk something out.))

"HAHAHAH" Your captor laughs maniacally as he placed a hand on your cheek caressing it as he wiped away the blood at the corner of your lips from the blows you received earlier. But for some reason, you felt numb to the pain. After being shown the photos of Taehyung placing a ring on Irene. You felt numb. Knowing as he carved a knife into your skin would hurt more but these wounds are superficial. Not as deep as the wound of Taehyung's betrayal. "I wonder if they will find you?" You looked at the crazed captor. "Namjoon will find me. He's smarter than you ever will be." He faked a hurt expression as he moved your hair aside. His touch sending chills through your body. Now you knew why he had been running the underground for so long. He was obviously sick. Sick in the head. The deranged look in his eyes scared you. You who most Bangtan members were scared of was afraid of this man before you. "You know Y/N I have been watching you...you remind me of someone I used to know. A young girl. She had potential. But she let a man destroy her." He laughed, "That man was me. She ran around exactly how I wanted her to. And finally, I told her to go die. To test her loyalty." He let out a loud maniacal laugh, "And can you guess what she did next?" Pouting at your silence he grabs you by the hair, his face so close you felt his forehead on yours, "Well since you're no fun. I'll tell you. She grabbed the gun in my hand and pulled the trigger. HAHAHA"

Your face distorted in disgust, "You know the moral of the story is don't love Y/N because she will never even know I never loved her. Not even once. But she died when I told her to. So don't be a fucking idiot Y/N. Join me. Join SM. We'll destroy Irene and Taehyung." Scoffing you spit on his face. Pissed off the man wiped the red liquid off his face pulling your hair as he yelled, "I'm trying to be PATIENT with you DON'T PUSH MY BUTTONS. You...you DUMB BIT--" He raised his hand ready to hit you when a man snuck up from behind him, "Relax Minho...she needs just needs a little convincing..." Laughing maniacally once again Minho shrugged, "Fine you handle her but in an hour I want her on our side."

"Goodluck." You finally let out with a tired and raspy voice, "There is no way for you to make me betray Bangtan." The smaller man scoffed as Minho left, "Prove her wrong Taemin. Just let me know if you need anything else." Nodding Taemin locked the door, "I heard you're a tough one. I will have fun with you." He laughed as he grabbed a syringe from one of the drawers in the dimly lit room. "Now let's start." He said as he pushed down on your shoulder to keep you still as he injected you with a clear liquid blurring your vision. You felt like you were in a dream. Unable to tell reality and a dream apart. You were beginning to hallucinate. You started to see the boys in the corner of your eyes. "G-Guys you made it." You said groggily. Taemin smiling as he watched you stare into a blank space. "Y/N..." He said as you turned your head instantly crying, "Taehyung...please save me." With a twisted grin, Taemin grabbed a tool from his table.

After what seemed like hours you woke up to find yourself in a bed. "Irene!" You turned your head confused, "Where am I?"

"Oh god, it's much worse than I thought. Irene, do you know who I am?" You shook your head. "Am I Irene?" Taemin nodded, "We saved you from Bangtan...they kidnapped you and tortured you and--" You watched as he choked on his words holding back tears. Minho then walked up from behind Taemin and hugged you, "How can they do this to you. We'll kill them, Irene. Promise me that you will do your best to get revenge. No one hurts my little sister unscathed." You nodded somewhat still confused but had somehow grasped the situation. But unaware that it was the wrong situation. They twisted the situation. Unaware they had just turned you against your family.

[seanmalatesta]

The Real Economy of Gift-Giving

Don’t Let the Dismal Science Steal Christmas

Exchange and gift-giving have been a part of everyday human behavior since the dawn of mankind. So, it should be no surprise that these activities are also part of holiday celebrations—such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid Al-Adha.

Many of us remember the excitement of wondering what presents Santa Claus—or, as we discovered later, our parents or grandparents—had stowed away under the tree for us. Many of us also remember the disappointment that came with receiving a gift that wasn’t what we wanted or even something we would never have chosen for ourselves.

I often recall the fantastic scene from A Christmas Story in which young Ralphie Parker is cajoled into trying on the pink rabbit suit his Aunt Clara made for him. Ralphie’s father says he “looks like a deranged Easter Bunny.” We’ve all been there or somewhere close, judging by the unworn ties hanging in our closets or the expired gift certificates gathering dust at the bottom of the sock drawer.

The economic costs of disappointing gifts don’t just include the lost value from unwanted gifts, but also the time and frustration of handling returns—on top of the original disappointment. Your friend or relative either doesn’t know you as well as they think or didn’t take the time to figure it out. Stress and hurt feelings are actual costs—they’re just hard to quantify.

Economists have a term for the negatives caused by unwanted gifts: deadweight loss, which is a loss that is not offset by gains to anyone else. In a normal transaction, all parties to the transaction are better off because they made the transaction. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make the deal in the first place.

Similarly, when shopping for ourselves, we pretty much know what we want and are able to purchase something that meets whatever need we had in mind. We receive the full benefit of the transaction because we have direct access to our own wants, needs, and desires.

When buying for someone else, though, even someone we know very well, there is a pretty strong likelihood that we won’t be able to predict the recipient’s preferences as well as she would. So we end up with significant deadweight loss each holiday season as gifts are given that aren’t fully valued by their new owners.

I can hear you thinking, “Surely, an ugly sweater and a few unwanted toys can’t add up to much?” It depends on how you do the math. Economist Joel Waldfogel, whose first paper on this subject way back in 1993 was titled “The Deadweight Loss of Christmas,” estimated that the lost value from holiday giving amounts to billions of dollars each year.

He therefore advocated we eschew presents for gifts of cold hard cash. That way, he reasoned, the recipient can get exactly what he wants and the giver can get the warm fuzzies, knowing that she got the most efficient gift possible. Sounds good, right?

Well, no.

I will never forget, mainly because my siblings will never let me, one particular Christmas. While studying economics in college, I had read about the “efficient gift-giving hypothesis” and it made perfect sense to me. As stocking stuffers that year, I “artfully” wrapped $5 bills around candy canes and placed them in my three siblings’ stockings. They were underwhelmed. And my explanation of how efficient the gift was didn’t exactly warm the cockles of their hearts. What went wrong?

Those close to you aren’t just deriving value from the gift itself. They’re receiving a bundle of values or utility (the economic term for the way we value or find usefulness in everything). So, the recipient is receiving not merely the value of the gift itself, but also the value of the warm fuzzies. She knows that someone cared enough to take the time to get to know her and tried to find a gift that would make her happy. In more than a few cases this additional utility of lovingkindness may make up for a gift that isn’t precisely what someone might have bought for herself.

“ The recipient is receiving not merely the value of the gift itself, but also the value of the warm fuzzies.

—THOMAS PEARSON

Waldfogel discusses these other utilities in his gift-giving suggestions in the last chapter of his 2009 book: Scroogenomics: Why You Shouldn’t Buy Presents for the Holidays. I’ll admit that I haven’t read the entire book, but I didn’t see any discussion of the value of the gift to the giver.

In any exchange, including gift giving, there are at least two sets of utility involved: the recipient’s and the giver’s. And, while holiday gift giving is more like a transfer than what we think of as an exchange, both utilities should be included.

Money is an approximation of value. It’s not exactly what we mean, but it’s close enough to be exceedingly useful for exchanges. However, when exchanging or gift giving with those we are close to, many more values are in play than simply the value of the gift.

This is why my cash-wrapped candy canes failed to garner loving responses from my brother and sisters. It’s also why, if we consider the utilities of both the giver and the recipient in such transfers, we can cancel out the deadweight holiday loss in many cases.

In other words, where the gift is simply a shorthand expression of love and care between family members or other loved ones, the values to both the giver and the recipient matter and should be tallied. The warm fuzzies received by both can far outweigh cost of a gift that wasn’t exactly right. On net, there can still be—and often is—a positive value to the gift transfer.

One caution: If a wrong item is both expensive and difficult to return, this can still wipe out the value of the warm fuzzies. So if you’re not exactly sure that your girlfriend wants a brand-new Bugatti Chiron (hint: she doesn’t), don’t go out making foolish gift-buying choices. Rather, for those you really know, stick with something personal and heartfelt—something that will signal the love you feel toward that person. Maybe you’ll even find something she didn’t know she wanted.

Now, for those you don’t know very well, candy-cane wrapped cash is probably okay. And if that seems too impersonal or too sticky, there are always gift cards.

from Michael Hyatt, Your Virtual Mentor http://ift.tt/2oKMqGq via IFTTT

[hey-i-wrote-a-story]

EPILOGUE

Taylor stuffed his bag into the overhead compartment as best he could, squishing it in next to the massive bag of the lady one seat up, who apparently decided to bring a grand piano on her trip to California. Or maybe it was a hippopotamus. Either way, it took some effort, but Taylor finally managed it and plopped down into his seat beside his little sister. The dark-haired young man of Vietnamese descent had lanky limbs that left him plenty of leg room despite the airplane’s cramped seating.

           “I still can’t quite believe it”, his mother remarked from the seat in front of him.

           “Ma, we’re on the plane. It’s about to take off. Believe it”, Taylor said back.

           “Well really”, she said, “it’s just so wonderful to see you without having to use a cam chat. You’ve been spending so much time on that computer doing your online gaming, or storytelling, or whatever it is you do with your online friends that we barely see you anymore.”

           Taylor’s dad, seated beside his mother, turned in his seat to add his input to the mother’s claims. “I have to agree with your mother, Taylor. But as we’re here now, I suggest we all enjoy it.”  He placed a loving hand on his wife’s arm and smiled gently. It was his signal to her that she should let go of whatever she was dwelling on and enjoy the moment. “I am very glad that you suggested this trip so we could have some family time, son. It not only shows consideration, but maturity. I can think of no better way to use my accumulated vacation days.”

           Taylor tried not to roll his eyes. Even when he was paying a compliment, his dad was prone to lecturing. “Thanks, dad.”

           “And not by going to a theme park”, the mother emphasized, “or some big comic convention—“, she stressed the last two words with no small measure of annoyance. She was never going to let him live down the vacation fiasco of two years ago.

           “Mo-omm…”

           “But a scenic trip to California!” And here comes the gushing. “Visiting small towns, hiking, camping. I’m so excited.”

           “And let’s not forget the many tourist traps”, the dad added.

           “Oh foo, I like tourist traps.”

           “So does your Visa card”, the dad chided.

           The mom gave him a playful nudge and pulled out her collection of brochures for the eighteenth time since they took their seats. As she chittered away about their itinerary, Taylor took out his tablet and began swiping through pages and opening files. With a touch he was online, going straight to his bookmarked site he shared in secret with only four other people. His fellow players, artists, and storytellers. No new posts, no updates. That cinched it. Taylor knew what was up. Erin, Freddie, Kaitlyn and Aadesh had just up and disappeared without a word, and Taylor knew why. They had finally taken his ongoing suggestion to heart. They’d gone LARPing. He could see Aadesh as THE CHAMPION lycanthrope (as if anybody else could play that role), with Freddie as his wise-ass best friend THE DETECTIVE. Erin and Kaitlyn could easily take their pick of roles from THE ORACLE, THE HUNTRESS, or THE WARRIOR. The quartet of fast friends had gone on an extended outing of Live-Action Role Playing of their beloved characters, maybe reliving one of their favorite stories or even creating an original adventure of their own design…and they had left him out of it. The main reason he had brought the idea up in the first place was that it would finally give him the chance to spend time with his online friends in person. That, and he was aching to play the part of THE BROTHER.          

Taylor was heartbroken and felt more than a little betrayed. Sure, he wasn’t part of the original group that founded the site. The fantasy world of Lighthouse Knoll was already in place by the time he got there, but he had contributed as much to it as any of them. His art alone should have solidified his place in the group. But Taylor was on to them. He was sure of it.

Taylor tapped a folder and opened up the current list of characters. He scanned the names—or lack thereof—for the colorful cast. Kaytlin was so wrapped up in her archetype characters that she was big on not giving them any proper names. Taylor recalled that some of those archetype characters had been thought up and put in place just for back-story purposes. She was all about the details, that Kaytlin. Taylor had to admit, the characters were as original as they were compelling.

There was THE PSYCHOPATH (sometimes called THE SCHEMER), the Mentor’s deranged power-hungry uncle. THE CURSED, the cruel old man formerly ravaged by disease whose supernatural cure now left him in constant pain and coughing up sludge as black as his soul. THE WARPED, the young athlete who switched back and forth from trustworthy to untrustworthy (depending on who he was with and when) who later became a man-size lizard monster that evolved into a werewolf--if that makes any sense. THE LOST, the vengeful were-cheetah (or was she a leopard? Cheetah or leopard, it was one of those two). THE BROTHER, the tall werewolf with the tortured childhood and a thing for scarves. THE COACH, who was pretty much just a coach but awesome for comic relief. But out of the seemingly endless list, there was one other that stood out in Taylor’s mind. THE FALLEN. His roller coaster of a story fascinated him. Perhaps that’s why he picked up on what he did.

Taylor’s mom turned in her seat as the last stragglers and latecomers shuffled their way down the aisle to their seats and stuffed their bulging carry-ons under the seats in front of them. “Honey, put away the tablet. We’re on the trip you suggested. No computer and no internet, remember?”

Taylor closed everything down with a few quick taps and held up the black screen to reassure his mother. “All done. Just shutting all my online stuff down. It now goes in the bag.” He slid the tablet into a zippered sleeve on his backpack.

“I appreciate it, sweetie”, his mom smiled.

“If he’d been better organized”, the father observed, “he would have taken care of all that before we left the house.”

The mom gave him a look. “Don’t start.”

She then turned to see Taylor fishing around inside his backpack for something. “Honey, you just promised not five seconds ago.”

Taylor held up a finger. “It’s not my tablet.”

“No phones either”, she reminded him.

“No, it’s a surprise”, Taylor said. He then produced a small stack of oversized children’s softcover storybooks, which he offered to his little sister. “Aaannd who’s this?”

The little girl practically burst with excitement at the sight of her big brother’s offering. “Harry the Happy Husky!” That was when the begging began. “Please read them to me. Please please please—and do the voices! Do the voices otherwise it doesn’t count!”

Taylor smiled at her enthusiasm. “What do you think I brought ‘em for?”

The father leaned over and whispered to his wife. “Who is this imposter and what has he done with our son?”

As Taylor read to his little sister (and did the voices), introducing each character in turn with each silly storybook name, another name lingered at the forefront of his mind. It was the name that prompted this whole trip, the name that inspired his suggestion that they pack up and go to this particular part of the country.

Taylor was no idiot. Some of the characters from their story world were almost too convincing, too believable, and too extensively fleshed-out, even in their fantastic world. He knew they had to be based on actual people.

Kaitlyn was convinced that California where this character (yeah, right), the one named THE FALLEN, could be found. But Taylor was on to her. He knew that this was not just another character. He was another player in the game. And that was most likely where his friends were. With him. He just knew it. Now, chasing off after some other kid’s fictional character could seem pretty stupid. How was he supposed to find the character’s real-life counterpart?

But of course Taylor could do just that. Because Taylor knew THE FALLEN’s real name.

Kaitlyn had typed it out accidentally during a game session, and was very quick to delete it and replace it with his character archetype. But Taylor saw it. And he wrote it down. He knew it was important, otherwise Kaitlyn wouldn’t have been in such a rush to keep him from seeing it. Now he was headed right to the one—or at least to the general area of the one--who had that name.

Deucalion.

Whoever he was. Taylor was determined to find out.