#like holy hell that ability is amazing

[victorluvsalice]

AU Thursday: Valicer In The Dark -- Fun With Special Abilities

We're back with my beloved Blades In The Dark trio again today, this time to discuss the fun special abilities they pick up during their time as scoundrels! I've touched upon this topic before, when I did the initial post on the group's playbooks, but I wanted to explore it in more detail now that I'm actually posting fic for the verse. Because there are a LOT of fun special abilities that these three can snag, both from their own playbooks and others. :D Here are the ones I've gotten locked down so far:

-->Alice: Alice, as per previous posts, actually starts with two special abilities -- Not To Be Trifled With, which allows her to perform superhuman feats of strength or take on a gang of up to six people on equal footing (like, say, a certain Bluecoat squad), and The Devil's Footsteps, which allows her to perform superhuman feats of agility (like a real-life double jump onto a carriage roof) or dance around her enemies so they attack each other. These two I think cover her Wonderland abilities in AMA and A:MR very well, and given that she starts with a trauma, Haunted, it felt only fair. As for the abilities she'll pick up as a member of the Three Pillars, we have --

A) Vigorous -- she heals faster from harm! In game-mechanical terms, this means she permanently fills in one quarter of her "healing clock" (a four-segment clock where you have to fill in all the segments to reduce all your accumulated harm down a level) and takes an extra die on healing rolls. This goes well with my headcanon that Alice heals exceptionally well (to explain how she survived a massive house fire with no visible burns on her character model) and just makes the whole process of healing easier for the person most likely to get in a fight (because it's fucking TOUGH in this game).

B) Bodyguard -- she's better at protecting her teammates from threats! She gets an extra die on resistance rolls (which allow her to avoid or reduce the consequences of an action) to protect Victor or Smiler from something or someone, and gets extra effect (aka better quality info) when she researches potential threats beforehand. This felt like a good one for Alice because I imagine she wants to make very sure that nothing horrible happens to Victor or Smiler during their time as scoundrels -- they're her new family, and she doesn't want to lose them! And it goes very well with a trauma I want to give her in the future -- but that's another post...

C) Ghost Fighter -- she can imbue her hands, melee weapons, or tools with electroplasmic power, giving her an edge against supernatural foes! Specifically, she gains potency against them (which improves the effect of her rolls against them) and can actually physically grapple with ghosts and other electroplasmic creatures to restrain them. This is just cool, and I think it would be something Alice would want, especially if and when they tangle against more supernatural creatures -- but this one actually comes with a prerequisite: Victor's gotta know the Ritual special ability first (see his section below the read-more). Because as Victor is the "magic guy" of the group, I feel like this is something they'd work on together. (Maybe after they turn Alice's knife into a electroplasmically-charged weapon by tying it to his lightning hook during their fight against the Jabberwock?)

D) Savage -- she is fucking scary when she unleashes the physical violence. Meaning she can frighten anyone who sees it, and gets a bonus die on rolls to then Command a terrified target. I see this as just a natural consequence of her getting better at real-world violence and the gang's reputation as a trio not to be messed with growing as time passes. Think of it as Alice basically entering real-life Ragebox Mode or Hysteria Mode -- that'd be pretty scary, wouldn't it? (And it also ties in well with that trauma I'll be talking about later...)

-->Victor: Victor starts with the Ghost Mind special ability -- he is always aware of any ghosts or other electroplasmic entities in his vicinity, and he also gets an extra die when he researches the supernatural. This felt the most appropriate for him given that I had him get dragged into the ghost field -- the supernatural echo of the city where ghosts actually live -- for an entire day as part of the process of adapting Corpse Bride for this setting. I mean, that would have to have some sort of side effect, right? As for what he gets as time goes on, we have --

A) Strange Methods -- he's better at inventing and making stuff that is a little arcane (like magical potions and odd spirit-related gadgets)! Game-mechanically, he gets a better result when he makes these kinds of things, and he automatically learns how to make one particular thing for free (instead of having to learn about it and figure out the process for making it during play). This special ability is going to cover Victor learning how to infuse insects (specifically moths and butterflies) with electroplasm to turn them into little radiant energy generators (radiant energy being the closest thing this setting gets to sunlight -- as you might imagine, it's pretty important for growing crops and thus important for making sure their greenhouse actually works!). It felt like the closest match for that project! Plus it might be fun to figure out what else he can make going forward...

B) Ritual -- he knows how to do ritual sorcery and can study or even invent his own rituals to call upon arcane powers! Much like Strange Methods above, he also gets one ritual that he knows for free when he takes this ability. This was another contender for the whole "how Victor figures out how to make radiant energy butterflies" thing above (though I obviously decided Strange Methods fit better), and I knew I wanted him to get this one regardless because come on, it's cool and dangerous magic. Who doesn't want cool and dangerous magic? XD And, as indicated above, it feels like a good prerequisite to some of the abilities he and his friends get, both as individuals and as a team -- I mean, Ghost Fighter feels like something you would need a ritual for, right? That being said, I'm not planning for every magical spell Victor gets through this ability being a straight-up ritual -- instead, this will also cover him learning the demonic language of sorcery, a concept briefly mentioned in the book that I found very cool and wanted to use more. Victor will still have to pay a stress cost to speak things into existence using the language, of course, and learn what various words mean and how to pronounce them, but he just has to say them to trigger the effect. I'm not sure what his first ritual or spell will actually be, mind, but I'm looking forward to finding out!

C) Warded -- he has special armor that allows him to deal better with supernatural nonsense! Specifically, he can "expend" the armor (check off the box on his playsheet) during a score to avoid supernatural consequences coming his way as a result of something he did, or to push himself (generally means picking up an extra die for your roll) when dealing with arcane forces, without having to take stress. I think this is a cool thing that Victor would very much like to have while dealing with the supernatural beasties he might encounter inside the city (as he can already tell that they're there) -- I picture his "special armor" as a coat he enchants with Elder Gutknecht's help, covering it in strange glyphs and suchlike to imbue it with arcane-busting power. (...actually, maybe he's inspired to make the coat after his ghost-busting score with Bonejangles. Must keep that in mind.)

D) Ghost Veil -- he can shift himself back into the ghost field for a few moments, becoming as shadowy and insubstantial as a ghost! In game terms, he takes two stress to do this, plus one extra stress if he wants to make it last longer, make himself fully invisible, and/or give himself the ability to float It's very cool, and it felt like the sort of thing that Victor would be able to do after his little trip into the ghost field courtesy of Emily -- it just takes him a bit to properly "unlock" the power. I was originally thinking that Ritual would have to be a prerequisite for it as a result (as Victor wouldn't figure it out until he got deeper into studying spellcraft and sorcery), but if it's something that's another side effect of his "ghost bride" adventures, maybe it's just something he stumbles on accidentally -- like, he does it on reflex during a fight, and the trick is figuring out how he triggered the effect so he can do it deliberately. I mean, it's probably still going to come after Ritual, simply because I plan for him to take that early, but -- yeah.

E) Tempest -- he can push himself to unleash a bolt of lighting as a weapon, or summon a storm (rain, fog, high winds, heavy snow) in his immediate area! Costs him two stress in game terms, but I think it's worth. This is just downright cool, and I love the idea of Victor being able to do something so powerful. He is more dangerous than he looks with this! This one definitely does have Ritual as a prerequisite, though, because I picture this ability as being tied to the demonic language of sorcery (hell, the book itself implies that it is). So Victor has to be able to use said language before he can fry people with lightning. Small price to pay!

-->Smiler: Smiler starts with the Alchemist special ability -- they're good at brewing up anything with alchemical features (drugs, non-magical potions, things like that), and get one formula that they already know for free. Since my concept for them in this verse is "cultist drug dealer," and I've always pictured them as an excellent chemist regardless of the universe they're currently occupying, this was a no-brainer as their starting ability. And as you might expect, their free formula is their signature Joy Serum -- after all, you can't be a drug dealer if you don't know how to make the drug. XD Anyway, as for what they get while running around with Victor and Alice, we have --

A) Physicker -- they gain enough medical knowledge to serve as the team doctor! Specifically, in game terms, this lets them Tinker with people's bodies to treat wounds and stabilize the gravely injured; Study maladies to see how to treat them and corpses to see how they died; and gives everyone in the crew an extra die when it comes to healing rolls. This is something that I think Smiler would like to pick up just to help keep their partners safe and healthy -- being a scoundrel is a dangerous job, after all, and hurt or sick friends are unhappy friends! Plus it's just good in practical terms, because, as I mentioned before, healing is tough in this game, and any advantage you can get is a good one!

B) A Little Something On The Side -- they get extra money after every score! In game terms, this means that at the end of every "downtime" phase (time after scores when characters work on projects and acquire assets and relieve stress and suchlike), they get two extra "stash" (how the game tracks each scoundrel's personal finances -- how much stash you have determines how good your character's lifestyle is and if your character ends up destitute on the street or in a halfway-decent home when they retire). I think this is a good one for Smiler simply because it feels like a good way to represent mechanically them still continuing to sell Joy Serum when they're not doing scores with Victor and Alice. They may not be living with the Advocates anymore, but that does not absolve them of their responsibility to bring chemical joy to the masses! Though, given that Smiler canonically sells their Joy Serum for cheap, maybe I'd reduce this to one extra stash. We'll see.

C) Mesmerism -- they have the ability to not only talk someone into something, but also make them forget that they were ever talked into it! Specifically, when they successfully Sway someone, they can also choose to have the person forget that it happened -- at least, until they next time they see Smiler, at which point they are like "HEY!" XD This one just feels like an appropriate one to me because it fits well with the actual rollercoaster's theme of hypnosis and mind control. And I did give Smiler a little hypno-wheel as one of their starting gadgets -- maybe they use that when they're using this ability? Or maybe this is an additional blessing from Mar-Mal that they get for helping the Advocates out with something...hmmm. I'll have to think about it. Point is, it's thematically appropriate, and could make for some interesting scenes.

D) Functioning Vice -- they're better at indulging their vice in a way that does not cause them to overindulge -- and can help Victor and Alice do the same! In game terms, this means whenever Smiler indulges their vice (which is how you reduce stress after scores -- you roll dice equal to your lowest attribute score and remove the highest number from your stress tracker), they can adjust the roll up or down by one or two to prevent overindulgence -- and any allies who indulge with them can do the same. I saw this in action in Oxventure Presents: Blades In The Dark with Johnny's character Kasimir in the second season, and holy fuck is it useful. Like, this is the ability to get if you want to make sure your scoundrels can reduce their stress quickly and safely. And Johnny was using it on a character whose vice was Obligation and involved Kasimir tending his busted knee -- Smiler's vice is Pleasure! Do you know how much easier that is to pair with another vice? Alice has an Obligation to keep an eye on the children of Houndsditch? Take 'em on a picnic! Victor has a taste for the Weird? Go on a shopping trip to a bookstore to look for occult books! Want to do something all together? Take the kids out and have Victor demonstrate some of the safer magic tricks he's learned! :D Seriously, this is going to be like their best special ability --

Which is why it's kind of a shame that I've already come up with a score revolving around them overindulging their vice at the Golden Plum restaurant and then having to help Chef Roselle there get ingredients for a new dish. XD So yeah, Smiler can only get this ability after that happens. Probably inspires them to be more careful when indulging their desires!

E) Trust In Me -- they're better at anything they may choose to do against a target who they already have an intimate relationship with! Basically, in any roll against someone whom they already know well, they get an extra die -- and no, it doesn't have to be a social roll, nor does the relationship have to be that kind of intimate -- they just have to be close. I think this one fits Smiler simply because they're the most extroverted of the three, and probably have all sorts of friends scattered around the city that could be convinced to help the Three Pillars on their various scores. I do picture them using this mainly to help Sway friends to their various causes -- Smiler's a lover, not a fighter, and wouldn't want to damage the friendship by doing something mean. Though if someone they like decides to be an ass to them first -- well, all bets are off. Smiler may not be good at throwing a punch, and not want to hit a friend, but if they have to...

Whew! Quite the lists, huh? And this isn't even getting into the special abilities the trio can pick up as a crew! Not to mention the upgrades I have planned for their lair... I think telling you all about that will have to be a separate post, though. This one's long enough already. XD

[gleafer]

You've probably been asked this before-- but how did you learn to draw like that? It's incredible, your likenesses especially. Amazes me every time I check your page. I know the answer is probably mostly Time and then More Time, but is there anything in particular that you think helped? Timed sketches? A certain way of doing studies? Any book recommendations?

*Runs through wall a la Kool Aid Man to answer this question because HOLY HELL DO ARTISTS LIKE TALKING ABOUT THEMSELVES*

Ahem!

Well! The very best, yet worst, but really best thing I’ve ever done to get good at drawing facial expressions was to do three military tours…er…summer seasons at Great America as a caricature artist!

Nothing will give you the practice needed to up your skillset quite like drawing for 13 hours straight while being heckled by large groups of overly sugared, vicious teenagers for 12 weeks in sweltering summer heat.

YOU SUUUUUUCK! Became my battle cry instead of inner monologue of art student sadness.

Thick skin grew, as did my ability to draw likenesses and expressions. (Granted most of the expressions I drew were of boyfriend’s faces all stupidly sappy, ogling their girlfriend who were drawn extra sassy with obnoxious eyelashes. But that’s just how you do with caricatures.)

Anywho!

I’m not saying you have to go join a traveling circus of caricature artists to test your artist’s metal (though it wouldn’t hurt and you’ll have a bounty of bizarre stories for the grandkids when alls said and done!)

However, practicing everyday, while pushing comfort levels and being brave with your lines, will improve your art/illustrations.

And if you think having groups of teenagers making fun of your art, loudly hinting your fashion sense is severely lacking and “DID YOU EVEN ART SCHOOL??” while sticky, little kids swarm into your personal space to the point of almost crawling into your mouth as their parents wander off to the beer garden would actually help you, Great America is always hiring…

for fresh SOULS!

🎶just keep drawing! Just keep drawing!🎶-Dori, probably

[a-dauntless-daffodil]

Omg Exorcists hunting like Ospreys

They dive and go sploosh in the water then fly back out no problem

Vaggie shows this once and Charlie, a no wing haver, is amazed by her gfs ability to fly out of water very much “but??? Wings in water meant to be no bueno??”

the one thing vaggie misses from heaven: Dive Bomb Fishing

XD no but, imagine Vaggie spending ages hunting around the city for a swimming pool big enough to show off to her girlfriend in. Up in heaven there was beaches and bright sparkling bodies of water, but hell is overcrowded and....

Vaggie: "How hard is it to find a body of water in hell that DOESN''T already have a dead body floating in it!?"

Angel Dust: "I dunno toots. Probs as hard as a long throbbing-"

Vaggie: "Shut up and keep looking or die."

she finally finds one and gets SO giddy about it, same as when she was excited to show the hotel commercial to Charlie, dragging her gf over to the edge of the one sanitary pool in hell like

Vaggie: (hopping up and down) "Are you ready for the surprise?"

Charlie: "I, think so??"

Vaggie: "Good!"

Vaggie: (hugs gf) (hops back again) (Grins)

Charlie: "Vaggie wh- pffthaha! You're really excited about this 'super cool angel trick thing' aren't you?"

Vaggie: "You have no idea."

Vaggie: "Now hold this taxidermized fish for me."

Charlie: "Hold the what."

it's a fair question. clean swimming pools aren't the only thing it's tricky to find in hell

Vaggie: "Fish!"

Charlie: "HOLYSHIT WHAT IS THAT THING?!"

Vaggie: "There's not a lot of fish options down here but we're gonna pretend it's a salmon. Or was one, in a past life."

Charlie: "Do I have to- I mean, is me holding it CRUCIAL to the surprise..?"

Vaggie: "You can throw it in the pool soon don't worry."

Charlie: "If it's in the pool Vaggie I don't think I'm going in that water."

Vaggie: "That's perfect! Just get ready to throw."

Vaggie starts stretching her wings

meanwhile poor Charlie wants to SO MUCH to be supportive about the angel thing after how not great that revelation started out so she's nodding and smiling and not instantly yeeting the horror fish and internally doing math equations trying to figure this out so she can be extra super happy about it

Vaggie: (twirling spear) "Ok babe, I'm gonna fly up real high, and when you see me wave you toss the abomination fish into the pool. Right?"

Charlie: "OK!!! Fly wave throw fish, got it!"

Charlie was ready for anything she was PREPARED

she was NOT prepared to see her girlfriend plummet through the air and dive smack dead into a pool at what looks like literal break-neck speed

Charlie: "VAGGIE!?!?!?"

Angel Dust: "Mmm not bad. 10 outta 10 for looking like she's gotta death wish. Slaaaaay!"

Charlie: "IS SHE OKAY?!"

Husk: "0 out of fucking 10. That shit looks wet as fuck."

Angel Dust: "Wuh luh wuh LOVE when thing get-"

Husk: "20 out of 10 if she drowns you."

Charlie: "THAT LOOKED LIKE IT HURT!"

Niffty: "Wheee! Me next!!!!!!""

Cherri Bomb: "Booo! 2 out of 10! It wasn't even a canon ball."

Charlie: "IS SHE HURT THAT REALLY LOOKED LIKE IT HURT!"

Niffty: "Did her spine snap? Is she-" (giggles) "Dead~?"

Alastor: "I'm SORRY to say it dearest but I SINCERELY doubt it! In fact it seems she is just about to surface, and NOT as a far more flatteringly corpse, ha ha!"

Charlie: "VAGGIE ARE YOU OKAY???"

Vaggie's head pop back beaming and shaking water from her face

Vaggie: "Charlie! I got it!"

Charlie: "Not the question I'm asking! Wait, got what?"

Vaggie: (laughing) "Look!"

cue big wing flaps, Vaggie spraying everyone who isn't Charlie with water as she wings back up out of the pool and lifts her spear to show off...

Vaggie: "I got the fish!"

....the stuffed abomination skewered triumphantly on her heavenly spear

Charlie: "You- you caught it!?"

Vaggie: "On the first try! First try in years and-"

Charlie: "YOU CAUGHT THE FISH???"

Vaggie: "I did!"

Charlie: "NO WAY!"

Vaggie: "Yeah!"

Charlie: "HOLY FUCK-"

Charlie, who has NEVER seen a diving bird irl before and whose is mind actually honestly BLOWN, cheering and jumping around and grabbing each of their sopping wet friends in turn to shake them and point at her gf, who

Charlie: "-just did that whatever that was she did that IT WAS AMAZING she went ZOOM like NYOOM and SPLOOSH and wOW-!"

Vaggie: (puffing up) "If there was real fish in that pool, we'd be having some for dinner tonight."

Charlie: "WOW!!"

Alastor: (dripping) (grinning tightly) "How. Delightful."

Charlie: "OH OH OH I GOTTA CALL DAD! I-"

Charlie: "-dad? Dad!! YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT VAGGIE JUST DID!!!"

Alastor: "Oho~"

Vaggie: "What're you laughing at?"

Charlie: "-went WAY HIGH UP THERE and then she DOVE-"

Alastor: "Why at your cruel fate of course! Prepare to be MORTALLY embarrassed in front your partner's parent, my dear~"

Vaggie: "Are you kidding? Fishing is best skill I have."

Charlie: "YES SHE DID SHE DID DO THE DIVING FISHING THING AND SHE GOT THE FISH ON THE FIRST TRY!!"

Husk: (soaked) "That's not. Fucking. Fishing."

Vaggie: "Don't be bitter just because you can't do it, Husk."

Angel Dust: (also dripping) "Both of ya are nuts."

Cherri Bomb: (sadly holding up soggy bomb) "You could get a whole school of fish with one stick of dynamite. I'm just saying."

Niffty: "I wanna be the fish! SKEWER ME!"

Vaggie: "No offence Nif but, pass."

Niffty: "RRG!" (kicks her in the shins) "Stupid sport fishing lesbian!"

Vaggie: "Stupid good at sport fishing lesbian, you mean."

Charlie: "-okay!? Yeah! Yeah I'll tell her!!" (end call) "VAGGIE MY DAD'S COMING OVER HE'S GETTING OUT HIS OLD FISHING POLE HE'S GONNA PUT THE FISH ON IT AND MAKE IT WIGGLE FOR YOU WHILE YOU CATCH IT!!"

Vaggie: "No way!"

Charlie: "YES!! And IM gonna film it!!!"

Angel Dust: "An' we're all goin' home. Have fun with your gay nature docu-thingy."

Vaggie: "Have fun missing out on the fishing losers!"

Charlie: (hugging her) "This is so COOL! How do your wings even work after getting wet!? That's amazing!"

Vaggie: "It's what the daily preening is for, babe."

Charlie: "WE'rE GONNA DO SO MUCH MORE WING PREENING!!!"

Angel Dust: (distantly) "Gaaaaaay...!"

[hells-wasabii]

Heyy!! Can I request SFW and NSFW headcanons for Angel dust x reader pls?😇 Thank you love!!🫶🏼

A/N: this time around we get to touch more on the angstier side of the relationship. Once again, I have written these with a male reader in mind, but anybody can read them. Also, while writing this i listened to Blake Roman’s New Side Of Me for the first time and holy shiiiiit I really might’ve found a new song for my top 5 faves, such an amazing song

Part 1 | Part 2

Character: Angel Dust

Type: Headcanons (Angel Dust x reader, Angst, Fluff, NSFW)

Your relationship was admittedly a little rocky in the beginning until the two of you found a proper rhythm among yourselves. As I've said before, he'll absolutely try to shield himself through being overly flirty, but please, when he's flirting for real, give him back the same energy. He loves a good back-and-forth.

You hated the way Valentino treated him, of course you did. But you knew there wasn't much you could do about it other than offer Angel all of your support outside of the studio. He greatly appreciates this of course, so please spoil him. And make sure to remind him how much you love him and that he deserves to be spoiled. Granted, he may diffuse you with faux over-confidence if there are others around, but truly, he does appreciate it. He'll be sure to let you know later.

One thing about addiction is that it is NOT easy to deal with, especially when trying to overcome it. Withdrawals can be hell, and Angel is not an exception. He cherishes that you'll lay there with him during the worst of it, covered in sweat and shaking. You're sure to let him know that you'll see him through his lows, just as you'll see him through his highs.

He's hard to actually fluster, but the best way to actually do so is by being genuine with your love for him. He greatly appreciates acts of service and gifts. But sometimes the best way to communicate your love for him is to out right tell him. Words of affirmation are heavy hitters for Angel, especially with how he was raised. He wouldn't get praised unless he had done something to earn it unless it came from his sister or mother.

WARNING NSFW below!

Due to him being a porn star, Angel, regardless of the fact that he doesn't mind it, advises against leaving any marks. Valentino was not happy the one time that the two of you had slipped up. You would never actively try to put Angel in harm's way, so you'll comply.

While he can play the part of switch with no problem, he's a power bottom at heart. He doesn't have a whole lot of control in the studio, so when it comes to intimacy with you that's exactly what he'll be. If it's something your open to, as he won't do so without talking to you first and foremost, he will do everything in his ability to make you beg for release.

But that's not exactly what it's about either. Sure, that's a plus side, but honestly, he really does enjoy making you feel good, just as much as he likes feeling good.

[homunculus-argument]

Random fantasy story where the protagonist has some Super Rare Cool Special Ability because of course they always do, and their whole story starts with discovering this awesome ability, and it's made very clear from the start that this sort of thing is a Huge Fucking Deal. Like this random peasant kid from a family without a name has got this astonishing inherent ability, the most revered Feared Local Wizard is summoned to come see this, and this guy goes "holy shit my mentor in the big legendary ivory tower will want to see this, that's amazing."

And the protagonist starts getting shipped to the other end of the continent on a journey that's clearly A Huge Fucking Deal, local nobility want to see this kid, they had only heard of this kind of thing in legends and had not ever imagined they would get to see this kind of astonishing gift in real life, with their own eyes.

And somewhere along the way the protagonist and their big shiny entourage that's gotten embarrassingly big end up staying over in some bigger town. The protagonist is left to their own devides and some scrappy kid around the same age starts being rude, and being teenagers, the two start beefing. And by this point being A Big Fucking Deal has gotten into the protagonist's head, and they start going like "do you have any idea who you are dealing with, I've got Cool Awesome Powers" and start showing off.

And the other kid goes "bitch me too you ain't special" and fucking slams the protagonist right back with the same kind of power. One perhaps even more powerful than theirs. And everyone who just saw that is baffled and astonished. The protagonist is shocked. The readers are shocked. The Wizard Mentor who was just about to intervene is shocked. Hold on how the fuck.

So now this new kid is surrounded with curious questions. How the hell did they do that with no training? Wait the fuck do they mean they've always been able to do that? How did nobody know about this? Wait, your parents knew? What the fuck do you mean they knew and didn't tell anyone? Why did they keep you a secret? Hold on how do you not know what this gift you have is?

And the kid is just like "yeah they just told me it's weird and gross and told me to stop doing that." Like this kid's parents saw their child doing something that no other human being is capable of, and simply never bothered to look up what it is or what it means.

[matan4il]

Buddie 610 meta

Holy shit, this ep.

Okay, what shall we start with? Maybe with what 911 itself starts, lots of foreshadowing. At the beach call, we have Eddie looking at Buck and replying to him (about the lightning), “I really hope it doesn’t strike twice, though.” Which, of course we know it will. But the foreshadowing continues, as Buck talks to Omar about unexpected things in life coming out of nowhere. That suggests we need to pay extra attention to other elements in this ep that might act as foreshadowing for later events along 6b. ~~

That kind of connects to me with Buck being closely tied to Ely, the pregnant lady (he saves the day there twice, first by realizing the oil is dripping and if they use the saw, it might prove fatal, then by helping Bobby with the baby). First off, it made me chuckle when we learned that, despite being driven to the hospital by a man, he’s actually not her partner. 911 made sure we knew Ely has a wife, and that she has another kid with her. Is it a coincidence when Buck, who practically has a husband and a kid with him already, is the main firefighter taking care of her? Maybe, but it still amused me. What really made me take note is when he told her not to push, trying to stall her childbirth, and she replied that it doesn’t depend on her. That made me wonder if perhaps this is also in a way foreshadowing what we might end up seeing with the sperm donation storyline. I’m not sure, I can’t be, but I was not surprised to see that storyline brought up later in the ep. ~~

In general, this ep’s title, “In a Flash,” might seem to refer to the lightning storm the team experiences, but the real tempest is the havoc our families can wreak on us, tied to the unexpected nature change can sometimes take on. Chim’s dad suddenly shows up, raining on his parade. Albert suddenly thinks Chim should give their dad a chance to be Jee Yun’s grandpa, but decides against giving his brother a warning. The Buckley parents are suddenly making an effort, yet leaving everyone suspicious and unnerved. Albert suddenly leaks Buck’s sperm donation to everyone and unleashes hell between the in-laws. Denny’s changes, probably influenced by getting in touch with his dad, come as a surprise to Hen. And of course, at the climax of the ep, Bobby as the unofficial adoptive father of Buck might lose his son in a flash. The whole ep is filled with these parallels of abrupt familial disquiet, especially in relation to dads, on all 118 fronts. And as Buck deals with maybe the biggest of these questions, because he doesn’t even yet know what he wants for himself and how does the life he helped create (but only as a donor) fit into that, it’s no wonder his life ends up hanging literally in the balance. ~~

One of the most painful things in this ep for me was seeing how much Buck’s parents are willing to accept him as a donor, because not for a second do they think he can be a father. That would be the natural conclusion from him looking at a sonogram on his phone, but his parents find it easier to believe their daughter is pregnant again than to think Buck would be a dad (ironic, because he already is one. Just not to the baby in the sonogram). It reminded me of how Eddie’s parents also didn’t believe in his ability to be a dad, and actively petitioned to have Chris taken from him to be raised by them in 315. It amazes me every time anew just how much Buddie are compatible, because their stories parallel so much that they can understand each other in ways most other people can’t. ~~

And it gets to me that this whole episode also insists on reminding us how good Buck is with kids, first with the ones on the beach, calming them down and answering their questions to help them make sense of the whole ordeal. Then with Ely’s baby, a callback to how we saw him with the pipe baby in 101. It connects to him looking at the baby sonogram, all excited, once again acting so much like an expectant dad would (parallel to him and the firefighter onesie in 609), when we know he’s not actually going to be that baby’s father. It very much does feel like 911 is signaling to us Buck has some realizations coming his way in this context. ~~

Speaking of the kids on the beach, Buck telling the boy he wants to fix everything, then adding that Buck gets it, had me screaming into my fists, because hey, remember who said that to Buck? That’s right, his Eddie, back in 504. A reminder of how much Eddie sees Buck, accepts him and allows him to be himself, enabling Buck in turn to reflect that back to that kid. Of course, in the context of the sperm donation, Buck’s tendency made him want to help “fix” things for Connor and Kameron, and we might learn in 6b that Buck comes to realize he sometimes lets this tendency take him to places that aren’t actually good for him, without fully considering the consequences, and then hopefully, he’ll get to find a way to balance this, to be himself, but not derailed from his life goals by this part of himself. ~~

At the same time that the ep shows us how good Buck is with kids, it also serves to remind us of the one kid that we’ve seen him co-parent all along, the one who has always demonstrated what a good, loving dad Buck is, Christopher. Yes, when we see Buck working on his cooking with Bobby, it’s a part of the many parallels revolving around dads in this ep, so Buck and Bobby’s r/s is the immediate focus, but at the same time, we know who Buck is learning this FOR. Lazania kitchen scene from 601, anyone? Oh, but the best part? It’s when Buck tells Bobby, “Something’s missing.” He can’t quite put the finger on what, but he knows something in his domesticity isn’t fully there. I wonder what, Buck... And this is again in an ep full of foreshadowing! ~~

It may seem like a minor thing, but remember how in my past meta, I was more or less losing it over the many times Buck and Eddie did rope rescues together as their own team within the 118 team, even having their assigned roles where Eddie connects Buck to the line and then becomes an anchor himself to keep Buck safe, to the point where I wrote a smut fic involving this very meaningful act? Yeah, so imagine me seeing that the most intense Buddie call we’ve had since the end of 413 starts with them doing this subtextually intimate thing, Eddie hooking Buck up to the rope, becoming his literal life line, and even teasingly calling him “cowboy” while at it. No, I was not breathing for a full minute at least. ~~

But since I brought up the shooting in 413, can we talk about the insanity of the parallels? Take the meaningful staring once disaster strikes. Back in s4, it was mutual, right before Eddie collapsed. In 610, Buck is unconscious, so you wouldn’t think they could stare at each other at this moment, right? Plus, back in 413, it was just the two of them present at the scene out of the 118, the other members of the team weren’t there. The lightning strike seems a lot less intimate in comparison... But in this ep, the camera plays a role in recreating that same dynamic, singling out the connection between Buddie. Because when Buck is hit by lightning, we get shots of every 118 member looking up and being terrified of what just happened to their friend.

The only exception in terms of this shot? Eddie. He’s the only one that isn’t being filmed from the side as he looks up, he’s filmed from above as he looks straight into the camera. Essentially, the shot recreates Buck’s POV for Eddie, and for him alone. It shows us what Buck would see and how he would stare down, back at Eddie, if he only could. The fact that the camera has to do this instead of Buck himself further emphasizes the horror of Buck being unconscious, but the choice to do this only with Eddie highlights their connection and makes it clear that Buddie’s bond IS different to what the other team members have with Buck, no matter how close the others are to him or how much they love him. What’s insane is that DESPITE having all of the 118 there, there is still a bubble within this whole situation that is Buddie and Buddie’s alone, even as Buck himself is unconscious. It’s no wonder Eddie jumps up that electrocuted ladder without even thinking about it, it’s no wonder no one even tries to stop him or warn him of the danger in that. That is a man on a mission to save the other half of him, and the show tells us that in more than one way.

That’s gonna continue through Eddie’s attempts (and eventual success) in getting Buck away from immediate danger, as well as when the team tries but then fails to revive Buck, because Eddie will be the one to push past Bobby to see Buck, and Eddie will be the one Bobby has to keep in line by assigning him driving duty, maybe the most important thing anyone can do for Buck once all the medical assistance they can give him in the field is of no further use. ~~

One more thing regarding the comparison with the shooting arc in s4, as well as talking about camera shots, is that we get to see the difference between a platonic friend resuscitating his teammate and a man desperately trying to keep the love of his life alive. If you look at Chim doing compressions on Buck, he’s giving it his all, because he DOES love Buck, Chim’s doing his best for his friend and brother in law. But the shot is not an intimate one, we don’t get close ups, we don’t get to focus on the eyes and see the frantic look of a man who knows he CAN’T fail, we don’t see the intimate touch of a hand laying a gauze on an exposed chest and trying to keep this treasured body together, we do get “come on, Buck,” but we don’t get personal speech, begging the other man to hold on and just “stay with me.” While back in 414, in the ambulance, we had ALL of those as Buck, almost on the verge of losing his sanity, fought for Eddie’s life. ~~

Lastly, I’ve made in the past a gifset of times when we’ve seen Buck screaming Eddie’s name in horror at the face of danger (including in 413), and I love that we can finally add to that Eddie doing the same thing for Buck. But I think it’s particularly meaningful that it happened not as a matter of when Buck would be in danger, but rather it was a question of just how significant Buck had to become to Eddie for this former, highly decorated soldier to go from the stoic man he was in 218 to what we see in 610 (as seen in my latest weekly gifset). Because Eddie WAS incredibly worried back in the s2 finale. He was gritting his teeth, you can see the tension on his face, and the second it was safe, he sprang to Buck’s side. Eddie also held on to him while everyone else was lifting the truck (even though Chim, as a medic, would have been a more natural choice to hold on to Buck, while Eddie the firefighter helps lift engine 118). And Eddie wouldn’t even let go of Buck’s hand on the way to the truck. HE WAS DISTRAUGHT. But the man who kept his facade up in the hospital after Shannon, his wife and mother of his son, died just one ep earlier, did the same thing with Buck. What I find so telling is that he can no longer do that by 610. Buck has become such an integral part of his life, of his family, of who Eddie is as a person and how he deals with life, way more than even Shannon managed to be. And that’s why Eddie loses it, confirming what we’ve known for a while: Buddie are life partners. ~~

I now have direct links to my weekly meta posts, my Buddie gifs and more of my content in my pinned post. Loads of love to @whosoldherout​​ for making unbelievable gifs for my very unique requests. You’re a star! Tag list will follow in the reblog. Thank you in advance for any reblog and like! I’m operating on 1.5 hours of sleep to get this posted ASAP, so I really appreciate any and all encouragement to keep doing this. xoxox

[istoleyoursk1n]

Hello! I know I just requested something else, but I also have another request if you're up for it 🥰 How about all of the companies with a s/o who's really short and wears a lot of layers but it's later revealed that they're absolutely ripped and ridiculously muscular but nobody would have expected it? I think it'd be hilarious to see everyone go "Holy cow you could crush my head if you wanted to 😯"

Thank you so much again!!

•❅───────────✧❅✦❅✧───────────❅•

How would they react to a Tav who wears a lot of layers but is secretly ripped

.

.

: ̗̀➛ ASTARION

“So you’re telling me the little garden gnome could have manhandled half of us if they wanted to? Gods. Am I to be thanking you for sparing me and my pretty skin unscathed all this time?”

Probably the one making fun of your height and holding things up above you so you couldn't reach them.

He didn't really see you as anything he should be threatened by so he figured he could get away with a lot.

Besides you never really tried to fight back most of the time so he found his own little source of entertainment with his playful little jabs at you.

Was very much startled when you shook those layers off to reveal your muscular frame, he didn't expect it at all. You didn't even look strong in his eyes, until now at least.

Suddenly he’s wondering why you haven't once tried to punch him in the face after the amount of times he's poked fun at you.

Do not punch his face though (0/10) would not recommend, he bites.

Questions why you even bother to hiding yourself in layers upon layers of clothing? Is it some sort of deceptive tactic he wasn't aware of? (It probably wasn't but he’s appalled that you’d even hide something like this).

Other than that, he's impressed. Who knew you were hiding your own raw strength behind layers of clothing? Quite the sight for sore eyes if he does say so himself.

Encourages you to show it off more often, who needs all those rags when you have such an impressive build?

: ̗̀➛ WYLL

“Hells, to think that behind all those rags was the body of a true warrior! Safe to say that I’ll never be doubting your abilities again.”

Truthfully found you rather adorable since you were considered the shortest among the rest of your travelling companions.

You seemed harmless enough, but, he never once believed that you were completely fragile because of it.

However, there were times when he’d often do tasks that you knew you were perfectly capable of handling yourself over the fact that he was unaware of your true strength.

There have been a lot of times when he jumped in front of you during battles, worried that you couldn't handle it yourself.

However, the shock that appeared on his face once all those layers were shaken off was priceless.

He might have been a little bit embarrassed as well seeing as how he might have underestimated you a tad bit which knew could be quite undermining on your end.

Immediately voices his initial surprise and how amazed he is that you seem to look as fit if not even more so than him.

You look amazing! And he wishes you could leave all the layers more often if it's something you are comfortable with of course.

You knew he was already quite fond of you but now wistful glances from him would come as often as possible in pure admiration of your raw strength. Safe to say he’d never be underestimating your capabilities again.

: ̗̀➛ GALE

“It seems that until now, I find myself learning new information about you… though, I must say, you possessing a rather athletically built figure wasn't one of them. Not to say I don’t appreciate the way you look.”

Wasn't quite sure why you were wearing that many layers of clothing. The weather was already relatively hot and still, you insisted on wearing such things.

I mean, as long as you are comfortable and happy with them he didn't seem all too bothered by it.

Found you endearing in his own way, seeing as he would often find himself craning his neck or having to bend his body to meet your eye level but it made it all the more amusing for him.

Similar to Wyll, he found himself underestimating your true abilities as you truly appeared harmless in his eyes. Sure, if you had to kill a goblin for your own survival you would but you didn't exactly give off brutish vibes.

Even so, that never made him find your company any less enjoyable.

Though, he was quite startled when your true form was revealed, and all those extra layers of clothing were taken off from you. He wasn't even sure if he was looking at the right person.

One moment you appeared as innocent and delicate as could be only for you to actually have the body of someone who's probably more physically capable than him.

You've probably given him another reason as to why he admires you all too much. The new look on you is a tad bit distracting for him and Gale can't manage to hide how smitten he is for the life of him.

If anything, now you’re all the more distracting to him, and it takes him a while to break out of that haze he's put himself in.

: ̗̀➛ KARLACH

“Fucking hell, all the things I could have known about you but I never thought it would be this! You’re absolutely ripped! A badass body for one of the coolest people I know.”

Was practically squealing from how adorable you looked, especially in comparison to her towering height. You were like a little puppy in her eyes.

She couldn't understand why you’d wear so many layers of clothing, it's not like it was cold, and she knew that if she were to try that herself she’d feel uncomfortable as all hell.

But she won't press on it, as long as you are okay with it then wear as much as you wish.

The moment she was able to touch you, she was off carrying you around. She had wanted to pick you up for the longest time but she didn't understand why you felt slightly heavier than she thought you would be.

Perhaps it's all the extra layers of clothing? Either way, she didn't care. As long as she got to mess around with her favorite travel companion then what the hell.

Freaked out the moment you actually revealed how ripped you are beneath all the rags. You were practically as muscular as her.

It only seemed to excite her more because now she's fawning over how amazing you look and what you did to make your body look like this.

You've only grown to be ten times more awesome in her eyes and to see you use your true strength makes her swoon. She couldn't have chosen a better companion to have alongside her.

Suddenly the extra weight she felt carrying you made a lot more sense. Not that she’ll ever complain. Even with the newfound information, she’ll never stop lifting you up in her arms for the fun of it.

: ̗̀➛ SHADOWHEART

“I suppose there's more to be known about you, isn't there? I was not expecting you to be as fit as you are but I can't say it isn't something I’d find myself grow tired of seeing.”

She didn't think much about the extra layers of clothing you wore other than it being for comfort or aesthetics. She's not one to care much for it.

You've been a helpful and valuable member of the group thus far, she saw no reason to underestimate you even in terms of strength.

It was rather amusing to have you around as a much shorter companion than her.

It wasn't something she ever mentioned or poked fun of but the coy little smile on her face revealed just how much she found the height difference amusing.

She was pleasantly surprised the moment you revealed just how muscular you truly are, even with her insight she never would have expected it.

Regardless, she's impressed with your stature, knowing that obtaining such a form would have taken a long time to have.

With or without all the layers, she still thinks you’re pleasing in her eyes, and whether you choose to use that undeniable strength is all up to you.

Though, she will take a moment to admire you while she can. She’d never force you to quit using layers of clothing but looking at you when you’re like this has its own appeal.

: ̗̀➛ LAE’ZEL

“Just when I thought we’d have to eliminate you for your lack of use. Chk, perhaps I was wrong about you, istik. Consider my blade unsheathed for now.”

Practically disregarded you at first. You seemed so weak in her eyes that she wasn't even sure what assistance you’d provide for her.

She finds the layers upon layers of clothing unnecessary and it isn't practical when charging into battle. She's told you to leave it multiple times to your dismay.

Unless you have done something to prove that you are fairly capable of handling your own battles, she's very blunt about how incapable you seem to her.

It's even worse if you’re short cause she just has more aspects of you to undermine you with.

She’ll come off as really mean but that's mostly due to how she was raised. She can easily spot disadvantages and she won't hesitate to point out each one, especially if you two aren't close.

Was genuinely shocked to see you without the layers and what your true strength truly holds. She would have taken all those demeaning words the moment you've proved yourself.

Besides, seeing you in your true glory probably woke something up in her.

She's infatuated by strong, powerful warriors and seems that you fit the bill.

You were everything she thought you weren't and she’d come to realize just how wrong about you she was. You could have probably even sparred against her if only she had given you the proper chance.

She’d come around to actually apologizing for her earlier jabs at you sooner or later but she truly has gained a newfound respect for you. You’ll never find her insulting you again.

: ̗̀➛ HALSIN

“You’re full of surprises, aren't you? Perhaps you never truly needed my protection, you've been blessed with a body that I’m certain nature itself worked tirelessly to perfect. However, I stand at your side in case you wish for any assistance.”

Thought nothing much of your extra layers of clothing. If anything it made you look all the more adorable in his eyes.

You could tell he was already enamored by you every time you had to look up to him to speak, the smile on his face never seemed to have disappeared.

He was probably extra protective of you under the assumption that you weren't as strong as the rest. Not that it was something he considered to be bad, but he wanted to make sure you wouldn't get hurt.

He’d end up doing most of the fighting for you, insisting that he's got it handled even though you knew you were capable of fighting the rest off yourself.

Regardless, it wasn't unpleasant to have Halsin come in to protect you despite your capabilities, it showed how much he cared.

He was startled when you showed your body beneath all the layers of clothing, even having to take a few seconds to stare as if he couldn't believe it.

This only seemed to make him all the more interested in you now that his eyes managed to catch a glimpse of the skin underneath all those rags, it was a sight that he would have imprinted into his mind.

Nevertheless, he will never underestimate you again but he’ll always be there in case you still wish for his protection. He could never say no to you.

•❅───────────✧❅✦❅✧───────────❅•

[welp-back-on-my-bs]

Obey me x AuDHD MC

Liveing in devildom- was so fucking hard at first. Especially about the first two weeks to month. Why?

You can't go home. Everything is differnt. All these fuckin people, or well demons are here. Sure they may be your special interest/have hyperfixated on them. But now- all was hell.

I fell like Mammon and Levi were the two easiest for you to get along with at first. I mean, Mammon is your caretaker for while you attend RAD, so he is gonna have to learn sooner or later. He knows how to care for you and protect you from other demons.

But Levi, you clicked with him on a DEEP Neurodivergent level. He even helps you find your comfort foods after a bit. You two just kinda hangout, gaming together or separately, or whatever you need to do. (Levi is so autistic coded holy fuck- add on all the brothers PTSD and there ya go :>)

Next brothers you clicked well with is Satan and Beel. Satan has allways been quite respectful of your boundaries and you are sure to do the same with him. He is your designated study buddy, since he won't distract you and will happily help of you have any questions. Even if he isn't doing anything, he likes that he can just read and you'll do your work until you need help.

Beel honestly eats whatever you don't like. He is the God of knowing what you will and won't like. He is also a good person if ya just need a good squish and to help get you grounded or to exorcize with. He is there for you, as long as you are there for him.

When it comes to Asmo, he is definately quite slow when it comes to picking up kn your needs. Bit when he does, he let's you hangout with him whenever or comes to hangout with you whenever. If he does your makeup, he checks to be sure you're ok with the texture of whatever he is doing, if not he will find somethjng that you like. He makes sure that you have gone trough with your hygiene routine and even will do it with you! He just wants you to feel amazing inside and out

Lucifer had definately had a hard time connecting well to Levi compared to the rest of his brothers (other than tantan-). So I do think he would still be one of the last for you to fully get that connection with. His strictness and unusual punishments definately didn't help your relationship. But when Levi and Mammon fuckin give him hell, and explain everything. It starts to click for him. He does some research, makes sure RAD has the ability to properly support yours (and Levis) education, and makes changes to provide what you need. He even makes sure you know of you need anything, all you have to do is ask. He may have chosen you, but he didn't know at the time all that that choice had entailed.

Belphie after the events, works his fuckin ass off to be sure you KNOW how sorry he is. But when you shake it off and just give him a broken 'I'm used to it'. He just- he is a little pissed ya know. He makes sure to put an effort into helping you out. He often is around you or Beel is. He dosent want anyone else to make the same choices he did. (He is also autistic, imo-)

Lord Divolo tought it interesting when you were selected as a human world representative. But, he was sure that he and Barbatos had the correct information on how to support you, and get you trough it. They did however, forget to mention it to anyone else, they got really busy. But there was catering from the human world at RAD and at the palace for you so you can get that bit of comfort of home. He made sure you also had good spaces to take tests and do assignments that wouldn't be used by anyone not permitted lest they be cursed♡

Barbatos is your number two person to go to for supports. He may serve lord Diavolo, but he was also instructed and learned how to properly support you in any situation. He enjoys spending time with you, finding your way of thinking quite amusing and intriguing to say the least.

Simeon like allways treats you very well. He does also find it a little weird that he and a human are able to connect so well, but he is glad that he does with you. He even debates with himself on becoming your guardian angel.

Luke, the little dog, very much appreciates and adores you as an older sibling. Sure, the thibgs you do may be even weirder than the demons. But they have such earnestness to them that hecant help but look up to you.

Solomon very much is intrigued by you. He loves how doffernt you are from the normal person, and he feels much more relaxed. He is happy to teach and toutour you, figuring out easily what helps you learn the best.

[h3avymachin3ry]

Hello! I really enjoy your writing. Can I request a rocket x healer reader but somehow pretty chaotic and matches his energy?

⋆·˚ ༘ *⚠️💥STRAIGHT TO MY HEART-!

rocket x chaotic! healer! reader (gn)

tysm anon! im glad you like my writing 🫶 also i spent a little bit trying to make up an ability and gear for reader, so yeah!! enjoy!

(edit: i'm so sorry i do not know how to write chaotic characters. i hope i did decent or at least mediocre.)

You're a support phighter who had just joined the program, with your gear being healing potions.

And oh, you're dating one of the other phighters, Rocket!

You and Rocket, quite the duo!

"Rocket! You've gotta stop blowing yourself up!" You yell, hurling a healing potion at him. It shatters on impact, the shards discintegrating into thin air.

"Yeah, but it's efficient! And my limbs are intact!" He replies, as he launches himself in the air.

You sigh dramatically, pulling out more potions from your stash to pelt at the other phighters on your team.

"Chucking potions, huh? Quite the method there!" Valk, one of the announcers states, voice ringing throughout the stadium.

After you exit the locker rooms, Rocket comes running up to you.

"Baby! You did amazing! It was so funny when you threw a potion at Sling, and it went like- KABOOM!" He says, using his hands to mimic an explosion.

"I know, right?!" You exclaim with a giggle, throwing your hands in the air victoriously.

"You wanna get ice cream to celebrate?"

"HELL YEAH!" You cheer, sprinting towards the ice cream shop you two frequented.

"They sure are a pair, huh?" Sword states in amusement, watching Rocket chase after you.

You were also.. a prankster. A menace, as your unsuspecting victims would call you.

"...So is there a reason why shuriken is currently speedwalking towards us with a murderous glint in his eyes?" Rocket asks.

"Oh-! I almost forgot about that!"

"About wha-"

He's cut off abruptly by Shuriken, clearly annoyed.

"It was you, wasn't it!" He pulled out a hunk of about 6 shurikens, all glued together.

There's a short pause, before both you and Rocket burst out in a giggling fit.

Well, you help him unstick all his shurikens. You're not heartless, after all.

But you still feel that tinge of satisfaction watching Shuriken walk away with an embarassed huff, mumbling something under his breath.

Because of this, Zuka didn't like you at first.

You were loud, and he viewed you as annoying for quite a while.

That is, until he saw you and his son, out on a date.

Rocket looked so.. happy. So at peace.

"Honey, you have something on your cheek!"

Before you had any time to react, he quickly kissed your cheek. He used his free hand to reach for your ice cream, snatching it as he giggled nonstop.

"HEY-! C'mere, you!" You pull him close, planting a kiss on his lips. As you pull back from the kiss, you laugh at his flustered expression.

Zuka smiled slightly, seeing you both so happy.

"You have no idea how happy you make me, starlight. ♡"

holy moly this got long. also tysm to @krumbone for beta reading 🫶

[minimumwage-employee]

alan?? aLAN??? hey!! alan!! uhm WHAT WAS THATTT???? UHM???

im being so genuine no piece of media has ever affected me this much. NOT. A PHIGHTING POST SO EXCUSE MY RAMBLING

this was probably the most well written ANYTHING ive ever consumed in my life like OH MYG OD???

spoilers for the new ava episode duhhh so SCREW OFF AND WATCH IT NOW!!!!

first of all making literally urself, not like a character based off of you but your actual real regular ass human self be victim's canon event takes some fucking balls and i respect the hell out of that

no million dollar studio has ever made me feel so deeply for a character newly introduced, mitsi's introduction was done so well and the ability to display so much of her character with NO WORDS and in such a short amount of time is insane?? like?? holy crap?

when victim is adjusting he goes batshit and sees fucking cursors in the reflections of windows, and throughout the episode we see him moving on and he eventually starts to ignore the reflections LIKE AUUUGHHHH??? THIS IS SO CLEVER? IT SHOWS SO MUCH USING SO LITTLE. LIKE. YOU COULD MISS THIS IF YOU ARENT PAYING ATTENTION??? oh my GOOOOD

victim learns to love and trust and makes new friends and is SUCCESSFUL and then it all gets ripped away and he has NO IDEA WHATS HAPPENING. like during the kablooeying of newground you kind of expect mitsi dying but when she does die its HEARTWRENCHING. she tries so hard to help others and she DOES and she DIEs and its WAAAHHHHH

we also see purple and his family in the background love u guys love love god DAMN IT GUH

and then it turns out fucking tco and that red bastard blew everything to shit and its like WHATT????

ALAN MAKES YOU SYMPATHIZE SOOOO SOSO DEEPLY WITH THE VILLAIN IN A WAY NOTHING IVE EVER SEEN HAS DONE BEFORE. like. youre ON HIS SIDE youre ROOTING FOR HIM you understand what he's gone through and his revenge isnt just understandable its JUSTIFIED! its so amazing and its so HUMAN.

victim hasnt moved on and he thinks alan hasnt either, and he's PISSED and he DESERVES TO BE. like imagine some guy tortures you for YEARS, you escape and get a wife and friends and success and then its all TORN AWAY. you think, holy shit that sucks, that really sucks. and THENNN the information you're given says that the guy who ABUSED YOU YOUR ENTIIIRE LIFE is WORKING with the guy who KILLED YOUR WIFE??? LIKE I'D BE PISSED TOO.

overall. just an insane, insane episode. suuuuuper well written im in awe. i was beginning to fall out of my interest in ava but this rekindled it so much and i think it's here to stay. MAJOR, MAJOR PROPS to alan's whole team and im really excited for where theyre going to take the rest of the story.

[minniiaa]

Thank fucking god one piece tumblr is mostly a safe space because holy shit twitter is hell. These people bitching and moaning about Luffy laughing and being happy in G5 (AGAIN) saying it “ruins the story”

DO YOU MOTHERFUCKERS EVEN READ THE STORY? HE IS JOY. BOY. HE BRINGS JOY AND LAUGHTER TO THE PEOPLE THROUGH FREEDOM. DO YOU THINK HES JUST GONNA POP OFF ALL SERIOUS IN THIS FORM?

Luffy it at his freest in G5. He is overflowing with happiness as he uses his abilities to save and protect people. Why wouldn’t he be happy? We already had many arcs where Luffy was serious and even distraught when he couldn’t protect those he cared about. Those days are over and he now has the strength he always wanted. Let him be fucking happy. If you want to be miserable go read pre-TS and cry.

Now let’s be real. If you had all the powers in the world wouldn’t you do some wacky shit? I would be causing chaos and fucking around with anyone I could because it’s FUN. The Kaido fight had me smiling at my tv like a stupid idiot. I felt like I was a kid again watching Looney Tunes again (which I grew up on and loved dearly) Maybe these zoomer fucks have just never watched a cartoon in their life because their heads are too buried in their ipads or playing fortnite . Or flip side these people are just sad, lonely millennials and genx who are so dead inside they forgot what it’s like to be silly and joyful.

Also, the final island is called LAUGHtale. Rodger, King of the Pirates LAUGHED when he found the one piece. This whole beautiful decades spanning tale is ground in LAUGHTER. Don’t try to sully that just because you haven’t laughed in years and you hate your family and dead end job. Let others be happy. Try and be happy yourself. Go ahead, just laugh until you cry. You will be amazed at how good it makes you feel.

Yes I am mean, no I do not care. I am in my high tower of happiness and laughter enjoying life and my favorite series. If you want to be miserable and serious go watch/read jjk and don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out. We don’t need you and Oda doesn’t either ✌🏼

me laughing at the haters:

[macbethsymphony]

The Swordsman and the Blacksmith | Chapter 3

Roronoa Zoro x Reader

Chapter wc: 2.5k

Chapter rating: SFW

Content/Warnings: NSFW, 18+, Fem!Reader, Enemies to lovers, SLOW slow burn, Eventual smut

Summary: Your skills as a blacksmith have made you desirable to both the government and pirates. You know you have to leave this island if you want to escape your fate, but that doesn't make the choice of leaving any easier. Roronoa Zoro is intrigued by your skills as a blacksmith. Your work is like nothing he's ever seen before. Unfortunately, you're hot-headed and he's rude and you both definitely hate each other.

Chapters [1] [2]

Masterlist

Slowly crossposting from AO3 Feel like binging the rest of it? it's all there!

Chapter 3: The Straw Hat Pirates

The midday sun was bright in the sky when they got back to the Thousand Sunny. Zoro was in a foul mood. Your voice kept on repeating ‘You’re too weak’ in a condescending tone in his head. Like hell he was too weak. With a sigh he plopped down on the deck of the sunny, back leaning on the rails, closing his eyes hoping to sleep a little.

“Oh! Luffy! You guys! Welcome back!” Chopper shouted, making his way over to greet them. “Is it true you went to see a witch?” he asked innocently.

“Not a witch,” Robin said softly giving Chopper a pat on the head. “But a really talented blacksmith.”

“That’s right!” Luffy said, “And she’s going to join our crew!”

“With that attitude, she might as well be a witch,” Zoro couldn’t help but comment bitterly.

“What’s with him? Someone’s joining the crew?” Franky asked approaching the group.

“Difference of opinion,” Robin said offhandedly, handing the cyborg the small wooden box with a smile. “Here Franky, these are for you.”

He opened the box. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Oi, oi, oi! Robin!” Franky’s tone was serious, “Are those what I think they are?” he asked incredulously, taking a nail between the fingers of the small hand that had popped out of his palm.

“They are.” Robin answered. “They’re haki infused, the blacksmith we met made them”

“Holy shit Robin, I thought that was impossible,” he said excitedly. “These are… SUPER!”

“Let me see! Let me see!” Usopp said, hopping up and down trying to see over the cyborg’s shoulder.

Franky grinned proudly, holding the box out for Usopp to inspect. “Check it out, Usopp! These nails are going to be a game changer for the Sunny!”

Usopp’s eyes widened in amazement as he peered into the box. “Incredible,” he said, as he picked one up.

“Hey! Franky!” Luffy interrupted their gawking at the small objects. “Do you think we could have a forge on the Sunny?” He asked.

Franky scratched his head, considering the idea, “Well, I guess it’s possible. We have the space; I’d just need to rearrange a few things.” He answered.

Luffy grinned, eyes lighting up at the prospect. “Awesome! Let’s do it, Franky! I reallllly want to see (Y/n) in action again! She was so cool!” He mused.

“What’s this about a forge,” Sanji asked, head popping out of the kitchen.

“(Y/n)’s going to join our crew!” Luffy answered with a smile.

“The blacksmith?” Sanji questioned, stepping out of the kitchen with a tray full of bright-colored drinks.

“She isn’t joining. The witch said no.” Zoro said, tone annoyed.

“She isn’t?” Chopper asked confused. Disappointment was clear in his eyes. Robin crouched next to the blue-nosed reindeer and patted his head comfortingly.

“She will,” Luffy said with confidence. “I just know she will.” He smiled.

Nami left the map she was drawing, joining the rest of the crew, Brook not far in tow. “Joining the crew, you say?” She remarked, a skeptical eyebrow raised.

“Yohoho! A New crew member? How exciting!” Brook added as his bony fingers tapped rhythmically against the wood of the railing.

“I think it’s a good idea, Nami” Robin who was still crouching next to Chopper said. “Her ability to infuse haki into the steel she works is amazing. She could be very useful.” Robin looked at Franky who was still marveling over the small gift. “Besides I’m worried about her.” She added.

“What are you worried about, Robin?” Chopper asked. The whole crew went silent, ready to listen to Robin’s concerns.

“I think she’s in more danger than she thinks she is.” She explained. “That bounty, admirals, yonkos. Something doesn’t feel right.” Her eyes had a distant look as she continued. “Whether she chooses to join us or not, the least we can do is drop her off somewhere they won’t find her.”

You were sitting dangerously close to the cliff side when Mary finally found you. You’d stormed off with no destination in mind, feet bringing you to your familiar hideout. The wind ruffled your hair, your eyes lost in the distance. The sea always looked so peaceful from this far away. You breathed in. For a moment time seemed to still, problems washing away with the distant sounds of the waves. You didn’t turn around when she called your name.

“(Y/n),” Mary said gently, her voice carrying a mix of concern and understanding. “Are you alright?”

You remained silent, the distant look in your eyes betraying the storm of emotions raging within you.

Mary sighed softly, sitting down next to you. She took your hand in hers, her fingers lacing with yours. Her head leaned against you as you both stared at the horizon. A comfortable silence settling over you as the sun began to dip.

“I don’t know what to do,” you admitted, voice catching in your throat.

Mary stayed quiet, giving you time to sort through your emotions. The silence carried on.

“I don’t want to leave, Mary,” tears threatened to blur your vision.

“I know,” she answered softly, hand squeezing yours.

“I’m sorry. If only I wasn’t so selfish. If only I didn’t have that urge to create… it’s all my fault Mary,” you mumbled as your vision blurred.

“It isn’t,” she stated as matter of fact. A few moments passed before she continued. “It’s not your fault, (Y/n),” she reiterated firmly. “You have a gift, a talent that’s uniquely yours. I would hate it if you stopped creating for my sake. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

You shook your head. “But my actions. I’ve put everyone here in danger. If I hadn’t… then…”

“That’s a lot of ‘what ifs’, you know,” her thumb rubber tiny circles on your hand. “I, for one, am so proud of your talent.”

You squeezed her hand.

“You should go with them,” she urged you. “You don’t want to join the marines and you don’t want to join that Yonko. It doesn’t leave many choices behind. They looked like good people. They seemed genuinely interested in your abilities, not what you could make for them. You could even work on that dream of yours! Learn about new ways to forge steel… At the very least, if you don’t want to join them, ask them to bring you as far away as possible,” she rambled on anxiously.

“Mary-“ you started to object.

“Good,” she interrupted. “Now that that’s settled,” she got up, dusting off the dirt from her long skirt. “I have a lot of things to prepare for you before you set out!”

“Mary! I didn’t agree to this!” There was a panicked edge to your voice. Your pleas fell on deaf ears. She was already on her way back.

The sun barely peeked over the horizon when Straw Hat Luffy's obnoxious voice shouting ‘Good morning’ shattered the peace in front of your house.

"Ugh," you grumbled into your pillow, the headache from yesterday's emotions pounding in your skull. With a heavy sigh, you dragged yourself out of bed, throwing on a large sweater over your short nightgown. Your eyes felt like they were filled with sand as you fumbled with your slippers, struggling to shake off the remnants of sleep.

"What the hell are you doing here at this ungodly hour?" you snapped as you swung the door open, squinting against the morning light.

Your gaze fell on the pirate and his crew behind him. One, two, three, four... seven people stood on your doorstep. No. Absolutely not. You had no intention of dealing with this circus so early in the morning. With a scowl, you moved to close the door, but your sister intervened, pushing it back open with a cheery greeting.

"Good morning!" she chirped, willfully oblivious to your irritation. "Come on in!"

You grumbled in frustration, begrudgingly stepping aside to let the Straw Hats invade your space.

"(Y/n)! Join my crew!" Luffy exclaimed as he barged past you into your home.

You responded with a noncommittal grunt, refusing to entertain his ridiculous proposition. "I'll make coffee," you muttered, brushing past him.

As the crew made themselves at home, you observed them with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. Robin and Zoro were familiar faces, but the rest really were a weird bunch. Was that a robot? The tall man was already looking around your house, marveling excitedly at this and that. Your irritation flared when you caught the swordsman eyeing your swords again, barely resisting the urge to snap at him.

“Sorry my sister’s really not a morning person. She’s really more of a night owl…” Mary was apologizing to Luffy.

“Don’t worry about it. Maly” Luffy said laughing.

“Is there even a time of day where she’s in a good mood?” The swordsman said under his breath.

Mary chuckled awkwardly at the comment.

You’d heard that. You couldn’t help the twitching under your eye. You were about to snarl back something foul, but your attention was then drawn to a furry creature in the doorway. Was that a raccoon dog? No, it had antlers. Reindeer then? It was… cute. You jumped in surprise as it approached you, its head tilted curiously.

"Hi there," it chirped in a voice that was far too cheerful for your liking so early in the morning. "I'm Chopper, the doctor of the crew."

"Hi," you grumbled, squatting down to be eye to eye with the doctor. You hesitantly took his hoof in your hand. "Nice to meet you, doc."

Chopper beamed up at you, seemingly unfazed by your gruff demeanor. "I hope we can be friends!" he said with genuine enthusiasm.

You gave him a half-hearted nod, not entirely convinced. "Yeah, sure," you muttered, already regretting letting these strangers into your home.

He seemed delighted by your answer.

You spotted some freak making heart eyes at your sister. She didn’t look bothered by the attention, but you could feel your anger flare at the gall of this man. Before you can say anything, a stunningly beautiful orange-haired woman was already pulling him back by the ear.

You groaned. Noisy. It was so fucking noisy. Your headache thumped, the rhythm of your heart loud in your ears. You headed to the kitchen to start brewing some much-needed coffee, the angry stomps of your steps muffled by your soft slippers. The aroma of the fresh brew filled the air, momentarily calming your frazzled nerves.

You spotted the blond freak in the doorway of the kitchen as you put the coffee pot on a tray. He was striking a pause clearly waiting for you to turn around.

“Need something?” you asked.

He flashed you a charming smile, a cigarette hanging from his lips. “Just admiring the view.” He said with a flip of his hair. Your teeth gritted at the cheesy line. “Though it would be nice if you joined us for breakfast. A beautiful lady like you shouldn’t be alone, especially with such fantastic company around.” He lit up the cigarette.

You scoffed, unimpressed, adding a few things to the tray.

“I’m Sanji by the way.” He said letting out a puff of smoke. You stomped over to the man taking the cigarette out of his mouth.

“No smoking in the house.” You said, uninterested. “Mary has weak lungs.” You explained, turning back to what you were doing.

His stance faltered slightly at the proximity. “Ohh… sorry about that.” He apologized, sheepishly.

“Yes, excuse the idiot.” The orange haired woman said, slapping the man at the back of his head. “I’m Nami, the voice of reason behind this raunchy bunch.” She introduced herself.

You glanced over your shoulder, eyeing her warily. "Nice to meet you," you replied curtly, not in the mood for small talk.

Nami raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by your cold demeanor. "Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine," she remarked sarcastically, crossing her arms over her chest. “Sanji made croissants, you should grab one before Luffy gets his hands on the lot.” She added with a conspiratorial wink before turning away.

You couldn’t help but stare in awe at the woman. She really was stunningly beautiful. The chaos of the Straw Hat Pirates echoed through your home bringing you back to reality. The clattering of dishes, Luffy's loud laughter, and the general liveliness of the crew mixed with your sister’s laughter. A smile made its way to your lips at hearing her so happy.  

You carried the tray out to the living area, setting it on the table without saying a word. Robin was taking off the cloth covering a basket full of food. The decadent smell of freshly baked croissants made your stomach grumble. You watched in surprise when the pirate captain’s arm stretched, fucking stretched, to grab a handful of food.

“Devil fruit powers,” Robin explained to you as though it was the most ordinary thing in the world. “Chopper and I are also devil fruit users.” She added. “Brook too, he’s guarding the ship with Usopp today.” Robin handed you a plate with a croissant on it.

You heard Mary’s small scream of surprise at the display of Luffy’s powers followed by a dozen questions directed to the captain in awe.

“Have you considered Luffy’s offer,” Robin asked, drawing back your attention to her.

“I… have.” You replied, taking the plate.

Robin’s gaze was soft. “It’s not an easy decision, isn’t it?” She stated.

You didn’t answer.

“I, for one, hope you’re going to join us, (Y/n)” she said with a smile.

“She is!” Mary added loudly over the din of the chaos going on around you. She’d been clearly following the conversation from afar. “Joining you, that is. She’s joining you.”

“Really?” Luffy almost shouted in surprise.

You glared at Mary. She’d made the decision for you. “I am,” you answered, looking at your feet.

Luffy's face lit up with an ear-to-ear grin, and the crew erupted in cheers. "That's awesome!" he exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. "I knew you’d say yes!”

Zoro rolled his eye, muttering something about adding more chaos to the crew, but you caught the hint of a smirk playing on his lips. Sanji, who had recovered from his earlier scolding, broke into a wide grin.

"Welcome to the crew, (Y/n)!" Luffy said enthusiastically, throwing an arm around your shoulders. You stiffened for a moment, not used to such liveliness, but then you couldn't help but let out a small smile.

"We've got to set sail soon, or else the log pose will reset again,” Nami said. “Is that alright with you?” she asked.

You nodded in approval, looking at Mary. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was putting on a brave face for you. You smiled back reassuringly at her.

You took a bite out of the croissant. It melted in your mouth. You couldn’t help the look on your face.

"Good, huh?" Sanji asked with a self-satisfied smirk.

Yes. This could be good.

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Masterlist

[layton-heritage-posts]

i cant fucking believe wall is losing the poll. this is bullshit

Fr like I swear this is just one of those things where it's blatantly obvious that no one actually pays attention to the character arc that happened in the first few frames of eternal diva.

Like, the way that the wall was completely coaxed in darkness the first four frames? That was art. It told us, the viewer, that hint coints are everywhere if we just know where to look for them. Also, the way that the walls facial features don't move at all was really good foreshadowing for it's amazing character arc later in the movie when it has to choose which Don Paolo to shoot when he was fighting with his clone, and it shot them both!!! That was raw as hell and you all just ignored it because the "Flora kills a man" arc happened right after it. And yeah, obviously, that arc was amazing in every way, but it really bothers me how everyone says that the movie peaked there when there are so many other good moments. Like the moment Descole accidentally walked into his reflection because he changed so much after the burned strawberry incident that he couldn't recognize himself anymore? Poetic. That moment where Luke accidentally talked to the nefarious pikaratfish who described to him the secret to achieving Godhood? Superb. And of course, since this post was originally about my top Blorbo of all time, the wall, that moment at frame 13 where the light reaches it and we see Laytons shadow projected onto it????? Holy shit man when I told you, I almost cried. The symbolism of Layton bringing the light into the walls live is, admittedly, VERY heavy-handed. But the symbolism in the scene where Randall smokes a fat blunt was just as heavy-handed, and no one cared about it there. Anyway the way the light both reached the wall through Layton but also the way he blocks some of it off? Ough. My heart. And yeah, people will use this as justification to say, "See, without Layton, there would be no wall character arc. That proves he's the better character! WRONG, Layton is just a tool for telling the story of the wall. He's a part of it, yes, but the main focus is very much the wall itself. You just pay more attention to him because you ship him with Randall, and your fandompilled brain has already forgotten the ability to observe media beyond it's shipping aspects.

Let me make this clear now, btw, since I know I'm gonna have a bunch of annoying anti-wall people in my inbox later who are gonna be like:

"How can you enjoy the wall as a character??? Don't you know the wall is really problematic due to it's history In Germany from 1961 - 1989???"

To those people, a quick info. I'm literally german, so stop accusing me of "history-bending-wall-favoritism" or whatever you wanna call it. Liking the wall as a character is not harming anyone. It's literally fine.

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Wednesday Fandom. We’ve reached THE episode. Sorry little later than usual. Life didn't understand I had a review to do ha I remember not knowing what this ep would quite be. When it was done I had to pick my jaw off the floor. I was in utter shock and felt like a fever dream I was watching. Like did that really just happen? Was that real life? It’s was so exciting to have the payoff.

Even if it felt like it wasn’t real LOL Did my damn best to get everything in. I feel like I’ve become really good at this gif puzzle but eps like this really pushes me to the limit ha. God bless the gif website I found or I would be screwed haha Let’s get this started :)

5x08 The Collar

Aaron wants to shadow Angela and Harper today. He is looking into being a detective someday. So Grey re-assigns him to them and Lucy to Tim. Telling her she’s back on gopher duty. They could not be MORE suspicious or obvious if they tried my god. You know Grey knows his question about riding together is making them more uncomfortable. It's hilarious really. Trying to get them to out themselves. Instead they’re just little awko tacos staring at each other bumbling around.

He knows they’re lying with their 'No's' But he also doesn’t care. LOL They’re riding together whether they like it or not. It's amazing with their lives on the line with UC their ability to lie is amazing. Flawless really. Having to deal with their still weirdness and not show it? Abysmal. Such bad liars in this scene holy hell. The amount of awkward in this 30 seconds floors me.

From the minute Grey suggests they ride together they’re awkward dorks. Ones who don’t know complete sentences or words. This scene says so much with saying so little at the same time . There’s a reason they’ve stayed away from each other. This moment right here. They’re so very aware if they are back in a shop together everything they’ve been avoiding will come rushing back. Such a strong start to the ep for them though. Enjoyed their discomfort so much ha

We start out with them in the shop being awkward af. I loved the shots in this one and their opening one is great. With the cams coming to life and their day starting. Lucy of course is the first the break the silence. Asking him how single life is? He tells her really nice. How he didn’t have to deal with anyone complaining about him watching football all day.

Lucy giving him crap of course about never leaving the house. Things maybe weird between them but their comfortable banter hasn’t suffered. They fall right back into it with this scene. That married energy they have coming right back into play here. Gah they just balance each other out so well it’s insane. Haven’t had a couple this in-sync since Caskett on Castle.

I love him being a hermit though. He earned it after Ashley. He did whatever she damn well pleased for months. You stay home and watch your football babe. You earned it after that disaster of a relationship. Tim does defend himself a little saying he took Kojo out LOL I consider that going out too when I’m needing a hermit day. I'm with you on this Tim.

I love the affectionate way Lucy says he’s hopeless. That’s the beautiful thing about Lucy for Tim. Yeah she gives him crap but she fully loves that man for who he is. She would spend a day being a hermit with him just because it made him happy. D just wrote an amazing fic on that concept actually. (You should read it so so good) Lucy loving and accepting him for who he is and not condemning him for it. Yeah she’s teasing him for being ‘hopeless’ when really she is so fond of who he is as a person. Loves that man inside and out. You can see the adoration on her face when she delivers that line.

Just love the idea of them having lazy Sundays together now. Lucy indulging his hermit ways when he needs it. No doubt Tim indulges when she wants to be out. Because their partnership is a balanced one. Gah I love them. Chris FaceTimes her and Tim looks over and makes a face LOL god damn I love this man. Chris asks her if she’s busy? She says no…but seems not at ease with this phone call. Lucy asks where he is? He tells her an open house…They could not be more opposites in this moment. They spoke earlier about moving in and Chris jumped the gun to houses. Sprinting toward a future she doesn't want.

Lucy wasn't even on board for moving in...She is looking so very panicked. He’s going on about how it needs work but is 3 bedrooms. Tim’s interest now has been piqued and it’s stressing Lucy out for a couple reasons. She is no where near ready for this step and he’s gunning to a house. Second Tim can overhear this adding another level of stress. She doesn’t want Tim to think they are there. Because well they aren’t….Lucy cuts the phone call off abruptly. Asks if they can talk later? Chris being the clueless oaf he is doesn’t pick up on her stress at all. He says 'love you' and she says nothing in reply just ends the damn call LOL

Tim asks if they’re moving together? Lucy looks even more distressed after the phone call. Her body language screaming she’s being dragged into this situation. Kicking and screaming really. Lucy tells him no…Tim follows up with ‘He seems to think you are…’ Lucy is having a panic attack right now when he says that. The way she puts her hand on her chest. Trying to relieve the building pressure of this whole thing. Now there’s a girl ready to move in with her BF…. She seems so rattled the entire conversation with Tim.

Lucy continues on that he kind of sprang it on her this morning. He can read her discomfort like a book. So he continues his line of questioning. Which is unreal because you know the shop is a personal life free zone right Timothy? The fact that he’s the one pursuing this conversation. Being the one to ask the questions. My god how far we’ve come it’s crazy. He can tell how unsettled she is. The way he’s analyzing her and looking at her tells him everything he needs to know.

Yet he asks her ‘You guys are happy right?’ Lucy does a very unenthusiastic ‘Yeah we’re happy…’ Tim presses on like a devils advocate that is making her panic worse. Saying if that's true this is 'The next obvious steps for them then.' Lucy continuing her fake streak saying they’re “super happy.” Ok love sure you are…As she says this she is rubbing the crap out of her tattoo. Just being a lying liar who lies right now. They get a call before the convo continues on.

Everyone gets involved in a stop Nolan and Celina have. She has a bomb collar around her neck and she becomes the focal point for everything. The tension and writing leading up to them getting her to that parking lot in immense. Even though I've seen this episode many many times that portion always gets me. It’s so sad how afraid she is and her re-evaluating her life cause of it. How empty it feels now.

Pam and John talking was heartbreaking. How all she wanted was for her mom to know she loved her ugh. Sadly she ends up dying and that’s where this scene begins for them. I truly think this SL was a motivator for Tim. One of the reasons for where we head in this one. Because it’s so easy to get bogged down with life. To fall into the going through the motions. To have regrets with having a comfort zone. Tim taking a shot based off that.

Lucy expressing how she is feeling. It was upsetting to watch as a viewer. I can’t imagine being there watching that unfold. Tim being her sounding board. Knowing how upset she is right now. Giving her feedback on what he thought was the killers motive. Talking this out because he know it'll ease her mind. Then stupid Chris calls. Blind as a bat couldn’t read Lucy if his life depended on it.

He’s not calling to see if she’s ok or how she’s doing. No he’s calling about a f*cking house. She could not be more distraught right now. What does this tool bag do? Bring up listings. I love how Tim’s eyes pan over to her. Checking in on her emotional state. Seeing she is so distraught. It’s very obvious she is upset and this is the last thing she wants to be talking about. This moment is opening her eyes to who Chris is as a person. She isn’t liking what she sees.

Her ‘wow’ sounds like she is trying to stop herself from going off on him. So ignorant and oblivious to her and what she needs right now. Lucy already wasn’t on board with this which he didn’t see. Now she’s rattled from their current case and this mofo is sending her house stuff. Lucy can’t even process this right now. Tim being her absolute hero and hearing her silent screaming bails her out. “Yelling” at her to get off the phone. Hate his line ‘He’s in a mood.’

No you’re a clueless insensitive idiot. Who he is currently saving her from. He presses about that damn listing one more time before she hangs up. Haven’t wanted to sucker punch him this badly since 4x17. Lucy can finally breathe when they hang up. She looks to her rock and says ‘Thanks.’ A very loaded and grateful one. Tim giving her the sweetest look. Fierce protector reporting for duty. Putting her first in this moment and saving her from that convo going further.

I LOVE how Tim is constantly watching and checking in on her in this episode. He handles this whole thing so well. He’s not a dick telling her to dump Chris. He’s so so god damn attuned to her emotionally. It shows so very much in this episode. Lucy loves to talk things out and yet she keeps avoiding it in this episode. Avoiding truly getting to the root of why she’s feeling the way she is.

Which is fascinating considering that’s her jam. Analyzing and breaking something down. Digging deep to see why something is the way it is. Yet on this one she is avoiding it and Tim gets her to face it. He even gives her an out if she needs it. Telling her if she doesn’t want to move in with Chris she doesn’t have to. Tim just got out of a ‘moving through the motions.’ relationship. His POV on this is excellent.

He doesn’t want to see her settle or be forced into anything she doesn’t want. Just because Chris is ready and wants it. Lucy finally starts to talk about it. Saying why doesn’t she want to move in with him? Telling Tim they never fight. Thats a huge red flag if you ask me Lucy. That’s not healthy at all. Tim telling her maybe that’s the problem here….

It’s this next line above that really gets Lucy’s thoughts in motion. Tim just did a mind f*ck when he asked her this. You can see the realization washing over her in that second gif. Because he’s not wrong. You fight because it is worth fighting for. Chris has always been this blah middle of the road nothing for her. Was a BF? Yes. Was he decent? That’s debatable…

Chris was just there as a safety net for loneliness. Now that he’s becoming more than that it’s becoming a serious issue. One she can't ignore anymore. All their glaring problems coming to light in this moment in her mind. Tim is talking her through this (which I can't get over.) With the most perfect mixture of empathy and logic. She’s slowly realizing he is NOT worth the bother.

Tim is not only pointing this out but with massive heart eyes. Telling her she deserves someone who’s worth the effort. Pre-laying all his cards on the table in this moment. She can’t break the eye contact with him after he says this. Knowing what he means by this statement. This entire episode is him being Tim ‘I’m worth the effort’ Bradford for her. The more she looks at Chris the less she likes it.

The more she looks at Tim the more she knows he’s the one. And that scares her to death. God I love him stepping up and guiding her like this. Not only that but talking her though this whole thing. Something that he avoided like the plague in 3x09. Shaking closure and talking off and saying it was useless. Here he is talking her through this crisis she is having. He’s crushing it too btw. Such an iconic line for them for so many reasons. This makes me squee still rewatching it.

Before their convo goes any further they spot a second person with a collar. This guy is way more aggressive about saving his life. Pulls off and finds some sheers. Saying he’s not waiting around to die. Tim immediately grabs Lucy and heads for cover. It’s the way he holds her and shields her at the same time.

That’s his whole world right there. He would take the heat of a thousand bombs to protect her. Tim has a one track mind in this moment. He’s not thinking Lucy can handle herself. Or she is capable of getting to cover on her own. No he’s thinking that’s the woman he loves in front of a bomb.

It changes his entire perspective. So he full on grabs her and places his body between her and the bomb. Thats his first instinct to throw himself between her and harm. Gah it’s so good and just feels like more in this ep. Proving to Lucy over and over in this one she is worth the effort to him. Fierce protector front and center.

We catch them back in the shop trying to figure out next moves about this next bomb. Chris texts her another listing... In an area she CLEARLY doesn’t want to live in. Tim can’t stand to watch her suffer any longer. He is as straight forward with her in this moment as I’ve ever seen him. He knows she has been on edge all day. From the case alone.

Now she has Chris making matters worse with each interaction. She looks so upset when Tim asks her if she loves him? Noting that 'He clearly loves her.' His growth I talk about a lot and it’s episodes like this that truly show it. Look at this man pressing her to talk about this. He knows she’s in her head and talking it out always makes it better. Tim knows this about her and is pursuing it for that reason.

Lucy has been running from her feelings for Tim for quite some time. She low key knew about them in s4. Then 4x21 happened and they imploded on her. Hitting her like ton of bricks. This moment is her ‘Come to Jesus’ moment about Chris. Also about her feelings for Tim. Saying out loud she SHOULD love him. That he’s great in so many different ways and yet…

It’s hitting her in this very moment she can’t love Chris because she loves Tim. Because that man is and NEVER will be Tim Bradford. He will forever pale in comparison to the man sitting to her left. Tim is the most important person in her life. It’s just hitting her like a freight train what’s happening. I love how she trails off as she comes to this conclusion. The way she looks at him when she comes to this realization.

Doesn't take much for Tim to see what she almost said to him. Lucy says enough that Tim knows what she is saying in this moment. The way he looks at her after her almost confession. my heart. I think this scene is another catalyst to their ending scene. I remember watching this scene and saying ‘You’ for her and squeeing my head off. Because she just basically admitted to not only herself but to Tim. That Chris is not Tim. He never will be…They both know it at this point. He is not 'You' is where she was headed and they both are aware of this.

We’ve reached THE scene. The scene that changed all of our shipper lives. heh Lucy coming up saying she needs to talk to him. Her rubbing that tattoo of hers before she sits down. Tim making a crack about Chris wanting to live in some remote place. I don’t know anything about CA but I imagine that city he listed isn’t great ha

Lucy says ‘No…’ Tim goes right at it telling she just doesn’t want to admit it’s not working. He asks her why she is doing this? When she is clearly so VERY unhappy about this development. This entire episode she spent stressed and on edge about Chris. Asking her if it's the guilt about Rosalind?

Lucy tries to pull a Tim and deflect. Bringing up Ashley and staying in a relationship too long. Tim does not let that fly for one damn second. Continues his assertive comments with her. He gets so worked up when he cuts her off about it above. That this isn't about him. Telling her she’s just hiding in this relationship because she’s scared.

It’s here Lucy blows his damn mind with her reply. Airing her fears of losing the the most important person in her life. Now I think Tim knew there was an attraction on Lucy’s end no doubt. She invited him in for gods sake in 5x01. He knew there was an attraction. What he didn’t know was the level of importance he held her life. It’s written all over his face. He is shocked legit shocked she feels this way about him. Now anyone with eyes could see Tim is exactly what she said. The most important relationship in her life.

The thing is Tim is so very damaged in that way. I get that so very much. Where you don’t expect those around you to love or care as much as you love and care for them. The sucky life of an insanely loyal person who has been burned which I can relate to. My friend just other day told me how much he missed me while I was away in TN visiting my sister. Him and my other friend missed me. I made a joke like oh did you not think I would come back?

Would you miss me or something? He looked at me and was like yes. We love you don’t you know that? I would be devastated if you didn’t come back. We’ve been friends for almost 5 years. It still shocks me I have people who love me and would miss me. So I can deeply relate to Tim being shocked he holds that place of importance in Lucy’s life. He’s NEVER been put first. Not till Lucy Chen entered his orbit.

She panics when she sees his reaction not reading him like she usually does. Thinking she’s overshared. When really Tim is just smitten af with her reply. He is beside himself with shock that he is HER #1 person. He doesn’t feel worthy. Thats not what Lucy reads at first when she sees his reaction. She thinks she’s over shared or over stepped in some way. Tim stops that train of thought right away. Telling her 'No she’s right.' Lucy once again misreads him and thinks they should just back off this then. Better to keep them as is. ‘It’s not worth the risk...’

Then we see our boy do the biggest leap of faith I’m sure he’s ever done and combat her reply with our next iconic OTP line. ‘Unless it is.’ Looks how cute he is when he says this. His precious upside down smirk. Reminds me of his cute smirk from 4x22 after their peck. He looks so excited about this idea. Just look at this puppy of a man. Going for it and telling her I think we are worth this. Wanting to give them a shot. Basically saying we are worth risking what we currently have for what could be.

This next part is where his courage really shines through. I love how he takes this deep shaky breath in the first gif. So nervous to ask her this question. Tim Bradford is NERVOUS everyone. So nervous to ask the woman he loves to take a chance on him. To go out to dinner and give this a shot. He finally finds the courage to ask her. Lucy’s answer is immediate and adorable.

If she could go to dinner right then and there she would. Jumping out of her skin with excitement at his proposal of going out. Tim is so elated and his smile so damn wide when he says ‘Yeah?’ He can’t believe his luck. Looks like the smile of a man who just got everything he's ever wanted. Months of longing over in this moment of courage. He’s so happy she’s said yes. The man is beaming proudly displaying that Lucy smile he reserves for her and ONLY her. Lucy mirrors his elation with her 'Yeah' *heart clutch*

Lucy then back tracks and we watch our boy deflate instantly. He looks so very upset when she takes it back. Her excitement got the better of her and she retracts. I saw a hilariously accurate depiction of Tim in this scene. Said he had golden retriever energy in this moment. All excited and giddy for getting what he wants. Body wiggling with absolute joy. Then is told no and is all sad and deflated. Then he doesn’t perk back up until she says she needs to end things with Chris first.

The analogy cracked me up because it was accurate. He looks so very gutted when she says no after. Has that 'This was too good to be true I guess.' energy coming off him in waves. Lucy tries to rectify the situation with her reason why. Doesn't want to see that sad look on his face. The man looks devastated. He just went from an absolute high only to come crashing down seconds later. The way he nods like he understands but is really hurt about it. My poor puppy of a man.

I love how he lights backs up when she tells him to ask her again. Later. After she’s rid herself of the dead weight that is Chris. Making sure Tim knows she wants this just as much as he does. She just needs to end things first. Make it right. No one gets doing things honorably more than Tim Bradford. His cute smile after he tells Lucy 'Deal.' His hope returning. Their body language above in the last gif is everything. Their bodies are pointed towards each other. They couldn’t be happier right now. Leaning in toward one another finally giving into that magnetic pull of their's. Both grinning like idiots in love. Gah I can not. I am a puddle. I remember rewinding that scene to make sure I saw and heard everything correctly.

I was expecting their pining era to last longer tbh. I was delightfully surprised when Tim of all people took the leap. Helped Lucy take it with him. For him to be the one without doubts and to go for it was so important. Lucy for the most part has been the catalyst in their relationship. Tim has has his moments. More so in the last season or so. But Lucy has mainly been in the drivers seat. To watch this man overcome his fear of rejection and go for it with her. my damn heart. This man isn’t scared to ruin what they have because he KNOWS. This is it for him. She is it. I can’t get over how much he’s grown to get to this place.

To be the one to say hey we’re worth the risk. Would you like to go out with me? Showing her she’s worth the effort of leaving his comfort zone. This moment right here is why I’m so glad they did the slow burn. Why I was ultimately happy they didn’t hook up in 5x01. This was the right way to do it. I wouldn’t trade a moment of their journey to get to this point. Not one and that’s is a rarity I’ve only had with one other ship. Castle and Beckett and that is a high honor if you know that ship. This was another daunting one to tackle but so fun to write about. I was buzzing for days after this episode. Mostly just happy this is where our slow burn ended up. Wouldn’t change a damn thing.

~~~

Side notes-non Chenford

The whole bomb SL with Pam makes me cry every time. It’s so tragic. Will say John was great with her rarely give him props but he does so good with her. Celina having to do the death notice kills me this ep is very emotional.

Bailey messing with John with the clowns is pretty funny LOL but idk how Bailey could think a coyote was a dog lmao ‘how did you get him In the crate?’ 😂

[batter-sempai]

Hello hello! ...Dorry for my last ask. Got a bit overexcited and brainspewed all over your inbox.

Guess who's gotten into Ultrakill thanks to you! I'm definately not complaining, that's for sure.

So... I have decided to spice things up with a bit of a Ultrakill ramble instead of my usual Papyrus Nonsense (Does this mean I'm no longer the Pap Anon? The sacrifices I make for new blorbos... /lh)

One thing that I noticed was that I couldn't find a single role reversal fic. Which is fair. The Idoits (aka Gab and V1) are Too Damn Similar to just swap without making it the practically exact same story. So.... I came up with an idea. What if the setting was a "holy crusade" type of story? The angels culling humanity on the surface instead of machines in Hell? And the machines (either previously made for OG purpose or made specifically to fight the angels) have been sent out by humanity in defense? I just think it would be neat.

Side ramble from story ideas since that's the only one I've got, but something that interests me is... how do the machines WORK? I know there's.meant to be suspension of disbelief and all that but I want to Know. Do they have little suction holes all over their plating to suck in the blood? Does the blood work like with humans, only they lack the ability to regenerate that blood? Or is it that the blood works more like oil for a car? And the concept. Oh wow the concept. Imagine being in a weapon design commitee or whatever they have and some saying "you know what would be really messed up?" and everybody just nodding along and saying what a good idea that was?

Wow this is getting long. Going to cut myself off here but tldr thank you for the Thoughts.

- No Longer Just Pap Anon

Hehe hello there Pap Anon. :D I’m so happy I got you into Ultrakill. I’ll reply to your other asks too, I’m sorry it took so long. ;_;

I guess you’re both the Pap and Ultrakill anon now? Nice. ^^

Now that I think about it, what would a combination of both games be called? Underkill? Ultratale? Both sound pretty great.

Yessss I love how similar Gabriel and V1 are, while having the opposite goals. Both of them are, or now were, pawns to a higher force (the humans and the angel Council) and tend to act on instinct. Their dynamic is fascinating to me.

Ooh! I love the idea for this AU so much. :o Maybe in this world, humanity didn’t destroy itself with war and making the war machines, and managed to live on somewhat peacefully. But the Council didn’t like that and sent an army of angels, including Gabriel, to purge the humans. Would be very messed up if the angels sent down had to consume blood to survive too. Humanity’s last-ditch effort to survive was to send machines to fight the angels, and V1 being the last and most powerful weapon they made. V1 and Gabriel meet and fight like they do in the game, only on Earth instead of in Hell. ^^

On the topic of how the machines work, the game says that all machines who aren’t V1 have a “separate blood refueling process”, though it’s never specified what it is. V1 is unique that he’s the only machine that can absorb blood through his metal plating. So maybe V1 has very tiny suction holes on his plating to absorb blood. But the other machines might have to stop and siphon the blood into them somehow. I like to think they have some kind of blood vacuum, but I still need to give it more thought.

Also I think blood is actual fuel for them, due to the tagline “blood is fuel”. It’s mostly like gas for cars, they need it to keep moving. I've seen some people depict machines as having tubes as veins for blood in their bodies, or having parts that look like metallic human organs, which are amazing ideas, but I don't know how canon that is.

Here’s a screencap I took from the game explaining V1’s refueling process.

And honestly, the humans should have seen this coming. Imagine making powerful machines that NEED blood to survive and not expecting anything to go wrong. Then again, I guess humanity in real life isn’t any less foolish sometimes. But hopefully we won’t make something as awful as blood machines.

It’s okay ^^ Thank you so much for the ask.

I guess I can be both a Papyrus theory and Ultrakill theory blog too, because this was really fun to type out.

Also, here’s a screencap I took in Roblox of Papyrus and Gabriel. Hope you enjoy it Pap/Ultrakill Anon. ^^

[brokenpieces-72]

Clean Slate

Inspired by @emmster 's destiny x cod comic and art. The story includes my cod OC Paloma Vascoe, you can read more about her in Navigation. I have plans for a continuation so I hope y'all enjoy.

"HOLY SHIT!!"

Johnny hasn't been in the vanguard for more than a few minutes when he hears a shout and has armoured arms wrapped around him.

"STEAMIN JESUS!" He yells. Before he can ask his ghost what the hell is happening, he's turned around by his attacker hugger, and sees a shorter guardian, with their hood still up, wide-eyed and smiling.

"You're here! They woke you up!" The female guardian says excitedly. Johnny smiles.

"Yeah, they did." He says matching her excitement, before dropping it quickly. "...who the 'ell are you?"

The guardian gets a look of realization on her face, slight disappointment mixed in. "Oh... right. Forgot about that."

"Care to explain instead of leavin mae in the dark?" Johnny asks. The female guardian's ghost comes up next to her, looking different than his own. Johnny's own ghost speaks up.

"Some guardians we've learned have been finding memories of their past on their person, like photos and journals. I believe Marco may know you from the past." The ghost explains.

"Spot on actually. She was looking at a photo of you before running up." The other ghost confirms.

"So ya know my real name?" Johnny asks crossing his arms. Why couldn't his past self have a journal or some photos? The guardian, he guessed was Marco, nods. Odd name for a girl, but hey who could he judge.

"Johnny "Soap" MacTavish I believe. I only have a photo with some names and a half filled journal. Still, just finding a small piece is amazing." Marco says, excitement still in her eyes. Man how old was she? Then again, he had only been revived recently so age was probably irrelevant. He wouldn't read too much into that.

"The ell kind of name is Soap?" His ghost asks. Rude.

"Just fer dat, I'm callin ya Soap now." Johnny says. Marco snickers.

"I'll let you head inside the tower, I need to return to my fire team. Oh! When you're done, come find us. They'll want to see you." With a final quick hug, the guardian runs off again excitedly, doing a couple of hops and skips along the way. She was... a character.

Johnny heads into the vanguard tower.

.................

Johnny leaves his small room, stretching and yawning. He needed a nap after the crazy first day. Man was this what it was like to be born? Waking up with no knowledge, and then being thrown into a whole world you're unfamiliar with. Yep, that sounds about right. Not sure if a gunfight, a small companion and fighting some weird aliens was something babies did though. That and having weird magic abilities.

Before he found a room, he ran into Marco again, who understood his desire for rest. Again she insisted on him meeting with her and her fire team afterwards. Johnny asked Soap if there was a way to find Marco, and thankfully he did. The last thing Johnny wanted was to wander around with only his ghost to guide him. Human interaction was a strong desire, well, humanoid. Turns out Marco had left Soap a checkpoint to meet at.

Johnny glances at the other guardians, civilians, and droids roaming around the city. This was all very strange. Something in the back of his mind told him everything wasn't the way it was, but he couldn't recall what it was supposed to be like. Thankfully he spots Marco looking around for him. When she notices him she waves with a friendly smile. Johnny looks at his ghost who just looks back, with no real expectation of a response. He comes over.

Marco smiles and gives him a pat on his back as she leads him through the streets. "How was your nap?"

"Fine. Bloody starvin'." Johnny says.

"My team is getting food right now, so its on us. Hope you like asada."

"Hope so too." Johnny comments. She chuckles, taking him to a small restaurant where there are plenty of guardians sitting at tables and the bar. Johnny felt a little more comfortable, finding the location familiar in a way.

"Come on." Marco says, nudging him forward to follow her. She led him to the bar where he spots two male guardians, with one giving a large grin while the other guardian seemed to be lecturing him.

“Guess who found something rarer than any engram!” Marco says excitedly sitting down with the two guys. They both look at her then over her shoulder to see Johnny. The Titan stands and smiles wide at Johnny.

“Soap? No puedo creerlo. Good to see you.” He says, clasping Johnny on the shoulder. “Alejandro Vargas. This is my second in command Rudolfo Parra.”

The warlock raises a hand in a wave. The two seemed more seasoned than him and Marco.

“Call me Johnny.” Johnny says trying to be friendly.

“Sit, sit.” Alejandro offers. Thank god he was starving. Food was served and they all get to talking. As Johnny starts to finally get his head wrapped around everything, its like a messy ball of yarn. The three guardians talk to him like an old friend, asking him questions about what's been happening so far. Not much to say since he's only been awake for a few days. Still, they listen and give him a chance to explain everything. Any questions he has, Marco pulls out a journal and pen, directing him through creatures, hierarchies, and planets. Johnny finds himself adding to it, as he mentions what he's found in the last few days. Alejandro and Rudolfo provide any corrections. Johnny also gets some food and drink. The colour of his drink makes him uneasy, but Marco offers to try it herself. They end up doing the link arm thing as they sip. Not sure what's in it, but it puts out the heat of the spicy food they get. Johnny has to admit, he feels more comfortable asking these questions with Marco and her team than he thought. He'd never admit it but Ikora was kind of intimidating. Reminded him of someone but couldn't recall.

"So what bout this photo?" He finally asks, after learning about the Iron Age, which was when Alejandro and Rudy were revived. Apparently, Marco woke up much later and found Alejandro and Rudolfo some time after being awake. Details she would tell him more about later.

Marco takes out another journal, this one much older, with aged and cracked leather bindings, and yellowed pages. She flips through until she finds the photo, and takes it out to show him. The two lean in and Johnny finds a photo of himself, Alejandro, Rudolfo, Marco, a man in a skull mask, a guy with darker skin and a cap, and a bearded man with a boonie hat. The photo tells him his story or at least the tip of it. He was alive a very very long time ago. He was a bit more clean-shaven. And he was in the military, seeing military vests and weapons on him. Rudolfo and Alejandro looked younger as did Marco but not by much. Johnny turns the photo over and sees names scribbled on the back, matching up to the people in the photo. There he sees the name Marco gave him. Holding the photo and reading the names it's like recalling characters of a game he's only heard about. Who was he? What did he do? How did he die? Did he die because he was in the military? Did he hurt people? Were the other men revived?

A hand is on his shoulder and another is on the photo. Johnny hadn't noticed his breathing going unsteady, his leg bouncing or his heart racing until Marco settled it.

"Guardian? You okay?" Soap asks. Johnny just nods. Marco carefully tugs the photo out from under Johnny's hand. A glass of water is set down in front of him by a robotic bartender. Johnny waves, gesturing appreciation. Marco keeps her hand on his back making small circles to comfort him. The photo could be overwhelming. It had been for Alejandro and Rudolfo. After a few sips Johnny settles, taking the photo slowly.

"...Yer name is Marco?" He asks, looking at Marco. Not the first question she expected. Marco nods though, a little confused.

"The photo says you have a different name." He points out.

"Aquí vamos." Rudolfo says, taking a long sip of his drink. Alejandro pats Rudy on the shoulder, smiling.

"Shut up." Marco says with a smile before turning back to Johnny. "I think my name is Marco. And there's a few theories I have."

Alejandro and Rudolfo order more food, and chime in as Marco explains her theories about her past life. The first one isn't farfetched. Marco explains she still had dog tags when she was revived, holding them out where the name Marco is engraved. In the photo her name is listed as Paloma "Sunny" Vascoe. The last names are the same so she thinks maybe she was trans or identified as a boy but never had her dog tags changed or the wrong name was written on the photo but not on her tags. Right now though she goes by she/her.

"Could see it." Johnny says considering the idea. Alejandro thinks it's untrue, but isn't about to get into a long discussion about gender and whether it would transfer to reincarnation or revival.

"The second theory is loco." Rudy comments.

"Whats the second?" Johnny asks.

"I have a twin." Marco says.

"It's never twins!" Rudolfo argues. "If you were a twin, then there should be another one of the you walking around by now."

"You don't know that!" Marco retorts.

"So you think you have a twin?" Johnny asks, his tone very clearly siding with Rudolfo. "How would that work if you're female, the photo shows you as a female, and the name you're wearing is masculine?"

Marco gives him a look, trying to think of a counter argument. All she comes up with is, "things happen on the battle field, maybe we switched dog tags for luck."

"Nice try Mija." Alejnadro says patting her on the shoulder.

"So more than likely your real name, is the one on the photo?" Johnny asks.

"I'm just used to Marco now, it's what I was calling myself when I woke up, it's what I've been going by for a while. Sunny says the same, that my real name is likely Paloma." Marco/Paloma admits, gesturing to her Ghost.

"Johnny...sounds weird calling you that." Alejandro says.

"Maybe we just call you Soap instead." Marco comments.

"You need help around, just come find us. We'll be around and will help you with raids and missions if we can." Alejandro offers. Johnny was glad to hear it.

"Help mae with another drink?" Johnny asks.

The rest of the night and into the morning a little the four stay up talking and drinking. There was so much yet to come for them, more than any of them were going to be prepared for.

.......................

Johnny with his ghost Soap and Paloma with her ghost Sunny hide away, taking shelter. They were separated, sore, and weak. Their Ghosts are barely able to stay floating, unable to revive them, and the traveller's light cut off... they both think about that night when they all met and many others. All they can do is hope and pray. Hope and pray their friends were still alive. Hope and pray they haven't lost their light.

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