#like in justice he leaves rush and the next episode rush is back

[aenslem]

what a punch

[chiefdirector]

Hostage Taking | Tim Bradford | The Rookie

Act One | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19

Content Warning under cut: Episode 3x05. Themes of Racism (Doug Stanton, at the end), bombing and other canon typical plights. Read at own risk.

“So when do you think you’ll be back from court?” (Y/N) asked, walking alongside Harper towards the evidence lockup.

“Eh,” Harper said. There was nothing Harper hated more than court duty, especially when the case was so clear cut that she didn’t need to be there. “Hopefully soon, that way I can enjoy having Nolan on front desk duty for the rest of the day. Let him enjoy the general public”

“Is he really that bad to ride with?” She stopped at the door.

“No, and that's what sucks. He’s too nice, and sometimes I don’t need all that positivity.”

(Y/N) just shook her head as Nyla just winked at her as she entered the evidence room. Turning on her heel, (Y/N) passed Lopez as she wandered back to her desk, trying to figure out what to do with her day. Most of her cases were closed, the Damian Barrett case had all but run dry and Grey had all but forbidden her from working on her own case alone, despite how much she wanted too.

Sitting down, she gathered all of the papers on her desk, stacking them neatly, before organising them alphabetically, and then chronologically. Next on her hit list was the pen pot. Grabbing the container, she tipped them out, testing them one by one on a loose post-it.

She had only just opened the chess on her computer when the radio belonging to the blonde officer who worked opposite her rang out. “Sargent Grey, this is officer Nolan, go to channel nine.”

(Y/N) stifled her laugh as she moved her pawn two spaces, of course it was Nolan she thought. Even in her short time back in the precinct, Nolan’s reputation had been shared with her. Her good humour was cut short as the rest of the conversation rang out through the handset.

Grey replied quickly “Nolan this better be important”

“Sure is buddy” An unknown voice rang out. (Y/N) closed the chess game as she began to listen more intently.

“Who’s this”

The stranger’s voice rang out again. “The guy sitting in your parking lot with an ammonium-nitrate fertiliser bomb.”

Without hesitation, (Y/N) rushed up from her seat and made her was over to where she could see Nyla and Grey looking down at the radio, officers silently surrounding them, all listening to the bomber

As she got closer, she could hear the stranger’s voice again. “I have cameras on every exit. Do you understand me? If anyone leaves, everyone dies”

“I can confirm the cameras, sir.” Nolan’s distant voice chimed in, “Our bomber has a dead man's switch, sir.”

“Okay,” Grey said, voice solemn and serious, “You have my attention. Tell me what i can do for you.”

“Rectify an extreme miscarriage of justice. I demand the immediate release of Donalf Feltt from the Primedale Department of Corrections.”

(Y/N) moved to the computer near her, typing in the given name as Harper moved beside her. His record showed immediately. Donald Feltt, ID no: 4076696, sentenced to life without parole on multiple charges: Possession of an illegal substance, undocumented concealed firearms, animal abuse, drug trafficking, battery, and murder.

Grey tensed his shoulders as he read the screen out loud to the bomber, trying to confirm that they were both on the same page.

“That's him,” The man confirmed, “and it’s not going to be a back-door parole for my boy. Feltt walks out of there today.”

“Back-door parole?” (Y/N) asked, looking up from the screen

“For when you die in prison,” Harper replied. “Our bomber’s done time.”

“Most likely with Feltt,” Grey lifted his radio up again, “All right. That’s a big ask. It’ll take time.” He lowered the radio and looked to Harper, “We need someone on the outside.”

“I’ll call Lopez, she left already.”

Grey nodded his head, raising the radio again, now on the general channel to alert the units, both in and out of the precinct of the tactical lockdown and what to do. Once he was done, he turned to face (Y/N). “You should go down with everyone else to the parking garage, you’ll be safe there.”

“Like Hell I am, now what do you need me to do?”

----------

“It’s morse code.” Grey said, looking at the camera feed pointed towards the brown van, (Y/N) moved to get a dictionary, only to be stopped by the Sargent raising his hand. “S-C-R-L-I”

“He has a scar?”

“On his left eye. Good man, Nolan.”

“So,” (Y/N) said, opening the laptop she had bought over, typing as she spoke. “If we assume he did time with Felt. We know that he is a white male with a scar on his left eye.” Pressing enter, she quickly read the results aloud. “Graham Porter. He did three years at Primedale, a couple of misdemeanours prior. Nothing that screams mad bomber.”

“How does a guy like this get on with a guy like Feltt?”

“Let’s hope Lopez can find out,” Harper said, returning from the parking garage.

----------

“So Graham Porter is in desperate need of money?” Nyla asked as she regrouped with Grey again, this time joined by Chen and both Bradfords.

“So why not demand a ransom?” Grey responded “Why give us a head fake on Feltt”

Chen stepped forward. “Maybe it’s not a head fake. Maybe Feltt’s paying Graham to bust him out of prison.”

“Feltt’s a murderer, not a cash-heavy narcos.” (Y/N) said, looking over to Tim, allowing him to finish her statement off.

“If this Feltt’s gambit is smoke, we’re chasing our tails trying to free him. Meanwhile, an accomplice robs a bank or something.”

Grey considered the next step for a moment. “Contact West and Stanton, have them check out a nearby check cash-in place. I’ll contact the chief to see if we can get more boots on the ground.”

Nyla nodded, going off to make the call, leaving Tim, Lucy and (Y/N). The three stood in silence for a moment before (Y/N) turned to her laptop again.

“What are you doing?” Tim asked, looking over his wife's shoulder.

“Googling him.”

----------

It didn’t take long for Grey and Harper to find their way back to the other three. There wasn’t much luck on either end, apparently everything was “Code Four” with Stanton and West, and the rest of the LAPD was spread thin by having an entire precinct down so that not many more men could be spared.

“We found something.” (Y/N) crossed her arms. “I ran his name through the web. He had a YouFundMe, set up by his girlfriend, Kelsey Adams. I asked Lopez to run her down, there was nobody there, no cell answer either.”

Tim moved to stand near (Y/N), disliking this whole situation. “This whole thing is weird. Kelsey is using an assumed identity. Her social security numbers are fake. No record No picture.”

“According to Lopez, Kelsey and Graham are inseparable. So she is likely involved.”

“But how?” Harer asked, If it's not about money or Feltt��”

They sat in silence, contemplating Nyla’s question. (Y/N) uncrossed her arms, letting her hands fall down and began to play with her ring.

Lucy was the one to break the silence. “What if this is all a distraction meant to pull our focus outside the station, when we should really be looking inside?”

“What kind of woman would be crazy to be inside a building ith her boyfriend parked outside with a truck full of explosives?”

Tim rolled his eyes at Nyla’s question, before sending an incredulous look towards Lucy. The two of them had a silent conversation before taking off towards the parking garage, leaving the three officers with the words “Freegan Frida.”

As the pair left, Grey looked at the two detectives. “What the Hell is a ‘freegan?’”

----------

(Y/N) and Nyla moved through the corridors with their guns raised, silently sweeping each room for Adams. Tim had alerted them of the woman’s presence when she had left the garage, leaving the other’s trapped. Grey had taken one half of the building, whilst the detectives took the other. The two had found nothing until they approached the evidence room, finding the door broken.

On Nyla’s silent command, (Y/N) entered the evidence room, looking around for the suspect whilst she called Grey, alerting him of the situation and that a search was underway. As Harper spoke, (Y/N) moved through the evidence locker, looking down the aisle. It only took moments for her to find Kesey, rummaging through a secure bio-evidence bag.

“Hands up.” she commanded, “Don’t move.”

“Please, I have to find it,” the woman begged.

Harper approached from behind. “Find what?”

“He thinks I’m dead, If they run my prints…”

“Are you trying to destroy evidence?” Harper asked, moving closer to Kelsey.

“No,” Kelsey exclaimed, panic and desperation clear in her voice. “It’s my husband. He’s a loan shark in El Paso. He hurt me. I ran away three years ago, got a new identity, the works. So he would never find me. Then there was a robbery where I work. The cops took a bunch of stuff, things with my prints.”

“So when they run the prints, they will get a hit on the real you.” (Y/N) stated. The tree women stood in silence for a moment before (Y/N) continued speaking. “Look, we will try and help you but you need to get Graham to stand down.”

----------

(Y/N) listened to Grey speak to Graham as he told him to stand-down. That he knew what their plan was, that Kelsey had told him that the bomb was fake. That he was going back to prison for a long time. She also listened in as Graham demanded the S.W.A.T team back off, and when he threatened Nolan’s life if they didn’t.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and that grew at the threat. She hated this whole situation. She hated that it was Nolan that was trapped, she hated how the entire precinct was shut down because of this madman, she hated how there was nothing that she could do to help Nolan. She hated it all.

She only began to feel marginally better when she heard Nolan’s voice ring out on the radio. “Sargent Grey, this is Nolan. One is custody. We’re code four.”

Although, hearing the click ring out afterwards reassured her somewhat.

----------

“Oh God, what happened earlier?” (Y/N) said, curling up on the sofa as Tim grabbed two beers from the fridge before joining her.

“Stanton let Jackson get assaulted. Bastard did nothing.”

“Is Jackson okay?”

“He was taken to the hospital. Bruised and beaten but nothing he can’t recover from. Physically anyway.” Tim moved to wrap his arm around (Y/N)’s shoulders, pulling her into his chest. “Stanton is on administrative leave. Grey took his gun and badge.”

“What happens now?”

“This will be the end of Stanton, I don’t see him coming back from this.”

(Y/N) nodded, processing the information. “We should go see him tomorrow. See how he’s doing, if he needs anything.”

Tim just hummed in agreement, moving to place a kiss on the side of (Y/N)’s head.

Act One | Chapter 19 | Chapter 21

Series Masterlist | Masterlist

Tags: @xceafh @kmc1989 @buba424 @salty0cracker @iamasimpingh0e @malindacath @agentred27 @hufflepuffwhore13 @tessalynni @anaferreira-4

Tags are open :)

[thedepthsoffandomminds]

Episode eight - untapped potential

Masterlist

Jack Dawkins x fem reader

He would never be able to pinpoint the moment his eyes became so heavy that he fell asleep. Yet, it did take over him and soon it was morning you wake, bathed in the sunlight coming through the window and feel weight on your wrist. Jack seemed so carefree as he slept, curled on his side on your bed. What a sight you had woken to. You shift down to his level. Jack's eyes flicker open to meet yours.

"Belle says it's an aortic aneurysm, isn't it?" You whisper.

He clutches onto your hand. Jack can't speak, he wants to comfort you but hasn't got the words.

"Yes." He swallows the lump forming in his throat.

" And when it bursts, this is all over?"

"I don't wanna leave this world without knowing love fully." You say.

"You are loved. Fully." He assures you and you bring your lips to his. Your fingers start work on his shirt buttons. A look in his eyes asks you if you're sure and you nod. He spins you carefully on to your back resting above you and unties your nightgown.

*_*_*_*_*

"Some consider me innately cruel, but I simply see this as a necessary part of justice. For without the rope, society crumbles. The rope is the brute girdle that binds us up and keeps us safe. Yet the rope offers not just punishment, but salvation. Would you like to be saved, Mr. Fagin?" Gaines spoke.

" Very much, yes. What do you want?" Fagin asked with the noise around his neck

" Jack Dawkins."

*_*_*_*

"You can fix it. You and Belle. Astley Cooper performed the surgery 40 years ago. I read the case report." You say, cuddled into Jack's bare chest.

"He killed the patient." He reminded you.

"I know. I know, but medicine's changed. You changed it."

"y/n, there is a reason why the best surgeon in the century failed. You would die on the table." He held your face in his hand.

" I believe you can." You press him further.

"Please do not ask this of me." He begs you.

" So, what, you'll just hold my hand and see me into the next life? That's not good enough, Jack. Not if you really love me."

Your bedroom Door opens allowing your mother in, holding a tray.

"Here, darling, I've brought you some... " she gasps and rushes from the room. You look back at Jack before jumping out of bed. You both dress as fast as you can. A maid knocks on the door and enters.

"Lady Jane would like to see Doctor Dawkins in the study." She says, bowing her head to you.

"I love you." He replies before leaving the room. You drop down at your desk pulling a sheet of paper to you and start writing. When you're done you grab the closed suitcase and dart down to Belle's room.

"I love you." You say holding him to you. Jack kisses your lips.

"I need you to make me a promise." You say not giving her a chance to disagree.

"What's going on?" She asks.

You put the suitcase on her bed.

"You have to keep this safe. If I die give that and this letter to Jack. Read the letter to him." You correct yourself.

"If you die? Y/n no we won't let you! Jack won't let you" Belle was almost begging you. You shake your head and tears spill from you once again.

"I've ruined it all." You say.

*_*_*_*

"You're not to see my daughter again You pack your things, hand over your current patients to Dr. Sneed, and leave town by the end of the week." Lady Jane instructs Jack. He sits in the chair in front of the desk. He feels and looks small in the study.

"y/n is dying." He says catching himself on the words.

"So, you tell her she's dying to trick her into becoming your whore?" She spits the words at him.

"What?" The question had cut into him.

"Dr. Sneed examined her last night and found nothing wrong. Nervous strain. Eleven London doctors examined her supposed illness and found nothing." She explained to him.

"They are fools." He tries to fight back.

"But fools who can read." Lady Jane reminds him of his lacking knowledge.

"She wants me to operate. But that will kill her. I don't know what to do." He is begging your mother to understand, to listen to him. Every word he says breaking his heart apart.

"You stay silent. And you can thank God and my principles that the Governor will hear nothing of this. Otherwise, he'd certainly call for your head. Get out." She turns away from him and keeps it turned until she is sure he has left for town. Lady Jane wipes a tear from her eyes.

"We'll need to watch your waist. If it thickens, I'll find an excuse for you to visit your uncle in India for nine months. As long as nobody knows, we might be able to salvage your reputation." She says walking into your bedroom.

" You don't understand." You say turning to her.

" You're not dying. But you are being ruined and taken for a fool."

"Mother," Belle stepped between you. "Her aorta is swelling. Unless she has this surgery, it will rupture and she will bleed to death."

"Stop it! Just stop it! You are filling her head with nonsense. You are not a doctor Belle. I won't let you hurt yourself with that man." Lady Jane hissed and turned for the door.

" Then you'll get me killed." You call after her. Belle takes your hand.

"what do I do?" She asks.

"Make sure you know everything about this operation, he is going to need your help." You say.

*_*_*_*

"That's the rough end of the feather, that is." Fagin says to Jack, "No doubt about it."

"It's impossible. I can't see how to save her." Jack feels utterly alone in his despair, as if you had already left him.

"You see, I have an inkling of how that feels. Well, look at this pie. It's tasty, salty, bit of gristle, but otherwise, full of gravy. I'll enjoy it, it'll fill me heart, but then, it'll be gone. And I will take comfort knowing that just around the corner will be another pie." His aged companion said.

"You're seriously comparing the woman I love to one of Rotty's pies?" Jack huffed, ready to leave the table.

"Look. There are times in this life when we have to face the loss of something so precious, it makes the heart clench just to think of it. Love's frail, Dodge, it don't last. Especially not in our world. That's what gives it its pain. And it's also what gives it its shine because in the flickering of a glim, it's gone. I'm sorry, Dodge. Truly."

*_*_*_*

"Our daughter has lost her senses. Dawkins has convinced her that she has some appalling illness." Your mother tells the Governor.

"Now, now, calm down, Jane. I told her it's ridiculous."

The prof and Sneed are once again examining you. Sneed using his watch to count your pulse.

"This is a waste of my very limited time." You groan.

"Your mother asked for a full examination. So, here we are. Good news. You have a very treatable ulcer." Sneed announces to you.

" Nonsense. I have an expansive mass and a bruit. My aorta is whooshing. Listen. Please." Using the stethoscope he listens to the way your heart throbbed.

"Inconclusive." He says.

"You're an intelligent man. Why are you being a coward?" Belle repremanded him.

"I am a qualified doctor with years of experience and a degree from Oxford. It's an ulcer." He says through gritted teeth.

" To be a man, to not have to beg a lesser mind, to, "Please, sir, can you save my life?" You cry.

"Try and get some rest," he turns to Belle, "And I'll consider this outburst an emotional response to a trying day from.both of you."

" So, are you feeling better?" Your father shuffles across the room and sits beside you, taking up your hand, " 'Cause I wouldn't want anything to happen. Because I couldn't live with that. I just couldn't." He weeps.

"She needs bed rest for the ulcer to heal." Sneed tells Lady Jane.

"Yes, it would be, if it was, but in my clinical opinion... your daughter has a curable ulcer, and Dawkins has a great flair for the dramatic." He sighs at his own cowardous.

" And this aneurysm, is there anything in it?" She asks him. "Dawkins seems to think it might be rather bad."

Sneed looks over to you and Belle. A moment of consciousness titters through him. Could he be the one who shatters the Governor? Not even the Prof had dared.

She smiles at him, and glances back at her daughters. "My concern is that Belle may take matters into her own hands."

*_*_*_*

You had been locked in your bedroom for some time as had Belle. You hear gentle steps coming up the corridor.

"y/n? Y/n, are you all right?" She knocks on the door,

"Splendid!" You sigh.

"Would it cheer you to hear of my love for Mr. Oliver Twist? " Fanny tries to help.

"Go away!" You try not cry.

"y/n, just let me in."

"If it were that simple, I'd be letting myself out." You scoff.

" No, I mean, emotionally."

"You think I'm a madwoman, too?" You ask.

"No. You're the most brilliant person I know. Belle is beyond my capabilities as well, though she is a bit rude. But if you think you have this, and she does, then I believe you. And I'm scared because I do love you so. Even if you find me a bit annoying." She slips her fingers below the door and you touch yours to them.

"Fanny? I need your help." An idea had popped into your mind as a way to get Belle to the hospital.

Yours and Belle's rooms had an adjoining balcony with a spiral staircase leading down to the gardens. Fanny walked quietly towards the redcoat. She pretends to feel faint and begins to fall over. The guard runs to her and she keeps the act up until you and Belle run down the steps and away from the house.

You have to stop part way as your chest tightens once more. Belle holds onto you.

Finally at the hospital you dart down to the morgue where you find Jack already practicing.

"Jack?" Your voice is quiet. He looks up at you, staring as if he is seeing an angel.

"If you think it can be done," he nods to Belle, "and it is what you want y/n, then I will try. For you." He says, you rush forward, throwing your arms around him. Jack holds you close to him, his arms wrapping tightly around you. This felt like he could finally breath once more and he buries his face into your neck for a moment pressing soft kisses to your skin.

"You can read Prof's notes." He gestures his arm to the note book. His other arm still wrapped around you. Belle grabs up the book and starts reading. "Yes. Yes. Disagree with that. That's just plainly wrong. I don't need these." She drops the book on the table, "Found it from First Principles. What's important is to get the hand positions. Cut into the linea alba." She says. Jack helps you to a stool then darts to the cadava on the table.

"All right. I've got that far."

" Good. Now, make a small aperture into the peritoneum, insert your finger into the abdomen. Pass your finger between the intestines to the spine. And now, push the needle with the ligature behind it." Belle instructs him.

"So, just shove a needle through y/n's entire body without piercing anything." Jack looks at you.

"Take care not to nick the aorta." You say to him.

"I can't." Jack grunts.

"or break the spinal cord." Belle says.

" I can't do this blindly. I will paralyse you or I will kill you." Jack says to you removing the instruments from the body.

"No, it's doable." You say.

"Watch." Belle takes over, "There. Ligation's tied. No damage to the aorta or the spinal cord." She grins.

"Assuming that we can do this, how do I tie it tight enough to fix it, but not so tightly, it cuts the circulation off completely?"

" We'll fill the aorta with water and try." Belle suggests. you watch as they remove the heart and begin running water through the tubes. Your strong stomach will need a prize after watching this.

" Come on, we are so close." Belle says.

"Move"

"Clamped." Jack pulls away angrily as Belle continues.

"Jack!"

"Belle it doesn't work." He huffs.

"No." You came over and start moving things grabbing the equipment. Sure you knew what to do after watching them.

Jack takes your shoulders.

"Please, y/n stop." Belle calls to you.

" No!"

"Stop. It doesn't work." Jack pulls you backwards and you collapse against him. The two of you collapse to the ground.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Jack repeated, holding you to him as you both cry. Belle stands beside you both.

*_*_*_*

Returning home the two of step into the entrance hall and the chaos of your sister Fanny preparing her move to England. Trunks and bags were littered throughout the hall. Fanny looks up and sees you both, clocking the blood on Belle's hands.

"Oh, my God. What happened?"

" It's all right. It's someone else's." Belle replies.

" Did you do a murder? Is that why I broke you out?"

Belle doesn't reply. You see your mother by the stairs and walk up to her. Without a word you pull her into a hug, resting your head on her shoulder. Taking your hand she leads you back to your room.

"This will seem like cruelty, my darling, but I promise you, it's care." She tried to reassure you.

"Don't bother locking it. I'm not going anywhere." You sighs falling on to your bed. There seems to be nothing that can help you and you lay waiting for your fate.

Fanny comes into you and perches on your bed.

"I will miss coming to you, but I am so happy." She says. Turning you sit up and take her hands in yours.

"Fanny, you have the most beautiful soul, made only better by your face. I am going to miss seeing you every day. Try not to think of me too often." You tell her. Your sister understands your meaning.

"y/n, how could I not think of you every day? My first daughter will have your name so I might have just a little of you beside me." She grins and wipes away the tears. You hug her to you and you tell her you love her before she leaves for her new life.

You were sure she would flourish as a wife and Oliver did seem to be an agreeable man. Jack had known him from a long time ago. You decided that should you have the time you would have him tell you all about his life before he joined the navy. Pushing yourself from the bed you change from your dress into a simple chemise and your blue dressing gown. You wanted to be comfortable as you wrote out a letter to each member of your family.

With three done you ignore the spinning of your eyes and try to focus on your work. Your hand slips and knocks the ink pot over.

"damn." You say ripping the paper away to keep it from getting stained. Looking around you see another inkpot on your desk. Standing up you feel a tingle in your toes.

"no." You say to yourself and try to walk. Your foot is too heavy and you can't lift it. The blurring in your eyes becomes too much and you stumble against the table, knocking more things to the floor. You can no longer keep yourself up.

"No, Jack." You fall to the ground. With no strength to pull yourself up you lie awake on the green carpet. A cold is creeping into your skin. The tingle in your feet, becomes numbness until you can no longer feel them at all. Sure this was the moment you would die you began to pray, not for yourself or your soul, but for your family and Jack.

"y/n" his voice cut through the fog in your mind and he turned your limp body. "No, y/n" he grabs you up into his arms, a pistol in one hand.

"come on, stay with me." He begs you as he runs down the steps of your large house. Belle hears his steps and comes running out.

"What's happening?" She asks following Jack out to the delivery cart outside. He lays you into it and Belle gets beside the driver

"Drive, fast " she commands him. Jack has you in his lap, your head cradles against his body.

"stay with me y/n, please don't go yet." He repeats his plea to you all the way to the hospital.

Rushing inside, everyone who knows you turns to watch.

"Hetty! Prepare the surgery!" Belle shouts to the nurse as Jack carries you into the theatre

He lays you on the table, his hands cupping your face. Around him Belle and Hetty were rushing to gather everything he would need.

Sneed runs in.

"What on earth-"

Belle grabs him, "Rainsford, stop. Let us do this and I'll marry you as soon as you want." She says to him. He nods and backs up.

Jack presses a kiss to your forehead and you whimper, breath struggling to reach your lungs.

"I'm going to save, you okay. " He whispers to you. You nod as much as you could. " I love you. " Jack says again before placing the ether mask to your face. Everything for you goes black.

*_*_*_*

You began to dream, strange moments of fantasy and reality mixing together in swirls of bliss. At first your eyes are heavy and refuse to open so you stay and listen to your mother saying a prayer.

"Father, this is not okay. You must release Jack from prison." Belle implores her father.

"Governor, with all respect he saved your daughter's life. I was too afraid to tell you the truth before but, your daughter would have been dead if this operation had not happened." Sneed finally stands up for his beliefs.

"And no one else could have done it?" The governor asks.

"No, none of us are even an inch close to his skill. Your wife has sent the greatest surgeon of this century to his death." He repeats his previous words.

You can't tell why, but as you listen to them the feel of the room changes and you know you need to open your eyes. Your eyelids flick a few times before you focus on the ceiling above you. Instinctively you turn your head and see Jack outside the window.

"Jack." You say catching your family's attention.

"Let me see him?" You ask your father.

"No!" Lady Jane protests.

"let him in, let's give them some time." Your father says directing his family out of the door. Jack rushes in and drops down beside the bed taking your hands.

"What happened?" You ask seeing the blood and chains on his hands.

"your mother." He says. "I needed to know you were alive."

"You saved me." You say smiling at him, "I thought I was going to die without seeing you." Tears prick at your eyes.

"I would never let that happen." He kisses you. "I love you." He says.

"I love you too."

Jack tells you how the operation went and how Sneed had actually assisted him alongside Belle. You smiled as he talked, finally feeling like the two of you might have some peace.

The door opened, your father stepping in.

"I'm sorry my little dove, I have to break this up " he speaks solomnly.

"Why?" You ask.

"It is time for Jack to go. The guards are here for him." He explains. You shake your head.

"No, he did nothing wrong, father!" You begin to protest.

"y/n, it's okay. I'll go." Jack squeezes your hand. He presses one more kiss to your lips before pulling away. As he passed your father the governor stopped him.

"I'm sure this will all sort itself out soon enough, lad. Thank you for saving my daughter."

Jack gives him a quick nod, glances once more back to you before leaving.

Your father comes over to you and takes Jack's earlier place.

"Shall we settle all this silliness now?" He asks.

"Daddy, I love you but you need to use your backbone. Mother did not put you in your position, do not let her rule you. If Jack does not get out of prison I will return to England. If he stays I'll stay and with the money you gave me I will marry him. You cannot stop me. If he does I will never speak to you again." You say in the strongest voice you can muster. Your father sighs and pats your leg.

"There is no one I would rather lose you to." He grins and you know everything will be okay in the end. Little did you know what was happening at the harbour, or in the prison.

End of series one

Episode nine

@fandomfan-102

[moonstarmoon]

So i may or may not have an idea for nuzi to tell ya. Ok listen, what if somehow Uzi can feel the cold, idk how, just bcs!

She is walking with N around to clear her head from all that is happening, N wasn't with her at first he just wanted to be there as company when he saw her, she shivers so she rubs her arms to "warm herself up??" and then she says something like: "WHO PROGRAMED US TO FEEL THE COLD!?" (ps. N doesn't feel the cold bcs he is a disassembly drone) he notices it and asks her "You good Uzi?" and instead of her usual "I'M GOOD, SHUT UP!" she says "NO! LEAVE ME ALONE!", N looks at her worried and a bit sad but gets an idea and rushes off to do "something". Meanwhile Uzi has crossed her arms annoyed at the cold. N after a bit comes back with Uzi not noticing and throws his jacket/coat on her back over her shoulders which causes her to be surprised before turning around to look at N who is wearing the suit from episode 3 (so he can at least have something on). Uzi then slightly blushes before tugging (snuggling??) herself in N's jacket/coat so she can be warm. She hides her expression with the coat by snuggling her face in it and says "Thank you." in her usual way with N just smiling widely at her before sitting next to her to keep her company again. He says "Always, for you!". (Bonus: what if he protends to forget his jacket/coat with her on purpose so she can keep it for a while longer?)

Anyways hope i was clear enough and am not bothering you with a random idea 😭👍🏻

Stay warm ! 💜💛

Thought this was just the cutiest nuzi comic idea ! Thanks for sharing I just had to draw it !

Hope I did it justice !

( sorry btw to a lot of people that have requests I am just very busy I swear I will get to yours in time if you put anything in my questions box ! )

[scottishcat1988]

My review Countdown Episode 4

Before I start my review of Countdown episode 4. I saw a lot couple of women write negative reviews in 3 episodes of Countdown, know you well posting negative about Countdown during the season. But Let you know, don't put your personal feelings want to show how bitter you are to Jensen from what kind of version of him in your mind think he is an asshole who has red flags, same man doesn't know on a personal level. One thing, don't get hurt butt by Countdown is not SPN. Sorry to break it, but Countdown is a cop show for men and women like me who love all non-stop action and rush storytelling to make it so fun and exciting to watch. By the way, Derek Haas did a brilliant job creating characters and I'm excited to learn their character's backstory and their storyline too during the season. Amen for I am not ego women like who they think of writer and think know everything storytelling. I'm a woman who loves this kind of TV show. After all, I was a teenager long time and loved watching DVD box sets of 21 Jump Street every day, because I love this kind of TV show Characters are undercover cops in different cases to catch the bad guys. That end of my rent now.

Talk about start of Episode 4

This scene was powerful and emotional for see Mark was worried about his coworker "Damon Drew". I will speak about how Mark's feelings about his coworker got shot middle of the review. But I love this scene crew did a brilliant job of blood coming out from actor Jonathan Togo's chest It is interesting how fake blood/Special effects may I am very loved and appreciate watching old horror movies without using CGI for crews to put their works on special effects by hands. I won't make apologies for I am a movie nerd. Anyway, Jensen, a woman who was playing as a Paramedic did an amazing job in that scene.

Another scene was a team in the waiting room to hear news about Jonathan Togo. When Nathan Blythe walks open the waiting room tells his team about the upset news that Blythe did die during his surgery by losing a lot of blood. When the screen is on Mark's face. He was shocked and felt guilty for thinking he his fault cause Nathan got killed. I will go back to why Mark felt guilty middle of the review.

Next scene Nathan Blythe asks Mark what he sees when Mark goes downstairs to room all the papers and maps on the wall. Mark saw the name on the wall for the team gonna find the person.

Next scene, Mark and Amber went Guy know Uncle's home. Yes, was a chasing scene for Mark and Amber ran after that man, until Mark got down to kick to make the gun fall over. Then Mark asks the man where Uncle Guy is. The man didn't want to talk until Amber took a drug from her pocket to look that was belonged to the guy. (if you remember last night, Amber did take the drug with her. After all she is drug addicted.. Mark gave Amber to he know she got addicted). Man didn't speak for the team went to uncle's home now.

Surprise enough mad cow wife of Uncle jumped in the car to try to escape. But badass cop "Mark" did cross the gate for her to leave. Mark and Amber have a talk with Uncle Guy's wife in a small room with a mirror behind other team members are watching an interview to find out is Uncle Guy is. Difficult for a Russian woman to act like she can't speak properly with her English properly. And I love the Mark-made Star Wars quote (I don't want to spoil what Mark says.🤭). Anyway, the woman did talk and did plan to meet her husband in a Chinese town in LA by a Cool hacker "Evan Shepherd" who catfished as Uncle's wife on a messenger account to plan gonna get him.

Meantime.. Mark and Amber are clearing their guns. Remember the last episode, Mark talked about his rookie years as a cop, his partner had a secret girlfriend and Mark found out his partner was abusing his girlfriend. Mark makes a promise to the lady to get justice. Shout very Mark say "No, I slapped the bracelets on that son of a bitch and charged him with assault and battery. Sarge lit me up. Said, "You blew it, Meachum. You blew it." Gave me 12 months of traffic duty. And I mean the graveyard stuff when the red lights go out, that kind of shit. But I took it. I didn't say a word. I didn't complain. I did my time, just waited out their anger. My point is, if you've got another angle". This time Amber talking her past and about how she lost her team member too.. I see Amber understands Mark feet guilt for thinking he fault for the reason Damon Drew got killed by being risky for never thinking of his team and himself too. That was the emotional scene of Mark and Amber getting to feel they are gaining respect for each other now.

I love this scene of Mark and their team chasing scene to catch Uncle Guy. Damn, I love the song background for chasing scenes for music is remind me of the awesome soundtrack from Burnout Legends PSP! wha back in 2005!😍 Yeah, they did man. Ask him where is Russian guy. Hacker Girl did a photo of a guy's daughter for a girl who looks like Hacker Girl. The hacker girl did make the guy talk to make a plan for Guy to meet Russian guy at Planet Place.

But bad news. Russian guy uses a random man who looks like him to make the team think he was him. That's Mark saying "Who fuck you are?". Russia is at the cinema away from that place. That is for that episode.

I did enjoy that episode was fun and was so awesome!

❤️🥰

[dramascoop]

Miss Night And Day (K-Drama): Episodes 7 & 8 Review | The Drama Scoop

Miss Night and Day: Episodes 7 & 8 Summary

In episodes 7 & 8 of Miss Night and Day, Mi-jin and Ji-ung seem to get closer. The episodes also indicate that Baek Chul-kyu is most likely the serial killer. Aside from that, we learn about the characters’ past and what ties them together.

The closing credits of episode 8 reveal that Ji-ung has feelings for Mi-jin. Aside from that, Lim-sun, Ji-ung, and Byung-duk suspect Baek Chul-kyu of being the serial killer. On the other hand, Chul-kyu appears to be targeting Lim-sun as his next victim. Our article, “Miss Night And Day (K-Drama): Episodes 7 & 8 Review” contains major spoilers.

Need to catch up? Check out: Ep 3 & 4 Highlights and Review

Highlights Of Episode 7

After witnessing the online game scammer’s girlfriend attempting to drug Ji-ung, Mi-jin saves him by stopping him from drinking the beer.

We see Ji-ung and Byung-duk arrest the scammer and his girlfriend with the help of Mi-jin.

After Ji-ung overhears Mi-jin ranting about his ungrateful behavior, the two make amends and clear up their misunderstandings.

After some investigation, Ji-ung discovers that the club delivered drugs in the form of alcohol. This resulted in clients being molested.

Consequently, Ji-ung starts following the drug trail in search of the supplier.

Ko-won grows increasingly suspicious of Lim-sun. Consequently, he follows her to a gaming café and discovers Mi-jin with her backpack and keychain instead.

When Mi-jin notices a car following her, she contacts Ji-ung. However, the car stops following her at this point.

Lim-sun goes to an office party and gets drunk. Following that, she calls Ji-ung from Mi-jin’s phone number.

Ko-won steps in to help Lim-sun leave before she transforms into Mi-jin, implying that he knows the truth.

Ji-ung tracks and finds Mi-jin as she transforms from Lim-sun to Mi-jin, finding her hugging Ko-won.

Highlights Of Episode 8

When Mi-jin faints after her transformation, Ko-won and Ji-ung rush her to the hospital.

We learn that Mi-jin fainted after accidentally drinking Ko-won’s drink, which contained his anxiety medication.

Mi-jin confronts Ko-won about knowing her secret, and he promises to keep it to himself.

Lim-sun notices a young woman protesting her missing father outside the prosecution office. When she approaches the woman, it connects to Ji-ung’s missing person’s investigation.

At this point, several hints point to the serial murderer being Baek Chul-kyu.

Ko-won offers Lim-sun three million dollars for the favor coupon she received from the Chief Prosecutor. He uses this to become the prosecutor’s assistant, keeping an eye on and protecting Lim-sun (Mi-jin).

Lim-sun and former detective Mal-tae conclude that the missing victims had been collecting money prior to their disappearance.

Mi-jin goes to Ji-ung’s house and attempts to steal his missing person’s report. However, the two of them have a heartfelt conversation, and Mi-jin kisses Ji-ung.

Miss Night And Day (K-Drama): Episodes 7 & 8 Review

Positives

The K-Drama has consistently excelled in terms of humour, and episodes 7 & 8 of Miss Night and Day are no exception. The antics of Mi-jin when she transforms into Lim-sun truly makes you laugh, whether she breaks into a dance or simply is out of place. Additionally, the bit where Mi-jin was ranting about Ji-ung while he was standing behind her was simply hilarious, contributing to the comedic value of the show.

The show’s romantic storyline, which includes Ji-ung and Mi-jin, is also quite charming. It’s particularly heartwarming to see how Mi-jin’s family treats Ji-ung, especially given that he never received love and tenderness from his parents.

Credits: Netflix

Negatives

While episodes 7 and 8 of Miss Night and Day excel at comedy and romance, the crime and supernatural storylines take a back seat. We predicted that the show’s attempt to juggle too many genres would result in it failing to do justice to some of them, and this is exactly what has happened. There seems to be so much going on in the K-drama that you’re not really interested in the serial killer storyline, despite the fact that the show focuses on it a lot.

Furthermore, Miss Night and Day appears to completely ignore the supernatural element, treating Mi-jin’s transformation as normal at this point. Why aren’t Mi-jin and Ga-young working harder to locate the mysterious cat? How did Ko-won accept Mi-jin’s strange transformation so easily? At the moment, the show appears to be lacking in this department. We hope it makes up for it in the upcoming episodes.

Miss Night And Day: Our Verdict

Overall, episodes 7 and 8 of Miss Night and Day provided plenty of amusing and heartwarming moments to keep us entertained and content. The K-Drama, however, does not appear to be doing justice to its crime and supernatural storylines. We hope that things improve in the upcoming episodes as the K-Drama does seem to have a lot of potential.

What are your thoughts on our article “Miss Night And Day (K-Drama): Episodes 7 & 8 Review”? Do you agree with our takes? Let us know in the comments below.

Thank you for diving into the world of dramas with us at The Drama Scoop! We hope you enjoyed our latest insights and reviews on Korean dramas. Your support and passion for storytelling inspire us to keep bringing you the best in Korean Dramas, Chinese Dramas, Japanese Dramas, and English Drama. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us. Happy watching, and see you in the next post.

[bobawitch]

Your Soft Spot

this is Derek Morgan x fem!Reader

A/N: So I'm not the oneshot type but I rlly liked this idea. So basically this takes place during S7 episode 18. Reader is on the case with the team but sees how tinder Morgan is with Angel and falls even harder.

word count: 1372

warnings: talks of murder, implied SA, punching, kissing.

It was a particularly tricky case, a boy who showed many signs of abuse and kidnapping. He wasn’t opening up to anyone and wanted to stay in the dark, beneath a big desk. Derek and J.J were the ones to talk to him, Hotch asked you to stick with Reid but you found yourself watching Derek talk to the boy. You had been hiding your feelings for the charming man. He was sweet and funny, he always had that charming smile ready. You always bathed in the pet names he gave you and the slight flirtiness of his demeanor. This case really needed his warmth. 

You had watched him and his tenderness as he spoke to the boy. J.J tried to give him water but he smacked it away. Derek continued his voice calm and kind. You nearly jumped when Reid appeared next to you.

“Any luck?” He asked. You shook your head, stepping away from the window in the room. You and Reid walked down the hospital hallway, leaving the facility. Hotch wanted the two of you to stay with their one suspect. The two of you had to watch his every move. Reid didn’t think he was the unsub based on how he was acting. You weren’t convinced yet, you saw the fear in the boy’s eyes and you wanted to be sure without a trace of doubt that this guy wasn’t your unsub.

Soon enough Hotch asked you to go back to the hospital. They had found the boy’s mother and J.J was speaking to her but they wanted an extra head just in case. You finally got to the hospital and walked past where J.J was speaking to the boy’s mother. You walked by the room but Derek wasn’t in there, you turned at the sound of his voice.

“Hey mamas, what you doin here?” His silky smooth voice was like gold to your ears. Your heart melted anytime he spoke to you, especially when he called you names.

“Hotch told me to come, said he didn’t need me with Reid.” You shrugged, smiling as he got closer. He stood a few inches from you now, looking down ever so slightly. 

“Wanna meet Angel?” He said before looking into the room. All color drained from his face and you looked with him.

The boy was in the room, cutting his wrists. Derek jumped into action, running into the room to make sure Angel didn’t bleed out. Jennifer and you rushed in afterwards, watching as Derek threw the blade away from him.

A few hours had passed and tension seemed to go down, Derek still sat with Angel and you watched his kindness affect the boy. He smiled and eventually spoke to Derek. You watched for the next half hour before receiving the call. They knew who it was, their suspect was correct and they just needed to get him. Derek stood, J.J tried to stop him but he looked at her with that serious look. “J.J move. I’m going.” It was not a request, it was a demand from him. J.J held eye contact before slowly moving out of the way.

“I’ll drive you.” You spoke as the two of you walked out. This case was personal to Morgan now. Angel trusted him and he needed to bring justice to the bastard that tortured him. 

When you finally got to the unsub’s place Derek got out of your car, you hadn’t even parked. As you finally got your car parked and out of it, you looked around for Derek but couldn’t find him. You heard yelling, Hotch telling Prentiss where to go. You began to catch up to the two but Rossi grabbed you. “Come with me.” He didn’t even wait for you to nod, he just went off.

You quickly followed behind, your eyes darting to Derek when he tackled the unsub. You saw him begin to punch, those kinds of sloppy punches. They weren’t the kind of sloppy that didn’t hurt though. They were angry punches, punches that were sloppy in the way of pure violence. You rushed to Derek, grabbing onto his arm and hugging it with your body. “Derek! Derek buddy you have to stop!” You spoke to him, not even looking at the man he punched. Morgan looked at you with those puppy dog eyes that you loved so much. His eyes weren’t happy though, they looked darker than before. You slowly pulled him off the unsub, Rossi putting him in cuffs. Slowly Derek stood and you held his face, making sure he looked at you.

`~`

After the case was wrapped up you and the team went back to the hotel. You walked behind the rest of the group, only person behind you was Morgan. He had cheered up when he got to see Angel happy and with his mom but he still seemed very upset. You bid everyone a goodnight but lingered to see Derek. 

“You gonna be ok?” You asked, grazing his shoulder with your hands. 

“Hm? Oh, yeah I’m alright mamas.” He smiled at you, giving you a cheeky wink. 

Your cheeks warmed and your heartbeat began thumping against your chest. You tucked some of your hair behind your ear and chuckled nervously. Derek picked up on this, he would be lying if he said he didn’t feel something towards you as well. You were cute, sweet, smart, amazing at your job, and he thought you were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. You leaned closer to him, not fully thinking. Morgan raised a brow, looking you up and down but lingering on your lips.

“You got something to tell me princess?” 

“I- uh.. No no nothing.” You let out an awkward laugh, “I’ll see you tomorrow, goodnight!”

You turned to your door but Derek stopped you. 

“No, no, no, talk to me babygirl.”

You swallowed hard before turning back to the man who unknowingly held your heart. “I- um.. I don’t really know what to say Derek.” 

He furrowed his brow, stepping closer to you. You hesitated before leaning closer to him, your hand grazing his hip. His eyes darted to your hand before he smirked.

“Don’t know what to say or don’t know how to say it?” You looked away before looking back at him, your eyes darting around his face before landing on his lips.

“I-” “Apapa, my eyes are up here sweetheart.” He teased, his fingers drawing your eyes back to his eyes. 

Your eyes drifted up slowly but you both began to lean in closer. Your lips were maybe 2 centimeters away and getting closer when a door opened. You jolted to the side to avoid suspicion from whoever just left. Derek’s hand was against the doorframe and he slowly looked to whoever just interrupted the most anticipated thing he’d thought of for months. When his eyes fell on Spencer who was now studying the two of you he sighed. 

“What can we do for you wonderboy?” He asked.

Spencer shook his head, a very confused face resting on his soft features as he turned and entered his room again. Derek’s eyes immediately moved back to you. 

“Would you uh- like to come in?” You asked. 

He smirked and instead of speaking he opened the door behind you, he raised his brows to you and you smirked. Once inside of your room he closed the door.

“So where were we babygirl?” He smirked, walking closer to you and leaning down. You didn’t even have a chance to answer before he pressed a soft but longing kiss to your lips. You immediately reacted with an equally longing kiss, your hands dragging up his chest until you wrapped your arms around his neck. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you into his body. 

You finally pulled back, breathing heavy as you leaned your forehead to his. 

“I’ve been wanting to do that for months babygirl.”

You smiled, pressing a short kiss to his lips. “Me too handsome.” 

“Then let me do it again.” He quipped, pressing more kisses to your face. 

Those kisses lead you both to a long and romantic night with your now boyfriend, Derek Morgan.

[itskindamagical]

Spencer Reid x GN!Reader Drabble

AN: so I’ve been going crazy over early seasons Spencer and I thought of this really cute idea where the reader makes Spencer promise to come back safe before he leaves for a case.

This scenario takes place after season 4 episode 3, Minimal Loss, where Reid and Prentiss go undercover at a religious commune, but before the next episode.

Ps. Formatting is shit bc I’m on my phone

-

The BAU team just got back from their long flight. Reid was packing up his stuff quickly, but tried not to look too eager to leave- even though he was eager to leave. The two of you were going to have dinner together, something you both didn’t get to do often, with Reid being so busy. He missed you. Hearing your voice on the phone was fine, but didn’t do justice to seeing you in person.

“Man, I could really go for a burger right now. Anyone feel like joining me?” Morgan asked openly to the whole office.

“Can’t,” Prentiss started, “I’ve gotta do this really important thing- called sleeping.” Her comment earned a chuckle from Morgan, who then turned to Reid expectantly.

“I can’t either,” Reid avoided Morgan’s gaze, hoping he wouldn’t pry into why Spencer wasn’t able to join him. “I’m busy tonight.” Reid finished packing his bag.

“What?” Morgan smirked. “You gotta hot date?” He looked to Reid expecting an immediate no, but when Reid stayed silent, this piqued Derek’s interest. “So you do have a hot date! Damn, really- my man.”

“I-it’s not a date, I mean, you don’t have to call it a date, just.. two friends.. having dinner together. It doesn’t have to be a date.” Reid was blushing, confirming all the more to Derek that he was going on a date, or at least, Spencer was hoping it was a date.

“You really like this chick, huh,” Morgan teased, causing Spencer’s blush to deepen.

“Good for you, Spencer. I hope, whoever it is, that they are a catch,” Prentiss emphasized ‘they’ just a little. She suspected Reid of not being straight, at least not entirely, so she always used inclusive language, not so subtly hinting to the others to do so as well.

“Well, whoever it is, they are going to have to take a rain check. I’m approving a case that’s gonna have us all boarding the plane in just a few hours,” everyone turned their heads to the blonde, JJ, who shared the unhappy news. “Sorry.” She frowned and handed each of them new case files.

Reid mirrored this frown, immediately feeling a rush of disappointment, followed by a small wave of guilt. He hated having to cancel on you. You both tried your best to work around each others schedules, which would rarely work out times to be together. You both tried to make up for the lack of companionship with phone calls and texts, which only did so much. You both cherished the time you spent together, never wanting it to end, but neither of you shared those feelings. You both were too nervous. Holding back a sigh, Reid fished through his bag to find his flip phone. He’d have to call and let you know he couldn’t make it. He finally found his phone, and frustratingly selected your contact, pressing the call button a little too hard.

You were in your car, only minutes away from the restaurant, when you heard your phone ring. You thought about letting it ring and just ignoring it, but had an inkling that it could be Spencer. You furrowed your brows, suspecting that he was going to cancel on you. Sadly, you were right. You tried to shake that thought from your head, telling yourself he was just calling to let you know he was at the restaurant already, or about to be there, or maybe even just running late. You wouldn’t mind waiting a little bit. You’d do anything for Reid. You were mentally crossing your fingers with hope, grabbing your phone from the passenger seat, and flipping it open with your thumb, answering the call.

“Hey, It’s Reid.” He didn’t have to announce himself, you recognized his voice immediately- but he didn’t have to know that. “Listen..” he paused and took a breath and you frowned. His hesitance confirmed your suspicions of him cancelling your… date. “I’m sorry. I hate cancelling on you like this- I just got this new case so last minute and we’ll be half way across the country by morning. I know you drove all this way. I’ll try to make it up to you. Next time we can go wherever you want.” He paused, trying to come up with more ways to apologize. You sighed quietly, trying to not let him hear. Your disappointment would just make him feel worse. Of course you wanted to see him. You missed him every day, but you were pretty understanding when this happened. You realized when you met him that this is how things would be if you stayed close with him, which is part of the reason you never pressed the idea of being romantically involved with Spencer. It still hurt, but all honesty, you were more concerned over him and his mental state. You wanted a nice night for the both of you, but you wanted more so for Reid to be able to relax and lessen his stress. It had probably been days since he had gotten sleep.

“Reid, please,” you paused trying to find the right words. “Are you sure you should be going? You need some time away. You should take a day off. I mean, you were literally almost blown to pieces just a day ago!” You paused and huffed but quietly added, “I miss you.”

“Y/N,” Spencer frowned, “you know I can’t do that.”

“I know,” you replied. The pit in your stomach grew, you felt selfish for even asking that of him. “I just.. care about you, please try and get some rest.”

“I will.” He paused and sighed. “You know it’s not because you aren’t important, right? Because you are, important.” Hearing those words made tears well up in your eyes.

“Spencer, I know. Thank you. Please don’t get hurt.”

“I’ll try.” You could hear the smile in his voice, which made you grin a little bit.

“Call me when you can. Promise me you’ll come back safe?” It was a childish thing to ask, but it made you feel better.

“Y/N, you know I can’t-,”

“Spencer,” you interrupted him. “Spencer Reid, promise me you will come back safe. Just promise. For me.”

There was a pause, but you heard him clear.

“I promise.”

[riverdale-retread]

Riverdale S7 E 10 (Chapter 127) American Graffiti

Jughead Jones has no time to open this episode with pithy narration because he’s too busy being helpful to the very incompetent Sheriff Keller.  The diner’s external neons are very red, the redness refracted through the windows adorned with red writing (very non-ominous “Home Made Fries”) and the red of the police lights.  (The idea of Sheriff Keller going, I need to talk to that Jughead kid! and then flashing the lights on his cop car to rush the 3  miles or whatever of an abandoned road in this tiny town to get to  the diner as fast as possible, and then ran in so very fast he forgot to turn them off is  very funny to me.)

The hyperurgent question that must be answered with such haste is - Did the dead Rayberry have next of kin?  Is he SERIOUS?  Aren’t there ways to check PUBLIC RECORDS?

Jughead Jones is at first flustered because they didn’t really talk about what Rayberry’s life was before Jughead.  They had a pseudo parent-adopted-child situation going on, and children are generally not interested in the youth of their parents.  Then Jughead recalls that Rayberry did mention a wife, but “only in passing” and was otherwise very tight lipped about it.  Sheriff Keller, the one that should still be looking for the killer who murdered a husband and wife IN THEIR HOME and left Ethel Muggs an incarcerated orphan, acts like talking to Jughead is the only thing he could’ve done, and now that he’s done it without getting a copy of the marriage certificate and the name and present address of Rayberry’s next of kin from the high school student,s he has no idea what to do next.

As per usual, Jughead Jones is the one with any sort of investigative acumen, policework or journalism or otherwise - he wants to take a look at whatever records might be at Pep Comics, a known source of Rayberry’s income. 

Keller initially started out saying he wanted to “solve” the Rayberry suicide, which was an odd choice of words, but now he says what he really wants to do  which is to “put this sorry mess behind” him “as soon as possible.”  So Keller is really terrible as a crime solver or bringer of justice - he doesn’t give a shit about any of it, wants to be ‘finished’ with his homework (i.e. stamp all the files CASE CLOSED) and try to get as many people to do the work FOR him while he drives around in his car with the shiny lights.

Jughead also finds Keller’s stated goals questionable.  His face goes from earnest concern to a full on ‘What the fuck did I just hear?’ scowl.

The next morning, at the Andrews house, the amount of youthful and aging testosterone has rendered the air in the kitchen too toxic for Mary to enter in her own house.  Uncle Fucking Frank walks in on the bisexual boyfriends having a lover’s quarrel about their favorite dream threesome partner.  Archie thinks Marilyn Monroe is sexier than Elizabeth Taylor, and seeks Frank’s support. Frank appears to dodge by naming three additional supersexy women - Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Eartha Kitt - and then says his vote goes to Elizabeth Taylor.

Why.

WHY ARE THEY GIVING FRANK GOOD TASTE IN MOVIE ICONS. 

Archie finds this unacceptable (‘what the frig??’) and then threatens to spank them (that’s what that means right? Itchin’ for a switchin’?). He woke up very horny this morning. 

It turns out Archie’s grades are up to a B+ GPA!  It … it is?? I’m -. Really?  Wow Archie, I really didn’t expect you to be capable of that.  Good on you.

As a result, Archie gets his “cruisin’ street machine” back.  

Archie catches the keys.  As soon as he looks back at Reggie, the two are off running towards the garage.  Reggie leaves behind his cornflakes and everything!

The soundtrack tells her this car’s “front is slagging.”  Slag = British slang for slut = Archie’s car has a slutty front.   Reggie agrees with the song - this car is “the most beautiful thing” he’s ever seen.  Archie runs his hand alongside the edges of his car,   This is the only thing in the world that he finds more irresistible to look at than Reggie.  Reggie says he’s always loved cars but could never afford one. 

As the music abruptly switches to what I named The Fred Sonata for Piano (which on further listen turns out to be a variation on the main theme tune for the show that plays over the credits), Archie tells the tale of how he and Saint Fred found the car in the dump, adopted her and brought her up right, to this present state of glory.  A labor of love that took years and completed just before Fred went off to die in Korea.  Interestingly, though Archie Andrews has said the word KOREA more times than I ever thought he would, he doesn’t say it when talking to Reggie.  The two engage in car-lingo related foreplay which I have no basis of comprehension (Is this a straight six?  - V8 with headers), which thankfully develops into innuendo that I CAN follow (“Can she lay rubber?” - “why don’t we play hooky and and I’ll show you?”).  I mean. If this was on HBO they’d immediately perform sex acts in this car, right?  Archie has literally heart lights in his eyes as he sits legs spread and crotch presented to Reggie. 

At Pep Comics, Fieldstone has a genuine reaction to the death of Rabyerry - chuckling.  I like him for this, for being very honest about how much he doesn’t care. (“It’s a shame. Talented guy” is his summary, delivered with a smile.)   Jughead takes the body blow of being told “you writers” are inevitably headed for this sort of “kick in the teeth” death via “secret demon” because he wants to know if Rayberry had a wife.   Turns out, Fieldstone doesn’t know (Why would he?) but he does know where the MONEY was going: Half of it sent to a P.O. box in a small town in S. Carolina. 

We cut to the activity board at Riverdale High.  There’s the cross country team, the life guards, the tryout notice for baseball, the track and field team, the Bulldogs, and some place with new classes to which all students are welcome.  Black Athena, the literary club, has a really fabulous, well designed poster, except it’s really kind of obnoxious.  It’s a club that you can attend “By Invite Only” except they also tell you when they hold  meetings.   Who’s idea was it to be so meangirl about this? If it’s invite only why put up a sign?

Clay is talking about Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man which I have not read.  Clay, Tabitha and Toni are there, as are two other black students.  Tabitha is wearing a wonderful cardigan - navy blue with golden butterflies set off by embroidered shiny things all round.  Toni says something about how the writing feels jazzy and improvisational, to which Clay, who is revealing a sort of annoying know-it-all-and-monologue-in-a-discussion aspect of his personality, agrees with by providing  factoid about the author (he played jazz trumpet).   Tabitha is not a fangirl of Ellison because he reveals a sexist attitude in his critique of  Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God (which is a book I *have* read and found amazing so 1 for me on the Tabitha side of things.)   The show gives a new-to-me black male character the final word on Hurston - that she wrote in a caricatured way for a white audience.  (Being Korean and not an American I have no way to participate in this sort of debate.)     The other woman there, whose name I also don’t know, says that she dislikes Ellison for being dark and angry all the time with no reprieve.  This time it’s Clay that phrases a disagreement about a work of art with a woman in the form of a CORRECTION.  Clay and the other guy will brook no criticism about Eliison, apparently.  

When Clay says “our skin” a white teacher (female) issues a warning - a sort of harrumphing. 

Toni says she’s really “digging this conversation” but I really am not.  This feels like someone went and cribbed a  term paper available for free on the 2022 internet, plus Clay and this other guy are just being sexist clods who won’t hear any woman criticize their hero.  Toni of course has to try to salvage this situation because this club was her idea, but that is disappointing.  She does turn the conversation over to seek everyone’s thoughts on Their Eyes Were Watching God. 

Cheryl was walking by in her cheerleader uniform, so of course she takes a creepy peek into the room before leaving.

Meanwhile, Reggie and Archie are out driving, top down to take in the pristine air, having a blast.  Reggie is whooping it up.  

In the hallway at school, Fangs tells Midge (who still looks very not pregnant but also somehow everyone knows?) that he has a gig in Centerville, where the headliner is Richie Valens.  There will be producers scouting for talent. 

OH MY GOD I MISS JOSIE.

I can’t begin to express my horror at what I thought was the inevitable prospect of Fangs performing a whole number.   He wants a very excited Midge NOT to come because it’s the boonies in a rough part of town.  His whole plan for marriage and fatherhood is to be a rich and famous musician.  Is this the Romeo and Juliet storyline, where they are given a really stupid plan by a really stupid priest (Toni) and go about executing it in the stupidest way possible?

In the student lounge, Jughead is telling Tabitha all about his recent findings - about the PO Box, about the money.  Tabitha immediately catches on - this sort of behavior does not seem like suicidal ideation to her.  (Is it not? I have no idea).  When Jughead brings up his plan to a) break into a dead man’s apartment that is b) being investigated by the police, such as it is and c) snoop into a near-stranger’s personal life when the possibility of consent is nonexistent, Tabitha says the thing that marks her as a true-blue denizen of Riverdale:  “Would you maybe want some company for that?”

This 50s Tabitha just like the OG one - she who was up for cosplaying a truck stop prostitute to bait a serial killer, the one who went on a mushroom trip with Betty who had always been sketchy to her, sold to them by the sketchiest person possible (Jughead’s NY girlfriend Jess) in the weirdest location ever (the underground bunker where Jughead once ran away from in his underpants, leaving only bloody handcuffs behind), his desire to commit arson etc.  Same energy, really.  Plus being a black girl in the company of a white boy in a dead white man’s apartment - isn’t the peril for her possibly quadruple whatever might befall Jughead if things go sideways??

Meanwhile, Betty and Veronica are choosing  THEIR dream threesome partners, trying to make the choice between Marlon Brando and Paul Newman.  Well, Veronica is asking about dream threesome partner, but Betty answers a question that isn’t asked. She answers the fuck/marry/kill question, with kill omitted.  So she’d fuck Marlon Brando and marry Paul Newman.  Which I think is literally everyone’s answer.   

Veronica lays another heavy handed compliment on Betty Cooper (“Your skin is glowing”) to which Betty says that having Alice no longer try to ‘mother’ her has been the thing that’s been great for her skin.  Of course, being banished from your mom’s home altogether to be drop kicked into Riverdale like Veronica is different from Alice Cooper pitching a hissy fit to ‘stay out of ‘ her daughter’s life are categorically different, but as I’ve said, Veronica Lodge of the 1950s AU is deeply lonely, so she will take whatever common ground she can find with literally anyone.   She tells Betty that their mutual (but very different) motherless situations means they are “independent’ and “unconstrained.”

Just then, Reggie and Archie finally roll into school together. They’re both wearing their letter jackets but that also means they color coordinate together as a set with the car.  Someone whistles at the three of them - the car, Reggie and Archie.  Betty’s eyes light up. Veronica suggests that they have their “very own Marlon and Paul to play with” at the school, so all that about tossing boys’ expectations to the wind is hereby canceled.   Veronica and Betty are giving the two the most heated, knowing looks, but neither Reggie nor Archie even notice, because they are so sated by the car.

Which I don’t understand.  I commute via long distance drive every weekday, but I just don’t have this sort of relationship with cars. 

Determined to make good on her word, Veronica approaches Reggie at his locker.  His locker has what looks like a schedule, a pinup of a dark haired bathing beauty standing against a surf board, photo of cars, and something else I can’t make out.  Veronica apologizes standing Reggie up the other day, seeking another chance.  Reggie turns out to be very very smooth.  He says, “I’m not scared of the chase, but in my experience, some people don’t really wanna be caught. Is that you?”

Sir. SIR? 

Wow.

Veronica invites him to give chase, so Reggie asks to borrow Archie’s car to take Veronica on that date.  It’s not the borrowing of the car that bothers Archie about this proposal - it’s that he wants Veronica to keep her silky manicured mitts off of Reggie. When Reggie insists, Archie gives in, applying what they recently learned in school  (Mi casa es tu casa!).  They shake hands at a very low level that made me initially think that Reggie was slapping Archie’s ass.   Reggie is so happy.  It was both entertaining and a bit odd to see these two act like bouncy teenagers in s7 when in all previous seasons they’ve been very intense and not particularly playful with each other. 

Toni is explaining how much she loves Black Athena  to Cheryl, who isn’t invited.   She calls it “finally something worthwhile and worthy.”  Which is a deeply insensitive thing to say to Cheryl, who is the head cheerleader, dance captain of the local danceathon tv show, and president of the James Dean fan club.   Further, she’s the one who bankrolled this endeavor by either embezzling the funds or  out of pocket  (at some unstated personal sacrifice to herself).  Is this justice for Cheryl, that she funds a club to which she is not invited, only to be told how amazing it is by the person she expressly enable to create it?

Cheryl is wearing a wonderful cardigan, scarlet let with lots of embroidered jewel details.  

Cheryl confesses that she took a peek inside the room that one time when the Black Athena meeting was happening.   Toni agrees that this meeting was indeed ‘tremendous’ which I have doubts about because it looked like the typical thing where men monopolize the conversation unless they’re ‘correcting’ the opinion of a woman who disagreed with them.  Because Cheryl will not be allowed into the room as far as Toni is concerned, Toni feels safe talking about Clay’s tendency to ‘take the floor’ too much behind his back, though she didn’t do anything to back up either of the other women when the discussion was actually happening.

Seriously, what is happening with Toni?

Cheryl is being a very sweet girlfriend.  Where Toni has been prattling off about how her bookclub is the most awesome, only-worthwhile-thing-ever, blah blah, Cheryl when asked about how she’s doing only says that she really misses Toni and desires her and wants to be intimate with her.  

Toni does not feel the same.

She’d rather read and prepare for the next meeting of her “tremendous” book club where Clay drones on nonstop than spend time with Cheryl.  Because Cheryl thought that Toni accepting the money meant something about her emotional re-engagement, not realizing that Toni is vain and self-centered enough to think that hearing about how very pleased with herself she is should be sufficient for Cheryl. 

Cheryl really has it so bad for Toni, because this is one of the lowliest forms of date rejection ever (I have to read for my bookclub?!??!), yet she doesn’t give up. She tries to finagle an invitation to this club that WOULD NOT EXIST but for her providing the funds for it.  Toni refuses even that.  What Toni says is that she wants to make sure ‘everyone�� is comfortable, but of course she means SHE is uncomfortable.  Then she sets a date - towards the END of the semester - with additional qualitative conditions - “when Black Athena is more established.”  And I can’t help but add, when Finals are around the corner and clubs tend to slowly cease their activities.  I think Toni is betting that by the end of the semester, she will find alternative sources of funding for this project so that she won’t even have to do this showing-off-but-calling-it-conversation that she’s doing with Cheryl.

Why is this happening with Toni?  She’s being actively made an asshole, but she wasn’t really that kind or nice a character to begin with, so it’s not like this shows some shocking new aspect.  Toni was always the kind of person who bought a bar so she could force people to watch her sing karaoke while writhing her heavily pregnant body around with a snake on her shoulders.  Egotism was a feature of this character. So why the added emphasis?

The two of them hold hands (very nervously, on Cheryl’s part).  They both have very long, very pointed nails, which I would normally object to in the context of Choni but since they’re not fucking at all, I guess I have to let that go. By the by- Cheryl seems NOT AT ALL out.  Does she know or will she ever find out that Toni outed her to Clay and Tabitha, whom she has not been shown to ever be talking to, and that they had no reaction to that outing?

Elsewhere in school, the heterosexuals are being wholesome and nontoxic. (Toni, LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE DONE).  Betty asks out Archie and they both smile adorably with their huge, perfect American teeth.  Betty wants to go out on the date TONIGHT, except of course, they can’t use the car because Reggie and Veronica have it.   Archie doesn’t want to do anything sexual with anyone without that damn car - the prospect of bus and walk are just horrific to him, but for Betty the point is to be on a date with Archie, so she doesn’t mind.

Jughead has made good on his word, broke into the Rayberry apartment and is sifting through his stuff.  This is the same apartment that Jabitha live in together, both in Rivervale and Riverdale.  Rayberry has the same sort of ship-tossed-by-the-sea artwork that Jughead and Fred Andrews also favored.  Tabitha is of course with him.  It’s Tabitha who finds the motherload of letters, including a photo of June, taken in 1948.   June Simpson, a black woman, wrote a whole brick’s worth of love letters to Rayberry from South Carolina.  June has her name, address and phone number in Rayberry’s little black book. 

Jughead braves the phone call.  He addresses June as “Mrs. Simpson” but she doesn’t react to that designation.  Instead she wants to know who it is.  His voice very gentle and with as much courtesy as he can muster, Jughead tells the lady that Rayberry is dead. As she begins with weep, he answers her questions - he isn’t sure how Rayberry died, he hopes he didn’t suffer, they were coworkers, and his apartment is in Seaside, on Magnolia Street.   She’s also extremely polite and composed through her tears, thanking Jughead for his offer to ‘tidy up’ Rayberry’s apartment.

At school, where the ground is very wet outside, Kevin is staring off into the distance on the steps.  When asked about it by Cheryl, he says that he was “floating on a cloud” because he just heard Clay recite his “Ode to Sidney” (Poitier??) at a meeting of Black Athena.  I’m grateful to the show for not making me hear this.  From the way Kevin is reacting, I assume this was an erotic poem to the magnificence of Sidney Poitier, and of course Kevin would get off on something like that.  More importantly, Cheryl is shocked that Kevin got the invitation. 

At her date with Archie, Betty is talking about how much she is enjoying being liberated from Alice’s attention.  Archie is (understandably) bored by this conversation, as anyone would be, because this is not good date talk, but more than that, of course, he’s thinking about his car.   He’s not listening to her AT ALL.  The conversation goes from bad to worse.  “I’m wondering were Reggie and Veronica are on their date!” Archie says.  Why aren’t they at the diner (with his car!)? Archie would like to know. Betty is extremely annoyed. 

At the coffee house, Cheryl confronts Toni in the most passive aggressive way (“Kevin says it was amazing, life changing even!”)  about the inconsistency in Toni being extremely cautious about inviting Cheryl when Clay could just call another clueless white person into a Black Athena meeting.  Toni says something very pointed - that Clay could “invited his boyfriend” when he is going to recite a poem, which means Cheryl is not her girlfriend.  I mean, Kevin and Clay aren’t out, are they, about their relationship?  Or is that why Keller is so distracted in his police duties?   Does he want to suicide because his son came out?? 

In the most begrudging, unsmiling way possible, Toni hands Cheryl the book that will be discussed, sighing, and says she can come.  Which means that the whole bit about making sure everyone else was comfortable and all that was just a lie. 

That night, Reggie comes home to the Andrews house very late.  Archie is waiting like a disapproving father (of the car, which is gendered female), yelling at Reggie like he’s a guy who took advantage of his ‘little girl.’  He calls Reggie “Mantle” and is mean for the first time - “That is your last time in my car.”

I’m with Archie on this one. When someone lends you their car, you should bring it home in a reasonable amount of time. Reggie being obnoxiously not-sorry about the late hour did not help his case at all.  Instead of just explaining himself, he says that he DID take advantage of Archie’s daughter -  I mean, car.  Took her out on the highway, ‘opened her up’ etc. 

The next morning, Uncle Fucking Frank is trying to take care of his bag, which is intimately tied to Reggie Mantle being willing to be a free boarder at Mary Andrews’ house (WHERE DID SHE GO?) so he can be the only competent basketball player at RIverdale (thereby allowing Uncle Fucking Frank to keep his job as coach).  He urges Archie to give Reggie a break, because he’s far from home, far from family, and grew up scraping by without the Andrews’ boys’ advantages.

Betty is sucking on her lollipop of sexual frustration because of her terrible date with Archie yesterday.  Veronica wants the full skinny, but then both girls end up confessing that both of their dates were not fun. Both boys were distracted.  Betty seems almost to be over Archie - she suggests switching dance partners to try again.  I’m not sure if she meant switch partners with Veronica or find a new set of boys, but Veronica is still very hot to trot for Reggie, so she doesn’t like that idea.  She suggests a double date, telling the lollipop wielding Betty that they need to give their beaus a chance to “redeem themselves for being such unlicked cubs.”  She wants everyone to go to the concert that Fangs mentioned earlier - where “hipsters and hepcats” will be. 

Hepcat was actually a word back in the day, it’s not a Riverdaleism.  Why did it fall out of favor while hipster went on to have a modern life? 

This is an interesting bit of self censorship that Veronica keeps engaging in. She never corrects or says no to Betty.  She just suggests something different, in order to distract her from the Betty idea she doesn’t like.

In the student lounge, Tabitha gives Jughead a summary of what she’s learned about the Rayberry’s marriage.  They got married in New York, then moved to S. Carolina where their relationship became the target of the KKK (brick through the window, burning cross on the lawn, no help from the police).   Tabitha finds their love story beautiful. The Rayberry’s plan was to get June’s family somewhere safe before leaving for Paris.  Because this plan seems so future oriented, Jabitha find it ever more unlikely that Rayberry suicided.  I find this all rather unsupported  by how Rayberry was living his life.  Why not try to sell his novel, for example?   Plus the thought that a black woman and a white man would marry in NYC and then go to South Carolina to start their mixed race family makes me think they were really, really silly people, tragic as their story is.   Tabitha says that she saw racist attacks and incidents all the time when she was on tour for the Emmett Till remembrance campaign. Tabitha’s sartorial theme is butterflies - she’s wearing a butterfly belt.

Archie catches up with Reggie to apologize, to which Reggie also finally apologizes.  He says he’s “car crazy” to a literal disease level.  They make up, and just in time - Veronica and Betty want to be taken on a double date to Centerviille. 

At the Native Son discussion at Black Athena, both Cheryl and Kevin are there. Why does Clay get to be the master of ceremonies?  Is it because Toni, though she’s black, needed to have blackness explained to her by Tabitha?   (Oh, I haven’t read this book either.)  Clay is insufferable, as well as very incompetent as a book discussion reader.  He insists that the correct opinion is to find the book “harrowing and thought provoking” but honestly, and this is true for any book, anyone can find any volume opaque or irrelevant, just as much.  He also controls who gets to speak when.  Why is Toni, THE FOUNDER, and a weak ass piece of shit, allowing this to happen? 

Tabitha turns out to be much better at this than Clay: “The book asks, where does the responsibility lie.”  

According to Riverdale, the plot of Native Son involves a man killing a woman, but even though a girl is murdered, the main message (in service of which a woman character was femicided) is about white ignorance.  The reader is supposed to hold hands with a woman killer because he was oppressed by the “box that white society built around him” (according to Tabitha). 

Pause and sidebar to ask some questions.  Is this a fair summary of Native Son?  Further, why is Riverdale taking it upon itself to tell this story?  And for non-American women (uh, me) a man killing a woman in the story is not going to make me want to read it if the ‘correct’ reading is to brush her killing aside to talk about the very specific, America-only problem of coping with the legacy of racialized chattel slavery.  Clay having read this book three times almost makes me determined not to read it, because he’s OBNOXIOUS.  The unnamed(?) black woman in the group says what she evidently thinks might be a ‘hot take’ - “All right I’ll say it” before she gives her thought, but Clay can’t help himself.  He shoots down her thought AND shuts down her ability or opportunity to say anything more because he obnoxiously tells her someone else, someone better, a MAN no less, already had her exact thought already (“And James Baldwin would agree with you.”)

Because I don’t know this book, I’m only reacting to the gender dynamics of this discussion group and the way it’s unfolding, and now I think that Clay is as much a woman hating piece of shit as Kevin, which is why they are so happy together.  Clay just WILL NOT LET women speak, ever.  He also puts Cheryl on the spot. 

In a panic, Cheryl initially says that she has nothing to add. This vow to keep quiet was something that she offered Toni when she forced this invitation out of her, to which TONI DID NOT DISAGREE, but at this moment, Toni abandons her wholesale,  shooting her a look of disapproval.

Other than the fact that Toni is the only out girl she knows, what the hell is Cheryl’s attraction to this shitty person? 

Anyway, when pushed, Cheryl does come up with some cogent things to say.  That the novel is powerful, and that the “family in the book, the Daltons” seemed familiar to her in “unpleasant ways.”    Apparently, the other black male student’s name is “Jeremy” according to the closed captioning I just turned on.  He’s exactly the one that is made uncomfortable by Cheryl’s presence.  Or maybe he’s actually more sensitive than Toni and Clay - that is, this book has as its main plot point the murder of a young white girl, after all.   Anyway, Jeremy takes Cheryl to task asking “Is Native Son the only novel by a Black author that you’ve ever read?”   

For some reason, Cheryl is supposed to feel bad about this even though none of this has been in her formal education.  Clay steps in to offer Cheryl his syllabus of must-read books.  This isn’t really for Cheryl’s benefit though.  It’s  because Kevin apparently started from the same place of unfamiliarity, so Clay is defending himself for having brought the first clueless white newbie to this book club more than he’s trying to be of service to Cheryl.  Did Jeremy ask this same question in that same way to Kevin when he came to his first Black Athena meeting?  Why was THAT awkward initial encounter never referred to or shown?

WHY ARE WE TAKING CARE OF KEVIN FUCKING KELLER IN THE STORY AND PUTTING CHERYL BLOSSOM ON THE SPOT?  

And why allow white people into this space at all?  Simply because Clay’s vanity needed Kevin simping for him live as he simped for Sidney?  I thought the point of this group was to showcase black writers, while providing the black students a safe place to say what they needed to say (which was already hampered by a disapproving white teacher).  Did they change their minds?  Because this seems to have lost its way a bit, in Clay wanting to evangelize (and show off) about black literature to white people, which is a categorically different conversation.  

Jughead, whenever he finds something out, has to go directly to the  authorities, so he’s done that here.  He is giving Sheriff Keller some very unwanted additional homework.  Jughead says “disguising murder as suicide has been a gimmick in detective fiction since” forever.  Keller doesn’t want to do the homework, so he asks how well Jughead knew Rayberry.   Then he lays out some unflattering facts about Rayberry - communist, draft dodger, war protester, dope fiend, mental illness sufferer.  The file compiled on Rayberry is quite thick.  Keller, whose son is living (I think?) a secret gay life, which is the same Keller, who cultivates a consultant-client relationship with prostitutes while a cop, says that someone with a lot of secrets is inevitably going to commit suicide.  That is to say - he really, really doesn’t want to do any real detective work.   Jughead glares at him. 

Clay doesn’t do any of the clean up after the Black Athena meeting. That sort of housework he leaves to the women.  And Cheryl has volunteered for maid duty.  (I did not expect that this is the episode where I hate Clay, but I hate Clay now).   Cheryl stayed to hear Toni’s thoughts.  Toni says she was relieved, that she was worried about everyone’s discomfort (Cheryl’s and her other friends, in turn) but that’s a lie. She was worried about being called out for having a clueless white (ex?) girlfriend, i.e. she was worried for herself.   Cheryl is very honest  - she says that she WAS uncomfortable, and that Toni’s other friends were also uncomfortable (especially Jeremy) but Toni glides over that with “everyone settled in nicely” because above all else, she can’t have this thing she started, The Black Athena Club, not be a success.  Even though it’s called ATHENA and a man completely takes over every conversation.  

Cheryl comes out as actually heroic.   From this conversation, even though Toni didn’t say a single word to or for her, even though Clay put her on the spot and then condescended to her, even though Jeremy made her the representative to be low key told off for not including black writers in Riverdale’s curriculum - even though all this happening, Cheryl still came to the correct conclusion, that her unaware white self should not be changing the nature of what Black Athena was founded for.  She’s alert enough to figure out, unprompted, that her very presence alters things in a profound way.

There are so many things weird about this.  Cheryl coming to this astonishing level of self awareness that there are spaces necessary in which the majority members of a diverse society should not seek a seat and that her very presence might be a detraction, is actually out of character for Cheryl.  This is too advanced for where and who she is, for one.  For another, Riverdale the show gathered its sparse number of black characters with names and speaking roles into one room to have their own space to discuss black literature, but constructed a plot so that CHERYL, a BLOSSOM, a rich white girl descended directly from land snatching (implied) genociders, is the one with the hero’s journey.  Granted, she paid for it, so that interpersonal weirdness between Cheryl and Toni is just making things murkier.

Toni seems relieved (I think she was worried Cheryl might pull funding OR not be her back up funding next semester).  And Cheryl is giving me whiplash because I said all that I said above about her having the heroic arc with Black Athena, but I also spoke too soon (even though this is my second time through).

Because what Cheryl is really after is more time with Toni.  To be close to Toni, to understand Toni, to have things to talk about with Toni, and get into Toni’s pants.  She’s willing to plough through whatever homework Toni wants to set her to feel OK dating Cheryl Blossom.    Cheryl is rewarded for her good behavior by Toni asking her out on the date to the concert in Centerville.   I am very sick of this. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Rayberry is talking about her dead husband with Tabitha and Jughead. She reads it to them. Rayberry was going to try to get his novel published, which he hoped would get them enough money “to buy your parents a place in the city and move to Paris.”   Thanks to his relationship with Jughead (which he seems to have never mentioned to her), Rayberry was “filled with such optimism about” the future.  They all agree that thai doesn’t seem suicidal in the least. 

Jughead feels the need to check in with the widow about the ‘negative’ things Keller told him about Rayberry.  She is very patient and kind, providing an explanation for each item.  He did protest the Korean War but he fought in the uh, good one, I guess (Full disclosure: My whole life, which I’ve enjoyed very much so far, would be impossible without the American men who fought and died in the Korean War.)  His injury in WW2 got him addicted to opium,  his stay at mental hospital was a voluntary self-check in, and he went to Communist gathering in the Great Depression (because capitalism had a big hiccough then). 

Mrs. Rayberry says that her husband was “an optimist despite everything that life threw at him.” I mean, he had to have been. It also explains the extreme attracting Jughead Jones felt for him too.  Jughead Jones is attracted to hope.   “Always believing something better is around the corner” has the same ring to it as “I’ll figure something out, I always do.”

Jughead makes a face that lets us know he is going to get really feral about this new fixation.  He wants to know who may have wanted to harm Brad Rayberry, and why.  Mrs. Rayberry is too heartsick and sad, only able to say that the world is a tough place (to which Tabitha has a very emotional reaction), but she won’t stop or forbid Jughead from investigating what really may have happened.  

In an abrupt change of pace we check in with Reggie, Archie, Veronica, Betty and the two boys’ obsession with cars, all out on a joint date at Pop’s.  The boys are poring over some car magazine, which Veronica belatedly recognizes was a bad idea to permit them to get.  They try to get the boys’ attention (but why though?).  Veronica says she used to be driven around by Steve McQueen, to which Betty one ups her and says she’s a V8 fixing expert.   This does make Archie lift his head from his car porn to actually look at her face for just a second.  But then it’s right back to car porn, so the girls get them out of there and on to the road.

Except Reggie and Archie confront each other about who gets to drive.  Reggie drove to the diner, so Archie wants to drive to Centerville.  They biker while the two fed up hotties step out ahead of them.

Mrs. Rayberry takes her leave of the two young people.  She is going to give Rayberry a proper burial, then get his novel published.   She also, as I guess the executor of his estate, gives Jughead Jones express permission to adapt his stories into comic books.  Jughead says that he’ll get Pep Comics to do some sort of tribute issue (with proceeds going to the estate.)  

Then, Mrs. Rayberry asks Jabitha if they’re going steady.  These two have the single cutest romantic moment in the whole episode.  They’re both startled by the question, though not at all displeased. Jughead understands the question first, saying, Oh no, no, while Tabitha takes a moment to comprehend it (“Who, Us??”).  After saying No No, while grinning in a pleased way, Jughead says, “I mean…” and stops talking while he stares at Tabitha like the sun is rising from her forehead.  When Tabitha says, We’re classmates, he turns quickly to look at Mrs. Rayberry wondering if she caught him saying “I mean..”    Then Tabitha adds that they are “friends, I would say,” which makes Jughead so disappointed for a second that he can’t look at anybody. He does recover though, enough to say “Good friends, good friends, yeah. Pals.”   When he says PALS though, it’s Tabitha’s turn to be disappointed - she gives him a quick sideways look, which he feels like a touch on his cheek, causing him to look back at her. 

Mrs. Rayberry tells them to take care of each other, before leaving.  I love that her gloves, belt, and hat are all the same color.  It looks so stylish. 

On the Riverdale faildate, the car has broken down.  Apparently, it’s just empty of gas, not broken. So the two girls send the boys off to get the gas.  While she and Betty “stay here and huddle for warmth.”

The long walk back along the road would be shortened quite a bit by being able to hitch a ride, but the boys are out of luck.  Archie is tired of Reggie continuing to paw at his vehicle, so he suggests that he ask his sponsor for a car instead.  Ask for it as a star player’s perk.  “Is that how you see me? As a germ who’s looking for handouts?”  I mean, Archie being unable to refuse fancy gifts from the Blossoms is canon, so I don’t think that he thinks that’s at all a bad thing.   Reggie gets all defensive, using words like “uppity” and “waxing your car” and “forgetting my place”  and so on, but Archie, when it comes to his car, will not let his focus get derailed and won't get drawn into a battle of words.  So, they fight physically about it, on the dark side of the dark road.  Reggie gets the upper hand, telling Archie to “submit.”

Meanwhile, it’s the lesbians to the rescue!  Cheryl pulls up with Toni and Midge in tow, asking if Veronica and Betty are having car trouble.  Betty explains their situation, so Toni invites them to hop in.  Betty worries about the boys, but Veronica has it right.  “Who cares about the boys,” she says, grinning from ear to ear as she skips out of the stalled car. 

At the Diner, Jughead is discussing their evening with Tabitha.  The meeting with June and reading her letters served as a reminder that she needs to go “back on the road with my folks.”  She’d originally wanted to rest, but not anymore.  Jughead says he supports her (“There’s nothing more meaningful than that.”)  He says he wants to court her (“Maybe I’ll send you some letters too.”)  

Archie and Reggie are all disheveled and out of sorts, so Pops, giving them a container of gas, tells them that he has a junker he wants to unload on Reggie.  Reggie gives him a big hug.   Then, on the walk back to the car, Reggie confesses that he took the car all the way home when he had it that night.  He confesses to being homesick, and Archie, who hasn’t really gotten a big grief-related monologue like Jughead gave about Rayberry, says that his grief has settled into a feeling of homesickness for his best friend.  (Not surprising, because in Fred’s place has come the terrible Uncle Fucking Frank, who also somehow managed to make Mary Andrews completely disappear.) 

Archie says that he hasn’t had a best friend since his father died.  Reggie suggests Betty might be a best friend candidate, but Archie just looks back at him.  What’s that mean?    I’m not sure but apparently she’s not a candidate for best friendship anymore, now that they have sexual feelings for each other.  

The whole Beggie / Retty (whatever that ship name is) undercurrents are interesting.

Reminding me that I can’t recall the last time Jughead and Archie actually had a conversation, Reggie asks why it is that “Beef Soup? Soup Can?”” can’t be the best friend.  I think in the comics, Jughead had a brother Souphead? Is that where the Soup references come from? Archie laughs as he asks,”Do you mean Jughead?” but he doesn’t confirm or deny anything about him either.  Reggie sums it up as “I guess you can’t really talk V8s with him.”   Archie does call Jughead a “good egg” and Betty? He seems like he has so much to say about her he can’t get any of the words out.  Reggie looks disappointed.

More Beggie/Retty undercurrent.

Also, if OG Jughead knew that Archie in this universe was this tepid about him, he would be so completely crushed. 

Reggie’s mystery parents, who they can never show us because of the mishandled race relations episode, are happy Reggie landed with good people.  I mean, we’ll see if Reggie gets that scholarship that he needs so badly or if Julian like, takes a bat to Reggie’s knee in a fit of jealousy or something, but for now, they’re not wrong.  He’s roommates with Archie, has adjusted more or less OK to the new school, and he’s doing great at his basketball.

Both of them finally remember that they left behind the two girls in the open top car a while back. They giggle about the prospect of being told off by Betty and Veronica.   Of course, the girls aren’t there!

Riverdale did a wonderful thing in sparing me from Fangs’ concert.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.   Fangs was apparently a big hit.  Everyone wants his autograph. We have to listen to his very karaoke version of Tutti Frutti but still, it could’ve been a lot worse.   He’s carried his guitar to school in the most douchey way possible.  Midge being at the concert was “his lucky charm” which netted him a contact with a producer at Phantom Rock Records.  I hope it’s a scam.

The school is indeed allowing Reggie to keep Pop’s old vehicle in the shop class lab. Reggie is already working very hard on it. He’s named the car Bella.  Archie says it’s in even worse shape than his own car had been.  He’s come to offer his help, but it turns out that Betty was the one Reggie called on to help. This might be the first time in his life that Archie is facing some sort of rejection.  He not unreasonably must have thought that all the inquiry about best friendships from Reggie was an application to occupy the spot himself, which is why he didn’t cop to his childhood best friendships with either Betty or Jughead. Alas, it turns out Betty is the preferred partner in this instance. (More Beggie/Retty undercurrent!)

Betty says the concert yesterday was excellent.  Archie is awkwardly the third wheel as Reggie and Betty work fluidly together on Bella.

At the Rayberry apartment, Jughead is cleaning up when there’s a knock at the door . It’s a lady with a cat held in her arms like a baby. I am so jealous. I’ve never had nor met a cat that allowed any person to do that.  She wants milk, which she is sure is going to be in Rayberry’s fridge.  She heard the milkman make a delivery to this apartment, because the cat had a strong reaction to the milkman’s bottles clinking.  Jughead has his first clue!

[miraculouscontent]

Always.

“Truth” is just... I mean, I want to say “garbage” but that doesn’t even do how bad it is justice? Like, okay, I take four major issues with it (my followers be like: just four? :P):

First is the writing in general and the continuity of it all. This episode looks like it’s been through multiple drafts and the final product is an amalgamation of a bunch of them with no coherency between any of them. I already could kind of guess it from the Adrimi kiss that the finale removed, but it’s obvious that there were going to be Adrimi/Lukanette arcs in Season 4 but then stuff happened (i.e: the staff being cowards) and they got cut. It’s totally possible that the plot with Jagged Stone being the father and Marinette having to keep secrets from Luka were still the same episode even in the original draft, but I imagine it at least wasn’t episode one.

There are other, more subtle hints as well, like the episode giving no time to Luka learning that Jagged is his father (making the fandom wonder if Luka remembered when he was Truth) and Ladybug being shocked when she realizes that the akuma is Luka as if she didn’t already see him be akumatized. Juleka also gets weirdly sidelined in the episode despite being Luka’s twin (Astruc has stated that both Luka and Juleka are older and Juleka got held back, which is why she’s in Marinette’s grade but Luka isn’t), so she’s Jagged’s offspring as well. One might presume that Juleka just never cared at all but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be allowed to interact directly with the guy or have any involvement at all. All it would’ve taken is for Luka to mention that Juleka never cared about who their father was but he did, thereby implying that Juleka’s reaction to Jagged would probably be more like, “oh okay.”

You know, if they didn’t reduce her to incoherent mumbling.

Second is the timing of this episode. We had the New York special with Paris being destroyed, but it’s clearly fine here (so I guess it isn’t canon now; thank God honestly), and while it’s technically possible that enough time has passed (supported by the vague implication that Marinette having to miss out on dates with Luka has gone on for a while, given Tom and Sabine’s lack of reaction to them dating), it’s not supported by Marinette examining the Miracle Box as if she’s only just gotten it.

There’s also Shadow Moth, where we’re shown an extended version of the scene from the end of “Miracle Queen” where Gabriel repairs the peacock miraculous, giving the episode a “Volpina”->”The Collector” vibe but then why are the events lining up the way they do???

The narrative also does a really bad job at showing us why Marinette is so strapped for time. She has guardian duties now but you’d think it’d balance out with her not having to go to Fu anymore for guardian training (you know, that thing we never saw but was said to be happening or at least that it was Fu’s intent to have it happen). You could argue that maybe Shadow Moth is more active, but then Chat Noir should be affected by this too; Ladybug states outright that she’s been busy and Chat Noir responds with something akin to, “oh I know, because you’re guardian,” which implies that it’s her guardian duties keeping her busy and Shadow Moth is just interrupting her dates specifically.

But we don’t even see what responsibilities she has added on as guardian. I knew the writers would make it so her being guardian was a hassle, but it’s the first episode of the series and we’ve gotten next to no answers for what being guardian actually adds.

It’s almost like this was a rushed first episode to break up the only thing that unambiguously made Marinette happy for the sake of bringing the love square back and needlessly making her suffer because the writers think it’s hilarious.

Speaking of which, the third thing thing is the comedy because--just--I hate the comedy in this show.

Like, just to start, there’s the kwami, who clearly begin with their mob mentality from the later episode of “Furious Fu” and all proceed to act like children. No, I didn’t expect them to all be wise (I mean, Xuppu exists and is very much not that, having been implied to be a fit for Kim who is known for being a total himbo), but I don’t expect them to all scatter like they do. Kaalki in particular, who was shown to be more poised and refined, blatantly reveals herself to a bunch of civilians just for the sake of Marinette freaking out and needing to make up an excuse.

Same with Alya and her friends. Marinette is panicking because of the kwami and Alya “deduces” (while shading Marinette so blatantly that it’s insulting) that Adrien must be there in her house which--maybe don’t SAY THAT OUT LOUD in case Adrien is literally in her room???). Then Marinette gets a call from Luka, shouts his name, and the girls do a complete 180 in support of Lukentte. It’s not like I’m not for them supporting whatever Marinette wants to do, but the shift is so sudden (and contradicts “Frozer”) that it gave me whiplash and the entire scene ends up being pointless since the girls still go with the “Marinette is in love with Adrien” thing when Truth asks them what Marinette’s secret is. Like, we could’ve gotten small, stupid secrets that everyone thought only they knew about Marinette, but instead it’s just the same thing over and over again (which makes no sense since, by the time Alya blabs the secret - which Alya has already told Nino before anyway - it’s no longer a secret therefore making the answer invalid).

Heck, the whole “secret” thing could’ve even been the people Truth shoots finding ways of answering his questions in a way that is technically telling the truth but also not really, such as if Anarka had answered the, “Who’s my father?” question with, “someone you know/someone famous,” so as to avoid saying that it’s Jagged Stone. It’s just boring seeing characters answer with whatever the asker wants to hear instead of being able to find a way around it.

And then there’s Chat Noir, who’s just--ugh.

Like--okay, I’m going to be extremely petty for a moment and just go off because I hate Chat Noir’s role in this entire episode. The Season 3 finale went out of its way to have Chat Noir be all like, “I have a girlfriend,” when it was a lie, and then Season 4 just parkours around Ladybug telling him that she’s dating (Ladybug clearly took no issue with Chat Noir telling her he’s dating so it’s not like she’s worried about issues there; she’s gotten on his case before in episodes like “Startrain” so there are exceptions) because they want to keep having him flirt and not be sAd because this is Marinette’s episode of suffering and Chat Noir actually having to face the reality that Ladybug is dating (not just in love with someone else) would’ve actually been interesting. Chat Noir gets tons of unnecessary screentime in the episode - mostly for the show to shove in LadyNoir shipping fuel - and then actively avoids telling him the obvious thing because he would’ve actually been forced to grow/develop/stop flirting.

It would’ve been so cute and sweet to see him awkwardly trying to flirt without overstepping boundaries (so more like banter than flirt) or - you know - actually try to support Ladybug and want her to be able to finish her dates by him offering to keep akuma/sentimonsters busy, but no, he’s just left in the dark.

The finale had Chat Noir supporting her (terribly but I digress) and then doesn’t do anything with it at the start of Season 4, meaning his support of her was completely meaningless and just there.

His first appearance is him pranking Ladybug when she’s already overstressed and busy, which comes off as super poor taste and I’m both glad he got splatted into that window for it but also upset because it’s screentime completely gone to waste, and of course it’s just a lead up to him guilting her by being like, “nooo the only thing that hurts me is when you leave me alone during patrol!”

I know he’s teasing (...probably) but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth because we know (well, I knew because I know how this show works) that Luka and Marinette were going to break up because of Marinette’s hectic schedule, so it just comes off as insensitive to joke about it, especially when Ladybug’s busy guardian status just serves as a reminder that Fu is gone.

Even when he’s protecting Ladybug from Truth’s questions by cutting in and asking a question of his own, of course he asks about himself to forcibly fish compliments out of Ladybug because she can’t lie to him, and of course they have Ladybug compliment his humor most of all as if that trait hasn’t nearly gotten them in danger multiple times and she’s been repeatedly annoyed when he decides to joke during the worst possible times. It’s as if the writers wanted to pat themselves on the back for their own comedy, so they had Ladybug be a mouthpiece to stroke Chat Noir’s ego.

He claims he won’t force a truth out of her and then literally forces her to say what her favorite things about him are. I acknowledge that this can be seen as me nitpicking but we went from the finale where Chat Noir actually stepped up and took charge (because Ladybug was stressed but I guess him doing anything useful is just whenever it serves the plot) to this where he’s back to flirting constantly and jamming in as much LadyNoir shipping fuel as physically possible. It’s not that he’s useless but he’s annoying and takes up space in an episode that’s supposed to be about Luka and Marinette.

And that leads us into the fourth thing, which is the break-up and just the treatment of Luka and Marinette in general. I could go on and on about how the Season 3 finale built up their relationship just to tear it down in the first episode of Season 4, but that’s not the main issue here.

Luka brought Marinette comfort. He made her happy. He never judged her. He was happy to just date her regardless of any conflicted feelings she might have because hey, who is he to complain if she wants to give him a try and who knows what’ll happen?

And the season couldn’t even give one moment of them being unambiguously happy without ruining or interrupting it. I was ready for the break-up and I was even ready for it to be the first episode but I wasn’t ready for it to be so bad.

Marinette’s Adrien pictures appear out of nowhere (again, makes no sense for the timeline) when they’ve been gone for basically all of Season 3 and even “The Puppeteer 2″ specifically which makes a direct reference to “Troublemaker,” the episode that purposefully overdid it with her pictures (”Truth” has more hanging up and clearly used “Troublemaker” as a reference, by the way). They’re just there for force the love square and Adrien into the episode as much as possible to remind the audience that Adrien breathes. There is literally no purpose to any mention of Adrien and bringing him up isn’t even relevant to Marinette and Luka’s break-up.

It’s just upsetting to know that the umbrella scene from “Origins” (which is already flawed in and of itself) kickstarts this whole thing. Adrien did basically nothing there except for clear up a misunderstanding and give Marinette an umbrella when his ride was a few meters away and Marinette’s house was just across the street, but that actives Marinette’s absolutely crippling crush on him that lasts for 3-4 seasons. Marinette is in this eternal struggle of not being allowed to grow and change because the writers think her stammering/crushing on Adrien is funny while actively punishing her for having this crush in the first place (again, like in the scene with Alya, which insults Marinette for her crush when she wasn’t even panicking over her crush).

It’s the same with Luka, and I can’t believe that it took me until this episode to realize that he and Marinette are both treated the same way: tormented by episodes for having a crush on someone. Episodes will go out of their way to forcibly insert Adrien into the plot to both humiliate Marinette and make Luka feel awkward when the episode isn’t supposed to be about Adrien at all. “Truth” is just “Desperada 2.0″ except Adrien is barely on screen at all and they still felt the need to name drop him constantly. The writers are so sensitive to the idea of people jumping onto another ship or forgetting that Adrien exists that they’ll find any possible way to include him.

“Silencer” knew better. “Silencer” knew that Marinette’s life didn’t have to revolve around the mere mention of Adrien’s name and that she had other interests/desires/traits outside of him. Adrien isn’t brought up once and it was great because the show didn’t feel the need (for once) to throw Adrien into an episode that he had nothing to do with.

Even if I was a love square shipper, I would feel insulted by “Truth” because one half of my ship kept getting name dropped and used as a tool to humiliate the other half, which makes it all the more eyeroll-worthy when the love square stans of the fandom praise this episode for breaking Lukanette up when--oh, wait, they didn’t even break up “because Adrien.”

And that ends up being the real thing here. The writers had to invent a reason for Marinette and Luka to break up. We already know that Jagged Stone being Luka’s dad is a retcon (not technically in the show’s canon but in information we heard about outside of it), so they shoved in Luka having issues about not knowing his father specifically so that he would be pushed over the edge when Marinette couldn’t tell him about her being Ladybug.

When Luka and Marinette were just together and hanging out, Adrien wasn’t mentioned once. Say whatever about the Adrien pictures being on the wall and Marinette’s stammering (she always says stupid stuff when she panics - especially stuff she doesn’t mean - so I’m not upset with her so much as the writing for having her mess up in that specific way), but the only time Marinette talks about Adrien at all in the episode is when someone else brings him up.

She goes on a date with Luka to the cinema and they were having a great time without Adrien involved at all. I know I already stressed this point in a previous post, but one of the reasons that I find Lukanette to be so amazing is because the show actually focuses on Marinette’s interests and doesn’t force her to be the writer’s mouthpiece for gushing about their sunshine boy a punching bag for comedy. In every Lukanette scene that doesn’t bring up Adrien/before Adrien shows up, Marinette is either praised, able to be happy, or is showing one of her interests that isn’t aDrIeN, and whereas Adrien being on-screen around Marinette usually just means that she’s gushing about/stammering around him with no development, Lukanette features us actually learning more about Luka or other characters.

“Captain Hardrock” - lets her bond with Luka over a shared interest in Jagged Stone, and Luka is established as a sort of empath who uses music as a way to speak for himself

“Frozer” - gets to practice ice skating with Luka, who is actually good at ice skating and also can tie laces despite not tying his own because he’s a rebel

“Desperada” - gets to try out guitar with Luka and we learn that Luka has been playing guitar for as long as he can remember

“Silencer” - showcases Marinette’s interest in fashion and properly introduces Kitty Section; has a plot featuring all of them together doing something not even remotely love-related and we get actual confirmation of Luka’s crush on Marinette, along with Marinette’s reaction (blushy+happy; just saying, idk how anyone could watch “Silencer” and not think that Marinette was crushing on Luka)

“Heart Hunter” - Marinette gets a song written for/about her and Luka is established to have a job

“Truth” - brings up Lukanette’s shared interest in Jagged Stone, features Marinette’s interest in fashion when she gives him a gift she made + had Jagged Stone sign, and shows her raising her voice but not being judged by Luka for it, who’s happy with her just the way he is

When the show focuses on Lukanette, it’s all about lifting Marinette up, praising her, and making her feel good. When Adrien is involved or it’s hyper-fixating on Marinette’s crush on him, it’s about bringing her down and making her feel bad for a crush they keep forcing her to hold onto and humiliating her for.

Point being, the writers had to force their way into getting Lukanette broken up because of their precious love square and the fact that Marinette and Luka being happy is the opposite of what they want.

It’s embarrassing to watch a team full of old white guys (I’m convinced at this point that they just hang their female writer on a coat hanger so they can point to her whenever someone says that their staff is too male-dominated) treat their female biracial lead with such disrespect, and I can only presume that the mistreatment of Luka is because he’s supportive of her and they don’t like that, meaning that the way she’s treated ends up rubbing off on him.

It doesn’t come off as a fun or interesting plot; it comes off as cruel. When Adrien is sad, he usually gets people rushing to comfort him (”Party Crasher,” “Gamer”), but “Truth” has Marinette in tears over the fact that she can’t have a boyfriend due to being Ladybug and the writing has the gall to crack jokes about Kaalki not knowing what tears are, and then Marinette has to ask for the kwami to hug her for comfort.

When Luka gets akumatized into Truth, the episode doesn’t even hesitate at bashing away at him, from everyone saying that Marinette’s secret is that she “loves Adrien” (which, as Truth points out, isn’t a secret, and they could’ve had this somehow lead up to a twist ending where Marinette actually isn’t into Adrien anymore and the Adrien pictures were genuinely for reference, but she stammered about it because it was embarrassing that her boyfriend got sent it with no context) to one of Luka’s favorite songs actually being about how Jagged abandoned him to go on tour. Luka has to deal with Marinette ditching him constantly (not that I blame her) and not knowing who his father is despite wanting to know, and the episode treats him like trash for... what? Having a crush on a girl who’s secretly Ladybug? Because that’s all it seems to come down to in the end.

I also have serious gripes with the fact that Marinette has this huge schedule established in “Gamer 2.0″ and they don’t even try to explain why she can’t use it to keep track of her obligations. The episode has her say (in a roundabout way but still) that she’s forgetting stuff constantly because of all of her emergencies (the emergencies of which are not stated and I hate the subtle implication that forgetting something means you don’t care about it when that’s clearly not how things work and also not what Marinette comes off as because - again - they establish that she’s overworked) but fails to properly explain it. The episode hammers away at Marinette having all these issues and even has Tikki chide Marinette by asking her about leaving Luka alone while apparently neglecting the fact that Marinette HAS to go be Ladybug right now and what else is there to even do??

Both Luka and Marinette are punished for just having a crush and wanting to be together and I hate that the episode forces a break-up instead of coming up with a solution to the problem. Instead of “Marinette isn’t ready for a romantic relationship,” it feels more like she’s just not allowed to be happy.

Long-distance relationships are a thing. Relationships where people don’t get to go on dates frequently are a thing. Instead of forcing a break-up, the episode could’ve had a lesson/development where Marinette is told that she’s allowed to pursue a relationship and just needs to plan accordingly. but they just didn’t want to.

For example: instead of planning dates, Marinette could wait until an akuma/sentimonster is defeated to call Luka and ask him out, because Hawk Moth usually doesn’t strike immediately after one is dealt with. I’m positive that Luka would happily take impromptu/sudden dates over planned-but-inconsclusive ones. Heck, they don’t even have to date specifically and can just stick to phone calls (kwami can’t be picked up on technology) or hanging out in Marinette’s room/on Marinette’s balcony while they do their thing.

Relationships are a commitment, but that doesn’t mean they have to be a burden, and the episode absolutely drags Marinette over it. The whole thing with the kwami being released and stressing her out when they’re not supposed to be able to just come out normally is explained away by, “oh, the new box must be like you, Marinette; full of surprises!” when the reality is just that the show wants to take away everything that’s sacred to Marinette. The Season 3 finale had Fu’s letter telling Marinette that “life doesn’t always give you what you want, but the real gift is life itself,” then proceeds to turn Marinette’s life into a living hell.

Her room? She has to say good-bye to her privacy because now the kwami are always going to be around. The first thing one of them (Trixx) did was start reading her diary, showing that they have absolutely no shame or regard for Marinette’s feelings.

Her schedule? Conveniently pops away into the realm of non-existence so she can look bad for ditching Chat Noir on patrol and neglecting dates with Luka due to her responsibilities/stress.

Her boyfriend, the one person in the entire show who loved her, respected her agency, never judged her, actually apologized when he made her sad, and who she was genuinely in love with rather than just having the equivalent of a celebrity crush for? She had to break up with him because plot and needing to force her to go back to fawning over the guy who has only made her life worse by her crushing on him.

When I say the universe hates Marinette, this is what I mean. It created random akuma to attack Paris all for the sake of forcing Marinette away from Luka, and apparently didn’t realize what they were doing in the scene where Marinette hurries back to the Liberty when Kitty Section and Adrien are playing together when Adrien is Chat Noir so he should’ve been late too.

(Oh, and Marinette completely ignores Adrien in favor of waving at Luka and even tells Luka outright that Adrien isn’t even a factor in their relationship issues, further proving the “multiple drafts smashed together” and “the Adrien name drops are pointless” points.)

The whole thing in “Backwarder” where it was basically outright stated that Marianne could’ve been Fu’s confidant had Marianne not been outed by Ladybug’s mistake? Completely forgotten and left to the wayside. Marinette could’ve told Luka that she was watching the Miracle Box in Ladybug’s place (for any number of reasons, really: either Ladybug thinks it’s too dangerous to keep with her, or if the public doesn’t know that Ladybug is guardian, then Marinette can just say that she’s guardian) and that she has to run off to keep guard of the Miracle Box when an akuma/sentimonster happens in case Ladybug needs a miraculous.

Boom, done, episode solved. Luka gets to help Marinette with the kwami, Marinette is less stressed because someone knows half of her secret, and Luka and Marinette continue to date but are able to plan around akuma attacks.

But no. That whole thing in “Backwarder” where guardians (or at least Fu) can have a confidant was just there so Marinette could feel guilty about screwing it all up, because she’s not able to take advantage of that perk herself.

How convenient.

[criminalmutantsins]

Top 10 Favorite Young Justice Characters

10. Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle

Starting off the list is Blue Beetle. Young Justice introduced me to him, and I was hooked. He’s probably the most mellow and calming voice. His arc and relationship with Bart (friendship or not) were my favorite aspects of S2. They bounced off each other in every scene. I was very disappointed when Jaime and Bart were sidelined so much, and hope S4 changes this (particularly with Bart).

Jaime in the number 10 spot since he doesn’t really have much of a memorable personality. Still love him to bits though.

        9. Will Harper/Red Arrow

Funny enough, I did not like Will. He was an asshole in S1; S2 kind of changed my mind about him but not enough since he didn’t appear as much. What really changed my mind was the episode “Private Security” (S3 Ep.4). I started looking back into Will’s storylines and, I have to admit, his is probably one of the best character development.

The first season had him unwillingly living a lie and betraying the people he cared for. In season 2 he was so consumed into finding the original Roy for five years, not even caring or focusing about his own life. I felt really bad for Will because he was probably going through an identity crisis and thought he couldn’t live his life without finding Arsenal. Probably felt guilty.

Seeing him living his own life and being happy with his daughter was so heartwarming. I smiled every time Will appeared in the latest season (totally ignoring the Will x Artemis fiasco), especially with Lian. I’m very proud of him.

I feel bad for putting him so low, yet I adore the next characters more.

 8. Garfield Logan/Beast Boy

I have been a massive Beast Boy fan since Teen Titans so you probably can imagine how excited to see him. His origin story was unique and his brother-sister bond with M’gann was very sweet. It was pretty weird seeing how much younger Gar was than Dick, but I got used to it. I was bummed that Gar wasn’t in S2 as much; however, S3 truly made up for it. 

After watching Beast Boy being a great leader in S5 of Teen Titans, I wanted a leader-like and more mature version of him. Young Justice truly delivered with Gar being the leader of the Outsiders. It’s nice to see him treated with respect rather than as a joke because that was my biggest gripe with Teen Titans. Though it was weird seeing him not crack a joke at all.

Gar’s story with his mom was heartbreaking to see. I literally cried seeing his reaction to revisiting his trauma in S2 and S3; I just wanted to hug and tell him how awesome he is. My only complaint with Gar in S3 was that the Outsiders weren’t established until near the end of the season.

His voice actor being Greg Cipes also gives him extra points (He’s a chill guy and radiates BB energy).

 7. Dick Grayson/Nightwing/ Robin I 

Sorry to all the hardcore Nightwing fans.

I love Dick (don’t get any ideas), but he doesn’t get enough development in the spotlight. One of the things I really wanted to see from him is his growth as a main leader, and his journey to becoming Nightwing. I was really bummed when these happened between the first two seasons.

To be honest, I don’t have as much to say about him other than straightforward qualities I enjoy about him.

1.His Voice (it’s so soothing)

2.His Personality (very charismatic)

3.Very Handsome (Probably in the top 3 my most handsome YJ Men list)

I put him higher than the others since he made a lot of contribution to the story and his new words (gotta love that aster!)

6. Megan Morse/M’gann M’orzz/Miss Martian 

If I made this list during S1, M’gann would have probably been in my top 3 (maybe even No. 1), but S2 didn’t give her any brownie points.

I really liked S1 Miss Martian because of her kind heart, awkward girl next door personality. Her trouble fitting in the beginning reminded me of when I was going through a time in high school; seeing her having trouble as well helped me feel not so lonely. M’gann powers were (still are) my favorite since I am a big fan of mind-like powers. I would feel so powerful. Watching her identity crisis(?) arc was great too. I’ve had trouble feeling comfortable in my own skin as well as my social anxiety (I’m a mess) and I could understand how scared Megan was of her friends’ thoughts on her true form. 

Oh boy. Season 2 basically ruined her. Learning what she would do to enemies was terrifying to see and left me wondering what happened to Miss Martian that made her step this far. What she almost did to Superboy was almost unforgivable. You do not try to manipulate with your boyfriend’s mind when you guys have an argument! Shame on you M’gann. If Superboy hadn’t forgiven you then I wouldn’t have either.

Good thing S3 somewhat redeemed her. Her kind heart was noticeable again and she refused to do that mind trick again (thank god). Very excited for the Superboy and Miss Martian wedding! Please creators, I beg of you to not skip over it. I want to cry my eyes out in happiness!

 5. Kaldur’ahm/Aquaman/Aqualad 

Now we’re in the top 5 with Aqualad (*ahem* Aquaman) starting it off.

Creating Kaldur was the best decision the creators ever did. I love him with all my heart!

He added diversity to the original team and was a great leader. S1 was not his breakout season, though the second season definitely was.

Kladur played the villain so well that he deserves an automatic Oscar. I never doubted that he was with the heroes, but he didn’t disappoint. My favorite part about Aqualad’s performance was when he rose from the ocean slowly like a cliché villain (he made it work), and the line he said right after he “killed” Artemis; it sent me chills. Love it! 

Pretty disappointed that he didn’t appear as much in S3. Very happy that he is a part of the LGBTQ+ community and is in a happy relationship. I’m a part of the community and loved that there was finally some representation in one of my favorite shows. Even so, I have to criticize how rushed and sidelined it was. I hope Kaldur and Wyynde’s relationship gets development.

 4. Kon-El/Conner Kent/Superboy

Like Will, I did not like Superboy at first. Mainly angry and volatile characters were never really my cup of tea. I do understand why he was upset and felt bad for him; I just handle anger the direct opposite as him. My love for Conner started growing around the end of S1. He was very sweet towards Miss Martian (bless him for not caring about her appearance) and his anger was in control.

Season 2 pretty much switched my opinions on him and M’gann. It was awful what M’gann almost did to him. That scene with him being so sad that what she did ruined that special bond they had almost made me cry. I wanted to give him a hug. He grew so much too since I don’t think he would have handled the whole M’gann drama as well in S1. A lot of furniture would’ve been broken.

I gotta admit something. I almost put Conner near the bottom (maybe no. 7). A comment in a poll in Amino changed my mind. I wrote a poll asking other fans who did they prefer SB or MM. At that point I said SB, though I didn’t think much of it. Someone (specifically yjfangirl) responded “Superboy has the best development in the show.” This had me thinking about how far SB has gone. In the beginning, Conner was an angry guy who felt alone and rejected by the person who he was meant to emulate. Now he is happier and living for himself rather than to be the next Superman. He’s getting married people! A little detail I noticed when rewatching S3 was Superboy mentioning to new characters that they weren’t obligated to be a hero because of their abilities. I adored this! The main reason why Superboy was created to be Superman if the original ever died, and another one of Luthor’s puppets. But he strayed from that pressuring path and is doing his own thing. Conner doesn’t want other people to feel like he did. What an absolute pure soul.

Also, yjfangirl, first I want to say Hi (*waves*)! Then say thanks for writing that comment. It made me really think about the bigger picture with SB and my love for him as grown exponentially. You probably didn’t mean to do that, but I still want to thank you. 😊

 3.Wally West/Kid Flash

We’re in the elites now.

I don’t know how to explain it, I just love Wally. He makes me laugh, and his character growth was great. At first, Wally was this cocky flirt who didn’t take the hero work as seriously. That changed in “Cold-hearted,” one of my favorite episodes in the series. This was when I really started seeing more of Wally than being this dumb flirt. It was great seeing him actually caring about helping people since I believed for a long time that he wanted to be a superhero to just have powers rather than actually protect others. The regret in his eyes when he thought his impulsive behavior killed Perdita helped me see who he really was- this somewhat arrogant speedster who had a kind heart. Episodes that can make me change my perspective on characters are truly special.

I was very upset that he wasn’t in S2 a lot. I understand why since he gave up the life, but I was still bummed. Seeing him being so loving and protective towards Artemis was amazing. Spitfire is my favorite ship and I will not give up on them. All I want is a happy ending! The penultimate episode of S3 was a hint that it will happen. Watching the S2 finale was heartbreaking, I cried watching him disappear, his love for Artemis being the last things he said. Artemis’ reaction did not(I just wanted to hug her). 

I have more to say, though I’m leaving it for another post. 😉

 2.Bart Allen/Kid Flash II/Impulse

Picking between Bart and Wally for second place was tough. Took me a while to decide; I’ll talk about it later on.

The moment Bart made his appearance, I absolutely adored him. He is amazing and I live for his hyper, fun attitude. His arc and relationship with Jaime were my favorite aspects of S2. What can I say, their chemistry is great to see.

That scene when he was meeting the Flash family was so adorable. His excitement was infectious and spoiling his dad and aunt’s births was hilarious! I watch it occasionally whenever I need a good laugh or reason to smile.

Unlike most time travelers- at least the ones I’ve seen- Bart was very involved with what was going on and befriended his biggest enemy- evil and weirdly huge future Blue Beetle. He was pretty careful about disclosing very important information and took things very seriously. You never know if disclosing everything was the thing that brought the world to chaos.

What I found interesting was his choice on how to interact with everyone. He seemed pretty gloomy in the future, but decided to portray this cheerful, devil-may-care attitude to be more likable. I understood (still kind of do). I had terrible mental health issues and I pretended to be happy in front of loved ones because I thought they wouldn’t care about me anymore. Bart got some brownie points for that.

I was dissatisfied when his role was greatly reduced. I wanted the creators to go further with Bart by revealing his past and how it affected him. He was pretty much comedy relief. You couldn’t imagine how disappointed I was, especially with it involving my second favorite character. Season 4 better change that.

I know that you shouldn’t assume a character’s sexuality, yet I really hope Bart is gay. There needs to be more clear representation and Bart can be one of them. I’m also a Bluepulse and Bartuado shipper (fine with either one as long as Bart’s bond with each of them stays strong).

Anyway, I mentioned that I would explain why I chose Bart for 2nd place over Wally. It mostly stems from wishful thinking. I really want S4 to have Bart as a main character since I believe the future will be strong plot point in the season. Development could surely happen such as Bart opening up more about what he went through. Let all those feelings go.

I’m going to write an article on my hopes for S4 when a release date is announced. Bart and Wally will most definitely be talked about.

 …..

We are finally near the end!

And my No. 1 favorite character is…

Drumroll please!

…

..

.

1.Artemis Crock/Tigress/Artemis

That’s right people!

Artemis Crock, original member of the Team and daughter of villains!

She is such an inspiration to anyone who wants to go their own past without their parents’ support.

It’s hard to describe how much I love Artemis. She’s brave, strong-willed, and a kind person. It’s crazy how great of a person she is after all the terrible things that happened to her. I look up to her because I don’t have a healthy relationship with my parents (verbal and mental abuse) and there are times I don’t feel strong enough to stand on my own. I want to carry the amount of strength Artemis has as my own.

After all that happened in S2, it was amazing to see Artemis come back to the team and train the new generation. It must have been hard to walk away from a safe, comfortable life for a chaotic, dangerous life. I admire that in everyone, but I hold more respect for Artemis since “the life” “killed” Wally. I wanted to hug her so bad.

She’s also one of the kindest people in the show, the events in S3 being the best example. When Zatanna was crying about her dad, Artemis was there to comfort her. It was so sweet! Roy and her also took in Halo and Terra like they were a part of the family; the archer treated them like the best big sister. That rainstorm scene was heartwarming to the core.

Wouldn’t Artemis be an amazing mother? Lian and her have a strong bond like a mother and daughter; I loved it, and Lian is in good hands with Roy and Artemis. Though Jade deserves a chance to be a mother. Artemis also seemed to enjoy taking care of those kids in that S1 episode. Wally too. You guys know what I’m guys insinuating. 😉

Get ready for some fanfics on that someday.

My favorite Artemis-centered episode was the second to last episode of S3. I was waiting for this episode centering around Artemis missing Wally and learning to move on. It was great yet heartbreaking. Nothing bad happened. That Will and Artemis kiss never happened. Everyone makes a mistake. No matter how terrible it was.

Anyway, seeing Artemis and Wally living their lives and having a baby gave me life, even if it was fake. It was a vision of the future. I will believe this until there is confirmation that Wally will not come back.

Did anyone else cry when Artemis was so desperate to, but Wally wouldn’t let that happen (the real Wally would do that)? They are a great example of a healthy relationship with all the love and support they have for each other. I want that.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

By the king’s hand 🐍 XVI

Warnings: noncon/rape, violence/death, trauma, allusions to torture.

This is dark!fic and explicit. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: The king proves himself and the reader must accept her fate.

Note: Welcome back, King Loki. Y’all better be ready because our little mouse will never stop suffering.

Thank you. Love you guys!

As always, if you can, please leave some feedback, like and reblog <3

You felt like you were suffocating, slowly under a heap of rocks. Your return to the palace was a blur. You barely recalled the ride in the carriage or the flights of stairs between you and the chambers. 

You were entirely consumed by your memories and their voices; Magnus, broken before the court, confessing his crimes. Thor, angry and brutal as ever, shouting back at the people as they cried out at their traitorous prince. Neither gave you peace; they were only trapped animals waiting to break free and lash out again.

Hal was a spot in your vision. His voice tickled your ears but you couldn’t answer him as you laid across the bed, clutching a pillow as you rocked frantically. As you calmed, spent from your fit, you rested on your side and quivered every now and then. The sobs would not come, only rattling breaths that seized your whole body.

Time slaked away like layers of ice melting into a puddle. The curtains were drawn back and revealed the shift of sunlight. A pale grey darkened to a dull slate and cast shadows around you, looming over you like the monsters in your mind.

You flinched as you heard the door, the hinges creaked and your fingers sank deep into the feather pillow. Hal greeted the king and firm footsteps marched across the floorboards. Loki’s figure appeared at the edge of your sight as you laid with your back to the hearth. He sighed as he came up behind you and sat on the edge of the mattress.

“You left rather suddenly,” he said as his hand settled on your side. You winced and hugged the pillow tighter. You hid your face against it, the feathers poking through and causing your cheeks to itch. “Mouse…”

You whimpered and curled your legs up. What had this man done to you that was any different than those two savages? You still bore the scars of his switch across your back and your only shield was the life growing in your stomach. It was him who had brought you to this; who had sentenced you to live as a piece of a flesh; who had exposed you to the barbarity of his kin and kith.

“Why?” You asked softly as you turned your head against the pillow.

“I thought… I thought you would want to see vengeance done.” He said sternly. “To see that I’ve brought those beasts to justice.”

You sniffed and shook your head. “I never wanted to see them again… I…” You shrugged and exhaled weakly. 

“I did it for you, Mouse. I dragged that animal, Magnus, down to my dungeons and cut his flesh until he did confess. I watched his blood weep from his flesh and reminded him of what he'd done to you. I made him tremble at my hands. For you.” He sneered. “I’d do it again.”

“You did it for you. For your pride.” You uttered. “You’ve never done anything for me or any other. It is all for you. They humiliated you, took your plaything, kept from you your pleasures. It isn’t about me, it is about what I can do for you.” You wiggled away from his touch, “Do not lie to me, it not only makes me a fool, but you as well.”

“Do not presume to know my will,” he snarled, “Do not talk to me as if I am your subject and not the other way around. And look at me--” He grabbed your chin and forced you onto your back, “When you speak to me, mouse.”

You blinked as a lump lodged in your throat and let the pillow fall away from you. You braced yourself for what he would do next. You remembered the noise of the hinges, the heavy footsteps, the metal against your wrists, the stony touch of loveless beings, the violent claims to your body. 

You grabbed the king’s arm and began to flail. “No, no, no,” You exclaimed, “Please--”

“Gods,” Loki said in exasperation, “Hal! Hal!” You heard softer soles on the boards, “Fetch Birger. Now.”

Loki wriggled his arm from your grasp and grabbed your shoulders. He pinned you down as you kicked out and clawed at the air. “Mouse, shhhh. Mouse!”

“No! No! No!” Your hand flew up and struck Loki’s jaw. He grunted and shook away the jolt.

He struggled with you until the door sounded again and there was a clatter of footsteps across the front chamber. Loki climbed over you as the physician appeared and touched your forehead.

“I don’t know what has come over her.” Loki said, “She has these… episodes.”

“Ah, well she is with child and only just returned from an immense situation. Her nerves are split.” Birgir rubbed your cheek calmingly, “Dear, tell me five things you can see.”

“No, no, no,” you chanted.

“Five things, dear. Five things you can see.” He urged.

“The-- The bedpost…” You wisped, “Y-Your cap… Hal… The ceiling… A chair…”

“Very well, dear, and five thing, “Three things you can feel.”

“Y-Y-Your hand,” you touched the back of his hand, “The bed…” Your eyes flicked back and forth, “The fire.”

“Great, great,” he took your hand gently, “One thing you can smell.”

“The wood. Burning wood.” You gulped.

Birger nodded and smiled at you gently. “Hal, my boy, bring my chest.”

“What is wrong with her?” The king knelt on the mattress beside you.

“I told you. It is stress.” Birger said staunchly and squinted at the king, “Have you…”

“Not in the last days.” Loki admitted.

“But since her return?” The physician prodded. The king rolled his eyes and glanced away tellingly. “And you expect you to be as she was after all that? Do you even know all that happened to her?”

“She does not speak of it.” The king huffed.

“And why should she? To you?”

“You tread a dangerous path, Birger,” Loki warned.

Birger tutted and caressed the back of your hand. “Alright, I’ll do what I can.”

“You have something which can restrain her,” Loki said, “That can calm her.”

“As her condition stands, not much.” Birger stood as Hal approached with his chest, “It is better if she is kept calm. You can burn lavender--”

“No, you will sedate her so she will sleep,” Loki ordered, “I’ve pressing matters and little energy or time for this nonsense.”

“With respect, your majesty, this nonsense is as much to do with you as it is your brother or his accomplice,” Birger insisted, “It will persist.”

“So be it,” Loki pushed himself off the bed, “Find one of your vials and do your duty. She needs sleep, not quackery.” Birger let out a long breath and tapped his fingers on the lip of the chest. “Well, you’ve something else to say?” The king challenged.

“No, your majesty,” Birger looked into his chest and stirred through the contents, “Boy, bring some milk for the woman.”

Your body was limp across the bed, suddenly without strength as you listened to the argument. It was your fault. All of it. If you could just control yourself. If you weren’t so weak and stupid.

“When you finish, you will go.” Loki neared the door. “And do not bother me on your exit.”

The king disappeared through the doorway and you looked up at Birger as he pulled out a glass vial. You saw the irritation on his face.

“I’m sorry,” you said quietly.

“Why?” He asked bluntly, “You’ve nothing to be sorry for.”

You clamped your lips shut and stared at the top of the bedpost. Hal returned and handed a cup of milk to Birger. The physician mixed in drops of the tincture and sat to hand it to you. You pushed yourself up and took it from him.

“Perhaps it is better you sleep for a time,” Birger said. “Are you eating well?”

“Yes, a lot,” you assured him and sipped the thick milk.

“Well, you make sure you keep on. Rest as much as you can.” He looked to Hal, “See if the boy is permitted to take you on walks. You must keep active as you can.”

You nodded and swallowed the milk tainted with the odd flavour of the medicine.

“Is the king rough with you? As he was before?”

You shook your head as you offered the empty cup. “Not since…” You nodded to your stomach.

“Good, good,” Birger set the cup aside and packed up his chest. “Take care, dear. I will be look in as I can.” He hauled his chest up and clapped Hal’s shoulder, “And boy, you will keep her well in my absence.”

“On my honour,” Hal promised and followed the physician to the door.

You felt heavy as you laid back and listened to Birger’s departure. The king was just in the next chamber and you heard the flutter of pages. Hal’s figure lingered as your eyelids shut and you sank down into the abyss. You were smothered by a sleep deeper than any you’d known in months.

🐍

You weren’t certain how long you slept. You woke in a fog. It was dark but for the glow of the fire and the shapes around you, the furniture shroud in grey, seemed distant and yet close. You felt light and airy and your body felt detached from your thoughts.

You lifted your head and peered around, trying to focus on the chair before the hearth. A wraith sat in it and as you sat up, you realised it was the king. You giggled and let the blankets fall away from your shoulders. He glanced over at you and tilted his head as the firelight limned his features.

“Mouse?” He said quizzically.

“Looookiiiii,” you sang as you turned your legs over the edge. He was visibly aghast at your use of his name. You only laughed again as you stood and wobbled. “Such an odd name.”

“Is it?” He lowered his brows and carefully stood to face you, “You should stay, mouse.”

“No, I’m not tired,” you argued and gave a long yawn. “I feel alive!”

“You can barely stay on your feet,” he rushed forward as you stumbled and caught you. “Come on, to bed with you.”

“Wouldn’t you like that!” You snapped and wriggled in his grasp. “But I’m hungry.”

“You’re deluded,” he rebuked.

You laughed and continued to struggle with him. “I’m perfectly well,” you slapped his chest, “I’m just…” You looked down as your stomach brushed against him and your mouth fell open. “Oh, gods…” You rubbed your middle, “I’ve already eaten too much!”

“No, mouse,” you heard a sliver of amusement in his tone, “You… you are just fine.”

“I’m fat!” You pouted and glared up at him. “Why am I so fat?”

He barely withheld a snicker and took your hand daintily. “I have some biscuits. Would you like one?”

“I couldn’t…” You shook your head as you felt your stomach. “I’m already-- but I am hungry. Just one, just one.”

“Well, you must sit if you want one,” he chided. “Understood, mouse?”

“Mouse! Mouse!” You mocked. “I hate that name. I am not a mouse.”

“Alright,” he nudged you back to the bed and you sat heavily, “Then what are you?”

“Hungry. I told you.” You crossed your arms. “Who are you?”

He grinned and looked around as if confused. “It is me, Loki.”

“Your nose is big,” you said sharply. 

“Thank you,” he said rigidly. “Just wait here.”

He left you and returned with a small box. He took out a biscuit with currants baked into it and held it out. He set the box aside and sat beside you as you eyed the treat.

“What is it?”

“It’s a biscuit,” he said curtly. “Like I said.”

“Sure, sure,” you smelled it and cautiously took a bite, “Suppose it tastes like a biscuit.”

He was quiet. You flinched as you felt his hand on your back suddenly. He rubbed a circle there as you chewed and you clapped the crumbs from your hands as you finished.

“Good?” He asked.

“I told you,” you grabbed his arm and shoved it away. “No.”

He dropped his arm and nodded. He watched you as you balled your hands in fists. You stood and stomped like a child around the room.

“As good as it feels, no, no, no!” You swept your finger through the air. “But perhaps…” You stopped and thought for a moment, “No! No!” You sneered at him. “I don’t want your royal cock tonight, sir!”

At last he chuckled and you were startled by the noise. His features contorted in his mirth and you watched him with wide eyes. He stood and neared you slowly. He reached out tentatively and touched your arms.

“Fine. Not tonight.” He assured you. “But you must lay back down.”

“Why?” You quivered and looked at your body again, “Are my legs broken?”

He smirked and shook his head. “No, because it is the middle of the night.”

You frowned. “Oh.”

“So, bed?” He asked.

“Wait!” You stopped him.

“What is it now?” He sniffed.

“I don’t know,” you shrugged. 

“Right,” he said and calmly led you back to the bed. “Time to sleep, mouse.”

“Hmmpf,” you grumbled at the pet name and let him lay you across the bed. “I’m not tired.”

“Oh, you’re not?” He taunted as you yawned again into your hand.

“No,” you argued and your eyes closed. “Not at all.”

“Not at all,” he echoed as he pulled the blankets over you.

He sat with you until you drifted off again though you were barely aware of him. You fell back into the warmth of the bed and the haze of your mind. The peculiar scene blending in with your senseless dreams.

🐍

You awoke facing the king. He slumbered beside you, his pale features unmarred by his waking thoughts. Your head was fuzzy and your limbs heavy. You sat up slowly and wiped the sleep from your eyes. The events of the days before slowly came back to you but did not hit you with the same force. You were anxious to think of Thor and Magnus but not terrified.

Loki groaned and reached out to touch your leg, as if assuring himself of your presence, as he stirred. You watched his long fingers as he squeezed you through the blankets and opened his eyes.

“Mouse,” he voice was hoarse as he retracted his hand and swept his dark hair back. “Is there something the matter?”

You shook your head and looked around. You didn’t like how comfortable you felt. You recalled his callous words the day before during your panic and all those times before he had been unkind. How could he sleep beside you as he would a wife? A wife…

You turned your back to him and evaded his reach again as you stood. You hugged yourself as you neared the dwindling fire and shivered. You heard the mattress move beneath him but he did not rise. You looked to the ceiling as you tried to clear your thoughts.

“Why won’t you give me an answer?” You asked.

“Excuse me?”

“What is to become of me when your wife is here?” You spun back to face him. He sprawled across the mattress as his shoulders and chest were bare above them. “I know this… will change. And I know once this babe is born, you will be done with me or cruel as you were before.”

His face darkened but he made no move to rise. He exhaled, a low growl, and rubbed his forehead.

“I needn’t tell you anything more than you need to know.” He sneered. “I will do whatever is best at the time.”

You gritted your teeth in frustration. You hated his riddles. You weren’t going to get an answer.

“My wife will do whatever I wish of her. And when I have a child on her, then you and the bastard will be of little bother.” He uttered. “And when you are ready, you will return to your original duty.”

Your chest knotted and your stomach grumbled painfully. Your anxiety mixed with your hunger and made your core a pit.

“And the child? I am to carry it to some unknown fate?”

“My child. I shall keep it safe.”

“And me?”

“You are its mother. But you are mine, first and foremost.” He bent his arms behind his head. “You will serve me before the child.”

You scowled in disgust but said nothing. He watched you and slipped his hand beneath the blankets.

“I will have a nursemaid for you. You needn’t worry for the child’s health.” He cooed.

“And my own? Do you care?”

He scoffed. “I’ve provided you with shelter, with sustenance, with a physician for your ailments. I’ve seen you well and I ask little in return.” He declared. “Remind yourself again that you are not my wife.”

“Yes, I am your whore. I am aware.” You hissed. “But you do seem to forget yourself.”

“I forget myself?” He sat up. “Oh, let us put things straight.”

You staggered backwards as he was off the bed in an instant. He seized your arm and you struggled with him as he tried to drag you back with him. 

“The child!” You cried.

“Will be well,” he snarled as he grabbed a hank of your hair and twisted your neck painfully. “Come on, mouse, you want things to be as they were.”

“Stop! I only--”

He sat and you lurched against him. He pushed you back and forced you down to your knees and drew you between his own. His cock twitched and hardened slowly as he clung to you. You pushed on his thighs and wrestled with him as he gripped your jaw.

“My patience for you is spent,” he spat as he shoved your head into his lap. “Open up, whore.”

“Please--”

“Let me give you your answer.” He bit out. “When you have born my bastard, I will use those parts of you unruined by its passage.” He squeezed until you gasped and forced his tip into your mouth. “I shall have my wife’s cunt and your mouth.”

You gurgled as he pushed against the back of your throat and slid down it. You gagged and he pulled you back. 

“Breathe,” he warned, “You don’t want to hurt the child.”

He forced you back down and you clawed at his sides. He moved your head steadily, up and down his length until he was entirely hard. You were dizzy and helpless against him. His groans and grunts added to the noise of you in his mouth and he clutched your head tighter.

He fucked your mouth until you were gasping and gulping around him. He wrenched you off of him suddenly and stroked himself to his climax, his seed stringing across your face. He released you and you fell back in a heap. He stood and stepped around you without concern.

“That is what you will be. Always.” He barked as he crossed the room. “Mine. To do with as I please.”

🐍

The days that followed were frigid and fraught. You could not forget that morning as the king’s former disposition returned fully. He left you in the morning without disturbance and you bided the hours silently, barely aware of Hal as he tried to cheer you. When Loki returned, the boy was sent away. He didn’t speak, only sat and stewed in whatever blight had angered him that day.

And when he wanted you, he had you. Hand, mouth, or cunt. You bore it and hid yourself under the covers when it was done. 

Another week gone and Hal announced that the verdict had been dealt. Loki hadn’t said and you hadn’t dared to ask. You listened as the boy explained how the jury and judges had found Thor guilty and condemned him to death by the sword. Magnus, however, was to be hung like a common criminal.

But that did not mean you would be without a villain. Loki’s moods assured you that nothing had changed at all. It assured you that your life would be as it ever was. That the fate he’d promised you down in that dungeon would come to pass. You would never escape him and perhaps, though you’d not realised it, your time with Thor and Magnus could have been your only hope at an eventual end to the agony.

You sat in limbo. You could hardly believe that they would die and yet, you feared the future beyond. For all the certainty of their sentences, yours was still frightfully abstract. You could not decide if you were appeased by their demise or envious of it.

Your inner strife was interrupted as Hal stood suddenly and you turned to watch the door open. The boy bowed to the king as he entered, clothed in fur and his horned crown. You stood and the king looked between the two of you. He raised his chin and looked down his nose.

“Get her a cloak and boots,” he demanded, “You will accompany us to the green.”

“The green? Why--”

“Gird your tongue, woman,” Loki demanded. “Haven’t you asked enough questions?”

Hal glanced at you wistfully but did as he was told. He helped you into the fur-trimmed cloak and you pulled the hood up as he helped you step into the boots and laced them tightly. Hal snatched up his own cap as he followed you and the king into the corridor.

You walked behind Loki and his guards, Hal was at your side and foreboding set deep in your stomach. You could guess at the event on the green though you hoped it wasn’t as you expected.

You came out into the blustery winter light and a crowd gathered around a stage erected over the white yard. Just before the walls of Boulder Tower, housed tight within the borders of the palace, a platform stood awaiting the executioner and his victim. You stopped short and Hal quickly caught your elbow and urged you on. The king peered over his shoulder in a wordless reproach.

The people parted as the monarch approached and you were diverted into the crowd of onlookers by another armored man. You went unnoticed as the king passed to the front of the audience and you stood alone with the steely sentinel.

A hush went over the crowd as the king stood with his head high. The hooded executioner came out onto the stage and waited by the lever. Armor clinked and announced the arrival of the criminal before he appeared. Magnus had only rags wrapped around his feet and shreds of clothing barely hanging from his form.

He twitched nervously but showed little emotion as he was herded up the steps. The hooded man came forward to wrap the noose around his neck and a holy man offered muttered prayers to the condemned.

You froze as you gaped up at the scene. It felt like a horrid nightmare. The prisoner shrugged away the holy man and strained against the rope. He looked across the green and his eyes narrowed at the king stood among the masses.

“Fuck the king!” He shouted and the lever was pulled suddenly.

The heavy body plummeted downward and all could hear the crack of his neck above their gasps. It was a sickly sound that made your legs weak. You saw Hal, close to the king’s shoulder, lower his head and a few onlookers swayed before they fainted. You felt queasy but did not waver.

You only remained as you were as slowly, those who still had sense, roused those in shock and dispersed. Those who had fallen were carried away by their companions and you still did not move. It was only as the king’s figure retreated that you were woken from your trance.

“Shall I have his skull boiled and brought to you?” He asked as he neared with his guards in tow. You shook your head and looked away from him. Your eyes stung. “Do not act as if I’m the same as they were,” he lowered his voice as he leaned in. “They would’ve killed you and the child. Where do you think they were taking you?”

You shivered and pulled your hood low to hide your distress. Loki let out a breath that clouded before him in the cold. Snow crunched as an unseen figure neared and another armoured man came up breathlessly. You peeked from beneath your cloak and king frowned at the guard’s frantic energy.

“What is it now?” He poked the guard’s breastplate harshly.

“Your majesty,” the man caught his breath in rasps, “The prince--”

“What of my brother?” Loki tensed and fidgeted as he glared at the guard.

“He is gone. He has escaped.” The guard announced. “He--”

“What do you mean he is gone?!” Loki seized the guard by the mail that poked up around his cowl. “How could he be gone?”

“It seems there was a plot. Lord Fandral and his ilk--”

“Fuck!” Loki shoved away the man and punched his palm. “Fuck!!!” He shouted and looked around at the liveried guards, “Well, you fools, go find them!”

[waitimcomingtoo]

Paranoid

Pairing: Peter Parker x reader

submitted by @7teenbl-ck : your Criminal Minds obsession gets you paranoid about crime in your neighborhood. Everything scares you now, even Peter

Masterlist

(this gif has nothing to do with the story but omg look at it)

“Baby, wake up.”  

You jolted awake when Peter shook you, your laptop sliding off your stomach and onto the bed.

“What time is it?” You asked groggily as you rubbed your eyes.

Sleepy you was peters favorite version of you, so he took a minute to answer as he admired the way your hair stuck up in every direction.

“It’s not even nine yet. I just got back from patrol.” He told you as he rubbed your hip.

“I must’ve fallen asleep watching Criminal Minds again.” You said before hiding a yawn behind your hand.

“Why are you so obsessed with fake crime when you have a boyfriend out there fighting real crime?” Peter pouted, moving your laptop off the bed so you wouldn’t lose it.

“I watch it for the plot.” You smiled sleepily at him, and he saw right through you. Peter let out a short laugh and brought your hand up to his mouth to kiss it.

“You watch it because you’re in love with that stupid agent Reid or whatever his name is.” Peter grumbled, his jealousy making you smile.

“It’s Doctor Reid.” You corrected, and he rolled his eyes at you.

“You’ve been watching that damn show every single night when I come back from patrol.” Peter whined as he pulled you into his chest and rubbed your back. “Why don’t you let me tell you about the real unsubs I see?”

“Fine, baby.” You patted his knee and curled into his chest, still half sleep. “Tell me about patrol tonight.”

“I saw a pigeon l in the backseat of a moving taxi.” Peter said excitedly, and you chuckled against his chest.

“How is that a real crime?” You teased him.

“That’s theft of service. That pigeon could get get fined up to $4,000.” Peter argued and you let out a laugh.

“Who would waste their time trying to bring a pigeon to justice?” You asked, and Peter fell silent.

“Peter? I need you to be honest with me.” You said, your tone suddenly seriously.

“Okay, sure” Peter sat up a little to give you his full attention.

“Did you go after the pigeon?” You squinted at him in the dark. Peter was quiet again and you could see him chewing his bottom lip in the moonlight that came through your window

“Peter.” You repeated in a warning tone.

“It was a slow night! The pigeon needed to be set free before he committed a misdemeanor.” Peter defended.

“You know who never has a slow night?” You wiggled your eyebrows.

“Don’t say the BAU” Peter groaned.

“The BAU!” You cheered. “Let’s watch Criminal Minds.”

“But I want to cuddle.” Peter whined. It not that he didn’t like the show, he just wasn’t in the mood for it. He’s much rather hear about your day or just about anything else you wanted it tell him.

“We can do both.” You insisted as you pulled your laptop into your lap. Peter scooted between your legs and let you be the big spoon as you clicked on an episode.

~

You spent the entirety of your Saturday watching Criminals minds while Peter was at his SAT prep class. He told you he’d be over around 5 to keep you company, something that had slipped your mind around the fourth episode you played. This episode in particular hit a little too close to home, as it took place in New York. As the episode went on, you began to feel fear bubble up in your tummy. It didn’t help that your parents were away for the weekend, leaving you all alone in the apartment. You paused the episode and went to make sure that your door was locked. You sighed a breath of relief when you saw that it was, and leaned your back a against it. That’s when it dawned on you.

You have so many windows.

And windows are just tiny glass doors that criminals can come through.

You rushed throughout your apartment, shutting and locking every single window you had. You shut all the curtains before returning to you bedroom to resume the episode.

While it played, you googled crime statistics in New York.

“443 out of 100,000 people in New York are criminals?” You read out loud to yourself, suddenly feeling very unsafe. You began to google crime in your immediate neighborhood when the episode caught your attention.

“Our unsub is a white male in his mid to late 30s. He’s going to be physically fit and may have already inserted himself in the investigation.” Emily Prentiss said, making the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

“I know some physically fit white males in their mid to late 30s.” You whispered in fear.

“He’s only attacked cars at first, but he recently escalated to apartments.” Derek Morag added and you gulped.

“I live in an apartment building.” You realized as white hot fear shot through your body.

“His last victim was a high school girl. He broke into her apartment when her parents weren’t home and attacked her while she was drinking a glass of water in her bedroom.” Hotch explained.

Your eyes shifted to the glass of water you had beside your bed. You swiftly punched the glass, making water spill all over your carpet. You had just turned your attention back to the screen when you heard a knocking at your window. You let out a scream and dove under the covers, saying a prayer in every language you could think off. You let out another shriek when they knocked again.

“Who’s there? Are you the criminals? From the statistics?” You yelled form under your covers.

It wasn’t until your panicked breathing calmed down that you heard your boyfriends voice.

“Y/n? It’s Peter. Open up.” He called, his voice muffled through the window. You peaked from beneath your covers and saw Spider-Man perched at your window. You sheepishly got out of bed and opened the window for him, locking it the second he got inside. You peaked through your curtains for anyone who might be watching and shut them tightly.

“Why was it locked? I thought you always left it open for me?” Peter grumbled as he took off his suit. He put on the clothes he left in your room as you sat on your bed.

“But leaving it open for you Peter is the same as leaving it open for all the criminals in New York. All 443 out of 100,000 of them!” You exclaimed and he paused as he was sliding on his shirt.

“What?” He asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

“I have been googling crime statistics in New York all day. Do you know how bad the crime has to be for it it warrant statistics?” You asked him, panic evident in your eyes. He took a seat next to you and took your hands in his.

“Baby, this neighborhood hasn’t had a crime since the guy on the fifth floor stole that lady’s package. And he returned it once he saw it was a cat bed, so no one was even arrested.” Peter reasoned with you but you still looked scared. “What’s got you all worked up?”

You looked at Peter as you nervously chewed your lip and it clicked.

“Don’t say the BAU.” He groaned and buried his face in your neck.

“The BAU!” You protested and he muttered something against your skin before picking his head up. He could see that you were genuinely afraid, so he pulled you into his arms and rested his chin on the top of your head.

“Sweetness, that show isn’t real.” Peter sighed as he rubbed your back. “It’s dramatized and fake and unrealistic. You don’t have anything to worry about.”

“The show isn’t real, but the criminals in New York are.” You said quietly. “There are a lot of bad people in the world and New York is full of them. And then you tell me about all this crazy kinds of bad people with giant wings and illusion technology that the rest of the world doesn’t even know about.”

Guilt twinged in Peters chest at your words. He never should’ve told you about the guys he was fighting if you were already paranoid. He picked up your head and held it between your hands, giving you a gentle smile to calm to down.

“You know what those guys have in common?” Peter asked you and you shook your head.

“No, what?”

“I took them down.” Peter said with a cooks grin and you rolled your eyes at him. “Beck is dead and Toomes is in prison. They can’t get to you.”

“But-“ You began.

“And neither can anyone else.” Peter finished. “My job as Spider-Man is to keep New York safe, but my job as your boyfriend is to keep you safe. You’re always gonna be my number one priority.”

You smiled slightly as Peter and pulled him into a long kiss to thank him.

“Thank you.” You mumbled against his lips. “I guess I shouldn’t be this paranoid. I just kinda forgot my boyfriend was Spider-Man.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m here.” Peter chuckled. “To remind you.”

Tag List 🏷

@maybemona @foreverxholland @writing-for-hours-on-end @lavender-writer @captainmandeestudent17 @whatareyouhidingpeter @takenbyheartstrings @ultrunning @imyourliquor-youremypoison @theolwebshooter @andreasworlsboring101 @guksmyfav @waiting-to-be-myself @letsloveimagines @peterparkoure @a-villain-vying-for-attention @justcallmehitgirl @averyfosterthoughts @jackiehollanderr​ @tiny-friggin-human​ @celestial-skylines​ @mara-twins​ @iamaunicorn4704​ @delicately-important-trash​ @spideygirl2003​ @the-crazy-fanfictionist​ @maryjanee23​ @spacebitch2​ @geeksareunique​ @emmamarshmellow​ @jillanaholland​ @unbelievableholland​ @rebekkah4766​ @flixndchill​ @sovereignparker​ @wendaiii​ @thisisthebiplace​ @spideydobrik​ @every-marveler-ever​ @undiadeestos​ @caelestii-e​ @eridanuswave​ @itscaminow​ @thegr8kush​ @solarxmoonchild​ @where-art-thau-romeo​ @canyouevencauseicant​ @probablyparker​ @illwritetomorrow​ @thehappygrungelife​ @saysomethingspiderman​ @parkerboop​ @smilexcaptainx​ @hes-amarillo​ @quaksonhehe​ @kelieah

[punz4lyfe]

Pokemon Journeys Episode 95 Review

Pokemon Journeys Episode 95. Let’s review:

While just barely close to perfect, this was a fantastic episode.

I’ll start off this review by talking about Butch and Cassidy, and omg, do I ADORE their appearances in this episode. I’ve discussed before on how I adore Journeys in showing many other past characters have progressed since Ash last traveled with them, and with the exception of Dawn, I feel every single return has done the characters justice. The same can be said for Butch and Cassidy. It was super awesome seeing them again and being genuinely happy for once, now that they’ve both left Team Rocket. They’re so much better off, that they even treated their old rivals with respect and hospitality. That’s freakin’ awesome!

I do wish a little more could’ve been done with them. Considering Jessie’s longtime rivalry with Cassidy, it would’ve been nice to have the two some final scene together, like before Jessie leaves, she and Cassidy shake hands and declare to put their past tension behind them due to the latter’s friendly hospitality. Also wished James’ flashbacks of bonding with Cassidy and his reasons of leaving her were animated, as it would’ve made things a bit more impactful and believable. Additionally, it would’ve been nice for Butch to ask Jessie and Meowth on James’ whereabouts and how Cassidy’s doing when Jessie states they already learned they left TR from her. He definitely could’ve had more screen time as well, possibly in Meowth’s flashback where he waves goodbye to him. Wish there was at least one mention of Dr. Namba too. I did REALLY enjoy the little detail of Cassidy’s wood carvings all Pokemon she’s had in the past, even the ones only seen on Pokemon Chronicles. Nice touch!

After how poor their comradery has been portrayed in episode 72, it was super relieving to see some proper respect here. While their departure scenes are admittedly kinda rushed, it’s still satisfying to them care for each other, but want the rest in the world for them. They love each other and couldn’t imagine life without any one of them existing. And no matter what, they will always have each other’s backs. THIS is the Team Rocket quad! Not the one shown in ep. 72 where Meowth makes one mistake and omg we all hate each other oh look there’s a girl on the side i oppose please let me join you instead becuz my frens suck. And for Pelipper, it was nice to get more character from them and see how caring it truly is for Team Rocket. (Is it ironic that TR’s Pelipper is a WAY more interesting character than Cerise and Red?) I do wish they caught the Chatot they freed from the Wailord, though. Not only would’ve been a cool generational parallel to Morpeko (TR having mons from Galar and Sinnoh, the two main regions of Generation 8), but it would just make sense since they saved the dude from a fate worse than death.

Anyways, I’d give this episode a 9/10. Great and proper character displays for Team Rocket, good use of Butch and Cassidy, and it’s also not too heavily saturated with comedic moments, with the only things holding it back from a 10 being some minor hiccups. (and Morpeko) And for next time, another return in the form Sophocles! Yeah, not much to say for that yet.

[random-mha-thoughts]

Pumpkin Kiss (Monoma x Reader)

Pairing: Monoma x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Prompt: Fall with Monoma, wither, pumpkin pie, hayride (I used all three ayee)

Summary: Class 1-A and 1-B take a trip to the local fall festival where Monoma starts acting more zealous than normal.

Word count: 1,555

Tags: @rintomoj @yamichxn @yuki-osaki @liviitehe @iamsoftsodonttoucheume-blog @bunnythepipsqueak

a/n: Ahhh the fall entry for the Seasonal Love Event.  With Fall, we’ve reached the last 2 days of the event...  I really hope I did Monoma justice with this, it’s my first time writing a 1-B character, but I tried to inject as much fluff as I could into it so it’s sweet (like pumpkin pie, hehe)

Seasonal Love Event Masterlist

"I think Monoma's being crazier than usual today," Kendo comments, munching on her kettle corn.

"Wonder if he's on edge about something?" Pony also perks up.  There's syrup smudged cutely over her lips from the caramel apple she's eating.  She's in absolute childish bliss picking on it.

"It's probably about you," Tetsutetsu says bluntly, his gaze directed straight at me.

"Why would any of his dramatic episodes have to do with me?" I snort as all of them direct their attention after his remark.

"Because even right now he's staring straight at you from across the field."  Ibara nods her chin over behind me.  "I also believe he must be put off by something."  I don't miss how she mumbles under her breath about him possibly needing an exorcism because of the sudden change.

"I'm really tired of having to chop his ass every two seconds.  It's like he forgot how to act all of a sudden."  The orange-haired girl rolls her eyes and hands me the half-full bag.  "Have the rest, I'm full."

I figured she wouldn't be able to eat all of it.  Kendo openly gaped at how generous the bag of kettle corn was when she bought it and - wrongly - proclaimed she'd be able to finish it.  I was correct to not buy anything and wait for her to give up.

Kirishima strolls over to greet Tetsutetsu with their secret handshake - no one really knows when they came up with such an elaborate routine, it just happened - before flashing his sharp teeth at me next.  "Hey, Bakugou, Sero, and I are gonna go hit up the carnival games, you wanna come with?"

"Sure, I wouldn't mind-"

"Uh, no, I don't think so."

The atmosphere suddenly fills with vexation as we all know who's voice that is.  The blond stomps over from behind Kirishima and crosses his arms over his chest.  How did he even hear that from across the field?  Was he eavesdropping or was he already slowly making his way over like the creeper he's become today?

"(Y/n) doesn't need to be hanging around you pompous, fake heroes."  I can practically hear the way he looks down his nose at Kirishima, thought there's a bit more edge.  "We provide enough company and enjoyment by ourselves, you're not needed."

I want to roll my eyes.  And why should I let this fool decide who I should hang out with?

"Besides, we all wanted to go on the h-hayride together," he concludes, sounding indignant until he stutters.

Monoma stuttered?

"Oh!  I think that would be so fun!"  Pony's eyes shine as she claps in joy.  "That's actually a pretty good idea, Monoma!"

"Yeah, it was the first intelligent thing you've said all day," Kendo jabs at him.

Kirishima shrugs and flashes an unbothered smile at me.  "We can hang another time then.  See you around!"  After bidding goodbye to me and Tetsutetsu, he jogs off to find the rest of his crew.

I whirl onto the blond and point a finger at his face.  "Don't try to control me and my friends, I do what I want."

Monoma flicks his hair casually, disregarding everything I just said.  "But I had a great idea, didn't I?  A much better one than just playing silly carnival games."

"Carnival games are fun, you know!  It's not just sitting on a stack of hay twiddling your thumbs!"

"But it would be relaxing, don't you think?" Pony chirps, her eyes still twinkling at the thought.

I don't have the heart to deflate her excitement.  "Yeah, I guess you're right," is my meek assent.  Though, I don't think it would be ll that relaxing considering the crisp weather we're experiencing.  Relaxation is more for summer I'd say, not fall with the withering colored leaves.

We make our way over to the hayride plain, Ibara deciding to leave in favor of taking some scenic pictures of the surrounding leaves.  There are only two carts and five of us, so we decide to split into a group of three and a pair.

"Kendo's the only one who can handle Monoma, so they should be together," Tetsutetsu suggests.  "I'll go with Pony and (Y/n)-"

"Uh, no way!" Kendo interrupts, a clearly displeased sneer morphing her features.  "Just because I can handle him doesn't mean I want to sit near him for at least 20 minutes."

"I have to agree," the boy in question pipes up.  "Besides, I'd rather be with (Y/n) who's nicer to me."

An unspoken hangs for the briefest moment after he said that, everyone glancing at me before Kendo shrugs.  "Welp, fine by me."

Aw come on.

Before I can complain, the three of them get into their hay-covered cart and get themselves comfortable.

"Shall we get going then?" Monoma questions in his over-dramatic way, sweeping his hand toward our own cart.

"Yeah, let's just get this over with," I mumble.

We mount ourselves onto the wagon.  Some of the hay is soft enough that it doesn't poke into me.  Once the horses start moving, the gentle rocking of the wagon is somewhat comforting.  I try to relax and ignore my partner, hoping he'll get the hint that I don't want him to talk as I lay my back against the floor.

"Pie?"

I peek an eye open to see an aluminum container hovering above my face.  I sit up and stare at Monoma questioningly.  "Where did you get this?"  Judging from the dark orange color, it's pumpkin pie.

"While you guys were discussing arrangements, I bought some for us to eat."  He places it in my lap before opening the clear lid on his own.  "Since you said there was nothing to do on a hayride, I gave us something to do."

Cautiously, I roll up and open the container.  "You didn't poison this, right?"

He waves his hand at me.  "Why would I do that?"

It's not that I don't trust him, I'm just wary of his behavior today and him being kind while choosing me to ride with is slightly unsettling.  Yet, I know he wouldn't hurt me and I appreciate the gesture, so I open it and take a bite.  The natural sweetness of the pumpkin dancing on my tongue while the crust has just enough texture to balance the softness of the middle.

Monoma's eyebrows furrow minutely.  "I also didn't want you to regret riding with me instead of the others."

I raise my own brow.  "I'd only regret it if you started your bullshit."

He levels his periwinkle gaze at me.  "Do you prefer Tetsutetsu and 1-A to me?"

I'm taken back by his question.  "Just maybe for fun, when you're in your moods about them I guess.  You're my classmate, not them.  And Tetsutetsu is fun to hang out with.  I prefer just talking to you like this."

"Oh.  I see."  He looks down at his half eaten pie.

Past his head, I observe a line of pumpkins decorating the road and laugh at one of the more irregularly formed ones.  "Are they sure that's a pumpkin?"

Monoma turns his head around and lets out a chuckle.  "I think the irregular ones taste sweeter."

"You don't say?"

I finish the rest of my own in silence, stealing glances at the boy's contemplative expression. He's actually quite handsome, anyone would fall at his feet if he weren't such an uptight pain in the ass most of the time. Pretty hair, pretty eyes, pretty face, even a strong quirk - he just needs to work on his attitude.

"Hey," his head lifts up and meets my probing eyes, only for his words to catch when he notices how I've leaned slightly forward.

The fork still frozen in my mouth as I hold it, I maintain his gaze and hum, waiting for his question.

A sudden brush of pink dusts his cheeks and he rubs his hand. "You said like my company, right?"

"Yeah, I do." My voice gets softer, chest pounding in anticipation for what's coming next.

Monoma coughs with the difficulty of formulating his words. It's endearing to see him struggle instead of being overzealous. "I-I like your company too," he rushes out like ripping off a band-aid.  "In more ways than one.  I'm trying to say I like you."  With every word, his face saturates in more and more color.

A tenderness wells up inside me as I process his confession.  Monoma being out of character towards me proves the sincerity of his words, or at least the fact that his feelings for me are more special than the rest.

In a spur of the moment, I lean over and plant a light kiss on his cheek.  The response I got was priceless: scarlet blood flowing straight to his ears as he clears his throat to regain his composure.  Until he catches me off guard and counters with another kiss that barely misses the corner of my lip, causing my own embarrassed warmth to flood through me and butterflies to gather in my belly.  The sweetness from the pumpkin pie he ate lingers there when I swipe my tongue over to wet my suddenly parched lips.

"So, do we agree to spend more time with each other?" Monoma attempts sounding calm and collected.

I shuffle over closer to him, our fingers brushing together.  "Yes, I'd like that."

Monoma's like that weird shaped pumpkin in a way.  He doesn't present as the best outwardly, but he's sweeter if you decide to take a bite.

[schemmentisimpasours]

Forgiving Rollins

Characters: Amanda Rollins, Ella Alina Benson, Noah Benson, Olivia Benson

Relationships Olivia Benson x Amanda Rollins, Olivia Benson x Original Character

Summary:  This is based off of Season 16 Episode 10: Forgiving Rollins. But with a twist! Of course. There is some minor mention of stuff that is in the episode but I tried to keep most of the serious stuff out of it. This was actually a request. @svufan9812 I didn't write this while tipsy but I am posting it while tipsy.. so enjoy!

Warnings: Episode Spoilers. Some mentions of sexual assault. Alcohol. 

----------------------------------------------

Olivia could tell something had been wrong with Amanda all night but was unable to pull any coherent answer out of her. Anytime she tried Amanda merely shrugged and moved to a different topic. In all reality, all Amanda wanted to do was wrap her hand tightly in the burnette’s and try to disappear from this place and all the memories that were beginning to surface. However, their relationship was just recently public to everyone outside the precinct and they both agreed that PDA was not something that wanted to shove in everyone’s face immediately. Instead, Amanda did her best to keep her mind focused on the one thing that could take away all of her problems. Alcohol.

“I’m out of here,” Fin said, immediately heading for the door after Amaro’s offer.

“I have got to get home to Ella and Noah guys,” Olivia said, placing a gentle hand on Amanda’s arm. When Amanda made no move to follow she pulled her hand away doing her best not to sigh, “Goodnight.”

Amanda watched as her girlfriend walked away from her. She so badly wanted to follow and head back with Olivia to their shared apartment. She knew that Ella would rush to her, taking her in a long hug. Noah would be sleeping but Olivia would pull her in his room so they both could say goodnight to him. Ella would want to hear all about the party but Olivia would insist that she was already up too late and they would talk in the morning. Then she and Olivia would change into pajamas Amanda borrowing a pair of Olivia’s just so she could be further wrapped in the smell she loved so much. Olivia would open her arms beckoning Amanda into them and holding her close. She would press a kiss into Amanda’s forehead and that is when Amanda’s facade would crumble. She would cry into Olivia’s arms telling her all of the horrible things that had happened to her. She couldn’t do that. Not yet. So instead she sat down at the bar downing shot after shot till the memories became blurred.

When Amanda awoke the next morning in the crib she immediately regretted her decision looking at her watch and knowing she was already an hour late walking downstairs. Her plan to sleep here and be on time had been an epic fail. Not to mention, she had missed five text messages from Olivia and Ella checking on her. She ignored all of them which she believed would be a good plan until she ended up heading to the hospital to get the victim statement with Olivia by her side.

“Amanda, is everything okay?” Olivia asked shyly, afraid of the answer.

“Yeah, Liv. I’m fine,” Amanda shrugged, “Just a long night.”

“Okay,” Olivia said, reaching her hand out taking Amanda’s, “I missed you last night.”

Amanda smiled for a second running her finger gently over Olivia’s palm, “I missed you too Liv.”

“And when you are ready to actually talk about what is wrong. I’ll be here,” Olivia said, taking Amanda’s hand pressing a kiss to the back of it.

“Thank you.”

Amanda clung to the feeling of Olivia’s kiss on her hand as she tried to settle her panic attack in the hall of the hospital. She never imagined that her secret would unravel so quickly.

------------

Olivia looked at Amanda’s terrified face as she answered all of the questions that Dodds asked her. She knew one thing for sure… she was looking at the face of a victim. She had seen hundreds of them pass through the doors of the precinct. She just never imagined that one of those faces would be her girlfriend. A woman she was beginning to love more and more every day. A woman she imagined spending the rest of her life with. It was even harder to watch as Amanda’s attacker sat in the interrogation room across from Dodds acting as if Amanda had been the one to blame. She wanted to burst through that door pushing that man onto the floor and tell him all the awful things she wanted to call him but instead, she was distracted by Amanda rushing out the door. She looked at Fin and he merely nodded, following Amanda to wherever she planned on running to.

Fin followed Amanda all the way to the bar she sat at, swirling her drink gently in her hand, “I had to check half the bars in Long Island City.”

“I don’t want to talk about this.”

“I’m not leaving.” Amanda sighed at her partner half thankful and half angry that he had followed her. As she disclosed the story of what had transpired between her and Patton she could feel a small weight lifting off of her chest. However, when Fin pushed her to share her story all of her walls went back up.

“What about this girl?” Fin asked, leaning forward.

“Well, she’ll get over it. I mean she might have been sleeping with him anyway. You know? She will go back to Atlanta and she’ll pretend like it never happened.”

“Just like you did.”

“Well, pretend long enough and after a while, it’s like nothing did happen.”

“Is that an example that you want to set for Ella? That if she were to get assaulted that she should just suppress her feelings down until there is nothing left?” Fin asked her.

Amanda slammed down her drink, “Leave Ella out of this. This has nothing to do with her.”

“It has everything to do with her, Rollins! Ella is like a daughter to you and if this happened to her, you would tell her to shout her story from the rooftops to get justice. If you want this thing between you and Olivia to work… you need to set a good example for her child.”

Amanda placed her head in her hands thinking about what Fin had said. She needed to tell her story. At least to Olivia.

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Olivia and Amanda stood outside Barba’s office building soaking in the sun that had finally peaked through in the cold morning. Olivia reached out for Amanda’s hand, taking it in hers. She pulled her close wrapping Amanda in a large hug. Amanda wrapped her arms around Olivia burying her head into Olivia’s chest.

A large silence hung in the air until Olivia finally spoke, “I’m so proud of you Amanda. That was not an easy thing to hold onto for this long.”

“I’m so sorry Olivia. I should have told you,” Amanda cried, “I thought that you would think I was damaged goods. That I was no good for you. That I was a liar. That I.. That I..” Olivia stepped back placing her hands on either side of Amanda’s face. She used her fingers to gently wipe away the tears that rolled down her cheeks, “Amanda, I do not think any less of you. You are not broken. You are a survivor. You are an amazing, beautiful human. And I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.”

Olivia couldn’t stop the words rushing from her mouth as she looked at the blonde woman. The “I love yous” had always been standard in their relationship but Olivia had never once hinted at the fact that she wanted to be with Amanda for the rest of her life. Future was something that Olivia never planned but she was willing to risk it all for the blonde that stood in front of her.

For a moment she was terrified she had made a mistake until Amanda smiled back at her, “I love you, too, Olivia. Forever sounds like a perfect place as long as it is with you.” Olivia smiled at this as Rollins leaned in and gave her a kiss. Olivia gave Amanda a quick kiss on her forehead before they began their walk home. They walked the entire way holding hands.

When they got back to Olivia’s apartment, Lucy and Ella were on the couch playing video games. Noah was in his swing napping with Frannie wrapped around the bottom legs. She had taken a liking to Noah but only when he was sleeping. That is when Frannie would protectively lay down and watch over him. Ella jumped from her spot on the couch immediately rushing over to Olivia and Amanda. She grabbed both of them in a large hug, noticing the tears that Amanda was still trying to keep at bay.

“You and Noah both behave for Lucy while we were gone?” Olivia asked then looked at Frannie, “And you too Miss. Frannie.”

“They were all great,” Lucy smiled, “Your meeting go well?”

Olivia nodded, not wanting to share too many details. Lucy promised Ella they would finish their game the next time she was over. Ella gave her one final hug before Lucy left for the evening. When she was out the door Ella was tasked with letting Frannie out and then getting Noah ready for dinner. Ella clipped on Frannie’s leash before rushing out the door. Olivia quickly checked that Noah was still sleeping before starting dinner.

Amanda watched Olivia rush around the kitchen silently getting all the supplies they needed for dinner, “You look beautiful Liv.”

Olivia paused for a moment and laughed, “I highly doubt that.”

Olivia’s hair was done up in a messy bun pulled back with a clip. She had a wooden spoon in her hand gently mixing the sauce in the pot. Amanda couldn’t think of a more beautiful woman in the whole world.

“How did I get so lucky to be in love with the most beautiful woman in all of New York?” Amanda asked, causing Olivia to blush.

“Rollins,” Olivia paused, “Get over here and kiss me.”

Amanda grinned, taking Olivia in her arms giving her a hard kiss. Amanda never once dreamed that after all that had happened to her she would end up here. In the arms of the woman she loved and who most importantly loved her back.

There was a sudden crash at the door as Ella rushed back in with Frannie. She was out of breath and tears were running down her face. All of the hair on Frannie’s back was standing up as she plastered herself against Ella’s legs. The commotion caused Noah to jolt awake and begin to cry. Olivia frantically turned off the stove unsure of what child to rush to first. She settled for Noah as Amanda wrapped Ella into her arms.

“Ella what is going on?” Amanda asked as Ella tried to catch her breath.

Ella calmed her breath just enough to tell her story, “A man drove onto the sidewalk behind Frannie and I. He jumped out of the car and threatened us.” Olivia held Noah in her arms trying to calm him down as she began to feel her blood boil. Fear rose in Amanda’s heart as she realized what was about to unfold.

Ella looked up at Amanda, her eyes bloodshot, “He said that if you testify against Patton he will do exactly what happened to you to me. What is he talking about ‘Manda?”

With this question, Amanda looked over at Olivia. Olivia ran her hand through her hair reaching for her phone, “I’ll call Barba.” “What is going on?”

“Ella, you should take a seat,” Amanda said, pulling Ella over to the couch, “I’ll explain it to you.” Amanda explained the whole story to Ella not sparing any detail. Frannie sat between the two women, Ella gently petting her any time she got nervous. As Amanda began to cry again, Ella reached out her hand and Amanda took it gratefully. Her touch was almost as calming as Olivia’s. Something about the Benson girls just made her feel at home.

When she finished up her story Ella began to ask questions, “Is that why you moved from Georgia to here?”

“Yes, I thought it would be a nice place to restart.”

Ella pondered asking the questions she really wanted to know: Does this mean you are going to be leaving again? However, she dreaded the answer so instead, she took Amanda in her arms hugging her close.

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Amanda turned her key in Olivia’s lock, Frannie immediately getting loose from her hand and running towards Olivia. Olivia giggled as Frannie jumped on the couch curling up in her lap immediately exposing her belly to be pet. Amanda swore that Frannie loved Olivia more than her most days. After hanging up Frannie’s leash and taking over her shoes Amanda walked over to Olivia. Olivia looked up allowing Amanda to place a quick kiss on her lips.

“Where is my Ella Bella?” Amanda asked, glancing around the apartment.

Olivia nodded towards Ella’s door, “Been cooped up in there since I told her that you were going to take some time off and go on vacation. I think you should talk to her.”

Amanda placed another kiss on Olivia’s head before heading towards Ella’s door. In accordance with the three-year-old rule, Ella’s door was opened enough that Amanda’s arm could reach through the opening. Ella was laying on her bed with headphones in her ears throwing a ball at the ceiling. Amanda opened the door gently and walked over to Ella’s bed. She reached out grabbing the ball from thin air causing Ella to jump.

When Ella noticed Amanda standing there she quickly tried to wipe away the tears from her face. She took off her headphones sitting up in bed pressing herself into the corner of her bed as far from Amanda as she could.

“What’s going on buttercup?” Amanda asked, rolling the ball in her hand, “You only really bring this out when things are getting worse.” Ella reached for the ball but Amanda closed her fingers around it, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“That’s fine but you aren’t getting your ball back,” Amanda shrugged getting up from the bed.

“Wait Amanda,” Amanda turned back around and looked as Ella hugged a pillow close to her chest, “Please don’t go.” Amanda sat back down on the edge of the bed. She pulled her legs up on the bed but kept her distance from Ella knowing that when Ella was ready, she would come to her. The silence between the two of them dragged on for a couple of moments while Amanda waited for Ella to speak.

“Mom told me that you were leaving for a while,” Ella said, twirling her fingers together.

“Yes, the trial… everything...it was just a lot. I think that it would be good for me to get away for a little bit.”

Ella nodded, tears starting to fall down her face again, “Are you going to do what you did last time? Find someplace better and never come back?”

“Oh, Ella. Honey. I’m only going to be gone a couple of days. I will be back.”

“Promise?” Ella asked, looking up from her pillow.

“I promise Ella. I am not going anywhere. I wouldn’t imagine ever leaving you, Noah, and your mom,” Amanda told her, “You think you can keep a secret?”

Ella nodded and then Amanda beckoned her closer. Rollins pulled out a tiny black box from her pocket. She opened the top showing Ella the engagement ring that she had bought for Olivia. Ella let out a squeal of excitement grabbing Amanda into a hug.

“Think it is too soon?” Amanda asked nervously.

“Not at all,” Olivia said from the doorway causing both of the girls on the bed to jump.

Ella looked anxiously between Olivia and Amanda to see what would happen next. Amanda didn’t even attempt to hide the ring from her. This was not the way that she had ever imagined to propose to Olivia but she had learned quickly that things in her life never seemed to go the way she had planned.

“I didn’t mean to ruin the surprise. I wanted to see what you guys wanted for dinner,” Olivia said, running her fingers through her hair nervously.

Amanda merely smiled at Olivia and got down on one knee right in the middle of Ella’s room, “Olivia Benson, will you do me the honor of calling you, my wife?”

“Ooo,” Ella gasped, “That is way better than the traditional way to ask!”

Olivia looked at Ella rolling her eyes, “You two are going to kill me one day. I can’t believe I’m gonna spend the rest of my life with you goons.”

“Is that a yes?” Ella asked.

Olivia giggled, pulling Amanda up to give her a kiss, “Always a yes. Always.”