#maybe I'll split it into two chapters? but I'll finish both before posting

[jensthwa]

i hate to be the ten thousandth person to ask this but!!!! is there an eta for the next chapter of mountebank chem ? love u and ur work!! 💘

hi, my love! it's okay, you guys can ask one thousand times and I'll gladly answer 🙂‍↕️ I don't have an eta yet but i can say i finished around half of it and a little more already! I'm a little busy with life, doing some freelance stuff while actively searching for a stable job so I've been away from it for a sec but I'll get a lot done this weekend.

I am sorry that I keep you all waiting 😞 but! I also want to give you all the quality over quantity you deserve! thank you for being so patient with me and i love u lots 🫶

[youreverydayfangirl]

READY FOR IT

pairing: max verstappen x singer reader

summary: the one where she's adjusted to a new life, she begins to let out her feelings and she meets someone new

warning: none i think this is a pretty cute chapter, maybe alchohol

a/n: another post omg?????

face claim: sabrina carpenter

f1 masterlist

main masterilst

series masterlist

f1gossip has posted

liked by 120, 384 others

f1gossip Rumour has it that World Champion Max Verstappen and girlfriend Kelly Piquet have called it quits. The pair was last seen in Febuary earlier this year but an inside source reports they've been broken up since December. Thoughts?

user1 FINALLY

user2 not sure if this is really shocking to anyone

user3 NONONO THEY CANT BE

-> user4 get a life

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y/nsprivate has posted

liked by keekslikestospamm, thatoneartgirlalex and 23 others

y/nsprivate nothing just hot girl shit

tagged: livbereallydumb, itssabrinaaa

keekslikestospammmm livbereallydumb looking like a queen tbh

-> livbereallydumb don't you know it

thatoneartgirlalex whos the girl in the first slide?

-> livbereallydumb think its y/nsprivate not sure tho

-> y/nsprivate STAWP IT

leosfather i better be seeing you tomorrow

-> y/nsprivate TRUST QUEEN I'LL BE THERE

thatonefrenchguy FINALLY ON THE PRIVATE

-> y/nsprivate you better be grateful and also ill remove you if you get too annoying

-> thatonefrenchguy MEANNNN

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

"Y/n. Hurry up please." Y/n rolled her eyes slightly at the persistence of her best friend who had literally just finished getting ready.

"I'm coming," Y/n replied, rolling her eyes with a grin. Tonight was Charles' 27th birthday, and they were all headed out to celebrate. When Y/n finally stepped out, Alex gave a low whistle.

"Wow, Y/n, you look amazing," she said, looking her up and down.

"Yeah, yeah," Y/n replied with a playful smile. "Where's the birthday boy? He can't be running late on his own night."

"Later than you are, which is ironic since he calls me the diva," Alex laughed, wrapping her arms around Y/n.

When Charles finally finished getting ready to go, the trio made their way to the car and headed to the small club Charles had booked for the night. As they drove, Y/n felt a quiet sense of peace settle over her, as if everything in her life might just be okay from here on out.

Arriving at the club, Y/n was greeted by a wave of familiar faces, triggering a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. Many of the people here were mutual friends she hadn’t seen since the breakup with Lando. They hadn’t necessarily taken sides, but after the split, they had drifted out of her life. She politely greeted a few, already dreading the day ahead.

As she made her way to get a drink Y/n bumped into someone, "Oh sorry I- Carlos." She said, suddenly feeling a very strong sense of uncomfort around herself. Whilst her and Carlos were very close during her relationship with Lando, Carlos picked his side and seemed to hate Y/n for it.

"Y/n," he replied sharply, his accent thick with a drunken edge. "How have you been?"

"Fine, thanks," she answered, keeping her tone polite. Before he could continue Charles appeared out of nowhere, throwing an arm around both of them. Whether he knew it or not, he relived the tension and Y/n was grateful for the interruption.

At the sight of his drunk friend, a huge smile spread across Carlos' face, and the two fell into more animated conversation. Y/n found her thoughts drifting. After saying she needed some air, Y/n slipped away and made her way to the balcony, leaning against the railing.

She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice the soft click of the door opening.

"Oh, sorry... I didn’t realize anyone was out here," an awkward voice said, breaking the quiet. Y/n turned, a bit startled, and found herself face to face with someone she vaguely recognized but had barely spoken to, Max.

God, he’s gorgeous. It was the first thought that popped into her mind. His green eyes caught the light with a slight glitter, and a small, warm smile curved his lips. If looks could kill, she thought, feeling her cheeks warm. He was effortlessly handsome, too handsome, in fact.

As they shared a brief, almost charged silence, Y/n couldn’t help but wonder if he had a girlfriend, or how many hearts he’d broken along the way. Max cleared his throat, shifting his weight a little.

"Y/n," he greeted, straightening his back. She returned his smile, small but genuine. "You look great."

A small smile spread across her face, "Um thanks, you too."

"How’s Gizmo?" Max asked with a soft smile, moving to stand closer to her. Suddenly, any lingering awkwardness between them melted away.

"Um hes good." Y/n said, perking up at the mention of her cat. Something about that simple question made Y/n feel more comforted in his presence. Most people would ask how was she doing or ask about her music. But Max seemed more interested in the little things, who she was.

They slipped into an easy rhythm of conversation, eventually settling down on the balcony with their backs against the wall, the quiet hum of the party inside fading into background noise.

"So," Max began, a faint curiosity in his eyes, "are you seeing anyone at the moment?" His tone was casual, but there was something unguarded about the question that made her laugh.

"After everything that’s happened? Do you think anyone would want to date me?" she replied with a playful smile, although her tone held something else.

Max’s gaze softened. "Why wouldn’t they? You’re stunning, and you’ve got the personality to match."

"Haven't you heard what they’ve been calling me?" She tilted her head, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

"I don’t make a habit of listening to the media," he said, shrugging. "I’d rather form my own perspective." His words were calm, but there was something unwavering in the way he looked at her, something that made her heart stumble in her chest.

She glanced away, her cheeks warming. "I don’t know how true that is," she mumbled, a bit embarrassed.

Max leaned a little closer, his gaze never leaving her face. "Oh, come on. I bet you’ve stolen a lot of hearts."

The way he was looking at her, intensely, with a hint of admiration, made her feel as if she needed to break eye contact, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to.

Just as she was about to respond, the door opened, and Kika’s voice floated over. "Y/n! Come on, come dance!"

Y/n smiled, nodding in acknowledgment. "Just a minute," she called back, then turned to Max. "I guess I’ll see you around?"

Max’s eyes sparkled, and he gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Trust me, you will."

A few shots later Y/n found herself looking for a place to sit and gather herself for a minute. As she turned around the room she noticed him sitting on a barstool and made her way over to him.

"Not enjoying yourself?" She asked him and he instantly perked up at her voice. Something that he internally scolded him self for, don't make yourself seem desperate Max.

"No, I am," he replied, smiling, "just not a heavy drinker." He turned on the stool to face her fully, his posture relaxing as he settled into their conversation.

Suddenly, a familiar song came blaring through the speakers, "I love this song!" Y/n exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement. Before she could say anything else, Max held out a hand, a playful smile on his lips.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, the formality in his tone nearly too gentlemanly for the club setting.

She gave him a soft smile and slid her hand into his. "Lead the way."

They wove through the crowd and onto the dance floor, where the music enveloped them. As they moved together, Max leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "You know, you never answered my question. Do you have a boyfriend?"

"No."

___________________

y/nsprivate has posted

liked by keekslikestospamm, thatoneartgirlalex and 23 others

y/nsprivate CHA CHAS BIRTHDAY I LOVE YOU BITCHHHHH

tagged: leosfather

leosfather the sister i never had

-> y/nsprivate pascale loves me more tho so...

-> leosfather here i thought you were being nice

-> y/nsprivate NEVERRR

thatoneartgirlalex meeting your wife through your boyfriend>>>

-> y/nsprivate exactly how it happened

keekslikestospammm you and max were looking VERY comfortable last night 👀

-> thatoneartgirlalex WHATTT

-> leosfather SPILL THE DEETS NOW

-> y/thatoneartgirlalex we're coming over now

-> leosfather im bringing champagne

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

thatoneartgirlalex has posted

liked by y/nsprivate, leosfather and 43 others

thatoneartgirlalex you best believe the tea was spilt

tagged: y/nsprivate

y/nsprivate 👀👀

-> thatoneartgirlalex 🤐🤐

leosfather charles erasure 💔

-> y/nsprivate as it should be tbh

jimmyandsassysdad can i know the tea?

-> y/nsprivate what are you doing here?

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

charles to max

y/n and max

Unknown has been changed to Max

________________

i think this is pretty long but idk

any ways heres another part for you guys ;)

_________________

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[cheesenames]

AO3 Wrapped: Writer's Edition

I was tagged by the lovely @batrachised and I will learn from her example by just skipping questions I find boring

Words written this year: 27,893

Works written this year: 8 (a nice even split of 4 for each of the fandoms I write in)

Work Most Proud of: It almost feels like cheating to use a collaborative work, but I'm really pleased with Bioethically Speaking, Mr. Sheev. I feel like I've already said this a zillion times, but figuring out how to tell a story and show characters' personalities within the limits of the format (email chains) was a challenge I enjoyed + I think it turned out well

Work with Most Hits: Conveniently also Bioethically Speaking

Fav title: "may they never forsake you" came from a poem that's been bouncing around my head for more than a year, so I'm glad I finally found a place to use it

Pairing You Wrote the Most For: I barely write romance at all, but this year I've got an in-progress fic where Anidala just keep getting married again and again and again, so they win by default

What Work was the Quickest To Write: I'm pretty sure Set her up for ever took less than 30 minutes

What Work Took You Longest To Write: Two of the three multi-chapter fics I started this year remain unfinished, so probably those. I was so sure I was going to finish one of them before Halloween...........

How Many WIPS do you have for next year: Besides the two fics from question 8, I've got 3 stories I've started drafting and no guarantee that I'll finish any of them. I would also really like to try writing a story not in English next year, though I've got no ideas connected to that goal yet

Longest Work of the Year: boring, next

Shortest Work of the Year: boring, next

Fav character to Write: Anyone I can make fun of a little bit. Lately the main targets of that have been Mr. Bennet (???) and Anakin Skywalker

Which work of yours have you re-read the most: Probably that dream within a dream because I have to remember what I've written so I can continue it lol

Total Kudos this Year: boring, next

Total Hits This Year: boring, next

Total Bookmarks This Year: comedically skewed by a single fic, next

Total Subscriptions This Year: I'm actually not skipping this one because I don't understand why 58 people subscribed to a bunch of one-shots. I'm not complaining, it's very flattering, I just feel a little bad that they're not going to get any more

What Do You Listen To While Writing: silence <3

Fav line or passage: Uhhhhhhhhhhh. I have various lines that amused me (to everyone's detriment, I do think I'm funny) but I feel like my favorite is from a fic that generally underwhelmed me? It was one of those situations where I couldn't get the idea out of my head without writing it, but I knew going in that I would probably not be able to write it in a way that satisfied me. But we try anyway, and maybe next year I'll revisit the concept to try it again. Anyway, here's Obi-Wan and Sabé being mean to each other post-RotS:

“I fought him off, I got her off the planet, I held her hand while she—” Obi-Wan took a deep breath, realizing how dangerously close he’d come to spilling another secret. “While she died. And all that time, you were safe on Naboo, not even knowing she was in danger.” “Fought him off? He’s alive, and you’re alive, and she’s dead, and you expect me to laud you for your supposed heroics?” “It was more than you did!” “And whose fault was it,” Sabé spat, “that she was ever in danger in the first place? Who brought that viper into her life, who trained it to act docile so she’d never expect the attack? We both know what he’s done, and you’re still lamenting him?” “I know what this is,” Obi-Wan said nastily. “It’s the jealousy again. She made one decision without you, and you never forgave her, and you can’t stand that I proved myself more loyal to her—to both of them.”

No-pressure tagging @animazi , @midnight-melancholiaaa , @twicesonnet , @wlwanakin plus anyone else who sees this and wants to do it (because I surely would have tagged you if I’d made the connection between your tumblr and ao3 usernames)

[atlas-of-the-mind]

The Light Room Masterpost

A long time coming, the official TLR AU masterpost is finally here!

Find Chapter One Here:

This post will be split into two parts: World/Story Lore and Character Lore, the latter of which will be focusing on our main characters. Reader beware, long post ahead.

World/Story

The Light Room AU is a horror fic centering around the DCA and a Fazbear Employee named M.C.. Sun and Moon are separate bots, originally made for the theater program before a tragic incident shut down the theater before it was ever finished. Sun was repurposed into the DCA, and Moon was completely scrapped, locked away in a tiny closet called The Light Room hidden inside one of the utility rooms in the Pizzaplex.

- Vanessa was the head engineer of the theater project before it got shut down. Her death is what caused the project to get scrapped.

- There's a secondary building beneath the Pizzaplex that no one is allowed to access.

- There's something in the Pizzaplex that causes guests(adults and children alike) to go missing, and for their families to forget they ever existed.

- Some parents are suspicious of the daycare because of the rumors that some kids don't come back. No parents who lose a child ever seem concerned until their neighbors ask, though.

- Things can follow you home.

- The Pizzaplex is entirely self sufficient at night by running off of large generators in the basement.

- Sun can only move in light levels of 500 Lumens and above. Below that, their joints lock completely.

- Moon, inversely, can only move in light levels below 600 Lumens. (He can sense light differences as low as 50 Lumens, though he can't actually see.)

- Both Sun and Moon were built to kill. Sun would lure people in, and Moon would lunge from the darkness. People are still drawn to Sun, for some reason... and people still tend to go missing around them. Strange...

Characters

Sun (he/they/she)

> The ever-energetic Daycare Attendant. He works on a very outdated CPU system, making them lag and stutter as they speak and making him easily overwhelmed by too much stress all at once. They're far from slow, though! Easily able to keep up with all the duties that come with their title. They log every guest that comes into the Daycare and he never forgets a face.

> Sun is incredibly self-sufficient and cool under stress (metaphorically). Originally built as a theater bot and the hero of that theater, the hasty wipe and reprogram left them with jumbled memories of their purpose and past, leaving them with lingering habits and a diva streak. She has a very black and white view of the world and doesn't believe in second chances.

> Personality: I am a dedicated caretaker, I have never known anything else.

> Bond: Virtue. I must do the right thing.

> Flaw: I am self-righteous and always the hero. Anyone who disagrees with me must be a villain.

> Song(s): Don't You Dare Forget the Sun(Get Scared), A Human's Touch(TWRP), Over & Over(Rio Romeo)

Moon (he/it)

> The monster in the closet. Built as the partner to Sun in the theater program, his unstable nature led to his own downfall, and the downfall of the theater program as a whole. He was scrapped, salvaged for parts and left to rot in his own personal prison, believed to be too dangerous and too unfinished to be easily repurposed.

> Moon is a mix of animal and child in his current unfinished state, working off of his limited senses and what little context he remembers. He's curious about the world and unaware of his strength.

> Personality: I am lost in the world and capable of terrible things. Best to move carefully.

> Bond: Connection. Maybe one day I'll be seen as more than just a monster.

> Flaw: Do not underestimate my wrath. It will be the last mistake you ever make.

> Song(s): Ruined Lullaby(CG5), You Can't Hide(CK9C), Let Me Through(CG5), No Strings(Skyfixing)

M.C. (~30, they/them)

> A Fazbear Service Tech trying to make a living. M.C. hasn't had the best life ever, being estranged from their family and handling their addictive/obsessive habits, but the life they have, and the life they want, is a quiet one. At least, it was.

> M.C. (Aka Miquella C[REDACTED]) is a robot enthusiast and mechanical engineer. They're pessimistic and struggle to stay connected to reality, but they're not antisocial; They give everyone the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. Or until they lose interest.

> There is no such thing as an evil robot.

> Personality: I don't want much. I keep my head down and only engage if I'm interested.

> Bond: Curiosity. I can't let something go if I don't know how it works.

> Flaw: I am blind to danger to myself. I don't matter much anyways.

> Song(s): NAPOLEON(Carter Vail), Half Past Three(Cosmo Sheldrake), All the Ways I Could Die (Arrows in Action)

Vincent (~28, he/him)

> Software engineer and employee of Fazbear Entertainment. He's notorious for his short fused temper, but his work usually speaks for itself. His hair is prematurely grey. Seems to run in the family.

> Vincent and MC are very close. He feels his emotions very loudly and very deeply, and is slow to come down from being wound up.

> Personality: I'm here to stay and do good work, and I'm dragging you along with me.

> Bond: Family. I will protect those I love. Even from themselves.

> Flaw: My anger often gets the better of me, and I say things I don't always mean.

> Song(s): Everyone's Dying(Roe Kapara), Devil Town(Cavetown), The Other Side of Paradise(Glass Animals)

Vanessa The Mimic/The Rabbit (she/it)

> I'm supposed to be dead. Though I suppose to be dead you have to have been alive to begin with. I vaguely remember living at some point... metal suits my needs much better than flesh, don't you agree?

> Personality: I know what I want, and there's nothing you can do to change my mind.

> Bond: Pursuit. Once I have marked my prey, I will stop at nothing to catch it.

> Flaw: I am beyond mortality. Nothing can kill me now, but you can certainly try.

> Song(s): She Doesn't Sleep(Anthony Amorim), Homonculus(Trickle & Tikaal), Final Girl(graveyardguy), Walla Walla(Glass Animals)

At some point I'll update refs and make a height chart of some kind, for now you get the main 3 of Sun, Moon, and MC

Sun and MC are about the same height at 6ft and 5'11", respectively, and Moon standing fully upright is 10ft tall. Vincent is slightly taller than MC at 6'2" and The Rabbit generally hangs around 5'4".

*MC is always wearing their glasses + mask. They also have extensive scarring which I'll draw at some point. Their scars are on: Right calf (major break), Left Forearm/hand (springlock failure, permanent metal bones under skin), lower back (claw marks), chest(claw marks), and top of thighs (SH).

There's also Gibbus, but he hasn't been written about yet:

Gibbus is a trickster menace who has very mean ideas about what a prank is, and likes to terrorize people when left unsupervised.

[tarabyte3]

I Want You to Show Me Weak

Fandom: Andor

Pairing: Kino Loy/F!Reader

Chapter 24/27 (3.9k words)

-> start at chapter 1 <-

<- Chapter 23 | Chapter 24 | Chapter 25 ->

Summary: You're pretty sure Kino Loy hates you. He screams at you, grabs you, and shoves you against the wall, and it's becoming a problem because, well...it shouldn't fluster you as much as it does.

Warnings: Explicit rating, Smut, Prison, Prison sex, minor non-graphic injuries, Dom/Sub, sexual tension, dirty talk, praise, hair-pulling, choking, unprotected sex, oral, angst, orgasm denial, humiliation, slut shaming, references to domestic abuse, discussion of domestic abuse, minor violence, discussion of violence, description of violence, come eating, discussion about sexual assault, allusion to sexual assault

A/N: Hello, friends. It has been many months, but here I am working on finishing this fic. I split what was originally going to be 1 chapter into 2 parts (it got really long, which was overwhelming 😅). So this chapter is a little shorter with no smut, but a week from today will be the rest of it and that will have PLENTY of smut. After not posting something in so long, I just wanted to get something published to stimulate the Kino center of my brain to inspire me to write more. That way I can get this finished sooner rather than later! Also PLEASE take note of the new tags. There is a discussion about hypothetical harassment and assault in this chapter, but no description or specifics are mentioned.

Work title is from "Poison" by Vaults. Chapter title is from "Delicate Dream" by Shana Halligan.

AO3 Link

Chapter 24 - Well, you reap what you sow, and I know that you know what we have is a chance to get off while we can

"Okay, so tell us again exactly how you knew about the fucking floors. Because I'm still confused," Alis says as you both work the joint cylinder into place. He's clearly gotten over being angry at you at this point, which means he's circled back around to being chatty. Not that you're complaining.

"Yeah, I'm actually really curious about it as well." Taybus perks up across from the two of you. "Considering, well, you know…"

"Don't look at me! That was all Threl." You jerk your head in his direction.

Everyone peers over their work to eye Threl expectantly. Even Jevid gives him a bored look, which translates to downright curious when it comes to the grizzled, older man.

"It wasn't that difficult." Threl shrugs off all of your stares without even looking up.

"He's being modest. It was fucking brilliant," you say to the rest of the pod as you pick up your wrench. "Come on, tell them! If I do it, I'll just mess it up."

"Alright. If it will get you all back to work, then fine." Threl lets out a sigh of resignation. Then he straightens up, pulling himself to his full height—the muscle memory of Threl the engineer still ingrained within him, even years later on the other side of the galaxy. It gives you one more glimpse into what he must have been like before prison. "Look, you all know I used to build starships. The construction of the interior rooms and halls isn't that much different than the way they designed this place. Different function maybe, but I know how they think in terms of utility and cost. So when I look at the layout of this place and what kind of things made it into the final blueprints, I know what would have been scrapped to save time and money. You know?" 

"I absolutely do not know," Taybus laughs, "but keep talking and pretend I do."

"Okay. Everything from the layout of this room to the connecting bridges and the design of our cells was once a blueprint. The first draft was rough and bulky and contained a lot of extras. Probably amenities that would have made our lives a little better," he frowns at that last part, "but no one was going to approve it. They don't care about us and they want cheap, so every draft afterwards was more streamlined. They kept cutting and cutting until it was as basic and functional as you can make it without losing value."

"So they…cut more floors?" Taybus's face is scrunched in a nearly comical attempt at concentration.

"Don't hurt yourself, dude," you mutter. Alis chokes on a laugh next to you and coughs politely to cover it up.

Threl sighs through his nose and shakes his head in disappointment at you before turning his attention back to Taybus. "You're half right. Bare tunqstoid steel panels on the floor, easy to install. Reliable. You know exactly how much electricity they conduct and that they'll do exactly as intended. They're necessary to keep us in line. It's also expensive to cover every inch of this place. Not to mention the extra weight of the panels and structural support needed to compensate for it…that drives the bill up, too." Threl pauses so everyone can take a step back.

"Clear," Jevid grumbles. The center console comes to life as the next piece lifts to slot into place. You all move in unison, like a well rehearsed dance, to lift it so it can be rotated.

"Do you see bare panels up the walls? Or anywhere in the cells other than the floor?" Threl glances around the group, waiting for an answer.

"No," Sorrek responds quietly from across the table. There's a pensive look on his face and you can tell he's curious about where this explanation is going.

"That means, if they were there, they would be under the molded plastic where we can't see them."

"And they don't work under plastic?" Taybus hesitates before getting back to work.

"Correct!" Threl smiles widely at him. There's a hint of pride on his face as he glances over. "When you put plastic over metal, it's usually as an insulator. Because plastic doesn't conduct electricity…unless you mix the plastic with something that does conduct electricity during the molding process. Then the electric current travels along those particles instead. But doing that makes the parts more expensive. The current that can pass through the plastic also isn't as strong as the bare metal. That makes it unreliable. So you tell me what's more likely. That the Empire paid to have the walls and benches in every inch of this place lined with tunqstoid steel and a composite plastic of conductive filler or that they saved money by cutting those plans for the final blueprint and just wanted us to think they put them there?"

"They're definitely cheap. Hence," you add, "no panels or sensors in the benches."

Jevid and Sorrek exchange a look of shock. You wonder how many years both of them have been living with the acceptance of the lie. You also wonder what else about this place has been blindly accepted as truth.

As you glance around, you can't help but notice that the walls don't seem quite so oppressive anymore. Especially now that you understand on a much deeper level that that's all they are.

"Damn, Threl." Alis lets out a long whistle.

"See? Told you. Fucking brilliant." You give Threl a stare that says 'I told you so,' which he pointedly ignores.

"Wow dude. You're really smart." Taybus gapes at him.

"Yeah," Threl laughs as his posture finally relaxes back into the man you're more familiar with. "I know my way around this shit. I did it for over a decade."

"Wasted in here on this bullshit," you grumble.

"Don't disagree." He shrugs. "Unfortunately, when you start sabotaging the Empire's plans and they catch you, they don't just slap you on the wrist and let you keep your job. I'm lucky I didn't end up someplace worse than this."

"Well, I appreciate it a lot," Taybus says with a sincerity that makes him look almost sweet. Almost. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, kid." Threl puts a hand on his shoulder and gives him a gentle shake. "Just enjoy it."

"You get laid?" You smirk at him.

"No." His cheeks redden, but it doesn't hinder the look of excitement that spreads across his face. "We finally made out, though!"

"Hell yeah, man!" Alis stands on his tiptoes as he reaches over the table to give Taybus a high-five.

"Congratulations!" You beam at him. "Nice, isn't it?"

"Yes." He ducks his head as he blushes some more, and a strand of hair comes loose from his ponytail to hang in his face. He tucks it behind his ear and breaks out into a goofy smile. "It's really nice. I get why you were so annoying now."

"Hey!" You protest, only mildly offended. It's not like you disagree.

"Were?" Alis pipes up next to you.

Scratch that. Now you're properly offended. "Oh, is this what we're doing now that we got the excitement about the floors out of the way?" You yank the soldering gun off of the table. "Picking on me?"

"You make it really easy, to be fair," Threl teases.

You let out a noise of disgust. "Fine. Go ahead. You can't hurt my feelings because I know Kino will just kiss them better later."

"Gross," Taybus mumbles. You smirk at him.

"Yeah, that's right." You lean in his direction and lower your voice. "Keep teasing and I'll talk about how good he is at it, too."

"I'm pretty sure most of us have heard already." Alis gives you a knowing look. Next to him, Sorrek shakes his head in disapproval—though whether it's directed at you or Alis, you're not sure—while Taybus and Threl snicker at your expense. "Besides, you think that will deter me? You're going to have to try harder than that."

"God, you're obnoxious. Why are we friends again?"

"I grow on people." He grins.

"Like a fungus, maybe," you mutter.

"Fungus is very useful, so thank you for the compliment." His grin widens to an intolerable degree.

You roll your eyes as you work the soldering gun on the joint. While you do, you're surprised to find that, despite how much you brushed it off, being teased about last night bothers you. Not on your own behalf, though.

On Kino's.

When you finish, you straighten back up and clear your throat.

"Listen, since Alis brought it up, I know all of you heard me last night and I want to apologize for it. Clearly we got complacent and weren't being as respectful as we should have been. I'm really sorry. It'll never happen again." You can feel your face burning with embarrassment as your expression turns sheepish. "I'm absolutely mortified. So you guys are welcome to tease me about it if you want. I deserve it, honestly. Just…do me one favor and please make sure he isn't nearby to accidentally overhear when you do. Alright?"

Jevid grunts, which you assume is an agreement, and Sorrek nods, also looking a little embarrassed at the memory. You can't imagine what shade of red he turned after it happened. You also can't imagine either of them—or Edii—doing the teasing. They aren't the ones you're worried about.

"No problem, kid." Threl says easily. And it's no surprise he would agree to something for Kino's benefit. Or yours, for that matter.

Next to him, Taybus makes a face. "Why? He overhears us teasing you all the time."

"Because," you shift your attention to the part as you get back to work, "this will actually upset him."

"What's the big deal? Is he embarrassed because people know you're having sex in your free time now?"

"It's a big deal because it's him." You say it as though that should be obvious.

"He's still gotta be the shift manager after this." Threl tries to explain when Taybus continues to look unconvinced.

"Do the managers take a vow of celibacy or what?" He scoffs.

"No, but there's an inherent power imbalance between him and her." There's the cranking of a wrench as Threl works through the conversation. "That's enough to get people focused on them more than, say, you and your boyfriend. No offense."

"Plus," you interject when you see Taybus opening his mouth to protest, "if people are gossiping about us, he'll think of it as a distraction. Distracted people work slower, get lower numbers, and make mistakes. Mistakes lead to injuries or worse. They draw attention. He'd rather they didn't think about us at all. We're all safer that way."

"And he's right," Jevid adds in his gruff voice. "The last thing you want in here is them keeping tabs." He jerks a crooked thumb up towards the viewing window for emphasis. "That's why Kino runs the floor the way he does. Good numbers mean they leave you alone."

"Besides, you all remember what Wem pulled. Not everyone is gonna politely gossip or chuckle about it. Some of them are definitely pissed." You shoot a dark glance over at Wem's table.

"Why would they be pissed?" Taybus follows your line of sight, but with less subtlety.

"Jealousy, do you remember?" Edii finally speaks up. "There are some who did not look happy for her last night."

"Let me guess," you sigh. "Table 4 again?"

He nods. "Most. I see others, too. A few."

"Jealous of what? Of Kino?" Then after another second of thought, Taybus nervously adds, "Of her??"

You choose to ignore his last comment. Because they should be jealous. Kino is a fucking catch.

"They think he plays favorites. That because of her, he favors our table best." Edii stares at Taybus with a hint of his old irritation, clearly bothered he has to spell it out. "They are also mad they do so poorly in their numbers, so they blame us because that is easier than accepting they work bad together."

"Okay, so they bitch about it. So what? I seriously don't understand what the big deal is." Taybus still looks confused and you know it's because, for him, it is that simple. He's still young. The world hasn't taken on as many shades of grey yet.

You toss your soldering gun down heavily on the table to get his full attention. When his head jerks in your direction, you give him a serious look—though you do your best to keep your tone patient despite the frustration.

"I'm gonna forgive the ignorance here, Taybus. I know you don't mean anything by it. It's easy to forget some things when we're over here bullshitting half the shift. But take a look around you and remember one really important detail. Something I have to keep in the back of my mind every moment of every day." Taybus glances around the floor while you continue talking. "I am one woman trapped in here with a bunch of men."

The rest of the table freezes. You watch them exchange uneasy looks out of the corner of your eye while Taybus processes what you mean.

"Now, I feel completely safe around you guys, and I'm lucky we're usually stuck together. I think some of the other guys out there seem like decent men, too. The shitty thing about being a woman or someone vulnerable is that thinking someone is decent doesn't always keep you safe. What if someday some asshole decides bitching isn't enough? What if they think that I, or Kino, need to be taught a lesson? Or they want to take out some frustration in a more active way, so they sneak back while I'm taking a shift break?" You let the implication hang in the air. Taybus's eyes finally go wide in realization and horror.

"Then one of us takes our break with you!" He protests.

"You know we can't, kid. It's one at a time from the tables so we don't get behind." Threl gives you a regretful look. Your face softens in appreciation. You know he's right, but you also know that he would do it in a heartbeat if he could.

"That's bullshit! Surely Kino would make an exception for her." Taybus jabs a thumb in your direction.

"Then he's seen as playing favorites for sure and that pisses them off further." You put a hand on your hip as you step back from the table. "Clear."

"If they touch you, I'll deal with them." Sorrek stares at you with that cold rage you've seen a few times now. The kind that sends an uneasy shiver up your neck. You know it isn't directed at you. That's not why. You worry for him and how he would feel afterwards if he did something he couldn't take back. Or if he got stuck in here longer, away from his wife. From his daughter.

"I know you would." You give him an affectionate, sad smile. "But that would just prevent it from happening a second time."

Sorrek's face falls, the dangerous threat immediately shifting into helplessness. Jevid shoos him away from the machine before he can protest. Or start tearing up.

"It's not just that. What if a group of them decides they don't have to listen or be respectful out of spite? Maybe they even do it on purpose to make it look like Kino can't control his men and isn't fit to lead because they want the guards to replace him as shift manager. Imagine having an asshole like Wem as a manager. Sure, Kino's a hardass, but he's fair and he's a good man. But someone cruel with the perks and the power of that position?" Not to mention the ability to keep the two of you apart out of spite, you think to yourself.

"Wait, they could really do that? Put someone else in charge of the floor?" Taybus is starting to look even more worried.

You turn to look at Sorrek, Jevid, and Threl with an eyebrow raised. "You guys have been here the longest. Could they?"

"They choose whenever a floor needs a new one. I guess it's possible." Sorrek answers carefully.

"They could." Jevid gives you a confident, hard stare. "Not only could they, it wouldn't be good for him either. Never seen it done, but they'd probably add more shifts to his sentence and he'd be back at a table."

Taybus stares at him in shock, as if he's waiting for Jevid to suddenly take it back. When he doesn't, he stares dejectedly down at the table. "Damn. That's all fucked." 

"It's all fucked indeed," you sigh.

"Okay. What should we do, then?" Taybus glances around at the rest of you for answers. "We keep an eye on her, obviously. Especially during breaks. Then we also…keep an eye out to help Kino so our lives aren't even more miserable?" Taybus's face scrunches in disgust. "God, never thought I'd say that."

Edii waves a dismissive hand at him. "I will keep an eye out on ones that look…what is the word? Suspicion?"

"Suspicious," Taybus mutters to him.

Edii continues on like he didn't hear him. "If they say or do anything, I will know."

You smile fondly at him. "Thank you, Edii."

"I was going to do so anyway. I keep a look out a lot of the time I have been in here already. Many people ignore me. I hear a lot." He turns to stare directly at you. "Incredible hearing." And then he nods seriously.

"You're damn right," you chuckle. "Sorry I ever thought it was a curse."

"It is alright. Makes people uncomfortable when they realize what I hear." He gives you a piercing, knowing look. You shift awkwardly in your spot as you remember that morning and all the filthy things you and Kino did and said to each other. You're confident no one else heard. You're now far less confident Edii didn't.

"Hey, wait!" Taybus perks up like he just remembered something. "I know Vage's table would be on our side. Table 1 is pretty cool."

"Oh, we drawing battle lines now?" Threl teases him.

"No!" Taybus protests. "Just, you know, in case."

Alis gives him an exaggerated wink and a nod of encouragement. Taybus gives him, what he thinks, is a subtle thumbs up in return.

"No, none of that," you gently scold both of them. "Look. I'm not saying any of that is going to happen, it's all just worst case scenario. I'm not saying someone will definitely try to corner me or harass me or hurt me. Or that suddenly me getting laid will turn into a riot. In fact, I'm not actually worried about any of it. All I'm saying is…" Your face softens with affection as you turn to look where Kino is standing on the other side of the room, bent over his tablet. He's frowning intently at something, and the way his forehead wrinkles and his lips pout in disapproval makes your heart flutter. "He is. There's a lot that could go wrong every single day and he's stressed about it. All the time. Because he thinks everything is his responsibility. I just don't want to remind him of what happened and add to that." You turn back to them with a pleading look. "Okay?"

"You love him very much." Edii gives you a rare, half smile.

Your cheeks burn hot and you look down at the table, embarrassed, because now the entire pod knows and is staring at you with various degrees of amusement and softness. It's almost too much attention, and it feels worse than when they all learned you were having sex. Because this is exposing your heart and laying bare your vulnerability, while sex is just sex. 'Which was also because of Edii,' you internally grumble. Okay, maybe his hearing is a bit of a curse.

"I do," you respond quietly.

Edii nods, as if he already knew the answer and you were simply confirming it for him. Then he returns to work, just like that. You do still admire his ability to readily accept something and move forward. However, you're less enthused about him bluntly supplying the table with updates about your love life. You wonder if that's just an Edii thing, or if it's a natural, open topic where he comes from.

"Fine, alright," Taybus relents with a huff. "I'll keep my mouth shut."

"I was never going to let him hear anyway, are you crazy? The man could probably toss me halfway across the room if he wanted." Alis shudders. "And if he heard me making fun of you, he would definitely want to."

"Oh, yeah, he would definitely want to." You grin wickedly at him. "And I promise, from experience, he probably could."

Taybus groans again.

The rest of your shift continues on with more teasing until they finally get bored with it. Partially because you threaten to supply them with more intimate details since they're clearly so interested in your love life. Alis is, of course, the last one to relent, but only after Sorrek has turned a concerning shade of red and looks dangerously close to tears.

Then they start badgering Taybus to tell them the plot to another one of Vage's holonovels. Not because Taybus is a particularly good storyteller—he'll frequently forget a detail and have to backtrack to fill in the blanks, making everyone else groan in frustration—but because it's something to pass the time.

And the easy camaraderie really does make the time go by faster rather than focusing solely on the work. As you talk and listen, your hands move automatically over the parts, expertly repeating the pattern almost as an afterthought. It would be easy to lose yourself in the rhythm.

You don't, though. You can't help but be aware of every passing hour. Nine.

You laugh at one of Alis's terrible jokes so hard your stomach hurts. Kino has to walk by the table to scold all of you and tell you to stop messing around and pick up the pace. You glance up at the clock. Eight.

Sorrek tells a story about one of his fights in a house so packed, the crowd ignored their seats to push and shove against the ring to get a better view of the main event. He was convinced the ropes were going to buckle under the pressure and that the match would be called when the crowd swarmed the ring. Jevid's heard this one before. Seven.

Threl once altered ship blueprints to include hallways that went nowhere and closed ventilation systems that cycled back into themselves rather than properly vent through the filters, which would cause a steady buildup of carbon monoxide. They caught the first one before construction began. They didn't catch the second one until afterwards, and whole sections had to be scrapped and rebuilt. "That's the trick," he says. "You distract them with one hand so the other can do more damage." You notice a look on Edii's face—a thoughtful concentration—and you wonder what he's thinking. Six.

One more down. Five now, and soon that will pass, too. You smile around your table.

One less hour until the end of your shift. One less hour in your sentence.

One less hour separating you from Kino.

A/N: As a reminder, the next chapter is coming out a week from today! And as a heads up: There are only 3 chapters left before the fic is over, so 27 chapters total. (I know 😭)

Also I have the most rudimentary understanding of how electricity works, so please do not @ me if I'm wrong because I simply don't care that much. What I do know is the floors in Narkina 5 shouldn't work at all, but they do because space magic. So anything I got wrong is clearly just more space magic 😂 I just wanted to take the opportunity to give more of Threl's backstory and show off how cool he is. He's from Naboo and he worked for Theed Engineering (for the other Star Wars nerds: they built Governor Tarkin's personal starship.)

NEXT CHAPTER->

[ilreleonewikia13]

Before you read, I wrote the first draft of this post in October, then I resumed it in April, but then in May I decided to heavily re-edit it when I noticed the massive grammatical errors that I left. So the version you will read is quite changed from its original form. Starting with the decision to split it into more chapters and not in a single piece as I did before. I even tried to add more characterization to some events as I noticed that maybe I rushed up some important things, cause when I wrote this "fanfic that is not a fanfic" I didn't have a clear vision of the events in their complexity. Some parts were very detailed and explained well, while other parts are only briefly mentioned. As I re-edit it I tried to make everything more cohesive and pleasing to read. For this reason, unlike the first version, this post will only be about the disclaimers and the introduction of my "fanfiction not fanfiction", as the whole "story" will be published on AO3. As I'm writing this I've already posted 2 of the 5 parts, and right now I'm working on the editing of the 3th chapter.

The Doom in Our Blood Comes Back - the Fanfic of a Fanfic

INTRODUCTION TO THE MANUSCRIPT: THE CHRONICLES OF TWO DRAGONS

TRIUMPHS AND DEFEAT

THE CONQUEST OF DORNE

RUBIES AND IRON

When do you start to realize that a fanfiction stops being just a fanfiction and becomes a real work of entertainment?

For me it's when reading it makes you want to theorize about it as if it were a real book and even before it is finished: this is what happened to me with "The Blacks and the Greens" by @sweetestpopcorn a fanfiction (which almost every fan who started watching the series has read if like me you went looking for Daemyra fanfics on AO3 as soon as it started) that tells the story of the Dance of Dragons starting with the idea that Daemon and Rhaenyra got married as soon as their "affair" was discovered, thus an AU of the original plot leading to a completely different scale of events from the original plot of the series/book.

This story, still in progress (at the exact moment I’m writing this post it arrived “just” at its 170th chapter) has gripped me so much this past month that my brain convinced me that this was the real canon story and made me completely forget about the existence of the TV series: so if you are interested to read this AU I suggest you read the original fic, even if it’s a little bit long cause it’s totally worth it.

I thought about writing an actual story about these ideas I had but then changed my mind. It didn't make sense to write about one idea when I already had a bigger story planned that wasn't finished yet.

As I said before, the story from where I take inspiration is only halfway done and things might change a lot in the upcoming chapters as I write this post. This means that the characters I'll talk about in this headcanon might have died to are going to because I don't control the story, the author does.

As I write this post, my idea for "this story" went in a totally different direction than what the original author intended. It became its own separate version of the Blacks and the Greens, with a different set of rules and logic.

I am a big fan of the Black side in the civil war and like happy endings.  I wanted Helaena to be happy with her kids and for Rhaenyra to rule the Seven Kingdoms with her husband and raise her five children. In my imagination, the Greens give up quickly and Rhaenyra becomes the Queen without any fighting. She brings both sides together and makes the dynasty stronger.

This means that in this universe almost all of the Targaryen family is still alive and because the war didn't last too much the finance of the kingdom is not significantly damaged making the reign of the Black Queen very prosperous and full of innovations, technically and artistically speaking, making for them more effortless to conquest Dorn and made Westeros finally United.

The first idea for this story was to talk about Rhaenyra and Daemon's five children and their fun experiences instead of just focusing on Rhaenyra and Daemon's relationship, which is already the main focus of The Blacks and The Greens.

When I was reading the fanfic for the first time, I knew that liked Baela the most because of her personality: plus in my head, she's like a female version of Daemon for this reason, I decided to use her as the main character in my story.

She, in my mind, had the right characteristic to be our main POV, being, in my head, the “middle child” of the group - so the one who is between Aegon and Viserys (the boys) and Rhaena and Visenya (the girls) - and that belong to both of the two worlds, the feminine and the masculine, and have both these sides with her.  She, in my fantasy, will spend a lot of time with her two brothers, with whom she will share a very strong bond as a very strong rivalry for the attention of their father; with the girls too she will have a special relationship. Especially with Rhaena who is her twin, who is, in some way, her opposite and her complementary, especially in the way they decide to express their femininity over the years.  I think that in the Book-canon, Baela looks more masculine than what it was depicted in The Blacks and the Greens, and because this headcanon is heavily inspired by that fanfic, I decided to follow this vision more than the canon one. 

In this universe, she dresses like a combination of Queen Visenya, whom Baela really likes, and Queen Rhaenys. Baela is both strong and sensual like her mother Rhaenyra. She wears bright colors like red and loves jewelry.

I thought about what clothes would look good on her at the court. I imagined she would like dresses that were fun and sexy, with low necklines and tight bodices. These dresses would be like armor to her and would have lots of beads on them. I got ideas from the outfits worn by Anne Boleyn in the show The Tudors, which I really like.

She likes to show she is comfortable with her sexuality, without feeling ashamed for having fun with men as she thinks that both women and men should be able to act in the same way.  Besides her regular clothes, I also see her wearing softer and masculine tunics as she trains, showing how much she loves the culture of the East continents. Even though she doesn't like to study, Baela enjoys reading High Valyrian poems and listening to Lysene music, as she prefers to sing over playing it. I can imagine her spending time flying and staying with her dragon more than her siblings. She will become very fond of her dragon, Moondancer.  She will also train with her brothers with the sword and be very good at it.

Because Baela became a such strong and intense character in my mind, I started to think that she needed an equally strong and enigmatic counterpart that matched it, but at the same time opposed it and gave it a hard time: or in reality the opposite, that is someone she could challenge and confront, someone equally crazy and reckless, but by the opposite and darker energy. 

And so that at any moment this post headcanon "The Blacks and the Greens" has become somehow a story focused on Baela and Aemond, or at least with a particular focus on the relationship and the clashes between these two. 

Let me make it clear that the choice to "pair" these two characters were not based on a double interpretation of the original story, which clearly shows a strong dislike for Aemond and the Greens in general. The decision to highlight Aemond's character was solely influenced by the irresistible charm of Ewan Mitchell, the actor who played the role in the television adaption, which unfortunately clouded my judgment. To be absolutely clear, I have never felt any form of empathy towards him during my entire fanfiction journey, except for some mere pity.

There were multiple factors that led me to spare the lives of Aemond and Aegon, as I believed it would be more gratifying to let them suffer as they experienced the consequences of all the actions that they made thought the first half of The Blacks and the Greens and the accompanying disgrace of their defeat, rather than simply executing them on the spot.

In this headcanon, Aemond will undergo significant transformations, causing a profound shift in his mentality and character due to experiencing a series of intense and traumatic events. As a result, this version of Aemond will differ significantly from both the Bookcanon and the Blacks and the Greens.  The decision was serendipitously influenced by reading a particular sentence in the fanfic where the detestable Aemond ridicules Daemon for allowing Rhaenyra to mistreat him and become submissive to his sister, referring to him as a "slut." Aemond expresses his reluctance to ever allow a woman to control him as his uncle did.

Well, these two simple sentences made me decide that I need to create my own headcanon where Aemond would become the exact thing that he always derided his uncle for: a "loser" who would be bossed around by all the women in his life. And not only command but as a great misogynistic bastard who was, after touching the bottom of the funds, it would be a woman to save him and put him on track, making him feel indebted to her. 

So this is how this literary experiment was born.   

A simple and very banal enemies-to-lovers story with A LOT of drama and a bunch of dragons, but that needs the perfect setting to work, for this reason, most of the work I did was on figuring out how to set the side character and the background events in a way that could serve my goal.

As I specified many times in this exaggeratedly verbose disclaimer and in the tags this is not actual fanfic, I will not so use a prostatic style like many other stories in this platform, still, I want my readers to have a pleasing experience while reading this work, the result of a very elaborate mental wank and my pressing need to take my mind off my real duties, so I decided to write the whole thing as if it were a cross between historical writing and the introduction to a Greek tragedy. 

Imagine, just like in Fire and Blood, that an obviously bored scholar set out to write the memoirs of Rhaenyra and her deeds; as I tried to make up this story I even tried to figure out the timeline of our characters' birth, some of them are the canon ones used in the books, while the others are the ones I tried to calculate trying to use some mathematics and the information that the writer give us on her fic. This means that it's not very precise, but I hope it's remotely accurate.

Aemond= 110

Daeron =114

Addam=114

Alyn=115

Larra= 115

Aegon III = 118

Viserys = 119

Daenaera = 120

Baela and Rhaena =121

Visenya= 125

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera = 123

Maelor = 127

Baelor = 130

[luimagines]

*walks in tiredly, offers you a mug of tea, downs my own like a shot, makes it like the Wild 100 years ago* Hey there, hope you're doing well today ^^

Probably long ask so uh, warning and apologies in advance. I'm glad the Lustrous ask was seemingly well received? XD It's just a snippet of a bigger thing, I'm writing a full thing for them when I have the time (along with a series for the Fairy Tale prompts, which I also have snippets of if anyone's interested?) which I'll post later and tag you if you're interested, plus you listened to me basically just come into your little corner of the internet and ramble about a crossover of a series you're not familiar with and LU, so it's only fair since it basically inspired me to keep going, so thank you ^^. Although, uh, Citrine/Little Link won't have a good time, apologies in advance, I blame the evil moon people. Yeah sorry he's probably going to pull a Time or Sky in the bad sense. That was an exchange from a draft of chapter 4 and English is not my first language even though I've been using it more for years, so that's likely why it's off, I apologize for that. Also I promised I'd come here and scream about how much I adore your writing of the boys (and once again, thank you for posting, great pick me up after a rough week that really does make me want to walk right into a Guardian beam, so here we go while I can even if I may need to split this in two if I hit the word limit.

Also the small family with Warriors and Wind is so wholesome, I think I went under from cavities alone (or maybe it’s the sleep deprivation, eh), please let the Link’s have parents and parental figures who stick around and don’t contribute to their trauma universe and Wind and Aryll are definitely up there in both deserving and needing it a lot, had to say I laughed at Warriors not being as thrilled by the crab as someone who makes friends with them and seagulls every time I’m near the ocean, they’re neat little fellas ^^, Poor Legend probably ain’t gonna be thrilled to find one on his clothes though, I know I wasn’t before figuring out how to keep them out, also, Reader comforting Aryll- just yes, also Wind’s grandma is the best I don’t make the rules. Sick Reader is such a mood, the boy's reactions hurt to read though it's really heartwarming how much they care, perfectly in character, 10/10, would definitly die over it again. Reader being good with a bow made me chuckle and smile because the irony of being familiar with a bow and seeing Reader and Wild excited of it reminds me of when I first picked it up, sweet and humorous and I adore it. Four getting a taste of his own medicine- *cackles hard in current Minish Cap player and Manga reader of it and Four Swords* That's what you get for your canonical flirting boy! He was as bad as Warriors and look where it got him XD Also he's so gone for Reader's Colors and Reader in general, it's sweet and just really good, I love it so much, plus the Reader’s colors have so much personality and it’s great. The Fear Room, goodness THE FEAR ROOM. I'm going to need to save it in for another ask because there are so many little details that I adore and I am a sucker for horror and it's too good- 20/10, would scare my poor dog again over my pain and elation.

Reader accidentally spilling who’s their favorite (and suffering as a result) also makes me cackle and smile a lot, it’s soft and sweet and each Link being so elated by it is literally so sweet (though Time, Wild, and Twilight literally murdered me during that segment, not a bad cause of death all things considered, but how dare all Link’s be so sweet? Like I’m already dead here, shoveled dirt into my box and everything, no need to try finishing me off), na interesting detail is how Hyrule and Legend both have the almost immediate reaction of asking why, dunno if it’s intentional or not but it’s a very neat touch, like you don’t have to elaborate but either way they’d happy if you did decide to which reflects really well with their characters. Four overreacting the second Reader takes it back (be smothe, smithy boy, specially so you don’t plot), Sky being sweet but oh so oblivious and basically killing Reader and Warriors being flattered, Wind just being triumphant in general and wanting to make Reader smile, Wild basically getting a critical hit in, Twilight and Time existing, it’s just so nice and I am soft. Plus the consistent and cackle worthy betting always makes me wheeze.

Speaking of betting, the Link’s being so gone for a tall S/O is both hilarious, consistency I greatly appreciate and a mood, plus the lines where definitely on point for sudden hilarity (“They got family?” “They took all your height” “And ours too-“ “Twilight wondering why he got none of that” absolutely sent me, great pick me up after a generally bad time existing), and all of them being soft and just so happy their S/O is in their lives and how they can show them off when meeting in each Hyrule is really wholesome, plus the consistent betting and friendly teasing which really sells how they are as close as brothers is really nice to see.

Soft Fierce Deity, honestly the main thing I can say coherently is that if the favorite scenario, and then the meeting scenarios slayed me, then this man came into my house and stole all my bones before killing me again in a good way because I am too soft, I have a really soft spot for the Fierce Deity, and the way you write for him is great and we usually don’t see much for him in any corner of the Zelda (or adjacent) Fandoms, it’s in character sure because Nintendo has a tendency of mentioning deities in Zelda or Link variants and then just refusing to elaborate, but it always makes me happy to see people write stuff for him among other things, 50/10.

How to Be a Heartbreaker delights me, always nice to see Warriors being the flustered one instead and his and Reader’s banter (and Twilight cameo) gives me life, I could probably write a small essay on why it delights me so much, but again word limit so let’s move on, maybe during another ask or something.

... Actually maybe I should save the oneshots for another individual ask, more organized that way.

Anyway, onto there’s only one bed! Also know as, Wild killing me with cackling that had my dog nuzzling me with concern and being my spirit animal all in one go, never change Wild Child, knew there was a reason you managed to bring me back to the Zelda fandom, me trying and failing not to be soft for Warriors, soldier boy deserves good things and it’s really sweet how much he cherishes reader, and me and Legend having the same trauma (aka KOHOLINT, if I could I’d fistfight the Windfish, I can’t go to the beach without a seagull being nearby and remembering Marin, specially with the friendly ones who actually come by just to stare and chirp for a while and it hurts), the fact he doesn’t want Reader to look down on him, because he doesn’t want them to leave him like how he basically lost or was left by most people in his life, the correlation with when he was stranded at sea, Reader comforting him- Just yes, bless the veteran. Flustered Reader is also my spirit animal, and cat Reader delights me to no end,  thank you once more for the wonderful contente and all your work in the fandom!

Also, while the urge to nap has not yet claimed me yet (and with hopefully the Tumblr wordcount not vibe checking me), I saw an ask about Time/Mask/Sprite with a resistance leader s/o? May I raise an idea/au of this au that’s been haunting me every second when I’m not doing anything much? Resistant Leader in the pre-timeskip timeline (aka The Child Timeline) started out as a Terminan Thief, that’s why Mask didn’t run into them when first going to get the Master Sword, they haven’t left Termina yet. The first contact Mask had with them after the timeskip was when they stole his wallet as a Deku Scrub, ran from him on the second day and then vanished on the third day. After the loop starts Thief/would be Resistant Leader Reader is somehow always just there, stealing random stuff from him and generally making his life harder (he would like to know how they snatched the Bunny Hood from his head and the Gilded Sword without him noticing, please? But Thief Reader definitely ain’t going to start divulging tricks of the trade) but always vanish on the third day before he can really stop them to talk, so honestly done and just really wanting to know why someone he remembers as this really amazing, confidente and badass leader would be acting like this (because it honestly doesn’t seem in character, given they were fighting Ganon for so long and stalled him several times on his search for Link) and just really missing a friend and being tired of these loops, he manages to follow them, maybe Reader was in a spot of trouble with other thieves and couldn’t get out of it unless they stole a certain quantity of rupees or rare items, and by the final day they snap and that’s why Link doesn’t see them (maybe the Gorman Brothers? If Reader spoke out and maybe tried using one of his stolen weapons to have a go at them for attacking Cremia and Romani if they’re close, although it’s generally ambigous, maybe it could be someone from Ganon’s former band of thieves who ran to Termina, and that’s why they became a Rebellion Leader in the timeskip? They couldn’t leave, saw what Ganon was going to do to Hyurle went, “Hm. Don’t really like that!” and probably fought their way out, maybe getting other thieves to speak up and rally together as well and it just escalated?) Either way, Mask sees what’s happening and that they probably can’t get out of it alone like usual and helps them because that’s HIS friend lord darn it he hasn’t seem them in forever and thought he wouldn’t ever see them again, the first familiar face since maybe Lullaby and Malon he’s seen in a while, he isn’t leaving them behind (casually raising my headcanon of Fae possesiviness being Time’s fault in the bloodline if we want to figure out where Hyrule’s came from, because the Kokiri are basically another branch of Fae and have fairies near them), and as thanks they not only give him his items of whichever loop his in back but maybe something of their own as well to remember, and help him out with the rest of the tasks or a temple (probably by somehow getting him the dungeon item, or a few dubiously acquired potions ahead of time), but if he had to reset they get caught up in it and actually remember the previous loop, given the way they just SPRINTED through Clock Town on the first day and instead of being subtle like always to steal something, they just bowl him over in a glomp and start checking him over, breaking the pattern.

Cue a bit of panic, several explanations and either an ear pull, cursing or stealing of rupees and holding masks hostage as revenge (and the threat of leaving him with nothing but the clothes on his back if he tries stopping them from helping, oh you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve done this now? And don’t want me to get hurt? Well too bad I am not letting you do this alone, News flash, technically I’ve already been hurt I’m not losing the one person who bothered to help me), and now he has an impromptu loop buddy to help him out even if it’s through questionable means after they usually deal with whichever other thief is around first. Maybe if after he defeats Majora and goes to leave he doesn’t tell Thief Reader, assuming they don’t want to come with since he’s caused them a lot of trouble and they’re technically free to do as they please now, only he can’t, because Thief Reader absconded with two more things of him: One of his earring’s, and the Fierce Deity Mask, which they are cheekily  waving to show off to him atop Clocktower, the earring on their own ears. (And seriously? HOW?!) Shenanigans ensue, maybe a chase or two, and Mask acquires himself a travel companion on top of Epona, Tatl and Tael on his search for Navi.

And honestly? Chaotic and bullheaded as they are and probably something of a magpie to boot, he wouldn’t have picked anyone else. You can hold your own and you’ve been ride or die with him twice over now, if that isn’t a sign you’re sticking around he doesn’t know what is.

Or something, idk, I’m running on three hours of sleep, maybe someone with more energy can expand on this into the War of Ages later or I’ll do it myself (Wind would have the best/worse role model ever, given ya know, Pirate and really light footed, feather touched and chaotic thief, Warriors is having heart attacks every five seconds even if he has to admit that when Thief Reader is going for soldier’s who talked badly about him, Mask, Wind, Ravio or Zelda is the most hilarious thing he’s ever seen and that one time they stole Cia's staff and were going to bash her over the head, Ravio is probably side eying them the whole time or seeing a business opportunity, Artemis and them trade tips due to her Sheik alter ego and both Mask and Warriors have to drag them away from one another, the possibilities are endless). I just find the idea of the Link’s with any morally dubious, but clearly cares a lot and wouldn’t hesitate to cut or bite someone for them amusing. Gives way for some interesting dynamics, like say Twilight and cattle raider reader (aka the cowboy/wild west themed rivalry au that I will not elaborate on), or Warriors with an Assassin Reader, or Wild with a mercenary reader, the possibilities are infinite folks.

Also also, if for some reason Mask and Thief Reader got separated before LU, and they reunite as Time and Still a Thief but much closer to their Rebellion Couterpart Reader. And their reunion basically goes like that one Puss in Boots, or the Lion King one scene: Thief Reader: *Holding dagger to throat, teeth bared as they just managed to steal the Fierce Deity Mask for the 10987th time from this strange man they don’t recognize after he gave chase, pauses for a couple of seconds in disbelieving, shocked recognition, dropping the blade*... Link?

Time: *Also in fight mode and ready to kick the attacker off of him and getting the mask back, actually takes a good look at their face and pauses in shock, long dead hope suddenly burning again, hesitant* (... Reader)? Thief Reader: *Not even hesitating to throw themselves at him in a hug with a slightly teary laugh* LINK! Time: *hugging them back just as tight, still somewhat in disbelief* (Reader).

Thief Reader: *pausing as they notice the Fierce Deity’s marks, flashbacks to all the times they told Mask not to over do it on the battlefield with it because they saw how much it hurt and affected him even if the Deity is pretty chill with them, chillingly livid as they level the tone at him, you know the one, pulling at one of his ears* ...Link.

Time, Knowing he is in danger as he recognizes that tone: ... (Reader). *wisely stays silent as they smack him hard on the shoulder and starting the lecture of a lifetime, silently glad Malon also isn’t here because she’d probably join you, but also just glad you’re even here to lecture and get mad at him in the first place after so long* The Chain, watching all this drama and telepathy display go down and who just wanted their stolen stuff back: I can just imagine the sheer confusion and bewilderment as to how Time knows this seemingly random thief who stole their stuff and would have probably dipped sucessfully if not by somehow getting Wild’s Slate, the Fierce Deity Mask and almost all of Legend’s rings at the same time and why they’re arguing like an old married couple about self care of all things. Most amusing reactions probably going for Twilight, Wild, Legend, Warriors and Wind. Or something, i’m probably not making much sense.

Anyway, I’ve probably bothered you with my rambling enough for one day xD Thank you once again for all your work in the fandom, maybe I’ll have more stuff on Lustrous reader or even Vessel reader next I’m by but until then, thank you ^^.

-Signed, Just a Tired Anon on A Stroll 🐚.

Anon!!! Hello again!!

NOT MY BOY LUCKY DX NOT LITTLE LINK!!!!! WHAT DO MEAN BAD TIME LIKE TIME AND SKY?!?!?!

But also, please tag in anything. I'm so intrigued and I want more fairytale stuff. Go ahead. XD

I'm glad you like the oneshots! Please tell me more of your thoughts on the Fear Room o.o I'm not big on horror so I'm glad it got the terror across ^.^*

And Fierce Deity and How to be a Heartbreaker and other because I want to hear all your thoughts. XD

And what do you mean Twilight- wild west au- rivalry?!?!? Hello!!?!??! You can't just drop that and say you won't elaborate!!!!

But this idea with theif! Reader is a good one :D

Clearly, you put a lot of thought into it and there's just so much potential.

The boys are all awkward and shuffling in the background as Time gets scolded because they're not sued to the leader cower back like that and even then he's not even trying to defend himself at this point and they're just staring. "....Who is this person?"

"No clue, but the Old Man finally got what was coming to him."

"I feel like my parents are fighting."

"I know them..." Warrior sighs. "I guess they haven't change at all."

Multiple heads turn to look at him.

He puts his hands up. "I'm not saying anything."

[lastmafagafo]

@henrigailshipper9803

Let's do it!

1.One-shots

2.Both

3.Usually, I come up with the plot and a few crucial moments, then I start writing the "fillers", so everything will get at least a bit cohesive. Then I come back reviewing to make sure the charecters are being consistent and the story makes sense. Then I post chapter by chapter.

4.I think I just obsess too much about a character, that they start living their own adventures in my mind.

5.Yes and no. My ego hurts, but I know it’s for the best. 

6.Nope. I would love to, though.

7.Usually, I always write in third person. I just do first person, when I feel the story calls for it. For example, when the main character is the Reader (so I can avoid Y/N), or when I’m following a style (noir movies, epistolary novels).

8.Beggining and middle. I can’t do endings well. 

9.If I read a story to the end, I always comment on it. If I don’t, I leave a kudo/like. 

10.Skip

11.Also skip

12.Nowadays, it doesn't. I write mostly for myself. If other people read and like it too, it’s a very welcomed bonus.

13.Show, don't tell (at least I try).

14.I try to think as the character, and figure how they would react to certain situation. 

15.I don’t do smut. It’s hard for me to find the balance between realistic and corny.

16.So many fics perpetually in progress! I couldn’t count.

17.I leave it unfinished on my computer and hope some day I'll come back to it.

18.After. There is no rule to it.

19.Fluff, I guess

20.Also fluff, with sweet moments and open endings.

21.Not, really. I can’t compromise, and I hate to let peple down. So I preffer writing alone.

22.Smut

23 Just write. You can always come back and make your idea better later. 

24.No idea. 

25.All? I’m not a big name in any fandom that I’m in. 

26.None? Never done anything too crazy.

27.Most: filler dialogues between my characters. They are fun to write. Least: endings. I'm terrible at it.

28.Depends on the day. I can do a whole chapter or a line. There is no in between.

29.I just come back reading when I finish the story and trust a lot on the grammar check tool of Google Docs.

30.I usually wait till it’s finished

31.Plot AND characters. I don’t do OCs, so characters are already done by someone else.

32.I don’t have favorites. 

33.Maybe, if I write something original

34.Still writing fics, as I already do

35.The villain always thinks he is right. No matter their motives (or the lack of motive), the villain is always right in their own eyes.

36.Just like a korean drama author, I take my time with the kissing. Go for the tension!

37.When it feels right.

38.No. I can barely keep up with my own prompts… 

39.Skip 

40.Oh… I don’t know… I think I would be happy with any fanart based on my fics.

41.I do! 

42.Hum… I don’t remember. 

43.I like my character brooding.

44.I don’t have a beta. 

45.Both. Both is good.

46.Character or emotion driven. I'm not someone of action.

47.A lot! And still make mistakes.

48.Free time and liking the characters I write about

49.Not many rude comments. I tend go with "If that’s your opinion, ok. You be you". I don’t have time, nor intention, to engage on fandom wars for a fic, even if it’s mine.

50.30 something chapters

51.No idea

52.Always! I don’t receive much comments, so if someone took their time to write me something, the least I could do is answer. 

53. Split? Maybe a bit more of a reader

54.Reviewing after ending it all. I tend to forget what I wrote

55.I love them all equally. I do have a type, tho. I always write the two idiots sharing one braincel. 

56. My writing style is simple

57.I usually wait. But when I lose inspiration, then come back months later, I end up reviewing what I already have written before writing more.

58.The brilliant idea that comes to my mind that I’m never able to put on paper

59.Everyone I care about. 

60.Yep… I felt pretty great

61.Because I like writing, and sometimes I can’t find a fic with an specific idea I had, so I do it myself

62.Hate them when the fic wasn’t finished. Love when I know they will continue writing

63.Clichés

64.Feelings

65.No idea

66.I don’t deal well with deadlines. That’s why I usually post a fic that’s already finished. They one I didn’t do it, is still there to update😬

67.Independent ideas

68.Nothing

69.Oh my! My Phantom of the Opera fic… a bit toxic. But I’m rewriting it.

70.Enthusiastic. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

71.I don’t think I do

72.Cronological. But sometimes I must write a chapter out of order, so I won’t forget the idea

73.I don’t 

74.My writing style, as a whole, might give indications. Like words I use or lenght of the periods and chapters. Or not.

75.Skip

76.So many…

77.Skip

Get to know your fic writer!

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What scene in [Fanfic Name] took the longest to write? What was difficult about it? 

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[callsign-magnolia]

I Hope You Dance // Ch. 9

MATURE CONTENT (18+)

A/N: This is cross posted to my Wattpad, so if this seems familiar that is why!

TW: Mental abuse, emotional abuse, slight physical abuse, death and loss.

Description: When Caila meets Rooster, sparks fly. But, she's already married, to a man who she thought loved her, and won't let her go. Rooster will fight for her, he just has to convince Caila to fight for herself.

Word Count: 6.2k

Chapter 8 | Masterlist

The next morning I was rearing to go, ready to kick ass. I was antsy as I waited to go out, my arms crossed over my chest as I wandered around the ready room. "You look anxious." Rooster said from the couch in front of me. "Not anxious, excited." He chuckled. "You're always excited to go up there." I nodded. "You're not wrong." He chuckled. "I know you well, maybe better than you know yourself." I rolled my eyes. "After the last few years, I hardly feel like I know myself." He just looked to me, a sad look on his face. "It's not a bad thing. Rooster, I've never lived alone till now, never been alone in peace. It's like a whole knew adventure." He just smiled at me. My session with Dr. Kleninger was almost enlightening, she reminded me that I have never really been free to just worry about myself and that I'll go through many ups and downs, but ultimately I'll be okay.

"He really sent me up here with you two." I grumbled and Hangman laughed. "Hey Rooster, mind if I ask you a personal question?" "Would it matter if I did?" No Rooster, no it wouldn't. "What's the deal with you and Maverick? Seems like he's got you a little rattled." Now that I thought about it, he really did. "It's none of your business, now where the hell is he?" I looked around as Maverick's voice came through the comms. "Been here the whole time." How I didn't see him literally under my nose, baffles me. He came around till he was inverted above Rooster. "Holy shit."

"You see me now? Come on, let's get this over with." It took a second before Rooster responded. "Fights on!" Immediately they went into a corkscrew dive and my heart pounded as Hangman and I turned, watching as they went down. "What is with these two?" I shook my head. "There's something there." "Alright, you put us here. How are you going to get yourself out?" "You can bail out anytime." I shook my head. "At this rate, they won't realize they hit the hard deck." I muttered as I watched them descend. "How low do you wanna go Rooster?" "I can go as low as you sir, and that's saying something."

"Do you know anything?" I shook my head. "Not a clue." "What's past is past, for both of us." "You'd like to believe that, wouldn't you?" I started worrying more as they got lower and just as I was about to open my mouth, Hangman beat me to it. "Hard deck is five thousand feet fellas, you are running out of room." "Your strategy is about to run us into the ground." "Stop antagonizing each other and pull up!" I yelled as they got lower, neither stopping as they disappeared behind a mountain. "Rooster!" Hangman and I got the perfect view of their last minute save, Rooster falling in behind Maverick. "Alright, don't think. Just do." Same thing my dad always says.

"Rooster you got him, drop down and take the shot!" Hangman encouraged but he never did. "Alright, you've had your chance." He pulled back, basically gliding over Rooster and falling in behind him to take the shot. "That's a kill." I could see Rooster hang his head as Mav pulled up beside him. "Go see Hondo about your pushups." Suddenly Maverick turned for Hangman and I and we split, Maverick chasing me. "Come on, Magnolia. Show me some of that world class pilot shit your dad tells me about." I chuckled as I rolled to the right, narrowly avoiding him. "You should know about it, he taught you the same pilot shit." I maneuvered but in the end, he got me. Again.

~~~

I joined Rooster for the pushups, my arms weak by the time I finished, Rooster just kept going. "Alright, that's enough." He just kept going as I laid back on the concrete. "Rooster, that's enough man." At this point he was spitting while he struggled, I waved Hondo off. "Thank you Hondo, but I'll take care of him from here." He gave me a small smile and turned and walked away. I moved to my knees next to Rooster and pushed his hair back out of his forehead as he continued his pushups. "Hey." He turned his head slightly, telling me he was listening. "You can keep going, but at least talk to me, hun."

He stopped and sat back, his knees coming up and resting his arms on them. "There's obviously some history between you guys-" "Yeah-" "Let me finish please." I slid closer and wrapped my arm through his, resting my chin on his bicep as I looked up at him. "There's history. Maybe you should talk to him." He just looked away from him as Phoenix walked up. "Breaking the hard deck. Insubordination. Are you trying to get kicked out?" She asked as she crouched down in front of us. "Don't worry about it." I rolled my eyes at his words. "Look, I'm going on this mission. Magnolia is going on this mission. But if you get kicked out, you leave us," She motioned between me and her. "Flying with Hangman. So talk to us. What the hell was that?"

"He pulled my papers." I furrowed my brows, sitting up and leaning back. "What? Who?" I rubbed my face. "It was Maverick." I stated and he nodded. "He set me back four years." Phoenix furrowed her brows. "Why would he do that?" I bit my lip, taking interest in my boots as I wiggled my toes. "Can I make a suggestion? It may be a little more personal than you want it to be." He stared off for a moment before looking at me then to Phoenix. "Can we have a minute?" She nodded and walked off. "I don't know how your dad passed." He tensed up. "But Maverick was his best friend, right?" He stared at my hand as I slid it over his. "Supposed to be." I took a deep breath. "Do you think it's possible that what he did came from a place of love? After losing your dad, maybe he was worried about losing you too?" He shook his head. "All I'm saying is that maybe, just maybe, he couldn't stand to lose another part of your dad. Roos, you look almost identical to him." He bit his lip and looked off in the distance.

"I never told you how my dad passed, did I?" I shook my head. "No, and don't feel like you have to." He held his hand up to stop me. We sat in silence for a moment before he spoke up. "My dad was flying with Maverick when they got caught in some jet wash. Iceman's jet wash." I rubbed my thumb over his knuckles, soothing him. "They ejected but, I don't know if the canopy didn't come off soon enough or if his seat ejected too early, but he hit the canopy and broke his neck." The look on his face was nothing but pure heartbreak. His lip wobbled as a few tears escaped, me reaching up to wipe them away and he looked at me. "I was two when he passed. I barely remember him."

"Oh, honey." I pulled his head down on top of mine, comforting him. "It was Mavericks fault." I bit my lip. "And that may be why he did it. If you got hurt doing this, Maverick may blame himself for not keeping you out. Pulling your papers was his way of doing trying to protect you." He stayed quiet but I felt a few tears fall into my braids. "I'm not going to tell you to talk to him or forgive him, but if the opportunity arises, hear him out." It took a moment but I felt him nod.

~~~

I had gone home to change and headed back out, ready to hit the local boxing gym. I tossed my bag in the trunk as the door to Roosters house opened. "Hey, Mags!" He called as I went to open the drivers side door. "Yeah." He came over, but not before glancing over my body. Athletic shorts and a tiffany blue tank top. "Thank you, for today." I smiled at him. "Consider it payment for yesterday." He shook his head. "You don't have to pay me back for that." He said getting closer, backing me into the jeep. "Oh come on Roo, we're friends." His face fell and I realized what I said. "For now. I still love you," I inhaled deeply. "A lot." He chuckled. "Where uh, where are you headed?" I smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?" He opened the door for me, giving me his hand to help me in. "I'm just curious as to where my girl is running off to." I chuckled. "Call it, anger management." I said as I leaned over, placing a kiss on his forehead and pulling the door shut.

~~~

I sat next to Rooster this time as we listened to Maverick explain everything about our mission. The time limit, the SAMS, the new altitude, our air speed. It was stressing me out, and I was tugging on my thumbs, trying to ease myself when I felt something graze my leg. Looking over I saw Rooster had stuck his hand close to my leg, his pinky stroking my thigh gently. I gave a small smile before linking my pinky around his, and sticking my other hand under my leg. "So for today's lesson, we're gonna take it easy on you. Max ceiling, three hundred feet. Time to target three minutes."

We all got geared up and headed to the ready room, Phoenix, Bob and Coyote going first and failing. "Why are they dead?" Phoenix answered even though he asked Coyote. "I slowed down and didn't give her a warning. It was my fault." I pursed my lips as Maverick gave him a hard look. "Was there a reason you didn't communicate with your team?" Coyote opened his mouth and Maverick stopped him. "One that their family will accept at the funeral." I gripped Rooster pinky a little tighter. "None, sir."

Omaha, Halo and I were next and I stopped them before we loaded in. "Hey, guys." They turned to me, looking confused. "We've seen what being unprepared does. We have to really try on this first go, we can improve on the next runs. But we always strive for perfection from the beginning. We're human, we make errors, but damn if we don't do well on this first run." They nodded. "Just stick with me, okay?" They nodded and we loaded in. Omaha is good, real good. He can keep up, I just hope we both can maneuver these turns.

"Time, Halo." I choked out as I took a turn. "We are nine seconds behind." I nodded and looked at my gauges. "Increase speed to five hundred and seventy-five knots." I said as I pushed. "Copy, increasing speed to five hundred and seventy-five." It was the turn before the straight away that got me. I was mad when we entered the ready room and I sat next to Bradley. "Why are you dead?" I shook my head. "I took the turn too tightly, the speed was too much." He nodded. "The only one so far to not get anyone else killed."

The next run was Hangman, Payback and Fanboy and this one pissed me off. "What happened?" He had that stupid smirk on his face. "I flew as fast as I could. Kind of like my ass depended on it." I had my ankle crossed over my knee and my grip on my ankle was bruising. "And you put them in danger, your wingman is dead." He just chuckled. "They couldn't keep up." I scoffed and everyone turned to look at me. "Maybe have some respect for human life bagman, because you couldn't live with the guilt of losing someone under your lead." He chuckled. "I'm serious, if you get mission leader and one of us dies, how are you going to tell our families? I would dare you to look my parents or even my brother in the eyes and say, 'She couldn't keep up'." He stopped twirling that damn toothpick and his face dropped, before turning back forward.

~~~

I listened to the conversation between Rooster, Yale and Harvard. I love Rooster, but playing it safe is not the way to go right now. "Hold your speed!" "Rooster, we're late!" "We're alive! We'll make it up in the straightaway!" They did, and technically they made their target. As he came back inside, he seemed pretty content with how it played out. He sat back down next to me, immediately looping his pinky through mine again. No one was paying attention so I leaned up and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. "You did good." I felt him shudder before looking down at me. "Thank you."

Mav turned to us and looked straight at Rooster. "Why are you dead? You are team leader up there. So, why are you and your team dead?" Phoenix cut him off. "Sir, he's the only one who made it to the target." Mav was frustrated. "A minute late. He gave enemy aircraft time to shoot him down. He is dead." Mav was sure that Rooster would be dead, which put a gnawing feeling in my gut. "You don't know that."

"You're not flying fast enough!" Hangman said exasperated. "You don't have a second to waste." Hangman isn't exactly wrong. "We made it to the target." Rooster was holding firm in his stance. "And superior enemy aircrafts intercepted you on your way out." "Then it's a dogfight." The tension was making me uncomfortable, causing me to sit up straight in my seat. "Against fifth generation fighters?" "Yeah, we still have a chance." "In an F-18?" Mav was raising his voice. "It's not the plane sir, it's the pilot."

"Exactly!" My eyes widened as I realized what Mav meant. He didn't think Rooster could do this. It went quiet as Mav realized what he said. "There's more than one way to fly this mission." I bit my lip, proud of Rooster for standing his ground. "You really don't get it." I could've rolled my eyes out of my head at his voice. "On this mission, a man fly's like maverick here. Or a man does not come back." Bile rose in my throat at the thought of none of us coming back. Hangman looked to Phoenix with a smirk, "No offense intended." Bob leaned forward slightly. "Yet somehow, you always manage." I covered my mouth as I tried not to chuckle. "Look, I don't mean to criticize. You're conservative, that's all."

"Lieutenant." Mav snapped. "We're going into combat, son, on a level no living pilot's ever seen." He looked to Maverick with a smirk. "Not even him." I kept my eyes trained on Hangman, feeling there was a deeper reason for his words. "That's no time to be thinking about the past." I held my breath, looking to Bradley who looked at Hangman, a threat lingering behind his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?" I knew where conversation like this went, I've lived plenty of them. "Rooster." Mav called but Rooster had no intention of backing down. "I can't be the only one to know that Maverick flew with his old man." I tensed, turning slightly in my seat so my knees were pointed towards Rooster. "Or that Maverick was flying when his old man-" Rooster lunged and I followed, grabbing his arm as he shoved Jake. Voices flew and all I could make out was Phoenix's voice trying to get them to stop.

"That's enough!" Payback was between them as Coyote and Fritz pulled on Hangman, Bob, Fanboy and I had a hold of Rooster. "You son of a bitch!" Payback shoved Rooster backwards, shoving him into me and pushing me right into Phoenix's arms. She held me to her tightly as Maverick separated them. "I'm cool, I'm cool. Hey. Hey." Hangman said gently shrugging everyone off as Rooster still pushed against Payback. "That's enough." Hangman smirked. "He's not cut out for this mission. You know it." He looked to Maverick, smirking. "You know I'm right." He said walking away, shoulder checking Rooster on his way out. "You're all dismissed!" Mav ordered and we all slowly separated. I walked over to Rooster, gently taking his hand.

"Hey. Come on, let's take a wal-" I spoke gently, but he ripped his hand from mine. His hand accidently smacking mine as he stormed away. "Magnolia?" Phoenix called and I looked to her, she was stood in front of me and I noticed everyone minus Rooster and Hangman behind her, staring at me. "Um, ex-excuse me." I said choking on a sob, needing to escape the room. I gently pushed past everyone, walking out onto the tarmac, Rooster nowhere in sight. I leaned against the building, taking deep breaths. I'm so tired of crying and it feels like that's all I do.

"Hey, Caila." Phoenix walked over, stopping just a foot away. "You okay?" I nodded. "I shoul-I shouldn't have tried to push him like that. I should've just stayed back and let him do his own thing." She shook her head and held my arms. "You were just trying to comfort him." I sighed as tears fell. "But I should've known. I should've know that he wouldn't want that." She grabbed my face. "You. Are no mind reader. You are not responsible, for other people's actions, reactions or emotions. Isn't that what your therapist told you?" I nodded as she wiped my cheeks. "You understand what I'm telling you?" I nodded. "I understand."

She pulled me into a hug and held me for a few minutes. "Hey, Nix?" She hummed. "Do you wanna come over for dinner tonight? I could use the company." She pulled back and smiled at me. "As if I could ever say no to your food!" I chuckled as she hugged me again. "Is six okay?" She nodded. "Let's go." She took my hand and we walked to get our stuff before heading out.

~~~

I had salmon in the skillet as the pasta for my pasta salad boiled, I was excited to make dinner for more than just me again, especially after the ass kicking I've had this week. A knock sounded on the door, and I walked into the living room to answer it. I was surprised to find Rooster on the other side. "Hey." I looked down at my bare feet, avoiding eye contact. "Hi." I watched as my toes wiggled, noticing a few chips in the navy polish on them. "Can we talk?" I bit my lip. "Um, Ph-phoenix and I are doing dinner. I'm cooking and she'll be here soon." I wasn't up for talking right now, it just winds me up and I just wanna relax.

"I'll just be a minute, I don't want to interrupt." I sighed before opening the door wider. As I turned, I spotted the frame with the pregnancy test on the mantle and I rushed over, pulling it down as he came in. I went into the kitchen and put it face down in a cabinet as he followed. "What was that?" I shook my head as I grabbed a strainer for the pasta. "Nothing." "But you hid it." I whipped around, kitchen towel hanging on my shoulder. "I thought you came to talk, not interrogate me about things I move around in my own home." He held his hands up as I turned back to dump the pasta.

"Have you had any yet?" I sighed and turned, seeing him looking at the unopened wine bottle and glass on my island. "No. I can't find my corkscrew." I said as I flipped the salmon. "Want me to open it?" I sighed, my shoulders dropping. "Yes." I muttered. If he didn't, I would be waiting on Phoenix to get here with one and I want the damn Riesling now. I heard him rummaging through drawers and turned to find him with a screw and screw driver. I smiled to myself, that was such a Rooster move. I turned and grabbed the corn from the counter, watching as Rooster pulled on the screw and after a few seconds, the cork popped. Something about Rooster doing domestic things and displaying his strength, it made my knees weak.

"Thank you." I said before tossing the corn onto the cast iron griddle with some butter. I turned and found he already poured me a glass, holding it out to me. I came around the island and stood in front of him as he sat on the bar stool. I took the glass and smiled at him before sipping on it. "I'm sorry." He said, leaning up and gently grabbing my hips. "I shouldn't have reacted that way when you grabbed my hand." I pursed my lips. "I never meant to scare you, or hurt you, honey. There's a lot of history between Mav and me, and him and my dad. That's no excuse, but there are a lot of things that I'm still dealing with, and a lot of emotions I never really handled." I nodded. "It's okay, Rooster." He shook his head. "But it's not. I realized I hurt you and I scared you and that's something I never wanted to do." He pulled me closer, one hand resting on the fabric of his white t-shirt, the other holding my wine glass. "I still trust you Rooster, more than anything. We just have things we both have to work on."

He nodded and rested his head on my shoulder. "So am I forgiven?" I nodded and sipped more of the wine. "Yes, but don't do it again. I don't given second chances anymore." He nodded and looked up at me, those brown eyes sucking me in. He leaned up as his hand slid from my waist to my neck, I felt him pull me down and I put my finger on his lips. "No, Rooster." He furrowed his brows. "I still have to stay focused. This mission could make or break my career at this point."

"But you let me kiss you at the Hard Deck." He mumbled against my finger. "You caught me off guard in the middle of a song, the second time, yes I let you but that was the only time. I can't keep getting distracted." He smirked. "So, I'm a distraction?" I nodded. "The best distraction." He smirked at me before kissing my cheek. "Want more?" I nodded as he took my glass and I went back to prepping dinner. I was so focused on getting everything set, I didn't sense Rooster coming up behind me. His arm slid around my waist, thumb rubbing just above the waist band of my sleep shorts, under the baggy t-shirt I had on.

"You know, I dreamed of this a few times." He confessed as he placed the wine glass in my open hand. "Yeah?" He hummed as he started swaying side to side. "Me and you, cooking dinner together. Dancing around the kitchen, a few passionate kisses, a little love on the counter tops." A shiver ran down my spine at his words. "I have never wanted to be done with a mission more than I do, right now." I smirked. "Oh, really?" He nodded as he started turning us. One hand resting on my front, the other trailing down my arm to hold my hand. "Absolutely. Because the second we're off that carrier, you're all mine. We aren't going anywhere, not doing anything. I just want you all to myself for awhile. Just to enjoy the fact you're all mine." I smiled as I leaned back onto his shoulder, him pressing a kiss into my braided hair.

"I love you pretty girl, you know that?" I giggled. "You make it quite obvious." I turned my head to look at him. "But I love you too." I placed a kiss on his jaw, on one of his scars. He groaned at my action, making me smirk and I pressed another kiss closer to the hinge of his jaw. "You keep that up and I'll make sure you too busy to pull the food off the stove." I chuckled. "Then maybe you should go home." He gave me a surprised look. "Oh, really?" I nodded. "Yeah, because-" Someone knocked on my door and I chuckled. "Phoenix just got here." I pushed past him as she opened my unlocked door. "That's very unsafe." I chuckled as I heard thunderous steps coming down the stairs.

"Would you break in if you saw an all black horse rushing you?" I asked as Dahlia rushed over to her. "No, did she get bigger?" I shrugged. "I don't know, I feel like she's a different size every time I look a her!" She pet Dahlia, wiggling her floppy ears. "Hey Phoenix." She chuckled. "And what were you two doing?" I rolled my eyes. "He apologized, opened my wine, and poured me two glasses." I said as I held up two fingers. "Alright Rooster, time to hit the road!" I said as I walked by. "Oh come on, couldn't I join girls night?" We shook our heads as I started plating everything. "No, I appreciate the help, but it's time you get on the other side of that gate." Phoenix head snapped between us. "Wait, you live next door." I nodded. "Should've seen my face when I found out. Caught him lookin in my bedroom window." Her eyes widened at him and he stood up, holding his hands up in surrender. "Okay, I'm leaving. But for the record, she was watching me first!"

He quickly left with a grin, and Phoenix turned to me. "God, why don't you just marry him already." I chuckled. "Because legally, I am still married. Plus, I am not trying to get arrested for bigamy." She laughed. "So you wouldn't mind being Mrs. Bradshaw?" My smile was so wide, I felt like my face might split. "I'd give my left arm to be Mrs. Bradshaw." She laughed as we grabbed our plates and wine. "Does he know about the miscarriage?" She asked quietly as we sat on the couch, and it reminded me of the picture frame I hid. "Hang on." I said getting up and grabbing the frame, coming back and handing it to her. "And no, he doesn't know. I don't know if I want him too." I said as I sipped on my wine.

"Why would you not?" She was genuinely curious, I could tell in the way she softly asked, afraid of setting me off. "If I start telling people, then I feel like, it's not mine anymore. People start saying things like 'I bet it was a girl', 'Oh, she'd have his eyes', it skews the image in my head." She nodded. "What do you think it was?" I gave her a small smile. "A boy. Dark headed and blue eyed like me. No part of Aaron existed in that baby, not to me. He was all mine, one hundred percent me." She smiled at me. "You know, when you told me you were pregnant, I had this excitement building. I could see you with a little boy. Then I heard you screaming over the phone and I was terrified." I fanned my face. "Okay, subject change. I'm over crying!" She laughed at me as she fanned her own face.

~~~

The next day at training, I was about to go up with Phoenix and Bob. I finished my pre-flight check when Phoenix caught my attention. "Hey, Magnolia. Isn't that your dad?" I furrowed my brows and looked over, seeing him standing in the doorway to one of the Hangars with Admiral Simpson and Admiral Bates. "Yeah, with Cyclone and Warlock." He was watching me intensely. "Wanna show him how bad ass you are?" She asked and I smirked. "Read my mind. Let's go!" We got in and ran the course, nailing it perfectly. As we landed I looked over and my dad was gone. "Where'd he go?" Bob asked and I shrugged. "Who knows, he's always been sneaky."

I walked back in towards the ready room, shocked to find my dad in there with everyone. "What are you doing here?" I asked with a raised brow. Everyone except Rooster, Bob, Phoenix and Hangman seemed shocked at how I was speaking to an admiral. "I'll have you know, I came to advise on this mission little lady." I gave him a hard stare but I cracked, laughing at him. "Hey daddy." He pulled me into a hug. "Nice flying by the way." I chuckled. "Learned from the best."

It was time for Rooster, Yale and Harvard to go up, so dad stayed to watch them. He definitely had some comments on Roosters flying, which he kindly gave when he got back. Rooster took his advice a lot better than he did anyone else's. Suddenly dad turned to me, "We're doing dinner with the Kazansky's tonight. I'll pick you up at six." He said before walking out, I furrowed my brows. That wasn't a question, it was an order which is out of character for him.

~~~

I finished my hair and brushed my hands over my tea length navy dress, as much as I enjoy dinner with Iceman and Sarah, I was exhausted and not feeling it today. I heard a knock on the door, and while I expected my father, I was surprised to see Bradley. "Oh, hi." He held his hands behind his back with a grin. "May I?" He nodded inside and I let him in, closing the door. When I looked back at him he pulled out a vase that had pink roses, carnations, and lilies. "Oh, Rooster. These are beautiful." I said taking them from him. "But what are these for?" He had a wide smile. "They're to say congratulations on your first successful run. You and Phoenix were the first group to make a successful run." I smiled at him and leaned up to kiss his cheek, before resting my head on his shoulder. "You're too good to me." He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me.

"No, honey. You're too good to me." I smiled as we just stood there, him holding me until I heard a truck in the driveway. As much as I hated to, I pulled back, walking to set the vase on the table, adjusting a few as there was a knock on the door. I turned but Rooster opened it, "Hello Rooster." He nodded to my dad. "Sir." My dad chuckled. "Call me Bobcat or David, son." He patted him on the back. "Now, why are you in my daughters house?" I decided to intervene. "He just brought me some flowers, daddy." He looked to Rooster and nodded. "Let's not be late. You know Sarah is very punctual." I nodded as I grabbed my purse and followed my dad outside, turning and locking the door. "I'll meet you in the truck." My dad just smirked and headed to the truck.

"Seriously, thank you for the flowers." He smiled down at me, resting his hand on my cheek. "Anything for you, pretty girl." I leaned into his palm. "You look stunning by the way." I smiled at him. "Thank you. I need to go." I said stepping away, but he reached out and pulled me back in, kissing my forehead. "I love you." I smiled. "I love you too." He watched from my porch as I got into the truck dad rented and we were off.

~~~

Dinner with Ice last night was good but him and dad spent a lot of time in his office after dinner, leaving me with Sarah. Not that I minded, I love Sarah. I was up the next morning, already out back working on a few of my plants. "Howdy-do neighbor!" I looked and saw Roosters head poking over the fence, only able to see his eyes. I laughed at the 'Home Improvement' reference, "Hiya Bradshaw!" He opened the gate, leaning on it. "Having fun playing in the dirt?" I nodded. "It's therapeutic, something about messing with plants, I've always enjoyed it." He nodded.

"My house growing up always looked like this. Like a jungle had taken it over." I smiled at him. "Your mom or your dad love plants?" He smiled. "Mom, she had the best green thumb. She could grow, anything, and it just thrived. I miss it." I smiled at him. "I can't grow anything for shit. I tried after she passed, all the plants from her funeral died except this one plant that is hanging on by a thread. I even tried to keep hers alive after she passed, it never worked." I stared at him, remembering what I was told when I moved in. 'No one has lived there since the eighties.'

"Did uh, did your parents live in that house?" He looked at it and nodded. "Dad fell in love with it out here, bought the house and surprised mom and I when we came to visit. He had to stay on base but mom went to work making it a home. Including the plants." He looked like he had tears in his eyes, I walked over and pulled him into me. "I just miss her, and how it felt to have her with me." I took a deep breath as a few tears escaped. "Well, how about you give me that one plant you have and I'll see if I can work with it." He stood straight and looked to me. "I-if you want to." He nodded as he took my hand.

"Do you plan to stay here after this mission?" He gave me a small nod. "Figured it was time to put down roots. We lived in Virginia after dad passed but my parents loved it here, and I feel a little closer to them out here." I nodded and walked past him into his back yard. "You can see where she had a few things planted." I looked to him and he nodded. "We haven't been out here since I was maybe twelve, she couldn't bare to be here anymore." I pursed my lips. "I'm sure, it's hard to be in a home where you shared it with someone you loved."

"You talk like you understand?" I shook my head. "We're in the navy Rooster, I've seen plenty of spouses sell homes after the death of a husband or wife." He nodded. "What if we planted some perennials and maybe a shade tree, like a 'desert museum'. Those types of plants do beautifully in this climate." He sighed. "Did you not hear me when I said I couldn't keep plants alive." I grinned at him. "Yes, but I'll do it." He pursed his lips. "What about when you g-" "I'm following you, remember? Wherever you wanna go. And if you wanna stay here, well I am more than happy to do that." He smiled down at me.

"It's you Rooster, I'm not going anywhere." I tilted my head. "Well I'll go back home to finalize my divorce but that's it." He laughed at me. "That's the only time I'll let you go." I chuckled at him. "Sounds good, now go change. We're gonna go to a nursery, make sure your clothes can get dirty." He furrowed his brows at me. "We're going today?" I nodded. "Sure are, we go back to training tomorrow." He gave me a confused look as I went to walk back into my house. "Go change, I'll be over in a minute." I said before walking into the kitchen and washing my hands.

I grabbed my purse and keys before locking up and going over to Roosters, knocking on his door. It took a moment but he opened the door, a pair of khaki shorts on and no shirt. "Come in, I'm just trying to find a shirt." I stepped in and watched as he rushed back into his room, his back muscles shifting as he walked. I bit my lip before looking around, he had a couch, a coffee table, a tv on an entertainment center but no personal belongings. Not even a blanket hanging on the couch. It looked so generic, no sense of Rooster anywhere. "Okay." He said as he grabbed up his keys. "Ready?" I nodded looking to him. He had on a blue shirt with his khakis and threw on a backwards ball cap.

We walked out and he took my hand, leading me to the bronco. "So this nursery?" He opened my door and gave me his hand to get in, buckling me in as I smiled at him. "There's one in the midway district, just off Pacific Highway." He looked up at me, I pulled his aviators off his head and slid them over my eyes. "Oh no, missy. Those are mine." He stuck his hand in my purse, pulling out my Oakleys. He took his aviators from me and slid them on before sliding mine over my eyes. I leaned over, pecking his cheek. "Let's go before we lose daylight." He grinned before closing my door and rushing over to the drivers side.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[neonghostcat]

The monster still grows.

So, for the last couple of days I've been finishing up the last major edit of The Guardian Ghost and the Bookish Fairy.

I've been half-jokingly making comments about how it keeps growing and getting out of hand, like someone seeded a garden with mint or something. Delightful! I love mint! But apparently mint is one of those plants you have to treat like a virus or it grows out of control.

I have not treated this story like a virus.

I am suffering for it.

Okay, 'suffering' is going maybe a little too far.

But this was supposed to be a quick story written in the middle of July so on August 8th I'd have something to post, right? And then I could spend the rest of my free time working on Cultivate.

Every time I work on it, it grows.

I finally gave in and upped the chapter count from 9 to 10.

I had to.

Chapters 8 and 9 were already over 7k as it was. One of them was over 7.5k. There was a time not that long ago where I thought 5k was pushing peoples' tolerance level. ~7.5k+ is practically past indulgent.

Then I started reading chapter 8 and realized... My friend, there was stuff left out.

I must have been so tired and ready for the story to end I hallucinated writing a few parts of scenes. And those parts added up. (I forgot about Binghe. He straight up disappears for a bit in chapter 9. Same thing with Shang Qinghua, only it sticks out less. Both of them have been properly restored to the narrative. I have also added Shang Qinghua back to the tags because he really is in the story enough to be tagged.)

Hilariously, when I split Chapter 9 into two parts, there were ~5.5k left in it. "Oh good. A more normal-sized chapter then. I'll just add a little more and fill in any gaps and we're golden."

It is currently just over 7k. I guess in the end I only cut the size down by maybe ~500 words by taking ~2.1k out of it.

Magic.

When I uploaded chapter one, the draft was ~49k. It is currently at ~55k. And since Chapter 10 is currently just over 2k, that means an absolute minimum of 2k more left to write.

The story is absolutely better for it. And the rough draft of the ending always sucks until I've had time to let it stew a bit before I come back to it, so having more room to work with to make the ending better is always great.

But I want to be able to post Cultivate starting before November. I feel awkward about talking about Cultivate since October and always writing, "One shorter story so I can focus on Cultivate."

I have written four stories since NaNoWriMo. FFS. No more!

I am hopeless. 😂

[tinyboxxtink]

"Doppelganger" *Part 24*

Alright I REFUSE to make this story any longer, so the next chapter IS the finale, I swear to you.

This is just one more little loose end I wanted to throw in, maybe it'll come back around the epilogue. Who knows?! I know.

I would have started the "Wedding Day" here but I really wanted it to be it's own chapter, so this is kinda short and I'm not gonna lie if I have to I will make the last chapter 20 pages long to fit the ending in. That being said I have some stuff to do tomorrow night and work the next night so I may or may not split up writing the last chapter between those and post it late Sunday or Monday.

It's worth it I promise! I'll make it worth it.

Part 23

Finale!!

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-------

The next day Rafael asked you to come by his office once again, making you nervous. Especially when you showed up to the Mayor and a Lawyer to greet you along with Rafael.

“Pinguino,” Rafael smiled as he met you at the door with his arms open wide pulling you into a kiss.

“....More interviews?” You whispered as you eyed the two other men.

“Actually, they haven’t told me what they’re doing here yet,” Rafael whispered back as you both walked over to the men sitting at Rafael’s desk. Rafael pulled another chair around to his side so you could sit next to him. He had a feeling this would take a while.

“So...gentlemen,” Rafael cleared his throat. “What’s this about?”

“Well Barba it’s about your wedding,” The mayor replied.

“...Why am I not surprised..?” He shook his head with a laugh.

“Actually Mr. Barba I think you’ll find this visit different from others the mayor here has sprung on you thus far,” His lawyer answered.

“...And that would be because…?” Rafael raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“Because Mr. Fenkell here says that I owe you financial compensation for all you’ve been doing for me,” The mayor replied rather gruffly as he crossed his arms like a petulant child being called into the principal’s office.

“...Excuse me?” Rafael looked at both of them with confusion.

“Well Mr. Barba, I’m surprised you haven’t either realized or brought up the fact that the situation that you’re in is called ‘quid pro quo’,” The lawyer explained.

“Yes I know what ‘quid pro quo’ is counselor, we went to the same law school,” Rafael snarked. “And I graduated with higher honors than you,”

“Barba I’m here trying to help you out, I don’t know why you’re lashing out at me,” The lawyer now crossed his arms.

“Baby,” You put a hand on his. “Just let the man talk,”

“Right,” He nodded reluctantly. “Go on,”

“Like I was saying,” Mr. Fenkell pulled out papers from his briefcase. “I assume you and your fiancée here have been going along with the Mayor’s requests for fear of losing your job, correct?”

“I mean, not mine per say,” Rafael shrugged. “THAT would be illegal,”

“Right,” Mr. Fenkell nodded. “But everything he’s done thus far involving you and your fiancé's likeness entitles you to royalties, and dues for services,”

“Well, that is true,” Rafael nodded. “I’ve been so preoccupied with everything else I haven’t even stopped to think--”

“Which is exactly why I’m here,” Mr. Fenkell cut him off. “I figured a competent lawyer like yourself would realize when all the dust settles, that you were indeed entitled to a sum of money, and would therefore sue the Mayor after the fact,”

“Wow, that’s a lot of assuming on your part sir,” You laughed softly. “You really think Rafael is that shit of a--”

“I mean he is right,” Rafael finished for you.

“...Or I’m just an idiot,” You muttered.

“No, baby you’re not an idiot,” Rafael took your hand. “But we are entitled--YOU are entitled for some kind of compensation for all that you’ve done for the mayor--for me,”

“I thought my compensation was getting to marry you,” You smiled sweetly.

“Aww,” Mr. Fenkell remarked, causing an eye roll from the mayor.

“Right so--” Mr. Fenkell began laying papers filled with legal jargon on the desk in front of you and Rafael.

“This contract states that once we settle on a number, you won’t try and collect more from the mayor with some random claim like ‘emotional distress’ during your wedding, or events thereafter due to all of this,”

“...Trauma?” You couldn’t help but laugh. “You think that after everything I went through, I would classify this as trauma?”

“I mean theoretically you could, Ms. Y/L/N,” He nodded. “The emotional stress of reliving your trauma and trying to plan a wedding while on display for the whole city must be taking a toll on you right now, is it not?”

“...Well it wasn’t until you said it like that,” You muttered.

“Dammit Maxwell I told you, they were perfectly fine with--” The mayor began to pitch a fit.

“Oh no no no,” Rafael wagged a finger at the mayor. “Just because she’s ignorant of the--”

“Excuse you?” You crossed your arms at Rafael’s condescending tone.

“I mean, just because she doesn’t realize or recognize the emotional stress she’s under doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have it, and doesn’t deserve compensation” He looked to you apologetically while he re-worded the statement. You gave him an approving nod.

“Right well this is what this is for--”

“And what kind of price tag have you put on my fiance's feelings, counselor?”

“Well if you’ll peruse the contract, counselor…” Mr. Fenkell pointed to the bottom of the paper.

“This contract blah blah blah, no further seeking monetary blah blah blah…” Rafael spoke out loud as he scanned the document. Then suddenly, his eyes widened and he stopped reading, looking at you then Mr. Fenkell then the Mayor.

“...A million dollars?” He raised his eyebrow, skeptical.

“...What?” You gasped.

“....Each,” He added with a smile as he handed you the paper. You didn’t know a lot of the words, but in plain black and white you read: “...In the form of one million dollars per plaintiff,”

“I’m sorry, WHAT?” You said louder than you intended, but that was insane.

“That’s insane,” You said out loud. “I don’t need that kind--”

“Baby,” Rafael stopped you and pulled you slightly away from the mayor and his lawyer. “I know that you get antsy when good things happen to you, but you deserve this,”

“For what?!” You hissed. “For taking a few photos? For letting a camera crew in a church? Rafael I just--”

“...But think of everything before that, carino,”

“What, Nevada? That--” You shook your head.

“Wasn’t your fault,” Rafael finished.

“...Well it wasn’t the mayor’s fault either, Raffi,” You nodded at the mayor.

“But he is exploiting you for it,” Rafael pointed out.

“....True,” You nodded.

“Excuse you two, but I--” The mayor began to rant again.

“And if I may add,” Mr. Fenkell jumped in. “While Mr. Barba was worried about his job, you also had reason to be worried about it as well. Being as he is your only means of support,”

“Right now,” You quickly added.

“....Right,” Mr. Fenkell gave you a side eye. “Currently,”

Clearly this douchebag thought what everyone else must be thinking. That you were just marrying Rafael for his money. So that you could be a ‘kept’ woman. Well, he was about to learn that was the furthest thing from the truth.

“Alright then,” You finally said. “Then I want my share to go to Rafael, if we’re going to be married it’s his anyway,”

“No no no no, Nuh-uh,” Rafael shook his head. “Your share is your share,”

“...But I don’t want you to think that I’ve got some... ‘escape money’,” You gave him a sad look.

“Escape money?” He laughed. “Baby I told you, I think the last thing I should be worried about is you leaving me,”

“....Also true,” You nodded with a soft smile. You sure as hell had not gotten this far working this hard to ‘get’ Rafael to just give him up. Ever.

“Okay then, do I tell you where I want the money to go or do I do it myself?” You asked Mr. Fenkell.

“...You already have plans for it?” Mr. Fenkell asked you. “...Didn’t you just say you didn’t want it? Why would you--”

“Just answer the question,” You said flatly.

“I mean Mr. Barba could just draw up the contracts and paperwork for you to transfer your funds wherever you--”

“But Mr. Barba is my husband, not my lawyer,” You cut him off. “...And I’d like to keep that way,” You looked over at who Rafael looked at you in confusion.

"Not Mixing business and pleasure," You smirked.

“Right,” Mr. Fenkell nodded as pulled out a legal pad and a pen. “Well I can make a list of where you want to divert the funds and we’ll go from there,”

“Okay,” You took a deep breath. “Well, first of all-- obviously,” You took Rafael’s hand. “I want to pay off the rest of my time at Julliard,”

“That’s unnecessary, carino--”

“Yeah I know you say that Rafael, but I was going there before I met you and it’s not your respon--”

“It’s already paid for, in full,” He spoke over you.

“...What?” You asked him with a breathy voice. When did he have time to do that?! WHY-wait.

“But I’m going to need an extra semester since I’m taking the rest of this one off,” You said softly as you glanced at the other two in shame. You still felt guilty about Rafael having to basically babysit you for the past few weeks.

“Yeah I figured that.” He nodded with a smile, stroking your cheek. “It’s all taken care of, carino,”

“...Alright fine then I want to pay it back,” You insisted.

“No,” He shook his head. “Absolutely not,”

“Rafael come on--”

“NO,” He repeated sternly. “I won’t take it,”

“....Alright, fine,” You rolled your eyes. “Then I want a chunk to go to abuela--”

“No I have them covered too,” He shook his head. “And they are definitely NOT your responsibility. And before you say next that you want it to go to Maria, she will never accept it. We're too proud of a people," He smiled teasingly.

“...Fine,” You sighed in frustration. “THEN I want a chunk of it to go to opening a drama center,” You crossed your arms and looked at Rafael. “Any objections to that, counselor?”

“...A drama center?” He looked at you curiously.

“Look,” You took both of his hands. “I know you couldn’t-- your mom didn’t want you---” You took another breath, trying to figure out exactly what to say. “...You had to give up your dream to take care of your family,”

“Carino…” He took your hand.

“And my parents, they spent all the money we had on dance lessons, acting lessons, all of it. On ME. Just so that I could live my dream,” You continued. “Kids should be able to dream their dreams without their parents having to worry about money to do so,”

“But...your dream, Y/N. You want to be on Broadway. How are you gonna fit--” He started to speak but you were nowhere near done with your speech.

“Baby my dream was selfish,” You shook your head. “I wanted to be famous for the wrong reasons. To be adored by the world, to be loved by everyone. But, now I know the only person’s love I care about, is yours,” You stroked his face.

“If I open this place then I can still use my talents as a teacher, helping kids like us. I told your mom that when I met you, you made me a better person, that you made me want to be better. I want that to be true. I need that to be true,” You finally finished with a small smile, tears lined Rafael’s eyes.

“You are the best person I know, mi amor,” He pushed a strand of hair behind your ear. “I think the center is a great idea,”

“Good,” You smiled. “And….I want to name it the Y/L/N-Barba Drama Center,”

“....Well obviously after you,” He nodded.

“No,” You shook your head. “After you. And my parents. Because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have found you, and you gave me everything I’ve ever wanted,”

“I love you,” He beamed at you as he kissed you deeply.

“...And on that note,” You turned back to Mr. Fenkell who looked wildly uncomfortable by your little cutesy side conversation.

“I want the rest to be split between a savings account for me, and the other half into a trust,”

“A trust?” Mr. Fenkell asked as he wrote down your wishes.

“A trust for our children,” You smiled at Rafael. “My parents spent so much money so that I could live my dream. I think it’s only fair I do the same for them; especially when I have the means to do it,”

“See those redneck shithead Jersians have no idea what they’re talking about,” He pressed his forehead against yours. “You are not selfish, not at all,”

“Thanks to you,” You pressed your own forehead against his like a love head butt.

“....Okay, so is there anywhere else you’d like it to go, Ms. Y/N?” Mr. Fenkell said rather loudly, trying once again to remind you there were other people in the room. People who were not amused with your disgustingly cute conversations.

“Um, no I think that’s good,” You nodded.

“Split up mine the same way, Max,” Rafael added.

“Rafael you don’t need to--” You started to protest but he put a finger to your mouth.

“I have money,” He assured you. “I have enough money to take care of us for the rest of our lives. This money should go somewhere that represents the both of us, and our love,”

“Can we please for the love of God just end this, please?” The mayor groaned. “If I have to sit here and watch you word vomit your love all over this office, I might actually vomit,”

“Right,” Rafael rolled his eyes. “Well gentlemen you know where to find us,” He grabbed the pen and signed one of the contracts then handed it to you and you did the same.

“Now if you’ll excuse us we’re going to ‘love vomit’ all over each other now,” He smirked as he handed back the papers. Mr. Fenkell and The mayor nodded as they walked out.

“Well, what do you want to do now?” Rafael wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“As tempting as that sounds, I have another request mi amor,” You played with the hair on the back of his knuckles with a soft voice.

“Anything for you pinguino,”

“Well I mean, you have some pull over there,” You nodded outside towards the courthouse that was attached to the DA's office by a hallway.

“...Why, do you need parking tickets dismissed or something? Did I agree to marry a felon?” He teased you.

“No,” You giggled. “But I would like to skip the ‘name changing’ line,” You pulled him closer as his smile grew bigger.

“I don’t think that’s what they call it, but I appreciate the sentiment,” He kissed you as you both walked towards the door of his office and out into the lobby.

“We’ll be back, Tommy,” He told his assistant.

“Right sir,” He nodded.

“This way to the ‘name changing line’, pinguino,” He smirked as you walked down the hall towards the courthouse.

------

--An Hour Later--

You and Rafael walked out of the courthouse and down the steps hand in hand as you pulled the two papers from his hands. One was a marriage license, and one was a form that was filled with boring legal jargon but at the bottom was printed: “Legal Name: Mrs. Y/F/N Barba,” with your new signature on the dotted line.

“Mrs. Rafael Barba,” You smiled as you looked at the paper.

“Oh no no no,” Rafael shook his head with a laugh. “That sounds like you’re my property, pinguino,”

“True,” You nodded with a teasing smile.

“...So why the sudden urgency to change your name, carino?” He asked as you walked down the street hand in hand. “Not that I’m complaining. I'd be lying if I said just looking at your name with my last name makes me giddy,”

“Giddy?” You gave him a look.

“Yeah, I said it. Giddy,” He laughed.

“...I don’t know, it was something that my therapist said,” You shrugged.

“...And what did she say?” He asked you skeptically.

“She said,” You sighed and pulled Rafael out of the flow of traffic of people.

“She said that women who don’t take their husband's last names had one foot out the door of the marriage before even going in,” You looked up at him with soft eyes. “And I don’t want you to think that I am any less than 100% sure of my love for you, and the rest of our lives together,”

“Well, first of all I’d like to see her marriage to divorce ratios based on that assumption,” He rolled his eyes. “And second-- I appreciate the sentiment baby, I really do. Just as long as you did it for you, and not because your therapist guilted you into it,”

“She didn’t,” You assured him. “I did this for me. For us,”

“Well then Mrs. Barba,” He took your hand once again with a huge smile. “Let’s grab some dinner, shall we?” He asked in a melodramatic, fancy tone.

“We shall, Mr. Barba,” You answered in the same tone, making both of you giggle like school kids.

Now all that was left to do was actually get married!

[britishsass]

Number 37?

37. Talk about your current wips.

Oh, boy. Thanks for the question-- I'm gonna go in depth for all of them, both with where I plan to take them and explaining basic plots for the ones I haven't posted about yet. Let's see here, what all do I have right now... Let's start with the major ones.

1. Otto's Ordeal

I'm currently working on Chapter 4. Haven't actually started writing it yet, but I know a few of the events I'm certain will happen: Another fight scene (Maybe even 2? I'm looking at a second one as of late.) and some heavy discussion. So, long story short: The main plot points that are coming up are Bob and Otto interactions, [Censored]bot fight, and Ford and Cassie bonding. As well as some reveals as to what it means to take care of the constructs.

2. Jarswap (you set sail alone, there is no crew)

I've got half of chapter 11 written-- I just can't get myself to write the other half. It's got a memory vault and it'll lead up to the final boss, maybe even starting to introduce what that is. Bob and Helmut are discussing the gap, and how much Bob remembered of him.

Under the cut, I'll get into the ones that have been waiting even longer.

3. Date Prep

This one has been waiting ages. It's about Compton helping Bob to learn to cook ft. Cassie helping Helmut with etiquette. They're going to end up on a date. It's mostly fluff. However, the plot mainly comes from Bob's anxiety/depression acting up and Helmut's nerves making him worry about what he should actually do. Both of them are really awkward, but they end up on a date-- one that in their own ways, everyone helped with. Currently, it's just Compton and Bob interactions as they set up the learning to cook.

4. Deluge of Green Needle Gulch

This one is about Augustus in the Maligula fight... Split between the two times he saw Maligula. It's a really rough start, and I'm unsure if I'll ever finish it because multiple others have already had the same idea and written it. It's just a couple of paragraphs right now...

5. All The Rowboats

A short story about the Psychic 6's portrait reveals. However, it's stuck at the point with Bob's reaction. He's going to blow up before storming off, but I don't know how to express my feelings here, or how to properly continue it. So instead it's been stuck at under 300 words.

6. Psychoshift Otto story (Giving Up)

This one is meant to be about Otto in Bob's position, and how Ford tries to get through to him but gets shut out. I started it right after the last Psychoshift story, but... well. Quickly lost motivation because of the issues I had at the time, unfortunately. It's kind of abandoned now, though I would like to finish it.

7. Try Again 2

A sequel to Flowers Gasping Under Rubble. The main plot is an exploration of Fred's mind after that, featuring the trio of Otto, Ford, and Lucy being a trio of young folks that are excited to try out their invention and see how it works with someone else. Fred's mostly just along for the ride. Eventually, it'd likely get into the topics of PTSD and lots of eye imagery. I'd imagine it'd focus on medical trauma, with a heavy emphasis on some pretty rough things. Fred is not having a nice time with these three just running around. Currently, it's just the group meeting Fred and getting excited about doing this whole thing.

[finnwolfhard7137]

The Art of Falling in Love-Finn Wolfhard

Chapter Six is here...

Chapter Seven: I Love You

Chapter Eight Coming Soon...

Word Count 1.1k

Warnings: Pure Fluff

_____________________________________

You only awake when your phone rings. Your mother called, asking how you've been and how yesterday went. You explain to her how exhausted you and Finn are and that you both are sore from the miles you all walked. She completely understood and let you hang up so that you can rest. You almost feel bad because you love your mother to death and miss her but you are utterly exhausted. 

Finn "Your mom seems nice, babe."

"She is, she's the best."

Finn "I can't wait to meet her."

"She's going to love you." 

Finn "Oh yeah? I sure hope so. Even if she doesn't, I'm not going anywhere."

"Good, cause I never want you to leave." He could tell how sincere you were and pulled you back down into his arms.

Finn "I'm not going anywhere, bubs. Come on, let's go back to sleep. When we wake up, I'll cook you food."

"Mkay." He kisses you softly and then you both drift back off to sleep moments later.

_______________________

By the time you two wake back up, it is 1:20 p.m. Finn laughs at how late you both slept in. 

Finn "I mean I'm not mad.."

"We needed it after yesterday. I'm still dreading getting out of bed."

Finn "I know, me too. But my bladder can't hold it any longer!" You laugh as he does parkour to get out of bed without hurting you. 

"Okay, ninja. Go pee." He laughs and goes into the tiny restroom. You mentally prepare yourself to get out of bed and use your legs. Once you get up, you feel the need to immediately sit back down but you don't. "Holy shit...it's bad."

Finn laughs, "Yeah...maybe we should have split the trip into both days but hey, we had fun right?"

"Oh yeah, lots of fun! It makes it all worth it." 

You walk to the minnie kitchen area and get water from the minnie 'bar'. You guzzle it down and unlock your phone. Your notifications were off the charts: 50+ emails, 30 text messages, 20 snapchats, 100+ dm's and 4 missed calls. Your head starts to pound just thinking about it. So instead of checking your snaps and dm's, you check your emails first. Most of them regarding new job offers and manager business. Some are coupons to your favorite stores that you shop at. The four missed calls were from your mother and your text messages were from your friend's back at home and Oakes, asking if you and Finn are alive. You laugh and text him back with 'yes!' Lastly, your snaps were also from your friend's, to which you only open the one's that you cared about: close friend's. When Finn comes out, he is wobbling just like you.

"The struggle is real, huh babe?"

He chuckles, "Oh yeah..but the day must go on!" He chants like an old soul. He is only eighteen but he is so intelligent that he acts so much older. You admire your boyfriend incredibly.

"What are you going to make us?"

Finn opens up the cabinet's, "How does scooby-doo sandwiches sound?!"

"Fucking amazing!" 

…

He gets out the lunchmeat, bread, toppings and condiments. The last thing that he surprises you with is an actual chef hat. 

"Oh my god, where did you get that!?"

Finn "I have my ways, how do I look?" He strikes a pose, earning a laugh from you.

"So hot, babe." He chuckles and kisses you. "I hope you know that I am capturing this moment."

Finn "Go for it, but you have to tag me!"

You laugh, "Consider it done."

Once you pull out your phone and open snapchat, he puts on a whole act for you. Speaking in a british accent, using articulate words to describe his food etc. You are a giggling mess, making Finn break character a couple of times. 

Finn finishes making the sandwiches, "Dinner is served!"

"It's early afternoon, babe."

He freezes, "Lunch is served!" You both burst out laughing.

"Thank you, Finn!"

Finn "You're welcome, baby." And you end the recording. You caption it, Scooby-Doo sandwiches with my boyfriend @finnwolfhard! 

…

The sandwich was so good that you barely savored it! Finn and you talked the whole time: talking about the week ahead, all of the possibilities in Amsterdam, going home to our families and seeing friends. You two plan on meeting each other's families after a short while of quality time. You are going to miss him while he is home in Canada and you are home in California. But you are thankful for the time you are spending with each other right now and the possibility of face timing and skyping while you two are apart.

Finn "Your phone is blowing up!"

"I know, I'm probably just going to turn it off. It's annoying."

Finn "Go ahead and check it, I have to check mine too.

It is all from your friend's, saying how happy they are for you that you have a boyfriend. Some are freaking out that you are dating Finn Wolfhard a.k.a one of the biggest young actors. You smirk at the responses and thank them for their support. Finn re-adds it to his snapchat with the caption 'Cooking my girl a gourmet lunch'. To which you gush over. It takes no time at all for his fans to freak out and congratulate him. 

Finn "My fan's already love you and they don't even know what you look like! How 'bout we change that?"

"Yeah!"

Finn "Come here-" he pulls you onto his lap and you take multiple cute-couple photos. "God you are so beautiful, Y/n."

"And you are so handsome, Finn." He leans down and kisses you. 

You post yours 

'Met this boy on set for The Goldfinch, fell head over heels for him in no time. Still can't believe you are mine, Finn. You mean so much to me babe❤@finnwolfhard'

His post

'Met my baby on the set for my new movie. I knew from the moment I met her that I wanted to make her mine, to my shock she said yes. Best week of my life so far! Hope everyone is doing well, happy weekend❤@yourinstagramname'

_______________________

After your phones were done blowing up, you two's hearts were so full from the responses on your posts that they could burst. His fans were supportive and so were yours. You feared that they would not like you but they seem to actually love you! 

Finn "My life just keeps getting better and better, ever since I met you. Before you, I thought that I was at my happiest but I was so wrong. Now that I have you, I am at my happiest Y/n. I hope you never forget how much you mean to me."

"Aw Finn! Every feeling you have for me, I have for you. If not more!"

Finn smiles, "I love you so much."

There is it, the three words you were waiting for. "I love you so much too, babe."

@moriartysringtone7137 @spidey-starky @itlittlefangirl @softiediana @saataanaas @mariskata @okokdot @gayreddie

[ghost-chance]

Excerpt from "The Demon King and the Half-Breed Hermit"

Gotta log off for a while after this but first, I wanted to share this (unedited and incomplete) scene. It's for an upcoming (in-the-works) chapter of my Piccolo/OC-centric ▶Dragon Ball post-GT◀ fic, found on my FFnet account. Why am I sharing it? Firstly, it's proof I'm still writing (...trying...) and despite the long wait for new chapters, DK&HBH has NOT been abandoned. (NOTHING has been abandoned!) Secondly, THIS is what happens when I tell myself "I need to start writing characters who can effectively communicate and deal with their emotions like functional adults!" 😑 Yes...AUBERGINE happens.

Hopefully the "Queen of Issues" can make someone smile.

🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲

Life as a single mother was generally a struggle; as a single mother of two half-Saiyan boys, life was a never-ending catastrophe. Fortunately for Son Chi-Chi, both her boys were grown men capable of running their own lives; unfortunately, that left her to manage her household alone. Oh, sure, Gohan and Videl regularly offered to move her into their home and take care of her, but she wasn't quite ready to accept that offer. She was quite capable of taking care of herself…at least, that is, when she wasn't weighed down with groceries and being chased down by a saber-toothed wildcat.

Winded, she stumbled and landed hard on her knees, her bags falling and the contents scattering. One moment she could practically feel the beast's rancid breath on her neck; the next a warning shout split the air, quickly followed by a pained yelp. Chi-Chi scrambled onto her back and stilled at the familiar silhouette cast by the afternoon sun through the trees. Black hair as ragged as ever and eyes dark as pitch, Aubergine held the struggling wildcat by the throat, leaching away its strength. She drained it a little longer before letting it slink away in shame, then looked to her fallen sister-in-law over her shoulder. "Are you hurt?"

"No," Chi-Chi answered as she gathered the spilled goods, then belatedly added "thank you." Aubrey shrugged and hoisted the bags onto her shoulder as the black faded from her eyes.

"Well, someone's got to shield the squishies," she replied instead. The familiar retort used to irritate Chi-Chi, but now she recognized it for what it was: you're welcome. I don't mind. Aubergine's long silences, half-answers, and silence took a while to adjust to but by now it was like a second language to her sister in-law. 

The remainder of the journey to Chi-Chi's home passed in a silence midway between comfortable and awkward, and before she knew it, the matron was stowing away her groceries. Aubergine sat at the table, brooding and fiddling with a small shaker jar from the revolving rack in the middle. Recognizing the speckled contents, she pried the lid open, sniffed at the contents, and sneezed; her eyes and sinuses burned in protest as she jammed it closed and shoved it back on the rack. Yes, she identified it correctly. "So how's Piccolo settling in?" At the resulting silence, she turned to find Aubergine scowling like someone who just chewed five lemons in a row without stopping to sweeten them. "That well, huh?" Chi-Chi teased. I

Aubergine shot her a deadpan glower then exchanged the speckled powder for a jar full of tiny seeds. As if it explained everything, she grunted, "he's not dead yet." These seeds didn't burn her nose but they had a rather unpleasant smell somewhat like rank body odor. Nose scrunching at the stink, Aubrey exchanged the jar for a tall shaker full of tiny white crystals with a much sweeter scent. Over by the table, Chi-Chi gave a knowing smile as the half-breed examined her spices. "I don't understand how one person can require so many of these things," Aubergine muttered surveying the multitude of tiny jars and shakers on the Lazy-Susan. "What's the point of all this crap?" 

"Spices?" Chi-Chi asked, and upon receiving a blank look added, "they make food taste good. As for the number, different dishes require different spices—you can't cook everything with the same ingredients." Aubrey stilled, eyes wide and locked on the three jars she investigated before. "What brought you here anyway?" If Chi-Chi didn't know any better, she'd say the half-breed was embarrassed.

"He quit complaining," Aubrey mumbled. "He used to whine that I was poisoning him; now he doesn't say anything…but…he doesn't have to. I thought…" She fell silent, cleared her throat, then collected the other two bottles and shoved the lot toward Chi-Chi. "Fish. It was worse than usual."

Chi-Chi was used to getting only half the picture from her half-Saiyan sister-in-law but this was even less information than usual. Those three spices were never used in the same dish; then again, this was Aubergine, and Aubergine was quite possibly the worst cook in the realms. "Correct me if I'm wrong," Chi-Chi asked, "but are you saying you cooked fish…with black pepper, cumin, and sugar…?" The half-breed glanced at the jars, read the fading labels, and gave a wary nod; Chi-Chi felt her breakfast threaten reappearance. "No wonder, then," she sighed. "Cumin and pepper can be used on fish but generally not together, and you don't use sugar on seafood."

"This is so stupid." …and so began Aubrey's usual response to statements regarding food as anything beyond life-preserving sustenance. After so many years of hearing the same thing over and over again, Chi-Chi easily tuned out the increasingly loud rant and gathered a few more appropriate seasonings for fish. "Food doesn't have to taste good!" Aubergine spat without regard. "Its only purpose is to keep you from dying of hunger, anything beyond that is friv—" Finally, she went silent. Of course, taking Chi-Chi's frying pan to the skull would shut anyone up.

"There's more to life than just existing," Chi-Chi scolded as Aubergine rubbed the already swelling lump on her skull and growled under her breath. "There's more to life than just survival. We were put on this Earth to thrive, not just not die."

"We were put on this Earth because my dumbass brother didn't have the balls to kill that midget Pilaf from the start." This time she ducked the frying pan. 

"You're missing the point as always," Chi-Chi huffed. "I swear, you're so much like my Goku. Aubergine, when your life's over, you'll have an eternity to look back on what you did. If all you have to look back on is not dying, then what's the point?" Aubergine went silent, glaring at the wall beside her as if blaming it for everything that ever went wrong in her life. It didn't escape Chi-Chi that said wall stood between her kitchen and the home Goku and Aubergine grew up in. Not for the first time, she wondered what the half-breed's life was like in those early years, and what molded her into the distant, bristly woman she was now.

"Life was always enough before." The admission was quiet—half-muffled in Aubrey's mostly flat chest and aimed into the polished tabletop—but to the human matron it had the same impact as a battle cry. "Stay out of danger," the half-saiyan muttered as though reciting some sort of task list. "Find and maintain shelter, locate reliable sustenance, protect your brother…" ..wait for me to come find you. I promise, I'll come find you! Bardock may have been a visionary, but an honest Saiyan, he was not. He never came for them… "That used to be enough…" …until said brother ran off with a blue-haired teenager in search of adventure and left Aubergine behind. Sure, she caught up after a while and tagged along for a few misadventures—living alone in the wilds got boring, after all—but at the end of the day, she couldn't even accomplish the most important of these tasks. She couldn't protect Goku. One hand strayed up to brush her bangs out of her dead eye. She couldn't even protect herself. "Why isn't that enough anymore?"

"Perhaps it never really was enough." Chi-Chi's smile held no judgment and her voice no censure. "Perhaps you're only just realizing it now." Perhaps…Aubergine turned to the window, eyes trained on the distant misty peak of Mt. Paozu. After so many years of feeling stuck in place, maybe it was time to change. "I've offered before and the offer stands—I'll teach you to cook if you'll let me." For the first time, the offer was answered with a long silence instead of some bitter retort or evasive remark, proof in Chi-Chi's mind that the other was finally considering it.

"A year ago none of this would've…" Aubergine fell silent; again, she was driven to brush her bangs away from her blind eye though they weren't impairing her sight. That nervous tic would be the death of her someday… She cleared her throat and tried again. "Nothing mattered a year ago. It still shouldn't matter." Chi-Chi faltered. She recognized where this topic was leading as easily as she knew how Aubergine must have reacted to Piccolo's resurrection. She smoothed the skirt of her long dress and seated herself at the table. The rest of the groceries could wait a bit longer.

"The first time I lost Goku…" I lost Goku. Even after so many times of saying those words, her throat still caught around them; even after how many times Goku died, the very mention still triggered an echo of the day Krillin brought her the news. Her son, missing – her husband, dead – worst of all, the threat wasn't even over. "Well, I was a mess," Chi-Chi finished mildly. The past was in the past—let it lie there in peace. "Every time I lost him, I felt sure it was my fault for not being strong enough to keep him. Every time he came back, I tried harder than before to make him stay…and every time, I lost him again anyway…the last time, for good. He refused to be revived." Even now, the words made her eyes burn and her throat clench, so it was a comfort when Aubergine broke the tense silence.

"He was an idiot like that." The dry remark earned a weak chuckle.

"Indeed. Even now, were he to walk through that door, I'd still take him back. He left us all behind when he refused resurrection, but I'd still welcome him home with open arms." She hummed softly, leaning on her elbows and looking out the nearest window. Already the blue of the sky was deepening and the days, shortening—harvest time might come early this year. "For all his faults, and there were many, Goku was always so much stronger than I ever could be. I could never leave behind those I love, even to keep them safe…he did so without a second thought."

"But when the danger's gone, how does staying dead solve anything?" Aubergine cut in—an unusually long sentence from an unusually brief speaker. "The people he left behind—they still needed him—they depended on him, and he turned his back on them!" Chi-Chi hazarded a glance at her company; Aubergine was off in another world, her vision trained somewhere far beyond the woodgrain of the tabletop. "Didn't he know? Didn't it matter?" Chi-Chi's wrinkle-framed lips tilted into a sly smile.

"He knew there were such people, I'm sure," she answered. "I have a feeling he didn't quite understand what it would put you through." Aubergine gave a faint nod, eyes distant, then startled as she realized the subject change. Both women knew they were no longer talking about Goku; neither was ready to admit it, either. The half-Saiyan's cheeks darkened in embarrassment, but the effect was lessened by the venomous glare aimed out the window. "You never told him, did you?" Chi-Chi pressed.

"Why bother?" Aubergine muttered. "He knew what he was doing. He had to know I'd—" She fell short, remembering vividly the searing pain in her chest from the day the earth was destroyed—the fracturing of a heart timed to the shattering of a planet. From the first wince to the last breath, she felt Piccolo die, and it was a feeling she'd never forget…or forgive. "...I never should have marked the bastard."

Once again, Chi-Chi was given only bits and pieces, but this time she was content with it. If the scars on Aubergine's throat were any indication, the whole picture wasn't one she cared to see.

[caroldanversmohawk]

Quidditch Captain Danvers - Chapter 4 Posted!

Mazie walked through the corridors with her best friend, Wanda Maximoff. They had finished their homework yesterday, which meant they had Sunday to themselves. Mazie had suggested they go for a walk outside. Her hope was to innocently wander the grounds of Hogwarts and maybe accidentally pass by the Quidditch pitch a couple times, in case Gryffindor was practicing.

"She's actually really nice, you know." Mazie told Wanda, out of nowhere, who sighed in response.

"You've already said that, like at least five times." She told her. Wanda knew exactly who her lovestruck friend was talking about. The only person she had been talking about for the last few days.

"Well it's true." Mazie mumbled, embarrassed that she was to the point of annoying her own friend. But still unable to contain the bursting excitement inside her from actually meeting Danvers two days ago.

"Tell that to the uniform she ruined." Wanda smirked at her. The Combusting Chalk never did come out. In fact, Mazie still had some red streaks left in her hair. It was fine though. She kind of liked the flash of color in her otherwise monotone mane. Not to mention it reminded her of Carol every time she saw it.

"She didn't mean for that to happen! She's not mean. Just...reckless," Wanda was already snorting at the dreamy tone Mazie's voice had taken on.

"Right. I still think Romanoff is better for you." She told her friend, honestly.

[[MORE]]

"That's not how you felt when I first met her!" Mazie accused. "You'll warm up to Danvers, too. You'll see"

Wanda raised her eyebrows at Mazie, "I didn't like Romanoff because she’s a Slytherin. And she acts like a stone cold bitch."

Mazie giggled at Wanda's blunt words, only partially horrified. They had talked about this before. Before Mazie had met Natasha in person. The first time had been at Hogsmeade, when Carol had put Whizzing Worms in Natasha's Butterbeer. Mazie hadn't even thought about what she was doing before she cast the counter spell that contained the exploding liquid. She had learned that one a long time ago, as soon as her little brothers first got their hands on those bloody worms.

"But she's much nicer in person! She just acts cold so no one messes with her." Mazie insisted. After saving her from the Whizzing Worms, Natasha had bought Mazie a drink. She had been intimidated by the Slytherin Prefect at first, but once they got to talking, she realized that Natasha really did just put up a front. She was kind and caring, and very clever. Mazie couldn't remember the last time she had such an engaging conversation about transfiguration, especially with anyone who wasn't a Ravenclaw.

"It doesn't seem to stop Danvers from messing with her…" Wanda noted, with small smile. She knew that reminding Mazie of Carol again would only set her off more.

"Yea, but that's because Danvers is a reckless badass! She's not afraid of anything. Or anyone." Mazie's dreamy grin was back.

"You're so far gone, Stanton. It's useless for me to try to convince you otherwise." Wanda looked at her friend fondly. "So, are we circling the Quidditch pitch a few hundred times?"

Mazie wanted to deny it, to feign outrage that her friend thought her so fickle...but she was that transparent. Not to mention, she loved Wanda like a sister. And they knew each other almost as well, after 7 years of sharing a room in the Ravenclaw dorms. "Yea...but let's at least try to look subtle about it, okay?"

-------

Carol was frustrated by her team's slow progress. They only had six more days before the big match. And they still weren't ready.

"Barton, the snitch has been out for 20 bloody minutes. Some hawkeye you have." She scoffed, then rounded on her beaters. "And you two. Avery--Moaning Myrtle could swing harder than you. Valkyrie--you have the accuracy of a blast ended skrewt." Valkyrie tilted her head at her friend, looking like she was ready to make Carol eat those words, literally, but luckily there was no bludger in reach.

“Hill, you’re flying like you drank a barrel of firewhiskey. You need to stay in bloody formation.” Maria stared Carol down with raised eyebrows, not saying a word in response. Carol wasn’t phased by the glares she was getting from her team. She was just being honest.

She left Steve out--he was trying at least. Compared to the rest. She turned his friend though, who was hovering by the goal posts. "And for Merlin's sake, Bucky. Stop watching Steve's ass and start watching the quaffle. A gnome could’ve blocked more of our shots."

"As far as I'm concerned, that's Gryffindor's ass." Bucky muttered quietly, expression neutral. He seemed like the only one who wasn’t angry at her rant.

"Fine. We can make it the bloody Gryffindor mascot if you want." Bucky was surprised she heard him but completely unabashed all the same. "Just stare at it another time. As far as I'm concerned, I own all your asses when we're on this field. And at the moment I'm not impressed with any of them."

Valkyrie snorted to Avery, "That's because none of them are Romanoff's."

"What did you say?" Carol pulled her broom in a 180, facing her beaters again. Both had the forethought to look contrite, though Valkyrie still had the hint of a smirk. They held up their hands in surrender.

"Nothing, Captain." Avery responded for them.

Carol rolled her eyes, letting it go for the moment. She had bigger worries than dumb rumors. She sighed, "Everyone take five. Then I want you back on the pitch with your heads screwed on properly. Or else."

She landed first, needing the break more than them, if she was honest with herself. Her head felt like it was going to split in two. She knew her team had the potential to beat Slytherin, the potential to be better. But it seemed like every day they were on the pitch her team was getting worse.

"Danvers," Steve's voice was calm, like she hadn't just exploded at them up there. "I had some ideas for maneuvers we could do--"

"Not now, Rogers." She cut him off. What part of ‘take a break’ didn't he understand? When she glanced at him, she saw him blinking, unsure what to do now that he was turned away. Her pity won out. "We can talk about it when we regroup, okay?" She said, a little less sharply.

He nodded, relief spreading across his features. "All right." Carol didn't watch to see him walk over to Bucky. She just knew he would.

She turned away from the whole team and started to make her way to the edge of the pitch. A breath of fresh air, that's what she needed. That was when she spotted the red-speckled hair. Bobbing along next to another girl. Carol momentarily thought Natasha was walking with Mazie, only to let out a relieved breath to see it was a much taller girl. With brunette hair and blue trimmed robes.

So Mazie had friends, Carol mused. Or at least, a friend. That's good. Carol decided that maybe this was the break she needed. She headed off down the path so she would collide with their route.

"Stanton," she called out when she was close enough to be heard.

Mazie's head whipped around to stare at Carol, wide-eyed. "Oh. Hey Danvers. What's up?"

“Oh, you know how it is. My team is sucking and there’s nothing I can do about it.” Carol shrugged, brushing off her dismal words. “Who’s your friend?” She nodded to the tall brunette.

“This is Wanda Maximoff.” Mazie had a grin on her face, but she couldn’t hold eye contact with Carol for long. She looked back at Wanda. “This is, uh, Carol Danvers.” Mazie was surprised her voice didn’t flutter on Carol’s name. Her heart was, that’s for sure.

Carol reached out to shake Wanda’s long-fingered hand. “Nice to meet you.” Carol remembered her manners for once.

“You too,” Wanda smirked, glancing slyly at her friend before turning her attention back to Carol. “Mazie’s told me a lot about you.”

Mazie’s eyes widened. She was contemplating if hexing Wanda in front of Carol would make it more or less embarrassing. “Oh yea?” Carol’s lips quirked up into an unashamed grin, making Mazie’s core clench, especially because it was directed at her. “All good things, I hope?” She added a wink. The mischievous spark in her eye made it clear to them both that Carol had a feeling none of it would actually be good. Mazie felt like she should say something but her mind was completely blank.

Wanda didn't seem to be suffering from the same muteness, “She thinks your team is going to beat Slytherin 2 to 1. I told her there was no way they would lose that badly.” Mazie clutched Wanda’s arm, not sure what she was trying to communicate to her friend, but sure that her face was turning crimson all the same.

“Yea, she told me that too.” Carol sighed, her eyes locking with Mazie. “At this rate, that’s not going to happen. Sorry, darling.” Mazie was glad her hands were covered by the sleeves of her robes. She felt them twitch at the pet name. Wanda let out a quiet laugh though, feeling it where Mazie held her.

"Itsokay," Mazie rushed out the words so they sounded like one. "As long as you win I'll be happy."

Carol frowned, "Not even sure I can guarantee that…"

"If anyone can figure it out, it's you."

Carol was touched but not sure her confidence was well placed. "Thanks. But you didn't see our practice today." She grimaced.

Mazie shrugged, "You've been doing this for seven years! Most of you have. I'm sure a lot of it is second nature at this point. It's just a question of who can get the edge this year. And that edge may not be through repetitive practice." Mazie shut her mouth, realizing she was rambling.

Carol's eyes widened, the thought finally hitting her. "You're a genius, Mazie!" She jumped forward, catching Mazie off guard and kissing her on the cheek. "I gotta go." She turned on her heel and started to run back to the pitch. After a few steps, she threw back over her shoulder, "Nice to meet you, Maximoff. Take care of my sassy, genius Ravenclaw friend."

Mazie stood there, rooted to the spot, watching Carol disappear in the distance. She wanted to say something, but every fiber of her being was focused on the warm patch on her cheek, where Carol's lips had been moments ago. And every thought in her head echoed the words, "darling", "genius", and "my friend."

Wanda put her arm around her, "Maze, you okay?" Wanda sounded just as caught off-guard as Mazie at the sudden change in Carol's behavior.

Mazie just let out a high-pitched whine, attempting to respond to her friend. Wanda laughed nervously, "Maybe we should go back inside, since we've been spotted."

Mazie could only nod and let Wanda guide her back down the dirt path, back toward the castle. "I can die happy now." Mazie muttered.

Wanda laughed, "If that interaction was any indication, you may just want to wait on dying. I think you might have some good things coming your way, Maze. If you can stay alive long enough…"

Mazie was clutching at her chest with her hand. "I think I'm having a heart attack."

Wanda snorted, "Well, deal with it darling. Cause now I kind of want to see where this goes. So you're not allowed to die yet."

"Fine. I'll suffer through this for you. Because I'm that good of a friend." Mazie mumbled.

Wanda laughed again. "Sure you are. You're doing it all for me. Not for that blonde Quidditch Captain that clearly has a thing for you." Wanda smirked, raising a challenging eyebrow.

"She does not," Mazie countered automatically. But she was actually beginning to wonder. Was it not just her imagination?

"You could've just stayed in the Prefect's bathroom to find out. But nooo, you had to run away." Wanda continued to tease.

"She kissed me, Wan. She kissed me." Mazie hadn't really been listening to her friend's words.

"Yes, she did. Let's get you inside before you faint," Wanda still looked at her friend with amusement. But also with worry. Mazie was innocent and sweet, and she was getting caught up with the wildest student at Hogwarts and the most ruthless student at Hogwarts. She just hoped that Mazie would be able to find her way between the two Gryffindor and Slytherin superstars. If not, Wanda was going to put to shame the meaningless pranks they had been playing on each other. She would be out for blood.

-----

Carol ran back onto the pitch to her dejected team, lazing around on the grass. "Rogers, what were those new maneuvers you came up with? I think it's time we added a little excitement to our lives."

Her team noticeably perked up at her words. This may just work.