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dontmindmyshadowhunting · 3 years ago

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Welcome to Faerieland - Fan Fic (last chapters)

Here we go! Last chapters of Welcome to Faerieland.

Link to full story on AO3 here.

*****

Dru and Ash landed a mile or so away from their destination, in order to avoid drawing attention to the location. As soon as their feet touched the ground, the two rocs turned around and disappeared above the treetops.

“I can walk,” Dru said and Ash offered his arm to steady her while she limped toward the general direction of the cottage. She knew it pretty well, it had sort of become a Blackthorns’ country home.

“So how do you know this place?”

“My eldest brother is dating the King of the Unseelie Court, and that’s where they meet sometimes.”

Ash whistled.

“One of your brothers is King Kieran’s lover? I think I heard about him.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty serious, although they won’t ever be able to be official about it. I guess you know what the rules are about faerie royalty’s consorts?”

“I do,” he averted his gaze and brushed a hand through his hair, in what seemed to be a nervous gesture. Dru realized it was the first time Ash had looked uncomfortable about a subject.

“A lot of rules need to be changed,” he said abruptly. “Don’t you agree?” His green eyes bore into her as he said it, as if he was desperate for her approval.

“Well, King Kieran has already been carrying out a lot of changes since he came to power. It’s just that… sometimes, it takes time. You can’t change the world overnight.”

Ash kicked a pebble. “You could, if you didn’t insist on everything being consensual. Maybe King Kieran cares too much about what people think of him... or, you know, in general.” He shrugged but there was a predatory glint in his eyes that she hadn’t seen before, and it almost made her cringe.

“You know, Ash, if what you are looking for in a sovereign is arbitrary decisions and a bitchy attitude, we have the Seelie Queen for that.”

She had expected Ash to laugh, his free, careless laugh - God, she loved it when he did that - but he seemed lost in thought.

She had to admit she had been a bit harsh. She knew the Seelie and Unseelie Courts were in much better terms now that King Arawn was dead. The Queen had appointed the Unseelie Prince Adaon as her most trusted advisor and the two of them and King Kieran met regularly to reinforce the bonds and cooperation between both realms.

Dru started humming a song and Ash paused, his green eyes widening. “Are you singing… Royals ?”

“Yeah, I love that song. Do you know it?”

“I do,” he answered, suppressing a smile.

As they walked, she sang louder - she knew the lyrics by heart - and he watched her with glittering eyes, clearly entertained.

“And we'll never be royals It don't run in our blood That kind of luxe just ain't for us We crave a different kind of buzz Let me be your ruler You can call me queen bee”

“Maybe I will,” he whispered in her ear as he tickled her, and she elbowed him playfully.

He sang along with her then - he had a beautiful tenor voice - both of them throwing their heads back at the same time to howl at the sky “And baby, I'll rule - I’ll rule, I’ll rule, I’ll rule” , like a pair of wolves. They roared with laughter, Dru holding her ribs and leaning against Ash for support. Watching him from the corner of her eye, she marvelled at the fact that she had found a new friend in such a short time.

At the Academy, people either feared her because she was a Blackthorn or wanted to be friends with her simply for that same reason. Or both. She was almost a celebrity, despite herself. Only because of her last name and her eldest brothers’ hand in ending the Cold Peace in the most spectacular way. And of course, there were always the loud-mouthed bigots and moralists who were baffled by the Blackthorns’ ties with the Fair Folk and their so-called “sexual and moral depravity”. The Rosales, of course, suffered the same criticism, and Jaime had always been a comforting shoulder and reliable friend to Dru in those moments where she felt she had had too much to deal with.

She didn’t want to worry Julian, Emma, Mark or even Helen with her troubles making friends at the Academy.

She couldn’t confide in Ty, because he didn’t care at all what people thought, and was content with sticking to his close friends, Livvy and Anush. His teachers, especially Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss were absolute fans - even if Fell would never admit it - and everyone at the Scholomance was too impressed by his obvious academic superiority - and maybe, the Carpathian lynx tailing him - to dare bother him anyway.

Ash seemed to be far away from all of this, as if he had been living as a hermit in a remote tower, which was probably close to the truth.

He was the only one outside her siblings, with the exception of Jaime of course, to treat her like an ordinary girl.

And maybe, maybe someday Ash could become more than a friend. He was nice, definitely fun, absolutely gorgeous and he had kissed her after all, even though she knew it could be meaningless where faeries were concerned. She had been waiting for Jaime to figure things out for so long, and Ash had appeared out of nowhere and had shown interest without a moment’s hesitation.

She was interrupted in her thoughts as a broad-shouldered silhouette falling from the sky dropped on the ground before them. Dru released Ash’s arm to clap both her hands on her mouth, relief washing over her. Kit, looking as angelic as ever with his bright blue eyes and tousled blond hair, fluttered his white wings tipped with gold as he advanced gleefully to greet Dru.

The reunion was cut short as he was suddenly thrown back by a figure shooting straight into him like a cannonball and from one moment to the next, Kit disappeared into a ball of black and white feathers, rolling on the grass.

It took Dru a moment to realize that Ash had disappeared from her side and that he was actually the one who had attacked Kit. She ran to separate them but soon they were shooting up, caught in a wrestling match a few feet above ground, moving so swiftly they were a blur.

Dru let out a heavy sigh before she put two fingers between her lips and whistled as loud as she could. The two figures froze - they were still grappling each other - and looked down.

“ASH! KIT! Both of you. Get down here! NOW.”

They both looked at each other.

“ASH! What the hell is wrong with you, this is my brother’s boyfriend !” Dru continued, gesturing frantically toward Kit.

Ash released Kit first, grudgingly, and they both landed softly on the floor. There was a long gash across Ash’s cheek but he was grinning like the Cheshire cat, his eyes glittering in excitement. He winked at Dru as he wiped blood from his mouth. Kit was rearranging his hair, looking pissed, and Dru realized that his knuckles were bloody and that there was a small cut on his eyebrow. Both of them seemed otherwise unharmed.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Batman ?” Kit said, glaring at Ash.

“Sorry,” Ash replied, wiping dirt from his shirt. “I took you for a psychopathic jerk who nearly killed me a few years ago. He literally kicked me and my uncle out of the place we used to live in. You look exactly like him.”

“Well, it can’t have been me since last night was the first time I ever saw you,” Kit replied sharply, wiping his bloody knuckles over his shirt.

“Yeah, don’t worry, I figured that out pretty fast. You fight like a pussy compared to him.”

“Want to say that again?” Kit lifted an eyebrow at him.

“Boys, could you please stop comparing the sizes of your dicks, so we can move on?”

Ash and Kit complied, arguing over which Batman movie was best the entire way, until the cottage came into view, a few feet away. The door opened and Jaime came out of it, running toward them.

“Dru,” he cried out. He caught up to her, and threw his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. She lost herself in his familiar and comforting scent and pressed her cheek against his torso. “Mi corazón,” he whispered softly. "We were worried sick. Cómo estás?”

Jaime brushed his hands through Dru’s hair and planted a kiss on her forehead.

She swiftly pulled back, her eyes darting to where Ash was leaning against a tree, talking to Kit, his arms crossed. He was smiling indulgently at her, as if he didn’t mind.

“I am fine, thanks to Ash,” she said, and pulled Jaime over to where Ash and Kit were standing. “Jaime, this is Ash. Ash, this is Jaime,” she introduced, waving her hand awkwardly between the two of them.

“Thank you for taking care of our precious Dru,” Jaime said, extending his hand. “We owe you one.”

“No hay de qué!” Ash replied, shaking his hand.

“Hablas español?” Jaime asked, looking pleasantly surprised.

“Solo a hombres con un excelente gusto en mujeres.” He gave Jaime a wicked grin and looked pointedly at Dru. Jaime’s face fell.

A high-pitched shriek had them whip their heads up in time to see a majestic roc land on the ground, a few feet away. Ty hopped gracefully from the giant bird and walked immediately to Dru. He was pale - even more so than usual - with deep dark circles under his gray eyes, and Dru marvelled at how gorgeous her brother was anyway, whatever state he was in. She sometimes wished she had inherited the same stunningly sharp features. Without a word, Ty knelt in front of Dru and started inspecting her wound.

“Ash, this is my brother Ty,” Dru announced proudly.

Ash started to extend his hand but Dru shook her head at him. He let it fall by his side.

“Ty, this is Ash.”

Tiberius nodded without lifting his gaze.

“Who tended to the wound?”

“I did,” Ash answered.

Ty finally stood - and Dru realized Ash was almost as tall as Ty, which was saying something, since Ty was very tall - and glanced at Ash for the first time, his gray eyes looking down under his long eyelashes and not lifting up from a spot on Ash’s shoulder. “Thanks,” he said curtly.

Hesitantly, Ty put his arms around Dru in one of the rare hugs he had ever granted her. It was awkward and short, but Dru knew it meant Ty had been truly terrified of losing her.

After they released each other, Ty whirled and started walking toward the cottage. He paused after a few steps and glanced over his shoulder. The four of them had just been standing there, staring at him. “Are you coming?”

They all hurried after Ty, Dru having one arm around Ash’s, and the other around Jaime’s.

“So, tell me. Are all your brothers this handsome?” Ash asked her, as he looked Ty up and down appreciatively.

“EXCUSE ME? “ Kit interjected. His whole face had gone bright red in an instant and he started cracking his bloody knuckles. He looked poised for a second round.

“What? Did I say something wrong?” Ash did not seem in the least bit concerned by Kit’s reaction.

“It’s my boyfriend you are talking about.”

“And I just said I found him attractive. Is that in any way offensive?”

Dru laughed. “No,” she said. “I am sure you were simply stating your opinion and not trying to steal Kit’s boyfriend.”

“I am not trying to steal anyone’s lover,” Ash concurred, gazing wistfully at Dru. ”I just admire beauty when I see it”.

“But he would definitely be up for sex if Ty wanted to,” Jaime muttered sarcastically under his breath.

Ash shot him a puzzled look. “Of course, I would. Why not? Kit would be welcome as well, the more the merrier.”

Kit opened his mouth but seemed too much in a shock for a witty comeback. That was a first.

Oddly enough, Dru realized she didn’t feel jealous or baffled by Ash’s statement. He was like an untamed bird breaking out of a cage, unwilling to bend to any rules of propriety. She guessed part of it was due to his fey heritage.

“Mark is the Unseelie King’s lover, the Seelie Queen keeps trying to get into Julian’s pants and now you two,” Jaime said eventually, looking over at Ty and Dru. “What is it with the Blackthorns and the Fair Folk anyway?”

“Probably the exact same thing there is with Blackthorns and any other species,” Ash said evenly.

Everyone turned a questioning look at him.

“They are hot,” he said simply, and shrugged.

Everyone laughed at that.

*****

They were all starving so they decided to have breakfast in the cottage before heading back home.

Kit, wearing an apron that had "Doughnut sandwiches are a proper meal” printed on it (and that probably belonged to Mark Blackthorn), was in the kitchen, scrambling a huge portion of eggs in a large pan with a wooden spoon. He somehow managed to make it look totally hot.

“Eggs?” Ty asked Kit as he came to stand next to him and put a hand on the small of Kit’s back.

“Yeah, I would have cooked pancakes, but we are missing a few ingredients to do that. So it will be eggs. Eggs and fruits. God knows there are plenty of fruits here.”

“You know how to cook pancakes?” Ty asked, his gray eyes widening in surprise.

Kit shot him a shy glance.

“Yeah, I… I asked Julian for his recipe. You know, in case one day I needed to cook for you…r family.”

Kit and Ty both exchanged a look that was so intimate, Jaime had to glance away. He found Ash leaning casually against the fridge, his arms crossed, and gazing at him with a smirk on his face. He looked like he owned the place and hadn’t just popped uninvited into the home of strangers. When Jaime raised a questioning eyebrow at him, Ash unfolded his arms to draw the shape of a heart in the air in front of him. Jaime rolled his eyes. He definitely didn’t like this guy.

They set the table, while Dru was in the bedroom looking for clothes.

Kit and Ty sat next to each other, their fingers intertwined under the table and their backs to the kitchen counter, which left Ash to sit across from Ty and Jaime to sit across from Kit. They had left a spot at the head of the table for Drusilla, who would have Ash on her left and Ty on her right when she came back.

Ty only had fruits on his plate, and he was eyeing Kit gulping his eggs down, as if he was reconsidering having some himself.

“Want to try?” Ash brought his fork to Ty, who flinched as if he had been stabbed.

Kit grabbed Ash’s wrist and pushed the fork away from Ty.

“Ty can use my fork if he wants to try it. He is my boyfriend, after all.”

Ash shrugged. “Yeah, no worries, I think I got that. You can tattoo it on your forehead, it will spare you from having to repeat it to every living soul you encounter on Earth.”

Ash glanced at Jaime, and said in a lower voice, directed only at him. “And it will keep other people from pining for someone they can’t have.”

“Excuse me?” Jaime turned to whisper in Ash’s ear. “What does it have to do with Dru and me?”

“I was not talking about Dru,” Ash whispered back.

They both jerked their heads up, as Dru swooped in from the bedroom then, wearing a beautiful red dress that Jaime remembered having seen on Cristina. It was much tighter on Dru, clinging to her curves and emphasizing her cleavage. Jaime swallowed. He couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on in his head.

Ash immediately stood to draw Dru’s chair and she nodded by way of thanking him. She sat on it as if it was a throne, her chin up.

Jaime glanced over at Ash, who seemed so free about his sexuality, and felt a pang of envy.

“So, what’s your deal, Ash?” Jaime blurted. Ash raised a questioning eyebrow at him. “Are you…” Jaime cleared his throat. “Bixesual?”

A slow grin spread across Ash’s face. “We’ve just met and you’re already trying to fill your fact sheet about me and tick one of your little boxes?”

“I didn’t mean to be rude,” Jaime said, feeling uncomfortable.

“I know you didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I am not offended by your question,” Ash continued in a gentler voice. “It’s just that… not everyone can fit into little boxes.” He swiftly glanced at Ty when he said it. It was a flicker movement, but lynx-eyed Ty caught it immediately.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Tiberius said. “I am definitely gay.” He slipped half a banana inside his mouth then, totally oblivious of the gesture. Kit and Ash weren’t though. Kit made a noise between a snort and a chuckle and spilled the water he was drinking through his nose and all over his shirt, while Ash almost fell off his chair roaring with laughter. Dru looked at the boys with motherly affection.

Jaime stood and hurried to the kitchen to get a towel to clean the mess. When he turned, Kit was already there, leaning against the kitchen counter, extending his hand and looking at Jaime with a genuine smile that lit up his gorgeous face.

“Thanks, Jaime,” he said, as he grabbed the towel and started padding his shirt with it. The planes of his muscles stood out and could be seen right through the wet fabric.

“No problem,” Jaime mumbled, feeling his heartbeat increasing inside his chest.

He averted his gaze, past Kit, to the table, where Ty and Dru had their heads bent together, caught in a deep conversation.

Ash was peering around Ty, watching Jaime with amusement. When he caught Jaime gazing back, he stuck his tongue inside his cheek, and started moving his fist back and forth in front of his mouth, miming a blowjob.

Jaime resisted the urge to flip him the finger.

****

When breakfast was over, Dru lay sprawled on a sofa, her leg propped on Jaime’s lap, and Ash was examining the sound system, so he could put music on.

Kit and Ty had disappeared. God only knew where.

“So, what was that demon attack in the middle of Faerie about?” Jaime asked.

“Ty has a theory. And you won’t like it,” Dru replied. “He believes the Unseelie prince who held us hostage has made an alliance with a Greater Demon… probably a Prince of Hell.”

Jaime tensed. If Ty believed this, it was very bad news indeed. “So why send an army of demons to attack an ally?”

Dru twirled a lock of her dark brown hair as she replied. “Two options. Either the Prince of Hell discovered that his ally had been exposed and wanted to silence him. Or… or we will soon be caught in the middle of an internal war between the Princes of Hell.”

“You mean… there might be more than one involved?”

“To quote Ty, evidence makes it more likely than not,” Dru replied, imitating her brother’s voice. Jaime felt dread wash over him.

He gently put Dru’s leg on an armrest and excused himself.

Sometimes, he felt so anxious it was all he could do not to curl up in a corner and wait for his chest pain and dizziness to fade. The mission he had carried out a few years back, where he had to stay hidden all the time, never staying in one place, had made him jumpy, poised for any threat. He didn’t want Dru to see that side of him. For her, he could only be the calm and reliable friend she was used to.

He decided to scout the rest of the cottage for an empty room. There was a corridor - leading to a bathroom? more bedrooms maybe? - on the left side of the main suite’s door.

He went through and just as he turned around a corner... stopped short.

Halfway down the corridor, Ty was leaning with his back against the wall and Kit had his hands propped on either side of him, trapping Ty in a cage of his arms… and they were kissing.

Jaime had never seen two men kissing before and he was surprised to see how tender and sweet it looked. Ty was running his long pale fingers in Kit’s blond hair while the other hand rested on the small of Kit’s back, half of it concealed under Kit’s waistband.

Kit was naked from the waist up and Jaime could see all the tanned muscles in his back contract as he deepened the kiss, eliciting soft moans from the Blackthorn boy.

They were beautiful together, two opposites inevitably drawn to each other, their bodies fitting perfectly like yin and yang.

Jaime felt his whole body react, with a familiar flutter around his stomach and heat rushing up his cheeks. He knew he should not be watching, but he couldn’t get himself to tear his gaze away.

Kit broke the kiss to trace the dark Marks swirling up Ty’s neck with the tip of his tongue. Ty’s gray eyes fluttered open and he caught sight of Jaime. His intense gaze didn’t waver. He didn’t even seem surprised or angry. He simply raised an eyebrow at Jaime as if to say Can I help you with something ?

Jaime hastily retreated to the living room.

He found Ash’s lean figure perched on the wide low table at the center of the room, dancing to the blasting sound of Beyoncé’s Single Ladies and singing along. “If you like it, you should have put a ring on it,” actually sounded very good in his velvety voice. He was twisting, hands on his hips, and throwing his legs up like a professional, while making dramatic faces at Dru, who was sprawled on the sofa, howling with laughter. As he brushed his lips with his finger, licking it and started caressing his torso while throwing his head back, shaking his beautiful silvery hair, he managed to make it look erotic and not ridiculous at all. Jaime had to admit… His moves were perfect, fluid, coordinated and he totally… pulled it off. Annoying jerk.

“Having fun without me?” Kit burst into the room - he was, fortunately, wearing a shirt this time - and immediately hopped on the table to join Ash and one could not imagine they had been wrestling less than an hour before.

When Dru caught Jaime watching them, she patted the spot on the sofa next to her and he moved to drop beside her, throwing his arm around her shoulders.

The music had changed to Rihanna’s S&M and Ash and Kit were dancing together as if they had rehearsed for hours, their dance steps coordinated and smooth. They looked like two lifelong best buddies who could guess each other’s moves. They were pulsing with energy, although obviously neither of them had slept the previous night. Ash made a show of licking Kit’s cheek, and Kit pushed him away, grimacing. When Ash arched his back to rub his buttocks against Kit’s crotch and Kit spanked him, Dru wiped tears from her eyes. Jaime imagined what it would be like to go to a nightclub with the both of them. They would most likely steal the show.

As if on cue, the next song was… Stole the show, by Kygo. As they danced close together in perfect synchrony, Jaime noticed for the first time the similarities between Ash and Kit. Though Ash was all pale, white blond hair and alabaster skin, and Kit was all golden hair and tanned muscles, there was something about their facial features, the planes of their cheeks, the lines of their jaws… They did not look like brothers, but they could easily pass for cousins.

Jaime grabbed a Hot Shadowhunters calendar that had been left on the side table and started flipping through the pages. Looking at the January page featuring Jace Herondale, he wondered why everyone said Kit was like a mini Jace when Jaime could clearly see there was a difference, now that Kit had grown into more adult features. At least to Jaime, Kit’s fey heritage was plain.

When the music changed to Charlie Puth’s Marvin Gaye, Jaime turned his head to find Ty leaning against the kitchen counter and watching the two dancers with a bemused expression, his arms crossed over his chest.

He eventually caught Kit’s eye, lifted a questioning eyebrow, and jerked his head toward the bedroom door. Kit stumbled from the table in his hurry to join Ty and followed him out of the living room and through the main bedroom door, which shut behind them.

*****

Kit jumped on the huge threesome bed as soon as they were inside the bedroom. He felt exhilarated, full of adrenaline and restless energy, and he wanted Ty so much that he was certain he would spontaneously combust if they didn’t share their bodies within the next minute.

He shot Ty a smoldering look as he lounged on the thick mattress, twisting his shoulders seductively while singing along to Charlie Puth’s Marvin Gaye, which was blasting through the thin walls.

“We got this king-size to ourselves Don't have to share with no one else Don't keep your secrets to yourself It's Kama Sutra show and tell, yeah”

Ty had folded his arms against his chest and was shaking his head, as if he didn’t know what to make of this misbehaving boy.

“Kit, you interrupted me earlier when I was trying to have a serious conversation. Will you please let me finish this time?”

"I'm in trouble." Kit continued, clapping a hand over his mouth in a dramatic oops gesture. "But I'd love to be in trouble with you."

Ty rolled his eyes. He didn’t seem ready to play along with Kit, so Kit finally stood and grabbed Ty's upper arms, forcing him to back up until he had him pinned against the wall. He started wiggling his hips, rubbing against Ty, his body swaying to the music.

“You've got to give it up to me I'm screaming, "Mercy, mercy, please!" Just like they say it in the song Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on.”

Kit slipped a hand under Ty’s waistband, straight into his boxer shorts, and whispered “Hello there” as he brushed his lips against Ty’s ear.

“Kit…” Ty said sharply, as a warning, though Kit could hear his breathing was uneven.

“Ty,” Kit replied with all the seriousness he could muster. “When I saw you riding that Shinigami demon carrying a crossbow, I was so turned on it was all I could do not to jump your bones there and then.”

Ty laughed softly. “It appears you have a kink involving me wielding dangerous weapons. Maybe I should bring a claymore to bed next time and threaten you with it.”

“Honey, you know that, as far as I am concerned, you carry the deadliest weapon around with you at all times,” Kit started stroking Ty’s length as if to illustrate his point. It hardened under his touch. Good, we’re heading somewhere. "I was talking about your brain of course," Kit added.

“Kit, listen to me.” Ty grabbed Kit’s wrist and pulled it out of his pants. Kit groaned. “Haven’t you noticed anything strange about Ash?”

That caught Kit’s attention. He had not expected Ash to be the subject of their conversation. He had actually hoped to avoid any kind of conversation altogether. For a little while at least.

“Well, I noticed he is an amazing fighter and dancer. I am totally up for challenging him again, either in a training room or on a dancefloor.” There was something about Ash and him fighting and dancing together, a raw yet steady energy, not like the restlessness and all consuming love he felt around Ty, but something grounding him, making him even more focused. As if he had found a kindred warrior spirit.

“He probably has no effect on you, but… I think spells have been worked on him to render him… likeable. People are inevitably drawn to him, want to protect and follow him.”

Kit swallowed, suddenly deadly serious. “Does this… work on you?”

“No. And I have several theories about that. First… Well, I am a bit different. My brain doesn’t work the same way others’ do. Second, the Blackthorns have a bit of Greater Demon blood, even if it is quite diluted. I do believe Dru genuinely likes him.”

“You mean from your ancestor Lucie Herondale?”

Ty nodded. “And the third and most important explanation is… you. You have my full loyalty.” He rested his forehead against Kit’s. “There is no way in hell I am following him, when I could follow you. ”

Kit brushed his lips over Ty’s.

“What about Jaime? He seems to dislike Ash.”

“I am still trying to figure this out. But it may be one of the reasons I am immune to it, myself.”

“What? You think the Rosales have Greater Demon blood as well?”

“Maybe. But that’s not what I was referring to.”

They were both interrupted when they heard voices raising in the living room. Jaime’s voice was the loudest. And he sounded totally pissed.

Ty hurried toward the door, and Kit followed.

****

As soon as Kit and Ty had disappeared behind the bedroom door, Ash jumped over Dru and Jaime’s heads to land behind the sofa and stole the Hot Shadowhunters calendar from Jaime’s hands. “Hey!” Jaime cried out.

Ash circled back and dropped himself next to Dru, which left her crammed between him and Jaime. As he flipped to the first page, the January page, Ash froze. He was gaping at the picture of Jace Herondale, as if he could not quite believe his eyes.

Falling for Jace Herondale, already? What a surprise.

But oddly, Ash didn’t smile or make a sarcastic comment, as Jaime would have expected. He had a sorrowful expression and a faraway look.

“This is Jace Herondale,” Dru said softly. “Surely, even you have heard of him ?”

Ash swallowed. “Yeah,” he said absently. “Yeah, I have. He looks… happy.”

“Well, of course, he is happy. He has it all, hasn’t he?” Jaime said. “War hero. Married to the love of his life. The Consul as faithful parabatai.” Ash flinched, as if each word was a needle to his skin.

“Ash, is everything okay?”

Ash shook his head as if to clear it.

“Yeah, yeah, I was just thinking about… the butterfly effect. How a single human being’s existence… or absence, can change the course of things… can change the whole world.”

Where the hell did that come from? Jaime wondered.

Ash lifted his gaze to stare at the door where Kit and Ty had disappeared. “Take Kit for instance. Who knew it would only take a hot boyfriend to turn a ruthless, bloodthirsty ruler into a harmless kitten.”

“Er- Ash, I am not sure I am following you,” Dru said gently. “What do you mean?”

Ash let out a heavy sigh and slumped back, crossing his long arms behind his head, the Hot Shadowhunters calendar left at the January page on his lap.

“Nothing, I am rambling.” It looked like he was lost in his thoughts again.

Jaime seized the opportunity to whisper in Dru’s ear. “Dru, can we find some place private to… talk?”

Dru gazed at him with a puzzled look on her face. “Sure. What do you want to talk about?”

Jaime didn’t get a chance to answer as the entrance door rattled at that moment and they both whipped their heads in the direction of the noise.

The door opened and Mark Blackthorn, all tousled blond hair, pointy ears and flushed cheeks, erupted inside the cottage, wearing ragged jeans and a white shirt with a message that stated, “All good things come in threes”. He paused, as if he didn’t really expect to see so many people in his living room.

Jaime immediately withdrew his arm from Dru’s shoulders and stood, but soon registered that Mark was not looking at him… He was staring at Ash who had, from one moment to the next, leapt on the table in front of them and was crouched on top of it, ready to pounce, a dangerous glint in his ice green eyes. He had moved to protect Dru from a potential threat, Jaime realized. And there was no trace of the Ash that had been goofing around with Kit a moment before. The feeling that he had been played like a fool until then hit Jaime like a freight train. They had all fallen for Ash’s laid-back, good guy act. In one instant, Ash had revealed his true, predatory nature…

“Mark!” Dru waved from the sofa, unfazed. “You already know Jaime of course and this is Ash,” she introduced. “Ash… this is my brother Mark.”

Ash relaxed from his stance and leapt off the table, flashing a bright smile and wearing his cool guy mask back on. As if he hadn’t been ready to rip Mark’s throat a second before. The abrupt change in Ash's behaviour almost gave Jaime a whiplash.

“Have we… met before?” Mark asked, looking at Ash with his brows furrowed as he closed the door.

“In any event, I wish to be properly introduced,” Ash said, evading the question. “I am Dru’s boyfriend.”

“Excuse me?” Dru interjected at the same time Jaime exclaimed “WHAT?”

Ash shrugged. “I thought our make out session had settled it.”

Jaime felt heat rush up his face. He whirled on Dru. “We’ve known each other for three years and you’ve known this guy for what? Less than twelve hours? And you’ve already kissed him?”

“To be fair, I am the one who kissed her ,” Ash said in a calm voice. “She didn’t tell me to stop, though.” He paused, his long fingers stroking his delicate chin as he pondered. “Then again, how could she have, what with my tongue being down her throat and all?”

“Ash, don’t intervene,” Dru said, her already white complexion growing paler by the second. “This is not between us.”

“Really?” Ash answered in a fake shocked expression. “I could have sworn it was my tongue down your throat.”

“What’s going on here?” Ty asked as he came out of the bedroom, followed by Kit.

“GREAT!” Jaime said. “That’s just my luck! We’re just missing Julian and…”

“And?” Julian asked, his tall broad-shouldered figure appearing in the entrance. He froze in the doorway, hand on the doorknob, his face a mask of shock as his blue-green eyes swept across the room.

“... And all my worst nightmares are reunited in the same room. OK, let’s be done with it.”

Jaime took a deep breath and caught each of the Blackthorn brothers’ gaze, one after the other.

“I. FANCY. DRU. OKAY? I like her. I know she’s sixteen, but we are good together and I want her to be my girlfriend.”

*Cough* “ Too late.” *Cough* That was Ash. Dru turned to glare at him.

“Well, that’s not even relevant anymore, is it? Since apparently… She prefers Legolas, here.” Jaime continued, waving his hand toward Ash.

“Why does everyone keep saying that? I don’t even look like him.”

“Lego-who?” Ty asked, puzzled.

“He’s talking about Ash. Don’t worry honey, I’ll explain,” Kit said, speaking for the first time.

“And what the hell are you doing here?” Julian asked, turning toward Kit, a flicker of panic crossing his features.

“He just came out of the bedroom with Ty,” Mark said.

Kit lifted both his hands in surrender. “I wasn’t having sex with him,” he blurted. “I mean… not this time.” His face went red. “I mean- I am out of here. If anyone’s looking for me, I’m in the bedroom.” He whirled and paused in front of the bedroom door, his hand on the knob. “Not having sex with anyone...” he specified before he disappeared behind it.

Julian heaved a sigh and turned his gaze back to Ash.

Ash gulped. He looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights, his green eyes wide.

“This is not the end of it. But first things first. Can anyone tell me what the hell Ash Morgenstern is doing here?”

They had barely registered the question, when a sharp cry from behind Julian had them all jump. A slender figure peered around him, red hair like flames flowing over a green velvet dress embroidered with gold. Jaime had seen enough drawings and pictures of her to recognize her instantly. The Seelie Queen.

She pushed Julian aside and ran to Ash, throwing her thin pale arms around him and burying her face in his chest, the golden circlet around her head tipping to the side as she did. “Where were you last night? I came to the house, and it was empty . I have been looking for you everywhere since!”

Dru was staring at Ash open-mouthed. He shot her an apologetic look.

“Mom, let me introduce you to Dru. Dru…” Ash cleared his throat. “Meet my mom.”

*****

Tagging @gabtapia ❤️ Hope you'll enjoy it and, of course, don't hesitate to correct my spanish ;)

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umblebumble · 3 years ago

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Star Trek Daemons

These choices are based on the newer movie series (AOS) featuring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Carl Urban, etc. I have only seen bits and pieces of the many previous Star Trek series, but I will use what little tidbits I have picked up to help with this selection. My choices are a mix of analysis matching (I like to use the Daemon Forum as a starting point) as well as thematic/plot things. Hope you like them! Please let me know what you think, and your own headcanons!

James Kirk - Indian blue Peafowl. Thematically, I think a peacock/peahen would tell us a lot about Jim and reflect his story arc very well. Peacocks are thought of to be vain, cocky, proud birds who strut around showing off. This seems like exactly what everyone thinks about Jim at first glance, the sort of air he gives off. But peacocks are much more than that, people just don’t realize it. I think that parallel works well since everyone starts by underestimating Jim to seeing past his showy-ness and growing to respect and appreciate him as their captain. Furthermore, peacocks are intelligent, bold, fearsome and very socially oriented. They can fly despite what people think, and they’ve been known to always perch just out of reach of predators. They’re loud and communicative, and will fight and defend what is theirs. They actually have spurs on the back of their feet. Mostly, peacocks are very social - they spend time in flocks or at least pairs, and Jim is a very social person who would do anything for his people, his crew. So mostly thematic reasons, but I think a peahen perched on the back of the captain chair would just really fit him.

Spock - Eurasian Lynx. To me Spock has always been a cat person in my mind: he just exudes the same aloof energy with hints of softness, playfulness and even sassy-ness in the right circumstances. However because he’s half Vulcan and they have that raw animosity and energy they work so hard to tame, I figured it would be a wildcat versus a domesticated one. Lynx’s are ambush predators and have been known to sit in trees and wait to drop on unsuspecting prey. This matches Spocks patience in planning and executing strategy. Lynx’s are solitary creatures, but are very good mothers to young - and while Spock is more of a loner, he cares deeply and passionately for those in his circle. Lynx are also found in all sorts of environments, making them adaptable and quick on their feet. Plus they have been known to hunt deer, showing their bravery and fierce power. Spock is also very technical and sassy and sarcastic when the mood strikes him, which just fits very well with a cat attitude in general. Personally, I like the image of an aloof Lynx at Spock’s side that betrays no emotion until they crack and go for the throat. (Additionally, Lynx’s are known for their tufted ears and I think that would be hilarious alongside Mr. Pointy-Ears himself.)

Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy - Canadian Goose. This one seems a bit odd, but just stick with me a moment. Geese are loud, bold, brash, hardy birds who are hard working, determined, and known for their short-fuse but deep care for others. It’s perfect for Bones. A goose migrates thousands of kilometres each year, and live largely in Canada through very cold temperatures. This makes them very hardy, and hard-working birds. Furthermore, geese - Canadian Geese especially - are known for their temper. They’re given a wide berth because they have clear boundaries and will loudly let you know when you even approach said lines in the sand. But under the abrasive defensiveness and loud protestation of the world, geese make incredible parents. They’re protective, defensive, and very loving to their children, or their flock, or their mate. Those they care about, they are a stalwart defender and provider, and will often immediately adopt any stray goslings that are a similar age to their own babies. Bones is crotchety and loud and stubborn and has a tendency to yell about anything and everything, but he’s determined and smart and a doctor - he cares for people and will fiercely protect those he claims as his. It’s an unusual choice, but once I thought of it I just can’t get rid of the idea.

Nyota Uhura - Steller’s Jay. Since these birds are a species of corvid, they sit among some of the cleverest bird species. Nyota is especially smart and aware of her surroundings, demonstrated by her ability to readily understand Spock’s techno-babble. Furthermore, the smarter an animal, the more mental stimulation and challenge they need, or they’ll get bored easily. Nyota seems like the hardworking type to constantly have something on the go. Steller’s Jays are very adaptable, and a little bit manipulative when they need to get something, which pairs well with Nyota’s drive and tenacity. Furthermore, Steller’s Jay is noted as being an accomplished mimic of both bird calls and other noises. This is a fun thematic parallel to Nyota’s unparalleled auditory and linguistic ability.

Hikaru Sulu - Monarch Butterfly. A lot of people would think that butterfly’s are delicate and emotionally sensitive people, but that is not true of monarchs. They have incredible migrating habits that indicate they are hardy and hard-working. And while they may be sensitive to and aware of their surroundings, they are not as emotionally delicate as they appear. These migrating habits are also rather specific, showing a value of control over things that thematically I like for a main pilot/Command division person. Monarchs are group oriented, and Sulu has a deep care for his crew and his family, thriving among others. While they’re not an aggressive creature, Monarchs are willing to take risks if the reward is worth it and are known for their “wander-lust” tendency to explore and adventure and try new things.

Pavel Chekov - Atlantic Puffin. Aside from being adorable, a puffin matches well with what I know of Chekov. Puffin are a more social bird and will have a good time in a group of any size, or even working on their own. They are also active and energetic, matching with Chekov’s youthful energy and constant work drive. While somewhat cautious in unusual scenarios, they are very proactive planners and are the kind to look before they leap - but they will take the leap. Puffins are dutiful and sensitive, and while Chekov is not shown to be some thin-skinned wreck, he is still very young and has some youthful optimism and outlook that leaves him a little more surprised by the jaded side of the universe. Mostly, I think a puffin is just very well suited to the young but hardy and capable man.

Montgomery “Scotty” Scott - Cairn Terrier. Terriers are smart, clever, stubborn, loud little dogs. They’re more independent than some other dogs, but are still very social. Terriers are very vocal about their thoughts and opinions, and are not afraid of putting others in their place and taking charge. Scotty is as sturdy as they come and is very good at what he does, equally willing and able to take over and run the ship engines as well as dive in after Jim in weird antics and crazy adventures. I picked a Cairn over another terrier type because Cairns are very curious and adventurous and are the perfect middle of the road terrier: not too stubborn, not too sensitive, not too independent, and not too daring. Scotty is the perfect mix of stubborn, sensitive, caring, independent, bold, brash, and cautious all rolled into one loyal, loud, eager terrier package.

*P.S I realize I have selected largely birds for this group, and it wasn’t intentional, I just found myself gravitating towards them. However, I have always equated birds with their wings and flying and freedom. I find birds are always a little more out going and adventurous and travel-hungry by nature, so I think finding a majority of birds on a space ship destined to travel the distant universe isn’t all too unrealistic.

#star trek aos #star trek #daemons #star trek daemons #daemon headcanons #daemon au

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sevenkittensinatrenchcoat · 3 years ago

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Saw My Mutuals Doing a Hunger Games

So, I also messed around with the Hunger Games Simulator. I called it Macavity’s Jellicle Choice. Macavity managed to defeat Old Deuteronomy and decided that the next cat to ascend to the Heaviside Layer as to survive a Hunger Games. 23 cats just die. The 24th gets reborn.

I am so terrible with the simulator that I didn’t even have images for the characters, so I didn’t take many screenshots. Instead, I took notes of what happened.

We’ll begin at the end:

This is the only screenshot you’re getting. All of the nicknames I used are very stupid.

Here are the notes I took as I played this thing:

Content Warning: It’s a Hunger Games. Violence and Death. Also featuring my dark sense of humor.

Bloodbath

Pouncival and Plato fought over a bag, but Pouncival was too small to win that fight and ran away.

Tantomile Inventory: Shield x1

Jellylorum managed to scare Tugger away from the Cornucopia. Nobody was surprised by this.

Victoria Inventory: Bombs x5

Bombalurina Inventory: Shield x1

Munkustrap has made the Cornucopia into his base.

Rumpleteazer, Asparagus, and Grizabella got into a fight. I assume it must’ve been some sort of Emotional Ballad Competition, because Grizabella was victorious.

Etcetera Inventory: Canteen x1

Mungojerrie is hiding in the Cornucopia. Munkustrap knows this and is allowing it.

Day 1:

After all that “excitement” (The Bloodbath wasn’t that bloody tbh), there’s still much to be done.

George and Coricopat got into a fight, but it was just practice and they’re fine. George won, btw.

Pouncival has already managed to hurt himself will foraging for food.

Jemima Inventory: Hatchet x1 (The baby has plenty of sponsors, I assume.)

Bombalurina caught some fish, but that’s not that exciting.

Grizabella murdered Alonzo with a trident. I’m starting to become concerned by how good she is at killing people.

Tantomile just fell in a lake and drowned. Quite the anticlimax.

Allience! Electra, Cassandra, and Mistoffelees are on the prowl!

Tumblebrutus managed to scare Tugger into running away. I think “run away” is Tugger’s strategy at this point.

Munkustrap Inventory: Nameless Fruit x3

Jellylorum Inventory: Spear x1 (She made it herself. All those years of teaching kids crafts have paid off.)

Victoria beat Mungojerrie in a fight, but let him go because this was either a practice round or the announcer for the family-friendly TV station that airs The Hunger Games just claimed they were “fighting” in the bushes.

Etcetera Inventory: Canteen x1, Food Item x1 (Thank you, sponsor! …Okay, it was me.)

Mass Funeral 1:

RIP Rumpleteazer. (Lean Lynx) Her ballad wasn’t angst enough.

RIP Asparagus. (No Fuss 2 Pronounce) He just wanted to play Growltiger.

RIP Alonzo. (True Himbo) That was kind of pathetic.

RIP Tantomile. (She Psych) Your death was so boring.

Night 1:

Serial Killer Grizabella got Electra.

Plato became Enemy Number 1 for some unknown reason and he was hunted down by Coricopat, Tumblebrutus, Tugger, Jenny, and Munkustrap.

Remember how Pouncival injured himself? He got pricked with tiny thorns and bled out a few hours later.

Etcetera just screamed for help AND IF SOMEONE DOESN’T HELP HER I SWEAR TO GOD-

Some strange archery accident involved Victoria, Skimble, and Cassandra occurred. Cassandra’s dead now.

Jellylorum isn’t dead, but she’s unconscious, so someone should really look into that.

Misto and Jemima are snuggling!

Bombalurina stabbed George and left him to die. A bit harsh.

Demeter and Mungojerrie have been spotted holding hands. These two Macavity survivors have turned to each other for emotional support.

Day 2:

Allience! Jerrie, Victoria, Coricopat, Misto, and Munkustrap are on the prowl!

Serial Killer Grizabella is stalking Jemima! Luckily, she hasn’t got a chance to kill her.

Skimble stabbed Tugger.

Etcetera has found her mom. Jellylorum has kept her safe for the day.

Demeter Inventory: First Aid Kit x1 (From a sponsor)

Jennyanydots Inventory: First Aid Kit x1 (From a sponsor, cleverly giving medical supplies to someone who might be able to help everyone. Hopefully, no more kittens will end up like Pouncival.)

Mass Funeral 2:

RIP Electra (Book and Bell): She didn’t expect Grizabella to go so insane so quickly.

RIP Plato (Not Too Big): He was played by the same actor as Macavity, so maybe the mob got mixed up.

RIP Pouncival (Can Do Handstand): He died from a boo-boo.

RIP Cassandra (Pharaohs’s Girl): I’m still not sure wtf just happened.

RIP George (Could Be Admetus): I almost completely forgot about him, but the audience will remember.

RIP Tugger (Tugs): Skimble took their rivalry too far.

So, that was a massacre…

Night 2:

Coricopat just randomly died from thirst. Remember that Tantomile drowned. One twin died from too little water, and the other from too much.

Victoria is having nightmares. Just thought you should know.

Jerrie, Skimble, Grizabella, and Demeter have set up camp together. After everything that’s happened, sharing a camp with Grizabella sounds like a terrible idea, but everyone’s under a lost of stress and not thinking clearly.

Misto has built a shelter and Jenny is allowed inside. Good choice of ally.

Jemima tried to sing herself to sleep. Poor baby…

Munk killed Jelly with a poison dart. It was quite brutal. I don’t think he meant it that way, but the game only ends after most of them are dead.

Bombalurina has begun to question her sanity. I think this question applies to nearly everyone.

Etcetera, after possibly witnessing Munk kill Jelly, appears to have snapped. She hacked Tumblebrutus to pieces with a weapon that I didn’t even know she had.

Day 3:

Stalking Jemima was a bad choice. Serial Killer Grizabella now as a sprained ankle.

Allience! Victoria, Jenny, Misto, and Jerrie are on the prowl!

Munk died from thirst, and possibly from guilt.

Bomba and Skimble are friends for today.

Etcetera Inventory: Food Item x1 (Sponsor. I had to do something)

Mass Funeral 3:

RIP Coricopat (He Psych): His death matched up with his twin’s.

RIP Jellylorum (Bitches Be Jelly): That was really fucked up.

RIP Tumblebrutus (Fliptastic): He was probably in the wrong place at the wrong time.

RIP Munkustrap (Fearless Leader): At the end of the day, he couldn’t kill his family.

Night 3:

Etcetera is gazing at the stars, looking for a Dead Parent-Shaped Constellation.

Victoria managed to defeat Serial Killer Grizabella, but she let her go.

Jerrie and Jemima are snuggling! I think he might’ve adopted her. Normally, that would be Skimble’s job, but…

Demeter found those poison darts Munk was using and killed Skimble with one of them.

Meanwhile, because everyone’s parents are dying tonight, Misto shot Jenny. I think he might’ve planned it. The Hunger Games brings out the worst in everybody, sooner or later.

Feast!

Smart Cats Who Stayed the Fuck Out of It: Mistoffelees and Demeter

Bomba just grabbed some food and ran for it, so she’s also pretty smart.

Etcetera’s nervous breakdown continues. She killed Victoria in an ambush, not caring who she was killing at this point.

Serial Killer Grizabella managed to behave when she ran into Jerrie and Jemima. They grabbed their stuff and left.

Day 4:

Misto is ready to die, but Jemima won’t kill him and Jerrie went out to hunt, so he’s not there to do it for her.

Grizabella died of dysentery. This isn’t even a joke.

EVENT: Tsunami (Later to be Dubbed “The Tsunami of Tears”)

Survivors: Mistoffelees, Mungojerrie, and Demeter

Little Etcetera got swept away. Bomba and Jemima both sort of crashed into each other, leaving them stunned for long enough to drown.

We just lost all of our kittens :,(

Mass Funeral 4:

RIP Jennyanydots (Mouse Mother): Misto betrayed her, but she probably didn’t mind.

RIP Skimbleshanks (Railway Cat): I’d like to propose a ban on poison darts.

RIP Victoria (Little White Cat): Another kitten in the wrong place at the wrong time.

RIP Grizabella (Cat Who Sings Memory): She died of dysentery.

RIP Etcetera (Little Tiger Cub): *wails*

RIP Bombalurina (Whittington’s Friend): She played very pragmatically, but lost from last-minute bad luck.

RIP Jemima (Sillababy): *wails louder*

Night 4:

After all the bullshit they’ve been through, the three survivors just decide to duel each other to the death now. Misto defeats Jerrie and Demeter. None of them were trying very hard.

Anyway, Mistoffelees won. I didn’t rig this so my favorite would win. I don’t know how one rigs a Hunger Games Simulator. I would’ve preferred to save a kitten.

If it isn’t obvious by now:

Mean Minx: Mungojerrie

Leading Lady: Demeter

Pied Piper’s Assistant: Mistoffelees

So, that’s what I did on this fine Tuesday morning.

Hunger Games Idea Inspired by: @fluffytuffles and @0zzysaurus

I didn’t use the same template, but I wouldn’t have thought to do the thing if my mutuals didn’t start it.

As for the backstory I set up before hand, Mistoffelees magically kicked Macavity’s ass and rescued Old Deuteronomy. They figured out that it was all a magical nightmare Macavity had sent to torment the tribe. Misto’s magic allowed him to fight the nightmare for the longest. Demeter and Jerrie and also built up some Macavity resistance over time. Everyone who came close to winning had slightly higher Macavity resistance for one reason or another.

Anyway, they all woke up from the nightmare and everyone was actually fine.

The End

#cats 1998 #too many characters to tag #jellicle hunger games #this was so depressing that i added a happy ending #it was all a dream #just a dream

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incoherentbabblings · 4 years ago

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can i get a long post about why tim/steph worked out when tim/ari, tim/zo and tim/cassie didn't?

To be honest, I really struggled with this one because...well, so here’s the thing. Tim and Steph didn’t work out. That is, if you are saying 2011 is the end of that timeline with those specific iterations of those characters, Tim and Stephanie as a couple failed. Fairly spectacularly really. Like, you can make an argument that people died because of it even. Twice if you count the very end of Robin with all the crap with Ulysses.

There are things which they got right that the others didn’t, sure. And you can say Convergence was the genuine last time we saw those iterations of those characters, in which case, yes, they got there in the end. And though I would like to think that the two would have reunited in the end, their respective solo runs do not end with them as a couple. Tim doesn’t even really get a mention in Steph’s final issue, and vice versa. Like, they focus on the main thematic points of their series - Tim and his relationship with his fathers, Stephanie and justifying her existence as a vigilante. Don’t get me wrong they matter deeply to each other and they probably do still love each other...they just have more important things on their mind when the other is not in the room.

But even so, between 2004 and 2015 (or 2016 if you count Rebirth instead of Convergence), Tim and Stephanie were not a couple. And one of the reason they failed was the same as for Arianna, Zoanne, Tam etc., didn’t work out. (Cassie is kind of it’s own ballpark). Tim could not keep his girlfriends in the loop. Either as Robin or as Tim Drake. There are other things that made them flatline, and I think at the end of the day what made Tim’s relationship with Steph fail was a little different, but that’s the jist. For the long and short of it:

Ari/Zo: Largely Tim’s fault. Too secretive about Robin.

Tam: Entirely Tim’s fault. Too secretive about both Tim and Red Robin.

Steph: Equally at fault. She trusted Bruce over Tim. Tim didn’t trust her enough period.

Cassie: Equally at fault. Grief is not a good reason for a rebound.

Lynx: Boy was just horny.

So, for Ariana, it was genuinely just because they were too young. They were fourteen when they split up. Ariana said it was because they were getting too serious at too young an age; Tim because he was tired of lying to her about Robin and also the will they/won’t they of Tim and Steph had been rolling on for fifty plus issues and Steph was just a more interesting character than Ari and was the preferred option by the readers so hey. There you go. End of. Tim cheated on her with Steph repeatedly, emotionally and smooching. Ari cheated because she felt ignored and left behind by Tim. He fell asleep in the car as she was telling him. Also Ari was insecure, because she was fourteen and every fourteen year old is insecure, so she did things like dye her hair (because Tim was staring at Steph at funeral not because he was gobsmacked by her beauty or anything it was less of a ‘holy shit she’s so pretty and blond’ and more of a ‘holy shit if she sees me my secret identity is blown’) or try to keep Tim’s attention on her by sleeping together. Which, again, they were fourteen. So in many ways, she was right in her reasoning. There was a lot going on there for people barely starting adolescence, but Tim’s general emotional and physical absence made their problems seem huge and overwhelming, when really, it was just because they were fourteen. Everything is such a big deal when you’re fourteen.

It’s kind of a similar thing with Zo. Now, I don’t know if it was intentional, but it’s sometimes said that your next partner after a big breakup is often the complete opposite of your previous. Zo comes from a nice middle class background with parents who are still together and are very loving. She is very school orientated and in fact tutored Tim. She is also (bless her) very boring. Which is arguably what Tim wanted. He’s still trying to convince himself that there’s a Tim Drake life worth living. However, same issues as Ari arise. Emotional and physical absence. Only this time it’s both the pressure or Robin plus the lovely trauma of dead family and friends. He can’t keep up with Tim Drake anymore. He falls asleep on a rollercoaster and can’t tell Zo why. He cheats on her with Steph (again emotionally and smooching). He breaks up with her over the phone. He kinda gets a bit grabby and manhandle-ly at points, physically lifting and carting her around when they are having an argument and she does not want to listen. Tim is... not good to Zo. At all.

Ari and Zo fail as relationships because they only know Tim Drake, except who Tim Drake is... is Robin. So they aren’t really in a relationship with Tim as a whole, so inevitably they both crumble.

The reason Cassie didn’t work out was just because they were out of their minds with grief. The cult arc and the cloning was bad. Like it was just a bad storyline. Rebounds like that (which timeline wise was occurring at the same time Tim was taking an interest in Zo) were bound to fail. Cassie deserves better!!!!!!!!!! Stupid goddamn writers.

Tam is tricky. Because she, like Steph, actually gets the privilege of knowing about Tim and Red Robin. She does it ‘backwards’, so her issue is having the realisation that yeah Red Robin is really cool but Tim Drake is a mess. And he still lies to her. There’s a few times where she has moments of realisation of how messed up Tim Drake is by the time she meets him. Her leaving is explicitly because that cool person who saved her from the LoA is also the kind of person to lie and throw people under the bus if it serves the greater good (what Tim thinks is the greater good). And she wants no part in that. It’s emotionally taxing to say the least. Also Tim cheats on her with Lynx. Constantly. And Steph, less constantly. He deserved that slap to be honest.

So we’re left with Steph. Steph also does things backwards, meeting Robin first. However, she gets moments with Tim (kind of) before she knows who Tim actually is. So she gets to go to the cinema with him. She gets her birthing classes with him. She gets the evenings sat at her kitchen table chatting about school. She gets him before the absolute shit show that was 2004/5 for Tim Drake. She is more patient than the other girls, either owing to a general lack of self esteem (hence being more willing to put up with long unexplained absences' than the others) or just by nature. At the same time she’s also more likely to tell Tim to belt up when he’s being mopey or secretive or whatever. Tim to be fair makes it pretty clear the ground rules of the relationship - she can’t be in all aspects of his life. Managing expectations and all that.

This fails. Obviously. Bruce is Bruce and uses Stephanie repeatedly to manipulate Tim. And she trusts Bruce. Repeatedly. For reasons. Bad writing. Low self esteem. Desire for approval making her throw out common sense.

But, here’s why maybe Tim and Steph would one day work again. It’s a minor thing I know, but Tim falls asleep on his girlfriends a lot, as I have shown above. What is Steph’s reaction when he does so?

Sweet dreams then, honey...

She knows him. So she is able to put the pieces together. Zo and Ari were not given that opportunity, so it could be said they couldn’t ever love Tim because they didn’t know him. Tam didn’t even like who Tim was when they broke up. Cassie never really stopped loving Conner. Steph pretty much consistently remained in love with Tim, and vice versa, even after their relationship imploded. It’s a lot easier to forgive your significant other for things like falling asleep over the phone when you know there’s a high chance they were probably out all last night working a case you know?

Stephanie had the sheer determination (stupidity) to stay around Tim until brick by brick (hoho) she was allowed behind those walls into all aspects of his life (unlike Zo and Ari), and she loved all aspects of Tim, regardless of how... disagreeable those aspects or actions were (Tam).

Flipping over to Tim’s feelings towards the girls... Steph won over Ari because he enjoyed sharing his night life with someone who understood. She was wittier, sharper, and less insecure than Ari. Steph won over Zo because of the omg you’re not dead factor and by this point she was a presence in both Tim and Robin’s lives so was just around him more often. And again, bless her, Zo was kinda dull, especially in comparison to Steph.

Steph didn’t win over Cassie or Tam as such but Tim did make a move on her whilst dating Tam. The problems that had ruined their relationship at the end of the Robin run had been proven moot after she’d shown how much she’d matured. So it’s possible in Tim’s mind, just for that split second on the roof, he thought things could go back to the way they were. Only for Steph to remind him that one of the reasons she had grown so much was because of his absence. And then he had the lovely reminder that Tam existed via engagement announcement.

Finally Lynx... well. He just wanted to bonk there to be honest. Which is fine. If he wasn’t seeing Tam at the same time.

#TimDrakeStopCheatingOnYourCivilianGirlfriendsChallenge

#dc #tim drake #stephanie brown #timsteph #ask and i'll babble #timsteph meta

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nevtelenwriting · 4 years ago

Text

Epithet

Okay I’m working on, uh, 6 fics atm because ADHD but here’s a snippet/HC/shitpost from a Dolcetto-centric fic about Greed, his Devil’s Nest crew, and their suspiciously alcoholic names. (156 is Dolcetto cause it’s the number on his hospital gown in the manga)

Becoming the lackey of a functionally immortal gang leader was the least surprising life event from the last two years.

Greed immediately put them to work and honestly, after being prodded, electrocuted and straight up vivisected, being made to stand guard was both a godsend and mind numbingly boring. 156 had no intentions of looking a gift horse in the mouth, he never expected a grandiose height of living after going to war, but still. He was back to entertaining himself counting the edges on his new teeth and trying to guess colors in the wash of blue-yellow-browns. It was a unique type of torture, trying to process something his brain no longer could. It was growing more difficult to remember what made purple purple or what made grass green different than leaf green than he thought it would be. He had no problem remembering the color of fire, or of blood.

Probably best he found a new hobby.

“Hey, puppy!”

156 snarled out of pure reflex, “Don't call me that.”

It was also ill-advised to bare teeth to his boss, but Greed hadn’t quite fallen into the trust category yet, and every hackle rebelled on the inquisitive alpha? his brain prodded towards.

Greed looked up at him from his perch on the ledge, slitted eyes actually visible for once beyond those absurd sunglasses.

Greed shrugged dismissively. “Your numbers are hard to remember.”

“Not my problem.”

Greed smirked, then jerked his head to the door. “Get in, Bull and Lizard need help with the shipment.”

Greed was a man of enigmas. For all intents and purposes the bar was a front, the only customers half the time being his repurposed henchmen and Dublith's finest lowlifes. Even then Greed remained meticulous with his maintenance of the bar, actually kept it stocked and cleaned for genuine use as much as he peddled black market fare. For a man boasting avarice their paycheck was also fair—better than nothing, which they all assumed—so 156 had no room to judge.

156 helped unload the crates with 133 and 168, which ended up being a shipment of alcohol both legitimate from sanctioned stock in Amestris and illegally imported from Aerugo.

On the last crate 156 dumped behind the bar he caught the tail end of the newest conversation; apparently, names were the hot button topic today. The crates remained stacked on the bar, unloaded and untouched. 156 sighed and set to work with 168, the one crossed with a bull, if 156 remembered correctly. His size certainly implied it.

“You can’t just keep calling us by our animals,” 140 challenged their boss with his arms crossed tight over his slender chest. He had a shortened face, with a bit of a muzzle like 156. He couldn't remember what he was, but he thought it was a type of weasel.

Greed grinned, a perpetual look on his inhuman face. “Why not?”

“Well, for one, there are six reptiles including me, and three of ‘em are crossed with lizards.” 154 chuckled, a small smile pulling on her mouth. She also apparently decided work was a suggestion.

Greed thought about that for a moment. “You mean Gecko, Lizard One and Lizard Two?”

“That’s not confusing,” said 133, or apparently, Lizard Someone. Gecko pulled his hood over his face.

Greed scoffed, “Well none of you will tell me your names.”

“Fuck our names,” 156 snapped, “Can we just work?”

Greed rolled his eyes.

“Most of us don’t remember, boss,” 168 said softly from where he loaded new bottles behind the bar.

“Okay fine. I should name my things.” Greed pinched his brow with a sigh. He scanned the bar, cheek in his hand, and said off-handedly, “How about Roa, big guy?”

168 blinked, and tilted his head, “Roa?”

“Yeah, that sounds good to me.”

The newly-minted Roa creased his brow, and then shrugged. “Sure.”

Greed grinned, “Great! Otter, you’re Morgan now, Lizard Two, you’re Reyka.”

Reyka arched her brow, “How are you thinking of these?”

Both of Roa’s eyebrows arched, but said nothing, and 156 narrowed his eyes. Their boss sounded amused and delighted by what he was doing.

Greed leaned on the counter and purred to 154, “And you, darling, can be Martel.”

Martel stared at him, unblinking, and then her jaw dropped, “Oh my god, you are not.”

“You think Lynx will like Carvo or Remy more?”

Martel started laughing, “Name him Carvo, it sounds badass.”

Why did these names sound familiar? It was niggling at him now, but—

“Are you naming us after the closest bottles you can see?” Now-Morgan sputtered, and Greed’s grin was entirely too indulgent.

“They’re fun names, aren’t they?”

156’s eyes rolled so hard to the ceiling they hurt. “Great choice, boss, real innovative.”

“Just for that, you’re Dolcetto.”

156 wrinkled his nose, “Why?”

“Because it’s the sweetest, bitterest whine I know of.”

Martel started guffawing her laughter and Dolcetto—god, really?—did not flush.

“Hey Gecko, do you like Bidault?” Greed craned back to look at the hiding figure.

“What? No,” Now-Martel huffed, “you make him sound like a stuffy prince.”

“And?”

Martel pinched her chin in her fingers, “Bidault, Bid…Bido?”

Greed laughed. “It’s cute, it suits him.” Greed looked back, “Hey, Bidault or Bido?”

Gecko, it rather Bido now, peeked out from under his hood. It was the first time Dolcetto—kill him—had ever seen him look anywhere but at the ground.

His eyes were wide in disbelief, and immediately after he tucked his head again, tail twitching against the floor. “I like Bido.”

Shit, they got him to speak. Even from here Dolcetto could see a smile pulling up on the little guy’s face.

Dammit. Alright, maybe he could deal with Dolcetto.

#fullmetal alchemist #fullmetal alchemist brotherhood #dolcetto #devil's nest #greed the avaricious #martel #roa #idk how to tag this man #shitposting from the great gay beyond #my writing

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turnupswritessometimes · 4 years ago

Text

Changing the Question - AshEiji - Banana Fish

Title: Changing the Question

Chapter: Oneshot

Word Count: 4,559

Summary: Sometimes Ash hesitated before he kissed Eiji, even though he knew that it was wanted. That Eiji would kiss him back. Sometimes, there was a spark of panic after he said, 'I love you,' even though he knew Eiji would say 'I love you too.' Sometimes, he couldn't explain why he was - unresponsive - or struggling to breathe - or shaking - but knew that he didn't need to, because Eiji knew it all. Understood. So he was also sure what Eiji's response to his question would be. And yet his palms were damp and his heart stuttering as he slipped the square box into the pocket of his jacket. Eiji appeared a moment later, grabbing that awful pink jacket from the pride of place hook at the door and asking if he was ready. Ironic. "As I'll ever be." * Ash is planning to propose. Things don't quite go to plan.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27999972

Changing the Question

Sometimes Ash hesitated before he kissed Eiji, even though he knew that it was wanted. That Eiji would kiss him back. Sometimes, there was a spark of panic after he said, 'I love you,' even though he knew Eiji would say 'I love you too.' Sometimes, he couldn't explain why he was - unresponsive - or struggling to breathe - or shaking - but knew that he didn't need to, because Eiji knew it all. Understood.

So he was also sure what Eiji's response to his question would be.

And yet his palms were damp and his heart stuttering as he slipped the square box into the pocket of his jacket.

Eiji appeared a moment later, grabbing that awful pink jacket from the pride of place hook at the door and asking if he was ready. Ironic.

"As I'll ever be."

They took the light rail into the city. They had a small place, just renting. Had considered moving to Washington – California – back to Japan. Anywhere. It was more of a game. Something that Eiji played whilst he lay in Ash’s lap, toying with his hair like a cat and a ball of string. Talking about a dozen different domestic lives they could have.

Domestic. Ash Lynx was domesticated. And happy about that.

“I love this.” Eiji grinned as they stepped off the platform. Onto the busy streets that Ash could navigate blind. Just instinctively knew all of Manhattan. “The smoke from the underground and the yellow taxis.”

Ash raised an eyebrow. “Just like a movie.”

“Something like that.” Eiji nudged him. He had his camera round his neck, his hands on it, ready to take a shot. “Don’t you miss it?”

“Yeah.” Ash did. So much that when he lay in bed trying to sleep, his chest hurt. He missed his city. “I miss – gorging on junk food because its quick and warm and I don’t know when I’ll be eating next. I miss – nights in the bar. Drinking and playing pool. I miss sleeping whenever I want and everyone being too scared to wake me up.”

“So, everything before I came.”

“No.” Ash nudged him. “I liked you there. You’re not bad to wake up to.”

Eiji snorted, but smiled at him.

And he had to stop himself form delving into the speech, right there, on the street. No – he had to wait. Until they were somewhere that meant something.

"We could move back." Eiji was already there four or five times a week, working for Max. His camera was useful.

"No.” He put a hand on the small of Eiji’s back to guide him out of a tourist’s way. “We couldn’t.”

“Can’t afford it?” Eiji turned to smile at him. Caused people to tutt around him, as they made way, hurrying into the city.

They could. But it was with what was left of Golzine’s money. Eiji’s salary wouldn’t cover it. They’d have a few months before it all dried up.

“Something like that.” He smirked. The real reason was Max. Thought it was best that Ash stayed out of the city – stayed out of trouble – stayed as far away from the gang as possible. Like it was a smoking habit that he could kick.

Which he was also trying.

But Soo-Ling couldn’t let Eiji go. Kept asking when he was coming back into the city – when they could hang out again. So here they were. Every week or so. Because Alex – who ran the gang now – checked up on Ash. Still asked for advice. Still missed him.

You’re a brother to me, he had texted. I need you around.

Ash wanted to sob.

They met at Central Park. Because the trees gave some cover from the boiling hot New York sun. Summer. When they’d first met. It didn’t seem that long ago Eiji had asked to hold Ash’s gun, and he’d let him. Too early, most adults would say, to be considering the question Ash was. But it was different, with them. It had always been different. Impossible to explain to anyone else.

Eiji was immediately assaulted by Soo-Ling and Bones, hugging him and laughing as though they hadn’t seen each other in a year, when it had been two weeks. Soo-Ling talked excitedly to Eiji, a mile a minute, his cheeks flushed and his eyes shining.

Thankfully, Ash was not hugged. Instead, Kong gave him a friendly nod, and a smile. Alex grinned, and punched his shoulder lightly. So, he pretended to take a swipe at him.

They started through the park, Soo-Ling and Bones still talking rapidly, so that Eiji had to keep track of two conversations at once. The light shone through the leaves, dappling his skin in gold.

Alex noticed Ash looking. Raised his eyebrows. The smirk made Ash regret telling him what he’d planned. He scowled.

The park was busy. Full of tourists with tiny electric fans and maps, trying to spot the locations from movies. Arguing with each other because they had to get the whole of the city seen in one day. Workers on lunch breaks, balancing several coffee cups, and dogs scrounging for food.

“So, Ash, what's the plan?” Alex asked, next to him, his voice low. He was about to snap at him to shut up, because Eiji could definitely hear them, when Alex continued, “You can’t really retire this for good?”

He waved a hand in front of them, as though the whole gang was stood there. Guns, drugs and danger. But also late drinks at the bar, laughing until it hurt, and the distinct comradery that came from sharing everything. Those parts, he would miss. Would miss doing what he wanted when he wanted – sleeping in until the early afternoon without Eiji scolding him.

“Afraid so,” he said.

“Always thought Ash lynx would go out with a bang.”

Everyone had. People like Ash didn’t retire. They didn’t live long enough.

“You can say I died when I was stabbed.” Ash shrugged. “Or burnt in the fire. I'll change my name and hide in the desert.”

“Until a plucky youngster finds old Ben Lynx's computer?” Alex grinned. “And it has a message to save a princess on it?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Something like that.” Sighed. Because that was the trouble with not expecting to see his twentieth birthday. It left him with a life he didn’t know how to fill. “I don’t know. College, I guess.”

Kong nodded. “That's what young people do.”

It was partly encouraging, as though that made sense for Ash. But Kong also said it as though Ash was not young. He didn’t feel it.

“I was thinking law. Or - psychology.” He wasn’t. Max was. And when he suggested them, they sounded like good ideas. The opportunity to stop what had happened to Ash from happening to other people. To seek justice, without carrying a firearm.

“Can’t imagine that either.” Alex sniffed.

“Ash in a suit?” Bones had clearly heard them. “Every day?” He shook his head. “Cursed.”

And if Ash was truthful, he hated the idea too. He knew that both paths, in reality, would be dreadfully boring. Would become a nine to five job that he hated. Trapped, five days a week, at work. It was just the icing on the cake that suits made his skin crawl and his stomach heave.

He wished he was like Eiji, and was good at something creative. His past would lend itself to that nicely – like one of those dogs, or elephants who can draw – look – the gang leader and child prostitute can paint! What an inspiration!

Eiji – who was looking at him with just a little bit of worry on his face. Because he could read Ash so well, and knew that he hated this – hated thinking about the future. All apart from one aspect – the thing sat in his pocket.

“We’re looking around at colleges,” Eiji said, smoothly. “And keeping our options open.”

Our. Ash wanted to kiss him. He settled for taking Eiji’s hand, and squeezing it tightly. Eiji squeezed back, dark eyes full of stars as he looked at Ash.

“Are you going back to Japan?” Soo-Ling asked. Almost nervous.

They had considered it. Because out of the two of them, Eiji was the one with family. It was only fair he lived by them. But Ash – Ash, who knew French, passing amounts of Spanish and Italian, could stumble his way through a passage of Latin – struggled with Japanese. His mind simply wouldn’t remember it.

But it was also – “I don’t like being at home.”

Eiji had said it, nestled under Ash’s chin as they lay on the sofa, having abandoned work. Ash’s phone was on shuffle – New Kids on the Block played away to themselves.

“I feel like,” Eiji continued. “My mother and my sister remember me a certain way – expect me to still be like – that. And, when I’m not, they look at me like they don’t recognise me, or like they’re – disappointed. I don’t like that. I’ve changed too much to go home.”

Changed because of Ash. Because Ash had dragged him into everything, and given him a gun. Because Ash hadn’t made him go home when he should have. It was like Eiji knew exactly what he was thinking, because he sat up, so they were nose to nose.

“I’m sorry,” Ash managed to say, fingers tightening on the hem of Eiji’s shirt. The skin of his back was warm against his knuckles.

“I chose to stay. I wanted to stay.” He kissed Ash. “I love you, sweetie.”

Ash kissed him back. Raised his legs so that Eiji slipped to straddle him. He’d grinned, and peppered Ash’s jaw in kisses.

Now, Eiji glanced at Ash, and tucked a dark curl behind his ear. “Only on holiday.”

He squeezed Eiji’s hand again. He couldn’t say how much it all meant. So, he kept hold of it, hidden at their hips, as they continued along the path. To the boating lake – “from Stuart Little,” Bones cried – and of course the boys wanted a go.

They leant against the trees on the edge of the path. The box weighed heavy in Ash’s pocket. He could do it here, whilst no one else was paying attention. Under the trees, with Eiji’s hair shining, and his eyes full of stars. Could say that there were no words to describe how grateful he was that Eiji would give so much up for him, could sit through the trauma – Ash’s menagerie of problems. The very fact that he’d stayed was more than Ash ever thought.

The words were in his throat. All he had to do was curl his fingers around the box and pull it out. Eiji would know what was happening, and it would be easy then.

“You’ll be fine.”

Ash blinked.

Eiji smiled at him. Squeezed their hands. “You’ll figure out what to do Ash. And you’ll be brilliant.”

It knocked the words from him. Ash leant his head against Eiji’s shoulder.

“I love you,” was all he could whisper.

Which meant the speech would have to wait.

Eiji had all day, but he knew where he wanted to ask. Ash’s favourite spot in New York. He was sure of that. Was sure of Ash’s answer, but there was still a small voice in him that questioned it. Because Ash Lynx was not that kind of boy.

The box was heavy in his pocket. He knew Ash would never touch his China Town jacket – he’d never find it.

Sing asked for ice cream, as they came out of the park. They were just wandering, because Ash missed just being in the city. They’d all already seen the tourist places – several times. Eiji had dragged Ash to all of them that first Summer – before everything got so – got even more intense.

So he brought the ice cream on the edge of the park, and tried to subtly head towards the NYPL. Not that it was easy to be subtle, when Ash knew the whole of Manhattan like the back of his hand.

Alex, Eiji thought, had caught on. At least suspected something, with the way he kept raising his eyebrows.

Bones and Kong were eager to fill Ash in on the ins and outs of the gang, and Eiji didn’t miss the look in his eyes. They sparked with interest, however much he tried to hide it. Tried to hide that he put a hand to the waistband of his jeans, for his gun, several times a day, to come away empty handed. Tried to hide that he loved leading the gang. Loved hanging out in the bar until late, and sleeping most of the day off. Loved having a purpose, being on the streets and being alert every moment of the day.

But he was giving it up. Giving it all up. For Eiji. And he didn’t know how to say thank you for that, because – for Eiji? The photographer from Japan? Who could barely shoot a gun and hated staying up late? (He’d often just fall asleep after midnight at the bar, and have to be shaken awake by Ash.)

Only a street away from the library. Eiji took a breath. Made sure for the thousandth time that he had the box.

“You want pictures?” Alex was right at his side.

Eiji jumped. Glanced at Ash, but he was walking in front, with Bones and Kong, deep in conversation.

“What?” he whispered.

Alex glanced to Eiji’s jacket. Raised an eyebrow. “Its obvious, what you’re up to.”

His face was flamed with heat. “Don’t tell.”

“As if.” Alex grinned. “Do you want pictures? Since you’ll be…”

“No.” Eiji did, actually, but he didn’t think Ash would thank him for it. Still no photos. “Well – not the face.”

“Got it.”

They were on the corner. Eiji could see the lions. Took another breath, but it was an effort. This was it. The moment. His heart raced, painful.

Ash turned back, smirking, and Eiji smiled back. As though nothing was wrong. As though he wasn’t about to explode.

He counted the steps. Focused on those familiar stone lions. Lions, lynxes – big cats flocked to big cats. The group was nearly there when Alex pulled Bones and Kong to one side. Said, loudly, that it was “big boy gang business, and absolutely top secret.”

Of course, Soo-Ling heard. Of course, he wanted to be involved. And suddenly it was just Eiji and Ash, on the steps of the New York Public Library.

This was it.

Eiji had to do it. Had to say it. But now he realised that he’d not thought this far. He’d thought the words would just – appear – when the needed them.

Ash’s hand brushed his. His voice was soft, when he said, “Eiji.”

It seemed like an effort for him to look from the library to Eiji. The sun made his hair shine gold. But there was a light behind his eyes – a glow – the kind he had when they lay in bed together, and saying they loved each other.

“I asked you – once – not to stay with me forever, just for a while.”

Oh – Eiji realised it. What was happening.

“Ash.” He had to stop him.

“I –” Ash looked down, hair falling in front of his face. “I want to thank you for staying. Because you became my reason for – for staying. Here.”

He turned back to the library. Chest heaving, as though it was painful. That was when Eiji couldn’t stand it, and dropped to his knee, as Ash continued, “When things got hard, it was you that I thought of. Because I love you.”

“Ash –” He tried again. The box was in his hand. All Ash had to do was turn.

People were looking. He saw them, out of the corner of his eye, turning and watching. Heard the guys, either talking about them, or still about whatever nonsense Alex had made up.

“I love you – so much.” Ash wasn’t paying attention to any of it. “I never – thought that I could. And I could never say goodbye to you.” He swallowed. Eiji’s chest ached. “Never. So I have to change that question –”

“Ash Lynx.” Eiji raised his voice. Ash blinked, and turned, eyes shining. He seemed floored to see Eiji, kneeling, bemused and fatigued, but so relieved that Ash had the words he didn’t. “Marry me.”

Ash kept staring. As though he couldn’t register it. It didn’t even look like he was breathing. He took in the box. The glint of rose gold.

“But, I –” Ash fumbled in his jacket. And there was his own box in his hand, as he got down on one knee. Flicking it open – almost as naturally as pulling a trigger.

The band sparkled – like Ash’s eyes. Silver.

Eiji laughed. It was all he could do. To shake his head and say, “I couldn’t let you beat me.”

And that made Ash laugh too. A bright, bubbly sound. He pressed his forehead against Eiji’s, and the boxes bumped together. They kissed – shaking. Eiji, or Ash, or both of them – were shaking. Ash kissed Eiji again. Kept laughing.

He put his hands on Ash’s cheeks. To steady them. His skin was warm, under his palms, and it was hard to talk. “Is that a yes?”

Ash nodded. Kept nodding, looking unable to speak.

Another kiss. Eiji managed to take the ring out – managed to keep his hands steady as he took Ash’s hand and slipped it on. And he knew, when he brought it, that it would look right on Ash’s pale skin. But it felt right, too. Like a string, connecting the two of them.

Ash’s fingers shook, as he took Eiji’s hand. Pressed the ring on, gently. The silver bright against brown skin.

More kisses. And it felt like they couldn’t stop. Brief, chaste kisses that felt like a heartbeat – Eiji’s heartbeat. A butterfly against his ribs.

“Come on, you.” Eiji caught hold of Ash’s elbows, and helped him up. Kept hold of him. The ring seemed warm – as warm as the sun.

Ash cradled Eiji’s face. Still shaking. Buried his fingers in his hair, and kissed him. More deeply this time. Like Eiji was air – but that was fine, because he could barely breathe as it was.

He grinned. They were both grinning. Still laughing. Eiji buried his face in Ash’s shoulder, because there was applause all around them. Because there were wolf-whistles from Bones and Kong. Cheers and people happy for them –

Happy because they were engaged.

Ash’s face was buried in Eiji’s hair. He felt him take a long, shuddering breath as he held him.

They were engaged. It was such a strange, wonderful word. A word Eiji had never really thought about – not in relation to himself. But he thought he liked it.

Thought he liked the idea of marriage. If it was with Ash.

Ash – who whispered – “I’m going to be fucking married,” in Eiji’s ear.

And that made him have to kiss him. One more time. Because Ash Lynx had actually said yes – and to be married – and that

There were not a lot of people to tell. The gang knew instantly, thanks to Alex’s Instagram livestream. (Ash would find a way to delete that – he had to.) Not just them; Cain Blood had texted him, just an hour later, to say congratulations. So it was safe to assume that every gang member, or leader, in Manhattan had seen the video of Ash and Eiji kissing – and laughing – and kissing.

Eiji was on the phone for an hour when they got back home, cheeks still flushed pink and eyes shining. He spoke rapidly in Japanese. There was a lot of shouting from his sister. The good kind, Ash thought. They laughed a lot, and Eiji kept squeezing Ash’s hand. The ring dug into his skin. And he wanted it to press deeper, so that the mark stayed.

Then he spoke to his mother. And he shuffled on the sofa, tracing the lines of Ash’s palm, voice quiet. He hesitated more, before he replied, and bit his lip, until Ash teased it out with his thumb. Eiji forced a smile.

“It not go down well?” Ash asked, when Eiji hung up. The phone seemed to fall through his fingers, onto the sofa. He tucked himself against Ash, cheek on his shoulder.

“She’s just – worried,” Eiji said. Ash toyed with the dark hair curled at the nape of Eiji’s neck, because he could. “It’s not – recognised in Japan.”

Ash’s stomach lurched. “But, you can –”

“I can marry whoever I want abroad.” Eiji kissed his cheek, and smirked. “You can’t get rid of me that easily, Mr Lynx.”

A shiver ran down his spine. Would he even be Mr Lynx much longer? It wasn’t technically his name, and he didn’t need to be any longer.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He kissed Eiji’s forehead, and felt him fold even further into him.

“It’s just – for her –” Eiji’s finger traced the line of Ash’s collarbone. “This means that I’m not coming home. Not – permanently.” Just holidays. “And that’s hard for her.”

He caught Eiji’s hand. Kissed the ring, and it seemed like it hummed under him. “I’m sorry.” Sorry that Eiji was giving up so much for him. That he had put him through so much. Was sorry for everything. “But – your sister?”

Eiji squeezed Ash’s hand. And grinned. “Very happy that her good luck charm worked. Too well, she said.”

And no doubt conflicted as well, that her brother was staying in America.

He leant back against the sofa, arms around Eiji. They seemed to slot against each other perfectly.

“Oka-san will get used to it,” Eiji continued, softly. Untangled their hands to line them against each other, palm to palm, finger to finger. “She’ll have to.”

“Stubborn.”

A coy smile. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“It is,” Ash replied. “When you don’t do something I want to do.”

The sparkle returned to Eiji’s eye. It wouldn’t be the end of it – there would be more conversations, more of Eiji thinking everything through. But for now, he could put it aside.

“But you love me.” Eiji kissed him, and that was the only thing that mattered in the world for a moment.

“And you love me.” It made his lips tingle, to say it. Ash pressed their foreheads together. “I’m glad I don’t have family to break it to.”

As if it was bad news. When, in reality, he couldn’t even begin to describe what he felt when he saw Eiji on one knee and just knew what he was going to say. Awestruck, would be a start. Completely awestruck that he would – with Ash. He knew he would. But it was still – a shock.

“You do.”

“No.”

Eiji’s hand shoved his chest, lightly. “Max.”

“Not a chance.”

Yet, five minutes later, Ash had the phone in his hand, listening to it ring. Because Eiji had been insistent. Had promised that he’d fix shrimp and avocado salad for dinner, if he did. Because, if he was truthful, he did want to tell someone. Himself.

And Max – was not family – but he was somewhat close.

“Hey kid.” Max sounded distracted. Like he was doing something else.

“Max.” He tried to sound like he didn’t care. Like it wasn’t important. “Eiji said I should tell you.”

Eiji, who was sorting through photographs, on the other end of the coffee table, (so Ash couldn’t distract him with kisses), raised an eyebrow.

“You should!” He had Max’s attention now. He could imagine him straightening up, ears pricked like a golden retriever.

“That –” Ash took a breath. Because the word was not one he would ever think of for himself. “We proposed.”

“We?”

“Both of us.” He balanced the phone between his ear and his shoulder, to touch the ring one more time. “At the same time.”

“How cute.”

And he could just see the smile on Max’s face. A mix of patronising and completely caring that raised his hackles every time.

“This is why I didn’t want to tell you.”

“Let me guess –” Oh, he was definitely grinning now. “You said no.”

“I hate you.”

“But you love Eiji.” Max’s voice turned soft. Teasing. “You love Eiji so much, you want to marry him.”

“Ugh.” Ash shifted away from Eiji, just in case he could hear it. From the smile he was trying to hide, and his flushed cheeks, he already had. “How old are you?”

“So, you're engaged.” And that was serious Max.

Ash looked at the ring on his hand. Found himself smiling. “Yeah.”

“Happy?”

“No, I'm miserable.” He rolled his eyes, so Eiji would know he was joking. He received a grin as bright as their rings.

“You always try so hard to be.” Max’s tone was still light. But then there was a pause. For the first time in the conversation, Max was genuine. “I'm happy for you, Ash.”

His chest went strange at that. And he wondered, for a brief moment – if he – would be happy for him. Probably not. But then, Ash had never been able to come out to his father. Never known if he’d be bothered at the fact Ash loved boys as well as girls.

Maybe Griffin would have talked him around to it. Maybe he’d be happy for Ash.

“Yeah?” he asked the phone. His voice seemed quiet, and far away.

“Yeah. Real happy.” Max’s eyes were probably twinkling. “You - you deserve this.”

This? Ash – deserved – no. His mind couldn’t wrap around that. He couldn’t think in what people did or didn’t deserve.

He turned it into a joke, instead. “Deserve to be tied down to the Japanese klutz?”

Eiji stuck his tongue out at him. “Better than the fussy American.”

“Definitely,” Max said, as Ash covered his mouth was his hand, to smother his chuckle. “Now I'll need a wedding invite, because I'm already planning my speech.”

“Fuck.” It dropped the smirk off Ash’s face. “The planning.”

“Yep. Welcome to hell.”

Ash looked at Eiji. Who had the sun behind him, lighting the back of his dark hair like a halo. Who was smiling at him. Who had asked Ash to marry him. He wondered about saying that it felt more like heaven.

That was too sappy, even for them.

“Dragging you with me," he said, instead.

“See you there, kid.”

“Sure thing, old man.”

They both hung up. Ash sighed, throwing his head back, to look at Eiji. “Happy now?”

Eiji smiled. A soft, happy smile that made him glow. “Very.”

If he was honest, so was Ash. But then, he had felt this way since Banana Fish had ended. Since he and Eiji lived together. Since they were safe.

And, honestly, he had not thought much about the actual wedding. Had been so focused on the proposal, on the idea of being engaged, that the idea of organising anything – of standing up and changing vows – seemed like an unnecessary ordeal. Not counting clothes, cake, music – everything else. Wasn’t it enough they both said yes today?

None of it was going to be easy. Not the planning or the wedding, or Eiji leaving Japan for good.

But they’d come this far, he thought, taking Eiji’s hand. Receiving another sunshine-like smile.

They would manage.

#banana fish #turnupswrites #asheiji #this is so old lmao i forgot to post oneshots on tumblr #ash lynx #eiji okumura

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thankskenpenders · 5 years ago

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While we still have three issues left featuring stories written by Karl Bollers, we’ve pretty much come to the end of his run as lead writer on Archie Sonic. As I’ve said many times, his work certainly had flaws, and there were stories of his that bored me. (I definitely could’ve done with less stories where Sally’s parents prevent her from joining the action.) But there were also many I quite enjoyed, and on average I’d say his stories were usually pretty okay. He definitely went out on a high note with Return to Angel Island, though. That’s for sure

In this post, I’d like to look over the list of scrapped story ideas listed on Bollers’ wiki page, and give some thoughts. Had he continued writing Sonic, this is what he would have done

Sonic and Amy becoming a couple after being stranded at sea together and keeping it a secret from Princess Sally.

Ehh... I’d have to see how this really played out. Sega was pushing SonAmy super hard at the time with Sonic X, though, and the Archie comics had barely even acknowledged Amy’s crush on Sonic, so I guess something like this had to happen eventually. I’m also sure it wouldn’t have lasted long, since it was obvious Bollers would have Sonic and Sally reconcile eventually

Tails reuniting with his parents by traveling into space on a modified Tornado.

This would’ve been pretty neat, honestly! I’d just hope that Tails wouldn’t stay out in space for too long

Amy's origins being explored in a fuller adaptation of Sonic CD.

Very cool! Definitely would’ve liked to see this. But Ian ended up doing more with Amy and incorporating the stories of the Genesis era games into the comics later on, so I guess we didn’t really lose much by not getting this story from Bollers

Knuckles departing Angel Island after learning that his presence exposes the location of the Master Emerald, going on a global pilgrimage to learn martial arts, and battling a Dr. Eggman controlled-Monkey Khan while under the control of the Iron Queen before discovering the Master Geode.

Now THIS sounds cool. While I’m not exactly a fan of Monkey Khan, I think sending Knuckles off on a big adventure and having him learn more fighting skills would be a great use of his character. Way better than having him sit around on Angel Island all day, that’s for sure. And after how great Return to Angel Island was, I would’ve loved to see more Knuckles stories from Bollers

Mammoth Mogul beginning to age rapidly due to his original Chaos Emerald running out of energy, forcing him to seek out alternative sources through illicit archaeological expeditions and hiring mercenaries like Nack the Weasel. The Master Geode, a powerful gemstone that would fulfill Mogul's needs, would be contested by him, the Iron Queen, Robotnik, and Rouge the Bat.

Also pretty cool. I’m assuming this is all part of the same overarching story as Knuckles’ martial arts training. It’d be fun to see this combination of new and old game characters as well as old Archie characters vying for power. I also love that all these forces would be vying for control of this powerful gem, but then Rouge is also there because... she just wants it. All of these characters would have their time to shine in Ian’s run, though

Sally being a pawn in a villainous plot by the corrupted Source of All and Ixis Naugus to prevent the future first previewed in Sonic In Your Face.

Antoine gaining his scar due to an accident with a knife and becoming a villain after allowing himself to be possessed by a corrupted Source of All in hopes of winning Bunnie back.

The Source of All surviving Robotropolis' destruction and reconstituting itself in a remote mountain range, beginning to exert control over King Max, brainwashing the Arachne and another group of Spiders known as the Strand, and possessing Antoine while under the control of Ixis Naugus.

We’ve already talked about this canceled subplot before, but oh man, I would’ve loved this. I always hated the concept of the Source of All, and the idea that Max’s actions were all justified by some sort of omniscient future vision. The Acorn family rituals surrounding the Source were also already extremely creepy, so turning their bonding with the Source into a bad thing would’ve been an incredibly easy pill to swallow

Bunnie and Antoine breaking up due to a change in Antoine's personality, with Bunnie's origins later being explored and her true name being revealed as Scarlette O'Hare

I mean, Bunnie’s last name being Rabbot (pronounced Rab-OH) was always silly, but I don’t know if we really needed this. Y’all know I’m down for more Bunnie, though

Rotor retiring from field duty in order to pursue a role analogous to that played by "Q" of James Bond fame.

They’d already been leaving him out of missions for years. I guess this makes sense, and at least turning him into the guy who makes the gadgets for everyone would give him a more clearly defined role

Locke and Lara-Le putting aside their previous disputes to help raise Knecapeon "Kneecaps" Mace after his father Wynmacher ends up in the Egg Grape Chamber.

I’ve talked about all this a bit before. Really not sure what to think of it. My gut instinct is that I don’t like the idea of Locke reuniting with Lara-Le at all. He hasn’t earned her forgiveness. But I’d have to see how Bollers wrote it, I guess

Robotnik kidnapping Hope Kintobor under the pretense that he is the only correct choice to be her legal guardian, while genuinely using her as bait to lure in Shadow the Hedgehog.

Not sure how I feel about Hope getting kidnapped, but the mental image of literal tyrant Dr. Eggman going to child protective services and pretending he’d be a good guardian for Hope as part of a scheme to get Shadow is really funny to me

Ixis Naugus attempting to return by transforming Max's body into a duplicate of his own, only to be thwarted by the destruction of the Crown of Acorns

I would’ve liked to see Naugus explored more, but hey! Ian sure used him a lot. So this is another case where we aren’t missing out on much

Nate Morgan surviving the destruction of Robotropolis, being De-Roboticized by the Bem, and returning as Coconuts' amnesia-addled ally, who creates a new Metal Sonic, Metal Amy, Metal Knuckles, and Tails Doll that are mistaken for Robian versions of the heroes.

This would’ve been a REALLY interesting development. Bollers was very open about how he hated the direction Nate Morgan had gone in and had some interesting plans to bring him back. And, well, this is it. Kind of reminds me of a certain subplot with Eggman in the IDW comics, except in reverse

I also love how this would’ve brought in Metal Knuckles, Tails Doll, and a new Metal Amy. Bollers really seemed to be enjoy bringing in elements from the older games in his later years at Archie, with much of the action in Return to Angel Island taking place in actual zones from S3&K. Getting Coconuts involved is also wild. This would’ve been a really fun story

Snively taking up a fifteen foot-tall mechanical battlesuit and the alias "Skarkus" in pursuit of revenge against Robotnik for leaving him alone against the Xorda, leading to an alliance between him and Shadow.

Yeah, this one sure is. Something. Honestly I have no idea how it would turn out. It’d be all about the execution

A.D.A.M. and NICOLE becoming romantically involved, leading to A.D.A.M. seizing control of the Shadowbot army and leading them from New Megaopolis to Knothole.

Okay I hate this one lol. But to be fair, I mostly hate it because the other writers ended up taking Nicole in a completely different direction and giving her her lynx form (and eventually pairing her with Sally). Bollers had no way of knowing that Nicole would become such a central character, so I can’t really blame him for having an idea like this, I guess

A new Dingo Regime leader named Colonel Mange being introduced, with Croctobot, Jack Rabbit, and Gala-Na being reintroduced as Robotnik Sub-Bosses over Downunda, the Great Desert, and Albion. This would have led to the disappearance of the Downunda Freedom Fighters and a confrontation involving the Mercian Freedom Fighters.

Ah, the beginnings of Eggman having Mobian sub-bosses working for him. I guess Kage in Return to Angel Island was really the start of this, but still. Gala-Na becoming a subordinate of Eggman actually makes a lot of sense to me. She was already an antagonist in the Chaos Knuckles arc, and it’s painfully obvious that the Albion echidnas are selfish pricks who only look out for themselves. If she thought that siding with Eggman would protect Albion, I totally think she’d sell out

Anti-Sonic coming to enjoy impersonating Sonic and enjoying the love of his parents and adulation of his people, leading him to plan to eliminate Sonic and permanently take his place.

This one’s also kinda interesting I suppose, although we definitely got no shortage of Anti-Sonic impersonating Sonic in the last year of Penders stories. Can’t say I’m dying to see this story told

---

So, all in all, definitely some interesting ideas! If there’s two major throughlines I see in this plans, it’s 1) bringing back forgotten elements from both the games and earlier comics and 2) reinventing Penders characters and concepts. Which makes a lot of sense, because that’s exactly what he was doing with Return to Angel Island

Part of me is sad that these stories were never told. The Source of All being evil and Knuckles’ martial arts training stand out to me in particular. But there are other ideas that are pretty similar to things Ian would do in his run, like Eggman having Mobian sub-bosses or Naugus coming back, so it’s hard to feel too sad. It’s also hard to know how good the execution would’ve been on these pitches

Of course, if there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that these stories probably would’ve been better than the ones we actually got from Penders and Chacon over the next year and a half

#StH 141 #tkp post

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mst3kproject · 5 years ago

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510: The Painted Hills

You don’t see a lot of movies where the top-billed star is a dog. I’m going to venture that it’s probably a bad sign. When the dog actually deserves it, for being the best actor in the film… well, that’s even worse.

A grizzled old prospector (who has a name but I’m gonna call him Stinky Pete, both for the Toy Story reference and because he looks like he never bathes) has just struck gold. He hurries into town to file a claim, and then he, his business partner Len, a boy named Tommy, and Shep the dog get to work mining. There’s plenty of gold to be had, but you know how it goes – mo’ money, mo’ problems, and the problem here is Len. The more gold they dig up, the more Len is paranoid somebody’s going to come and rob them. Eventually, he doesn’t even trust Stinky Pete anymore, and pushes him over a cliff. Too bad for him, Shep the dog discovers the crime, and now she’s out for revenge!

Okay, first of all, this movie is set in the mountains of California (the Native Americans in it are, for the most part, local Miwok people speaking their own language!), but the Painted Hills are in Wheeler County, Oregon. Apparently Desert Hot Springs, California, is sometimes called Painted Hill, but that’s in freaking Coachella Valley, an area that looks nothing like anywhere in this movie! What gives?

Second of all… have you gotten the idea that I’ve saved the boring movies for last? Because that’s exactly what I’ve done. There were movies like Radar Secret Service and The Starfighters that were so gut-wringingly awful I just really wanted to get them over with, but then there were movies like Time Chasers and The Painted Hills that I just kept putting off and putting off because they were too dull for me to even write about the pain they put me through. It wasn’t a sharp, torturous, kidney-stone type pain like some of those worse films… it was just a low, dull, ache that refuses to go away.

Time Chasers is actually a pretty good comparison with The Painted Hills, in that both take an intrinsically compelling idea and make it as boring as they can. In Time Chasers it was time travel and paradox – in The Painted Hills it’s a good man’s descent into madness. I’m pretty sure Len is supposed to start out as a nice guy, a friend to Stinky Pete and with a fatherly affection for Tommy. Then greed overtakes him, until he is driven to murder one and contemplate killing the other. If this was the movie’s intention, though, it fails. Len is surrounded by red flags from the beginning, and where we should see his growing paranoia, we’re instead watching a cheerful mining montage.

Stinky Pete originally heads into town to share his find with a friend named Frank, who was Tommy’s father. He arrives to find that Frank has died, and part of his share in the mining claim has been bought up by Len. This makes Len an interloper from the beginning, and when he first shows up dressed all in black, we immediately know he’s going to be the bad guy. The arc would honestly be far more powerful if he were somebody Stinky Pete knew and trusted, rather than a relative stranger. What little we see of them working together is not nearly enough to establish that they have become close, and the red flags around Len make his betrayal an inevitability rather than a tragedy.

We see Stinky Pete, Len, and Tommy agree to start building a sluice with Len still a nice guy, and then there’s a montage, and the next time we see Len he’s got a beard and is plotting murder. How much time we skipped I have no idea, but with it went all of Len’s development. The Painted Hills is a short movie, but other than this one thing it’s very careful to establish things. It sets up the fact that Bald Eagle is a skilled herbalist and that Tommy knows his grandchildren. It sets up the pastor and how he knows to recognize Tommy’s horse. Yet it can’t bother to give us even bits of the most significant character arc in the movie?

The other major disappointment in the story is that Tommy, who ought to be the human hero, is never vindicated. He tells his story to the pastor, who doesn’t believe him. When they find Shep later, Len is already dead and they still have no proof that he killed Stinky Pete or tried to poison Shep. The fact that Len tried to shoot the dog may be a clue, but it’s not the same as discovering the hidden gold or the bottle of poison, or some other bit of material evidence. For all we know, Tommy tried to tell the story to his mother only for the pastor to assure her that he made the whole thing up.

While I’m here… why does Len re-hide the gold? Is he hiding it from Shep? Yes, re-hiding it does cast doubt on Tommy’s story, but he had no way of knowing the pastor was coming. Why is he so determined to kill the dog? Does he think she’s going to tell on him? His behaviour here, including running out into what we’re evidently supposed to believe is freezing cold without a coat on, is entirely irrational, and completely at odds with what he was doing a moment earlier, when he calmly told the pastor that Tommy was making up stories.

The most believable character moment Len has is when he thinks Tommy has died in his fall from the horse. The shock of this brings him to his senses and he is visibly relieved to find Tommy still alive. Thoughts of killing the boy vanish, and he takes him inside to come up with another plan. This is also the most captivating moment of the movie, both because it is so well-played and because Tommy is not nearly as annoying as a lot of little kids in old movies. It also lends credibility and tension to the sequence that follows, in which Len tries to convince Tommy he’s jumped to conclusions.

Unfortunately, this bit stands out so sharply because the rest of the acting is dreadful. Everybody is flat and stagey, just standing around with their thumbs in their belts reciting their lines and trying not to look at the camera. Bruce Cowling as Len tries to give a physical performance in a couple of spots, inching his way along a narrow ledge or trying to knock the gun out of his frozen hand, but it never works. It’s always too pantomimey, and the sets are never convincing. There’s no way we believe he’s in danger of falling and he’s obviously not actually cold.

The only good actor in the movie is, as I already mentioned, the dog. She’s clearly very well-trained and it’s actually rather hard to watch when she’s supposed to be writhing in agony from the poison. A big contributing factor is obviously that a dog has to show-not-tell, whereas the human characters do an awful lot of telling. Kudos to her and to her trainers and handlers.

Besides Time Chasers, the other thing The Painted Hills rather strongly reminds me of is old made-for-tv Disney movies and nature documentaries… things like Lefty the Dingaling Lynx (which for some reason I was obsessed with at the age of six) and White Wilderness (the one with the lemmings – the lemming scene was actually staged in the city where I live). Something about the technicolour, the lighting, the pretty but unconvincing matte paintings, and the recited line reads all adds up to warm fuzzy childhood memories.

As an adult I realize that these films contained appalling animal cruelty and a fair amount of dark content of their own, but it’s still weird to see the same aesthetic in a dark tale of murder and revenge. Then again, The Lion King is also a dark tale of murder and revenge, so maybe I’ll get back on topic now.

The theme of this movie, as stated by the narrator over the opening credits, is a dog’s bond with her loving master, so strong that she even avenges his death. Dogs are known to do stuff like this, but the way it’s presented in The Painted Hills makes it look like Shep is less ‘loyal and loving’ and more ‘actually psychic’. First there’s the way she starves herself while Stinky Pete has a fever and is unable to eat. I could believe her refusing to eat because she’s pining for her human, but the idea of some nonphysical link that specific seems a bit silly. Same with Stinky Pete’s death – Shep isn’t actually there to see it, she just somehow knows that Len’s responsible. When she refuses to eat the poisoned food until Len tosses it to her from the table, I was honestly surprised this was not portrayed as her somehow knowing it was poisoned!

The narrator’s speech also left me a bit surprised that Shep actually survives the movie and goes off to live happily ever after with Tommy, especially after the rather shocking shot where we actually see her blood staining the snow from a bullet wound! The movie had seemed to be leading up to her being able to die at peace having avenged her master’s death and ready to join him in the hereafter. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about them not going that route. I mean, nobody likes it when a dog dies in a movie, but having her be fine at the end feels like they chickened out. I dunno.

‘I dunno’ is really my whole response to this movie. There’s not enough substance here to be worth the level of thought I have to put into a review. The fact that it manages to make a revenge movie so colourless would be fairly impressive if I weren’t so bored.

Although I gotta admit… it’s not every day you get to see Lassie just straight-up kill a dude.

#mst3k #reviews #the painted hills #50s

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doritopaw101 · 4 years ago

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Arc1, book 1: Chapter 9

It felt a little strange to be going in this direction since he hadn't been there since he joined Thunder Colony. Icepaw's vision was starting to blur and his ears started to ring. Icepaw sighed and padded on. Cautiously Icepaw crossed the narrow path into the pine forest. He sensed a movement from the ground with his paws. From the scent, it was a mouse, probably scrabbling through the pine needles. Icepaw dropped into a stalking position, keeping his weight in his haunches, his paws light on the ground. It thought about the distance the mouse was from him and trusted it would work.

It worked so well he almost purred, the mouse didn't have enough time to react as he leaped and bit into it's neck killing it in an instant. He buried it then carried on with his journey.

He traveled further into the Tallpines. The ground around here was deeply rutted by the tracks of the machine he couldn't remember the name of. By the scent of it, the machine had not been around for a while.

Icepaw followed the deep tracks, jumping across the ruts, slipping a few time in the process. They had been half-filled with rain which temped his thirst. He barley stopped himself from taking a few droplets because the thought of the machine taste in his mouth made him almost gag. But he was thirty and with his vision and hearing acting up he honestly will deal with machine water. It was awful but it helped, though he want something to get the taste out.

His wish was grated when he found a puddle and lapped up a few mouthfuls of water. As he continued he recognized sounds and scents familiar from his ol d watching place on the fence. He was very close to his old home now. Up ahead Icepaw could hear humans or 'Twolegs' yelling something, it sounded playful. It was a group of young humans, kids. He twitched his ears as he listened in on what they were saying

"Catch the ball Sammy"

"Go over there"

Icepaw stayed where he was, alert and watchful but not only for the humans sake but for his own as well, Tiger-roar might be somewhere near by. Out of the comer of his blurred eye, Icepaw sensed movement. His first thought it was Tiger-roar or Bluestar or worse both of them, that and he thought Dustpaw was playing a prank on him but then he saw a flash of brown and white. He stopped for a moment, crouching. The scent was familiar, his head was buzzing trying to remember who's it was. He felt his fur bristle with the instincts of a warrior.

He could see the outline of the intruder as it skittered between the ferns. He leaped onto the back of the intruder, it gave up easily. The intruder was a dark brown tom. Icepaw had to narrow his eyes then it came to him "Uncle?" he mewed

"Splinter" he returned the same tone

Icepaw felt his fur rise "What the hell are you doing out here?" he looked around "It's dangerous"

Henry rolled his eyes "Not dangerous enough for you apparently, why aren't you in the city?"

"I don't live with Bloodclan anymore" Icepaw said bluntly "I live with the forest cats"

"The forest cats?" Henry said with disbelief "I knew you were interested with the forest like your father but..."

"I know, I know but I'm happy here" he stepped closer to his uncle "How's house cat life?"

Henry sighed and opened his arms and Icepaw quickly went into the embrace, nuzzling against his uncle's neck.

"My joints don't hurt as often" the old tom replied "The food isn't that bad I suppose, Chocolate is a good neighbor, guess you weren't lying"

Icepaw chuckled, feeling a little smug "I was right, admit it"

"Never" he could feel his uncle's smirk

Icepaw suddenly remembered why he was out here in the first place "I have to go Uncle" Icepaw mewed "I know some cats of my colony who would love to use you as a practice dummy or just shred you in one blow for shits and giggles"

"I doubt they're more scary than Scourge, Bone, or Brick but I'll take your word for it" Henry jumped onto the fence "I'll be seeing you around my nephew, be sure of that"

Icepaw nodded and Henry disappeared into the garden.

Icepaw turned, his tail high, and started his way back home, sniffing the air as he went. He could try to find a finch or two here.

Icepaw returned with a chaffinch gripped firmly between his teeth. He dropped it in front of Tiger-roar, who stood waiting in the hollow.

"You're the first one back" the half and half tabby mewed

"Yep, but I have more than just this" Icepaw mewed quickly

"I know" Tiger-roar growled "I've been watching you, you missed some but managed to catch some as well"

"Better late then never" he replied with a smirk "Leopardfoot told me you were the same at my age"

Tiger-roar rolled his eyes at his words "You make me feel my age and need to have a talk with my mother"

Icepaw snorted "Awww but we have such great talks" he curled his tail "She told me about your days as a 'paw like me"

Tiger-roar let out a deep breath

Sandpaw and Dustpaw padded out with Bluestar and Redtail in tow. When they all gathered their prey, Tiger-roar led them back to camp.

Icepaw was proud to drop his kills in the kill pile. It was alot and he was glad that he got an even score with Sandpaw who he could tell was silently cursing him.

Icepaw padded into the nursery, the smell of milk filling his nostrils. He was told he should bring his kills to them, any excuse to visit.

He spotted Frostbite laying on her back with her kits asleep at her belly. He neared slowly getting a good look at them: Lichen was closest to her mother's plump belly while Bracken was more nestled in her tail.

Icepaw felt a sharp pain in his tail he whipped the upper apart of his body around to see Swift and Lynx thinking his tail is a chew toy.

"Oh Icepaw I'm sorry" he heard Goldenflower mew quickly pulling her kits away from his aching tail.

"It's fine kits will be kits-" he said cheerful only for it to be cut off as he let out a mild yowl feeling teeth fasten into his tail. He turned his head to see Cinder was awake "Why?" he said meekly "Is my tail that fun to play with?"

Cinder didn't answer only biting into his tail harder making Icepaw girt his teeth. "Cinder, let him go" Goldenflower said quickly but the kit seemed to ignore her

Mossthorn opened one of their blue eyes and saw what was happening and quickly picked up Cinder "Say Sorry" the white and gray patched warrior said resting the dark gray kit at their paws

"Sorry Icepaw" Cinder rushing over and nuzzling his foreleg

He couldn't help but chuckle "It's fine Cinder" licking the top of her forehead.

Frostbite rolled her eyes as she saw her other kits were making their way over to Icepaw. He chuckled nervously "Did I do something?" he was getting surrounded by all the kits.

"They're just curious seeing a new face Graypaw and Cranepaw were the same when Darkstripe visited the first time" Willowpelt mewed as she entered the den with Brindleface following.

"Kits are curious" Swanlight added, her tail wrapped around her kittens. "How was your assessment?"

"Alright though my eyes and ears decided to f-" Icepaw suddenly remembered he was around kits and not his foul-mouthed peers "mess with me and it messed up some of my hunts but Tiger-roar thinks I did and good and that's what matters"

"Good save" Goldenflower said slyly

Icepaw chuckled as Bracken fell into his paws, red orbs meeting amber.

"They sure do like you" Willowpelt purred

"I guess so I'm surprised they do" Icepaw honestly

"Well the fact their mothers approve helps" Goldenflower said nonchalantly

Lynxkit playful swiped at his ears and Sun and Claw found a good spot on his back to rest on while Cinder and Bracken curled around his paws.

"I guess I'm not going any where" Icepaw sighed

"Is it always this hectic in here?" Featherstone mewed, his voice slightly slurred as he poked his head in

Goldenflower nodded and motioned for Featherstone to sit "What brings you here?" she mouthed

Spottedwing appeared beside him, a white and gray kitten in her mouth.

"You finally kitted" Goldenflower mewed, she motioned for the tortie to rest in nearby nest who obeyed the head royal.

Featherstone nudged two kits forward, on was a black and white kit and the other was black with some white spotting

"Patchpelt?" Sweetheart mouthed with a roll of her eyes

Featherstone nodded though he pointed to the white and gray kit "Need milk"

"Give them" Sweetheart chuckled "I'll nurse them"

As was the usual now, he was carried to the gathering but by Tiger-roar. He held him in a way where he couldn't see straight ahead which he was thankful for. He needed to get his senses together. When they got to the opening to the clearing, Tiger-roar set him down surprisingly gently.

"You know who to find if your episodes start up" the tabby stated

Icepaw nodded "Does that include you?"

Tiger-roar nodded slowly "Of course, you're my apprentice"

"Come on, River Colony's here already" Emberpaw called

Icepaw looked up, Stormstar sat on the far west side of the rock, his face looked grim. He did wonder how it got his jaw like that. He could ask Bluestar since she seemed to know him well as well as Oakjaw.

Dappletail, White-eye and Smallwhisker headed straight off toward a group of elderly cats who were settling themselves below one of the oak trees. Leopardstorm and Lionheart strolled over to another pair of warriors whom Icepaw didn't know. He figured by their scent they were River Colony. He spotted Rosetail taking the spot with Oakjaw since Cricket-throat stayed back at camp due to an injury.

"Hey Icepaw" He was glad to recognize the voice of White. He had a tooth in his ear.

"Hey White" he replied, he felt Sandpaw sit beside him offering her shoulder for him to lean on. "How's it going in Shadow Colony?"

White sighed "It's going" he perked up slightly "I got my warrior name, it's Whitethroat"

Icepaw smiled "That's great, where's Badger?"

"I'm here Badger mewed padding over, he bore claw mark over his throat and chest "I got my warrior name too Icepaw, it's Badgerfang"

"Congrats" Icepaw mewed "After your fangs"

Badgerfang nodded "Common suffix of Shadow Colony, I share it with Scorchfang, Blazefang, Flintfang, and I guess Appletooth"

"Yeah yeah" Wet padded over with a smirk on his face "I'm guessing you Thunders have been chasing squirrels all day" he sneered while Little shrieked, hiding underneath Badgerfang.

Icepaw wanted to spit but Sandpaw did it for him as she rushed beside him. "I'm guessing you were chasing frogs or eating crowfood all day"

That last part seemed to hit the Shadow cats harder than Icepaw thought. They thought they were being subtle but their body motions gave it away or at least to Icepaw, twitching ears and flicking tails. Being around Scourge and Brick taught him to focus on everything.

"Sick burn Sandpaw" Silverpaw purred coming up on Icepaw's left side. Rubbing herself against him.

A yowl made them snap their heads forward, it had been from Bluestar. Brokenmoon looked smug about something while Storm-moon seemed to be confused "While Wind Colony isn't here let's not waste moonlight and start this Brokenmoon you said you wanted to speak"

Bluestar stood back and let the dark tabby talk. "We all know that the hard time that leaf-bare brings, and late newleaf has left us with little prey in our hunting grounds"

Icepaw noticed White dug his claws in while Badgerfang looked emotionless.

"But" the Shadow Colony leader continued "we also know that Wind Colony, Thunder Colony, and River Colony lost many kits in the freezing weather that came so late this season, Shadow Colony however lost no kits"

Icepaw didn't know if he could trust those words, he was slightly unnerved with Brokenmoon and how his clan functioned but Icepaw became more unnerved when he saw a dark brown tabby molly near Brokenmoon, she had stars in her pelt and a scar lined her throat.

'What the? Raggedmoon?' He noticed the old leader was glaring daggers at her son. 'She's probably mad about what he's doing with Shadow Colony now' he thought

"We are hardened to the cold north wind. Our kits while small are stronger than yours from the moment they are born. And we find ourselves with many mouths to feed, and too little prey to feed them"

"or you not feeding some of your clanmates" Icepaw recognized Blazefang's voice

Icepaw stared at the starry form of the old Shadow Colony leader 'Vile traitor' Raggedmoon hissed

'Traitor?' Icepaw thought cocking his head to the side a little

The crowd of cats were silent, listening anxiously.

"The needs of Shadow Colony are simple. In order to survive and thrive we must increase our hunting territory. That is why I must insist that you allow Shadow Colony warriors to hunt in your territories"

A shocked but muted growl rippled through the crowd.

"S..SHARE our hunting grounds?!" the outraged voice of Tiger-roar ripped through the clearing, his voice loud and full of rage.

"You've got bees in your brain if you think Thunder Colony will share" Burrclaw added, his green eyes narrowing and his teeth bared.

"It is unprecedented" cried Greenflower "The colonies have never shared hunting rights!"

"Should Shadow Colony be punished because our kits thrive?" Brokenmoon yowled from the Great Rock, his kinked tail lashing "Do you wish to watch our cats starve? You must share your hunting grounds"

"Must?" Smallwhisker spat with disgust

"Must" Brokenmoon repeated "Wind Colony failed to understand, look what happened to them"

"Are you saying you drove them out?" Stonefur snarled with horror

"That and more" Mudfoot sneered back

Snarls of outrage burst through the crowd at Brokenmoon's words. Icepaw stared at the Shadow Colony cats, his fluffing up with horror as he backed away "How could you guys just drive out a whole colony?"

"They were weak" Whitepaw growled, claws unsheathed "The strong die and the weak perish, learn that well Icepaw"

Icepaw, Sandpaw, and Silverpaw all shared a look, something's going on.

"And if we have to we will drive you out of your territories in order to feed our cats" Brokenmoon warned

Silence fell.

"I don't ask for your answers now" Brokenmoon said breaking the silence, his voice calm "But you must bear in mind: would you rather share your hunting grounds or face the same fate as Wind Colony?"

Cats looked at each other in disbelief but it was broken as Storm-moon stepped forward, his head hung low "I have already allowed Shadow Colony rights to our river"

The River Colony cats yowled with rage and humiliation as soon as those words came out of the gray tabby's mouth.

"How could you Storm-moon!” Blackclaw hissed

"Without consulting us?" Echomist mewed in disbelief "Against the codes of River Colony!"

"How could my father do this!" Silverpaw hissed lowly, claws digging into the ground

"I wish not to shed blood when there is plenty of fish in the river to eat" Storm-moon mewed "River Colony has no need for death when the river can provide"

It seemed Silverpaw caught on to her father's words, Icepaw hoped the rest of her clanmates did too "Seems your fine for now" Icepaw muttered making Silverpaw slightly smile with joy

"But what of Thunder Colony?" Smallwhisker hissed "Bluestar, have you too gave in to this outrageous demand?"

"Don't tell me you've cracked like Goosefeather did" White-eye added

Bluestar held her head high glaring at Brokenmoon "I will give my choice to you now Brokenmoon, and it's a no"

Thunder Colony cheered at Bluestar's words.

Brokenmoon hissed while Storm-moon stood off looking away, perhaps in shame.

"You'll regret that Bluestar" Brokenmoon promised staring down Bluestar, teeth bared.

"We'll see" Bluestar replied her gaze never leaving Brokenmoon's, Icepaw could tell the tension was rising.

"I also have another announcement for the sake if your kits" Icepaw saw cats snap their heads to look at Brokenmoon as soon as he said kits

"A former Shadow Colony cat turned rouge. I exiled them, but we don't know where they are now. They're a mangy old thing, but they have the bite of Tiger Colony it self"

Icepaw's fur bristled. He's talking about Yellowfang.

"They are dangerous. I warn you don't offer shelter to them and" he paused "Until they are caught and killed, I suggest you keep a close eye on your kits"

Icepaw knew that the Thunder Colony cats thought of Yellowfang. Brokenmoon led his cats away in a rush.

White and Badgerfang glanced at him then followed their clan with Wet and Little close behind.

Icepaw could hear his clanmates hiss about Yellowfang.

"It has to be her" Smallwhisker growled

"She did snap at Lynx the other day" Dappletail muttered

Icepaw rushed away not looking to see if anyone saw him leave.

I have to get back to camp and warn Yellowfang

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whoaiminactivenowwepa · 5 years ago

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On The Run (fanfic) - Chapter 1: The Deal

Summary: Lee decides to leave Texas with a childhood enemy after agreeing to help each other out.

A/N: AND SO IT BEGINS. Woof, this is my first time doing this sort of thing. I had a lot of fun writing the interactions between these two and I really hope you guys enjoy it.

Word Count: 2681

Notes: I mention here that Hester is a jackrabbit when she’s really an arctic hare. In the canon, Lee doesn’t know that she’s a hare until he meets Iorek in Once Upon A Time In The North. Wanted to clear that up in case anyone here hasn't read the book.

Speaking of OUATITN, I never got to finish it yet either, and I took the liberty of writing in some tiny details that might contradict from it. So sorry if I accidentally get any Lee Scoresby backstory info wrong.

Anyways, enjoy!!

-----

"Can't you move any faster?" Lee Scoresby whines softly, waiting by the back door of the Wright’s family mansion.

After several more minutes, Jane suddenly emerges from the window above him and she climbs down the vines growing down the side of the brick exterior walls. Hanging around her shoulder was a satchel of the last few things she needed before they leave.

She releases the vines and lands on the grass right in front of Lee, taking him and his jackrabbit dæmon, Hester, by surprise.

She's followed by her own dæmon, a Eurasian lynx named Zachyre, the feline landing just as gracefully on all fours.

Lee blinks before he follows Jane, who is now running into the wheat field ahead where his new balloon had already been set up and ready to take off.

Jane was just Lee's age, in fact, a few months older. She was a beautiful young woman of slightly built but slender frame. Her hair was of short curly blonde and she wore an expensive-looking leather bomber jacket that reflected her wealth quite easily. The handkerchief tied around her neck was her signature touch. The handkerchief changes everyday but regardless, you almost never see her without one.

Their hearts race as they run down the golden wheat field and nostalgic memories of carefree childhoods resurface.

The two young adults were running down the fields like children on recess after a boring first period at kindergarten.

The cool spring breeze seemed to make the gold in Jane's hair fly, and the skyline of wooden ranch houses, towers and trees seemed to blaze past Lee like he was already soaring great speeds. They weren't even in the skies yet, but they had never felt so free.

Jane makes it first into the gondola, where she had already began removing the ropes and anchors holding the balloon in place. Lee sprints faster and hops inside right at the nick of time.

The balloon immediately takes off as the draft pulls them high into the stars. After a few moments, the balloon stabilizes in the air. Lee takes off his hat and sinks onto the floor as he and Hester catch their breath.

"Jeez... Were you planning on leaving us?"

"You weren't running fast enough" She laughs and sinks down onto the floor as well, breathing heavily.

Whatever, I still made it, he thinks to himself.

This was it. It was finally happening.

Lee had wanted to leave the country for so long and that day has finally come.

He has no expectations, no specific plans. Just a hunger to be in some place new; to start a new life and completely start over in unknown lands, where nobody knows his name and nobody can hold him back.

He could go to the beaches of Greece. He could mine jewels and diamonds in the Malaysian mountains. He could befriend Eastern witches. He could fly to the North and meet a panserbjørne. The possibilities were endless.

It would be just he and Hester against the world. Well, at least that was what he had originally planned. But things had gotten... Complicated.

Jane opens her satchel to double check its contents. Inside it was some extra gold and pearl jewelry she planned to sell for extra money, and an aeronaut's manual. It was this small thick book with a picture of a balloon on the cover.

He honestly couldn't believe he decided to take her with him. He had always quite loathed her family name for how they bossed the low and middle class around liked they owned everything and everyone there... Which they sort of did, but that wasn't the point.

It took Hester some convincing him for him to realize it, but he needed some guidance if he really wanted to go through with their little "expedition". Not just guidance on where he should go first but also on actually flying the balloon. Thankfully, he knew someone who was knowledgeable with both.

The only problem was... That person was Jane Miller Wright. They were never exactly in the best of terms since childhood, and he had always found her to be quite the annoying presence.

But she offered a deal with him. It was simple: She'll give him flying lessons if he agrees to take her away from home. She wouldn't tell exactly where she was going, just what she was leaving behind, and that she'll show him where she needed to go.

-----

Lee gets on his feet to look at the scenery. The town was lit up by small glowing dots of streetlights and outdoor porch lights.

The moonlight glimmered over miles and miles of crops, fields and open land where he used to spend his weekends re-enacting the Battle of the Alamo with the orphans his uncle and aunt looked after.

He could see them just pass the clocktower he once climbed with a childhood friend long ago. It was the tallest structure in town where every sunset, it promised a beautiful view of the sun meeting the dots of trees on the horizon.

This town carried 21 years worth of memories. It was almost as if his whole life was being laid out before him... And he's about to leave all of it behind. Gosh, he didn't realize how much he was leaving behind.

Lee had been considerably quiet for quite some time now, and it wasn't very like him.

"Hey. Lee, you in there?"

Lee stands there in silence for a bit before he gets out of his own head.

"Sorry, I was just... Thinking."

"Really? That's a rare occurrence."

"Oh, har-dee-har." Lee groans as he puts on a thin coat that was hung on one of the balloon's load supports.

"This whole 'venture was my idea, you know."

"Yes, and you've hardly thought through it. You don't even have the skills to fly this thing"

"That's exactly why I agreed to bring you here, isn't it?"

Lee's quick hands suddenly pulls out the aeronaut's manual from behind his back. Jane scoffs. Now that was one impressive skill Lee had that she didn't.

"So where do we start? Teach me, teacher."

"And if I don't?"

"I really hope you didn’t hit your head when you jumped out of that window. Seems like you amnesia-d the deal out of your noggin. Look, if you don't fill your end of the bargain, I'm afraid I'd have to take you right back to that filthy mansion of yours."

“You will do that?”

“Of course I will.”

Lee steps closer towards her. Just inches apart, the tall man looked down at her with dark, intimidating eyes.

"After all, balloon's nothing without its pilot." he points at the subtitle of the manual which reads exactly that:

A balloon is nothing without its pilot.

They hold each other's glare, both of them insistently standing their ground. Suddenly, a devilish smirk tugs on Jane's face.

"Has it not occurred to you that this balloon's already got a pilot?"

Lee's brows furrow "What do you mean?"

Then suddenly, it dawns on him. Hester groans and mutters to herself as the thought only now comes to her as well.

Shit. He really didn’t think this through.

She's the only one here who knows how to fly this balloon.

Shit, the deal was a ploy! And she really was trying to leave him behind back there. That part of her plan didn't work out, but it didn't matter. She's still the only one here with flying experience, so with or without him, this balloon was practically hers now.

Jane laughs at the look on Lee's face and grabs the book back from his hand while he's pre-occupied.

She strides onto the far edge of the gondola and began working with the ropes and levers in a pattern that was alien to Lee.

He groans. She's showing off.

"So this whole thing was just about stealing my balloon, huh?"

"I'm honestly surprised it took you this long to figure it out." Jane comments, side-eyeing him as she worked. Boy, he would do anything for a chance to smack that smirk off of her face.

"She's joking." Zachyre hops onto the cushion seats so he's on Lee's eye level. "We weren't trying to steal from you."

"Are you, now? I'm pretty sure you just stole my balloon from me... And kidnapping me too, I suppose."

Lee faces back to Jane, "and here I thought I could trust you. I should've known thievery runs in the family." He says in a mocking tone.

His last statement almost sets her off.

"You're one to talk about thievery--!" Jane angrily stomps as she walked up to Lee. Lee takes a few steps back, actually getting worried at what she’s about to do with the rope she was holding, but Zachery steps in her way, purring loudly as he rubbed himself against her leg. It always calms her down.

"He's just trying to aggravate you; trying to make you regret getting involved. But we shouldn't give him that satisfaction." Zachyre explains softly.

Jane takes a moment to collect herself with a deep breath.

"Alright, cowboy. For your information, I haven't broken any promises yet. Your balloon is still yours, I'm merely taking over management."

"Ah." Lee replies, dry sarcasm in his voice.

"I'm a lady of my word; I will teach you how to fly... In time."

She walks back towards Lee, locking a potent glare as she ties a knot with the rope in her hands.

"But in the meantime, balloon's nothing without its pilot, isn't that right, Mr. Scoresby?"

She walks away, her hair flips as she turns to continue what she was doing. Hester giggles in amusement. She had to admit, this was entertaining to watch.

Lee as well couldn't help but smile as a soft chuckle escaped him.

"Alright, then... Captain." Lee rolls his eyes. "Perhaps the least you could do is tell me where we're going?"

Jane glares at Lee with the same belittling side-eye look. She hesitates, then rummages through her other bags. After a few seconds, she pulls out a large folded piece of paper and sets it down on the floor. It was a world map.

Lee kneels down next to her while Hester approaches one edge of the paper. They were clearly excited. They never had the money to travel outside of Texas, so anywhere seemed to be a great place to start.

Jane studies the map for a few seconds then points on a drawing of European land.

"London." she concludes.

Lee squints and his brows furrow.

"London? Seriously?" Hester grunts.

"What?" Jane raises an eyebrow at her.

London was always known to be a bit of a fancified city. The people there were clean and wealthy and flaunted flamboyant expensive apparel and jewelry. Probably Jane and Zachyre's type of destination but definitely not Lee and Hester's.

"I'm not sure if you've noticed, but Hester and I won't exactly... Fit in." Lee gestures himself and his dirty farmer attire. His moustache was thin and as messy as his hair. He was wearing an old checkered button-up under a thin cotton coat, with dark blue jeans and boots covered in mud and wheat.

"Why do you even need to go to London of all places?"

"Why not? I thought you wanted to see new places. I'm sure you've never been to a city like London before."

Lee raises an eyebrow. Was that another brag?

"No, but I was just hoping for something more... I don't know, fun? Like a beach, or an art museum in France or at least some elephants in Africa or something."

"There's plenty of things to do in London! And if you're so concerned about fitting in, I'll buy you some clothes when we get there."

"You will?"

"Yes. You have a terrible fashion sense anyways."

Lee laughs then shoots back. “Says the girl in bell bottom jeans.”

“What’s wrong with my jeans?”

“Those stopped being cool like, 2 years ago.”

They go on like this for what feels like hours. At first, it was a small debate over whether or not bell bottom jeans were still cool. Afterwards, they continued nitpicking the smallest things about each other, just mocking one another with Jane’s petty insults and Lee’s purposefully terribly jokes.

Hours pass. Finally, the gondola had reduced to a comfortable silence as small beams of orange sunlight began to appear in the sky.

Jane looked after the balloon as they continued going northwest, while Lee sat quietly on the cushioned seats reading the aeronaut's manual. Every now and then, he'd look up at Jane to watch her work, trying to figure out on his own which was which and what did what.

Lee looks at the opposite side of the balloon and noticed Zachyre and Hester whispering something to each other. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Eventually, Lee began to yawn. His eyelids were beginning to feel heavy and he could barely comprehend what he was reading anymore. That meant that Hester was getting tired too. She excuses herself from her conversation with Zachyre and hops on the seat next to Lee.

“We should sleep” she says as she gets on his lap and moves the manual out of his line of sight.

“Hello to you too. You two seemed to be enjoying yourselves.”

“I’d say the same about you and Jane.” She replies. Lee exhales sharply from his nose.

“Well, you clearly weren’t listening to our conversation. We were arguing over bell-bottom pants and haircuts, Hester.”

“And you were having fun. Both of you. I could tell, and Zachyre could too.”

Lee gives her a confused look. That’s what they were talking about the whole time?

“Look, I’m as surprised as you are. But you know, we’ve never really got to spend time with them alone before. Maybe leaving with their company wasn’t such a bad idea after all.”

Lee considered her words in his silence. She had a point. He hardly knows anything about her other than her last name was Wright. They lived in opposite sides of the city, so they only ever saw each other in local events and competitions. Whenever that happens, they either get into discourse with each other’s group of friends or prefer to avoid each other. But surprisingly, spending alone time with her doesn’t feel very different from spending alone time with his own good friends.

The mocking, the petty insults, the deprecating jokes followed by laughter. Only difference is that Jane is a girl, and he'd never met a woman with her kind of attitude. In fact, now that he thought about it, that quality about her is kind of admirable.

The idea of having quality bonding time with Jane seemed crazy to him. He looks over at her. She’s sitting down now, just watching the clouds fly past her and feeling the wind in her hair, deep in her own thoughts. He began to wonder if similar thoughts were running around her mind about him. Is she enjoying his company? Is she as surprised about it as he is?

“You know she tried to steal our balloon and leave us behind, right?” Lee looks back at Hester.

“Honestly? It seemed like something you would do.”

Lee chuckles. Perhaps he and Jane had more in common than he’d like to admit.

Before he could continue the thought, Hester suddenly cuddles up with him inside his coat. “Go to sleep.” She says with sterner tone in her voice. Lee wanted to stay awake, but Hester’s soft furry body against his stomach felt so warm and relaxing and cozy. It was making sleep all the more tempting.

He rests his hand over her and holds her close as he began to lean a bit onto the empty gas tank on his side. She’s right. She always is. About sleeping at least. He’s going to need a lot of rest for the adventure in London. Hopefully, it will be as memorable as Jane insists.

#fanfic #au #his dark materials #lee scoresby #on the run fic

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sternerstufftoys · 5 years ago

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The *ERROR;; packet overflow* One

It's hard to quantify Sky Lynx. He wasn't in the movie, instead introduced with season 3 of the cartoon, he wasn't designed by Hasbro or Takara, he doesn't have a robot mode, and he doesn't have a personality that can be summed up in a single word like the others. Sky Lynx is an oddity. Oh wait, that was a single word summary. Uh, moving on.

It's equally odd that he got so much prominence in season 3. Not the role he took, essentially being the Autobots' answer to Astrotrain, but that he was a tough sell, both as a character and a toy. A space shuttle that unfolded into a sort of bird thing and a slab that unfolded into a slab with legs and a head. You see the problem here, it's not actually all that cool. Buuuut, just like with G1 Springer's toy, being a bit naff doesn't mean something can't be enjoyed, and Sky Lynx's portrayal in the cartoon pretty much gets there. As an absolute egotist, he managed to stay just on the right side of utterly insufferable, in many appearances throughout the show. Unlike, say, Sunstreaker, Sky Lynx actively encourages his comrades to be as awesome as he is. There's something charming there, to be generous with your ego.

Let's be honest, there wasn't much of a chance that Sky Lynx was ever going to get into Generations without a major redesign and a boring robot mode. The design is just too out there, too un-Takara to ever really be practical. So to show up in Combiner Wars as the ultimate wildcard is actually a pretty sharp and sensible move on Hasbro's part, and proves that despite everything else, they still have the capacity to surprise.

And when you get him in hand, you start to see why this was never a great idea. Sky Lynx doesn't so much transform as he just folds up a bit. Going from beast mode into shuttle mode isn't a particularly exciting time as there's nothing new to see. All the shuttle parts were on display as beast parts already, only now they're a little bit more boring. Presumably he needs to be in this mode for proper space flight, and stretches his legs out during his downtime so he can pose dramatically in front of the others. Seems about right.

But since the slab bit and the shuttle bit are now eternally fused together, there's no chance of bird/lynx duocon shenanigans. I can live with that. There's not a whole lot they can do in separate parts that they can't do together, so why bother? Well, the fun of deploying the cargo brick from flight like a badass, actually. That would be cool, but it's not really worth it. Not when the lynx makes a surprise cameo as....

....now that's a combiner. What a curveball. What an absolute swerve to the batshit bonkers side of the tracks. Everything about Sky Reign (for so it is named) is a special kind of crazy. No robot head - those are for losers - instead having a golden lion face with an insane popped collar. The blue takes over as the primary colour, and the rocket engine swings down to become a stonking great chest crest. The only downside is that the shoulders don't have anywhere to properly lock in, so you have to hold them in place when rotating the arms. Annoying to be sure, but compared to Menasor's propensity for every tab to pop apart when you try and move anything, it's still an improvement. Not only that but the hip joints have way more detents in the ratchets, making the legs a hell of a lot easier to pose.

Sure, Sky Lynx was kinda-sorta-maybe associated with the second lot of classic Autobot repaints in CW, but come on. You don't need to be told what to do. Sky Reign is like Galvatronus, Tsarscream and Elita-1 for being a place to take the spare combiner bots you don't have any other place for and give them a good home. Rook, Alpha Bravo, Ricochet, whoever you like. Be creative! Or be like me and use him as a surrogate kitty parent for the dinobots you stubbornly didn't buy the Grimlock for. They make a remarkably coherent whole once you accent them with the HFGs from G2 Menasor.

This is pretty much the last word on Sky Lynx from Hasbro. It's pretty much impossible they'll ever revisit this weirdo again, as he just doesn't fit any regular Transformers aesthetic. Get any thoughts of commander or leader-class versions out of your heads, he's not nearly a popular enough character to pull that off. We were genuinely lucky to even get a voyager-class rendition as deluxes are always guaranteed to sell better. And to have it as an absolutely mental combiner with a cat head, that's meowgnificent.

Yes, I'm ending with meowgnificent. Fight me, losers.

#transformers #maccadam #sky lynx #toy review #combiner wars #season 3 autobots #meowgnificent

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thankgodforianflynn · 5 years ago

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Sonally ‘Trust’

"-And, that is why, Princess," Conquering Storm gloated, continuing on with the speech she had prepared, "The rest of the clans will no longer be able to resist us. The Shijin Warriors will not be able to take out our weapon in time, and- ..." She couldn't help but glare at the tied up chipmunk. "Annnddd, you aren't taking me seriously. I would like to know why."

Sally, who was looking both bored and unimpressed(even while being surrounded by ninja Egg Army Clan warriors), couldn't help but let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Connie, but, you see, here's the thing... I don't think you have this plan fully thought out. Why do you think things'll go well for you, as opposed to last time...?"

The cyborg ninja lynx couldn't help but grit her teeth in pure anger. The chipmunk was, of course, referring to the phoenix incident, that happened during the gaia crisis...And, how they had managed to use the Phoenix Guardian to take out their base of operations.

"Well, for starters, we have been planning for this moment for months. Each of my disciples and warriors know the details of the plan by heart. And, we've already taken care of possible deterrents. Like, how we kidnapped you, for instance. And, how we've employed a Badnik Brigade, lead by a powerful E-1000Z model, to distract and keep the Shijin Warriors at bay."

Sally couldn't help but narrow her eyes. "And, what about Sonic? Did you forget about him?"

"HA! You mean, your friend, the speedy blue hedgehog? We already know how much of a threat he is." Connie grinned a bit sadistically. "Thats why we have him trapped and pinned in an old fortress, primed to collapse at any second now~"

This would be it. This would be the news that would break her, she knew it~!

...However, instead, the princess' eyes held more defiance and determination than ever. "You think Sonic hasn't dealt with worse before?" Sally let out a short burst of laughter. "He's going to save the day, despite whatever you throw at him. Sorry, Connie, but, this wasn't your best plan."

The Lynx's robotic irises shrunk, the fiery fury clear as day on her face. "Enough of this! Execute her now, before I-!"

However, before she could finish, a sudden loud explosion came from somewhere in the base behind her. Turning right around, her eyes widened in both shock, and outrage.

"How?! He should be dead by now! Not even the Doctor's worst enemy could have-!"

"Hate to break it to you, Connie," Sally said, "But, not even your best plans could bring a Freedom Fighter down."

She whipped back around, and- She was free! How-

The blades. The rings! Of course, the rings, how did they forget they could do that? Did they just look so natural on the princess these days, or-?

"WHAT ARE YOU STANDING AROUND FOR?! KILL HER!"

All of those under Connie's command, Ninjas and others, rushed at the rodent royalty, eager to give her the fight of her life-!

...But, then, a speedy blue ball hit one of her warriors right ontop of the head, before bouncing off, and landing right infront of his partner, in full glory.

"Hey, Sal! Did Connie tell ya about the thing? Hope ya didn't think some lil crumbling stone fortress was gonna keep me down, did ya~?"

"Not a chance in the world~"

Andddddd, there went any advantage they had at the moment. The explosion had come from the base, likely where their weapon was, and, now they would have to fight two of the most determined warriors on the planet...?

The princess knew this would be an outcome, didn't she? The two of them had known each other for a long time. Probably knew if either or both of them had been forced into disadvantageous circumstances, they would still be able to get out of it without any trouble at all. Because, they had been Freedom Fighters longer than she had been conquering for Eggman...

But, it didn't matter to her. It didn't matter how strong the two of them were together. One of these days, they would not be strong enough to face her.

And, on that day, she would finally rid the empire of the speedy blue problem that had menaced the doctor for so long...

#Sonally Week #Post sgw #Sally Acorn #Sonic #Conquering Storm

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the-fiction-witch · 5 years ago

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Tent by the sea

TV SHOW: ACCUSED

COUPLE: JAKE (TBS) X READER

RATING: ADORABLE AF

I'm bored... Inhumanity bored. My mum was taking me away on holiday a very rare occasion Indeed, it wasn't much just a week by the coast in a little tent. I didn't really want to go when she suggested it, the idea of me and my mother alone for a week with no WiFi seemed like a terrible idea. But then she suggested that maybe I could bring a friend along...

So I was bringing Jake, he was thrilled at the invitation. If nothing else it got him away from his mother and grandmother for a week. Me and Jake had been inseparable since we where little as we only live across the way from each other and my mother frequents his mother's salon for everything sometimes not even to get stuff done just to sit and chat, I admit I've always had a little crush on him and word around school use to say he had one on me but I never believed it. Since all that was over thought we spent tones of time together, so our mothers where fine with us going away and shareing a tent for a week.

You'd think most mother's would be very against the idea of there daughter bringing a bit camping for a week with her?

Then again Jake's mother did give him a obvious talking to before we left I didn't hear exactly what she said but I can imagine.

His mother mo was always a little hesitant with the idea of us being together so much but she warned up to it over time, but since school ended and all she's been a bit more...humm what's the word? Restricteve.

Jake wasn't allowed to come for sleepovers anymore and I definitely wasn't allowed to sleep over there, and if ever it was just me and Jake up in his room he had to keep his door open all the way I was honestly she suprised him to come along at all, but I'm sure my mother talked her into it.

I yawned leaning my head on my mother's red corsa's side window the boot loaded so much I could sware it was tipping a little, our tents shoved thought the left back passenger seat Jake sat in the middle and me on the right with mother driving and some snacks and such on the passenger side seat as well as her handbag and the directions. I looked at Jake more,

His cute blonde and brown hair looking actually fairly presentable another rare thing to happen, he had clearly brushed it alot before he came out his house. His dark blue sweatshirt over what I think was his portal shirt, his dark blue jeans hugging his skinny legs all his clothes looked clean and tidy he even smelt like lynx, overwhelming of it infact, it was obvious from the slight difference in the sent what he had clearly used the deodorant, shower gel and a few other things to make sure he was clean and nice smelling. His bag in the boot and he looked straight out the windshield at the road I laughed a little and moved to lean my head in his shoulder making him jump

"Ohh! Hi y/n" he blushed hard

"Hi" I smiled nuzzling closer

"Ohh god damnit!" My mother yells as the car stopped by the side of the road

"What's up?" I ask

"I don't know, dam thing won't go!" She complained getting out and going to the engine it was smoking alot and she sighed "okay you kids wait with the car, there was a mercanic guy last town we past, I shouldn't be more then an hour" she says getting her stuff so we held into the keys as she went off walking back down the long road

"So... we're all alone" I giggled

"Yeah all alone" he blushed

"In a little place in the middle of knowhere tucked up in my mum's car" I giggled Running my hand down his arm a little

"Yeah, you could do anything here and knowone would ever know" he blushed

"Exactly" I giggled gently trying to take his hand

"Y/n... Are you going to kill me?" He asks

"What? Jake why would you think that?" I laughed

"Well you where saying what a lovely place this is and how you could do stuff without anyone knowing, you drive me out to the middle of knowhere and say that you blame me for assuming you're killing me??" He explained

"Awww Jake" I laughed "you sweet paranoid little boy" I laughed Hugging him tightly "I was only... Suggesting we could do stuff without my mum around"

"Like what?" He asks

"Like..." I began gently and quickly giving his lips a peek the quickest little kiss I could and he froze glowing a bright red

"Uhhhhhhhuuuhhhhh...." He murmured "I Uhhh well I umm uh I uhh" he stuttered

"Spit it out Jake" I laughed

"What was that for?" He asked resting his hand in his neck nervously

"I need reasons to give cute boys kisses?" I ask

"I Uhhh I guess not" he blushed "I Uhhh I didn't know you uhh you thought of me like that"

"Of course I do" I smiled "what's wrong? Don't you-" I began

"Y/n of course I do, I've had a crush on you since we where little, when you use to come over and beat my arse at street fighter" he blushed "I - I had no idea that you might-" he stuttered

"I haven't exactly been secretive about my crush on you Jake" i laughed

"I honestly had no idea" he blushed "soo uhh... What do we do now then?" He asks "I mean I have a crush on you, you have a crush on me, we both know about it now so.... What do we do?" He asks

"Well... Once we get settled in our tent maybe we could go up to the arcades, get ice cream" I smiled

"Like as a date?" He asks and I nod "well if you wanted too"

"Of course I want to Jake" I smiled giving him another kiss he kissed back a little this time and I smiled getting the blanket from the footwell as it was starting to get chilly and wrapping it around us, I held his arm close and he laughed wrapping it around me sitting his hand in my shoulder so I nuzzled close to his chest waiting for my mum to get back.

As soon as we finally got to the little camp site we put up our tents my mum having one on her own and one to scare for me and Jake will a canopy but outside the two for our chairs and such I was inside the tent making up the air beds when Jake crawled in "hi" he smiled

"Hi" I giggled

"Which ones mine?" He asks

"That one, it's go your pillow from home and your backpack on it" I smiled

"Right yeah" he blushed

"Jake?" I ask "are you going to be a blushy stuttery mess the whole trip?"

"I don't know" he blushed sitting in his bed "I guess I'm just still all bubbly from when you kissed me"

"Silly boy" I laughed giving his cheek a kiss and sitting on my bed, there really wasn't much room space for maybe a rolled blanket between our air beds

"Maybe I should sleep in the outer bit" he began

"Jake no, this is the sleeping part you sleep in here you'll freezer out there" I told him "plus bugs"

"I know it's just... I didn't realize how close together we would be" he blushed "I mean what if you're mum comes in and sees us asleep this close together, I mean it almost looks like we're shareing a bed" he says

"We share my bed at home when we have sleep overs" I giggled moving to sit on his bed with him "Jake will you relax, it's just me, were just camping for a week, if you're mother asks then say you slept in the outerbit okay?" I suggest and he nods

"Y/n... Could I kiss you?" He asks

"Aww Jake of course you can" I smiled gently Running my hand down his arm till I reached his hand he looked confused before I Intertwined our fingers he smiled widely holding my hand just as tight as I held his hand he smiled a little more as he looked at me shuffling alittle closer and giving my lips a gentle kiss I happily kissed back we seemed to kiss for hours just ever so often moving our lips together the little clacking of our kisses echoing in our tent till he pulled back

"Whoa... that was amazing" he smiled

"You think so?" I asked blushing a little too

"Your a really good kisser" he blushed

"So are you" I smiled

"Could I?" He asks

"What?" I ask

"Could I... Do it again?" He asks

"Jake if you want to kiss me, as long as we are all one you can" I laughed

"Okay" he smiled moving back to kissing me so I happily kissed back wrapping my arms around his neck and he wrapped his own around my waist as our kisses slowly got deeper Jake lightly turned his head giving him more space so I went along with him "ummm" he gently moans into the kiss his hands tugging my waist that little bit closer to him I smirked a little at his moan and him pulling me closer so I moved to be just over his lap and Running my hands down his chest a little "uhh uumm uuummmmm" he groans into the kiss his hands slipping around to the opposite side of my waist so his arms wrapped around my back completely till I pulled back even if he kept kissing down my face and neck

"Oooohh Jake...what's gotten into you?" I giggled slyly

"Oh my god!" He said quickly pushing me off his legs and onto his bed "I'm so so sorry y/n, I must have gotten carried away"

"Don't be sorry Jake, I liked it" I smiled

"Y-y-yo-you-you did?" He stuttered and I nodded

"What did get into you?" I ask

"No idea" he blushed rubbing on his neck

"Jake... tell the truth" I laughed

"I don't know honestly, I just like kissing you" he shrugged

"Kids? Come on let's go get take out for dinner" my mother yelled

"Coming mum" I smiled.

We had been a way about three days now in our little tent and it had been lovely as we could walk into the town by ourselves to go have little dates together and once again my mother was off shopping so we went down to the beach walking along in the typical brasing British seaside wind as we walked across the sand I held his arm tightly mostly because I was kinda cold in my little summer dress "Jake? Could we maybe go someplace else I'm freezing?" I complain

"I thought you wanted a nice walk on the beach?" He says

"I did, but I didn't expect it to be so cold" I answered

"Here" he laughs slipping his jacket off and putting it over my shoulders it was warm and cosy and smelt like him he smiled widely at me and kissed my head Before taking my hand so I smiled as we continued to walk Evey now and again picking up shells like when we where little kids

"Hey look, this one's completly intact" I smiled picking up a smell all still closed up and completely fine

"Wow, that is a lucky find y/n, take it back with us I'm sure we could put it in some salt water maybe make it open" he explained putting it with the others after a while it began to get too cold so we went up to the bank, walking past the ice cream stores and dish and chip shops as well as a arcade every so often in a crane Machine just outside was a bunch of really adorable fluffy alpaca plush toys

"Aww there so cute!" I smiled going to look at them there was several actually in the machine to win including a mint green coloured one I went to move away to keep walking but

"They are cute..." He began "which one do you want?" He asks

"Jake you know what these things are like knowone ever wins" I laughed

"Don't you worry about that" he says "you want the mint green one don't you?" He asks putting a coin in making the machine light up and start playing music and I nodded blushing a little

"Jake you should waste your money" I told him but he continued anyway and before I knew it was in the bottom he laughs getting it out

"I told you not to worry" he laughs "here" he smiled

"I shouldn't you won it" I smile

"I won him for you" he laughs kissing my head so I smiled and took it he was so soft and even smelt like mint chocolate ice-cream

"Thank you Jake" I smiled giving his lips a kiss

"Your welcome y/n" he says "come on we should get back, your mum will be worried" he says.

I smiled turning over Hugging my plushie close as I was cold Tonight I had two blankets and my covers but I was still shivering

"Y/n? You still awake?" He asks

"Yeah" I whispered back

"You cold too?" He asks

"My toes are frozen" I whine

"Aww... You wanna come snuggle with me?" He asks and I moved over to his airbed with all my blankets he sat up and laughed "hand on if we zip our sleeping bags together can cuddle and be warm" he suggested eventually getting them together and wrapping ourselves up under millions of layers he smiled wrapping his arms around my waist so I nuzzled into his chest still hugging my plush he was so warm "ohh you are cold" he complained "Come here, snuggle up tight sweetheart I don't want you freezing" he says

P2?

P2 will contain smut

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