#miiiiight actually have to go back before december is over to see if they have any russian orthodox cross pendants (im sure they do)

[teenagefeeling]

ended up getting my mom a little hedgehog box (also fabergé style, it was next to the eggs). this was because it was cheaper lol, but there were literally like 10 things in that store i could have gotten her i think i just gotta send her there on her own lmao

[the-letter-horror-lover]

Meeting the Seductive Butler

MysteryShadow

Summary:

A Journalist goes to the Phantomhive manor after the Circus incident. While at the Manor things gets heated between Ciels head butler Sebastian and the journalist Kristina.

(Spelling errors/ etc...)

Work Text:

It was late December and I had to meet a young noble boy, named Ciel Phantomhive. He is the Queens “guard dog.” I was a journalist for the daily paper in a old paper mill that' wasn’t really well known. I was told to meet Ciel Phantomhive over an incident that happened at Noah's Ark Circus six months ago. All of the workers at Noah's Circus are missing except one, ever since Ciel visited the circus. When I showed up I was greeted by a tall, skinny, handsome man with medium length black hair and mysterious dark brown eyes. I admit I wanted to test him to see how far my flirting would go. I have never met anyone this handsome and I never wanted to pull such a bold move before I met him. When I walked closer to him, he went on one knee and said, “Hello my lady, my name is Sebastian, sorry but I am afraid the young master isn’t going to be here until tomorrow because he had to speak to the Queen about the recent incidents. I said “its fine, its the Queen after all. When I walked with him into the manor, he said I was to be greeted by five other people, one woman and four men. When we walked up to them in the kitchen, they greeted me and told me their names, but then they had to get back to work. Sebastian showed me around the manner and I was even able to see his room. When he was showing me his room I thought I heard a cat or two, maybe I am just going crazy. I looked all around his cozy room then stopped once I looked at his bed, I thought how nice it would be for me to sleep in it with him. After I was done looking at his room I started to walk out when I heard him whisper in my ear, “you can come back over here later when everyone is asleep.” That sent a shiver down my neck and goosebumps arose from my skin. Sebastian walked past me but stopped and winked. My heart was racing thinking of all of the things we could do. Thinking of his hands touching all over me and his breath on my neck. I kept walking with him until we stopped at another room. He said “this is where you will be sleeping, if you need anything ring that bell or come to my room and I will help you out.” I said okay thank you, Sebastian. I started to avert my eyes away from his in embarrassment over what he said earlier. Just thinking of him pinning me down on his bed made me blush intensely.

Crimson Bloodline

StarlessWest

Summary:

Othello is a half-vampire just trying to live life as a normal human when a rise in attacks by feral vampires puts his safe lifestyle at stake (quite literally). When fate leads him to meet a strange man (who just so happens to be a legendary vampire hunter), an odd friendship and help from both sides may be just what they need. But things are never that simple, are they? Something strange is going on...

Notes:

After years of plot ideas for stories and AUs, this is the first time I’ve actually come up a proper plot for one. Since I’ve finally got a great story idea, I bring you a vampire AU! I’m super nervous about posting this aaa

THINGS TO KNOW:

- I have absolutely zero knowledge on how actual forensics works, so if anything is not accurate, I apologize ;v;

- Since the ship isn’t the main focus of the fic, I wrote it very subtly so anyone can enjoy the story without me forcing my OTP into your faces. You could basically just see it as a really close friendship if you wanted too. That being said, I miiiiight add the occasional shippy side-chapter ;)

- While Othello and Undertaker’s story is the main focus, there’s still plenty of other stuff happening too.

- I refuse to give away too much information on how vampires work in this specific world, that’ll be found out later~

- Undertaker will be “Adrian” in this story

That’s all. Enjoy~

Chapter 1: Midnight Delivery

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The clock read 1:00 in the morning as Othello finally replaced the vial back into its holder and sighed in relief. The smell of the blood was growing extremely tempting and he would be happy to leave before his hunger drove him to do something crazy. Working overtime was one thing, but being a half-vampire was another.

As a half-vampire it made it easier for him to blend in with society and live life as a normal human. He could be out during daylight and he could eat normal food as well, but blood would still tempt him and he hated it. He knew he still needed blood to survive, but he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. It reminded him too much of what he truly was. He’d rather starve to death when the time came.

“You’re still here?” A voice spoke.

Othello realized he’d been staring at the vials. His incisors felt sharper and he urged it away, feeling them return back to normal as he spun to smile awkwardly at the man who leaned against the open doorway to his lab.

“Oh! Uh- ‘Course I am! Just doing a little extra work.” He adjusted his glasses awkwardly, realizing a little too late that his gloves weren’t the cleanest.

The man moved so that he was leaning propped up against his broom instead and Othello realized it was the new janitor, who had likely just begun his shift.

“Well, I’m glad there’s still someone here.” The janitor grumbled. “Because they need one of the ol’ bodies moved to the funeral home and I sure as hell ain’t doin it.”

“Eh?” That was not at all was Othello expected. The janitor surely didn’t mean-

“Great, its that one they brought in a week ago. The one mauled by some dog or whatever.”

“Wait! You’re not-”

The door was closed and the man’s footsteps could be heard retreating quickly down the hallway. Othello felt his eye twitch. That guy was a new janitor, so not much was known about him. Clearly, he was not a very friendly fellow and he was certainly trying to find ways out of work.

Nearly an hour or two later, he had finally tidied up and made his way to the storage where they kept the bodies. Ah that’s right, the storage was full and they did in fact need to make more room as soon as possible. Fine, he would do it. A little part of him told him to leave it as it was and let the janitor get in trouble in the morning, yet he couldn’t. Othello just couldn’t be mean no matter how hard he tried, and it would likely be the death of him one day.

He pulled back the cover slightly to peer at the disfigured face of a young woman. It had been one if many cases confirmed to be animal attacks of some sort, however he knew those bite marks to be vampire. There were vampires out there roaming the city and mauling innocent people to pieces just for sport and it was utterly horrible. Luckily none of the humans had been properly “bitten”. He feared the day one of the investigations “turned” from a bite and attacked them. Then the world would know what creatures lived among them and it would quickly dissolve to chaos among humanity. The vampire attacks seemed to have grown more frequent in the recent months and Othello feared that there was more to it than a little hunting sport.

Othello replaced the cover in anger. There was a reason why he didn’t directly handle the bodies brought for autopsy. Luckily, the body was a few days old and whatever little blood remained that hadn’t been extracted smelled stale to him and in no way was it appetizing to even the most desperate vampire.

That asshole janitor had left the keys to the van in a perfectly convenient spot. After making sure everything was secured properly, also work for the janitor, Othello set off quickly while trying his best to follow the route that his phone gave him. He’d scrolled through all the places in the city and the only one open at this hour was… Down an old side street through crop fields and across from a church? It couldn’t possibly get any more horror-movie esque. But he himself was a creature fitting of the antagonist role in such a movie. It was a funny thought to know that any axe murderer would likely be more afraid of him, no matter how much of a cowardly excuse for a vampire Othello was.

The headlights of the car were the only light for miles when he pulled up in front of the old and run-down building. He considered for a moment that his GPS had directed him to a place that had been closed for years due to the state that the building was in. Still, he’d driven all this way. It was better to try at least.

He knocked on the door, only for it to swing inward automatically due to the force of his knock. So much for safety precautions and security. He glanced around quickly. Empty coffins lay across every inch of the shop. Everything was covered with a thick layer of dust and there were cobwebs everywhere. Yet, the scent of embalming fluids and candles hung thickly in the air. The place was certainly active and open, yet whoever had purchased ownership clearly hadn’t decided to fix it up.

“Erm, excuse me? Sorry to bother you so late at night, but I have a.. delivery.” Only silence greeted him. “Um, is anyone here?”

“Hehe, a delivery? What a surprise~ I don’t get too many of those.” A face peered at him from within one of the coffins. Othello stood unshaken, despite the fact that every part of his body was screaming at him to get the hell out of there and never come back.

“Y-Yes, sir. My name is O-Othello of London’s main forensics branch.” Okay, that’s creepy.

“Othello, hm? You may call me the Undertaker~” The man finally moved the coffin lid aside and stepped out to greet Othello. He was dressed in all black, with a gray sash tied across one shoulder and a chain of golden lockets around his waist. His hair was long and silver and the bangs hung over his eyes, obscuring most of his scarred face. When the man held his hand out in greeting, the long sleeve fell back Othello noticed his nails were long and painted black. Othello concluded on first impression that he was certainly a man worthy of the title of “Undertaker”.

Hesitantly, Othello stepped forward. The Undertaker shook his hand firmly with a wide grin before letting go and stepping aside. With no further words exchanged, he nodded towards the doorway, his expression one which almost resembled a kid watching their parent buy them candy.

Othello went outside to the back of the van and retrieved the body. As soon as he had wheeled it through the door, the Undertaker tore off the cover. Othello expected to see the same childlike expression, however, the man’s entire attitude suddenly changed upon seeing the actual body. He became serious and focused as he peered closer. The energy in the air seemed to have grown suddenly tense and Othello fidgeted uncomfortably. The Undertaker ran a long nail across the multiple puncture wounds on the neck and shoulders, and down across the scratches on the victim’s face. He removed the cover further, revealing the mutilated chest of the victim which had since been sewn up to prevent anything from falling apart due to the extent of the damage. The fact that most of the Undertaker’s face was obscured by the long grey hair left his expressions unreadable, but his focus was clear.

“It was.. concluded as a wild animal attack.” Othello stated in hopes to break the tension. The Undertaker’s head snapped up and Othello jumped backwards slightly. Even though the Undertaker’s eyes were covered, he could feel the intensity of the man’s gaze on him.

“Is that so?” His tone was deeper and unwavering. It was not so much an actual question as it was an accusation. “Did anyone see this ‘wild animal’?” It was as if he were implying he knew more. Othello’s hand moved to begin clicking at the pen hanging from his pocket out of nerves and he hoped it wasn’t obvious to the man how uncomfortable he had become.

“N-no. The body was discovered much later.” Othello went along with the details he’d been told. That part was not a lie, the murderous vampire had likely fled long before the gruesome scene was discovered.

The Undertaker clicked his tongue as if in thought and replaced the cover back over the body. His entire body language seemed to change in that moment and the tension in the air was seemingly released.

“Well, I will be sure to pretty her up~” The Undertaker had taken on the same friendly tone from earlier. “You know, I’m not quite a fan of formalities. You don’t have to be all business.” He added with a slight smile.

Othello stared for a moment, surprised at the sudden change in mood, before he jumped to attention. “Oh! I’m sorry, I just thought—”

“Hehe, you intrigue me~ You seem as if you always have more behind your words than what you imply.”

“I could say the same for you.”

The Undertaker clicked his tongue again, yet a genuine-looking smile followed and Othello was able to relax a bit, though not entirely yet.

The man’s strange reaction to the condition of the body still seemed suspicious. He could be aware of vampires’ existence, so there was still reason to be weary. Or perhaps the Undertaker was a vampire himself. Though that seemed unlikely, what vampire lives near a church? It was common knowledge that vampires burn up after contact with anything of holy form. They were classified as demons, after all. Othello wouldn't dare go near such things either for fear that being half-vampire may still allow holy items to have an effect on him, thought it would likely not kill him like it would a normal vampire.

Othello realized he’d become lost in silent thought again and snapped himself out of it. The Undertaker had moved to lean casually against a coffin and was smiling at him with an amused expression.

Dammit, what a smug asshole. Why didn’t he say anything? Othello’s mind grumbled. Does he find me amusing and intriguing?

“Indeed I do now.” The Undertaker chuckled and Othello felt his ears burn in embarrassment when he realized he’d been mumbling those last thoughts out loud.

“I-“

The soft and barley noticeable dawn light beginning to filter through the holes in the curtained windows of the room halted Othello’s reply.

“Early morning hours now, hm?”

The yawn from Othello that followed that statement seemed to convey a point to the Undertaker, who crossed to the other side of the room quickly and began rummaging among the shelves. He pulled out a jar that looked quite like an urn and retrieved a large bone-shaped cookie from it.

“I must say, I do enjoy your presence very much. Visit again sometime, won’t you? I want to see if you are as good with words as you are with your thoughts. Here’s a parting gift, if you may.”

He waved the cookie in Othello’s face and the latter gladly took it. Under normal circumstances, Othello would’ve been weary accepting food from random people, especially an old dog biscuit-looking cookie from out of an urn. However, he could use the sugar to keep him awake for long enough to drop off the van and get home.

He took a bite. Gingerbread? It was actually very delicious. He smiled fully for the first time since arriving there.

“Did you make these?” His eyes took on their usual bright and mischievous glint. “I guess I will have to come back.”

The Undertaker laughed again, popping one of the cookies into his own mouth as he gave a little wave of dismissal.

Othello crossed to the door before pausing in the doorway to turn and give the other man a light smile. “Until next time, my mysterious friend.”

The door then shut with a click, forcing a cold morning draft into the air of the shop.

Adrian watched as the young man’s van sped away down the dirt road and back towards the city. He replaced the cookie jar back on its shelf as he finally let go of his masked emotions and let his face take on an expression of surprise and interest. Brushing his hair out of his eyes, he smirked.

So Othello isn’t a vampire.

No vampire can eat normal human food without becoming terribly sick and weakened. Adrian’s rings were also made from silver, and a handshake with a vampire would have burned them to ashes. Of course, Othello’s features were not vampire-like at all, yet one could never be so sure with the methods those creatures used these days.

Oh he would most certainly love to have such an amusing fellow back in his shop, especially after his little test results.

“I’ll be expecting to see you again, Othello~”

Notes:

Undertaker is no idiot, he just hasn’t seen a half-vampire before~

And again, I have no clue how forensics works. Please feel free to correct me. Also feel free to correct me on any typos or mistakes too.

I don’t want to promise an update schedule because I suck at deadlines, so I will update whenever ready (usually at least once a month). I can guarantee that I will be finishing this, though!

And please let me know what you think of the story! ^ ^

See you next chapter~

Chapter 2: A Strange Little Group

Notes:

Aaa

As promised, another chapter!

This is mostly an introduction to the vampire hunters. I hope I did a good enough job explaining their “situation”.

Also! Quickie thing I forgot to mention last chapter: Undertaker is in no way related to the Phantomhives in this verse. Everyone who isn’t a vampire is perfectly human and this is set in modern times, so stuff like that wouldn’t work ;v;

Anyways, enjoy~!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

When Adrian left for work that following morning, that curious little forensic scientist was still on his mind. Such an odd fellow was certainly a source of entertainment he would want to always have near him. Especially since the majority of his co-workers were boring and negative. Always too focused on their job, the lot of them.

Now, when Adrian would say “left for work”, he truly meant just walking across the road from his convenient little funeral shop to the tiny church that rested on the low-laying hill just in front of it.

Indeed, that tiny church was the Vampire Hunters of London’s headquarters.

Of course, it wasn’t a permanent location. The Vampire Hunters of London had resided in a huge old church just outside the city for decades, however, they had been discovered and invaded merley months ago and were forced to move. The church was Adrian’s idea, as it had been sitting there abandoned when he’d first occupied the also abandoned funeral home and begun work.

He knocked eight times and the large wooden door creaked open slightly. The face of Ran-Mao greeted him, her sharp eyes looking him over. She nodded, opening the door wider to let him in.

The stale musty air smelt slightly of some form of drug. A scent which always seemed to be signature to a specific person.

“Always the first one in here, aren’t you?” Lau sat at a pew in the far right corner near the front, legs propped up in front of him as a thin trail of smoke swirled up from whatever horrid cigar he was holding. The smoke wafted upward, disappearing into the beams of morning light that streamed through the windows and creating a haze near the roof.

“I live across the street, of course I am.” Adrian answered him. He wouldn't dare ask how the drug-smoking man and his accomplice always seem to find their way there ahead of him without any evidence of travel. The pair were odd and mysterious and Adrian knew well when when such things were not the type to be questioned.

“The windows don’t open, you know.” He grumbled. That damn smell will soak into the walls.

His only response was a shrug from Lau as the man blew another puff of smoke.

At least he doesn’t have the hookah with him. Adrian sighed as he made his way over to the front of the church. Where a podium would have been lay a tattered rug with all sorts of weapons and ammo which Ran-Mao had apparently recently set out in the few moments it took him to talk with Lau. How curious, he hadn’t even felt her presence pass him on her way from one end of the church to the other.

He knelt down beside her as she picked up a double-edged dagger and a piece of sandpaper and began to sharpen and clean it. His eyes traveled over the pile. Hm? Where was it?

“Your scythe is over there.” Ran-Mao commented, nodding towards the wall to the right of them.

Indeed, there it was in all its glory. His huge, scythe-like weapon, sharpened edges gleaming brightly in the morning light. It was decorated with the upper half of a skeleton wearing a crown of thorns that clung to a long and slightly curved handle. It was customized to his idea of absolute perfection. With a wild grin, he crossed over to it and began to run the tips of his nails across the blade.

“Ugh. Would you stop caressing that thing?” An irritated voice echoed through the church.

Adrian paused, turning slowly to see Ciel Phantomhive as the boy scowled at him from the partially open doorway. His grin dropped to a frown.

“You didn’t knock.” He blinked.

“Do I really need to?” The boy stared blankly.

“It’s for security, yes it is!” Came the awkward voice of Mey-Rin as she appeared behind him in the doorway, followed by Finnian and then Bardroy. The latter was holding a large rucksack over his shoulder and Adrian sincerely hoped the bag wasn’t full of the man’s favorite ammo, explosives.

The group entered, finding seats in random places throughout the pews.

“This is a church. Do you think those demons can enter of their own free will?” Ciel was still loudly grumbling across the room at Adrian.

“Yours can.” The man commented back as the door finally closed and a final person set foot inside. The man in question was dressed in all black, equally dark locks of hair falling into his face. His eyes were a bright reddish-pink hue with cat-like pupils that narrowed to adjust to the lighting. He smiled, revealing sharp fangs, and bowed in greeting. A necklace of rosary complete with a cross charm swung from around his neck.

“Sebastian has special permission and you know that.” Ciel said. “He was hired by my father to protect me, remember?”

“Indeed.” Sebastian nodded. He held eye contact with Adrian, those vibrant eyes shimmered dangerously. “And all of you here know that if I were to harm the young master in any way, you have full permission to kill me as I stand.”

“And I should just kill you as you stand right now!” A loud feminine voice screeched. The door swung open, nearly smacking Sebastian across the back where he stood. Francis Midford stood in the wide-open doorway, the blade of a long sword held steady against the vampire’s shoulder blades. Sebastian blinked in surprise, clearly not daring to turn around. The formality and mysterious air he had kept was quickly lost.

“You bloody bastard.” The woman hissed. “I arrived here close behind you and Ciel. How dare you call yourself a proper man when you don’t even hold the door open for a lady!”

The look of genuine terror on the vampire’s face was enough to send Adrian rolling on the floor laughing. This wondrously serious bunch of ragtag hunters never failed to make him laugh.

“Oh, stop laughing you old creep.” Ciel rolled his eyes.

“And you, Ciel. Watch how you address your superiors!” Francis had quickly switched from ‘pissed off lady’ to ‘annoyed aunt’ in seconds.

Oh, indeed, Adrian recalled as he attempted to calm his fit of giggles. Francis Midford was Ciel Phantomhive’s aunt.

The boy’s father, Vincent Phantomhive had been one of the more brighter and joking personalities in the workplace, much like Adrian. Vincent had likely even been the only person Adrian could consider a true friend. However, the Phantomhives were well known vampire hunters and their legacy was not well hidden. Approximately 4 years ago, someone, likely vampire, tracked down the Phantomhives and killed the entire family. Apparently all but the older son, Ciel, who made it out alive with the help of a vampire betraying its own kind. The boy claimed his father had told the vampire to do so, but Adrian knew that was a lie. Vincent had hated vampires with a passion, he would never do such a thing. In fact, Ciel Phantomhive was surrounded by many obvious lies. Adrian had spoken briefly with Francis about this matter before and she had confirmed to have suspicions as well. Though her dislike of Sebastian likely just came from her overall dislike of vampires… and Sebastian’s hairstyle apparently.

The hunters had been a much bigger group too, a whole society. But after the attack on their main base months ago, many had been killed or fled out of fear. The only ones who remained were those whose entire life revolved around the job of a vampire hunter, the few who found it impossible to abandon such a lifestyle.

Or, of course, those who have a purpose to seek. He thought, with a glance at the Phantomhive boy.

The boy claimed to be taking on the job to seek revenge for his family, and most of all, his little brother. Adrian scoffed. As Adrian’s thoughts returned to the present, he became aware of a distinct chatter among the others that echoed throughout the room. Ran-Mao and Mey-Rin sorted the weapons Bardroy had just added to the pile from his bag. Sebastian looked to be caught in awkward conversation with Lau, who seemed to be paying more attention to Ciel and Francis - who were bickering loudly, - than the vampire in front of him.

Adrian smiled softly. They may not be very normal people, but they certainly all knew how to do their job properly. He almost let his mind drift again before there was a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Ran-Mao who nodded in the direction of Lau. The man had finally put down his cigar and was standing upright on the pew.

“... and as I discovered recently,” He was saying, “There has been a shocking increase in murders committed by vampires!”

“We’ve known that for months.” Francis grumbled into a facepalm.

“..But! There’s a catch~” Lau continued. “All of these murders have been committed by the same two vampires.” His eyes flashed menacingly for a second and he gave a sly smirk.

“And what proof do you have of that?” Ciel raised an eyebrow. “We don’t know anyone who could help verify such a thing.”

“I trust my instincts, of course.” Lau said blankly.

The occupants of the room collectively groaned.

“..Er… Who’s ready to do some hunting!” Bardroy yelled, successfully lightening the mood as everyone would always leap at such an opportunity. Weapons were gathered as the group began to set up. Adrian remained against the wall, leaning next to his scythe.

“If only there was someone who could prove such a thing… hehehe.” Adrian muttered lowly to himself, his grin growing wider by the second. “Someone in forensics, perhaps~?” He whispered as his eyes glimmered from beneath long grey bangs of hair.

Someone who seems like the type to take the news of vampires’ existence with excitement and curiosity more than fear.

Oh how perfect. How perfect indeed.

He had someone he needed to find.

The groups parted ways in their usual pairings. Ciel and Sebastian were dropped off in front of the London Eye, just across the river from the palace. Sebastian stood in a casual button-down jacket that covered his formal outfit, his vampire eyes covered by the colored eye contacts he wore.

Ciel stared up at the Ferris wheel-like structure with a confused expression.

“This is such a touristy spot, are we sure this is the right place, or do they just want to get rid of us faster? ... Sebastian..? Are you listening?”

The vampire was staring in a certain direction, eyes narrowed.

Just then, a horrible scream echoed through the area.

Notes:

..I love torturing Sebastian.

And in case anyone is wondering (probably not, I just feel like overclarifying everything haha) whenever I write a scene that’s in a specific place in the city, I always choose the area near London Eye or by the palace since that’s the only place in London I remember clearly enough to envision while I write.

Again, feel free to point out any typos or mistakes!

Oop. If anything looks wierd, idk how Ao3 works yet. I’m still getting used to it. Sorrry sorry.

See you next chapter~!

Chapter 3: A Curious Case

Notes:

Was having a ton of complications with inaccurate info and storytelling order when writing this chapter, so I apologize if it sounds a little weird and rushed.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

[shineyma]

I watched an interview segment where Daniela describes the day her water broke (during her first pregnancy I think) and Eric was out with his brother, so Daniella went over to Eric's house, and Eric's wife had to call Eric and ask him to buy Daniela some pads to avoid a big mess for the ride to the hospital maybe, and Eric asked, "Tampon pads?" Daniella's recount was hilarious.

I've written a whole lot beyond this point, do maybe a second ask is in order. That way you could ignore it (you really could), post only your reply or put it under a read more. It's more work for you but I still feel bad about the space that ask about Sam's family takes up on your blog. I did not think it through. (1/2)

lol, I appreciate the consideration, nonnie! Part two of your ask is under the cut. And lol to that interview quote!!

Kensi is back before the end of S05 turns out. I thought she gave birth in the spring, so I figured we had sevedal episodes to go with her on the special assignment. Then I read she gave birth in December, when things seemed to come to a head during the episode the team rescues her and it seemed just too soon. It's amazing that both she and the show's team managed to give Kensi as much screentime as they did. This Afghanistan storyline had me hooked actually. I was a bit sad that it was over as quickly. Despite the limitations and the fact that I love the team together, seeing Kensi star in a side story running parallel to the main plot, without the others stealing into it, was great. The story was fascinating, Kensi's dynamic with Granger and Sabatino was interesting to watch, the connection to her past a nice touch. Bonus points to the writers for not attempting a love triangle and for writing Jack becoming a Muslim and saying he found peace in it. I do also appreciate the few times immigrants they've interrogated have told them off about the U.S. 'intervention' in the Middle East and Callen, Sam or whoever it was just kept their mouth shut and you could see they did so because they couldn't deny those accusations. It's quite surprising and nice. Back to Kensi, I wish they'd taken a couple more episodes to give her Afghanistan storyline a slower closure. It seemed too rushed. I would have liked to see her more in action, trying to save Jack and herself, parallel to the team's rescue attempt. It could have at least been a two-parter. Still glad we got it at all.

One complaint I have is about Deeks. I don't know if I'm being dramatic here but I feel they've been mistreating him far too much. It's not so much about Kensi because they've developed their own kind of banter and Kensi shows him how much she cares. Although, remember right before Kensi left for Afghanistan, the day after the night we're supposed to assume they slept together, she was hostage to someone they were chasing and he was using her as a human shield, and Deeks didn't take the shot. Remember how she punched him? I'm still angry and bitter she did that, let alone that she didn't apologize, let even more alone that she acted as though what she did was right. I fully understand what the reasoning behind it all is or is supposed to be, but it was so wrong. And then, to circle back, I hate the way Callen and Sam have been treating Deeks since the moment he joined the team. It took Deeks withstanding torture and not giving up Michelle, torture that left him traumatized, for Sam to let up on the 'teasing'. I'm not even touching Callen, who actually tried to get Sam to stop being soft on Deeks 'just because of what Deeks did for Michelle and because he misses his partner who's gone on a dangerous special assignment'. Maybe I'm being dramatic but I really think the line on the teasing they give Deeks has been crossed a long time ago and I don't think they're ever going to show any remorse for it.

There was this show I got into when it was already on S14. One of the main characters that was there since S02 left and it wasn't the actor's choice. It was my favorite character out of the entire show. Anyway, I was binging S11 when the news broke. I finished it and that was it for me. They were my comfort character and I tried to watch the next two seasons they were still in but two episodes in, I stopped. I don't know why? Keeping new content of them for the future? Not wanting to watch about 40 hours more of them knowing they are the last ever and it sucks? It's been a few years since then and I haven't regretted it so far. It somehow feels right that I didn't reach the end of that character. And I've done it with other shows too. Once I got past my obsessive need to see shows and franchises through, quiting things became easy and a good tactic when something you loved decides to change the things you love most about it.

I'm sorry about Nell. It sucks. And hopefully the drama in your life is not too bad. I had some of it too, so my binging turned slow as molasses (is it even binging any more?) when it started off so well. And then the drama was capped with that very final, very irreversible bad thing that happens and the world just turns a little dimmer, the colors and just all of it a bit duller. Hence, also, my rudely late replies. Hopefully, your drama is at least a few or several steps away from that.

Oh, chef's kiss for Nell and Nallen in 5x05 ('cute girls with guns') and 5x14 or 5x15 (you know, with Nell fighting that guy in the boatshed's interrogation room and then Callen lowering her gently to the ground and brushing her hair back and all that Nallen goodness). I'd actually seen gifs of the second thing before but none had the fight and I hadn't paid attention to the episode number or even season, so I was very pleasantly surprised and miiiiight have replayed it a half dozen times. (2/2)

I also enjoyed what they did with Jack, although I feel like they never really resolve Hetty's part in things. Like....dick move, Hetty. Very dick move. And minor spoiler, but Sabatino returns, and while the entire team seems to hate him 5ever, I actually really like him lol. He's funny! And cute.

You are not alone in feeling that Deeks is mistreated by the guys, nonnie! There are whole communities of Deeks fans that hate it a LOT. I definitely feel like they cross the line sometimes....but conversely, I feel like Deeks crosses the line pretty often himself. I think in general the writers aren't great at judging when too much is enough, you know? But yeah, that doesn't stop anytime soon, I'm afraid.

Awwwww, I'm sorry you had that experience before with a show, nonnie! But yeah, sometimes quitting is the best thing you can do. It's better, I think, than continuing to drag it out and watching when you're not enjoying it anymore....then it's too easy to become bitter and then you can't even enjoy the earlier parts you used to love.

I'm also sorry you had drama followed by something worse! I hope things are getting better for you <3 For myself, things got very busy at work and then I was impacted by Hurricane Ida, which chased me out of state for two weeks while I waited for power and water to be restored to my apartment. I spent those two weeks living minutes from my mom and brother, which was nice but has had the impact that now I miss them a lot more than I did before.....like somehow I got used to living away from them and being close erased that adjustment? And now I'm not as good at it as I used to be. In fact, I'm actively hoping for my employer to have an opening there so I can transfer back. So I've been very emotional lately, on top of which the ongoing recovery from Ida meant more work for me at my job.

Whew, didn't mean to rant about that! Sorry.

And yessssssss, those are some of the BEST Nallen moments!!! I loooove him tenderly brushing her hair out of her face. That's probably my second favorite--or third favorite, there are two things coming that are tied for first favorite. So you've got that to look forward to!!

Sorry this took so long, nonnie! I hope life is going well this week! <3