#my life became worth living when she entered the scene

[bumblebeehug]

Wendy Marvell, I keep a special place in my heart for you… I fill it with sweet treats and fluffy blankets and cute plushies, and Carla and Chelia and Erza and Lucy are all there to hang out with you because they know you treasure them. And Grandeeney is also there, to cradle her baby if anything were to happen… little sweet Wendy…

[isagrimorie]

Agatha + 1, 3, 7, 8, 11 for the character ask

For this Fandom Ask Game

Character: Agatha Harkness

why I love them, like them or hate them.

I love Agatha Harkness. Precisely for all her Human Disaster glory. She's like my other favorite best bad girl, Katherine Pierce.

The consummate survivor.

She has so many messy emotions that conflict with each other, and many are tied to her self-interests. This is the lens through which she sees the world.

A scarcity mindset in a survivor, with a hunger for magick found in other witches. But also Agatha can care and love deeply. It's trying to get through three centuries worth of shitty defenses that are hard to get through.

You get her to care for you, and Agatha would move mountains, and destroy worlds.

Rules are made to be broken in her eyes.

A town full of strangers would not matter to Agatha if that meant it would keep her child safe and alive. She knows who she is at all times, but in the opposite sense that's detrimental to Agatha, she knows who she is. This meant that even Agatha didn't give Agatha a chance.

3. if I have an OTP for them.

I DO HAVE, IN FACT, AN OTP FOR AGATHA

I ship and OTP Agatha with this thirsty bitch.

The first among Entities ever made manifest, Lady Death herself.

7. the scene that I think adds depth to their character or the relationship this character has with someone.

It's the scene in 1x01 where Agatha was about to enter Nicky's room and the grief there took me off guard.

And then solidified in Three of Swords

Agatha's true face is always the one when no one is around or when she's alone with Rio or Nicky.

And it's so fascinating to discover that Real Agatha is actually broody, and anti-social. The more lively and social Agatha is, the more it's a lie.

8. a headcanon I have about this character.

I have a lot but the one that's very present in my head is Agatha was unconsciously feeding on Wanda's Hex spell on her. It's why the spell became distorted. It's not because Wanda is 'gone', it's because Agatha was siphoning the spell.

By the end, Agatha was the one who maintained the spell herself because being a Detective living a hardscrabble life felt more simple, more clearer than her former life.

A brilliant woman who lost a son, and who never had the power to stop his death.

[neteyamyawne]

🪷 — Forever : Persistent

୭ ˚. Pairing : widow!JakeSully x fem!na'vi!reader

୭ ˚. summary : Request

୭ ˚. Parts : pt1 pt2 pt3

୭ ˚. Song : Becoming one of "the people"

୭ ˚. Warning : angst , fighting, cursing, mutual pinning, stubbornness , kinda rude y/n, fluffy ending, confession during argument, implied smutt, rude!Jake, kissing, war scene, insecurities, age gap, yelling, let me know if there are more 💚

୭ ˚. Word count : 4.3k , not proof read

୭ ˚. Note : oh my fucking god, this story has been a ride and I'm dead!

"word" - dialogue, word - thoughts

୭ ˚. Glossary : [syaksyuk] - monkey like creatures from Avatar, [kehe] - no, [ma'yawnetu] - my little loved/beloved one.

It's been 5 years seen we have been "mated", 5 years since i accepted my fate for the good, the day i stepped out of that healing tent i made a vow to never be the naïve girl that got me into this in the first place, to never depend on anyone for my protection, even if Jake gave me his word to protect and respect me but that is now in the past, the past where i locked out my old self in the darkest depth of my mind, creating walls over walls of hard exterior to prevent that once soft hearted y/n to never escape.

One day, that's all it took to change the entirety of my life, one word and everything crashed, my whole world flipped upside down I may have become cold and cruel to unsuspecting eyes but the moment i get home and see the faces of our children, their smiles makes every moment of my decision worth it, our children ,yes , even if not by blood, i made my promise to their mother that I'll treat them as my own and they were mine the moment they all were born, i had every single right to even call them mine as i was the only one parenting while Jake was too engrossed in his war plans, sometimes i don't even know if I'm wrong when i think he is forgetting his own kids, his behavior still hasn't changed a bit , his demeanor almost always a bit cold towards everyone, concealing emotions to an extent where his own kids became wary of him, even if we rarely talked i knew he was hiding everything he can until he can't, as he promised he gave me his respect and in return i acted like his perfect "mate", to the world we were a sweet overly in love joyous couple, always helping eachother out, wearing things that matched in the communal festivals all sunshine and sparkles, but the moment we entered our tent the act was over, only keeping it up when the kids are around so it doesn't cause any suspicion between them, as i said me and Jake talked occasionally this silence became a big part of our routine, some of the topics being gatherings, family dinners, raid strategies, kids health etc. Other than that there was nothing to talk about between us.

Even after years of neglect, years of protecting myself from him, that stupid and selfish side of mine fell for him, pathetic i know and i did my damn best to ignore whatever this attraction i felt towards him labeling it as a stupid crush and nothing else but look where i am now years later still pinning for the man who sees me nothing more than an acquaintance, a person who looks after his kids that's all i was to him, i closed my eyes, opening them to reread the war plan for the 10th time now, groaning i got up for a walk to silence the stream of thoughts that fixated on the man i lived with, walking out as clearly was in no state to work right now, reaching our tent i sat near the extinguished fire, staring at the blackened wood i was interrupted by tuk throwing herself on my back wrapping her arms around my neck as she exclaimed "Mommy, you're back!" I stopped , turning to her as i brought her in front of me as i spoke " tuk tuk, how many times have i told you not to call me that" as i caressed her cheek , she looked down sighing " but you are my mom now" shaking my head i knew there was no debating with her, she always got what she wanted but i still stopped her from calling me that whenever i can, even kiri called "mom" sometimes, even if that brings me joy to no extent i couldn't help but feel the guilt weigh down on my heart, i knew i could never take ney's place and i didn't even want to but i couldn't help but think that it was supposed to her who should be sitting here and the one who tuk should be calling "mom", i just gave her a smile and giving her another small indication to not call me that even if i knew she'd call mom again i let her go, turning to make today's dinner….

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I knew we had angered eywa by going behind her back, tricking the people into believing that we have mated but in reality we both just sat down near the tree of souls in complete silence not even daring to utter a single word, i cringed inwardly at the memory as i made my way towards the weavers tents where i kept the surprise necklaces i was making for tuk and kiri, as i made my way over , i knew eywa could get angry but i didn't know she was petty as well, couples and mates were littered throughout the whole route, it's been like this everywhere i went as if eywa herself was taunting me for the decisions i have taken, ignoring everyone i got inside the tent just nodding at the people who acknowledged me not saying anything i went to my spot sitting down and working on the unfinished necklaces, i knew there were whispers and gossips about me floating through the clan but hearing them first hand was different " she has changed so much now" - " 5 years together and still no child of their own tsk tsk" - "that's what I thought maybe the Olo'eyktan isn't satisfied enough by her-" - "how can he be? He was mated to neytiri, she is nothing compared to her" every word uttered from their mouths digged deep into my skin, temper shoots through my mind all those pent up emotion resurfacing but i dampened as i got up walking over to those women and gritted out "if you want to talk bad about me please do it right in front of my face not behind my back, I'll come to you as I'm all ears for your criticism when I'm done with my work because i have a life to live unlike yourselfs" their faces were palling rapidly as they weren't aware of my presence before i made it known to them, i stormed off to angry at myself for letting my temper take the best of me, i speed walked to my spot at the lake, as i sat down , the necklaces still in my fist while i stared at the water that ripped with the breeze, Eywa i shouldn't have done that, scolding myself mentally i let myself calm down, this is gonna end up rough ,i thought sighing…..

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I got back home just wanting to eat something and go to sleep, as i walked inn to give tuk and kiri their necklaces but to my surprise the whole tent was empty, worry gripped me as i turned around to go look was them, it's been 2 hours past eclipse by now everyone should be home, but i was stopped in my track as the last person i wanted to see on the entirety of Pandora stood in front of me , Jake walked towards me as i started "Jake where are th-" but me cut me " they are with mo'at for tonight, they wanted to spend the night there" i let out the breath i was holding

Turning around once again I went towards the fireplace but Jake's voice rang out stopping me " why did you do that?" I know what he's talking about but how did it spread so quickly? " I lost my temper and I don't want to talk about it," I said curtly, continuing my way to the fireplace as I sat down. " You yell at a clan member and you don't wanna talk about it? How's that gonna work?, Huh!" I just ignored him not having the energy to talk any longer but he didn't stop as he yelled " Talk to me!" And for the second time today I lost my battle to contain my anger down " You wanna talk? Then let's fucking talk Jake, tell me what the fuck do you want me to do? Huh! What in the name of eywa should i have done? I had to protect my honor because I don't have that person to do it for me! Okay? I lost my temper because I don't have anyone to just LISTEN TO mE!" He was taken aback a little by my outburst, i have never in my life yelled at someone, in raids yes but not like this, he recovered quickly a dark look replacing it " you knew what you're getting into all those years ago, i made myself cl-" , " i fucking know that Jake, i know why i took that decision because i made a promise to neytiri and it was her last wish to me to not break it, i won't let her down like that" my voice got smaller with each word " just stop okay? I don't have to energy to fight right now please just leave me alone Jake " with that i walked out , not wanting him to see the pathetic sight of me crying, i didn't know where i was going i just walked and walked till my legs got tired and i couldn't think straight as i sat down on a branch as i let everything out, once again all alone deep inside the forest so no one has to give me that unwanted sympathy…

It's been a few days after my fight with Jake and to be honest it's been a lot awkward sleeping in one hammock as the kids still didn't know about the fight, at first we slept differently but the kids got suspicious so we opted for one hammock with our backs turned to each other as tuk laid beside me because 'she can't sleep when I'm not with her', they have also picked up on the tension between us but no one said anything, today we had another raid, neteyam and lo'ak were meant to be spotters but lo'ak got on the war ground where i was covering for other warriors when i saw them, before i could even get to them the blast happen, neteyam was hit badly, lo'ak was dazed but i picked him up as i saw Jake picking up neteyam as we ran to our ikrans, ushering lo'ak on his, i got onto mine…..

I stood a little behind neteyam as Jake scolded both of them " I let you two geniuses fly and you disobey direct orders!? You two were supposed to be spotters not down there on the ground!" He yells and i knew i had to step in as blood dripped down neteyam's wound " enough Jake" he looked at me with a pointed glare but i didn't waver as i said " your son is bleeding" just as pointedly to get my message across, " ma, I'm fine, I'm okay" but i didn't hear any further, sparing one last glance at Jake i took neteyam to the healing tent, quietly giving him a piece of my mind as well while we walked, dropping him at the tent, i just watched from outside, i knew it wasn't his fault, lo'ak have always wanted his father's approval more than anything but his ways to approach it drove Jake even more insane, i sat down besides Jake while he cleaned his gun, as i said " you need to be more gentle on them, they are your kids not your soldiers'' he glared at me once again but this time it was a bit different, something softer in his eyes " you don't have to tell me how to raise my kids" i exhaled through me nose, hissing at him " you're hurting them Jake, can't you see? He looks up to you, he looks for your approval and all you do is shove him away!" This was the most civil conversation we had in a while, his eyes glassed over, a shadow coming over his face as he finally looked at me, my heart sunk at his next words " i thought i lost them y/n" i pressed my lips into a thin line as i dared to put a hand on his giving him a knowing nod, sighing i stood to, walking to our tent to clean up and make something for us to eat.

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~ Jake POV ~

All i could think about was her outburst, the way she screamed at me, god i wanted to hug and never leave her side but things were way easier said than done, i knew i liked her and i also knew that she didn't reciprocate it, she couldn't! So i kept my act up of being a total asshole to her, but i knew i fucked up good when i forced her to talk, pushing the buttons a little to far and then being stupid enough to be shocked as she snapped, i regret yelling at her but i didn't know what got into me in that moment, now this fiasco with neteyam and lo'ak, her confronting me with how they really felt about me, it just hung in silence inside my mind, i knew i was being hard on them but i had too, there is a war going on out there if don't teach them now then it would be too late to teach later…

I really try to talk to her but i chicken out everytime, i know even after being a clan's leader , their toruk makto I'm still afraid to confess to the women who literally lives with me and has been living with me for 5 years, we sleep in same hammock for god's sake and i still back out at the last moment, it's always the same story, i build up my courage picking up the newest creation i made for her almost walking up to her then letting my thoughts take over , what if she doesn't like this? What if she doesn't feel the same way? She's younger than me, definitely wouldn't want someone as old as me at all, and i would back out, now i have dozens of necklaces, armbands , earing, beads, tops and what not piled in a corner of our tent were no one is allowed to go, i can lead hundreds of warriors in one command but this? This was definitely not my cup of tea, even winning neytiri was not this hard. I have to make a move soon because I can see my time is running out but I don't know how….

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~ Y/n POV ~

Flying besides Jake as neteyam was right behind us as we petroled our borders, it was nice to finally fly for a while without so much stress, it was still there but a lot less, syaksyuk clung around chirping and hooting now and then, all in all it was peaceful….until i heard lo'ak voice calling out through the coms, his voice was hushed and i knew right away something was wrong i glanced at Jake as he was already looking at me when lo'ak spoke "devil dog, this is eagle eye, we are near the abandoned shack and there are 6-7 Navi but they are not one of us, dreamwalkers maybe, they are armed with ARs'' before Jake could respond i said " who are "we"?" There was a moment of silence before he spoke "me, kiri, spider…and tuk" and my heart dropped to my stomach as Jake instantly ordered him to fall back and to move out without a sound, neteyam hearing all of it as he said "sir, here i have short cut" and we both turned to follow him.

It was getting dark as we got their, they were captured, my heart was beating a mile per second, my mind only coming up with different ways to get them all out, it had started to rain as well so we had to fast, taking a deep breath i let out a chirping sound to notify them of our arrival, i situated myself on top of a branch as knocking in my arrow as i trained it on the soldier holding kiri, i looked down seeing Jake as he nodded and i let of my arrow, that's when all hell broke loose, jumping down i took down the two demons in front of me, taking hold of kiri and tuk i pulled them ahead of me, pushing them towards our ikrans, i stood back to a tree when i heard his voice " ahh, mrs. Sully, long time no see, looks like you were very busy looking at that litter of yours, why don't you come down here huh? Have a little chat, it's been a while after you killed me" i let out a hiss, he thinks he's talking to neytiri but i couldn't help myself as i said " I'll kill you a hundred times if i have to , demon" right as i said it i heard a crunch behind me as i whipped my head to look but a spray of blood hit my face as i saw Jake with his axe in the shooter's neck him long dead, as i twisted knocking my arrows one last time as i shot the two soldiers beneath me and i ran with Jake towards our mounts, i pulled kiri into me, as she sobbed in my neck, Jake's checked on lo'ak as i pulled in tuk as well, kiri sobbed for spider as he was taken, i silently sent a prayer to eywa to keep the boy safe, as we all mounted the ikrans, lo'ak with neteyam, kiri with Jake and tuk with me, tuk was shocked by all this as she clung to me , wrapping her arms around my neck as i kept her close to me, no one said a word all throughout the journey home…..

" We have to leave, there is no other way" Jake said as I stared at him, I knew he was back but this? Leaving the only home I've ever had? Leaving EVERYTHING I ever had behind? He had to be joking, "kehe, no, do you even understand what you're saying?" He just lets out an exaggerated sigh " i know what I'm talking about y/n, he is BACK, but now not only for me but my family as well, he will come here and destroy everything we have made all over again" and i just stood there " you can't ask me for this Jake, this is going too far now, i can't-" "Don't you understand? He will not stop till he gets to me, listen to me , we have to get out of here as soon as possible" and what i said next left him flabbergasted "NO! i will not leave my home in fear of him , we'll fight like we did last time, i will not leave, if you want to go you can, we have no bond stopping you, we had nothing to even begin with…..this is my home and I'll stand with it." He stared at me shocked, like he never expected me to say no but here I was doing just that! A new kind of determination came over his looks, i thought he was gonna turn around and storm out but what he did next left me speechless as he propelled forward connect his lips with mine, my eyes widen but i didn't break it, he slowly pulled back and said " i need you y/n, I've always needed you, you grounded me , you are my support, if it weren't for you i would have gone insane years ago, i need you by my side, i should have said this way earlier but now i can't lose you, please , you're all I've got, i can't do this without you, I've- I've loved you for years y/n but i was too afraid to say anything, please just think about this, we have to get out of here before he has a chance to get to us" i didn't have any words as he still held me in his arms, my heart beating so fast that i think it'll burst out of my chest, my fingers were shaking at their spot on his forearms as i stared at him, he tilted his head , his tail wrapping around my thigh, everything felt unreal, like time froze, tears lined my eyes while i fell to my knees…

He engulfed me in a hug as tears and sobs wrecked my body, years of pent up emotions coming out, he held me rubbing my back, supporting me,as i stopped pulling out and started hitting his chest and arms with whatever strength i had left in me, he took it all in as he just smiled, hugging me again he spoke " I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry for letting you go through all this alone, i see you, i really do, i know i should have been there through every step but i let my thoughts get in between, it's okay if you don't lik-" i shut him up as i kissed this time but pulled back just as quickly, getting up and away as a confused Jake Sully still sat on the floor, he frowned his eyebrows joining together but i simply pick up my bow and i said " a simple apology won't fix everything sully, you have to earn it" my back was to him so i didn't see him come up behind me as he puts his big hands on my hips turning me around looking at me with love sick eyes, keeping my bow down i put my hands on his chest , he gave the smirk i haven't seen in years, and pushed him back , letting out a sigh i said " I see you too Jake, and just like you i kept silent for years but you can't expect me to do this, this my home, my life! everything I've ever known, we haven't even made tsaheylu yet, and i respect your choice but i can't do this" he silently put his forehead against mine and i closed my eyes as he began " i know i said i won't make tsaheylu with you but all these years together, i have changed, really, you changed me and that too for good, i wasn't in a good state of mind back then but now i know" i opened my eyes to the silence but gasped as i saw Jake his queue in front of me, pulling my forehead back from his as i looked at him in the eyes " Jake are you really sure about this? I don't want to do it if it's only for the sake of all this!" But he just shook his head " No, ma' yawnetu, i mean it, i see you and i want to prove it, that is if you give me a chance too" i knew the water works were coming as i brought my queue in front of me, i looked at him seriously and he just nodded connecting our queues, it was a feeling I've never felt before, closing my eyes as it washed over me in waves, it was everything but nothing at once, i felt him and his love for me, his heart beat, his breath, his thoughts everything, fluttering my eyes open i looked at him again as he smiled down at me, i felt complete, he hugged me once again and i melted in it, pulling him as close as i can , sighing i let go, " c'mon we don't have all day, we have to move fast, I don't want that demon anywhere near my children" i walked away giving him a smile over my shoulder as i picked up my bow and went outside to tell the kids about the plans but found them huddled up against the side of our tent, ears pressed attentively, my guess is they were secretly listening instead of being with mo'at and they haven't heard me come out and i was right as i heard tuk say " why aren't they talking? Is mom crying again?" I came up behind them and coughed , all of them tensed up as they slowly turned their heads as i glared at them head tilted and neteyam started " I'm sorry ma, it's my fault-" "enough, everybody inside right now as i assume you've heard everything, we need to discuss and pack up". I know this is gonna be hard for them as it's for me but we have to, it's for everyone's safety, sighing i lead them all inn…..

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I was lying besides Jake, as the kids were with mo'at spending their last night with their grandmother and giving an excuse for our privacy too, my head on his chest as we both stayed silent enjoying for once together, i chuckled as i thought about just yesterday when we slept with our backs against each other absolutely refusing to look and now i am lying almost on top of him, he looked at me confused as of why i was laughing, i just looked up and did the first that came to my mind, kissing him right on the lips as he reciprocated and deepening it, his hands moving to hips and waist, roaming up my chest as my own tangled in his hair, he licked my bottom lip and every wall i ever made tore down one by one, letting him inn as his tongue immediately dominated mine and i gladly caved in , breaking the kiss as he smirked at me, the question evident in his eyes and i nodded and that's all the confirmation he needed as he took over, as for tonight? I'll be busy but a different kind of busy……..

A/n : i fucking had so muchhh fun writing this fr 😭 some parts made me sad even tho i was the one writing it 😂 i hope i did good, i hope y'all like it ☺️🫶🏼 and 4.3k?!!! Wtf i didn't know when i even crossed 2k lmao

Yawne : @fanboyluvr, @callmeoncette, @lu-the-ghost-reader, @brisbriskett, @saltedcoffeescotch, @jackiehollanderr, @zoetrope1997, @yeosxxx, @persefolli.

©Neteyamyawne2023 | All Rights Reserved. Do not repost on other platforms, copy, steal, or translate any of my works!

[onestepbackwards]

Love That Bites

I’ve been playing Symphony of the Night randomized for months, and rewatching some stuff from the anime, this series has had me in a choke hold. I’ve had a thing for Dracula for Y E A R S and the first season of the anime did not help (Even if I have my gripes with that adaption). Unfortunately, there is very little Dracula x reader content out there, and I can only reread it all so many times. o(TヘTo) I also started writing this a bit before the Dead Cells x Castlevania crossover was announced, so that only fueled my motivation to write this. This series is also going to ignore some stuff in canon like some stuff in Aria and Dawn of Sorrow. Canon is just a sandbox and I’m making a castle. I hope you all enjoy the start of this new series! This is part 1, and is mostly setting up the scene for the story. Hopefully there will be more to come! Apologies if this chapter is a little messy. (❁´◡`❁) Summary: When you decide to take a vacation to get away from a toxic home life, you just expect a few days of relaxation to revitalize yourself. However, you didn’t exactly plan on finding the castle belonging to your family’s arch nemesis. Especially when he should be dead for the next century... CW: Reader is a Belmont, Anxiety and anxiety attacks, brief mentions of past trauma, mentions of toxic home life, increasing stress, death mention, paranoia and confusion, you’re safe though don’t worry. Word Count: 6016 words! First: Here! Next: Link

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All you had wanted was a break.

You wanted, no, needed to get away for a week. Simply put, your home-life had become unbearable once again.

Normally, you at least tried to plan ahead when you wanted to take a break away from home, but things had been piling up. You knew if you didn’t get out, you were going to crash and burn again, and that was the last thing you needed as of late.

So early in the morning, before anyone else in your home had awoken, you packed a few small bags, and loaded up your vehicle.

You left a note on your kitchen counter for your relatives, and quickly left. If you thought too much about it, you’d start feeling guilty again, and stay behind.

Thankfully, the quiet car drive had been a welcome one, every mile further away from your home only seemed to lift the stress off of you little by little.

It took a while to get to your destination, but a few hours were nothing to you, considering your profession.

When you have to go on hunts across the country, and occasionally around the world, you learn to get used to the long travel time.

The trip to your current destination had always been worth it, though.

It was a small cabin out in the countryside. Your family had purchased some of the land a few generations ago, and it was a sort of vacation spot, at least until recent years.

Not many family members knew about the property anymore. Your late mother had been one of the few that knew about it, and had still used it. When she was alive, she took you often as a kid to get a break from your training.

You had nothing but fond memories of the place.

The little cabin and surrounding wildlife had become more than just a place with fond memories as of late. It had also become a safe haven.

When things got rough at home, it became a habit to take off to said little safe haven.

So here you were.

The cabin was the same as you had left it, not that it ever changed.

You walked through the overgrowth on the porch, and pushed through the front door. The inside was just as old and dusty as you remembered leaving it a few months ago.

Despite the layer of dust, it still looked well kept and comfortable. Just like you liked it.

Lugging your bags through the entry, you let out a sigh as you made your way through the small cottage. When you entered the living area, you unenthusiastically dropped your bags to the floor, and fell onto the couch with a loud sigh.

You didn’t do anything for a while, simply staring at the ceiling as you sat, your thoughts fast, but your head feeling empty. Overwhelmed, but dissociative.

It was like this every time you came here, but you could finally breathe.

No yelling, no arguing, no working your days away with chores at a house. If you were lucky, there wouldn’t even be hunting involved. Just pure, unbothered peace.

A scoff left your mouth at the thought.

“Some Belmont I am…” You muttered to yourself. What Belmont doesn’t like going hunting? Your aunts and uncles probably still jump at the chance to do so, and your step family would already be out the door with weapons in hand.

You didn’t hate hunting. But nowadays, you were beginning to dread doing it.

Either you were hunting all the time, especially on trips that were long and hard on you, or you were at home, forced to play housekeeper half the time. Anytime there was a hint of a possibility of a monster near your city, your step family took the job. They essentially barred you from doing anything nearby, only having you do the tedious jobs.

As much as you liked traveling, you didn’t like doing it for a hunt that might be a bust half the time. When you arrived at your destination, either the monster was long gone, never existed, or was already killed by a local hunter instead.

It’s become a drain on your personal finances, and a drain on your energy. Especially since you were always ‘expected’ to come right back home. Didn't matter if you were an adult, they needed their precious servant back.

“What a joke…” You huffed, before closing your eyes.

Attempting to relax, you took in the scent of the area, listening to the slight breeze and wildlife from outside.

There was so much going on in your head, but the cabin was already helping, you could tell. Despite your thoughts, your body was already beginning to lose tension.

This was just what you needed.

You waited a few more minutes, taking everything in, before you got to work. Getting up, you grabbed your few bags, and hauled them off into a bedroom. You dropped them on the bed, and moved to the closet, looking for something specific you had left behind years ago.

Opening the closet, you pulled out an old backpack, and brought it to your bed. With memorized ease, you opened your bags, and tossed a few things in.

It’s not like you’d need a lot for a hike. Just a few snacks, some water, and a few weapons just to be safe.

You weren’t exactly afraid of monsters showing up, but being who you were, you couldn't afford to be too careful.

Chances were you’d be fine. Monsters were incredibly rare on this stretch of land, and the wildlife tended to keep to itself.

You paused though when you gripped The Vampire Killer. The whip that had been in your family for centuries.

Would you really need this for a hike to clear your head…?

You stared at it for a moment, battling with yourself in your head. You took it just about everywhere. Not so much for hunting, but so it wouldn’t end up in anyone else's hands.

Eventually, you came to a decision, and placed the whip to the side. The whip was safe here at the cabin, and you had several weapons. It would be fine. You would be fine.

With your mind made, you finished packing your backpack, and slung it over your shoulder, before heading for the front door of the cabin.

The door locked shut behind you, and you set out in a random direction. It was still early in the day, just around noon, you figured you could go out by the mountains. You raised a hand up to the sky, wincing at the light.

“The shade should be perfect to come back this way by 5….” you mumbled, and got to walking.

You wouldn’t be out longer than a few hours. By the time you got back, you could make something light to eat, and catch up on some reading, if you were lucky.

Wandering around, you followed a few paths, before turning around the base of a smaller mountain. You knew the area well, but still enjoyed venturing out and exploring.

Especially as of late, the beauty and nature of the area was an amazing way to clear your head and de-stress.

The walk was nice, and you swore you remember a lake being in the area. If you could find it once again, it would be the perfect place for a picnic.

It had only been an hour of walking when you turned the corner of the base of the mountain, where you normally would have been able to see the lake.

Something felt a little bit off, though. Despite the weather forecast being clear for the day, the sky seemed to be clouding up the further you walked. Then the further you walked, the more on edge you felt. It was as if you were somewhere you weren’t supposed to be.

However, instead of a beautiful lake surrounded by a forest and mountain range, you were met with a sight that made your stomach drop.

Out across the edge of the lake, just past the tree line, was a humongous castle. One you distinctly remember not being there in the first place.

Lightning occasionally flashed around it, and you could hear the thunder in the distance. Despite how dreadful the dark clouds looked above it, the weather almost seemed deadly calm. It faintly reminded you of the eye of a storm.

You felt sweat beginning to form all over you, and you swallowed thickly as you stared at the ominous structure. Your hands shook, and you were finding it hard to stand.

Dracula’s Castle.

There was no doubt about it. You had learned about this castle your whole childhood, and understood what its presence meant.

Sitting down on the grass beneath you, you took a shaky breath. If you stood any longer, you were worried you would faint.

How was this possible? Dracula hadn’t been vanquished for that long…. Right before you had been born, if you remember correctly.

Has someone resurrected him? Or was someone trying to take his power? You had heard of both scenarios happening, and you weren’t sure which one you wanted to be true.

Hell, you knew it was possible for Dracula to be revived just a few years after being defeated, if someone powerful enough wanted to.

But if you were being honest… You hadn’t expected Dracula to be back in your lifetime, or at least in your youth. You had somewhat hoped it wouldn’t be your problem.

You didn’t exactly want the fate of the world resting on your shoulders.

It had been something you had feared since you learned the truth of your lineage. That Dracula may very well come back, and you, or your future kids may need to step up and defeat him. That you might have to be the one to save the world from destruction.

Licking your lips, you tightly gripped a strap from your backpack till your knuckles went white, and looked up at the sky.

“Hey God? Why me?” you asked, genuinely serious.

As expected, you received no answer, just another flash of lightning and clap of thunder in the distance.

Your eyes then landed back on the castle, and you let out a nervous sigh.

You knew you needed to check it out, despite the feeling of dread in your gut.

As you got up though, a sudden thought struck the back of your mind.

The Vampire Killer was back at your cabin, almost an hour away.

Groaning loudly, you couldn’t help but smack your face in frustration.

“Of course! The one time, the one time-! Of all times to have decided not to take the whip with me!” You cursed, frustration building in your chest alongside the anxiety.

Yeah, you could go back to the cabin and go grab it, but that would be wasting possible precious time.

“Okay… So, it’s not the end of the world… Yet… People have defeated Dracula before without the Vampire Killer. Not a big deal.”

It was a big deal, to you at least. This was huge. Dracula could be planning to attack humanity at any moment, and the best weapon against him was sitting snugly on your pillow back at your cabin.

You sighed.

Still, as you watched the castle in the distance, you couldn’t help but notice something odd.

You didn’t see any monsters. Hell, you didn’t see any bodies outside the front of the gate. Didn’t Dracula have monsters all over his castle, inside and out? Not to mention all the stories you had heard, involving impaled corpses that tended to sit outside the castle every other resurrection.

It was quiet.

No monsters. No bodies. No Dracula.

It made you feel sick, like you were waiting for something to attack you from just around the corner.

But the attack had yet to come.

You weighed in your options. Could you really just leave and go back to the cabin? How were you so sure nothing was watching you right now? What if something followed you back, and found your cabin?

Another thought suddenly hit you like a freight train.

Just how long had Dracula’s castle been here?

It has been over a year since you last checked out this lake. The castle was in the perfect place to remain hidden from view at the cabin, being behind a mountain. The castle could have been here this whole time, just an hour away from you, and you were never the wiser.

The very thought sent chills throughout your body. Just how close to death had you been this whole time?

You felt like you were going to hurl.

As much as you want to leave, and puke from the overwhelming emotions, you force yourself to stand your ground.

You had to investigate.

It wasn’t up for debate. As much as you would like to throw excuse after excuse until it was nighttime, you did not have that luxury.

You came to a decision.

The most important thing you could do right now is head into the castle and check things out. You had some weapons on you, so it wasn’t like you were going in defenseless.

If push comes to shove, you could always make a hasty retreat, and head back over to the cabin. There you could grab The Vampire Killer, and return after regaining your strength.

Was it the best plan? No. But right now, any plan was better than nothing.

A thought passed through your mind as you took a step forward.

Should you call for backup?

You had your father and step brothers, and even your uncle and aunt. Quick, you pulled your phone out, only to sigh in frustration.

“No service. Figures.”

You should have guessed. There was just barely usable service at the cabin, why would there be any out here in the wilderness?

Looks like it was all you. No help was coming for you.

If you died… You doubted help would come for you as well. Your family would probably only come looking for your equipment, if anything. The chances of them looking for you, especially here at this lake, were slim. There wasn’t a question in your mind that they would miss the castle.

Just like you had for who knows how long.

Gripping your phone for a moment, you sighed, before shoving it back in your pocket.

Calling was no use. It really was just you against the forces of evil.

“So much for an uneventful, relaxing trip…” You mumbled, and reached into your bag. Pulling out a dagger, you gripped in your hand for a few moments, before finally heading towards the castle.

The walk towards the looming castle wasn’t as long as you had hoped it to be. All the while, it also felt like it lasted an eternity.

Must have been the impending doom and anxiety, which only increased with each step you took.

Why hadn’t you come across any enemies? So far, just like you had seen from afar, there were no monsters.

Even as you quickly approached the gate, you saw no adversaries. No undead armies. No wolf men ready to tear you to shreds.

Just an old, rusted looking gate.

You couldn’t help but wonder, what was Dracula’s game? In nearly every journal you’ve read with family members in the past hunting him down, his castle is filled with enemies of all sorts. Even at the gate, monsters are usually ready to attack.

Yet, it was quiet.

For a few moments, you could only stare. It was now or never, and you couldn’t exactly ignore the fate of the world.

Gently pushing at the massive iron looking gate, you were surprised at how easy the door gave way. It slowly opened with a loud squeak of the hinges, stopping just a few feet forward, waiting for more force to push it forward.

You were a bit dumbstruck.

Was it really that easy? You weren’t going to lie, when you approached the gate, you assumed you may have to find another way in, or some obtuse way of opening it.

Peeking your head in, your eyes widened at just how… empty the courtyard was.

There were a surprising number of plants and trees, sure, but other than that? The only sign of movement there was, was the plants moving from the wind.

It was ominous. The lack of any life, or undead rather, made your hair stand on end.

A low rumble of thunder went off above you, and you looked up at the dark sky. Despite being early in the afternoon, it felt so late with the clouds surrounding the area like this.

It was fitting, you supposed.

Steeling your nerves, you pushed the door open further, and stepped into the courtyard. Each step had you on edge, with you anticipating an attack that never seemed to come.

That didn’t stop you from keeping an eye out though.

Approaching the door to the castle was more or less the same as the gate. Though it wasn’t any less daunting. The doors towered over you all the same, and did nothing to quell your nerves.

“...Should I knock?” You mumbled to yourself, before shaking your head.

“Stupid… It’s a Vampire Lord’s castle, who of which I’m supposed to vanquish. ‘Should I knock…�� what a dumb question.” you grumbled to yourself. Though at this point, it felt like you were stalling.

Taking a deep breath, you pushed the door open, fully expecting an attack.

But once again, you were completely surprised to see an empty entry hall.

“...Now this is definitely weird.” You mumbled, carefully eyeing the long, dimly lit hall.

You pushed past the door, and let out a small squeak as it shut behind you. The grip you had on your dagger tightened, and you shuddered at how the temperature seemed to drop.

It was cold. Unnaturally cold.

The air was stagnant, and hardly cold itself, but something about the area was nearly sapping your warmth. Was it your nerves? Or just some aspect of the castle being supernatural?

Perhaps it was the strange nerve wracking loneliness that seemed to echo with each step down the hall?

Either way, something was not right about the castle, and it wasn’t just the fact it was a being of Chaos.

It was the fact that the further you walked in, you were encountering nothing.

The courtyard and entry all weren’t the only empty areas. The large open room you entered after that had also been empty, along with the hallway and stairway after that.

Not a monster in sight.

There wasn’t even any sign of life in this place. Sure, you hadn’t encountered anything yet, but every room you entered, every hall you cleared…

It was as if nothing was here in the castle.

You weren’t going to lie. You were starting to have doubts about this being Dracula’s castle.

But at the same time, there wasn’t any explanation for this place otherwise.

Not to mention, the air in this place wasn’t normal. There was an underlying power in the air. The same kind that made your hair stand on end. The same kind that made the air feel colder than what it was.

What castle could feel this way, besides Castlevania?

“Still… none of this makes any sense…” you mumbled to yourself as you cleared another empty room. At this point, you were both extremely nervous, and incredibly frustrated.

You had combed through several parts of the castle at this point. It was getting late, and you were getting nowhere. Already you had been through what looked like an art gallery, passed by a library, and pressed on through a giant dining hall.

As you neared another set of stairs, you could only run a hand through your hair in irritation and stress.

Despite how much ground you have covered, you found no sign of this place being lived in. You only had so much daylight left, and you were beginning to feel like you were investigating a weird, lost cause.

Still, you persevered. If there was a throne room, you at least wanted to check it out. If you didn’t find anything, you would come back another day more thoroughly prepared.

And if you found something? Well…

You could hope for the best. Maybe if Dracula is there, he would be weak? It would make sense, given the lack of life and monsters in the castle. If he was weak, you wouldn’t have to worry about not having your whip, you hoped.

If not… Well, you could run away. Despite the lack of weapons on you, you still had a few tricks up your sleeve. You didn’t live this long as a monster hunter without learning a few ways to give yourself a back door for a fast escape.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too hard to figure out where the throne room was. It tended to be high up in the castle in nearly every iteration your ancestors talked about in journals.

Still, as you came across a final staircase leading up to a separate tower of the castle, you couldn’t help but be more on edge than ever before. The clouds circled above you, occasionally cracking off lightning and thunder uncomfortably close by.

“It really feels like I’m about to be in some final showdown from a movie…” You mumbled as you approached the door, your dread pooling in your gut.

However, much like the growing trend of this castle, you noticed something odd.

The door to the throne room was open, and creaked on its hinges. It was as if it was half hazardly pushed away by someone running out the room.

You briefly wondered if that was a bad sign or not.

Going against the little voice in your head telling you to turn back, you pushed past the door and walked in.

The first thing you took note of, despite the poor lighting from outside, you could see just how huge the room was. You could easily imagine it being big enough for a battle, or a council meeting.

Then there were the giant windows that occasionally lit up the room whenever lightning strikes. Some were even open, clacking open and closed from the wind outside, said wind occasionally pushing the curtains back every so often.

It certainly added to the creepy atmosphere.

Finally, there were the two most glaringly obvious parts of the throne room. The giant throne on top of a set of stairs, and what looked to be a statue kneeling in front of it.

You could only stare in silence. The tension you felt in the air was so thick, you felt it could snap at any moment like a stretched out rubber band.

Your curiosity pushed over your fear, and you found yourself walking forward. Each footstep echoing through the chamber, the sounds of your steps bouncing off the walls.

Coming to a stop a few feet away from the throne and the statue, you couldn’t help but feel… odd at the sight. A mixture of fear, dread, curiosity and intrigue turned in your gut as you stared down the statue.

It was Dracula.

Or at least… You thought it was Dracula.

The statue was big, despite the figure kneeling on one knee in what looked like pain or exhaustion. A hand gripping his gut, while another reached forward, clawed fingers pointing towards you. A cloak seemed to wrap around his body, but it hardly hid his large form.

The head was… a lot of things.

His face was hauntingly beautiful, much like you had come to expect from vampires. What was his hair seemed to beautifully frame his face, with his mustache and beard only adding to the charm.

However, under the beauty, you could see traces of what he really was. A monster.

Despite his handsome features, his face was contorted in what looked like a pained snarl. His fangs were bursting forth, large and ready to pierce.

And his eyes… His eyes were wide open, the whites a darker shade than the iris, which only added to his supernatural and inhuman look.

The room was silent, and you felt your blood run cold, despite the sweat on your skin.

It was Dracula, no doubt about it, but…

Why was he a statue?

Tentatively, you took a few steps forward, but still kept your distance.

You studied the statue a bit more, rounding it cautiously. After a few moments, you carefully stepped forward, and poked the shoulder, before jumping backwards.

Pure stone.

Your hands fell to your sides. It really was just a statue.

“Unbelievable.” You mumbled, confusion and disbelief clear in your voice.

Just what was going on? The castle was here, so in theory, so should Dracula. Not a statue of the guy.

“Unless…” You murmured, putting a hand along your chin in thought.

Dracula being turned to stone somehow… Perhaps that was the reason the castle was like this?

It made sense, the more you thought about it.

“It’s as if the whole castle is asleep…”

If Dracula was technically alive, but out of commission, then it would make sense. Though if you were being honest with yourself, you were still surprised you weren’t seeing some of his more powerful supporters. Surely you would have at least seen Death by now?

The deity was loyal to its master, appearing even when Dracula had not always been in control. So where was Death, or any other powerful monsters that no doubt would support the Lord?

Perhaps being petrified like this, also cut ties with his presence to those powerful monsters? He simply seemed asleep to them, or not fully revived. If he wasn’t fully around, or at least enough for any of his powerful generals to sense him, they simply did not know he was here.

Other than that, it was the only explanation you had.

It still made you nervous and uncomfortable though.

You continued to eye the statue. Was Dracula dead, or was he aware? What had happened to lead to this?

Thinking hard, you tried to remember everything your mother had told you about the last time Dracula had appeared. It was a long time ago, and your mother had only heard about what had happened from another family member.

Didn’t she mention that the Belmont who defeated Dracula last say something about a curse?

You cursed your poor memory, which had been worsening with your own health as of late. Shaking your head with a sigh, your frown deepened.

Still, even if you didn’t know all the details, this could easily have something to do with said curse you were briefly told about all those years ago.

Biting your lip, you placed your hands on your hips, unsure what to do, or where to go from here.

Obviously no one was in danger at the moment, even if you still felt on edge. Dracula was very much contained here in the castle.

But that left you with a bunch of different thoughts rushing through your mind.

You couldn’t really ask for a better spot for the castle to be, if you were being honest. It was hidden, right along private property. Chances of civilians finding it were slim. The less innocent lives you had to worry about, even if it was idiots trespassing, the better.

Then there was how to deal with the problem at hand. What do you do with the statue and the castle? You couldn’t just leave Dracula here could you?

“If I had only brought the Vampire Killer…” You mumbled under your breath, nails digging into your palms.

The whip was ancient, but incredibly powerful. It was strong enough to break down stone. You could finish the job tonight, if you wanted to make the trek…

But would that be wise?

…Did you even have much of a choice?

It’s not like you can actually do anything right now, anyway. Your dagger and other weapons can’t cut through stone. Not like your whip could. You would be here for hours.

You let out a sigh and rubbed your temples, exhaustion creeping up on you. Sure, you hadn’t fought anything, but this whole ordeal was adding onto your already existing stress.

Running a hand through your hair, and looking out a nearby window, another thought ran through your mind.

What if you revived him by destroying the stone? Even if he was cursed, you weren’t aware of the specifics, and you didn’t want to be the one to accidentally doom the world by trying to ‘save’ it.

Feeling your hair stand on end again, you quickly glanced back at the statue. Even if he was on his knees, he was still level height with you.

And it felt like he was looking right at you.

The thought made you very anxious. Was he alive? Or even aware you were standing right in front of him? A Belmont, debating on how to end his life?

Suddenly, the very thought made your stomach sour.

“I… Need to go. I need to leave.” You said, finally making a decision. You needed to get away from here.

You were not equipped to handle this.

A fight to save the world? Sure, you could improvise.

But whatever was happening here? No. No way.

Despite your conscious telling you to stay and deal with the problem, you tentatively took a step backwards. Then another. And another.

Your eyes stayed on the statue until you reached the door, and you quickly turned and left, shutting the large door behind you.

It didn’t take you long to hightail it outta of the castle. The main layout you had passed was burned in your mind, and made it easier to run through.

Though it wasn’t until you were out of the castle, did you feel like a weight had been lifted off your chest. The moment you passed through those large, ominous doors and into the courtyard, it was as if you could breathe again.

You didn’t wait to catch your breath.

Running through the courtyard, you sprinted out past the rusted gate, not stopping until you were long past the lake that sat in front of the castle.

Finally, when you reached the spot where you had first noticed the castle, you came to an abrupt halt. Panting, you turned around, and eyed the ominous structure.

It was late now, the sun had been setting for a while. However, that didn’t hide the castle from your sight. The dark clouds still hovered above, with lightning and thunder striking every so often.

You still couldn’t believe it. Dracula’s castle was here, for who knows how long.

And you were going to have to destroy it somehow.

“Lucky me…” You mumbled.

Taking one last look, you anxiously made your way back to your cabin.

The walk back, which normally would have been peaceful and relaxing, was nothing but a stressful venture for you. Sure, the castle seemed empty, and you could no longer sense it the further you walked. However, that didn’t mean you were safe.

For all you knew, you were being followed by an army of hell, just waiting to ambush you.

That… didn’t really put you at ease, even as you approached your cabin.

Cautiously, you opened the door. With your weapon ready, you made a quick search of your small home.

Thankfully, no one but you seemed to be here. You weren’t sure if that relieved you, or made your anxiety worse.

You decided to take it as a blessing.

Still, you didn’t rest. It was too late to drive back, nor did you want to just leave, knowing the castle was right there, just an hour away by foot.

Biting your lip, you eyed the Vampire Killer, which was still sitting innocently on your bed. You could practically hear it in your mind to pick it up and head back to the castle. ‘Use me! Use me! Finish the job!’

As much as you wanted to, you felt a sick feeling in your stomach. Something wasn’t right, and you knew it. You just needed to figure out what it was, before you made any hasty decisions.

One wrong move, and you could not only revive your family’s immortal enemy, but also potentially doom the world if you fail at killing him. This was something where you had to tread lightly, lest you make a horrible, world ending decision.

No pressure.

You stood next to the bed for a few minutes. It felt as if your mind was racing, but you felt unable to think at all.

With a sigh, you made up your mind. Grabbing your whip and a bag, you headed to the backdoor. You wouldn’t be hunting Dracula tonight, no, but you still had to ensure your safety.

Starting with some protective measures.

Thankfully, throughout the generations, your family came up with many different ways to ward off monsters and vampires from properties. If you wanted any sleep tonight, you would have to put some of these in place, at least for your peace of mind. It wasn’t something that would take too long, but better safe than sorry.

Even if you hadn’t seen a single monster, you weren’t going to risk your life by making assumptions. It was small mistakes that got hunters killed, and you weren’t going to join their numbers.

Setting up a few traps and enchantments took longer than you would have liked, but you weren’t going to take any chances. Your cabin already had some traps in place, but renewing everything wasn’t going to hurt anyone, let alone you.

When you finally sat down on your bed, you rolled onto your back, and blankly stared at your ceiling. The Vampire Killer in your hand tightly.

“What now?” you asked yourself.

The answer seemed simple. Sleep, wake up, and take care of the problem.

It wasn’t that simple though. You already had fought yourself about this for hours. Did you really need to now, right before bed?

You turned your head to the side, seeing your phone charging on your nightstand.

“I could call for assistance…” you said, toying with the idea in your head. But did you really want to invite that mess here? With how reckless your family at home was, you didn’t think it was a good idea.

Then there was the fact they would find this place. Your little sanctuary away from them. They would never give you peace if they found this place. In fact, you were sure your father would tear it down, or claim it was his, since he was the beneficiary after your mother passed.

They would never let you have anything like this. You knew they already had tried multiple times to find where you go when you disappear, you weren’t going to give them that luxury.

Most of all, you weren’t going to give them the last thing left untouched that had been your mother’s.

You could call your other family, such as your uncle, but you shot idea that down. You hadn’t really talked to your aunt or uncle in years since your father took over everything. For all you knew, their numbers had been changed again. As much as they’d probably like to know what was going on, you felt a bitterness in your gut.

As much as you loved your aunt and uncle, they hadn’t so much bothered calling or texting you these past few years. Why would they help you now? Maybe for some glory? ‘To keep humanity safe?’ When they haven’t even helped out family?

You snorted. No thanks.

Besides, it would no doubt take them hours to get here, and they’d probably tell your father about this place against your wishes. Something about wanting all ‘Belmonts’ on deck. Bah.

Turning onto your side, you reached over and turned the lamp on your side table off.

You could think more on this tomorrow.

[ultra-rockart]

I have a problem with the Ahsoka series...

As someone who didn't watch Rebels and just getting back to Star Wars after being out of the fandom, episode 5 left me kinda flat...

WARNING: SPOILERS TO JEDI FALLEN ORDER AND AHSOKA EPISODE 5

Anyone who plays Jedi Fallen Order will immediately realize that the scene is a mirror of Cal and Jaro's 2nd vision duel. In fact, there were major Fallen Order vibes all throughout this episode and other episodes including all that psychometry (which Ahsoka has never demonstrated before this series but hey... the power of retcon compelled Dave Filoni).

But why did Ahsoka vs Anakin feel so flat for me? What should have been an emotional scene didn't hit me with the same feels that Fallen Order did.

And I got to thinking...

In Fallen Order, we first meet Cal and from the get-go we understand that this is a kid who's had to live on his own for a long time. He doesn't really think that much of himself--as evident by his "Trash, just not approved trash" comment. 

Fallen Order and Survivor have been brilliant, character-driven games that really delved into issues of trauma, survivor's guilt, PTSD, insecurity, and loss of self-worth. 

We learn that Cal survived Order 66 when he was just 13.

And that his master sacrificed his life to save him. And we soon realize that Cal has remained trapped--emotionally and psychologically--that day he escaped clutching his fallen master's lightsaber in fear and helplessness. The fear became a means to survive--a coping mechanism.

When Cal first meets a vision of his master, Jaro Tapal, it's on Dathomir. The vault is booby trapped to test anyone who dare enter. He's faced with a vision of his fallen master and is overwhelmed with his own failures and breaks his lightsaber.

Through Cere's urging and guidance, Cal travels to Ilum to retrieve his crystal and rebuild his lightsaber.

There, he is tested and he faces his failures and shortcomings. He learns to forgive himself and face the past head on. He returns to Dathomir and back to face his master. 

What was the lesson in Cal facing Jaro? The lesson was forgiving himself of what happened. Of learning to trust that 13-yr-old child within. Jaro's sacrifice will always be a part of him but he also needs to move forward with the lessons he's learned. As long as Cal is alive, he has a choice to keep fighting--"Hold the line, and trust only in the Force."

It's a classic heroes journey.

The Anakin vs Ahsoka scene is similar in a lot of ways. But I found myself not having the same reaction.

If I watch that Fallen Order scene, I'm always moved to tears because in the hours I spent playing as him, I lived all of his failures, his fears, his emotions--I was Cal Kestis. I was that 13-yr old boy who emotionally shut down to the point that he lost his connection to the Force.

Fallen Order took the time to establish that Cal had been dealing with the guilt of not doing enough to save his master for the last 5 years. It took the time to lay the groundwork so the emotional beats really hit you in the feels in moments when they should.

My problem with the Ahsoka series is it breaks a fundamental rule in storytelling--Don't assume anything about your audience. A good chunk of that audience never saw Rebels. So, a good chunk of us were asking ourselves, "huh, so what exactly was the lesson here?"

In Ahsoka, we're never shown what her attachments to Anakin are. Is she a Padawan feeling abandoned by her master? Does she feel betrayed? What exactly is that baggage that she needs to move on from?

We get none of that because the series doesn't do enough character work to make her struggles known to the audience beforehand. Unless you watched Rebels, you'd have no clue nor feel the significance of the scene. What we get is her looking forlorn at any mention of Anakin. They just expect us to understand that she has unfinished business with him. What that is... it's never clear in the dialogue. So when we have a vision of her facing her master, it doesn't have the same emotional punch in the feels that Fallen Order has (unless you saw the animated series).

So her lesson was to live? Did we see her struggling with her purpose before this scene? No. Did we see her doubt herself and her place in the Order (in or out of it)? No. Do we see her still yearn for the past and what would have been her place in the Order but struggle with their betrayal? No. The message is jumbled, the lesson is vague because the show didn't do the work it needed to to earn that emotional payoff.

The one thing I loved was the visuals. Cinematography in this episode was breathtaking but it sacrifices storytelling over fan service and nostalgia.

Collider put it bluntly, "Ahsoka’s “training” stands in the place of actual storytelling. By driving Ahsoka and Anakin straight into a duel, we’re robbed of dialogue and character moments that could heighten the story that Filoni is attempting to tell. Filoni mistakenly believes that what audiences have been longing for is another poorly lit lightsaber duel — only this time between Anakin and Ahsoka — but that isn’t what anyone has been pining for. Especially not casual fans who know who Anakin is, but have no concept of why this duel with Ahsoka should matter to them... Star Wars is more than just lightsaber duels and resurrecting the Skywalkers for drama. It’s about the connections forged between the characters who are thrown into situations, cast against the backdrop of a galaxy at war, both seen and unseen. Those connections feel hollow when left to molder in the shadow of nostalgia."

Jedi Fallen Order and Survivor work from a storytelling perspective because they made us care about these characters. They built connections to Cere, to Jaro, to BD-1 and the rest of the Mantis crew and how they play a significant part in Cal's growth as a person and Jedi. And likewise, how Cal plays a part in each character's journey to self-actualization.

The more I think about the episode 5 scene the more pointless it felt (for lack of a better word) because this happens 5 years after Return of the Jedi... the part where Anakin was saved by Luke. She's also met and spoken to Luke so would know that Anakin was saved in the end. 

So unless this is just Ahsoka sorting out her own issues of abandonment or whatever inside her head... it doesn't make sense for Anakin or the overall story. He was already saved. He went back to the light side after defeating Palpatine. Luke was able to do what no one else did. Or did she resent that or hate herself that it wasn't her that brought him back to the light? The problem is the show doesn't make it clear what her attachments to Anakin are. If it had spared a few episodes looking back at her training, Anakin's betrayal and her feelings of abandonment, it would have felt like a more full circle moment. If the show had taken the time to portray her going about her life without reason or purpose, the lesson would have meant something. The dialogue doesn't do the visuals justice. It's purposely vague and cryptic because the show doesn't know what Ahsoka ought to be struggling with. She has baggage but what that is they don't even know. So the visuals try to cover for the lack of any compelling dialogue.

We didn't need a duel or callbacks to Vader or Rebels. What we needed was to see was the same Anakin at the end of Return of the Jedi-- the same Anakin that was saved and made whole. We needed a conversation, not cryptic lessons--a conversation about why he lost himself, Luke and Leia's place in his life and salvation, and a reassurance to Ahsoka that she couldn't have prevented his fall from grace because he made the choice to fall to the Dark Side. Anakin alone made the choice and paid for his sins. That conversation would have brought more closure than "I choose to live."

It felt like the writers went "This would be such a cool scene to have" and "What would happen to get there?" Rather than have everything matter and happen organically to the overall story. By doing that, Ahsoka suffers the same problems as the sequels.

Fan service should serve as a purpose to further enrich your story. And your story should be clear to everyone not just a niche of your audience. A good story, no matter how simple it is, should stand on its own merit. Good character work and set up matters.

Just my 2 cents.

[anittam]

The Moon Will Sing

Vyn x Rosa|MC, angst, fluffy, Vyn's pov

Prompt: Rosa is the sun of Vyn's life, and he didn't care if she feel the same, as long he could feel her light shine on him.

Just a silly little fic, that I didn't proof-read.

It was warm summer day, I had just finished with today's lectures, as I closer from my office I can see a familiar face waiting at the door, the face that bring me so much joy, smiling so brightly at me, and no one else.

- What are you doing here? - I said not being able to hide my content.

- I was meeting a client near here, and after I was done I thought "why not pay a visit to my favorite doctor?" and now I'm here. - she said sweetly - Are you not happy to see me? - she said playing with her hair as if she teasing me.

- You know I'm always happy to see you, after all you are my favorite attorney. So, do have any plans for the night? - I already knew the reason for that question was "yes", she was the type of person who could plan a whole one week long getway withing seconds, and he loved that about her.

- Oh yes, my gentleman, - she said playfully - since it been such long time since we last meet, I shall make this night worth, first I will take you to dinner, then we have a lovely walk on the park, and to finish we will eat ice cream.

- You sure know how to spoil a man, - I laughed - I hope I am the only one getting that treatment. Okay, miss, tonight I'm all yours, lead the way.

Whoever could see this scene doesn't know what it's like to suffer, she is always so beautiful, contemplate the sun in her eyes, she can breathe life into you with just a mere glance, her voice is the most wonderful melody I ever heard, and... *sigh*

And is hard to have to share it with the world. As we walk through south stellis, I'm fueled with an ever so familiar jealousy, the fear of someone could look at her, and fall in love with her as deeply as I, and steal her away can be overwhelming at times. As we walk by a little bookshop, she stop on her tracks.

- You should go in the shop! - she stated, almost demanded.

- Sure, there is a book you want to search? I can help, let's go in...

- Noooo, you go in, not we - she said as her eyes shifted through the street.

- I thought today was about my lady pampering me, but I see something else picked your interest. What are you looking at? - as I try to find at she is looking at, I feel a pair of hands grabing my face, as she pull my face closer to her.

- Just go inside, you are going to ruin the suprise - she pouted, as her face was getting red.

- Okay, okay, I will go miss, but you will have to compensate me for abandoning me on our date. - she give me a small kiss, leaving me with a dumb smile on my face.

- I know, I will be right back - she said as she leaves.

As I enter the bookshop, I can see it is a rather cozy place, most of the books are old and used, which leaves the place with a unique smell, almost like the intere place was made of nostalgic feelings, as I walk through the bookshelves, I get lost in my thoughts.

I remember when I first meet her, I thought she was just a little girl with a boss who overestimated her abilities, but she was quick to prove me wrong, and I glad she did so, she was as smart as she was beatiful, and before I notice she became a beacon of light in my life, the type of light I wasn't use to.

My life before her seems like faint memory, all those years spent in the dark, they almost don't seem real anymore. Sometimes, when I all alone, I can still hear it, all those whispers that I heard when I still lived in Svart:

"You are just like your father"

"You have blood in your veins"

"You don't realy have heart"

I used to think that was true, but now I know it simply ain't the case, I know that I have a heart, because she stole it from me, but I don't care, I don't want it back, it is hers after all.

A small poke on my shoulder bring me back to reality, as I turn around I see a small figure holding a bouquet of roses, and I can't help but smile.

- Flowers for my beautiful boyfriend - she said proud of herself.

- They are very pretty, thank you.

- I remembered you said once you never got flowers, and you always give me them, so I thought this time I could give them to you.

That's just what I was talking about, how can I not love her, she is so lovely, and I know that I don't deserve her. Nobody treated me that way, like I am a normal person, with feelings and insecurities, most people sees me as the heir of the Haspran's family, or the infamous doctor Richter, but not her, for her I'm just Vyn.

After that she guided me to nice restaurant, it had a familiar atmosphere, the staff was polite, and seemed very acquainted with her, the staff talked about how she used to eat all the time, and she got a little embarrassed, and honestly, it made her look cuter.

As the night ends, we sit on a bench in the park, eating ice cream, she points at the stars talking about the constellations she can see, but I need to look at the sky to see the stars, the brightest one is already sitting by my side.

- Thank you - I say with a sigh.

- For what? - she says smiling.

- For everything, for the date, the flowers, being you, I guess I don't show enough how much love you. I love you, to the moon and back, and everytime we are together, I fall in love once more with you. Before I meet you my life was darkness, and then you appeared like light, and all the pain and sadness became a little more bearable because you were there with me. So will you allow me to be your moon? For you will always be my sun.

- Vyn - she tear up a bit - I love you too.

And in that moment there were only two of us in the world, our lips meet like it was first and last time we would kiss, there was a hunger and passion like it been years since the last time we kiss, it tasted as sweetly as the ice cream, and with the blessing of the stars, our love shall last forever.

[felixcloud6288]

Fullmetal Alchemist Chapter 49

We have a scene with Wrath and Pride having a little chat with each other at the President's estate. Wrath talks like a man in his 60's enjoying how the younger generation is beginning to step up to take the mantle of the future. He admits he's amused to see some upstarts constantly derailing the plan he's spent his whole life following.

So now I'm going to create a headcanon about Wrath. Like the other Homunculi, there is a a cornerstone aspect of his personality that has to do with the vice he's named after. But instead of it being some aggressive or violent behavior, I think Wrath's anger is more directed at his own situation. My headcanon for him is that he hates being forced into the role he has and is angry he never got to decide for himself who he is. And his nihilism is a result of the life he's been forced to live. He will spit on ideals because he never got to live by any of his own desires or ideals.

And maybe it's because I already know what Pride looks like, but the silhouette for them seems small. I think it has to do with their ears. Arakawa's character design gives everyone fairly prominent ears, and Pride's just seem smaller in proportion to their head size. It's also worth noting that each panel of Pride talking through the door is at doorknob height, so that would imply Pride is actually short.

As they speak, a moth approaches a lantern only to be caught in a spider's web. Maybe that's a metaphor for people like Ed and Roy reaching for something they desire only to be ensnared by the Homunculi targeting people with such lofty ideals. Maybe the metaphor is for Wrath himself. He wants to reach for something, but he's ensnared by his existence as a Homunculus.

Wrath seemed happy while talking about things falling apart. But he became angry to be reminded that humans would call him a monster.

Envy and Marcoh have a chat and Marcoh reveals what he knows: The Homunculi are planning to turn the country into a transmutation circle to make a very powerful Philosopher's Stone and the only remaining location wherebloodshed must happen is the north. Envy says Marcoh is close.

Marcoh seemed surprised to see Wrath on the scene. I wonder if Marcoh was aware of the President being one of the core conspirators to the plot or not.

Pride was supposed to help with the Scar fiasco but Wrath says he wasn't there when Gluttony got captured, meaning either Pride couldn't show up, or didn't bother to show up. Considering his namesake and how the only thing he did during the Super Heist is chastise Gluttony and Envy for letting intruders enter their lair, I'd assume it's more the latter. Pride could help with cleanup tasks, but such things are beneath him and should be left to the others.

And was Marcoh's previous meal a taco bowl? Or maybe an omelette?

Back at the hideout, Hawkeye has no idea what just happened and barely avoids getting blasted by Gluttony but she loses her rifle. Undaunted, she pulls out a pistol and then panicly pulls out a revolver when someone comes up from the debris. Her arms are in a complete tangle.

Getting a little panda squished into your face is something I would expect to happen to Ed.

And Roy has to be made useless again because we've learned that fire is very effective at solving problems. Gluttony's super mode makes it possible for him to eat the flames and Roy is too injured to participate in a physical fight. So he needs to be shoved in the getaway car.

A nice little detail about the dummy Ed made: The legs and left arm are not very detailed. It's almost like they expected Gluttony to blast first and notice later.

I loved seeing Xiao Mei throughout the chapter. My favorite shot was her holding onto Al's hair while they ran from Gluttony.

Ed took that gun from hawkeye because he promised Winry he wouldn't die. So he'll use it if it keeps him alive.

This is the first time Ed and Al have brought someone with them when going into a dangerous situation. While Ed hasn't gotten along with Lin, they're becoming fire-forged friends. It probably helps that they're all the same age group as well.

But don't get me wrong, I want to see a video of these three to the tune of "Pinky and the Brain...and Larry."

Ed: We're prodigy alchemists who are searching for the Philosopher's Stone so we can restore our bodies back to normal. And that's Lin.

Lin: Hiya!

And all there bravado was for show. They have no clue how to deal with Gluttony. And things become worse with Envy's arrival.

back

Spoiler Discussion

There are two possibilities I can think of when Envy said Marcoh's guess was close. Either the thing Marcoh missed had to do with how the country was created for that express purpose, or the actual goal is to seal god inside Father using the energy from the transmutation.

[disco-cola]

dude my era depression is so bad again at the moment the only thing that would help me is literally someone finally inventing a time machine and then offer like a 30 day free trial in which i could choose to just stay or come back to today completely disillusioned which would at least end my era struggles but otherwise at this point idk what to do it doesnt help to just dress that way and decorate my house that way and listen to the music when it is srsly impossible to ever have my dream life i would have wanted to be in a band or a tour manager or a music journalist or a radio host or vj for mtv when they were still cool and if all that failed i could have at least tried to get a hot boyfriend in a rock band whose music i love and go on tour with them and just hang around the scene somehow and i know i technically could do all of that today but honestly i think doing that would make my era struggles even worse bc i would just compare it to what it was like in the 70s 80s or 90s and what ive read in countless books and articles and even fucking personal comments under youtube videos of people who lived through it (i kinda feel the only people writing about how bad those times were are the ones that are even younger than me who werent there either like as if today is that much better with politics and laws that only go backwards but most peoples accounts of their youth in that time end with i would go back and i miss it) and just still not be happy also i just cant imagine being in or around the music business now with fuckin social media and the internet (i know the internets been around at least in the 90s and was already more accessible then but obvs still not like today) like this and just not being able to forget "these arent actually my favorite bands and im just compensating" would still make me unhappy and i know it might have been very hard as a woman in the 70s and probably 80s too (even tho many women entered the work force back then and started working in fields that used to be dominated by men) and i could not have done what chris o'dell did (she was a personal assistant at the beatles apple in london in the late 60s and then became a tour manager in the states in the 70s for the stones, santana, bob dylan, elo, queen and more...) or not have been someone like debbie harry or stevie nicks or joan jett but i could´ve tried and otherwise could have at least found an escape of a boring hard working class life by going to shows of the bands i love (when they were in their prime, not them being old and some of the og lineup already gone and ticket prices worth a months rent). being around people who are into the same stuff as me because its just whats popular. i cant do that now. i wish i had at least been around and in my 20s for the late 80s and early 90s grunge and metal and hardcore scene bc that at least would have been something new and exciting and even as a woman you could find work and establish a position in the music business (like vanessa warwick, julia valet, both julie browns and karyn bryant did at mtv). i also dont know what anybody could tell me to make it better. the only thing that helps me at this point is people saying they feel the same bc it makes you feel less alone and isolated :/

[kiss-my-freckle]

I never thought I would say this but...

I think I'm starting a fanfic, starting after S4. Damon clearly tried leaving Elena's life multiple times. The most impactful, imo, was at the end of season 4. Damon was dying from a werewolf laced bullet, refused the cure bc he wanted it for Elena, told her he was bad for her even though he was going to live, and probably expected to finally leave MF for good. Ofc this is before she said "I love you" at the end of that gorgeous fireplace conversation. And I agree with you, Stefan needed to hear it.

He was willing to die. His heart was filled because Elena loved him, even if her actions were due to sire bond, he knew she loved him. He wanted what was best for HER.

Season 4 writing, I won't even get started, but season 5? WTF. I understand the writers had a dilemma, there being a real life breakup and all, but wow. I just can't get past S3 finale so I've forced a rewatch of S4 and it kills me. I try to ignore Elena's choice so I can enjoy the rest of the series canon and not what I make up in my mind. S5 could have been...SM better. I think you have a better writing mind so I'd be curious what you think about this.

So, I'm waiting for you to get to S3, and then I'll start my fan fic. I need time.

Damon tries to leave her quite a few times. The first time he tried to leave, he compelled himself out of her life. This is shown in 3x22 flashback. He doesn't enter her life, but rather, she enters his life in 1x2. In 1x9, he's again ready to leave her life when he's denied access to the tomb. Again in 1x10, and his only reason for coming back was to open that tomb to rescue Katherine. 2x1 changed everything, but that's another post entirely. In 2x22, he's trying to die by sunlight without her knowledge. In 3x22, he agrees to Stefan's deal to leave town should Elena choose him. A deal that Elena isn't privy to.

The end of season 4 is insane because he's basically giving her an easy out like Caroline does with Matt in the first season. He's thinking along the lines of like... whether the sire bond affected her feelings for him or not, she could use it as an excuse if she wanted to, so he lists all the reasons why she should cut him out of her life. He's not expecting her confession of love, he's expecting a breakup. So yeah, his face in that scene is insane. He gave her an easy out and she didn't take it.

Season 5 is extremely painful because of Katherine. That was the moment I was done with her, and I do mean done. But the beautiful thing about season 5 is the reason they repeat with Jeremy and have him killing Aaron in the road. 2x1 was that moment when Katherine's power over Damon became Elena's power over Damon. It completely shifted. Taking over Elena's body was the only way she could control Damon the way she did in 2x1, and she did. She basically told Damon out of Elena's mouth that he's a monster and will always be when Elena is the voice of Damon's humanity. Because it's all about that Lexi role, the very person who changed Ripper Stefan, they turned Damon into a ripper so he could see it. That's why Stefan is the one to kill Katherine. Her mistake was kicking him the stake. That's all about Damon and Lexi in 1x8, about the episode Elena decided he was worth saving.

When Damon returns from the prison world in season 6, that's when you see the truth of season 3 Stefan. He refuses to let Elena go because he can't see Damon the way Damon sees Liam. He basically views Damon as the worst thing for her and himself as the best. He won't even give her the opportunity to find out for herself. Hell, he won't even give her the opportunity to fall for someone other than a Salvatore.

[unitedstatesofworld]

The Ascent of Lil Baby: Revealing the Net Worth of the Rap Icon

Lil Baby is one of the few rappers who gained notoriety as quickly and brilliantly as any other. Known by his real name, Dominique Armani Jones, this Atlanta native has amassed a substantial financial empire in addition to gaining popularity for his distinct style and open lyrics. So what is the true Lil Baby Net Worth? Discover how this rap sensation made his skill into a fortune by following his journey.

Lil Baby's Humble Beginnings

Early Life and Struggles

Lil Baby's early years were anything from spectacular as she was raised in the seedy areas of Atlanta. Little Baby endured numerous challenges as a single mother who worked several jobs to make ends meet. After quitting high school in the ninth grade, he quickly became involved with the streets, where short-term goals were frequently prioritized above long-term goals.

A Run-in with the LawLil Baby had several legal run-ins before he was ever considering a career in music. Even though they were dangerous, these interactions also sped up his change. After serving time for drug charges, Lil Baby decided it was time for a change. His friends in the music industry, notably Young Thug, encouraged him to pursue rap seriously, seeing the raw talent that could be molded into something extraordinary.

The Meteoric Rise to Fame

Entering the SceneHip-hop fans grabbed attention when Lil Baby's debut mixtape, "Perfect Timing," was released in 2017. The success of the mixtape can be attributed in large part to Lil Baby's narrative skills and authenticity. Fans could identify with the relatable real-life events he shared through his compelling songs and relaxed delivery.

Chart-Topping HitsHit after hit was released by Lil Baby after the success of his debut. Songs like "Freestyle," "My Dawg," and "Drip Too Hard" (co-written with Gunna) demonstrated his range and talent for writing popular yet profound music. His 2018 album "Harder Than Ever," which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, solidified his standing in the rap business even more.

Building the Fortune: Lil Baby’s Net Worth

Revenue StreamsWhen it comes to Lil Baby's net worth, it's not just about album sales. His income streams are as diverse as his discography:

Lil Baby earns a substantial income from the sales and streaming of his songs, which has received millions of plays on platforms like Spotify and Apple songs. Concerts & Tours: His live performances, which are characterized by high energy and attentive audiences, bring in a healthy sum of money for him. Brand Endorsements: He receives additional funding through collaborations and endorsements with well-known companies. Sales of goods: Lil Baby's goods, which include clothing and accessories, are quite popular and offer a dependable extra source of revenue.

Current Net WorthAs of 2024, Lil Baby's net worth is estimated to be around $9 million. This figure reflects his hard work, strategic collaborations, and savvy financial decisions. From investing in real estate to starting his own record label, 4PF (Four Pockets Full), Lil Baby exemplifies how to turn rap success into long-term financial stability.

Life Beyond the Music

Personal InvestmentsLil Baby is a clever investor in addition to being a musician. His investments have been made in a variety of businesses and real estate projects in Atlanta. These investments not only diversify his portfolio but also ensure a steady income flow outside the volatile music industry.

Philanthropy and Giving BackLil Baby hasn’t forgotten his roots. He’s actively involved in charitable activities, particularly in his hometown of Atlanta. From funding scholarships to supporting local businesses, his philanthropic efforts demonstrate a commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him.

The Legacy Continues

Influence on New ArtistsLil Baby’s impact on the rap scene extends beyond his own music. He now serves as a mentor for up-and-coming musicians, guiding them through the challenges of the music business. In order to ensure that his legacy continues through the next generation of rappers, his record label, 4PF, is committed to finding and developing fresh talent.

Future ProjectsLil Baby is still going strong, having received numerous honors and being nominated for multiple Grammy Awards. His next projects, which promise to push creative boundaries and further cement his place in rap history, are eagerly anticipated by fans.

FAQs

What is the true name of Lil Baby?Dominique Armani Jones is the true name of Little Baby.

How did Lil Baby's career in music begin?Friends in the music business, especially Young Thug, urged Lil Baby to pursue rap following his release from prison. "Perfect Timing," his debut mixtape, served as his career's catalyst.

Which songs are some of Lil Baby's best-known ones?

Lil Baby has a number of highly hit tracks, including "Drip Too Hard," "Freestyle," "My Dawg," and "The Bigger Picture."

What is Lil Baby's estimated net worth?Lil Baby's projected net worth as of 2024 is approximately $9 million.

What other business endeavors does Little Baby have? Apart from music, Lil Baby operates his own record label, 4PF (Four Ponies), and has

Conclusion

It's incredible how Lil Baby went from the streets of Atlanta to become the biggest rapper in the world. His current estimated net worth of $9 million is a result of his talent, diligence, and astute business acumen. The heartbreaking lesson that anyone can achieve greatness and change their life with the correct conditions and determination is provided by the inspirational tale of Lil Baby. His development as an artist and businessman is proof of this. Watch out for this rap artist who is just getting started; his next releases will undoubtedly be just as innovative as his previous ones.

[testormblog]

Uncle George

Mother didn’t like Uncle George, her brother-in-law.  Neither did she like his wife, Aunty Agnes, my paternal aunt.  She was jealous of their nice house and car as well as George’s prominence in the community.  They were financially better off than us; both having stable jobs.  That said, their jobs were physically demanding.  Agnes was the cleaner at the local high school, which was quite large, and George, the senior ambulance bearer for Beenleigh and its rural surrounds.

George was an unusual man, who was quietly and politely spoken.  At that time, ambulance bearers tended to have been Army stretcher bearers in the war.  These men were well accustomed to the gory rawness of life.  This wasn’t the case with George.  He didn’t serve on the battlefield.  Instead, he worked for the Railway during the war.  He came from a humble background where his forebearers were fishermen.  He had no medical training before he became a volunteer ambulance driver and had only a primary school education.  Yet, he possessed the intellect and a keenness to learn about medicine from the doctors he worked with.  He also showed genuine compassion to those in his care.  In 1947, he became a permanent ambulance bearer and would serve as one for many years.  He was respected by all and knew everybody from his annual door knock to collect ambulance contributions.  They came to him for first aid, and he to them, when they couldn’t come.

He was a stoic kind of man.  He saw the beginning, the pain and the passing of life.  He collected the dead for the coroner.  At times, this was a gruesome task; especially when people died in horrific vehicle accidents.  The combination of speed, alcohol, lack of seat belts and unsafe vehicles made these a regular occurrence.  Often the first on the scene for these and for suspicious deaths, he appeared in court as a witness for inquests and trials.  As his medical knowledge grew, he also served as a mortuary attendant and performed the physical dissections for the autopsies conducted by the government appointed doctor.  This doctor tended to be squeamish about such tasks.

Despite Mother’s opinion, I liked Uncle George very much.  He patched me up with his gentle hands and a smile no matter what scrape I found myself in.  Sometimes, Nana took me along to visit her daughter, Aunty Agnes.  If George was between call outs, I hung around with him.  My cousins, being much older, were elsewhere.

George taught me so much about humanity.  He said, ‘A person should have a purpose in life and be of service to their community.  One’s standing is worth more than all the wealth they might acquire in their lifetime.’

One day, being ever inquisitive, I accompanied him across the road from his house to the morgue.  The building had two large barn doors that opened to the road to which the ambulance and the undertaker’s hearse reversed up to.  Inside were some metal tables, locked cabinets containing instruments along the wall, a fixed hose reel and two large white enamelled wash tubs.  Its floor was tiled.  There was no refrigerated chiller.  The claimed bodies were swiftly collected by the funeral director.  The unidentified ones were promptly transferred to the State Coroner in Brisbane.  The unclaimed others were buried by the local council in paupers’ graves.  The morgue was strictly an ‘in and out’ transit facility.  I stood at the door, afraid to enter.  I didn’t like the smell of formaldehyde.  George looked around for something as if we were in his back shed.

‘Ah, there it is,’ he said.  He removed a sheet from a small bench like thing.  It was Aunty Agnes’ ironing board.  I looked at him quizzically.  He replied, ‘There were too many bodies from the road crash, the other night.  I needed an extra table to lay a smaller one on.’

I questioned Uncle George about death and if he minded looking after deceased people.

He firmly believed the dead deserved as much respect, if not more, than the living.  The living still had a chance to earn it.  Being a devout Christian man, he explained, ‘Death is just the finish of a person’s physical life.  Their soul returns to God and their body becomes a mere shell.  The dead can’t tidy up after themselves; somebody else has to do it.  This is the practicality of everybody’s existence.’

I then asked him if he believed in ghosts like my mother did.

‘No, Lad!’ he exclaimed.  ‘If I did, I’d be haunted by all the people, who died in front of me.  People are haunted by the wrongdoing they’ve done to the deceased.  If you always act with good intentions towards others, you’ll never be haunted by anything.’

Uncle George laughed then to change the mood.  ‘Jakob, when you’re old enough, go dancing.  Life is for dancing and music.  I can see you dancing with lots of pretty girls.’  He loved to dance even if he was wearing his ambulance uniform.  Sometimes, he’d take a few spins around the ballroom when he was rostered for duty at the country dances.  He also loved to play a jolly jig on his piano accordion.

George’s lessons would be very formative later in my life.  In his winter years, he’d be very proud of the man I’d become.  As a man advancing in years myself now, I deeply respect my uncle for who he was and his capacity to care for others during the worst times of their lives.

[sunsents]

Empty - F.W (1/2)

Gah daym this was a JOURNEY to write. I swore to myself to never write angst because, well I suck at it. But here we are, I swear this has a good ending because my heart can't bear that. I could've written this much better, so I promise to bring my A GAME for chapter 2. Enjoy, also Lee in this is a hate crime. This is very story telling-esk so I hope it flows well.

I wouldn't have written this chapter without the help of my good friend @mochiixjimin she helped me edit and spice up this whole thing so thank you so much to her! She's an amazing writer, go check out her work and show her some big love right now or else!! her wattpad

Chapter 1 out of 2 (Backstory)

Summary —> Life has always been a cruel joke to you, yet you simply play along. Overshadowed by Eva Burke your whole life, watching from the sidelines while everyone flooded each other with love, it would always feel like a joke.

Pairing: fredweasley x fem!reader

Word count: 6.1k

Warnings: ANGST ANGST ANGST (with a fluffy ending in the second part) / One mature scene (18+) and then it's angst again <3 / Some slander / Offensive language

Rating: 18+

DON’T REPOST MY WORK

You were a bright child.

Beaming bright enough to keep a tight lipped smile during flu-shots, and enough to put on a happy façade when your dad threw away the drawing you had done of your family dog, rather than hang it up on the fridge.

Children have foolish dreams, and that was yours. Your friends in preschool boasted about their pictures being hung like trophies on fridges, with decorative magnets and even bigger pink bow ties.

The fridge in the Y/L/N manor was empty. Always empty, just how Ms. Y/L/N liked it. Empty marble floors with empty rug designs, and empty rooms with even emptier people living in it. They were both empty people. Hollow and void of any emotion, at least towards you.

You were different though. You were filled to the brim with ambition and hope and so many positive emotions that your parents never seemed to reflect on you. You were like those Disney princesses. The princesses always had hope, and when you have hope good things happen.

Right?

Your dad never meant to give you false hope. He just wished you’d keep your mouth shut as he worked until late hours. Using big words and having big aspirations, you shouldn’t have.

Mr and Mrs Y/L/N weren't bad people per say, just busy. They didn't know how to raise a child, this was obvious, because the purpose of even having a child was to fix their marriage. But a temporary fix wouldn't do it, it never did. There was always that hole on the roof, leaking rain of despair into their falsely built home that no bucket big enough could hold back. Because it always found a way to overflow.

They didn't know how to show their love, so they did it with money, clothes, toys and crayons that you would later use to draw pictures of your family, only to have them end up in the dumpster once again.

They spoiled you rotten, bought you gifts you never even dreamed of asking. You just shut up and enjoyed it, what else could you do? Whine and demand attention? Risk losing their favor? There was no favor to lose.

You got yourself a fat A plus on your third grade math test. Star stickers on your chest, you entered through the glass double doors of your house with a crooked smile - two front teeth missing of course - making your joy all the more endearing. Your backpack strapped tightly over your narrow shoulders, hanging low with all the crammed books you pushed before leaving school because you were just so excited to show your parents.

You received a big sloppy kiss from your Nanny, who practically was like a second mom to you, and dashed right into your fathers office to show him your new accomplishment.

"Good job, I'm proud of you."

You froze. You found a way to actually get their attention. The attention you so craved, the recognition you would die for. This was revolutionary. Basically a new era for you.

Nanny made you a star shaped cake that night, and sat with you while gently stroking your hair and listening to you blabber about how easy the math questions were. It felt warm, motherly love. Even if it was false, it would never compare to the love of your own mother, a love you would never get.

You spent all your night studying, your eyes burning under the harsh light of your lamp in the early mornings and your pencil, ebbing away over sheets and sheets of blank paper. Writing away your little hands off until they ached, just to snatch another A and get a good job.

This was good, it worked out very well. You became that student who looked forward to class, just to get a good grade and have the validation of your parents. The sight of your father’s lips quirk up even in the slightest, and how your mother’s eyes shone briefly in appreciation of your hard work, even if it was for a quick second, it was worth it.

Until the new neighbors moved in.

Mr. Burke was a round, cheerful man with an even rounder belly, and a big fat pipe that always hung on his lips. Mrs Burke looked and acted like those fairy godmothers you adored. You couldn’t believe such people existed. Mr Y/L/N invited them over for dinner, for courtesy. He was not happy about said courtesy.

He ended up liking the couple, they had a little daughter called Eva, who was small and adorable with round red cheeks and big doe eyes. Not only Mr and Mrs Burke, but the Y/L/N’s adored Eva as well. She was happy, always smiling, and her teeth weren't nearly as crooked as yours, not to mention she had pretty long hair like a princess.

You liked her a lot, took her to pick flowers, showed her the drawings you had prepared for the empty fridge; in case Mr Y/L/N ever had a change of heart and hung them up, you had been trying for three years and weren't giving up any sooner.

Eva was nice, kind enough to share her M&M's and very used to compliments unlike you. She seemed to get a lot from her parents and yours. The adults were so kind to her, always smothering her with love and kisses. You were happy for Eva, happy that Eva somehow managed to gain the favor of your parents before you did.

Little girls tended to be jealous, you weren’t. You were just glad to have a friend so cool, she didn't blush and stutter under praise and apparently her drawings were pretty enough to go on a fridge.

It was a Thursday afternoon when your mom smiled at you for the first time since your last exam grade. "Look, Eva drew us a picture, isn't it pretty?"

The crayola stash under your bed was no longer needed, they appeared clumsily dumped in the neighborhood trash the next day, most of them stomped under the pressure of your little sneakers. And the bundle of drawings you hid under your pillow, wishing on fairy godmother that one day they would be hung up too, were ripped; clearly a struggle given. You had paper cuts on your hands, and your Nanny thankfully applied ointment before Ms and Mr Y/L/N noticed, or rather, stopped to care.

Though you knew that even if you paraded herself with bloody fingers dripping to your elbows, they wouldn't care.

Nanny did, she was there. There when you were haunted with nightmares when the moon was particularly dark, cooing at you and letting you sleep next to her in that small bed of hers. There when you tripped and fell, small scratch resulting in a screaming tantrum. She was gentle, sweet, paid well.

You decided to go and pick flowers with Eva, and make a pretty flower crown for yourself, months after your drawing incident. Of course, you didn't have such silly dreams anymore. You didn’t wish to have your pictures hung, to have your mother wear the flower crowns you made and frankly you didn’t care for the sight of the sparkle in your parents eyes. Nanny’s was enough.

Eva agreed, dressed in a pink tutu Mrs Y/L/N gifted. You didn't comment, though deep down you gazed at the skirt in sparkling envy. Your mother never bothered to get you such pretty things. The two of you gathered saturated petals and nice ribbons while giggling amongst yourselves. Until, you accidentally caused Eva’s flowers to levitate.

Eva ran home, crying and calling you a witch. Mr and Mrs Y/L/N’s dirty looks made her feel shameful, and even dirtier when a letter addressed to her was dropped by a pretty owl you insisted on petting. It was from a school called Hogwarts, in the faraway land of London, and it seemed, not only you but Eva got the same letter the next day.

Though the Y/L/N’s and Burke’s were proud of Eva’s letter. They weren’t with yours.

— — — —

The ride to Hogwarts was interesting to say the least. You had so many questions unanswered, were you a fairy godmother too? Was that your destiny? Was that the reason you never got any attention, because you were destined to give instead of receive?

Eva was cheerful as always, making fast friends in newly bought uniforms and holding a pretty, long and thin wand, with designs flowing across the premise. Your wand was...functional. You were sad you couldn't choose, and that the wand chose the owner. It didn't make sense, what if you didn't want this wand? What if you wanted something charming like Eva’s? It should have been mutual.

It was while trying to find your way to the bathroom that you met the Weasley twins. Quite handsome, a year older and absolute fucktards. A word you learned from the two. Though you always found yourself laughing more at Fred’s jokes, you liked them both equally.

“Hey George! Look.” Fred had exclaimed, clinging onto his brothers shoulder and dragging him across. “Who's that girl?”

You introduced yourself, happy façade on, gentle words slipping out of your mouth like nectar. They had to like you, you told yourself. Just this once, more than Eva.

When sorted into Gryffindor, Eva, you and the twins became inseparable. Your group grew in second year, when Katie, Lee and Alicia Spinnet joined the bunch. You would make fun of the ghastly Potions Professor Snape, and imitate Dumbledore in the hallways to mess with the older students.

You loved your time at Hogwarts, and the adventures that came every year. Especially when Harry Potter joined.

“Hey Fred.”

Fred, who was fiddling with his bracelet you had bought him hummed in response, not bothering to look up.

You sighed, “Do you think the flowers can feel it when we pluck them?”

Fred turned at that, his bracelet was now tightly secure after his struggles. “I hope not.” he smiled, a faraway look on his face whenever he gazed at you. “You know, some people like pain.” he winked.

You merely looked at him confused, clearly way too young for...whatever that is.

He started laughing loudly, slapping his knee and causing you to scoff and slap him on the shoulder.

Third year was when it bloomed. The slight girly attention you gave Fred grew. Fred was...Fred. A handsome ginger, beater for their house's Quidditch team, always charming and charismatic that somehow oozed out of him whenever he did anything really. It was not unusual, every girl in school had a crush on him. That wasn't the case, Fred was one of your best friends, and you refused to entertain the idea of a possible...relationship.

Yet sometimes, you'd find yourself thinking about hugging and kissing Fred like you’d seen couples in your favorite movies did and you’d fall asleep with reddened cheeks and a boy with even redder hair in your mind.

But feelings couldn’t be controlled, nor easily hidden. Eva found out in your fourth year after hearing you mumble his name in your dreams. Fred Weasley was getting more handsome as years passed, and you found it hard to contain your feelings. You were crushing, hard.

Eva was...Eva about it. Happy, but nothing changed. She didn't tease like George did when he found out, nor did she act any differently towards Fred.

“Hey ____!” Fred had sat next to you, shaking the entire couch because he grew that tall during summer. “Got a new girl after me.” he looked at you, almost expectantly, as if you wouldn’t react the way you always reacted.

“That’s great Fred.” you smiled, gulping whatever lump that was forming in your throat and struggling to come out as vulgar words you wished to yell.

“Yeah,” Fred sighed, “It’s...great.”

Fred Weasley was a ladies man, and he wasn't afraid to show it. It was okay, because you were happy enough to be one of his closest, and that was enough. He often boasted about getting girls, and how successful his jokes were, and you always loved snapping back to him cockily, even more cockily than him. Playful banter was easy, comforting between them and when he turned away you would love to shyly entertain the idea of being one of those girl’s Fred talked about.

Fifth year, you had a sudden growth spurt. That was also the year where you discovered Cosmopolitan, Vogue and of course Witch Weekly. Hair no longer in a ponytail, legs shaved and smooth, short skirts with no nylons, you were a new person. After getting your period in third year, your spurt came late, but sudden. Way too sudden in the time of three months. It was hard to handle the changes occurring to your body. It was all too much that you had to become a lady and the fact that you didn’t have your mother to help was a pain you hid deep within.

It was as if whichever god above decided to squeeze your entire life into a summer and call it a day, because it was simply too busy. How ironic. No one saw your growth except old Nanny Gladys. Not Eva, nor her parents considering they went on a getaway and the Burke's, who had gone to Brazil.

But you were over that, you discovered the great telephone, and the great Hermione Granger, package deal with Ginny Weasley. You guys would talk on the phone for hours upon hours, Ginny obscuring your personality and Hermione altering your view on your parents. And Hermione was right, they were assholes. You didn't give a flying fuck about empty praises anymore.

You had become almost too tall for your older clothes, and your breasts were way too big to fit in the training bra you bought not even a month ago. Your hips, now wide and swaying as you walk became graceful, were decorated with long gem bracelets.

You cursed like a sailor that summer, ran around fields with family - your family being your dog, Jambo - bare feet. You stomped on flowers you used to pick as a little girl, stomping on those silly fairytale dreams you used to nurse, and never felt freer. For the first time ever you felt that maybe being empty could be more freeing than having false hope weighing you down.

Returning to Hogwarts was a big deal to students. Who changed, who glowed up after what happened last year - nothing, it was all childish drama.

Before your parents could even see your new self, your escapade to the Granger household was successful. The Y/L/N's didn't care, nor did they write. You knew it should’ve hurt, but frankly, you didn’t think having the pain in your chest was worth it. Hermione was awestruck, of course, after laying her sights on you for the first time since May and insisted on walking into the Entrance Hall, arm in arm with her and Ginny to show you off like some sort of revelation.

It was a revelation all right, at least to the boys, and some girls. It seemed no one saw you as a girl before. George oogled, and Lee was so shocked to find out that you were actually a girl with a pretty figure and an even prettier smile that he stopped clapping you on the back like he always did. Not a girl, you have become a woman. It was far too sudden, new uniforms and a whole new wardrobe had to be bought.

"____? You were a girl?" Fred joked, ruffling your hair like nothing changed between you. And that's when you realized, no slutty skirt, how much pushup your bra, or no matter how pretty your hair looked, Fred would always see you as ____, the girl with crooked front teeth and who once ate a worm in second year. Your teeth weren't crooked at all anymore - thanks to a few years of braces - and finally clear of uncomfortable metals but you felt as if Fred would always see the ghost of them on your pearly whites when you smiled.

He had this view of you that blinded him, caused him to treat you as he treated Ginny while he flirted and played footsie with other girls, including Eva.

That did not stop Eva from giving you false hope, and you took the bait, naive like always. Hope, that's what ruined it all. "You're beautiful now, of course you have a chance!" she said, rubbing your shoulder reassuringly, as if she had warmth to begin with.

It was all false, yet you still believed. You always had. Like a fool.

Ginny didn't like Eva, and maybe that's why you gravitated towards her. She was the first person who had ever met Eva that wasn't charmed by her kind smile and attractive words. Eva was...displeased. She grew up having the attention of everyone around, so when Ginny Weasley told her straight to her face that she wasn't shit, Eva seethed. The attention of Ginny changed nothing though, because Eva was the main character. Everyone - except Ginny, and secretly Hermione (though she would never say it) - loved her, they followed her around like puppies and praised her on her wonky wand work.

The upcoming Yule Ball brought great upswing to Hogwarts.

You were far too busy with her classes to take interest in the tournament - even though the dragon race was the gnarliest sight you had ever seen. Your goal was set, become a badass Auror and move out as soon as possible, so you didn't have to face your parents (except Holidays, yuck.)

But the Yule Ball was your chance. A chance with Fred Weasley.

You could ask to go as friends and maybe, just maybe a little hope and the night would end much more romantic than you had anticipated.

Plucking up courage was the hardest part, you practiced with your bathroom mirror so long that Ginny had to blast through the door and drag you out of her dormitory.

Fred Weasley agreed, why wouldn't he? You, his closest friend, asking to go as a group and drink all night while gossiping? It was a win win. At least that's what you told herself.

That was a lie, it wasn't a win win.

You gave it your all getting ready, dress silk, makeup and expensive shoes. You took a long shower, scrubbing and shaving yourself to a smooth gliding porcelain, only for it all to be washed down with reddened eyes and a boy with even redder hair.

Fred greeted you the same, danced the same, and you chatted the same; you were reminded again, for the second time, that you stood no chance.

Fred told you that he was going to get drinks, a quick trip to the booth and mumbled I'll be back in a second. He was not back in a second. Several minutes passed, and your worries caused your feet to follow after Fred's footsteps.

You ran, trying to find him in the empty corridors of Hogwarts, tears welling in your eyes because he wouldn't. He wasn't that cruel, life wasn't that cruel.

But it was, and in a distant empty classroom you saw Fred Weasley, on his knees and between Eva's legs, groaning and praising her like a starved man. Worshipping her like everyone else had, burying himself in her and completely forgetting the drink he’d bring back in just a second. He’d left you thirsty and alone in the Great Hall and left you to drink from a cup he hadn’t known to be forbidden. Yet Eva did.

Eva's perfect dainty hands tangled in his ginger hair, thighs clamping shut while her high pitched moans flooded your mind and echoed around your head. They were so loud that she couldn’t even hear the loud echoes of your footsteps and the woeful cries that left your lips as you ran. It wouldn’t be the first time she had ignored your pain for her own selfish reasons.

Your heart shattered, and suddenly you were six again, watching your parents praise Eva, hang her drawing on the fridge. A soft breeze tickling your bare toes, dangling from the small cushioned seat you sat on while you watched Eva braid Mrs Y/L/N’s hair. Emotionless, silent, not asking for anything, knowing that you won't receive in return. Eva's small hands carefully placed the flower crown on Mrs Y/L/N’s pool of hair, and she smiled, heart warming and hopeful. Suddenly you remembered the feel of your own hands tangling in between your locks as you stood on your tiptoes, trying to imitate your mothers braid on yourself in the mirror you couldn't reach. You pretended, only for a moment before it twisted into knots.

What a cruel joke, you thought as you watched Eva receive the world from Fred, from your parents, from your friends and from every damn person you had met.

You cried on a big set of stairs that night, your wails echoing as you asked whoever, whatever what you had done. What you had done to deserve such treatment from the people around you. It was rather cliche - and maybe a bit too dramatic. It was an uncomfortable seat of course, and your body, as well as your heart, ached. Pain, misery, false hope and enough hair spray to melt the ozone.

The princesses always cried on big sets of stairs, uncomfortable stone floors causing them to shiver while they hid away their beautifully animated faces in their perfect hands. This was different, there was no fairy godmother to fix your makeup and clone a gentlemanly Fred Weasley, a perfect prince. You knew, because you cried, and prayed and cried and prayed until your throat was sore. There was no fairy godmother, it was all a lie. There was no happy ending. There would be none.

No one came to find you that night either, and you had to drag yourself back to the Gryffindor common room, feet bare, mascara, blush - anything else you put on in hopes of being able to become like Eva even only for one night - practically nonexistent from the way your tears washed them away.

You didn't sleep that night, and your head was unusually clear, pounding, but clear. You laid awake, eyes blood-shot and stinging while your dress shuffled uncomfortably between your sheets. You were too tired to change, and your dress was far too pretty to be worn so short.

Ginny's words replayed over and over again. "They're not worth it." her voice was so clear, and true. Mr and Mrs Burke weren't worth it. Your parents weren't worth it. Fred Weasley wasn't worth it. Eva wasn't worth it. The midnight chirping of bugs invited themselves in from your open window, and blue moonlight streaks beaming down in lines from the tulle curtain flowed with breeze, it was calming.

You felt calm, for the first time in sixteen years. You felt calm.

Fred and Eva started dating that week. Everyone acted like they expected it, and you realized just how blind you had been. Eva Burke and Fred Weasley, golden couple of Hogwarts.

You watched them, emotionless, as they embraced with love and so much passion that you felt embarrassed. Embarrassed at how you’d blushed and squeal over Fred in front of Eva and George and anyone who had found out because now you knew. Now you knew that their amused smiles were probably pitying grimaces because they knew that you two were never meant to be. It was always Fred and Eva.

Fred was an amazing boyfriend, making sure Eva was taken care of, lovingly staring at her whenever and wherever, arm looped around her waist at all times; you realized they were truly not worth it.

"You disgust me."

You didn't mean the words to escape so carelessly, but when you said them, you realized you didn't want to take them back. The growing pit in your stomach felt weightless. "Excuse me?" said Fred, stopping his nibbling on Eva's neck, who was just as shocked. You scoffed, Eva already had enough purple bruises to parade around so why did Fred have the need to add more?

"You heard me right," George, Lee, Ron, Harry, Katie and whoever sitting in their circle stared at you, wide-eyed, Ginny and Hermione, however, were grinning devilishly. Kind ____, wouldn't hurt a fly, quiet at times and didn't know how to stand up for herself. It was shocking, but you were done pretending. You didn't want to be like that anymore, you wanted to say whatever came to mind and not worry about the consequences. "You guys disgust me, I know I should be supportive but you don't match, at all."

You turned to George. "And you, no you can't talk about Katie like that." George went pink. "You're disgusting for sleeping around carelessly and telling girls you'd write, stop giving people false hope. Grow up. You’re nearly an adult and you can’t even treat a girl right."

"And you Lee," Lee went quiet. "What gives you the right to make fun of me like that. I'll wear whatever the fuck I want, just because you don't have the courage to wear a headband. If you can talk about my breasts, I'll talk about your shrimp."

"Ron, you take advantage of Hermione then lead her on. Open your eyes, asshole."

"Harry, you're not the main character. You're not always going to be the center of attention, nor do you have the right to yell at your friends."

"Alicia, god you're so stupid. I'm sorry, you're great but such an airhead. No, you can't ride a Thestral if you can't see them, and stop eating quill ink they're bad for you."

You stood up, grinning proudly, heart loud in your chest you feared someone might hear. "Frankly, I don't wanna be friends anymore. I'm done with this façade, except you two, 'Gin, Hermione. The rest of you are just so fake." she gestured to them. "Boys," she nodded again. "Don't talk to me anymore, and Lee, give me back the money, think it's about time don't you think? I've been paying for you since third year."

And with that, you left. You left Three Broomsticks, grin wide and chest heaving. Hermione and Ginny ran behind, whooping and cheering you on as they laughed.

The news of your outburst spread fast like wildfire caught in wind. That week was bliss, you no longer had to watch Fred and Eva, nor did you have to act sweet to anyone. You didn't have to laugh along Lee's sexist jokes and look away to wince, it was pure bliss. You realized that the feeling of being free didn’t have to be momentary.

Pansy Parkinson was surprisingly a good friend, she didn't have the same fakeness to her, the one Eva had where her smile was too kind. She spoke her mind, though every Slytherin did, and you liked that. Ginny wasn't happy with your new found friends, but she couldn't separate you. You made your own decisions from now on. It was refreshing.

You told your new friends everything, eager to get it off your chest and breathe, and they listened. For the first time, someone listened. You didn't have to get good grades, nor did you have to act like a sweet angel.

You teared up the first time Pansy said; "It's not your fault,". You knew it wasn't your fault, but hearing someone else say it with such genuine eyes made you believe. Actually believe.

It started off with you watching from the sidelines as Draco and Blaise pranked, insulted and shamed whatever your old friend group did. It wasn't unusual for Draco to act this way, but he got especially irritated after hearing what you told them. Blaise, someone usually quiet, had stepped up and decided to somehow release the pent up anger he had for the Gryffindor students.

The year ended, and you had started to sneak in an insult or two towards Fred and Eva. It felt nice, like finally, step by step you were clearing your years of hidden jealousy. But, there was no one to tell you that this simply wasn't the right way.

That summer, you stayed at the Burrow. Ginny had invited you and you were quick to say yes; obviously a fact forgotten. Fred, George and whoever you had insulted last year stayed in the same house. You simply didn't want to go home, and if this meant seeing Fred Weasley then you had to endure it.

Molly Weasley was the sweetest person you could ever meet, and it was genuine. It felt genuine, you feared your teeth might rot if the woman got another word in. Molly greeted you as if you were her own daughter she hadn't seen in years. You felt valued, seen.

Until Eva was there, Fred invited her. You had to watch the only person you were able to love, introduce the only person he was able to love to his mother. It wasn't you. It would never be you.

And you realized, even after everything, Eva had once again found a way to be more loved than you.

The grin Molly broke out was nothing short of beautiful, and you couldn't help but smile as well. The smile wasn't directed towards you of course, and you sat on that small kitchen chair, celebrating a relationship that caused your ruin.

Eva didn't care that your friendship was over, nothing budged in her life. She still got the same attention, still received the same love from Fred. The same affection, the same attention and the same everything. Or so it seemed.

Though unlike Eva, Fred merely watched you with sad eyes.

You stayed clear of the couple and the rest. You hung out with Ginny and Hermione only, ignoring the dirty looks Ron and Harry gave you. The secret, whispered insults Eva threw your way. George didn't say anything, but he didn't object either. This was enough to show how he felt. At this point you really didn't care. Why would you, when they didn’t either?

You held your head high just like Ginny and Hermione told you to, and you spoke in a loud and clear tone whenever asked something. Eva didn't, she stuttered when you spoke to her directly. Her words scrambled against each other when she tried to voice her insults in louder statements than a whisper. For the first time, you felt relief. You felt intimidating, protected by the barriers you had built around yourself.

Longest day of summer hit, and it boiled. Tanning became a distant dream, you would bake in this weather, and you were thankful to the big AC box you had brought from home. You couldn't sleep that night, sweat beads falling down your forehead that was already covered in a thin sheen. You had decided to get a cold glass of water, not sure how you ended up face to face with Fred Weasley. His wand tip shone with blue light, and his freckles were much darker because of the sun. It seemed the sun decided to be cruel to Fred Weasley back and wash Fred over with it's deathly heat. He was sunburnt, this was an understatement. He was burnt.

You couldn't help but start laughing when you met, ignoring the proximity, ignoring the sleeping house, dead silent and a big leap from the lively Burrow, ignoring Fred's soft breaths he let out every other second. You couldn't live off on false hope anymore.

Suddenly it wasn't so funny anymore, and your face quickly fell. You took a big step back and inhaled, ready to ignore him like you had been doing for the past year. But Fred Weasley was a persistent man, and he gripped your arm and looked at you with determined, doe-like eyes. "Tell me what I did wrong." he said, adamant on fixing this, whatever this was. You both didn't know.

You stood silent.

"Please flower,"

"Don't call me that." you said, stern and gaze sharp. Fred didn't react, he kept on insisting.

"Please, tell me how to fix this. I can fix it," he pleaded, a plethora of empty promises fell out of his lips like nothing. He lied like it was nothing, he was oblivious to everything he and everyone around them had put you through. It was infuriating.

You didn't say anything. You knew he would not fix anything but maybe staying silent would give him the false hope that spinned mockingly in your head for the past eighteen years.

"I'm sorry, just please. I can fix this, I promise, don't be like that." empty tears fell down from his eyes. He looked empty, tired. They lacked the charm they usually shined with and you wondered if it was only you that caused such dullness. Eye bags prominent that you never noticed before. It all felt like a lie, a cruel joke.

Fred Weasley was simply a cruel joke. His presence could only be compared to a shot of whiskey, especially when you down it like how Hagrid nurses a Firewhiskey filled pint glass. You never know how it will hit you. But in the end, you'd always find yourself curled next to the toilet, crying your eyes out because your headache was simply too much.

He was sobbing now, hanging onto your waist like you would simply vanish and you let him. The grip he had on was like steel vice - almost concerning - but you didn't touch him, didn't say anything. You just let him be, like he did to you. Allowed him to hopelessly hang off you before you would eventually leave him alone, like he did to you. "Where did I go wrong? How could we end up like this? What went wrong?"

‘You’, but your voice couldn’t be found.

Questions were useless when the answer was already right in front of his eyes. You didn’t let a single tear fall, you wouldn't forgive yourself if you cried in front of him.

You blinked, and that night was over. Summer continued on like nothing happened, like it didn't leave you heart broken and in such shame yet again. You continued on ignoring Fred as he looked at you with sorrowful eyes. Looked at you more, with more than he did his own girlfriend.

You blinked and the school year started again with another terror looming around the corner. There was simply no need to keep up anymore, because school was easy. You attended classes, got good grades, a few scar here and there from Umbridge's torture chamber, a woman who stood at a whopping five foot three yet still teriffied an entire school.

You blinked and you had already become a proud member of Draco's insult the Gryffindor's club. You didn't even feel bad, being horrible to the people you hated for years felt like a breath of fresh air. You didn't go as far as physically hurting any of your old friends, but coming up with damaging insults was such fun. A lot more fun than sitting around with a fake smile.

You blinked, and you were already moving out from your childhood house. Mr and Mrs Y/L/N were unusually happy, this was a given. They would have a new empty room and make another office, like they didn't have enough already. You feared they would start getting rid of bathrooms once too into their work, and they would have to do their business in bushes or buckets. Scratch that, you didn't fear that, it would be fucking hilarious.

You blinked, and when had time passed too quickly? Where did all those empty childhood years had gone? You were already graduating, on your way to become an Auror. You had lost contact with all your old friends now, regretfully Ginny and Hermione too.

The war had hit too quickly, luckily you survived, so did your friends. Unluckily, it left you with a nasty scar right across your left brow. It looked sick, but the hit wasn't worth it. It hurt like a bitch. You could see, it was a close call but vision wasn't an issue. The trauma though, god did Bellatrix's breath smell bad.

When it was all over, you had seen Fred hugging his family tightly. It seemed the Weasley's all survived, and you gave them each tight lipped smiles while holding a bunched up rag to your head to stop the blood gushing out. This wasn't the reunion you wanted to have with Ginny, but hey, you take what you can get after a revolutionary Wizarding war you barely made out alive.

Before a franticly running Fred could reach you though, you apparated to your flat in Diagon Alley, ignoring the thrumming of your heart, and how you practiced in front of a mirror to congratulate their successful joke shop that morning.

[xoxo-teddybear]

If This Is Wrong, Then I Don’t Wanna Be Right - Bakugou Katsuki

Bakugou x f!reader

Warnings: DARK THEMES, INCEST, Smut, Filth, Cursing, not spell checked SORRY >w<

Summary: Ever since your dad remarried into the Bakugou family, your life’s been turned around. One incident with your step brother led to a plethora of problems that were so wrong but felt so right.

BAKUGOU’S MASTERLIST

Another day, another confused Y/N. Y/N L/N, now Y/N Bakugou, has been going through it. Her mom leaving her family at a young age, her dad going through stages of grief and neglecting Y/N, and now the worst of it all. He’s been remarried.

That’s not the bad part. Y/N was happy for her dad, especially since Mitsuki Bakugou made him a better person and father. The bad part was her son. Bakugou Katsuki.

Don’t get it twisted, Bakugou and you got along great, but for reasons your parents didn’t know. Before you two became step siblings, you and Bakugou had huge crushes on each other and even slept together before at a party. It was safe to say those feelings never went away, especially now that you both lived with each other.

You were smart though. You couldn’t ruin this great thing for your dad. And you finally had a family again after all these years of just being a daddy-daughter duo. You couldn’t destroy this. However, Bakugou had other plans. He was very forward with his feelings towards you and always made attempts to pursue you. And no matter how many times you told him “we’re siblings now, what we feel can never happen,” he chose to ignore it.

Ever since you became his little step-sister, Bakugou’s love for you just grew stronger. He doesn’t care that you guys are legal family now, he wants you and only you and he refuses to move on. No matter how many times you deny him, he knows you both long to be together. Besides, Bakugou Katsuki always gets what he wants.

—

“Love you guys, see you soon.” You said hugging your parents goodbye. They were going on a work trip for Mitsuki’s job and were gonna be gone for about 3 months.

“See you soon sweetie. Be sure to take care of yourself, okay?” Your dad said.

“I’ll be okay dad.” You assured him. Mitsuki went in to hug you before she left.

“Don’t let Katsuki bug you too much, love.” She said.

“THE HELL DID YOU SAY YA HAG?!” Bakugou screamed.

“OH HUSH!” She said and walked to the car along with your dad. You guys said your final goodbyes and went inside. Once you shut the front door, Bakugou stood infront of you with a smirk and his hands in his pockets.

“Soo...princess. Whaddaya wanna do?” He said with a cocky grin. You gulped in nervousness. You knew his game. Bakugou always teased you with his touch or said dirty things in your ear when no one would look. Now you guys were home alone for the next few months. Who knows what would happen.

“Look Katsuki, I’m just gonna head up to my room to watch a movie.” You said and began to walk but Bakugou followed.

“Mind if I joined?” He asked.

“Join? In my room? In my bed? I don’t think so Katsuki.” You said with your arms crossed. Your arms only lifted your bust even more and Bakugou licked his lips at the sight of your chest in that tube top.

“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna do anything....unless you want me to.” He teased as he walked up to you with his hand lifting your chin and his arm around your waist. He leaned in a little and smirked even more.

“You look like you don’t want me to stop,” he said that and your body naturally pressed in closer to his. His hand travelled to your ass to give it a firm squeeze which had you gasping, and just as your lips were about to touch you pulled away.

“Mm, no, Katsuki. Just- if you want to watch, you can come I guess.” You gave in and walked to your room and left your door open just in case Katsuki chose to join you. Soon enough, he walked in and sat next to you on your bed.

The movie progressed and Bakugou had made no attempts which shocked you. The whole time, you kept giving him side eye to see if he was sneaking some dirty looks at your body..but..nothing. He wasn’t trying anything and honestly..it left you a little needy.

Needy for his attention, for his touch...for him. The movie eventually reached a steamy scene and the whole time your face grew red. You and Bakugou both watched and whenever you glanced at him, he continued to hold a nonchalant look on his face. You however could feel yourself growing wet. You watched the scene and imagined it was you and Bakugou it that bed. You imagined how his hands would feel against your bare body again, and soon, you mind wandered off to the night you both shared when you weren’t siblings yet.

You missed the way his lips felt, the way his body radiated a comforting warmth, the way he dragged his cock in and out of you, bringing you to your euphoric release. You couldn’t help it. He was your crush after all. Without realizing, the movie came to an end and throughout the whole hour and 45 minutes, Bakugou didn’t make one attempt to touch you.

“Nice movie,” he began. “Gonna make some food. Want any?”

“Umm....no..I’m uh, all set.” You said with a little confused voice. Bakugou found it adorable and just walked off to the kitchen.

He almost died during that movie. He had to sit next to you, on your bed, HOME ALONE, as you wore a tube top and tight booty shorts, and not touch you at all.

“Settle Katsuki, geez. Just wait a little more,” he said to himself. Bakugou realized he was getting nowhere with him going after you, so he came up with this plan. Now, Bakugou was no dummy. You loved him the same way he loved you, but he knew you didn’t wanna ruin this precious little family, so he’s gonna push you to your limit. You’re so used to Bakugou touching you, feeling up on you, teasing you, and whispering dirty and sweet nothings into your ears. Now, Bakugou’s gonna stop with his pining, and wait for you to break. Wait for you to beg for him and his touch. He’ll wait for his little princess to finally come to him to settle her needy desires. Yes, it would be dreadful for Bakugou to be patient but he knew it would be worth it in the end.

Soon, you came out to the kitchen for some water. He noticed you looked a little flushed and had a little blush on your face.

‘Had she been toying with herself?’ Bakugou thought. The imagine of you playing with yourself and thinking of him entered his mind. It caused him to get riled up as he bit his lip to fight the moans attempting to leave his mouth. Bakugou had already seen all of you and even been inside you, but he craved for it again. But he wanted more than your body. He wanted you as a whole.

“You okay?” He asked. He noticed how you jumped at his voice and when you slightly turned to face him, he caught how your eyes looked him up and down, causing him to smirk the slightest bit.

“I’m fine, don’t worry Suki!”

‘Suki.’ He thought. That’s the name you called him when he completely rearranged your guts. He raised his brow at the name and you caught on to that. He saw you grin a little at the realization and he knew what you wanted. But you had to say it. You were only hinting at your neediness and he needed you to beg for him. Your little smirk wasn’t good enough.

“Alright. I made an extra plate for you. I’m all set so I’ll be in the shower,” he said. He noticed you staring at him, waiting for something more. Usually, after announcing he would be in the shower, he would usually offer you to join him. But not this time. He walked off and as he walked he heard you release the slightest whine. It caused his friend to painfully rise and once he entered the shower, he had to settle himself.

As you were left in the kitchen, you rubbed your legs together for friction. Bakugou hadn’t given you the slightest bit of attention ever since your parents had left. You won’t lie, when you found out your parents would be leaving for a few months, you had silently hoped Bakugou would take the opportunity to ravish you, but nothing came. Had he grown tired of waiting for you? Was he no longer interested? The thought scared you. He was your step brother, but you couldn’t stop the way you were feeling. You left to the privacy of your room to please yourself once more. And yes, it would be to the thought of Bakugou once again.

—

It was around 3 a.m. as you layed in bed, still awake and unsatisfied. The thought of Bakugou losing interest scared you. You couldn’t be together, but you still wanted him to want you the same way you do him. It was selfish and wrong, but you could help yourself. Eventually, your thoughts became too much and so you left to see Bakugou yourself.

You knocked on the door and after a minute, a shirtless Bakugou opened the door. It was obvious he wasn’t sleeping either. Must’ve been occupied with something else, the same like you.

“Hey Y/N, what’s up?” He asked.

“Y/N, huh? No princess, no love, no nothing?” He raised his brow with his head slightly thrown back. He laughed a little before speaking.

“Sorry am I missing something? Whaddaya need, princess?” He finally said. When the little pet name left his mouth, you could already feel yourself settling down the tiniest bit, but it wasn’t enough.

“Can we talk?” You asked and he only stepped aside and opened up the door for you. You walked in as he shut the door and you took a seat on his bed as he stood infront of you.

“Alright, talk. Need something?” He said.

“Sort of. I kinda just want to ask...what’s up with you lately.” You admitted.

“What?”

“You- heh, you’re not you.” You laughed out. He laughed too because he knew what you were talking about but he played dumb.

“Come again?” He asked. You released a tired sigh before continuing.

“What’s up? You don’t touch me anymore, you don’t tease me with your words, you don’t even spare me an extra glance. Why?” You asked.

“Aww, does princess miss my attention?” He teased.

“Maybe I do.” You said with a smirk and he mimicked your look and bit the side of his cheek. Suddenly, the tension in the room grew and you could feel heat rise to your cheeks.

“I’ve been pining after you for months, Y/N. I spoil you with my touch and comfort you with certain words and the second I stop, the princess gets replaced with a brat?” He said with a devious smirk. He leaned in closer to your face before speaking. “Stop doing that.”

“Doing what?” You questioned.

“Stop acting like you don’t want me as much as I want you.” Your eyes went wide at his words.

“What?” You released with a breathy voice.

“You like me and I like you. A lot. Some would say it’s close enough to love, princess. And I know you better than you think. I know you miss the attention I give you and I know you miss the way my cock feels inside your sweet little cunt.” He said moving in as he spoke into your ear with his hands at your sides on the bed, caging you in.

You stood up and placed your hands on his shoulders and this time you got in his face.

“You’re right. I miss your attention and I definitely miss the way you took care of me that night. But we’re still siblings-“

“Step siblings,” he corrected.

“Doesn’t matter. We’re still legally related and so if we were to be together, no matter how bad we both want to, we both know it’s wrong.” You explained. Bakugou held your chin with his fingers and had his other hand press into your cunt, earning a moan from you.

“If this is wrong, then I don’t want to be right.” He said as his forehead was pressed against your own. His fingers continued to rub into you throughout your thin shorts. You released more moans and gasps as he smirked. “You’re not stopping me, Princess.”

“I don’t think I want to, Suki.” You said and your arms quickly wrapped around his neck and pulled him into a kiss, that he gladly returned. He smiled into the kiss as his hands went to grip and your ass. He squeezed it just enough for you to moan into the kiss and he took the chance to slide his tongue in, tasting your wet cavern. Your tongues fought for dominance until he eventually won, but you weren’t going down so easily. You turned yourselves around without breaking the kiss and you pushed him onto his bed. You climbed on top of him, straddling his waist as you dove back into the kiss.

“Looks like my princess is finally taking control,” he smirked as you separated.

“Your princess?” You teasingly asked.

“Yeah. My princess. Like it?” He asked with a grin.

“Love it,” you said and then proceeded to kiss him. Soon, your bottoms came off along with your panties. Bakugou felt the smooth skin and smacked your ass and having you groan at the sensation. You felt his boner press against your bare clit and you both quickly discarded his sweats along with your top.

Now, your bare bodied pressed together as your hand went to Bakugou’s cock. You rubbed at his tip as he gasped.

“Ohh f-fuck princess.” You smirked from above him as your hand jerked his hard cock.

“You like that, Nii-San?” You giggled out. Bakugou opened his eyes and noticed your smirk. He watched as your tits jiggled right infront of his face and on instinct, his hand went right to grope it. You bit your lip as you moaned from his touch.

“You just love your big brother’s cock, dontcha’ huh sis?” He teased.

“Mm, yess Suki!” Bakugou smacked your ass with his free hand.

“Wrong name, Princess.” He rubbed at your ass that was now red with his hand print as you continued to play with his cock.

“Mm, Nii-San!” You moaned out.

“That’s a good girl,” he said as he pulled you in closer to suck on your chest. He flipped you over in the process and kissed down your body. He kissed your wet cunt before giving it a slow lick. You mewled at the feeling of his tongue and begged for more.

“N-Nii-San! Don’t stop! Please!” Bakugou smiled against your clit as he feasted on your sweet nectar. His tongue reached every inch of your pussy and he sucked on your little nub. His tongue entered you as your hands grabbed at his hair.

“Fuck yess!! Just like that! Mm..” your hips began to grind against his face as his hands wrapped around your legs to hold you steady.

“Gotta stay still for your big brother, Princess.” He spoke before continuing. He had your legs shaking around his head as he continued.

“S-Shit! Nii- ..Nii-San! I’m gonna cum!” You said while pulling at his soft locks. He held you down tighter.

“Cum, cum on my tongue Princess,” he said as he continued. He slurped at your sweet cunt as he pushed you closer and closer to the edge. You felt your orgasm approach you as your released the white honey onto his tongue, and Bakugou didnt waste a drop. He left your cunt but sent two fingers inside of you, pressing against your g-spot. He stood above you, using his other hand to jerk his cock.

“You fucking ready for the main event princess?” He asked and kissed your cheek as you moaned at his fingers.

“Yess! Please,” you said. Bakugou went up to your ear and softly spoke to you.

“Then I want you to beg for it,” he said, “beg for Nii-SAN’s giant cock. Beg me to fuck you so good you forget your own name, slut.” His words had your hips grinding against his hand.

“Mm, please Nii-San! Please fuck me!” You begged. But Katsuki wasn’t satisfied.

“C’mon Princess, you can do better. Nii-San had to wait a whole day before he could touch you again. I wanna hear you beg a little harder,” he said. You gave in and cried out for him.

“Please! Please just fuck me. I want you- need you so bad! Please I need your cock to fuck me! Please Nii-San!” You begged. A blush adorned your face as you felt the heat in your cheeks burn due to embarrassment. You didn’t even realize Katsuki align himself with your entrance until he kissed your cheek to snap you out of your embarrassed state.

“That’s my good little princess.” He said and slammed himself into you. Last time, Katsuki gave you a second to adjust to his length, but this time he’s been waiting and holding himself back for months now. And today, he didn’t allow himself to touch you at all, and so he went right to it and began his hard, steady thrust. His speed was incredible and he was fucking you so hard the bed was hitting the wall. “S-Shit! My little slut like that? Does she like having her- fuck- her big brother’s cock balls deep inside of her?”

“Yes, Please! M-More!” You cried out. Katsuki wrapped your legs around his bare waist and slammed into you even harder. His hand went to grip his headboard as he fucked you into oblivion. His thrust had you seeing stars as he reached a sensitive spot. “Oh my god! Yes! Y-Yes Katsuki right there-“

Katsuki slightly smacked your face as your head turned to the side. You moaned at the tingling sensation and you felt his thrust become faster and his hand wrapped around your throat. He squeezed it as he spoke to you through shut teeth.

“Not my name, Y/N. Try again,” he warned. You felt your tongue roll out as you attempted to speak but his thrust only brought out moans. “Say it!”

“Nii-San!” You cried out. He kissed you deeply as his hand went to grab at your chest. Your pussy squeezed him so tightly his head dropped next to your shoulder.

“Fuck Princess! Oh god you’re squeezing me nice and tight. Mmmm, I’m gonna wreck this pretty little pussy. Ahh-“ Bakugou’s hips jerked a little as your cunt tightened at his words. His grip on the headboard got stronger until he broke it. He looked up to see the damage and cursed at it. He threw it to the side as he placed both hands on your rips.

“Shit, shit, shit...God yess!” He cried out with his head thrown back. Your hands went his back as your claws marked him. He was gonna feel that in the morning, but as of right now, it was nothing but pleasure.

The feeling in your stomach returned and you felt your high coming.

“I’m- IM CUMMING!” He sped up and went deeper, forcing your release. You came around his cock but Katsuki didn’t stop.

Due to the wait, Katsuki was much more sensitive that he usually would be. He knew he would be cumming quicker than he thought and sadly, his fun would have to end soon.

“Oh god, princess I’m gonna cum. I’m gonna fill up that sweet pussy with all my cum. You want that?,” he smacked your face again as his hand wrapped around your throat once more, “you want me to fuck my kids in you? Huh? Pump my load right inside your womb and give you my brat. Bet you would love that, right princess?” He said and smacked your ass once more.

His hips stuttered and his thrusts became sloppy as he met his climax. His hot cum filled your Pussy and you cried out at the feeling. He moaned with his head thrown back as he pumped you full. The feeling of his semen dripping out of you had you shivering. He stilled before he pulled out and watched his cum drip out of you. He smiled at the sight and went to lay next to you. He pulled you closer into his chest as you both allowed heavy breaths to be released.

As Bakugou almost settled he felt your hand grab his cock again. You began to pump his length more and he began moaning with teary eyes.

“N-No, princess please. S’too much. F-fuck, I can’t!” He cried out as you went faster. You smirked as you watched his blush grow stronger. His hard on returned again and his cock rose from the friction. You straddled his lap again and placed his tip at your entrance. You leaned in closer as you spoke.

“I’m not done yet, Nii-San.” You said and slammed down on his cock. Katsuki loudly moaned and cried out as you sped up your bounce.

“F-fuck! Fuck Princess I can’t! Oh god- I have nothing else! P-please!” He begged. “Too much! Too sensitive!”

You continued to bounce on him and ride his dick as he moaned in immense pleasure. The overstimulation had him going insane. Soon, he did a full 180 and begged for more instead of less.

“Ah..Ah! Fuck! Don’t...don’t stop Y/N! Yeeaahhh bounce on that cock! AH! God yes!” His hands gripped at your waist as you continued your movements.

“Mm, Nii-San your cock feels so good~” you moaned out.

“Yeah?” He asked as his face got closer.

“Mhmm,” you nodded as you both quickly went in for a desperate kiss. You both sucked at each other’s faces as you continued to fuck his cock. The thrusts kept on until your thighs began to shake and you both felt another release coming.

“Sh-it, cumming! I’m cumming! Ohh fuck! M’Gonna shoot blades inside ya!” You slid up and down vigorously until both of you released.

“N-NII-SAN!” You said with your hands on his shoulders and head thrown back. As you both finished, you grinded on his hips.

“Heh,” you both laughed out as you made out once more. You both stilled your movements as Bakugou pulled you off his cock but kept you in his lap. You both had heavy huffs as your breaths settled and a comforting silence overtook the room. You drew little shapes on his naked chest as he smiled towards the ceiling. He finally had his dream girl...sorta.

After a brief period of silence, you spoke again.

“Umm...Katsuki?” You asked. He opened his eyes and looked at you. He kissed your forehead before he spoke.

“Yes princess?”

“What now?” You asked.

“What do you mean?” He said as he continued to look down at you.

“...what are we?” You said looking at him with doe eyes. He showed a small smiled as he held you tighter.

“Well, you’re mine now and I’m yours. That’s what we are.” He said with a comforting look. You smiled back at your new title. His. It sounded nice. But there was something else that obviously complicated the matter.

“But...but what about our parents...this family?” Bakugou sat up and had you look at him as you sat in his lap.

“Let’s run away, Y/N.” He said with all the seriousness in the world. Your eyes went wide at his offer.

“W-what?” You asked. There was no way he was being serious.

“Let’s run away. You and me. We’ll go somewhere where no one knows us. And we’ll get to be together without any problems.” He explained.

You continued to stare. Running away? From your dad? From a family you finally had after so many years. As you thought about it, nothing but Katsuki came into mind. You smiled as you realized you didn’t need them. You just needed him. Katsuki would be your family, Katsuki would be all you need. Were you going to stay for your family that you’ve only had for a few months? Were you going to stay for a dad who neglected you for a decade? Why do that when you could just run away with the love of your life and be together, be a family, and be happy?

“Run away with me Y/N,” he spoke, snapping you out of your trance.

You smiled as you wrapped your arms around his neck.

“Let’s go, Katsuki.” He smiled back at you and you both shared a kiss, filled with love and happiness. You cuddled into each other as you both fell asleep in pure bliss. He was your family, he was all you needed.

As the days went on, almost 3 months have passed. You and Katsuki have been together for almost 3 months, not as step siblings, but as a couple, and you’ve never been happier. On the Sunday of the last week on the third month, you and Katsuki packed your things. Throughout the months, you and Katsuki have found an apartment to stay in far away from this town and prepped everything to leave. You guys had finally packed your things and placed them in Katsuki’s car. You placed a letter for both your parents explaining you both decided to leave and that this is what you both really wanted. You also mentioned that you both would be fine and would prefer if they didn’t go out to look for you both. You grabbed your final bag and looked at your old home until Katsuki came and wrapped his arm around your shoulder.

“Ready to go, babe?” He asked.

“Let’s go!” You both shared a quick kiss and then went to his car. He drove off and you were finally happy. Katsuki kept a hold of your hand as he drove, giving it a quick kiss from time to time, earning a little giggle from you. And you? You finally realized. Your relationship was so wrong. But you didn’t care. You loved Katsuki and he loved you. Now you were both together and happy after all these past months of living together as siblings and crushing on each other for years before that.

So if this relationship was wrong, then you didn’t wanna be right.

You both eventually arrive to the other side of the city and begin moving boxes in to the new apartment. It’s been a long day so you decided to just leave the boxes in the kitchen and living area and work on the bedroom. You both unpacked your clothing and set up the bathroom. You put your sheets on and finished styling the bedroom.

It was dark by the time you guys were done with the bathroom and bedroom and you and Katsuki had just finished washing up and getting in bed. You both cuddled in as some random movie softly played on the TV as background noise. This was..home.

“You know something, princess?” Bakugou randomly spoke.

“Hm?”

“Don’t get me wrong, im still gonna do it, but I realized I won’t have to put a ring on you to get you to change your last name,” he chuckled out.

“Uh!” You both laughed as you smacked his chest. He held you closer before he spoke again.

“I’m serious though, when I marry you, we won’t have to go through the whole ‘changing your name’ thing.” He said.

“You’re that sure you’re gonna choose me to marry?” You asked.

“I know for a fact that I’m marrying you, Princess. It’s never been anyone else but you.” He admitted as he got lost in your E/C eyes.

You awed at his compliment and cuddled in closer after you pecked his cheek. The room met with silence once more and a comforting aura filled the air. You reveled in the feeling and just smiled.

“Suki?” You spoke up.

“Yes?” He asked.

“.....I love you.”

Bakugou looked down to you, tilted your chin up so your lips could meet his. He sent his love through the small skin contact and when he separated, he gave you a sweet smile that was reserved just for you.

“Not as much as I love you, Y/N.” You both held loving looks as he tucked you back under his chin and wrapped you in his arms. Yeah, your relationship with your step brother was taboo, but you honestly couldn’t care less. You loved him and he loved you. You were away from all the problems that would come with the relationship and you both were the happiest you guys could have ever been.

[uweiy]

I'm intrigued by Love is Science? but know nothing about it. Can you give me a run down on what kind of thing to expect and who it might appeal to? Thank you!! 😁

Ooooo boi *gremlin smile* I'm glad you asked. You've entered the dragon's den, broken the dam and thus this post turned out to be a monster so I'm gonna link here another post from @accidentallyadramablog which imo gives a nice (and short) overview.

That said let's get into

Love is Science?

Summary :

Yan Fei is a the CEO of the Love is Science marriage agency, that matches people based on scientific data. Hsuan Yu, 8 years younger than her, is a promising young hairstylist who has been in love with her thoughout their entire childhood when she has only ever seen him like a little brother.

Unexpectedly they meet again. Between the way they've each built their lives and how Yong Yan Fei's ex husband still looms over Yan Fei's life, how will their relationship develop this time around ?

Now,

just reading that summary I know what you're thinking.

Indeed, if you have some experience with dramas, you might recognize some TYPICAL TYPICAL tropes – let's get them out of the way :

love triangle (though we all know who she is going to end up with don't we)

childhood friends

'noona romance'

And they are every bit as present and as trope-ey as you would expect.

However, as they say, the devil is in the details.

And particularly, in the side characters. Let me give you a quick rundown of the lot of them :

As such, we follow the stories of multiple relationships that develop parallel to one another.

The relationships

• Yan Fei/ Hsuan Yu : Not much needs to be added I think. Their storyline might be the most predictable but they are pretty sweet and heartwarming. pining for like 12 years though poor Hsuan Yu. Anyway you can enjoy it or find it boring or but you can't hate it.

• Mark/Ouwen : Noooow we're getting to it. Their dynamic is so... Refreshing and unique. Confident gay with a soft heart and dumb disaster bisexual I mean *chef kiss*👌delicious

After the disasters of their first meetings, it's a cat and dog relationship where Ouwen is the hsssssss don't touch me– cat and Mark is the golden retriever trailing after him not really realizing the rampage he's creating in Ouwen's heart. while Ouwen is like "Remind me why the FUCK I caught feelings again ?".

IDK it just has everything 'Enemies' to friends to lovers, (not actually) unrequited love, pining, sweet moments, jealousy, feelings realization, snarky banter... What more could one want.

• Cho Nai Hui / You Fu : they are. So. So sweet. Both are older and have experience, and as such they are not so naive or stupid as the youngsters. Them sharing their life experiences and going on dates like typically teenagers (in movies or TV shows anyway) would is refreshing to see and really really heartwarming.

• Liu Sheng Ying/ ??? Her ex ? : The show hinted at a wlw storyline and this arc seems to have JUST begun. Basically Sheng Ying's ex comes to Love is Science as a client and requests Sheng Ying as an advisor, while Sheng Ying still seems heartbroken over her. I can't WAIT to see how it develops.

The friendships :

Something I greatly appreciate is that both the romantic relationships AND the friendships have a great importance in the drama.

• Joanna and Yan Fei : Jo, queen Jo 👑. She's just here to gossip, get all the gossip and be the voice of reason and we love her for it. You can see how comfortable they are around each other and how they were there for each other during tough times and still are. Kudos to the actresses because I believed the characters were besties in a heartbeat.

• Hsuan Yu and Mark : they are honestly... Such polar opposites you kinda wonder how they became friends but they are and it works perfectly.

Hsuan Yu still hasn't gotten he maybe shouldn't take Mark's advice, and Mark still hasn't gotten that he, definitely should take Hsuan Yu's. It also enables to develop a more playful and mischievous side to Hsuan Yu, giving him more depth?

• Ouwen and Sheng Ying: rivalry to reluctant solidarity to friends-but-i-will-deny-it-if-asked to just friends. IT'S GREAT

I also ejoy the fact that these multiple storylines are allowed to coexist. The romantic ones, the friendships, older, younger, m/f m/m and f/f like take your pick !! And tbh a WLW storyline ?????? These are so scarce I will take anything.

The recurring themes :

The show more or less subtly touches on some topics/issues, to which the dating aspect contributes to.

A non exhaustive list would be

Divorce, and how divorced women can be viewed as failures for some reason

How successful men over 30 are sought after but successful women after 30 are somehow deemed undatable

Preconceived notions and homophobia

And beyond the topics, there's just things like... Joanna not being interested in long term relationships nor wanting to get married, reporting sexual harassment, older people going on dates.... I'm not saying it's a groundbreaking activist drama –which is not really what I was looking for– I just appreciate the fact that it is a pretty mainstream drama and that these things are there.

Mad respect if you've made it up to here ! but we're not quite done yet.

The cast and crew :

The other element that made this drama stand out for me besides the side characters is the cast.

It might be weird that such a meta thing impacts the appreciation of the show but it did, for me at least.

📣📣TMI WARNING 📣📣

For me what happened is I stumbled onto Mark and Ouwen cuts on YouTube, then somehow onto the behind the scenes. They weren't subbed at the time so I could barely understand a word of what they were saying, thus I'm not sure what but something about how the rest of the actors, the director and the crew were interacting just told me it was a show worth watching or at least checking out.

📣📣END OF TMI📣📣

The cast honestly seems to have a blast and to have, how to say it, come together really well. It seems like most of them have become genuinely friends, or despite differences in personality have truly enjoyed working with one another and with the rest of the crew, and it shows.

Where it's lacking

In my opinion the show does have some aspects where it underperforms.

As previously mentioned, the main plot is kinda tropey, furthermore, in a drama typical fashion when something is about to get resolved, immediately something else happens. Nothing unexpected from a drama though.

The pacing : Some moments of the main plot especially dragged on, so I admit I skipped through some parts.

Because I feel so strongly about all the characters though, I don't really mind the previously mentioned points. I just think it's a shame because I feel like if it had been crafted a little bit better it could have made the show go from an 8/10 good drama to an 11/10 friggin amazing drama easy.

Lastly, there is a pretty unequal time distribution so Yan Fei and Hsuan Yu do tend to occupy the most part of an episode. However some episodes are more centered on some pairings (like ep 11 that will probably have an important Mark/Ouwen part).

Overall

it's a drama that warms my heart, as simple as that. It's not that deep, it's pretty funny, the acting ranges from good to excellent and I have taken a liking to a lot of the characters, which is what I think fuels my interest for the drama.

And I feel like it managed to attract a wide range of audiences because the romances and relationships are so diverse. Whether you watch the show for its entirety or for one aspect/storyline/character is entirely up to you and I feel like the creators of the drama are aware of it as well : and you can easily find subbed compilations about each specific pairing on Settv's official YouTube channel.

Take that aspect that you like–if you find one of course–and enjoy it, that is all ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

What's left to say besides.... 🎉🎊 Congratulations for making it to the end of this lengthy post !

[shelby-love]

BOBBY NASH

Life as Cap's Daughter

Requested: yes

Author's note: I got a little carried away, but I wanted to DELIVER FROM POINT A (LOWEST) TO POINT B (BEST) PART OF HIS LIFE. Kept it realistic as possible plus it’s very long SO BEWARE

P.S. you can kind of see how my love for the man just SPILLED ... aka I kind of lost it and just hammered the numbers. It shows how unexperienced I am at these <3

Requests for 9-1-1 are OPEN

Headcanon

Bobby had you before Marcy and Athena were a part of his life

You were his little everything

The food he fed you growing up…

You would tell people that your dad's a chef, and not a firefighter

You thought a chef was a better job! You were four���

With your mom out of the picture it was just you and your dad for a big part of your childhood

He baby proofed the entire house

Balled his eyes out when he walked you to school for the very first time

When he met Marcy you were roughly around 8, but the two of you got along very well right off the bat

Even though he's a quiet, withdrawn man that likes to keep to himself, you were the one who brought out his witty side

He was very proud when you showed an interest in ice skating, it quickly became 'your thing' and Bobby loved that you inherited that from him

He's at all of your performances! 

He catches you every time no matter the situation

You loved Robert Jr. and Brook very much too, considering them your siblings without a doubt

You helped change their diapers, practically raised them with Marcy and your dad

Family dinners with Bobby's marvelous cooking – a must!

Bobby was very overprotective when you entered your teen years so thank god for Marcy (she was a saint)

He'd invite your date over and drill him while eating the nicest foods he prepared with extra caution

"Dad, that was a bit too much…"

"You think? I didn't even get to scratch the surface."

"Okay, honey, let her go have fun."

Marcy and the kids were there for you when your dad started to go south because of his injury

"Dad where are you going?"

"I'll be back soon. Don't worry about me."

For a moment you considered if life with him was even worth it

Wanting to finish high school as soon as possible just so you could get away from his lies was your darkest thought

But he is your father, and no one could change that

The fire though... It was the most heartbreaking moment of your life

You were out, so you weren't on the scene

But you wished you were at some point

You couldn't look at him after that

Went through the roughest time of your life

It felt like you jumped through time because you two were alone again

But that made you treasure each other more than anything

You watched him at his lowest and supported him when he started to get better

"Dad, please don't give up."

I don't think Bobby would be able to get through the trauma if it weren't for you

Not even his notebook was enough to keep him together – you were the glue

That's why making a fresh start in L.A. felt great

You two settled quickly; you giving in more effort than he did at first

Because you're smart like your father you got into a very very very good college in L.A.

"At least something's working out for once."

"Hey don't say that."

"But dad... It's true!"

When he told you, he was in station 118 you stalked researched them

Found out the address, looked at the place from outside using Google Street View

That kinda thing

"But dad. I'm just looking out for you!"

"I know. Thank you for that."

There's a lot of buts

But dad this but daaaad that

You're very annoying when you want to be

The two of you lived together, since you didn't trust him enough to move out and live on campus

He didn't bring you to the firehouse until he was 100% sure

No scratch that: until he was 100000% sure, you weren't stepping foot on the grounds of that station

When you did meet them, you loved Hen instantly

You wanted to come back just for her

Chimney was a bit awkward

He didn't know how to act around you

You were 18 but since you were Cap's daughter he didn't know if he had to treat you like you were 8 or not

Hen didn't have that problem obviously

She was so easy going you loved her instantly

Bobby has eyes everywhere when you're at the station

MEETING BUCK WAS HORRIBLE

Your dad was breathing down on your neck when you came to the firehouse one day and Buck 1.0 was working there (just started)

HE HIT ON YOU IT WAS HORRIBLE YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO

Neither did he once he found out

That was the day Bobby fired him bc he did the nasty with that lady in the firetruck

You came by like, "Hi, I'm Y/N nice to meet you Evan."

And then suddenly you had to go like, "Bye Ev- Buck… It was nice knowing you."

Buck went home that day – pride demolished

"Did you really have to do that dad?"

"I said three strikes, and he's out. He didn't listen."

Why didn't you come earlier? Surely you could have given Buck some great tips

"Oh, well."

Buck came back!

You became friends after that. Had a teasing relationship, never looked at each other the other way after that day

Y/N + Buck = BFF

You'd joke about your first tragic meeting and you’d go out with him when he was going through a dark time because of Abby

You didn’t drink, he did

Everyone loves you OBVIOUSLY

You're Cap's daughter I MEAN WHAT IS THERE TO SAY?

Eddie came too! Eventually.

You fell in love with him instantly

But you love his son even more than him

You'd take care of him whenever you had time and Eddie was busy working

You learned more facts about the world from little Christopher than from your own father

You often came by to eat lunch at the station because that's where your dad ‘the cook’ was

Maddie and you hit it off very well and became close friends

NOW MEETING ATHENA FOR THE FIRST TIME…

Your mouth was on the floor

She was so goddess like you were smitten by her

So, your dad and her announcing their relationship to you wasn't a surprise

You and Hen won the bet

Became close with May and Harry too although it was hard not to picture them as Brook and Robert at first

After your dad and Athena got married you finally felt as if you could breathe

Knowing that your dad was safe and sound, you moved over to campus but still had your own room at Athena's place

You go there every weekend

You're essential to the party planning

Even though you're a perfect little young adult you're ready to pull out the "My step-mom's a sergeant" card

A huge party was thrown for your 21st birthday

I'm talking BIG BIG BIG

Buck and you got drunk

Your dad got drunk too

Life turned around for the better although some pieces of past tragedies still lingered

You've let go of people but you and your dad also grew and healed enough to let new people into your lives

No one knows what life has in store for you two, but you both know it will be good

As long as you have each other

He's your pillar, and you are his in return, that's how it's always been

"I love you dad."

"I love you too kiddo."

~

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[anxiouspotatorants]

Whoopsy daisy I made a Shadow and Bone random thoughts post:

The costumes in this show are impeccable. I was drooling over all the keftas and the ball gowns in 1.05 and the crow outfits. Hell, even the winter-camo outfits that Mal, Mikhael and Dubrov wore in 1.04 were amazing.

Am I the only one who isn’t surprised by the kruge pronounciation? Because I thought it would sound like how English people say Scandinavian words and I wasn’t wrong.

Coming in to this show as someone who had only read the Six of Crows duology, I expected to at least tolerate Malina based on the trailer clips. I kid you not: less than five minutes into the very first episode they owned my ass. That might be a new record for me.

Seriously the friendship? The pining? The finding home in each other and being able to acknowledge their faults and apologize to each other? Both of them having massive “fight me” energy and protecting each other? Hugs?? Why am I surprised that I ship this?

Some of those scene transitions/flashback edits were so good! Like I know they repeated that meadow scene a lot throughout the season, but the cuts from kid-Mal looking at the rabbit to grown up Mal psyching himself up for the fist fight? Poetic cinema.

The Darkling was horrible and I love it. He wasn’t a carbon copy villain, nor did his complexity redeem him. He was a perfectly complex and understandable monster and I am living for it. I have not been so happy to despise a character in ages and I genuinely bow in gratitude to both the writers and Ben Barnes, because I finally got to enjoy watching a character I did not for one second root for ( #writevillainswellagain)

Look I already loved Jesper in the book but his on-screen translation elevated him from a fave to the fave. I was worried that they would push him into a comedic relief-role, but he got to keep both his heart, his depth, and his humour. Kit Young did an amazing job bringing what was already a great character on page to an even greater character on screen and I once again applaud.

Am I a bit bitter that the casting had some interesting choices for certain roles (aka hiring light skin and mid-size actors for explicitly darker skin and plus-size roles)? Kind of. Do I think there are important discussions worth having about this? Yup. Do I also think that every actor hired for Shadow and Bone did an amazing job and deserve zero hate and massive amounts of love? Also yes.

I had Alexei for one episode and one episode only, and I still miss that poor sucker. This show did a surprisingly good job with making me care about a massive amount of characters considering the screen time they had and the amount of episodes this season had. Good job.

For some reason I expected Inej to be a lot more brooding based on how I perceived her in the books but I love what Amita Suman did with her. Her translation completely recontextualised everything I remember from the books and just brought this truly fresh character to life. Assassin with a conscience indeed.

Also I did love the Kaz we got in this season but I can barely contain myself as I wait for season 2 to be made and for a certain flashback to take place because that moment in the book was visceral and it stayed with me for a long time and I knew before the show announcement that this flashback could become a television moment. 

Speaking of Kaz the crows were so chaotic and messy and I’m here for it. Their interactions with each other and their improvised back-up plans were everything. I somehow didn’t expect the crows to become the comedic relief of the season but it honestly makes so much sense.

A couple episodes in I still didn’t get the Zoya hype (remember I haven’t read the books) but was a massive Genya fan. By the end of the season I was like “oh both of these girls are getting redemption arcs and I am here for it”.

Speaking of redemption I still don’t like Matthias. I’m sorry but I just don’t. I get that he is important to many and that they like his relationship with Nina, but I just don’t have the patience for him and feel like Nina can do better. I still want him to get a redemption... but maybe not through a romance with the grisha woman he repeatedly slutshames, is bigoted towards and chokes at least once (twice if that SoC scene from book 1 happens). That being said this is just how I see him, so feel what ever you feel about him and ship to your heart’s content!

Alina’s journey through this season made complete sense to me. It hurt to see certain things, but they were necessary in my eyes. Seeing her go from this essentially insecure but brave girl to a manipulated pawn to an even stronger and more self reliant girl in spite of everything was amazing. It did feel like a well-written hero’s journey and I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes next.

Apparently a lot of book-readers don’t like Mal (and I am not here to change anyone’s mind about that) but the Mal I saw on the show was amazing. I actually kind of wish we had seen more of who he was outside of his relationship to Alina (f.ex. other flashbacks than the meadow, maybe something about any of his missions while separated from Alina pre-show), but I also loved what we got of him with Alina. We still got to see a guy who was brave, stubborn, flirtatious, a bit judgemental but with a strong sense of humour, and a lot of loyalty (to Alina but also to his friends). I can hardly wait to see what’s next for him.

Milo the goat. Where do I even begin. Not only did we get that Jesper-scene, but their farewell actually became a Chekhov’s gun for Mal in 1.07? Milo is the true hero of the season.

Speaking of 1.07 I loved the tent scene between Alina and the Darkling. She both got to be realistic about her feelings for the Darkling and stand up for herself and for others and call him out. The way I interpret the Darkling, he is the kind of villain who creates a saviour narrative around himself but cares more about power than anything else. He’ll say he’s doing everything to protect his people but is the first to kill the very people he claims to love. And Alina’s tent-speech really hammered that in for me.

I adore Baghra. Is she morally dubious? Yes. Was she incredibly mean to Alina during training to the point where it might have been excessive? Yes. Did she not take any of the Darkling’s bullshit and act as the proper mentor for Alina when the Darkling had said that he was going to train her? Yes. Am I kind of a Baghra stan now? I mean maybe.

The antler-collar was so evil and gross but from a visually narrative stand point it was perfect. 

Also I still have no idea who David is but I want redemption for him too. Honestly I feel like half the supporting cast is gearing up for redemption arcs next season and I am excited for most of them.

Nina’s reaction when she hears Kaz on the boat? Priceless. Actually the whole boat scene from when she goes up on deck again to the cut back to the fold was priceless.

That being said the final scene had me even more ready for season 2.

Jesper kind of gave me messy period-fantasy James Bond? Does that make sense?

And Mal kind of gave me Lois Lane energy? As in he’s the mortal love interest that many assume is the hero/heroine’s weakness but actually functions as their emotional strength and inspiration? Am I reaching here or am I getting somewhere?

Mikhael and Dubrov. What a duo. Absolute madlads.

Also I’d like to see more Nadia if that is possible? Because the few scenes we had of her had me intrigued but then she sort of disappeared? Is she going to be important or was she just more of a temporary supporting character? 

I entered this show a casual Six of Crows fan with mild interest in Kanej and I finished this season a mess. A mess who ships Kanej and Malina and Genya with that David guy even though they had about 30 seconds of screentime together and Zoya with redemption and Jesper with main-character status (hey we’re not getting Wylan until season 2 at least) and kind of those two Ravkan army guys and Nina with anyone else and Matthias with a better redemption storyline and the Darkling with karma! Also, a mess with a whole new set of comfort characters!