#not sure if this is an upgrade or a downgrade

[zoe-oneesama]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I URGE YOU TO TALK ABOUT THE SEASON 6 CHARACTER DESIGNS. Mostly cus i wanna hear the salt, but also because as someone who's designed many outfits for these characters over the course of multiple years, you more than anyone have your place to talk

Honestly the episode was just *okay*, so the designs are really the only place I'm particularly heated (I mean I still have my complaints on the episode, but nothing as anger inducing as Season 5):

So I'll start with the heroes:

I'm not mad about cutting off Bunnix because nothing's different.

Viperion - I like what they did with the mask and the deeper color contrast is delicious, but the suit feels like such a downgrade from the old design.

Carapace - I guess this is the Season of the Mask Facial Hair? Viperion is encroaching on this, but Carapace's little chin bit looks like a Soul Patch. Otherwise, it's a good design and I like the additions!

Vesperia - At least it looks like they fixed the weird root issue she had with her bangs from the old model. From what I can see here, I don't dislike this, like, full inversion making the top yellow and the pants black. Dunno what the ring around her thumb is though, and why does she hold her weapon like that??

Rena Rouge - it feels like they made changes to her because they thought they had to? I'm not mad at the differences, just...they sure are there. My only complaint about her is that they colored her tail as if she has two tails but she only has one? Like...just give her two coattails.

At least they ditched the corset U_U

Rooster Bold - The pose makes it hard to see, but he looks pretty cool to me! LOVE the new mask and his bitchy heels. Didn't like the mohawk then, still don't like it now.

Ryuko - this^ picture doesn't show her off, so here's her from the episode:

The suit is still nothing amazing, but I like the scale texture and shoulders, I LOVE the bigger horns, and her hair is fire~!

Miss Hound - yikes on this picture, thank god she cameo'd in the episode:

She's cute! ...Honestly anything was an upgrade, she was just wearing a recolored version of her outfit in Season 4-5, so the fact this is it's own thing is instantly better.

King Monkey - yikes the lighting on this is scary. Anyway, I can't really glean anything from this and the only thing that stands out is the horns on the circlet. I'll pend judgement for now.

Pegasus - Similarly to KM, there's not much I can note here? He's got longer hair so that's...something, but I like that now the visor is a full visor and not a floating pair of glasses. And we'll have to see it in an episode because here I like the contrast between the browns, but the old suit also had that contrast in promo material and then lost it in the episode.

Caprikid - Loooove the fur on the pants for some reason, and I die for the boots little hooves~ Bold choice to go bigger on the horns when there was some controversy about them, but hey. At least they fixed the problem with his white mask.

Minotaurox - aww what a cute widdle hammer. It really looks stunted, a lot of the weapons here look skinnier and weaker actually. I don't think I like the yellow on the horns, but I like that we can actually SEE the details on his suit now. And I like the hoodie/hair.

Argos - yep. That's Argos.

Purple Tigress - Okay, she looks dope AF! No notes, she looks awesome.

Pigella - And on the other hand...yikes. There so much going on here, and in fairness I can't fully understand what I'm looking at. This is not what I meant when I kept adding pig ears to my Pigella design!

Polymouse - Okay, no lie, I DID like her in this still image, but uhhh she's in the episode and um...

Girl no. What's with these LED strips?! WHY is your HAIR going THROUGH you hoodie?! And I know in comparison to the other characters she's still "plus sized" but this still feels...bad.

I won't talk about Ladybug and Chat Noir, they're good. Not exciting not bad just good.

Sooooo the humans.... Mostly I'm bothered by how some are so drastically changed and some are just...not. At all.

Alya - her new Mom lewk. Idk, I just feel like they could've gone harder. She looks fine, I actually like her hair when I watch the animation in motion, it's just...she looks 25 now.

Alix - uh, yep that's Alix. Wait, did her pony tail switch sides...?

Zoe - She's found her 2000s emo girl aesthetic and is clinging to those crusty shoes. I don't like it, her dumb tshirt was really my biggest problem with her old design so of course that's the part hey keep. She just looks...disjointed. I'll hold on judgment of her hair for now.

Kagami - love the hair, hate the crop jacket. It makes her skirt look reeeeeally short.

Sabrina - AH! NO! BAD! WRONG! Hate the hair, hate the pants, I don't even think I like her new glasses. This is a chop, a CHOP!

Juleka - I don't...hate the hair. I just weep for what we lost. I DO hate her new boring-er blouse which is just a weak imitation of her old top. Her hair is so wild so why did her clothes get more boring?

Rose - Season 6 Rose can't hurt you, Season 6 Rose can't hurt you, Season 6 Rose can't hurt you-!!

Mylene - I like her new outfit, it feels like the natural next step for her! I can't get a good look at her new hair though, so I'll reserve judgement.

Nino - Damn, finally a full glow up. Nino looks good! This is probably how I would have designed him the first time around, so, yay!

Felix - you fucking loser, you didn't change here either?! Are SentiBoys just stunted?!

Kim - His big change is...getting sleeves. And his roots are more visible? I guess??

Max - Why this nerd got a smolder all of a sudden? I think he'd look good if they just finally ditched the suspenders, or had them hanging down and not in use.

Nathaniel - Have...have I drawn him in this? I feel like there's a Scarlet Lady version of this. I guess that tells you I like it, right?

Ivan - Hell yeeeeees! GLOW UP! He's like "oh, I gotta wear this nose ring all the time? Better make it ALL WORK TOGETHER!!" I didn't know he had it in him, good job!

Luka - uhhh, is he wearing a different jacket, or is that his old jacket in the new animation style? At least he stopped advertising his own father on his chest. His shirt being tucked in...it disturbs me...

Marc - ...I can't tell if he even got a hair cut because it might just be the new style.

So yeah, I have quibbles but they're overall okay.

If you really want nightmare fuel, you see the kwamis.

[captainreecejames]

my ex is a footballer || LN4 part 2

first part here

summary : the world finds out lando hit you up with a hey girlie text

pairing : lando norris x fem!reader

warnings : phil foden slander, cursing

faceclaim : giorgia wingham

twitter ---------

yn's messages ----------ynusername's story ------

landonorris posted ------

liked by kylianmbappe and others

landonorris hey girlie

load more comments

username23 bro is actually insane for this

username24 the lore behind this is crazy ↳ username25 wait can someone explain it to me I'm new to F1 ↳ username24 well basically we all think that lando told ynusername that her then boyfriend (philfoden) was cheating on her and this feels like a confirmation

maxfewtrell dude ↳ landonorris I'm a better footballer right ↳ maxfewtrell how about we just say you're a better man ↳ landonorris I'll take it, for now

username26 lando coming for f****'s job

carlossainz55 wrong team bro ��� ↳ landonorris just a tour bro, don't worry

username27 HEY GIRLIE CONFIRMATION WE WIN

username28 yn upgraded for real

ynusername how did you not break your ankle? ↳ landonorris actually not sure, must have had a good luck charm with me

username29 now why would he post this?? yn really is dragging him down with being petty ↳ username30 right?? like she's such a problem ↳ username31 now I know yall aren't saying LANDO was corrupted by yn

ynusername posted -----

liked by oscarpiastri and others

ynusername out and about

username51 GIRL WHAT

bsfinstagram haha fucking nerd ↳ landonorris 😢 ↳ bsfinstagram norizz really makes sense ↳ landonorris yeah but I pulled yn, so it's actually yesrizz ↳ bsfinstagram I'm blocking you

username52 MISSED A FEW CHAPTERS HERE

username53 RUE!! WHEN WAS THIS??

username54 lando was trying to be all mysterious and yn said nah fuck that, hard launch time ↳ username55 which is so funny because I really expected it the other way around

ynusername funny story actually, wasn't supposed to post the pic with lando but 🤷🏼‍♀️ ↳ username55 LOLLL she messed up the soft launch

fodenfan1 downgraded forreal ↳ username56 no one asked you, forreal

landonorris why'd you use this picture?? ↳ ynusername it was an accident

[rue-isabelle]

My requests open.

Unbothered queen

The Monaco sun shone brilliantly over the paddock as Charles walked hand-in-hand with Yn, his girlfriend of two years. Her calm presence had transformed his life, and for the first time in years, he felt like he could breathe again. Their love was evident in every glance, every smile, and the way Yn effortlessly fit into the high-octane world of Formula 1.

The other drivers adored Yn. She was genuine, kind, and always made time for everyone despite the chaos of race weekends. To them, she was not just Charles’ girlfriend; she was family.

Max leaned casually against his Red Bull garage as the couple walked by. "Yn! Charles! Over here," he called.

Yn waved, her grin lighting up her face as they approached. “Hey, Max! How are you?”

“Better now that you’re here,” Max teased. He shot Charles a playful smirk. “She makes you look good, mate.”

Charles chuckled, wrapping an arm around Yn’s waist. “I know. I’m the luckiest guy here.”

“You’ve definitely upgraded,” Max muttered under his breath, earning a snicker from Lando, who had just joined the group.

Lando grinned. “We all agree. Yn, you’re a saint for putting up with him.”

Yn laughed. “Oh, I don’t know. He’s not too bad.”

The camaraderie was interrupted by a chillingly familiar voice. “Charles. We need to talk.”

The air seemed to shift as Alexandra Saint Mleux, Charles’ ex-girlfriend, appeared out of nowhere. Her sharp gaze flickered to Yn, then back to Charles. The drivers immediately stiffened. They remembered how toxic Alexandra had been during her time with Charles—how she craved the spotlight and treated Charles as nothing more than a stepping stone to fame.

Charles’ jaw tightened. “Alexandra, what are you doing here?”

She ignored his question, her eyes narrowing as she addressed Yn. “So, you’re the new girlfriend. Charles sure knows how to downgrade.”

Lando muttered, “Oh, this is going to be good,” stepping closer to Max, who was glaring at Alexandra.

Yn, however, didn’t even flinch. Instead, she turned her attention to Max. “Max, did you hear what time the drivers' briefing starts? I think Charles forgot.”

Max smirked, catching on quickly. “Four o’clock. Don’t worry, I’ll remind him.”

Alexandra’s nostrils flared. “I’m talking to you!”

Yn finally turned her gaze to Alexandra, her expression calm and unbothered. “Oh, I’m sorry. Were you still here?”

Max and Lando exchanged amused glances, barely containing their laughter.

“You think you’re better than me?” Alexandra snapped, taking a step closer to Yn. “You’re nothing but a placeholder. He’ll get bored of you, just like he did with everyone else.”

Charles stepped forward, his voice icy. “That’s enough, Alexandra. Leave.”

But Alexandra wasn’t done. “Why don’t you tell her how you used to beg me to stay? How you couldn’t live without me?”

Yn yawned dramatically. “Is this your big moment? Because honestly, it’s pretty disappointing.”

Max burst out laughing, and Lando clapped a hand over his mouth to stifle his giggles.

Alexandra’s face turned red with rage. “You little—”

She lunged forward, her hand reaching for Yn, but before she could get anywhere near her, Charles stepped in front of Yn, his protective instincts kicking in. “Don’t even think about it.”

Behind them, security had already been alerted. Two burly guards appeared, one of them grabbing Alexandra by the arm. “Ma’am, you’re not authorized to be here. You need to leave.”

“Let go of me!” Alexandra shrieked, struggling against them. “This isn’t over!”

Yn, still calm as ever, leaned into Charles and whispered, “Is it bad that I’m kind of enjoying this?”

Charles chuckled, pulling her closer. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

As Alexandra was dragged away, screaming about injustice and revenge, the paddock erupted in relieved laughter.

Carlos appeared out of nowhere, clapping his hands. “Yn, that was a masterclass. You didn’t even blink.”

Yn smiled. “Why waste energy on someone who’s not worth it?”

Charles cupped her face, his eyes filled with admiration. “You’re amazing. I don’t know how you stayed so calm.”

“Because I have you,” she said simply. “I know who you are, Charles. She can’t change that.”

Charles kissed her then, soft and full of gratitude. The world around them melted away as the drivers cheered.

Max’s voice broke through the moment. “Alright, lovebirds, save it for after the race.”

Charles pulled away with a laugh, his forehead resting against Yn’s. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” she replied.

As the couple walked away, hand-in-hand, the drivers watched them go, all of them silently agreeing on one thing: Charles had finally found someone who truly made him happy. And none of them would let anyone ruin that.

@f1gossip posted

Liked by maxverstappen, landonorris, charlesleclerc, and 5 789 993 others

Attention! Drama at the F1 paddock! After Alexandra Saint-Mleux, ex-girlfriend from Charles Leclerc, entered the paddock without an F1 pass and starting drama with his current girlfriend (trying to attack her), YN YL, Saint-Mleux was banned from the paddock for lifetime.

Comments:

@user1: Hahaha no way did she do that

@user2: The way I gasped when I read this

@user3: OMG is poor Yn OK?😟

@user9: @user3 don't worry, she is. I was there when this happened and Yn handled this whole thing like a queen

@maxverstappen: she got what she deserved.....

@user: LMAO 🤣🤣

@user: Nah, Max didn't...

@landonorris: I couldn't have said it better

@user: what is going on?!

@user: Max and Lando being sassy together on Insta was not on my bingo-card

@charlesleclerc: behaviour like that is unacceptable, how dare she try to attack my girlfriend

@ynuser: Charles... stop getting angry. It makes me all hot and botherd

@charlesleclerc: oh? Does it now ma vie😏

@ynuser: you, me, your drivers room, 5 minutes

@charlesleclerc: your wish is my command

@oscarpiastri: what the fuck did I just read..

@user5: the bitch finally got what she deserved

@user8: Alex was the worst girlfriend on earth. #QueenYn

@user: #QueenYn 💗 is the best in the world

@user: #QueenYn 💕

@user: #QueenYn 💜, you deserve the world

@user: #QueenYn 😍 she is perfect

@user: #QueenYn 🫠🥵, I would let you step on me and still thank you

@user: #QueenYn, you are so much better then Alex🤮🤢

@user: #QueenYn ♥️ till the day I die

@user: #QueenYn ☺️

@kimiraikkonen: #QueenYn🧊😎

@user: Ariana (Kimi) what are you doing here??!!

@user: no fucking way did the kimi raikkonen just comment

@lewishamilton: something like that is just unacceptable. We shouldn't allow behaviour like that towards innocent people. Yn is a lovely human being. I haven't seen Charles smile so much as he does with her.💜

@ynuser: thank you《33

@#charlesleclerc: I appreciate that♥️

@user: not Lewis defending his future daughter-in-law

@hater: Alexandra didn't do anything wrong. Yn is the real bitch here

@user: omg, some people don't get it

@user: go back to sleep, granny

@user: Yn didn't do anything wrong. It was your precious Alex that was a hoe here

@olliebearman: get of the fake account, Alexandra

@user: OLLIE. THE MAN THAT YOU ARE👏👍👌

[the-centennial-husbands-bigbang]

We are happy to introduce you all to the Centennial Husbands' Big Bang!

We wish you a warm welcome to the Centennial Husbands Big Bang!

This is a Big Bang challenge focused around all things Dreamling (Dream of the Endless/Hob Gadling) from the Sandman comics and show, brought to you by the @mr-sadman Modteam!

Without further adue, here are all of the details!!

Our stance on plagiarism and AI 

We do not accept nor condone the use of plagiarism, including the use of AI, whether in writing or art. If you are caught using either, you will be disqualified from the current event and barred entry for the other events the Mr. Sadman team puts forward.

General Rules and Informations

Anyone is welcome to participate! 

Fear you can’t make it yet? Sign-ups for pinch-hitters will be open later during the event!

You can sign up both as an artist and a writer!! That said, we do not want you to bite more than you can chew, be careful and conscious of the event’s schedule!

Joining the Mr. Sadman discord is strongly advised, as there will be event related channels and roles available, but not required. Please make sure to give us another reliable and quick way to get a hold of you in the case that you don’t join the server/don’t use discord often!

If you are under the age of 18, you will not be able to create explicit content for the event. As a general rule, Mr. Sadman is a 16+ server, be aware of this fact!

The Mr. Sadman Modteam is a firm believer of “ship and let ship” as well as the kinktomato (https://fanlore.org/wiki/Kinktomato). As such, and in accordance with the Server’s existing rules, we will not tolerate any discrimination and harassment in any forms whatsoever. This includes : queerphobia, homophobia, racism, content policing, hate speech, doxxing, shaming, etc. 

What’s a Big Bang?

What’s a Big Bang?

Glad you asked! This is a challenge where writers come up with a 15k+ words fic and get paired with a just-as-enthusiastic artist that accompanies their written work with a piece of art! A detailed schedule spanning around 4 months will be available down this post, fear not! 

15k is a lot of words, is there any other way that, as a writer, I can participate?

There is! We are offering a beta-reader partnering system as well as a Mini Bang!

What’s a Mini Bang?

This is a challenge similar to a Big Bang where you write a piece under 15k words! Do note that the Mini Bang does not come with art like the Big Bang does!

Why does the Mini Bang don’t include art?

This is the less stressful option for writers who still want to participate in the event! Less stress for the writers and none for the artists! That said, this might be revised if an important number of artists sign up!

I don’t think my Big Bang fic is gonna reach 15k, can I downgrade to the Mini Bang?

Yes! You will be able to downgrade until December 2nd, a few weeks before drafts are due and artist pairing starts!

I think my Mini Bang fic is gonna be longer than 15k, can I upgrade to the Big Bang?

Yes! You will be able to upgrade until December 2nd, a few weeks before drafts are due and artist pairing starts!

Rules and requirements

For Writers

What are the requirements for my fic? 

Your fic must be an unpublished, completely new work! It needs to be able to stand on its own (meaning that sequels and crossovers/fusions are allowed, but your fic must be able to be read on its own!) and must meet the minimum word count requirement, which is  15k words. It is also strongly recommended for no parts of your work to have been already published elsewhere (even small snippets)!

It is also mandatory that you keep your work a secret - this is to assure an anonymous art claim process and is very important. If you talk about your work in any public way (this includes our discord server), your violation will be discussed amongst the mod team and could result in potential removal from the event!

Does it have to focus on a romantic pairing?

Not at all! Your fic can be platonic, romantic, neither or all of the above, as long as it focuses on the relationship between Dream and Hob!

Does my fic have to be beta-read?

While it is not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to use a beta reader during your writing process! Don’t have a beta reader already? We offer a beta-reader pairing system! Just make sure to fill in the appropriate section in the sign-up form to indicate that you are in need of betaing!

My friend and I want to co-author a fic, is that alright?

Hell yeah! We love collaboration! Simply make sure to indicate it on each of your sign-up forms (meaning that each one of you needs to fill a form)!! The word count requirement is still 15k (even if you are one, two, three or more, yes!) and keep in mind, though, that you will not receive more art because there are more authors!

Can I have a secondary pairing in my fic?

Yes! As long as the focus of your fic is Dream/Hob, go ham!

Can I write threesomes, foursomes, polycules?

Yes! As long as the focus of your fic is Dream/Hob, please do!!

Can I write RPF (Tom Sturridge/Ferdinand Kingsley)?

Yes! 

What can’t I write, then?

Anything is fair game as long as it is properly tagged and/or warned for! Major content warnings (such as AO3 dictates) must also be applied properly! There is only one exception to this : work depicting real life children (such as the actors’), which is not allowed.

What if I have a fic that I’ve been working on but never posted?

You can totally use it! As long as your work remains unpublished, it’s fair game!

Can I write something for NaNoWriMo and use it as my submission?

Hell yeah!! As long as it’s unpublished and meets the word requirements!!

I’m so excited for this event that I want to write two fics, is that all right?

We never say no to more cake! Please do keep in mind that you’ll still have to respect the schedule for both works at the same time!

As the author, do I have a say in what my paired artist creates?

In short : no. While we do encourage collaboration, this is not a commission process. The artist has free reign on what they want to create that is inspired by your fic. If you can write what you want, then your artist can create what they want!

Can I already pair up with an artist friend?

Absolutely! Just make sure you tell us in the sign up form!

I don’t like my paired artist and/or what my artist has created.

While this is unfortunate, your artist has spent their own energy and free time to create their piece. To dismiss them and their efforts is plain rude. The mods will not step in and give you another artist simply because you are not pleased with your match. Your artist deserves your thanks, not your ire. 

What are authors check-ins?

Be not afraid! These are mostly touch points for the modteam to make sure everyone is still on board and on schedule! That said, these are mandatory! Failure to respond to check-ins will disqualify you from participating in the current event.

What if I can’t meet a deadline?

Please make sure to inform a mod as soon as you know! Accommodations might be worked out depending on the situation. We simply ask you to be considerate to your fellow artists, it is unfair to them to back out as they had already started working on their pieces!

Where do I post my fic?

We ask you to post your story to the AO3 collection! You are free, after that, to post it anywhere else you’d like and/or prefer! There, you will also be able to embed and link to your artist’s piece(s)!

For Artists

What kind of art can I make?

Anything from traditional or digital drawing, to photomanips, fanvids, podfics, songwriting, book binding and more! We only ask you to put some effort into it, after all, your author has worked hard on their piece as well! 

A few exceptions include : playlists, icons and banners. These, while being a nice and fun bonus for your author, can’t be counted as your primary piece!

How much art do I have to make? 

You are required to make one piece of art! But if you are inspired, more are definitely welcome!

What are the minimum requirements for my art?

A minimum of 500px by 500px piece for visual pieces. A minimum of 2 minutes for digital pieces. 

*If your art doesn’t fit within these parameters, an agreement can be reached between mod, author and artist as to what could be considered equivalent/sufficient. 

How will I be able to claim a fic?

Art claims will be held from January 6th to 10th to give authors the time to complete a first draft as well as send in a summary of their work. We ask you to be readily available to answer messages during that time period as the process will be held on a “first come first served” basis. You will receive a link to the claiming form at the beginning of this period. 

Can I already pair up with a writer friend?

Absolutely! Just make sure to tell us in the signing up form!

How do I get in touch with my writer?

Fear not, the mods will place you in contact with your partner once pairing is done!

What are artists’ check-ins?

Be not afraid! These are mostly touch points for the modteam to make sure everyone is still on board and on schedule! That said, these are mandatory! Failure to respond to check-ins will disqualify you from participating in the current event.

What if I can’t meet a deadline?

Please make sure to inform a mod as soon as you know! Accommodations might be worked out depending on the situation. We simply ask you to be considerate to your fellow writers, it is unfair to them to back out as they had already started working on their pieces!

Where do I post my art?

From your designated host (whether that’s tumblr, pillowfort, etc.) so that it can be embedded into AO3! We simply ask you to use the relevant tags and link back to your writer’s story!

I’m not a writer nor an artist, but I wish to help. What can I do?

You are very welcome to join us as a beta reader! Every author has different betaing needs, but betaing ranges from cheering your author on, to making sure their grammar and spelling is tip-top! This is an event-long commitment, so make sure you know this before signing up! You are also very welcome to share any relevant information about the Big Bang and join us on Mr. Sadman for all things Sandman!!

Event Schedule

Sign-ups : September 18th to October 21rst First Check-in : October 28th Second Check-in : November 18th Upgrade/Downgrade for Mini Bang/Big Bang : December 2nd Third Check-in/First Draft+Summary due : December 22nd Holiday Pause : December 23rd to January 3rd Art claims : January 6th-10th Art Pairings Masterpost : January 11th Pinch-hitter Signups : January 29th to February 2nd Fourth Check-in : February 3rd  Pinch-hitter post : February 4th Final draft : February 25th Posting dates : March 1rst to 3rd

I want to Sign Up!!

You can fill the form and sign up here : https://forms.gle/2RwZrPNxs4Y95oLS9

I need help, how do I reach a mod?

If there is something that is not covered by our rules masterpost and/or FAQ, you are very free to DM us here, on tumblr!

We are also available on email at mrsadmandiscord@gmail.com and on discord at Mr. Sadman

That said, the dedicated mods for this event are Winter, Aria, Ches and Britt!

Have fun and keep the Dreamling on!!

[fake-f1-news]

Checo: Max "Hadn't Received" Same Downgrades As Me

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez believes that the reason he has been so much slower than his teammate and demi-God Max Verstappen since resigning for the team early in 2024 is because the downgrades he's received hadn't filtered through to Max's car.

"Everyone called me incompetent and useless, particularly when I finished 6 positions behind Max in Belgium, despite starting 9 positions ahead of him. After Monza, I think everyone could see that it was merely because the team had introduced a few downgrades to my car, which hadn't been applied to Max's car yet. It was only in Italy, when Max finished 6th on merit, that it was clear that Max's car had finally received at least SOME of the same downgrades, not upgrades, as me. I was ahead of the curve on this one!"

Perez after suddenly becoming a midfield driver early in the season.

When asked why he had only scored 2 points since the US GP, when his teammate had won 2 races in that time, the Tom Cruise lookalike responded:

"Were you not listening to what I just said? Red Bull haven't implemented the downgrades to Max's car yet! I know the season's over now, but surely it's plain for all to see! Just look at the start of the season. Why was I able to finish 2nd, admittedly behind Max, a few times, and then only able to finish in 87th place on a good day for the remainder of the season? Clearly Red Bull wanted to help Max's title chances by keeping the downgrades off his car, using my seemingly poor performances as a scapegoat for the ever worsening car I had to drive!"

[wr1t3w1tm3]

More unsolicited thoughts on The Outsiders a New Musical.

Tw: mention of suicide in some of the last paragraphs. If you've read the book/watched the movie, ya know.

Contains spoilers for all forms of The Outsiders (book, movie, and musical). All spoilers are below the cut.

I figured out why some of the songs in the new Outsiders musical didn't make as much sense.

They changed several plot points!!!

Most aren't egregious and I'm cool with them, but there are a couple they got me some kinda way.

(This is based if the plot synopsis on Wikipedia. It could be wrong but it's all I've got cause im a broke pleb).

In Chronological Order:

Obviously there is no Steve. Personally don't care either way. Like him and Soda's platonic relationship, particilarly what we see in the movie, but otherwise I understand why it was easier to cut his role.

Johnny only got jumped a week before the musical (but then Justice for Tulsa sounds weird because Cherry suggests Johhny killed because of how Bob treated him and she implies that he was hurt a while ago...? IDK man. Not to big a gripe but it's just weird).

Grease got a Hold is essentially a ritual initiation because Ponyboy survived getting jumped (they skip his getting saved by the gang by having Pony get knocked out) so him surviving makes him a Greaser? I don't understand and frankly I would've preferred slightly less deviation from the source material here but again, I don't mind this change, it's all down to preference.

I almost don't like how much of a main character Darry has become? Like I like him in the adaptation, but I feel like his upgrade came at the cost of the downgrade of Soda and Two-Bit. I love both those characters and from what I've read/heard they both had there roles reduced, Soda it seems almost severely. But typical middle child shit I guess. Again, he could have a lot of speaking bits because I'm going off a couple synonpses and the cast album, but man I miss him. And Two Bit. I hope that they at least had him and Pony together going to visit Johnny. That's one of my favorite parts of the book and movie.

They add a scene between Johnny and Dally where Dally sees Johnny outside his house. I'm out of order here bit it's the night before the Drive In. Johnny says he's afraid to leave because his dad could kill his mom? Interesting take on that relationship but okay. I do love this scene personally.

I don't know if we get the Two Bit and Marcia fling. It didn't get mentioned in the plot synopsis so I won't comment further.

The addition of Ponyboy going unconcscious during the first fight means I get a two nickles meme about Ponyboy blacking out during fights in this musical.

There's no Randy?!?!? @annacatbeth13 said he got cut for the Broadway run and I'm sorry. He is a hella good character and even though his movie role is reduced, he's so good. I kinda feel like the musical suffers by having only Cherry as the oposition to Soc POV when you've got minimum of Pony and Johnny verbally against the Greaser POV and Darry is very much contrary in action during the book/movie and verbally here.

B/c there's no Randy a lot of Bob and Randy scenes are just Bob and Soc scenes.

I'm sorry, the fact that the guy who plays Bob plays the cop that investigates Bob's murder is sending me. MF rolls up like "yeah, I didn't just die here. This is fine" and everyone rolls with it. It's show business, I understand, but I feel like if I saw this show in person I'd notice and I'd lose it.

Also, I'm gonna note here that Brent Comer played Paul in La Jolla and now plays Darry. Ironic. Speaking of Paul and Darry as much as I don't like them removing Randy using Paul to fill his role as Bob's friend works quiet well. However, isn't Paul 20? And wasn't Bob like 17 or 18? I have questions that I'm not sure I can answer so I'm just gonna assume they were friends in high school and Paul stayed local for college.

I also don't know if they end up going to the Dairy Queen? Like the synopsis says that Dally comes up to see them and that it's Pony's discarded cigarette that starts the fire... but then the kids show up out of nowhere so where the hell did they come from? This entire incident is assumedly spoken so all I've got's the synopsis.

I was told again by @annacatbeth13 that Randy sang Hopeless War with Cherry and Pony and dammit, they took out that entire thing and that is such a catalyst for Ponyboy seeing the world in shades of gray like Cherry mentions in Hopeless War and I'm... I'm sorry. It just feels kinda wrong. I understand why they had to cut him but dammit it doesn't mean I'm not sad.

Everything in the hospital feels rushed. It does seem like they cut the Two-Bit taking Pony to the hospital bit (which makes sense, still sort of makes me mad). It also sounds like they upped Johnny's charge to first degree murder!! Like that doesn't make sense to me. He didn't premeditate shit. I honestly don't even think you could get second degree murder to stick. They then just mention and drop the charges in like the same song? Or in pretty rapid succession because it seems like the cut the juvenile court and Darry having to be checked on by the state storylines. Again, I understand having to strip a musical down to be a bit more barebones because of time contsraints but, like, if Fiddler can have four different plot lines within the same family, you can have the main issue, the sibling fight, and the Pony/Cherry/Randy bit. It's only three plotlines. I don't know why this makes me so mad but it does and IDK why?

I love Trouble. I love Darry in that song. And Dally. But also... Pony in the book and movie has been in multiple rumbles. It is mentioned in greater detail in the book and I don't know how I feel about them making Ponyboy so innocent. Like. He was never innocent, in the book and the movie. Everyone just thought he was? Again, simplifying for time constraints but I do miss it.

I like what they did with Paul. He's always felt very flat, more of a mirror to reflect Darry against same as Steve reflected Soda and Cherry/Randy/Johnny reflected Pony. But I do like the sort of righteous indignation they gave this version of Paul. It gives him that little bit of motivation to convince me that he should be at the rumble, despite being 20. Because in the book we get told that Darry is there specifically as the leader of Pony's "gang" but we don't get told why Paul is there so it feels odd. The musical does rectify that, which I kind of like.

However, I have to say I love Dally and Johnny's relationship in this musical. Just based on what I've seen they made it the most clear and concise interpretation of all versions of this story. Both songs where Dally talks to Johnny he refers to him as little brother, which cements that relationship and helps us understand why he eventually snaps. Which I will be talking about but I cannot give enough praise for their relationship.

I also cannot give enough praise for Cherry. I don't know exactly what they did, and they really ramped up Cherry's invovlement because she had to take some of Randy's place but they did such a good job with her. I like how they put her in the middle of all the conflicts (mostly with the Justice for Tulsa number) and I think seeing how she reacts really cemented this version as my favorite. I think they manage to get across that she actually does care about Johnny and Pony as people. All the other versions she comes off as pitying them which I don't like because it feels fake. And I understand why Pony doesn't like her. I kind of like that her relationship with him extends to her giving him Johnny's clothes because she starts volunteering at the hospital. I think that also helps humanize her too.

Alright, this is the most egrious change, in my humble opinion. They change how Dally dies. I think that him commiting suicide is necessary to the story, but in the musical he JUMPS IN FRONT OF A TRAIN!! You could argue that this is because a train killed the Curtis Parents (as seen in the complete novel edition of the movie) and you could argue that it's a symbol of death or of constancy for the Curtis' as they lose people to trains (technically Pony and Johnny are taken away to Windrixville via train). However... I think it still would've made more sense to stick to Dally dying via suicide by cop. It seems like they cut the Dairy Queen scene and if they did they probably cut Dally carrying a heater, which then makes the suicide by cop not work so they have him jump in front of a train... but that still feels out of character to me. I could be wrong, but when Pony talks about how Dally would go, he says Dally would die young and violent and angry. Him jumping in front of a train doesn't tell me he was angry. It tells me he was depressed. While you still get desperation, it's sad desperation. Not the angry desperation that you get with him doing the suicide by cop.

It would not surprise me in the slightest if they choose not to use Dally's original death because of the police discourse in the media. I want to say now that I have several cops/ex-cops in my family and from what they have told me, if someone pulled a stunt like what Dally did in the movie/book, they would be forced to shoot. It becomes a kill or be killed situation because they don't know if the gun is loaded. Now, the offending officer would be tried later on for manslaughter or related crimes but probably acquitted because they couldn't have known (in the movie it's debatable because the gang yells that the gun isn't loaded, but the police still probably wouldn't have listened). I think that the writers probably wanted to avoid having that controversy drum up. I can't blame them, still pisses me off.

All that being said, I do like this adaptation. But of the three versions of this piece of media, it's my least favorite. Love all the songs, love what characters we do have, and this is by far my favorite Cherry and my favorite portrayal of Johnny and Dally's relationship, but I don't like what they did to Dally in the end. No hard feelings against anyone who likes this or the creatives behind it, but it's just not my favorite and I don't know how faithful I would consider this adaptation.

[danceswithsporks]

Awake-Part 8

Crosshair x F! Innkeeper!reader

**Not canon to season 3**

Parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Chapter Summary: Some demons are finally revealed.

Authors Notes: -runs in and trips flinging papers everywhere- I’m here! It’s here!

This is by far my longest chapter to date. (It’s only 6 words longer then the last update but shhhh). This was honestly one of my fav chapters to write. So much gets tackled!

Sorry for the long wait but I truly hope you all enjoy it!

Sleep, Maker how Crosshair wished he was asleep right now. That all of this was just a bad dream and soon he’d wake up next to you. He’d tell you about the credits and you’d be so happy that you’d kiss him. Everything would be perfect and you’d be happy. 

But he wasn’t sleeping. No, he was awake and staring at a man who was a bit too close to you for his liking. 

You turned and looked at the man beside you. “Jax, I never agreed to sell the inn. Just that you could survey it.” 

He turned and smirked at you before reaching up to stroke your cheek. “My sweet pet, you and I both know you have no choice. It’s either me or the banking guild.” 

Stepping away from him, you let out a scoff. “Last I checked I wasn’t your pet.” You shifted under his gaze and moved to walk over to Crosshair but found Jax grabbing your wrist. 

“Surely that one mistake doesn’t negate everything we’ve been through.” He tried to give you his winning smile that you’d initially fallen for. “Let’s go talk in your room.” He glanced out the corner of his eye at Crosshair. There was something familiar about this man. “I’m sure we can come to some kind of agreement.” 

You tugged your wrist free of his hold. “I-“ 

“You two can talk out here.” Crosshair stepped forward and placed himself between the two of you. 

“Cross” You placed your hand on his shoulder. 

Jax stared up at the almost familiar man before him. It took a moment but soon he finally understood why he recognized him. “You’re a clone.” 

“So?” Crosshair reached up and took your hand in his before lowering it.

“I see now.” Jax chuckled while shaking his head. “You downgraded to a fucking clone.” 

“I didn’t downgrade.” You hissed while moving around Crosshair. “If anything, I upgraded.” 

Jax scoffed “Please, you and I both know you still love me. He’s just a rebound fuck for you.” 

Crosshair grabbed your arm and moved you behind him quickly. “Hey! You don’t talk to her like that.” 

“I’ll talk to her however I want to talk to her, clone boy. She’s my girl after all.” Reaching out, Jax placed his hand on Crosshair's shoulder to move him out of the way. 

Before you could react, Crosshair was gripping Jax’s wrist and twisting it away from him. “Don’t touch me.” Crosshair glanced over his shoulder at you. “Or her.” 

“Stop it you two.” You pushed the two of them apart. “Jax, just go to your room. It’s late. We can discuss this tomorrow.” 

He reached out to tap your chin but you quickly pulled away. “ I’d rather go to your room tonight.” He winked towards you but his focus was Crosshair. The clone glared at him. “When you get bored of your rebound toy, you know where to find me, Pet.” With a chuckle, he walked by the two of you and up towards one of the empty rooms. 

Crosshair moved to follow Jax but you quickly reached out and stopped him. “Just leave it, Cross.” 

“You’re going to let him talk to ya like that?” Crosshair couldn’t believe you’d allow someone to talk to you in that way. 

You sighed and walked towards your apartment. “It’s just how Jax is.” 

“And you still dated him?” He followed behind you. 

“At least he showed up for most of our dates.” You mumbled as your door slid open. You honestly didn’t care if he heard you or not. 

Crosshair froze in his tracks and watched as you stepped into your apartment. He didn’t think you’d be upset about the date situation, but it seemed he was wrong. “Doll, I’m sorry about tonight. But…”

“Stow it, Crosshair. I’m sure you have a perfectly good reason as to why you’re late.” Why were you so mad over this? Something was going on. That’s why Stitches had asked him and the others to dinner. You ran a hand through your hair and let out a long sigh before turning to face him. He was soaked completely and no doubt cold. “I’m sorry. I think I’m just tired. Can we continue this tomorrow?” Crosshair nodded slowly and you returned the nod. “Okay, goodnight Crosshair.” 

He stepped forward to follow you but to his dismay, you shook your head. “Doll?” 

The confusion on his face broke your heart. “I just … I think I need to be alone tonight. There’s a lot I need to think about.” 

“Oh.” He took a step back and took in the sadness on your face. “Right.” Crosshair contemplated walking over to you and hugging you but stopped himself. “If you need me, I’m just a floor away.” You nodded once more at him before turning onto your apartment, the door shutting quickly behind you. “Goodnight, Doll.” He hesitated for a moment before heading up to his room. 

-*-

You stood with your back against your door as tears burned your eyes. This was why you’d made the promise to yourself not to date guests anymore. Because of the way you felt after dealing with each one of them. It’s why you’d been hesitant to even entertain the idea of Jax buying the inn. The last thing you’d wanted was to deal with him again and now you’d taken your frustration with him out on Crosshair. 

Sliding your hand against the door panel, you engaged the lock. Worried that Jax would try to sneak into your room later to talk to you or try to convince you to sleep with him. You’d made that mistake one time after you’d broken up and now every time he came this way he’d try to convince you to let him in once more. But you’d broken up for a reason and you’d be damned if you allowed him back into your apartment. 

You walked past your kitchen where the dinner you’d made for you and Crosshair sat cold and instead made your way to your bedroom. Looking down at your bed the memory of the morning with Crosshair came back to you. It had been nice, really nice. Every morning had been nice with him lately. He helped you pick out your outfits and chatted with you about the day ahead. You were growing closer and you couldn’t deny the feelings in your heart. You enjoyed those moments and he’d undeniably become a part of you. 

But you’d thought that with Jax. For two long years, you enjoyed these moments with Jax. You’d thought he was the one and you’d loved him. 

Love. 

You chuckled at the thought as you sat down on your bed. Love was something you’d always believed in. The novels you spent every night reading consisted of stories of love and happiness. Stories where the main characters spent the rest of their lives together in happy bliss. Just like your parents and your grandparents. You’d been so desperate to believe in a lasting love with Jax that you’d forgiven him three separate times for cheating on you. The final straw had been the fourth time when he’d once again slept with a woman on another planet and gotten her pregnant.

That had been the end of it. It had ended six months before the tsunami hit the island. That’s when you’d made the promise to yourself to never date another guest.

But then Crosshair came into your life. A man who needed you to help him and a man who you didn’t realize you needed to help you. Looking over your shoulder, you stared at Crosshair's unofficial spot on your bed. You wanted to go to him, to have him hold you and talk you through this. But Jax was no doubt waiting for you to do that. Waiting for you to go upstairs to Crosshair's room where he could pull you into his room instead. You crawled across the bed and into Crosshairs spot, not caring to change. As you lay against his pillow, the smell of his cologne drifted to your nose. A long sigh left your lips as you rolled onto your stomach and buried your face into the pillow. 

You wondered how Crosshair was doing. 

-*-

Crosshair laid on his floor staring up at the ceiling. He wanted to understand why you’d turned him away but he just couldn’t. You’d talked to him before about losing the inn and possibly selling it off so why didn’t you want to tonight? 

He thought about the things Jax had said to you. He’d quickly conclude that Jax and yourself had been intimate at one point. Was he why you’d made that deal with yourself not to date a guest? 

The sound of feet on the stairs drew his attention. He didn’t bother moving to see who it was, Hunter's familiar grumbling carried through the door. It seemed he was finally back. A part of him wanted to step out of his room and ask how things had gone with Omega but moving just didn’t appeal to him. 

It would be the first night in two weeks that he’d slept without you. After his last mission, the two of you had drifted closer, and very quickly he’d found himself in your room every night. Something he’d hoped wouldn’t end. 

But here he was, back in his room without you. 

The sound of a door opening next to his room made him frown. Hunter had just gone to bed and Echo was with Tech on Ord Mantell. That left Jax as the only other person upstairs with them. Crosshair stood up carefully and made his way over to the door. He carefully slid the door open and peeked out of it, catching sight of Jax making his way downstairs. 

“What is he up to?” Crosshair whispered low. 

Once Jax was down the steps, Crosshair quietly snuck out of his room and carefully followed the man down the steps. He glanced around the corner of the steps and found Jax standing at your apartment door. 

“Come on, Pet. You know you want to let me in.” He stood at the door in just his pajama bottoms. His hand hovered over your door where he knocked once more. 

Crosshair watched as Jax tried the door panel only to find it locked. He hissed in annoyance before trying a code. When that didn’t work he growled deeply before calling you a ‘bitch’. The word made Crosshair seethe. “I think it’s clear she doesn’t want to talk to you.” Crosshair stepped out from the stairs and stared down Jax.  

Jax let out a long sigh as he turned away from your door and stared at Crosshair. “Look, Clone boy. I don’t know what you think is going on between the two of you but she’s mine.”

“Funny. It sounded like she didn’t care for you that way anymore.” Crosshair walked across the space and put himself between your door and Jax. “Think it’s best if you go back upstairs.” 

A scoff came from Jax as he stared Crosshair down. “I think it’s best if you mind your own damn business. Only reason why you’re even allowed to stay here is because that slut likes to ride the dick of her guests. I bet she’s even ridden the dick of the other one I heard come up the sta-“ Jax’s words were cut off by the force of Crosshair's fist in his face. “Shit!” Jax hissed as pain seared through his face. His lip stung and when he raised his hand to it, he found blood there. 

“You do not speak about her that way. Ever!” Crosshair found a boiling anger within him. 

“I’ll talk about her however I want.” Jax raised his fist to punch Crosshair back. “She’s my girl.” 

Crosshair caught the punch easily and twisted it away, breaking Jax’s wrist. “She was your girl but now she’s mine.” Came as a growl from him. “Leave and never contact her again.” 

Jax swore as pain seared through his wrist. “I ain’t goin' anywhere. Not until that bitch sells to me.” He had plans for this piece of shit inn. Big plans with big investors. Cradling his wrist, he turned and headed up the stairs back to his room. 

“We’ll see about that.” Came from Crosshair as the man disappeared back up the stairs. Turning around he placed his hand against your door for a moment before turning and walking over to the couch. 

He’d spend the next three hours watching over your door. 

-*-

You’d just fallen asleep when you were woken up by the sound of someone knocking on your apartment door. No doubt it was Jax. You’d sat in your bed listening to him knock before it suddenly stopped. You were surprised by how quickly he’d given up. Something not like him. But you didn’t care. At least he’d stopped. 

The sound of someone walking above you drew your attention and you looked up. Was it Crosshair? Was he still awake? You hoped not. You hoped with every fiber of your being that this would be the one night he slept peacefully on his own. He’d returned your handkerchief like you’d requested but now you regretted that. If he didn’t sleep peacefully tonight would it be your fault? 

You laid on your back staring at the ceiling once more, Crosshairs pillow held close to your chest. So many thoughts ran through your head. Should you sell the inn to Jax? Should you try to convince the banking guild to give you more time? If you sold to Jax then what would happen to Crosshair and the others? Where would they go? 

Would Crosshair be okay? 

It was the main thing running through your mind, would Crosshair be okay without you? 

Would you be okay without him?

Life without Crosshair. 

It was something you suddenly found hard to think about. He’d slowly become an integral part of your daily routine. Was that why you felt so alone right now? So empty? So cold? 

You let out a groan as you closed your eyes and held the pillow tightly. How could have allowed this man to become so close to your heart? You couldn’t do this again. Putting yourself through the ups and massive downs of dating someone who came and went whenever they wanted? You just couldn’t put yourself through that again. 

“Get it together girl.” You released his pillow and tapped your cheeks a few times in hopes of pulling you out of your thoughts. You couldn’t let them get to you. What you currently had going with Crosshair was nice, really nice. Why jeopardize that by putting a title on it? As long as the two of you didn’t fuck or put a tittle on this then it wasn’t dating, was it? 

Sitting up, you walked over to your vanity and stared at yourself in the mirror for a few moments. You could do this. You could resist letting him get deeper into your heart. 

You had this. 

A sound above you let you know Crosshair was in his room. 

You didn’t need to worry about him. 

Two more steps had you looking up at where his room would be. 

He was just a friend and nothing more. 

A thump came from his room and you felt your heart twist as worry settled over you. Was he okay? Was he going to bed? Would he sleep? 

“Uuugghhhh” You walked back over to your bed and fell face first back into the pillow, a long quiet scream leaving your lips. 

-*-

“Oh, man. Loose pants and an oversized sweater. Someone didn’t sleep last night.” Stitches walked over to the island you were leaning against and smirked at the way you leaned over your caf. “Late night with someone…unique?” She wiggled her eyebrows at you. 

You glared at her sleepily before reaching behind you and grabbing the double shot of espresso that had just poured from the machine. Without blinking, you stared Stitches down and slowly poured the liquid into your caf. “Not funny.” You sighed softly before taking a long sip of your now heavily caffeinated drink. 

Stitches squinted at you as you slowly drank your caf. Wait a minute. She recognized this. “The last time you were like this was when you last saw…Jax.” Her eyes widened as she walked over to you. “He’s here, isn’t he? Are you getting back together with him? What about the girl he got pregnant? What about Crosshair?” Countless questions poured out of her mouth as she stared you down. 

You took a moment to stare at your friend as she worked her way across the room and realized she was walking weird. “What happened to your ankle?” 

She sighed in annoyance. “Don’t deflect the question. Is he here?” 

A long tired sigh left your lips as you ran your hand through your hair.” Yes. He’s here.” 

Your friend squinted at you as she took a seat on one of the stools at the island across from you. “Why is he here?” 

“Because.” You took another long sip of your caf. “He wants to buy the inn.” 

“Wh-“ Stirches couldn’t even begin to fathom why he’d want to buy an in the middle of nowhere. Most of all your inn. The seamstress took a long breath before trying to speak. Not wanting to allow the freakout that was happening internally to come out. “Why?” 

You shrugged as your stomach grumbled. Maybe you should eat something instead of relying solely on caf. “He wouldn’t tell me. All he said was that I’d get to stay on as the innkeeper.” You slid your datapad across the island for her to look at. “He offered a large sum of credits for it. By far more than it’s worth.” 

Stitches let out a long whistle as she looked at the sum. “Maybe in monetary value. But not in sentimental value.” She slid the datapad back to you. “How long has this place been in your family?” 

“Nearly a hundred years.” Your fingers spun around the top of your mug. 

“Exactly. You can’t just sell it to someone like him.” She stood from the island and carefully walked around to your fridge. “You eat yet?” When you shook your head she sighed and started pulling out eggs and nuna bacon. 

“I may have no choice. The banking guild is after me like Loth wolves after a jackrabbit.” A long groan left your lips as you slowly slid down until your chest was pressed against the island, and your arms splayed in front of you. “I don’t know what to do, Stitches. I feel like I’m backed into a corner.” 

Stitches scooted behind you to the stove and easily clicked it on. Breaking a few eggs, she hummed in thought while pouring them into the pan. “It’s a tricky spot to be in.”  She pushed the mixture around for a bit before adding salt and pepper. “Have you told the boys yet?” 

“Crosshair knows. He saw the datapads one night.” You turned your head and placed it on the cool stone of the island. Staring out the patio door, you watched as a few moon-yos ran by. 

You hadn’t told her much about what was going on between you and the sniper. But from what Wrecker told her, it looked like you two were growing closer. “What does he think?” 

“All he’s said so far is he’d help figure something out. That’s it.” You chewed your lip before sitting back up. “Can I tell you something?” 

“Of course.” She pulled the eggs off the stove and slid them onto a plate for you. Pulling out the nuna bacon, she placed it into the pan and watched it sizzle. 

“We were supposed to have a date last night.”  You heard the sound of the spatula falling against the pan. Yeah, you’d expected that reaction. 

Stitches slowly turned and looked at your back. “What!” 

“Will you keep your voice down?” You quickly turned in your seat and waved at the woman to hush. Honestly, she could be so loud sometimes. “He asked me to have dinner with him in my garden. But then he got back late and there was an incident with Jax and just…it didn’t happen.”

“An incident with Jax? What happened?” She returned to the bacon that was slowly crisping. 

You sighed and stretched your arms above your head. “Jax was being Jax. Crosshair didn’t like it and they got into it.” You silently remembered how Crosshair had stepped in and nearly broke Jax’s wrist, it was kind of hot. “Almost broke his wrist.” With a small smile, you took another sip of your cooling caf. 

“Sounds like he was a real gentleman.” She clicked off the stove and slid the bacon into your plate. Grabbing a fork for you out of the drawer, she slid the plate in front of you. “Eat.” 

Rolling your eyes, you took the fork and stabbed some of the eggs. “Thanks, Mom.” 

Stitches took her seat across from you once more. “You’re older than me.” 

“By like three months.” You took a bite of the eggs and sighed. They tasted so damn good with how empty your stomach was. 

“Still older than me.” She winked playfully before sighing. “So, you gonna reschedule?” 

You took a moment to chew the food in your mouth before sighing. “It’s up to him.” 

“I hope he does. You two would make a cute couple.” She reached across the island and took a piece of your bacon. Before you could stop her she was taking a bite. 

“You know my stance on dating a guest.” You didn’t bother to shoo her away from your bacon. As far as you were concerned since she’d made the food, she could have some of it. 

Stitches chewed the bacon casually. “And yet you want him.” 

Your mouth fell open at her. “I… Well…” You felt like a fish as your mouth continued to open and close. 

“Knew it.” Stitches smiled victoriously. “So just give in. When was the last time you got off?” 

Once again you stared in shock at your friend. Yes, she’d always been lewd but this was a new level. “Well… last night. When his face was between my legs.” The noise your best friend let out was deafening. 

-*-

Crosshair hadn’t slept that night. Not really. He’d had brief moments where he’d fallen asleep for thirty minutes and then quickly woken up. He kept feeling like he’d heard Jax leave his room.

He was lying in his room staring at the ceiling when an ear-piercing scream ripped through the inn. The speed at which he was off his bed and over to the door was impressive. Running into the hallway, he was surprised to bump into Hunter who was also startled by the sound. Both men made their way down the stairs quickly to find you on the island with your hand across your friend's face. 

“Will you stop th-“ You looked up at the sound of people coming down the stairs to see Hunter and Crosshair staring at you. “Hi” 

Crosshair smirked at the surprised look on your face. “Did we interrupt something?” He watched as you released your friend's mouth and kneeled on the island. 

“Just…having a conversation.” You stared at the two shirtless men. It seemed that Hunter's tattoo continued from his face to his chest. How interesting. 

The sniper walked over to the island and offered his hands to help you get off the island. “I can see that.” He watched you turn your legs and slide to the edge of the island. His hands slid around your waist and he carefully pulled you off the island. Setting you on the ground, he took in your outfit. He’d never seen you in something so… casual. The shoulder of your sweater slipped and revealed your bra strap and shoulder. He had to admit, he liked this look on you. 

“Did we wake you?” You unconsciously reached up and cupped his cheek for a moment before remembering that there were two other people in the room. 

Crosshair resisted the urge to close his eyes and lean into your touch. He’d missed you the night before. Your eyes stared into his as he thought over your question. How could he tell you that he hadn’t slept? He didn’t want to make you feel bad. “Woke up a little while ago.” 

Hunter cleared his throat at the blatant lie his brother had told you. He’d heard him pacing multiple times, not to mention the fight between your other guest and his brother. “Was already awake.” 

“Oh.” You stepped away from Crosshair and over to the caf machine. “Do you two want some caf?” You froze, remembering your other guest. “I’m surprised we didn’t wake Jax.” 

The leader of the batch nodded to you for the caf before crossing his arms. “Your other guest?” When you nodded he shrugged. “Heard him leave a few hours ago.” 

You froze and looked over your shoulder at Hunter. “What?” That was… surprisingly not like Jax. 

“Yeah. Heard him sneak out the inn.” Seemed like the chicken shit thing to do. But after hearing Crosshair punch the man and break his wrist, it made sense. 

“I…I need a minute.” You walked away from the kitchen and over to your apartment. The door slid shut with a hiss and you leaned your back against it and took a breath. 

After a few moments, a knock rang against the door. You reached up and brushed the tears from your cheeks. “One…one moment.” You took a few calming breaths before turning and opening the door. Crosshair stood in front of you with worry in his eyes. You glanced behind him and found Stitches and Hunter drinking their cafs and chatting. Reaching your hand out, you took his and pulled him into your apartment. The door slid shut behind you both. 

“Kitten? What’s wrong?” He reached up and brushed away a few tears. 

You shook your head before stepping into him and burying your face into his chest. “I don’t know. Hearing he left just…released something in me.” His hand reached up and stroked your back gently. You knew Jax wasn’t done with the inn. Not in the slightest. But for now? It felt like a reprise. 

Crosshair rested his head on top of yours and closed his eyes for a moment. “Did you sleep last night?” Earlier, he’d noticed the bags under your eyes. 

“I…no.” You sighed softly, allowing your face to enjoy the comfort of his chest. His hand stopped rubbing your back as the clone let out a sigh. Then, before you could react, he was picking you up and wrapping your legs around his waist. “What…what are you doing?” 

“Taking you to bed.” He pushed gently on your back indicating for you to rest your head against his shoulder. 

The moment you smelled him, you sighed and closed your eyes. It felt odd being the one taken care of. The tables had turned and you couldn’t lie if you said you didn’t like it. The scent of your perfume drifted to your nose as he stepped into your room. Each step closer to your bed made you feel sleepier and sleepier, even with the espresso in your system. With Jax being gone and Crosshair being here, you felt safe and warm. 

Having you this close was everything for Crosshair. The words he’d said to Jax the night before resonated within him. He’d claimed you as his girl and as he thought about it, you really were. No matter which way he thought about it, he couldn’t live without you. He’d barely slept without you and when he was gone on the missions he missed your closeness fiercely. Seeing another man try and claim you as his had made him angry. Crosshair laid you down on the bed carefully before grabbing the blanket and covering you up. 

“Thank you, Crosshair.” You whispered as you settled into your bed. He turned to walk away and unconsciously your hand reached out and gripped his. “Stay?” 

He looked down at you and nodded. “Let me go tell the others you're taking a nap. Then I’ll be back.” 

“Promise?” You ask calmly. 

Crosshair looked down at you and actually smiled. Leaning down, he kissed your cheek making you hum softly. “I promise, Kitten” 

-*-

“How's the ankle?” Hunter motioned to Stitches leg. 

“Still sore. But nothing I can’t handle.” She looked around the room before looking back at the group leader. “So, what’s going on between the two of them?” Stitches took a long sip of her caf. 

Hunter sighed as he leaned back against the counter facing her. He wasn’t sure how much to reveal to the seamstress. But the way she looked at him told him she knew a little bit. “Can’t honestly say. The two of them have gotten closer over these last few months. Don’t think I could put a title on their relationship except friends.” 

Stitches squinted at Hunter. “Yeah, friends bury their face in the other friends cunt all the time.” Wrecker had told her more than enough about Hunter to know the clone had enhanced senses and could easily hear through the walls. 

A cough came from Hunter as she bluntly spoke. “Right. That… has happened a few times.” More like a lot of times. But he wasn’t sure how much to reveal about that. 

She raised an eyebrow at him. “So would you still say they’re friends?”  

“Well…” the sound of your apartment book opening drew his attention. “She okay?” 

Crosshair walked over to the island and picked up your datapad. “Yeah. Just tired. She’s gonna try to catch a few winks.” He walked back around the island and headed to your apartment. 

“Where are you going?” Stitches had turned and watched the sniper stop at your door. 

“Just gonna keep her company for a bit.” It would easily be more than a bit. He’d stay next to you all day while you slept if that’s what happened. 

“Right. Well, tell her to call me when she gets up. Still have to let her know about Chai being back.” The seamstress watched as Crosshair nodded before disappearing back into your room. Once the door shut, Stitches turned and looked back at Hunter. “Friends. Right.”

All Hunter could do was shrug. 

-*-

Crosshair sat with his back against the headboard as you slept with your head in his lap. His hand gently stroked your hair as he stared out your patio doors watching the flowers blow in the breeze. The two of you sat in silence for the longest time and he wondered if you’d fallen asleep. “Doll?” 

“Hmm?” You sleepily hummed with your eyes closed. The espresso was starting to do its job and you could feel yourself slowly waking up. But you were so comfortable so you fought the urge to get up. 

“Just checkin to see if you were sleepin.” His hand stopped moving and he looked down at you. You were so beautiful. “Gotta say. I like this look on you.” 

You chuckled softly and squeezed his thigh where your hand was resting. “Sleep deprived?” 

The sniper chuckled deeply. “Casual.” 

“Don’t get used to this. I have very few articles of clothes like this.” You shifted a bit before settling once more. 

“And here I thought you were dressin up for me.” His hand began to stroke your hair once more as a smirk played on his lips. 

A sweet chuckle left you. “You’d only be so lucky.” You sighed as he chuckled once more. “Will you tell me about last night? What happened at Stitches?” 

“Yeah.” Crosshair settled against the headboard and began to tell you of the events of the night before. How they were informed that Tech was alive, the amnesia, and the ensuing race after Omega after the girl had overheard the news. Most importantly he told you about Chai being home. 

“She’s home?” You sat up quickly and looked at him before moving to get out of bed. His hand wrapped around your upper arm and stopped you quickly. 

“Yes, she’s home. But you need to sleep first.” He watched as you deflated and laid back down. 

He was right, you needed to look better than you currently did before seeing your close friend again. “Fine.” 

Crosshair chuckled while stroking your arm as you took your place back in his lap. “Good girl.” 

Stars, you really liked it when he called you a good girl. “One quick nap. Then I’m going to see Chai.” 

“Deal.” You wiggled against his leg and after a few moments, you settled and wrapped your arm around his leg tightly. A long sigh left his lips at the feeling of your closeness. 

-*-

Three hours later, you were peacefully asleep on him. Your soft breathing filled the silence of the room while he continued to stare out the patio door. This was nice and peaceful, something he didn’t think was possible for him. A sound next to him drew his attention. Looking over at your datapad, he noticed a message from Jax. 

Against his better judgment. He opened it and read the message quickly. 

<em> “Your fucking play toy broke my nose and my wrist. I will only buy your little inn only if he and the other one your fucking are evicted. This is your only choice and you know it, Doll. You will sell to me one way or another.” </em> 

Crosshair made a face before hovering his finger over a button in particular. He could do it. He could make it so that you’d never see this message. Wouldn’t find out what he’d done. There was no doubt that you’d be disappointed in him for resorting to violence. He chewed his lip nervously. There’d be no going back if he did this. 

You shifted against his leg once more before rolling over and facing away from him. Without giving it another thought. He tapped the screen and watched as the message vanished. 

He placed your datapad back down before sliding down the bed and curling behind you. His arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you close. You hummed sweetly before scooting back against him and settling back into your peaceful sleep. 

Crosshair buried his face in your hair and took a deep breath. You smelled amazing. He felt himself beginning to drift and with a gentle peck to your cheek, he settled into the bed and closed his eyes. The weight of what he’d done playing at the back of his mind. 

-*-

“Chai.” You released a breathy sigh as you stepped into the tea shop and spotted your friend sitting at one of the tables. 

“Doll!” She stood quickly and ran over to you, hugging you tightly. “I’m sorry I didn’t come see you sooner.” 

You hugged her back while sighing. “You’ve only been back two days and from what I hear, those two days have been a lot.” 

Chai nodded before motioning for you to sit down with her. “I tried to stop by earlier but Hunter said you were sleeping.”

“Yeah. I didn’t sleep well last night and ended up passing out earlier.” You wouldn’t tell her about Crosshair lying with you. Things between you and the clone were hard to explain and you honestly weren’t ready to put a name to what it truly was. 

“Why didn’t you sleep?” It wasn’t like you to not sleep. 

You waved your hand dismissively. “Just got some things on the brain. Don’t worry about it.” Vino placed a cup of tea and a tray of cookies down between the two of you and passed you a sweet smile. “Oh, Thank you.” 

“Of course, Doll.” He winked at you before disappearing back into the shop. 

“Stars, could he be any more obvious with how much he likes you?” Chai chuckled half-heartedly at her brother before looking back at you. You were staring at her with worry in your eyes. 

“Chai? How are you doing?” You watched as her bottom lip began to tremble. “Oh, sweetie.” You reached across the table and took her hand in yours. 

“He doesn’t remember me, Doll. Not at all.” Her sobs drew the attention of the nearby tables. 

Looking around at the tables now staring at you, you shook your head. This wasn’t the place for this. “Come on.” You helped her stand up. Leading her out of the patio and making your way over to the docks. 

Chai followed behind you absentmindedly as she cried softly. It wasn’t fair. How could he be alive but not remember her? Not remember what they’d been through together. “Doll, I miss him so much.” 

“I know, Chai. I know.” You led her down the long dock before stopping at the end. Carefully, the two of you sat down and allowed your feet to hang over the edge. “Tell me what happened?” 

She nodded and solemnly told you everything that had happened from the moment she was attacked to the moment she’d decided to leave Zeffos. “Doll, he looks so handsome. I know he’s always looked handsome but now he’s just…breathtaking.” Chai sighed softly before leaning against your shoulder. “I don’t know what to do.” 

It was a lot to hear. She’d been through so much in a single day. “I think you just need to give it some time.” You heard your friend sigh softly. “I know. It’s hard to hear. What did Echo say?” 

“He pointed out that we could make new memories together if he didn’t remember me.” She knew Echo had a point. But it was still so hard to hear. 

“Well.” You looked across the ocean at the horizon. “He’s right.” Chai shifted next to you. Reaching over, you grabbed her hand and held it. “You two were destined for each other. Think about it. How, in the whole of the galaxy, was he able to find you again?” 

Chai chewed her lip as she listened to you. You were right. How in the galaxy had he managed to make it to Zeffos? How did he manage to stumble across her in the alley? How had he managed to save her once again? “You think we were destined for each other?” 

You nodded. “Yeah, I think everyone has someone they're destined to be with. You and Tech, Stitches and Wrecker, me and…” You froze as you realized you’d almost said Crosshair. Was that really what you thought? 

“You and who?” Chai pulled away and looked at you with a raised eyebrow. 

“No one. Just forgot for a moment that I was single.” You took a deep breath while looking back out across the ocean. You and Crosshair. It was a thought, wasn’t it? “So, tell me about your new shop. What have I missed?” 

-*-

The next two weeks went by at a relatively normal pace. Wrecker came down and visited with his brothers like he had done on a few other occasions. Omega swung by after school every once in a while and you and Crosshair… well things were as normal as ever between the two of you. You went back to sleeping nearly nightly next to one another and your nighttime activities also resumed. 

No matter how good it felt to have your lips around him, Crosshair still couldn’t shake his thoughts about deleting that message. Had it been the right move or had it been the wrong one? What would he say to you if you ever found out about it? What would you say to him? Would you hate him? 

Many nights during those two weeks, he found himself staring at the ceiling as you laid next to him sleeping. Maybe he should tell you about it. Or tell you about the credits. Would this be a good time? Should he wake you up to tell you? Or maybe he could finally reschedule your date. 

As he continued to fight with that inner demon, another one clawed inside him as well. 

Tech. 

His brother was alive and from what Echo had told them recently, he remembered them up until that first mission after Echo had joined them. It was a step in the right direction. But where he should have been happy for his vod, he felt sadness. While it was great that Tech was remembering things it meant that hopefully soon he’d remember everything. Including Crosshair's betrayal. 

That took up a large space in his mind. If Tech was to come back and remember everything, what would he say to him? ‘Sorry for trying to hunt you down and kill you and take Omega’? ‘Sorry that the mission you went on to save me resulted in your apparent death’? How would Tech react to seeing him? Would he hate him? 

What if Tech said something in front of you about what happened? How would you react to finding out about his past through someone else? Crosshair found that worry weighing on him more and more as news about Tech continued to roll in.

While Crosshair dealt with his worries, you dealt with yours. You and Crosshair. Destined to be together like your friends and his brothers. Was that really what this was growing into? How could you have let it turn into this? You’d made that deal with yourself and yet here the two of you were, growing closer and closer to one another. Maybe it was time to stop fighting it and allow this to happen. Give into that little voice in your head screaming and begging for you to fully let him in. 

-*-

“Crosshair?” You spoke softly one day while the two of you sat in the main area eating lunch. 

“Yeah, Doll?” He looked up from his meal at you. The sun was shining on you beautifully, encircling you in a halo of light. 

You swallowed the piece of fish you were chewing on slowly. This is it. This is when you’d tell him how you were truly feeling. “I wanted to talk to you about something.” 

Crosshair slowly placed his fork down and nodded. “Yes?” What would you want to talk to him about? His heart began to flutter as you looked at him with the sweetest eyes possible. 

“Well,” You felt your heart begin to race. You were about to do this. Never in your life had you felt this nervous. “I was ju-“ 

The front door to your inn opened with a woosh and you found yourself gasping at the sight of the people in your doorway. “Tech?” 

“Doll. Crosshair. It is good to see you both once more.” The genius clone nodded to you both as he stepped in, Hunter, Wrecker, and Echo behind him. 

You moved from your seat quickly and rushed over to hug him. “Has Chai seen you yet?” 

Tech nodded with a smile. “She has.” 

“Tech and Chai spent all night talking,” Wrecker smirked as he walked past you and over to Crosshair. 

“Or so he says.” Echo winked at his brother before following Wrecker. 

“We did indeed spend the night conversing on everything that has happened.” Tech adjusted his glasses trying to ignore his brother's teasing. “If you will allow me to, I would be grateful for a room at your inn.” 

Tears burned in your eyes as you nodded. “Of course. There’s always room at the inn.” You hugged him once more. So happy that your friend's missing piece was back. 

Tech hugged you back before releasing and looking past you at Crosshair. “Crosshair.” 

He couldn’t believe it, Tech was here in front of him and from what it seemed like, he remembered everything. The air around Crosshair felt thicker and his tongue heavier as Tech made his way across the room to him. Tech was never one for yelling, screaming, outright punching someone, or resorting to any type of violence without being provoked. But after everything he’d gone through at the hands of Crosshair, would he even be able to blame Tech if he did punch him? 

Crosshair stood from his seat and watched carefully as Tech stopped in front of him. This was it. “Tech.” 

“I am glad to see you have settled on Pabu.” He extended his hand to his brother and waited. 

His hand shook, actually shook, as he reached out and took his vods hand. “It’s a nice place.” His eyes glanced over to you, tears still streaming down your face. “Got some good people on it.” You smiled at him, making his heart rate relax a little. “Tech, about…” 

Tech raised his hand quickly. “If you are insistent on discussing things then we can later.” One thing he’d learned during his time on Eriadu was that what happened in the past was just that. The past. Things couldn’t be changed when it came to those moments. It was what was done now that mattered. “For now, I would like to enjoy the reassembly of our group.” 

“Omega is still in school for another few hours,” Wrecker spoke to the group casually. 

“Something tells me she’ll b-line it here afterward.” Echo smiled at the thought of their sister joining them. Then their group truly would be back together. 

“Then let’s have something truly special waiting for her then.” You walked over to the island and picked up your datapad, fingers moving quickly over the screen. 

“What ya planin?” Hunter walked over to you and looked over your shoulder. 

You looked at Hunter and smiled brightly. “We’re having a party to celebrate.” 

Tech quickly moved over to you. “Please, do not plan something on my account.”

“It’s not just for you, Tech.” You looked around the group. “It’s for all of you. Finally, all of you are home and safe.” 

-*-

“Hey, no hiding.” You stood in the doorway to your private garden. Crosshair was standing out in it with a glass of wine in his hand. 

He looked over his shoulder at you and sighed. You’d changed into a dark brown and cream plaid skirt that went to the middle of your thighs and a cream sweater with a heart cut out in the chest showing off your breast while a pair of dark brown knee-high boots covered your legs. “Hey, Kitten.” He had to admit this outfit was lovely on you. But he truly did enjoy your casual look. 

You walked over to him and placed a hand on his back. Inside music and laughter could be heard. “You should be inside with everyone else celebrating.” 

Crosshair hummed in thought while staring out at the night sky. “Not feelin' in the party mood.” 

“Hey,” you reached up and ran your hand from his scar down to his cheek. A nice beard was slowly starting to form and you had to admit, you liked it. “What’s going on?” 

He wanted to tell you everything. To finally open his heart and explain his past with his brothers. What had happened and the man he truly was. He compromised by giving you the bare minimum. “Tech and I… we have a complicated past.” 

You nodded as you took a long breath. “I figured.” 

“How?” He reached up and brushed your hair behind your ear. 

“Earlier, you seemed off when Tech was talking to you. Your hand was shaking when you shook his hand.” You leaned your head against his hand. “Talk to me?” You wouldn’t push him. But you wanted to be a safe place for him to speak and let out his thoughts. You looked up into his eyes and tried to relay how much you cared for him. 

“Remember how I told you we are twins?” He moved over to the waist-high stone wall surrounding your garden. Leaning against it, he continued. “We fought, a lot. Sure brothers fight but it was a different type of fighting for us.” 

You walked over to him and leaned against the wall. “How so?” 

“We understood each other's side during those fights. In the end, no matter what the outcome was, we just got each other. We never had to fight for the other one to understand.” He swirled the wine in his glass before taking a sip of it. 

“But?” 

This was it. He was going to finally reveal himself to you. Crosshair turned from you and looked back at the night sky. “Things changed when the Empire took over.” 

You watched his face closely. “How?” 

“Clones are…made different.” His hands were shaking again. His heart was racing. There was no going back now. “We’re designed to age faster than normal humans. All of us were bred to be fiercely loyal to our generals and the Republic. They did this, as we found out after the fall of the Republic, by placing inhibitor chips inside our minds.” 

“Inhibitor chips?” Noticing his hand shaking, you reached over and held it gently. “You don’t have to do this.” 

Crosshair shook his head. “I do.” He was thankful for you holding his hand. “They’re specially designed microchips designed to inhibit our individuality. To make us obedient and not question decisions. Most importantly, to blindly obey specific orders.” 

Why did you suddenly get an uneasy feeling? “Like what?” 

The sniper placed the wine down on the wall and turned to face you. A seriousness was in his eyes. “Order 66” 

“What’s… What’s Order 66?” From just the way he said it you could tell it was bad. You continued to hold his hand, pulling him down towards the ground. 

He sat away from you, afraid of how you would react when he explained the next part. To his surprise, you closed the space between the two of you and rested your head on his shoulder. Your hand snaked back into his and you nodded for him to continue. “Order 66 is the directive that changed everything.” He felt you look up at him and he took a deep breath. “Doll, I’m not a good man. I’ve done things, horrible things and they started with Order 66.” 

“Remember what I said, Crosshair. I’ll be the one to decide if that’s true or not.” You motioned for him to continue. 

How could Crosshair ever put into words how strong you were currently making him? “Order 66 was a protocol designed to eliminate the Jedi if they ever turned on the Republic.” 

You tilted your head to the side remembering the news articles that went out. “That’s what happened, wasn’t it? They said that the Jedi were traitors.” Though you’d always found that hard to believe. You’d heard so many amazing things about the Jedi. How could they have been traitors?

“That’s what they wanted everyone to believe. We believed it too and when it was activated I watched good men turn on their Jedi Generals. People who were like family to the clones.” He thought about some of the stories he’d heard. He looked up to the sky remembering General Billapa and her young padawan. “Even lovers.” Especially Bly and Aayla.“Everyone connected to the Jedi order was hunted down. Men, women, and even children. I was part of those men.” 

“What about the others?” Slowly, so painfully slowly, you were starting to make the connection with what he was saying. But you weren’t ready to face what it was. So instead you tried not to focus on it. 

Crosshair sighed while squeezing your hand gently. “That was the kicker, because of our… uniqueness. Their chips didn’t activate. At least not yet.”

You swallowed. “But yours did.” 

“Yeah. It did.” 

Tears burned in your eyes as the truth set in. “Did…did you kill any of the Jedi children?” 

The sniper couldn’t look at you. “He ran. We pursued. Hunter did it to try and help the kid. I did it to put him down.” He felt wetness on his arm. Looking at you, he realized you were crying. “He got away though. Hunter told me he’d fallen, but I always suspected he’d survived. A few months ago, Hunter confirmed it.” 

“What about the Jedi? Did you kill any of them?” You felt his hand tighten and you worried that meant yes. 

He felt you tense as you waited for his answer. “No. I didn’t.”  But it wasn’t for a lack of trying. 

You removed your hand from his and stood up suddenly. “I… I need a minute.” Tears were streaming down your face. 

This was it. You’d tell him to leave and never come back. He stood with you and nodded. “Okay. I’ll leave.” He moved around you and began his walk towards your room. 

“No!” You reached out and grabbed his hand. “Stay but…give me a minute or two.” When he slowly nodded, you turned and went inside. You quickly made your way to the bathroom and shut the door. With a gasp, you slid down to the floor and cried. 

Crosshair waited…

And waited…

And waited…

It took a painfully long ten minutes for you to finally come out of the bathroom. Your eyes were red and puffy as you walked back over to him. 

You’d cried for so many people. For the Jedi that were violently killed. The children who were struck down so early in their lives. The clones who had to turn on their friends, family, or even loved ones. Most importantly, you cried for Crosshair. 

He’d forcibly been made to hunt down a child. It was out of his control. It wasn’t fair in the slightest way. 

You walked back to the garden and stopped in front of him. “What happened next?” 

Crosshair hated how you looked currently with puffy red eyes and a trembling lip. He’d done this. He’d made you feel this way. “Kitten, we don’t…”

“I want to hear it, Crosshair.” As much as it pained you, you wanted to hear more. “What happened next? Why do you two have a complicated past?” 

A sigh came from the clone as he stared at you. “My brothers and I had different opinions on what happened with the padawan. While they were confused and concerned with the order. I was not. I’d always been loyal to the republic, to the cause. But when my chip activated it changed something within me. It made me fiercely loyal to the Empire.” He motioned back to the wall, leading you towards it. “We met the kid when we returned to Kamino after Order 66. Never had seen her before. Hunter and the others took a liking to her. She was the only one who didn’t treat us like outcasts, but like normal clones. After all, she’s an enhanced clone like us.”

You leaned against the wall. “But you didn’t?”  It didn’t surprise you that she was enhanced like them. She was a very unique and special child.

“It’s…difficult. Deep down I appreciated the kid. Not many treated us like normal clones. But at the same time, I was almost jealous of the kid.” He’d never openly admitted it, it felt…good to say. You raised an eyebrow at him and he continued. “They decided to leave after a particularly difficult mission for the Empire. After we returned to Kamino they took the kid and ran. Leaving me behind to become a dog of the Empire.” 

“But you didn’t really have a choice about that, Crosshair.” You tentatively reached over and took his hand in yours. This was…hard to hear. All of it. “Then what happened?”

Crosshair took your hand and held it carefully. “I hunted them down. From one planet to another. It was like watching myself through a window. I was on one side and my body was on the other. It followed orders blindly and did what needed to be done. All I could do was watch it happen.” 

You reached up with your free hand and stroked his scar. “Is that when you got this?” 

“How’d ya guess?” He placed his hand against yours. He could barely feel your touch against it. The feeling was slightly gone. 

“Echo showed me a holo of you guys before the end of the war. You didn’t have it then.” You enjoyed the feeling of his hand against yours. You could do this, you could listen to him. Be his support and safe space. 

“Yeah, it is. Remember when I said their chips hadn’t activated it yet?”  You nodded carefully. “Somehow, Wreckers did.” A gasp left your lips. “Luckily they were with Rex when it happened and luckily Rex knew how to remove it. They went to an old medical ship and they all removed their chips to be on the safe side. I found them while that was going on. Long story short, I took an ion cannon to the face and got burned. My chip was destroyed and I had it fully removed. But by that time it was too late for me. I’d become fully engrossed in the ways of the Empire.” He felt your fingers curl against his skin as a small sob escaped from your lips. “Kitten” His arms wrapped around you tightly. He rubbed your back slowly while shushing you. 

“I’m sorry.” He’d been through so much. Gone through so many hardships so quickly. But you knew there was more, so much more. Crosshair hadn’t become the man he was today from just those moments alone. He hadn’t even mentioned Mayday and you took that as a sign that he still had more to share. “Keep…Keep going.” You wanted to know it all. 

Crosshair let out a long sigh but before he could speak, someone called your names. 

“Doll! Crosshair! There you two are!” Stitches limped over to your backdoor and smiled at you two. Were you two having a quiet romantic moment? 

“Stitches.” You sniffled and stepped away from Crosshair, your hand going up and wiping at your face. “What’s up?” 

Stitches squinted at you for a moment, taking in the way you’d clearly been crying. She tilted her head to the side in a quiet question ‘Are you okay?’. When you nodded she took a breath. “I want a group holo to remember tonight. Come on.” She waved the two of you towards the inn. 

“Coming.” Came in a whisper as you walked towards the inn, Crosshair following quietly behind you.

-*-

The two of you stood with the group facing the camera that had been set up. Chai and Tech stood in the center looking at one another while you and Crosshair and Wrecker and Stitches were on each side of them. Omega stood in front of Chai and Tech with Hunter and Echo kneeling on each side of her. The perfect family photo. 

You knew your eyes would be red and puffy for the holo. There was nothing you could do about it. Looking at Crosshair you found his sadness more prominent than ever. Chai began the countdown for when the holo would be taken, you leaned your head against Crosshair's arm and snaked your hand down into his. 

Crosshair wasn’t sure how he felt about what had happened out in the garden. By finally revealing some of what he’d gone through, he felt lighter. But at the same time, he’d upset you. Instead of celebrating the family reunion, you’d spent the time upset. How could he have done this to you? 

A slight tug on his shirt made him look down at you. He found your puffy eyes staring into his. 

You gave him a soft smile and as Chai neared zero you whispered to him. “Thank you for opening up to me, Sniper.” 

-*-

Crosshair laid in bed staring at the holo that had been sent to all of them. His family was back together. He should be happy and in a way he was. Everyone was home and safe. The ones who were in love were together once more and he… had you. 

He turned his head to the side and watched as you mumbled something in your sleep before nuzzling into his side. Crosshair leaned over and kissed the top of your head. Tonight had been difficult. He’d opened up to you and revealed some of his demons. But he’d also hurt you. He’d made you cry. 

But despite it all, you’d asked him to stay with you. To share your bed and your warmth even after everything he’d told you. There was more, so much more he still needed to tell you and while down the road you would likely change your mind about having him near, he’d accept and savor having you close by. 

Crosshair set the datapad down and rolled onto his side. He wrapped an arm around you and pulled you close while burying his face into your hair. While he may not have deserved this, he’d take it. Savor the happy moments with you and enjoy his time with his vod now that everyone was safe. It would take him time to open up to you more, but as long as you were willing to wait and listen then he’d share it all with you. 

You, the woman who’d allowed him to stay at her inn. Who reached out to help him when he was at his lowest point. You, the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen who for some reason cared about him. He’d do whatever he could to show you how much he appreciated and cared about you. 

You, his Doll.

His Kitten.

His cyar’ika.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Three hours later Crosshair’s datapad rang loudly. He turned and quickly reached across his bed in hopes of not waking you. He checked the screen and found it to be a call from Rex. Carefully, Crosshair pulled himself from the bed and crossed the room to your backdoor. Looking over his shoulder at you, he answered the call. “Rex? To what do I owe the late-night pleasure?” 

“Sorry to wake ya, Crosshair. But we’ve got a situation where we need your expertise.” Rex looked down at the plans in front of him. He nodded to Howzer and Cody before watching the clones walk away. 

“And why do you need me? I’m sure you have many capable clones to help you.” The only mission he wanted to help with was transporting the refugees. He’d rather avoid any more run-ins with the Empire. 

“Because we need a Sniper.” Rex waited for Crosshair to make some retort back.

Clearly, this was about a singular target. They’d only be asking for a sniper if it wasn’t. “Who’s the target?” He watched as you shifted in the bed and slid your hand out looking for his warmth. The sooner this call ended the sooner he could get back to you. 

Rex took a long breath before speaking. 

“Saw Gerrera” 

Tag list:

@rndmpeep @sarahskywalker-amadala @queenariesofnarnia @idoubleswearimawriter @bambambunny @ravenclawbitch426 @jupitersaturnapollo @mzjakao @heylosers06 @dangraccoon @impala1967666 @andrakass2 @ducks118 @motte-the-goblin @rintheemolion @merkitty49 @jediknightjana @onyxtides @moon-wrecked @mssbridgerton @griffedeloup @masterjedilenawrites

[simpforsix]

BIG SPOILERS FOR TUA S4 AHEAD.

the fact that viktor doesn't get to play the violin past s1 irks me to no end.

these past two seasons have really neglected the sound aspect of viktor's powers, but this one is the worst offender. everyone else got power upgrades (or stayed the same) but viktor got downgraded. in s1 he was creating storms and forcefields and energy tentacles and literally blew up the moon. in s4, he shoots energy out of his hands. sure, he's strong, but it's nothing compared to the white violin of s1.

i really think the marigolds should've kept viktor's powers the same like they did with diego and luther. he's very powerful, so it matches up with others like allison getting power upgrades since he'll stay at their level.

them not bringing back him playing the violin is such a missed opportunity especially on the power front. with all the references to s1, especially them playing his apocalypse suite, i expected them to have viktor play the violin to end the show the way it started. remember, the opening to s1 e1 after the prologue is viktor playing phantom of the opera.

here's how i think they should've brought that back.

viktor has been giving lessons to make ends meet. he has a cheap violin and doesn't play professionally anymore, but keeps it up as a hobby. obviously, he leaves it behind when he comes back because he doesn't expect to be gone long.

when their powers come back, viktor doesn't have as much control as he does in s4. for one, he never trained his powers and two, the sounds around him are unpredictable. he can't seamlessly control his powers without music, though he doesn't realize that.

at reginald's house, abigail offers him the violin to play. when he does, his powers swell around him like they did in s1.

abigail gives him the violin, a mirror of reginald giving it to him in their original timeline. this can also be used to hint that she knows something is coming, since she's posing as gene and knows her final plan is to wipe everything out. she doesn't mind giving it away. she knows the end is nigh.

viktor starts using the violin during fights (simply because i think it would be badass). his apocalypse suite is also mainly arpeggios so with his skill he wouldn't need a ton of practice to play it. also it would be very cool to have a fight sequence where he just plays the phantom of the opera at them.

in the final fight, viktor brings his violin in and goes full white violin. instead of the apocalypse suite being non-diegetic it's diegetic. this mirrors the first apocalypse, except now he's trying to save the world. the same instrument, the same piece, the same power. the end of the beginning.

now this could change the outcome of the fight, but it doesn't have to. either it goes the same way, with viktor's powers making it stronger and it ends with them retreating, or he could save the world. he could recreate what he did with harlan on a massive scale, removing the particles from ben and jennifer (maybe using those energy tentacles from his first apocalypse) and eliminating the cleanse. this could have a variety of outcomes. it could kill ben and/or jennifer, it could kill viktor, it could cause loads of destruction, it could leave them all without powers, really just take your pick of angsty consequences. i think leaving them without powers because of eliminating both particles ties up the fact they keep causing apocalypses and it means the show would end with us knowing there won't be another apocalypse (at least not one created by the hargreeves). i'll leave that one up to ao3.

but really, i think viktor saving the world brings his character full circle. it means viktor isn't always the root of the issue. he ended the world, yes, but he could also save it. it shows how far him and his family have come, going from causing the apocalypse to saving it the same way. the line from diego in s2 about how "viktor will always be the bomb" would be disproven. for a show that's about screwing the timeline i think having the harbinger of the apocalypse prevent it would be perfectly on theme. viktor was made into the bomb by reggie, by his siblings, by harold, by the commission, and even by himself. but he can choose to change that.

anyways, that's my rant! who knows, maybe i'll write a fic about this. i'm a slut for viktor playing the violin.

[fembot-y2k]

The Switch 2 is going to suck because nintendo sucks. Its an upgrade in hardware that theyre going to use to split their already unified and extremely expensive market with because not everyone will be able to afford or even want a switch 2 over the one they already have. A Switch 2 lite is inevitable, so is a switch 2 OLED if it doesnt already have an OLED screen, but an asking price of 400-450 is fucking STEEP for something thats going to replace the thing they made their entire brand. They killed off any chance of another DS family system, and now its just gonna be switches forever. The switch 2 is gonna suck because its just the switch again, but now you have to pay almost 500$ to play anything new. Its going to have the same eshop full of dogshit AI generated hentai games, the same 3rd party support that has to downgrade games to put them on there (of which 10% will be done competently), and its gonna have the same overpriced online model with features gradually stripped away and paywalled behind the more expensive premium tier.

What WILL be new is an all new switch tax! Nintendo for sure is most likely to follow suit with the "new industry standard" of charging 70$ for games, prices which will never go down. And on top of that 3rd party devs and publishers are STILL going to charge 5-10$ more per game for switch versions. This console is fucking nothing. It wishes it had half the staying power the wii and the 3DS had. It does nothing new except expenses. Nintendo has finally joined the console race against themselves and have chosen to just go the way of every other "triple A" console manufacturer and do the same thing with some new guff inside.

Trash.

[sevasey51]

When Connor and YN first started dating her ex, that also works in the hospital starts spreading a rumor that she is only with Connor for his money. YN catches wind and confronts her ex and is EXTREMELY angry. Connor and Will have to make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.

Rumors and Reckonings

Summary: YN confronts her ex after he spreads a hurtful rumor about her relationship with Connor, with both Connor and Will stepping in to support her.

YN had never been one to let gossip get under her skin, but this was different. She had just finished a long shift when she overheard two nurses whispering near the break room.

“Did you hear what Dr. Harper said?” one of them asked, glancing around. “Apparently, YN is only with Dr. Rhodes for his money.”

Her stomach twisted with rage. She knew exactly who had started this rumor—her ex, Dr. Harper, a smug, arrogant surgeon who had never quite gotten over their breakup. The fact that he had the audacity to spread lies about her made her blood boil.

Without hesitation, she stormed down the hall, pushing past startled colleagues until she found him leaning against the nurses’ station, chatting like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“You have got to be kidding me,” she seethed, crossing her arms tightly. “Are you seriously spreading rumors that I’m only with Connor for his money?”

Dr. Harper smirked, shrugging. “I mean, let’s be real, YN. You went from dating me to dating the hospital’s golden boy. Kind of a big upgrade, don’t you think?”

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “You were the downgrade, Harper. And for the record, I don’t need anyone’s money. I make my own.”

Before she could completely lose it and deck him in the middle of the hospital, a firm but familiar hand landed on her shoulder.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Connor’s voice was calm but laced with warning. He stood beside her, looking far more composed than she felt, but his clenched jaw and the fire in his eyes told her he was barely holding back his own anger. “You have something to say about me or my girlfriend, Harper?”

Harper hesitated for a moment, clearly re-evaluating his decision now that Connor was standing in front of him. “Just making an observation, Rhodes.”

“Yeah? Here’s another observation,” Connor said, stepping closer. “You’re a pathetic, bitter excuse for a man who can’t handle the fact that YN moved on to something better.”

Harper opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, another voice chimed in.

“Unless you want to be short a few teeth, I’d stop talking,” Will Halstead leaned casually against the nurses’ station, arms crossed. “Because I will let my sister throw that punch, and I won’t report a damn thing.”

Connor let out a low chuckle, squeezing YN’s shoulder before addressing her ex one last time. “This ends now, Harper. If I hear another word about YN from you, I won’t be nearly as patient next time.”

Harper mumbled something under his breath before slinking away, and YN exhaled, shaking off her lingering anger.

“You guys didn’t have to step in,” she muttered, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

Connor smirked, wrapping an arm around her waist. “No, but it was fun watching you almost go full Halstead on him.”

Will snorted. “I was kinda hoping you’d punch him, not gonna lie.”

YN laughed, shaking her head. As much as the rumors had pissed her off, she felt a whole lot better knowing that she had Connor and Will in her corner—always.

[the-bees-are-beeing]

Salih might be a downgrade on the skill side of things compared to #8

But he sure is an upgrade on the homohpbia side of things compared to #8

[ofdarkestdesires]

Alright! So, now that we have the full line-up of the Level 10 Bell’s Hells artwork, I think it’s about time I sat down and gave my personal opinions that nobody asked for about everyone’s styles.

Chetney Pock'o'pea

While I appreciate the more active pose and visible armor as opposed to his more unassuming original design, I am very off-put that he completely abandoned his original color scheme and all shreds of his original aesthetic. I also think the tracksuit is a bit much—listen, I’m a fan of toeing the line of what fashion belongs in a fantasy setting, but I’m pretty sure this fully vaulted over the it and did a full backflip and three-point landing into ridiculous. 3/10

And unfortunately, the same must be said for his Lycan form. This artwork feels like a serious downgrade from the original Chetwolf, which honestly filled me with a shock of horror each time he popped up. The only reason it is higher than base-Chet is that Chetwolf is still a werewolf, and werewolves are badass. 4/10

Laudna

Laudna, on the otherhand, is a total glow-up from her original design. Everything about her design ties together and brings in perfectly her aesthetic and backstory, from the haunting tree embroidery on her dress (akin to the Sun Tree she was hung from) to the little Pate birdhouse backpack (an homage to the Baba Yaga forest witch imagery she picked up), all the while looking so much like the elegant and imposing Delilah Briarwood. Easy 10/10 for me.

Fresh Cut Grass (F.C.G.)

F.C.G.'s new art...isn't bad, but I'm not as wowed by it as some others on this list. Something has clearly changed here in the choice to include his new blue jacket, and I approve! I'm also a fan of the wires having more definition and appearing more purposefully stylized, as if he's taking better care of himself...but the pose and the style just feel a bit lacking to me. 5/10

Fearne Calloway

Honestly, my only gripe with this outfit is the upper-half of her bustier. It feels very cluttered and like there is a lot of fine detail that just ends up being all meshed together. That would be my other only other gripe, too—there's a lot of small, fine details here that makes her feel cluttered. Which, honestly, fits her as the sneaky little hoarder that she is! But yeah, I would've done something else, something cleaner, with the upper half of her bodice. Also, while I know she is a Druid, I don't think she needs the plant growth on her legs... 8/10

Imogen Temult

I would just like to point out that this outfit was unveiled to us as Imogen's choice for winter-wear while traveling through the Crystal Sands Tundra. Is it sexy? Definitely. Is it my personal taste? Mm, not really, but I can see the appeal. Am I upset that even after the semi-canonization of her needing glasses, this bitch is still not a sexy glasses-wearing nerd? Absolutely—but the biggest sin this outfit does is fail to be climate-accurate. -1/10 for improper environment protection, and 7/10 for the outfit itself.

Orym, Savior Blade of the Tempest

I am incredibly torn here. Because, when it comes down to the armor itself, this is a clear winner. Orym's new uniform is a perfect upgrade from his original more humble and simple apparel, becoming much more about function and protection, while still retaining his svelte and limber appearance. The noted upgrade to Seedling is also nice, though I wish it was a bit more pronounced. What pulls me back from really loving this design, though, is his proportions—I feel like his head is way too big, or his limbs are way too skinny. Over all, I have to give this an 8/10.

Ashton Greymoore

Remember at the start how I said I'm all for toeing the line of what fashion belongs in fantasy settings? Yeah, this fucks! From the first episode, we knew that Ashton was a punk, and this just picks that up and runs with it in such a cool, fun way. I legitimately want this entire outfit—fuck cosplay, I'd just wear this irl! It leans enough on his old design to be recognizable, but pops out as truly his own. And the hammer looks wild—I can't wait to see that thing really pop off like crazy in the next fight. Definitely a 10/10 from me!

[brooklynisher]

The Spine Hc Fluff Relating to Peter Walter VI

Only Human has me thinking about how much the robots care about VI and that brought me back to my ORIGINAL Spine headcanon :)

Here we go again

Also, this is so much longer than my angst hc post (granted I still leave a fair amount of angst in this one too. It's more like a continuation if anything)

SO. Since Peter Walter I passed, The Spine has always held on tight to this, "Got to be the perfect robot" mentality, and it would take him a hot minute before he finally let himself loose. He held himself accountable for his own flaws and punished himself "rightfully" so. By the time Peter passed, The Spine was very sympathetic to him. He felt that even though Peter couldn't force him to be perfect, the least he could do was live up to his expectations. And so he did.

For that reason, the other Peter Walters never really had much of a problem with him. It almost seemed like he was a flawless machine. However, part of his "flawlessness" was simply not being around. He spent most of his time shut down. Only turned on when somebody needed him for something. After all, you can't mess anything up if you were never there in the first place. Right?

In comes 2009. Where the bots start having successful street performances. By now, The Spine didn't know VI all that well. He was always busy, quiet, and The Spine was still in his bad habit of "sleeping" all of the time. Though he was there when VI was officially granted ownership over the robots, that was about all of VI he got to see.

But because of the more frequent performances the band had to do, The Spine was forced to stay on for longer. Before, the robots' caretaker would've been responsible for most of what the band did, but oddly enough, Peter VI decided to let the band make most of their choices. Yay for autonomy. Nay for work. But overall, the robots were pretty happy with this opportunity. Though, it was a bit strange to The Spine. It was nice that he was given the opportunity to express himself, but he was hesitant to take it. He wasn't sure where he'd be crossing the line, so he kept a lot of his songs about exactly what you'd expect: Being a robot.

Captain Albert Alexander in particular was a tough one to write. It was easy for him to summarize the legend and give it a melody, but he felt like it was wrong. After all, a song about a legendary pirate sounds like a children's song, doesn't it? The Spine isn't supposed to indulge in something like that. But after seeing Rabbit's new fascination with this song and the man it was about, he couldn't just scrap it. He tries to justify himself by telling himself that he wrote this song on Rabbit's behalf, but he still feels guilty. And this guilt would create a lot of heat and pressure building up inside of him.

Eventually, VI notices that The Spine has been acting slightly strange. When VI checks on his systems, he notices he's been overheating and that the pressure levels in his systems are abnormally high. He'd call in The Spine and decide to "Downgrade" him by reinstalling steam vents into his spine and head.

The Spine is caught off guard by this change. Partially because of how short the process was compared to the upgrades Peter Walter I did, but also because the design wasn't as human-like as before. It was less "perfect". He was surprised that VI chose to downgrade him. He was surprised that VI was willing to make him less perfect if it meant making him feel better. The Spine had thought it was the other way around. That his feelings didn't matter if they got in the way of perfection. He still held on to these thoughts in memory of Peter Walter I, but he was starting to feel a bit more comfortable with Peter Walter VI at the time.

The Spine doesn't have too many personal moments with VI after that, but he has begun to pay a bit more attention to Peter's behavior. He noticed that he was not nearly as serious as he expected. Compared to I, VI was significantly more fun to be around. Even if he didn't talk all that much. He noticed how patient he was in repairing the other robots. He noticed how much free reign he gave everyone over their own lives. It was less of an inventor-robot relationship, and more of a father-child relationship he had with the robots, despite being significantly younger than them. The Spine wondered if he could get this same treatment. but he never wanted to test it.

Still, he had a bit of a fantasy about it. Imagining all of the experiences he missed out on as a younger robot with VI there instead of I. He'd be gifted toys, watch cartoons, read whatever he wanted, play with his siblings, all of those "childish" things. Because he'd like to believe that VI would let him. The treatment Rabbit got (pre-Red Core) could've been his treatment too. Though these are all just in his head, he found himself growing more attached to VI because of it. So when VI accidentally blew off his face, it was a big deal to The Spine.

When he heard about Rabbit's upgrade, he found himself more elated than he expected. He was of course really happy for Rabbit and was very proud of her, but more than that, this was the act of Peter Walter VI. This wasn't like The Spine's upgrade which was essential for his physical state only, this was for Rabbit entirely. An upgrade as major as Rabbit's isn't easy, and it's not something he needed to do either. He could have just fixed her core, said she could live with being a "man", and move on from it, but he didn't. He cared about the way she felt, and her point of view on life, and he wanted to make her happy. So he went out of his way to completely redesign her body just so she can feel more comfortable with herself. He had to be an angel. But The Spine couldn't know for sure. After all, it's more than possible that he was the exception. It's happened before. It could all be just one giant test to see if The Spine can hold himself accountable for his own immaturity.

It was easier now than ever for him to slip, but he still stood his ground. He didn't want to be caught being what he wasn't designed to be. He didn't want VI to reveal that he was secretly trying to get The Spine to break this whole time. But little did he know, for every time The Spine refuses to behave the "wrong" way, Rabbit slips a few of his secrets into Peter's ear.

Peter himself has been trying to find the best way to approach The Spine about his trauma. He knows from experience that perfectionism can be stupid difficult to drive out of people. He wants to be slow about this. In The Spine's case, there's no such thing as a single solution that could make everything better. This would take a lot of development.

He starts with books. He tries to publicly read encyclopedias about all of The Spine's secret obsessions, hoping that he might ask him about it or at least try to correct him. It takes a lot of patience, but eventually, The Spine asks him a question about what he's reading, and he offers to read it to The Spine. He was reading to The Spine about something he knew he loved. It was quite the healing experience for him, though he wouldn't realize how therapeutic it was until afterward.

From there, Peter has put in the effort of making The Spine feel involved. He would personally invite him to family game nights, bring him along to outings, buy souvenirs for him, and even invite him to do the boring work with him.

He wanted to make sure The Spine felt loved. He wanted to make sure The Spine felt like he belonged. But most importantly, he wanted The Spine to embrace the inner child that he's been hiding away for so long.

Peter always had to prepare himself whenever he needed to have an actual conversation with The Spine about his issues. He can give really good advice, but he has this tendency of introducing good advice with unintentionally rude sentences, so he doesn't want to hurt The Spine by saying something that was meant to be nice, only to come off as very mean. Words are not his strong suit, but he'll learn a couple of things if it's good for his loved ones.

The Spine becomes very very fond of VI, so much so to the point where he might even accidentally call him dad. It's all very comforting to him.

Things will never be perfect, he still has a lot to improve on, but they've gotten significantly better since the beginning. The Spine often finds himself happier than he was before and a lot more inspired now that he will not be ridiculed or punished for his ideas and desires.

These days, The Spine and VI remain close, but they've gotten comfortable enough with each other to the point where things start to simmer down. The Spine has found himself indulging in more passionate hobbies, and Peter has returned to his main line of work. It keeps them both busy, but it doesn't take away any of the good memories Peter made for The Spine, as well as all the other robots in the manor.

[oneminutefiftysixseconds]

actually once i've finished the upgrade/downgrade kits i wanna do a special/swapout kit tournament but i can't remember all of them

grey attack (alpecin tdf)

orange venus symbol (visma tdff)

orange & green (jayco & liv tdf & tdff)

ef's black giro kit

visma blue (tdf)

movistar white?? maybe somewhere?

ef classics kit

t rex 🦖

please reply if i've forgotten one (i for sure have. maybe arkea at the vuelta?)

[vro0m]

https://www.tumblr.com/vro0m/765562712783814656/thoughts-on-lewis-and-george-p4-and-p5?source=share

if I say why did they just do it now instead of the other races or how despite their upgrades being downgrades somehow it worked no? I mean besides the fact that theyre already at the cost cap ( didn't even know that damaged cars or parts are part of it ) with lewis using a damaged floor ( thanks kimi ) and George using specs from a few races ago so 🤷‍♀️ like great they got p4 and p5 but not great enough

I don't understand what your first sentence means but for the rest :

Are their upgrades downgrades? Didn't Lewis have better pace? Have you seen the numbers? Can you tell for sure there's zero gain or even a loss of pace from it?

All the teams are getting hit by the cost cap now. It's normal. It's the end of the season. That's the point of the cost cap.

Kimi didn't damage Lewis's floor. There was debris on the track, that's not his fault.

What would be good enough for you? Wins? Do you think that's realistic at the moment? Or is P4 and P5 the best they could do with what they have?

[sugolara]

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚?

feat. izuku midoriya x fem! reader

cw: angst, bit of gore

˗ˏˋ+ ´ˎ˗ finally founding who the traitor is, izuku isn't to sure how to tell his best friend, y/n.

❝oh, there is something i see in you it might kill me, but i want it to be true.❞

+ decode by paramore

being friends with izuku your whole life, you had developed a slight tiny crush. it wasn't to the point where you wanted to confess your love, no, it was just a crush. you could live your whole life without tell izuku how you felt about him.

it wasn't a major thing for you, because you're best friends. always sticking together no matter what, and you hope he would stick with you in the future.

being friends with izuku, also meant seeing katsuki. not that you didn't like him, he was alright. you just didn't like when he would harass izuku and because he was quirkless at the time, it was you who had to defend him. not that you mind.

you two always shared each others secrets because you're best friends. so imagine the surprise when you went to u.a. and see izuku, who didn't tell you he was enrolling. and imagine the surprise when you find out, not from him, but from katsuki that he has a quirk.

you remembered you seethed in anger. why would izuku tell katsuki, someone who's tormented him his whole life. were you not that important to him? like he was to you? did he downgrade you as a friend and upgraded katsuki as a best friend? did he not trust you enough?

did he no longer like you?

apparently not, 'cause after he entered u.a. he never seemed to have enough time for you. always spending time with the other classmates.

even after you got kidnapped from the league of villains—with katsuki— and returned back with injuries, he only seemed to care for katsuki. when they went to save him, they never bothered to save you.

not even the heroes.

maybe it was because they couldn't find you. you were held in a different section from katsuki. but still, no one tried to look for you. when you asked izuku why no one came for you, he only replied with, "we thought you were dead."

you sobbed for the first time in years, alone in your dorm room. with no one to comfort you. as quickly as people thought you were dead, you quickly shut off your emotions. and no one even noticed.

and as you stood at the back of the common room, staring at them as they talked and hearing them gasp, finally knowing who the traitor is, you smiled. an actual smile, because you finally found where you belong.

and as you saw how the whole class turned to look at you with betrayed faces, and seeing izuku's face, you couldn't help but let the smirk reach your lips.

with a quick swift, you moved out of the way as the common room walls were exploded, loads of villains, including the league of villains, coming through.

blood was splattered on the pavement as boulders fell on some of the classmates, killing them in the process. the ones who weren't injured quickly fought of the villains till help arrived and the ones who were badly injured tried to rush out of the building, seeking sanctuary till they were properly healed.

dust lingering in the process, izuku saw a hand swatting it away. he didn't get in a fighting stance, instead he stared at his bestfriend person with a betrayed face and tears threatening to fall.

"how could... how could you do this?" izuku asked, ignoring the screams and fighting in the background, his only attention focusing on y/n.

she replied with a smile and quickly lunged forward, her hands igniting in flames. izuku dodged every time she tried attacking him, refusing to use his quirk on her. he screamed at her, "stop, y/n! i won't fight you!"

it only angered her, "fight me!"

in a flash, one that izuku didn't see coming, y/n disappeared and repapered, slamming him into a wall making him go through it and landing outside.

he stared at her in disbelief, "you never told me you had two quirks..."

she stood in front of his fallen state, grinning from ear to ear, "pretty cool, huh?"

izuku shook his head, still refusing to use his quirk on her, he tried standing up but was shoved down by y/n's foot. he groaned as she added pressure.

she sneered down at him, "if you won't fight me, deku, then i guess i'll just have to git rid of you."

hearing you calling him his hero name, one that you never used before, he activated one for all. he shoved y/n off of him and at the top of his lungs he shouted at her, "i'm sorry!"

he lunged towards her, both of them dodging each others quirk. no matter what were to happen, nothing would ever remain the same. the feelings they held for each other was no longer there. the feelings they held for each other was now filled with pain, hurt, and furry. nothing would ever remain the same between them.