#oh how i love Harold Finch

[poi-rinch-lover]

24 DAYS OF EMERSON 🎄☃️🎁🎄

Counting down to Christmas with this sexy man 🔥 My Michael Emerson Advent calendar 2024!

DAY 17:

[willowmosby]

Listen I told my self that I wasn't going to get invested enough in Person of Interest to talk about here but here I am anyway. It was chugging along being a good background show with Some really fun, if a little trope-y, cop characters and watching Harold Finch and John Reese act kinda gay and stop crime. I'm a big Amy Acker fan ( that's actually why I even started the show) so I wasn't upset about the shift in focus towards Root and Shaw a little bit as I entered season 3.

The problem I have actually run into is fucking season 3 episode 9: The Crossing. It just made me angry at a show's choices in a way I haven't felt in a while - please note I haven't watched past that episode as of writing this but I will eventually do so.

An the assumption that she really is dead( that looked pretty fucking fatal) I will miss Joss Carter a lot but that's not necessarily what made me angry. It seemed to me that the writers knew that the actor wanted out of the show from the start of the season as the whole season 3 arc was a seemingly slow moving suicide. It wasn't poorly written but it was obvious that this was a different type of Joss Carter than season 1 & 2.

No my problem wasn't necessarily her death. It's the "romantic" declarations of the episode. Now before you look back at the start of this and post and think I'm just mad because it wasn't my very unlikely to ever be a cannon ship that got confirmed, well you're only partially right.

Yes I'm a Rinch shipper( if follow my blog at all you've probably put together that I often root if the queer ships) but I genuinely would have been fine resigning myself to fanfiction while they get hopelessly paired up with some unsuspecting women. I understand that's how crime drama TV operates. And you know I actually like John and Zoe as a ship, if they were developed a bit more I think they could've been a lot of fun.

My problem is not that the whole you "saved me from commiting suicide" speech John gives Carter is equally, if not more, applicable to his relationship with Finch. Well, okay my problem is not only that. My problem is where was any of the romantic build up between Carter and John, like literally anything? They work great as narrative foils when Carter was still on the "the law is the only law" train. And they work great as friends as Carter steps more into the "some minor crime for the greater good is okay" camp. But not once did I think " oh these two are about to fall in love". Not even when Shaw asked about it earlier in season 3 did I think the show was going to actually pair them up like this. Now I hear you when you say that there are examples of characters with less chemistry have become couples. It's just, I'm not sure what the narrative gain is here. They had to know they were killing off Carter that same episode and this "revelation" doesn't add anything to the character. If anything it doesn't make sense with the revenge for Cal Becher (Beacher? Beecher?- You know who I'm talking about) angle that the writers have been using all season. And if it's about furthering John's character that's just dumb. I wouldn't consider it fridgeing as I'm pretty sure this is an actor who wants an out of contract situation(feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), but that doesn't excuse it as a narrative choice. John unequivocally cares about Carter and would be upset about her death regardless or romantic inclinations, as would Lionel and Finch. They already have an in on the revenge story line (which is where I assume they are going with this). Why bother with the romance especially when John already has the lost love story in his background. Like what Jessica isn't enough of a dead romance they needed to shoe in Joss as well.

Anyway I also wish this was like a mid season finale not episode like 9. Like bro why are you putting away one of your biggest villains so far and this is only a third of the way in the season.

And I wish that Lionel wasn't just suddenly back in the plot, like I know you have a bigger cast now and I m glad he's here but build the guy up a little bit better please.

I also think the Root in a cage thing is a little weird like I know all of these people are chugging the " the ends justify the means" juice but it still seems like there are other options Finch would choose. ( that being said Root and Finch's conversation about the machine somehow come off like " I had sex with your daughter, and I don't care if you know” which was hilarious to me)

Anyway sorry for the rant thanks for listening and I do hope the show gets back into a groove.

[argylepiratewd]

for the prompt meme: #5: a picnic at sunrise or sunset. whether this is for a number (canon) or in an au is your choice <3

He should have known better than to actually plan anything for their anniversary. They'd barely made it into the park when a payphone began to ring, and by the time their detective friends are toting their number's brothers away, a new day is gearing up to peek across the skyline.

"Meet me back at the park," John tells him, while Harold stifles a yawn. "Still got that blanket in the trunk. No bodies—I promise."

"I already took care of our sandwiches." Those had been dinner and a midnight meal, shared with Bear while John was in the field. Now, Harold is exhausted. Surely John is as well—neither of them are young men anymore, no matter how much John pretends he can run on adrenaline and coffee as strong as jet fuel. "Our dessert, too."

While Harold rubs his aching eyes, John says something about breakfast with a soft and hopeful note in his voice. "It's a nice morning. Lot of birds for you to tell me about. Looks like it's gonna be a good sunrise, too." Harold smiles. John is happy. What a gift. "C'mon, Finch. I'll bring bagels."

Oh, very well. Harold puts his glasses back on and starts shutting down his computers, while Bear starts loudly stirring at his feet. "Make that donuts instead, Mr. Reese," he says, "and I'll be there."

"With sprinkles?" John asks.

"With sprinkles."

It is a nice morning, Harold finds, as he makes his way out and through the city. A little chilly, but not cold enough to cramp up his muscles or bite at the old breaks in his bones. The sun isn't quite awake yet, but John's tender joy when Harold and Bear arrive outshines it with ease. And there is that red gingham blanket spread out on the damp and sparkling grass, a pink box full of sprinkle-covered donuts, and a plump pillow waiting at John's side. How lovely.

Tea, too, handed to him once he's settled on the soft cushion and wrapped tight in John's embrace. While Bear makes longing eyes at their breakfast, Harold leans back against John's chest and breathes in his warm familiarity, and a knot of tension he'd barely noticed melts away behind his own sternum. It doesn't matter all that much that there's tea and pastries and orange light coming to life in the sky—they've made it through another year and another number. John is with him. John loves him.

It really is going to be a good morning.

[constantcrisis19]

20 Questions for Fic Writers (& Artists)

AN: I wasn't tagged, but I saw this and just had to do it!

1. How many works do you have on ao3(Tumblr)?

34 works on ao3

51 works on Tumblr

2. What's your total ao3 (Tumblr) word count?

559,311 words on ao3

84,623 words on Tumblr

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Honestly, whatever I'm into at the time (but I have a tendency to bounce around a lot) so I'll just list off a few of my favs to write for:

Call of Duty: MW2

Spider-man: Across the Spider-verse

Rick and Morty

Teen Wolf

Stranger Things

Supernatural

The Walking Dead

4.What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

What Is Meant To Be (Always Finds A Way) | Geraskier | 2,841 kudos

Tell Me Every Terrible Thing You've Done (And Let Me Love You Anyways) | Montgomery Gator & Gregory [Gen] | 2,425 kudos

The Goal Isn't To Live Forever (It's To Create Something That Will) | Winterberg | 2,035 kudos

Sometimes Peace Come From Painful Things | Winterberg | 1,252 kudos

It’s Funny Only Just A Moment (Can Reveal The Universe Intent) | Winterberg | 836 kudos

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I don't always respond to comments, since I usually leave that task to my co-writer (and partner in crime) Tibby. It's the most convenient way to do it because we both collaborate on most of the fics I post and they're much more comfortable with responding to comments.

But if it's a solo fic, then I can usually manage to work through my anxiety and respond to anyone who's kind enough to leave a comment because I genuinely love getting feedback, and seeing people enjoy my work really inspires me to keep writing!

Uhhh... That's gotta be my newer oneshot, Free Fall. It's a SoapGhost fic and a rewrite of the ending of MW3 (Yeah, you know the scene).

7. What is the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I've got a few (cause I'm a sucker for a happy ending) but the one I'm gonna go with has to be The Goal Isn't To Live Forever (It's To Create Something That Will). It's a part of the list above and it's currently one of my only completed, multi-chaptered fics.

8. Do you get hate on any fics (Art)?

Unfortunately, yeah. I recently got a particularly rude comment accusing me of using chat ai to write my Geraskier fic, even though it was first published way back in 2020, before chat ai was even a thing that people used regularly.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Yup. I usually stick to my comfort zone and write M/M stuff.

Though, in my longer fics, the smut isn't really the main focal point so I tend to keep it pretty tame.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Oh boy. My co-author has actually got me hooked on a crazy rare pair to the point where we wrote a whole fic for it (and are working on the second in the series). It's a Daryl Dixon/Dean Winchester pairing set in the TWD universe.

Nope, thank god.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yup! Someone reached out to me and asked to translate my FNaF: SB fic into Russian.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Sure have, but only with one other person.

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

Omg, no! I have to pick!?

Well, if forced with a gun to my head, I supposed I'd have to say Rinch (John Reese x Harold Finch from the TV series Person of Interest). I love the show and the characters and the story and the world building. It's just a pairing that I will always keep coming back to no matter how many other ships/fandoms I fall into.

15. What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

My KiriBaku x Among Us crossover fic. The main page, where I had planned out the entire fic, was accidentally deleted and I don't know if I'll ever recover from that since I'd have to rehash the entire rest of the story from scratch if I decided to one day come back to it.

However, that being said, I'm still holding out hope that I'll randomly get a burst of motivation for the story. Who knows.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I'd say my strengths are writing angst, witty banter, and transition paragraphs (since my co-author often gets stuck going on tangents and writing really detailed scenes so they often ask for me to make a segue in order to get us to the next plot point, which works out for everyone).

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

My weakness is definitely in-depth, detailed scenes, hands down. It's kinda embarrassing, but my writing can sometimes lack the descriptive, engaging language necessary to make the story/situation/characters interesting (especially when it's decidedly not a writing day) and it often reads like boring exposition.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I am not fluent in anything other than English, but that doesn't exactly stop me from relying heavily on google translate in order to use other languages in my fics, especially if the character that I'm writing for prefers another language. Take Miguel O'Hara for example, who is canonically bilingual.

The same kind of goes for accents too. I try my best to emulate how the words would sound if the character was actually speaking while writing dialogue. Take for example my SoapGhost fics, where both characters have a thick, distinct accent.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Unofficially (as in never posted): Vampire Diaries.

First fandom I posted to Wattpad (yikes) when I was like twelve: BBC Sherlock

20. Favorite fic you've written?

Jeez, another difficult question. Um... I'm gonna go with What Is Meant To Be (Always Finds A Way), for several reasons.

It was the very first fic that I posted to my ao3 account.

It was the first multi-chaptered fic that I'd ever completed.

I managed to finish and post the final chapter on my birthday (which was a pleasant surprise).

I love it so much that my co-writer and I are actually currently in the midst of lovingly revisiting/revising the entire fic to make it even better!

_____

That was fun! Now for the tagging!

@mistertiberius, @ghostao3, @captain-mj, @fogsrollingin

[talenlee]

Story Pile: Person Of Interest, Season 1

Story Pile: Person Of Interest, Season 1

In my teenager years, I came to appreciate the block of TV shows I thought of as ‘good shows’ in the 7:30 to 8:30 bracket. This typically took the form of a pair of back-to-back sitcom episodes, or, as I got older and the options got better (and my bedtime crept back), an hour long dramedy TV series, often built around a single high-concept hook, or even taped from late-night TV. A lot of these shows were, to my mind, ‘American Shows’ (and therefore good shows), were typically high-concept shows with sci-fi ideas in them that could be executed on cheaply with a small special effects budget, and included things like Time Trax and Pointman and, strangely important in my mind, a series called Fortune Hunter. I liked to refer to Fortune Hunter as a sort of example of forgettable 90s TV ephemera, a low-budget story about a wannabe James Bond type who was relaying everything through super-technology contact lenses to a nerd in a chair who could instantly relay everything to him. I, at the time, thought that Fortune Hunter was a great reference to make, like Street Sharks, which would make people in the same age range as I go ‘oh, yeah, that show, I remember that, kinda.’

Turns out that this was a terrible idea because, at the time I did not know, that Fortune Hunter aired for all of one month in America and only played out the full run of its episodes here in Australia because we were a dumping ground for failed attempted TV series that relied on high-concept sci-fi ideas that could be executed on cheaply with a small special effects budget. But those shows had some common traits, like Time Trax with its decreasing list of villains to apprehend, or Pointman with the fantasy of a strange billionaire appearing out of nowhere to save ordinary people, or Fortune Hunter with its gimmick of a super-nerd teaming up with a terrifying badass super-spy to save the day for single individuals.

I bring up this meandering reference to 90s television because these different stories with their modest production budgets and mediocre executions through actors who never quite got the respect they deserved are presented their absolute apotheosis in the form of the 2011-2016 sci-fi action series Person Of Interest.

Person of Interest is a sci-fi crime drama series that started airing in 2011 and that should make it hilariously dated except it’s not because it’s about the idea of a mass surveillance state and predictive models of human behaviour which is kind of a thing we’re talking about a lot right now.

Your basic structure is that our heroes are composed for John Reese (probably not his name), a probably-CIA super-badass who goes around kicking ass against criminals that are typically, grossly outmatched against him, with a shockingly abrupt combat style (that films very, very quickly and easily) and a love for shooting people in the knee (you know to show how good he is with guns but also to not run the risk of killing people), teaming up with Harold Finch (probably not his name), an awkward gonky weirdo billionaire with supertech (that films very, very quickly and easily).

But really, it’s about The Machine.

The Machine is the core of this series in this season; it is the impetus for action and the establishing presence of the myth arc that the narrative runs on. In simplest terms, the Machine is a surveillance program that observes everything in the attempt to pre-emptively detect terror attacks made in the wake of 9/11 paranoia. This is a fun concept to work from because it’s a real thing that people tried to do, and it ran into all sorts of problems with how they got made, what they could try to do, and the limitations of publically available, legally actionable information. In this case, the conceit of the universe is that the device could be built and operated entirely discretely, and as long as nobody knows it exists and nobody knows what it could do, it’s just the same as a machine that makes anonymous tips to the authorities that happen to have a 100% reliable hit rate at detecting conspiracies for terror activities.

That’s super interesting, and they talk about ways this conceit is interesting, in ways that we aren’t grappling with perfectly right now. And since the conceit of the Machine is about taking care of terrorism, it generates a lot of false positives that don’t care about that primary goal. It finds crimes that are going to happen, deaths that are going to occur, and it then, if it can’t link them to mass casuality terrorism events (which we kind of get an indication disappeared in this universe because of the Machine), it discards them.

This is the story of our two protagonists as they try to address those numbers before they’re discarded. To answer a question ‘what would you do if there was something you could do?’ And the answer to that question is a lot of beating up baddies and cool car chases as the machine spits out weird cases, in no small part because the kinds of things the machine can detect are about isolating seemingly impossibly unrelated pieces of data. It’s a successful formula, of a crime-of-the-week hour-long series like your Blacklist and NCIS and CSI and BPA and IPL and you know I’m just making those up at this point.

It’s a cool hook for this season and I get the vibe that there’s a lot of storytelling space that’s being built out and not used. It’s shown in this first season that the story of these characters can do things like show up for a second appearance, that solutions and resolutions are being held back so that the story can do more with them later and that there is something of a conspiracy at work that doesn’t feel like it’s just using the same central thing as an excuse the whole way along, laying out track in an inward spiral.

Of course, the Machine is horrifying, and its appearances – the origin story for it, and its perspective – are both shot like a horror story and conceived of as like a horror story. There’s a long rolling background to the Machine that’s told in coldly lit, stark background stories that even when they’re trying to be told in ways that are funny or cute, are still all done as starkly and remotely as you might imagine archival footage of a tragedy happening.

Towards the end of the first season, Finch says he doesn’t regret making the machine, but he didn’t realise what it would cost him. The personal cost of the machine is manifold, and it means the whole machine is effectively running on human suffering and it’s all generating dreadful, painful guilt on every single intervening step, guilt that Finch and Reese spend their lives trying to dilute.

There’s no way for this kind of thing to exist, no way for something so powerful to work, without it being fundamentally, a structure for compromising. Compromising people, compromising security, compromising our ethical framework, our standards for legal strictures, and all of those things are necessary for something like The Machine to exist. What good is it doing? it’s saving a small number of people, every day, and it’s preventing international terrorism, but surely, is it the best way to do that? International terrorism happens because of causes and effects, it doesn’t run based on bad meals.

This first season feels like a prequel. It feels like a series that maybe wants to do something else, that there, like Fringe is going to be a conceptual escalation from season to season. It’s got some good names involved, and it ran for five years, so I’m genuinely wondering what I’m going to see as the series moves forward.

In the last episode of the first season, an antagonist, in response to Finch’s admission that he is okay with having made the machine, it’s in response to an antagonist asserting angrily to him that you have made god.

It’s an odd way to describe having constructed a kind of Laplace’s Demon.

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

#Media #StoryPile #PersonOfInterest

[l-justnoiseinthesystem-l]

The Results!

The time is up! Results are in! And I must say, that the winner did surprise me.

Results and Observations below the cut.

At number 1 we have:

Sameen "I missed on purpose jackass" Shaw at 26.8%!

Oh wow, I love shaw but i never guessed she would win with over a quarter of the votes!

Esteemed in second place is:

Samantha "Why does no-one think I belong at a wedding" Groves at 23.3%!

Now, Root I was more expecting to win, and she was, for a hot second, but her hot girlfriend stole the show xD!

Unsurprisingly, in 3rd is:

Harold "Thank you for appreciating my decent into deviant behavior" Finch at 21.3%!

(Thanks @nyx-lyris for quote suggestion)

I knew Finch was too popular, but couldn't compare to some others, so third fits him quite well

And now, sadly, is fourth:

John "I don't speak nerd" Reese at 16.6%

Now, as a consistent throughout the show, and how much attention he got when he was unfairly killed off in S5, i thought he would make top 3. My favourite borblo has lost we'll win next time.

Fifth, and somehow less expected than John:

Joss " I looked for a 'sorry I got you shot' card but they were all out " Carter at a disappointing 8.2%

Carter is so amazing and didn't deserve to be killed off.

So, last and apparently least:

Lionel "Ah Jeez" Fusco at a whopping 3.7%

Honestly, fusco was always gonna be last. He is my favourite cop, but no way was he gonna beat someone like John.

[fullmetalswift]

i started watching Lost earlier this year and liveblogged season 1, then i had to pause for a while bc of grad school and all. i picked it up again last week and now i'm on part 1 of the season 2 finale and just wanna say the mindfuck is definitely getting to me at this point. what is going onnnn. how are there so many connections between them omg.

what is Libby's deal???? and Desmond???? i lowkey forgot about him till he showed up again lmao. also Michael killing Ana and Libby tore me to pieces like hello....do i understand he's doing what he thinks he must to save his son? yes. but also baby you could've just talked to your friends!! who went to hell and back with you!!!! that said Harold Perrineau's performance is fucking crazy. that's an Actor. oh and i LOVE Eko omg literally my favorite character rn i think. John Locke also continues to be one of the most compelling characters i've ever seen in a tv show. love seeing more of Sun this season and her cutieful dynamic w Kate, and Jin genuinely changing for the better. and Charlie and Claire and Danielle and her daughter and and omg i love them all!!!! also seeing my beloved Harold Finch here was wild. i need to rewatch Person of Interest.

ok so many messy thoughts i just love this show!!!

[actuallyitsstar]

John Reese + 12 and 5?

✨ send me a number and a character! ✨

12: what's a headcanon you have for this character?

this is in no way 100% original bc i know i've seen fics about this too, but one of my favorite things is the idea that bc john has spent his entire life being a ~tool~ and a ~weapon~ that other people get to use to the extent of his usefulness (uh oh !!! why are all the characters i like The Same this is embarrassing) he doesn't know how to like.... be a regular person. and he gets super out of his depth when other people (team machine for example) expect it of him. like ????

you got smashed thru a wall pretty hard there john. we need to have a doctor make sure you don't have a concussion. and john is just like nah im gonna sleep it off its all good and everyone is like N O and he just does not understand what the problem is. mr. omnipresent billionaire finch like, ordering stuff he thinks john needs or would like and putting it in the apartment he rents for john, and john is like ?????? what do i do with a robe????? and finch is like. um. you wear it. when you're cold. and it's ENTIRELY FOREIGN.

john has never considered doing something about, for example, being cold in his apartment. why would he? why waste the energy cost of adjusting the thermostat, why purchase an entirely separate article of clothing or bother dirtying a different one, when he could just...... Be Uncomfortable? what difference does it make? he's trained to do way more uncomfortable shit than be cold. it's whatever. but harold seems to be particularly incensed about this idea. and maybe he does try out the robe when it's cold on a winter evening or a spring morning, eventually- curiously, hesitantly, acting like he's never seen one before. and hes like.......huh. its pretty nice actually. maybe there's something to this after all.

5. the first song that comes to mind when you think of them?

ok so confession 😭 i was never super directly in this fandom bc this show went off the air before i was super into any tumblr tv show fandoms. like i was absolutely reading fic on ff dot net, but i was not having a fandom experience lol. so i have actually never rly discussed any poi thoughts or made playlists or rly engaged at all, and as such i must give a sort of a cop out answer bc i don't rly have a good answer, BUT: THE USE OF THE JOHNNY CASH VERSION OF HURT IN THE SHOW AFTER. A DEATH. I WON'T SAY MORE IN CASE IT'S A SPOILER. but yeah that made me ugly cry every time i've seen it tbh, and every time i think about the fundamental defining pillars of john's character during the show, that montage section is one of them- it's still what i remember the song most for, too, bc i hadn't heard it before then, but it was perfectly chosen, and i love how emotional that song is <3

[galindatopland]

ok a few episodes at once now:

17 Proteus:

finch casually mentioning a pilot’s license and having plausible meteorology equipment. on brand.

i liked the deputy lady who could not be bothered to help finch and reese. felt like when you have a job and you need to get it done right so you call a lesbian.

this among us ass episode….

the dialogue between finch and the killer about living as other people was really interesting. “I do those identities justice” and “one day I’ll find the right identity and keep it” were crazy quotes

18 All In

leon again?????

“you plan to kill me?” “probably” was a good exchange

i love how many different bird themed last names harold has locked and loaded

tbh i was not very into this episode. also i get that carter is having her own story arc but i miss seeing her in action

19 Trojan Horse

SHAW IS BACK 😍😍😍

i do enjoy watching finch get to use his computer knowledge when undercover and spout jargon at people

also a fan of the elias chess scenes

so shaw is going to go find root? 👀 i am looking.

i’m sad that cal died (mostly bc carter deserves something to go right for her) but i wish we got more characterization on him other than “oh he’s mixed up in hr stuff and is shady despite seeming to be a nice guy”

mmmmmm i agree. not much more i can say about those eps either tbh except YOU THINK I NEED A HOBBY HAROLD? I THINK I JUST FOUND ONE. god what a scene. can't even think of it rly why is shaw so unbearably attractive in absolutely everything she does. anyways. "a friend once told me in our line of work we walk in the dark. doesn't mean we have to walk in it alone" is like. in my top 10 fave poi quotes i think of it so often. also top 10 might not sound impressive but in my defense there are a lot of poi quotes i love

[wenchofthescullery]

What To Do During the Strike, Day 3 (even later entry, oh my god, I know only three people are reading this, but still)

*

Subtitle: A loose collection of recommendations to keep you busy, should we suffer from similar tastes and interests.

I do not seem to be able to live up to the rigor of my own expectations. This is late, the world is on fire, civilization is collapsing around us, and so on and so forth. We must go on. My apologies to the Void and the three people who are following. :)

So. Person of Interest. It's an 103 episode television show that spans 5 seasons, and somewhere partway it just takes off into a totally different zone. The initial conceit is that a reclusive billionaire computer programmer, Harold Finch, built a computer program for the federal government to collate and analyze all the various streams of information running constantly though our lives: bank accounts, video from ATM machines and ring cameras, purchases online, choices on streaming platforms, all of it. This was called "the Machine" and purportedly gave the federal government the tools to fight terrorism before the acts were committed.

Harold has concerns. People get recruited. Things happen, including an Edward Snowden level breach of information (a full year before Snowden actually happened). It's a bit monster-of-the-week, and then Amy Acker gets involved, and right about Season 4, Episode 11 (If-Then-Else) the whole show takes flight.

Oh, it is beautiful.

This becomes a show about what it is to be human, and how other intelligences can become who they are to be. And, ultimately, how much of the creator is leavened into the creation. I love it. I really do.

(Yes, it has James Caviezel in a starring role, and that is complicated, but he is undoubtedly brilliant in this. I acknowledge that this is complex.)

Person of Interest is streaming on Amazon, Apple Prime, and Vudu. This is the amazon link:

Running tally at:

Next up is erotica.

[poi-rinch-lover]

Thinking about these two today and it makes my day a little brighter 🤗💖😍

[nyx-lyris]

oh fuck it, i’m adding to the list

apologies if any of these are repeats

the way his eyes get all wide when he’s shocked or scared - he just goes O_O

his fluffy hair (can i touch it please)

his lil cookie plate and fancy tea set when he asked shaw to join him for tea

just… him with leila in baby blue (“oh, i’ll never forgive myself…” and then “it’s still a grenade! it’s okay sweetie, you’re okay.” like!!!!)

him pretending to be john flirting with maxine angelis

and then the wine and cheese platter during john’s date (also he’s a red wine guy 👀)

speaking of dates - the scavenger hunt for grace!!!!

and in season four when he met elizabeth bridges and she gave him a kiss on the cheek!!!!

every time the camera switches back to harold’s pov when something else is happening and you can just tell his heart is either breaking or swelling (john telling joan that he was being taken care of by “someone new”, him watching zoe talk to mrs. wyler through the camera)

speaking of the last example, when he puts his face in his hands

him putting the engagement ring in a copy of sense and sensibility!!!! like!!!!!!

when he was pretending to be logan pierce’s dry cleaner/suit guy - or just any time he has to act for a number

speaking of acting for a number, that time in season 5 when he had to pretend to be an irish uncle - the accent and the song were both so cute

his far too infrequent little smiles

this one is more sexy than cute but i just have to add it in - the scene with him and robert keller at the end of the fix when he just completely tears him to shreds then casually pays for their meal with hundred dollar bills… that was 🥵

also speaking of the fix - the harold crane identity and the cane… mmmmmm

his gentle, intelligent, soothing voice

his hands - i can’t explain this one, honestly, lol

literally every interaction he has with the machine is just so soft

how intelligent yet pure and innocent he is sometimes

that episode where they had to save arthur and arthur let it spill that harold had a “gravitational pull on the female population”… 👀 (also shaw’s face during this scene lmao)

sencha green tea, vanilla ice cream cones in january, his bird last names

him being so hopelessly in love with grace

also just the way he treats literally everyone around him - he’s just so sweet and gentle, i can’t

also on a side note the way you can tell all of his friends love him to bits (i swear half of them look like they want to kiss him every other scene)

that scene in razgover - “read the labels, harold.”

also i learned that finches symbolize hope

i swear i could go on forever

just… harold finch, you know?

cute things harold finch has done

tried to pronounce discombobulated while high on ecstasy and just blubbered instead

really earnestly googled “canine depression” when bear was feeling under the weather

while we’re talking about bear, has several times referred to “discussions” he has had with bear about things, like, he really earnestly talks to this dog… i love him

flew a tiny plane through a massive storm and landed it in a puddle because john reese was in danger

called carter to give his condolences when beacher died (he was the only one who bothered)

phoned bear to tell him he’s a good dog when bear missed him too much to eat

attempted to read a book while doing push ups

didn’t tell john about an upsetting case on his birthday because he didn’t want him to be sad

bought john books and a cushion after he got shot to cheer him up and emphatically urged him to USE THE CUSHION

his to go to rebellious thing to do while high on drugs was hacking the pentagon

patiently spent an entire day teaching the machine to play chess because she asked him to

bought root bunny slippers and a lava lamp so she’s cosy

insisted on taking john’s suit measures by himself while rambling at him about what an ideal suit should be tailored like (IT NEEDS TO SHIVER ON THE SHOE, MR. REESE)

fistbumped john before their attempted robbery

got super excited and nerdy about being able to help shaw blow things up with his chemistry knowledge

turned on the taxi meter to annoy carter when he ferried her around in one

held an entire really passionate earnest speech about the wonders of pi to a completely disinterested high school class

got really excited when he rode on the back of a moped and went “that was… exhilarating” in his nerd voice

i could go on

i won’t this is long and embarrassing enough but i could

[tatney]

saw first time viewing livewatch thoughts

* adam is so transgender <3

* oh so the quality of my ill eagle copy isn’t that bad it’s just that the lights were off lol

* his name is lawrence gordon. he’s a DOCTOR

* mr elwes sir please stop mumbling my autistic ears cannot hear your

* MR FAULKNER STANHEIGHT IS A WHOWERE. WHY DID YOU SHOW HIM YOUR TIT

* aha lawrence is t posing :)

* adam. my widdle boy

* lawrence telling him to take his shirt off 👀

* GSMSHSKWYKSBSKSUWLHD JOHN IS SUCH A BITCH

* I KNOW EVERYONE IN THE FANDOM CALLS ADAM PATHETIC BUT GOD

* john mulaney hmm gross!.jpeg

* okay but i WOULD have checked under the toilet lid first. the things you’ll do for an older man 😔

* these two are so bad at playing catch. the kids who didn’t run the mile representation

* if i could see cary elwes’ eyebrows better i’d find him s*xier

* JOHN KRAMER I’LL KILL YOU MYSELF. I HATE THIS MAN I CANNOT STAND THIS MAN

* so the editing really IS like that huh

* yes he IS a murderer you stupid son of a bitch. there is no “technically” about it you fucking idiot

* we’ve got two bitches from lost my beloved :)

* THAT’S THE PRESIDENT FROM THE BLACKLIST TOO

* all of sing’s clothes are too big for him. small man :)

* MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY MANDY

* PLEASE GOD I LOVE HER I LOVE HER SO FUCKING MUCH I’LL CRY

* i knew that the editing was like THAT but not that MUCH ya know goddamn

* oh a giallo style shot. lov that <3

* MISS SHAWNEE SMITH DESERVES EVERY AWARD ACTUALLY

* motherfucker on his liddol tricycle

* i would piss on that fucking puppet

* futurama they must learn our peaceful ways by force.jpeg

* that’s just john’s vibe

* i wonder how much of saw inspired the batman arkham games thinking emoji

* how am i only half an hour way through

* tbh i want this kid’s duvet not kidding

* girl you in DANGER

* and i want that big snake :)

* HE’S NOT PLAYING THIS LITTLE PIGGY. NOT IN A MOVIE WHEREIN PEOPLE DON PIG MASKS BC THEIR REPRESENT REBIRTH AND PEOPLE ARE CONTINUOUSLY CUTTING THEIR FEET OFF. MR WHANNEL I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH YOU

* “she’s beautiful” he’s taking about the dog BSBNSYSLAYSLSBLSU

* “where’s the. uh lucky wife” and you mean to tell me that adam isn’t a homosexual when he looks at lawrence like that while saying this line

* “i’m always missing from the photos” oh sir i’ve been on saw tumblr just you wait for the dramatic irony to hit just you WAIT

* oh god i though jigsaw wrote a slur in there good GOD

* very billy from black christmas vibes, harold finch from person of interest :)

* excuse me mr tapp but who’s amy and why do you have her starbucks order

* OOOOOOOHHHH FUNKY TRANSITION

* james wan you are such a KING

* “who said anything about a warrant?” sir that’s illegal

* sir that’s breaking and entering

* sir that’s a LOT of paperwork that you won’t be able to complete bc you’ll be dead soon but STILL

* did jigsaw plan on lawrence wearing blue or was that a funny coincidence lol

* john’s wearing his bathrobe

* HIS ASSASSINS CREED BATHROBE HOLY SHIT

* ooh slidey door. wonder if there’ll be more of those later on teehee hoo hoo

* somebody show tapp the “that’s not your depression bed; that’s your nest omega” tiktok and see if that does anything

* “what do you want me to do? i’m on a leash” DOGBOY ADAM DOGBOY ADAM DOGBOY ADAM

* “you wanna put something in this room in your mouth?” “YES!!!!!!” are these lines from fanfiction verbatim

* adam you’re so fuckin stupid why would you spy on a man but keep the flash of your camera on

* OOOOOOOOOOH IT’S THE CINEMATIC PIG CARPARK SCENE

* “whatEVER” “i’m dealing with a juvenile.....” this is what happens when you have a sugar baby lawrence

* INFAMOUS ADAM GENDER SMOKING FAKE DEATH BREAKDANCE SCENE LET’S GOOOOOOOOOO

* little dogboy twink photographers have me in a perpetual chokehold they really do

* i mean he’ll waste a lot of film but. okay i guess this is a horror movie after all gsmshsksynbsmahsp

* BEATS THE SHIT OUT OF YOUR GAY LITTLE PUPPET WITH MY BAT

* oh adam really is serving jonathan byers teas with the baseball bat and the camera as weapons. fuck

* cary elwes posh little accent coming THROUGH

* adam doesn’t make sense as cis man. he just doesn’t look at that man he’s so transgender

* ok but lawrence’s “mistress” is GORGEOUS actually omg

* i’m still gonna say that he’s gay tho. u can’t take that away form me lol

* adam’s wrists are so LIMP holy shit

* lawrence gordon classist moments

* mr elwes please control your accent sir i’m struggling not to laugh

* ok ally’s a girlboss then !

* michael emerson my beloved. when you try to be evil you have all the menace of a disgruntled bunny rabbit

* “lawrence get up! i need you!” now when you fuckers told me these two were gay you didn’t say THIS gay

* at least ally and diana are ok :)

* ok my headcanon is that lawrence is originally from england but was moved to america as a kid bc i need in contextual reasons for all of the accent slips that i can’t take seriously

* ADAM GIRLBOSS MOMENT

* “don’t worry i’ll bring someone back i promise” YOU LYING TRICK ASS MOTHERFUCKER I’LL KILL YOU MYSELF /j /affectionate

* at least john’s got that ARCH

* IT’S THE SCENE IT’S THE SCENE

* god that movie fucked. that movies fucked SO hard good god no wonder gay people love it

* ok i think that ill league gull copy broke my laptop lol

[smilesthroughfandoms]

Every single episode of Ducktales (2017) Summarized in Roughly in One Sentence or Less!

Thank you Frank and team so much for introducing this family to a new generation of kids while remaining faithful to your source material. I hope you all enjoy my attempts at humor!

Woo-oo!: We don’t really know what’s going on yet but let’s do this!

Escape To/From Atlantis!: “Well I’m wearing a kilt McDuck! A kiiiilt!”

Daytrip of Doom!: They’re all siblings now and I love them all.

The Great Dime Chase!: “Shut up, everyone! I’ve done something brilliant!” (Also: Guess’s who my favorite character is?)

The Beagle Birthday Breakout!: Lena and Webby are best girls, fight me on this

Terror of the Terra-firmians!: This is the Spoopiest episode and also the most heartwarming.

The House of the Lucky Gander!: He’s an asshole but I love him.

The Infernal Internship of Mark Beaks!: He’s an even bigger asshole but I love him.

The Living Mummies of Toth-Ra!: I too would do anything for a good burrito.

The Impossible Summit of Mt. Neverrest!: “If I had a nickel for every person who cursed me with their dying breath, I’d be twice as rich as I already am.”

The Spear of Selene!: Of course Scrooge showed up freaking Zeus.

Beware the B.U.D.D.Y System!: The fusion of Iron Man and Sailor Moon I never knew I always wanted.

The Missing Links of Moorshire!: I always knew My Little Pony had a deadly fandom but this is ridiculous…

Mystery at McDuck Manor!: Took you long enough, Duckworth, welcome back.

Jaw$!: In this house, we love and respect Tiffany. (Also: Whoever came up with this episode title is the coolest person ever)

The Golden Lagoon of White Agony Plains!: Scrooge and Glomgold are in love with Allison Janney, and honestly, same.

Day of the Only Child!: Doofus is even creepier than Lil’ Gideon, and that is saying something.

From the Confidential Casefiles of Agent 22!: *hums James Bond theme intensely to myself*

Who is Gizmoduck?!: He’s not throwing away his shot! (I’m sorry, I had to)

The Other Bin of Scrooge McDuck!: I love Louie in this episode, he’s such a mood.

Sky Pirates… in the Sky!: The Pirates of the Caribbean meets High School Music crossover starring evil Panchito I never knew I needed.

The Secret(s) of Castle McDuck!: We’re all Webby in this episode.

The Last Crash of the Sunchaser!: *ugly sobbing*

The Shadow War, Part 1: Night of De Spell!: Donald finally gets the love he deserves.

The Shadow War Part 2: Day of the Ducks!: *spoiler warning* How is she still alive?!?!?!

The Most Dangerous Game… Night!: David screaming “GAME NIGHT!” is the best damn thing I’ve ever seen.

The Depths of Cousin Fethry!: I love Cousin Spongebob!

The Ballad of Duke Baloney!: Dammit, Frank.

The Town Where Everyone Was Nice!: They’re boyfriends mates, sorry I don’t make the rules.

Storkules in Duckburg!: Storkules is the ultimate Donald Duck fan, we cannot comepete.

Last Christmas!: Somehow the Ghost of Christmas McBrayer is the least surprising thing I’ve ever seen in this show.

Whatever Happened to Della Duck?!: Oh, so that’s how she survived.

Treasure of the Found Lamp!: Dijin is the best character.

The Outlaw Scrooge McDuck!: Yee–and I cannot stress this enough–haw.

The 87 Cent Solution!: *wheezing* Dammit, Frank…

The Golden Spear!: Oh my god, they were roommates!

Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!: Dammit, Frank!

Raiders of the Doomsday Vault!: “So stand out, above the crowd! Even if I gotta shout it out loud!”

Friendship Hates Magic!: Webby gets two friends for the price of one seance!

The Dangerous Chemistry of Gandra Dee!: BEAKS SMASH… THAT LIKE BUTTON! (I’m so sorry)

The Duck Knight Returns!: *spoilers* The single best superhero, origin story-based episode ever! 

Whatever Happened To Donald Duck?!: *sobbing* He’s a good dad!

Happy Birthday, Doofus Drake!: This entire episode is creepier than most indie horror games.

A Nightmare on Killmotor Hill!: All the kids’ dreams are moods… except Huey’s, his dream can go jump off a microwave.

The Golden Army of Cornelius Coot!: Della is just pulling a Donald and adopting any and all kids within arms reach at this point.

Timephoon!: “I’m on it!” *gets struck by lightning* “I’ve immediately failed you!”

Glomtales!: I don’t know what’s more surprising, the fact that Louie won the bet or that they used Glomgold’s theme song takeover as the intro.

The Richest Duck in the World!: Drag them, Owlson. Drag them all…

Moonvasion! Part 1: *deep inhale* D A M M I T F R A N K!

Moonvasion! Part 2: Glomgold is my new favorite villain character.

Challenge of the Senior Junior Woodchuck!: Huey and Violet fight for the right to be crowned the squarest of squares.

Quack Pack!: Radical dude! *insert cheesy 90s riff here*

Double-O Duck in You Only Crash Twice!: We were all simping SO HARD this episode don’t think I forgot!!!

The Lost Harp of Mervana!: Scrooge fails a vibe check.

Louie’s Eleven!:  Is it really a heist movie if something doesn’t go completely wrong?

Astro B.O.Y.D.!: So much ANIME!!!!!!

The Rumble for Ragnarok!: Eh, the MCU did it better

The Phantom and the Sorceress!: Seeing Gladstone suffer brings me an odd amount of joy

They Put a Moonlander on Earth!: They’re lesbians, Harold!

The Trickening!: Did… did no one really tell Launchpad how Halloween works?

The Forbidden Fountain of the Foreverglades!: If I had a nickel for every time a cartoon version of Ponce de Leon died a gruesome death on screen, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice, right?

Let’s Get Dangerous!: *spoilers* THEY ARE A SUPERHERO FAMILY!!!!

Escape from the ImpossiBin!: Scrooge and Beakley are a little too excited to traumatize their family because of their trauma.

The Split Sword of Swanstantine!: Dewey and Webby literally walk in blind, Violet spices things up, and Huey unleashes the Rage™

New Gods on the Block!: The most accurate representation of Zeus ever.

The First Adventure!: Young Donald is one heck of a mood.

The Fight for Castle McDuck!: The sibling culture episode.

How Santa Stole Christmas!: Charles Dickens would approve, probably.

Beaks in the Shell!: Huey ships Fendra and Gyro needs to stop hiding in the closet.

The Lost Cargo of Kit Cloudkicker!: The Battle of Theatre Kids... in the Sky!

The Life and Crimes of Scrooge McDuck!: All the emotional weight was nearly overshadowed by One (1) attractive goth twink.

The Last Adventure Part 1; A Tale of Three Webbys!: They’re so cute! I love them!

The Last Adventure Part 2; The Lost Library of Isabella Finch!: Letting the kids on the plane is the single smartest decision Scrooge has ever made in his life.

The Last Adventure Part 3; Tale’s End!: *ugly, happy, heartbreaking sobbing* Woo-oo!

[exchange-of-interest]

Pinch Hit 1: DeathknightQ —CLAIMED

Please send a private message or email poi.fanworks@gmail.com to claim. This pinch hit will be due at the same time as the regular assignments, Sun 29 May 2022 at 08:00PM EDT.

Requested Relationships: Control/Harold Finch, Character: Nathan Ingram, Harold Finch & Sameen Shaw

Requested Mediums: Fanart, Fanfic, Fanvid

Request 1 by DeathknightQ Control/Harold Finch, Fanart, Fanfic, Fanvid

Gen (Control & Harold Finch) is fine. Squicks/DNW: A/B/O, Mpreg, stuffing, scat/golden showers (not that any of these really work for this paring, but better to have them and not need them than the other way round), character bashing or making a character act uncharacteristically villainous just to move the plot along.

Control and Harold are both foils and mirrors for each other. Control is very much like Harold before Nathan's death: it's all about the big picture, the ratio of lives saved to lives lost. She knows the exact number of terrorist threats The Machine has stopped, and in both her testimony before Vigilance and chiding the presidential advisor for referring to national security as a "game" we see she is very much motivated by the innocent lives the Program protects. While she is sanguine about the unconstitutionality of how the Program operates, it's associated Geneva violations, and collateral damage to keep TM a secret (see, the ferry bombing to forestall inquiry into Nathan's death or anything an autopsy might reveal), killing on the scale of the Correction is something she ends up taken away to a blacksite trying to stop.

At the same time she is also a foil to Harold: while she was willing to kill Nathan, Harold would not kill Senator McCourt with even more on the line. While she signs off on every dark deed in Relevance -- and performs several with her own two hands -- Harold's is unwilling to really risk his team's lives even in the face of Samaritan's domination of humanity. Control's motivations are impersonal (her driving force is love of her nation), and Harold's are entirely personal (Nathan's legacy and his attachments to individuals like Nathan, John, Root, and Grace; including the fact that the only thing that gets him off his ass is dead Root). For all that Harold is a security risk and outside her control, Control refers to him and his team as "friends" (in context: allies) because they are useful (for bringing Samaritan to her attention). Harold never forgives Control for Nathan's death enough to even attempt cultivating her into asset or ally.

Anything with these two and their dynamic would be wonderful. Random ideas to get the juices flowing: 1) an AU where Harold ended up working with or for the Pentagon as well 2) AU where Control is sniffing around IFT in disguise, TM is keeping mum, and her cover and Harold Starling get on like a house on fire 3) AU during the show where the two of them come to terms in the face of Samaritan's menace 4) post-show, Harold is captured by Control, oh noes! 5) post-show, somehow talking it out -- Harold having his say re: Nathan's death, Control reading Harold the riot act for making Ulysses S. Grant look like a competent strategist by comparison, and realizing they'd be better off working together and offsetting each other's worst tendencies.

All I really ask is that Control be the true neutral (she'll do good but not too good, evil but not too evil, be ordered but not too ordered, break the rules but not all the time, and always motivated by accomplishing her ends) not-villain not-hero that she is. Dark themes okay, any rating acceptable, and if there is smut, bonus points for subby!Harold.

Request 2 by DeathknightQ Character: Nathan Ingram, Fanart, Fanfic, Fanvid

Squicks/DNW: A/B/O, Mpreg, stuffing, scat/golden showers, character bashing or making a character act uncharacteristically villainous just to move the plot along.

Nathan Ingram was the first Man in the Suit, with a 41% success rate. That's not John, but it's approaching the median close rate for a police department (46-54%) despite Nathan having neither the equipment, training, nor resources of a police department. He also attracted zero media attention for the saves despite having no employees and being, essentially, Bill Gates. Anything focusing on this little factoid is welcome.

Random ideas: 1) Case fic focusing on the mechanics. Did he fund college via GI bill and have some basic military training at his disposal? Was it all guile hero/manipulating matters behind the scenes? Did he use his wealth more tactically than Harold without actually showing his face? What was going on here? 2) AU where TM tips Nathan off, "Dad's tailing you: bail." Therefore, the Library and numbers were never discovered, the back door was never closed, and Nathan never talked to the press. Does Nathan get to the point where he realizes he needs help and recruit John, or does he save Jessica and John gets his HEA? Does Nathan use his back door to free TM? Does she talk to Nathan like she talks to Root in the main timeline, or just numbers and keeping Harold off the scent? Does Shaw end up joining the team? If so, does she try to drink Nathan under the table and lose miserably? 3) AU where Harold tries to come clean because he wants to be honest with Grace and gets killed (or his death faked and kidnapped to some dark hole for all of time), leaving Nathan to be the grieving survivor.

I am actually content with any pairing or no pairing, and any rating.

Request 3 by DeathknightQ Harold Finch & Sameen Shaw, Fanart, Fanfic, Fanvid

Squicks/DNW: A/B/O, Mpreg, stuffing, scat/golden showers, character bashing or making a character act uncharacteristically villainous just to move the plot along.

AU where John does not come back after 4C and Shaw takes over as The Woman in the Suit. How does Shaw do things differently? (Bonus points for: Shaw is a doctor, she's not bringing doughnuts for breakfast, if she brings breakfast at all.) How is "Shaw's Finch" different from "John's Finch"? Does Root consider Shaw an upgrade, or does she just transfer her jealousy of John to Shaw wholesale? Does Root stick around more with Shaw as the point-woman? Is Fusco still a put-upon bulldog?

I am also fine with Shoot + Harold & Shaw friendship or Harold/Shaw for this request. Any rating okay.

[whumpcollector]

Lucas pt.4: Runaways

Here’s another part ya’lls enjoyment. Hope you like it.

Content Warnings: magical whump, escape attempt, self-sacrifice, magical exhaustion, general violence, violent whumper, noncon touch (nonsexual), unnamed character death, killing, fighting, dehumanization, beating, brief/vague alcohol mention, shackles/restraints, brief knife mention, food mention, forced to perform, blood, vague etemo reference, implied future torture

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

Lucas stared at Finch, a mixture of confusion and disbelief on his face. What? Get away from them? What did he mean? Those questions bounced around in his head until he heard Finch call out to him.

“Lucas? You still with me buddy?” Finch asked, his voice laced with concern.

“Oh, yeah. I...I just…” Lucas trailed off, unsure of what he was trying to say. “What...what do you mean get away from them?”

“I mean run away. Be free.”

Lucas continued to stare. Be free? Lucas had always been owned by someone, even before Harold and Devran came along. His earliest memories were of a cold dark room in the cellar of a rich baron he had long since forgotten the name of. 

“I’ve been with my current master for almost six years now. Old bastard has gotten complacent. I’ve figured out where he keeps the key to this thing,” Finch gestured to the collar on his neck before continuing. “I also know this city like the back of my hand. I was planning to escape tonight but the pit fight got scheduled and I’ve been stuck here.” He paused, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “If you want I can come get you and we can escape together.”

Lucas looked at Finch before speaking softly. “Why...why are you offering to help me? We barely know each other.”

Finch leaned forward before placing a hand on top of Lucas’. “Because I know what you’re going through, what those bastards have done to you. And I know that you don’t deserve it.” 

The two of them looked at each other, understanding and weariness in their eyes. Lucas didn’t know what to say. Thoughts raced through his head before a sudden pain shot up his arms. He looked down and saw the magical pathways in his arms flaring up. Finch noticed too and offered a sympathetic smile, rubbing Lucas’ arms gently to try and ease the pain. 

The younger mage stared down at his hands, at the manacles that almost constantly adorned his wrists and the chafed skin that came with them. He saw the angry red lines that marked the ways magic flowed through his body, nearly burned into his skin from constant overuse and disruption. He remembered the pain and exhaustion he felt when Harold “trained” him after he was purchased. He remembered staring hungrily at full tables while he was left to starve for days. He remembered cold nights in the rain and snow, the magic in his body just keeping him from freezing to death. He remembered lashings and beatings from Harold and Devran, and others he couldn’t recall the faces of. He remembered the pain and humiliation he endured on a daily basis and the many times he wondered simply keeling over and letting oblivion take him was better than continuing to “live” his miserable existence. 

Those memories swirled in his mind like a storm. Every torture, every indiginty, every touch of malice rushed to the front of his mind as if bursting from a dam. For his entire life Lucas had known nothing but suffering, and now this man in front of him, Finch, was offering a way out. Lucas remembered, and he made up his mind.

“What do you need me to do?”

Finch smiled, and for the first time in what may have been his entire life, so did Lucas. 

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

    The two mages had been released from the holding cell back to their masters the next morning, and all of them were sitting in a large room in a nearby tavern. Finch’s master, a portly man named William Cantrov, had rented it out so they could celebrate in privacy. Harold, Devran, and William sat around a large table laughing and playing cards while Lucas and Finch sat on the floor next to them. William was a wealthy man and the payout from the fight was great, and everyone enjoyed a constant stream of food and drink. 

That included Lucas and Finch. Harold had decided Lucas earned some proper food and the young mage happily accepted. A small tower of bowls and plates sat next to the boy, licked completely clean of anything resembling food. Lucas was in the process of scarfing down a bowl of beef stew, the warm broth and tender meat tasting like heaven in his mouth. It had been weeks since he had been allowed proper food, and he wasn’t going to squander the opportunity he had now. 

Finch looked at him amused, currently attending to his own plate of roast pork. He could in no way match Lucas’ speed or enthusiasm when it came to eating and was halfway impressed by how much the small boy had managed to consume. 

“Your mage there has quite the appetite. What's that, his third course?” William said with a chuckle.

Harold returned one and nodded. “He sure does. I tend to keep proper food as a reward, incentivize him to perform better ya know? Whenever he does earn it he always makes good use of it.”

William smiled. “Well he is free to eat as much as he is allowed.”

“Long as you’re paying I don’t care. Kid earned it.” Harold reached down and ruffled Lucas’ hair. The boy winced a little, fighting a grimace and trying to focus on his stew.

“He sure did. The fight was quite spectacular wasn’t it?”

“Aye, sure was”

“Indeed. Well let me get to the point. I’m throwing  a little soiree tomorrow, the other nobles of the city want to get a look at Finch and I’m sure they would be delighted if you were to bring along...what’s his name?”

“Lucas”

“Lucas! I’m sure they would love it if you brought young Lucas with you.”

Harold mulled it over for a moment before nodding. “Sure, why not. Never hurts to mingle with nobility, and I assume there will be good drink involved?”

“My friend, wine will flow like water. I promise you that.”

Harold and Devran shot each other an amused look before Harold answered. “How could we say no?”

Devran dealt another hand as the three men continued to talk. None of them noticed the conspiratory smiles Lucas and Finch shared with each other.

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

William’s manor sat on the eastern side of the city, close to the city square and market. It was a large building, five stories tall with several wings. Lucas stared up at it in awe. He was rarely allowed into taverns or inns he and his masters would stop at on the road, much less the home of a nobleman. 

He was pulled out of his stupor by Harold who dragged him forward by a chain secured to his shackles. They entered the manor’s front doors with Devran following behind them. As Lucas walked through the doorway one of the guards that flanked the entrance stuck out the shaft of his halberd, tripping the mage and causing him to fall to the floor. Harold tugged pulled Lucas upwards with the chain, choking him slightly before he managed to stand back up. They continued on to the ballroom, Lucas taking in the majesty of the large manor as they walked.

The party was already underway. Nobles mingled freely among themselves while numerous servants attended to their needs. To the side was a large table covered in various foods and drinks. The smell wafted over to the trio and Lucas’ mouth began to water. 

“Mister Harold, Mister Devran, glad to see that you have finally arrived!”

William walked towards them, Finch following a respectful distance behind. The men shook hands while Lucas and Finch waved at each other in greeting. 

“Come, come, I have some people who have been waiting to meet you.”

William led the group towards the middle of the ballroom where a small group of noble lords and ladies had gathered. They talked amongst themselves, laughing and drinking until they noticed the group approaching them.

“Lord William, are these the guests of honor we have been waiting for?” asked one of the nobles. 

“Yes, yes indeed they are. Ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce you to Harold, Devran, and their mage Lucas.”

Pleasantries were exchanged, with Lucas staying silent and bowing his head. One of the noble ladies cooed, cupping his cheeks and making him look up.

“Oh he is just so adorable, and so well behaved.” The woman squished Lucas’ face like one would a small dog’s. “Look at this little face!”

Lucas himself didn’t know how to react and simply stood there limply while the woman fawned over him. It wasn’t unpleasant, her hands were soft and delicate and it was nice to be touched in a way that didn’t lead to pain. 

“Now Dora, please control yourself,” one of the noblemen said as he removed her hands from Lucas’ face. “We are in polite company after all.”

“Uptight as always I see Arthur, besides I’m sure he didn’t mind.”

Lucas still wasn’t sure how he was expected to act, but decided to speak out quietly. “I didn’t mind at all, really it was fine.”

The woman, Dora, cooed again. “Oh he’s just so polite as well, an absolute doll.” She reached out and grabbed Lucas’ face again, causing Arthur to roll his eyes and put up his hands in mock exasperation. “So you’re a mage isn’t that right sweetie?”

It took Lucas a moment before he realized she was talking to him directly. “Oh um yes, yes I’m a mage.”

“Indeed, just like Finch. I heard you two made quite the stir in the arena yesterday.” Dora gave a dramatic sigh. “Alas I was unable to attend and couldn’t see your skills for myself. I don’t suppose it would be possible for you to give me a little demonstration? Please?”

Lucas was taken aback, pulling himself away from Dora and looking at Harold. The man stepped forward, “I don’t think that's a great idea, while I do have him under control magic is still dangerous and…”

“Oh I don’t think that will be a problem.”

A new voice interrupted Harold and everyone turned to see another small group of three men approaching them. Lucas recognized two of them and his blood ran cold. They were the witch hunters that oversaw the fight yesterday. The boy took a step back, folding into himself slightly and warily eyeing the third man. 

He was obviously another witch hunter, the silver eyepiece and long trench coat giving that away clearly. The man was imposing, standing half a head taller than Harold and clearly well built. A large knife hung at his waist and try as he might, Lucas couldn’t help but stare at it. 

Harold looked towards that man and asked, “You are?”

The man smiled and offered a bow. “Lord Captain Edwin Brauchs. I lead the branch of witch hunters in this city.” He extended his hand towards Harold. “Pleasure to make the acquaintance, Harold if I am correct?”

Harold shook Edwin’ hand nodding, suspicion clear in his eyes.

“Please excuse me for my interruption but I couldn’t help but overhear. I also happened to miss yesterday’s fight, paperwork will be the death of me I swear, and was also curious to see if I could bear witness to your mage’s abilities.”

Edwin stepped forward, grabbing Lucas’ chin and tilting the boy’s head up. Lucas stared up at the man nervously. Every part of his being was telling him to run, but the man’s presence seemed to root him to the floor unable to move a muscle. The witch hunter gazed down at Lucas impassively, no emotion showing in his uncovered eye. They stood like that for a moment, before the man let go and turned to harold.

“I assure you that if he was to get out of control somehow me and my companions would be more than capable of containing him.” 

Harold pondered for a moment before looking at the group of nobles. All of them either wanted to see Lucas’ magic or didn’t care either way, and after another moment he acquiesced. “Well if you insist.”

Harold walked over to Lucas, pulling the key from his belt and undoing the shackles around Lucas’ wrists. There was a very clear unspoken threat in Harold’s eyes. Mess this up, and you’ll regret ever being born.

Lucas flexed his hands, letting the magic flow freely before trying to channel it. He was nervous, but putting on shows was what he was good at. All he needed to do was move some fire around and he’d be fine. The mage took a deep breath and began to channel the magic into his fingers. The familiar burning sensation spread across his hand and soon enough a small flame manifested bove his palm.

The nobles surrounding him let out small noises of surprise and admiration. Dora let out a loud “ooooooo” and stepped forward to look at it closer. Lucas ignored them, focusing on the fire in his hands. He swirled it around slowly, creating small trails of flame in the air.  The small crowd was impressed, and Lucas began to let the magic fade away. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain, and for a moment his magic flared up. 

Lucas heard a scream before being slammed to the ground, hard. He looked back, dazed, only to freeze. The witch hunter captain was kneeling on top of his back, pinning his arms behind him and pointing a silver tipped knife at his face. The other hunters flanked his sides, pointing hand crossbows they had pulled from somewhere in his direction, waiting for a single sudden movement. 

The screaming Lucas heard continued and he looked up to see Dora clutching her face, crouched low to the ground and wailing like a banshee. She must have gotten too close to the fire when it flared up and gotten burned, badly if her reaction was anything to go by. Lucas felt his blood run cold. If the witch hunters didn’t kill him on the spot he could only imagine what Harold would do to him.

“The shackles, hand them over.” The sharp voice of Edwin cut through Lucas’ throughts and he looked back to see Edwin reaching out a hand to Harold. His master was absolutely furious, an ice cold rage that Lucas had never seen before in the man’s eyes. He handed the shackled over to Edwin silently, his gaze never leaving the mage’s own terrified visage.

Edwin took the shackles and secured them to Lucas’ wrists, binding the mage’s hands behind his back. One he was certain they were secure he stood up, pulling Lucas up with him. The witch hunter captain studied Lucas intently. The mage tried to shrink into himself, terrified at what the captain might do.

“Seems like it was a sudden magical flare,” Edwin stated matter-of-factly. He turned to face Harold, “I assumed your mage had better control over himself.”

Harold spoke through gritted teeth, “So did I.”

Edwin nodded and handed Lucas over to his master before turning to the wounded noblewoman. “Lady Dora please let me take a look at it, I might be able to alleviate the damage.”

Harold grabbed onto Lucas’ arm like a vice and dragged him to one of the doorways leading out of the ballroom. Everyone in the room was staring at them and the mage searched desperately for anyone who might offer salvation. His eyes landed on Finch, who could only look at him with a mixture of sorrow and frustration. Lucas just managed to see him mouth the words ‘I’m sorry’ before he was pulled into a hallway and the doors closed. 

“M-mas-”

“SHUT UP YOU FUCKING RAT!”

The man roared angrily as he slammed his fist into Lucas’ face, breaking the boy’s still tender nose and sending blood spraying down his face. Lucas stumbled backwards, bumping to the wall and sliding down into a sitting position.

“Please it was a-”

“I SAID SHUT UP!”

Harold sent a hard kick towards Lucas’ head. With his arms bound he couldn’t try to defend himself and was sent sprawling to the floor, his right cheekbone shattered. Harold continued his assault, slamming his heel into the mage's stomach and causing him to spit up blood and bile. Lucas tried to curl in on himself, tucking his head into his chest as best he could as Harold sent another kick towards his abdomen. Lucas’ ribs shattered and more blood spilled from his mouth, forming a pool next to his head.

“I have been too fucking nice to you, you worthless piece of shit!” He slammed his foot onto Lucas’ left knee, breaking the cap and causing the mage to cry out. “Every single time you fuck up I give you another chance and every single time you FUCK UP AGAIN!”

Harold turned Lucas over onto his stomach and straddled him. He grabbed the mage’s right ring finger and pulled it backwards, breaking it with a sickening crack. Lucas let out a scream that devolved into a hoarse sob, tears falling freely from his eyes. 

“I have been fair, no, MORE than fair with you,” he broke another finger. “I’ve always rewarded you when you’ve earned it, always forgiven you when you’ve failed.”

Harold broke a third finger.

“And EVERY!”

Then a fourth.

“SINGLE!”

A fifth.

“TIME!”

A sixth

“You’ve never learned! You always find a way to embarrass me, always find a way to ruin things!”

Harold stood up, looming over Lucas' quivering form. The mage could only sob and shudder, waiting for what was to come next. He could already feel his magic trying to mend his wounds, agonizingly snapping bones back together and preventing him from falling to unconsciousness. He wanted to beg, to cry and plead for mercy. He knew it wouldn’t do anything but anger his master further. 

“I always told myself things would change, that you’d eventually learn your fucking place. I guess that makes me the idiot huh?”

Another hard stomp, this time aimed at Lucas’ right leg. Another loud crack, another hoarse scream.

“Erm...excuse me.”

Lucas and Harold both turned to the new voice. William was approaching them cautiously, Finch and two armed guards following behind him. 

“Lord William, what can I help you with?” asked Harold as he attempted to regain his composure. 

William fidgeted with his hands nervously, looking off to the side before turning back to the seething man. “Well...you see...your um...actions...have been audible to the entire ballroom and some of the guests are getting a little…uncomfortable.”

Harold blanched at that, anger and embarrassment fighting for dominance on his face. “My, my apologies.”

William offered him a tight smile. “Listen mister Harold, why don’t you leave this...business…for later and come back to enjoying the party? There is still plenty of food and drink left.”

Harold took a deep breath and nodded, before casting another glance at the bloodied mage on the floor. “Where should I put him.”

“Oh, there is a wine cellar you could leave him in. The doors lock from the outside so he won’t be going anywhere. One of my guards can take you there.”

Harold nodded again and walked over to Lucas, pulling him up roughly and dragging him forward. “Lead the way.”

William smiled and gestured for Harold to follow one of the guards behind him. The guard turned towards another hallway and Harold followed behind. The man dragged Lucas with him, bumping past Finch who managed to briefly brush Lucas’ fingers with his own. The young mage looked back, and saw Finch looking back with pain, fury, and sympathy clear in his eyes. The comfort was small, but it was enough to lift Lucas’ spirits by the smallest of increments. 

The trio continued down the hallway. Lucas was forced to hobble on his broken legs as Harold and the guard kept a swift and unrelenting pace. Small cries and gasps of pain escaped Lucas' lips, despite the mage’s best efforts. Thankfully Harold seemed to have cooled down slightly, and didn’t reprimand the boy for the sounds he made. After an excruciating five minutes the guard stopped at a doorway.

“Right down there sir, I’ll lock the door when you come out.”

Harold huffed and opened the door, pulling Lucas into a dark stairway and throwing him roughly to the floor.

“We’re not done yet.”

With that the man turned around, closing the door and leaving Lucas in near pitch darkness. The mage lay on the floor, breathing shallowly as he heard the door lock and two pairs of footsteps fade away slowly. Everything hurt, his face was sticky with blood and every breath was a painful effort. As if on cue the mgic in his body kicked in, slowly and agonizingly beginning to undo the damage Lucas had suffered. 

Minutes passed and Lucas began to shiver. The cellar was unbearably cold, and the frigid air added yet another layer of discomfort to his already haggard condition. Finally, after what felt like forever, the boy felt himself begin to fade away. With one last shuddering breath he let himself slip into merciful unconsciousness.

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

Lucas felt himself being shaken lightly, a dense fog of grogginess lingering over him as he was pulled back into the living world.

“...ucas...Lucas can you hear me?”

The young mage shook his head slightly to clear his mind, and turned to see a concerned Finch crouching over him. The older mage was lightly shaking Lucas’s shoulder trying to rouse him back into full awareness.

“Lucas, come on buddy are you with me?”

With one last shake of his head Lucas managed to bring himself to focus. “F-Finch? What are you doing here?”

“Getting us out of here. Managed to snag the key to your shackles when that bastard bumped into me. You’re not spending another fucking minute with that monster if I have any say in it. Can you walk?”

Finch undid Lucas’ shackles and helped him to his feet. The younger mage took a moment to steady himself. “I-I think so.”

“Good, now come on we have to go.”

Lucas took a few tentative steps. His legs were sore but he could definitely walk and run as needed. He nodded towards Finch and the older mage nodded back before taking Lucas’ hand and pulling him forwards. The duo made their way up the stairs and out of the cellar. The hallway was empty and Finch guided Lucas through the manor, moving from one corridor to the next without stopping. 

The pair didn’t run into a single guard. Whatever Finch’s plan was it was clearly well thought out. In what seemed like no time they had made their way out of the manor into what looked like a pleasure garden. Tall hedges lined the perimeter of the property and Lucas had no clue where they were. Finch, on the other hand, knew exactly where they needed to go and continued to guide Lucas through the garden and off of the property. 

Soon enough they were back in the city proper. The older mage led them down an array of alleyways and side streets almost instinctively. Lucas couldn’t help but wonder how long Finch had planned this escape, it almost seemed too easy. 

Just as Lucas finished the thought the two turned a corner and found themselves face to face with a pair of city watchmen. The two groups stared at each other before one of the watchmen’s face lit up with recognition

“Hey! Aren’t you Lord Wil-”

His question was cut off as three razor sharp shards of ice pierced his throat, reducing his words to pained gurgles. He fell to the floor, a look of surprise frozen on his face as he bled out. The other guard stood there stunned, before snapping out of his stupor and reaching for the sword on his belt. 

Finch acted faster, rushing forward and forming a blade of ice over his right hand. The watchman had barely drawn his sword when the ice mage was upon him, swinging the blade directly towards the guard’s neck. The man barely dodged out of the way, leaping to the side and swinging his sword in an overhead arc towards Finch. The ice mage caught the man’s arm, and a film of ice began to creep up from the guard’s wrist. The guard’s arm was quickly encased in ice, and with a grunt Finch slammed the arm into a wall. The guard’s arm shattered and his scream of agony was quickly cut short when Finch made a quick slash across his throat, blood spraying from the wound as the guard slid slowly to the floor. 

Lucas stared at Finch with a mix of awe of fear. The whole encounter lasted less than thirty seconds, and Finch had killed two armed guards like it was nothing. He thought back to their fight in the pit and the slow clumsy attacks Finch and sent his way. It was true, if Finch had wanted Lucas dead he wouldn’t have stood a chance. 

The second guard had barely finished sliding down the wall when the two mages heard commotion coming from the direction of the manor and a loud bell ringing. 

“Fuck, they must have noticed we’re gone. We need to move. Now!”

With that Finch stood and began to run down another alleyway, Lucas following not too far behind. More shouts could be heard from all around them, and more than once Finch had to quickly pull Lucas behind a stack of crates or into an abandoned building to doge patrolling watchmen. Their grace period was long over and the window they had to escape was rapidly closing shut. After a few more minutes Finch stopped and gestured for Lucas to follow him into a side alley. 

“Ok, we’re coming up on the hard part now. We need to cross the main city street. We’re far away from the central square and market, so we shouldn’t be exposed for too long, but you still need to be careful. Once we’re across, keep following me, I'll get us through the city walls and into the surrounding forest. Once we’re out of here you run like Malfegor himself is chasing you and you don’t stop. Once we’re deep enough into the forest we should be able to lose them and we’re home free. You ready?”

Lucas nodded, determination building in his chest. They were going to do this. 

“Okay, follow my lead.”

The duo crept out of the alleyway and towards the main street. They looked around, ducking back quickly as a guard patrol made its way past them. Thankfully they went unnoticed, and after a minute of waiting Finch nodded and the two broke out into a sprint. The street was only fifty feet across and the two mages covered the distance quickly. As they were about to duck into another side street a loud whistle pierced the air. Finch barely had time to duck before a crossbow bolt embedded itself in the wall right where his head had been. Lucas looked back, and his blood ran cold. A dozen silver masks glowed in the moonlight, all of the wearers armed with crossbows and shortswords. The witch hunters were active, and they had found them.

Lucas was pulled out of his shock when Finch grabbed his wrist. He looked back and saw Finch, for the first time, look truly afraid.

“Run. RUN!”

More bolts whistled through the air and Finch quickly threw up a wall of ice to block them before turning and sprinting away. Lucas followed, fear and adrenaline fueling their mad dash through the city. Any pretense of stealth had been lost, and soon enough guards were closing in on them like flies on a corpse. Finch wielded his magic with reckless abandon, flinging ice magic in all directions in order to keep the encroaching guards away.  

Angry shouts and the barking of warhounds filled the air, spurring Lucas to push past his mounting fatigue. Every step was getting harder and his lungs were screaming for air. Still, the prospect of getting caught kept him moving. The city walls finally came into sight, and Lucas began to believe that they really just might do this.

Finch didn’t slow down as they neared the walls. Instead he simply extended his arm forwards and shot out a beam of near pure arcane energy from his palm. The wall in front of them became encased in ice and as the pair of mages reached the well Finch drew his arm back and sent a haymaker punch flying into the wall. The wall exploded outwards, chunks of stone and shards of ice shooting in all directions. The two mages could see the forest in front of them, and one last burst of energy pushed them forwards faster than ever before.

Lucas and Finch crossed the fields directly outside the wall and broke through the tree line. The shouts from the city grew distant and Lucas almost felt himself laugh. They had done it, the-

“AAGHHHHHHH”

With a piercing cry Lucas fell to the forest floor, red hot pain searing up his right leg. Finch stopped and looked back towards Lucas, and both their eyes found the source. A large, rusted, bear trap had clamped itself onto Lucas’ right ankle. 

“No! Shit!”

Finch rushed towards Lucas, grabbing the jaws of the trap and trying to pull them apart. 

“Fuck, fuck, FUCK! Lucas, help me get this off of you.”

Lucas himself wasn’t focused on the trap, and instead was staring back at the city. The shouts and barks that had seemed so distant all but a few moments ago were closing in fast. Their window had closed, and there was only one thing they could do.

“Finch…”

“Once we get this off I can freeze the wound over.”

“Finch…”

“It’ll hurt but we’re close, we won’t need to make i-”

“FINCH!”

The older mage looked up, his eyes meeting Lucas’. The younger mage saw that Finch knew what was happening, but he also wasn’t willing to accept it. Not yet.

“You need to leave me.” Those words hurt Lucas more than any beating ever had, but they needed to be said.

Finch shook his head. “No. NO! I am NOT leaving you!”

“We’re out of time,” Lucas reathed past the mourning pain and anguish building in his heart. “It won’t be long until they catch us. You need to go, now.”

“We can still run, we ca-”

“Finch! I can barely walk as I am. I’ll only slow you down. If you take me we’ll both get caught. You know that.”

Finch looked around them as if searching in vain for a better solution to manifest itself. “We...we can fight them off. We’re mages we…”

“Finch, look at yourself.” The older mage’s hands were shaking, and his arms were covered in bright blue lines. Clear signs of magical exhaustion. “If you try and cast any more magic you’ll collapse and I’m still dry from my body healing me earlier.”

Finch looked back at Lucas, tears and desperation spilling from his eyes as it became clear there were no other options.

“Go, be free. I’ll be okay.”

It was the boldest face lie Lucas had ever told, and they both knew it. Finch took a shuddering breath and lunged forwards, pulling Lucas into a tight hug. Their embrace was cut all too short as another round of shouts pierced the air, and the older mage stood up. Finch looked down at Lucas, a new kind of determination lining his face.

“I’ll come back for you. When everything’s blown over I'll find you and I'll get you out. If it means I have to kill everyone on this fucking continent I’ll get you out. I swear.”

Lucas gave a small smile. “Go.”

Finch let out a sigh. “I’m so sorry Lucas.”

The man began to walk away but Lucas called out to him, there was one last thing he needed to say.

“Finch, wait!”

The ice mage turned back, and their eyes met one last time.

“Thank you Finch, for everything.”

The man stared back at him, a million different replies shooting through his mind. In the end he only closed his eyes and said one last, “I'm sorry.”

With that he turned and ran, and Lucas watched the one person he had ever called a friend disappear into the forest. All alone Lucas could only wait and hiss in pain as his focus was turned back to the trap around his leg. It didn’t take long for the men that had been hunting them to catch up, and soon enough Lucas found himself facing a dozen witch hunters and their crossbows. 

Edwin pushed his way past the crowd and loomed over Lucas. His face was impassive but an aura of hatred emanated from his body.

“Where is the other?”

Lucas said nothing and stared the witch hunter captain in the face. He was terrified to his core, but nothing they could do would make him betray Finch. The captain seemed to understand this, and turned back to the search party with a snarl.

“Spread out and find the other one, now!”

The witch hunters departed without gestation, their warhounds barking and snarling as they looked for a scent to follow. Edwin turned back to Lucas, and the boy felt what little bravery he had been able to muster wither into nothingness under the man’s gaze.

“We may not find your friend, but we have you. And when we are done with you, you’ll wish that trap had closed around your neck.”

Without another word the captain slammed his boot into Lucas’ head, and the mage fell to the ground unconscious.

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