#only one person recognized it but I'm glad somebody did

[go-go-devil]

Nothing like going to a record convention to kick off the new year, and holy hell did I have a successful hunt! In fact, this may very well be the BEST haul I've ever taken home in my history of vinyl hunting!

So many records that I'd been waiting literal years to find out in the wild were all found during my first 20 minutes at the place: Acquiring the Taste, Pawn Hearts, In Camera, Spirit of Eden, and even a reasonably priced copy of Wish You Were Here! About damn time too, it was painful going so long without the LAST Pink Floyd album I needed in my collection T_T

I even stumbled upon some rare, unexpected finds. I've known about Sally Oldfield's Water Bearer for close to a decade yet this is the first time I've ever seen anyone carry her. Same with the Gong and Steve Hillage record and especially Art Bears. As for the Stevie Wonder album, I grabbed it because it has "Higher Ground" which is one of my favorite songs of his, but I'm actually not familiar with the full record and am excited to check it out!

[mcflymemes]

PAST LIVES (2023) PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue from the film, adjust as necessary

who do you think they are to each other?

i guess that doesn't make sense.

why are you crying?

what did you decide?

i will probably marry him.

you want to go on a date with him?

if you leave something behind, you gain something, too.

you're really leaving? you're never coming back?

there was so much in it that i responded to, but the one phrase that sticks with me the most is the line "the long journey is rotting."

who else should we look up?

think of it as a blessing that you broke up, and consider this a new beginning.

of course you miss her, you moron.

do you have a secret girlfriend or something?

who's messaging you at 3AM?

thank you for this meal.

did you drink a lot last night?

why are you in such a good mood?

i recognize you.

how are we meeting again like this?

i didn't even know that you remembered me!

i just looked for you as a joke, then i saw that you'd been looking for me.

i tried really hard to find you.

do you still cry a lot?

you would always stay with me whenever i was crying.

you can't cry in new york city.

i'm a really fun person to talk to.

what time is it there?

it doesn't make a lot of sense, but... can i even say something like this? i missed you.

i only speak korean with you and my mom.

you're the same as the 12 year old kid in my memory.

have you seen eternal sunshine of the spotless mind?

will you come to new york sometime?

will you come to seoul sometime?

i want us to stop talking to each other for a while.

i want to accomplish something here.

what are you sorry about? were we dating or something?

tonight, we drink 'til we die.

you got the worst room.

maybe you and i were somebody to each other in another lifetime.

do you believe that? that you and i knew each other in another life?

it's going to rain the whole time you're there.

i missed you. i was disappointed.

we're not together right now.

do you not want to get married?

i'm too ordinary.

my job is ordinary, my income is ordinary. it's all ordinary.

is it hard to get married if you don't make a ton of money?

want me to take a photo of you?

you look good.

why do you fight?

it's like planting two trees in one pot. our roots are finding their place.

you're worrying about me?

getting married is hard for idealistic people like you.

why did you look for me?

i just wanted to see you one more time.

i think i was a little pissed off because you just left.

you're right. there's nothing to be sorry about.

i don't have a right to be mad.

i'm not gonna miss my rehearsals for some dude.

we're not meant for each other.

we slept together because we both happened to be single.

you make it sound so romantic.

that's not how life works.

this is my life. and i'm living it with you.

this is where i ended up. this is where i'm supposed to be.

it's just that you make my life so much bigger, and i'm wondering if i do the same thing for you.

you're forgetting the part where i love you.

you never sleep talk in english. you only dream in korean.

i didn't know that. you never told me.

most of the time i think it's cute, but sometimes... i don't know. i get scared.

you dream in a language that i can't understand. there's this whole place inside of you where i can't go.

you really are exactly the same as i remember you.

when we stopped talking... i really missed you. did you miss me?

i don't know, seeing you again and being here makes me have a lot of weird thoughts.

what if you had never left? if you hadn't left like that, and we just grew up together, would i have still looked for you?

would we have dated? broken up? gotten married? would we have kids together?

you had to leave because you're you.

i think there was something in our past lives.

i never thought i'd be part of something like this.

i'm really glad you came here. it was the right thing to do.

[fakescenariosbeforesleepblog]

What would you do for a Ghost? Pt. 2.

They were looking at you, expectant, waiting for an answer, you were contemplating the idea, debating on what to do, after a few moments you sighed and looked at them.

- I'll do it, I'll help you. If this is the way I can help, then I'll do it, I'll take the risk. Follow me please.

You walked to a hidden door in your office, it was just where your security cameras were, you let them in, they were already preparing the microphone, you were looking at the three man when you felt a hand taking yours, you found yourself with Simon's eyes, he was worried, even if he tries to not show it, you knew him, you smiled at him.

- you don't have to do this, we can't find another way...

- Simon, it's fine, I want to help you, I owe you this! You saved me once, remember? Now it's my time to pay the debt.

- You don't owe me nothing...

- I still wanna help, let me help you.

He squeezed your hand softly and you did the same. Soap approached and Ghost let your hand.

- Alright... Ahhh... Sorry, I think Ghost didn't introduce us, I'm soap

- I'm (Y/n),

- nice name, well (y/n) put this on your... It can be your hair or your dress, you can decide that.

- okay. Stay here guys, you can check every interaction in every room, window, and door around this place, this is my personal security room, feel free to use it.

The phone rang again, you ran to it, fixed your hair, your dress and looked at the boys once more before leaving.

You walked to the VIP zone with a bright big smile, you found the man ghost has been following.

- Welcome Sir! Sorry, the phone call took me more time than I expected. What can I bring you?

- Hello little one, it has been a long time, you already know what I like to drink, please.

He took your hand and kissed it, that Russian accent, all the 141 can recognize it. Ghost is tense, nervous, angry, anxious and jealous? Why do you let this guy call you like that? Why are you allowing him to kiss you?

- The Best vodka is for my best client, are we waiting for more people or will it be only you tonight?

- Three more, darling.

That's all he said, you were quick, you came back with a few bottles of vodka and three glasses of ice, served.

- can I offer you something else Sir?

- why all this formality (y/n)? We've known each other for a long time, am I wrong?

He got up and Caressed your check running his finger all over until he stopped on your lips, you felt anxious running through your body, but did your best to keep yourself calm and give a small step back, creating enough distance between you and him.

- I'm sorry V, you're right, how are you? What have you been doing? You disappeared for a long time.

- Ahhh (y/n), I feel excited, I wish I could give you details but you will see, you will know it soon, but at the moment I can just tell you how happy I am to see you after all these years.

- I hope so, I'm glad you're back in town...

- (y/n) tell me something, are u single? You're so pretty for being single.

He barely looked at you, but you blushed, you couldn't stop thinking about Simon, he was listening to the conversation, you shouldn't be worried, you're just friends, no?.

While you were talking, Simon and the team were listening, but Soap was still curious about you and ghost.

- So, Lt. How did you and (y/n) meet?

- I helped her.

Simon and those simple answers, he knows that wouldn't be enough for Soap.

- did you help her? To do what or with what did you help?

Simon sighed, focused on you and his target.

- She lost her parents and old brother, somebody killed them, I found her escaping from the people who were following her, she was injured, I was walking to my house when I listened to all that noise, I saved her life and took her with me, when she got better she thanked me, gave me her number and the club's address, after that I started to visit her here, she talked to me about this place, the clients who visit it... That's why I thought we would obtain information here.

That's all he said. Soap didn't talk, so he turned to look at him, just to notice everybody was paying attention to his story.

- Was it love at first sight?

Gaz broke the silence with his question, Soap laughed and then stopped after looking at Simon's eyes.

- I didn't say that.

But In fact, he fell for you from the moment your eyes met his.

- yes but I think all of us noticed the way she looks at you, no... Soap? Price?

- Yes.

- affirmative.

Even the Captain agreed, maybe it is time to confess the feelings he has for you, more than ever before, because now his target, his enemy, is flirting with you.

Suddenly a conversation in Russian caught everybody's attention. They're focused on it. But ghost is focused in the way Vladimir Makarov is holding your waist.

You're too busy trying to be as close as possible to the conversation and be helpful to ghost and his team that you didn't notice how Vladimir is holding you.

- I'm glad you're back in the game Makarov!

- thank you, everybody worked hard all these years I can't be more pleased, I have to confess I'm also excited for what comes soon, without setbacks, am I right?

- indeed Sir, is all ready, the subway routes, I brought the map with me, just in case you want to check everything is in order.

- Good, let's check it quickly, but first, my dear (y/n) would you be so kind to bring us more vodka, please?

You smiled and kindly nodded at them and walked away. You were picking up a bottle and softly you whispered on the microphone.

- if someone is still in the security room, focus all the VIP cameras on the table you will have a clear view of the map they were talking about.

You went back with the bottle and new glasses, you were ready to leave again when Makarov took your hand.

- Don't leave darling, we actually were talking about you.

Your heart froze, an overdose of adrenaline was running through your body.

- Is it true this place is yours young lady?

- Oh... Yes sir, familiar business, I'm the last of my family though... So indeed I'm too young to run this place but I do my best to honor all the sacrifice my family put on this place.

- I must admit you're doing a great job, I like it, actually I was telling Makarov I would love to have a private event here to celebrate him. What do you think? Would that be possible?

- for sure, Vladimir is one of my best clients and an old friend of my parents, will be a great honor to me.

Makarov took your hand and you tried to avoid eye contact, continuing with the conversation and ignoring the interaction between you and him. The night ended quickly, you went back to your office and once you were sure no one would Interrupt you, you walk to the room with the guys, they thanked you for the help, they finally introduce themselves since Ghost forgot to do it once again, he was quiet, observing the interaction between you and the team, without saying anything, they were ready to leave, just waiting for ghost who asked you to talk in private.

- Simon, what's wrong? You've been quiet... More than usual.

- sorry about that, I wasn't sure about bringing all of them here, put you at risk, a lot of things ran into my head when I saw Makarov close to you... Flirting.

- I have to admit I was afraid, but thinking about you and that I was helping you, calmed me and made me feel brave, Si... I think I have to tell you, I... I love you Simon.

You didn't dare to look at him, you felt like you were doing something bad, but then his hand found yours, you looked up at him, he was staring at you with those soft eyes, His other hand caressed your cheek, he took off his mask quickly, before you could realize it, you were kissing, was a passionate kiss, with a taste of whiskey but sweet too, it was better than you imagined all this time. When he stopped you was already missing the taste of his lips and the touch of his hand on your cheeks.

His raspy voice provoked shivers through your whole body, he finally confessed what he feels.

- I love you too, I love you, I love you.

«Lt. We need to run!» He put the mask on again and looked at you, he gave you another kiss but this time in your forehead.

- I have to go, but I'll be back, we will talk about this, I promise you.

You smiled at him and hugged him, you wanted to live under his skin to never separate from him, but he was right, he needed to go.

- Okay, we'll talk about it, I'll be waiting for you Simon, I will be here.

- Makarov will not live long enough to put his hands on you and will not be able to flirt with my girl ever again, I'll take you to a proper date, I promise that too.

You laughed and squeezed his hand.

- Go, save the world Lt. And please come back to me.

[ckret2]

Your human Bill stuffs were some of more engaging post-canon Bill Ciphers I ever have seen! Now I'm considering asking something about this dimension; Do townsfolk recognize human Bill as a same one who nearly destroyed the whole world? If they did, I can try and name some people as examples - Candy and Grenda, Old Man McGucket, Pacifica and her parents, Blubs and Durland.

Thanks, glad you're enjoying it so far!

Nobody will recognize Bill right at the outset. Consider chapter one where neither Soos nor Wendy recognize him as Bill; or a few chapters later when they take him to a diner and the waitress (a Gravity Falls local who definitely got caught up in Weirdmageddon) doesn't suspect anything. As a human, he just looks human.

The first person to actually recognize him was Ford, and that's because Ford knows Bill better than anybody else, Ford heard his voice WITHOUT seeing his face (so he wasn't predisposed to thinking of this person as a human), and also Bill had just tried to murder him which is kind of a big clue to his identity.

Most people will be like Soos or Wendy: they won't suspect anything's up until/unless they start getting BIG hints, or else somebody tells them.

Right now, the only people who know Bill's a human are part of the Mystery Shack household: Dipper, Mabel, Stan, Ford, Soos, Abuelita, and Melody. I'm still shuffling around plot events, but I'm pretty sure the next person to find out will be McGucket, followed by the tooth fairy, followed by Gideon. Mr. What's-His-Face might be in there somewhere too, but like, he was cryogenically frozen during Weirdmageddon, he doesn't have the same reaction to Bill as most other Gravity Falls residents would.

As far as Candy and Grenda can tell, this person everybody is calling "Goldie" is probably a escaped convict, MAYBE some kind of ghost, and Mabel is trying to rehabilitate him into a Fun Older Brother/Sister type person. They're fine with this. He seems fun and he lets them sit on him when he's napping.

Pacifica IS gonna find out at some point, but I haven't plotted out exactly when yet; until then, her initial impression of him is that he has the most beautiful hair she has seen ever, anywhere, in her life. Her parents probably don't notice he even exists.

Blubs and Durland suspect NOTHING.

[galaxyseclipse]

(Agent 4)

Tier 0

3, 9, 15, 16, 20, 29

Tier 1

1, 10, 11, 15, 28

Tier 2

10, 12, 17, 18, 27

Tier 3

18

Tier 4

9, 21, 24

Tier 5

2

Tier 6

6, 11, 30

don't you smile mischievously at me /lh

though I did say "hit me" so maybe this is on me lol

but I will say: for future reference, maybe don't put 24 in one thing please

I like the long ones, and I'm glad y'all have that much interest in my characters, but that's a little excessive

Tier 0

3. What species are they? Any special notes?

They are an Inkling, specifically based on the hummingbird bobtail squid, so they glow.

9. Main tentacle color? How did they pick it?

Teal; they were born that way, but there has been some green creeping in lately :)

15. What is their main weapon? How did they pick it and why?

Dark Tetra Dualies. They like to feel powerful on the Reefslider and zip around with the more rolls.

16. Languages they speak? Any that they’ve learned or want to learn?

They speak Inklish mostly, but they know enough Octarian to carry a conversation pretty well(though their accent is usually somewhat off). They've lived with Ika long enough to start to recognize the occasional thing in Salmontongue, but definitely not enough to speak it(they can mostly only tell if they're talking about them).

20. What size are they? Are they average size for their species or not?

They are about 4' 10"(147 cm), so they're a little shorter than average.

29. What makes them cry? Is it a common sight?

They claim “nothing”, but that’s not true. They just don’t like people seeing them cry so they avoid doing it in front of others.

Tier 1

1. Any pets? Do they want any?

They probably had small ones as a kid, but none currently. They're a little too busy for one("keeping up with squirt is basically like taking care of an animal").

10. How much does it take to trigger their Special Rush state? Do they get pumped fast?

Only slightly less than average; like you've got a couple Special Charge Up slots. They are Tsunami's cousin, after all. They are very easily excitable though.

11. Are they a good Super Jumper? Do they land their jumps?

They're pretty accurate, but they can't go super far. It's about a 50/50 shot on whether they'll land it properly(they don't have bones, they'll be fine).

15. Their favorite way to listen to music? Headphones, radio, et cetera?

Headphones, it's more private.

28. Anything they have too much of?

Everyone tells them "blankets and pillows", but they themself would say "cups". They just started accumulating them and before they knew it, they had a ton.

Tier 2

10. How often are they in swim form? How does it feel to them?

Really only when they're trying to hide or swimming, though hiding still doesn't work very well because half of their body still glows. They are very small like that so it's a little scary.

12. How do they sleep? How much do they usually need to sleep?

They sleep under a very large pile of blankets and pillows, saying they "need the weight to be comfortable". How much fully depends on how close exams and project deadlines are; swinging between the normal 10-ish hours, and zero.

17. Are they in a relationship? Do they want to be?

They are dating Marie. They try to keep it lowkey for her sake.

18. Any past relationships? Why did they end?

No, they were never really a "relationship oriented" person. They had crushes, but they never went anywhere.

Tier 3

18. If they could be any other species, would they? And what would they be?

No, they're pretty content the way they are now.

Tier 4

9. Any short-term color change? Which emotions trigger which colors in them?

Not really other than for ink battles and stuff. Their tentacles get more or less saturated depending on their current mood, and their spots glow more or less in the same way.

21. What do they find attractive in somebody?

Personality first; if they can properly match their energy and look good while doing so? Instant attraction.

24. How often are they sick? How do they handle it?

Other than the frequent migraines, not super often. They're the kind of person who says, "if I can do [insert fun thing] I can do actual work" when sick and powers through it, even if they're on the verge of passing out.

Tier 5

2. Anything they are dreading or horribly afraid of in their current life?

The heat-death of the universe.

And some of the stuff they've done as an agent catching up to them.

Tier 6

6. What is their preferred weather? What is the worst one?

They like warm, sunny weather the most, and hate the cold(another cited reason for the blankets).

11. Are they doing alright mentally? And is their “alright” ACTUALLY alright?

Yes and no? Probably not, especially if they’re saying they’re “fine”.

30. Are they a good person? In their own opinion.

Objectively, yeah, but they sometimes struggle with thinking that.

[fuck-you-upmusicbracket]

Submitting propaganda for You Are My Sunshine, which I think is in the next bracket.

The chorus of this song has become widely accepted as a children's lullaby. I suspect that most parents don't also sing the first verse, but my mother did. She would actually sing it as a follow-up to the chorus, although in the actual song it comes first.

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping I dreamed I held you in my arms When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken So I bowed my head and I cried

As a child, I didn't have the context to understand this was actually a song about somebody being left by their lover. Obviously this was a song sung by a parent, and the implication of this verse was that the child had been abducted or killed.

Any hint of this song would make me cry, immediately. Even just the "you are my sunshine" chorus - once you've heard the verse as well, you recognize it for just a hopeless plea.

This was too much existential dread for a child. This is the only song in this bracket that I could say one hundred percent fucked me up as a person, developmentally. I'm so glad somebody submitted it.

Been holding onto this for a few days!

[witchcraftandburialdirt]

🔥 give me two , one about shipping , one about following / unfollowing — all good if you don't have an ' unpopular ' opinion per se ! just happy to hear your thoughts

✧ ━━ 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐃 "🔥" 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐎𝐏𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝙼𝚄𝙽𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙿𝚃𝚂

I'm really glad you said that the opinion doesn't actually have to be unpopular because I have no idea what's considered a popular opinion or not (☛ ´∀｀*)☛ I know I'm always writing on here but I genuinely know nothing about anything on tumblr outside of the circle that I'm in, and I don't really take part of fandom except at cons. So I'll just list a few things I guess and we'll go from there ━

I don't like the idea of characters "deserving each other". I think what matters most is that the feelings are mutual and not one-sided. Not only that but sometimes people use this as a way to justify horrible things happening to said ship or between them? I dont know I'm just not a fan of the connotation.

Shipping real people feels ... icky to me, and like an invasion of privacy. I know a lot of idol/ k-pop companies push it, though. I'm not talking about "oh they look so cute!" I mean like ... 20+ minute analysis videos. If someone made one about me I'd be horrified so ━ I can't really support it being done to somebody else, even if it is innocent at heart, the feeling behind it is just ... not good.

I genuinely can't stand it when a ship that's going to inevitably be complicated and rather fucked up gets turned into a purely fluffy relationship. Granted I enjoy fluff as much as the next person, and anyone can show tenderness towards those they love, but my goodness please let the characters continue to be messed up.

Thaaat being said I can’t see any enjoyment in watching or reading two characters mercilessly abuse one another in a nonconsensual or purely hateful way. Play fighting, both being equally weird and mirroring eachother or general bickering doesn't count - obvs - but if a ship becomes abusive I'll step back from it. I know I know! But Egg you JUST said "keep the relationship and characters fucked up"! Yes! I did, and that doesn't mean that that messed up relationship is abusive or horrible for those characters specifically because its something they both enjoy/willingly take part in. Continuing about this because this is for my own tastes: Its okay to enjoy darker ships and toxic ships! This doesn't mean the person who is enjoying the content believes abuse is alright.

I find that stories that only revolve around romance tend to be extremely dull to me a lot of the time. There should be an idea of where the story is going without romance included, and if the ship comes along then it does. I think those are the ships that tend to feel the most natural since the characters interact without a specific romantic end goal in mind, which makes it all the more sweet when they do come to recognize their feelings as its come from them and not the destined plot ━ I just like it that way though and people can like whatever, y'know?

Possessiveness in ships is like ... very hit or miss for me in how it's portrayed. There's certain instances where its fun but others where it makes me wanna die. Mutual possessiveness/obsession though? Ohooho that is fun to play with, so long as it doesn't become abusive or unbalanced/unwanted by one of the parties. Man - tsk - idk anymore I feel like my opinion is so all over the place but like this all spins back to the toxic abusive relationships being a no no for me like as long as the insanity is consensual between two adults that both like it ? Yeah - that's fine. Does that make sense? I could probably go into stuff about Vladibin with this ( me and borb were talkin about it ) but I won't because I will go on forever and this is already WAYYY longer than I originally intended.

As for unfollowing it's ... whatever to me? There's obviously mutuals that if I lost I'd be really confused/wondering what happened + sad about it but I would still keep my distance; but for the most part I'm unaffected by it ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ I used to care a lot but I grew out of that within like ... 4 months. I know people grow out of their likes and what they want to view, or that they assumed my blog was something else and upon it not being what they wanted, unfollowed - which again, is valid! I don't know I just don't think unfollowing is anything personal ( like, 95% of the time ofc there's always the small percentage that is ). Don't harass people who block you or try to get around the block, things we've heard a thousand times. ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭ ̀ˋ I think though, that if you have been mutuals/friends with someone for a while and plan to unfollow - I think it would be most polite to message said friend to briefly explain why; especially since so many of us have anxiety sometimes it seems like an unfollow means the other party hates the other. It's just nice if you have a history with someone, not necessary, just polite (ง ื▿ ื)ว

[actuallylorelaigilmore]

2023 Movie Journey #14: The Super Mario Brothers Movie

the super mario bros. movie. this is another movie i watched with my family. i didn't plan on watching it, so all i knew going in was that chris pratt was mario. for some reason, i also believed going in that jack black was luigi--i knew he was also in it, but in hindsight i'm not sure how i got that specific idea.

i love anna taylor-joy so it was cool to learn that she was also a star of this. the role didn't show off her fascinating range, but i understand why it was never going to while she was playing this type of animated character.

i can't stand chris pratt and there was no way for me around that, unfortunately. it might have been different if he was one of the minor characters instead. and as somebody who barely grew up around nintendo, i also couldn't gain much from the nostalgia elements of this movie that i'm sure delighted other people--i recognized things like donkey kong, but don't personally have any attachment to them, so that level of the movie felt like it was expecting viewers to love it just based on all the recognizable faves and it didn't accomplish that with me.

the rest of the voice cast did a good job, though i didn't place any of them as i was watching--even though i did know some of the other actors once the credits rolled. i think i was just too distracted by the animation to focus on the voices more, because the style of animation was really really cool. i'm not automatically a big fan of animated movies, because how they're animated affects me a lot: certain styles can clash with my brain and make it hard to enjoy even a movie that's great in every other way. this one's style is sort of soft and rounded in a way that i enjoyed a lot.

my two other favorite things about this movie are first, how colorful it was. the rainbow bridge! a literal rainbow! possibly the only car chase scene i have ever enjoyed in my life!! every car chase scene in every movie now should have to be that colorful so i care. lol.

and probably unsurprisingly, my other favorite thing throughout the movie was jack black. while it was very confusing for me at first that he was not luigi (instead of asking @actuallylukedanes why luigi didn't sound like jack black, like i should have, i just kept watching and thinking i must be hearing him wrong somehow), he was perfect as the antagonist. i adored him and every one of his little songs. i wish he was going to have his own spin-off movie.

this movie was cute and i'm glad i saw it. i can imagine it being just as fun on a rewatch. and for me jack black was worth it all by himself.

[sunshinelulusplatoon]

4 months ago:

“MARS?!?” all the Squidbeaks questioned in shock.

“Yep, the signal came from Mars,” Lutarna replied.

“We have sent out a few drones from the Octarian base orbiting Earth and found old structural ruins and signs of teriforming on the surface,” Orca explained.

“So humans may possibly still be on Mars?” Pixie questioned, “Do you think they are in trouble?”

“Who knows but I don’t know about yall, but I’m itching to get there,” Joey replied, "Give them good old Squidbeak hello."

“Same feeling,” Lutarna replied, “I’ve already got Sako and the Metro Planners working together to build a space craft that we can pilot to Mars. With my calculations and with Octarian tech, it should only take 3 days to get there. Now, who’s coming?”

“Captain on board Agent 3,” Joey saluted.

Lutarna nodded with a smile.

“I can help for now. Though once back, I know Marina was talking about a project she wanted me to help her on,” Pixie remarked.

“As much as I would like to join, someone has to watch the valley and canyon,” Lulu remarked.

“It’s okay. You got your hatchling to raise. Nobody is going to fault you for not coming,” Marcy remarked, “I’ll go in your place.”

Lulu nodded in agreement.

“I’ll leave the Metro to NILS to make the trip,” Lutarna nodded, “We will also bring Naiko along and a few of the guards to keep watch of the ship while we explore once we get there. Though I'm curious if they will welcome us or find us hostile.”

"You don't think they will welcome us?" Marcy asked.

"Humans are...complicated when it comes to other worldly visitors," Lutarna replied hesitant.

"Either way, somebody on Mars needs help and we are going!" Joey nodded.

All in agreement, the crew were about to disband when another person walked up.

“Room for one more?” the person asked.

Catching alarm from all, the Squidbeaks all pulled their hero gear out and aimed it at the intruder.

“How did you get here?” Pixie asked.

“It’s a common Squidbeak spot,” the person replied with a chuckle, “I’m no threat to ya’ll. I just want to help.”

All in black with the hoodie over his head, a pale hand held onto a squiffer over his shoulders. Recognizing it and the young voice, Lutarna eyes when wide.

“And you are?” Joey demanded.

“Glad you asked,” the person replied as he pulled his the hood down.

Cerulean hair and tentacles flopping down, a blue eye looked at the group. All blinking, their faces turned to Lutarna in other bewilderment before looking back at the newcomer.

“Name’s Gideon.”

[luveline]

happy new years!!! can i request rockstar!remus x fem!shy!r, where they first meet bc she lost her glasses (and r has horrible eyesight) & she doesn’t recognize remus & is absolutely mortified when she realizes who she’s run in (literally) to???

Happy New Year!! Thank you for your request <3 fem!reader

You'd only put your glasses down for long enough to rub your tired eyes, and yet you can't find them. They've slipped off the face of the earth. 

And worse, you're so fucking awkward (said with only a pinch of self-loathing) that you can't make yourself do the awkward song and dance to find them, not when you're surrounded by strangers at a friend of a friend of a friend's house in the rich bit of London. 

You stand up, wondering if you can identify the friend you'd come with by their shapes and colours alone, and take a misguided step straight into someone's side. 

Air puffs out of you in a gasp and you take a hasty step back, eyes on the person's chest. There's a sanguine-coloured t-shirt with darker, looping writing across the front. 

"I'm sorry," you say, trying to take a cautious step around them. 

"Hey, that's okay," says a masculine voice, the body it belongs to veering into your path. "Are you alright, sweetheart? Did I clip you?" 

You look up into their face and stare at the space between their eyebrows, knowing you look silly. You can vaguely make out his facial features, and your brain signals it as familiar, but the voice doesn't ring any bells. 

"No, sorry, you didn't do anything. I'm looking for someone," you say. 

"Anyone I'd know?" 

"Elizabeth? They're in a green dress?" 

He looks around the room. You can see his neck turn, the splodge of darker colour that is his hair moving with it. "I don't see any green dresses," he says apologetically. 

You shake your head. The music playing increases in volume, and girls all over the room gasp as a favourite song starts to play. You wince at being shoved out of the way. The man in front of you moves to protect your side, hand behind your shoulder for a short, hot second. 

"Somebody's lost their glasses," he murmurs. 

You giggle nervously. "Is it obvious?" 

He leans down to the settee and then stands tall. He does something with his t-shirt, pulling it away from his torso, and then he nudges a familiar shape into your hand. 

"No, I mean, I saw them on the sofa. They're yours, I'm assuming." 

You laugh again, drowning in embarrassment. As you open the legs of your glasses, you think, Well, it could be worse. Elizabeth said that The Marauders of all people are going to be here tonight. Imagine making a fool of yourself like this in front of them. 

And then you put your glasses on. You can't speak.

"Is that better?" Remus asks, bassist of The Marauders and in the flesh. "Sorry to say, you have thicker lenses than James. I'm surprised you can see at all without them." 

"I can't, really," you say, your voice a far away thing. 

"They suit you." He grins at you, all pretty-lipped and dark brown eyes, the scar over his nose turned white at the edges with the strain. "I suppose I looked more handsome before." 

"No," you say. 

His smile turns playfully smug. "No? I'm glad. You look prettier with them on, too." 

Your cheeks are so hot they're burning, and your chest is lit by a panic you can't describe. You were being completely, entirely genuine with him — he's a thousand times more handsome now you can actually see him, with a voice to match. Smooth, steady, and teasing. Despite the boy-next-door of his sandy brown hair, his sweet smile, there's a stickier emotion playing on his lips. You worry he's gonna eat you alive right there and then. 

"Can I get you something to drink, pretty girl? Or can you manage now your vision's been restored?" he asks. 

His banter throws you off kilter. "I think you'd better get me one," you say, not because you're smooth in any capacity but because you're worried you'll fall over. 

He laughs warmly, worse when he sees you realise you'd sounded flirty. 

"I'd love to get you a drink," he says. "If you'll be alright while I'm gone?" 

You nod wordlessly, collapsing into the settee again as soon as he's gone. You're gonna need a drink to survive this. 

[val-writesstuff]

Not Going Back

Summary: Your past seems to catch up to you but it's not who you expected to see

Wc: 1k+

Pairing: Bucky Barnes X Reader

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist | Taglist Form

Bucky paced the hallway outside of Steve’s office as he waited. He knew he shouldn't have kept what he knew a secret, knew Steve had a right to know the truth. He just hadn't found a good time to bring it up; it's not exactly breakfast conversation.

When he heard Steve hang up his call in his office, he walked in, dropping the file he had put together on the desk with a thump.

Steve raised his eyebrows as he pulled the folder closer, flipping it open to a grainy black-and-white side-view shot of a woman. A voice in Steve's head said he knew her, but he couldn't place her. “What am I looking at here, Buck? Is this some Hydra scientist we need to take care of?”

Bucky sighed and paced for another moment before lowering himself into the chair opposite Steve’s desk. “We worked closely together when I was the winter soldier. She got out a few months after I did. When I got back, I started looking for her.”

“I’m glad you want me to help you, but who is she? Why is she so important that you've been looking for her since you returned? That’s a long time to look for one person, Buck.”

Bucky didn't get nervous often, but this might be the hardest thing he had done in a while. He steeled his nerves and took a deep breath before answering. “It’s your sister Steve. She's out there."

==========

*three months later*

I chew my lip nervously as I glance over my shoulder. There's no reason for anybody here to follow me, but I can't shake the feeling I'm being watched. I duck down an empty side street and lean against the brick wall of a nearby building. I reach into the pocket of my leather jacket and thumb at the switchblade.

With what I do for a living, it was stupid to think I could stay in one place for so long. I should've left months ago, but the people were so friendly I could almost pretend I wasn't in hiding, running from a past I could barely remember.

After a while, with nothing suspicious happening, I decide it’s safe enough to head back to the apartment I had just started calling “home.” Guess that was a mistake.

I rush into my apartment and start shoving things into my bags. One bag for clothes, one for weapons, kept it easy to pack. There were certain things ingrained in my head; one of them was ‘don't own things that you can not replace’  Sure, I could leave with nothing and be fine, but it was a pain in the ass, and I liked my stuff.

I leave and head off toward where I know I can steal a helicopter. I take side streets and back alleys, trying to hurry when I get that feeling again. That itch in the back of my brain tells me somebody is watching me, but when I look over my shoulder, there’s still nobody there.

Another twenty minutes of walking pass, and I can see the airport when I hear a crunch behind me. I spin around and see a blond man staring at me. He looks vaguely familiar, but I can't place him.

Grabbing a weapon from my bag would take too long, so I'm left with only my switchblade and ability. He doesn't look like he wants to fight me, so my best bet is to run.

I turn and take off at a sprint. No regular person can keep up with me, so I should be in the clear. I'm only a few feet away from my escape when something heavy slams into my side and grabs onto me.

I look to see what it is and see a face I could never forget; he haunts my dreams. They sent my own damn partner after me. I recognize the expression on his face; it's the same one he makes on missions just before the end. Angry, determined.

With a grunt, I raise my knee and kick his chest as hard as possible. I know I'll never be able to beat him, mainly because there's this tiny voice in the back of my mind screaming not to hurt him.

"I'm not going back!" I scramble away from him and leap to my feet. I snatch the switchblade from my pocket and flip it open. My other hand flexes, and I prepare to use the ability I had spent months shoving down.  "I'd die before I ever go back with you!" I spit out and glance between them. The blond still looks hesitant about this, so he should be easy to deal with. The soldier is challenging, but I can get out of here if I can just get past him.

I run towards him, and just before he reaches out to grab me, I hit the ground and slide between his open legs. Yet again, I run for my salvation, not pausing for my dropped bags.

Stupidly I think I'm in the clear when the other one grips my wrist and yanks me towards him. He wraps his arms around me tightly; my arms are trapped at my sides, and I try to slash out with my knife.

The soldier huffs as he snatches it away from me, closes it, and shoves it into his pocket.

"I'm not going back with you!" I jerk my head back and slam it into the chin of Mr. Hesitant. Winter immediately grabs me and tosses me like a sack of potatoes. I land with a grunt. I try to strike out at him, but he grabs my wrists in one hand, pinning them to the ground above my head.

"Doll, I didn't wanna hurt you, but you're not making this easy." his other hand is pinning my hips to the ground, and he's sitting on my legs, so I can't kick him off me. I look around, trying to find the other guy, when the unmistakable feeling of a needle pierces my neck. Found him.

“Fuck you!” I do my best to thrash and fight even as black spots begin to invade my vision.

Remember, likes are nice but reblogs/feedback are golden!

Tags: @charmedbysarge @cjand10

[imaginewithtearose]

OH MY GOOSH- heyyy again it's me the one who requested the "dangerous lullaby" idia fic and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what you did with the idea! you absolutely made my day <3 ngl that was my first request ever, and I'm glad that I am your first scenario request! I would love a part 2, y'know when you aren't busy ^^ thank you again soo much!!

Im so proud of you!! It was such a good idea, i will make part two here, answering this ask!

Lemme present to you ladies, gentlemans, and non binary hoes;

Pomegranate Wishes

Time has passed and you don't know if it has been hours of days since Idia left you in this white space that he calls “your new room”, but you are more than sure that this is your cage in this mysterious island.

In rage and desperation, you decided to private yourself from anything. Just lay on the white bed and look at the roof; Robots may come with food but you rejected it. At first, it included screams and throwing stuff, but with time passing and not a clue from anything, you just decided to ignore the food offerings. And this just got weirded.

The more you rejected this, the less food they offer you; From a whole meal, to a simple bottle of red pills that you watched in disgust.

You couldn't do anything, and you resisted to eat or accept anything from anyone in this nightmare island. What keep you up at night, or day, was the screams and voices of your classmates that you slightly heard trough your door.

...

You were defeated. Both mentally and physically. You didn't wanted to even move, or say anything. Neither think. You would sleep sometimes, but hunger kept you wake up.

On one of these so called nights, the door suddenly opened and a humanoid figure that you can easily recognize appeared. But you didn't react at all; The tall figure of your boyfriend approached your bed, while you you turned around in bed, giving him the cold shoulder.

“ Y/n... Its me, Idia...”

He spoke in a tone that sounded both tired and sad. You still didn't answer, and soon Idia tought you were sleeping; So he kneeled beside your bed and caressed your head with care, moving some strands of hair on your face. You could feel the warmth of another person finally after who knows, but you promised to not do anything until you got answers, and standed by that.

“Im sorry...”

His voice cracked and he started sobbing while hiding his head in your bed, taking your covers and pressing them in his hands with force. He was being the Idia you know, a sentimental guy.

You finally faced him, well, half faced. His head was still hiding on your sheets. You patted his head slowly, only for him to sob even more.

“ Idia, i only want to know what's going on... ”

That was a half-lie, you did wanna know that, but you also wanna go and save your friends.

“ Im so sorry, this shouldn't have happened, i can handle everything, everyone, but not you .. i can't convince myself to treat you like an experiment, and force you to do things... Horribly things... Why mom and dad can't do this?... Why... Why... Why... ”

You got that answer with his cracked voice rough voice. You still patted his head and then, he hide his head in your lap, just like he used to do when feeling bad for losing at some game. You now and then, patted his head and listened to him, but this was different.

“ But there is something i can do, y-y/n, you.... You really trust m-me, right? ”

He asked this while looking at you, Head up, eyes puffed and red from crying, with more dark circles than usual. Even if you didn't answer, he takes from his pocket the same red pills that the boths tried to feed you.

They looked like seeds, red seeds, and this didn't like you at all; Idia put his hand in yours and let some of those pills in there.

“ Hear me out, y/n... T-These things... I know that they aren't dangerous, a-and i promise that these t-things can help you get out of here safe... That's t-the only thing i can do... But if you tell somebody... Im gonna be in trouble... ”

He sounded like he was telling the truth, and with hunger, tired, and just trusting your insticts, your nodded.

“ These carries m..my wish for you to have a normal l..life... They are... My wishes... For you, y/n.... ”

The pills in your hand looked weird, but it was your only option.

“ Then, i hope that my wish of getting out of here with everyone comes true ”

You said and then, you take the pills, Idia watches you with a small smile in his head. He didn't wanted to leave, so he stayed watching you from your lap for a while, smiling softly at you after you dozed off.

You wake up, and Idia is nowhere to be seen, but you feel better; Stronger, refreshed. What did he give you? And why there was a bottle of these pills there in your bed?

But most of all

Why was the door open?

...

Hope this answer pleases you! Probably im gonna make this a whole series but for now i don't have idea of what to write next, lol, have some ideas or comments about this saga? Tell me! Maybe we can write this together :)

[demonsfate]

Jin and DJ being enemies who are forced to share a body is very fascinating to me.-> This is exactly how I see it, not the usual "Jin's evil side!!" I mean, not really? it's a demon borrowing his face at the end of the day. Personally, I don't see Jin going all evil out of nowhere. Like *at least* show some progress. And even then I would side-eye the writing. I'm sorry if I don't see Jin like some people, he might be stoic and all but he's not an asshole nor a Kazuya Jr lol Yeah as you said, how they're written it's what makes them unique. What I meant is that sometimes I read comments that say oh, generic character, in a negative context, and sometimes something being generic is not necessarily bad, I guess? there are many tropes with these characters that could be explored and expanded upon. But then again, they usually have supporting/minor roles so they don't get the spotlight or the development as much as the main characters. And yeah, Asuka not having a significant part in her family's conflict does bother me a bit. I HOPE they change that in 8 but who knows at this point. Heihachi coming back as a robot would be hilarious but I wouldn't mind if they pull a Kazumi with him. Though, I will say, they will definitely focus on the Kazamas more this time (at least that's what I think) Glad I'm not being annoying, so I will keep coming back here! I usually send silly asks, like the one about Jun not getting over that demon dick lmao. Which reminds me, it was confirmed Kazuya and Jun were married apparently? Not sure if I heard that right

Yea! Whilst maybe the series doesn't do the best at it - I think the idea just has a lot of potential to it. The concept of not only being forced to share a body with somebody, but somebody you can't stand. Your enemy knowing you better than anyone else could ever. Then what kind of dynamic/relationship that can form upon that. As well as the whole complications of not feeling like your body is your own, and no longer recognizing yourself in the mirror. I just feel it has a lot more going for it than the typical "don't let revenge/anger get to you, or else you'll become a literal monster as symbolism for a bad person you are now! :)" Which isn't a bad concept - but as stated, an overused one, especially in fighting games, for some reason.

And I 100% agree with that, honestly. I got called literally "fucking dumb" for saying this before I stopped using Reddit - but I really don't think Jin should ever be bad. I think he should do some minor bad things (beating someone too much out of anger, or being snappy, whatever) but I don't think he should ever cross the line of getting innocents killed, or doing something that's evil, and not a simple flaw. Jin was created to be the Good One, like it's just core in his character. If he's Evil in any way, it takes away what he's supposed to be. Essentially, it's not Jin anymore. Remember when Marvel tried that dumb fucking plot twist where Steve Rogers was actually working for Hydra all along? Yea, people go so uber pissed at that and for right reason. Like I think that's another thing that amazes me by the Tek fandom. Every other fandom can acknowledge, and even protest when their character is written completely ruined, and out of character. Yet Tek fandom, ESPECIALLY REGARDING JIN, is like "yep. He did that. He's a Real Person And Did That And It's Undeniable So He's Bad."

Oh nah, I know exactly what you meant. It seems like a lot of people criticize "tropes" for being bad. Like almost everyone uses it as an insult. Even though many things are built upon tropes. But I don't think many ppl realize that, sadly. And just have an obsession with something being 100% original.

TK7 hinted that Asuka will play a bigger role. But I have a feeling that they may drop a lot of stuff they hinted at in TK7 - at least the character episodes. I don't know if they will or not tho. But I have a feeling that may have been why Asuka was revealed so soon. Because maybe she will play a more important role. I believe we were told this game will finally explain the Kazama powers. So, here's to hoping!

Like, I KNOW the characters aren't big. But Tek still doesn't develop them when they straight up have the opportunity to! Like in TK6, there was something in it that interested in me, if you play as Paul in Scenario campaign - he'll bring up his troubled past a lot, and basically state he's wanted by the police. Even calling his past "something you don't tell kids." When other characters fight against Paul in scenario campaign, and he says he wanted to be the strongest in the universe, they'll call him out - saying it's a lie, or that it's not really what he wants. Which makes me wonder if that could've possibly been alluding to a reason as to why being Number One is so important to Paul. Did something happen to him in the past that made him feel this way? Some characters accused him of being lonely during scenario campaign? Maybe something happened to him that made him feel weak? BUT even though this is interesting and actual depth. It's never expanded upon because his endings are just wasted on him getting his butt kicked or being humiliated. Same thing with Asuka, really. Asuka being part of one of the most important families in the game. And then also having hints she has the power to repel the devil. But then her potential is all wasted on Haha Funny Yuri Bait That Goes Nowhere with Lili.

I actually enjoy the humor in Tek - I think it makes it a very fun series. I make a lot of silly posts on my blog from time to time, and have hcs that mean nothing other than to be "stupid" or "funny." But I don't like it when the humor begins suffocating the entire series to the point where it feels like almost nothing can be taken seriously. Then that's when it gets annoying. And that's probably why TK4 nowadays is considered the game with the best story. Because it's the one with the least amount of humor. Hell, Paul had a pretty serious ending and actually dealt with who he is as a character beyond a flanderization of "NUMBER ONE IN THE UNIVERRRRSE." Xiao's ending was also quite heartwarming and serious about her regards of wanting to build a theme park rather than her being in a comedy anime. Hopefully, in TK8, they've listened to people's feedback regarding TK4's story, and they'll go back to that tone.

And I always enjoy the asks! Both directed to ooc or ic. ❤️‍🔥 But as for the Jun and Kaz being married thing. I'm NOT entirely sure? But that's proooobably incorrect. As if that were true, Jun would be Jun Mishima, not Jun Kazama. (As Kazumi is Kazumi Mishima, not Kazumi Hachijo.) You're probably referring to when Harada referred to Jun as Kazuya's "wife." But I feel that many fans forget that Harada's first language isn't English. And hell, I don't even know how much English he even speaks, or if he's using a translator. Since it's apparent if you look at many of his tweets - as he often uses one word when he meant another. (Like some fans were even theorizing Jun isn't the real Jun because he referred to her as "it" instead of her.) So it's very likely he meant lover, but used wife instead.

In her English TK8 bio, it does state she and Kazuya met and "became close" at the second tournament. And I think the Japanese version of the bio may even say they fell in love together. But I don't think any of them mentions them being married. so I'm preeeetty sure they're not?

[razrbladekiss]

Tyrants | Chapter Four - Peril

WORD COUNT: 5.1k

WARNINGS: Mentions of death, drug use, Tig being Tig. The usual SOA shit. Sorry Donna..

She always saw the beauty in darkness. The lugubrious belle that came alongside the moon and stars and whatever else lurked amidst the murk of nighttime.

Isla was cliche in that sense.

She was cliche in the sense that she adored watching the sun set, swallowed by the mountains and high-rise buildings as the evening fell and Charming was painted black.

And maybe it was mostly melancholic because of the horrors that swathed that small town, but it was still beautiful nonetheless.

She still liked to bask in the scenery, to discern the marvel of her home, from the highest point she could access. And, sometimes, she liked to take somebody along with her so she wasn't completely alone.

"Why'd you still come up here?" Ope asked, pulling himself onto the roof as she sat with her back to the wall--puffing on a cigarette.

"Because it's quiet." She was content, comfortable with her response. "And whenever I'm looking for Jax, or Gem, or my dad--or they're looking for me--this is where we're almost always found. Just people watching, or reminiscing, or having a few minutes to ourselves away from the chaos downstairs."

It wasn't an unknown safe space--Gemma had told her that JT and Clay would climb up there during the earliest days of the club--but it was special.

Jax, Opie, and Isla spent time up there as kids, too. Because they were bastards and were always running from their fathers--and den mother--and the roof of the clubhouse was their go-to.

She never really got out of that habit. She'd spend hours up there if she could, just watching as Charming bustled beneath her. And she liked that it was separate to the garage, but everyone knew where to find her if they needed her.

"It clears your head, being up here." She added. "I have got so much shit going on right now--between work, and my personal life--but coming up here is like a refreshment, I guess."

Opie understood what she meant because he was also seeking comfort in the night. Riding through dusk, spending time alone on his bike as he cruised the streets of his quaint town, relishing in the darkness because it was strangely comforting to him.

He liked to be alone. His thoughts were brutal and they seared his brain left and fucking right, but he liked his own company.

"Wish I thought about comin' up here when I was released from holding." The man chuckled, balancing a cigarette between his lips. "Stahl grilled the fuck outta me."

"She did?"

"Yeah. She really fuckin' did." He added, grunting as smoke blew from his nostrils. "Did she get you? I know she got Gemma."

"Nope, she didn't. I don't know why, though. She interrogated everyone else. Starting to feel a little left out."

Opie chuckled, smiling a bit. "Be glad. It's obvious that she's used to getting what she wants."

"And did you give it to her?"

"Fuck no." Isla smiled. Proud. "She can cross-examine me all she fuckin' wants—I'll never sell the club out."

"They know that, Ope."

"I know." Half confidently, he nodded. "Just—Stahl made me second guess it all, y'know?"

Nobody in Charming--aside from the PD--knew where that despicable bitch came from, and nobody cared to ask.

What they did know, though, was that she had her heart set on making that town a living fucking hell as she strived to eradicate the Sons of Anarchy by getting to its members.

She'd grilled everyone she could've. She cornered Gemma when she was out running errands, leaving the grocery store with a sour taste in her mouth when Teller told her where to fucking shove it.

Same went for Jax, and Clay, and Chibs, and Tig, and...Well, all of them told her to get fucked, actually.

None of them caved. None of them wanted to sell the club out because there was no reason to.

Well, there was a reason to, but no desire to.

There'd been murders. Three, to be specific. And one of them just happened to be a police officer--which was quite unlucky, but it wasn't awful.

They hated cops.

What they hated more, however, was the idea of getting caught by them. And Clay was. Somehow, anyway.

Piney's old "friend"--Nate Meineke--needed quality, albeit illegal, guns with no traceability to attack the convoy that was transporting one of his friends from point A to point B. And it went as swimmingly as possible...

Until June Stahl was put on the case and found that idiot's phone at the scene after dropping it mid-ambush.

Clay just happened to be the last person he had called. Which then caused the investigation to point toward Charming.

They all knew the Sons were guilty of supplying those weapons. Who else would it have been? They were known for running illegal firearms without batch numbers from a quaint Californian town whose name didn't quite fit its image.

It was blatant, though nobody gave it up.

But Stahl tried her damndest to get answers. And when she didn't, she targeted the member that she saw to be the most vulnerable--after a hit went wrong and he failed to cover his tracks--and Opie just happened to be that guy.

She questioned him for hours. She practically held the man captive in that little cell until he caved. But he didn't--and he wasn't going to, either.

He was loyal. That's one of the reasons why Jax wanted to patch him back in.

"Yeah, I know." Isla got to her feet when she heard Tig yelling for her downstairs. "But you're the strongest guy I know, Ope. I don't think Stahl, of all people, is gonna get to you."

He shrugged her off, flicking the butt of his cigarette to the gravelly ground of the roof.

Opie had changed. Not much, and it wasn't very apparent, but he'd changed. Chino had changed him, she thought.

He was still dedicated to his club, still in love with the reaper and the responsibility that came with the patch--but Opie Winston lacked that flicker of enthusiasm now.

"How does your dad feel about you being back at the table?"

"Said he's proud of me."

He was a man of very, very few words. But the tone that he took--the sheer relief twined into contentment--spoke a greater volume.

Piney would always support his son, feel a sense of gratification from his involvement in the club. And, of course, Ope felt grateful to be back--but it was different now.

He'd served time for his club. Donna consistently argued that they sold him out and that he was fucking stupid for running back into the arms of SAMCRO.

But it was his brotherhood. The Sons of Anarchy were his family--his lifeline. He was nothing if not blessed to be patched back in.

"And I guess that wife of yours isn't too happy about it?"

"How'd you reach that conclusion?"

"Well," she ignored that Tig was waiting for her, standing directly in front of him. "If she was genuinely thrilled about you being back here, she'd have been coming to Gemma's dinners, and spending more time at the clubhouse with us. But she isn't, and I'm starting to realize that she probably hates me now."

His head shook. "She doesn't hate you. It's just...It's just raw. Weird being back, I think."

"She didn't even have to leave. She knows that."

Donna did know that. But there was always something about Gemma. About the way she let things slide so often, how she felt that she had Clay so pussy whipped that he'd be at her every beck and call--but, really, that was redundant. Because Gemma let him get away with fucking murder.

Literally.

"Is she gonna be there tonight?

"Of course. She wouldn't miss Jax's son coming home." He got up, reaching for her hands. "Sorry that she's been so distant with you, Isla. But she's just been stressed out--money worries and the kids and stuff, y'know?"

"Yeah, I know."

Donna wasn't traditionally a worrier. But five years worth of finances, being a single mom, and fretting over her husband potentially not making it out of prison alive, just did that to a woman.

"Anything I can do to help?"

"I don't think so." Grateful for her offering, though recognizing how damn stubborn his wife was, he conceded. "Thanks, though."

"Anytime. And if you change your mind, or need me, you know where I am--"

"Isla!"

"He is getting on my last fucking nerve today." She groaned, flipping Tig off as she looked over the ledge. "I'm coming! Give me a minute!"

"I've given you plenty of minutes! Just get your ass down here!"

"Just go," Ope chuckled, leaning down to peck her cheek. "We can have this talk another time."

Isla turned back to him, frowning. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. Go 'n talk to him--I'll see you tonight."

He was such a nice guy. So considerate, kind.

She loved him a lot.

The flouncy sundress rose to the middle of her thighs as she sauntered through the clubhouse, hearing Trager talking--rather conspicuously, though slightly muffled--to somebody on his cell.

"C'mon, Tiggy. Why'd you yell at me?"

He waved his hand to shut her up, gesturing for the blonde to follow him out of the clubhouse and toward his bike.

"Yeah, cool. K, brother--see 'ya later. Bye." He hung up and slid the phone into the pocket of his cut, swiveling to face Isla with a smile. "You ready?"

"For what?"

"The party?" Tig told her, watching confusion sweep over her face. "I'm taking you over 'cuz you want a drink and don't wanna drive home after? And that you're probably gonna end up heading home with Juice, or something--"

"Juice?"

"It always happens," he shrugged, pointing at the helmet he set out for her at the back of his bike. "We all head out, you get too drunk, you take a liking to Juicy, and you try to ride his dick."

"What?" Isla got herself situated behind him as he got on first, her arms wound around his waist. "That was one time. I've only slept with him once, and I told you it'd never happen again."

"And why is that?"

Her cheeks flushed red, the engine revving sending vibrations through her entire frame.

"Because he was too gentle." Tig's foot collided with the kickstand.

"And the little Catholic girl likes it rough."

She felt the solid gold crucifix burning a hole into her chest.

"Yes. I like it rough." He groaned, leaning into her. She swatted at his chest over his shoulder, laughing heartily. "Just take me to see the baby, dickhead."

The bike sped out of the lot and Isla was loving the thrill of being on two wheels. She'd always liked being stuck to the back of somebody's Harley--but she'd never own one herself.

Isla was like Gemma. She felt stable enough riding with somebody, but riding alone--being in control of the motorcycle--was fucking terrifying.

Jax and Opie had encouraged her to take a ride at one point, but it didn't end very well, and Chibs spent the best part of two hours trying to stitch his daughter back up whilst Gemma castigated the two imbeciles who thought it was even reminiscent of a good idea.

Weaving through traffic gracefully, freely, was appealing to her, however. But she wouldn't be caught dead--alone--on a fucking bike.

Plus, she quite enjoyed being taken places. Escorted by a member of the club. It was safe.

The wind whirred and whipped around them, and she wished she didn't make the effort with her hair tonight. It was ruined, tousled to within an inch of its life, and she dreaded the thought of having to brush the knots out in Jax's bathroom.

Still, commuting via Harley was a hell of a lot quicker and had a few more benefits than commuting via car.

But the looks that they got were piercing. Horrible. Mainly from Hale stationed beside his squad car, watching as Isla and Tig raced down the freeway.

"He likes you." He spoke over the roaring engine when he hit the first stop light all night. "He hates that you've never given him a chance--"

"He's a cop, and I'm the outlaw's daughter. I've been raised to hate his kind."

Tig nodded his approval, setting off once again when the light switched to green and all opposing traffic stood still.

At one strange point in time, David Hale had his sights set on Isla Telford. He was in love with her. Completely besotted.

And she never gave him a second glance because, for one, she wasn't interested. He hated that she was so close to Jax and Opie, but not him, and he wished that she'd push herself away from the bad guys to grow closer to the heroic law-enforcer.

But he was a control freak above everything else, and Isla was just a free-spirit. She was loyal to her friends and family but she didn't want to get tied down, and she didn't want to become friendly with a fucking cop.

The only cop she liked was crooked. And Unser was in a similar spot to her--a little too affiliated with SAMCRO, but not completely doted on. Though, they were both strangely essential fixtures, and Clay would've been lost without them.

"Juice is here." Tig taunted as he helped her off the bike, holding her hand when she stumbled over herself a little. "Try to keep those panties on."

"Can't make any promises, Tiger." Her growl was seductive, though he knew that she was fucking with him.

She'd given up rebuking his claims, instead feeding into them because, with Trager, she couldn't seem to win. He was sleazy, and she loved that back and forth.

What she loved more, though, was that he was comfortable. He was a strange man, and nobody really understood just where he came from, but Isla liked that she could make jokes of any kind around him. He was easy to get along with. Easy to love.

And, man, did she love Alex Trager.

"If you do fuck him, though, would you make a video?"

Isla stepped into Jax's front room, turning on her heels. "Who said that we haven't already got one?"

She chuckled and wandered into the party, leaving Tig with a few convoluted thoughts and even more raunchy questions.

"Fuck. Gemma taught her well." He grumbled under his breath, reaching for the beer in Half-Sack's hand.

He slumped on the couch, motioning for his usual lay to sit in his lap as he watched Juice fawn over his little blonde friend making conversation with some other random woman already.

"Yeah, totally..." she agreed with whatever the girl was saying, but her eyes were glued on Tara. Just floating around the party.

She felt bad that the doctor was alone. Despite all that she thought of her, being out of ones depth in such an intimidating setting wasn't very nice. And Isla was an empath.

"D'ya think anyone 'round here has any nail glue?"

"Gemma might." She smiled, pointing toward the kitchen.

Grateful that she managed to shake that one off, Isla weaved through the small conclave and sat beside Tara, offering a friendly face during a time of such discomfiture.

Her heart was aching, the sheer nervousness was palpable, and she knew that Tara felt the same way too.

But Isla just sucked it up. Because she wanted to talk to her, and had to be the one to initiate it.

"Thanks for coming." Her smile was wide, genuine.

She offered a beer to the brunette, hoping that she'd take it.

"Thanks for asking me here." Tara accepted it, glad that Isla remembered she wasn't particularly a wine girl like herself.

Christ. This is awkward.

"Trust me, you were the first person I asked to come tonight."

"How so?"

"Well," a little bit more comfortably, she faced her completely, "you've literally nursed Abel back to health. You've been there every step of the way. You've been the best surgeon. And, as much as I hate to say it, you helped Wendy so much, Tara. I'm really thankful for all that you've done for this family."

"It's my job." She tried to brush the comments off, but her heart definitely fluttered at the praise.

Isla never changed. She was still the sweetest soul, she thought.

"I know, but you've had it rough with this lot--with Gemma, I mean."

"She isn't anything I can't handle." Confidently, she asserted.

"I know, and I'm glad that you're able to stand your ground." Reluctant, a hand landed against Tara's palm.

She jolted a little bit, but softened into the embrace.

It was comfy, warm. Prosperous, perhaps, because it meant something. Tara not jerking away and leaving once Isla offered a friendly embrace, was promising.

They spoke about the baby for a little while, and shared a few laughs at Tig's expense. It was strange, really. To be talking to her ex-best friend was strange, but she'd missed it.

Donna joined the mix, too, and it was starting to feel like old times. Isla recognized that they'd never slip back into that routine, the dedication to one another that they'd known when they were kids--but it was nice.

The conversation stuttered and it wasn't able to flow as freely as what she might've liked, but it was a start.

To know that she had something resembling an acquaintanceship with two women she admired, was nice.

And Jax introducing his baby to his brand new home, to his extended family that were already so fucking dedicated to him, was just the most wonderful thing ever.

"What about a beer?" Clay joked, holding the bottle close to Abel. Jax laughed, though he shook his hand away. "What? Grandpa can't give him his first beer?"

"No, he can't."

"I'll take it, though. If you're offerin'." Chibs grabbed the Budweiser and twisted the cap with the leather grip of his glove.

He gestured to Isla, tipping it toward her. "Want some?"

"No, you're alright." She went back to her wine, smiling at that little bundle of happiness in Jax's arms, wondering how the hell he'd gotten to be in this position now.

But it was because of Tara. Her commitment, her talent, and sheer want to help that angel through the roughest patch that a baby could have possibly been thrust into.

How Gemma could still loathe that girl--after everything she did--was beyond her completely.

Tara was the unlikeliest hero in Abel's story.

"Why is it that every time I see you, your highlights get more chunky?" Gemma smiled at the comment, turning to see her favorite girl, flaunting the most beautiful smile.

She handed Isla the bottle of whatever wine Chibs could get this evening, unable to quit beaming at the thought of her grandson finally being at home. Where he belonged.

"I told you I'd do them for you, Gem."

"I know," she nodded, playing with a few strands of hair, "I was gonna ask you, but you've been a little distant this week--didn't wanna add to your workload, baby."

"That's super considerate of you. Are you alright?" Isla teased, holding a hand to Gemma's forehead.

She slapped it away with a laugh. "Fuck you. I'm always considerate."

"Sure you are. That's why Wendy is here, right?"

"No," her head shook, "she's here 'cuz this is her house. If I had it my way, she'd be out on her ass faster than what you could even say 'crank whore.'"

Isla wiped at her lips with the back of her hand, tipping her head toward the blonde in the living room.

"I thought you made sure she was gonna be here tonight?" Confused, she quizzed.

She was under the impression that Wendy was starting to grow on her. After she'd tried to kill her, of course.

"I did," Gem confirmed. "But only because I knew it'd be awkward between her and Tara."

Amazed, or maybe fucking horrified, Isla simply glared at her.

It should've been obvious to her--plain as day--that Gemma Teller doing a good thing was simply a bullshit facade, built in order to take away from the fact she wanted to do an inherently bad thing.

But Isla liked to see the good in people, so it wasn't. And that really was one of her mot fatal flaws.

"She thanked me for letting her stay, too."

"And what'd you say to her?" Almost as if she didn't want to know the answer, she asked.

Black nails danced along the rim of her wine glass as she leaned against the counter, watching everybody enjoy themselves as they bitched and moaned.

"That she's lucky to be alive."

"Jesus, Gem," her head shook disparagingly, disappointed perhaps.

But being surprised that the woman made a threatening comment toward Wendy, was just as stupid as being surprised at Tig for fucking another hooker during his free time.

"You've gotta keep her close, ma. She's the mother of your grandson, the woman your son did love at one point."

Ma. The word rolled off her tongue unintentionally most of the time, but she didn't hate it.

Gemma was the mother figure in her life--hell, she was the mother figure in a few of the Sons' lives--and it didn't feel weird using that around her. It was affectionate. She adored it.

"Jax never loved her," matter of fact, she retorted. "They got drunk together. They smoked dope together. They didn't love one another--"

"They got married." Isla reminded her. "They have a kid together. They have a lot of history."

"Just because they have history, doesn't mean they love one another. You've got history with him."

Her chuckle was throaty, almost a full-on splutter. "We have not got that same history--we're friends, Gem, you know that's different."

She supposed the blonde was right.

There was hell of a contrast between friends for life and friends with benefits--and Gemma knew that. She just didn't like that Jax gravitated toward Wendy when he'd always had Isla right there in front of him.

Though, she was more than aware that the pair didn't look at each other that way--she still lauded the thought of the two together.

"I still hate her."

"I know," Isla laughed at Gemma's irritability, sipping on her wine, enjoying the sight of everybody having a damn good time.

"She's checking into rehab, too."

"Really? Where?"

"Some place in Oakland, I think." Gemma added, smiling at Clay when he wandered over to the pair. "But you didn't hear that from me."

"You think she's gonna stick to it?"

"Couldn't tell 'ya." He answered for his wife, leaning in to press a chaste kiss to Isla's cheek. "She's determined though, I'll give her that."

"Yeah?" His nod was optimistic--strange for Clay Morrow. "Well, I'm glad she's working on herself, anyway. She's got potential."

"You hate her."

"I know." She didn't refute the assertion. "But I'm still happy for her."

At least somebody is.

She wasn't lying. Wendy was a good girl, a woman tortured for no good reason. And she felt for her, she really did.

It'd been a shock, finding out that she was pregnant. But it wasn't like they weren't expecting it--what with the rate she and Jax were going at it.

From the start, Isla and Gemma were worried. She was notorious for her crank habit and the girls thought she was going to kill herself before she had the chance to see her son into the world.

And that almost happened, didn't it?

The doctors at St. Thomas were fucking miracle workers--Isla was on pins and needles waiting for a call to say that Wendy and Abel were okay.

But she tried not to dwell on that, now. They were both as healthy and Abel was as happy as he could've been, so Isla was content. She wasn't pleased, but she was comfortable with the way that things were going.

Tara, however.

"No!" She yelled, backing out of the nursery. "No, fuck you, Jax."

Juice stumbled backward when she nudged him out of the way, pulling her purse from the kitchen counter.

Isla and Gemma couldn't not stare.

"Tara, c'mon!" Jax called after her, but it was too late.

The front door had been slammed shut and the party came to a complete standstill. A thickening tension was shrouding the group, and things were only just starting to simmer.

"What was that all about?" The blonde asked Juice, leaning against the island.

She didn't want to prove Tig to be right but, after a few glasses of wine, Juan Carlos Ortiz was starting to pique her interests.

He swallowed thickly, watching Clay leave the room. "He said something about Wendy--wanting to keep whatever it is that he and Tara have going on the down low so it doesn't set her off, or something."

Makes sense.

"He has a point. She's doing really well lately." He continued. "Jax would hate to stunt her progress by shoving his relationship with Tara in her face."

Isla was rattled.

Jax hadn't talked to her in days, and she wasn't aware that so much had changed. She wasn't aware that he had established a relationship with Tara Knowles.

Again.

You know what they're like--like two fucking magnets or something. They always find a way back to one another.

She was too irritated to reside in that same room as Gemma, now. Knowing the conversation she'd initiate the second that Juice left was too fucking much. So she left first, instead.

The living room was almost empty. Just Clay, Bobby, Tig, and Chibs sat around the couches as Donna, the kids, and Ope were preparing to set off.

Everything was annoying her, now. She hadn't made the effort with Donna all night, but she was pissed that she hadn't started to say goodbye to her yet.

Isla was so fucking irritated that she didn't even want to talk to Tig, or her father. So she didn't.

"Where're you going, petal?" Chibs asked, hindering her plan to keep her mouth shut for the rest of the night. He knew that she'd crack a smile at the nickname.

"I was just wandering. Not really sure what to do with myself."

"Come sit down," he gestured to the space between himself and Tig, and wound an arm around her when she met the leather. "I've missed 'ya."

"Tonight? Or just in general."

"In general. It's been a few days, love."

"I know, I'm sorry." Her head rested against his Sgt. At Arms patch, and she sighed. "Work has been so fucking busy and I feel like I haven't gotten a moment to myself this week."

Isla only worked a part-time gig at some shitty salon just on the outskirts of Charming--edging into Stockton--but she hated her job.

She hated driving into the city every morning and evening, wasting a fuck ton of her paycheck on gas when, really, there was no point.

She hated her cunt boss.

Hated her cunt clients.

She hated that nobody really spoke to her because of who her father was. And when they did speak to her, it was almost like they were scared. Of Isla.

Gemma had always promised her that there was a space at the auto shop for her had she needed it, but she couldn't think of anything worse than having to answer to Gemma and Clay every single day.

Well, more than what she already was, anyway.

"Who'd 'a thought that being a hairdresser was so demanding?"

"Me, apparently." She joked, watching Tig get up and leave the room.

It'd turned somber. A little too bleak for her liking, but she guessed that everyone felt a bit awkward after Tara stamped out and Jax sat on his porch. Alone. With a bottle of whiskey.

She hated the hold that woman had over him sometimes. The way he was so fucking devoted to Tara Knowles that she could literally slap him, scream in his face, and ruin his son's homecoming party--and he would still pine for her.

She'd never understand that.

And she didn't understand how such a lively bunch of individuals had mellowed out over the course of two hours, either.

The party had disappeared. Dissipated into nothing and the atmosphere she once lauded was completely dead in the water.

It was fucking grim, and she couldn't wait to head home.

"Can I come with you tonight?"

"Why'd you even ask? Y'know you're welcome to come home with your old man whenever you want." Chibs told her a little bit stern, though it was essentially full of love.

She just smiled up at him, a bit buzzed. But she was having a good-ish time and who was he to chastise her for drinking a little too much tonight?

"Wanna head off now?"

"Yeah--lemme just say 'bye' to Gemma."

"Alright, I'll be out front. Don't forget your purse." He reminded, knowing she was too ditsy for her own good.

Chibs helped her to her feet, letting go of her hand only to part ways for a few moments.

Her mood was perking up, now. The prospect of being able to spend a few hours with her dad after a long fucking day, was just the best.

And she'd really missed him. Missed the time they once had an abundance of. Missed the evenings that they'd spend talking, drinking, watching movies, doing the generic father daughter activities.

They hadn't had that for a while, and it was truly a blessing that it was within reach tonight.

Well. It was within reach for all of five minutes.

"Oh my God--" Gemma's cell slipped from between black nails and bounced across the table. Saturated hues were locked on Isla, and her head shook.

"What?"

"There's--there's been an accident." She managed to muster out. "Or, maybe a drive-by, I don't know, but Donna--"

"Donna?" Piney's attention was snatched at the mention of his daughter-in-law. He stood up. "What about her?"

Isla knew the answer. She knew what Gemma was going to say because it was just the usual now, wasn't it?

Being affiliated with SAMCRO just did that to somebody. Man, woman, child. They didn't fucking care.

"She's--Piney, she's dead."

[beclynn-herondale]

hi! ❤ hope you are well, i'm so happy to know you liked my last robert analysis. it feels very safe and nice to write about him to you, so it makes me really glad that you're enjoying too. forgive me, it took me a while to write this one!

between the points you mentioned, what you said you think about his trauma got my attention first. what you think is right, and i thought it would be a good idea to help you with your conclusions if i explained robert's trauma in details.

to examine it closely, i separate robert's childhood trauma into three parts. i guess we could say he had three different childhood traumas. you probably remember it generally: rune experience, parents, and discrimination. each one was deeply connected to the others but had a different effect in some ways.

1- rune experience: it's kinda hard to people to understand what happened because its horribleness was complex. i'll try to summarize. it was robert's 12th birthday. first of all, robert was being burned alive non-stop. he wasn't having his flesh burned, he was something like "burning inside." how intense the pain was: it consumed his entire being, he lost the ability to think, the pain blocked any thought or memory he could have, so robert didn't know who he was, where he was or what was happening, because all his body/mind/soul were processing was the extreme pain. it was mortal pain, it was supposed to kill robert, he was supposed to die consumed but the burning pain. but it didn't. somehow, while he hadn't the ability to think or feel anything but pain, he had strenght to stay alive in pain instead of die. he was enduring something people shouldn't be able to survive to. in his state where his sould/mind was enduring differently of his body, there were demons, and they tortured robert physically and verbally. then, his family members appeared to him, basically saying he was worthless and should die. he really was supposed to be dead by then, and he could see it, he literally could see hell right waiting for him to finally expire. but it didn't happen. somehow he endured it. now, all of this, lasted one entire month. it's actually hard to imagine someone somehow enduring this for one entire month. i don't think any other character had to endure something like this, except maybe annabel. it's the worse i ever saw happen to a tsc character, it was an entire month. (it's very depressing how nobody could ever understand robert cuz no one else around survived something like this. annabel was tortured, buried alive and then painfully ressurrected, and went literally insane because of it.)

this had multiple consequences to robert. physically, he took a while to recover, but then it was stated his body was fine. the effects were mostly mental. after receiving his first rune, robert was supposed to continue his training, but he couldn't. other kids of his age were evolving their training, while he was doing nothing about it. he both hadn't the energy and couldn't do it, cuz he was afraid of steeles. something perfectly logical since a steele caused that month of agony. you know he eventually managed to learn to use steeles to be an actual shadowhunter. but it wasn't all.

the first rune is something normal that happens to all shadowhunters, and it's mostly something good. the way it was horrible to robert in a way no one could have expected, made robert develop extreme anxiety; because the worst happened to him triggered by something common. so while doing common things, robert would be always scared and anxious, thinking about the worst of the worst that could happen. while it wasn't much notable to other people, it harmed his development and behavior a lot, consequently harming his self-steem, cuz he couldn't do things right, he was always worried and overthinking everything.

to compensate it, robert became somebody who worked on two extremes: he was always overthinking everything, except in battle. in battle he wasn't what we define as brave i guess. he was fearless. valentine is the one who helped robert to achieve that. (we know his actual motivations, this isn't important now) the mental process valentine taught him was: robert's inherent fear and anxiety made him fail, and that made him despise himself (that's something robert does a lot for countless reasons). robert should not only embrace the fury he felt against himself, but it should dominate him, and he use its intensity to block his fear. then basically, robert should do a mental form of self harm, letting the strenght of his hate for himself take his mind and use this strenght to control his actions. robert's fury leading his actions, not his fear and anxiety. as expected with this process, robert then was able to engage in normal shadowhunter activities, but fearless when it came to physical risk. logically this would be very dangerous, but we can imagine how useful it was for valentine to have on his team a warrior like this who was such a big and strong man and centainly could take a lot of physical damage and pain (and i guess it shouldn't be any doubt that being so tough helped robert a lot to survive through the years). we know it was because of this robert felt he owed loyalty to valentine.

2- parents: first, something kinda interesting is that robert had other relatives and they were there when robert's first rune was made. we are informed that his state during that month of agony was a scandal and robert's parents were the ones being absurd. so we can assume his other relatives had nothing to do with it. another strong evidence is robert naming two of his children with names from his family, what indicates he didn't saw his entire family negatively. now his parents... let's never forget what happened to robert was supposed to kill him on incredible intense pain. andrew and phoebe deliberately let their child to die in pain so he wouldn't be a mundane. i personally classify them between the worst shadowhunters parents along with céline's, annabel's, valentine and tatiana.

after robert woke up, they (or anyone else) never cared to ask robert how he felt. all they wanted was to make everything seem normal, without caring about how robert was taking it. they never showed any regret about what they've done: they did the opposite of that, telling robert right on his face what they did and how they were sure that it was totally worth it to make him go through that to not be a mundane. it hurt (and traumatized) robert a lot.

love from parents and relatives is supposed to be the first love someone gets. and robert didn't have that. if his parents showed love to him on his first years alive, it never mattered because these two traumas mentioned made robert forget anything about his parents from before his first rune. he couldn't ever remember them as actual parental figures of love. the only parents he remembered and recognized were the ones who left him to endure that, looked proud of it and never cared about its effects on him afterwards. as far as it counted, robert lived a loveless childhood. as i mentioned, andrew and phoebe wanted everything to be as normal possible, so they just acted as robert's parents as if anything happened, but it was pointless and felt cold. after knowing what they did to him (what they let happen to him), knowing that they didn't actually love him as their child, robert couldn't have a bond with them, he couldn't even be comfortable around them. it's described that their presence was what intensified robert's loneliness the most. so he didn't spend much time around them, he stayed in his room.

without his parents' love, robert's first experience with love was when he was 13 years old, with michael. it was setting a standard of love to him, with the long-term consequences afterwards being devastating. (i guess someone could even connect robert not recognizing his parents affection with his future performance of fatherhood, but that would be mostly guessing and i rather work with things i can prove. another good guess i think would be connecting his loveless childhood to how robert during his teenagehood had messy limits between his love for michael and his affection for maryse and didn't know how to handle or recognize it. i mean mostly things like, if michael was robert's best friend/parabatai and maryse his romantic partner and probably future wife, why did robert see maryse and women in general as a threat to michael's place in his life and their parabatai and best friend relationship? he saw valentine having a parabatai he loved and a girlfriend he wanted to get married to, and still freaked out about a woman as his wife replacing michael who was his parabatai, what didn't make any sense. i know people joke about robert being "clueless" about michael but it isn't much funny with this context. finally, another guess would be connecting robert's discovery that his parents' love for him was faulty through they letting him hurt to his beliefs that what he did to michael proved his love for michael was faulty. you can deliberate about all of these conjectures if you want).

3- discrimination: before his first rune, robert had other kids to play with, but he wouldn't remember much of it. yeah, we can say robert doesn't remember anything about how he was treated by people before his first rune. robert doesn't know a life without trauma.

since what happened to robert was a political scandal, with everyone trying to save robert and his parents wanting him to keep his painful and mortal rune, what happened to him was kind of general knowledge. then, no kid wanted to play or train with him. at first he was still recovering, but then he couldn't move foward because he didn't have anyone. he didn't want to be around his parents' coldness and no one else wanted to be around him, quite literally. other people would be around him only when being forced, and then would stay the most distant of him possible, to never get physically close of him, as if to not catch a disease. this is absolutely dreadful to a child.

being treated like this hurt and traumatized robert terribly. being around any one was horrible, so he spent most of the time hidden in his room. not being able to improve on anything because of his fears and anxiety and not having anyone to train with or even to socialize with, and basically never being able to move on about what happened, robert hated to be alive and wished to be dead, wished the rune had killed him as it should have, because he thought no death could be worse than his life, so be dead would be better. this state of mind dured an entire year before michael came around. a lot of damage had been done by then.

being treated like he was "sick" and ostracized left a huge psychological wound on him. to him, discrimination was one of the worst things ever, for something that was never his fault and he never choose to.

(one may think that if robert hates discrimination, it doesn't make sense to him to dislike downworlders, but it actually does. all robert wanted was to be a normal shadowhunter, and he had deeper reasons than most to be passionate about being one. disliking downworlders would be an ideal average shadowhunter thing to do. but robert was far from ignorant. he didn't think downworlders were animals or demons and was far more inclined to defend downworlder segregation than downworlder extermination. of course segregation is something horrible in general and should never be defended, but with downworlders being different sub-species, it wasn't as absurd as the extermination valentine defended, and robert being actually smart and open minded, we know he actually changed his beliefs).

now, to him, one being discriminated by their peers was one of the worst things that could happen, and the perspective of being discriminated terrified and triggered robert deeply. we know the perspective of homosexuality freaks robert out because of the discrimination, marginalization and "anormality" experience that comes with it (and robert is a 60s kid and shadowhunter society is a conservative mess, so it would naturally seem so much more taboo to him), what scared him deeply. we see him getting extremely anxious over himself, michael and alec about the perspective of homophobic discrimination.

robert only started training with runes after his 14th birthday. his training was late, and between his 12th and 14th birthdays, half of the time was extremely traumatizing, the other half he spent most with michael (who helped him a lot about everything). but still, it was a very big share of his childhood-teenagehood and he didn't have the feeling or normality. everything i said about his anxiety over shadowhunting, specially over runes, applied intensely during his entire teenagehood, but robert went to the academy with michael where he was having normal training and final got to socialize a little. he loved so much to feel a little normal. he still felt like a weak and useless trash, but at least he was doing normal shadowhunting things and living like a teenager. the problem was: he wanted to live his entire teenagehood, and he just couldn't do that. training is supposed to end when shadowhunters are 18 years old. robert would stay at the academy until he was 19, and still didn't seem enough. while he was older than his fellows, he felt far less mature. much of his development time had been lost, and he would never get it back. in this context, it made very sense to robert's girlfriend be a younger girl and his admiration for a younger boy (valentine), and there were jokes about him being old, but what bothered robert the most was that he should soon live an adult man average life with wife and kids, when his perspective of life was being with michael in the academy. we also know how that went... and he married maryse when he was about 21/22 years old and maryse about 19.

forgive me for any grammar mistakes. i think this summary can help a lot! at least i hope it's useful to you or anyone else who read it! writing it was very thoughtful (and it's really a huge joy for me to explain things about robert, if you haven't guessed) and i hope to start working on my next ask soon

xoxo, take care of yourself, kind fellow ☺ thank you for your attention

First of all,. I'm sorry for getting to this late.

Second, I don't think I need to add anything. This is written very well, and gave me a deeper understanding.

And I am once again saying: let Shadowhunters get help with their trauma 😭

Also, TSC has a lot of bad parents. But it sadly represents real life 😔

Thank you for taking the time to write this out. I enjoyed reading it. And I agree with a lot that was said.

[isolaradiale]

The dark hues of the evening blended to lighter, softer blues of dawn. With every minute, the creatures of the museum began to slow until they stopped altogether, all at once. Whatever they were doing, they dropped it, and began to move their way to the places they had been before the museum took a turn for the lethal.

The artwork climbed back into their frames, stepped onto their pedestals, and walked back into their display cases. A light rain outside washed all the street paint away, color emptying into the drains in the city. Landscapes let their prisoners out, shutting the windows to their world.

Those unlucky enough to earn a spot on the Wall of Shame reappeared in the lobby, their wounds appearing as colorful splashes of paint, and nothing more.

As the oranges and golds of the sun trickled in through the ornate windows of the museum, a blaring voice interrupted the stillness as the intercom museum sparked to life.

"Goooood moooorning, my lovely little visitors! The door to the museum will be opening shortly. Please make your way back to the lobby in an orderly fashion, and be sure to grab all your belongings!"

As Capella promised, the large wooden doors opened once again, releasing all the prisoners of the museum.

"Thanks for visiting the Tempus Museum! Janus, did you want to say any parting words?" "I'm mortified enough as it is, thank you." Came a muffled voice from behind, sounding much less enthused.

"Aww, somebody's cranky... Well, suit yourself!"

As if to add *Extra Enthusiasm*, as everyone exit the doors, they passed by Capella's invulnerable form as she personally waved everyone goodbye, stickers glittering in the morning sunrise. Janus was still sitting at the reception booth, head in his hands and rubbing his temples.

"Bye bye! Goodbye now! Goodbye! Buh-bye! Bye now!" was the chorus that trailed off as she spoke, bidding farewell to the museum's visitors...

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Thank you, everyone, for participating in our recent event: Canvas! As a reminder, you will receive event participation IF:

You've written a starter, thread, mini, or interacted with someone else using the event setting for parts 1, 2, or both.

You've written a 500 word drabble using the setting of the event for parts 1, 2, or both.

You did not have to participate in both parts to receive event credit (so if you only wanted to participate in part 1, it still counts!)

Remember that for participating in the event, you can give yourself 100 stars to use in the marketplace!

A few things have changed as a result of this event, also:

The Tempus Museum has decided to make its home in the Archimedes ward, for now, not far from the Theater of Calliope. Its structure and function is largely the same, but the Optimized Tools won't be there. The artwork won't come to life and attack you, either... during the daytime, that is. You can check out its full description on Archimedes' page!

Janus still takes his place as the museum's curator, and does his best to accommodate guests of the museum. It's not uncommon to see him taking and teaching courses and workshops in the museum, either! He's still polite and eager to help with anything involving the museum and its activities, but if asked questions about the Stars or Spirale, he'll politely explain that he doesn't want to get anyone into trouble. As in the event, on the odd chance that someone is hostile and violent toward him, they'll instantly be killed, and will respawn back in their room.

Thanks again for participating in Canvas! We hope you had a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions:

"Do the things we made turn back to normal?"

Yup! If you didn't destroy it in Part 2 of the event, whatever you made will turn back to normal.

"Will our artwork try to kill us at night?"

Nope! If you took it with you, it's of no danger to you. If you kept it on display at the museum, it's also no danger to you (or anyone else for that matter.) Only the original stock monsters of the museum come to life at night. But unless your muse breaks into the museum, you have nothing to worry about.

The monsters still have their damage invulnerabilities, so unless your muse has a death wish, maybe don't break into the museum without some serious planning. Shady art theft rings will buy your stolen artwork for a hefty price, though, so whether it's worth the risk or not is up to you.

The more often your muse breaks into the museum, the more the monsters will recognize their patterns. Breaking into the museum more than two times is almost impossible, and should be reserved only for the most cunning of thieves.

"What if we made weapons or jewelry? Can we take those back home too?"

Sure! Just know that the weapons will go back to being fragile, and will shatter if used in combat. Any jewelry will look very convincing, but if you try to sell them to anyone, they'll identify it as a fake. Not that they won't buy what you have anyway, but it certainly won't be worth the price of actual precious stones and minerals.

"Can we go back to the museum?"

Yes! It's open to the public from sunrise to sundown, unless there's a nighttime gathering at the museum (which you're free to come up with on your own if you'd like to use it in a setting for a thread.) You could also theoretically break in or sneak in, or hide until the place closes, but you run the risk of running into the guard patrols... or worse.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ (Epilogue)

As the visitors left the building, Capella skipped over to the front desk. Caelum emerged from the darkened corner of the lobby to join her, with the rubber stopper on his cane making soft thumps on the elaborate stone tile.

"Well, that was fun! Thanks for letting us use your museum, Janus." "You're... welcome, I suppose." "Good good! I'll come back here when I make more pieces to show off to the lovely people of our Spirale."

Punctuating this, her hands went up to playfully pat his cheeks.

"Ooookay! Well, until next time! And as for you, Dr. Caelum, I'll see you at this afternoon's meeting or whatever, right?" "Aha, yes I'll be there."

Saluting the both of them, her form vanished into a series of pixels, leaving the other two at the desk. Now that she was gone, the AI turned to give a pointed look at his father.

"...Mmm. Still angry, eh?" Came a chuckle, but the other didn't look so amused.

"You know, at one point, I would have congratulated you for feeling slighted. And I would have celebrated you experiencing such a thing. But you've been around for so long that these things come naturally to you now, don't they? Feelings like being angry... Now I just feel bad when you're upset like any other human."

Another more cheery laugh, and he walked himself over to the doors, motioning the other to follow. With the crowd gone, he could finally step outside and stand on the steps.

"...I am sorry for causing you trouble." "I know." "Good, I'm glad that came across." "I'm still irritated, don't get me wrong." "Yes, yes. I don't doubt it." "And I'm not sure if anyone will come back after such a thing. I wouldn't blame them. I just wanted a place to contribute to this whole thing, and now it's all..."

Sighing, he sat on the first step, watching the rest of the street illuminate in the warm glow of the sunrise. He only realized the old man beside him was trying to sit down when he gave a little huff of effort, and immediately helped his father down beside him.

"Ahh. Much better, thank you." "I could have gotten you a chair..." "Haha, that's alright. If you can sit on the steps, so can I."

For a while, the two sat in silence, watching the streets of Archimedes begin to wake up. Cars stirring, cafes opening, people walking their dogs.

"...Are you doing alright over there?" Janus asked, not turning his head.

"About as well as I can, mmhm." "You still have your migraine medicines down there, right?" "Mmhm. Dr. Lyra has been taking good care of my health, don't worry." "She's the nice one, isn't she? That's a welcome change from the other facility..."

A hand went to the Ai's shoulder, patting it reassuringly.

"Instead of worrying about my health, you should direct that concern inward, Mortimer. You have a place where you can walk around, do all sorts of things humans do. Talk to people, make friends. Play games, read books, paint your lovely canvases. You're not confined to the life we lived three years ago."

Silence followed for a little until the young man leaned against the older one. He must be pushing 70 at this point, right?

"...Are you in a place where you can refer to me by my name? And not that Star code that they made?" "Well, no. Not really. But I don't think anyone's listening. So I don't care~" "Ha! Rebellion got you into this mess, didn't it?" The AI replied with a laugh, earning another from his father.

"Well. Messes that they were, I can still sit with you without you being stuck behind a screen. So even after all the hells we've been through, I'd call that a success. Wouldn't you?"

A smile cracked on his face. They have gone through a lot.

"A success... it's nice to finally call something a success again, father. It's very nice."