#otp: when we’re alone

[rantceratops]

So here’s my thing: I personally don’t care if those that think Wally dying was a great decision that had so much meaning and sacrifice think he should stay dead.

I personally will never be okay with the decision, and frankly if that’s just because I’m an irrational Wally West fan and Spitfire shipper, then so be it, I won’t claim otherwise and I’ll hang onto my irrationality. Wally West shouldn’t have been killed permanently. The show feels weird to me without him, and to be honest it just makes me think of the Justice League episode where the League basically turned evil because Wally was killed. I don’t have any real good argument against him dying from a narrative standpoint right now other than we know for a fact he was chosen just because it would hurt the most, but as I said, I’ll fully admit I’m simply forever pissed such a beloved character was offed. If someone has actual good insight on his death being bs, feel free to share. (Even if it’s not narrative bs, I still think it’s bs.)

All this being said: I don’t think I actually want Wally to come back anymore at this point in the series if it were to continue with a s5. I think they wasted too much time and now it would just be far too much misery. Wally would be so far out of everyone’s lives it would be almost impossible to reconnect and re-insert himself back into life(which would likely cause him severe mental health issues, yay), and I don’t think he and Artemis would be able to get back together(not that they have to, but as a shipper I’d have ideally wanted this outcome eventually). I just feel like they wasted their chance. S4 should have done it, it felt like the final opportunity, but they didn’t, and so I’m sadly off the train for him coming back, unless someone has a convincing argument that any of this could still work out.

I feel at this point that nothing short of time travel, dimension hopping, or a full ass reset could fix it, tbh.

Like, is it even worth it for him to come back at this point? Would he be able to be happy again?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Wally truther and a Spitfire shipper through and through, but I just finally got tired of it when s4 ended and nothing happened.

At least we have our brains, fanart, fanfic, aus, etc.

(And for the record, as much as I love YJ I promise any grievances with the show post-season 1 go beyond feeling cheated out of Wally existing.)

(Edit: Wanted to add that the angst, drama, and eventual fluff that could have happened if they’d brought Wally back sooner/at all could have been delicious. Him working through his trauma, he and Artemis being so unsure of where they stand, so much time has passed, but eventually slowly coming back together and realizing they still have feelings, even if they’ve changed, they still love each other and they want to try and let things happen how they happen, etc. RIP)

(Edit 2: Am I talking about this in 2024? Yes, yes I am.)

(Edit 3: It kind of pissed me off that s4 has such a huge issue of pretending to kill characters off, but then they wind up being fine (Conner, Dick, Rocket, everyone on the ship when it crashed) but somehow Wally MUST stay dead. Why, exactly? No one else fucking does. (Not that I want anyone to stay dead tbh.) It just kind of felt like a slap in the face. Wally died and Artemis was heartbroken? Haha but Conner gets to be okay and he and Megan get married, because fuck you.)

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Am thinking about Vincent again

[gothamite-rambler]

Barbara finds out Dick and Kori are back together

Context (there's a lot): Hey, this is my take on a ship fic about Dick and Kori, which I've always seen as my OTP. I love exploring how romance is perceived on Kori's planet, and when written well, I find it aligns with our view of monogamous dating. I mean no hate toward Babs/Dick shippers; I do get it and the current comic runs have done exceptionally well at writing them as a couple ... but Dick and Kori are my favorite couple they have my heart. This is connected to my Batfamiy flash fiction series.

This is if Barbara found out they were back together, with Dick and Barbara having more of a sibling-like after trying dating out, it didn't work so their friends. I promise this isn't sending hate to their ship, plus it's all fun tbh. I hope you enjoy it!

Barbara knocked on the door of Dick Grayson’s apartment, her fingers tapping a rhythm on the armrest of her wheelchair as she waited. Dick hadn't told her why he wanted to go out to lunch with her, but he said he has a big surprise for her.

Barbara (in her head): He's been acting odd lately and I know he's lying about taking a dance class. He dances alone, not with a group.

Barbara chuckles at that thought as she kept waiting for someone to answer the door. She knocked again.

Barbara (in her head): Oh God, I hope he doesn't want to try dating me again. I get it, I'm exceptional, but I can't date him again. At this point, he's like my twin brother which leagues better than my actual brother. And is he going to answer the damn door?!

She knocked a third time, this one with more force to sound louder and get Dick's attention to open the door. The door did open, but she was greeted by Kori wearing a silk bathrobe. A dark orange blush quickly colored her cheeks as her eyes widened.

Barbara (surprised): Starfire?

Kori (yelping, gripping her robe): Nope, not her!

She quickly slammed the door shut and unseeable to Barbara, she ran to the bathroom as Dick left the shower.

Kori (embarrassed): She saw me in a robe! Dang it!

Dick sighed, placing a hand over his eyes.

Outside, Barbara’s mind raced as she processed the unexpected sight.

Barbara (to herself): I didn’t take any loony pills, right? That was definitely only a robe! Are they back together? Oh my God, they got back together. That's fantastic- I should probably stop talking to myself and knock on the door again.

She knocked once more, this time with urgency. The door opened to reveal Dick, a bath towel wrapped precariously around his waist, held with one hand.

Dick: You probably have a lot of questions—

Barbara (loudly): You guys are back together?!

Dick (sighing, nodding): Yeah. I was going to tell you today when we went to Chili’s, but you decided to drop by early.

Barbara (laughing as she wheeled past him into the apartment): I got here five minutes early! But I didn’t expect you two to reconnect—especially like this. How long have you been hiding it?

Dick: Two months and three days. Nobody knows, except for you. You’re not mad, are you?

Barbara (turning to face him, raising an eyebrow): At what? That you're dating her again? Maybe five years ago, I would have been. But after dating you and—let's just say—being disappointed—

Dick: Okay, you don’t have to insult our sex! I was nervous back then!

Barbara (rolling her eyes): Fair enough. Honestly, I’m happy. Now the rumors about us can end. I really don’t need people gossiping that we’re back together.

Dick (cocky): Because you’re worried people will wonder how you scored a treasure like me?

Barbara (sarcastically): Whatever you want to believe, Dick. And by the way, keep the towel around your waist; I don’t want to go blind seeing that again.

Dick rolled his eyes, trying to maintain his dignity.

Dick: I’m glad you’re not jealous anymore. At this point, we’re friends, and I don’t want to deal with relationship drama.

Barbara (nodding): Now we’re on the same page. Not going to lie, though, I’m surprised she took you back. Where’d the blushing Starfire go, anyway? I thought she’d be worried I’d snap seeing her again, but I want to chat.

As Barbara wheeled around the apartment, Dick considered her comment.

Dick: What do you mean you’re surprised she took me back?

Barbara (over her shoulder): I’ve known you long enough, Dickie-bird. You know exactly what I mean.

Dick (smirking): You’re one to talk. You hacked my text messages when you thought I was dating someone else—or the time you thought I was dating my rapist when she was actually a crazy stalker.

Barbara (genuinely): I am sorry for being like that, although you definitely were texting that first girl.

Dick: She was my yoga teacher!

Barbara shrugged, acknowledging her past assumptions during their brief stint of dating.

Barbara: You were the jealous type, annoyingly overprotective... and, let’s just say, you weren’t exactly gifted in the bedroom.

Dick crossed his arms, trying to ignore Barbara’s jabs, even though he was tempted to respond.

Barbara (calling out): Kori, come on out! I’m not judging you. I’m genuinely happy for you two and hope you can make it work. Dick's been playing the field for years; it’s about time he settles down.

Dick (angry but holding the towel): I’ve said nothing to warrant this onslaught of insults!

Barbara (laughing): I’m just trying to break the ice and simply stating a fact. Kori! As long as you’re not wearing that robe, we can talk now.

There was a heavy sigh, and then Kori emerged from Dick’s bedroom, now wearing a purple top and blue jeans. She offered a small wave and a smile.

Kori: I really didn’t want our meeting to be this awkward. I overheard you two talking, and I’m glad you don’t hate me for getting back with Dick. I really hate that we fought over him in the past.

Barbara nodded, understanding Kori's perspective.

Barbara: Same here. I care about him, but he’s my friend. That’s why I make jokes at his expense.

Dick crossed his arms, scoffing, though his smile betrayed his amusement.

Barbara (continuing): You’re probably going to be the best influence on him. Plus, Dick and I have stayed friends for about seven years. I prefer that dynamic, and he couldn't handle all this.

Kori pondered that for a second and then nodded in agreement.

Kori: It's tough for me, especially matching his... freak, as they call it.

Barbara stifled a laugh, covering her mouth.

Barbara: Yeah, Richard's freak has definitely been discussed in the hero circle. I’ve never done it, but I’ve heard he does the crouching tiger well.

Kori (with a playful grin): I'm on top during—

Dick (blushing, from the next room): Could you not?! I'm getting changed; don’t mock me while I’m gone!

Dick wandered off to his room, avoiding eye contact with Barbara, who was clearly entertained by the entire conversation.

Kori (giggling): Looks like we've managed to ruffle his feathers.

Barbara: I’ve got a talent for that. The point is, Kori, we’ve had our issues, but I’m on board with this new dynamic. Seriously, I'm not mad or jealous. I’m... happy for both of you.

Barbara smiled and gave Kori a sincere nod.

Barbara: I don’t want to push this, but I could really use more girlfriends besides Batgirls, Supergirls, and Harley.

Kori nodded thoughtfully, her expression brightening.

Kori: Plus, our blossoming friendship could lead to some surprising reactions that will definitely make us laugh.

Barbara rolled closer, extending her hand.

Barbara: Now you’re talking. Kori, this is the start of something great.

Kori (jokingly): Or a “colleagueship”?

They shook hands.

Kori: Would you like a snack? We could play a card game while we wait for Dick.

Barbara (enthusiastic): Oh my goodness, you’re already winning me over. I’ll be in the living room. And Kori, keeping an eye on Dick is probably a good idea—he can be weird at times.

Dick (from the other room): Oh my God, I’m not even in the room!

Laughter filled the air as Kori and Barbara shared a light moment, the tension melting away with each chuckle. By the time Dick emerged from his room, a sense of camaraderie settled in, carrying the promise of new beginnings.

A Smoothie and a Second Chance

[m0thergoose]

TOWL EPISODE 5 SPOILERS AHEAD MY RAMBLY THOUGHTS AS WATCHING THE EP

LOSING MY SHIT IT’S FATHER GABE MY MAN MY IDOL OMG

NOT how I expected this episode to start omg unWELL

I truly have no idea what to expect from this ep holy hell

Rick is passenger princess confirmed

The hand kiss 🫠

Honeymoon take 2 woopwoop

TASTEFUL NOODS SHUT UP

AND THE MUSIC SHUT UP

OTP on a scenic road trip I’m in love with this

Look at them looking lovingly at Carl

HE’S FINDING GIFTS FOR HIS SON

MAKING A GIFT FOR HIS WIFE 😭😭😭😭

MICHONNE GETTING RJ AN AX IM KILLING MYSELF

TOOTHPASTE FUCK OOOOOOFF

I WAS IN LOVE WITH MY SON’S BEST FRIEND I DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO - ARE YOU FUCKING KIDIDNG ME 😭😭😭

RICK KISSING HER NECK 🫠🫠🫠

they found a cabin, they on a real vacation now baby

I NEVER LET GO 🙌

New people I’m scared I don’t like it

Rick is really at Michonne’s beck and call ‘they look pretty hungry’ INSTANTLY drops his bag to find them food lmaoooo

OHHH DONT try this with Richonne you silly silly people

‘Well how bout you just listen’ 😂😂😂😂😂

That’s right Michonne you take your food back lmaoooo

Rick emptying the bullets into michonnes hand sooooorry I’m unwell

Keep your promise asshole 😂

Us against the world 💖

Toothpaste, booze, what are you up to grimes???? I’m just working with what I got - the necklace 💖 RICK LOVES HIS WIFE SO MUCH

RIGHT who is this now??? Is this GABE?

WHAT THE EVERLOVING FUCK???? GABE AND JADIS????? IN CONTACT????? Noooooooooo I AM CONFUSION

GABE TALKING ABOUT RICK TO JADIS FUCK THIS

GABE IF TOU KNEW RIGHT NOW YOU’D KILL HER YOURSELF AMEN

FUUUUCKING HELL JADIS WAKING THEM UP, it’s like when Jesus walked in on them their first night lmaoooo but this is 1 million times worse!

Michonne looks so hot rn haha

I actually could give a flying fuck about Jadis, hurry up and kill her richonne lmao

YAAAS RICHONNE

OMG GABE ONE DAY RICK SAID THAT I SHOULD MARRY THEM 😭😭😭😭

And he’s kept a wedding ring for Rick actually shoot me rn

Gabe is a richonner confirmed 💖

Now I want Gabriel to be the one to kill Jadis because this is sick and twisted from her

HE GAVE HER RICKS RING GABRIEL YOU BETTA NOOOOT

okay so they’re gonna kill Jadis and as she’s dying she’ll hand him the ring

And next year same day same place it won’t be Jadis that meets Gabriel, it’ll be richonne

HERE we go fuck her up Michonne

Here Ricky dicky goes, fuck them walkers up

Jadis is scum these people better not help her

HAHAHHAHA Michonne just wants to kill this bitch ‘maybe just maim first’ yeah ok Ricky dicky 😂

THATS WHAT U GET FOR TRUSTING JADIS YOU DUMBASSES

UGH DONT KISS HER GABRIEL IF YOU ONLY KNEW

WHAT THE FUCK JADIS WHAT DID SHE DO TO GABRIEL

THIS BITCH SHOT HER MAN MICHONNE IS DEFO GOINGG TO GUT HER LMAOO

Omg

Michonne what you gonna do

Michonne has a plan yes

OMG ARE THEY SPLITTING UP TO SAVE EACH OTHER

‘You’ve looked better’ sassy Rick lol

I’m stilll hoping Michonne just fucking murders her

YEEEEES FUCK THIS BITCH

PAINFUL WALKER DEATH FUCK U JADIS

side note Rick looks v handsome rn

I’ll see you next year Ann - noooo you’ll see richonne next year gabey baby 🤞

‘We’re gonna do that’ ricks like sure whatever you want baby

THE RING KILL ME 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

I don’t want a proposal in front of jadis save it for when you’re alone Ricky dicky

IS THIS A PROPOSAL RIGHT HERE IM CRYING

SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP

‘I could never have imagined this but it could only ever have been you’ 🥹🥹🥹🥹

SOMEBODY SEDATE ME 😭😭😭😭😭

THE PROMO ‘are we crazy’ ‘certifiable’ LMAOOOOOO

ALSO how the fuck are we wrapping this up in one more episode, we deserve MORE dammit

[reylogirlie]

(Some of) My other ships

Now, Reylo is my OTP. It is what I consider to be one of the best fictional love stories of all time.

I mean, look at them?!?With that being said, however, I wanted to make a post about my other ships. None come near Reylo, but I just wanted to gush a bit. I wonder if we have any other ships in common So here in no order, is my list:

Bunnydoll- Amazing Digital Circus

Okay, I know it’s confirmed we’re getting no main romance from this show. And I know Jax is supposed to be an ass no one likes. With that being said, they were lowkey cute in the episodes shown so far.

The look he gives her when he says “She (Pomni) still thinks this is a dream.” Or when he calls her Dollface 😫😫😫😫 (I’m whipped for pet names) there’s even like a live zoom call between the cast posted on YT where Jax’s va says “I love you Ragatha” at the request of a fan and it’s so cute 🥹 I also got parent vibes from them in the pilot when they were showing Pomni around.

It’s giving strict mom and idgaf dad.

Ik it’s probably not gonna be cannon and I don’t care that much if it is (does not hold the place in my heart that Reylo does) but I think there’s potential there. Maybe I enjoy their fannon a bit more than cannon, idk 🤷‍♀️

Felix and Tamora - Wreck it Ralph

Now, they are so wholesome like 🥹

He’s so whipped from her from the very start. I love their love story in the first movie. Felix is so whipped for her from the start, and she doesn’t trust easily due to her trauma.

Yet, Tamora warms up to him steadily and eventually realizes that the two have fallen in love- and it’s okay that she’s learned to love again, she’s not betraying her original love and that just because he went out horribly doesn’t mean Felix will.

I also love how Felix is patient and respectful towards her. When he learned their term “dynamite gal” triggered/upset Tamora, he never said that again. He resorted to other names (lady love, Tammy, etc) and I love that. He’s not perfect, and he was clearly a bit tone death towards Ralph in the beginning of the movie, but he really is a great guy. I sorta get the nice landers- I’d wanna be his friend too if I was in a video game tbh.

They’re wonderful, I love them.

Buzz and Jessie- Toy

Them. I had a Jessie, Buzz, and Bullseye doll when I was little-

(I was also Jessie for Halloween one year)

Anyways, I’ve always loved them. Again, opposites attract. Jessie has extreme trust issues from being abandoned. She still gets anxiety from being in tight spaces.

Buzz knows how to calm her during panick attacks, he always reassures her she won’t end up alone, and he’s who taught her how to trust again.

Even when he’s switched by Lotso, he still finds her beautiful 🥹

Jessie also brings out a different side to him- even got him to Spanish dance in front of everyone at the end of 3 ☺️

They always steal the show, and I can’t wait to see them in Toy Story 5 (Yall can tell Iove Toy Story, right?)

Chilli and Bandit-Bluey

Okay, as of right now they’re probably my second favorite ship. Like I’ve even written fics about them (not nearly as much as Reylo, but a few) and I could go on.

What I absolutely LOVE about Chilli and Banditis the fact that they give something fresh to cartoon. Most tv parents are either toxic or they simply exist as parents and not a couple. Like not toxic per se but they exist to raise the protagonist.

But Chilli and Bandit? They are still so in love and they have a relationship outside of being parents. They disagree sometimes, but what married couple doesn’t??? They still make time for each other despite their busy lives, and they allow each other to still spend time with their friends and go out.

Not to mention, they show their daughters what they should want in a relationship someday. They’re still affectionate despite their gross (yet typical) tendencies, they take the L for each other (Bandit eating Bingos special so she feels important and Chilli doesn’t have to suffer/ Chilli telling the girls to lay off Bandit when they’re mad about moving despite agreeing with them), they’re gentle with each other when the other is triggered/upset (The Show/ Stockbrid) and overall, they know how to balance parenting, their love, their work, friends, and family all while being so damn cute.

The fact whenever Bluey or Bingo pretend to be a married adult and use the term “bahbe” implies that Bandit speaks like that to Chilli 🥹 (honestly cannon because we see their sweet talk all the time)

They’re just so sweet, wholesome, healthy, and they’re honestly my favorite part of Bluey.

So there’s my other ships. I wonder if we have any in common 🤩 If you want a part two I’m down for it, but don’t worry this is still a Reylo blog and that will still be my main content :)

[life-set-to-random]

OTP Questionnaire for Leosagi

1. What is their love language?

Sharing their mutual heritage, such as bushido, ink paintings, swordsmanship. Also exploring the differences in their cultures, as Leonardo is a Japanese American and a Ninja, whereas Usagi is a Japanese National and a Samurai. Oh and they flirt, they flirt hard. Usagi intentionally and Leo instinctually.

2. Who confessed first?

Usagi. He saw the younger warrior struggling with his emotions and took the leap to ease his suffering. Leonardo was worried he was being selfish, wanting something for himself that had nothing to do with the clan’s wellbeing. Both agreed to keep their relationship secret, due to the rampant homophobia in their respective cultures (remember Leo’s dimension was set in the early 2000s, it was the era of “don’t ask, don’t tell” for the most part).

3. Who plans the dates?

It depends on who’s dimension they’re in. Whomever is playing host plans the dates because they know the world and options best.

4. Who’s the better driver?

Actual driving, like a car, Leonardo obviously. Riding horses, Usagi. Just because he gets the opportunity more often and thus has more experience. Leo’s not bad at it, he’s just not an expert. And I shudder to think if poor Usagi ever had to try driving any modern vehicle, let alone the Battle-shell.

5. Who likes to be the “Little Spoon”?

Who likes to be? Leo, but his shell makes it hard to manage. Not that it stops Usagi from trying lol. Eventually Leo ends up turning to face him for nighttime cuddles, which they both enjoy immensely. It’s not quite the same thing, but they’ll take what they can manage.

6. What’s their stance on PDA? (Public Displays of Affection)

Usagi is from another dimension’s version of Feudal Japan, so PDA is kinda a social taboo. If he’s close to you, as he is with Leonardo, he will touch you subconsciously. Literally he won’t even realize he’s doing it. Consciously speaking, he considers such breaching of social conduct extremely rude and would never do so with someone he didn’t truly love. Leo is rather the same way, but even more so, because he was raised by modern Japanese culture and grew up in the Northeastern region of America. We’re not big on touching each other up North, not even amongst family members, unless you share a very close bond or are rough housing with siblings or friends. Believe me, it was a culture shock when I first moved to the Deep South and new acquaintances would just vigorously hug me without warning, or hold my hand randomly, or kiss my cheek, it was weird and kinda unsettling for me lol.

7. Who shows their affection with words?

Leonardo. If you can get him to open up, he’s very good at expressing and explaining his feelings and thoughts. If it’s to comfort or guide a loved one, he can do it no problem, but when it’s for his own good it takes some gentle and persistent prodding. Leo’s no poet but what he lacks in flare he more than makes up for in plan sincerity. Being the oldest of four and an ever growing clan of adopted relatives and in-laws, he’s excellent at “feeling the air” as the Japanese say. He can sense the tension level in a room and knows just what to say and what not to say to make things better. Usagi is extremely affectionate and flattering when their alone or amongst the few who know of their relationship lol! He does not give a damn if he’s embarrassing Leo, Hell sometimes it’s his goal, spousal privilege.😜

8. Who shows affection through touch?

Usagi, one hundred percent. Rabbits are very physically affectionate by nature and it’s nothing unusual for him to place a hand on a loved one’s arm or shoulder and stand very close to them in a subconscious manner. He may even lean on Leo if he’s feeling tired or ill. If he’s doing it on purpose, he’ll actually massage Leonardo’s shoulders, hold his hand, nuzzle his neck, run his claws down Leo’s shell (Leo loves that! It feels great and Usagi finds the sound soothing so it’s good for both of them), and boy does he ever love to cuddle when they sleep! Which is great for Leo, being a cold blooded species, he could use the warmth and loves the feeling of Usagi’s soft fur.

9. How do they like to initiate intimacy?

Usagi has to do it because Leonardo is painfully shy, also younger and less experienced in the matter, not that Usagi is complaining mind you lol. He enjoys the act of subduction (damn horny rabbits), and flirting is a favorite pastime of his. He considers it a kind of game to see how far he can go without alerting those around them, whenever they’re in his home dimension, while simultaneously getting Leo to blush at least three shade darker green. And when they’re alone? I’m sorry, I’m going to need to see some ID to prove you’re old enough to know that particular information. 😜

10. Do they have a dream wedding planned?

Not really their thing, they’re fully committed with out the pomp and ritual. If April or Kitsune ever got wind of their relationship they’d throw them a huge traditional (American/Japanese respectively) ceremony with all their countless friends, relatives and allies invited. Naturally, the girls will be the last to ever know as a result.

11. How do they comfort each other?

They talk it out. Whatever is bothering ether of them, they discuss it and give what is needed. Problem solving, reaffirmation, absolution, redemption, or even just listening while the other vents. They also spar to work out pent up physical energy.

12. What is an ideal evening in for the two of them?

Sumi painting, sparing, meditating, or just talking while drinking there favorite tea. If they’re feeling particularly energetic, they’ll teach each other something new like skateboarding or kite making, or take in a show (live entertainment in Usagi’s dimension, movie in Leo’s).

13. Who’s more playful in bed?

Usagi. See question nine, he’s slightly older with more experience and rabbits are naturally more aggressively horny. He very much enjoys flustering Leonardo and getting the younger warrior to expand his comfort zone by trying new things. Leo’s world is full of interesting new ideas and devices to explore.

14. Who shows affection through gift giving?

Both. They love to give each other presents for no other reason than they were thinking of each other. It doesn’t have to be a physical gift, like the Christmas Katanas, it can be arranging to learn something new together or a favor. They’re flexible with it.

15. Who’s the first one up in the morning?

They’re awake within moments of each other. Being born and raised bushido practitioners, they’re used to it. Not to mention Leo being the eldest of four, he had to help Splinter a lot with his less disciplined brothers, and Usagi was an only child of an elderly father growing up in a farming community, then living with his equally elderly sensei Katsuichi. He was originally slated to be the next headman of his home village and Leo is being raised to be the Hamato clan’s next Kashira, so they’re wired for early mornings and being responsible adults.

16. Were they friends before they were lovers?

Um, yes lol. Best friends in fact, despite Usagi’s lingering mistrust (borderline prejudice) against Ninja, though I suppose once can’t entirely blame him due to his past with the Mogura, Neko and Komori clans. Also Master Splinter being a little wary of his heir becoming possibly too close to a Samurai, because by Ninja standards the Samurai version of Honor is very impractical. Mostly he approves of Usagi as a person and companion for Leonardo, he just had a fatherly concern towards Leo learning “bad habits”.

17. Who’s the better singer?

Leonardo. I’m basing this head cannon on the fact that, back in 1990, the Ninja turtles did the “Out of their Shells Tour” a concert with original songs and storyline that went all over America. It’s epic, YouTube it! Ever since then I have been convinced that all four Hamato brothers can play multiple musical instruments and sing very well. Especially Leonardo. Usagi isn’t musically inclined but he appreciates it and loves his husband’s singing.

18. Who has the best jokes?

Neither, lol. Usagi is more of a practical joker when the mood strikes him and Leo is used to letting Mikey be the comedian. He can smack talk an opponent with the best of them though.

19. Who’s the better cook?

Technically Leo, even though Mikey does most of the clan’s cooking and Splinter when they want traditional Japanese dishes that take more patience than Michelangelo has time for, the other brothers sometimes had to take turns cooking if Mikey was say, down with a flu or injured in battle and shouldn’t be as active as he normally is until he’s healed. Usagi lives on the road and thus is used to buying meals at Inns, from street vendors, trading labor for meals from people he meets on his journeys, or cobbling together a very simple meal for himself from the wild. Leo had the advantage of having an actual home and daily routine to hone such a life skill.

20. What is their stance on having kids?

They’re totally open to adopting, or just starting their own dojo in Usagi’s world. They also take Usagi’s son Jotaro for a couple of months at a time every so often.

[autumnslance]

Year of the OTP - September 2023 - I Wrote This For You

("Meet the Family" has a...long draft I'm still not happy with after 2 years of Endwalker. So have some 885ish words of yearning instead.)

[A letter in nearly type-perfect cursive font, the envelope also containing a pressed white flower yet retaining its sweet scent, delivered surreptitiously via postmoogle to the top of a certain gunbreaker’s pack…]

This is not at all fair.

I toss and turn, staring into the darkened ceiling and wonder when I became so restless. So needy.

I sprawl across the mattress, too big for only myself, missing you. It’s only been hours since we parted, only last night that we held one another, but that doesn’t seem to matter.

It’s not quite an ache, but almost, and I’ve no other words to describe it, running up and down my arms, my legs. A need to be touching, to be holding—but there’s only empty air.

A very specific not-quite-heated-ache low in my abdomen, between my legs, a sensation that will not be sated except by your touch.

I roll over and bury my flushing face in a pillow.

I didn’t used to feel such things. I used to not understand what others meant when describing wants and aches and needs. It was surely an exaggeration. Hyperbole for poetry and songs.

Even when we first met, and others hurled themselves at you, insistent—even desperate—I rolled my eyes and thought they were overdoing it. Certainly, physical intimacy can be enjoyable, but so is a game of tag, or cards, or simply sitting together discussing a book. Handsome you are, but I was convinced they were playing it up to win your attention.

Then somewhere, somehow, though I didn’t mean to, along our long and winding way I fell for you. And it seemed as if my entire world shifted.

The gleam in your eyes, the crook of your smile, the gentle roughness of your hands, the steady beat of your heart in your warm chest when pulling me close. All of you is a conspiracy to rewire my every reaction.

I understand now what it means to melt after seeing the ways you look at me. You ask me to tell you what I want, voice low and rough, and the frisson it causes is not imaginary. It shivers through me now, even just imagining you leaning over my back, calloused fingers on my skin, puff of hot breath on my neck, the rumble in your voice pitched just so…

I flip over again. Still alone. 

I could never be mistaken for wanton. There’s still much I don’t understand. I still need to be coaxed and encouraged because this is all so new and a little embarrassing and a lot messy and I worry my inexperience, my need for guidance, just isn't enough to keep you.

I’ve come to realize there are times you neglect your own wants and needs to tend to mine. And while I am grateful for your attention and your patience, I need your happiness too. 

There’s my blush again, as I think about not just your happiness but your pleasure, in duet with mine. The clench of your fingers in my hair, the tension in your neck and jaw as you arch. The way you moan, or call my name.

Your pleased reactions please me. And gods, the thought of seeing, hearing, feeling them again brings a fresh wave of aching in my limbs, more heat pooling low.

I want you. I need you.

I didn’t used to feel this way.

I didn’t see you, after hours or days or weeks, and think about how much longer it will be until I can have you alone, and then in my bed. Until we’re holding, kissing, touching…

There’s so much more to us than this; after all this time, all we’ve been through together. Some days I only want to sit silently in the same room, each doing our own work or play, basking in your company, your presence in my life more than enough.

Then there are nights like this, when I realize oh no, it wasn’t hyperbole, wasn’t exaggeration. That another person, that you, can make me burn and those desires will be the most wonderful and terrifying sensations.

I miss you, though it’s barely been twelve hours since you kissed me goodbye.

And so, since I cannot sleep, here I am writing down all the ways you make me yearn.

How I am counting the time until I have you here again, wrapped in each others arms, breath catching as lips and fingers find those perfect spots we each know so well on one another’s skin, your voice rumbling in my ear, demanding I tell you what I need but it’s you, just you, moving against me, with me, in me, until we both sing.

I would never have written anything like this before you. I would never have dreamed of sending such words as a letter. But I need you to know how loving you has altered my internal chemistry, and that cannot wait until we are face to face once more.

For one thing, you know I will be too shy to say it aloud. I can see you in my mind’s eye, smiling as you imagine my blushing.

But we have ever connected over written words, so here are mine, for you to hold and read and reread and imagine me imagining you until we are together again.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Fluffy Ending (2) Masterlist

part one

All That Really Counted (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: "Imagine your OTP in bed after a fight, facing away from each other. They both begin to feel guilty about the quarrel, and roll over to apologize… at the same time. They do it so abruptly that they bump their heads together. After being dazed for a few moments, they giggle and kiss, twining their legs together and snuggling. They quietly murmur their apologies and endearments to each other until they fall asleep." based off of this tumblr prompt. (x)

Boy (wattpad) - wreckthisphan

Summary: “You’re an idiot but I’m an even bigger idiot, so let’s fall in love”. In which Phil is selectively mute but Dan can’t hear so that’s okay.

could've knocked me out with a feather (ao3) -deletable_bird

Summary: “Thank you, love you,” says the guy, and freezes. Dan’s smile suddenly feels a lot more genuine. Fluff, 2.6k

Flower Crown Luck (ao3) - HeartsAndSpades

Summary: Punk!Phil has a slight crush on Pastel!Dan and when Dan drops his flower crown in the library, Phil returns it and they start talking.

Friends Shouldn't Kiss Me Like You Do (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Dan knows Phil is in love with him, and has been since 2009. But as he realizes his feelings for Phil, Phil slowly stops loving him.

Hotel Day (ao3) - Fluffyphanfics

Summary: Dan and Phil do not have enough energy to go out of the hotel since they were at a YouTube event (you can choose). So, they have a lazy/fun day at the hotel

How Rare and Infinite It Truly Is That We Exist (ao3) - Felilla

Summary: In which Phil is obsessed with the stars and Dan realizes he’s in love with his best friend.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it - phantasticlizzy

Summary: He feels it when Dan’s thumb is wiggling out of his grasp, rubbing the pink skin under his eye relentlessly, making Phil squint. “Stop that,” Dan says. His voice is commanding but also soft and it only makes Phil cry harder.

or: the aftermath of a fight

little by little (ao3) - deletable_bird

Summary: Dan's voice is voice relaxed and liquid, his posture much the same. He’s draped over the arm of the couch, looking at Phil upside down, the rim of a half-full wine glass clasped in the fingertips of his right hand. “You’re drunk, you arse,” Phil tells him, skirting the coffee table and sitting down at his feet.

Love Of My Life (Phan Fluff) (ao3) - thegirlwholikestowrite

Summary: I suck at summaries. Three words; Phan, fluff, coffeshop.

Play Me A Song, Write Me A Story (ao3) - phanimist

Summary: Dan is an English teacher who loves words but doesn’t quite love his job, and Phil is the new band conductor/music teacher with bright blue eyes that Dan loves to describe.Their friendship blossoms instantly, despite both of them wanting more right from the start.

Sick in New Years (ao3) - Fluffyphanfics

Summary: Prompt: Phil got really sick and he decided to have New Year alone at the apartment but Dan surprises him.

That Guy (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: One video by a certain YouTuber has Dan Howell wondering for years.

We Always Come Home (ao3) - YourEyesHoldTheGalaxy

Summary: Dan comes back early from Playlist to an empty new flat and wonders what that means for him and his future with Phil.

We'll Never Be Royals (Extended) (ao3) - phanimist

Summary: royalty au where phil's the kind handsome prince and dan's a poor commoner who dreams of becoming world class musician. phil's parents hold a ball so he can meet his suitors, but he ends up falling for the pianist instead.

We’re Okay - whatisfanfiction

Summary: Dan is scarred, probably forever, which makes him vulnerable to ‘fits’. Phil, who takes Dan under his wing, tries to make things easier. Its just kinda angst with a really fluffy ending.

What was 2012? (ao3) - Yayroos

Summary: Dan and Phil talk about what 2012 was to them, now that they are together at last.

You Are Not Trivial (ao3) - phanimist

Summary: dan being a ghost doesn’t once hinder the friendship between him and phil. the two are constantly there for each other, despite their various differences in problems, and they never let the concepts of what’s ‘real’ and what isn’t define them and the relationship they have.

You're Beautiful (ao3) - Kovicenterprises

Summary: Dan's a sleepy baby and Phil can't help but fall in more in love with him every minute.

You’re Mine and I’m Yours - danalingphil-fics

Summary: Phil get’s possessive over Dan. Fluffy ending.

[seraphfighter]

Hey! 3 for the OTP prompts! ❤️❤️❤️

3. Write about your ship holding hands in a tense moment.

Listen, I do not know how this turned into a 1.6k-word piece, but it did. For some context, this is set in my modern au, because in the canon au Val would simply not put up with this, the badass merc that she is. (and you can blame @glitchinginthegarden for the idea)

To anyone reading, be advised: This fic has references to past abuse and features a man being creepy and scummy in general.

The night air feels refreshing after being in the stuffy bar all night. 

V retreats to the entrance of the alleyway next to the bar's main doors. Leaning back against the brick wall, she pulls out her pack of cigarettes and places one between her lips to light it. She takes a deep drag and exhales, the smoke billowing out in front of her. God, she’s worn out. Nights with Judy are fun but she can only handle being crowded against a bunch of drunk people for so long. It’s not her scene. 

Checking the time, V pulls her phone out of her pocket. 10:03 PM. Johnny should be here soon. He’d agreed to pick her up coming back from a late night at the studio. Shockingly, he didn’t whine about her lack of a car this time. Probably because she’s sleeping over at his place. She’d been planning on it anyway and she wasn’t going to hop on her bike after a couple of drinks, even though she doesn’t feel the effects of the alcohol. 

She occupies her time by scrolling through her feed on her phone while she smokes. Hearing footsteps to her right, she doesn’t think anything of it until a deep voice asks, “Got a spare cig?” 

V glances up at the man coming to a stop by her side. Already, she’s annoyed. She has no interest in talking to a random stranger. Hoping he’ll take the cigarette and leave her alone, she pulls out her pack and passes him one. “Thanks,” the man says, mustering what appears to be his best attempt at a charming grin as he uses his own lighter to light it. 

She doesn’t respond and returns her attention to her phone. But as her luck has it, the man doesn’t leave and keeps speaking, “What are you doing out here all by yourself?” 

Fuck, she knows where he’s going with this. “Not interested,” she responds flatly, not bothering to look up from her phone. 

“Aw, c’mon. Don’t be like that. I’m just saying a pretty woman shouldn’t be out here by yourself like this.” Out of her peripherals, she sees him move a step closer. She moves a step back. 

Unease begins to curl in her gut. She shuts her phone’s screen off but keeps it in her hand with a tight grip as she turns her attention to the man. “I said, I’m not interested.” 

The man blatantly drags his eyes over her body and she fights back a shudder. A picture of false innocence, he tilts his head. “I’m just trying to be friendly here. Night City’s dangerous you know, it’s not safe for a woman as beautiful as you to be here alone. Something bad could happen.” 

God, you can’t be a woman and go anywhere without being harassed anymore. V throws her cigarette down on the ground and uses her boot to smother it with more force than necessary. “I can handle myself, thanks.” She’ll just wait inside the bar for Johnny. Hoping that this will be the end of the conversation, V moves to step past him, but the man is faster, blocking her path. He approaches her and it’s not until she backs up that realizes he’s got her cornered against the wall. 

Her heart leaps into her throat. Fuck, fuck. She glances to the side to see if there’s anyone within sight, but they’re alone. 

“Let me at least walk you inside, then. I’ll buy you a drink.” When he speaks, she can smell the bourbon on his breath. Markus. Backed into the corner of their room. Her palms are clammy.

She feels like she’s going to be sick. 

“What? So you can spike it? Fuck off.” She tries to move past him but again, he blocks her. 

The man’s not that much taller than her but she feels small beneath his stare. “Where are you going? We’re just having a friendly conversation.” He flicks the last of his cigarette to the side and braces his hand against the wall above her. 

She could knee him in the balls and make a run for it. V’s fast and the man is clearly drunk. It’d be easy to outrun him, right? Why doesn’t she have her pocket knife on her? She should know better than to not carry it. 

“Choom, back the fuck off right now.” She’s proud of how steady her voice sounds. 

“Or what?” 

The screech of tires against the asphalt of the parking lot echoes down the alleyway. Before she can process it, the man is being hauled back and away from her. The man stumbles away and then Johnny’s in front of her, his back to her. With a hard shove, he has the offending man crashing into the opposite wall. Johnny spares a glance at her, his face contorted in an anger she’s not used to seeing on him, before he advances on the man. 

“The fuck did you think you were doin’, huh? She told you to back the fuck off!” His voice is a loud angry growl, akin to some of his vocals in his songs. 

The man holds his hands up. He looks terrified, the confidence he was exuding with her long gone. “I-I didn’t mean anything by it man!”

“Cut the bullshit!” Johnny barks. “Didn’t mean anythin’ by it? So you think it’s okay to harass my girl when she tells you to back the fuck off?!” 

V hates how hearing Johnny refer to her as his girl makes her feel all fuzzy inside, even in this situation. 

“I didn’t know! She didn’t say she had a boyfriend!” 

Pathetic. This man is pathetic. V steps forward but still keeps herself behind Johnny. “ It doesn’t matter, I told you I wasn’t interested. It’s the same fucking principal,” she snaps. 

Johnny’s fists clench down at his sides. “Well? You aren’t fuckin’ deaf! You still think it’s okay?  I should teach you a lesson right now, you piece of shit. Maybe then you’ll get it through your thick skull to leave women alone.” 

“I’m sorry!” The man almost looks close to tears. 

In the parking lot and near the entrance to the alleyway, people are starting to gather. Their yelling is drawing a crowd. V sees more than a few phones with the cameras facing them. They need to get out of her before Johnny’s recognized. 

V grasps his hand, forcing his fist to unclench so she can weave her fingers through his. She doesn’t know if it’s his hand trembling or hers. Johnny looks over at her and beneath the anger, she can see concern for her. 

“Johnny, he’s not worth it.” Subtly, she flicks her eyes over to the crowd gathering and he turns his head to glance. She keeps her voice pitched low, “We need to get out of here.” 

Oblivious, the man keeps babbling. “I won’t do it again, I promise!” 

“Shut the fuck up!” Johnny snarls at him. 

“Johnny.” She tugs on his hand, more insistent this time. “Let’s go.” 

He wants to fight her on it, she can tell, but ultimately he steps back. He turns to leave but not before growling to the man, “Get out of here. I better not see your fuckin’ face again or I’ll bash your skull in.” 

Hearing a few murmurs of Johnny’s name, V keeps her head low and turned away as they retreat from the alley, still not used to the public attention. Johnny, as usual, is unbothered. He keeps his head held straight and high as they make the short walk to the Porsche. As soon as they're sat inside, he peels out of the parking lot, gripping her hand tightly where it rests on the center console. 

The farther they get from the bar, the more adrenaline V feels fade out of her body. The glass of the window is cool against her forehead as she rests against it. She closes her eyes and focuses on her breathing until her heart rate slows and there’s no longer bile climbing up her throat. 

She doesn’t notice Johnny pulling over until they're stopped along the side of an unbusy street. Lifting her head from the window, she turns to ask Johnny what he’s doing, but he doesn’t give her a chance before his free hand cradles the side of her face and his lips are on hers. V exhales through her nose and melts into it, languidly kissing him until he pulls away. His eyes dart over her face. 

“You alright, sweetheart?” He asks quietly and tucks her hair behind her ear. 

“Yeah.” When her voice comes out shaky, she clears her throat and tries again, “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little shaken up is all.” She tightens her grip on his hand as she pauses for a moment, gnawing on the inside of her lip. She debates on continuing. “Memories and all that, y’know.” 

Understanding fills Johnny’s features. “Shoulda let me beat the fucker up,” he mutters darkly. “Teach him a lesson.” 

“The last thing we need right now is you getting a criminal offense. You know that.” She smiles wryly. “The media would have a hay day with it, though.” 

He scoffs, “The media’s published worst things about me. Still doesn’t make it right, what he did. What either of them did.” 

She blinks past the threat of tears. Dropping her head to his shoulder, she breathes in the familiar smell of tobacco and cyprus. “I know.” Johnny pets the back of her head, toying with her hair and if he notices a few tears soak into the fabric of his jacket, he doesn’t say anything. “Can we just go home, get some greasy takeout, drink too much, and watch a shitty movie?” 

Home. She doesn’t even care she called his place that. In her heart, it is home. 

He presses a kiss to her temple. “Course we can, Val.”

[bradshawsbaby]

For the otp prompts “Catching snowflakes on tongue” with Bobby :)

I want to do this more than anything! 🥹

A weekend ski trip with the Dagger Squad had been a good idea in theory, except for the fact that you didn’t actually know how to ski—a fact which became abundantly clear when you fell and twisted your ankle within ten minutes of being on the bunny hill. You weren’t sure which was more mortifying, the fact that you were the only adult on the hill to begin with, or the humbling experience of having a six-year-old call out, “Mommy, this lady is crying!”

Bob had been by your side in a moment, scooping you up into his arms and carrying you off to the resort’s infirmary, much to your continued embarrassment. Thanks to the stressful nature of his job, your husband was able to remain calm under pressure, but he couldn’t hide the worry flashing in his blue eyes. He always worried when it came to your safety and well-being.

“Thank goodness it isn’t broken,” he murmured in relief once the two of you were back in your hotel room an hour later, your ankle resting in his lap as he gently applied an icepack to reduce the swelling. Not broken, just sprained, the medics had declared.

“I can’t believe I sprained my ankle on the bunny hill,” you groaned, burying your face in your hands in shame.

“Aw, sweetie, don’t be embarrassed,” Bob cooed comfortingly, reaching out with his free hand to pull your hands away from your hot cheeks. “I’m just glad you’re not more seriously hurt. That’s all that matters.”

“I feel like I ruined the trip for you,” you sighed guiltily, wincing as your husband gently massaged the skin around your ankle. “It’s our first day here and you’ve already had to spend most of it taking care of me.”

“Hey,” Bob responded immediately, his voice tender, but firm. “I don’t have to take care of you. I get to take care of you. There’s a difference.” Smiling, he slid his glasses up his nose and then leaned in to brush his lips against yours.

“You’re the best husband, you know that?” you grinned, cupping his face in your hands and kissing him more deeply. Pulling back slightly, you gently caressed his rosy cheeks with your thumbs. “But tomorrow, you’re heading back out to the slopes with your friends. I don’t want you chained up here just because I am.”

Bob started shaking his head in protest before you had even finished your sentence. “Absolutely not. No way am I leaving you here all alone,” he insisted, brushing a lock of hair behind your ear.

“Bobby, you hardly ever get time away with your friends, just for fun. I want you to enjoy yourself. And I can’t do anything now,” you shot back, indicating your bum ankle.

Bob was quiet for a moment, glancing out towards the large balcony of your room, which had a fire pit. When you followed his gaze, you realized it had started snowing at some point.

Suddenly smiling, Bob turned back to you. “That’s not true.”

“What?” you asked, blinking at him in confusion.

“It’s not true that you can’t do anything,” he clarified, carefully lifting your injured ankle out of his lap and laying it down on a pillow as he stood up and went to grab his coat. “I’ll be right back,” he told you, pecking you on the lips before you could question him further.

“Bob!” you called out, wishing you could follow him to see what he was up to as he stepped out onto the balcony. Your eyebrows shot up as you watched him start a fire in the pit, making use of the tools supplied by the resort.

Within a few minutes, your husband was back, a light coating of snow covering his hair and shoulders. Beaming like a little kid, he went to grab your coat and the pair of Uggs you were now extra grateful you’d packed, considering it was the only shoe that would fit over your swollen ankle.

“Bobby, what on earth are you doing?” you demanded with wide eyes when your husband began bundling you up, wrapping your coat around you and carefully slipping your Uggs onto your feet.

“You said you can’t do anything while we’re here, but that’s not true,” Bob grinned, sliding one arm beneath your knees and wrapping the other around your back as he lifted you up. “You’ll see,” he winked, carrying you onto the balcony.

Once he’d settled you down in the chair closest to the fire, he sat down as well, pulling his seat closer to yours.

“Honey, I’m confused,” you admitted, looking over at him. “The fire is lovely, but what are we doing out here?”

Bob chuckled, reaching out and taking your hand in his large one. “You might not be able to ski or snowboard or ice skate, but there’s still one thing you can do while it’s snowing,” he said.

“And that would be?”

“Catching snowflakes on your tongue,” he laughed, suddenly sticking his tongue out wide.

Eyes widening, you immediately burst into a fit of giggles. You almost thought your heart would explode from how much you loved this man. Only Bob Floyd would think of starting a fire so that you could come out with a sprained ankle and catch snowflakes on your tongue.

Squeezing your husband’s hand, you stuck your tongue out as well, grinning when a few cold flakes landed on the tip.

“Having fun?” Bob asked a few moments later, brushing some snow out of your hair.

“With you?” you replied, leaning in close to kiss him. “Always.”

January OTP Prompts ❄️

[allylikethecat]

January OTP Prompts

Literally had crawled into bed to go to sleep when I realized I forgot about todays prompt. Then I had to get up and get my laptop back out and write it. But we did it! Here she is. Prepare to be underwhelmed (I was so focused on finishing up the Ducklings chapter that this totally slipped my mind!)

22. Walking through the park

“I love you,” said Matty, giving George’s hand a squeeze as they made their way through the park. He felt like he was living out some kind of romance movie montage, holding hands with his partner, the sun shining down on them as the flowers began to bloom around him. He took a sip of the coffee he held in the hand not intertwined with George’s and smiled. He never thought that he would be here. He had never even let himself even hope and dream for it, not wanting to be let down, having spent his teenage years desperate for love, but feeling undeserving of it. He didn’t let himself think about the way he sometimes hadn’t even thought he’d make it to twenty eight, let alone thirty five. 

“I love you,” said George, putting emphasis on the word and squeezing his hand back, flashing Matty his own crooked smile. He held tight to Mayhem’s leash, the dog trotting happily beside him before pausing to sniff at a patch of grass. George and Matty stopped as well, letting him sniff to his heart’s content. They weren’t in any kind of rush, they didn’t have anywhere to be. The entire day was just for them to exist, enjoying each other's orbit. 

“Your dog is so cute!” said a girl walking towards them, she looked to be somewhere in her late teens and early twenties. Matty couldn’t help but wonder when people that age started looking so young. 

“Thanks,” said George, smiling back at her. “He’s a menace.” 

“No,” said Matty, unable to help himself. “He’s Mayhem.” 

Mayhem looked up at the sound of his name, fixing Matty with his dark gaze. George snorted in amusement at Matty’s bad joke. The girl looked between them, confused. 

“His name is Mayhem,” George explained, “and he lives up to it.”

 Matty opened his mouth to explain that he was actually named for the Norwegian metal band, but thought better of it, choosing to lean into George’s side instead. 

“Can I pet him?” she asked. 

George nodded, “yes of course, he’s very friendly, probably too friendly if we’re being honest,” George said with a chuckle. The girl bent down, and gave Mayhem a pat on the top of his head. 

“Thank you so much,” she said, giving them both a smile. “Have a great rest of your day!” 

“Thank you,” said Matty, “you as well.” 

George gave a slight tug on Mayhem’s leash, encouraging him to start walking again as they continued their way across the park. Matty let go of George’s hand to take a few steps to the side and throw away his now empty take away coffee cup, his phone buzzing in his pocket as he did so. 

“You two are disgusting,” sent Adam in their group chat and Matty frowned, before clicking on the link he had included and breaking into laughter. 

“Hey George,” he said, returning to the path, “that girl knew who we were.” 

“What?” George asked and Matty shoved his phone into George’s face, still chuckling. There was a photo, taken from an interesting angle as if the photographer was trying to be discreet, their hands intertwined, Matty’s head resting against George’s shoulder. 

@ 75fan99 Just met Matty and George. I managed to play it cool AND they let me pet Mayhem #bestdayever #evenifMattymadeadadjoke 

“That was a pretty bad joke,” George said, bumping Matty’s hip with his own.

Matty huffed, “yeah well, you love me anyway.”

George smiled, leaning down to kiss his cheek, “that I do.” 

Day: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21

[enkisstories]

Daniel & Gavin in 30 pics

My OTP started out with me wanting to give Daniel a better ending than he got in the game I adopted him from (DBH). He could have become anything and gotten every partner he wanted. But he chose... Well, it's my sweet and somewhat explosive Daniel we're talking about here. He didn't choose wisely.

Daniel's story started with him being a self-determined android ("deviant") safely stored away in the Detroit Police Department's evidence archive for having killed his owner. And with Detective Gavin Reed, who had the genius idea to reactivate the killer robot to act as the DPD's janitor, under an alias, of course.

You can see where this is leading, right? With the same (in)ability to make judement calls they are a match made in heaven.

Daniel at this point was guilt-stricken and reliant on Gavin to keep his secret.  They both looked down on each other as persons as well as members of the "lesser" species.

The first time they cooperated was during a costume contest, where Daniel made sure that Gavin would win against SWAT Captain Allen, whom they both hated. On this one occasion they swapped roles, but it didn't lead to a greater empathy for the other.

Since ambitious, self-serving Gavin with his inappropriate sense of humor was strongly disliked at the DPD, he drafted Daniel to keep him company whenever Officer Tina Chen wasn't available. (Tina being an introvert, she used Gavin as a sort of human shield to get left alone.)

In time Daniel gained confidence. He started manipulating his expense sheet as well as scamming the officers for money. Nobody noticed.

Daniel also learned Gavin's backstory of having grown up homeless. 

He understood that the detective operated from fear even moreso than from arrogance, fear to end up in the streets again should he be found unable to compete with modern androids like the RK800 crimescene investigation model.

As Daniel grew bolder again, he took less and less bs from the detective, leading to them brawling in the cafeteria one morning. During this incident Daniel let slip that androids do feel pain, only differently from humans, in the form of headache from all the damage notifications building up.

Pragmatic to a fault, Captain Fowler decided to ignore "Dean” showing obvious signs of deviance, seeing that - this fight not counting - he was obedient and well integrated. Instead of deactivating him, Fowler tasked the janitor with preparing a presentation on the topic of android pain.

Daniel refused to hand the cops information that might endanger his fellow deviants. Gavin stepped up and for the first time they touched in other ways than elbowing and smacking each other.

Daniel realized that in bolstering his spirit, Gavin was just helping his own career along. The detective wanted to pass off “his” PL600's expertise as his own and establish himself as the resident android expert. If androids were unavoidable, somebody had to supvervise them, after all!

At this point Lt. Anderson intervened by telling Daniel that he had to live again, even if that meant making terrible mistakes (again). Daniel eventually relented, did the presentation together with Gavin and was promoted to police technician. 

He was part of something again now, granted, that something was a dysfunctional team of immature cops, but beggars can’t be choosers. But as much as having a sort of family again pleased Daniel, he also felt as if he had become one of the reviled RK800s himself, a traitor to his species.

(Spoilered for length)

The week before Christmas Gavin's parents came to Detroit. They met their son while he was still in the company of Tina and Daniel and quickly took a liking to them both. The elder Reeds were under the impression that their son was a goodhearted person, a hero even. That image got destroyed when the group ran into Lt. Anderson and Connor RK800 and a vicious argument ensued.

In the confrontation’s aftermath Daniel agreed to accompany the Reeds home to act as intermediary between Gavin and his parents.

He told the elder Reeds that their son was indeed a shitty person, but a competent detective, who had made the city a good deal safer. Both Daniel and Gavin complained about androids taking their jobs in the near future: RK900 Gavin's and the new AP700 Daniel's. And Connor... ranting about Connor was always a safe topic between these two.

Daniel struggled with the realisation that he enjoyed caring for humans, a desire that conflicted with his kind's ongoing campaign for freedom. If an android was seen serving willingly, that would greatly undermine the movement.

Back at work Gavin, Connor and Lt. Anderson got temporarily demoted to beat cops for having pointed guns at each other back in november.

In a fit of anger and the desire for revenge Gavin tried to expose Connor as a deviant. Turned out Captain Fowler was already aware of this, but didn’t give a damn, because even as a deviant Connor was incredibly loyal and efficient. (He was way more worried about Dean/Daniel, who couldn’t act as well as Connor.)

Daniel offered to cover for Gavin should he want to take the day off, but the detective refused.

At this point fate threw the duo a bone in the form of a little truant. Emma, the daughter of Daniel’s previous owners, was skipping school in order to not have to participate in shop class, where they obducted an android that day.

In facing “Dean” the PL600, Emma was able to work on her trauma regarding Daniel having killed her father and having taken her hostage afterwards.

Daniel at first wasn’t sure whether Gavin had arranged this meeting for his benefit or to torture him. 

When they realized that they had started looking out for each other, they shared a coffee and a thirium bottle as equals for the first time. Just two cops hanging out together and hating on that upstart, Connor, their mutual nemesis.

As a single, Gavin was among those officers who had to work on Christmas. 

He gave Daniel a computer game, The Sims 8, and Daniel in turn prepared lobster, seafood being Gavin’s favorite.

Then on the 25th they got called to a crime scene. A mystery killer was targeting androids by interfacing directly with their brains. 

Despite their new closeness, Gavin and Daniel got into an argument when Gavin kept referring to the victim as an “it”. Daniel turned around, giving the others the impression that he’d look for clues inside a nearby store, when in truth he ran away all the way back to the DPD (feeling silly when he arrived there).

Gavin spotted Daniel again wearing a brand new and obviously stolen jacket. He yelled at him, unaware that he was really talking to a different PL600, a fugitive by name of Simon, one of the key members of the android rights movement.

Simon immediately picked up that there was some history between this cop and the android he was taking him for. He asked what “he” was to Gavin and the detective replied that he didn‘t know. He then told “Daniel” to change back and that he would leave the money for the jacket in the store’s cash register, saying:

“There’s part of your answer, you’re something I invest money into.”

Just like Daniel before him, Simon protested against getting called something. 

Gavin claimed it didn’t matter and sent “Daniel” back to the DPD where he’d be safe from the mystery killer. Before leaving, Simon said he’d wipe his memory of the encounter and would not remember the insult when next “he” would meet Gavin again.

Meanwhile at the police station, Daniel regretted having run away. He didn’t know how to face Lt. Anderson, who had always been supportive towards him. Hank in turn had gotten informed by Gavin that he had sent Daniel back. That put Daniel under the impression that selfish Gavin of all people was covering for him, resulting in a class 4 error turning his LED pink for a moment.

Gavin would later admit that he’d always had a crush on Daniel, whereas Daniel didn’t remember when he had started to reciprocate. Objectively it was in this moment of a human protecting him from the fallout of his own rash decisions.

At New Year’s Eve Captain Fowler sent Daniel on patrol. Gavin handed him a pistol despite androids being prohibited from handling weapons.

Daniel was afraid what he might do with access to a weapon again. They argued, Daniel shot an exterior lamp and Gavin disclosed that this had been a test set up by Lt. Anderson to see how far Daniel had come since his reactivation. 

Angry at getting sneakily tested, Daniel kicked Gavin into the family jewels despite still holding the pistol - he could just as easily have shot him in this moment, but didn’t. Gavin concluded that Daniel had learned to use “appropriate levels of violence”.

At the party later that day both got a little tipsy. Phone pics of them cuddling were snapped.

Things turned downhill for the DPD cops the next year. Lt. Anderson, Connor, Gavin, Tina and Daniel scored too low in a teamwork exercise and as a result got transferred to a scenic tourist trap at Lake Erie. Here they couldn’t exploit the relative anonymity of the DPD central station, but had to closely cooperate with the other local cops, two humans and one RK900.

Unlike the more metropolitan Detroit, where android rights were accepted by a steadily growing number of humans, albeit not coded in the law yet, in Brindleton Bay they were viewed as mere machines. As a result Daniel was forced to wear a PL600 android shirt again.

When he realized how much that humiliated his friend, Gavin gave him his own jacket (he is reasonably cold resistant in my AUs)...

...and later the same day they had had their first kiss, that also included Tina.

An aromantic/introvert, a deviant on the run from the law and a generally unlikeable dork, the trio vowed to grow old together.

Daniel and Gavin from this day on were seen cuddling in public, no longer caring what others might think of them. 

They still retained a deep loathing for each other’s species, accepting only the other as the one exception from the norm.

The acid test for the relationship came when the trio went sailing. Tina was an experienced sailor, Daniel used an app and Gavin just tried to not get in the way. But Daniel’s app crashed, leading to the boat getting run over by a steamboat. The humans got injured and Daniel’s skin module stopped working, revealing the plastic chassis underneath.

While recovering on the Adeline, Gavin managed to change his perception of the android limbs to prostheses and they grew closer than ever before (but so far hadn’t had sex, even though Daniel was - rare for an android - interested).

A complication arose when the Adeline’s all-android crew revealed themselves to Daniel as not just deviants, but the actual leadership circle of the android rights movement.

They were surprised to learn that Connor the deviant hunter had deviated himself. Daniel agreed to keep their secret and do whatever was in his power to help them - in his new position that was quite a lot.

However, back on shore Brindleton Bay PD’s chief claimed that an android damaged to this degree wasn’t suited to present to the public. Only him officially being privately owned by Gavin saved Daniel from the scrapyard.

Daniel and Gavin continued to date, with the usual arguments sprinkled in. They also grew closer to Connor to the point where Daniel and the deviant hunter shared memories of their first confrontation.

Gavin hadn’t forgotten about “Captain Parker” and his android crew. He suspected him of smuggling licensed/restricted android models and figured that Parker would be the one to talk to for a new skin module for Daniel.

(Androids in this setting have a dna-like signature in their fuel/blood, so as a wanted murderer Daniel could not just walk into a store and buy a skin module.)

“Parker” and his companions remained cautious and eventually Gavin’s grating personality led to a brawl. The moment he hit “Parker”, Gavin knew that this man was an android himself.

Putting the pieces together, Gavin understood that he was facing public enemy number one. He and Markus/Parker drew guns on each other, but Daniel quickly wrestled the weapon from Markus - only to point it at Gavin himself.

No amount of talking could sway the detective’s attitude. Worse, Gavin felt betrayed by Daniel, the android who put so much weight on loyalty and truthfulness, and called him a hypocrite for having kept the Adeline’s secret.

The deviants took Gavin captive on their ship. Heartbroken, Daniel accompanied them.

While locked into a bathroom, Gavin discovered red ice crystals coming out of the faucet. Someone had hidden them in the ship’s water tanks, under the assumption that androids wouldn’t use the bathrooms.

Markus tasked Gavin and Daniel with investigating who had set him up in this way. By now Daniel was a cop through and through, and accused the deviants of being involved in the drug deal to their faces. It didn’t endear him to them.

After all kinds of awkwardness, Daniel, Gavin and Markus managed to apprehend the drug dealers. 

In this moment of being full of himself, with a promotion to Lieutenant incoming and just having had an involuntary whiff of red ice solution, Gavin promised to keep the secret of “Captain Parker” and his crew.

Markus arranged repairs for Daniel and the couple moved in together.

They assured each other how fortunate they were in their own unique fashion: “You scored with ME, you must be the luckiest man alive!”.

I like to cast post-revolution Daniel as a teacher, but in this story he went on working in a museum as tourguide and “vintage pre-revolution PL600″ rolled into one, for the first time earning his own money. (Officially the museum paid the money to Gavin for “lending” them the android.)

It would take more time until both would warm up to the other’s species, but eventually they got there.

---

Sources:

Officer arresting deviant Quest for Connor Fairytale of Detroit The Underground Airline

And the sequel

The android cemetary

This series started as a crossover between DBH and Sims 4. I plan to rewrite it as just a DBH story, but maybe rather later than sooner.

[merriclo]

fukuzawa for the ask game?

YAY OMG MY MIDDLE AGED MAN !!!!!

favorite thing about them

his patience. it’s such an integral part of his character, and it’s what allowed him to bond so closely with Ranpo and the other members of the Agency. plus i love getting to read his internal monologue in Untold Origins as Ranpo annoys the shit out of him and he forces himself to remain calm. that one post that said just like courage isn’t the absence of fear, but moving forward despite it, patience isn’t the absence of annoyance, but remaining kind despite it. him fr

least favorite thing about them

there really isn’t anything i dislike about him. he’s very well written, and most of his flaws are part of his character development. i guess if i had to pick something, it’d be the distance he keeps with his employees. he doesn’t share much with them, and it results in him being revered a bit more intensely than i’d prefer. then again i am biased bc i love found family ADA so fucking much. stop being a heavily respected figure and get your ass out there and be a mother.

favorite line

“I could no longer tell whether I was murdering for my country, or simply for the moment of the kill.”

IT’S??? SUCH A GOOD FUCKING LINE????? when i initially watched his backstory unfold, i really hadn’t expected it to be as intense as it was. this moment is also such a good example of how strong he is mentally. if my memory stands correct, there’s only four characters who stopped killing: Odasaku, Dazai, Akutagawa, and Fukuzawa. of the four, only Fukuzawa stopped entirely of his own volition. the others were influenced by another person (Odasaku by Natsume, Dazai by Odasaku, and Akutagawa by Atsushi.) i’m not saying that it makes any of their own decisions less significant, just saying that it’s fascinating how Fukuzawa was so,, alone in his own redemption, for lack of better terminology. i could rant about this for years but im gonna shut up now

brOTP

i think he and the Café Uzumaki manager are decent friends. other than that, i like to think that he and Haruno are also good friends.

OTP

I’m sorry guys i’m such a sucker for FukuFuku. what do you mean that Fukuchi’s the man Fukuzawa trusts the most in this world. wdym. i’m gonna sob they mean so much to me.

i also fuck w FukuMori but in a “we’re divorced even tho we never got married” kinda way. they met for the very first time and Natsume made them fill out divorce papers

nOTP

there’s so many. anything with him and a member of the Agency, but the most common i see are FukuRan and Fukuzawa/Haruno. fucking nasty

random headcanon

when he was younger, all the grammies absolutely adored him. they thought he was such a sweet young man. Fukuchi has so many stories from their teenage years of them getting stopped mid-outing because the grammies wanted to dote on him.

also would i get flamed for saying trans Fukuzawa

unpopular opinion

HE IS NOT AN OLD MAN HE’S 45 HE’S MIDDLE AGED. HE DOES NOT YET PARTAKE IN OLD MAN YAOI.

song i associate with them

older by Isabel LaRosa WHO SAID THAT. anyways i associate my favorite lullaby with him, Takeda No Komoriuta. it has no lyrical parallels to him, but every time i listen to Japanese Folk songs, my mind always wanders back to him, and this is my favorite of them!!

favorite picture of him

so funny you think i’m only choosing one

in conclusion i’m normal about this middle aged man

[typingtess]

 NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 Rewatch:    NCIS: HAWAI’I episode:  “Deep Fakes”

The basics:  With Jane, Jimmy and later Sam kidnapped, everything moves to Hawai’i.

Written by:    Christopher Silber who wrote 54-episodes of NCIS: Hawai’i, 32-episode of NCIS and 24-episodes of NCIS: New Orleans. 

Directed by:  James Whitmore Jr. who is a familiar name in NCIS: Los Angeles episodes.  Whitmore also directed 48 episodes of the mothership (fourth most of any director for that program), 16-episodes of NCIS: New Orleans (second most of any director for that program) and three-episodes of NCIS: Hawai’i (tied for fifth most of any director for that program).  Whitmore directed NCIS's "Legend" part two which introduced the OSP team before directing "Identity", "Found", "Human Traffic", "Empty Quiver", "Plan B", "Familia", "Lone Wolf", "Vengeance", "Recruit", "History", "Battle Scars", "Vendetta” and “Choke Point”.

Guest stars of note:  Some of the Washington (Jimmy Palmer and  and Aiden Parker) and Los Angeles (G. Callen and Sam Hanna) teams stopped by or were bought there against their will. 

Our heroes:   Finally get to be part of a big crossover!

What important things did we learn about: Callen:  Got in his requisite lone wolfing. Sam:   Kidnapped by four bad guys who took a beating doing it. Kensi:  In Los Angeles. Deeks:  In Los Angeles. Fatima:  In Los Angeles. Rountree:  In Los Angeles. Kilbride:  Simon Williams

What not so important things did we learn about: Callen:  The Good Humor Man. Sam:  Gave the four bad guys a second beating. Kensi:  In Los Angeles. Deeks:  In Los Angeles. Fatima:  In Los Angeles. Rountree:  In Los Angeles. Kilbride:  In trouble.

Where in the world is Henrietta Lange?   Could she have been a Simon Williams?  Just throwing that out there.

Who's down with OTP:  Really was none.

Who's down with BrOTP:  Callen and Sam were missing connections.

Fashion review:   Callen wore his blue checked button down shirt.  Sam was kidnapped in his black gear from part one.

Music:   Again, no music.

Any notable cut scene:  Nope, unless it is on the NCIS: Hawai’i DVD (which I don’t have).

Quote:   Kate:  “You need to put your weapon down.” Callen:  “You first.” Kate:  “Absolutely not.” Callen:  “Well it seems we’re at a bit of an impasse.” Kate:  “I’m an FBI Agent.” Callen:  “I’m the Good Humor man.” Kate:  “You’re what?” Callen:  “Neither of us can prove it.” Kate:  “I have a team of agents right outside of the door.” Callen:  “No, you have a team of agents in a van down the block….and you have a partner standing right behind me.”

Anything else:  In Hawai’i, an older gentleman is working at gardener’s nursery with a younger man watching.  The younger man has a really big knife.  When he tries to slit the throat of the older man, a fight ensues.  While the older man takes his lumps, he gets the knife away from the younger man.  He guts the younger man before cutting the younger man’s throat.  Looking around the nursery and seeing there are no witnesses, the older man drags the body of the younger man away.

Jane and Jimmy are tied up and wearing hoods in what looks like an abandoned factory.  Jane is trying to figure how long they were in the air – they were flown to their current location.  Jimmy had to use the rest room four times – he’s regular that way – so 12-hours.  Jane figures that isn’t long enough to go to Russia or less favorable African nations.  Jimmy talks about them being renditioned but that’s only done by the government to terrorists, they’ve been kidnapped.

Jane is sure they are not alone, and they’re not.  Jimmy tries to smell the other person in the room – he has a really good sense of smell.  They aren’t alone – Sam Hanna is not tied or up hooded.  He gets the hoods off Jane and Jimmy.  Jimmy is surprised Sam was kidnapped.  He was grabbed outside of his home by four bad guys.  He “made an impression on each one” but was tasered.  Jane is sure this has to do with the Simon Williams case – Sam was not aware that Simon Williams was a cover for multiple villains. 

When the door opens, several of the men who grabbed Sam walk in.  They are bandaged up.  “Ready for round two?” Sam asks.  A woman dressed in black, wearing sunglasses walks in with the men, explaining that Jane, Jimmy and Sam are not in charge anymore. 

Jesse arrives in the office after three flights, one delay and a rough cab ride.  There are no updates on Jane, Jimmy and Sam.  Parker arrives with Kate.  Confused, Jesse wants to know how Parker got to Hawai’i when Jesse left hours before Parker.  FBI plane, Parker explains, the FBI has a fleet of them according to Kate.  Parker thinks the best way to find Simon Williams is in Hawai’i so he’ll be taking operational command.  “That a problem?” he asks.  Jesse, Kai and Ernie do not look happy.

Bringing the Hawai’i office members up to speed, Kate explains the Simon Williams dead in Washington is 30-years too young to be the Simon Williams on the NCIS Most Wanted wall.  Jesse wonders how she knows that – the DoD files about Simon Williams were stolen.  They were, the FBI files, though more limited, are safe and fine.  According to those files, Williams had a friend in Hawai’i, Mel Cano – the man younger man from the nursery.  He’s wanted by the FBI for attempted kidnapping, wanted by Israel, South America, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Venezuela and Peru for murder.  His occupation is “contract killer” on the FBI form.

Cano was connected to several Simon Williams killings.  He also just arrived in Hawai’i just when Dale Harding was supposed to arrive.  The case is centered in Hawai’i.  Before he was in Hawai’i, Cano was in Washington – he could have been targeting NCIS staffers.  Ernie is doing Ernie things, trying to find Cano.  As the agents surround him, Ernie tells them he needs some room.  The agents disperse.

The woman running the kidnapping explains that she is going to split up Jane, Jimmy and Sam.  She will question them, they will answer and she will reward them.  If they mess around, they will be penalized.  She wants Sam to understand this  most of all.  Sam says “no.”  Jane agrees, they aren’t cooperating until they’re told where they are being held and who the woman in charge is.  Sam is leaving.   The woman says if they did manage to get out of the compound, they wouldn’t survive outside long.  She mentions the call to prayer outside. 

Jimmy is sure they have been renditioned but Jane knows the woman is lying.  Call to prayer happens at specific times during the day.  Sam has heard it three times in the limited time he’s been held captive.  Jane knows where they are.  She asks Jimmy what he smells.  Jimmy smells jasmine or “pikake” according to Jane.  That’s what the locals in Hawai’i call it.  The woman warns she’s not one to be pushed.  Sam asks what could the woman do, waterboard them, torture.  Jane doesn’t react but Jimmy isn’t thrilled with Sam’s suggestions.

With all her tough talk, Sam thinks, and Jane agrees, that there is only one place in the world that teaches people to behave like the woman is right now – Langley.   Sam wants to know why did the CIA kidnap three federal agents.  Jimmy wants to know where the bathroom is.  The woman is not thrilled with any of this.  It doesn’t matter if she’s CIA (Jane says she is) or that they’re clever (Sam says thank you), the NCIS investigation into Simon Williams has put the agents (and Jimmy) and everyone they care about at risk.  The woman is Melina Devlin and she needs to know everything NCIS has on Simon Williams if they expect to survive.

Stunned by Parker’s perfect hair in the Hawai’i humidity, Ernie tells Kai that Mel Cano is a bad man.  While he has the training to kidnap Jane, Jimmy and Sam, his skills usually involve murder as the end game.  Cano’s main career is as an assassin, usually working with a knife.  He is connected to several murders where Simon Williams is considered the killer. 

Tracing Cano’s rental car, it is in a parking lot in Waikiki.  Kai thinks Ernie should have lead with that fact but Ernie is worried.  For a professional assassin, Ernie traced Cano too quickly.  It was all too easy. 

On the beach, Parker and Jesse find Cano’s car in a parking lot.  Parker wonders if this is a set-up.  He agrees with Ernie – it was all too easy.  Checking the car – it wasn’t locked, the keys were on the dash – Jesse finds Cano in the truck of the vehicle.  As Parker also looks at Cano’s dead body, a woman dressed in black wearing sunglasses approaches the vehicle.  Cano, she explains, wouldn’t have helped find Jane, Jimmy and Sam.  Besides, NCIS has bigger problems.  Jesse asks “who are you again?”  She’s Melina Devlin, CIA.  Not Jane, Jimmy and Sam’s Melina Devlin either.

Jane is furious that she, Jimmy and Sam were kidnapped and brought to Hawai’i.  “Why not make a phone call like a normal agency?” Sam asks.  This Melina Devlin has her hair down, the other tied up in a ponytail.  Hair-down Devlin explains that Simon Williams is not a normal bad guy.  Williams had people in high places, NCIS’s phones could be tapped.  Jimmy is worried – he had some personal calls on his phone over the last few days.  Very personal calls.  Jimmy’s phones were fine.  Dale Harding’s phone was being monitored.  This stuns Sam – Harding was an instructor at FLETC.  Hair-down Devlin says that before Harding was an instructor at FLETC, he was an intelligence operative. 

For years, the CIA was looking for Simon Williams and his network of killers.  If the CIA got close, everyone involved in the case would be killed.  Hair-down Devlin has had enough, the men grab Jimmy for his interrogation session, Jane and Sam try to stop it but the tasers are out.  Jimmy is taken away.

At the Hawai’i office, Parker says ponytail Devlin “looks like you are who you say you are.”  Parker wants to know why the CIA is working on US soil.  Jesse has HPD looking at security and traffic cameras to see who dumped the car with Cano’s body in the parking lot.  Devlin assures the team the HPD will find nothing.  Kate has the FBI going through every inch of the car forensically but ponytail Devlin calls that a waste of time.  Kai is working on Cano’s cellphone and ponytail Devlin says it won’t work. This is not how you track Simon Williams.  Thinking out of the box will help.

Pointing out that a CIA Officer working on US soil is out of the box, Parker and the team want to know that ponytail Devlin can do to help.  She knows that Cano did not take Jane, Jimmy and Sam.  Simon Williams’s network grabbed them.  Asked who killed Cano, ponytail Devlin says it was Simon Williams, who would kill anyone who got too close to him.  Ponytail Devlin said Williams has spies inside of the government.  That’s why she’s running an off-the-books operation.  And that network of spies are behind the kidnappings of Jane, Jimmy and Sam.  Kai is worried they could be anywhere in the world but ponytail Devlin says no – Simon Williams has Hawai’i as his base of operations.  Ernie arrives with news.

In the Hawai’i operations room, Ernie shows he worked with a botanist at the FBI to identify the dirt on Cano’s body.  While Kai, Jesse and Kate look at the big screen, Parker is watching ponytail Devlin from above.  It is dirt you’d find in gardening – Parker gardens.  There were other microorganisms on Cano’s body not typically found in Hawai’i.  There are strict regulations about living items being brought to Hawai’i – things have to be checked by the Department of Agriculture unless they are smuggled in.  Though Cano could have had the microorganisms on his body when he arrived. 

Looking at the Department of Agriculture’s approvals, Ernie found the microorganisms came from Norm’s Flora, a nursery on the wind side of the island.  A photo of the nursery shows Norman Dell, who was the older man Cano tried to kill.  Ernie checked into Norman Dell and he doesn’t exist.  No birth certificate, not Social Security number, no Yelp profile.  Ponytail Devlin joins them and thinks visiting Dell would be a good idea.

In the compound, hair-down Devlin tells Jane that things would have been so much easier if everyone just cooperated.  Jane doesn’t think kidnapping and threatening her with 50,000 volts from a taser improves things.  Sam is willing to take his chances with Simon Williams.  Hair-down Devlin tells Sam he’s wrong.  Jane wants a sign of good faith – she want to call her team.  Sam wants to do the same.  Hair-down Devlin is a hard no – she doesn’t know if their teams have been compromised so she’s keeping the operation as compartmentalized as possible.   The teams are looking for Jane, Jimmy and Sam and not looking out for their own safety. 

Pulling out her phone, hair-down Devlin gives Jane her phone.  One call to one team member of hair-down Devlin’s choosing.  That’s Parker.  Jane wants to call her people – they are in Hawai’i.  Hair-down Devlin says Parker is in Hawai’i too.

At the nursery, Jesse, Parker and ponytail Devlin notice the place looks abandoned.  Parker gets a call and says he’ll catch up with the others.  As Jesse and ponytail Devlin go into the nursery’s office, Jane tells Parker that she, Jimmy and Sam are at a “Company” retreat and mentions her hostess, Melina Devlin.  That gets Parker’s attention, who says he’s “literally” in the same situation Jane is in.  Jane figures out that there are two Devlins.  Jane offers to talk, telling Sam to remember that Dale Harding said trust was a two way street. 

As Jane is walked out of the shared room with hair-down Devlin, Devlin mocks Harding’s “trust is a two-way street” motto.  Jane says it was how Harding said it.  When hair-down Devlin asks how he said it, Jane explains Harding never said it and the two women fight.  Jane gets the taser and takes out hair-down Devlin.  Sam runs from the room with the stooges he beat behind him.  Another fight ensue and it team Jane and Sam for the win.  Jane starts calling for Jimmy, leading the last standing goon to come out with a gun.  Jimmy knocks the man out – breaking his thumb. 

Looking through the office, Jesse finds receipts for coffee and office supplies – not exactly tipoffs to the world’s greatest assassin.  Ponytail Devlin pulls her weapon on Jesse, ordering him to tell her everything he learned about Simon Williams.  Jesse is surprised, thinking ponytail Devlin hasn’t been completely honest about who she is.  An arriving Parker with his gun out agrees.  Ponytail Devlin wants to defuse the situation.  Parker asks who ponytail Devlin really is.  Saying Parker confirmed her credentials, she’s Melina Devlin.  Parker brings up the network of Simon Williams’s spies and how ponytail Devlin could hack the system.  

Jesse noticed Norman Dell outside of the office – he has a major weapon and opens fire.  Everyone in the office ducks.  When the shooting is over, Jesse and Parker hear Dell drive away.  Looking around the office, ponytail Melina Devlin is gone. 

Back at NCIS’s office, Sam has contacted everyone at OSP except Callen, who, tell me if you’ve heard this before, has disappeared.  Jimmy is not with them, much to Parker’s concern.  Sam tells Parker Jimmy is a bad-ass ME, currently at the hospital with the entire kidnapping crew.

Setting up a bad-guy board, Parker does a big review (because we haven’t been watching the episode I guess).  Jane and Sam are told about the late Mel Cano, the two Melina Devlins with the one working with Jesse and Parker possibly being part of Simon Williams’s network and Norman Dell, who could be Simon Williams and who probably killed Mel Cano. 

Jane is annoyed that Parker is using her mug.  Parker compounds things by saying he’s also drinking her Mokalbari Golden Assam tea.  Jane is happy Parker feels so comfortable in the Hawai’i offices.  Back to business, Sam asks if Dell is Simon Williams, why kill his own guy, Mel Cano.  Jesse brings up ponytail Melina Devlin’s theory that Cano got too close to Dell/Simon Williams but nobody quite believes her anymore, especially if she’s working with Simon Williams.  With Simon Williams living in plain sight on the island as Norman Dell, why is he killing his own people.  Jane thinks it would be a good idea to talk to hair-down Melina Devlin. 

In interrogation, Jane asks hair-down Devlin why is Simon Williams active again, why is he going after NCIS and why didn’t the CIA warn NCIS.  Hair-down Devlin is pissy about being tasered and being locked into interrogation.  Sam thinks this is what happens to off-the books operating CIA Officers.  Hair-down Devlin asks if NCIS checked her credentials.  They did.  Melina Ruth Devlin has been a CIA Officer for the last ten-years.  Problem is Melina Marie Devlin has been a CIA Officer for the last seven-years.  Jane has a photo of ponytail Devlin’s credentials on her iPad.  NCIS is confused.  Hair-down Devlin calls ponytail Devlin an imposter.  Sam thinks maybe hair-down Devlin is the imposter or maybe they both are.  Hair-down Devlin isn’t taking until she can speak to her boss.  That’s a hard no from Sam, who goes to leave with Jane.

Stopping Jane and Sam, hair-down Devlin says ponytail Devlin is really Morgan Miller who is “technically” CIA.  Sam is interested in the “technically” part.  Miller is a contractor who is trained in the art of dirty tricks, a covert action specialist.  Morgan Miller is working with Simon Williams, that’s why hair-down Devlin had to work the way she did.  She’s not talking anymore until she speaks to her boss.  Jane and Sam leave.

After a bad lunch, Ernie, working with Kate, has news for Kai.  Norman Dell has 17-aliases they’ve found so far.  Some of the aliases have been share and shared by both Mel Cano and Dale Harding.  These are world-class aliases.  They have social security numbers, credit scores, employment histories.  One company shows up all of the employment histories – Haven Ltd.  Haven doesn’t exist as a company but with some help from the FBI Cyber Unit, they traced the website to Langley, making Haven into a CIA front.

Jane returns to interrogation with Parker.  Hair-down Devlin says she was about to call a lawyer but will talk to Parker.  Parker is surprised she’d call a lawyer after assaulting and kidnapping Jane, Jimmy and Sam.  Jane asks what is Haven Ltd.  Hair-down Devlin is not in the mood to help.  Reciting the sentencing guidelines, Parker explains that kidnapping a federal officer or employee carries a 20-year prison sentence for each instance.  That’s 60-years.  With dead bodies in DC and Hawai’i, a rogue CIA Officer using her name, hair-down Devlin really has no good options.  What is Haven Ltd.?  Haven Ltd. is a clearing house for the CIA for aliases, weapons, transportation, whatever an operative would need.  It was shut down years ago after operating in Oahu. 

Sam is packing up his gear.  Callen is in the wind.  This sort of case is right up Callen’s alley.  That fact that he’s gone dark means he’s looking for something.  Sam’s on his way back to LA to find Callen – unless Jane needs some rescuing.  Jane thinks she rescued herself (and she did, Sam).  Sam is off to the airport.   

With Sam gone, Parker wonders why Williams is killing people over a long-dead CIA clearing house.  With the address for Haven Ltd., Jane and company are going to check it out.  She invites Parker but Parker has been detailed bringing hair-down Devlin to DC.  Vance wants to interrogate her personally.  Ernie arrives with Kate.  Morgan Miller is yet another alias.  But Morgan Miller worked out of Haven Ltd., so Ernie has credit cards.  Ponytail Devlin/Morgan Miller has an AirBnB on Diamond Head.  Kai and Kate are on their way to the AirBnB, Jane and Jesse are on their way to Haven Ltd. 

At Haven Ltd. – a spot among a lot of overgrown landscape, Jesse is wildly unimpressed with the spot.  Jane wonders if it is nothing more than a mailing address.  Both Jane and Jesse are kevlared up.  Noting the door was open, the go in.

At ponytail Devlin/Morgan Miller’s AirBnB, Kate wonders why they aren’t using the REACT agents that are all sitting in vans nearby.  Kai doesn’t want to scare ponytail Devlin/Miller off he replies as he’s picking the lock.  The two search the house.  Kate finds a wall of NCIS agents, pictures, photos in a back room – the teams from DC, Hawai’i and Los Angeles.  She is also found by Callen.

Going through the Haven Ltd. offices, Jane and Jesse are attacked by Norman Dell.  Dell is a pretty good fighter but ultimately it is two against one.  When Jane calls him “Mr. Williams”, Dell starts laughing and asks if Jane and Jesse think he’s Simon Williams.  Jesse admits the laughing knocked down his certainty.  Dell explains there is no Simon Williams and tells them to turn on the lights to prove it.  With the lights on, the office is full of file cabinets and old school computer servers.  Simon Williams isn’t a person, it is the CIA’s most successful assassination program.    

Complaining Jane broke his rib, Dell thinks it is a shame that local law enforcement is involved with Simon Williams since everyone who gets close to Simon Williams dies.  The office is all rigged to blow.  It is Dell’s last act as a patriot and as a Simon Williams.  Jane is confused – he just said Simon Williams was a program.  Dell explains that Simon Williams is both a program and a person. 

Simon Williams was a group of CIA assassins set up in the 1980’s to take out petty tyrants, terrorist leaders, drug lords, etc.  Dell was recruited out of the military – Special Ops.  Dale Harding was part of the Simon Williams program.  Dell says he had a rough time in job.  Jane asks if that is why Harding stole the file.  No.  He was protecting the other Simon Williams.  Dell explains that the Simon Williams would complete their assignments and leave behind enough evidence that Simon Williams would take the blame.  Dell did it for a few years before he was shut down by Washington in 1993.  Jesse notes that Williams has been active since 1993.  “Someone started it up again,” according to Dell.

Kate tells Callen to put his gun down, saying she’s FBI.  She’s wearing her FBI kevlar.  Callen explains he’s the Good Humor man and since Kate can’t prove she’s FBI, Callen doesn’t have to prove who he is.  Kate tries to take control, saying she has a team of agents just outside the door.  Callen corrects her, she has a van agents down the block and he hears Kai slowly enter the room – squeaky floor.  After refusing to drop his weapon, Callen notes that if Kate and her partner open fire, they’ll shoot each other.  He wonders about the FBI’s training.  Kai explains he's NCIS – Agent Holman.  Callen knows Kai Holman, knows about his training, where he was stationed after FLETC, who is training officer was.  The training officer knew Callen – she loved him.  Noting they’re all friends now, Kate wants them all to drop their weapons.

Kai notes that Sam is on his way back to LA to find Callen.  Callen is bothered by that but more worried that the AirBnB has ammo and guns for ponytail Devlin/Morgan Miller and probably eight co-workers.  Kai wonders where they all are.

Dell tells Jane and Jesse he’s been out of “the game” for a long time.  Some of the other Simon Williams found jobs in government agencies.  They started contacting Dell, saying the Simon Williams program was up and running again.  Except this time, the targets weren’t enemies of the US, they were friendlies.  Someone is using the program for their own agenda.  Jesse asks if this change in the Simon Williams program was why Harding was going to Hawai’i.  Dell thinks it probably was. 

Ernie is running through the office yelling “I got it.”  No one is there but Jimmy, who is eating a sandwich and has a cast on his left hand.  Ernie wants to know where everyone is.  Parker is returning to DC, the Hawai’i team is in the field.  Just the non-field agents in the office.  Jimmy steps in it, calling Ernie eccentric and kooky – Jess’s terms, not his.  This deflates Ernie.  Jimmy changes kooky to quirky and Ernie seems happy.  Ernie has news.  The reason all the Simon Williams are being killed has to do with an old operative plans to spill the beans to a congressional committee in Washington.  The operative died before testifying.  Jimmy asks if that was Dale Harding.  It wasn’t.  But now all the Simon Williams are in danger.  Ernie is going to tell Jane while Jimmy packs up his stuff and offers to help.

Jane hears from Ernie and updates Dell.  Dell won’t share any info about the other Simon Williams – most are dead.  There are only two left and he’s one.  Dale Harding died after stealing the DoD’s records to protect the past Simon Williams, Dell has the Haven Ltd. offices wired up to blow it up and protect the past Simon Williams too.   Dell is going to blow up the place but Jane wants to take him in to custody instead.  Dell won’t go – it is too late for him anyway.

Ponytail Devlin/Morgan Miller agrees.  Now ponytail-less, Miller shows up with a cadre of muscle, saying it is too late for all of them.   Jane, Jesse and Dell are surrounded.  Jane and Jesse put their weapons down.  Dell cuts a deal, he’ll turn over all the Simon Williams files if Miller lets Jane and Jesse go.  “Anything you say,” she replies.  As two of Miller’s men go into the offices, Dell blows up the office with the men inside.  All hell breaks loose.  Miller kills Dell and Jane and Jesse scramble for weapons.  They return fire.  Callen, Kai, Kate and the REACT team arrive.  All of Miller’s men are dead but Miller disappeared.  “Again.”  Jesse knows he wounded Miller – she couldn’t go far.

Back at the NCIS offices, Callen is explaining to Sam that he should have texted him.  “That would have been the consider thing to do.”  Ernie and Jimmy return from Haven Ltd.  They found a lot of fragments of servers, ash from paper files and a photo that oddly survived the explosion but got burned a little.  Jimmy knows how to restore photos – a hobby - so they have the photo of the first class of Simon Williams.  The men were all military and most died within the last few weeks.  One is still alive, however – Hollace Kilbride.  Callen needs to get to LA now – Kilbride has a target on his back.  Jane is joining him in Los Angeles.

In an airport restroom, Miller has a bandage on his shoulder and a blonde wig.  She takes some painkillers and exits the bathroom.  As she walks through the airport she hears “Welcome to LAX.”

What head canon can be formed from here:  And here’s where I think things went off the rail.  Did we really need two Devlins to make the CIA seem weird and terrible?  NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles have long histories with bad guy CIA agents (some good, mostly bad).  And the idea of the “good” CIA agent kidnapping Sam, Jane and Jimmy – especially mostly civilian Jimmy – is just silly storytelling.  “We have to get Sam and Jimmy to Hawai’i – let’s kidnap them for no good reason and beat them up a bit.”  Just dumb.  Set up Miller as a rogue agent, make the real Devlin frantic to find her and move on. 

The Simon Williams program/people was a great idea – James Bond only a US version – but they slowed its momentum down considerably with all the doubled Devlin nonsense.  When halfway through the episode, Parker has to review the case for Jane and Sam – and therefore the audience – you’ve made the silly stuff too complicated.

Unlike part one, quality TV character actor James Morrison was given something to do as Norman Dell.  Morrison was in two NCIS episodes, season one’s “Eye Spy” as Assistant Director Roper and season 15’s “Double Down” as Senator John Phillips.  Unlike Robert Picardo and Stephanie Hodge in part one, he was not woefully underused. 

Episode number:   This is episode 10 of season two of NCIS: Hawai’i, the series 32nd episode.  This is the second part of a three-series, three-episode crossover. 

[helpimstuckposting]

Sorry, I cannot get over how many younger teen wolf fans are obsessed with Theo, I don’t get it I DO NOT get it, it doesn’t make sense. He’s probably one of the least developed characters, they implied he’s not actually the real Theo and then never addressed where he really came from or who he was, he could have been redeemed so many times in his first couple seasons but every time he almost made a good decision he just tossed it aside and decided to keep being the fuckin worst, and then in the last season they were just like “he’s on our side now, no you don’t get any actual development you’re just supposed to feel sad he sleeps in his car and that’s it” like okay how can the writing team make Peter and Deucalion into likable villains but they couldn’t do the same with Theo??? Like they’ve done it before, it should not be hard. Instead, we’re just supposed to believe he’s okay now because what??? Because he’s sad?? He’s alone? Bro murdered his sister, stole someone’s identity, hired fake parents, and then broke the guys hand when his signature forgery wasn’t good enough, all in the name of just… being strong? Like Theo should have stayed dead after his first season and every time he came back I was Tired™️ but all these fans are like omg theo and liam are my otp, theo should have been in the movie, theo was so hot, theo was so great, like damn Liam was kind of annoying but he does not deserve that, that’s just cruel

[verdantrivers]

jgy and/or lxc 👀

oh babe we’re going to be getting into it bc these two give me so many brainworms.

jgy first!

a song that reminds me of them: everybody wants to rule the world - tears for fears

what they smell like: fresh and pleasant, not overpowering, maybe a hint of floral oils

an otp: xiyao for sure but i’m also deep in chengyao hell

a notp: nieyao and 3zun does nothing for me. I don’t hate it, I’m just deeply ambivalent about it.

favorite platonic/familial relationships: this is a tough call between meng shi and jin ling. I also think these are the two relationships in his life where his feelings are (relatively) uncomplicated. I’m particularly tickled by how much he likes to spoil Jin Ling because he never got to be spoiled like that as a kid.

a headcanon that is popular in the fandom but that i disagree with: oh there are so many. so so so many wildly bad takes about jgy that i’m just going to lump them into one category i call “Someone Gave Sect Leader Yao Internet Access”. Basically i dislike headcanons that tend to attribute a lot more awful stuff to his Schemes, or speculate on there being more malice to his motivations than was actually there. It flattens the character into a two-dimensional villain, and removes a great deal of ambiguity around his actions and motives.

the position they sleep in:  on his back like a proper gentleman! (but if he’s alone he’s curled up like a kitten)

a crossover au i’d love to see them in: a song of ice and fire, don’t @ me he’d get so far. but honestly there are just. so many.

my favorite outfit they’ve ever worn: that little number with the baby blue outer robe i see what’s happening there >:3c

now for lxc:

a song that reminds me of them: life on mars - david bowie look it’s like one of the few i have with lyrics almost all of his playlist is instrumentals and melancholy women on pianos

what they smell like: fresh and crisp, like newly fallen snow

an otp: xiyao

a notp: literally anything else involving him, but xisang turns my stomach. Xicheng just grates on my nerves because it’s popularity is so bizarre to me.

favorite platonic/familial relationships: oh his relationship with wangji for sure. for all i harp on wangji for not even like, checking on xichen after Guanyin Temple, i think they have one of the most loving relationships in the series. i also really enjoy his relationship with Lan Qiren, and his Very Complicated Feelings about his parents. I also have a lot of thoughts about how he feels towards nhs pre and post Guanyin Temple.

a headcanon that is popular in the fandom but that i disagree with: save me from himbo!xichen headcanons, christ on a fucking bike, nothing makes me want to chew glass more. i also really don’t like headcanons that tend to diminish his closeness with either jgy or wangji. i don’t dismiss dark!xichen headcanons out of hand, but there’s only a few i actually vibe with.

the position they sleep in: he starts on his back but i think he rolls over on to his side in his sleep and cuddles his blankets.

a crossover au i’d love to see them in: dark!xichen au in the hellraiser universe /grabbyhands

my favorite outfit they’ve ever worn: the dark blue number when he and jgy eyefucked right in front of nmj and his salad.

Bonus Xiyao:

a song that reminds me of them: last snowfall - vienna teng

what they smell like: each other :3c

an otp: them

a notp: anyone else.

favorite platonic/familial relationships: all the salads they eyefuck in front of, they are in the running for most people annoyed by their nonsense

a headcanon that is popular in the fandom but that i disagree with: that jgy and xichen don’t love each other. the drama and the donghua beg to differ - the xiyao agenda is real

the position they sleep in: wrapped lovingly in each other’s arms until xichen gets too hot and then it’s him on top of the blankets with jgy bundled up and using his enormous Lan Naturals as a pillow.

a crossover au i’d love to see them in: beauty and the beast au bc i’m predictable af

my favorite outfit they’ve ever worn: their wedding attire, shut up they’re married and Fine.