#quin spirits away

[hollywoodfamerp]

WELCOME TO THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL GALLIA

Right in the middle of Milan, you'll find our home away from home for this trip. The Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a five star luxury escape known for its remarkable spirit and prestigious pedigree. When you're not enjoying our fashion show or the rest of what the city has to offer, our celebrities will be able to relax at the spa and salt cabin, enjoy a plethora of the best Italian cuisine, and take in the sights of the city at the rooftop bar.

Under the cut is the roommates list. Couples have been roomed together and everyone else was randomized by a generator. If you have been roomed with another fc that you play, please message us politely and we will fix it asap! Roommates are subject to change due to unfollows, follows, activity check etc. so please like this post to keep up to date on any changes.

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Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Josephine Skriver

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Akanishi Jin and Lee Sunmi

Alexa Bliss and Joe Jonas

Alycia Debnam Carey and Wong Kunhang

Ana de Armas and Jensen Ackles

Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh

Anne Hathaway and Xu Minghao

Anya Taylor Joy and Vanessa Merrell

Ariana DeBose and Miles Teller

Ariana Grande and Emma Mackey

Ashley Fliehr (Charlotte Flair) and Demi Bennett (Rhea Ripley)

Ashton Irwin and Harry Styles

Aubrey Plaza and Renee Rapp

Austin Butler and Beyoncé

Awsten Knight and Renee Paquette (Renee Young)

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Barry Keoghan and David Tennant

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Bill Skarsgard and Lauren Jauregui

Billie Eilish and Mazz Murray

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

Brittany Baker and Cha Eunwoo

Byun Baekhyun and Megan Thee Stallion

Cameron Boyer and Christina Aguilera

Candice Swanepoel and Tom Hardy

Cari Fletcher and Victoria de Angelis

Cate Blanchett and Choi San

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Chloe Bailey and Josh O’Connor

Choi Minho and Kim Ahyoung (Yura)

Choi Soobin and Jeon Wonwoo

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Chris Evans and Naomi Scott

Chris Pine and Sam Claflin

Christian Yu and Kim Jisoo

Christopher Bang (Bang Chan) and Hwang Hyunjin

Cillian Murphy and Jonathan Bailey

Colby Lopez (Seth Rollins) and Rebecca Quin (Becky Lynch)

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Damiano David and Ethan Torchio

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Dua Lipa and Joseph Quinn

Elizabeth Lail and Jason Sudeikis

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski

Emma Stone and Vanessa Hudgens

Georgia Tennant and Liam Hemsworth

Gigi Hadid and Ryan Gosling

Glen Powell and Romee Strijd

Hailee Steinfeld and Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Hailey Baldwin and Luke Hemmings

Halle Bailey and Olivia Rodrigo

Hannah Waddingham and Jenna Lyons

Harry Kane and Momgo Hirai

Isabela Merced and Lily Collins

Jack Grealish and Lily James

Jack Lowden and Saoirse Ronan

Jang Gyuri and Veronica Merrell

Jenna Ortega and Perrie Edwards

Jeon Jungkook and Lucy Hale

Jeremy Allen White and Maika Monroe

Jessica Chastain and Madelyn Cline

Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson

Joe Burrow and Rylee Arnold

Joe Keery and Kelsea Ballerini

Joe Locke and Kit Connor

Jonathan Good (Jon Moxley) and Nick Robinson

Jordyn Woods and Niall Horan

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Mercedes Justine Varnado (Sasha Banks) and Pamela Martinez (Bayley)

Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan

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Nick Jonas and Selena Gomez

Olivia O’Brien and Rihanna

Park Seonghwa and Shemar Moore

Paul Mescal and Zendaya Coleman

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

Xiao Dejun (Xiaojun) and Yoo Jimin (Karina)

Vanessa Kirby and Zac Efron

Taron Egerton and Valentina Zenere

Chris Hemsworth and Skeet Ulrich

[apprenticestanheight]

pls a Mark hoffman x male reader where him and the reader get cozy in a bookstore while it's snowing

Snow- Mark Hoffman x male! reader

ALLL right!! In the spirit of the fact that I am determined to get my requests under control coupled with the fact that a snowstorm blew through my province sunday night through midday yesterday, this request is a little holiday-happy-feely. It's also what I hope to be the beginning of a prosperous week--I have energy drinks, coffee and finally finished editing something I actually finished working on last week, so the goal is that I can focus on other things now and get stuff done lol.

Thank you for sending this in--I truly don't write for hoffman enough and I just knew, from the minute I read the request, that it was gonna come out really sweet. I love me some tooth rotting fluff and writing this was an absolute joy!

Fic type- fluff!!

Warnings- this is unedited (I was trying to finish it before the motivation went away and editing it hardly occurred to me bc editing is never motivating ever--but I did read through as I went to make sure the grammar and stuff wasn't TOO funky. Apologies if it still is tho)

You were standing in the bookstore a close friend owned, watching the weather forecast from a TV in their backroom while they finished up with customers when you first got the news of a very intense oncoming storm.

Jersey, as a whole, was looking at a median half a foot of snow over the weekend. Locally, though, two feet were the expectation. You had the thought to get home and make sure to turn the heat on so the pipes didn't freeze, but your phone was dead and you'd agreed to meet Mark at the bookstore and then grab a cab home together, so it wasn't really worth it. Plus--the snowfall in the first four hours wasn't expected to be too terrible. Driving conditions would be fine until midnight, at the very latest, which gave you plenty of time.

Your friend decides to close the bookstore early, and when Mark comes in fifteen minutes after they've decided to close, he's a sight for sorer eyes.

Your friend, having watched the snowfall to see just how inaccurate the newscaster had been, was setting up their backroom in case you all needed to spend the night there while you brewed up some coffee from the machine left somewhere to the right of the counter, right next to an advertisement stating that coffee, hot chocolate and tea all costed the hefty price of two quarters.

Mark is somewhat covered in snow--he shakes it from his hair and shoots you a happy, loving smile as he idly dusts it off his coat. Your friend greets him and Mark says his hello, running a hand through his hair as Quin--your friend--goes back to the backroom to finish setting it up.

"They said it wasn't supposed to be that bad," Mark notes as he approaches you in the dimly lit bookstore. "Strahm was a dick about it, though--sounded like he was sixty, complainin' about how storms in Jersey always seem a bit random. Perez had the graces to wish me luck, where Strahm just said to enjoy my walk. Don't think he likes me all that much, if I'm honest."

You shrug, passing him the mug of coffee you'd just made. "He's the new guy, Mark. Take it a little easy--not everyone sees the charm in Jersey, babe. Especially not with some serial killer on the loose. Maybe he's worried he's next for smoking cigarettes or something."

Mark laughs. Your heart swells.

"Think we'll get snowed in here?"

You laugh, starting another cup of coffee by placing a new K-pod into the Keurig. "I love Quin, but I really do hope not. As someone who studied for their college degree in that staff room, sleeping on that couch is not for the weak. I'm pretty sure it's old enough to drink, actually. I helped him move it in when he bought the place."

"Well, we'll figure something out."

You nod, grinning as Marks lips press a kiss against your cheek. "We always do, Mark. How was work?"

"It was work," Mark shrugs. "Shitty roads, more investigating, all of the fun stuff that comes with workin' at the precinct. How was work for you?"

"It was a day in the life of marketing," you shrug, wrapping an arm around his waist. "Numbers, people, crappy coworkers and slow computers. I can't wait for my week off on Monday--I will sleep in and for an entire seven days, I won't have to hear about Carol and her bunions or David and his grandmother. I hate the office I work in but the coworkers make it so much worse. Their incessant gossiping makes it hard to focus."

Mark laughs, and you laugh a little too while the coffee finishes pouring. You make it to your specifications and burn the roof of your mouth drinking it, but it's worth it because it tastes damn good.

Quin shows up with a defeated smile from the back room. "Hey, lovebirds," he greets. "You've got four hours before the roads start sucking ass to drive on, but from what it looks like, cab companies aren't going to let their drivers drive anyone home after ten. You're welcome to stay here and browse for a bit, drink coffee and Mark, I'm sure you'll have an excellent time while Y/N looks at the classics section that he loves so dearly, but I'll be leaving round ten thirty so I'd say it's best to be leavin' at nine thirty. That is, of course, if you have any hopes of getting a cab before companies start threatening to cut the wages of anyone still out and driving after the cut off."

You nod at Quin. "Thanks for the tip, Quinnie," you say. "We'll be out of your hair by nine thirty, we promise."

Quin shakes his head, waving a dismissive hand. "No worries, Y/N. Have fun with Detective Lip Filler."

Mark quirks an eyebrow while you laugh, shaking your head as if to say "don't ask, mark," and interlacing your fingers with his own.

Mark lets you lead him off, down one of many winding corridors in the bookstore. While you browse the shelves you and Mark talk--Christmas plans very quickly become a point of discussion, seeing that it's two weeks away and neither of you really know what the plan is just yet.

You know that Mark doesn't much talk to his parents--they're in their seventies as it were and subscribe to more...conservative points of politics and worldviews. Aside from them, he's not really got anybody and hasn't since his sisters death.

You figured he'd spend it with you, unless work got in the way as it had last year. Your tradition was simple--spend Christmas Eve at home, order Chinese takeaway, watch whatever crappy Christmas movies happened to be playing on the channel that was devoted to them during December and laugh at the bad acting.

Wake up Christmas morning, make cinnamon buns and bake a tray of brownies to take to your parents as you were always in charge of dessert. Make sure the gifts you'd bought for relatives were in your car and then drive the half an hour to your parents place. Spend the day there, leave with a quick hug to your parents and a promise to come around again around the new year, and then go home and smoke a bit of weed to relax and hit the hay early.

"You don't have to," you murmur, grabbing the penguin edition of Shakespeares 'Hamlet' and glancing the cover over. "It's just a suggestion--it's Christmas, Mark. Might be because I was raised with neighbors popping by for Christmas dinner, but Christmas is a shitty holiday to spend alone."

Mark nods. "I was hoping I'd get to spend Christmas with you anyway," he says, taking a sip of his coffee. "Will we have to act like we're just best friends, though? Or are your parents unopposed?"

"They know I have a boyfriend at present," you answer. Your relationship isn't new--it's been three years with him, but Mark has been busy with work and trying to keep a level head as things with Jigsaw have continued, so you've never really had the chance to introduce him to anyone in your family. "They also know what your name is--first, not last. And that you're a detective, and that you're really handsome. I promise, I haven't told them anything that would make them hate you. My mothers been eager to meet you since I brought you up, though. My exes were horrendous, according to her."

Mark laughs, and you let yourself grin. "I'll do my best to impress, then," he says. "We'll have to get them gifts, though."

"I've been meaning to do some Christmas shopping anyway--we'll go once the storm has cleared," you say. "And at this point, I think my parent's won't care about gifts, really. They just really wanna meet you."

You put Hamlet back onto the shelf and grin as Marks arms wrap around your waist after he's set the coffee mug on an empty shelf. You do the same and let your arms wrap around his shoulders, and silence settles.

You close your eyes for a second, listening.

"Can you hear it?" You ask after a minute, maybe two.

"Hear what?" Mark asks. "It's completely silent in here, Y/N--there's nothing to hear."

"The snow, Mark," you answer. "It might just be because my ears are good, but I can hear it hitting the windowsills."

"How?"

"I dunno," you shrug. "Just been able to since I was a kid. I knew it was snowing right when I woke up some days."

"I will add that to the catalogue of random things that've come to light at random times," Mark grins as your eyes open again. "Among the fact that your favorite color was green until you were twenty four, and the fact that you once got bitten by a stray cat so bad that you had to be put on antibiotics during your college days, and the fact that you've never liked daisies."

You laugh, shaking your head. "You love me and my randomness, Hoffman."

Mark nods. "That I do," he says.

The two of you end up sitting at one of the desks by the windows, drinking coffee and chatting until nine, when you leave to grab a cab home just to sit by your windowsill and watch the snow until you grow bored of it.

All in all, for a night in the middle of December, while the beginnings of a snowstorm rages on outside, it's a pretty good night.

[alexitheslayer02]

OC Bio: Yao Kang

[Did not expect my poll to get so many votes so quickly avhdva well, time to share more Celestial Archivist lore with Ning Yun's first student]

Name: Yao Kang

Meaning of Name: "Yao" handsome, good-looking, rich, abundant, exuberant (and many more meanings according to internet hhhh). "Kang" healthy, abundant, ginger, or river.

Sex: masculine

Gender: male

Age: 28

Species: human

Class: sorcerer

Title: none

Magic: minor offensive magic, sealing magic, exorcism, protection talismans

Fighting Style: When fighting demons or spirits, he uses his magic. When fighting people? He will use a shortsword. He's skilled in sword and magic (sword and sorcery boyo)

Faction: none

Appearance: messy brown hair (used to be long but he cut it. Why? Cause his long hair kept getting caught on things and so he got too frustrated), dark eyes, and fair skin

Personality: Yao Kang is an energetic person who can be very smart, yet also very dumb in a span of two seconds. Though he does not act very seriously, he does understand the severity of things, and will act accordingly. Despite being an orphan, he does not wallow in the misfortune, much to everyone's surprise.

Backstory: Yao Kang's family were killed when a group of bandits attacked his home town. He, and several others were made orphans in this event. As a result, Yao Kang turned to petty thievery to survive. He would one day run away into the forest and get lost, which is where he'd meet Ning Yun. Ning Yun would sense a strong affinity for magic in Yao Kang, and see promise in him. This would lead to Ning Yun taking Yao Kang under his wing.

Yao Kang would resist this at first, but Ning Yun, seeing the kid all by himself with no one to care for him, would not take no for an answer. Eventually, Yao Kang begrudgingly allows it, and slowly starts to see Ning Yun as a sort of father figure over time.

Fandoms: black myth wukong (obviously. Wherever Ning Yun is, his students are bound to follow)

Ships: none yet

Other Significant People: Ning Yun (his "Shifu" and father figure) Quin Chi (brother in arms) Lai Yan (his student)

Ling Chen (childhood friend whom was also made an orphan during the bandit attack)

[elizzsush]

The Ferrets Void. - Dementionless24 Short

★★Art/Information(Not Really) | Note: Just a small run down on some of the concepts for my comic! A general introduction of the two main characters, and a sample of some of my writing!

__________________________________________________________

"Do you want to die?" The small rodent's voice grew serious. A look of sadness flashing in his eyes.

"Of course, I don’t want to die.” Quince answer fluidly, like it wasn’t even a question. He was almost offended the Ferret had even asked. "What does it mean by I have no control over where we go after a close death?" He asked, deciding it was best to just move on. The contract, questions needed to be asked about this whole ordeal. "I'm not just going to keep existing in this..." he paused to look around "Void?" 

"Of course not!" The small ferret seemed offended as he spoke. he crossed his small fluffy arms, his tail curled behind him before twitching away from his body. "This 'void' is a half reality; you know the different- er... multiple world theory thing humans have?" He asked and waited for the human to nod before he continued. "So that exists, but only highly beloved spirts can make half realities... I am not quite that so I can make half-half realities... Half-Half Realities...? One tenth a reality!" The ferret explained getting progressively more embarrassed, as he went on. "-and even then, we'd have to steal people to put them in our realties, we won't be able to go to any other sprits reality so we're just going to natural worlds." The small ferret seemed proud of himself as he explained everything. “This ‘void’ can’t sustain human life for more than three months!” He finished as he extended his paw, showing off only three paw pads proudly.

"I don't get it." Quince spoke quietly as He looked at the Ferret. Chip frowned before turned away from the human. 

"Well, I don't really think its for you to get Master." The small fluffy creature titled his head as he glanced at the male human. "It's a rule for spirits! So, you don't need to get it."

"Mm..." The pink haired boy thought for a moment. "Okay, good enough for me." He said, He may have asked but he didn't really care. He was just so incredibly bored in this weird white dimension.

___________New Scene_____

Quince had learned that twenty hours was a full day in the ferret's dimension. The shade of white turned into a dull grey as the day turned to… night? The ferret: Chip, himself, supplied the human with tasteless food and water. He had thanked the spirit as it watched over him. The small ferret, he had been looking through what looked like cards. Their seemed to be endless piles and whenever Chip waved his paw the pile would change into a completely different one. "What are you doing Chip?" The boy asked the small ferret.

"Looking for a good world." He mumbled as he flipped the card around to read a small sentence on the back. It was in a language the boy didn't recognize. It was odd, He had expected him to speak more... The small mammal had been so excitable before.

The Ferret was rather animated. His eyes, tail and body movements as well as his voice was at one hundred percent the whole time Quince had been with him. Instead of a simple explanation of things he’d go the extra mile. If you asked him if snakes eat anything, he wouldn’t know; instead, he’d go into a rant about how odd snakes are, and how humans apparently cry over them having... no arms?

"Oh? So, no good ones?" The human asked him with a small smirk, a tease. He had known the cat for hours now, but it was enough. Chip was the only thing he remembered… or not? Would it count as remembering if it happened moments ago? Chip shook his head vigorously. 

"No! Too many good ones!" He groaned as he flew away from the cards tossing them in the air in a rather dramatic show. "I need a break! Did you like your food, Master? I tried to make it extra tasty!" He asked, you tense slightly when he asked that specific question.

Quince thought they all looked tasty and so... so good... But the taste was.... nonexistent. Not there at all, the detail in every dish were perfect. That cat was a true artist… not a chief. "It was really good Chip." The boy simply lied to the cat. He seemed to have worked so hard in it after all. The human also didn’t think he could handle the over animated cat when he was sad or displeased.

His eyes shined when he completed his food, a purr rumbled from the back of his throat. "Good! I made sure to chop the potatoes purrfectly!" The Ferret spoke loudly as he laughed at his own pun. He fakes chopped the air with a nonexistent knife when he spoke. 

"Purrfect? Like... a cat?" Quince questioned...

"That's not what ferrets do?"

[palfriendpatine66]

WIP Wednesday

working title: night out (will possibly be Some Dance to Remember, Some Dance to Forget but also maybe The Memories Bring Back You because its in my head on repeat writing this) in which Quinlan brings Obi-Wan for a night out to raise his spirits after his return from Mandalore

Quinlan smiled broadly and tugged Obi-Wan’s elbow toward the bar. “Oh, and that reminds me, as far as the bartender knows my name is Vok.” 

“Vok?”

“Yeah you know rhymes with -“

“Yes, thank you!” Obi-Wan interrupted brusquely. He knew how to rhyme. “Why Vok? Isn’t that a little bit too close to - you know -" he didn’t want to say Vos out loud, not knowing the reason for using the alias, as thin as though it may have been. 

“Ah, well, I was rather drunk when I had to come up with it on the spot. Can’t say it was my best moment but -“

“Do I need one too?” 

“Huh?” Quin wasn’t paying attention as he craned his neck to look through the crowd, hoping to spot the bartender in question. 

“Do I need a cover?” Obi-Wan clarified. He didn’t know what kind of place Quinlan had dragged them to, but it’s appearance wasn’t promising. 

Quin snorted. “It’s not like we’re on a - actually - you know what? Yes. Yes you do. You need to get away from Obi-Wan’s problems tonight. So. Who do you want to be?” 

“Ben,” Obi-Wan said without thinking, then turned toward the bar and pretended to look over the house specialties in the hopes of obscuring his heated cheeks. He didn’t want to think about the last time he had heard Ben - breathed whisper soft across his damp cheeks, their foreheads touching. He'd been wracked with physical pain as he looked into those pale blue eyes for the last time, as soft as silk with an edge as hard as beskar, and saw within them the future that could have been, but never would be - 

“Sure, Ben,” Quinlan’s light shove toward the back of the dark room brought him back to the present. “Why don’t you go grab us that empty table over there and I’ll be right over with our drinks?” 

[monkeyssalad-blog]

The Nix of the Mill-Pond by Thomas Quine Via Flickr: There was once upon a time a miller who lived with his wife in great contentment. They had money and land, and their prosperity increased year by year more and more. But ill-luck comes like a thief in the night, as their wealth had increased so did it again decrease, year by year, and at last the miller could hardly call the mill in which he lived, his own. He was in great distress, and when he lay down after his day’s work, found no rest, but tossed about in his bed, full of care. One morning he rose before daybreak and went out into the open air, thinking that perhaps there his heart might become lighter. As he was stepping over the mill-dam the first sunbeam was just breaking forth, and he heard a rippling sound in the pond. He turned round and perceived a beautiful woman, rising slowly out of the water. Her long hair, which she was holding off her shoulders with her soft hands, fell down on both sides, and covered her white body. He soon saw that she was the Nix of the Mill-pond, and in his fright did not know whether he should run away or stay where he was. But the nix made her sweet voice heard, called him by his name, and asked him why he was so sad? The miller was at first struck dumb, but when he heard her speak so kindly, he took heart, and told her how he had formerly lived in wealth and happiness, but that now he was so poor that he did not know what to do. “Be easy,” answered the nix, “I will make thee richer and happier than thou hast ever been before, only thou must promise to give me the young thing which has just been born in thy house.” “What else can that be,” thought the miller, “but a young puppy or kitten?” and he promised her what she desired. The nix descended into the water again, and he hurried back to his mill, consoled and in good spirits. He had not yet reached it, when the maid-servant came out of the house, and cried to him to rejoice, for his wife had given birth to a little boy. The miller stood as if struck by lightning; he saw very well that the cunning nix had been aware of it, and had cheated him. - Brothers Grimm

[1spy]

1991 | Matthew Sweet - “Girlfriend”

In the fall of 1991, I saw a video on MTV that changed how I thought about music and shifted my tastes significantly toward what would become known as alternative music.  No, not THAT video. I’m not talking about Nirvana and “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” It was Matthew Sweet’s anime-infused video for the title track of his third album, Girlfriend.

I’d sometimes wake up and watch MTV in the upstairs den before going to school, and I remember it was morning, and I stood there in front of the TV transfixed throughout the entire thing. I wish I could go back in time and see it again for the first time. Or see the dumb look on my face as I  heard the first strains of feedback while watching a spaceship emerge from the ocean, and then watch as a sexy, sophisticated space opera takes place over the next three minutes, interrupted only by Matthew Sweet’s disembodied head and voice.

Another version of me might have gone down the anime rabbit hole and become obsessed with manga. And I was intrigued, of course. Space Adventure Cobra: The Movie looked like the Voltron cartoons I loved as a kid, but seemed to contain nudity and adult situations. That movie looked incredible! But this was pre-internet and I had no idea where to go for softcore cartoons. Or even how to find out what movie it was. It’s been more than 30 years, and I still haven’t seen it.

Music though, was something I was learning how to investigate. And hearing Sweet’s precise stabs of dry rhythm guitar and 18 layers of harmony vocals be absolutely ripped apart by multiple unhinged guitar solos, well, that blew my mind. I had never heard anyone play guitar like that, and I wanted more of it immediately.

The “it” was Robert Quine who was, prior to this, most famous for playing with Richard Hell and the Voidoids, one of the first American punk rock bands to come out in the mid-70s. He also played with Lou Reed on his classic album, The Blue Mask. The pairing with Sweet was odd, because Sweet’s first two albums were polished, shiny pop albums that sounded like…a less exciting version of the Bangles or Cyndi Lauper. Sweet’s third album stripped away all the, uh, sweetness, but doubled down on Sweet’s layered harmony vocals while letting his guitar players go wild. 

I didn’t know it at the time, but Quine and the other main guitar player on the record, Richard Lloyd from the band Television, were actual punk pioneers. Punk rockers who played early shows with the Ramones and pre-dated british bands like The Clash and Sex Pistols. They were from a generation before Nirvana and Sonic Youth, and they specialized in the kind of guitar that rock critics called “searing” and “angular”. Together, they just kicked all kinds of ass all over this record and were a key reason why Matthew Sweet’s third album isn’t just a power pop classic. It has frequent moments of ecstatic, blistering fury and jazz-like bursts of melody. And those sounds were thrilling in the context of Sweet’s sophisticated, Beatles-soaked songwriting.

The whole album really is a power-pop masterpiece. Sweet wrote it after he was divorced from his first wife. It has big divorced guy energy. Half of it is consumed with recriminations and regrets from his dissolving relationship, the other half are wistful fantasies about finding new love. The love songs included one named for Winona Rider and one called “Evangeline” about a girl who cares more about God than she does about Sweet (btw, my parents were going to name me Evangeline had I been a girl). There’s a surprising amount of theological content on the record, and Sweet has said the record captured his emergence as an atheist. It’s his lyrics about searching for a God who seems frustratingly absent that are the album’s most consistent and compelling lyrical theme.

Finally, let me add that the ballads are killer on this album. “You Don’t Love Me”, “Your Sweet Voice” and “Nothing Lasts” provide a break from the punk rock guitar heroics in favor of pedal steel guitar from one of the masters, Greg Leisz. 

Two weeks ago, Matthew Sweet suffered a massive stroke while he was on tour in Europe with Hanson. He’s returned to the states and is now undergoing treatment and therapy towards what I hope is a full recovery. You can donate here:

[cannibalcoyote]

The Elder Maximoff Ch.3: The Meeting

Ch.2 Ch.4

Clint's POV:

"Well, electricity sure does the trick." Clint stated as he saw the girl in the tree fall backwards.

"Wait, did you catch one of those super people?" Tony questioned.

"Well I shot her with an arrow that applies a strong electrical current which then immobilizes the victim." Replied Clint as he started jogging towards the area he saw the girl fall, only to have a blue and silver blur flash past him while ramming into his side; which then caused him to slam into a tree.

"Ow!" Exclaimed Clint in pain as he recovered from his attack.

"Clint you alright?" Questioned Natasha.

"Yah Nat, but I think our enhanced was taken by the others, they must've seen me shoot at her. I have a feeling they aren't too happy that I shot their friend." Clint explained as he limped off towards the ship.

"Well at least we know how to stop them." Natasha voiced as she helped Bruce into the quin-jet.

_______

Corvina's POV:

I woke up outside a small decaying church. I was laying on the floor wrapped in some ragged yet warm blankets, I could see my brother and sister standing a couple feet away talking about something. I slowly pushed myself up, my head had a pounding feeling in it, and my back was hurting. 'Probably because of that idiot who shot me', I thought as I stood up only to nearly fall from my lack of feeling in my legs, but I quickly used my powers to help steady myself.

"Where are we?" I questioned as I looked at the crumbling church.

"We have been called to meet someone with the same goal as us for the avengers." Wanda stated as she slowly started to walk into the church, Pietro and I quickly ran to where the entrance of the church was.

As I entered the church I immediately noticed the metal figure sitting in an eroded stone chair with a sheet or blanket draped over his shoulders while he sat facing away from us.

"Who are you and if you're wasting our time...", Wanda began, but was interrupted.

"Do you know why this church was built here, because it is in the center of the town. The elders decreed that everyone could be equally close to god." He said as he waved an arm made of metal in front of him.

"I like that, the idea of belief." He said.

"State what you called us here for before we leave." I voiced sternly as I stepped out from the shadows.

He looked at me strangely after I stepped out of the shadows, almost as if he didn't know I was there.

"Who are you?"he questioned flatly, my eyes narrowed as he said this.

"A mystery, but you can call me black magic." I answer in a dark tone.

"Who is she?" He questions again this time asking Wanda who looked at him in confusion.

"How do you not know who she is, she was experimented on just like us. She is our older sister." Wanda stated. Ultron looked back at me still confused.

"What powers do you have?" Ultron finally questioned me.

"I have Umbra-kinesis(the ability to control shadows), evocation, telekinetic blast, darkness manipulation, dark energy manipulation, Mental manipulation, telepathy, osteokinesis, I can turn into my spirit animal which happens to be a black panther, and primordial darkness manipulation but I'm still learning to control that one." I responded. Ultron steps back with a slight look of surprise on his face.

"No wonder I couldn't find any files on you. I should've expected that someone that powerful would want to be kept off the records in case of well, you know." Ultron stated as he walked up to us.

He walked up to Pietro and said,

"You and I can hurt them," he then turned to Wanda and I and then slightly touched our faces while saying, "but you two will tear them apart from the inside."

Ch.2 Ch.4

[certifiedwerewolf]

What is the hardest thing Ursula has ever gone through?

Speaking of anons, I left these in my inbox last night because I had a headache, and then forgot about them. Anyway.

It's been hinted at and Ursula has touched on it briefly, but until she was a tween she and Quin were largely the province of their stepmother. She was your classic Wicked Stepmother, and treated the siblings very poorly. They did eventually run away, but not before she left some emotional scars that it took them years to get past.

One of the reasons Ursula is so taken with Snow is that she sees her as a kindred spirit, and wants to be the person her master was for her when she first got free of her stepmother's control.

[slynbarnes]

Embers: Season 3 Episode 41

S3 E41:

B: Okay boy’s, Everyone needs to find a seat and buckle up nice and tight. 

Margot: I can help get them buckled if you show me how. 

B: That would be great. (He says looking stressed at the 6 children loading into the QuinJet.) 

Y/N: Thank you for helping out today Margot. I promise once we get to the cabin it won’t be so hectic. 

Margot: I am happy to help and trust me this is a much more entertaining way to travel than packing a bunch of loud kids into a minivan. 

Y/N: That’s for sure. I just wish Karen over there would calm down. The QuinJets are just like planes except they are much safer. 

Margot: Don’t mind Karen, she is always neurotic. Honestly she might just take over watching the kids for us since she’s as controlling as she is which means we just might get to relax this 4th. 

Y/N: Either way we will. Although I’m a little nervous about so many kids being at the lake, I know nothing will happen with all of us around. We are all parents or literal world saving hero’s I think we can manage our kids for the day plus a few extra. 

Elise (Violet’s mom, Emelia Clarke): Bucky, Y/N, thank you for inviting us. (She says with a baby swaddled to her chest.) I know Violet was so excited that Lucas invited her. Plus Caleb and I are happy to step away from our parents for the holiday to go to a lake house. 

(Margot steps away to finish helping get the kids buckled in properly.) 

B: (Linking his hands with yours.) We are happy to have you all come with us. It’s nice to get to know other parents. 

Joey (Josh Duhmel): You’re Lucas’ dad right? 

B: I am. I’m Bucky.

Joey (Josh Duhmel): I’m Caleb’s dad. (He shakes Bucky’s hand.) It’s nice to meet you. My name is Joey. 

B: Nice to meet you Joey. We should probably take our seats before they take off. (He looks to you.) Come with me, doll. I saved us a couple seats up front. 

Y/N: I’ll be up in just a second. I should probably make sure they all get buckled in securely and double check the kids real quick. (You peck his cheek and help everyone get settled in properly, Karen tries to fight you off thinking she knows how to buckle up but in reality if you would have let her go she would have gotten knocked out of her seat as the Quin Jet took off.) 

(At the Cabin) 

(Everyone unloads their stuff and finds their rooms. Thankfully the Billionaire has plenty of room for everyone who is visiting so everyone gets their own room although most of the adults couple up with their partners. Back downstairs you find Steve sitting on the porch all alone.) 

Y/N: Cap? Why the long face? 

S: No reason. (He lies.) 

Y/N: Isn’t this supposed to be your favorite day of the year or something? You know? Independence Day and all? Freedom of America? 

S: Yeah something like that. 

Y/N: Well, then go and join the fun. Clint, the kids, Bucky, and T’Challa are all already down by the beach. Maybe you should join them? I know we have more people still on the way too so it’s only going to get better. 

S: Sure. Maybe you're right, maybe it will help. 

Y/N: That’s the spirit. 

(You hate lying to Steve but it’s the only way.) 

(Back down by the beach, Elise’s (Emelia Clarke) new baby accidentally pulls Wanda’s Bikini top loose. In a panic she cover’s her chest while Vis helps her tie it back up. Wanda laughs with a touch of nervousness in the sound. Lucas and his friends are playing in the sand building castles and burying themselves. Bucky and T’Challa are talking in their button downs and flip flops. It’s strange seeing King T’Challa in beachwear but it looks good on him. You look around for Tony but don’t see him. You feel bad about the whole Steve thing and you want to talk to Tony about what time they plan on doing it. For now you just decide to go find Nat and sunbathe with her and a few of the other mom’s until you find Tony.) 

BB: (Shouting for everyone to hear.) The boat is ready if anyone wants to go for a ride!

Cami (Julienne Hough): Y/N? Would you mind watching Flynn for me if I were to go out on the boat?

Y/N: Of course! Go have fun. 

Cami (Julienne Hough): Thank you! I owe you one. 

Y/N: Don’t worry about it. 

Margot: I think I am going to go too if that's cool with you. I already see my husband getting on the boat with some of the other dads and it would be nice to get away from the kids for a bit. 

Y/N: Go! Don’t worry. There are plenty of us here to watch the boys plus they are pretty busy burying each other in the sand and playing on the docks. 

(Across the beach) 

T’Challa: You both should come back for a visit. Shuri has been working on some new tech I’m sure she would love to talk to you about. 

S: The team could always use new tech. Don’t tell Tony I said that. 

B: (Laughs) I think he may be just a tiny bit offended there. I would love to come by for a visit but I will have to talk to my girlfriend first and make sure she will be okay if I leave for a day or two. 

T’Challa: Bring your family. No need to leave them behind, Wakanda welcomes you. 

B: Lucas would love it. (He admits.) 

T’Challa: It’s settled then, I expect to see you, Steve and your family in Wakanda soon. 

BB: Last call before we set out!

S: Join me on the boat? 

T’Challa: Why not. 

B: Might as well. 

(As Bucky, Steve and T’Challa set off to the boat, Tony, Sam, Pepper, Sarah, Shuri, Fury, Maria Hill, Rhodey, Scott, Luis, and Sharon are up by the Cabin where Tony is Grilling.) 

Sharon: Has anyone seen Bucky?

Maria: I think he went out on the boat. 

Sharon: Damn, I was really hoping to see him before Steve’s surprise. 

Pepper: He should be back before then. I think Bruce was just going to go around the lake. Is everything okay? 

Sharon: I think so. It’s just we haven’t talked in a really long time and I guess I just thought that - 

(A light beams down from the sky as Thor and Sif and The Warriors 3 land on the lawn behind the group.) 

Shuri: Thor! Welcome back. (They do a little handshake.) 

T: Sparkles, next time do you mind doing that on the pavement so you don’t scorch my lawn. 

Pepper: Our Lawn. (She corrects him.) 

Rhodey: You sound like one of those old men who get grumpy at kids on his grass. “Get off of my lawn you little punks!” (He mimics a grumpy old man and laughs.) 

Scott and Luis: (Laughs) 

Maria: He’s got you there. 

Fury: Mmm (He hums while reading something on his phone.) 

Y/N: There you are. I thought I heard you. What time are we doing cake? Poor Steve was looking really sad when we got here. I know it’s a surprise but we also shouldn’t be mean. You know? 

T: We are going to do it, once he gets back. We are still waiting on a few people plus Peter, May, and Peter’s friends are going to be bringing the cake with them. I wanted to ensure Steve didn’t see anything. So once they are all here then we will go ahead and get things started. 

Y/N: Okay! Hopefully it’s sooner rather than later. 

Thor: Speaking of Steve’s birthday. Where shall we place his gifts? 

Pepper: Up the stairs, 3rd room to left. 

Sif: Thank you. 

Pepper: Anytime. 

(Another car pulls up, unfamiliar to the rest, the man steps out from the car and your face drops.) 

Y/N: Wade? 

WW: Hey there killer! 

Y/N: Not funny Wade. (You give him a glare.) 

WW: (Looks to the camera.) She’s joking, it's hilarious. (Looks back at you.) You’re not a killer? (He says mockingly.)

Y/N: That’s exactly why it’s not funny jackass. 

Scott: How do you know Wade? 

Y/N: How do you? 

Scott: Met him in lock up. 

Y/N: Met him at a bar. 

WW: Twinkle Toes! 

Scott: It’s Ant-Man now. 

WW: Bug boy? 

Scott: You never change. 

WW: Don’t plan on it sweet cheeks. 

Y/N: Tony, you and Wade will either love each other or hate each other. Not sure which yet but you both have a knack for nicknames. 

T: Great. (He says sarcastically.) I’m Stark. Tony Stark. Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist. 

WW: Wade Wilson. Unkillable.

(Another car approaches and Peter and the gang spill out of the little taxi with a massive cake that Peter is carrying.) 

Peter: Hey guys! (He says from behind the cake.)

Y/N: Wade… be nice. (You whisper.) Peter! 

Peter: Hi, Ms. Y/L/N. 

Y/N: Here, let’s get that inside. (You help him out by holding the door.) 

(While you help Peter and MJ with the cake and the presents, another few cars arrive. One with Jane and Darcy, another with Kate, one with Happy and finally a portal for Dr. Strange and Wong. As they all arrive, so does the boat meaning it’s time to get some candles in the cake for the Birthday boy.) 

T: They’re here! (He calls to you.) 

Y/N: Okay! (You shout back as you quickly stab candles into the frosting and carry out the cake.) Happy Birthday to you! (Everyone begins to sing as you and Peter walk out with the cake. You see Steve’s face light up completely. And finally he blows out the candles, making his wish.) 

S: I thought you all forgot. 

B: We all wanted it to be a surprise. 

S: Well, I am surprised. That’s for sure. 

Y/N: Happy Birthday Steve. 

S: Thank you! 

Pepper: You’re gifts are in your room, we know you like to open them privately. 

Y/N: So humble. (You joke making Steve laugh a little.) 

N: You’re a year older, you fossil. 

S: I appreciate you all coming out here! 

Margot: Well for us, it’s not everyday you get invited to Captain America’s birthday party. 

Elise (Emelia Clarke): That really is America’s ass! (She blurts) 

Marcus (Sam Claflin): Honey! I’m standing right here. 

Elise: (Still holding her baby.) I mean look at it. 

Y/N: Keep an eye on that wife of yours Marcus. (You laugh) 

(Pepper begins cutting the cake and handing out slices as the kids finish drying off and washing up to eat.) 

Y/N: Are your hands clean?

L: Yup! 

Y/N: Okay, but only one piece for now. And you have to eat more than just junk food today. Uncle Tony made plenty of burgers and hot dogs and everyone brought food so please don’t eat too much sugar. I don’t want you to get sick.

L: Okay but can I have more cake later? 

Y/N: We will cross that bridge when it comes. 

B: Hey doll. 

Y/N: (You smile at the sight of him.) Hey there. 

B: Have I told you that you look beautiful today? 

Y/N: You look pretty good yourself, B. 

(He kisses you gently on the lips before you both grab a slice of cake for yourselves. The day goes on while the huge group of all your friends and new found family mingle on this beautiful sunny day with the perfect breeze.)

[nanoquin]

join me as i almost fail to keep up with my own writing challenge 

[thegrimreaper-probably]

Bnha class x Poison ivy power reader bc slay

Toga himiko x reader

Headcanon/drabble thing

• everyone loves your makeup

• definitely best friends with Mina or Uraraka

• you do stand with Todoroki or near him so you guys got some bond

• once you guy move into the dorms your room is full of plants.

•And a huge carnivorous plant is in the room. that scares everyone but you just pet the plants head

• you also become friends with Kota from the love of plants and animals.

• you team up with Iida to parent everyone which is very scary

• your the go to nurse rather then going to the real nurse.

• Denki’s definitely has goes to you for splinters

• You do make dinner with Bakugo the only time you two tolerate each

• When the lov attack Toga always try’s to fight with you. She’s your Harley Quin ♥️

• Tho you do get kidnapped which she loves

• the league try’s to make you join but you hate Dabi to much

“Come on just join us.”

“I am Nature's arm. Her spirit. Her will. Hell, I am Mother Nature. Why would I join a group that harms us?”

“The heroes are bad people not us!”

“You both are.”

“THEN WHY NOT JOIN?”

• Shigaraki just walks away after

• you get Dabi to kiss you so he passes out

“Men, the most absurd of God's creatures. We give you life and we can take it away just as easily.” Slay!

“I want a kiss!”

“You stupid girl she’ll kill you!”

• Shigaraki goes to hurt ya but All Might saves the day.

• you help with the fight then when the other save you, you just stay fighting

• you do leave once all of the other villains leave not wanting to die

• you hadn’t told anyone about your full quirk till after the fight

“So what can you do?”

“My blood is aloe, my skin is chlorophyll, and my lips are filled with poison. I control plants and can make them.”

“So is that Dabi guy dead?”

“No my lips just make you fall asleep.”

“So that’s why you didn’t let me drank from your cup?”

“Yes.”

• you and Bakugo do get closer from the kidnapping but still have a dislike for each other

• the girls go to you when they need help with guys

•you only go to the mall to protect them, not that they can’t do it themselves.

“Hey mamas!”

“Aww pretty boy want a kiss?”

“Kinda want more then that mamas.”

“Mmm, just one kiss and I’ll show you everything you see plus everything you don’t.” Man’s drooling but so sad he passes out after your little kiss.

• Toga goes undercover as Mina just to get closer to you, though you find out and bring her into your dorm.

“Darling? If you wanted to see me could’ve just came in.”

“You remember me!?”

“How could I forget such a cute face like yours?”

“Can I pleases get some blood? I bet yours is so sweet and yummy!”

“Oh honey, my blood isn’t for eating. It’s aloe which just leaves an awful taste in your pretty little mouth.”

“But-!”

“Darling I have to go make dinner for my babies. Why don’t you go home for me?” She leaves but definitely comes back at nighttime twice a week.

• the teachers love you

• Midnight loves your hero outfit and helps with your winter design

•  Aizawa and you are similar in ways. You both care about the class and are scary when mad or when they get on your bad side. Plus you both are moody and got a goofy girlfriend/husband.

• you hate All Might and he’s scared of you. Often you correct him on a lot of stuff. No one knows why you hate him but you do.

• Mic is also scared of you but still loves ya. You guys both listen to music together or you teach him about plants

• Toga tells you abt overhaul, which your pissed about and do try to kill him but fail to do so.

• dude like 5ft away from you and is wearing a mask. You can’t kiss him, blow your perfume or powder. And it’s really hard to get plants through concrete.

•but Toga try’s to help you because she upset about big sis. She vents to you abt it.

• When Eri comes around you love her!

“Pretty.”

“Thank you darling. Your so pretty as well. Want to play with some plants and butterflies?”

“Mhm!” You guys play in your room.

• your the only one Aizawa let’s babysit by yourself

• You make plants and make Eri fly sometime.

• you teach her to read and take care of plants

• she even recycle which you are so happy!

• for Christmas you get her, her very first plant

•  Aizawa freaks out when it dies and calls you

• you tell him what the plant is so he can just rebuy one when needed and when to water it incase she forgets

• Toga also gives you plants when she can

• she’ll give you carnivorous plants or red plants that reminds her of blood

• you give her a tomato plant so she can stab the fruit instead of animals plus she can eat them

• y’all in love and you probably do become a villain and you stay a hero so you get more info

• you still hate the league so you don’t join

• she’ll probably do your dirty work and kills everyone who says they have a crush on you or kisses you

• Mother Nature and her favorite plant in her garden a Langsdorffia (also known as a vampire plant)

Part two

[rockislandadultreads]

Book Recommendations: National Reading Group Month

In honor of National Reading Group Month, here are some titles featured in our book club kits that you can check out to share with your own reading group! 

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents’ indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the earliest years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa’s tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle. Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man’s relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother—his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life.

The Unreal and the Real by Ursula K. Le Quin

In this two-volume selection of Ursula K. Le Guin's best short stories - as selected by the National Book Award winning author herself - the reader will be delighted, provoked, amused, and faced with the sharp, satirical voice of one of the best short story writers of the present day.

Where on Earth explores Le Guin's earthbound stories which range around the world from small town Oregon to middle Europe in the middle of revolution to summer camp. Companion volume Outer Space, Inner Lands includes Le Guin's best known nonrealistic stories. Both volumes include new introductions by the author.

My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh

In the summer of 1989, a Baton Rouge neighborhood best known for cookouts on sweltering summer afternoons, cauldrons of spicy crawfish, and passionate football fandom is rocked by a violent crime when fifteen-year-old Lindy Simpson - free spirit, track star, and belle of the block - is attacked late one evening near her home. As the dark side of this idyllic stretch of Southern suburbia is revealed, the close-knit neighborhood is irreversibly transformed.

In My Sunshine Away, M.O. Walsh brilliantly juxtaposes the enchantment of a charmed childhood with the gripping story of a violent crime, unraveling families, and consuming adolescent love. Acutely wise and deeply honest, it is an astonishing and page-turning debut about the meaning of family, the power of memory, and our ability to forgive.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is planned - from the layout of the winding roads, to the colors of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules. Enter Mia Warren - an enigmatic artist and single mother - who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenaged daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past and a disregard for the status quo that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community. When old family friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town - and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs.

[kaminobiwan]

in sickness and health

pairing: obi-wan kenobi x jedi!reader

summary: Confined to a day in bed, Obi-Wan is enlisted to keep you company. Featuring mild spoonfeeding I make no apologies

a/n: First off, THANK YOU FOR 300 FOLLOWERS! WOW oh my goodness that happened so fast. I’m still working through the prompts from my 175/200 follower celebration (of which this is a part of), and I can’t wait to figure out a way to celebrate this milestone as well! I’m so grateful to all of the support and love I’ve gotten so far; your kindness and readership means the world to me, and I’m so glad to share my stories with you :-) Without any further ado, here is the return of Padawan!Obi....and if you’d like to join his fanclub, might I direct you to my co-president @highlycommendable lovely dove

Before I forget, taglist masterlist all that shite. Enjoy my bubs

On his way back to the dormitories after an early morning meditation session, Obi-Wan hears arguing.

Though it’s not uncommon to hear discord in the wing of the temple where the Padawans make their residence, it isn’t the usual ruckus of Quin and Kit wrestling, or Shaak Ti demanding to know who had taken her Akul-tooth headdress again.

This time, it’s the voice of a Master filling the halls, berating his student with fond persistence.

“Padawan, my word is final.” Obi-Wan turns the corner as Plo Koon raises a talon at a figure huddled in blankets in the doorway. “You are too ill to travel.”

“But I’m almost better! And Shaak’s told me so much about the Togruta, and I want to see how big of an Akul she’s killed!” He recognizes the protests coming from your distinct yet muddled voice, and his vision confirms his guess as you come into sight, fabric draping across your body like a spirit. “I promise I’m fine, Master, please!”

Despite his mouth being completely covered by his breathing mask, Obi-Wan can almost detect the makings of a smile across the Jedi’s features. “The healers were adamant, my student. You’re to rest one more day. Perhaps, instead of stories of Akul, you can detail our sightings of the neebray mantas to your peers. I assure you, they are much bigger than any Akul you hope to see.” Abruptly, he turns to Obi-Wan in a way that makes him think the Master had sensed his presence long before he’d approached. “Padawan Kenobi, if you’re not terribly occupied, I have a favor to ask of you.”

Obi-Wan comes to a stop in front of the pair of you, your eyes dragging to his frame after shooting a disgruntled glance at your Master. “Master Koon?”

“I’m set to depart for Shili within the hour, and unfortunately, this one,” he gestures a robe-covered hand towards you, “is recovering from a mild case of Balmorra Flu and will be unable to accompany me. I would appreciate it immensely if you’d monitor my student to ensure that she does, in fact, fulfill her last day of bed rest.” Obi-Wan notices as you bristle at the notion of being babysat like a child, but says nothing as Plo continues. “The healers have been kind enough to deliver medicine and food. You’d need only to stay within the room.” Before Obi-Wan can reply that he’d have to seek the approval of his own Master, Koon finishes for him. “I’d be happy to request an excuse from the rest of your duties, but if I’m being quite honest, I’m aware that most of your training for the day has already been completed.”

Obi-Wan schools his own features in haste from revealing how impressed he is. Though, he really shouldn’t be surprised. Plo Koon was legendary amongst the younger generations for both his intuition and skill with a lightsaber. Still, he pauses.

“There’s no cause for worry, young one, she’s not contagious any longer. The sickness is in its last stages.” The Kel Dor assures him, somewhat humorously, but that’s not why Obi-Wan is hesitating.

He’s nervous — he’s never spent much time alone with you. It’s not that you’re unlikable, or intimidating — okay, maybe you are a little — but actually, you’re quite popular with the rest of his crèchemates. He’s only had the opportunity to spend time with you in the midst of his other friends, and the times you have had conversations by yourselves, he gets an uncomfortable twist in his stomach that he’s not sure he likes.

But Obi-Wan is a good Padawan. Trying to be, at least. And Master Koon is close friends with Qui-Gon.

“Certainly, Master.” He gives a slight bow at the middle of his waist. “I would gladly be of service.”

The Jedi nods at him gracefully, and bids a soft farewell to you as he departs the conversation and the dormitory wing. You mutter a goodbye of your own moments after, followed by what Obi-Wan thinks is a variation of be safe. Then, you turn haughtily into your bedroom, retreating with your nose high in the air. He follows with a smirk of amusement.

“Sorry you’ve been sidelined.” He offers, as you face plant dramatically onto the bed. You bounce head-first into the pillows, and he can feel the irritation radiating off of you. “I know it that goes.”

You lift your body enough to place your chin in your hands, and regard him with a softening quirk. “It’s okay. I was just excited to get out on a mission again after my last one got cut short. This wretched flu.”

You flop onto your back, but Obi-Wan can sense your resentment quickly fading as you pull up the sheets to your chest. He notes that you already seem to be complying with your Master’s orders, grateful at the thought of not having to force you into bed. Another thought passes through his head, reminding him of the specific name Plo Koon had mentioned earlier.

“Balmorra flu? Weren’t you on Dantooine?”

“We were. Unfortunately, the illness is not limited to the planet for which it is named. But how it made its way to Dantooine, the middle of nowhere, I’ve no idea.” You sniff harshly. “It’s a shame, too. I wanted to take some time to admire the grasslands, but Master Koon wanted to get us back to the temple before I got worse.” The pout on your face morphs into a far-off look, and while you’re daydreaming, he takes the time to admire you. “It was majestic, Obi-Wan, the rolling plains, the rivers — you’d have loved it, I think.”

To himself, he smiles warmly. Here you are, sinuses stuffed to the brim and wallowing in the discomfort of sickness, yet you still found it within yourself to think of him. He can see why you’d been spoken so highly of by the others before he’d had the courage to befriend you.

You had a good heart.

“I know what you mean.” He presents you with a new tissue as you toss a used one into the wastebasket by your bed, and you watch him speak intently. “Once, on a mission to Alderaan, my Master told me he’d save time to hike one of the mountains if we finished early. A meditation retreat, of sorts. We did, but just as we were prepared to go, I came down with nerf-pox. A youngling sneezed on me in the middle of the assignment.” Disdain paints his appearance, and you cough out a laugh at him behind your fist as you reach for something off your bedside table, where a steaming bowl and cup of water sits.

“To the experiences that disease took from us,” you raise the cup in the air as if you’re making a toast, and although he’s not holding one of his own, he mimes the action with a grin. “Here’s to hoping we’ll get to do them someday.”

As you raise the drink to your mouth, Obi-Wan can’t help but notice the way it trembles in your hand. Eyes narrowing, he takes in the slight shake of your arm. “You’re quite weak,” he moves closer to take the cup from you and set it back on the table. “I think I should feed you.”

Your eyebrows knit in defiance, but he’s already holding the bowl of soup, stirring the spoon in its depths. Immediately, his nose wrinkles in distaste.

“This smells horrible.”

You sigh in agreement, leaning your head back against the pillows. “Rootleaf stew. Master Yoda’s personal recipe.” As he lifts the utensil to your still-moving mouth, you add, “Thankfully, it doesn’t taste as bad as it stinks.”

He snickers quietly as you drink the liquid down with a small noise of disgust. Your face seems to relax after a minute, however, and he hopes the warm broth is soothing your throat. He offers you a bit more, but this time, you stare straight at him as your lips close around the spoon, and his wrist falters when you peer at him from beneath your lashes.

Soup dribbles down your chin and neck as you squeal in surprise, the heat of it making you jerk back. Obi-Wan drops the bowl onto the table as he frantically snatches up tissues to offer you between panicked apologies, not trusting himself to dab the droplets on your skin away himself.

“Sorry! I’m so sorry, I —” he stammers as you clean up what you can, blinking at him in amused surprise. You don’t look angry at him, but stars, does he feel bad. “Ah, I didn’t mean to. So much for helping you.” From the shoulders up, he burns bright with remorse, but you shake your head amusedly with bright eyes.

“It’s okay. I probably would have done the same to myself. You were right, I am too weak to carry anything.”

Sheepishly, Obi-Wan picks up the stew again, but places it in his lap for a moment as he waits for his body to stop freaking out, for lack of a better term. It’s good timing, too, because you promptly break into a hacking fit, coughing violently as he winces in his seat. After you blow your nose loudly, you seem to notice his expression, because you suddenly turn self-consciously away from him.

“I’m sorry, too. I can’t imagine I’m a pretty sight to see as of right now.”

He disagrees. Surprisingly, your physical state hasn’t been too affected. And even in spite of your slightly ruffled exterior, you’re still exuding the same liveliness that he can’t help but find attractive. In his mindlessness, Obi-Wan’s mouth acts before his brain as he responds. “I think you’re always pretty.”

You both freeze, eyes meeting in shocked gazes as he attempts to backtrack. “I — I mean, you’re a pretty sight to see —” Nope, that’s worse, kill me, Maker, kill me now —

“Obi — it’s okay,” you cut him off from embarrassing himself further, though your own voice is shrill. “I appreciate the compliment.”

His face flushes again, this time at the nickname more than his stupidity. He stares resolutely into the swirling broth as he fiddles with the spoon, and deafening silence fills the air between you as you both look anywhere but each other. Soon enough, though, you’re brave enough to break the quiet. With an even braver comment of your own.

“You know, you’re not too bad-looking either,” he peers at you cautiously, and your eyes are kind, offering comfort. He breathes out a long sigh, but manages a weak smile in return.

“Thanks,” he mumbles, and you nod at him easily. He’s jealous of the way you’re expressive, yet so effortlessly at ease in any scenario — someday, he swears, he’ll nail down his composure. He’ll be in complete control of his every emotion and have the coolest demeanor of all the Jedi.

Just, not today.

Obi-Wan forces himself to steel the muscles in his arms as he brings another spoonful of soup to your waiting mouth, and exhales in relief when he successfully avoids causing another mess. Unfortunately, it seems that you’re intent on making one, because as soon as you swallow, you’ve got another remark that you deliver all too casually for Obi-Wan’s liking.

“In fact, I’d say you’re the prettiest Padawan in the Order.”

He spills the entire bowl across your sheets.

[has-gilgamesh-doneanythingwrong]

Let There Be Cake!!

In which an assortment of Mastersonas visit Seihai’s Chaldea for some tea.

Disclaimer: Err well this may be a very random representation of all the masters, but I hope you enjoy it. (lmao) This may be a bit ooc ;; don’t destroy me pls

Decorating the tables with napkins and cutlery; Mash, Gudako and Seihai helped prepare for today’s meeting.

“I can’t believe so many masters are coming to visit,” Gudako grinned, as she nudged Seihai in the ribs- her eyes gleaming with mischief. “You’re lucky that I managed to get people like Emiya to lend a hand with the cooking!”

Rubbing their side indignantly, Seihai grimaced. “Hey, don’t nudge me like that! And yeah, I’m grateful...I almost had a panic attack once I caught sight of the guest list.”

Seihai was struck with awe once they realized how many different Chaldeas existed concurrently amongst one another. All they had sent out was a measly little pager, yet it had managed to make a huge impact.

“...To think that parallel worlds really exist...I dunno what to say, really.”

“Haha, try seeing it this way instead- if we can even summon servants from mythological epics, then who’s to say that only one version of this world exists? For all you know, we may live in an entire realm of endless interdimensional universes!” Spreading her arms wide, Gudako reared back her head with laughter, as Seihai accidentally tripped over the table. “For all you know, there may be 100 Gudakos! And they probably all have a nice harem tucked under their sleeves, as well!”

Before Gudako could lapse into yet another one of her much-loved rambles, Da Vinci rushed towards the door of the canteen. “Yahoo! The guests are all here, Gudako, Mash, Seihai. I sure hope you’re prepared!” And with a wink, they were back out the door again.

“Senpai, I think that’s our cue to go now.” Mash cuts off Gudako’s resistance by wrapping her arms around them. “No, senpai. Let’s leave Seihai to deal with teatime today. Good luck, Seihai.”

“Thanks....” Seihai muffled a laugh when they caught sight of the flailing Gudako, who was passionately yelling “NO, I DON’T WANNA WAIT ‘TIL LATER! I WANT TEA NOW!”

‘Gudako sure is an interesting master...’ Taking a deep breath, they went to greet the guests gathering within the hallway.

As soon as Seihai turned the corner, a ginormous loaf of bread was thrust in their direction.

“GWAH!” Leaping back in surprise, Seihai almost tumbled to the ground, until another master with cool, black-lace boots helped them up.

It was Candace and Quin!

“S-sorry about that. You know...I saw your face, and the bread. Yes, well here’s some bread.” Candace smiled softly, as they passed their loaves to Seihai. “I wanted to pass a gift for today.”

“Thanks, that’s nice of you. This bread smells amazing...I feel like I’m in bread heaven...” Turning back to face Quin, Seihai grinned. “Thanks for the save there as well, Quin. You have great reflexes.”

“Ah, that’s nothing much! I just wanted to help, that’s all.” Quin smiles sweetly, as they peer at the bread. “Ooh, that does look tasty...”

“It’s bread courtesy of my own Olive Garden,” Candance’s eyes gleamed with pride; as Quin giggled softly.

“I’ve heard the tales of your Olive Garden as well. BB says that she’d like to make dragon steaks there someday.” As Quin cheerfully shared this, Seihai paled in terror.

‘BB? DRAGON STEAKS? SHE’S NOT GOING TO COOK LIZ AGAIN, IS SHE?’ Only Seihai worried about this, as Quin and Candace enjoyed a good conversation about all of the madcap shenanigans that occurred in the Olive Garden; as well as BB’s cooking skills.

Once Seihai lead them to their seats, they greeted the next group of visitors. There, was none other than Kiryu- with a shy Bunyan lurking by their side, as they held hands- and Julius, holding a rather interesting contraption.

“Nice to see you both,” Seihai waved. As they peered down at the trembling Bunyan, concern flickered across their features. “Is Bunyan okay?”

“She’s just a bit shy,” As Kiryu patted her head, Bunyan smiled brightly. “Hope you’ve got some good drinks and snacks for today.”

“Err...Well we have some tea and stuff....Hahahaha...” In fact, Seihai had no idea at all what was going to be served for tea. They had more or less left everything up to Emiya. “Yeah...”

“I’m looking forward to it too,” Julius unleashed a rather huge machine. “In order to celebrate, I enlisted the help of a few allies to make a ‘magical tea’ device.”

“Cool, what does it do?” Kiryu gave it a light tap.

“It can create tea; in any flavor you want.” Julius explained excitedly. “And by any flavor, I mean any.”

“Nice. That’s more my kinda style.” As Kiryu hi-fived Julius for his genius idea, Seihai clapped with wonder. Julius’ inventions were awesome.

“Thanks, Julius. Well, the canteen is just by there. I’ll see you in a bit!” As Seihai went to look for the other guests, they were caught off guard by an array of floating cards.

Yes, floating cards.

‘B-bruh..what?!!!’ “Y-yo...” Seihai smiled awkwardly as they backed away from the dancing cards. ‘Shit...Where’s my runes? SHIT!’ Worried that they were magical spirits or something, Seihai was about to unleash the algiz rune to make a protective ward- until the cards transformed into people!

It was an amazing magical trick. Arising from a sparkling array of stars was none other than Faye and Vann; two mages that were very adept at magical skills. As Seihai breathed a sigh of relief, Vann posed.

“Yo, it’s me! I’m excited for some tea today.” Vann gave both Faye and Seihai a fist-bump.

“Me too, it’s my first time visiting here! Glad to make your acquaintance.” Faye shook Seihai’s hand.

“Nice to meet you both as well." As Seihai greeted them, the two began to discuss their various skills.

"I'm amazed you also know some card skills and tricks, Faye. Think we could work together?" Vann summoned a card from thin air.

"Hehe, I was taught them by some good allies of mine. Sure, why not?" Pirouetting, Faye invokes a supreme burst of magic, as a bunch of photos land in her hands. "I've been putting my magic to great use lately."

"Ehh! Lemme see!" Vann and Seihai clamored around Faye, as they peered at her photos. "WHOA!!!"

In her hands was none other than a gleaming collection of rare Ereshkigal and Serenity photos....photos that were worth their weight in gold.

'Hot damn, that's so adorable...' Seihai's eyes watered slightly when she caught sight of the cute shots of Serenity laughing and Eresh blushing. 'Faye has some mad skills.'

"Whoa, you gotta teach me that sometime...Wait. Seihai, where are we going again?" Vann looked up suddenly. "Aren't we going for tea?"

"Ah, yeah...I forgot. The canteen’s just by your left.” As they went off on their way, Seihai freaked out in horror as yet another card leapt into their face-Vann grinning mischievously at them as he and Faye walked along.

“H-holy crap...card magic is so good, yet so scary at the same time...” Seihai hoped that they could be as good as them at magic someday. Finally turning to look for the other masters, they bumped into some familiar faces.

“Oh, there you are! We got lost on our way to the canteen,” The final group of masters stood nearby, waiting in the wings. Maya, Val and the mage trio of Kat, Cris and Jeanne greeted Seihai, as they lead them to the location of the tea party.

“Ah, sorry about that. Actually, I also got lost trying to locate you all,” Seihai grimaced. They had lived in Chaldea for god knows how long; yet still struggled to find their way around!!! “How are you all doing?”

“Never been better.” Maya spun to the side, tapping their feet. “It’s a nice break from my regular duties.”

“Ooh, you mean your duties as the CEO of Chaldea?” Kat shot them a wide grin. “How’s that going?”

“Perfectly well! I’m having a lot of fun. What about you? How’s the trio doing?”

“We’re doing great! Although Spartacus ran into a bit of a frenzy during the movie shooting recently,” Jeanne spoke reflexively, stroking her chin.

“Haha, sounds just like him!”

As they burst into rancorous laughter, Seihai tapped Val lightly on the shoulder. “How about you, Val? Are you doing alright?”

“Huh...? Oh, yeah?” A light blush sprinkled across her cheeks. It seemed as if Val was hiding something. And Seihai definitely wasn’t the only one to notice. Leaning towards Val, Maya cheered.

“You hiding a little something?” As Maya winked, Val’s blush deepened.

“Er...Well, you see...” Sucking in an enormous breath of air, Val swung a ginormous box out of thin air. “The girls and I picked out a bunch of tabletop RPGS for us to play! But I was a bit worried that you guys maybe wouldn’t want to play...So, yeah. Well, you know.”

“Val...” Seihai’s eyes glimmered with unshed tears. The fact that Val had gone out of her way to bring games that she carefully selected with the people she loved...It was adorable. So sweet that Seihai clutched their heart. “I really appreciate the sentiment. Thank you.”

“Yeah, we do too. Games are good fun,” Cris patted Val on the back, as Maya helped Val carry the enormous boxes. “No need to worry.”

“Trying out new hobbies is good! Besides, I read Jeanne Alter’s doujinshi on a daily basis. There’s no way I’d judge you for that.” Maya was right. Hobbies were great to share!

“...Thank you...”

Once everybody had gathered for tea, utter chaos ensued. As Seihai panicked, Emiya was competing against Julius’ tea machine. That’s right; Julius’ tea machine was a challenger in Emiya’s eyes. However, Emiya won the competition once he showed off his brilliant bartending skills- by elegantly pouring Kiryu a nice cup of beer.

“Heh. Not even a tea machine can match up against my bartending skills.” His expression was smug.

“He’s got you beat on that one,” Kiryu conceded, as he took a nice sip of beer. “Wow, this beer’s amazing!”

On the other hand, the other masters were cheerfully wolfing down Candace’s baked loaves, and a wide assortment of cakes that had been ever-so-kindly prepared for them. Even Bunyan was treated to a special pile of pancakes.

However, problems began to occur as masters started to arm wrestle over who’d get the biggest slice of cake. Despite this, Quin defeated every single challenger as swiftly as possible.

“I love cake,” She exclaimed, as she took a glorious slice. Nobody could defeat her!!

‘I’m so damn jealous...’ Seihai sighed, as they settled into a small slice. After that, things went even more nuts when playing some of Val’s tabletop RPGS. Even though magic was meant to be banned when playing games, that certainly didn’t stop anybody!

By the ends of things, the canteen was bustling with fun; laughter; and a massive pile of cards.

Once Seihai saw all of the masters off, they chortled. ‘That was a lot of fun...’

They hoped that they’d all come back again soon.

Lol it’s finished. Sadly, I couldn’t go into detail about the tea time events as there were so many visitors! well hope u enjoyed. XD

List Of Mastersonas Included (tags):

@hasabbydoneanythingwrong @hasishtardoneanythingwrong @hasereshdoneanythingwrong @hasnightingaledoneanythingwrong @haspaulbunyandoneanythingwrong @hasspartacusdoneanythingwrong @havetheavengersdoneanythingwrong @hasbbdoneanythingwrong@hasnobbudoneanythingwrong

[havetheavengersdoneanythingwrong]

An Interlude — Me, ‘Yourself,’ I

Two Masters pick up another ‘them.’

Many other ‘them’ — of times and Masters long gone, each filling each other’s roles in stories meant to be the same.

Like a play filled with understudies, where the choice in lead actor changed everything —

...Then, what to do about that?

<Pt. 1/???>

featuring story from @hasbbdoneanythingwrong + @hasquetzdoneanythingwrong

--

"...It's you."

A being from his dreams, a being beyond rational description.

A Singularity had appeared, hadn't it? One only recently, showing its face, a remnant of what should've been destroyed.

The coward believed such a thing was the only cause of a being haunting his dreams. A shapeless, formless, yet all-encompassing, formed being, that threatened to vanish from his sight and take him over, simultaneously.

And its words, too-

▓▒░▓▓▄▀▌▌▐█▒

Made no sense.

No, nothing the being said would mean a thing to the cowardly Master, and yet it made sense all the same. Two opposite extremes, filling him not with the words it spoke, but the emotion those unspeakable tongues filled in his mind.

"...I don't understand. I... I don't get it at all."

No, so much 'strange' had occurred, in a matter of mere days. A Servant had spoken of a world not unlike his own, another Chaldea, and another Master. Then, replaced soon after, by a Quetz who spoke of it only as a faint dream, barely recalled, but fondly looked back on.

And mere days afterwards, this thing -- that which now sought to fill him with unending fear, and discomfort, as it held itself within him, seeking to spread itself within his mind like a comforting, but foreign virus to the human conscious.

╟╧╜╚╕╘╧╨╪╬╗

...His heart, suffocating under the mass of the 'it,' that threatened to encompass his entire being, envelop it into itself--

...Yet, its words made its way to his mind, before the cowardly Master forced himself to wake with a bite to his finger.

Y o u a r e n o t a l o n e . S e e k T H E M .

...The being, so foreign, spoke now as if the Master himself were speaking to 'him' in a mirror.

...The seeping, crawling feeling faded in an instant, as the familiar 'My lord!' awoke him from his slumber.

With Da Vinci fussing over something in the other room, surely preparing to announce the time of their Rayshift, the cowardly Master made a beeline for somewhere -- someone -- he knew would help.

--

"Oh, hell no."

Ritsuka had spent a solid five or six seconds just laughing incredulously, before their eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to speak.

"--I'd heard it from... something. Ritsuka, we already know they exist, and... We need to know what they're up to. If they're allies, we need to get their aid, and..."

"It's not that."

Ritsuka interrupted my speech by placing a finger over my mouth. Breathing out, they placed their index finger on their temple, as if trying to formulate what they were to say next.

"Thing is, Cadence, we have a serious problem with time stuff right now. We already have a sudden Singularity that's just happened, despite our best efforts, and your first idea is to go check other timelines? And off the advice of a weird thing that appeared in your dreams after the Singularity was formed, no less!"

Ritsuka breathed a long, drawn out sigh out, as I took the opportunity to get a word in.

"This time stuff is something we can take advantage of, especially because we've just achieved a sort of contact with it. Remember Quetzacoatl? She was acting as if she were in a different Chaldea entirely, for the day we summoned her, until her Spirit Origin 'shifted.' All things considered, we need to check up on that."

Placing a finger to my neck to calm myself, lightly scratching its side, Ritsuka waited a moment before responding.

"...Listen, if you're right, we can't do this willy-nilly. You know full well how dangerous this is. But..."

...Ritsuka shook their head, raising their hand in what I could only assume was the brief consideration of punching themselves in the face.

"...You're not the type to take stupid risks. The fact you're not avoiding this like the plague says to me that you've got something in mind. After all these things we've seen up to now... I can't believe I'm saying this, but I guess we'll have to look at even more time shit."

...The Master laughed, in disbelief, before turning on their heel and beginning to move south.

"...I think, if anyone's going to know about this, it's going to be a certain Moon Cancer."

"--You're not seriously thinking of going to her for advice, right?!"

"Less advice, Cadence, more a way to figure out what the hell has been happening outside our little bubble. I doubt we'll be able to see everything, but even just a little bit will do. It'll tell us who our allies might be if we end up forced to one of their worlds."

Ritsuka raised their hands over their head, stretching themselves out and yawning loudly to get out the slight ache of sleeping on a Chaldea bed.

"...Or, if a Singularity forces us into contact with them," he continued with an awkward laugh, "we need to figure out who won't kill us on sight."

...Turning a corner of Chaldea's hallways, he'd knock upon a very certain door -- greeted by a purple-haired lady, smiling wide, with a gaze best described as a mixture between intimidating, venomous, yet also fairly innocent for the moment. "Why, if it isn't my favourite senpais. What brings you here so soon? Ritsuka, you usually at least wait 'til noon to try out some BB slots."

The lady took her seat on her bed, resting her chin on her right hand and raising an eyebrow -- turning an ear to the two of us.

"No slots today, sadly. BB -- I'd like you to help us understand other people."

"...Other people? Senpai, you're not exactly lacking in the social department. Although, C--"

"--Not like that," I quickly clarified, if only to save my own pride. "We're looking to understand people from... different Chaldeas, if that makes any sense."

...At that, BB's eyes widened, if only for a moment -- then smiled, with a sort of distinct softness, before it returned to its usual mischievous aura.

"Is that so..? You're sure about this, right, Senpai~? Surely you wouldn't wish to be jealous of Masters better off than you two."

Before I could respond -- frozen just for a moment at hearing that -- Ritsuka piped up in my place.

"Yeah, we're alright with that. At day's end, we want to see other people like us. What they've done, and... If they'd be allies for us, should we somehow meet."

...The mischievous lady only nodded, before placing a floating screen just in front of them.

"If that's the case, I have no choice but to show you all the other Senpais out there! ♥"

...And, mere moments after -- our first sight showed its face.

--

"--You vermin should know that I am the only one who can hurt my centipede!"

An annoying voice, marked with an angered 'sigh' that would've made most anyone's hairs raise on end.

Yet, to the Master they now saw, such a voice could bring only the brightest of smiles. Two beings of seeming opposites, giving each other a knowing glance before a wave of confidence enveloped them both.

With the casual smile only a devil could muster, the Moon-Cancer made short, easy work of the mere beasts in their way. The icy wasteland, seeping away at the Master's bones, did little to harm the sense of warmth that seemed to envelop them both.

"Now, now, Quin," the lady spoke with a chuckle, "don't get too happy yet~! There's a cave to hang out in not too far away -- we can talk there!"

Quin -- That was the Master's name. A spare glance at their BB's face told them all they reckoned they had to know -- in place of her devilish grin, remained a mischievous -- yet warm, glowing smile.

The moment they fled into an otherwise dark, empty cave, Quin collapsed to tears -- perhaps in part of fears that could only come from traversing a Lostbelt alone, but seemingly mostly of relief.

"How... H-How did you get here..?!"

Through sobs, the Master spoke, as the Moon-Cancer only smiled, and laughed, crouching down beside her Master.

"Quinny, I'm hurt~! You should know by now that I can pretty much do whatever I want."

Neither Master observing the event could truly understand the pain she went through just to reappear at the side of her Master -- but Ritsuka, sparing a glance to look at the BB that manifested there, saw teary eyes, and a soft smile.

...The face of someone who had almost certainly been through hell.

Cadence focused upon the Master themselves, finding himself awed. A Master who, despite all that remained against her, found herself with allies that wouldn't so easily give up and leave her. A Master who, though almost assuredly afraid, still stood up and kept pushing forward. And a Master who stayed with the Moon-Cancer who seemed as if she was her exact opposite, as both impacted each other permanently.

--

"...That was Quin, senpais~!"

Spending a moment holding a hand to her eyes, BB soon returned to her usual self -- Ritsuka only smiled, but didn't elaborate on it any further.

"...That was..."

...She seemed to be a good person. A 'hero' -- even allied with someone considered evil, she...

...She was a hero. In her own right, she was a hero -- even if she were afraid, she still pushed forward, and fought with the bravery of a hero.

"...Well, we probably have one ally, Cadence.”

Ritsuka smiled a bit, as if to ease me of something I'd not realized I had, before returning to the Moon-Cancer.

"What's our next sight, then?"

To that, the Servant only winked, before another screen enveloped their sights.

--

"...Hey."

A black-haired man, narrowed eyes at two writers not far in front of him.

No time for grief, for there was still something to do. The eyes of a man who had a plan -- even if far out, one he would place his faith in.

Those eyes -- sharpened, fire sprouting within that pupil of his -- were eyes of sheer determination.

"If you can turn fantasy into reality, how about we pull a Moriarty on me?"

A sentence truly outside the realm of 'reality' -- one that caused Cadence to recoil in shock. Yet, the cowardly Master still found himself leaned in to listen, as the other Master beside him smiled and nodded to themselves.

Mash, turning to face the black-haired Master, raised her eyebrows in some form of confusion.

"--Huh..? Senpai, what are you talking about?"

"Moriarty has that gun from that one German story. If the authors here can do something similar to help me, then..."

...The Master spent a moment in thought, but it certainly wasn't one spent in hesitation. No -- both observing Masters knew the look well.

It was one of focus, and of finalizing their plan. It brought back memories of Reines, of Chen Gong, and of El-Melloi.

"...That doesn't sound outside the realm of possibility."

The taller author -- Murasaki, at a closer glance -- spent a few seconds staring upwards in thought before replying. The smaller author, surely Hans, stared at his colleague and Master with a mixture of incredulity -- and, just as much, curiosity.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Let me see if I can find what I'm looking for."

To this, the Master flicked his fingers delicately from a row of comic books situated carefully on a shelf, up until he pulled a certain issue out, as if it were made for this very moment.

"--This! This, here."

Opening the comic to a specific page, as if he'd done this a thousand times before, he placed his finger upon one panel in specific -- a planet made of dark ooze, its inhabitants slimy parasitic creatures.

A middle-of-the-road author, almost assuredly Shakespeare, took a close look, and smirked, as the Master elaborated.

"Symbiotes. From Marvel."

As the determined Master watched the author's expressions, Shakespeare decided -- as usual -- to be among the first to speak.

"Interesting."

...Hans, meanwhile, twisted his face into a frown.

"...I'm not sure how I feel, adapting a modern work like this."

"Just do it. I'll be able to save her with those powers."

The Master only furrowed his brow, his voice taking on a slight firmness to it. Andersen picked up on that tone of voice -- one of someone who had already weighed their options, and one that had already decided their fate. The author silenced himself for the time -- at times like this, even he recognized that he had to put his author's code to rest.

"Senpai... Is this really a good idea?"

Mash spoke carefully, placing her words best to try and ensure her friend had thought it through. She had faith in his idea, the observing Masters could tell, but it was certainly best to avoid acting rashly.

"...I need to save her, Mash."

The Master, certainly, had already made his decision. As he elaborated, Mash's concerned expression shifted to a soft smile -- assured that, at least, he was sure of this action. If he held faith it’d work, then she felt she could as well.

"I hate being without her. And I want to skewer the fools who took her away."

...Murasaki, at that, only nodded.

"I can see the pain he's feeling. We... should help."

...At his fellow authors' words, Hans raised his hands up, and grinned awkwardly.

"Fine, we'll turn you into an alien monster. But it likely won't stick when this Singularity's fixed."

"So long as I get my wife back, I'm fine with it."

The gaze of the Master said it all -- he would stop at nothing to find, and save, someone he loved.

Suddenly, to the two observing Masters -- the sheer determination of this Master, even as he requested a possibly dangerous procedure, now only made sense.

...He, too, had something to protect.

--

The Moon-Cancer smiled, for a moment, before closing her screen.

"That, Senpai, was Rex. A Master who managed to tame even a lady like Quetzacoatl~!" Ritsuka gazed back at me, the look in his eye saying it all.

"...That was his Quetzacoatl?!"

Of course, his incredulous statement immediately after solidified things -- as, giving it some thought, I'd realized myself what had happened.

"...Well, now I feel a bit bad, summoning Quetzacoatl like that. Probably should've used a catalyst that wasn't a T. Rex plushie."

As Ritsuka casually said something that made even BB perform a double take, my mind fell a little bit -- as I tried to make heads or tails of that Master.

'...That man... Despite a situation so grim that he had to alter his own body, and add a Phantasmal Spirit to its structure... He didn't look fearful at all.'

No -- it wasn't fearlessness. That was sheer grit, made only stronger by what was on the line. His sharp tone, the fire in his eyes, wasn't from foolish aggression or rashness -- it was from a man whose life and love were all on the line. A man who knew how bad the situation could get, and one that could swallow their fear and fight for the sake of someone they loved.

'...No wonder she was so insistent on finding him.'

The horrible taste of jealousy caught in my throat -- my eyes closed, seeing only that fiery gaze.

...That was bravery.

...My eyes flipped between screen after screen -- Rex' fiery gaze, and his risky yet high-reward plan just to save his lover. Quin's emotional strength in the heat of the moment, holding out and fighting long enough to find safety, being such a kind Master that even one like BB would cherish her.

'...Compared to them...'

...That jealousy, that surrounded my neck, tightening it and stealing my breath away. Envy at their strength, where I had lacked it.

Those -- were heroes. Those were the people that would surely save their 'Chaldea.'

...Certainly, I knew my own weaknesses -- but it only became clearer, where I stood.

"...Cadence, I think he's an ally. Whaddya think?"

But the jealousy cleared itself from my neck as Ritsuka shouldered me lightly, and as a hand formed itself upon my shoulder. Silent though it was, I knew that grip as well as the back of my hand.

"...He's no Genji."

...An approving voice -- Ushiwakamaru, doffing her mask and blindfold and sitting just beside me.

"...He fights our fight. An enemy of the Genji is a friend of mine."

...That jealousy wouldn't so easily leave me -- but I only allowed my mind, for a moment, to recognize my own strengths.

Even if I paled in comparison to these two heroes, I still had something.

"...I think he's an ally, too, Ritsuka. Maybe a little blunt, but... I've only ever seen a gaze like that in you."

The Master beside me scoffed.

"Are you kiddin' me, chief? I don't think I've seen anyone so determined to help someone. And seeing as how you're showing us that, BB, I assume he succeeded."

"Correct~! Both of these two are just as alive as you are. And, y'know, this isn't the end of our marathon."

...Ritsuka raised an eyebrow.

"Jeez, just how many saviours of humanity are there? I find it hard to believe so many Earths got the crap end of the stick."

"You'd know if you counted to infinity, senpai~! I'm only showing you the ones you'll probably meet. I snuck a little charm into that Quetz' pocket, you see, and now you're linked~!"

...

"What."

Ritsuka took approximately five seconds before responding.

"It was just a bit of stomach medication. A little baggie I gave her. I don't even think she knows it's there."

...

"What."

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding~! Maybe."

...As me, and Ritsuka, found ourselves completely sidetracked by what was best described as 'the worst thing we've heard in centuries,' BB clapped her hands together and began pulling up a few more screens.

"I call a little intermission~! All three of you, get some treats and come back later. I promise you'll love the next ones."

--

...

An ever-shining light, bypassing such simple screens, watched 'them' in their many, many seats.

Them who threatened to suffocate and take over 'them,' 'him,' but who satisfied themselves watching the production of Life.

The rakugo theatre intrigued them all -- as a lone 'it,' playing the parts of them all, laughed and dropped another punchline to the tale. Surely, a dramatic, comical, saddening, heartmelting, uplifting 'rakugo' --

...As the actors raised their hands to follow suit, and drive the coward into the next act of his performance, 'it' held up its fan and its cloth, waving the acting Masters to their next story -- to the next ochi.

▄▀▄██▌▌░█▓╨╨╜╓═

The ever-shining light laughs, and cries, and screams, and smiles gently.

The performance has only just begun.