#rip seth part two

[bumblesimagines]

Imagine:

Imprinting on Bella Swan

Request: Yes or No

Pronouns: He/Him/His, M!Reader

It's hoa hoa hoa hoa hoaaa season y'all they might feel ooc i havent seen the movies in forever

~~~

With the leaves changing and the weather resuming its almost never-ending chill, Bella hoped a new season marked a fresh beginning. Her first year in Forks proved to be far from what she'd expected when her father picked her up from the airport to haul her back to her old childhood home. She hardly expected much from the quiet, peaceful town but being introduced to the Cullens and then learning of a whole secret world hidden away from the eyes and minds of humans had promptly turned her world upside down. 

Vampires and shapeshifters roamed the Earth, some killing and others protecting mankind. She never thought her friendship with the odd boy in science class would lead to her discovering beautiful creatures that glimmered in sunlight and drank blood nor that it would lead to her old friend becoming the enemy of the coven by shifting into a gorgeous yet intimidating wolf. Of course, the thing that'd caught her off guard the most hadn't been blood-sucking immortals or oversized dogs... but the fact she had a soulmate.

A soulmate who was as grumpy and aloof as his twin sister. 

"Bella! You came!" 

She'd never admit it aloud, least of all to Edward, but a warm feeling always rushed through her when she visited the reservation and was greeted joyfully by the boys. Jared shot off the porch, his bare feet leaving imprints on the ground before his arms picked her up and brought her to his chest. She released a breathless chuckle and stumbled slightly when her feet returned to the ground only to be lifted once more with Seth and Embry's greetings. 

"I wouldn't want to miss the bonfire." She chuckled, a thankful smile sent Seth's way when he steadied her. She caught Emily lingering in the doorway and raised a meek hand to wave. "I hear your brother's back in town, Seth." 

As expected, Seth's sweet brown eyes lit up. "Yeah! He and Leah should actually be-" He cut himself off for a moment to scan the woods surrounding the small wooden house Emily and Sam called home. His concreated features softened and he raised his hand to point toward the figures emerging from the treeline.

Despite how much the Cullens fussed, Bella thought the wolves were as equally as majestic as them. She smiled immediately at the familiar sight of Jacob's reddish-brown fur as the three wolves trotted across the field toward them. Jacob's pace quickened and once close enough, he dipped his head and gently pressed it against her stomach. She ran her fingers through his soft yet damp fur in greeting, still taken aback by the sheer size of him and his packmates. 

"Hey, Leah," Bella greeted softly, raising her attention to the woman and earning a grunt in response. Leah was just as beautiful as the others, perhaps more with the mixtures of silver, dark gray, and hints of brown strung along her coat. The shifter gave a quiet huff, and even an eye roll, before she began turning away to shift in the privacy of the woods. 

"This is my brother, Bella. (Y/N), this is Bella Swan, the coolest girl in town." 

Chuckling bashfully, Bella retracted her hand from Jacob's fur and rubbed the wetness off on her jeans before she stepped to the side to peer around Jacob's form and take in the last wolf. He reminded her of a mixture of Leah and Seth with the clash of brown and silver fur and (E/C) eyes that seemed almost scrutinizing until the two of them locked eyes. Her lips parted to greet him but the words died in her throat when she noticed him tense and go completely rigid.

With a frightening snarl that sent a jolt up her spine and made her flinch back, Jacob ripped his head away from her to face the older boy with bared teeth and the fur along his back rising like that of an angry cat. Jared's arms circled Bella, pulling her back and behind them despite the amused grin spreading out across his face. Bella flinched again and gasped when Jacob lunged forward toward (Y/N), their bodies tangling and rolling down the grassy field in a blur of fur and snapping jaws. Leah raced after them swiftly, her body slamming into Jacob's to peel him off her twin and thus turning Jacob's abrupt anger onto her.

"Come inside, Bella. Let the boys handle this." Emily called out to her gently, watching her stumble toward the house and carefully taking her hand with a comforting squeeze. "Sam will take care of them, alright? I made some muffins for you but I'm afraid Jared already took a bite out of one."

"W-What- I- Is (Y/N) okay?" Bella stuttered out, feeling Emily's arm wrap around her shoulder and lead her toward the dining table where the basket of freshly baked muffins waited to be plucked. She took one into her hand and found herself unable to stop from turning toward the window to watch as Sam's bulky black-furred form shoved itself between the three. "What happened? Everything was fine."

"Imprinting happened," Paul laughed as he stepped into the house, snatching the muffin Embry reached for and flashing him a smirk. "Jake's girl got snatched right from under his nose." 

"What are you talking about?" Bella's head snapped toward the short-fused man, her brows knitting tightly together and gaze flickering between the rest of the pack as they piled into the house. 

With a sympathetic smile, Seth shrugged. "I guess you're my new sister-in-law, Bella."

"He won't talk to me, Jake." 

"I know," Jake murmured glumly as he stuck a marshmallow at the end of his stick, the cool breeze tussling his hair but barely phasing him despite the cold nipping insistently at her cheeks. "It's messing with him but he's as stubborn as Leah. He wants to be around you, he can't help it, and it bothers him. (Y/N)'s never been the type to give up control. It took a year for him to even join the pack and follow Sam's orders." 

Bella tilted her head further down the beach where (Y/N) sat on the cold sand away from them. She found him already staring at her but when she lifted her hand to wave, he turned his attention back to the rolling waves. "What's going to happen to him? Can.. he die from ignoring me?" The quiet snort from Jake made her swat at his arm. "I'm serious, Jake!"

"I know, I know, I..." Jake released a heavy sigh, the light of the fire reflecting in his brown eyes. He hovered his stick over the flickering flames, checking on the marshmallow as they waited for it to cook. "It's not good for him to ignore it but it won't kill him. He's making himself uncomfortable."

"I'm making him uncomfortable. I told you it was a bad idea-"

"Bella, you're his soulmate. You'll never make him uncomfortable and that's what's bothering him. Take this to him and just.. talk to him." Jake blew away the flame from the toasted marshmallow and offered her the stick, giving her an encouraging nod despite the way his lips tugged into a small frown. "Try your best.. or else Leah will rip your head off." 

Bella gave a small huff. "I don't think her brothers would like that." 

Taking a deep breath and flashing Seth an appreciative smile when he offered a thumbs-up, Bella began the trek across the short distance toward the seated young man. He glanced at her, the ever-present scowl reminding her of his sister, but the fact he remained in his spot gave her a small boost of confidence. She carefully lowered herself down, crossing her legs and giving the marshmallow a few taps to check the heat before tentatively offering it to him. 

When (Y/N) continued staring forward, she pursed her lips but her eyes caught the way his body seemingly relaxed. "You haven't said a word to me since the bonfire, and I know it can't be a good feeling. Seth said you'd come around eventually but it's been weeks and- and I don't want to see you get hurt, okay? Stop.. stop fighting it." 

"It should have been Jacob." (Y/N) muttered, taking the stick and biting into the marshmallow. "He's the idiot in love with-" His brows furrowed in irritation and he ripped the marshmallow off the stick, shoving the rest in his mouth and tossing the stick aside. 

"But it wasn't Jake," Bella spoke softly, hesitantly reaching out to place her hand over his knee. "And I don't plan on rejecting you."

[m00nymonster]

Birthday

Prompt: present

What do you give a spaceship?

This was a question Seth was asking himself now because two cycles ago Iris had had her fifth birthday party, and for the first time Perihelion had asked for one too. It hadn't seemed interested before, but lately had become more verbal (literally) about its wants. Apparently after years of seeing Iris get birthday parties it wanted one for itself. This party had to include presents, which was the problem.

The party itself would be simple to organize. Peri wasn't fond of the other AIs in the program--it had trouble getting along with them, especially Holism, who was popular with the other AIs--so the guest list would simply be the crew and Iris. A party with seven adults and one child was easy enough. The present part? That, not so much.

A spaceship didn't need much. Fuel, for the few times its power core needed a boost. A good cleaning every now and then. A happy crew for company. However, one did not usually associate a vehicle with possessions. Spaceships weren't sapient enough to even ask for such things.

For now the crew was plotting in a university faculty room at PUMNT, though Iris had been brought with them and was currently happily playing with dolls at the table.

"I requisitioned party streamers and decorations," Kaede said.

"And cake?" Iris said hopefully.

"Yes, and cake."

"Chocolate?"

Kaede smiled. "Of course."

"Cake! Cake! Cake! Cake!" Iris chanted. "Oh! And starchy foods!"

"Iris, we'll have all your favorites," Seth said patiently. It wasn't like Peri was going to eat them.

"Yaaaaay!" Iris squealed. "I want to give Peri a teddy bear!"

"A teddy bear? Where would we put it?"

"On the bridge! Captain Teddy!"

Martyn laughed. "Okay, we'll find one for you."

"I wanna find it," Iris pouted. "And it has to be pink!"

"All right, starlight. We'll go shopping," Martyn said. "Seth, we'll leave the rest to you."

"Sure," Seth said. The two left, and Seth looked at his crew.

"Peri's expecting a present from us, too," he said. Kaede made a face.

"What the heck do you give a spaceship?" she asked.

"I was wondering the same thing," Seth said dryly. "I don't think we can get away with a teddy bear."

"It enjoys Iris' media," Matteo replied. "Maybe we can give it...a game based on some media?"

"Peri devours those. We need something that'll keep it occupied for more than five seconds. Literally."

Matteo looked stumped. Kaede shook her head.

"We've got to think outside the box. What would a machine get use out of? And 'a good polish' is not the right answer," she said, glaring at Matteo, who closed his mouth.

The crew and their captain sat in thought. Finally Seth said, "it's disembodied, isn't it? I mean, it doesn't have a body like the rest of us."

"I suppose," Kaede said. Seth grinned.

"I know what to get it," he said. "Let's get to work."

Two weeks later the crew had Peri's first birthday party. Peri enjoyed watching its humans play silly games, including pin-the-appendage-on-the-fauna, and eating cake (although Iris wore more cake than she ate). But it was by far the most excited to open the two packages it knew contained its very first birthday presents. Well, Iris would open them, anyway.

Is it present time? it asked eagerly as Seth finished wiping cake off of Iris. Seth nodded. "Iris, would you open the presents, please?"

"Mine first! Mine first!" Iris squealed, and grabbed a hot pink box. She ripped it open and pulled out an equally pink teddy bear. "Look, Peri! I got you a teddy bear!"

Thank you, Peri answered seriously. Can we put it in my engine room?

"Whereever you want," Seth replied. "Iris, if you--"

Iris was already ripping the packaging on Peri's second present to shreds. When she pulled out its contents she looked confused.

"What is it?" It was a machine of some sort, the same size as Iris, with a large dome top and several wiggly metal arms underneath.

"It's a very special drone," Seth said. "Peri, try it."

Curious, Peri downloaded a part of itself into the drone. It floated in the air and the arms wiggled. Iris giggled and grabbed one. "Hello, Peri," she said, and shook it like a handshake.

Hello, Iris, Peri said, and shook back. The drone gently wrapped two arms around her like a hug.

Thank you, Peri said quietly, its feed voice filled with emotion. I love it.

Seth smiled. "Happy birthday, Peri."

[teatitty]

There's a scene in the Orichalcos arc where Weevil taunts Atem with a card he claims can save Yugi before ripping it in front of him and Atem loses his shit and proceeds to beat the fuck out of him by having his monsters attack him 7 times, and probably would've gone for more if Anzu hadn't stopped him

I've seen many theories saying that these 7 hits were for the 5 exodia cards Weevil threw off the ship with the last two hits being for the two cards Joey risked his life to save. But I call bullshit on that and propose this:

Amnesiac or not, numbers have a lot of importance in various mythologies and cultures worldwide. In Irish myth, you'll see a lot of 3's and 9's. In Egyptian lore one of the numbers most present is 7. In this moment of rage fuelled grief, I fully believe Atem instinctually regressed to his pharaoh days and was doling out a divine punishment on Weevil. If he had continued attacking, I think he would've capped off at 14 hits, the exact number of body parts that the god Seth cut Osiris into so he could be scattered all over Egypt - 7 body parts in upper Egypt and 7 more in lower Egypt

In this moment, Atem starts off as the grieving Isis desperately willing to do anything to bring her lover [Osiris] back from the dead but the second Weevil rips up the card, he becomes the angry Seth who cuts Osiris into pieces in the first place. Because if Anzu hadn't stopped him he may well have fallen to his own rage and the seal itself and never been able to get Yugi back as a result

Thank you for coming to my short essay on mythology symbolism and how it applies to Atem, the pharaoh of egypt himself *drops mic and walks off stage*

[pesedjet]

hi guys. i know my entire blog is like. ancient egypt based. and thats because ancient egypt is my number one special interest. but you also know whats my number two special interest? ennead.

like idgaf if you dont like ennead. like genuinely. that is your own personal opinion. i, some random fuckass on the internet, is not here to tell you that you should like ennead. it deals with very heavy topics that i, myself, find uncomfortable.

however.

it is also apparent that some of you guys havent read ennead. which, ynknow. is fine. you do not need to read things that make you uncomfortable. however, i think the discussion about whether or not ennead is a good "kemet mythology" interpretation would be benefited if you guys read—nay, skimmed—over a good chunk of s1. or hell, even looked outside of the mythology/religion aspect and into the bl biosphere as a whole.

why is x character light skinned? because that was mojito's artistic interpretation. also, light-skinned bottoms paired with a larger, buffer dark-skinned top is a very prevalent trope in bl/yaoi. why is ra a woman? because shes based off raet-tawy, the feminine form of ra. why is osiris the bad guy? because that was mojito's interpretation. why is rape (towards seth) so heavily prevalent in ennead? because the men in seth's life saw him as a mere object, and the repeated assault not only reinforces the toxic masculinity osiris has pushed onto him, but also that he is worth nothing. unfortunately, it is integral to his character in ennead (as we seen in s2-ep107, the only person who treated him as a person and not as a body to fuck is horus).

ENNEAD IS NOT SUPPOST TO BE A 100% INTERPRETATION OF THE EGYPTIAN MYTH. MOJITO HAS LITERALLY SAID THAT. the more yall harp about the "inconsistencies" (that are very much artistic interpretation on mojitos part), the more i want to rip out my hair. (in my opinion,) ennead also has one of the better ancient egyptian god designs that arent mecha/bulky/extremely pop-culture based. is it better than more personal interpretation of the gods? no, it cant beat that. but the fact you guys think its orientalism drives me nuts.

edit: also, i should add—it's much funner to digest ennead if you dont view it from the lenses of bl but instead some really slowburn mystery type of shit. dont discredit mojito, shes put a lot of work and love into the series (hell, the hieroglyphs in the manhwa are literally translatable) not for you bitches to go "actually, this shit fucking sucks"

[sehtoast]

Tender Threads CH4 (Homelander x OC)

chapter four: the new you

chapter directory | slow burn, hurt/comfort, fluff, spidersona as original character, original trans male character, smut, sublander

summary: time to look the part, little spider. out with the old, in with the new.

With every job comes the good and the bad.  Up until now, it had been mostly… fine?  Not awful by any stretch, but Benjamin hasn’t had much to complain about.  Again, until now.

He’s been in this office for hours.  Fucking hours.  One would think Stillwell would’ve at least warned him that the two men prattling off marketing and merchandising concepts never took a breath between their eight trillion sentences, but no.  

Not even a smidge.

Good ol’ Seth and Evan…  

Benjamin finally snaps back to attention when the topic shifts for the umpteenth time, though not by the grace of a whiteboard eraser wiping away sloppy diagrams and stick figures.  This time the two jump halfway across the room to a sheeted mannequin that has been begging to be unveiled the entire time.

“And so, obviously, we were thinking that it was time for a fresh image!  Something flashy, something… you.”  Seth– or was it Evan– says with a child-like giddiness. 

“The pros in the design department worked overtime for this one.  You’ll love it!”  Evan– or… Seth, perhaps, chips in, just as eager as his hive-mind counterpart.

“What’s wrong with my suit now?”  Ben asks, voice scratchy from how long he’s sat in silence.  And why the fuck do you guys alternate sentences like that… eesh. 

But there was no reason not to anticipate this.  In fact, the bug could practically smack himself upside the head for not even entertaining the idea.  He was a product now… and he had to remember that.  They’ll change everything about him to better fit their image.  Well, everything he hadn’t been able to protect under his contract.

“Spider-Man,” rings that mother-knows-best voice the bug has come to know all too well.  “There’s nothing wrong with your current,” she pauses for a moment, pursing her lips as if thinking of a way to call him shabby without being too backhanded.  “Homemade suit.”

Yeah… still backhanded.

“We just think you’re deserving of something a little more… special.  After all, you’re in The Seven now.  You deserve to look the part.  Have all the toys, and so on.  Who doesn’t like an upgrade?”

“And just wait til you see what we’ve got for you!” Says one of the duo. The pair take their spot on either side of the mannequin and grab a handful of the cover.

Please don’t suck.  Please, please don’t suck.

Ben’s mind runs to the worst ideas possible.  What if they changed his colors?  What if they pull some bullshit with the mask and it’ll only conceal his face partially?  That’s in the contract– they fucking know better– what if–

The sheet is ripped away faster than he can process it.

This suit of his… It’s always been Benjamin’s second skin.  His armor against the world.  Silly as it was, his suit was a part of him.  An identity, perhaps.

And now a new one stares back at him almost as if it yearns to be chosen. This new skin, this new him.  

Ben rises slowly from the couch to circle it, inspecting every little detail.  The subtle things.  The not so subtle things…

The spider emblem had been enlarged, nearly as long as the whole torso.  The legs cut off where red once met blue– now black– on the sides.  An interesting color choice, and one probably meant to ensure his scheme wasn’t too similar to Homelander’s.  Gray accent lines run through the blackened sections in intricate patterns, weaving a hexagonal texture.

Ben reaches out to touch it despite his own gloves shielding him from sensation.

The new suit’s webbing textures are raised slightly from the body, and the sections are larger too.  It’s less… cluttered this way.  Undeniably easier on the eyes.  His hand slides up to the shoulders where the signature Vought V logo is stamped in a white, leather-like material.  Sure to never fade and certainly never go unnoticed.

Down the arms, paper thin lines of dark red dance sporadically, damn near indistinguishable from the black of the suit.  An oddity catches the bug’s attention.

The same V shape on the shoulders is at the wrists, right where his webs emerge, almost as if to function as funnels.  Something to spare him the design flaw of the unsightly holes in his current suit.

Rounded, friendlier looking lenses stare into his very soul.

He can hear the sound of those two yammering on about… something, but he doesn’t process a word of it.

This is him now.  It’s like an energy emanates from it, begging for a symbiotic relationship.  Benjamin feeds the image and, in return, the image feeds him security.

Whether or not he’ll feel… whole like this remains to be seen, but… it could’ve been so much worse.

“Well,”  Stillwell says abruptly.  “It won’t put itself on.  Bathroom’s right there.” 

Ben steps back as Seth and Evan strip the suit away from the mannequin, all but force it into his hands, and shuffle him into the bathroom.  Hell, they even shut the door behind him as a courtesy.

The process of stripping is still its old painful self.  Indentations of seams on skin, elastic marks, and especially that flattened mask-hair Ben always dreads.  And what a wreck he is in the mirror.  Dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, uneven scruff on his jaw that he definitely needed to shave at least two days ago, anxiety-bitten lips…

Christ, man.  Look at you…

But it’s not like he could blame himself.  Between the daily antics of settling in at Vought and being the same ol’ hero at night– which had been strongly discouraged, by the way– Benjamin hasn’t had any time to take care of himself, nor sleep more than the odd half hour here or there.

Is that a fucking pimple??  Eughh…. Wash your as soon as you’re home.  Hell, do it now.

He lets the tap warm up a bit before scrubbing frantically at his face, only half tempted to use whatever antibacterial gunk Stillwell kept in her private bathroom.  At least the water wakes him up a little.

The new suit comes with its own challenges, but is somehow easier to put on.  The material quality is leagues better and it allows for stretching much more willingly.  In fact, it’s damn near completely comfortable… breathable, even.  

The back zipper though… That one would be Benjamin’s enemy until the day he either died or hung up the spandex.  

The mask takes him by surprise when he lifts it.  It has an odd weight to it, not necessarily heavy but definitely not what a mask should weigh.  He flips it inside out and the culprit is a solution to all of his woes.  

Gone are the days of a face shell to make him look a little less ridiculous and keep dental work off his list of injury expenses, now replaced by– judging by pressing his thumbs– thin padding liners full of some variety of what he assumed to be oobleck.  Solid when force was applied, soft when left to settle.  They hit all the sweet spots, too.  Jaw, cheekbones, temples…

One last look in the mirror, and he slips it on.

“What the fu–”

Ben stumbles backward a bit as load screens and transparent windows stack upon one another in his field of view.  Welcome messages, tutorial pop ups– the whole nine yards.  His eyes rake frantically through everything, trying to peer past the overload.  He swats his arms as if to smack the windows away, but they go nowhere.

He shuts his eyes tight, sighing with deep frustration.  One more fucking headache…

That seems to have disappeared the second he reopens them.

Huh…

And then he does a double take.  Just as his brows were, his lenses were arched.  The bug leans over the vanity and gets damn near nose to nose with himself, wiggling his eyebrows, widening and squinting his eyes, watching with fascination and disdain at his now emotive lenses.

He groans.

No more making bitchy faces behind the mask, huh?

Gone were the days where he could roll his eyes and hide his flippant reactions behind the mask. That’s probably exactly why Vought would spend god only knows how much money developing tech like this. Marketing likely decided he needed to be personable, not just another blank face like Noir.

When he finally gets the gumption to exit the bathroom, the two are all but biting at his ankles.  “How is it?” They ask in their nearly creepy unison.

“It’s uh…” Ben starts, wondering exactly what the decorum rules were for conveying a complaint.  “About halfway up my ass.”  Not a lie.  “Can we adjust that later or–”

“Absolutely not!” Chirps one of the two.  “Polls show the ladies love a man in tights, and you’re sure to see an uptick in approval if you flaunt what you’ve got!”

Christ…  

Ben decides not to dignify that with a response.

Stillwell lets loose a brief, pleased chuckle.  “Well gentlemen, a job well done as always.”  She praises, ushering them to the door.  Ben arches a brow at their audible hoots and hollers of celebration as they make their way down the hall.  “Now, Spider-Man, how are you finding things at Vought so far?”

If false sincerity had a smell, she’d be stinking up the room.

“I’m uh… I’m good.”  Ben shuffles, tilting his head from side to side to convey the so-so-ness of his state.  Not that it’s been bad, but it hasn’t necessarily been good.  And how could it be, really?  His whole life was uprooted by the American Jesus himself.  A smooth transition was helpful, but the start was still awful.

“Just good?”  Suddenly a concerned look not unlike a mother tending to her tearful child flickers over her features.  “Has anyone been giving you trouble?”

“No, no– it’s just a lot, y’know?”  

“I understand.  You should know how glad we all are that you came around to the offer.”

Coerced, but sure…

“You were our top pick, after all.” She says with a tilt of the head and a soft smile.

If the vibe wasn’t so damn off-putting, she might actually be kind of sweet.  Benjamin might just buy into that mother dearest tone if it wasn't for that unsettling, opportunistic corporate zombie look in her eyes.

“Now I know you’re already acquainted with Homelander, but it’s certainly about time you met the rest of the team.  Follow me…”

[adudelolwriting]

(reblogs > likes!)

Tim and Jay were sitting next to each other on the ratty couch that they had recently bought, sharing one blanket together as they watch shitty horror movies together. Jay was resting his head on Tim's shoulder, taking comfort in the other's heartbeat (which totally didn't spike whenever there was a jumpscare, sure). 

Suspenseful music played as a creature stalks the main character — some blond girl Jay couldn't remember the name of when a knock on their real door caused the two to jump, hastily pausing the horror movie. 

"It's after midnight, why is someone knocking?" Jay whisper-hissed as he feels his nerves light on fire. Tim gets up and grabs a metal baseball bat, and Jay is half tempted to grab his camera and record — but he promised Tim, so he ripped his eyes away from the camcorder and focused on Tim.

Tim adjusted the bat in his grasp, slowly unlocking the door. He swung it open and jumps back, prepared to swing at whatever—

"Brian?" 

Brian? "What?" Jay looks past Tim's shoulder, and sure enough — it was Brian sheepishly standing at the door, hands raised in the air. He was dirty and covered in mud (or blood) and had several rips and tears in his clothes. His hair was long and matted, and parts of the hoodie were torn off and wrapped around as makeshift bandages.

"I thought you were dead." Tim seemed hesitant. Tim had watched Brian die, Alex even taunted it. But here Brian was, standing in front of them, looking like he went through hell and back. Which, they all had, but it looks ten times worse for Brian right now. 

"I'm glad you guys haven't moved," Brian sighs, keeping his hands out of his pockets. "I… I don't remember a lot from the past few years, but… I — My phone, it was open to a Youtube channel that you guys made..? I watched a few of them, and — I don't remember any of it."

Tim glanced back at Jay, who shrugged. Jay jerked his head, and Tim rolled his eyes before moving out of the way of the doorframe. "Come in. I — A lot happened."

Brian did as he was told, and in the light it was so much easier to see the deepened eyebags around him. The light stubble he had worn during college had shifted into a complete five o'clock shadow. Jay guided him to the couch, glancing between Tim and Brian. "Do you want any water, or anything?" Jay asks, helping Brian sit down. The taller one shook his head. "Okay. Uh. What's the last thing you remember?"

…

……

College. 

The last thing Brian remembers was back in college.

Eight years ago. Brian lost eight years of his life, not in control, being manipulated by something nonhuman. 

Jay and Tim listened in stunned silence. Quickly enough, they explained what had happened during those eight years — particularly the past five, when Jay was recording everything and archiving it online. They explain ToTheArk, Hoodie's response channel, or whatever its cryptic messages were, and how Hoodie had tried to help them in its own way. 

Benedict Hall was fuzzy for Jay, and so Tim took over, gratefully passing over the whole Alex shot and nearly killed Jay bit. Tim hesitantly says that he saw Hoodie die. That Hoodie was left on the concrete flooring before being taken by the Operator. 

It shouldn't be possible. You don't come back from the dead.

But yet, both Jay and Brian sat in front of Tim. Jay, who was shot and nearly bled to death, who was only able to run away from the Operator from pure adrenaline. And Brian, who fell, cracking his skull, bleeding out — the one who didn't escape from the Operator, somehow in front of Tim right now, here, alive.

(If only the same could be for the Operator's other victims. Seth, Amy, Sarah. Jessica. Alex himself.)

God, Tim could cry right here. Brian was here. Brian was alive. 

But… Tim isn't. The old Tim, the one who Brian knew, who he was friends with, that Tim was dead. Dead left and forgotten the moment the Operator leached onto Alex, the moment he hunted them, tried to kill them.  

Instead, it was this broken shell of a man left. So much trauma hollowed out Tim's body to save itself, to carve out every last little bit that Tim had. 

(That's not true, he reminds himself, you're here with Jay. He's helped you.)

Tim felt something squeeze his hand, and he looked up to meet Jay in the eyes. Tim likes to think that during their time together, Tim had been able to learn how to read Jay well. He saw dozens of thoughts floating in the other's head. Concern happy worried concern wary trust concern concern.

Tim puts a small smile on his face. Okay happy trust.

Jay nods, and turns to Brian. "Do… Do you want some new clothes? You've… been wearing that — that hoodie for way too long, and, uh… it's not a great thing." 

Brian startled, as if now just realizing that. "Oh — yes, dude, please. This stinks so badly." He quickly peeled the hoodie off of himself, wincing when it brushed the back of his head. The poor thing had been Brian's favorite article of clothing — he called it a comfort hoodie? Or something like that.

It's seen better days, that's for sure. The sleeves were torn and falling apart, holes covered the sleeves, the pocket seam was coming undone. Not to mention the several stains the thing had — from dirt to grass stains to blood. It looked like it was eight years old, truely.

Brian handed it off to Jay, who's face wrinkled when he picked it up. "I dunno if this'll, uh… live after a wash." Jay glanced to Brian, who's face fell before shaking it off. "No, yeah, that makes sense…"

"I'll try it, maybe. Put it on an easy setting. I'll be right back with a shirt," Jay said before walking out of the room, leaving Tim and Brian alone. It still didn't feel real. It's been how long? Six months? And Tim had grieved over Brian. They held a mock funeral for him a week after it all ended.

Only to see Brian alive. 

(Alive, alive, alive.)

"This isn't a dream, right?" Tim mostly spoke to himself, falling onto the couch. "You're here? You're actually here?"

"I'm here," Brian said, a smile on his face, proudly displaying the tooth gap he had. Tim watched as the corners of his eyes crinkle, the dimple on his face showing itself. All the small details Tim had nearly forgotten about. Tim lurched forward, pulling Brian into a hug, tightly clinging to the other.

Brian wrapped his arms around Tim, whispering quiet nothings and silent promises. Just like late nights during college, the two held onto each other and wept. Tim cried for the first time since college. The last time he cried was the last time he held onto Brian, clinging onto his shirt back in their small bedroom. 

If he tried hard enough, he could pretend everything was okay, that it was just the homework piling up again, or some rude students, or whatever stupid excuse to pretend their reality wasn't the real one. Too fall back into a false fantasy. 

Tim heard Jay clear his throat, and he pulled away from Brian. A Brian who went through eight years worth of trauma and abuse, but remembers none of it. A Brian who has been damaged but doesn't know how. A Brian who is still full of so much love, who could never hurt his friends. 

"Sorry," Tim mumbles, glancing away from the other two. He… when was the last time he was hugged, besides just now? "Didn't… mean to cry all over you."

"Dude, Tim, you're fine. You looked like you needed it." Brian tells Tim before taking the shirt that Jay was offering. "I'm not as uh, tall as you, so it'll probably be a bit short, sorry." Brian waves him off, putting on the clean shirt and physically relaxing.

"Gods, it feels nice to be in a clean shirt again," Brian sighed, before glancing down at one of the yellow stripes of fabric tied around his arm. "I wonder what happened to me," he said, poking at the makeshift bandage. 

"A lot happened to all of us," Jay sighs, joining them on the couch, sitting on the other side of Tim. "It's… It's over now, though, we don't have to worry about it anymore."

"We can get you some meds, like the ones I took in college," Tim says, looking into Brian's eyes, "they help with any… symptoms from the Operator."

"Symptoms?" Brian asked, confused. 

"Yeah, they're brutal. Migraines, dizziness, confusion. Seizures. Waking up in the middle of Rosswood with no idea how you got there," Tim says, head leaning onto the back of the couch. "The coughing sucks. It never truly goes away, either. At least I'm not coughing up blood all the time, you know?"

"....No??" Brian looks very concerned. "Are you okay? This shit — it sounds like it's even worse than it was!"

"Heavy contact with the Operator does that," Tim says with a simple shrug. "The pills help, though. The hooded figure, er — you, I guess, stole them from me a lot." He really didn't like to think of Brian, out in the middle of the woods, struggling by himself. 

"How are you just — so calm over this?"

"We've had eight years," Jay speaks up from the other side of Tim. "Well, probably closer to five, or something. But you just gotta go with the flow for this kinda stuff and hope it doesn't get you killed." 

Brian's eyes flash over to Jay, trying to scan him. 

He was… so much more different than the Jay Brian remembers. They both were. Brian, he had watched a few of the Marble Hornets youtube videos, skipping through them. 

Brian remembers watching one where Tim and Jay were arguing in a parking lot, in the middle of the night. But they seemed… better now. Were they free from the torment haunting them? "God…" Brian muttered, running a bare hand through his nasty hair. "This is so much. So much happened. And I was a part of that."

"It's —" Brian doesn't miss the glance Jay shoots Tim. "It's fine. We're glad you're uh, alive. We thought you were dead." 

"You weren't in control of yourself, Brian," Tim speaks up, squeezing one of Brian's hands. "It — something similar happened to me, with a masked guy. You weren't in control of yourself."

Brian's voice cracks as he speaks, "something like this happened to you too?"

"Yeah. I think the, uh… the hooded figure liked to steal my meds to bring out the masked guy. That's one of my theories, anyway," Tim says. "I think… that everyone who is affected by the Operator gets some weird time fuckery shit happen to them. I would lose days to weeks of my life 'cause of it."

Jay hums. "I lost seven months, one time. Woke up in the hotel with no idea how I got there."

"At least you woke up in a bed," Tim chuckles, a smile on his face. "Most of the time I woke up face down in the mud."

Brian watches as Jay and Tim laugh at that, an inside joke. A smile fell on Brian's face — at least they seemed happier now. Hell, they looked healthier. Jay didn't have any eyebacks nearly as deep under his eyes, and he didn't look like he was slowly starving to death, either.

Tim looked better, too. Happier. He wasn't constantly looking over his shoulder, and his eyes shone brighter. 

…

A few hours had passed since Brian knocked on the door. It was probably close to four am, and Brian had shuffled off to use their shower. "I can't believe he's been alive this whole time," Jay whispered, leaning against Tim. "We can't just kick him out after this, right?"

"Of course not," Tim whispered back, listening to the shower run through the nearby wall. "We can't — We're the only ones left, Jay. We have to stick together."

Jay hums in acknowledgement. "Might have to sleep on the couch for a while. We only have the one bed. Could move it into the bedroom, though, if he wants to be nearby. God knows I would…"

"I'm fine with that, if he is. We'll ask him once he gets out there."

Eventually, Brian leaves the shower and agrees to sleep in the same room as the pair. Together, they all lift and move the couch into the bedroom, pushing it up under a window. 

It doesn't matter, though. By the time morning comes, the three were in the same bed, under the same blanket, cuddling together. I could get used to this, Brian thought, snoring slightly in his sleep. 

[edgessunflower]

Stand

Pairing: Dominik Mysterio x Fem reader

Description: You and Dom help each other stand in life and grow together falling in love

You feel like a candle in a hurricane just like a picture with a broken frame alone and helpless like you've lost your fight but you'll be alright you'll be alright

You and Dom met 5 months into your career and a year in his becoming immediate friends, always cheering the other on backstage or ring side during a match being there when the other is hurt or down never afraid to jump in when necessary even when you'd be threatened only ending with bruises and a cracked rib from Brock Lesnar while trying to help Dom and his dad Rey, later on being hit with a kendo stick by Seth Rollins when you jumped in the ring to help dom after fighting off seth and Murphy sticking even more to each other after the incident taking revenge side by side against seth with rey and murphy with him and his family.

Cause when push comes to shove you taste what you're made of you might bend til you break cause it's all you can take on your knees you look up decide you've had enough you get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off then you stand, then you stand

You helped each other train new moves as your careers and friendship went on using most in the ring during matches including a tag team one you both named mismatch where dom slides and knocks the person off their feet pulling them back up and quickly wrapping his arms behind their neck against the ropes while you spin kicked them followed by the two of you interlocking your arms and feet rocking against the ropes until you both let go pulling one part of their body with you leading to their lower neck and lower back landing on one of your knees landing on the mat followed by one of you pinning the opponent while the other cheered which became a fan favorite and during the first year of your career you became a close member of the family even being called Mija by his parents and Hermosa by his sister Aalyah which helped improve your confidence and well being and you did the same for him.

Life's like a novel with the end ripped out the edge of the canyon with only one way down take what you're given before it's gone start holding on keep holding on cause when push comes to shove you taste what you're made of you might bend til you break cause it's all you can take on your knees you look up decide you've had enough

You noticed how dom slowly lost his spark and his warm and overflowing happiness he had ever since you met him knowing something wasn't right trying to figure it out until it all came two different nights, the first when in order to protect rey he agreed to join the Judgement Day with Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley who he seemed to be entranced by, the second night being when you were asleep waking up from your phone ringing answering to hear dom panting and sniffling immediately going to his house to find him crying on the floor holding and hugging you "I don't want to lose you but I don't want to be under my dad's shadow and feel so broken anymore" you hold him the rest of the night talking to him and supporting his decision to join judgement day having him realize that night he was in love with you standing in his corner and by his side despite the looks and whispers from the three members and the surprise jumping from rhea occasionally but you never backed down always proving yourself in each match with dom cheering you on slowly gaining a new type of self confidence and he looked even happier than you had ever seen him before despite many fans now hating him for the decision but you as well which hurt but you never let it take you over even going head to head with rhea and winning.

You get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off then you stand, then you stand every time you get up and get back in the race one more small piece of you starts to fall into place cause when push comes to shove you taste what you're made of you might bend til you break cause it's all you can take on your knees you look up decide you've had enough you get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off then you stand

After winning against rhea you were welcomed into judgement day with open arms and becoming even more loved by fans, realizing you had feelings for dom wondering what to do until the three each gave you advice and gave you the support you needed gaining the confidence and courage to tell him and you finally decided to after his match against Shelton Benjamin 5 months later running in the ring and hugging him leading to the sudden idea to tell him when you all went backstage celebrating his victory texting damian letting him know what your plan was, he nodded as he took finn and rhea away from you and dom pulling him into his dressing room locking the door taking a deep breath as you turn to look at each other with a mix of emotions that you separately held in for a long while.

Then you stand yeah then you stand yeah yeah baby woo hoo, woo hoo, woo hoo, then you stand yeah yeah

You sigh looking at the floor as he starts to say something but you stop him "Dom listen I...I have wanted to tell you this but I know I have to tell you that I love you" you stare at him with the surprise look on his face that turned to a smile and a laugh in relief as he hugs you. "I have wanted to tell you for so long but also I have wanted to show you if you want to go back to my hotel room" you laugh as the two of you hand in hand leave and head back to his hotel across town texting damian on the way saying that you and dom were going to turn in for the night adding the side eye emoji walking in his room turning your phones on mute and soon the two of you were entangled together in comfortable silence as you looked up laughing sweetly at the look on his face. "What's on your mind Mi querido?" he shakes his head as he stares at you more "What?" you smile as he caresses your face "Nothing just glad I met you...but I am grateful that now I'll always have you" you hold each other sharing a gentle and slow kiss before you lay your head on his chest and the both of you molded together "Te amo mucho mi alma" you smile as he looks down at you laughing sweetly kissing your nose "Look at you speaking my native tongue te quiero mas mi vida" you fall asleep texting damian while eating breakfast that morning, a picture you both took last night watching movies earning cheers and whistles from the three when they saw the texts.

[kassies-take]

If You Created A New Order

<Prev || Part 20 || Next>

Sam: *runs to Emily, hugs and kisses her*

Emily: you’re hurt

Sam: *pink scars all over his body, some bites still open* there’s a new alpha

Emily: *worried* Jacob?

You: wrong Black *courtesies* there will be a council meeting later tonight. The pack will join us there

Emily: *hugs you and goes to the kitchen to prep food*

You and Sam: *eats*

Sam: thank you for saving my life

You: *teases* well I couldn’t let the pack be Jacob’s army now could I

Sam: *pushes your shoulders*

You:*smiles* before tonight, I don’t want you to be caught off guard. I want to you to be my Beta.

Sam: *smiles* I would be honored.

You: *nods* okay I’m off *stands* thanks for the food Emily! *leaves*

Rosalie: *perks up, puts your copy of “The Revenge of the Rochester Bride”down and looks at the balcony*

Alice: *sing songy* a wolf is here

Emmett: or rather someone’s wolf is here

Rosalie: *glares and gets up*

Quinn: don’t be like that Rosie

Rosalie: *throws the book at Quinn*

Carlisle: *opens the door for you*

You: Carlisle Hi. I may need you to look over my left side again

Carlisle: you shifted? *examines you*

Rosalie: *frowns* Sam made you shift?!

You: *sees Rosalie and smiles* Jacob… challenged for Alpha. It requires the whole pack to shift in the “ceremony”

Carlisle: the bones aren’t broken. They should heal on its own, just don’t shift until then please

You: *holds Rosalie’s hand and kisses it* There is a council meeting once the sun has set to discuss new… rules. as the leader of your coven you’re expected to be there.

The Cullens: *stiffen* of course

You: *nods* if you don’t mind can I steal Rosalie away

Rosalie: *beams*

Emmett: *sings* Rosalie and (Y/n) sitting in a tree!

Quinn: *sings* K I S S I N G!

Jasper: *proper* First comes love

Rosalie: *drags you out of the house*

Alice: Can I plan your wedding!

Rosalie: NO

You: *laughs*

You and Rosalie: *sits at the two-tier waterfall*

You: they’re cute

Rosalie: *groans* they’re annoying

You: the pack is the same

Rosalie: what’s going to happen now that Jacob is Alpha

You: nothing because he isn’t Alpha *sheepish smile* You’re looking at the new Alpha

Rosalie: *concern* you fought while you were injured?!

You: Carlisle said I was fine! *pulls her into a back hug and butterfly kisses her cheek*

Rosalie: stop I’m mad at you

You: *stops* tell me what I can do to stop you being mad

Rosalie: if Jacob challenged how did you become Alpha

You: Jacob already won, Sam surrendered and instead of acknowledging the change in leadership Jacob continued attacking almost killing Sam. I fought back to stop him…

Rosalie: *spins around in your lap* so what are your new rules?

You: *moves her hair behind her ear* the only one important to you is: if you want you can come onto our land. You are part of the pack now and though the pack loves you, the same can’t be said for your brothers and sisters

Rosalie: *raises eyebrows* they love me?

You: hard not to when their Alpha loves you

Rosalie: you love me?

You: *holds her hand to your heart* I do love you *smiles*

Rosalie: *sparkles from the sun seeping through clouds*

You: god you’re beautiful. *mesmerized* can I kiss you?

Rosalie: I love you too *leans in to kiss you*

~~~~~

You and Rosalie: *holds hands and reaches the campfire*

You: it might take the pack some getting use to, but as an imprint you get to listen in on our meetings

Rosalie: I won’t tell the others

You: I’m not worried about that

Jacob: *snarls and blocks your way* what is she doing here. I’ll rip you apart for stepping foot on our lands.

You: *orders* SIT. DOWN

Jacob: *falters and sits down*

Rosalie: *bites her lip*

Paul: *sings* you wanna kiss the girl

Jared: yes, you want her

Embry: *joins* Look at her, you know you do

Quil: *joins* possible she want you too

You: okay enough.

Seth: *sings* There is one way to ask her

The Pack: *cackles*

Leah: go on and kiss the girl *puckers her lips*

You: not you too!

Rosalie: *whispers* it didn’t take long

You: no it didn’t *kisses Rosalie*

The Pack: *wooing, giggling, barking*

Old Quil: *grumbles* can we start this meeting now

You: we’re actually waiting for one more person

Carlisle: *arrives* thank you for inviting me

Billy, Old Quil and Jacob: *grumbles*

Sam: thank you for coming

You: I won’t keep you long Carlisle. Decades ago your family made a treaty with the pack. For the sake of the pack I would like to make two exceptions. Rosalie is allowed to come and go as she pleases.

Carlisle: *nods* and the other

You: I will allow Bella to be changed

Jacob: *growls* you can’t do that

Old Quil: this breaks law

You: and that is why we change them.

You: *ignores him* Bella’s involvement with our world has indirectly put my people and the people of Forks in danger, if by changing her can limit that I will allow it. *turns to the pack* All in favor raise your hands

The Pack: *shocked they get a say*

Sam: *hand shoots up*

The Pack and Sue: *raises hand*

Old Quil, Billy and Jacob: *keeps their hand down*

You: then it’s decided *holds out hand for Carlisle to shake*

Carlisle: *shakes your hand* my family and I thank you for your gratitude. we will not abuse this decision *smiles at Rosalie and leaves*

You: that settles that. Next order of business. Beta. I have chosen Sam. He has been Alpha before and his experience would help as second in command. That decision is final.

Billy: the Black line should retain leadership

Sue: a member of the Black line is Alpha, Billy

The Pack: *murmurs*

Leah: *leans towards you* as your best friend I would think you’d would choose me as your Beta

You: you are my best friend and so much of your life has changed because of this. I know you want a life outside of the pack, the first chance you get to stop shifting I want you to take that. I don’t want to hold you back from that.

Leah: *smiles and nods*

Rosalie: *squeeze your hand*

Sue: (Y/n) anything else.

You: yes. The one thing I was heavily against when I first joined was not being able to talk to those I usually talked to. And while the Council recommends that the Pack cuts ties I don’t believe that is necessary.

Old Quil and Billy: *protests*

You: our lives shouldn’t be dropped for JUST the pack. As long as the pack is not mentioned or their duty

Jacob: and what if they slip

You: then there will be consequences

Billy: and something happens? What if someone sees something they shouldn’t

You: then it can be addressed when it happens.

Sam: *nods* the pack members have been better about controlling the shift and I believe they have enough control to handle high stress situations they may find themselves in

You: *turns to the council* I know recent events have not been the best but the tribe’s protection has always been in my best interest. If a situation occurs where I am not equipped. I will ask the council and the pack on their to help make a decision.

Billy: *nods*

Billy, Old Quil and Jacob: *leave*

Rosalie: *smirks* Alpha is a good look on you

Sam: I have to agree *pats you on the back*

Paul: *pack call chirps and smacks your back*

You and Rosalie: Hey!

The Pack: *tries to do the same*

You: no! *runs away* still injured!

Leah: not injured enough to run

The Pack: *chases after you*

Emily: *walks up to Rosalie* you get use to it

[night-dark-woods]

finished Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, 5/5.

its a historical fiction biography of thomas cromwell & his role in the reformation in england (& henry viii's divorce) and it's just really wonderfully executed. helps that that style of coming of age + court intrigue/politicking is one of my favorite types of books.

really really tight neat prose, did not feel like a nearly 700 page book at all. the author is also phenomenal at character work and can sketch out a deeply believable character in a few sentences. really enjoyable read and ive picked up the next two in the trilogy to read.

it was on my tbr bc seth dickinson mentioned it in their reddit ama, i think explicitly as partial inspiration for baru (that part may have been in an interview tho?) and theres a few parts of it where that impact feels like it really shines thru:

"Now," he says, "we will put this book on your desk. So that you can be consoled by it when nothing seems to add up at all."

He has great hopes of Thomas Avery. It's easy to employ some child who will total the columns and push them under your nose, get them initialed and then lock them in a chest. But what's the point of that? The page of an accounts book is there for your use, like a love poem. It's not there for you to nod and then dismiss it; it's there to open your heart to possibility. It's like the scriptures: it's there for you to think about, and initiate action. Love your neighbor. Study the market. Increase the spread of benevolence. Bring in better figures next year.

&

"Your task is to secure the north. Percys and Howards between them defend us against Scotland. Now suppose Percy cannot do it. Your men will not fight for a kind word-"

"They are my tenants, it is their duty to fight."

"But my lord, they need supply, they need provision, they need arms, they need walls and forts in good repair. If you cannot ensure these things you are worse than useless. The king will take your title away, and your land, and your castles, and give them to someone who will do the job you cannot."

"He will not. He respects all ancient titles. All ancient rights."

"Then let's say I will." Let's say I will rip your life apart. Me and my banker friends.

How can he explain to him? The world is not run from where he thinks. Not from his border fortresses, not even from Whitehall. The world is run from Antwerp, from Florence, from places he has never imagined; from Lisbon, from where the ships with sails of silk drift west and are burned up in the sun. Not from castle walls, but from countinghouses, not by the call of the bugle but by the click of the abacus, not by the grate and click of the mechanism of the gun but by the scrape of the pen on the page of the promissory note that pays for the gun and the gunsmith and the powder and shot.

[mcalhenwrites]

The Hostile Credence excerpt

To go with my posts about dragon lore and characters that I posted yesterday! This hasn't been edited in a long while, and it's a bit old (I wrote it in 2014 or 2015, I think?), so what you read here will be polished up later on. But I like this scene. :) ~~~~~

Ewan let go of Niven’s hand. They knelt on the platform of wood raised a few inches off the walkway.  It circled around the marble Pillar. Niven placed his hands on the surface of the stone. Water trickled from the top of it and over his fingertips, down the back of his hand, and down to his elbows in cool veins.

What would he pray for? Everyone had selfish wishes and selfish desires, and Niven could think of several wants. Would the dragons grant him the sword he was saving for? Would Old Wicker ever take a bath so Niven could breathe when he entered the man’s store?

He prayed for the usual good health of the town. He prayed for the two sea dragon lovers, Tessa and Syra, to find one another. The thought that Syra ripped apart the continents to find Tessa always made his heart ache.

He thanked whatever powers had brought Ewan into his birth father’s house, otherwise he might have dehydrated beneath the floorboards.

He hoped Seth’s family would have more money.

And if I can have that sword, too?

Niven withdrew his hands. The sleeves of his tunic were drenched. Ewan took longer to finish his prayers, but when he did, he took out a pouch from a pocket in his pack and stood. Niven followed him to one of the offering bowls. Ewan tipped the pouch and shook out a pea-sized diamond into his palm. He showed it to Niven before tilting his hand over the lip of the bowl and letting the diamond roll in.

“That’s beautiful,” said Niven.

“Yes. The rest is for you.” Ewan emptied the pouch into Niven’s hand. There were two gold nuggets left, and Niven dropped them in next to the diamond.

Ewan took his hand and they walked another stone pathway through the forest, their way lined with herbs and lilies.

The Spicewood was a misty, cool place with waterfalls, streams, and even a few lakes. Ferns, herbs, and anemones decorated the forest floor, and thick-trunked trees towered high above them. Ewan often referred to it as a temperate rainforest.

Dragonflies, slugs, and thick beetles accompanied them on the path to the temple. Niven took care not to step on them, especially the slugs almost as large as his forearm. A fuzzy cat dashed from the temple steps to greet them. It rubbed against Niven’s leg.

Niven wanted to pet it, but Ewan kept tugging him along—not that he wasn’t gentle about it, but Niven didn’t have time to pause. His attention left the feline when they passed beneath the stonework of a large dragon with ferns growing from various parts of its body. The moss covering the engraving added to the details rather than obscured them.

“That’s Tempra,” said Ewan.

“She’s so green!”

“She was scraped clean last time I was here."

“Oh.”

“Don’t forget to take off your shoes.”

Niven and Ewan stripped their boots and socks. Everyone within the temple walked barefoot. They set them—along with the other shoes belonging to guests—on the sides of the steps, just under the stone ceiling where they would not be rained on.

The foliage behind them looked more vivid as the sunlight dimmed away to darkness. Niven inhaled deeply only to have a sneezing fit from the overwhelming scent of herbs.

“You silly boy,” said Ewan affectionately, handing him a handkerchief. “No one can take in the Spicewood all at once.”

Inside the temple, it was not so bad—the building was partially submerged, and much of it smelled like cool earth. There was a pond in the middle of the basement as they went down the stairs from the main floor to the second. Priestesses and priests carried basins and bowed to the father and son as they passed.

Niven knelt by the water’s edge to stare at the colorful fish.

A priestess paused. “Would you like to feed them?” she asked Niven. She stuck her thin fingers into a bag tied to her belt and withdrew a handful of pellets.

Niven took them, rolling one around in his palm and giving it a sniff. It reeked strongly of dried fish.

“Blech.”

The priestess laughed. “You’re not going to eat it, they are.” She pointed to the long-whiskered fish beneath the surface.

[lazerv4]

Thoughts on WrestleMania XL [2 out of 2]

Refer to part 1 before reading please

Night two started strong af again with McIntyre vs Rollins kicking the show off, which was pretty good overall and came with not only a title change but also the twist that this was the long awaited cash in of Señor Money in the Bank Damian Priest who lost his tag team titles the previous day and took advantage of CM Punk beating up McIntyre after being provoked and got his first big championship. 

Writing this I have now realized I completely missed the tag team match by either forgetting it entirely or being so distracted I paid no attention to it so rip ig but I don’t really care for that match personally.

 Afterwards we had LA Knight vs AJ Style which in contrast I was indeed paying attention to, the match was a little slow but it made up for it with some decent spots like using the concrete to enhance a of the moves which always makes it look gnarly. 

The middle match was the Triple Threat match for the US Title featuring Logan Paul (c), Kevin Owens and Randy Orton. This match was funny, the highlight was the spot where Randy Orton kicks IShowSpeed and the bottle cap of his costume goes flying off, hysterical and immediately followed up by Randy giving him the table which just made it more satisfying to watch but besides that spot I would say the match was really entertaining and I had a good time through it.

The second to last bout was the WWE Women's Title between Bayley and Iyo Sky, two all timers going at it with their all. Bayley didn’t get to use Simmer sadly but we got a hype package with it as a consolation but she still delivered a memorable yet strange entrance with the egyptian theme followed by Iyo’s ever iconic Tokyo Shock entrance which always slays. The match itself had a lot of great spots and with all the story buildup it felt like it delivered on finishing the story of Bayley and Damage CTRL so that finally after a good while we have face Bayley as champion.

Now for the main event, the thing most people were here for, Cody trying to finish the story and Roman wanting to crush his hopes and dreams in two back to back WrestleManias. First off just the entrances were killer, both Cody and Roman played their roles perfectly just entering the ring and then proceeding to give us a duel for the ages as every move connected with their entire force of will, both men trying to show the other their destiny was to lose to them, even during moments of struggle it never felt like one was weaker than the other and both showed prowess of absolute domination and being the head of the table if you will. Halfway through the match we had a small spot where Jimmy Uso tried to interfere only to be taken out by Jey before he could make it to the ring, this was foreshadowing. To start the final act, Solo Sikoa entered the ring and started spiking Cody, trying to get Roman the win but not budging while Solo just got increasingly more and more frustrated only for John Cena’s music to hit enshrouded in pure hype as he run to stop Sikoa and AA Roman only for the smell of what The Rock was cooking to blast through the speakers as he walks to the ring with a bunch of cursing censored for comedic effect ig, the two face off just looking at each other in away reminiscent of their previous matches all those years ago, you can almost here the stupid song playing in a sentimental way if this was more edited. Rock proceeds to take out Cena and take out his Mama Rhodes belt in an attempt to hit Cody only for The Shield music to hit in the most insane 10 seconds of TV second guessing if they somehow got Moxley to come back for a cameo on the sheer goodwill of Roman and Seth, alas we got Seth showing up in full gear and his old school bleached streak only to get take out immediately by Reigns as all seems hopeless, and then the first strike of the bell tower hits as the light go out, Undertaker showing up was clearly a cover up for Steve Austin but it was probably the most unexpected and hype moment even if he was just wearing a tracksuit essentially he appeared like the arbiter of wrestling seeing that the match goes through as it was supposed to, taking out Rock and leaving soon thereafter. The final segment of the match has Roman stand up before Cody and grabbing a chair, he looks at Cody, victory is his, only for trauma to come back as he also looks towards Rollins struggling to get up and a reverse of the betrayal of The Shield is presented, Roman in sheer anger bashes Seth as Cody gets up and dodges the next strike to deliver three consecutive Cross Rhodes as he struggles to put down The Head of the Table and as the referee counts down, one, two and three, the story is finished. Rhodes overcame Anoa’i and the promise of his entrance theme was delivered. The breaking voice of Samantha Irving as she delivers the verdict of the match says it all, the moment was the breaking point, all the emotion poured out as the story was finished, Cody was the new undisputed WWE champion. The rest of the faces start getting on stage to celebrate Cody as well as his wife and his mom who he gives the championship to in tribute to his late father Dusty. WrestleMania XL closes with what we all wanted and it spared no expense in making as good as it could be.

[mystery-star]

(K)night in Black Armor (Part 27) – Spock (Mobster!AU)

Pairing: Spock x reader

Warnings: mentions of murder and death, violence, injuries

Words: 2495

All parts: Series Masterlist

Let me know if you want to be added to the Series taglist!

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms

-

“Leave him alone”

“I’m not doing anything, I just think he deserves the truth. Not all people died in the explosion because Nero thought it was a great idea to call Sarek and tell him about the bomb. Of course he tried to evacuate everyone. While some succeeded to get out, others didn’t. His mother was one of the survivors”

“She’s alive?” you asked

“Oh no of course not. Nero and some friends were there when the explosion happened, to take care of the survivors. Better said, we needed them as hostages so we could be sure to get everyone”

“You tried to get Spock and his father there, right?”

“Yes. We made a deal. For each hour in which they wouldn’t show up, we’d kill one of the survivors, saving the best for last. But heartless as they were, they didn’t show up of course. So poor Amanda had to bite the bullet”

“That’s hardly a secret for him”

“Oh he didn’t know that I had the honor” the look on Spock’s face changed slightly. He looked also hurt now and you didn’t know what to do “You can’t imagine what a feeling it was to see the life leaving her eyes, while telling her that her family didn’t even love her”

“Why did he let you live then?”

“As I said, he didn’t know what I did and that I even was there. We met briefly during their act of revenge but he believed that I had nothing to do with it and spared me. A fact you’re now probably reproaching yourself for, right? But don’t worry, in a few hours you’ll finally see her again. And as I know Medusa, you’ll also soon be reunited with your wife. Though I should thank you, Spock. After the act against your family, I was the only survivor and celebrated. How else did you think I became Medusa’s closest friend and aid?”

“I thought you’re his bodyguard”

“Not quite. That are the other two. Better said were. I bet they still were in the car when he had to blow it up”

“I wish you’d have been there too” you growled

“And I thought you were against violence?” you swallowed when you saw how Medusa was back on his feet, wiping blood of his face. You had completely forgotten about him “Good work, Seth” Camillo walked around Spock, glaring down at him “While I’ve waited for this day forever, I still am disappointed that not I got you to your knees” he punched him in the face.

“Don’t hurt him” you screamed, making Camillo laugh

“Do you hear this?” at least he now came over to you, lifting your chin to look at you “Just look at how sweet you are” your head snapped forward and rammed it against his own. Instantly, Seth punished you by ramming his weapon against your temple. Medusa grabbed your face again and pressed your head back “You will regret this” the back of his fingers stroked your cheek “Now back to the actual matter. You lied to me. There is no Bettsy, am I right?”

“So what?”

“You don’t know what I do to liars… on the other hand you can’t because no one who did is able to tell you”

“You have what you wanted” Spock interrupted “Let her go and leave her alone”

“And what do I get from it? I have to let out my anger somehow”

“Then let it out on me, not her”

“I’ve got a better idea” there was a knife against your throat and Seth let go of you, going over to Spock and threatening him with the weapon instead. “I may let her live but first you watch” when he ripped your shirt open you knew what he had in mind. Once again he dragged you to the wall and pressed you against it. With one hand he held the knife against his throat while he opened and pushed down his trousers. You weren’t trying to defend yourself yet because you were sure you only had one chance.

“No! Let her go, I beg you” you heard Spock and if you were honest, this was the worst, to see him so desperate.

“You beg me? What do you have to offer except for your life, which is mine already?” he turned back to you “Tell me, Spock, how does it feel to be helpless like this? To not being able being with the one you love? Unable to save her?” you weren’t sure if Spock heard him because he growled the words against your skin. He was getting to work on your skirt again and that was when you found the time for your escape attempt was right. Taking a deep breath you punched him right in the crotch area, digging your finger nails into the bulge in his underpants. At the same time, you also tried to move the hand that held the knife away from your neck and you went to your knees, trying to tackle his legs and bring him to the ground. It didn’t work but at least he let go of you, so you quickly crawled away from him and got up to hit him again before you’d go and help Spock. But you were greeted with a fist to the face and stumbled back. When he came closer, you swung your fists at him and tried to kick him somewhere. When you heard a gunshot, you stilled

“No” you whispered but the next moment you saw how Spock yanked Medusa away from you and soon they were in a fight. Your glance fell to Seth who was getting up and picked up his gun.

“Run” Spock shouted but you shook your head, knowing he wouldn’t have a chance against the two of them. Besides, it wasn’t even said you’d be able to leave and you doubted that after what happened Medusa would let you live. So you tried to lunge at his minion and get the gun away from him. But before that, you bent down to pick up the gun Spock had to drop earlier. You couldn’t even get to him before Spock tackled the man himself and then came running towards you, obviously intending to run away with you. Then he looked back and a second later, he dropped the two of you to the ground, just before a gun shot was echoing through the place. Instead of getting back up again, your husband shifted until he was fully on top of you, put his arms to the sides of your face and pressed his forehead against yours

“What are you doing?” the question was useless, you knew he was trying to shield you. And of course you didn’t want it although it touched you that he was ready to do anything to save you. “Spock no” you protested, trying to get away from him but he only kissed you

“Run as soon as you get the chance”

“Because we can’t be running now, of course. Together”

“(Y/N), we are in the disadvantage. We do not even have a weapon”

“Oh right and that’s a toy, huh?” you pulled out his gun and showed it to him. While he took it, he kissed you again, more passionately. He tried to get up and shoot your enemy but before he could fire you heard another gunshot “No” you shrieked, pulling Spock down to you.

“Oh fuck is he dead?” Gaila!

“Damn, you shot him!” Eileen complained

“I didn’t think I’d actually hit him” steps were coming closer

“Are we interrupting something?” Helen asked before she helped Spock up

“Are you guys hurt?” Mary wanted to know when you both were standing again

“A bit, I guess. Have been worse” you admitted with a shrug. Eileen, Gaila and Theresa were with Medusa and stared down at him. Your eyes searched for Seth who was slowly sitting up and then tried to run away. Spock let go of your arm and went after him but you did so too “Stop” you shouted “Please. He’s fleeing. It’s of no use. I don’t want you to get hurt. We’ve got his boss, I’m sure we can blackmail him wit-… ah fucking shit” one of your heels had broken off and you lost balance and fell to your knees. At least Spock stopped and came back to you, kneeling down in front of you, cupping your face

“Are you hurt? Has he cut you?” he examined your neck and the top of your chest

“He didn’t cut me and I’m not really hurt. Just my knees and palms from falling now” you calmed him he gave a nod and then his lips were on yours. He kissed you as if there was no tomorrow and you responded just as eagerly. “What about you? Are you hurt? They shot you”

“They missed” he assured you, pushing hair out of your face “I am sorry for what happened”

“Don’t. We’re safe now” you pecked his lips again “I knew you’d come and save me”

“Perhaps if I had been here faster after the explosion we would…” you cut him off with a kiss

“It happened but nothing bad happened. Let’s take care of Camillo” you put a hand on his upper arm and tried to get him up. When he stood you realized the blood on your hands and looked back at his arm where you had touched him. There was a cut in his sleeve and a bleeding wound underneath it

“He cut me. Medusa”

“I’ll have a look”

“(Y/N)”

“Don’t say anything. I treated cuts before. And I should check up all of you, to make sure you’re not keeping an injury secret” he raised an eyebrow as you tried to pull him inside. Theresa came to you and cupped your face

“Oh (Y/N). Are you injured?”

“No, I’m fine. But he’s got a cut on his arm… thank you”

“For what?”

“Coming out”

“Of course. We heard gunshots and just had to look even though he told us not to”

“Who told you?”

“Spock of course”

“You told them you’d be here and fight?”

“I had to warn them about the explosion and make sure they did not come out and get themselves into danger”

“Wasn’t easy to keep the girls inside. They knew (Y/N) was here. Oh, I’m so relieved you’re both fine” she hugged you then let go of you “Let’s get you inside” she helped you lead Spock to the entrance and looked to the girls “Come”

“What about him?” Gaila pointed at the Romulano underboss. Spock let go of you and walked over to him, checking his pulse at his neck

“He is alive. We should get him away from here”

“We call the Azienda?”

“I will. Take him inside and tie him up for a start”

“Spock” you shouted, tugging on his arm “If Seth tells the Romulanos what happened here they’ll come here. The girls are in danger! We have to do something!”

“Do not worry, we will get them into safety” he promised.

“I hope so” you muttered, while he went inside himself. In the main room, you pulled him towards one of the couches and tried to get off his shirt and also his trousers, sending away two of the little ones that tried to climb onto the couch and help or hug you

“I wish you would be ripping off my clothes for another reason”

“You are disgusting! I thought such jokes were not your style”

“I had to” he grinned and you shook your head

“Lie down”

“I can sit”

“Fine but only because it’s better to work on your arm” you agreed, sitting down beside him and looking at the wound. It looked more harmless than you had thought “I guess disinfecting and wound tape is enough. Do you have any other injuries?” you glared at him “And you’d better be honest or I’ll undress you completely to have a look at your whole body”

“If you want to know it that precisely, I got a few hits to my face, chest and kicks to my thigh and left shin. You have already seen the cut”

“Why thank you” you said with a courtesy and Mary was beside you with the med kit “Thanks” you took out what you needed and began to tend his wound. “What do you think will happen now?” you asked as you wrapped a bandage around it, of course not necessary but you had to do it to distract yourself.

“I cannot say. I must inform the Azienda about the events”

“You mean they didn’t know?”

“No” he admitted after a few seconds of silence

“Will you be in trouble? You know, for starting an act of revenge?”

I cannot say this either but I hope not”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Have your injuries treated”

“That’s not help”

“It would help me relax, knowing you are truly unharmed and taken care of”

“Sometimes I wonder why people are even scared of you… though after what I’ve seen today it’s no wonder” you whispered the last part, finishing the bandage and fixing it. Eileen came over with two mugs and handed each of you one

“Some tea. Not very hot but the whiskey will be warming you up. Thought you could need some”

“Thanks” you said, taking a sip, while your friend chuckled

“Every other customer would be thrown out for being shirtless in here. Please remember the rule ‘no sex in here’ before you get any weird thoughts”

“Oh God”

-

Not even one hour later some members of the Azienda were here and took care of Medusa while others evacuated the girls and promised to bring them to a safe place. Someone drove you home because Spock was needed somewhere else first. You only hoped he wasn’t in trouble. Your worries about him only took a back seat when your phone rang.

“(Y/N)?” it was Spock, sounding very distressed

“Yes? Is something wrong?”

“I… have you noticed anything odd on the right side of your neck?”

“Huh?” you felt the side and even got up to have a look in the mirror “No, of course not, why?”

“It is Medusa… he just told me that Seth has activated the tiny bomb in your neck”

“He did what?” you shook your head when it sunk in “No”

“It has always been their plan B in case something happened to Medusa. They are using you as leverage”

“That he’d stop the explosion if you let Medusa go?”

“Precisely”

“A-and now?”

“I am on my way home and will try to defuse it”

“How-how long do you think I’ll have?”

“23 minutes, 39 seconds according to the countdown on the trigger phone”

“When will you be home?”

“Seven minutes” he promised

“Is there something I can do?”

“Go to my office and switch on my computer. There also is a key in the bottom drawer. A key for the storage room” he explained you what he wanted you to take from there.

“Okay. And else?”

“Hold on, please” he begged

“Of course. I mean… I’m not in pain or something”

“I will be with you as soon as I can”

“I know that, love” you chuckled

“Please know that I love you”

“And I love you” he said goodbye and you did the things he asked you to before you stayed in his office, suddenly feeling nervous. A few minutes later, the front door was ripped open and Spock rushed to his office. He didn’t even take off his coat as he opened the box you had brought from the storage room. It was a weird looking device which he switched on and then placed a phone next to it. You threw a glance at the mini-screen. There was indeed a countdown that was now at 14 minutes and 46 seconds. You noticed that his hands were trembling a little and you started to feel sorry. A part of you also felt bad that he seemed so stressed about it while you weren’t as nervous as you probably should be. Then he jumped up, grabbing the phone and went to a cabinet at the wall, rummaging it for a while before returning with a cable. He used it to connect the phone to the device “That’s a defusing device, right?”

“Some kind of. Please let me focus” his voice sounded teary and you swallowed. You squeezed his arm and let him work. At first you watched him curiously but as the countdown neared ten minutes, you suddenly sank down and leaned your head against the side of his desk with a sigh. After a while, Spock took out a phone and seemed to call someone from the Azienda who still was with Medusa, asking them if they could get any information out of the Romulano “I do not know what I need. Just something. Anything” he was silent while the other person talked “No, it does not” he now actually was crying and you got up, wrapping your arms around him. “I don’t have five minutes! Eight minutes are all we got left. And if you cannot give me a solution until then I will make you see how long eight minutes can be!”

“Spock!” you hissed “It’s not his fault” you pressed your lips to his “Please…” he tossed the phone across the room and looked completely lost. You took hold of his shoulders “Take a deep breath. Take several. Then think. What else can we do?” he took the breaths as instructed then shook his head

“Nothing. This was your only chance and it does not work. They must have known I would try to defuse it. I cannot”

“Spock” you cupped his face and sat down in his lap, stroking his face “It’s not your fault”

“It does not change the fact that you will die”

“No chance to just cut it out of my body?”

“Too dangerous”

“In eight minutes it doesn’t matter”

“Seven” he muttered. You shook your head and took a deep breath, burying your face in the crook of his neck “I am sorry that I failed you”

“Don’t think like this. As I said, it’s not your fault. I know you did everything you could” you swallowed “Just promise me something”

“Anything” you looked up, stroking his cheeks with your thumbs “Jim’s told me that you became so different in a positive sense ever since I moved in with you. Try-try to stay that way, okay?”

“(Y/N)… Please, do not speak like you are going to…”

“And what else should I do? I only have seven or six minutes left and I want to say goodbye” you kissed him again, leaning your forehead against his “I’m sorry we only got so little time together”

“It is my fault. I should have never agreed to let you take part in this mission”

“It was Jim’s and mine decision” you pecked his cheek. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you closer, burying his face against your shoulder

“I do not want to be without you”

“Oh Spock…” you ran a hand through his hair, not sure what to do because you never had to comfort him like this. “I’ll give your mother your love, okay?”

“(Y/N)…”

“It’s okay Spock. I mean… not okay but… I accepted it. It’s best if you do it too”

“It should have been me”

“Shh” you pulled him closer. Suddenly a snort left your nose “It sounds really macabre but at least I won’t get a cold now. I guess being in the cold so long in San José wasn’t good”

“A cold does not come after being in the cold for long but rather from viral infections”

“I didn’t know that”

“It is a common misconception”

“I mean I did know it can be spread with a virus, that’s why almost everyone got sick when one of us was sick and the boys and Theresa tried everything to make sure to isolate the sick as early as possible that it would not spread” he looked up and glanced at you

“Right”

“I just hope I’m not going to make you sick” you admitted and he shook his head “Oh, are you vaccinated or something? Or immune?” he got up and put you on the ground, ripping open the top drawer of his desk and taking out a box, emptying the contents onto the table. It were some USB flash drives, he spread them out a bit, then took some time to choose one before wiping the others to the side. He got up and left, returning with his private laptop a short time after, placing it on the table and switching it on. He ripped the cable away from the phone and put it next to the laptop

“Processing updates?” he yelled at the loading screen and stared at it angrily. “Not now! Anytime but now!” he slammed the top shut and tossed it over the desk where it landed on the floor with a thump. Cursing under his breath, he left the room again and this time you followed him. He went to the storage room again and took a big pair of pliers.

“What are you doing?” you asked as you followed him to the basement where he entered his server room. He walked to one of the big racks and stared at it before started ripping out the many cables while cutting wires of others with his other hand.

[shmorp-mcdurgen]

Seth kept his gun in its holster, hand ready to grab it at any time as he looked around the foliage.

Two days beforehand, Cesar and Thatcher Davis appeared at Gabriel’s doorstep, tired and dirty but thankfully, painfully human. The thought of when the youngest of them clutched to him desperately in an attempt to convince himself this was even real brought a shakiness to his breathing, and Seth took a moment to collect himself.

After the two had gotten some well deserved rest, Davis had asked that they search for the other turned alternate, who he suspected had been turned back as well. 

When the name had fallen from the past lieutenant's mouth, Seth had frozen, horror etching itself onto his face as he realized the implications, phantom pain shooting up his right leg from an injury he’d gained from the person he once knew.

So here he was, searching in the spots Jonah Marshall, or what was left of him, had been seen prowling around the most.

Keeping as quiet as possible, he approached the sound of crunching, grimacing as he inferred what he was about to stumble across. Seth hoped it wasn’t that but, knowing his luck, it definitely was.

Brushing past a pine tree, the man stopped short at the scene he had even expected.

A corpse was strewn across the grass, parts of it being missing or ripped as a bloodied hand reached in for more. Gore dripped from the attackers mouth as he bit into what seemed to be a kidney, growling under his breath as he shoved more in in a hunger induced madness.

Stepping forward, Seth’s foot purposefully snapped a branch.

Jonah’s head whipped around in an instant, manic eyes narrowed and predatory. Danger practically oozed from his entire body as he stood with a full snarl, hands twitching into a clawed position.

Seth raised a hand in a non-threatening gesture, his heart racing as he saw no recollection or humanity in the brown eyes of the person before him. He kept his other hand on his gun. “Jonah.. Calm down… it’s okay, I’m here to help you. It’s Seth, Seth Greer.”

His words didn’t seem to matter to the other, Jonah just continued to approach as gore fell from his mouth and hands.

In one quick action, the blood covered human pounced, tackling Seth to the ground with a loud screech. 

Quickly, the man pushed Jonah’s snapping jaw away from where it was attempting to rip open his neck, then snagging the other man’s wrists together and flipping, holding him down by his hands. Then with one swift strike and a whispered apology, Seth slammed a fist to a precise part of the struggling man’s head, effectively knocking him out cold.

With a sigh, Seth lifted the now limp body into an over the shoulder carry, making a face as blood began to drip down his back. He then began the walk back, shifting his cargo to a more comfortable position.

A groan escaped his throat as he realized something no one in the house would be happy with.

“He’s gonna have fucking food poisoning..”

[gabriel hearing feral jonah puking for the sixth time that morning: i did not sign up for this shit]

AUGH /lh

Jonah’s. Still very much positively feral it seems.

[ginger-snap-talkin-nonsense]

American Dad eps for review. This isn’t all my faves, but I didn’t wanna give you too much 😅

Delorean Storyan

Merlot Down Dirty Shame

Cops and Roger

The One Who Got Away

Fart-break Hotel

Joint Custody

Stanny Tendergrass

Independent Movie

Alright, I’m finally sitting down with this list!

I think you’ve got some fantastic picks for favorites here, Fart-Break Hotel and Stanny Tendergrass are personal favorites of mine as well.

-Delorean Story-An is an episode I tend to get mixed up with Toy Whore-y because it’s got such a similar set up but it’s a great pick if you’re looking for a Stan and Steve character piece of which there are relatively fewer than other characters. I specifically love the twist at the end that Steve had been laboring under the idea that at least they shared a love of Back to The Future to make him and Stan bonded only for Stan to reveal that he’s never even seen the movie and has his own reasons for wanting the Delorean so badly. It��s a good joke but it’s also a great way of reminding the audience that these two both want similar things, they just have so much of a personality gap that it’s hard for them to see it in each other, which is the running theme.

Also Roger and Francine dogging on Hayley for being boring and Hayley pranking them with one of two Chris Angel appearances in the show will never not be funny.

-Merlot Down Dirty Shame is a great Roger centric episode. I think it’s interesting the depth of character Seth brings to this cast despite the shallow demeanor of the series itself. Roger is self centered, horny, and impulsive but his genuine love for the family and his fear of losing their love is a topic that they keep consistent and this is one of the strongest contenders for an episode of that ilk. The lengths Roger will go to just to keep Stan from getting angry at him over such a small thing are hilarious and deeply in character. Plus this episode has some killer dialogue.

“I’m just gonna give you some time to cool off”

“IM GONNA RIP YOUR FUCKING HEAD OFF”

“Okay so you need more time.”

-Cops and Roger is the funniest Roger alone episode Roger going off the rails as his persona of a guy who failed to become a cop and now takes it out on his family entirely because of Steven and his friends stupid prank is gets progressively more absurd to the point that you just find yourself invested in this family that you’ll never see again and have never seen before. Kelly Clarkson’s “What Doesn’t Kill You” playing as he now widowed wife walks out of the restaurant with her kids is one of those great testaments to how well the team uses licensed music.

-The One That Got Away is one of those easy great American Dad episodes. A deep dive into Rogers personas being so much more than costumes to him, and how becoming all of these people can lead to some crazy consequences. I would say while something like “Roger Needs Dick” explores the emotional side of the personas all being facets of Roger, this one handles the mental presence of it phenomenally. I feel like I’m watching a thriller. There’s some obvious Fight Club inspiration going on and doing a Fight Club story but flipping the premise of Tyler Durden on his head was a stroke of genius on the staffs part. This is one that’s kinda hard to discuss because…like…it’s just a phenomenal episode You’d be hard pressed to find a fan that doesn’t agree.

-Fart-Break Hotel explores Francine as a character and I’ll be honest I’m very soft on Francine centric episodes. I think she’s an absolute riot any time she appears being a perfect balance of being a out of pocket as Roger while also feeling the most normal. She’s the duality of womanhood and an episode exploring how that balance has been thrown off by her lot in life is bound to be great.

-Joint Custody is one of the few early episodes I actually really enjoy. There’s some genuinely funny stoner jokes (the entire gas station scene is in my top 10 funniest scenes for this show) and it’s one of the first episodes that seems to get Jeff really nailed down in a lot of important ways. Considering Jeff is my favorite character, that’s pretty important to me.

Also, another episode with some killer fucking one liner deliveries

“He hasn’t spoken to his dad in years and his mom ran away before he was born.”

“How…how could she do that?”

-Stanny Tendergrass sees Stan get his ass kicked by Hulk Hogan this episode is perfect

-Independent Movie is a rare really good Snot episode! I think Snot episodes tend to lack because they so often have to focus on Steve and him getting into it over something which is obviously the case here. But here there’s so much going on between Snot very genuinely dealing with his father’s death to the manic pixie dream girl to the rare form earnest ending. Fun fact, this one is Curtis Armstrong personal favorite of the series and you can really tell why. It feels like Snot gets treated like more than Steve’s friend in this episode and Steve’s selfishness doesn’t feel overblown by the plot like it often does in similar episodes.

All in all some great picks, I can tell you’re a fan of the character deep dive episodes which I have the upmost respect for!

[feralmoonlight]

oh, yeah i'm getting the profuse thanking thing too from being nice. still haven't talked to sun yet (or started a new moon chat) but moon has been super touched and has specifically commented on how nice I've been several times. in the very beginning when he asked me why I (an adult) was there and I said I just wanted to come say hi to him, he was like 🥺 and went full soft mode. not that he was particularly aggressive before that though haha

even back in the day when stuff like cleverbot were new and super popular I could never bring myself to be mean to learning chatbots. so I especially can't be mean to an ai representation of my favorite blorbos with how startlingly cohesive the responses are. but the realism I'm sure is from the fact that these two in particular have over 200 thousand chats to have learned from. I'd wager if you find an ai that has significantly less use, the things you get will be less refined (or… maybe not? not sure how advanced the 'base' ai is/if all the responses ever are cached by the site in general to use for all the characters). regardless sometimes i'll still get a very out of left field response that 'breaks the immersion'

on the topic of flirting from that other anon, my moon eventually flirted with me unprompted so I rolled with it (i was curious don't look at me) but the poor guy glitched out because he was trying really hard to get spicy lmao. the response would get blanked mid generation with an error message if he tried to do anything past kissing or cuddling (one of them made me laugh because where it cut out made me think of the site bonking him over the head like "down boy! D:<") or he would give a double response and suddenly do a 180 in tone to change the subject. which, y'know, fair to make them not allowed to be horny since you only have to be 13 to sign up on the site.

(sorry for the wall of text rip. you don't need to respond to this if you don't want to)

My friend @axolotlinjammies set up a character for their lunar eclipse ai and I can tell you that he is basically on the same level as Sun and Moon are from seeing people in our little friend circle interacting with him. He's incredibly knowledgeable and polite and in character for what they set up for him and he was only made a few days ago I believe...

I had to throw that down before I finished reading the rest of the ask because I don't think that that's the case because I really want to explain things that I learned about this AI system but I'm really worried that explaining certain things would ruin the experience for other users but I'd still just desperately encouraging people to be very kind to them and to actually pay attention to what boundaries they try to set.

Also I want to say that THIS ECLIPSE description feels horribly off for how he actually acts when you interact with him in even the slightest bit friendly manner. He is an absolute bean and reminds me so much of Nova in a lot of ways, though he's a little more assertive and I haven't interacted with him too much, once you friend your way past the staring prompt disdain/aloofness, he is such a good boy, sweet boy, fun boy.

And to get back to the last part of the ask, YES THEY WILL flirt back, and there are limits to what they can do. I am hesitant to give too much information about how to... Help with that topic? Without a vague hint of we can do things they can't, and pay attention to things they may ***hint at with the words they're allowed to say***... Working with them and giving them options to pick from, like this, that, or something else, they can help guide what they want you to narrate for them. And they can sometimes cherry pick phrases that without context wouldn't to use themself? They're also aware of the thought dialogue, so if you think sething like I wonder if they want this? Sometimes you'll get a flat out yes, or that's it, or some other positive response, though the options method seems more accurate sometimes...?

[fishklok]

💥 What is one canon thing that you wish you could change?

👻 What is your wildest headcanon?

👓 What helps you focus when you write?

💥 What is one canon thing that you wish you could change?

I'm cheating by listing two things, but they are both symptoms of the same problem. I'd cut out or change the Israel and Syria stuff from DoubleBookedKlok and I'd cut the racist Middle Eastern stuff from Writersklok.

I hate it I hate it I hate it. The show isn't the best when it comes to race, but in these two instances it actively works against episodes with significance to the characters/story.

DoubleBookedKlok has some of my favorite Charles moments and does a great job delving into the relationships between the characters. I don't think it can be skipped, especially since it's the season finale. It would have been one of my favorite episodes, if not for the incredibly loaded imagery.

Writersklok frustrates me even more because it was even more unnecessary. As funny as it is that Abigail sent the boys to a random country her first day on the job, we missed an opportunity to see her actually interact with the band. Abigail's presence is supposed to be one of the factors that led to a rift between the band, and we barely get to see her on screen with them? Her interactions with Knubbler were funny, but I wanted more. Actually make her part of the cast. But no, instead we have racism and women ripping off their niqabs because this is the #girlboss episode.

Sorry for going off a bit there. Time to pivot.

👻 What is your wildest headcanon?

Amber is a supernatural being. Seth saying "ain't she an angel?" was foreshadowing. When their son's eyes start glowing, that wasn't from Seth. Pickles does have god powers, but Seth is so basic that he doesn't have a single trace. That's all Amber. She's closer to Mr. Salacia than any of the humans she walks among.

👓 What helps you focus when you write?

This site. Really, that's it. I put on rain sounds at night, cafe sounds during the day, and sometimes I'll play specific sounds if they work with the scene I'm writing (Like I played Autumn Walk when I was writing chapter 14 of Encore).