#seems weird to me that a supposed beautiful lady has not had her eyes described

[sherlokiness]

Been thinking abt this since forever actually. Why Sansa(Rickon) and Jon have no goodbye?

[gale-gentlepenguin]

“Did you know there are multiple universes?”

Chat noir was taken aback by the question, almost as much as he was by the fact there was some weird version of himself, but this one was clad in white, his black hero suit was now as white as snow, even his blond hair was bleached white.

Though if he had to describe what was the most unsettling, it would be the blue as ice eyes. The green sclera that he had was now a blue that seemed both beautiful and eerie.

Chat noir was planning on meeting with Ladybug only to be stopped by a mysterious white crack appearing in front of him. Only for this cat to pop out and ask him that question.

“What… what do you mean?” Chat noir managed to speak.

The white clad cat smiled.

“Come on, you’re telling me you’ve never read comics? Watched anime? We both know you have.”

His words seemed playful yet disturbed. His Cheshire grin and wide eyes only exacerbated the feeling of unease.

“You’re… from another universe?”

“DING! DING! DING! We have a winner! That’s right Chat noir. I am a version of you from another universe. Though I will say I’m a bit different.” He exclaimed.

“You mean aside from falling into white paint.” Chat noir joked. He clearly wanted to disarm the tension present.

“I see we haven’t lost our observational skills. Yes, my color scheme is different, but I’m very much you. Well, I suppose I have a different name now. I am Chat Blanc.” He stated clearly.

Chat noir was about to speak but felt his voice die. This iteration of him… it couldn’t be real. It had to be a trick. One of Monarch’s lies.

Chat blanc noticed the black clad hero shift into a battle stance.

“You must think I’m an illusion or sentimonster. But let me assure you…”

He moved quickly, as if destroying the space between them to get close.

“I am you Adrien.” He whispered.

A yo-yo wrapped around Chat noir’s waist and yanked him back.

Chat noir landed on a rooftop a good distance away from chat blanc.

“My Lady?! Oh thank kwami you’re here.”

He expected a sort of comment from his spotted partner, but she was alarmingly quiet.

“Ladybug?”

Chat noir looked closer to see her expression, it was one that was a conclave of emotion, but one emotion was clearly present, fear.

Chat blanc looked up to see the two heroes on another roof.

“My Lady! So you do exist in this universe as well! I am happy to see you once again.” The white cat’s statement rang genuine, but to ladybug, it may as well have been the most vile of insults.

“You shouldn’t exist anymore, how are you here?” Ladybug asked, her voice trying to fight her fear by sounding angry.

“Shouldn’t exist? My lady I… Oh! You’ve met a version of me. And unlike the ones I’ve met, you managed to defeat me. I’m surprised though, I didn’t think miraculous healing could restore the world.”

Chat noir looked at Ladybug.

“What is he talking about?”

Ladybug felt her stomach flip, this was far too much to handle. This chat blanc needed to be saved.

“Kitty, we need to deakumatize him, we can not let him use his powers anymore than he has. I promise I will explain everything after.”

Chat noir could tell that this would be a lot to explain, and agreed to ladybug’s terms.

Chat blanc frowns

“So he doesn’t know? Then that means… oh you aren’t a version of my lady that knew me, you are a version of the one Bunnyx sent. My how interesting!”

Chat noir charged at Chat Blanc. He noticed this version of him didn’t have a belt, or a baton. He had an advantage! This thought was clearly dismissed when before Chat noir could strike him with his staff, he was gone.

“What? Where did he go?” Chat noir exclaimed in disbelief.

Ladybug had her Yo-yo drawn and looked around frantically. He was there but then he wasn’t.

“You know how versatile infinite destruction is? I failed to see its potential at first. But now, I’ve got a pretty good grasp on it.”

Ladybug turned quickly to see chat blanc was behind her.

“I can destroy anything, including the space between objects. After losing my baton, I learned of a much faster means of movement.”

Ladybug swung her yo-yo only for chat blanc to vanish from view again.

“You will have to be quicker than that Bugaboo.”

Chat blanc was behind her again.

Ladybug Jumped forward to escape his grasp. But chat blanc appeared in front of her, catching her hand.

Chat noir got back on the rooftop and drew his staff.

“Let her go!”

Chat blanc twisted her arm behind her back and used his other hand to point at her head. A small white ball of destructive energy was in between his finger and her head.

“Easy there you two. As much as I would LOVE to play cat and mouse. I’m only here for one thing, your miraculous.”

Chat noir felt a pit of anger well up in him.

“So… your just a puppet for monarch.”

Chat blanc blinked.

“Monarch? Is that what he is calling himself in this universe?! How pretentious! But knowing him, this isn’t surprising. It’s funny how little you miss a man that emotionally abused you and batted you across Paris all for a wish.”

Chat noir felt his spine shiver. What did this iteration of him do?

Ladybug was trying to figure a way out of the situation. But chat blanc had his grip locked, and one false move would mean her end.

Chat blanc suddenly releases Ladybug.

“You know, I just realized! What I should be doing. Before I take your miraculous. I should give that old man a piece of my mind. I accidentally destroyed him in my universe, I should do it with intention this time!”

Before they could react, Chat Blanc disappeared.

Ladybug fell to her knees, she was breathing heavily.

Chat noir rushed to ladybug’s side.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m not hurt… but I’m a long way from okay.”

Ladybug got up

“We need to stop Chat Blanc.”

Chat noir looked at his black gloves hands and clenched them.

“He said he was going after Monarch… does that mean…”

“If he is who he says he is, then this chat blanc knows all our identities, and he is the most dangerous foe I’ve ever faced.”

“How did you beat him last time?”

“I appealed to his good side… I don’t know if this version still has it. If he doesn’t… our world is in great danger.”

[bi-bard]

Please Say That You're Joking (Pt.1) - Chuck Shurley Imagine (Supernatural)

Title: Please Say You're Joking (Pt. 1) [You can read part 2 by clicking here!]

Pairing: Chuck Shurley X Winchester!Reader

Requested: Nope

Word Count: 2,930 words

Warning(s): mentions of sex, threats of violence

Summary: (Season 4; Season 11) (Y/n) had a single one-night stand while coping with loss in a not healthy way... if only they had a clue about the weight of their actions.

Author's Note: I was recently going back through some of the "lighter" episodes of Supernatural because I wanted to watch something I could chuckle at. That's where this came from.

This might be the most crackheaded thing I've written in a while.

Also, the amount of things I had to bullshit my way through this is actually ridiculous.

Hey! I did a rewrite of the ending of Supernatural. It took a really long time to complete, so it would mean a lot to me if you check it out. Here’s a link! (it’s on my personal account)

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

Sam, Dean, and I walked into the motel room. We were all confused and slightly scared.

We had gone to a comic book shop to do some work on a case. However, we were then called fans.

Fans of what?

Well, fans of a series of books about our lives.

I was the middle Winchester child. Two years younger than Dean, two years older than Sam. I was beyond confused when I saw some weird, romanticized version of me on the cover of a book.

"This is so weird," I mumbled, plopping onto one of the beds in the room.

Sam jumped onto his laptop and started researching. Dean was holding one of the books, reading through it. I didn't even want to touch it.

"I don't like how he describes (Y/n)," Dean commented. "It's weird. It's like he's in love. Listen to this..."

Dean dramatically clears his throat and starts to read in an even more dramatic voice, "'Even after a hard hunt, (Y/n) could easily be seen as the most beautiful of the siblings. They mimicked the beauty of their mother more than their brothers. There's no bruise or cut that could take the loveliness away from the natural curves of (Y/n)'s face. If only they could see how everyone else would stare-"

"Okay, ew," I muttered, walking to the table. "What'd you find?"

"Well, it seems like Carver Edlund is a pen name," Sam shrugged. "And the fans are intense."

"As in," Dean asked, closing the book and joining the two of us at the table.

"Well," Sam handed me the laptop so Dean and I could look at it, "there's fanfiction. About all of us."

"What's this, 'Sam/Dean'," I asked.

"It's... me and Dean... together."

"They just don't care that we're related," Dean asked. Sam nodded.

"God, this is so weird."

"So, how do we find this guy," I asked.

--time skip--

We managed to find the publisher of the novels and found her house.

"So, you published the 'Supernatural' books," I asked as we walked in.

"Yep," she nodded. "Yeah, gosh. These books... they never really got the attention that they deserved. All anybody wants to read anymore is that romance crap."

"Could not agree with you more," I said. "We're hoping that our article can shine a light on an underappreciated series."

"Yeah, because, you know, if we got a little bit of good press, then maybe we can start publishing again," she replied excitedly.

"No, no, no," Dean immediately shut her down. "I mean, why... why would you want to do that? It's such a complete series with Dean going to hell and all."

"Oh my god, that was one of my favorite ones," she rambled. "Dean was so strong and sad and brave. And Sam... I mean... the best ones are when they cry... like in 'Heart' when Sam had to kill Madison; the first woman since Jessica he'd really loved. When Dean had to call John in 'Home' and ask him for help. Or when (Y/n) went back to the motel room after getting kidnapped and just had to sit in their own head and had to truly process not only the death of their mother but now their father. The mixed feelings were amazing."

"You're a really big fan," I noted. She nodded.

"Gosh, if only real men were that open about their emotions."

"Real men," Dean asked.

"I mean, no offense," she replied. "How often do you cry like that?"

"Well, right now I'm crying on the inside," he muttered.

"Is that supposed to be funny?"

"Lady, this whole thing is funny."

"How am I supposed to know this is legit?"

"Oh, trust me," Dean mumbled. "We're legit."

"Well, I don't want some smart-ass article making fun of my boys," she snapped as she sat in her chair.

"Oh, never," I replied quickly. "We actually are big fans."

"You read the books?"

"Cover to cover," I promised.

"What's the year and model of the car?"

"1967 Chevy Impala," Dean smiled proudly.

"What's May 2nd?"

"That's my- uh... Sam's birthday," Sam replied.

"Sam's score on the LSAT?"

"Umm... 174," Sam said nervously.

"(Y/n)'s first hunt?"

"Vampire in Washington," I answered. "Dean was at the motel sick and (Y/n) almost chopped John's head off when he scared them."

"(Y/n)'s favorite memory that's not related to hunting?"

I smiled, "Helping Sam get ready for a date when he was a teenager because Sam didn't trust what Dean had told him."

"Dean's favorite song?"

"It's a tie," Dean replied. "Between Zep's 'Ramble On' and 'Traveling Riverside Blues.'"

She finally laughed and smiled again, "Okay, okay. What do you wanna know?"

"What's Carver Edlund's real name," Sam asked.

"Oh, no. I can't," she shook her head.

"We just wanna talk to him," Sam continued. "You know, get the 'Supernatural' story in his own words."

"He's very private," she shrugged. "Like Salinger."

"Please," Sam tried again. "Like I said, we're um... big fans."

Sam unbuttoned his shirt enough to show his anti-possession tattoo. Dean pulled his shirt to the side to do the same. I rolled my eyes and yanked the arm of my jacket down and pulled up the sleeve of my t-shirt. I don't wear as many layers as them and I had opted to put the tattoo on my upper arm because I thought it looked nicer.

"Awesome," the lady mumbled before standing up. "Y'know what?"

I looked away as she pulled her pants down.

"I got one too."

"Wow, you are a fan," I slapped Dean's arm. The lady fixed her clothing before grabbing a pen and paper.

"Okay," she said. "His name's Chuck Shurley-"

And I stopped listening after that. I knew that name... why did I know that name... oh... oh no. I'm gonna kill him. We're going to meet this man and I am going to end up killing him.

I followed Sam and Dean as they started walking out of the woman's house.

"Excuse me," she called as we reached the door. We looked back at her. "I'm sorry, but you look exactly like how I picture (Y/n) when I read the books."

I chuckled, "Thanks."

"He describes (Y/n) with so much detail," she smiled. "You could play them in a movie."

"Thank you," I waved as we walked out.

"'You could play them in a movie,'" Dean teased.

"I know who Chuck is," I said, ignoring him.

"What," he asked. I nodded. "How?"

I pointed to get into the car. I got in the back seat and Sam and Dean sat upfront. Dean started driving to the address the lady gave us before I started speaking.

"Okay, when you went to hell, Sam's not the only one who ran off," I explained. "I wasn't gone for four months... just two weeks. In those two weeks, I got involved in a single one-night stand. The name he gave me was Chuck Shurley."

"You screwed the man who wrote books about us," Dean asked, sounding angry.

"Do you think I knew he was writing books based on our lives?"

"He had to have known who you are," Sam added. "This isn't an accident. He has to get visions or something."

"Yeah, I know," I nodded. "He made money off of my name and then screwed me."

"Damn," Dean mumbled. "I missed a hell of a lot."

I rolled my eyes.

--time skip--

I knocked on the door loudly. Sam grabbed my arm, shaking his head at me. The door was opened and I smiled obnoxiously as Chuck. He was in a robe, his boxers, and an old white shirt. He looked tired and like he hadn't had a goodnight's sleep in days.

"Chuck Shurley," Dean asked.

"Chuck Shurley that wrote the Supernatural books," Sam added.

"Nice to meet you," I said. "This is Sam... Dean... and I'm (Y/n)... the ones you've written books about."

Chuck sighed and went to shut the door. I stepped in, stopping it with my foot.

"Listen, I appreciate the enthusiasm, I really do and I remember you," he motioned at me, awkwardly grinning before seeming to shake the memories out of his head. I almost slapped him right then. "But please... go get a life."

"You see," Dean followed me, helping to force our way inside. Sam made sure the door shut behind us. "We have a life... and you're selling books about it."

"Okay, this isn't funny," Chuck mumbled.

"You're right," I said. "We just wanna know how you're doing it?"

"I'm just a writer, I'm not doing anything."

"Then why do you know so much about demons and tulpas and changelings?"

"Is this some kind of 'Misery' thing? Ah, it is, isn't it? It's a 'Misery' thing!"

"No, it's not," I shook my head. "Believe me, we're not fans."

"What do you want then," he asked.

"I'm Sam... and that's Dean and (Y/n)," Sam tried again.

"Those are fictional characters," Chuck yelled. "They aren't real!"

Dean grabbed him and pulled him outside.

"Wait, wait-"

"We aren't kidnapping you, calm down," I rolled my eyes. Dean opened the hidden compartment in the impala's trunk.

"Are those real guns?"

"Yes," I nodded. "And real rock salt, real fake IDs."

Chuck let out a laugh at it, "Well, I gotta hand it to you guys. You really are my number-one fans. That... That's awesome. So, I-I think I've got some poster in the house."

"Chuck, stop," I rolled my eyes, grabbing his arm as he went to walk away.

"Please don't hurt me," he begged.

"How much do you know," Sam asked. "Do you know about the angels? Or Lilith breaking the seals?"

"How do you know about that?"

"Have you not been listening," I asked. "The real question is how do you?"

"Because I wrote it," he explained.

"You kept writing?"

"The books never came out because the publisher went bankrupt," he furrowed his eyebrows.

I stepped back, letting go of his arms.

"Okay, wait a minute," Chuck crossed his arms. "This is some kind of joke, right? Did Phil put you up to this?"

"Oh my god," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose. I grabbed his robe. "I'm sorry but I'm really tired. Nice to meet you. I'm (Y/n) Winchester, these are my brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester. You wrote and published books about us, probably knew who I was, and then you still slept with me."

He stared at me in shock.

"What," I asked.

"The last names were never in the books," he mumbled. "I never told anyone about that. I never even wrote that down."

"Then I guess we have a lot to talk about," I let go of his robe.

The three of us followed him inside.

--time skip--

"I got a visit from Cas," Dean explained as he walked in. "I've some important information."

After talking to Chuck and getting a draft of what was supposed to happen, we were all panicking. Dean told us to wait here. Lilith was going to come for Sam and we both thought it'd be harder if there was more than one of us here at all times.

Now, Dean was coming back from seeing Chuck.

"And that important information is...," Sam trailed off.

"He's a prophet of the lord," Dean said, smirking at me.

I shut my eyes, letting my head fall forward.

"Please say you're joking," I mumbled.

"Nope," Dean replied.

Sam looked over at me. He only started chuckling after his brother broke.

Dean was laughing his head off within seconds, "You screwed a prophet!"

"Shut up," I groaned. "I'm gonna kill him!"

"Archangel will kill you."

"I'll happily pay that price," I muttered. "I slept with a prophet."

"At least that means he didn't write himself to sleep with you," Sam tried to comfort me.

"Yeah, God just decided I was supposed to sleep with the guy publishing books about my life," I replied sarcastically. "That makes me feel so much better."

"Come on, it could be worst-"

"Sam, love you, but don't finish that sentence if you even kind of value your life," I muttered.

I was desperate for this conversation to just end.

--time skip--

After all was said and done, and Chuck accidentally helped us chase Lilith away for a while, we gave Chuck a lift back to his place.

I followed him up to his door, offering to look around and make sure that he's safe. He shook his head.

"I have an archangel protecting me," he reminded me. "Can't get any safer than that."

I nodded.

"I'm sorry, by the way," he said. "About us. I didn't recognize you until after... it all... and I didn't say anything because I didn't really know how to explain it. The whole event makes me feel all scummy."

"It's alright," I replied with a chuckle. "It's fine, I promise."

He offered me a nervous smile, "Y'know, in all of my visions, you're the most vivid thing."

With a grin, I leaned over and kissed his cheek gently. I stepped back and headed back toward the impala. I made sure to take note of his nervous and flustered face.

"See you around, Chuck!"

"You... You too," he called after me. I got in the backseat and got comfortable.

"So... screwing the prophet wasn't that bad," Dean asked.

I just rolled my eyes, waving through the window at Chuck as Dean pulled away from the curb. Leave it to a Winchester to end up in a situation like that.

--time skip (season 11)--

Sam and I followed Dean with our guns ready. Dean was following the amulet that he had owned for a long time without even knowing it could show us where God was.

Everyone had been infected by Amara only minutes ago but now it was okay and Dean's amulet was glowing.

"Holy shit," I mumbled, seeing who was walking over to us.

Chuck.

He was supposed to be dead. That's why Kevin's prophet powers had been activated.

"No way," Dean said.

"Hey," Chuck... or God said. "We need to talk."

Despite our understandable hesitation, Chuck reached forward, teleporting all of us back to the bunker. I stepped away from him, slightly overwhelmed.

"(Y/n)," Chuck walked over and tried to grab my arm. I instinctually slapped him. I was nothing but confusion and anger. "I deserved that. Just, please?"

I stepped away again.

From behind Chuck stepped Kevin's ghost. My breath caught in my throat. The poor boy had been through so much shit because of us.

Kevin told us about how we looked stressed and that we should listen to Chuck.

Then, Chuck waved his hand. Kevin turned into a ball of white and blue light before ascending beyond the bunker.

"Where'd he go," I asked.

"Heaven, where he deserves," Chuck promised. I nodded.

I listened to the rant about how Chuck had abandoned us all and how awful things were. Then, the conversation turned to the plan to stop Amara. The boys talked about needing Lucifer and Chuck got incredibly upset. In a fit, he went to leave. I stepped in front of him.

"No," I said bluntly. "Even if you want to avoid the subject of your estranged son, you can't just leave."

"(Y/n)-"

"Sam, Dean," I looked at them. "Give us a minute?"

They both nodded, glaring at Chuck on their way out. I tried to ignore the instincts that were telling me that Chuck was just selfish.

"(Y/n)," Chuck mumbled.

"Just answer my questions," I said. "Then we can discuss what to do with Amara without you storming away recklessly. Okay?"

He nodded.

"Have you been God the whole time," I asked.

He nodded.

"You wrote all of our stories?"

Another nod.

"Did you write that I was going to sleep with you?"

I felt manipulated and angry. I was desperate for an answer. I knew that this could've made me feel like dirt, but I needed to know.

"No," Chuck said. I clenched my jaw, ready to call him a liar. "I told you. I had been pretty much hands-off for a long time. Did I know who were? Absolutely. I'm sorry I lied to you about that. But I didn't plan anything between us. We weren't some divine plan."

I nodded, looking down.

"You know how Dean and Amara are connected," he asked. I nodded, looking back at him. "We're like them."

"And that's not a divine plan-"

"I'm not doing a good job explaining this," Chuck shook his head. "It feels like we're like them. Like there's this bond that just happened as soon as we met."

"You lied to me, for years," I said. "Saying we have some bond isn't gonna fix that."

"I know."

We both fell silent. Slowly, I started laughing. Chuck furrowed his eyebrows, "My only one-night stand... and it was God."

Chuck started laughing with me while I really processed what I had done.

I slowly stopped laughing.

I didn't notice until it was too late that Chuck had slowly gotten closer to me. As soon as his lips brushed mine, I pushed him back. Not hard, but enough to get him to step away.

"No," I mumbled. "Not that, no."

Chuck nodded, "Got it."

"Now," I sighed, "we need to actually plan to stop Amara, and if we need Luci-"

"We don't," he said bluntly. "We can do something else. We don't need him. Okay?"

I nodded. In my gut, I trusted him. Maybe that was me being an idiot but I did trust him. For now at least.

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

Masterlist

What I Write For

Request Guidelines

Musical Prompts

Small Moments With…

When Worlds Collide (Doctor Who Crossover Series) Masterlist

Some Original Characters

folklore/evermore Writing Challenge (and Masterlist)

[stages-of-mania]

Lord Huron Timeline Masterpost

Disclaimer: A lot of this information is speculation and consists of a lot of theories. Feel free to take things with a grain of salt.

Lonesome Dreams: 

Setting: 19th century Wild West (some theories suggested could be the Middle East in the mid-20th century) 

Characters:

Huron (main character)

Blaquefut (Huron’s best friend)

Helena (Huron’s girlfriend)

nameless Helena’s Ex (we're gonna call him Sonny for convenience)

Story: (I’m sure that most of the songs are in chronological order from the album but a few of them I believe are flashbacks so I had to move them around.)

She lit a fire/one of the best love songs ever written: The story goes earlier in the timeline technically, as it’s flashing back to how Huron met Helena. This is how the pair met. She lit his fire to travel the world or something.

Ends of the earth: early on in Huron and Helena‘s relationship. He wants to travel the world but she doesn’t so they’re kinda like “let’s split up for a bit”

Setting sun/the most mindfucking song (yes this bonus track is played at the end of the song, but hear me out ): Sonny has noticed that Helena has found someone else. They both know that Huron is better for her, but Sonny’s still pissed so he goes full yandere and chases after Huron. This story was put at the end and made “unfinished” because Sonny will always have a vendetta while Huron’s alive.

Time to run: Huron and friends are being chased by Sonny’s goons. Blaqufut gets shot in the head while helping Huron escape.

lonesome dreams: now this is a bit of a stretch, but from this theory, LD is basically purgatory and Huron travels to it to rescue Blaqufut from death.

Ghost on the shore/best song: nothing too significant to the story, it’s just Huron talking about how he misses home/the Great Lakes

I will be back one day: again, nothing much, just Huron reminiscing over Helena in pursuit to find her.

Man who lives forever: again nothing too significant, just Huron not wanting to die.

Brother: this is possibly the aftermath of an altercation between Huron and Blaqufut that they resolve. It pretty much just reaffirms their friendship.

In the wind: this one actually occurs while Huron is still on the run but from Helena’s perspective. It’s basically her reminiscing over him. I think they put this one at the end because it’s spiritually the end of the album, as it discusses how long distances and death can stop love.

Lullaby: Huron finally makes it back to Helena. He’s a complete wreck but Helena’s just happy he’s back

Sidenotes: Lonesome dreams are a collection of stories from Jorge Ranger Johnson, a writer character that Ben made up. Because of this, some of lonesome dreams might not actually be real within the universe of Lord Huron. Or they might be real events and just happened to be written about by an author. 

Alternate theories suggest that Setting sun was actually about Huron the entire time and it did take place at the end of the album, causing Helena to find someone else and Huron to becoming a murderer. 

One last important thing, because these are stories and might not actually occur within the universe of Lord Huron, it is possible that there is no afterlife, as suggested in later albums.

Strange Trails: 

Setting:

1950s, somewhere in America.

George’s: A bar that several characters tend to spend time at (probably in reference to George Ranger Johnson)

Characters:

Frankie Lou: washed up singer who presumably had a failed romance that fucked up bad. Probably an alcoholic. Sings at George’s

Cobb Avery: zombie brought back to life out of vengeance. His family was killed because his boss gave him a piece of land on a sinkhole. leader of the “World Enders” gang. Basically a bunch of terrorists. Kills everyone from the company that sold him the house. Hangs out at George’s

Jonnie: member of the world Enders. Kind of trigger-happy in a thrill seeker. Probably one of the less malicious members of the group. Probably 19.

Buck Vernon: I also think another washed-up singer. What’s important though is that he suffers from hallucinations and is desperately trying to find the girl of his dreams.

Lily: some girl that every guy in town has the hots for. Hangs out at George’s

Jim: Lily's boyfriend. Hangs out at George’s.

Danielle: Young girl. The only child character, I’d say 11-14. Best character. You’re never too young to have an existential crisis.

Justine: not really important, presumably a writer.

Louisa: some random girl (Assuming that this theory is true, she might also be a witch and might’ve started out as an asshole, might also hang out at George’s)

There’s also some other guy but he was part of one song and it wasn’t significant so disregard him.

Story:

Love like ghosts: this is Frankie reminiscing over her failed relationship

When the night ends: Jonnie talking about appreciating the finer things in life while everything’s going to shit

Dead man’s hand/also best song: buck finds Avery presumably dead while wandering the desert. He buries him only to find out that Avery is still alive. Avery says that there’s no afterlife for him and he doesn’t want to go back in the grave. The pair become friends and go their separate ways.

Hurricane: just Johnny talking about living life on the edge

La belle fleur sauvage/the beautiful wildflower: just the lead singer gushing over Lily. The guy singing this only shows up in this song, but it’s just meant to establish that everyone has the hots for Lilly. The song could also be talking about Buck in his pursuit.

Fool for love: Buck goes to George’s to win over Lily, but Jim is already with her. Being delusional, buck tries to take on Jim (in the music video he gets Avery to fight him), he trashed the place and because of this is kicked out. He’s pretty optimistic but after this, he feels kind of defeated. (*Post-Rejection Depression Time*)

World ender: focuses on Avery‘s story. Follows him as he seeks vengeance and kills the people from the company that sold him the shitty house.

Meet me in the Woods: more of Frankie reminiscing over her failed romance

Yawning grave: (OK so this is the first big roadblock in the story, so the character that this song is about is very much left up to interpretation) I assume Avery has kind of calmed down But still intends to pursue the people that have wronged him.

Frozen Pines: (disappointingly) The only song about Danielle. Her parents were abducted by aliens in front of her. She is sort of in denial and refuses to leave where she is in the middle of the forest out of the delusion that they’ll come back. The song ends with her realizing that she has to move on as she attempts to leave the forest. (also, frozen Pines is the name of the motel so it could also just be that maybe Danielle is stuck at a motel which would honestly be kind of funny.)

Cursed/best love song ever written: Buck has found himself a new girl. However, due to previous failed romantic endeavors and hallucinations, he thinks that she’s an asshole trying to put a curse on him. (The song is presumably about Louisa. It’s entirely possible that Louisa was being manipulative but they sort things out)

Way out there: (The most difficult song to figure out) presumably about Avery. I can only best describe it as him having an existential crisis and him missing his dead family.

Louisa: after Buck was tempted to kick bricks, Louisa helped him out and gave him a newfound appreciation for life. Now they’re happy =]

Night we met: last song of Frankie reminiscing over her ex. Also, the lyric video confirms that Buck & Louisa either broke up or she was just a figment of his imagination, so uh, ya. Hopefully you weren't as emotionally invested in these characters as much as I was because that tore me a new one.

Sidenotes: this album definitely had the most interpretations. The biggest issues are the stories of yawning grave and way out there, as I am unsure that it is even about Avery. The real issue tho is the lack of songs about Danielle. Ben Come On!

There are also a couple connections between this album and the next

Vide Noir: 

Setting: 1960s. Detroit & Los Angeles. 

Background info: A drug called vide noir has recently been legalized. It’s basically just a hallucinogenic that destroys the fabric of reality, good times.

Characters:

Buck Vernon: Christ Ben just can’t seem to give this guy a break.

Lee Green: Buck’s new girl. Probably wants to be an actress or something.

Lady moonbeam: A medium/psychic. I think she’s black but it’s hard to tell because of the lighting.

Cobb Avery: Best Boy Electrician on “Products of the Universe” TV show. (only mentioned in 1 song)

Marsha Tanley & Dale Frander: “Products of the Universe” host; guy selling vide & its derivatives. (not in the songs)

Story:

Lost in time and space: Buck is upset because Lee left. He decides to chase after her nonetheless.

Never ever: Buck's spirits are lifted as he heads out to find Lee.

Ancient names: Buck goes to Lady Moonbeam For advice but she sees into the future and sees that Buck will become a drug addict. He’s in denial but she knows otherwise.

Wait by the river: just Buck talking about how you would do anything for Lee. Also reveals the potential of an altercation between the two of them, presumably the two of them having a fight before she left.

Secret of life: (OK this one’s a little hard, the singer is clearly Buck, but it’s hard to tell if he’s confronting either Lee or lady moonbeam) either way, whoever he is confronting has allegedly made a pact with Avery that will cause something bad to happen to Buck. Because of this, he downs a bottle of fukitol/vide noir.

Back from the edge: the MF dies but comes back (where have we seen that before)

Balancer's eye: Buck runs into God and is denied access to heaven. Either because he wasn’t supposed to die or maybe people who take drugs aren’t allowed in. Or God has really high standards and no one‘s allowed in (again, weird knowing that Blaqufut experienced purgatory and Avery said there’s no heaven at all)

When the night is over: realizing the effect of VN, Buck is becoming worried for Lee that she might overdose if he doesn’t find her soon enough

Moonbeam: Like with Louisa, Buck ran into a girl that saved him from a bad place. Hard to tell if it’s Lee (it likely isn’t because of later in the story)  or lady moonbeam.

Vide Noir: Buck talking about the effects of the drug.

Emerald star/The most depressing song ever written: after doing everything he can and fucking dying, Buck finally finds Lee but he is turned down as she would rather be a junkie. It’s also possible that she might die or be dying, judging by the fact that the second half of this song is just instrumental followed by a sudden halt at the end. {Yay, I get to experience “close to you” all over again}

Sidenotes: George ranger Johnson is a spiritual advisor for the show that Avery works on.

The events of the film are claimed to come at the end/after the album.

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

All information was aggregated from the albums, interviews with Ben, music videos, articles about the film, Products of the Universe, & whatever else I could scavenge from LH’s YouTube channel.

I’d also like to give a huge thanks to the fanbase for their theories and research. It really helped out a lot piecing this all together. I had a lot of fun discussing this with fellow Wanderers and Enders and really appreciate being a part of this fanbase.

If you have any alternative theories, timelines, etc, be sure to mention them. A huge chunk of this info will probably become obsolete when the film/next album comes along so enjoy this while we can still be optimistic.

Dear Balancer help us.

[caitlesshea]

passed down like folk songs

4 times Nile hears Joe and Nicky tell a fake story of how they met + 1 time she hears them tell the real story.

1.

“We met at university.”

Nile pauses from where she’s sucking down her milkshake through a straw even in New York City winter because Chicago, when she smiles at whatever flowery love story Joe and Nicky are currently telling a bakery owner. 

“How lovely.” The owner says and then smiles at Joe’s humorous turn of events. 

Nile’s glad she made them take her to Max Brenner, even in this weather, because even though they aren’t tourists, she is. And neither one complained when she saw them greedily lap up the hot chocolate. 

She also saw Nicky eyeing a Hug Mug and she grabbed it before he noticed. Even though no one else celebrates Christmas, she does, so they’re all getting gifts.

“He was my English tutor.” Nicky says and Nile snorts, recalling both of their animated stories of their distaste for learning English when they did, hundreds of years ago.

“He was my best student.” 

And, Nile’s back to gagging. 

She loves them, she does. But there’s only so much poetic love she can hear them wax about each other before she tunes it out. 

She should’ve dragged Andy along with her, but her and Quynh opted to stay in their town home they’ve owned since the Industrial Revolution or something, and lord knows where Booker’s fucked off to. 

So, she’s walking around New York in November, so Joe and Nicky can go to their favorite bakery on the other side of the city from where their place is. 

“He really didn’t need any help with English.” Joe teases and Nicky smiles like this is a story they’ve told before. 

“Nope. We’ve been married for eight years now.” Nicky says to the owner, who squeals loudly. 

They end up leaving the bakery with more pastries than they paid for, much to Joe’s delight. 

“Eight years, huh?”

“It has been eight years since our last wedding.” Nicky says and Nile’s eyes bug out of her head.

“Wait, you’re actually married?”

They both stare at her like she’s lost her mind and she doesn’t know why she thought they weren’t.

“We’ve been married for a long time. Different places, different names, different countries.” Joe shrugs and grabs Nicky’s hand as they continue their walk. 

Nile pulls another bit of milkshake through her straw and follows after them. 

2.

“Your friend is very hot.” The woman, Anya, smirks at Nile as she gestures over her shoulder.

“Who?” Nile asks incredulously because for one quick moment she wants to answer with I don’t have friends but she knows that’s not exactly true so she just gapes at Anya with her mouth open. 

Anya, the daughter of their mark, who Nile is supposed to be getting to know, just points rudely towards Joe.

“Are you lovely ladies talking about me?” Joe slides up to Nile and puts an arm over her shoulders.

“No.” Nile says at the exact same time Anya says yes.

Anya smacks Nile’s arm playfully and smirks at Joe.

“I was just telling Nile how attractive you are.” 

Nile stares at Anya wondering when she got so bold and then looks at Joe who’s smiling and blushing, which she didn’t think was possible.

“Why thank you. But I am happily taken.” 

As if summoned by Joe mentioning he’s taken, Nicky comes over and places a hand on the small of Joe’s back as he separates from Nile.

Anya is pouting but Nicky just smiles.

“Were you talking about me, love?”

“I was just about to tell Anya how we met skiing in the Alps on vacation.” Joe turns to look at Anya and continues. “My Nico is not the most coordinated and he got his skis tangled and once we realized he was okay I asked him to join me in the lodge and we had hot coco in front of the fire. He still makes fun of my love for mini marshmallows.” 

Nile smirks at the story, knowing that some of it is probably true and when she turns back to Anya she notices what only can be described as heart eyes.

“That is the sweetest story.” Anya gushes and just as she’s about to go on, her father, their mark, walks up and smiles at her.

“Darling. Who are you friends?” 

As Anya introduces them Nicky turns to her and winks.

Yeah. They’ve definitely told that story before.

3.

“Do you wanna dance?”

Nile turns at the question and comes face to face with the most attractive woman she’s ever seen. 

“I’m Nile.” Nile blurts out unintelligently and the beautiful woman laughs and Nile’s fucked.

“I’m Frankie.” The woman, Frankie, smiles and leans closer to Nile. “Dance with me?”

Nile nods as she finishes her drink and turns in time to catch Joe’s smirk. She rolls her eyes and lets Frankie pull her out to the dance floor.

They’re in London, because Booker needed to be here for something he couldn’t say, but right now Nile doesn’t care. She convinced Joe and Nicky that they needed a night off and they let her drag them to a club. 

She’s forever grateful they agreed. 

She lets Frankie grab her hips and pull them flush together and after a couple of songs Nile feels want like she hasn’t since she died in the desert. 

“Your friends are staring at us.” Frankie whispers in her ear and it pulls Nile out of the moment.

“Huh?”

“Your friends. They’re protective?”

“Oh.” Nile tugs on the belt loops of Frankie’s jeans. “Yeah.”

“Introduce me to them.”

“What?”

“I want to meet your friends.” Nile looks at Frankie incredulously because really? 

“Kiss me.” Nile says instead. 

So Frankie kisses her and Nile ends up dragging her to meet Joe and Nicky. 

“Joe. Nicky. This is Frankie.” Nile introduces them as she steals Nicky’s drink right out of his hand. He scoffs and smiles so she knows he’s not mad.

“How do you know Nile?” Frankie asks them like they didn’t all meet tonight. Nile would find this weird but she’s immortal so what even is her life?

“Nile and I met at work.” Joe answers. “But I brought my husband to a work party and I’m pretty sure he stole my best friend.” 

Nile’s breath catches in her throat. She knows Joe’s telling a story and she knows they’re friends but something about the way he says best friend makes her heart clench. 

“And how did you meet your husband?” Frankie asks as she slides closer to Nile.

Nile assumes she’s being nice, trying to get to know them, but the cynical part of her that has only grown more and more since she became immortal wonders why Frankie is asking all of these questions.

“Oh, it wasn’t much different than this.” Joe gestures to the club and even though Nile knows it’s a lie her eyes still bug out of her head. 

“Really?” Nile squeaks and Joe smiles.

“Yes, although I think it was called a speakeasy. The one we met at had a dress code and everything. Fedoras, suspenders, the whole nine. Nico was very dashing.” 

Nicky smiles at Joe as he kisses him quickly, once, and then turns back to them. 

“He bought me a drink and the rest as they say is history.” 

Nile chuckles and Frankie seems enraptured by them and Nile gets it, she does, but she tugs Frankie back onto the dance floor. 

Later Frankie puts her number in Nile’s burner phone and Nile throws it on the ground and crushes it with her boot.

4.

“Did Dr. Jones tell you I introduced him to his husband?” Luca, the curator at the museum they’re canvassing asks.

“No, I don’t think so.” Nile smirks and Joe rolls his eyes.

“He didn’t introduce us so much as we met when I was helping curate one of the museum exhibits. Nico, as you know, is a photographer and he was hired to take photos before the opening.” Joe smiles like he’s replaying a pleasant memory. 

“Love at first sight?” Nile teases and Joe and Luca laugh.

“Seemed like they couldn’t stand each other at first.” Luca smirks and Nile raises an eyebrow at Joe who just shrugs.

“We figured it out eventually.” Joe turns to her and Nile knows the moment Nicky walks into the room because Joe’s gaze has left Nile and is now focused over her head. 

“Practice makes perfect.” Nile mumbles and Luca smiles at her as Joe leaves them to go stand next to Nicky.

+1

“Hurry up!” Joe calls after them as Nile, Andy, and Quynh cross the street to catch up to them.

Nile pulls her scarf tighter around her neck to keep the chill away. It’s New Years Eve and they’re back in London, because Booker, and they’re trying to beat the crowds out of the city to get back to Copley’s. 

They’re about to jump onto the sidewalk when Nile hears it; tires skidding, a sickening crunch, and Booker’s ear piercing scream. 

“James!” 

That’s new. 

Before Nile can even process what’s happened, the car is speeding away and Joe is trying to grab Booker by the shoulders while Andy and Quynh land on the pavement next to a woman, unconscious on the ground, body twisted in an unnatural way.

“Nile.” Nicky takes her by the shoulders and steers her away from Copley, lying on the ground, blood pooling around him, and the woman, who it looks like he was trying to save. 

Booker is inconsolable and suddenly London makes a lot more sense. 

“Booker.” Nile goes to say as she steps around Nicky and stops in her tracks when she sees the woman.

“Frankie.” Nile falls onto the pavement unconcerned with her jeans getting soaked as she gently touches Frankie’s face. 

She wants to scream, she wants to cry, she wants to blame this universe for all that is unfair. 

Booker’s hiccupping sobs cut through most of her inner turmoil as she turns to Andy and Quynh.

“We need…” Nile clears her throat. “We have to call the police.” 

“Nile.” Nicky’s voice is soft and she turns sharp eyes on him. 

She’s about to argue with him when there’s a loud gasp as Copley shoots awake right into Booker’s arms. 

“Sébastien.” Copley whispers as Booker starts crying in earnest now, mumbling in French, as Joe holds both of them. 

“We have to get off the street.” Nicky says quietly.

“We can’t leave her.” Nile grabs Frankie’s hand, the woman she spent a half a night with, and knows she can’t leave her alone.

“Nile.” Andy tries to placate her.

“No.” Nile stares Andy down. “No.” 

“Frankie.” Copley crawls over to her and Nile’s eyes widen and she’s about to ask how he knows her when Frankie gasps awake and turns to cough up blood.

“Shit.” Frankie says as she grabs her head and watches in abject fascination as her legs heal. 

Nile has just a moment to catch Frankie before she passes out and hits her head on the pavement.

“Now can we get out of here?” Andy asks exasperated and everyone nods as Nile picks Frankie up.

Back at Copley’s, hours later, Frankie listens as Joe and Nicky explain everything to her. 

Nile wants to comfort her, wants to know if this is why she felt drawn to her before, months ago. 

She has so many questions but they can wait until Frankie asks all of hers. Luckily Copley doesn’t have many, and he and Booker are cuddled on the couch together.

“Nicky and I met in the Crusades.” Joe says cheerfully, and Nile’s thrown back to the church almost a year ago when she heard the same story. 

In retrospect, it probably shouldn’t have taken her almost a year to figure it out. 

“We killed each other.” Joe jokes as he winks at Nicky.

“Many times.” Nicky smiles at Joe but Nile can see what she now knows isn’t just an underlying sadness of hurting his love, but the battle he wages within himself, nearly a millennium later, thinking he’s still not worthy, that he’ll never be able to repent for those sins he made outside of Jerusalem. 

“They never get to tell the real story.” Nile says quietly to Andy. 

“Real story?”

“Of how they met. I mean before tonight they maybe told it three times? You and Quynh, Booker, me.”

“Ah. Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“That must be really hard.” 

“They have fun with it.” Andy shrugs as she looks over at Quynh.

“I’ve heard some of the stories.”

“They’re not just stories.” At Nile’s questioning glance Andy continues. “I mean most of the things have happened, they just leave out the part where they already know each other.”

“Huh.” Nile thinks back to all the stories she’s heard them tell of how they met or how they got together and her heart aches that they’ve only been able to share the real version a handful of times.

“You’ll be able to have your own stories someday.” Andy nudges her and she looks over at Frankie.

“We met at a club.” Nile smiles at the memory. 

“Yeah, but tonight is when you really met. And someday they’ll be another to share it with.” 

That makes sense and Nile smiles at the possibilities. 

“So, Copley, are you gonna tell us why you were meeting up with a CIA analyst?” Joe asks Copley and Nile watches both Copley and Booker look at Frankie and then Copley gets up and goes toward his office.

“I was gonna tell everyone tomorrow.” Copley says as he leans against Booker, who pulls him closer to his side. 

Copley drops a file down on the table and Joe and Nicky open it. 

Nicky quickly loses all the color in his cheeks and stares at Frankie with something akin to awe.

“Is this real?” Joe asks and Copley nods.

“She’s a descendant of Nicky’s. We worked together before I left the agency and since I can never let anything go…” Copley trails off. “I got in touch and she said she was interested in her ancestry. I was gonna tell you what I found before I brought her in but well…”

Frankie looks around at everyone and then she makes her way over to Nile. 

“Hi.” Frankie says quietly to Nile as everyone else in the room starts talking over each other.

“Hi.” Nile says as they sway closer together.

“Is this why you never texted me?”

“Yes.” Nile breathes and Frankie smiles. 

“I forgive you.” 

“Oh you do?” Nile teases her and Frankie smirks before turning back to the rest of the room. 

Nicky has a strange look on his face and Frankie turns her questioning gaze to Nile. 

“He’s trying to figure out which one of us to give the shovel talk to.” Nile smirks and Joe laughs with his whole body as Nicky winks. 

“Is he?” Frankie smirks and tugs Nile impossibly closer. 

“Yeah.” Nile breathes against Frankie’s mouth before she closes the distance and kisses her.

“Let’s give him something to talk about.” 

This is a story Nile can’t wait to share.

[flowerpowell]

The Royal Holiday Romance

PART TWO

A/N: I think I forgot how to write lol. This is my attempt at fluff. I’m not sure if I’ll fit the story I planned in two more chapters, but it’ll definitely be mini series. Still fluffy, still Christmassy and still veryyy Hallmarky. I hope you’ll like it! Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Rating: G

Tagging: @twinkleallnight @kingliam-rys @sfb123 @gkittylove99 @texaskitten30 @iaminlovewithtrr @gardeningourmet @delightfullypinkglitter @lodberg @kingliam2019 @queen-arabella-of-cordonia​ 

Victoria looked at the scenery in front of her. She tried to focus on the beauty of nature but she was distracted by something. 

Someone. 

She felt Liam’s eyes on her as if awaiting her reaction. After talking for a little bit more, Liam insisted on taking her to his favorite spot in the forest. It was a little cave, completely covered by mud, now though, completely covered with snow. The cave was surrounded by trees and Liam told her that not many people knew about the cave since it wasn’t visible thanks to the trees around.

“It’s like a fairytale,” she finally said, still aware of Liam’s presence. “Like a forest straight from the Grimms’ fairytales.”

Liam chuckled. “As far as I’m concerned, forests in their stories weren’t exactly safe or beautiful.”

Victoria turned to face him, the corners of her lips slightly raised. “True, but I’ve always found them magical. Just like the fairytales themselves.”

“Ah, yes. The fairy godmother and everything.”

“Actually, no.” Victoria shook her head. “There was no fairy godmother in the original. It’s Hollywood’s creation. In the original, there’s mother cutting their daughters’ feet so the shoe would fit instead.”

Liam’s eyes widened.

“I suppose that’s one less fairytale I’d read to my children,” he chuckled. “I had no idea.”

“Yeah, I read the original fairytales and wasn’t impressed with how Hollywood adapted them. Did you know that in the original Little Mermaid by Andersen, Little Mermaid doesn’t marry the prince? He marries another princess and the Little Mermaid has to kill the prince on his wedding night to be a mermaid again.”

“I… certainly have to read some of these again. I didn’t even realize how brutal these fairytales can be.” Liam admitted. “I assume you weren’t happy with this adaptation either?”

“No,” she shook her head. “I mean, I like how sweet and romantic those Disney versions are but adapting a story and then not sticking to it is kind of a pet peeve of mine.”

“I see.”

“Sorry, it’s silly and I’m talking too much,” Victoria said quickly and turned her attention to the trees. Why couldn’t she stop talking? She just met Liam and started telling him about how bloody original fairytales can be. Great job, Tori. This is how you scare people, not make them interested in you.

“I would say it’s rather fascinating.” Victoria turned to him, surprised as he went on. “As I said, I had no idea about the originals but you made me want to read them.” He smiled at her and she felt her cheeks were blushing. “You must be a pretty harsh critic, huh?”

She let out a hearty laugh but quickly covered her mouth with her hands. “Mhm. Sometimes.” If I were a critic I would be harsh. Probably. Can’t say since I’m not one.

“What’s your favorite movie then? The one you just can’t criticize.”

“Gold Rush. I love the humor and I love how Chaplin showed real issues through comedy. No special effects, no computers, and these black and white, no sound movies are often better than what Hollywood offers us now.”

“Classics. Interesting.” Liam nodded. Victoria opened her mouth to apologize again for talking too much about cinema but Liam was first. “I actually preferred Modern Times. Chaplin showed a true genius there and I loved how he mixed the sound into this silent movie. Although, I must admit, Buster Keaton was master of comedy for me.”

Victoria looked at him, her eyes slightly widened. No one, maybe except for some of her professors and fellow students, heard of Keaton. She believed he was one of the most underrated comedians but anytime she’d talk about him, no one would know who was she referring to.

Liam kept on talking about his favorite movies as they were walking but all Victoria could think of was how oddly comfortable she felt being with him.

~~~~

After, what felt like a minute but was actually two hours, Victoria said goodbye to Liam and raced back to the set. She hoped Hana didn’t wait too long for; she had promised her to eat dinner together. Liam told her he had to join his friends somewhere and the two separated, though a little reluctantly. Victoria was still in awe of Liam but tried not to read too much into it. It was only a nice encounter with a stranger in the Cordonian forest.

“Hana!” Victoria called out as she spotted her friend. Hana was standing with a man that Victoria had never seen before and waved at her when she saw her.

“I was getting worried,” Hana confessed and Victoria felt guilty.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop admiring the beauty of Cordonian landscape.”

“Ah, yes, Cordonia is beautiful,” the man standing next to Hana said and both women turned to him.

“Uhh, I almost forgot. Maxwell, this is my friend and co-star, Tori. And this is Maxwell. He’s the friend of the King and also my future biographer.”

“Oh, it’s so nice to—”

“O M G! I am so happy to meet Hana Lee’s friends! How long have you known Hana? What is she like as a friend? I bet she’s the best. Is Tori your full name?”

“Umm…” Victoria looked at Hana confused but her friend only shrugged.

“Maxwell wants to write a book about me and I couldn’t say no. Literally,” Hana added for only Victoria to hear.

“Nice to meet you, Maxwell. Tori is a nickname only for my friends and my full name is—”

“Brooks!”

“Sorry, I’ll be right back!” Victoria apologized and ran to a crew member that just called her name. Hana nodded in response and Maxwell noted something in his notebook.

“Maxwell! There you are!”

“Liam! I thought you forgot about me. Where have you been?” Maxwell asked as Liam walked up to him and Hana.

“I had… some thing to do. It’s a pleasure to see you again, lady Hana. I hope you’re enjoying your stay in Cordonia.” Liam turned to Hana.

“It’s even more beautiful here than I remembered. I hope I’ll have some time to visit Applewood  again, it must be so pretty this time of the year.”

“Applewood is always pretty.” Liam smiled and Hana laughed. “I’m afraid we should get going. Duty calls.”

“But do we have to?” Maxwell pouted.

“Maxwell, you’ve talked to lady Hana for two hours, let’s give her a break,” Liam said and Hana sent him a grateful smile.

“Fine, fine. It was a pleasure, Hana! I hope to see you again, soon.”

“Likewise.” Hana waved Maxwell goodbye as he and Liam started to walk away.

“Sorry, there was a problem with one of my scenes.” Victoria appeared next to Hana causing the actress to jump. “Where’s Maxwell?”

“He had to go. The King was here.”

“Wait, what? The King of Cordonia was here? While I was sorting out my scenes?” Victoria asked and Hana nodded. “Oh man. Just my luck. I wish I could meet him, too.”

“His friend is writing my biography, I’m sure you’ll have a chance,” Hana chuckled.

“Yeah, about that… How… did that happen?” Hana laughed as she took her friend’s arm to go for a dinner.

~~

“Chapter one would be called The Star in the Womb. I think I could get some ultrasound pictures of Hana because I’m sure she was very photogenic back then as well.”

“What on Earth are you talking about?” Drake put his book down as Maxwell read his notes out loud.

“What? If this is going to be Hana Lee’s first biography, I have to make sure it is perfect. What so you think, Liam?”

“Hmm? Yes, wonderful idea.” Liam didn’t even look at Maxwell, his eyes were glued to his phone, which was a rather rare occurrence. Maxwell looked at Drake triumphantly.

“What?! Did you even hear what Maxwell came up with? He wants to describe Hana Lee’s time in the womb.”

“That’s a good move, indeed.”

“Seriously, what is going on Liam? What are you doing?” Drake tried to take Liam’s phone but he didn’t let him.

“Nothing.”

“Liam. What happened? You’ve been acting weird since yesterday. You’re never that absent-minded.”

“Nothing happened!”

“Uh uh,” Maxwell cut in. “You’re different. Even Drake noticed.

“Hey!”

“Nothing happened,” Liam tried to reassure his friend but they still were looking at him as if he lost his mind. Liam shook his head, resigned, and Drake quickly snatched his phone. His eyes went wide as he saw what Liam was doing.

“Little mermaid? You’re reading little mermaid?”

“What?” Maxwell asked, glancing at Liam’s phone.

“Did you know that Little Mermaid tried to kill the prince when he didn’t marry her?” 

“What?” Drake was confused.

“I need to go for a walk,” Liam said taking his phone from Drake’s hand.

“Wait! Liam, wait! Can we invite Hana to the palace for dinner tonight? I want to talk to her and I’m sure she’d like to talk to you as well.”

“Mhm, sure. You can invite her.”

“Ohh, and let’s invite Tori, she seemed nice!”

“Who’s Tori?” Liam asked as he was putting on his coat.

“Hana’s friend and co-star. We met yesterday, just before you came. I felt good energy from her,” Maxwell explained.

“Hmm, sure, let’s invite them both.” Liam finished putting on his coat and shoes. “Tell the kitchen staff to prepare the dinner and tell Antonio to invite Hana and her friends. Just please, be civil. And no asking for ultrasound!” Liam warned before heading out, completely oblivious to the happy break-dance Maxwell just performed.

~~~~

“Aaaand CUT!” The director’s voice startled Victoria as she was dozing off on a chair, waiting for Hana to finish her scene. “That’s it everybody, we’re done for the day.”

“Finally,” Victoria thought as she yawned. She glanced at her phone and quickly did the math in her head. They were on set for ten hours with only one thirty-minute break.

“Hungry?” Hana appeared next to her, smiling and full of energy as if she wasn’t working for almost a full day.

“You have no idea. Pizza?” Victoria suggested and Hana nodded.

“That sounds—Excuse me for a second.” Hana looked at her friend apologetically as she took out her ringing phone. “Hello?”

Victoria walked away a little to give Hana some privacy. She wondered if Liam went to the forest today as well. Or if he watched any of the films she recommended. To be fair, Liam was all she could think of. She sighed looking at the set in front of her. Even though, she didn’t want to complain about her job, she wanted nothing more than to go to the forest to relax. And maybe meet Liam again. Maybe.

“I have the greatest news and you’ll love it!” Hana was giddy with excitement and Victoria wondered how she was still so alive after such a long day at work.

“The pizza place decided to give us our pizzas for free? Johnny Depp finally got his Oscar?”

Hana shook her head laughing. “No, but close. Prepare your best outfit, we’ve been invited for a dinner with the King.”

-------

[yikeswtfmate]

The Shoe Game

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Summary: Wanda and Vis are getting married. Y/N and Bucky play a game themselves.

Warnings: mild language; mild sexual references; alcohol consumption

A/N: ok, enough with me being an asshole about it, here it is

There are fairy lights in the trees around them, a magical feeling that adds to the happiness and love that surrounds them. Y/N’s hand is in Bucky’s, and he kisses each of her finger tips as he’s whispering something that only they can hear. He’s so gorgeous in the golden hue of the lights around them, that Y/N would just like to stay there all night and stare into his ocean blue eyes. His jacket is on the back of his chair, and her shoes are under the table, while a scarlet strap is falling slowly over her shoulder. He catches it and places it back up, and she just smiles at him, tilting her head until her cheek is on his hand.

“Jesus Christ, you two are so disgusting.” Carol announces as she takes her seat at the table next to Y/N.

She’s followed by Sam and Nat, who are in the middle of a very heated discussion on why it would be frowned upon to hook up with the bride’s cousin at her wedding. Y/N only manages to stick her tongue out at Carol, before the music starts to fade out and Tony’s voice suddenly booms through the speakers.

“Hello, ladies and gents, I think it’s safe to say we’ve all had time to enjoy the lovely open bar and can now stand seeing even more of the happy couple being disgustingly sweet.”

There are cheers and whoops that fill the garden, and Y/N can’t help but giggle. Wanda and Vis, on the other hand, look rightfully wary – Tony has taken it upon himself to embarrass all the couples in their group at their weddings. So then, it’s no surprise that Wanda hisses at him when she and Vis are asked to sit on two back to back chairs in the middle of the dance floor.

“Wanda, honey, relax. We’re not starting another cake fight after Clint’s trainwreck of a party.” Tony chuckles right into the microphone, and the boos from the bar make him look up for a second. “I’m sorry, Laura, darling, but your husband is a mess.”

Y/N watches on with interest as Tony makes the newlyweds take off their shoes, and switches one for the other, until each holds a his and hers. Bucky groans and scuttles closer on his chair, until they’re cheek to cheek. His arm goes around her shoulder and Y/N just kisses him right under his eye.

“Ok, so I’m going to ask you two some questions and then you have to raise the shoe of the person it describes, alright?”

“Do you want us to get divorced right on the first day?” Vis asks, making everyone laugh.

“So you do think she has the crazier family!” Tony shouts and right on time, the photographer captures both Wanda’s crazy eyes and Vis’ horrified expression. Y/N makes a mental note to ask for it – she’ll just frame it and put it in her own living room, right next to that one photo of Bucky dressed as a priest.

“10 bucks Vis will forbid the bartenders to give Tony any more alcohol for the rest of the night.” Bucky whispers.

“15 that Wands will kick Tony with her heels.” She says as they both continue watching the spectacle unfolding in front of them.

“Alright, ok!” Tony shouts, interrupting their bet. “Now, who makes the better breakfast?”

Wanda frowns at him – everyone definitely expected him to ask the most idiotic questions right off the bat. Tentatively, she raises her own shoe, while Vis raises his. There’s laughter and whistles, and when Wanda realises what just happened, she does her best to slap her now husband, while still remaining seated.

“You make the better breakfast.” Y/N whispers, as an afterthought.

Bucky doesn’t have time to respond, before Tony rattles on the next question. “Who’s more likely to leave dishes in the sink?”

“Oh, definitely you.” Bucky responds, just as instinctively.

Y/N turns to him then, a frown on her face. Then an idea lights up her whole face and she smirks, right as Tony says, “Who’s the more likely to burn the house down when cooking dinner?”

“Me.” She says, right when Bucky says, “You.”

“Who takes up more than their half of the bed?”

The answer is the same, just as quick, just as expected. They look at each other and giggle, waiting for the next question. “Who has the better laugh?”

A second passes and Bucky’s smile softens, just as Y/N reaches out her hand until she’s brushing his fingers on the table.

“Yours.” They say at the same time.

Bucky would like to kiss her cheek then, right in that moment, when she tilts her head – a classic move she pulls only when she wants to hide the blush that’s creeping up her face. He questioned Wanda’s choice of colour for the bridesmaids’ dresses, but he quickly rectified his opinion the second he’s seen Y/N step down the stairs of the hotel. He wonders whether he’s ever seen a woman more beautiful wearing red, but he supposes not. Unfair to every other person on the planet, but he’s quite certain Y/N is the only one who can wear anything and look like a dream.

“Who was the first to say I love you?” Tony’s voice interrupts his thoughts.

Y/N grins then, and leans into him again. Bucky squeezes her shoulder, kissing her temple. I love you, you big dork, his mind supplies, one memory that shines brighter than any star, any image, any sound, any feeling.

“Who loves the other the most?”

No, get off me! Oh God, you are not allowed to do that! Stop tickling me, that’s against the rules!

I’ll tickle and I’ll tickle until you admit it!

Never!

Admit that I love you more than you love me!

No! That’s a lie! I must not tell lies!

Babe, I’m going to hold you here, pinned to the floor until you admit it!

No!

What if I do this?

Oh God, please don’t! Don’t! James Buchanan Barnes, do not kiss my neck! It tickles, oh my God, please stop! Fine! Fine! I admit it! You love me more, ok? You do, now please let go of me! Baby, please!

Never! I’ll hold you in my arms until I die!

“Who fell in love first?”

Y/N squeezes Bucky’s fingers instantly, as if not even realising it. He looks at her, but she suddenly seems distant, suddenly hiding into herself, an embarrassed huff escaping her lips. She’s untangling herself from his arms then, reaching for her glass of wine. She takes a deep breath, tries to force herself to laugh at how Wanda nearly jumps up from the chair with Vis’ shoe high up. Bucky watches Y/N, more than sure that she knows his eyes are on her, but she still wouldn’t meet his gaze. The feeling of her fingers still lingers on his hand, and he flexes it slowly, tasting the almost word on his tongue. Has it been her this entire time?

But he can’t reach for her, he can’t grab her wrist and pull her back into him, because she’s on her feet now, hurrying towards the bar with an empty glass. Bucky wonders whether he’s just hallucinated the whole thing, whether his mind just supplied him with one of the dreams he’s been having lately, but the tension between her shoulders whispers in his ear, caressing his jaw, tangling in his hair. Might this be the answer he’s been waiting for?

***

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[seawitchkaraoke]

Looking fetching

Ao3 link in the notes, spoilers for A Killing Frost.

Simon hadn't meant to lie to October, not really. It's just that it hadn't seemed important and by the time Acacia asked if he was Sylvester's fetch, he didn't want to interrupt their search for his daughter with long explanations, which would undoubtedly have been needed, had he answered "yes".

And it hadn’t truly been a lie. He had never once described Eira as "his" firstborn, merely the Daoine Sidhe firstborn and when he told Acacia he was Sylvester's brother, it was true. October would understand that, she called the Lady May her sister as well after all.

So yes, he had excuses and he hadn't technically lied and surely October would understand. It had been drilled into him never to tell anyone his true nature after all, he had long since learned to mirror the magic of the Daoine Sidhe as much as possible and if he was better with transformations than he had any right to be, well, he was simply talented.

And yet.

And yet when October said, again, that it wasn't his fault, he couldn't have resisted Eira, her being his firstborn after all, and Dianda and Patrick, his Patrick, who he had never told, were right there.... He knew it didn't matter. If he wanted a chance at redemption, he had to be honest.

So.

"She isn't my firstborn"

Silence. Dianda and Patrick stared at him. So did October and supposedly Tybalt, though the king of cats wasn't in his line of sight.

"what do you mean? You know she's the Daoine Sidhe firstborn, you said so yourself?" October sounded like she was contemplating dragging him back to the sea witch to fix him, since he had clearly lost his mind.

Well. Better explain then.

"Yes, she is the Daoine Sidhe firstborn. She is my brother's firstborn and my father's firstborn, but she isn't my firstborn"

Deep breath. This wouldn't make them hate him any more. Probably.

"I don't know who my firstborn is, but I know it is not her. I- I am not Daoine Sidhe”

He took another breath. Best to just say it, “I am a fetch. Sylvester's fetch, though you could have guessed that I suppose. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, it never seemed like the right time and my parents taught me never to tell anyone and I didn't-"

He was babbling, he knew. Somehow, he couldn't stop. He was still holding Patrick's hands, but he couldn't bring himself to look at him, why had he never told him in all the years they had known each other? October might forgive him; she had forgiven worse and they had not, in truth, known one another long but Patrick? Patrick be should have told ages ago

"I'm sorry I misled you, truly, I understand if this changes things, there's really no excuse, I should have told you centuries ago-"

"Simon"

That stopped him. Patrick didn't sound angry, but he didn't exactly sound happy either, and Patrick rarely sounded angry even when he was and-

"Simon, please, look at me"

He couldn't disobey that voice, so soft and insistent and unbearably calm. So, he lifted his head, slowly, and looked into Patrick's eyes, expecting anger or disappointment or betrayal.

All he found was love.

"I never loved you for your species you know?" Patrick smiled wryly "of course I would have preferred it if you had told me - and you really should have - but if I can forgive you turning my son into a tree-"

Simon winced, glancing towards Dean who was a little way away, talking quietly to Quentin "I really am sorry about that"

"as I said, if I can forgive that, I can forgive you not telling me about being a fetch - and sweet Oberon, if I didn't know you so well I'd think you were playing a joke, HOW can you possibly be a fetch?

"yes!" October had finally found her voice "HOW are you a fetch? Shouldn't I have seen that in your memories? Shouldn't Sylvester, you know, be dead?"

"I'd like to know that as well" Tybalt spoke, now, seemingly calm "I've known you an exceedingly long time, and you never showed any indication of being your brother’s death omen"

Simon was about to answer, when Dianda, suddenly snorted.

And then laughed.

And then kept laughing.

And then lost control of her legs and landed on the beach on her long shimmering tail.

“Um”, said Simon, intelligently “are you alright?”

Dianda tried to answer but couldn’t – she was still laughing too hard – so she held a hand up signalling them to give her a minute.

After several minutes, that they all spent staring at Dianda and that Dianda spent trying to calm herself down, only to look up at Simon and lose it all over again, she managed but kept her eyes resolutely away from him.

“of course, you are a fetch”, she said, “why not? I don’t even need an explanation, this is Faerie, this might as well happen”

“….well I’d still truly appreciate an explanation if it is of no inconvenience to you”, said Tybalt.

“okay okay, yes, so. Um.”, Simon stuttered, not really knowing where to begin, “so. You know where fetches come from, right?”

“Yes”, said Tybalt and Toby. “No”, said Patrick and Dianda. They stared at each other.

“Hey, it wasn’t my secret to share!”, Toby held her hands up, warding off Dianda’s stare and taking a step away from her tail – as if that would really save her.

“Alright”, Simon pinched the bridge of his nose, “as far as I know we come from nighthaunts who drink living blood… does that match what your Lady Fetch told you, October?”

“Err, yes but what do you mean ‘as far as you know’? Don’t you remember? Because May remembers, it’s really useful sometimes but also kinda creepy”

“No, I don’t remember…. I didn’t even know I was a fetch for a while. I appeared when Sylvester was still very young – I believe there was an assassination attempt, my father killed the assailant but some of my brother’s blood must have gotten mixed in his - and so his… my… our parents changed my memory and adopted me. Don’t ask how or why they did this; I could only speculate. Possibly they believed that if I could not remember being a death omen that Sylvester would survive”

Toby interrupted at that “but wouldn’t you have noticed? Didn’t your appearance change to match his or you could feel danger and all those…”, she waved her hand, “funky fetch powers?”

Simon sighed, “maybe if I had been older, yes, but I was very young at the time. The only memories I had were Sylvester’s, which I imagined to be my own, and he was just a few years old, only a toddler.”

Toby frowned “okay, never mind that imagining you two as toddlers is just weird, but wouldn’t you have realized as you grew up?”

“I would have yes. I did, in fact, but not in the way you appear to imagine. You know we grew up with your mother –“

Toby nodded, a frown on her face.

“- well. One day we were playing and Sylvester… he fell. He fell and he hit his head and he didn’t get up. My sister and I didn’t know what to do, she ran for our parents and I…”

“you faded.” Toby spoke up again, realization on her face, “you faded, and my mother told you to stop. But… but how did she save Sylvester? She saved me from elfshot by changing my blood, but she couldn’t have done that to him”

“She did not, no. But she- She was only a child but she grabbed the nearest rose and drove the thorns into her skin and when that did not make her bleed as much as she desired, she grabbed more roses and then she grabbed my knife that I used to make little wooden figures and she… she bled. She bled a lot. I don’t know what she did or how it could have been possible, but Sylvester woke and the nighthaunts didn’t come to call either of us home and when my parents arrived they found a lot of blood but no dead child.” He took a breath, “If I did not already love your mother, I think this may have been when I fell. She was so sure and so beautiful and so fearless, and she saved my brother, one of the most important people in my world”, he grew quiet, “at the time, at least”

They took a moment to digest that. Then Patrick, dear Patrick spoke up “that may have been the only selfless thing Amandine ever did. I’m glad she saved you, and him, for your sake, but Sylvester never deserved you”

Simon sighed, “he was a child, Patrick, dearest. We all were. There was no resentment yet in those days, no mistakes that couldn’t be taken back, just four children”, he glanced at Tybalt, “four children and a prince of cats who seemed to appear at random intervals”, he tried to pour amusement into his voice. The others simply stared at him, clearly not impressed by his attempts at joking.

“Be that as it may” Tybalt drawled, clearly unembarrassed by Simon’s mention of him, “pray, continue with your recounting. After this event, did your parents tell you what you were?”

Simon nodded, “they did. They didn’t have much of a choice. Perhaps they could have claimed that the fading of the one when the other died was normal for twins – they are exceedingly rare in Faerie after all – but I would have questioned why my magic was different or perhaps met some other pair of twins eventually. I suppose they deemed it wiser to tell me, so I could learn how to hide as a Daoine Sidhe as best as possible”

“but your magic!”, October burst out, “you can do blood magic and I’ve never seen May do that! I don’t understand”

“Have you ever seen her attempt blood magic, October?”, he asked, but before she could answer, he shook his head and continued, “but no, you are quite right. I am not very good at blood magic. I can do some – just as you are capable of illusions despite having neither flower nor water magic at your disposal – but I am not good. I am however decent at alchemy which can achieve many of the same results. True, I vastly prefer having some time to make a potion out of blood but once I have done so, no one ever questions whether or not what I am doing is truly the result of blood magic as such. I look and act Daoine Sidhe after all and who has ever heard of a fetch existing long enough to learn deception?”

“And you are, as we have seen, surprisingly adept at transformations”, Patrick mused. Simon winced again and glanced towards Dean – still walking along the beach with Quentin – but Patrick did not sound angry, “really I should have seen it ages ago. You never did show me all that much blood magic, but you transformed scraps into new suits on a far too regular basis, when the old one would truly still have served me fine”, he was smiling now and finally Simon allowed his shoulders to sag. Patrick really had forgiven him for the deception.

“you never did learn how to properly dress yourself”, he sighed but was smiling too now, comfortable in the centuries old banter.

“Well, that’s why I married a mermaid”, he grinned, “clothing is really rather optional down there. What’s the point, truly, if it will only get wet?”

Toby exclaimed in protest that when she had been in the undersea, everyone had been clothed, Dianda laughed and backed her husband up that no, it was true, they barely knew what clothes were in her realm, and Simon allowed himself to breathe.

He didn’t know what was to happen to him next. He assumed he would be sent to sleep for a hundred years and he truly could not say he did not deserve that and worse. But at least he could do so, knowing that no more deceptions stood between him and the people he loved so dearly.

[msotherworldly]

The Blue Door: Chapter One

While this was originally the second book in my Children of Pandora series, I’ve decided it will do better as book four. The adventures of Insula don’t yet have a direct affect on the main protagonist, Eradica, making the placement of her book in the early timeline fairly flexible. 

Reading this book without reading the others would be like reading The Horse and His Boy without touching The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. While there’s a deeper appreciation if you’ve read Lion, Horse still makes sense if you haven’t. 

Insula’s adventure remains a self contained story, connecting to Eradica’s stories but not yet in a direct capacity. It should be noted that The Blue Door hasn’t been as heavily edited as The Cracked Mirror (or book one). Therefore, this should be treated as a rough chapter. Pieces of it will likely be cut in the future. Below is the first chapter of Insula’s journey:

CHAPTER ONE: THE ISLAND

Alternate dimensions played a large role in our daily lives, though we had known little about them for the first eight years or so of staying on the archipelago. That was the fancy word Grandpa liked to use: it was meant to describe a collection of islands, and we lived on only one of them.

    Life was simple and perfect and idyllic, and that made me crazy. I had explored every inch of our little island. I gazed across the sea. What were you supposed to do when everything was handed to you, and you weren’t allowed to do anything?

    Perfect. I was growing sick of that one little word, and I was only eight. Still, I had to admit that perfect was...pretty perfect. The water, a tropical blue, washed up on a sandy pink shore. Palm trees, their leaves unusually bright and green, waved in the breeze. It was never too cold here. It was always hot, hot enough to make your clothes stick to you while you tried to sleep or your head spin if you stood out in the sun too long. Mom’s skin had actually cooked once; she had stopped sun tanning after that.

    I walked along the beach. It was pleasant...but boring as heck to write about. I kept my little journal in my bag, which I wore slung across my soft body. Despite running around constantly, I was chubby.

    I plucked a small package from my bag: it was a little chocolate bar...or a big one, according to Mom. Grandpa had brought a bunch...and donuts.

    I went to the only interesting spot on the island: the ruins were large and shaded by maple trees. Palms weren’t the only native plants; they blended with northern firs and oaks and willows and other trees I didn’t know the names of. The island, despite it’s temperature, couldn’t make up it’s mind what it was.

    The ruins were the part I loved best. I ran my hand over the stone. It was rough, and patchy with moss in places. I liked to imagine kings and queens.

    “You shouldn’t be here,” a voice grumbled. Mutari approached me. Having a twin brother should have been fun, but there was nothing fun about Mutari.

    “Don’t you ever wonder who built this? We’ve never met anybody else here before!”

    “I’ll tell Mom.” Mutari crossed his arms. He looked identical to me, except that he was skinny. He had impish features, a pointed snub nose, thin lips, and a slim face. His ears had only the slightest point, and his hair was so blond as to appear almost white. We also shared weird eyes: they were like a Wolf’s, but a deep sea foam colour, and our eyelids were black.

    “Don’t you like learning?”

    “Risking death is not learning.” Mutari peered between a crack in the wall. “This structure could tumble down and crush us.”

    “Oh, don’t be a sour blanket. Somebody must have built this.”

    “Yes. Then the roof caved in and killed them.” Mutari glared around. The wind sighed through the trees, and the grass was lush underfoot.

    “There would be skeletons.” A rush of excitement went through me. “Oh, but they might have been buried!”

    “No, Insula-”

    I rushed through the none existent doors to what would have been the courtyard. There was a long hall, shrouded in shade and dappled sun. There was a raised stone dais. In addition to sprinklings of grass, daisies grew from between the cracks.

    I paused to gaze around, enthralled. Characters and stories raced through my head. I had killed Dragons here, and given Vampires Knighthood. In my mind, I had danced with princes and banners had fluttered on the walls in the glow of many golden candles.

    I could imagine it as it had been, brilliant and bright. I had been a princess in this court...and a knight. I spent my life in dreams.

    “Ugh. What’s so fun about just standing here?” Mutari plodded up to me. He looked out of place in his tight dress shirt and long slacks. Even his shoes were polished, his long hair gelled back.

    “Aren’t you hot in all that?”

    “At least I’m fit to be seen.”

    “Don’t be dumb. There’s nobody here to see us...except our squires!” I giggled. “Lord Mark is over there, and all the ladies are goggling at him. He has beautiful golden hair, but he’s too stubborn to cut it.”

    Mutari made a gagging noise. “Don’t draw another picture of him, please. The house is filled with them.”

    My face burned. “It is not!”

    “Are so. You’re in love with a made up guy!”

    “I don’t want to fall in love! That gets in the way. King Mark is just...nice.” I ran to the end of the hall. “There must be a door somewhere.”

    “What are you doing, Issy? Mom will kill us!”

    “There’s got to be a mausoleum.”

    “A what?”

    “A tomb?” I rolled my eyes. “You haven’t read the word in any of those fat, boring books of yours?”

    “I don’t spend all day reading about castles and fantastic nonsense.” Mutari spat in the grass. He looked washed out in this light. He looked…

    “You’ve got Zombie sickness! Or maybe Vampirism. Your skin has such little colour. Lady Zania must have bitten you.”

    Mutari groaned. “No more of your games. I’m going to tell Mom you were here again.”

    “No, don’t do that! I have to find the graveyard.” I ran up a set of stairs.

    There was a sharp intake of breath. “Issy, get down from there!”

    “Why?” I put my hands on my hips, and stared down at my brother from above. I imagined that I looked tough. “Are you worried about me?”

    “You’re...being stupid.” Mutari blushed. “Get down!”

    “I’m not afraid of any-” The ground beneath me cracked, and I screamed. A piece of the parapet crumbled away, and I fell.

    “Issy!”

    I seized a clump of growing vines. I dangled in the breeze, pulled like a strand of hair. I whimpered.

    “Issy, don’t move! I’ll get Mom!”

    “No, I can’t—I can’t hold on!” My grasp slipped. My arms ached. My whole body was dead weight. The vines slid further between my fingers. I screamed.

    “Oh, Genitrix, Genitrix above!” Mutari sank to his knees. He prayed, his lips moving quickly.

    “That’s not going to do anything!” I slid further. The ends of the vines were skinnier. The one I held thinned and…

    With a snap, I fell. There was nothing to grab. The ground rushed up to meet me, and then it didn’t.

    It was falling away, but everything looked bigger. Wind whistled in my ears, but I couldn’t feel the air on them. I was going around and around in circles. I was dizzy.

    “Insula!”

    I could feel the breeze rippling through my hair, but I seemed to be covered entirely in it. I could feel the hair rippling along my arms and legs.

    I tried to move my hands, but I didn’t seem to have hands anymore. I opened my mouth to shout, and a shrieking sound came out. It sounded like a hawk.

    I angled down towards the ground. Air brushed my feet, but my toes were numb. I tilted to the left. A draft shoved me, and a wall rushed up to meet me.

    I batted my arms, but it was too late: the wall smacked me, hard. I fell to the ground. I heard the plop, like a sound from far off. My head felt like mush. I stared up at the blue sky. Mutari towered above me, a giant. He was blurry. I tried to speak, to move, but I couldn’t. My vision darkened at the edges.

    “Insula.” That was the last word I heard before the darkness swallowed me.

[pinkysfaultorbrainsfault]

pinky and the brain: s1e7 - tv or not tv

y’all do NOT understand how many times i have tried to post this. tumblr just will not stop eating it. this was supposed to be out last wednesday LMAO i am doing my best.

episode summary: brain engineers a pair of Mouse Dentures that give him a charming smile. anyone hypnotised by these dentures Suddenly Adores Him For No Good Reason. unfortunately, he’s also a bit of a shut in, so nobody is actually going to see his charming smile-- unless he gets himself a sitcom.

....or something.

the rundown:

we open on brain talking about the “weird and magical power” of celebrity. he has defaced several women, and is sticking his ass out. as you do. what is he doing to CINDY! and her ilk?? he must be stopped.

“those who have it weild tremendous influence. few can avoid the enchantment of its’ spell.”

“do you know what gives them this power?”

holy shit. he just stabbed CINDY!.

pinky absolutely does not care for CINDY!’s fate. “haha. narf. hey, paddlefoot, do you know what they call a quarter pounder in france?”

of course, sirius black was not in pulp fiction, and neither, as far as i can tell, was he in france. brain silences him with “enough gay banter”, like he wasn’t just sticking his ass out in his general direction, like, two minutes ago.

(this was the 90s, y’all. gay definitely meant gay back then. this is not the faraway tree.)

“pinky! behold the key to the power of attraction!”

“pushpins!”

“hurraaaaaaaaaaaah!”

“no, pinky.”

apparently the key to attraction is a

“winning smile”, as brain points out, tapping on CINDY!’s poor mutilated face for emphasis.

“and a nice healthy gum!”

“and... a nice healthy gum.”

it turns out that brain has “taken this idea of the influential smile to a new level - a level no less than world domination“, which is bold words for Mr Tumble Dryer. to achieve this, he has invented

teeth.

(okay. so it’s a bit bigger than that. he shows pinky the plans for,

and then a prototype of, a whole machine built specifically to engineer him little mousie dentures. a lot of work went into this one. shame, really.

“when did you have time to build that?”

“while you were engrossed in your mr belvedere reruns.”

“oh, i miss him. ):” )

anyway so. brain puts his teeth in.

there he is.

pinky describes this as

“enchanting (’:”

and brain affirms that it’s supposed to be. apparently the “reflective vibrations” (okay) of his smile stimulates the medula oblongata,

“causing the viewer to adore me for no good reason!”

“zort! i’m adoring you for no good reason!”

(he does point out, while brain is admiring his reflection in a nearby bunsen burner, “what if they’re wearing sunglasses?”

brain’s response is “we’ll work nights.”)

still, brain can’t just sit around in the lab twiddling his thumbs and expect the general public to Adore Him For No Reason. he needs exposure! and as pinky ponders “what would mr belvedere do,” brain asserts that he would “eat some butter”.

“i’m afraid, my friend, that you’ve seen far too much of mr belvede--”

more like mr belvIDEA lol. sorry i’ll see myself out.

“pinky, are you pondering what i’m pondering?”

“i think so, brain, bur it’s a miracle that this one grew back. ):”

.....okay.

thankfully, the plan is not, in fact, to amputate pinky’s leg. again???? instead, brain intends to use a weapon of “great stealth, power, and corruption.”

OUR OWN SITCOM.

✨

meanwhile, at the wb studio, we meet jerry kilmer. mr kilmer is currently being harassed by some dudes who also really, really want their own sitcom. for far less nefarious purposes, presumably.

“so there’s this guy, right?”

“and get this! he designs--”

“BIKINIS.”

“TINY LITTLE BIKINIS. OKAY okay okay okay so here’s the hook.”

“HE’S PRETENDING--”

“TO BE BLIND.”

it does not appear to be what mr kilmer is looking for.

(meanwhile, the mice are spying on the acme labs janitor. he seems like a cool dude! but the mice are not here for friendship.

they sneak into his jacket pocket!

and...... steal his.... car keys? “YES. to the television station!”

✨

this isn’t even the first vehicle he’s stolen. hopefully he’ll have this one back by curfew as well.)

they do get pulled over by the police, but i don’t want to go into that. unless you guys reaaaallly want me to. instead, they park outside the studio and harass some poor receptionist.

“excuse me. we’re here to-- pitch. as they say. a sitcóm. my dear.”

i don’t know why brain says words like that.

“appointment?”

“oh, i’m sure you can--”

“work us in.” says brain. he is sticking his ass out for no reason. all the appeal is in his sparkly dentures, so.... there’s really no need for that, my dude.

✨

“you’re next! for no good reason!”

these dudes are still here. “wait!” yells our budding comedian, “wait! check out this idea. it’s about a guy!”

original.

“who always sticks his foot in his mouth!!”

clever. unfortunately, his demonstration goes wrong, and he ends up kicking mr kilmer in the face.

bonk.

gives him a nasty black eye to boot. ouch.

“ugh. can’t i ever just see someone normal?”

good thing these very normal individuals have just shown up, huh? nothing shady about these guys. “ugh, thank goodness,” says mr kilmer. they introduce themselves politely as jonathan michael charles (left) and jamal spelling (right).

“you guys have quite a look.”

“thank you.”

✨

“alright then. what do you got for me?”

“egad, brain.”

“he’s not adoring you for no good reason!!”

“drat.”

“well. we’re young hip adults--”

“and hijinks ensue!”

“who sit on a big fat couch and whine--”

“with disaaaasterous results!!”

“and have lots of generation x friends who trade zippy, sarcastic banter.”

“and i have a monkey.”

a very original concept.

at least, mr kilmer sems to think so. “hmmm. fresh. but tell me! what really brings you here. what are jamal and jonathan all about.”

“actually,  we are two lab mice involved in a broad and sweeping plan to take over the world.”

mr kilmer thinks this is hilarious, apparently.

these guys do not. but they’re not important, for the moment.

the long and short of it, anyway, is that kilmer can’t give them a sitcom because nobody knows who they are, quote unquote. “the day i see your face on the cover of peeple magazine is the day you get a sitcom.”

irritated, jamal and jonathan make their exit.

and mr kilmer laughs so hard at the idea of lab mice trying to take over the world, that he falls out of his chair.

this will become relevant later.

meanwhile -- i just had to screencap this, okay, because of brain’s face. pinky suggests that he get on the cover of peeple by marrying prince charles. and brain thinks this is a horrible idea.

he’s much more interested in princess diana. but no, pinky, the path he must follow is “the same one followed by the leading sitcom stars of the day.”

“i must become a SUCCESSFUL STANDUP COMEDIAN.”

“so hey, how about those mitochondria? do they have enough cilia or what?”

“hey, why don’t you tell a joke you know!”

this may be harder than brain thought. undeterred, though, he presses on.

“do you ever notice how when you’re looking in the mirror of a quadrant electrometre, your forehead seems large?? why is that??”

“i just flew in from cleveland! and boy are my upper extremeties fatigued by a buildup of lactic acid!”

“booooooooooooooo!” says our guy on the left.

“go back to your troll village, squirt!” says his friend on the right. “what do you say to that?”

“i find you repugnant.”

(well. that made them laugh, at least.)

“your stupidity is matched only by the ill-slipped caterpillar, that chews off its’ own wings after emerging from its’ cucoon!!!”

“in fact! all of you! are just a gaggle of pathetically misguided root diggers!!”

“why don’t you all stand under a stalactite and bellow the resonate frequency, causing it to plummet onto your cranium!!”

“you’re all repugnant i say!!! repugnant!!!”

and with that little mousie tantrum out of his system, brain trundles off to sulk.

pinky claps him on the way out.

“egad brain! narf! they love you!”

“yes.”

so then he goes on tv, i guess.

“our comedy challenger is the master of insults! the prince of putdowns! jamal spelling!”

“you’re all a bunch of crevulating nitwits with peat moss for a cortex. repugnant!”

i don’t envy that guy third from the right. he doesn’t look like he’s having a very good time. he’s sensitive about his peat moss cranium, okay? don’t make fun of him.

NEXT ON G, HOWIE TURN HOSTS COMEDIAN JAMAL SPELLING.

“so, uh, jamal spelling. what kind of stupid name is that? cmon? what’s your real name?”

this would be racist if jamal spelling was a human man comedian and not like, a lab mouse. thankfully, this is not the case.

“my real name is the brain.” says brain, helpfully enunciating the “the”. “and you, my unwashed friend, are repugnant.”

HA HA. HA HA HA HA HA.

“oh, you’re hot, baby.”

okay.

but we’re, uh. we’re not going to think about that, and we’re going to go look at the david letterman show instead.

“uh, my next guest-- paul, do you know who our next guest is?”

“daaaaave, i know he’s a beautiful kind of-- nutty cat who just got us all a-wow.”

“here he is, ladies and gentlemen! for your comedy dollar, jamal spelling!!”

jamal spelling appears to be naked.

but he’s funny, so nobody minds.

“somebody here smells like a coagulated agar slant growing in a petri dish. repugnant!”

see! he’s just too comedy for clothes.

(meanwhile, we take a short trip to the office of janet mekko. “welcome, mr kilmer,” she says.

“my... secretary sent me here-- actually, i feel kind of stupid.”

“oh, honey. that’s a good thing! if there weren’t any stupid people, i wouldn’t have any business.”

“now. ya got some paaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiin.”

(in the distance, dan reynolds - at the tender age of eight - mumbles “you made me a, you made me a believer” in his sleep.)

“yeah.” says mr kilmer, completely unaware of this. “i fell out of my chair.”

“i’m gonna hypnotise you, so relax.”

okay.

“this’ll make you sleepy.”

“what is it?”

“a kenny g album.”

“okay. you’re in a trance. i’m gonna give you a random word. if you feel pain, say that word, you’ll feel good.”

“but careful! cause if you say it when you’re feeling good, the pain will come back! bad.”

spooky.

“and your random word is--”

“repugnant.”

there is, of course, absolutely no way this can go wrong.)

let us turn our view to happier pastures. namely, the mice are watching tv.

TONIGHT ON CIRCUS OF THE STARS

HARRY DEAN ANDERSON GETS SHOT OUT OF A GIANT PASTA MAKER

COMEDIAN JAMAL SPELLING FLIES THE TRAPEZE

AND BOB SAGET GETS TRAMPLED BY A BEAR. we hope.

pinky is elated! “egad, brain! circus of the stars! narf! you’ve really made it!”

pinky wants to be on circus of the stars, don’t you know. unfortunately, as he dutifully informs brain in pretty much the same breath, he hasn’t quite made it into peeple magazine yet.

“hm. it’s time to use plan b, pinky.”

“there was an a?? poit.”

ouch. jesus, pinky.

undeterred, brain marches his merry little ass over to the old timey corded phone.

beep.

“yes, connect me with buckinham palace, please.”

“egad! you did it brain! the cover of peeple!”

rule britannia is playing in the background of this scene. let’s... not think too hard about how this works, and agree that, yes, pauly shore, enough.

no more pauly shore, please.

conclusion:

jerry keeps his word, and, upon learning that jamal spelling is now legally married to princess diana (a fact which would certainly not lead to a warrant for his arrest in a couple of years) he asks him for a demo tape.

for such small hands, jamal sure does have very neat handwriting.

“make me laugh, jamal, and you got yourself a sitcom.”

“why don’t you all stand under a stalactite and bellow the resonate frequency, causing it to plummet onto your cranium!!”

he seems to like it! kilmer makes a little hee hee noise, unprepared for where this is undoubtedly going.

“you’re repungnant!”

“AAUGHGHGHHH.”

there it is.

“repugnant!”

“i say repugnant!”

repugnant repugnant repugnant repugnant

repugnant!

and with that, jerry kilmer falls out of the window.

as he does, he yells “i’ll get you, jamal spelling” which personally i think is unfair. jamal couldn’t have known, surely? don’t be mean to jamal. he’s got a lot on his mind, what with that restraining order against howie turn.

meanwhile, in the lab, the mice debate a good pitch for a pilot (i’ve got it, brain! it’s a show about nothing!) when jamal spelling gets a call.

“hi jamal! this is nina from the tv station. could you come down for a meeting?”

“mm hmmm.”

✨

it’s the WB.

as nina types away, jamal and jonathan enter casually, like this is their house, or something. “are you pleased to see us?” asks jamal, in a cocky, egomaniac labmouse sort of way.”

“yes i am!”

(nina somehow doesn’t notice.)

anyway then these guys find the dentures and pitch the first idea that comes into their heads.

“hey cortex! what do you wanna do tonight?”

don’t ask why mouse dentures fit a human man. we suspend our disbelief here.

(also there was no way this was brain’s fault. he couldn’t have known. outside influence it is. a shame, really.)

brain: 7 pinky: 7 outside influence: 14

thanks for the fun meme, @shuunthenonbeliever​ !

[the-writing-mobster]

⭐ :3

Eeeee, thank you for the ask!

I had to think long and hard about what I wanted to discuss; Chapter 8! Uuuggghhh. Part one is pretty underrated and there isn't a lot of feedback for it but it has MOST of my favorite moments. Mostly because of the foreshadowing and EXTREME sexual tension.

Also, I should mention: spoilers under the cut!

Papyrus was nowhere to be seen, but she froze when she caught Sans in the kitchen. He hadn’t noticed her presence yet, so she ducked away and hid behind the wall. 

He was mumbling to himself as he made coffee, clearly tired as hell. She poked her head out and noticed there was a list sitting on the kitchen island. Most likely for her.

“Sans! Let’s go!” shouted Papyrus as the front door slammed open. She flinched and jerked back into hiding as Sans groaned and stomped out of the kitchen. Frisk’s breath hitched as he marched past her. He grinned when he saw her.

“Good luck…” he purred...

I liked this chapter a lot. Frisk's first day on the job, getting to know her more, and of course Sans being just... Awful. Sans being awful was actually my favorite thing to write.

I also just... Really wanted to write a super domestic chapter. So chapter 8 is filled to the brim with cleaning and shit like that. It was supposed to be a break from all the action.

I've kind of always wanted to be good at housework (not for traditional reasons or anything, just for like... I hate being in a dirty environment but I suuuuck at cleaning and cooking and baking) so writing this was like a little bit of escapism. Weird that I'd find escapism in chores... 🤷‍♀️

(it would've only been made better if she'd had an actual french maid outfit... 😏)

Flowey eventually joined her after she took the nicely folded clothes upstairs. By then it was eight a.m. They worked together to dust. It was the dusting that started to drag on time.

I actually had to look up how long it would take to clean an entire house. I read like two articles on Maids and the hours they worked. One was on house maids... That's not what they're called I just— whatever. And the other was hotel maids. What I learned was that it took around five hours??? Yeah. Around five hours. And of course, it took longer than that for her because of Calibri.

As she stared into Calibri's silver eyes, she began to tear up at the beauty. 

Overcome by the unicorn's majesty, she began to sob and she stumbled back. It cocked its head in curiosity and studied her. Frisk's soul began to burn and glow from within her chest and those silver eyes almost seemed to be piercing right through her and studying the contents of her soul. Judging her for all she was worth. 

In myth, unicorns were said to come to young virgin girls and were only calm in their presence. It was the best way to trap and tame said magical horses. Obviously, Frisk is not a young virgin girl, but! Virginity is a construct and Calibri obviously loves her. Frisk doesn't feel worthy of being in his presence, but he judges the contents of her soul and... Well... Obviously she's pure of heart despite everything.

And also, there's a line in the Last Unicorn about Lady Amalthea that describes Frisk and the effect she has the monsters to a Tee.

“The Lady Amalthea beckoned, and the cat wriggled all over, like a dog, but he would not come near... She was offering her open palm to the crook-eared cat, but he stayed where he was, shivering with the desire to go to her"...[later, Molly asked the cat] "Why were you afraid to let her touch you? I saw you. You were afraid of her."

"If she had touched me," he said very softly, "I would have been hers and not my own...”

(I love this book) So obviously, Frisk is a unicorn to the monsters. Completely irresistible and once you go near her you belong to her forever. In the best way possible that is. I wanted to make this comparisons early on between her and a real unicorn.

"Merde!" She exclaimed as she shot out from the stable and sprinted to the shed to get the snow shovel. She slid on the ice of the driveway and almost fell onto her ass. She regained her balance and began to work at the pathway. 

Sans would've laughed his ass off at this. That is all.

As she looked through the catalogue of cookbooks that Papyrus owned, she noticed a common theme. Italian food. 

"Well isn't that ironic?" She murmured.

Frisk is so SICK of Italian food and she just can't seem to escape it!

"We arrested that Snowdrake Comedian today." The muffled voice of Papyrus alerted Frisk to his presence and she felt a spike of adrenaline enter her. Is this what cooking show contestants felt as the timer counted down?

"Why the fuck—what, Asgore can't handle some political satire?" She rushed about the kitchen to get the last remaining things she needed as she heard the crunch of footsteps in the snow.

Oh what's this? Foreshadowing??? The Angelicans aren't mentioned at all in Part One but their shadow is cast everywhere if you look close enough! Perhaps because everything was planned from the beginning. 😉

"Sans! Get your pathetic ass down here! Dinner is ready!" Barked Papyrus. Frisk heard a thump from upstairs and she flinched. Sans? I need to get out of here. 

Ahahaha! She hates him so much and I love it.

It was only until she was walking down the hall to her room when she heard a creak. She turned around and flinched when she saw Sans. He grinned at her, his plate of food in hand. His eyes rolled over her and she shrunk under his gaze. Never had she ever felt so uncomfortable around someone. The way his fanged grin leered at her, threatening to rip her to pieces. He was a shark and she was just a minnow. 

Now this part... This is my favorite part and the reason I chose chapter 8 to talk about.

He reached out to an in-table and knocked over a vase. She flinched as it thudded on the floor, and she slowly realized just what he was doing. She stared up at him with wide eyes as he leaned forward. 

"Pick it up," he demanded in a soft, menacing voice.

Ooooooof. Something about that is so awful but sooo... I don't know. I was literally grinning so hard when I wrote this. The spirit of Sans the Skeleton possessed me and I was just like "heh heh heh.... Get wrecked little girl."

Flowey glared up at Sans, but held his tongue for Frisk's sake. She looked down at the vase, and then back up at him with a scowl. She wanted to tell him no. Spit on him. Turn away. Slam her door. Flip him off. Stand up for herself… 

Alternative scene would be where she slaps him across the face and then he laughs at her and calls her interesting OR threatens her but that never happened so I never wrote it. 🤷‍♀️ Also she'd be actin strong but her hand would be STINGING because slapping hard bone would HURT.

 He was still grinning at her, and she swallowed her dignity. She didn't do any of those things. Slowly, she stooped down and grabbed the vase. She gathered the decorative feathers and stuffed them back inside as she replaced the vase on the table. That bastard. Does he really think he can just do this? … I guess he can. I'm basically their slave now. What a nightmare. Oh God… what am I going to do? 

Sans hummed in delight and gave her another lingering stare. Slowly, he nodded his head, a sort of smug satisfaction about himself as he turned away. She glared at him. 

I kinda laughed when I wrote this because I pictured him doing the most Smug McAsshole nod like he was so proud of himself for pulling that shit.

"Papyrus may act like he's in charge, but at the end of the day… I'm the guy that might just kill ya," he said as he got to his door. He winked at her before he slipped in and shut the door behind him. Left alone, she gasped for breath, as if there had been a pressure on her chest and the weight had finally been removed. She staggered and leaned against the wall for balance. 

The threat. The wink. The assholery. I love it. God. Writing this scene, I was so excited about it. I'd literally reread it over and over again. Also, this line he says comes back in a future chapter during a Part 3 torture scene. (Referencing past chapters is my favorite thing to do. It's like when a comedian references a joke in another joke in their set.)

Chapter 8 is definitely one of my favorites, but it's not the only one I want to talk about! Go ahead and send me stars (⭐) in my ask box if you want more "director" cuts for WDYW!

[avatarmerida]

Pros and Cons

Set between the movie and the start of Future because you can’t convince me these kids weren’t dating the whole time and we deserve to see more schmaltz from Steven. Wrote this on mobile, so I’ll fix all spelling and formatting things later. Enjoy!

——————————————————————

“Connie, Steven is here!” Called Dr. Maheswaran to her daughter, who hardly needed to be told since she was already bolting down the stairs at full speed.

“Bye mom!” Called the girl as she rushed passed her out the door.

“Be back by 10!” Her mother called after in a stern voice, though small smile found its way onto her face as she slowly closed the door, happy to see Connie so happy.

“Hey Connie!” Exclaimed Steven, grinning ear to ear once she entered his sight.

“Steven!” She sang as she ran to him, leaping to tackle him with a big hug. Steven returned the embrace and the pair laughed. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever!”

It had only been a few days. “I got you something,” he said, presenting a bouquet of flowers to her. A collection a vivid blue flowers, tied together with a matching bow, everything carefully selected and presented to be picture perfect.

“Aw Steven!” She swooned, taking the flowers from him and bringing them to her nose, the smell light and sweet. “Oh, they’re so beautiful! Thank you.”

She leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on his cheek before hopping in the passenger seat. Steven blushed wildly, and ran behind the car to his seat so Connie wouldn’t see. She had been doing that a lot more lately, not that he minded. It was often enough that it didn’t catch him totally off guard but rare enough that he still wasn’t quite used to it. Pro.

He jumped in the driver’s seat and snuck a quick look at her as she continued to fawn over the flowers. She was wearing her favorite blue dress and Steven couldn’t help but thank she looked like an angel. She carefully undid the ribbon from the bouquet and used it to tie up her hair and the simple act made Steven’s heart spin. Pro.

Truthfully, that feeling was nothing new. Connie had always made him feel this way, but lately there was something different. Every time she touched him he felt light headed. He suddenly noticed they touched so much. She’d rest her head on his shoulder when they watched movies together or they’d hold hands when they took walks, but now he felt himself hesitate to do the things that were once so second nature. Yet somehow, that made him want to do then even more. Pro.

“Um Steven?” Asked Connie and his daze broke, and he realized he had been staring at her in silence.

“Oh uh, right,” he laughed awkwardly, starting the car. Connie didn’t seem to notice his nerves and started playing with the radio as they began to make their way to Beach City.

“- oh it was so hard not stopping the instructor every five minutes,” said Connie, finishing her story. “I mean, he was only focused on this solar system, he wouldn’t even listen when I tried describing Homeworld! Sure, Jupiter is cool but I think a society of gems is much cooler.”

“I think have to agree,” laughed Steven. “But other than that, space camp was fun?”

“Of course,” she said. “I wish I could’ve spent more time with you though. Next time you should come, you could probably teach the class!”

“I’ll think about it,” he sighed, fighting the urge to stare at her again, knowing he had to keep his eyes on the road. She continued talking about space camp, though most of it he had already heard on the phone, but he just enjoyed hearing her voice. Pro.

He suddenly longed for the day when they would sit on the beach and she’d read aloud to him, nothing else to do and not a care in the world. Just the two of them. But of course they both had other responsibilities now, but that only made Steven think of the future more. He was never shy when it came to telling Connie how much she meant to him, but tonight he wanted to add something more. In his jacket pocket he had a list or pros and cons which confirmed his decision to ask (even though the pros side was mostly just tiny things her loved about Connie). His dad said it was ‘taking the next step’ and Steven kind of agreed. It did feel like a big step but at the same time, a natural one. But if marathoning Camp Pining Hearts with Peridot has taught him anything, it was that big feelings required a big gesture.

Finally, they reached Temple. Steven made sure his parking job was perfect (parallel parking even though it wasn’t necessary but Connie found it impressive) and then frantically ran around the side to open Connie’s door for her.

“After you, my lady,” he said in a mock fancy tone, offering her his arm.

“Why thank you, my lord,” she responded in the same tone, taking it and the two made their way down the beach “And where shall we be dining tonight?”

“Why, only the finest eating establishment of course,” He said and then ran ahead to present the setting to her. “Ta-da!”

“Steven...” murmured Connie with wide eyes as she took in his creation. He had brought out a simple folding table and with a long tablecloth and a few lanterns, he had transformed the beach into something from a fairy tale. Around the table, four poles displayed twinkling lights and glowing bracelets, like the one that had brought them together. It was like their own personal fallen star, a tiny spotlight on a calm night. Lion sat close by, fast asleep which somehow just added to the lore.

“Oh wow this is amazing,” she whispered as she marveled at the details. “This must’ve taken you all day!”

It had. “Oh, it’s no big deal,” he blushed, pulling out her chair. She sat down and continued to look astound, utterly enchanted.

“But wait! It get better!” He said as he excitedly leaned over the table to present the pizza box the gems had set out minutes before they arrived. Steven said they couldn’t watch but they wanted to be knocked anyway they could. “Ta-da!”

“Pizza, very classy,” said Connie with her fancy tone, though pizza was kind of a let down after the lighting display.

“Notice anything weird about the cheese?”

“What do you-?” Connie questioned as she looked closer, and sure enough she did. She reached inside and hidden amidst the cheese was a yellow envelope. “Steven, what is this?” She laughed.

“Why don’t you open it and find out?” He beamed.

She did and once she did her face lit up lighter than the candles on the table. She looked up at him with utter disbelief. “These aren’t-.”

He nodded, trying to keep his cool. “They are!”

“Tickets to the new Unfamiliar Familiar Movie?” She said still in shook as she read them small pieces of paper. “They sold out weeks ago! How did you get these?”

“I was the first in line to get them,” he said as if it were no big deal and he hadn’t camped outside the theater for hours. Then he admitted somewhat sheepishly. “I didn’t realize you could buy tickets online, but I knew how much it meant to you so I-.”

“Aw, you’re the best!” As she ran around the table to wrap him in a tight hug.

“Nah, you’re the best,” he blushed, luckily it was dark enough that Connie probably couldn’t see. “Lion can take us after we eat. Have any theories about how this one will be different than the books?”

“Ugh, so many!” She said as she sat back down. The two sat and ate their pizza as Connie discussed her theories. Steven, of course, was hoping they’d make sure the wedding cake was as accurate as possible which made Connie laugh which made his heart jump. Pro.

“Wow Steven, I just can’t get over how great this is,” sighed Connie, placing one of her hands on his.

“Well, you’re worth it,” he said, resting his chin on his other hand as he looked at her. “I really wanted to make sure tonight was special.”

“Why?”

“Why? Uh...” this wasn’t supposed to be when he asked, he had it mapped out so perfectly. “Because, well, with school starting back up soon you’ll be so busy studying and I just wanted to make sure that any time we spend together is extra special.”

Now it was Connie’s turn to blush. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and gave him a sweet smile. “Time with my jam bud is always special,” she said, tilting her head. “Wow, just wait until I tell the girls from camp about this. I told them all about you and Beach City and they all kept telling me how jealous they were of my magical boyfriend. If they saw this they’d-.”

His heart leapt at the word. “B-boyfriend?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, they would sometimes call you my boyfriend,” she said as her blush got bigger, trying to make the word seem like less of a big deal. “It was just teasing, no big deal. Nothing, I mean I didn’t-.”

“Did you correct them?” He asked sheepishly, hoping for a certain answer.

“Um, at first,” she admitted, averting her eyes from his. “But most of the time they called you ‘Steven’ so I didn’t need to to. I mean, it didn’t bother me when they called you my boyfriend. I mean, when you break down the components of the word-.”

“Connie it’s fine!” He cut her off with a laugh. “It doesn’t bother me.”

“Are you sure?”

“No, I mean actually...” he began to reach under the table to where the final part of the plan was carefully hidden: a box of donuts from The Big Donut in Connie’s favorite flavor with a customized design, one read “By My” and the other “Girlfriend?” Steven knew it was cliche and cheesy but Sadie assured him it was really adorable. “There’s actually something I wanted to tell you... or ask you? Okay, wait, there are two things-.”

“Steven do you feel that?”

“Well, even since-.”

“Steven, I think it’s starting to rain...”

“What? No, Garnet said...”

But sure enough, a roll of thunder cut him off and the rain came shortly after in buckets. Con.

“Oh no, all your work,” said Connie frantically, not worried about herself getting wet. “Steven, the lanterns!”

“It’s okay,” he insisted conjuring a shield to protect them from the rain. “Let’s just grab the tickets and Lion can teleport us to the theater.”

“Okay,” said Connie, reaching down to grab the, only to find they weren’t where she thought she had left them. “Wait, where are they?”

“They should be right by the centerpiece,” answered Steven as the rain came down harder. “Are they by-.” his eyes darted between the empty space on the table and Lion at the table’s edge and suddenly he realized what had happened.  He dropped the shield and went to pry open Lion’s mouth. “NO!”

“What?”

“He ate them!” he exclaimed not finding anything between his teeth, confirming his fear.

“Oh no!” said Connie, though it was hard to see with the rain coming down so hard. “Well, do you still have the receipt? Maybe we can try-.”

Con. Somehow knowing he was no longer needed, Lion turned and ran away from the pair. “No, wait!” pleaded Steven, looking back and forth between where Lion was running to, Connie was standing in the rain, and then he remembered the donuts getting soggy. This was no how this evening was supposed to go at all. Steven’s mind raced for a way to fix it but nothing came to mind, everything started getting blurry but he needed to focus on Connie. He needed to-

“Connie, I’m sorry!” he exclaimed, rushing over to her and suddenly the rain was o longer dousing them. He looked up, confused, and saw that he had summoned a bubble without realizing it. Luckily they were safe from the rain now, but still soaking wet. “Ugh, Connie I’m so sorry.” he said again.

“Why? Because it rained?” she laughed, wringing her hair out. “Steven, you can’t blame yourself for the weather.”

“No, I’m sorry for this whole night; it was a disaster,” he admitted as he sat down, defeated. “I was just really nervous and excited and I wanted everything to be perfect.”

Con.

“As long as we’re together, it is,” she insisted, sitting beside him. “Remember the last time we were trapped in a bubble? We still had fun. We can still have fun now. Look, the rain’s starting to let up.”

Steven turned and saw she was right, it was no longer down pouring and had downgraded to a faint drizzle. Pro.

“Oh, the beach is so pretty at night,” Connie whispered as the moon appeared from behind the clouds, reflecting majestically on the water.

“Yeah, it is,” Steven agreed, though he wasn’t looking at the moon. “Hold on, I have an idea.” He stood up and summoned a great amount of foucused, jumped up and hit the top of the bubble. He was stuck only a moment but soon the bubble rose with him and the pair were floating up into the sky. The hovered toward the water until the had a fantastic view of the beach and the whole town.

“Wow,” said Connie breathlessly, taking in the view. “Steven this is amazing!”

He shrugged and sat back down beside her. “I mean, I guess. I just wish I hadn’t left the snacks on the beach.”

“The candles might be helpful too,” added Connie with a shiver. “For an airtight bubble, it’s pretty chilly in here.”

Con.

Of course she’s cold, Steven thought, she’s still wet from the rain! “Here,” he said as he removed his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. “Better?”

She nodded, her eyes wide at the noble gesture she had seen countless times in books and movies. He did it without hesitation or flair and her own heart spun. He sighed as he looked to the ground, still upset that things hadn’t gone according to plan. But as far as Connie was concerned, this was better than anything he could’ve planned. She couldn’t help but smile as this moments brought back memories, Steven planning things as best he could only for some magical element to derail things. Every moment, no matter how small, was an adventure. Even just sitting there taking in the view, that was something only Steven could deliver. Pro.

She rested her head on his shoulder, half to reassure him that she was fine being there and half because it was such a natural action at this point. He relaxed a little and allowed his head to rest on hers as he truly started to appreciate the view. Pro. Pro. Pro.

“It’s not as good as the movies, but I guess it’s okay,” said Steven with a laugh, his positive attitude returning.

“Steven, it’s okay,” Connie laughed gently, looking up at him. “Really, it is. We can see the movie another time, or rent it later on. And Lion’s eaten worse things than paper, he’ll be okay.”

“Ugh! Of course he ate the tickets! They were covered in cheese,” Steven sulked at the memory, burying his face in his hands. “Can’t say I blame him.”

Connie laughed. “But... why did you put them in the pizza?” She asked with a raise of her eyebrow.

“I thought it’d be... romantic,” he admitted, hiding his face in defeat.

“‘Romantic?’” Connie repeated, half surprised and half flustered at the mention of the word.

“Pretty silly right?”

“No, not at all,” she said with a small chuckle. “It... it was kind of romantic.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” she said quietly. “But um, why did you want it to be romantic?”

“Well I was going to ask you... I mean, I was going to tell you...” he turned and saw how close her face was to his, her large eyes reflected the moonlight and the sight made his ears hot and his throat tight. He cleared his throat, trying to summon some courage and took a long, deep breath in and closed his eyes. “ConnieIwaswonderingifyoumaybewantedtobemygirlfrienditsokayifyousayno.” He said as fast as he could.

“What?” Asked a bewildered Connie. Before any further explanation could be offered, the bubble popped and the two found themselves hurting towards the ground. Steven quickly grabbed Connie’s hand and pulled her close as he controlled their descent and had them land safely.

Safe on the beach, the pair stood in a loose embrace as Steven searched his mind for what to say next. He didn’t know if should ask again, he wasn’t even sure Connie had heard him the first time. Or maybe she had? And she was looking for a way to let him down gently? Maybe she-.

“Lion, stop!” He suddenly heard her laugh as he snapped back from his dreamlike state. He looked and saw the creature licking Connie’s face, happy to see her. Steven smiled and reached out to pet him.

“Hey there buddy,” he laughed. “Where did you go? Usually you’re in bed by- oh no! Connie! What time is it?”

She pulled her phone from her pocket and gasped at what she saw. “It’s 9:57!”

“Your curfew!” Exclaimed Steven grabbing her hand. Con. “C’mon, we gotta get you home!” The pair hopped onto Lion’s back who knew exactly where to take them. They traveled through the portal and landed outside Connie’s house and instantly jumped off and headed to her front door, both panting from the mission’s urgency.

“We made it!” Breathed Steven victoriously.

“Yeah,” agreed Connie. “That was close.”

The two stood on the porch in silence for a moment, a very familar feeling in the air. “Steven, I-,” Connie began, only to once again be interrupted. This time by the opening of the door.

“9:59,” said Connie’s mom, looking at her watch. “Just in time, can’t tell if you’re pushing it or punctual. Either way, you’ve got tennis tomorrow so upstairs young lady.”

“Okay mom,” said Connie, entering the house. She offered Steven a small wave and her mother closed the store.

“Have a good night, Steven,” said Dr. Maheswaran as she gently closed the door, her voice stern but caring. “See you soon.”

“See ya soon,” Steven sighed as he looked at the closed door. He was worried he had blown his chance or if this was a sign they weren’t mean to be. So nothing changes, he thought as he walked back to Lion, so what? So we’re still friends, still jam buds, we can still be Stevonnie. She’s still in my life, that’s what matters. These were all true, but his heart still felt a twinge defeat and long list of cons.

Then, he felt his phone vibrate and the quiet air was filled with Connie’s ringtone. He couldn’t help but feel nervous as he answered the phone.

“Hello?”

“You forgot your jacket,” said Connie in a whisper.

“Where-?” He turned around and say Connie at her bedroom window, waving it like a pink flag.

“It’s fine, you can keep it for now,”

“Steven Cutiepie Quartz Universe, I gave you this jacket are you trying to regift it?” She said in a faux stern voice. “That’s very rude. I insist you come retrieve it right this instant.”

“Um, I’m pretty sure your mom is very strict about her 10 o’clock curfew, no exceptions.”

“You don’t need to go through the house, you have floating powers, silly.”

He couldn’t argue with that, so he quietly made his way to the side of the house and floated up to her open window.

“Pickup for ‘Universe’” he said, placing his elbow on the window ledge, casually. Connie laughed.

“Here’s your order sir,” she said handing him the folded jacket, but when he went to take it from her she didn’t let go. He looked up at her, expecting another joke but instead he found her face inches from his, filled with the same gentle moonlight from before.

“Yes,” was all she said.

“Y-yes?”

“Yes,” she repeated, and pulled the jacket back toward her and thereby also pulled Steven. As he went forward, she moved her face in front of his and their lips met in a kiss. At first, Steven was surprised but Connie was unmoving until he finally accepted it was real and placed his hands on her back to steady himself and hold her. He felt her smile as she moved one of her hands behind his head, the other still held the jacket, and brought him closer.

He felt like he was melting and freezing at the same time and he knew his entire face must be blushing but he didn’t care. He swore they were like this for hours but at the same time it was like no time had passed at all, like they were outside the world. When they finally parted, it was only because Steven found his body was floating upward. Connie giggled and reached up to pull him back to the window, giggling more when she saw the large, goofy grin he wore.

She attempted to stifle herself, worried her mother would hear, but her nerves combined with her giddiness made it hard. Steven was deliver to see she was also blushing and he joined her laughter.

“Don’t go floating away,” whispered Connie as she made sure he was holding on to the windowsill.

“I’ll try,” he said, feeling both shy and bold somehow. He wanted to stay right there and just stare at her, but he knew that was a pipe dream. He slipped his arms into his jacket. “I, uh, should probably get going.”

“I guess,” sighed Connie, though neither of them moved. “Text me when you get home?”

“Sure thing,” said Steven as he prepared to lower himself. Before he did, he lungded forward and gave Connie one more surprise kiss on her cheek, quick and light but it brought her blush back nevertheless. He used the ledge to kick himself backward and floated back to Lion. “I’ll text my girlfriend as soon as I get home.” He said, cherishing the word as he gave her finger guns.

“And I’ll be waiting for my boyfriend to text me,” Connie whispered back matching his giddy tone, watching him from the window. He landed safely on the ground and waved to her until Lion lifted him onto his back and teleported him home.

Once back on the beach, Lion lowered the lovesick teen to the ground and Steven later in the sand and marveled at the moon for a moment. He sighed, content, and went to get his phone from his pocket to text Connie. When he did, a piece of paper came out with it: his pros and cons list. He opened it up and saw that now the cons sign had a giant X through it and the pros signs was circled several times. Even though it was just Xs and Os, he recognized Connie’s handwriting anywhere.

[80s-roger]

Not On My Watch (pt 5)

Pairing: Dad!Roger x Mum!Reader

summary: you’re divorced with queen’s roger taylor due to constant cheating and irrational behaviour towards you. but u have one person in common: your daughter, Laura aka your favourite human on earth. Your marriage with roger had its ups and downs but laura was the happiness in it. Now that she’s 8 and starts to realise how your terms with roger are, you finally tell her that you’re seeing another man except her father and she took it really warmly. She seemed excited to meet the new man unlikely your ex husband who accidentally learns about it by Laura, the weekend you would leave her at his place: on weekends you had some cute getaways with R/N because the court decided that Laura could stay or visit her dad on weekends and stay with him for five days each Christmas and easter vacations. On summers he has the right to be with her for two weeks.

check: masterlist // dialogue prompts

If you haven't read the previous chapters, here they are: part one // part two // part three // part four

note: it wasn’t supposed to be this specific plot, but I promise you the good one is at next one ;)

warnings: flashback scenes, angst, fluff

words: 2,849

taglist: @madeinheavxn​ @namelesslosers​ @stacymaytaylor​ (send me an ask or a message if you want to be tagged)

You set the table, eating like a proper family for the first time in two and a half years. Laura was extremely happy seeing her family reunited. You were telling her stories from the past, which she found intriguing and interesting. You didn't forget mentioning about Roger taking you with him on tour in the United States, a year after started dating. It was the first time you went abroad. You fell for Roger hard. Losing him made you lose yourself too.

"Wow mum, you never told me stories with dad. Fairytales are boring." She gasped after hearing your US experience.

"Why didn't you tell her stories about us?" Roger curiously asked.

"Because at the time, our marriage was going downhill. You know, so I tried to not think of you." You answered.

"Oh.." he didn't have to say something. "So Laura, do you want to hear another story of mum and me?" He asked. Meanwhile, you prepared the dishes for the washing machine. Laura nodded, waiting for the narration.

Flashback

"So you're going out with Kath's friend?" Brian asked Roger.

"Yes," Roger answered while fixing himself at the mirror. "So Kath is your new girlfriend? I thought she was a groupie." He joked.

"Haha, very funny." Brian mocked him. "She's a nice company." He added.

"What about the bone zone?" The blond drummer pondered with a naughty smile on his face.

"That's good too, I don't complain." He shared a laugh with his friend. "So where will you meet her?" He questioned.

"Outside of the pub we met." He answered. "Where should I take her?" Roger nervously asked as if he never went on a date.

"Where do you take most of the girls you like?" Brian asked trying to help him think rationally.

"Bed?" He said back and gained an eye roll from Brian. "But Y/N is so hard to get, I don't know. I'm afraid if I say something wrong she'll lose interest in any second." He mumbled.

"Easy Rog.." Brian tried to calm his friend down. "She agreed to go on a date with you, that's progress, right?" He continued. Roger nodded. "Which means she finds you cute or hot or I don't know how girls describe us." He chuckled at the end making the blond drummer laugh.

"Alright, maybe if I take her to some other pub where we can talk?" Roger thought again.

"Excellent. She's not like the other girls you date, Roger. She's, you know, -" Brian tried to explain what type of girl you are.

"The I-want-the-man-to-chase-me. She's screaming that." Roger described what girl you are and he was right. "It was so hard for me to get to talk with her after our gig ended, I'm even surprised she finally agreed." He added, now wearing his perfume, ready to meet you.

"She likes you, pal. Good luck!" Brian hugged his friend and Roger was on his way to meet you.

You were nervous too. You didn't want to be late. You were used to never arriving on time, but this time, it was a date with a man you liked from the first moment, as much as you denied it. There wouldn't be any other second chance with him, he'd become a famous rockstar.

"There you are!" Roger spotted you coming faster to his place.

"Shit, am I late?" You asked, checking your watch.

"No, no, I just arrived." He was waiting for you, for about ten minutes. But he came at the checkpoint a little earlier due to impatience seeing you.

"Alright then." You stopped a little to catch your breath. Your high heels hurt your feet by walking so fast. But you wanted to look beautiful. The blue dress you were wearing had Roger staring at it and you all the time.

"You look so beautiful Y/N." He gasped as he was checking you out. "Nice dress, nice heels, nice hair, nice you." He ended the compliment with a hand kiss. He really wanted you to catch feelings for him.

"Thank you, Roger." You smiled after receiving his kiss and his compliments. "Where can we go?" You asked.

"There's another pub downtown that plays jazz music and we can talk without shouting." He joked and gently grabbed your hand, opened the door for you and placed you inside.

"Oh, I like jazz." You were surprised that he was probably into jazz. You waited for him to get into his red Renault car.

"Perfect, let's go." He started the engine and nervousness hit your body. You were shaking, feeling like throwing up. A handsome guy next to you, an upcoming legend wants to go on a date with you. "Hey, are you alright?" He asked after stopping at the red traffic light. He checked your hands trembling and gently placed his on yours. "You're not cold, are you?" He asked. You can't be cold on a May night.

"No, I'm just a little nervous." You tried to keep smiling. You're not the tough girl he met a couple of days ago, but a vulnerable nineteen-year-old girl trying to find love.

Roger was feeling split: He had two options in his head. Should he take you to the pub you both agreed or somewhere isolated to talk with no one seeing. That would make you feel more uncomfortable.

"What do you want me to do?" He asked waiting for any answer. "You want me to keep driving or stop somewhere? I promise I won't do anything." He shared his ideas with you. You looked at him confused.

"Could you stop somewhere, please?" You politely asked trying to not sound bitter after your sudden mood.

"Sure, are you alright?" He asked again, trying to find any isolated place for you two.

"Yes, it happens a lot when I'm feeling nervous." You explained.

He didn't say a word. Until he found that place, behind a church, with no soul around. It seemed creepy if you consider you are on the car with a man you met a week ago. But you liked him.

"Listen, if you are feeling nervous, we can call it off." He showed empathy at you feeling awkward.

"No, I won't have another chance with you if we call it off." You got out of the car, trying to get some air. Roger followed your moves, now standing behind you.

"What do you mean?" He asked raising his hands.

"I mean you'll become famous and everything that goes with it and you'll forget about me anyways." You tried to explain.

"Why would I forget you? I like you." He straightforwardly said, sending you shivers.

"I like you too, but I don't want me to love you."  You are a person full of emotions, throwing that to Roger made him feel weird.

"Why are you talking about love? This is a date, not a wedding." He objected.

"Exactly, I'm afraid if we become a girlfriend-boyfriend thing, I'll eventually love you and then things will get nasty." You could look years away. Look at you now.

"Are you nuts? I wanted to get to know you, I want to know you well, be my girlfriend, how do we call these things?" He questioned.

"Relationship." You answered turning around, to face him. "Would you like that? I wanted that for years." You asked trying to hide your desperation. But you couldn't.

"Hold on, you never had a relationship?" He asked confused, coming closer to you.

"Don't make fun of that, I never liked the boys who approached me." You admitted. You could see his eyes, sparkling from excitement because he knew now how inexperienced you were on that part. A hopeless romantic with huge fantasy.

"Well, I'd like to be the one." He smirked and grabbed his hands around your waist, pulled you into his arms and kissed your lips. Your first kiss ever. His lips harmoniously moved onto yours giving them what they needed all this time. Tenderness. "How was that?" He asked, his eyes now focused on yours.

"Amazing." You licked your lips and smiled, not feeling nervous anymore.

"Is the pub still a plan?" He asked.

"Yes." You were so hyped after your kiss you couldn't focus on anything besides Roger. His hand caught yours leading you back to his car.

Flashback ended.

"Wow, mum!" She turned to your place. "Dad was your first kiss?" She asked fully awed by the narration.

"Yes, he was." You blushed as you both looked at each other. He was fluttered by your current reaction. Your first everything.

"Oh dad, tell me more!" She begged for more stories, but it was time to leave.

"No young lady, I need to have some other memories between your mum and me." He playfully berated her. "Besides, we have to take you to Laura." You stood up from the chairs and moved towards the hall, wearing your shoes.

"Mum, will you tell me these stories instead of fairytales?' She asked while Roger helped her once more with tying her shoes.

"Yes, I will." You answered. You wanted to tell her stories about you and her father, but most of these are explicit. Not special for children.

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

Roger drove off to John's house to leave Laura. "I'll take her inside." He declared and you stayed in the car to wait.

"Daddy, what about my stuff?" She asked.

"We're going to mum's place now to take your stuff. We'll come again." He rubbed her head before knocking the door.

"Hey Roger, I was waiting for you now." He smiled at his bandmate and turned his gaze to Laura. "Hello, Laura! The other Laura waits for you inside! Come in!" He kissed her head.

"Bye, daddy!" She hugged him and walked inside the house.

"I'll come back again to bring her clothes and tomorrow's books for school," Roger said.

"Sure. I'm waiting for the details tomorrow." John winked.

"Ah, I see where you're getting with that." Roger laughed. "Just the abstract." He joked and left the grand house to come back to you.

"You have the keys to your apartment?" Roger asked you.

"Yes. And a piper spray for any case." You showed him that, referring to R/N who could wait for you around the corner.

"He won't harm you, over my dead body." He reassured you and placed a kiss on your forehead. "Shall we go?" He asked and you nodded.

There wasn't any talk during the car drive, but that didn't make it awkward. It was a peaceful silence you used to have before the dark days arrived. You couldn't hide your fear though, it was visible. Your hands were rubbing your thighs nervously. Roger, noticed your behaviour and placed his hand on yours. "It's going to be alright. That's why I'm here, with you." He placed his head on yours, giving you a reassuring kiss. You hugged him in return, feeling his scent against your senses. He smelled amazing. His perfume combined with nicotine was what you could characterize him.

You opened your apartment's door, seeing the inside of the house upside down. You knew he would fuck it up. All you could think of was who's going to clean this mess?

"Oh God-" you gasped and closed the door behind you.

"Y/N, don't worry we'll fix this mess together." He reassured you. "Do you think he did it on purpose?" He asked trying to figure out what was R/N's intent.

"Shit." You gasped again, looking at your ex-husband horrified.

"What?" He asked after seeing you turning pale.

"FUCK." You yelled, running to Laura's bedroom, looking for your diary. He knew about it.

You searched for it at the place you're hiding it and thanked your lucky stars it was up there inside the pillows you keep at the closet. "Oh God, oh God, thank you!" You stared above, kicking out all your angst while holding your huge notebook. It was clever of you to hide something personal at your daughter's room, in a cupboard she never uses. Roger followed you and sat next to you.

"Y/N, you alright?" He asked placing his hand at your back. His eyes fell at the notebook you were tightly holding. "What's this?" He curiously asked and tried to hold it but you politely refused. "Oh. Is it personal?" He questioned.

"I was keeping a diary all this time." You confessed.

"A diary? How long?" He asked as he was checking all these used pages.

"Before you." You smiled and scrolled a few of your pages.

"Wow, that's a lot..." he was amused. "So I guess I'm in there, aren't I?" He asked checking for assurance.

"Don't guess. Be sure." You smiled.

"Can I see just one page please?" He politely asked.

"I'll show you my favourite." You seemed too excited to get to a specific page.

Roger next to you was smiling through the entire process, trying to read while pages were fastly zapping, until you stopped somewhere from the first twenty pages. He focused on your point of view, trying to understand what you were writing about.

"Oh, your first time." He awed. After reading the sentence: my heart was beating so fast at the moment he was inside me, even my soul could see his, from our eyes. "I didn't know you were so sentimental about it." His cheeks blushed from everything you wrote.

"Of course I was, it was my first time. I loved you, Roger." You opened your heart to him for one more time. His eyes were wide opened. It was the first time he got to hear from you how you really felt about your first time. He continued reading to the next day, how you behaved after your first time.

It had to happen right? Or not? My parents are going to kill me. It should have happened after marriage. That's what they've been saying all my life. I love Roger but he would never settle for a wedding. He's a rockstar now, he would probably abandon me if I ask him to marry me. I have to keep it a secret.

"Y/N, you never told me that your parents are against sex before the wedding." He was shocked at what you were writing.

"I know, I had to do it, otherwise you'd break up with me. I didn't want that at the time." You said feeling secure now that he's still by your side.

"Oh, baby..." he whispered and kept you in his arms. "Was it too important to your family to keep your virginity?" He asked.

"It was for them to keep it until my wedding night." You started. "But you know? I only wanted to give it to the man I loved so bad one summer night. And it was special for me, you made it all about me." You continued and stayed in his arms for a couple of minutes. "They always believed my first time was at our wedding."

"I think you have to take this with you. It's not safe on its own. We should grab Laura's stuff and drive them off to John's." You both stood up and put your daughter's stuff in a bag.

You got in the car again, still silent. You were just reading random pages from your diary, getting all emotional. From you meeting him, dating him, marrying him, giving birth to his child, divorcing him... You wrote many things in there. It has an emotional value. You knew by now that Roger was the only person you wouldn't bother reading it, after your permission of course, because almost every page has his name on it.

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

After giving Laura her stuff, you went back to Roger's fancy house. You were getting used to getting there. He looked like wanting to stay with you again, without including the disagreements. He opened the door and you both walked upstairs, leading to his bedroom.

"Do you think you should stay here now?" He asked.

"Why?" You returned as you placed your diary at the nightstand.

"That asshole could come to your place, any moment. You're not safe." He explained. "Maybe you should stay here. With me." He came closer to you, his face inches away from yours. You didn't say anything. Just let him do all the work for you.

His kiss was deep and his hands couldn't restrict themselves from touching your waist. These couple of days, you are much closer than you were when your marriage went downhill. You wanted to give it a chance.

"Tonight, I want you to be loud. I missed that." He stated, looking you into your eyes.

"Loud?" You asked, trying to understand his motives.

"Really loud. This is why Laura isn't here." He winked and left his room, going to the bathroom to take a shower.

"You're the filthiest man I know!" You playfully yelled at him.

"Oh, I know love!" He loudly answered from the bathroom and so on, you went downstairs to fix two glasses of red wine. Chilling situations like these, haven't happened since Laura was a baby.

[imgoingtohellsofuckit]

Cocky Hero Pt 3

Okay it’s a series now. Sorry I don’t make the rules

Hawks x Reader

Warning - Alcohol use, a series so probably should read the first two parts

Summary - You keep playing the game and now Hawks is stepping up his own game

part one  part two part four

You feel weird waking up in the arms of the number 2 hero once again. You feel even weirder when he snuggles into your chest as your alarm blares.

"I don't want to be the bearer of bad news," You say you pull away slightly, "but I'm due in the office."

"Mm can't you just call in," He says. You chuckle.

"Unlike you my job doesn't wait for me," You say softly, "I'd let you stay but I don't trust you in my house alone." He sighs pulling away from you to lay back on the bed. Looking up to the ceiling as you climb out of bed to the bathroom. "Do you want a cab or do you plan on flying?" You say turning back to look at him.

"I'll fly," He says.

"Alright," You say, "I'll be in the shower."

You wave stepping into your bathroom. As you pull off the sandy blonds t-shirt you reach into shower to turn on the water. You climb in once the water gets hot. Enjoying the burning water as it hits your skin.

As you return to your room you're slightly surprised to see Hawks still laying in your bed. Now however he has his phone staring intensely at it.

"What's wrong?" You ask him, "you look like you're pouting."

"My sidekick is blowing my phone up," He groans, "work never seems to be done around here." He moves standing up to pull on his clothes as you move to your closet to get dressed. "So you in love with me yet?"

"Why would I be in love with you?" You ask him, "two hookups aren't gonna make me magically catch feelings."

"Hey don't forget the roses," He says. You roll your eyes.

"Hawks you're a nice guy but if you think that this is enough for you to win the game you are in for a rude awakening,"  You smirk. As you pull on your dress he moves towards you.

"Here let me help you with that," He says. You turn allowing him to zip the dress up for you.

"Are you ready?" You ask him.

"For?"

"To head out," You say, "I was serious about not letting you stay in my apartment. I barely know you."

"Oh come on," He groans.

"I'm serious you could be some weird panty thief or you could break something important," You say, "I'm not leaving you in my apartment alone. So when you're ready I'll walk you out."

"Let me fly you to work then," He says, "come on it'll be fun."

"Fun for you or for me?" You ask.

"For both of us," He says, "what do you have to lose?"

"I don't think so," You say, "don't want people to see us together and get the wrong idea. We don't want those rumors."

"Right," He says, "I- didn't think about that. Shit. Well I guess I'm going to go to work. I'll see you later?"

"If you're lucky," You say. You smirk lightly. He sighs lightly.

"You're breaking my heart babe," He says, "come on give me a little something." You lean closer to him pulling him into a soft kiss. He's clearly shocked at the action. But you break the kiss before he can full process what's happening. "Woah."

"Let's get you to work hero," You smile. You lead him out. Telling you the lobby security some bs about working with Hawks on some hero crap. But you know full well that at this point he's used to your crap with bringing home random people and slipping them out in the morning. "Bye Hawks."

He smiles as he spreads his wings out. Moving up into the sky. You smirk as you press your hand to the wall before stepping into your office. You see Kami smirking wildly at you.

"So I see my message worked," She says, "so when's the wedding?"

"Wedding?" You ask, "lame.. Nah we just hooked up again. Then we each went to work."

"What?" She says, "I saw you guys talking last night. Damn i thought that would work."

"Forcing me to interact with a guy you think is good for me won't make me settle down," You say, "it'll just piss me off... You can't trick me into giving up my game ya know."

"Game?" She asks, "Y/n this is your life ya know. Sometimes I think you don't seriously think about the consequences to your actions." You shrug.

"Maybe I don't," You say, "or maybe I've got a lot more going on underneath all this. Regardless it's not important. We should get to work."

"You always do that," She says, "you always make us move on! I wanna talk about you and you're life! We're friends and we've been friends for years. Just talk to me."

"I will," You say, "but not now okay? I mean this isn't the appropriate place to talk about all this."

"You're right," She sighs, "I'll get to work. Anything on the to do board for me?" You move grabbing a folder of reports for her to sign. She nods before moving off to her desk to get them done.

While you're working hard to finish all of your assignments. Hawks is sitting in the league's headquarters spacing out as Dabi talks about some Nomu crap. It's the same things he's been going on about the last week. Hawks can't stand to listen to it anymore. Thankfully today his minds somewhere else. Specifically on that kiss. It was short and sweet but man was it enough to capture his attention. He regrets not pulling you in for another one. But even more he regrets letting you get away with it. I mean here he is with you stuck on his mind while he can guarantee that you are cheerfully working with out giving him a passing thought. He's gonna lose at his own game. How could that even happen?

"Hawks you seem spaced out," Toga says, "you've been staring at the TV for like an hour. What's up?"

"Yeah man," Twice says, "what's going on? Don't tell me I don't care!"

"Nothing," Hawks says sitting up, "just ya know normal boring stuff. I'm trying to remember the last time I got groceries."

"Mmm not with that look in your eye~" Toga starts.

"Honest," He says, "I have nothing but boring thoughts up here."

Boring isn't the way he'd describe the thoughts that went through his head. It was a mix of filth and pure simpery.  He moves to at least pretend to be listening. He does have a job to be doing. He is a spy. He's supposed to be collecting information not daydreaming.  After a while he decided to just try to text the girl instead of letting her plague his mind.

Hawks - That's the first time you kissed me that wasn't while we were hooking up

               It was nice

              You're cute

             You know that?

Y/n - ....

        You already falling for me birdboy?

Hawks - You wish beautiful

                I'm not letting you win this easy

Y/n - I don't need you to let me win  

         I'll win on my own thank you

Hawks - Wow the ego on this on is insane

"Y/n are you busy?"

You look up from your keyboard over to Impression.

"Wow you are smiling like an idiot," Impression says, "what's that about?"

"Nothing," You say, "what did you need?"

"Uh you have a visitor and don't worry it's not who you think it is," Impression says. You notice a lady in a neat pantsuit behind him, "I'll leave you two alone." The woman offers me her hand.

"I'm Lana Okashi," She says, "I work for the Hero Commission. And I see that you have gotten very popular."

"Really?" You ask her, "in what way?"

"Well you are the best performing agent we have," She tells me.

"But thats not why you're here," You say, "I'm not dumb okay. I know when you guys visit and it's never good when you do. So spill why you're actually here."

She hands me her phone. A picture of Hawks and I at the club is pulled up.

"I assume you understand that we have only the best in mind for our heroes working for us," She says, "and we hope to avoid distractions for said heroes. Especially ones who work so closely with the commission like Hawks."

"So you think I'm a distraction?" You asks, "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Miss L/n I know you are known for having a cocky attitude but I'm sure you understand that being a distraction to the number 2 hero is damaging for our society," She says, "I mean while you are dragging him around how many people is he missing the opportunity to save?"

"You my friend are misinterpreting the relationship Hawks and I have," You say, "we are no more than friends. Are you telling me he can't have friends?" Your smirk is clearly evident. You know this commission bastards. They treat the heroes like tools rather than people. And you've had your fair share of run ins with them over how you handle Impressions publicity. "Now listen I'm sure you guys are pros at handling your heroes but do you ever stop and think about long term? About what happens when your puppets don't play along anymore."

If there is one thing the press gets right about you. It's that you are a bitch when you need to be. And well when the commission comes to mess in matters they don't need to well. It comes out in full force.

"I'm simply here to try to keep the peace," She says, "I can't have all of Japan suffering just so a whore can get the attention she's so desperately asks for."

You chuckle lightly.

"Oh you think you're so cute," You say, "flashy badge. Mean words. Catty. Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do. So security! Can you get this lady out?" The guards move from the door over to the woman.

"No need," She says, "I was just on my way out." Security escorts her anyway. Leaving you at your desk. Deeply annoyed. You are surprised one of those vultures came to express their opinions about you sleeping with Hawks. They have something to say anytime whispering fills the air about you ending up in a heroes bed. And no matter how many times you deal with one of them you won't ever get used to that attitude.

"Calling me a whore," You mumble angrily, "god who does she think she is?"

"The same girl who acts like heroes are simply toys to play with until they break," Kami says, "don't worry about her."

"I won't," You say avoiding looking over to the pro, "I don't let the pests bother me. Besides it's not like I care about what they say. What others think about my life style doesn't matter to me. I like having fun and playing my game. And if I distract a hero for an hour or two well whats it matter? There are about 400 others ready to save the day."

"That is true," She says, "well we better get back to work."

"Right," You say smiling at her. As she moves to head to her patrol. You pull your fun back out.

Y/n - I am very very frustrated

Hawks - Sexually or?

               Cause if you are I can help

               (;

Y/n - Normal frustration

Hawks - Wanna talk about it

Y/n - not exactly... but just know it's your fault

Hawks - Oh come on what did I do?

                I'm on my best behavior

Y/n - Not you directly. More like the commission.

Hawks - Did you piss them off?

               Wanna talk about it?

              I can call you

Y/n - While I'd love to tell you all about how much I hate the hero commission and their slave like labor for heroes I don't think now is the time I'm slammed over here

Hawks - I could fly by to keep you entertained in these trying times

Y/n - You wish

Hawks - Hey I have a suggestion

Y/n - ?

Hawks - We got to my place and vent about life over a glass of wine

Y/n - and end the night in your bed?

Hawks - How did you know?

Y/n - I'm not all the up for it tonight... it's a whine and reality tv show kinda night

Hawks - We don't have to have sex

                We can just talk

                I kinda just wanna see you

He's either playing his own card or he's working right into my next card.

Hawks - Of course it's up to you

Y/n - Well I mean I could always take a break from my busy life for you Hawks.

Hawks - I'll see you at mine then, about 6?

                Thats when you get off right?

Y/n - Yep

        I'll be there

       You better have good wine

Hawks - Only the best for you

You smile lightly as you sit your phone back down to focus. At closing time you found yourself a little excited to see Hawks. Even if it was just to drink and vent.  After waving goodbye to your coworkers you used your portal to slip inside the blond heroes house.

"Well there she is," Hawks says, "I thought you weren't going to show."

"I got held up," You tell him. As you walk towards him you see him pouring the wine into two glasses. He moves handing you one of them. "Thanks."

"Well lets vent," He says sitting down on his couch. It's the first time you've seen his living room for more than a second. Its actually really nice and neat. A total bachelor pad sure but even with all the cheesy elements of a bro house it's still really nice. You start to wonder if he has someone else design and clean it. You sit down beside him on the large couch. Laying back against a plush blanket that seems to pull you deeper into the couch. "How was your day?"

"Fine," You tell him, "other than some commission lady visiting me."

"About what?" He asks curiously.

"Oh ya know about you," You say as you swirl your drink lightly, "I'm distracting you apparently."

"They know about us hooking up?" He asks.

"Someone uploaded a picture online," You share, "it was taken down as quickly as it went up but they still got their hands on it."

"How hot is the pic?" he asks.

"Just us talking at the club," You tell him, "it could mean anything but they know my track record."

"Track record?"

"You aren't the only hero I've ever hookup with," You tell him, "you are the only one trying to beat me in my own game though. If that means anything to me."

"Its nice to hear I'm the first to challenge you," He says, "I guess I never realized how much of a player you are."

"No one does at first," You tell him, "most only realize it after it's too late. Thats my whole thing. Draw you in before you see how bad I am for you."

"Mmm thats kinda hot," He says, "the whole dangerous woman thing."

"Thank you," You say, "it's my thing ya know." You sip the wine as he watches you carefully.

"Why do you do it?" He asks me, "the whole player thing?"

"Honestly?" You asks him. He nods. "Okay well I simply just want to live it up. I'm young and in my prime. I want to have some fun with out any ties. Find who I am. Experiment. I was so focused on my future in high school and college that when I got my job at Impressions agency I just decided to finally let myself enjoy life."

"So this is relatively new for you?" He asks. You nod.

"Yeah I've been doing it for like two years," I tell him, "like a month after I graduated."

"Wow," He says.

"Yep and now I'm a pro," You tease, "unlike you."

"Oh come on I'm a pro," He says, "I've been doing this since I was 18."

"And you suck at it," You tease, "it's fine maybe you can learn from me." He chuckles. "So how was your day Hawks?"

"Same old same old," He says, "paper work. Mission stuff. All the same stuff. It feels unending."

"Yeah I feel that," You say, "and you must be even more burnt out then I am. I don't think I've seen you stop in years."

"Yeah pretty much running on empty here," He sighs, "honestly this is the least busy I've been in a while. And here I am spending all my time with you."

"I'm honored," You say sarcastically.

"You better be," He says, "I could be cruising hella and yet I'm giving all that up for you." You smile lightly.

"I wanna know something about you Hawks," You say looking carefully at him.

"Ask me anything."

"Do you like being a hero?"

He's taken back on how serious the question is. He thinks for a second.

"Yeah," he answers, "I think I do at least. I mean I don't think there was every really another option for me..." You watch him carefully. He just keeps going. "I enjoy the job and helping people. But ya know I don't stop. I'm going so fast and I don't see an end to all this. The breaks on it are broken so I feel the only way to stop is to crash."

"Who said the breaks are broken?" You ask him, "why not bring them back?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean why not look at your job a different way," You tell him, "you like saving people. And maybe it doesn't have to end with you crashing. Maybe you discover the breaks actually aren't broken and you get to stop the safe way and have a life after all this."

"But what if the breaks are broken?" he asks, "what if I'm destined to die in the end?"

"The breaks aren't broken," You say, "I have faith that you will get a happily ever after. You're gonna convince some poor girl to settle down with you and have cocky red winged babies." He chuckles lightly.

"You think I'll have kids?" He asks, "I never even pictured kids for myself."

"You can't keep your hands to yourself," You tell him, "there is no way you won't end up with kids."

"Wow you truly think I'm just some man whore," He says, "wow I'm a little offended." You laugh lightly at his tone. Whatever offense from the comment he took disappeared as he heard your laugh. He hadn't heard you actually laugh til right now.  It's angelic even.

"What?" You ask him. Confused as to why he's staring at you like that.

"Nothing," He says snapping back to the conversation, "alright its my turn to ask a question."

"Ask away," You say as you lift your cup to your lips.

"Why did you choose to become an agent? I mean that quirk of yours is hero material," He says, "what happened?" Your smile drops lightly. "Sore subject?"

"I got rejected from UA and from a couple other hero schools," You tell him, "the entrance exams were brutal for a quirk like mine. It's not combat it's rescue and when I tried to reapply to the program later in my years at UA I kept getting rejected. There was always someone stronger than me who could handle their quirk better than I could. So I gave up. I decided if I couldn't be a hero then I could help the heroes."

"UA is stupid as hell for rejecting you," He says, "because if we had a hero like you then Japan would be crime free."

You smile lightly.

"That's not true," You say.

"Think about it you could use the portals to transport the villains straight to jail," He tells me, "or stick just one limb in it to beat up someone. And think about partnering with other heroes. You could move them from one spot to another to work faster and handle emergencies faster. Those hero schools made a huge mistake rejecting you and they are gonna regret it."

"I hardly doubt that," You say to him, "besides so many kids dream of being a hero. And a lot of them end up like me settling for something else. I mean you're a hero you must of saw it when you were preparing."

He didn't. He didn't take the traditional path. He was forced into this career so he didn't realize how many people tried to get into this career and couldn't. If some many people wanted to do it why did he have to? No he shouldn't think of that.

"Right yeah," He says, "it's a shame though. How many people get barred from this job."

"It's why vigilantes exist," You say, "I actually considered becoming a vigilante but my mom was already sick at that point so I just decided to give up on it all together." You move sipping your wine.

"Do you have another question for me?" He asks wanting to change the subject.

"Sure," You say, "alright... why are you playing along with this game?"

"You're going for the hard questions," He says as you lean over pouring yourself another glass of wine, "you don't go easy do you?"

"Not often," You reply, "I'm just curious. I mean most people move on at this point."

"I don't want to give up," he says, "I wanna win."

"I respect that," You say, "I also respect that you are losing so bad." He rolls his eyes playfully.

"In your perspective sure," He says, "but in mine. Well man I'm doing pretty well. And I even think I'm growing on you."

"Like a rash," You say smirking.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Of course you will," You say, "you're too much sometimes you know."

"Okay my question now," He says, "have you ever been in a serious relationship?"

"Uh I dated this guy from my second year in highschool all the way up to the middle of my 2nd year of college," You tell him, "he dumped me because he said that I didn't make enough time in my life for him which was true. What about you?"

"I dated a chick for a little bit when I was 19 but it lasted like a month," He says, "never really bothered to do the whole relationship thing ya know."

"Does that count as my question?" You ask him.

"Well it's only fair," He says, "alright me again. Who was your favorite hero in bed?"

"Hmmm that's a hard one," You say thinking carefully, "Eraserhead. He was kinky as hell for a sleepy guy."

"You slept with Eraserhead?" He asks me, "how did that happen?!"

"It was easy Impression was on security for the sports festival last year and well I went with him to look at the kids for the internship and well I met Eraserhead and we started talking. He mentioned briefly that he remembered hearing about me when I was in college for some report on the dark side of heroes I did that blew up online. He wanted to talk about it. Share his experience. So we went out for drinks. One thing lead to another and we went to mine."

"Wow," He says, "I'm impressed. Honestly. But also tell me more about this report?"

"It's my turn to ask a question," You say to him, "my question is who the hell cleans this apartment? Cause there is no way you do."

"You caught me I have a maid," He says, "don't worry I don't sleep with her. I don't even see her most of the time. She comes in cleans then leaves."

"Hmm," You say, "must be nice."

"I've seen your apartment don't act like you don't have money," He says, "your apartment is a penthouse."

"It helps to work for a legacy agency some times," You tell him, "they pay nicely... I'm starving. I should probably get home and get some food."

"I have pizza on the way," He says, "I thought ahead. I hope you like cheese pizza."

"Sounds great to me," You say, "okay so your question."

"The report tell me about it."

You guys go back and forth for hours. Only stopping to enjoy your pizza. It's nice. You both are really enjoying it. You forget all about the game and instead its just two friends enjoying your time together. It isn't until you catch the time that you even think about ending the conversation.

"It's 2 am," You tell him, "oh my god I need to get home."

"You can stay here," He offers, "I have a guest bedroom."

"You don't want me to stay in your room?" You ask him.

"I mean if you want to I won't stop you," He says, "but I figured you'd be more comfortable in your own space."

"Thats really sweet," You say to him, "I'd like that."

"You want a shirt to sleep in?" You nod. He moves going to grab a shirt for you as you place the two wine glasses into the kitchen. When he comes back he moves leading you through the house to the guest room.

"I'll see you in the morning," He says.

"Night Hawks," you say to him. You move pecking his cheek. He smirks lightly.

"Night Y/n."

[tangled-the-series-forever]

Rapunzel and the Lost Lagoon

As soon as I heard about this book, I put it on my birthday wishlist. But alas, my birthday had come and gone. No Lost Lagoon. Apparently my mom didn’t see it on the wishlist, so that’s why. Flash forward to Christmas Day and I held the book in my hands, which were trembling with excitement. Not really, but you get the idea. I had been waiting to devour this book for months on end and I did. So without further ado, I will present to you this handy-dandy post that encapsulates my thoughts on Lost Lagoon before, during, and after reading. I thought it would be fun to record my expectations and compare them to what I discovered. If you’ve read Lost Lagoon, what did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts! ❤️

Before Reading

honestly, I’m not quite sure what to expect. All I know is that there’s a lot of moments between Raps and Cass and I am ready for them!

maybe it explains how Cass came to be Raps’ lady-in-waiting? (I hope so because I’ve always wondered this...)

I think I’ll like the book as a whole (I’m hoping I’ll love it)

I’m guessing that it is cute, funny, serious, and adventurous all in one

maybe we’ll learn more about Cass?

will Raps tell Cass about her life in the tower?

what will be the ratio of lighthearted to serious moments? Am I more likely to laugh or cry? Probably both 😅😂😂

this book’s design is absolutely gorgeous! 😍😍😍 I literally just stared at it for a while beginning to read it

During Reading

Rapunzel’s hair hasn’t grown back yet? Oh, it’s her first week in Corona. Okay...

“Something was missing. I was hoping painting would help me find whatever that was, or at least help me end the afternoon on a happy note.” (is this relatable or what? I know not to chase after the elusive beast referred to as happiness, but I do often strive to end the day on a good note because I feel like Satan wins if I don’t)

Friedborg is Arianna’s lady-in-waiting? That makes more sense now. I always feel bad not knowing much about her or her background. I hope she makes some appearances in the book (no sooner did I type this than I look down and skim the scene where she teaches Raps how to sit. Crazy, right?)

Eugene referring to Rapunzel as “my girl” (so sweet 🥰)

“Eugene’s warm brown eyes and mischievous smile are irresistible from any angle” (she’s head over heels, ya’ll 😂💕😂)

first look at Cass 🥰 That’s my girl! Not only does she want to be part of the guard, but she wants to succeed her father as Captain! Go after your dreams, girl! I support you ❤️

“I’d rather shovel sheep dung than mend clothes and gossip.” Mood 😂😂

she recently discovered a hidden spot by using maps of an ancient underground tunnel system? How cool!

okay, but Cass’ animosity towards Raps is fair. And the fact that she refers to her as “that girl”? Priceless

names of nearby nations? Like, yes please!

the irony of Cass piquing Raps’ interest in her by leaving as soon as she can after throwing the shot put 😅😂😂

Cass worrying she got herself in trouble by practicing shot put. Poor thing!

the angst Cass feels towards her dad because he wants her to be a lady-in-waiting when she clearly doesn’t... so relatable (it’s tough when a parent’s expectations and our own dreams/desires don’t match)

I didn’t realize Cass created the maps herself! She’s so determined to prove herself to her dad, it hurts 😭😭

I wonder if the pools in Yultadore are what make up the lost lagoon...

“Her enthusiasm was so shiny and bright I had to squint” (I totally understand this)

pretty boy Eugene and his quips 😂😂

Cass trying to keep her distance from Raps by calling her “Princess” and firmly saying “Goodbye” before shutting and locking the door behind her

So that’s how Cass and Eugene met... okay, cool. Nothing too crazy or weird. I don’t know what I expected but it’s nice to know how their battle of wits began

I’m noticing a pattern in the words used to describe Cass: knowledgeable, brave, etc. I think that’s cool because I feel like her pessimism gets a lot more attention in the series. It’s nice to acknowledge her other qualities as well.

Arianna chose Cass to be Raps’ lady-in-waiting. I always wondered how she got the position. I’m loving how many little things this book is explaining 🥰

Also, just noticed the bird illustrations on the page of every new chapter. I wonder if there’s a pattern...

OWL!!! 😍😍 he literally “senses her distress”. I wish we got to hear about how they met

I wanted to cry for Cass. Poor thing just wants to follow her dreams. I like the way the finality of the decision was described. It’s so tragic 💔

“When Cassandra saw him [Eugene], her face clouded over like a stormy afternoon” 😂😂 I love how Cass doesn’t try to hide her feelings about people. It’s true that she keeps personal things close to her chest, but not when it comes to what she thinks of others. Honesty is the best policy, right?

I love how Cass continuously prompts Raps to keep reading the poem. She’s like, “Yeah, yeah, just get to the good stuff” 😂

about that poem... maybe it’s from Herz Der Sonne’s perspective. Could the “truth sealed in precious stones” be a reference to Zhan Tiri’s disciples and how they were trapped within stones? And what about the three gems? What’s the emerald tapestry supposed to be? Does it reference Saporia? I HAVE TOO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

“A few times I thought I heard some rustling behind me, but I kept going” (me: yeah, Raps is definitely following her) 😂

me when I realize the “emerald tapestry” is grass: 🙃

why is Cass so fearful around water? Did someone try to drown her? someone please tell me who is responsible so I can PUNCH THEM IN THE FACE 😅🤣

painfully ironic how Rapunzel can swim despite being locked in a tower all her life and Cass can’t

Raps nonchalantly offering to teach Cass how to swim just warms my heart 🥰❤️

okay, so Cass is responsible for her fear of water. That’s almost worse because it invites shame and self-hatred, which makes it more difficult to push against that fear or overcome it 😔

the importance of Raps agreeing to help Cass even after realizing she doesn’t want to be her lady-in-waiting is HUGE. This is something I feel like should have happened throughout Season 1 but never did (Raps supporting Cass and trusting that she has a good reason for things even if she doesn’t understand)

“But now I have to teach you which fork to eat your waffles with and stuff” 😂

the first time they call each other Cass and Raps 🥰😍🥰😍

woah, I didn’t expect there to be a time jump. I should have known because I kept wondering why they would depict Rapunzel with her blonde hair on the cover if this takes place before it comes back. Anyways...

I forgot to take notes as I read the majority of part 2. I’m currently a chapter or two away from part 3 and all I have to say is that something bad is about to happen. I can feel it. Dahlia’s definitely shady and so is Marco. I suspected Marie earlier but now I’m not sure. She wasn’t obvious until she was but now she’s not again so maybe she is guilty after all? Either way, Raps is making dumb decisions and I’m over here yelling at her to get her life together before she gets killed or kidnapped (whichever comes first, I guess) 😅🙃

Cass is absolutely roasting Rapunzel and I am here for it! Don’t mind me just munching away on my popcorn over here 🍿

Cass said she’s finally gonna leave Corona so I bet Raps will fess up and tell her that Dahlia’s been helping her with the painting for Cass so Cass will let her guard down and think Dahlia’s okay after all. But... she won’t be and they’re gonna realize she was the bad guy after all 😎

didn’t think Cass would get attacked 😅 also, the fact that she is highly skilled and powerful yet trips and twists her ankle is such a mood. Like, that’s literally me in a nutshell. She is beauty, she is grace, and she falls flat on her face 🤣🤣 while I’m here, I’m guessing Marco is her attacker because he probably has a rough voice

Okay, so I guess Dahlia really is innocent then... idk, I still think she could be up to something

I WAS RIGHT!

Marco’s the bad guy and things just escalated quickly cause now he’s got a knife against Cass’ throat 😳😬😵

so Dahlia’s innocent after all... I thought she or Marie might be working with Marco but I guess not (kinda disappointed to be honest)

okay so this Dahlia chick is exasperatingly hilarious 😂😂 she legit took part of Raps’ bookcase to use for an art piece. Like, who does that?

“Pascal shook his head, totally fed up” me too bud, me too 🤣

After Reading

so I did get to see how Cass and Raps first met (also how she first met Eugene as well)

I like how they combined their talents and passions at the end to create the map painting

There were a bunch of lines that made me laugh, although there were just as many that hit me like a knife to the chest (pretty much anything angsty from Cass’ POV) so I like how it made me feel all the feels (I felt like an investigator trying to figure out who the bad guy was and that was a blast 😆)

overall it was pretty good. I did feel like the characters were off (Arianna seemed like she swapped personalities with Frederick at times and Eugene apologized for joking Cass- as if!), but other than that I enjoyed it. There were a bunch of new characters being introduced so it was somewhat hard to tell who was bad and who wasn’t but I guessed correctly in the end. I was hoping there would be more than one bad guy but oh well.

I’m glad I read it because now I know a few extra things about Corona and its surrounding countries (plus I can finally read through all the Lost Lagoon related tumblr posts I saved for later... I was waiting until I read the book and here I am!)

If anyone needs me, I’ll be going through LL tumblr posts. I should definitely be sleeping but that’s not important 😅😂😂

[lightningcritter]

Abril Day 19! @abrilove

While I love me some balcony aesthetics for Bridgette and Chat Noir, I couldn’t resist imagining Bridgette retreating to the roof of her apartment complex, climbing up the steep Parisian roof to a spot that she claimed as HERS… only to see Chat Noir sitting there, absentmindedly staring at the Eiffel Tower. 

Now a short drabble for this absurdly specific AU in which Bridgette doesn’t have a balcony:

Before becoming Ladybug, Bridgette always found herself looking at the bit of roof poking out next to her over-head window when she woke up in the mornings. After a particularly bad day at school and pacing around her room in a frustrated frenzy of letting off steam, she decided to open the window to let in some fresh air. 

The part of the roof right beside the window seemed to be easily accessible and longing for some fresh air… yet she was still grounded… so she decided on a whim to climb out. She pulled on a heavier pink jacket rather than her light blazer, and grabbed a half-filled thermos of peach tea and poked her head out into the chilly evening air of an early spring.

The sunset was beautiful, casting gold light onto the side of white and blue buildings, an iron tint reflecting off windows. But it was hard to see beyond that. There was only a bit of the sun poking out above some taller buildings, the winding chimneys casting strange shadows over other rooftops. 

Bridgette suddenly wanted to see the entire sunset. So she pulls herself up and over the edge, pushing the glass with her head as she wriggles through. Legs shaking a little, she carefully stands up on the sloped roof because knowing her bad luck she’ll just slip on a loose shingle and then everyone will know where she is when she starts screaming. 

Her eyes grow wide, the genetically impossible blue color of them entirely reflecting the bright golden-pink of the glorious Paris sunset. The molten orb was nestled comfortably on the city-scape, casting its orange glow over all the city’s inhabitants. It is a lovely, unblocked view of the sunset.

She looks up, seeing a flat section of the roof not too far from her window. She looks down, swallowing nervously at the height just a few feet from her own feet. 

But Bridgette is determined if anything, so she tucks her thermos into her pocket and starts the climb. It’s a pretty quick climb, using her neighbors’ attic awnings as little pit stops. She comes across a flat section of the roof that offers her a grand view of the Eiffel Tower and rest of the city she has come to love after moving from her childhood home in China. 

It was still her place, small and tucked away from the city that sometimes seemed too large when the miraculous duo worked tirelessly through the night. She sometimes found herself sitting there on particularly restless nights, comforted by the warm lights in a romantic city that spilled out its orange glow on the rooftops and shone in the darkness of big buildings.

Tikki asked her only once why Bridgette insisted on climbing up to that spot without her miraculous when it was safer and faster. Bridgette cheerfully declared that it’s more fun to struggle up the roof with her pillows, fluffy blankets and snacks. And besides, this is her rooftop. Makes sense to get up there as Bridgette. 

Tikki merely laughed, her laughter sounding more like bell-like chimes than human laughter. “You’re still you, with and without the suit Bridgette!” And just offered to carry her bag of snacks for her. 

After a year of climbing to her roof by herself, Bridgette liked the company of the little kwami she came to regard as one of her best friends. She loathed to admit it, but the Parisian rooftops seemed emptier without her wisecracking and stupidly flirty cat who made jokes like he was going to run out of air if he didn’t.

But still, she liked her spot.

“WWWHHHHYYY” She wanted to groan when she saw the cat boy on HER roof, sitting in HER spot. But something about his wistful face stopped her. And the fact that his belt… tail…? gently flicked about on the roof much like his namesake. 

It was kind of cute.

She wasn’t sure how to announce her presence but he did that for her, turning to look at her with a bit of tenseness… perhaps thinking that the Mime was sneaking up on him. His face changed to an unsure yet still cautious expression. Meanwhile, Bridgette was grinning, unsuccessfully holding in the beginnings of a laugh.

There was something about the stiff way he turned with that weird eyebrow thing he does that just tipped her over the edge as she burst out laughing, hugging the mass of pillow and blanket tightly as she almost doubled over, giggling madly. 

His “um” and “uh” and “hrm…?” just made it harder to sober up. Shoulders still shaking with  remains of laughter, she makes an attempt to straighten up, looking up to the sky to avoid looking at his probably very confused face. “HAH! Sorry about that, you’re just very uh… funny-looking.”

She looked back down to seeing his irritated, almost offended grumpy cat face that revived her quieting giggles in laughter again. “Wait nonono-” She chokes out as she totters over to where he was, dropping the plush objects in her arms onto the roof. “I just meant that you just looked so cautious! I didn’t mean to laugh.”

“Well… It’s fine.” He responded, rolling his eyes, jumping when she dropped the blankets and pillows right beside him. “What are you doing!?”

“You’re in my spot.” She says, shaking her head as she squats to set up her usual set up, shooing him to move a bit.

“What- wait- why are- how did you even get up here!?” 

“I climbed up, obviously. Want a cookie?”

“….” This would be the second time in one day she would be offering him the cookie actually, the first time being in the library. He was so sure that not a lot of people noticed that little study space in the corner but then Bridgette comes out of nowhere with the brightest greeting that he has yet to see anyone top and plops herself in the seat next to him. She chatters about their last shared class as she takes her laptop out from her bag, already pulling up an assignment that Felix would later point out is due next week. He smiles when her head whips to gawk at the screen, her eyes widened almost comically. They easily engage into a comfortable conversation for the rest of the afternoon, snacking on cookies she made last weekend, and he was surprised to find that he was a bit sad when she had to go, finding himself waving at her with a smile as she hustled out of their little study area. 

“Sure.” Chat Noir sighs, taking the cookie. He looks at her little set-up, not sure if he should stay or go. But Bridgette makes the decision for him when she looks over and pats a spot next to him on the big green cushion. 

“Staying out of trouble?” He asks snarkily after a few minutes of peaceful silence. He bites in the cookie, a pleased sound making its way out of his mouth just as Bridgette squawks in indignation.

“Last time I saw you, you almost became mincemeat.” He retorts after chewing. “Just be more careful, the reporters are already a handful, I would like to,” not risk not being able to save you in time “not have to look out for a pesky civilian on top of that.”

“Well, like I said, it was by accident! How I was supposed to know there was a…” She gestures with her macadamia cookie, trying to find words to describe the saw-blade wielding villain but having no luck especially since Ladybug and Chat Noir avoided interaction with the news let alone release any information to the public. “Strange knife lady with uh, gray skin.” It’d be more than suspicious if she used jargon that the two used when discussing Papillon’s victims. 

He snorts at her description. “Talk about taking a stab in the dark.”

She just pokes her tongue out at him, pointedly turning away to take another bite of her cookie.

He finishes his cookie, patting his gloves to get rid of crumbs. He sinks into the comfortable plush of a second cushion up against a surprisingly clean chimney.

“You seem rather prepared.” He comments. “What are you doing up here?”

“I needed space.” She replies. “… To just think. What about you?”

“Same reason.”