#shes sooooo close to getting it i want to help her but we aren't on that level of friendship

[abirddogmoment]

Small space heeling practice with Mav.

I don't like using body pressure to teach heeling (stepping into the dog, kneeing, leaning over) so I use my shoulders to help Mav anticipate where we're going. This way, we don't bump into each other (even in small spaces) and he never has to worry that I'm going to knee him, so he stays happy and confident even with lots of direction changes!

[gguk-n]

Tracks & Beats (Max Verstappen x Rapper!Reader)

Face claim- Lee Sung Kyung. Reader is best friend's with Suga of BTS. Google translated Korean. All the pictures are from Pinterest.

Max winning after 4 months!!

y/ngotswings is Max's fan account

2016

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by 3,890 others Tagged bts.bighitoffiicial

y/n.y/l/n 최고의 프로듀서이자 래퍼 중 한 명과 함께 일할 기회가 있었다 Had the chance to work with one of the best producers and rapper

user15 언니 그 노래는 정말 좋았어 😭😭unnie the song was so good user16 collab of the century!!😍😍 user17 사랑해 ❤️❤️i love you y/ngotswings Best song yet!!😭❤️

2019

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by 7,264 others Tagged bts.bighitofficial

y/n.y/l/n 나와 함께 노래를 작업해준 윤기 오빠 고마워 Thank you Yoongi oppa for working on this song with me!!

user18 OMG!!! The way his voices meshes with hers😍😍 user19 Their collab's keep getting better and better😭😭 user20 언니 잘했어 👍👍unnie, good job!! user21 넌 정말 예쁘다 누나 😍you're so pretty, noona y/ngotswings I cried😭😭

2023

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by 10,500 others

y/n.y/l/n comeback season!!!

user22 this comeback was sooooo goooddd!! user23 i loved the album user24 i can't wait to watch you live user25 화이팅 👍👍Fighting!! user26 당신의 미소가 정말 좋아요 ❤️❤️I love your smile user27 나는 너에게 키스하고 싶어 😘😘I want to kiss you y/ngotswings Best album ever!! Can't wait for more!!❤️❤️

2024

Max is twitter user- Redbull gives y/n wings

{Max's POV}

I'm not someone who engages in arguments on twitter but when people kept shipping Y/N with that guy, I don't know why but it was pissing me off!!

So, I might've done something a few months ago in the heat of the moment which was embarrassing when I thought about it too much but now I feel like not so much. I mean, I'm kind of famous, maybe I can use that to my advantage. So, I did something. I asked RedBull to invite her to the Japanese Grand Prix. It's close enough and honestly, I wasn't sure she would agree but she did, so I guess a win is a win.

{Max's POV}

I've met so many celebrities before but non of them have left me feeling this giddy and excited but I've never been a fan of half the celebrities that would come to the races.

Y/N was different, she was so sweet and asked questions which made it seem like she was interested in the sport so I couldn't help but answer those. I mean, we were the hosts.

"Hi, I'm Y/N" she introduced herself. I know I thought. "I'm Max" I replied. "I hear that you're the best right now" she smiled. I felt a blush creep in. "Ah...It's nothing. I just do my best" I mumbled. "No need to be humble if you're talented" she said smiling. I felt my heart race.

She was here for the weekend which meant I got to spend a lot of time with her. She was so much more fun and exciting to be around compared to what I saw on the internet. She was funny and had the cutest little laugh.

As I spent more time with her, I fell in love as if I wasn't already. I mean, I did orchestrate our meeting. "Dude, you have to ask her out" Lando whispered. "What?" I said looking at him. "You've had a crush on her for years now. I remember you rapping her songs even though they aren't in a language you speak since I joined" Lando pointed out. "But wouldn't it be weird" I asked. "What is weird is you inviting her and then staring at her from a far with heart eyes" Lando laughed. "Hey" I grimaced. "Sorry Max, but we all think it's cute. This little crush of yours" Charles interrupted. "Not you too" I whined. "Actually, all of us have a betting pool going" Pierre said. "He wasn't supposed to know" Daniel laughed, shaking his head. "You guys bet on me" I almost screamed. "In our defence, we've never seen you like a love sick puppy. Let us have this" Daniel defended. I shook my head and walked away.

"You look annoyed, everything okay?" Y/N asked. "Yeah" I smiled. "Must be fun, travelling with all these people and getting to do what you love" she asked. "It is. I even get to meet celebrities like this" I said. "I feel like you're more famous than I am. Maybe I should be the one star struck" she laughed. "You know, if you're free" I said twiddling my thumbs. It was now or never, what's the worst that could happen, she would say no and then I would spend the rest of eternity pining for her. "maybe we could go on a date?" I said scratching the back of my head. "I am" she replied. "After I win the race, maybe we could go celebrate?" I suggested. "I would love to celebrate with you" she smiled. Maybe if I died now, I would die happy.

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by 45,890 others Tagged maxverstappen1, schecoperez, redbullracing

y/n.y/l/n Thank you for having me!! Lot of fun watching Max win!!

redbullracing we loved having you!! maxverstappen1 you are always invited back!! Liked by Author y/ngotswings I think I can die happy now user28 OMG!!😱😱😱 user29 ❤️❤️😍😍 user30 Okay...to that one twitter user👀 user31 the second picture is so cute😫😘 user32 예쁜 😍😍pretty user33 사랑해 ❤️❤️love you

Max and Y/N started dating a few weeks after that meeting at the grand prix. Due to their hectic schedules, they weren't able to spend as much time together. Hence, during the summer break, Max was in South Korea, trying to make the most of their time together.

Max was lounging in Y/N's room, when she plopped down next to him. "You know my friend" she began. "Yoongi, the one you're close to" Max finished. "Yeah, he'll be off tomorrow from his duty and he wanted to meet you" she muttered. "Oh" was all that left Max's lips. "I haven't dated anyone in a while because of many reasons" she said looking down, "and oppa, just wants to make sure....you know how older brothers are" she said. "I get it." Max nodded along. "Where are we meeting?" Max asked. "At home, he can't really be out in public without being swarmed" Y/N laughed. "I saw with how many of his pictures are plastered all over the place" Max laughed.

The next day, the table was set. The two of them waited for Yoongi to show up while cuddling on the couch. "Do you think he'll like me?" Max asked, breaking the silence. "He'll love you" Y/N replied while kissing Max's lips. Then the door bell rang, "Must be him" Y/N announced and went to see. She came back with Yoongi in tow. "Hello" Yoongi greeted with his hand out. "Hi" Max replied, shaking his hand. He towered over Yoongi a bit. "How old is he again?" Yoongi asked Y/N in Korean. "The same age as Jungkook, the same month too. Jungkook's in the beginning of the month and he's in the end" she replied. Max was confused as to what they were talking about. "Korea is big on age hierarchy, so I was telling him when you're birthday is" Y/N explained looking at Max's confused face which morphed into one of understanding soon.

They proceeded to dinner, while making small talk. Y/N was happy watching Yoongi getting along with Max, a dream for her honestly. After dinner, while Y/N cleaned up; the two men sat together watching her move fluidly. "I said I could help" Yoongi called out who was now watching her. "You know I'm a control freak. You two should get to know each other" she called out. Yoongi slowly sat down, Max joining soon after.

"You both have busy schedules" Yoongi began, "That's why I try to make as much time as I can. We have a schedule in place, since I'm travelling so much. It's working out" Max quickly replied. "Even then, can you keep her happy?" Yoongi asked. "I'll try my best. I can't imagine her sad or crying and worst because of me" Max shuddered. "Good" Yoongi nodded. "Listen Max, nothing against you but she's like a sister and I don't want anyone to hurt her" Yoongi reiterated. "I promise I won't ever hurt her and if I ever do, which I won't, you know where to find me. Finish me" Max stated. Yoongi smiled patting his back. "I like this one" Yoongi called out to Y/N. Y/N popped her head up, "He said he approves" she called out to Max. "I never said that" Yoongi chided. "Same same" she laughed.

Yoongi soon got ready to leave, "I had a good time. Thank you for the food" he said hugging her. "Thank you for coming. Drive safe" Y/N called out as he was leaving. "Take care of her" Yoongi told Max as he closed the door. Max looked at Y/N; "Great first impression" Y/N stated with her hands around his neck. "I think so too" Max replied kissing her. "I love you" Max stated looking into her eyes. Y/N's eyes widened before she smiled, "I love you too" she said kissing him

[livesworthlivingau]

Behind the Vale Chapter 26

Spoilers for ISAT/Two Hats below as usual!

"Here, go find these." [The Kid commands flatly, handing you a slip of paper without even looking at you. The both of you and Nille were out in the market for a little bonding time, trying to find the rest of the supplies for them to prepare Nille's favorite recipe as a bit of a celebration.]

"Bonnie!! Ugh... I'll go look for them, you two play nice while I'm gone, alright?" [Nille sighs, snatching the list out of their hand. You feel your heart sink as she walks away, worriedly looking down at the Kid. They crossed their arms and refused to look at you.]

"... Sooooo... How has your journey been since the loops?..."

"'sfine..."

"... Right, right... I heard Stardust-"

"His name is Frin!! Siffrin!" [They shout at you suddenly, clenching their fists tightly.]

"S-Sorry!... Names are... very hard for me sometimes, it's a star thing, sentimentality and all~." [You try to deflect explain gently, kneeling down and smiling softly to get to their level.]

"Is that why you only call Nille by her name?"

"... Sort of, yes..."

"'sstupid."

"What, are you jealous you don't get a special nickname~?" [You tease a little, but their reaction tells you all you need to know, a slight pang of jealousy before getting defensive again.]

"N-No!!! That's stupid!!!"

"Is that so? What a shame... I had just the name in mind~." [They perk up, again quickly trying to hide it behind their anger.]

"S-So?! was probably stupid anyways..." [They mumble before kicking a rock on the ground.]

"Is that so... Little Flare~?" [They almost jump at the name, taking a moment to process what they were just called, then finally turning to face you.]

"What's that?"

"Well, you see the sun up there? That's actually a big giant star, kinda like I used to be. A massive ball of fire, floating in the sky!" [You start to explain, Little Flare staring up at you in wonder as you do.]

"And sometimes the fire gets a bit wild, and it escapes, lashing out in a beautiful display~! Those are called flares, and you my dear..." [You lightly boop their nose as you go on.]

"are quite the little fiery thing, aren't you~? Escaped from the very sun itself~!" [They continue to stare up at you in wonder, their eyes sparkling.]

"Woah... I'm a flare!!" [They proclaim with their fists raised in the air.]

"Haha! That you are little one~." [You smile softly, trying so desperately to fight the lingering itch inside of you, not wanting to ruin this moment. Their expression starts to fall as they look down.]

"... Frin told me... without you, they'd never have gotten out of the loops... Is that true?" [Your heart absolutely sinks at that question. Keep it together Vale... We have to keep it together, we can't ruin this... Do it for Nille blind it... You breath in deeply, then sigh it back out, helping keep yourself stable.]

"... I think it might be Little Flare..."

"Why though?! Why couldn't we help Frin?!... Why didn't they just talk to us?..."

"It's... complicated... Stardust has a lot of trouble opening up, or... well they did at least, I guess a lot can change in a few decades."

"... stupidfrin..." [You can't help but chuckle a little at that.]

"He was pretty stupid back then, wasn't he?" [They stand there for a moment, arms crossed, looking on the verge of tears. Suddenly then tackle into you, arms wrapped around you in a tight hug... You blink and stay frozen in shock.]

"... Thanks for helping them..." [You're still in shock for a moment, slowly realizing you should return the hug. Your arms slowly wrap back around them, holding them close.]

"O-Of course..." [Your cheek feels wet...]

"Glad to see you both are getting along better!" [Nille's voice startles you. You quickly wipe your face as Flare breaks the hug.]

"Nille! I'm a flare!!! I escaped the sun!!!" [They cheer excitedly, holding their fists up again.]

"You sure did, but what the crab are you going on about?" [She asks with a confused chuckle. You clear your throat to compose yourself better, standing back up.]

"Just a nickname I thought they might like, Little Flare~. It means some fire that escaped a star's form." [You smile brightly, trying to hide all the other emotions you were feeling.]

"Awww, now ain't that just the sweetest thing. My fiery little flare~." [She says, patting Flare's head through their big hat as they smile up at her proudly.]

"Thanks, Vay... I really appreciate you trying so hard." [She adds in a quiet voice as she faced you. Your smile cracks the slightest bit but you hold firm. You perk up as you feel Flare tugging at your sleeve, looking back down at them curiously.]

"Y-Yes?"

"Were you always a star?" [You freeze for a moment. Why are we so blinding bad at thinking of a cover story?! Just... MAKE SOMETHING UP!! They're a child, they'll believe anything we say!!]

"Y-Yes! Of course~! It was my job to come down and help all those little Flares like you that get lost on their way~!" [You wink, booping them on the nose yet again. They giggle some but keep looking up at you in awe.]

"Is that why you helped Nille find us?!"

"A-Absolutely~! How could I let my favorite one go without their dear sister for another moment~?" [You look back over at Nille. Her face holds such a bright, warm smile. You could swear you even saw some tears starting to well up. You feel Little Flare wrapping their arms around your waist, hugging close as they look up at you again.]

"Thanks for bringing Nille back... but does that mean you're gonna leave now? Aren't there more people to help?"

"Well... My star duties have been... 'put on hold' lets say. So I intend to stay, at least for a little while."

"Good!... Frin needs you here... and Nille too I guess." [They grumble those last words as you perk up, starting to blush the slightest bit and glancing back over at her, her face darkened as well as she looks away.]

"Come on, let's get the rest and head back to the house, I'm sure everyone else is gonna be real hungry!" [Nille remarks, trying to move the moment along quickly. You finish gathering the supplies on the list and make your way to return to everyone else.]

[tenebraevesper]

Five Nights at Freddy's (Movie Review, Part 1)

I had finally watched the Five Nights at Freddy's movie, and I the only thing I have to say about it is...

I LOVE IT! ☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆

Honestly, this movie was everything I, as a FNaF Fan, could ask for. I will admit that there were some things that were missing that I wanted to see, mainly due to changes in the script and the characters, but as a movie adaptation of one of my favorite video games, there was barely anything I could find to complain about.

Like, I don't know what movie the critics have been watching to call this movie mediocre or bad or whatever, because it was far from that. Objectively, it wasn't peak perfection, but I personally adored every second of it. I believe that the criticism surrounding this movie is just another Super Mario movie situation, where the critics cannot handle a movie that gives fans exactly what they wanted.

While I cannot speak for non-FNaF fans, since I've been with the franchise since its humble origins, I do believe that FNaF Fans will love this movie and enjoy it. This movie is a love letter to the fans and it shows.

Now, this was the non-spoiler review. Below, I'll add the spoiler review because I need to talk about my favorite moments from the movie.

If you haven't watched the movie yet, you can skip it.

MOVIE SPOILERS!!!

Oh, boy, where do I start even?! *rubs hands gleefully*

I suppose I'll start with the main characters, Michael ''Mike'' Schmidt and Abby Schmidt.

I genuinely enjoyed their characters in the movie and I loved their brother-sister dynamic (as someone who has younger siblings, they definitely nailed that part). Mike is a very relatable character, having to step up as a guardian for Abby while also clearly processing his own grief in regards to losing his younger brother, Garrett Schmidt and his parents.

He is doing his best to protect his sister and solve the mystery behind his brother's disappearance, acknowledging that he is flawed, yet loves his sister. Once he is given the job as a night guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza Place, he not only learns about the Missing Children Incident, but also hopes that the Ghost Children could help him learn more about his brother's abductor. It is clear that he feels guilt for letting his brother getting kidnapped, because he was supposed to watch over him, yet got distracted, and now he is obsessed with fixing the past.

The one scene that made me incredibly emotional was when Mike started dreaming of his family again and the Ghost Children offered him to reunite with them in his dreams in exchange for something Mike would give them. Mike, in a moment of weakness, promises them anything, just to be together with his family, only to realize that he made a huge mistake when he learns that he gave them Abby in return, and he immediately regrets his actions and tries to save her. I believe that this is also the moment where he finally let's go of the past, because he needs to focus on the present and on Abby.

Speaking of Abby, she's definitely having the best time in her life being friends with a bunch of haunted animatronics, and honestly, I'd love to switch places with her (and yes, I know what happens later on, but we'll get to it).

Note, Mike, Garrett and Abby, are clearly parallels to Michael ''Mike'' Afton, The Crying Child (aka Evan Afton, according to what fans dug up) and Elizabeth Afton, even though they aren't related to William Afton. However, the things we know about them are present in their Movie!Selves, with Mike feeling guilty over the death of his younger brother and being obsessed to make things right, and Abby, similarly to Elizabeth, getting too close to the animatronics and almost suffering being springlocked inside an animatronic suit that resembles Circus Baby (or more accurately, Ella from the novels).

As for the Animatronics themselves, I absolutely adore them! X3

These guys have SOOOOO much personality and are really expressive, and I knew exactly what they thought and felt at every waking moment, even though they never spoke, unless it were the Ghost Children. There were a bunch of little moments, like Foxy's humming and Chica's Cupcake being an absolute menace that I loved, but I did miss Freddy not playing Toreador March or the animatronics having the game screams. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every single moment of them being on screen, especially since I knew these guys were real and not just CGI constructs.

I also love how they just switch from being happy and friendly (especially around Abby)...

...to going complete Murder Mode around everyone else.

Seriously, the look Freddy gives to Mike clearly screams ''You will be the next to get stuffed into an animatronic suit.''

I also loved the animatronics hunting down the thugs Mike and Abby's aunt has hired to get Mike fired. These guys were the highlight of the movie (along with another character, but I'll get to that soon enough). I know some people complained about there not being buckets of blood and gore, but to my knowledge, FNaF was NEVER about gore or being a slasher flick. The veterans of this franchise know that the main appeal of FNaF is its lore and the trail of breadcrumbs and puzzle pieces we are still try to understand to this very day. If you want gore, go watch The Banana Splits Movie or Wily's Wonderland. Or any other slasher flick.

Also, screw you Balloon Boy, you both jumpscared me and made me laugh. Seriously, BBs appearances were hysterical. X3

Speaking of which, shout out to MatPat and CoreyxKenshin:

I definitely had a laugh when MatPat was interrupted during his Food Theory on lunches and Corey always getting the weirdos entering his taxi.

Moving on to Vanessa Shelly....

...or rather, Vanessa Afton.

Yeah, I'm not gonna skirt around this reveal, especially given people were interested to why a character from Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach, a game that takes place during the 2020s-2030s is doing in a movie that adapts a game taking place during the 1990s.

The answer? She is the movie version of Elizabeth Afton (whether she has siblings or not is unknown, but I doubt it; after all, Elizabeth from The Silver Eyes didn't have any siblings either).

I will admit, I do like that the movie combined aspects of Security Breach!Vanessa being the Reluctant Follower and covering for her father's crimes (or rather, not wanting to get involved with them) along with her knowledge of Freddy's by virtue of being the daughter of one of the founders. Unlike Elizabeth, she manages to defy her father at the very end of the movie, and gets stabbed as a consequence. Don't worry, she is alive, but also stuck in the hospital.

Also, her being William's daughter in the movie opens a huge can of worms for her Game!Character, given how Game!Vanessa (aka Vanny) is known as Vanessa A.

Now, let's get to our main attraction... in part two, because Tumblr won't let me post more than 30 images.

LINK

Five Nights at Freddy's (Movie Review, Part 2)

[khodorkovskaya]

im overwhelmed again!!1!1!!

sooooo. guess who died today! my other grandma! in two months i lost both my grandmas wtf!

and the thing is, i think i wrote about this on here when the 1st grandma died that i didn't have time to grieve. and i feel like in a way i still haven't. it's still so surreal to me that like she's gone. it feels like it's some kind of prank and she's gonna show up at my door any day now like "hahaaaa fooled ya!". she was just too lively to die! it's so unfair! she was always so full of joy and funny and optimistic and like it's so unfair, dying just doesn't go with her character, you know??

anyway. a couple of days after the death of this grandma (mother's side), my auntie (father's side) sent me photos of my other grandma looking very bad. and i didn't reply bc i really couldn't. and today my father messaged me that she passed away. so 1st grandma passed away on the 26th of september and 2nd grandma passed away on the 25th of november.

and this time i feel bad in a very different way. i loved the 1st grandma and was very close with her and we had literally discovered that she had cancer like a month or two before her passing, so it was a huge shock. whereas with father's side grandma, she's been ill for a very long time and i feel like i was more emotionally prepared for it. and plus i wasn't as close with her. and the thing that made me feel awful is that i have to call my father, right?? like i really don't. the best way i can describe this feeling is like... laziness..? like i just can't be bothered to call him, i already feel tired. and it's not great, bc like i should call him. but im just so tired. and throughout this whole day i felt this weight of like knowing that i was going to have to call him when i come home from work. and i still haven't called him. and it's just like weighing over me, but i keep procrastinating and it's the worst.

and then, completely unrelated, i wanted to go visit my bestie in london on the 6th of dec. and i asked for a day off today and messaged her a screenshot of the tickets i wanted to get. and she said that she thought i wasn't gonna come and she already has 2 guests over that weekend and her roommates aren't gonna like it probably. and she suggested i could stay at a hotel.

and like. hotels are expensive first of all. and i don't want to stay at a hotel. but then i was thinking maybe i could have more freedom/be more productive if i stay at a hotel. like i could actually visit london, instead of just hanging out at my bestie's. bc i can't say that ive really enjoyed the last times i visited bc i wanted to do things and not necessarily be tied to her...? but then idk, do i want to stay at a hotel?

and after work i went to my parents' house bc they needed my help with this financial aid thing we need to fill in, which is already stressful in itself because if we don't get this aid we're literally on the streets, i hate being poor so much. and i told my dad about the london thing over dinner and he exploded bc obvs going to london for the weekend is useless and expensive. and there is no point bc im literally going to chat with a friend, that's it, there is no other point to this trip. and ofc taking a plane for that is ridiculous and wasteful.

i was trying to rationalise it in my head by thinking that like the last time i took a plane was in like 2021 and i never travel. and i already took days off both my jobs for that particular weekend. and it's very stupid, but my colleagues talk about travelling all the time and i feel like ive wasted my youth bc we're poor. bc eveeeeryone at work is always like "im going hiking in america =D", "when i was your age i spend a gap year in vietnam =D", "what's your dream destination? =D". and im always baffled at these kind of conversations bc ive never left europe and sure, travelling is nice, but it's not a necessity. like i don't dream of travelling, i can live without it.

but still. i thought it would be a fun idea to go visit my friend for the weekend with the pocket money id saved up. like why not, right? i deserve a little treat and i already booked a cat sitting job for two weeks in december, so it's gonna be fine. and again, the last time i left the country was in 2021. my budget is very very modest, i don't buy clothes, i cook at home every day, i don't go out, like i live very frugally. and bc of this frugality i don't live life "to the fullest". im literally always at work or at home. so one small trip is okay, right?

but then dad started going on about how you shouldn't take a plane like you take a bus. and i totally agree. but come on. i haven't travelled in 3 years, i have the carbon footprint of a mouse idek. so his reaction really hurt. but then i understand that with his health condition, he is short tempered and it's not his fault. and the implications of his health condition are also very stressful to deal with. so it's okay, he can be mad at me all he wants, i know it's not personal.

but like come on! look at my life

2 grandmas died

dad with life threatening health condition that's deteriorating rapidly

poor

im so overwhelmed i just want to zone out for a little like chill on a beach somewhere or something. urghhh. inshala, i know this will pass and there will be better days. but all i want to do is just go on a massive road trip with my dad and share a beer with him and just laugh. and not whatever this is!!!

[sunny6677]

A Meeting With A Priest.

(Saturated AU)

(A rewritten version of the scene where the kids first meet Father Gregor.)

————

It opens on Gregors shadow being shown casted in front of a lit candle. There's a sound of someone blowing air, and the candle goes out. It then shows Gregor, who picks up a camera with a confused look, and watches the footage on it.

It shows footage of a bunch of anxious looking or terrified cats huddled up in different parts of a house—and after a moment, Dexter reluctantly pops out from the door while nervously laughing.

"Uh.. hey, mom—I'm gonna go take this cat to get groomed since I think it's fur is starting to grow out. I'll see you when I get back!"

Michelle's voice is heard from off screen as he paces away.

"Alright, son.."

It then shows Gregor look up from the camera to Michelle, who begins to speak with a stern expression.

"Ugh.. what am I to do with him? I haven't seen him in months. I'm honestly starting to think he ran away."

"Well, miss.. he.. probably did with how nervous he was."

"Mh.. maybe. Just pray or—do something." She shuts her locket, which is shown to be of her younger self. "I'm starting to lose hope that he'll ever come back."

"Hmm.." Gregor smiles. "Well, alright, miss.. heh.. just don't get angry whenever it doesn't work."

"What?"

"N—Nothing."

It shows Skid and Pump slowly walking up, only to stop in front of the church.

"..hey.. that's the church of that guy we saw during Halloween." Pump remarks.

"..yeah." Skid replies. "Wanna go check it out?"

It cuts to Gregor walking from out of the church while Michelle walks out with him—frowning sternly while he just has a smug grin on his face.

"You'll at least try to do something, won't you?"

"Of course I would, miss—why wouldn't—"

Gregor gains a slightly startled look, noticing Skid and Pump who are just standing with grumpy expressions.

Michelle huffs, and walks past with a judgemental look while Skid blows a raspberry at her.

He then looks over at Gregor. "Hey—let us in!"

"Oh?" Gregor chuckles, "Why do you want me to do that?"

"Because we just want to. There's nothing else to do right now." Pump grumbles.

"Heh.. you're telling me that your life is so boring that you'd go to a church for fun?"

"Yeah! So?"

Gregor laughs. "Wow.. you're life sounds sooooo hard.." Curious, he asks, "Who are you two, anyway?"

"Why do we need to tell you?"

"Mmh.. fair enough. I won't tell you my name then—since I assume that's not of your interest."

"Yeah—you seem boring. Why would we wanna know about you?!" Skid scoffs.

Gregor just laughs again. "I dunno. Just saying. Did you run off from your parents or something?'

"Ugh.. no—my parents aren't even here right now." Pump growls.

"Yeah—and mine went to drink!"

"Oh.. I see." Gregor chuckles, "That's a nice way of lying to me just so I'll feel bad for you. It'd be really stupid if that was true though.."

"What?!"

"Nothing.. hmmm.."

Gregor paces in front of the door.

"You two seem pretty edgy, but.. I'd be willing to help. How about I take you around town, and help you out with your issues?"

"Mm.. sounds stupid." Skid pouts.

"I mean.. if you oblige, I'll get you candy. Or something else."

"..fine. Just don't drag us around forever."

"Good."

Gregor begins to walk out in front of them as they reluctantly follow. "Come with me."

He glances back at them, and stops. When they get close enough, he holds out a foot and trips Skid.

Skid grunts out in pain, and looks up with a irritated expression.

Gregor just arrogantly laughs, and keeps walking off as Skid curses and Pump looks on angrily.

[pia-writes-things]

Okay sorry to be ER ranting in 2023 but I rewatched Abby Normal (s10e20) yesterday and I'm just so pissed off by the missed opportunity that was this episode with regards to Kerry and Elizabeth's relationship !

Because, to be honest, it would have made sense for them not to bond over Sandy's death and Kerry's grief and Elizabeth's own recent experience with grief. We know Elizabeth and Kerry never had a very good relationship, we've seen them fight over and over again during the seasons so it would have made sense that between any characters in ER in this season, it wouldn't have been Elizabeth who'd try and reach out to Kerry.

And like, I get that they wanted to show Kerry shutting down on herself because of grief and cutting herself off of her friends. They wanted to play that storyline, and they did it quite well. But what pisses me off is that narratively, they implied, in this episode at least, that Abby should have been the friend Kerry was cutting herself off of as she was trying to reach out and help. We have a scene between Elizabeth and Abby where Elizabeth is directly saying to Abby, "You are a better friend to Kerry than I am, so you should be the one to try and talk to her." And Abby is saying "No, I'm not, we're not that close and I won't try," which is very valid from her, but narratively it means that the friend Kerry is cutting herself off of is Elizabeth. Because Elizabeth is the only one trying to reach out to her at that point in the story.

And the thing is, we also had the storyline of "someone who just lost a spouse is cutting themselves off of their friends." With Elizabeth. In season 9. The previous season.

So, effectively, what this episode set up is someone who just lost their spouse cutting themselves off of their friends and colleagues, and someone else who just lived the almost exact same experience and coped in almost the exact same way trying to reach out to them. You have Kerry reacting almost exactly the same way as Elizabeth after having lived almost exactly the same thing. Writing-wise, this is lesson 101 on "how to get two characters closer together."

But all we got was one scene at the beginning of the episode and one phone call at the end, with one scene sprinkled in the middle to imply that someone who is not supposed to is actually trying to reach out to Kerry. We never heard about it again ever in the series.

And it drives me crazy because it would have been such a great opportunity for Elizabeth and Kerry to bond, but mostly for Elizabeth to actually support Kerry in what she was going through and Kerry to have someone who lived the same thing being there for her. And we never got that.

As someone who was basically watching ER for those two characters and someone who had their gay wakening because of them, this is sooooo frustrating because it's such a missed opportunity to make them have a meaningful interaction that lasted more than 2 scenes and a half.

And I'm not saying that they should be friends because we have established for 10 seasons at that point that Kerry and Elizabeth aren't friends. They're just colleagues, and they're not even that great colleagues to begin with. But it doesn't mean that they can't bond over that particular situation in a meaningful way, and I just hate that we never got it.

[boredymcbored]

Okay Let's

journal!

I saw a post of my homie Brandon (RIP) and he talked about how journaling helped him. Tumblr is my journal so let's talk it out!

Got flaked today by college friends. We were supposed to go to a lounge to hang out but no one showed but moi. It's okay. I know life is a bitch and we still have tomorrow. Plus I like the outfit I wore sooooo put it back on??? Absolutely.

Now I'm at a bar with trivia, the Olympics and the NFL preseason going on all around me. I have a bartender here that's totally trying hit on me while complaining about getting dumped and cool my guy but.. no. I'm more interested in the lady who handed out my food.

But am I really tho?

Honestly, I wasn't kidding about my infatuation blindness. Right now, ol girl has got me SPRUNG. Maybe the capital letters is a lot but.. yeah. I'm at the point to where people are hot and I mighttt flirt back a lil but... Are they really even close to her?

No. They aren't.

She knows how to make me laugh, she knows when to step in and be just annoying enough, she knows when to be sweet. She hangs out in my streams like me when I'm sprung off someone (hours at a time) but also pretends to be aloof to get a rise off of me (idk why but I love that shit). She's fine AF, I love me a talented mf and she's soooooooo funny.

And even though I'm still cautious; she could have anyone she wants, she's got fuckboi energy (being real), does she know what she wants?? She's.. shown signs that it could be more. The hours around, the fact she pleaded for a chance with me, the fact we could've fucked this out already if that's really what she only wanted, trying to win me over after fuckin up before, the kryptonite message. Maybe, just maybe, she's a lil sprung too?

But I've gotten my hopes up 3 many times before only for shit to pan out from it so I'm not buying into much until *handwave*. Idk what the wave means. We have some facetime chats? I go to Cali? We just keep doing whatever this is???

Idk.

It's all new.

And I'd hate for this to be the only thing I journal about but since I verbalized a lot of my pursuit of sport journalism thoughts out, I'll just say, the clay is being molded. Into what I always a question mark until the piece feels done but... It's happening. Something is anyway lol.

Finishing this off how it started, I cried looking back at some Brandon stuff yesterday. He still lives on in my thoughts even if his spirit has crossed onto the other side. Mainly looking at his pictures and realizing we have shirts that are almost exactly the same. And I cried thinking about the fact I'll never be able to say I rocked it better than he did. And he'd brush that shit off and be stupid n stuff. Man.

Experiencing loss young, loss in general, gets to you. Idk my friend group is close to processing half of this shit. I know we haven't.

I'm remembering how to find joy again after that. Live in my body again. Remember that the world is about our connections we've made and will continue to make along the way. This summer has really been abiut reconnecting to that and grounding myself. And I haven't been perfect about it, but there's no such thing. I do what I can. And it's panning out good for me so far.

But damn nigga that's why I wanted to hang with my college homies tonight!!! Lmaoooo. But, lord willing, there more days. And I'll try to cherish what's in front of me, if we do or don't do anything again.

There's a lot of beauty and peace in this world. If you allow yourself to live in it.

[townofcadence]

She doesn't laugh, but her eyes say she wants to. "Oh sweetheart.... Did I get your blood pressure up by mentioning Criss Angel? I'm sorry, how insensitive of me!" Her perfectly manicured hand doesn't quite cover the smirk over her lips. "I mean, he's just basically one of the three magicians that anyone knows! There's Houdini who is dead, David Copperfield, who is doing....whatever, and then there's Criss Angel! But I'll let you in on a little secret."

Her lips purse like she's about to spill something naughty. "I don't even enjoy magicians! I mean we know all the tricks now, don't we? That's why they basically are left to kids birthdays. Who cares about some sleight of hand? I don't, but I think it's cute how worked up you are over his-- what did you call it, planted volunteers and edits? I mean, I don't like him at all, don't get me wrong. I just know who he is. I'm pretty sure magic is just one of those dying jobs, you know? Nobody really cares anymore but a bunch of stuffy old coats who all pat themselves on the back for keeping it alive! Until they pass on too, of course. Your guild's probably full of them! But-- oh but don't think I'm trying to be mean! I think it's awfully brave of you to keep a dying career alive just a little longer!"

She still seems lax, thought her shoulders do seem to tighten up as he degrades her work. Her smile becomes far more forced. "Well, I feel sorry for you! I mean, to degrade such work.... clearly you don't understand the complexities of my kind of work. It pays some, at least, and it's an honest living! I mean I'm using my valuable resources to be out here, solving crimes, and following leads that my faithful audience gives me. Sure you can say it's not work that brings a steady check, but I'd watch yourself! It's an easy trap to fall into, but it's sooooo small-minded to imply the only work that matters is some kind of career!" She smiles in a playfully scandalized way.

"What I do is meaningful and helps find the true culprits. I make the outside world safer, if you think about it. And I keep anyone who listens aware of the dangers and what could happen to them. I keep them thoughtful and aware and safe! What could be more impactful than that? Ohhh right. You probably think whatever it is you do with your magic tricks is around there haha! Well, I'm sure you probably make someone smile now and again! And that's always worth something too." She grins, curling her hand beneath his chin. as if to prop it on the air.

"But gosh! Jaywalking! You're so funny! I mean, you have to be joking, right? I can't believe you say you're friends with Arthur, if you don't even know about the hugeeeee scandal! I mean I'm sure he would've told you if you're so close! I mean you are close, aren't you? And it was such big news for a little town like Cadence. I mean, it's not every day in a place like this people disappear without a trace, you know. Or even get murdered! Though with your big glam go go go kind of living, maybe you're just used to all the crime! It probably doesn't even bother you when lives get upended anymore, especially in quaint little towns like this one. But that's where I come in, you see. I make people care. And I help the grieving find closure. It's what I can give back to my community that really matters." She touches her hand to her chest over her heart as if feeling something deeply noble about this.

God, the mention of Criss Angel nearly made him want to barf. As if his opinion of her wasn't low enough already...

His smile remained poker-steady though as did his gaze and he almost wanted...to laugh. Right in her face, even. Oh, he didn't miss those catty little jabs directed at him! Not at all.

But she might as well have been throwing peanut shells at him. He'd been raised under a self-absorbed woman who could eviscerate someone with a golden tongue and still have them come back begging for more. Did she think petty insults about personal fashion, size or job reputation would even make a dent in the amount of scar tissue around his shredded self-esteem? Hah. That shit had been layering up since he was in third grade.

" Oh bitch, pleaaaase you make me giggle with that naiveté it's sweet really. Vegas would eat you alive and not even bother spitting out the bones, " he tittered, fingers pressed playfully to his mouth, keeping his tone just light and teasing enough. " God, though I'd love to introduce you to Criss Angel sometime, you're exactly the sort of wide-eyed ingénue influencer he loves to stroke his ego. If you ever got him to notice you that is, you'd practically have to stalk him but I bet you're so good with that, you sly thing. He stays sooooo busy with all those planted volunteers and camera edit illusions. Still you have to admire how much he loves his own reputation, he tends to sort of draw in like-minded fans in that respect. Are you a little fan of his? That's so sweet? God I hope you're not gullible enough to actually think that's reputable magic though, I mean I can't tell looking at you but I'd hope you'd be a little smarter than to think he's the highest of the industry standards, the entire Nevada County Magicians' Guild would laugh you all the way out of Vegas and into Alaska. Oh honey don't ever come to Vegas and embarrass yourself like that I'd feel so bad for you. Ahah-hah-hah! " He did laugh in her face then and admittedly it felt pretty damn good.

Barely taking a minute to breathe or let her get a word in edgewise he rambled on because the urge to absolutely cut this unpleasant woman to pieces with backhanded compliments had all but possessed him. " Anyways, Patience, sorry wasn't paying attention to that last part you said you do a uh little podcast or something? Don't you have just the face for doing a podcast! I tease darling, I tease well it's nice you have a cute little hobby until something like real work comes in. Also oooooOOOooo dark secrets, you say? Oh that makes sense on why you cornered Arthur, trying to get him to confess to jaywalking or something. Get those suscriber numbers back up when the content starts getting stale, right? God I bet you're so clever with fattening up mundane 'true crimes' to entertain your followers too but please no tell me more, I'm soooo interested! "

[cycat4077]

Hello. So I have this thought that maybe Sonny Carisi is comforting his best friend after another awful date or break up. She's upset because she thought she be settled, married and have children by now. He also thought he'd be settled etc as well.

So they jokingly make this deal that if they aren't both married by a certain age, they will get married.

Totally makes her laugh and kind of cheers her up. But he's totally crushing on her. Time passes they are both still very much single and are now both much still crushing on each other.

So now they are like what should we do? It was a joke right. He doesn't feel that way....

I'm sooooo sorry that this took so long to reply to. I really wanted to write a little ficlet for it and even started it...but I got super busy with school stuff that I lost motivation for this. So, I scrapped the original and jotted this down. Hope it's okay! I really love this idea and think Sonny would be the mushiest romantic over something like this ♥

When you call Sonny up he's there in record time. He's always been there for you and a bad breakup is no different. Being with the same person for nearly 3 years really got you thinking about the future. Marriage, kids and nearing 30, they seemed like reasonable things to think about.

But Sonny reassures you that it's not your fault. That the guy you were dating was manipulative and tried to dictate your life too much and that you shouldn't feel ashamed for standing up for yourself and leaving.

Sonny wants nothing more than to blurt out his feelings for you. He's the one person who has supported you unconditionally for years - through the good and the bad - and it's through that close friendship that Sonny knows he loves you. Except, now isn't the right time to say it. You are emotionally vulnerable and he would never want to take advantage of that vulnerability for his own gain. Besides, would you even like him like that if you had a clear head?

Instead, Sonny simply listens intently and reassures you of your decisions. You tell him about your fear of getting older and not finding someone to settle down with, which tugs at his heart strings even more.

Finally the tears turn to laughter and you blurt out what's meant to be a joke: "Let's make a deal, Son," you smirk. "If neither of us are married in say, 7 years? Then we marry each other, 'kay?"

"Why 7 years?" questions Sonny.

"That's the part you're hung up on?!" you giggle.

Suddenly the chuckles devolve into something different. There's a tension in the air. The space between the two of you suddenly feels heated. You don't know what it is but you can't help but look into Sonny's eyes which seem somehow even more alive.

You abruptly avert your gaze and quietly thank him for being there for you. Sonny reiterates that there is no thanks needed. He will always be there for you. The two of you share an embrace before he leaves for the night.

The years pass by and the two of you devote yourselves to your careers; Sonny even becomes an ADA. This new focus causes you to see less and less of each other, but as the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Sure you try dating, but no one seems to fit together with you like Sonny does. And it suddenly dawns on you that you had made a promise 7 years prior.

Your heart thunders thinking about it. All these years, you realize that it was him you liked - loved. He's the person who can make you smile and can make you feel whole when you've been torn down. Plus, his hugs are the absolute best thing in the universe!

The question is, does he feel the same? If he hasn't said anything after all these years it must be because he thinks of you as only a friend...right?

---

Sonny hears a knock on his apartment door and jogs over to answer it. He wasn't expecting company and had been neck deep in reviewing the legalities of his latest case.

But it's you. Immediately he opens the door and asks if everything is okay. Afterall, your infrequent visits are normally scheduled into your busy lives.

You simply say that you need to talk.

No questions asked, he welcomes you inside. Busy as you two may be, if it is important you are there for one another.

"Sonny," you begin softly. "Do you remember that breakup I had 7 years ago?" He nods affirmatively. "Well, we made a promise that day - I guess it was kind of a joke, but it's been on my mind lately."

Sonny swallows thickly. He knows the exact promise you are referring to. It's haunted him for 7 years.

"I - I guess we're 7 years older and both still single."

Sonny's heart feels like it's about to beat right out of his chest.

"I not here to demand we get married or anything crazy like that," you play with your shirt hem nervously. "But I think I need to tell you something and I hope it won't change our friendship. I - um, well...It's you, Son. It's always been you. I wasted so much time looking for something that had been right in front of my nose the whole time. There's no one I care more about and no one who makes me feel more cared about than you. I think I'm in lo-"

"I love you, too," blurts Sonny, unable to hide the brightest of smiles.

[travelling-on-the-octopath]

A break from the GW!Claude negativity, how about some of the few nice things about his portrayal here?

The emphasis his has on how busy he is actually complements how much work he still willingly takes on himself that aren't directly related to his already stuffed workload. Him asking Leonie to keep him up-to-date on how the common people view him, and how they're faring overall? Not part of the job description! But it's work he still willingly chooses to take on because he actually genuinely cares about being a good leader, and he recognizes that he can't do that without knowing of the people's plights that his position otherwise wouldn't let him in on and that he knows he's ignorant on. (ignore how this is erased in his DuTiEs aNd ObLiGaTiOnS tHe cHuRcH fOrCeS oN uS line which is complete ass lmao we're Dev Approves to cherrypick what we take as canon so I cherrily pick that fact off of him lmaooo)

His overthinking!! Actually being visibly apparent! The fact his head gets so full of thoughts that he eventually just starts having whole-ass conversations with himself like his B support with Hilda shows him start to do before she walks in. It's something he lowkey alludes to in his A support with Byleth in 3H (how his thoughts gets so busy that it keeps him awake at night) but it's nice to see that be actually shown off.

His belief on not relying on chance going all the way down to not even liking to gamble recreationally is a really small detail that I really like - it's not just the big spectacle moments that belief affects, but the little enjoyments too. Makes it feel more natural to his character in a way?

Him getting visibly upset at Lysithea for putting her and her men's lives at risk to get a win going back into his survival > winning mindset. And also shows how much he cares for his friends!! I haven't seen the A support yet so I don't know how it ends, but the B one shows a very caring side to Claude.

Him overall trying much harder to be sincere here. Sometimes it falls flat - like with Lorenz in their C - and sometimes it works out - like in Hilda's B - but there's a visible effort on Claude's end now to try to connect with others. And it's good that it initially didn't work with Lorenz! It shows off how the tension in their relationship really strains it, it makes it really feel real and hit harder.

There's a lot less jokey moments with Claude now. Even with more gimmick characters like Raphael, who he only has one support with, the support is still grounded in a seriousness that a lot of his 3H supports just didn't have. Like!-

Ignatz!! His support with Ignatz here is sooooo much better than his 3H ones! He takes Ignatz' dreams of seeing the world and helps him start seeing them to light in a way that still allows him to perform his knightly duties!! And Ignatz appreciates him for it!! And they honestly feel like friends!! It's this kind of relationship that lets me understand why Ignatz would fight for Claude, way more so than the mess that was their 3H supports lmaooo

While the extent of his self-doubt feels a little... weird (it can be a little Much, for Claude), I do like the idea of it being there! We love to see some internal conflict stemming from one's knowledge of the depths they know they can sink to 💞 (which are unfortunately highkey ruined by the writers making those depths the goddamn Mariana Trench BUT POSITIVE TIME NO THINKING ABOUT THAT lol)

These are aspects I will happily try to incorporate into writing Claude <3 I will simply ignore the bad parts lol

!!! This! All of this! Like this is the Claude that does not budge at Derdriu, even when he knows there isn't an army of miracles coming to save him or the city; who wants a better world so badly he's willing to wear fifteen different hats to do it; who wants to feel a closeness to people that proves to him care can overcome manmade differences and borders. There are moments throughout the game that just feel like such a treat. Like THIS is my dude, my little guy, the meow meow.

[rabble-dabble]

3 things we wanna know about you ask game!! what’s your favorite color, what are some other pairings you like besides johnkat, and are there any original works (aka not fanworks) you’re doing that you’d like to talk about? - 🌧

thing one: my fav colour is....hard to explain!!! i love lots of colours and its sooooo hard to choose!!!! although if i'd have to pick my favorite???? uh....yellowish orange! like its golden but not completely yellow nor completely orange. just in between!! you see me use it a lot in drawings bcs i like it :)

thing two: i don't really have any concrete pairings besides johnkat. I've never been interested, except for the few pairings i was more than lukewarm to, so i'd say terezi <3 nepeta, dave <> vriska (i can explain jHKLJDFHLKAJSDHFLJ), and the classics rosemary and meowrails. nothing's really off my list (yknow besides incest/abusive ones) except for davekat and for some reason vriska and gamzee lmao. idk why it hits a bad vibe but it does?? i think it might have something to do with terezi and gamzee's canon (re-canoned? un-canoned?) relationship, but otherwise its just on the no-draw list lol.

thing three: i actually haven't done an OG project in years!! BUT i used to have this comic series that i did in middle school and in high school that i developed a WHOLE world for it.

it was called "Artistica" (original IKR?)

(pls dont judge for the old art you can tell its outdated by the skin tones and wonky lineart LMAO)

my OC's were inspired by my IRL friends at the time, but I changed up to be original because I didn't want to connect the two directly, realizing it was odd to have "characters" of people. But they were inspired, if just initially look wise, and their personalities are definitely NOT the people they were after anymore.

in order from that first picture: TB (yes her name is literally two letters) and her younger brother Liam, Zake (pronounced Zach), Ben, Jeb, Jakobė (pronounced Jah-kob-e), PB (a hyphenated nickname), and RP (also a hyphenated nickname).

The story went like this: TB and her brother, and her friend group, went to school, had fun adventures, and just lived their lives! I did the whole series traditionally, and it spanned over three notebooks filled with comic strips. Artistica was initially about the funny hijinks I could draw about: TB living in a "modern" world within a magic era, with things like alternate universes, my fav YouTubers at the time, and gender swaps, etc etc, though, as time went on and I grew older, I developed more and more of the story.

TB lives alone with her brother. But wait, you say, isn't she in highschool?? And yes! She is! I didn't develop it until later, but TB's parents died when she was younger, in a car crash. TB's case was a bit bizarre for her world, and so there was incidentally a government program being developed to help kids grow up alternative to the foster system, so essentially she and Liam gained a "Guardian" to watch over them, check up on them, teach TB life skill for when she'd become a legal adult, and remain close by (like literally has an office in her school!) so TB would always have access to her anytime.

So she struggles with balancing her life in school, home, and suddenly, these strange visions and memories pop up in her head...TB lives in a world with magic, but not everyone is magical. TB and Liam aren't supposed to be, but they are, despite their parents being humans. It happens sometimes, but unknown to TB, their parents were developing some theories before they passed...

So as time goes on, her friendgroup starts to crumble.

Ben and Zake are TB's closest friends! Zake near the beginning has a crush on TB, while Ben has a crush on Zake. TB helps Ben get closer to Zake, and eventually, they end up going out over the series! But near the end, Zake has a sudden personality change, and he starts acting unlike himself..

Jen and Jakobė are dating when the series starts, but over time and Jeb begins treating Jakobė badly, he breaks it off with her to let them cool down and learn about themselves. Jeb goes through an arc discovering her kinder side, and Jakobė learns who he is without Jeb. They come back together with an understanding on how to treat their relationship better (and themselves).

PB and RP are each other's best friends! ...except when RP gets a boyfriend. And then PB begins to feel like a third wheel. Their friendship grows tense and they start fighting with everyone and each other, and the tension in the group grows even more.

And TB? Well, TB tries to balance this all. Her friend group is crumbling, her magic is growing more out of control, and caring for a little brother isn't the easiest (even if he is the sweetest little brother she could ever have). Her friends involve her in fights, even once taking a jab at her parents (they know about them, ouch) and start neglecting their friendship with her (except Ben and kinda Zake).

Luckily, though, one good thing happens to her: she meets a new friend outside her friend group. His name is Mike, he's new, and he's very sweet to her! It's a brief break from all her drama.

And then, everything goes wrong.

[devinescribe]

Agape

Last Boss/ Takatora Samura × Reader

Warnings: swearing, past trauma, cheating, murder. Past trauma. I know I said it, but you know

Eros, sexual or erotic love. Can be the love you share with a partner. Lust.

Philia, platonic love. The love you share with friends.

Storge, natural love. The love you share with your family.

Philautia, love of self.

Pragma, long standing love. The love of a married couple.

Agápe, unconditional or Devine love.

Ludus, childish or playful love/flirting.

You laughed, watching the screen, seeing Ludus try to talk some sense into the boy she was helping. "Look at those two getting along," Eros said. "It's been nine years, no? You'd hope they're getting along," you laughed. The screen changed, and you jumped back. "Oh, someone said the word love around divinities," Eros noted. "Ooh, a job for me? It's been so long," you excitedly said, pressing the button. "Well, they're not talking anymore. But, I'll just assume the best and go," you sighed, touching the scene. You felt cold wash over you and shivered. It was so overwhelmingly cold.

"W-what the hell?" You shivered, looking around. There was no one. You sighed, they must have left the room or hidden. "Hello?" You questioned, looking around. The room was a mess, you could barely walk through. "W-what are- who are you?'' A voice questioned. You turned to face them, and saw a man with tattoos on his skin. He was wearing a hoodie without sleeves, most presumably to show off his tattoos. "Silly, you should know. You summoned me!" You laughed, floating over the mess. 'And now she's floating... what is this mess?' He thought to himself, staring up at you. "I didn't summon anything," he stated. You tilted your head to the side. "Oh... It was an accident? Yeah, I get that a lot, but now I'm stuck with you until I help you fall in love, sooooo... let's start with introductions and get that out of the way, yeah?" You suggested, sticking your hand out. He looked at it, sceptical that he would actually touch something. You were either someone that Niragi was using to prank him, or a figment of his imagination. "My name is (Y/N), I'm the cupid of Agape. What's yours?" You introduced. He didn't answer, staring at you. "Ok, well, um... anything you want to talk about, mystery man?" You questioned with a smile, floating closer. He backed up slightly. "Ah, the antisocial type, huh? Alright I like a challenge. May I please know your name?"

You spent hours trying to get him to speak. Finally you had to show him you were real until he answered. He was quite the odd man. He hadn't meant to summon you, really. He was muttering the words to an old rhyme he read once and it just so happened there was divinities on his desk. "The universe never makes mistakes my dear. Even if it was an accident, that," you said after explaining everything. He was not as sceptical anymore, but it still made you laugh. "So you're telling me the only way I can get you to leave is to fall in love with someone or die?" He questioned. You nodded. There was silence once more, and you were getting the feeling that he was not going to talk unless provoked. "Ok, now that you know a bit about me, let me know your name," you said. He looked up at you, studying you.

"You mean to tell me your basically all powerful... but don't know the name of the person you're going to help?"

...

....

"You know what, you're right. I'm going to suggest that to the gods."

It was hours later, and he wouldn't tell you his game. "Please?? Pleaseee?" You begged, shaking his shoulders. "Fine... it's Takatora Samura," he sighed. You jumped up, cheering. "Finally! Thank you!" You shouted, hugging him. You felt him tense up, and let him go. "Not one for physical contact, hm? It's ok," you said, letting him go. You saw him let out a sigh of relief, and laughed a bit. "Is there something humorous about this situation to you?" He asked. You giggled, nodding your head. "Your reactions my dear," you answered. You saw his ears turn red and you smiled. "I'll find out all about you sooner or later, whether you tell me willingly, or I force it out of you," you said, an innocent smile on your face. He didn't think that was an innocent wording to it. It sounded like a threat, and he assumed it was best to just talk to you. You were quite... pretty. Maybe it was the fact you were basically a goddess, but something about you pulled him to you. Not the fact that you two were literally bonded until you helped him fall in love, but something else. He didn't know what it was yet, but he'd figure it out.

"Following you around is quite tiring you know? Always jumping on and off things. It's quite the impressive feat, but still, you must be tired aren't you darling?" You questioned, floating besides him. "So since I asked you to stop calling me the other nickname, you come up with a new one? You're... a frustratingly stubborn woman," he said quietly. He seemed to notice that people couldn't see you, so he found it best to keep quiet when talking to you. "And you're just a frustrating man, so we're even," you said with a smile. "Can you see other cupids? Like when they're down with other people?" He asked, a sudden thought coming to mind. "Hm? We can't see them, but we can most certainly feel their presence. One of us has been with the same one for nine years. He's... well, she keeps him in line that's for sure," you answered. Your dress seemed to float around with you, bouncing and flowing around as if it were alive itself. He didn't know what to think of this whole situation. It was so bizarre. "So... if I had a person who I thought had a cupid helping them, could you find them?" He asked. "I don't know what you're plan is, but it sounds fun, let's go!" You chirped, pulling on his arm.

"Hmm... oh. Oh, yeah he's definitely got a cupid. That's Ludus's energy alright," you said. He let out a small chuckle, and you looked down at him. "What's so funny Mr. Mystery?" You questioned. "If I'm not mistaken... Ludus is childish or playful love, no?" He asked, hiding a smile. You nodded slowly. "So he has a cupid that's the total opposite of him... who repremands him... and makes him do things that follow a normal moral compass? I find that to be hilarious," he said. You laughed, nodding your head. "I guess that is funny when you look at it that way. What else do you have to do?"

It was currently night time, and honestly, you were bored. He just sat in a chair in his room, reading some book he found. "Hey... hey. Hey! Pay attention!" You shouted. He slowly moved his book down, glancing over at you. "Can we talk about something? Anything is better than silence," you said, sitting on his bed. "I guess... um, tell me about your past?" he asked, shutting the book completely. "Oh... sure!"

"I have no doubt you'll do great! I'll see you in a week?" You said, hugging the man in front of you. It was you husband. You had always supported his musical career, insisting that he would make it one day. "Aw, thank you my dear. And of course, in a week or a bit longer. Goodbye," he assured, waving as he walked off. "Goodbye! I love you!"

All was fine, until news came back that he had been see with another woman. You of course, shook it off. Maybe she was just a friend? But of course, they had been caught doing things no friends would.

"I- I just... I need some time,'' you stuttered, pushing him away softly. "You're mine, don't forget that. You don't need time, you just need me," he said forcefully. "No. We aren't doing this. You cheated on me. Please give me the respect I deserve, and give me time to process what happened. In this moment I am not yours. The moment you decided to be with another, was when I stopped being yours," you stated, running off.

After everything you had supported him through, he really threw you to the side for another woman? You had lived in poor conditions, barely managing to pay rent, supporting him, just for him to do this to you? You had never complained, and always told him he'd be great. He was destined for good things. You always knew it. And this was how he repaid the years of support, love, and loyalty? (As Cardi B. Once said... ahem... "Broke boys don't deserve no pussy, I know that's right.")

It was months later when you got a knock at your door. You turned off the tap, placing the dish you were washing down in the sink. You grabbed the towel besides the sink, drying your hands, while walking to the door. They knocked again and you walked faster shouting, "I'm going!"

You got to the door, unlocking it, and opening it. In front of you was a woman who looked the opposite of you. Every aspect if her was different from you. "Oh... um, hello! Is there anything I can help you with?" You asked. She nodded, "I want you gone."

You stared back in shock, thinking you'd misheard her. "Excuse me?" You questioned. She pushed you back, making you hit your head on the wall. You yelped in pain, falling to the floor. "What the hell?!" You shouted, standing up. "He's so obsessed with you, he misses you, we'll see who he misses when I get rid of you!" She screamed, grabbing a knife from the kitchen. You quickly grabbed the doorknob, getting ready to leave. "No you don't you bitch!" She yelled, running at you with the knife. You opened the door, going to run, before she grabbed the edge of your nightgown, pulling you back. You landed back in your home, and she closed the door, locking it. And thats when you knew you wouldn't survive, as she had blocked every exit.

"I think that's about it. She stabbed me to death, I became a cupid. Oh, and I found out that she was the girl he cheated on me with and blah blah blah. Boring talking about me. What about you?" You finished, waving your hands around. "You are- what? I'm so... he... then she..  You got murdered ?" He stuttered. You nodded, "Yeah,why?" "You're so... so nonchalant about it!" He exclaimed, standing up. "Woah there darling, that's a lot of emotion coming from you right now. You sure you're feeling ok?" You asked, walking towards him. "You're like serious? Like actually? That happened?" He questioned. You were so confused. In the single day you had known him, this was all it took to get a reaction?

"Yeah? Why would I lie about that?" You answered.  He sighed, sitting down on his bed "Well.. he wasn't a good person. How do you help others fall in love when the love you experienced wasn't devine or unconditional?" he asked. You looked down, an floated over to him. "Um... I-... I don't know... it's just what I do. It makes people happy. I like seeing others happy," you murmured, playing with your hands. "But... doesn't it get tiring of constantly seeing others get what you never had? Don't you get angry or sad?" He asked, turning to face you. "What? I've never.... I-... y-you're... you're right..." you whispered, tears filling your eyes. His eyes widened, seeing your tears. "I didn't mean to make you cry, I'm-"

"It's o-ok, I know you didn't mean to. Y- you've actually helped me..."

Helped you? How had he helped you? By going off on an observation based off of what you had told him? It was strange to him that you hadn't thought about it before.

"But at least you're able to look for your 'one true love' or whatever bullshit people make up."

Silence met his ears, something that he usually would be happy about, but this time, not so much.

"Right?"

"You get to fall in love still, right?"

"..."

"...."

"...no..."

He stared at you like you had just told him the world was going to end in the next five seconds. How could the gods be so cruel as to make you suffer through your life, and now your after life? He couldn't believe it. There was no rest for your soul.

"We die if we do... and a devine death means no coming back. No after life can or will take you. Your soul, essance, and being dissappears," you explained. "Has anyone ever tried it?" He questioned, looking away. You shook your head, "No... it's just something Zues told us all. Oh, and Ares. And Dionysus."

"Those boys always messing with you ladies. Oh it infuriates me. Hello my dear Y/N!"

You jumped, grabbing onto Last Boss. "Fear not, it's only me," she said. You looked up, and smiled. "Lady Freyja! It's so wonderful to see you!" You laughed. "Now, what the boys told you are lies. You are most certainly allowed to fall in love. What ridiculous nonsense. I can't believe they'd play a prank so cruel on all of you," she ranted. "I- we are?" You questioned. She nodded. You smiled, and realized how stupid you were. "Thank you, Lady Freyja," you said, bowing to show your gratitude. She laughed, shaking her head. "There's no need for that. Do be careful however. My magic was almost not strong enough to reach you. Wherever this is... it's dangerous. Please be aware."

Weeks passed, and Last Boss had never shown interest in anyone. "Taka, come on, there's got to be someone you like. Anyone. Really. Guys, girls, in betweens. Anything darling," you complained as he sat reading a book. "You want to know what? I have taken interest in someone," he responded. You jumped up in excitement. "Really?! Who?" You exclaimed, jumping up and down.

"You."

Again, he was met with silence. Something, he realized, he only hated when it was coming from you.  "Me? As in... Y/N, cupid of Agape, me?" You questioned. He nodded. Your smile grew wider, and he was becoming worried at your silence.

"It's a good thing I've take interest in you too Samura..."

For the first time in a while, he smiled. A genuine smile. You floated over to him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm glad you accidentally summoned me."

Yay! I finished! So, now vote between the ones that are left which is:

Karube - Storge (the love you share for family)

Chota - Philia (the love you share between friends)

Arisu - Eros (sexual love, lust.)

Hatter - Philautia  (love of self in a positive or negative way)

[bluedemon1995]

Hope you like this latest chapter. I think, I'm almost done with this one. Please comment and let me know what you think. I'Ve gone back to rotating my focus so hopefully you follow all my stories!

Pidge POV

While everyone is busy planning Pidge can't keep her eyes off Matt. His hair is longer than hers, pulled back in a messy pony tail. She vaguely remembers her mom scolding him and saying she was going to cut his hair if he didn't go with dad to the barber. It's funny how memories are popping up now when he's right in front of her. He has a scar on his forehead but otherwise looks very similar to her. Same eye color, same hair. Hell, his is probably nicer than hers.

It's like she's in some strange alternate universe. But if she being honest... it was also very scary. Because, if one thought about it rationally, everything she thought she knew for the last ten years was a lie.

Everything.

She wasn't alone. She wasn't an orphan. And isn't that the rub. She could've had a family, all this time. It could have been her and Matt. It makes her sad to think what she missed out on. Birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries of the accident. Where she suffered alone. And even when Lotor was with her he never really understood. He never realized what she felt or was going through. And looking back, she could see he didn't even really try to pretend for her either. And that just made her feel so much more alone.

At some point she would just hide away in her room and work herself to sleep. She felt like she was in a tunnel suddenly, with her breath hiccuping and her vision wavering. Oh God, she can't breathe.  She had to get up. She had to move. But then she ... felt an arm slip around her shoulders and pull her close. Warmth. Heat. Her heart rate started to sync...Keith. He was here. He was real.

And she didn't care that he was FBI or law enforcement. Because with him she didn't feel alone.

She was not alone. She turned in his arms and just held on. It's funny how someone she only knew for such a short period of time could mean so much to her. Yet here she is. Surrounded by people who are on her side. And Keith.

Re-centered, she focused back onto the conversation going on around her. Glad for once there were so many people in the room. It was a few hours after the big reveal and while Keith's apartment was cramped with so many people, for once it didn't make her feel like running or hiding away. Hunk had prepared a spaghetti dinner complete with homemade bread and salad. It was hilarious when Lance questioned Keith having the ingredients for bread and Hunk sheepishly admitted to stocking his pantry, 'for emergencies'.

When she looked at Keith, he whispered, "I didn't even know I had a pantry!"

And when Lance was outraged that he didn't have a stockpile. Hunk replied that since Lance technically still lives at home, his mom has their place well stocked! Then there was Krolia and Kolivan. Kolivan finally returned with his report and Pidge could see how he'd fit in the the biker gang image. He was a tough guy but when he spoke he was so quiet and calm. It just inspired her trust in him.

Then of course, there was Matt. He was nearby, constantly finding excuses to touch her arm, hand or shoulder. It was odd. She wasn't a touchy freely person and yet, she was so happy that he seemed happy to have found her too. Despite what she had been involved in. Finally dinner in hand, they  were seated all around various parts of Keith's living room.

Finally, I voiced a concern that was nagging at me. "Shiro, have we ever...met? I feel like I recognized your voice somehow? Or even your...shape?"

Matt replied, loudly, "Shiro and I were gaming friends long before we ever met. So, I would be playing games with him and you'd be in my room. So you probably did hear him but I don't think you ever saw him. But after the accident and rehab, I mentioned I needed to go to school and he convinced me to go to the same school as him. So, with nothing left to lose I did. I have a family picture of us, so Shiro has seen you before. Plus, let's be honest, we sorta look alike."

Pidge nods, "That makes sense. Unfortunately that's about the only thing that does."

Matt counters, "Okay, now that we are fed. We need to focus. Plan. I'm betting Lotor's dad is behind this. But Katie, do you think Lotor knew as well?"

She thought about it but replied, "Probably not. His dad does not respect him and they aren't close. At all, so I cannot imagine him telling a pre-teen Lotor anything. Maybe he encouraged him to be my friend but nothing overt."

Shiro nods, "Okay so why?"

Everyone is quiet, thinking.

Keith POV

"Let's take it from a slightly different angle. How did Zarkon benefit? He's pretty self serving. There is no way he didn't get something out of this."

Matt picks up, "Yeah, I'm thinking it has to do with the project my dad was working on. Some kind of weapon. I know once he died, the project did too."

Keith counters, "Then why separate you two? What are we missing? What does Zarkon desire or want?"

"Money, every bad guy wants money." stated Lance firmly.

Hunk countered, "Power, he likes to be the big kahuna. Maybe this weapon would have cost him that."

More answers were kicked around when Pidge interjects, "Control. From what I see Zarkon lives for control. In every aspect. So by causing the accident, he needed to control for the outcome or at least several outcomes. No one could have predicted Matt would be thrown from the car or I would be stuck in it. Let's be honest, people survive accidents all the time. But he prepared for all possibilities. Sooooo, that means he got something out of it. But what did he gain control of? I didn't get any money. Or things.”

Keith guesses, "Maybe he knew that the weapon mission would fail but he also knew that your dad got much farther than maybe he imagined. Do we know what the weapon was?"

Matt replied, "I tried looking into it but I couldn't get further than it was a top secret project. I've hacked into several sites over the years looking for more data but it's very cryptic. In fact it doesn't even sound like a weapon at all. More like an organic compound really. So

"That's it!! I remember mom being a gardener but really she was probably a botanist. So Zarkon has control of all drugs running in and out of Galra City. And if anyone wants in they need to bow to him. He's expanded his network and this is what Lotor was trying to beat him at. Althea. But what if there was a way to diminish his hold? What if they created something that was a weapon only in the hand of the Garrison or police? I remember her telling me that nothing is untraceable. And no one is untouchable.”

Krolia speaks up, "Zarkon has a big footprint. If we could know what drugs are his and track it someway, it would go a long way in stopping the flow. But his network of them getting the drugs into the country is, well a mystery. If we could figure that out. Well, that would be a game changer."

Everyone is quiet. Finally, Katie looks up, "So Matt, I think you need to show me what you have. If our parents were killed over this, well, they had to be close."

Matt nods, "Definitely."

Hunk interjects, "Uh, I could probably help. I'm really good at making things or finding patterns."

Keith grins, "Well, while you guys figure the item, why don't the rest of come up with a battle plan or trap?"

[anincorrectpetunia]

On Fitz and his lil' friends...

Ya gotta have friieeeeeends...

...I’m not sure I like the him seeking a friendship with Kenny without the presence of Liv. It seems as though he’s trying to keep Liv close—though he says different. ...As for the flower plant, I remember Olitz talking about the different types and what they represent. He might have left her flowers that represent an apology because she blames him for basically ruining her relationship—which is absurd. --Guest/@edelineSchneid3

I know you feel differently about the flowers after Olivia's episode, but I al so hope you now feel differently about Fitz and Kenny? I don't think Fitz was overstepping by establishing friendship with Kenny. Olivia doesn't own Kenny, nor does she own Fitz. These are autonomous people. And I think Fitz tried to be clear when he went to Kenny that his wish for friendship was not a consolation prize. That's why I had Kenny put up his defences at first. He didn't want to be used. I hope I conveyed that they forged friendship in a hopeless place in both their lives, and turned it into something that is really meaningful in the present storyline (we'll see more). Olivia and Fitz come to have individual friendships with Kenny but also have a relationship with him as a couple (which episode 9 points to).

I loved that he chose to be vulnerable and confide in Alvin. Alvin seems a good choice of confidant, and Fitz needs an emotional support system. He's all alone the poor guy! With his fucked up Dad and Olivia running away. I'm glad he's making some good friends and is getting his own life. It's awesome. ...

His reunion with Kenny was sooooo sweet! And so layered. Man! It never occurred to me that Kenny would actually miss Fitz and be hurt that he stopped coming to the lounge. Or that watching Olitz fall in love would make him yearn for his own lost love, or to feel that love again with someone new. But of course! Brock makes sense now. I am totally here for the Fenny bromance. I wanna read all about it. They are adorable.--@aprillea

Thank you for highlighting the moments between Fitz and Alvin and Fitz and Kenny. One of the themes for Fitz's episode was about the different ways men interact with each other (family, friends, professional, even romantic). I wanted to show different types of connection between men, as well as what it looks like when men forge adult friendships that aren't based in sports or performative 'bro' stuff.

it's nice to see an Olitz writer tackle how Fitz's straight, cis, white male blinders impact the way he treats others. I really enjoy the overarching commentary on the challenges of interracial friendships and romantic relationships. ...I also really appreciate that you don't shy away from topics like Big Jerry's racism and the unspoken hurdles Fitz faces teaching at an HBCU.--@jilyandbambi

Thanks :). I really wanted to get BJ's racism just right lol. Fitz's blinders are at their worst when he's being very self-indulgent--either pain or pride. But, I enjoy wearing in real issues where I can...so long as it feels authentic to me. And I think Fitz needs a way to learn about blackness that doesn't leave it up to Liv.

Also I hope Kenny can find love again not only with just anyone, but someone who can live and love openly and freely as well. He deserves that happiness!--@kmack348

I feel like I always leave the same review, so here it is again: I love your writing. The way you write Kenney, the dialogue that you weave, everything flows so effortlessly and is a joy to read.--@kelleekellkell

I want Kenny to find love again, too. We'll see if he's open to it when we get back to the present timeline.

Kelleekellkell: you could literally cut and paste the same review for each episode and I'd still be grateful. Just say what's on your heart, Boo. I appreciate it. And I LOVE that you love Kenny so much. As the first of a growing cadre of OCs, it means a lot.

Was Kenny too harsh with him [Fitz]? Maybe. But Kenny is broken too and maybe the best person to help Fitz get his act together because at least his love still walking the earth. I'll see what happens.--@ScandalOnica

Kenny was harsh, and I think he recognised that. That's just the way it is sometimes. But, as you said, he was hurting and needed someone but could not admit that. Fitz piling on his problems just wasn't helpful when Kenny was internally dealing with grief that he was keeping to himself. But, I think you're right that they could help each other if they could empathise with what the other is going through.

Oh, Kenny. He broke my heart in this chapter, hearing about what happened with Tariq. It also sheds more light onto why he was so heated with Fitz in pt. 1 of Ep11, this time of year has to be really painful for him. I enjoy Kenny as the Greek Chorus of the main storyline, but giving him a backstory and fleshing him out as a character in his own right-again-adds to the immersion. Also, I stand by my statement that Kenny deserves better than Brock. I think he would do better with a more emotionally mature partner, he does enough emotional labor!--@jilyandbambi

You can thank ScandalOnica for Kenny becoming more fleshed out. She wrote a beautiful thought about his penchant for being a source for others instead of pursuing his heart's desires. She wondered if, perhaps, this was due to his past experiences. I thought about it, and I wondered why he was with Brock in the present storyline. What's he trying to prove or accomplish? When I started writing Fitz's chapter, it felt like Kenny was this 'B' story that then dovetails with Fitz's narrative. That they could help each other. As I've said before, I did not know how much Kenny was going to be present when I introduced him. But since you guys got attached, I've added more.

As for Brock, I don't disagree with you ;).

[halinski]

Kings and Queens

Sooooo uuuuuhhhh I watched the girl king earlier and I am a sucker for medieval stories about badass girls and I immediately got feels and of course feels translated into sterek??? Have fun with a few words I just threw together in an hour!

~~~

4 years ago Derek never would have believed he would be stepping down from the throne to hand the crown to his younger sister, barely 18. 4 years ago, Derek wouldn't have believed he would have ever been King in the first place. In fact, 4 years ago, Derek wasn't sure he would still be alive at this age.

It was 4 years ago that Derek had woken up out of the daze with a jolt, while wandering the forest outside the castle walls in disguise. He woke to the world to the sight of burning amber eyes and pale freckled skin. Oh, and ever since that day life hadn't stopped coming at him. Ever since that day, he could think of nothing but the golden eyes mage with the red cape.

The night was well underway but the festivities made no sign of ending any time soon. Nevertheless, Derek said his farewells to Cora, kneeling before the new queen and kissing her knuckles, before she pulled him to his feet for a proper hug.

"You better send me letters, brother," she told him as she kept her arms locked tight around him. "Don't make me send my best men after you."

"I promise." Derek nodded. "And you better make good use of that crown."

Cora pulled back to look at him with the same fiery, regal eyes their mother had once worn and for just a second Derek mourned his departure.

"You know I will," Cora replied, bodly, shin tilting up and yes, Derek did not regret passing the title on to her a single bit. She would make a great queen to the people of their kingdom and they deserved it after the hell their lands had been through the last decade or two. Derek knew Cora would rebuild the Hale legacy.

He squeezed her hands and then quickly pulled away before he could get misty eyed. As he turned, he never once looked back. Going to his quarters, he dressed down and pulled on a plain dark cloak, grabbed his bag and made his way to the stables. His horse had been readied for him by one of Cora's stablemates as Derek had already dismissed everyone keeping watch on him.

The moon shone bright above as Derek lead his mare out of the palace stables and down the courtyard. A perfect night to start his epic journey. Not a hero's tale, surely. Derek hadn't been born to inspire songs of legend and myth. But it was his heart's journey, his soul's fate. The kingdom would do well without him. There was someplace else where he was needed.

"I know you aren't about to leave without saying goodbye," Erica's voice rang out from his right and her hair gleamed in the moonlight as she stepped out of the shadows with Boyd to her right. Derek's two most faithful and successful knights. He'd relied on them for much of everything after they had helped him escape the bandits that had befallen him, when Peter had risen to take over the throne. They'd been by his side much like the mage had, only they hadn't left. And yet, here he was leaving them.

"I'd hoped to spare myself the pain," Derek said, somber, turning to them as his fingers tightened around the reigns.

"You could always take us with you," Erica replies, crossing her arms over her chest. Strong-willed and loud-spoken but loyal to the core. There'd never been a better knight.

Boyd placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and Derek heard the light sigh she gave. Stepping forward, Derek let go of the reigns and laid a hand on each of their arms.

"My sister needs you here more. You have served me better than I could have ever asked for. Now, I just ask you to take care of her for me," he said, and with a light squeeze and sorrowful look, he stepped back again, back into his mare's wisping white breath in the cool dark night.

"We don't need to listen to you anymore though, do we now?" Erica continued to stubbornly resist but her voice was somber as well and she made no move to embark on the mission with Derek.

"But we will serve our queen with our lives. As we have served you," Boyd added from next to her and Derek knew without a doubt that Erica felt the same way.

"And please," Derek said, mounting his horse before meeting their gentle gazes again, "take care of yourselves."

They nodded silently and Derek tried to brave a smile before he gave a light nudge to the gentle creature's ribs beneath him and she started to ride off into the night. It was hard not to feel anxious, his heart rabbiting in his chest, the world feeling like it was unraveling in his hands just like when he'd been a teenager. Back when the Argents had attacked from within when they'd come to sign a peace treaty, and proceeded to murder nearly everyone in the castle. Or back when he had found Laura, a great rising queen - the Phoenix they had called her - cut in two, and that by their very own uncle, who had been so tormented by the Argent's attack that he had lost all grip on sanity, very much so that Derek had felt the need to take it upon himself to rid him of his misery, and with that take upon the immense task of stepping up to the throne and leading a sea of people to success. Or back when he had left him.

It had taken so much out of him and so long, all of the last four years, to make it through those disasters, to heal and grow, to become stable enough to see into his future. And now here he was, leaving his family and friends and home behing in a flourishing gallop, riding out into the unknown on the flimsy hope that'd he'd be able to find the boy who'd stood by his side when he was becoming the man he was today, fit for a throne and the face of a kingdom.

But Derek knew, he was nothing without this man. The spark that had relit the fire within him, especially the one in his heart. The smile that had carried Derek through the nights of eternal gloom until he saw the light again. The endless words that filled his soul with substance. The joy that coiled in him as strength. The warmth that melted his numbness so that he could feel the world, the love, the life.

~~~

Day and night he rode, taking only so much rest as his darling Moonshine needed, for he knew once he reached his goal she would be free of service to live the rest of her days in pasture. At night Derek would lay on the damp ground and stare up at the sky, or at least what he could see if it between the tree branches, and he would count every star and for each remember one of the moles that stretched across his beloved's skin. He could still feel the warmth of his body beside his, beneath his, above his - all smooth skin and lithe muscle, squirmy limbs and impatient heart - impatient hands that tugged him closer beneath the sheets, and the honey-dee voice, demanding, "Kiss me already."

Those quirky, bitten down lips that no one owned, not even Derek. Despite the strong, determined promises that he was his forevermore, Derek had known there was no way he could tame that energy and right he had been. Truth was, he had never meant to be tamed.

And every night Derek tortured himself with every of their encounters, from the time he'd caught the quick-fingered mage stealing apples from the withered courtyard like they were what the people called 'fruits of love', to the times they snuck hurriedly through the castle walls just to catch each other around the bend and fall into each other's arms, to the night he woke when his beloved slipped out of the bed, the air smelling like salt and sorrow, and proclaimed he'd had to leave, for it was his duty - his duty to the king, who had a duty to his people to reign with the future in mind, with a wife and a child. Every night he let the waves of love and loss crash over him until he rose again, sleepless but restless, spurned on by a burning desire.

~~~

And he never gave up till he rode in that little town off toward the coast with the little wood house with the red roof - just like Derek had once heard described in lush, beloved detail. A childhood home that had been abandoned, and had now been regained as was evident by the smoke rising from the chimney.

Derek dismounted and although his body burned in different ways, both exhaustion and eagerness and anger and desperation, he made sure to tend to the faithful Moonshine and let her graze freely after the tiring week long journey. By then, a figure had exited the little country house, almost like he had been called upon by that red string of fate that tied them together.

"Derek," he heard, a whisper carried over by the wind that blew the hood of his cloak back as Derek strided over with confident but calm steps, trying to practice himself in dignity.

He stopped in front of a bizarrely still  older image of someone he'd once known, the hair scraggly and longer, curling slightly, tantalizing and tempting Derek to reach over and run his fingers through it. There was a little scruff along the jaw, but he could still spot the familiar moles beneath it. The mouth was the same, soft bitten lips that hung open like he'd just run out of breath from incessant chatter, like anything and everything in the world took his breath away because he could find the magic in the smallest speck of dirt. 

But the eyes - the eyes spoke of the same longing and light Derek had yearned to see, something in his chest blossoming like the first, hungry spring flowers on the first day of sunlight. And now it was him who was frozen to the spot at the flood of emotion, wanting to do everything all at once and not knowing where to start.

"Wha… what are you doing here?" The question trembled just like the parting declaration a year ago had, falling from barely composed lips, which were ready to crash forward and into Derek's and let the world crash and burn around it if it had to.

"You idiot," Derek let out with a laugh, and just like that it was easy all over again, taking that one step to close the chasm in his world and take back into his arms what was meant to be there, lips sliding ever so softly against the soft exhale.

Still, the man in front of him trembled with resistance, albeit a hand came to clutch the front of Derek's shirt, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

"What are you doing? You can't-"

"You never thought to stop and ask me what I wanted," Derek interrupted authoritatively. "Never once. I was the king and yet you decided to think and act for me, going against my words, ignoring my promises like you had no faith in me."

"That wasn't-" Stiles was quick to defend, eyes shooting open with a guilty look. Yet he stopped, troubled. "Was the king?"

Derek nodded, a smile starting to form on his lips at the prospect that this was the very moment of the rest of his life, here, with his heart beating into Stiles' hand, where it had always truly been. "I have passed on the reign to Cora."

"Cora… but Der…" Stiles argued softly, like he barely dared utter the words, his resolve melting along with the slip of his nickname for the former king, one only the closest to him could use. Derek just waited, patiently looking into those swirling sunlit eyes.

"You made your choice. It was my turn to make mine," Derek stated and took a step back so he could take Stiles' hand. "And now I give you one more decision to make and if you so choose, it'll be the last one I ask of you. My choice is you. Over the kingdom, over the land and the riches and the roles… I-I never quite wanted to be king. But you… I've wanted you since the day I met you."

Derek hadn't prepared for this speech whatsoever, he'd been too busy with the swirling memories to be able to decipher them with words, but he could swear on his life this speech was the best one he'd ever given and by far, it was the most important. He watched them hit their mark as the hand in his trembled and the eyes began to swim in tears, while Derek kneeled before the strongest mage he knew.

"Stiles, if you so desire, I will be yours forevermore. I don't ask of you any sacrifice or compromise. The kingdom is in safe hands and I… will you let me find my new home in yours?"

4 years ago Derek hadn't been ever able to imagine ever feeling he had found home and comfort and love again, certainly not in a single person but as Stiles launched himself forward with unabashed joy, extensive joyous energy bundled and held back for years by sheer will - that's how tough his beloved mage was - and threw them both onto the ground, chests and hearts aligned, Derek knew once and for all, Stiles would always be king to his heart.