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dcbbw · 2 years ago

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Coitus Interruptus

This is my submission for @choicesflashfics; I used the following prompt: “I can’t believe you would even think to leave me like this.” It will appear in bold.

This story is also the answer to a nonny ask: Has Riley ever faked the big “O”?

Thank you to all who read over snippets of this fic.

Thank you to all who will read the story. Your likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated more than you know.

Please excuse any and all typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors. MS Editor rates me at 98% error free.

Pairing is (future) #Riam

All characters (except the children) belong to Pixelberry

Song Inspiration: Love to Love You, Baby, Donna Summer

Word Count: 2,400

Rating: Going with M/Mature because of lemon-scented Pledge

“You were simply wonderful this morning, love,” the King of Cordonia praised his Queen.

The couple were in the backseat of their chauffeured limousine, returning to the Palace after spending the morning at House Theron for a charity event sponsored by Duchess Joelle:

Gender is a Spectrum: A Union of Art, Fashion, and Inclusivity.

The program consisted of breakfast with the King and Queen, followed by an hour-long fashion show where models of all sexual orientations carried the Duchess’ latest art collection as they strutted and sashayed the runway in the latest haute couture from Ana De Luca, House Beaumont, and a rising up-and-comer from Duchy Domvallier whose works had been discovered on the app Fashion Parade.

For the fashion show, Liam had been the emcee and Riley, one of the models.

“I starved myself to be able to fit into those skinny, too-small outfits!” Riley complained as she dug in her purse for her cellphone.

“You were modeling the extended size collection,” Liam reminded her as he nuzzled her neck. “And did so beautifully.”

Riley’s head swung around, her blonde bob swinging synthetic hair across her cheek. “Extended sizing begins at SIZE 8, Liam! SIZE 8! NOTHING on my body wears a size 8!”

She sighed as she resumed her search. “I swear, this baby weight … maybe dieting is a good thing.”

Liam didn’t bother to point out their baby, Theodore, was now seven years old.

“You’re on a diet?” he asked in surprise.

“Not really.” With a cry of triumph, her hand emerged from the handbag with the phone. She turned her head once more, her eyes narrowed with distrust. “Are you saying I NEED one?”

Liam shook his head quickly. “No.”

The couple had a rare weekend free; their sons were at Applewood visiting with Regina and their Aunt Lena. Both had plans for their open weekend.

Neither had communicated their plans with the other.

Liam had plans for his wife that involved no clothes, no work phones, and lots of sex. He wasn’t chancing an argument.

“AND you had breakfast this morning, so not starving,” he quickly changed the subject.

“Do you know how long ago THAT was?” Riley demanded.

Liam did know. Riley had eaten breakfast aboard the royal family’s private rail coach at 8am. It was now 11:30am.

“You call TWO pancakes and ONE sausage patty breakfast?? THAT is NOT breakfast! A snack, at best.”

Riley’s plans involved eating food she wouldn’t have to cook or share, simping over Gong Yoo, and finding a new hiding place for her snack wagon and hamper.

Ever since Liam’s children had entered the picture, Riley had no food to herself any longer. From the moment of conception, his kids had been nothing but crumb snatchers stealing all her food. If they had been her children, they wouldn’t do her like that.

Riley often wondered how she ended up a single mother, and sole food source to kids that weren’t even hers.

Liam moved closer to his wife, his lips ghosting her jawline. His thumb grazed against her nipple, hidden beneath a red cotton camisole tunic and black sports bra. His lips curved as he felt it harden beneath his touch.

Riley slapped his hand away. “I’m trying to make a phone call!” she chided snappishly.

“To WHO?” Liam demanded as he rubbed the offended spot on the back of his hand.

“The kitchens! I need sustenance!”

“We’ll be home in a matter of minutes,” the King argued. “You can order from the rooms, and we can … pass the time until it’s delivered.” He raised an eyebrow suggestively as his palm rubbed her thigh.

Riley stared at her husband; her expression was neither agreeable nor amenable.

We’re hungry for two different things, she thought. I’m Team Chicken Kiev.

Her gaze went back to her phone, and she continued dialing. Liam rolled his eyes, annoyance flashing briefly in them.

He knew when Riley was hungry, she was impossible to deal with. He should simply wait until she satisfied her basic hunger before gratifying his baser ones. But Liam was in heat for his wife, which made him obstinate, impatient, determined.

We can have a quickie, and after she’s eaten … she’s all mine, all weekend.

The King pulled his wife close to him, her cheek nestled in the crook of his shoulder as she prattled off a litany of menu items to one the Palace’s chefs: Chicken Kiev (it could be fried or baked, as long as it was crispy); wild rice with mushrooms and gravy; string bean almondine; fried spicy sausages; fried potatoes; devil’s food cake slices; baklava; milkshakes.

Liam smirked down at her. “I have all the sausage you need, love.” He waggled his eyebrows.

Riley’s eyes peered up at him. “Yours isn’t spicy or fried. Just bland and boiled.”

Once safely inside their personal quarters, the parents video chatted with their children, oohing over the excited chatter about attending a magic show the night before, and playing soccer with the local youth in the still-healing orchards earlier in the morning.

They ahhed at the fact that after lunch, Aunt Lena was taking them to a street fair where there would jugglers, clowns, and cotton candy.

They bid their sons hasty farewells when the twins stated they wanted a dog, and their youngest began begging for a snake. A big snake, like the ones found in rainforests and jungles.

After the chat was over, Riley immediately called downstairs about her food.

Not ready yet. Soon.

She was leaned over, looking inside her nearly empty snack hamper and frowning at two packs of peanut butter and cheese crackers, when she felt Liam’s strong arms encircle her waist. His breath was warm and ticklish as his lips brushed over the raised hairs on the back of her neck.

Despite the rumblings coming from her stomach, Riley’s body responded instantly to Liam’s touch; she straightened up, pushing her back against his broad chest. She wriggled her ass against the crotch of his pants. She felt Liam’s lips curl against her skin, responding with a smile of her own.

And then her stomach loudly growled, and all thoughts of lust and lovemaking left her brain.

Where is my FOOD? How soon is soon? And now this man thinks I want the D.

The Queen exhaled a deep negro-spiritual sigh.

Let me handle this real quick.

Liam, of course, did not realize this. He thought her deep, put-upon sigh was a low moan caused by his roaming fingers and butterfly kisses. His wife’s eagerness in pulling off her clothes spurred him to disrobe in record time. The King did look strangely at his now nude wife as she hurried to their bed.

Riley preferred to saunter and tease him with her body.

“Come here, lover … touch my nakedness,” she purred as she crooked her index finger at Liam.

Riley was definitely never so bold, not when it was the two of them alone and intimate. This was when her vulnerability, her submissiveness to him freely revealed themselves.

But Liam’s need for her touch, her feel, her taste was almost overwhelming, and he began reasoning and justifying her unorthodox actions.

She’s in need more than me!

“I would deny you nothing,” Liam muttered in a husky whisper, his naked body joining hers on the bed.

He positioned himself so her breasts dangled enticingly above his mouth; his lips wrapped tightly around an elongated nipple, and he began to suckle gently. His hand curled around his very erect shaft, lightly stroking himself from head to base. He whimpered softly at the feel of his wife’s fingers in his hair.

“OW!” he yelled as she pulled his hair, hard. “What the HELL, Riley?”

“I want you inside me. Deep inside me,” Riley explained as she settled spread-eagled on the bedcovers. “Come ON,” she whined as she surreptitiously glanced at the clock.

It’s GOT to be soon now!

There was a scowl on Liam’s face as he stared moodily at his wife. His scalp tingled where she had yanked his hair. He wanted nipples on his tongue. But Riley wanted him inside of her.

I did say a quickie first ...

The King pulled himself up on his knees, his gaze trained on his wife’s sex. He plunged two fingers inside her entrance; they flexed and curled against her walls as arousal dampened his skin. The Queen’s hips arched against his hand; slowly, Liam removed his digits, placing them in his mouth before licking them clean. He pinned her wrists above her head as he sank into her.

Immediately, Riley’s neck arched as her hips bucked against his; moans, obviously forced, were uttered along with encouragements such as, “Fuck me harder, baby. Give me your dick!”

Liam stopped his thrusting; if one were counting, he had only gotten in three. His hands released her wrists, and Riley immediately began flailing her arms about. His wife looked like a one-person show consisting of really bad porn, crooked wig included.

Liam slowly pulled out of her tightness; Riley was still gyrating her hips, throwing in a back arch for good measure before her grand finale.

His eyes alternated between widening and thinning as Riley continued her histrionics, oblivious to the fact that Liam was no longer participating.

“Oh baby … oh baby … I’m cumming. I’m cumming, Liam,” she gasped, not a drop of sweat anywhere on her body. No trembles, no panting of breath. Nothing to indicate she had exchanged pleasure with the man she claimed to love.

Because she hadn’t.

“RILEY!” Liam bellowed.

Her eyes flew open, and she grinned up at him. “Was it good for you, too? Yeah? Okie doke, lemme up!”

Liam’s palms were pressed into the sheet-covered mattress, one arm on either side of his wife. “Did you just FAKE an orgasm with me?” he demanded angrily, his complexion reddening with frustration and disbelief.

Chimes rang throughout the suite, indicating that someone had entered the quarters.

“All’s fair in love and hunger!” Riley exclaimed as she pushed Liam off her, leaving her wig behind on her pillow.

“I can’t believe you would even think to leave me like this!” Liam hollered in annoyance, his index finger pointing to his half-erect penis.

His wife didn’t even look his way. In less than 10 seconds, she had tossed her nightgown over her head, grabbed a robe, left Liam alone in the room and was greeting wait staff.

She kissed the startled employee full on the lips as her eyes took in all the food.

After two pieces of Chicken Kiev, two whole sausages, a huge portion of fried potatoes, and some green beans, Riley felt common sense return to her body. Her eyes rolled in ecstasy as she devoured a slice of the chocolate cake; it fully restored her senses and sensibilities. Completely satisfied, she hummed softly to herself as she stored the leftovers in the refrigerator.

Now she was ready to perform her wifely duties.

Happy wife, happy life.

The Queen entered the bedroom, her eyes taking in her still-naked King; Liam’s hands were interlocked behind his head, which rested on two king-sized pillows covered in silk casing. His body stretched the length of the bed, one ankle crossed over the other. He was watching an international news channel.

He did not look at his wife.

Riley bit her lip before standing in front of the television screen. She gave Liam a sultry look before enticingly sliding the robe off her body.

Liam picked up the remote and turned the electronic device off.

Undeterred, Riley slowly licked her lips as she skimmed her palms over her curves. Her fingers tugged at a black lace strap, rolling it off her shoulder.

Liam turned onto his side, away from Riley; he pressed his palms together, resting his hands on the pillows; his cheek lay on the back of his hands.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?” Riley shrieked as she threw her robe at him.

Her husband lifted his head, his eyes mere slits as he glared at his wife. “I AM AS SERIOUS AS YOU WERE PERFORMING YOUR … “

He sat up, throwing his arms in the air. “I don’t even have WORDS for what the hell you did!”

“I WAS HUNGRY!” Riley stamped her foot against the carpet.

“You lied to me and made a mockery of the most sacred act of our marriage. I have nothing further to say to you,” Liam replied coolly as he laid back down in the bed.

Riley continued to stand, a stupefied look on her face. “I’m ready now,” she whined.

Liam exhaled a loud breath. “I am neither hungry nor horny.”

“I cannot believe you are making a huge deal about me delaying sex,” Riley huffed as she continued to undress.

“This isn’t about the SEX! It’s about you thinking you can get away with faking an orgasm with me! And in such an obvious way, as if you think I’m stupid! You were extremely selfish, Riley and you attempted to play on my intelligence!”

“You KNOW how I get, Liam! You KNOW!”

“Apparently, I don’t.”

Riley pushed her lips to the side as she considered how to make this right without admitting she was wrong. Naked, she climbed into the bed, pressing her ample breasts against Liam’s muscular back.

“Show me on the doll where I hurt you,” she whispered against his tawny-complexioned skin.

Liam attempted to shrug her off, but Riley clung to him like a burr.

“Is it here?” she kissed his shoulder blade.

No response.

“Here?” Her lips brushed the nape of his neck.

Despite his best efforts, Liam felt his cock stir as his erection began to grow.

“STOP THAT, Riley!” His hand harmlessly swatted air.

Riley’s hand reached around to encircle his shaft; she smirked in satisfaction. “Ahhhh, here it is. Let me kiss it better, love.”

Liam frowned as he debated his options: Continue to refuse his wife or receive oral gratification. His pleasure derived from hers; he had never needed her mouth on his sex, but he did want it. He did enjoy it.

Immensely.

She owed him an apology.

He rolled onto his back, his eyes closing in pleasure when he felt her other warm wetness wrapped around his cock.

The couple spent the remainder of the afternoon in bed, lost in each other.

Riley didn’t fake anything this time around.

Liam made sure of it.

Tagging: @jared2612 @ao719 @burnsoslow @marietrinmimi @merridithsmiscellany-blog @queenjilian @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie @cmestrella @liamrhysstalker2020 @neotericthemis @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @busywoman @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam @phoenixrising308 @beezm @gardeningourmet @lovingchoices14 @foreverethereal123 @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles @lady-calypso @emkay512 @jovialyouthmusic @21-wishes @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @queenrileyrose @alj4890 @yourfavaquarius111 @motorcitymademadame @bbrandy2002 @eversoaringqueen12 @queenmiarys @choicesficwriterscreations

#dcbbw writes #choicesflashfics #slightly nsfwish #riam

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davidmann95 · 3 years ago

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Superman 2021

The beginning of the epilogue era for this blog - I promised I would do one last 'State of the Union' for Superman, and I actually took notes this year to make sure I wouldn't miss anything substantial so I'd just as soon not let those go to waste. Which is good because otherwise something definitely would have gotten lost in the shuffle of what's been on balance the best year for Superman since 1978.

Now, the qualifier there is 'best year for Superman since 1978' would be 'above average!' in Batman terms, but looking at the across-the-board success with a minimum of things going horrifically wrong (the only thing I recall landing with a total splat this year was Conner Kent's inclusion in the Suicide Squad book and Injustice)? It truly feels like the powers that be shook their heads, opened their eyes, and remembered that Superman is not in fact by definition a cursed albatross, but rather a really big deal worth capitalizing on in a variety of ways to make a shitload of money. I suspect this is a matter of the new ownership going "...wait. We have Superman, and pretty recently he was a significantly lower priority than this guy?" Not that I'm inclined to salute the beneficence of corporate decisionmakers, but I'm glad the dominos at least fell in a good direction for once that seem to be setting up my favorite character for a vibrant, fascinating near future.

Comics

* The year kicked off with Future State, where for once Superman was the pretty clear winner of the line. Phillip Kennedy Johnson came out of the gate strong, Mark Russell and Steve Pugh reunited for Superman vs. Imperious Lex, Superman of Metropolis and Superwoman, Kara Zor-El were both solid, Gene Yang kicked off his brief tenure in the line with Batman/Superman, and Dan Watters and Leila Del Duca's Superman/Wonder Woman was for my money easily the best Jon Kent story to date.

* PKJ briefly took over both the primary Superman titles, remaining on Action Comics on a longterm basis; while news of his tenure was initially met with little excitement his work ultimately won over readers in a huge way, in no small part thanks to the unbelievable interior work of Daniel Sampere (who while leaving will soon be succeeded by the incredible Riccardo Federici) and the astounding variant covers of J. Totino Tedesco. Meanwhile Tom Taylor and Jon Timms launched the long expected Jon Kent Superman title as Son of Kal-El, which has varied significantly in critical response from issue to issue but grabbed mainstream headlines for having Jon be revealed as bi, making a queer Superman one of DC's flagship characters. And acting as springboard for the new status quo was not only Grant Morrison's return to the character but apparently truly final farewell to superhero comics (outside the occasional new installment of Klaus) in Superman & The Authority with Mikel Janin.

* In the 'family' of assorted Superman titles were Tom King and Bilquis Evely's gorgeous, melancholy Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Gene Yang and Ivan Reis' beautifully clever The Archive of Worlds arc on Batman/Superman, and Robert Venditti's solid and fan-favorite work on Superman '78 with Wilfredo Torres and the newly-launched World of Krypton with Michael Avon Oeming. Also while it has yet to hit the states Superman's secured a manga series in Superman vs. Meshi, a series of him flying around Japan trying different local cuisines, and I want it immediately.

* In the more 'prestige' corner, Superman at long last received his own counterpart to Batman: Black and White in Superman: Red and Blue, which churned out a fistful of all-timer short stories; John Ridley, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Alex Dos Diaz's long-awaited The Other History Of The DC Universe used Superman as one of the main ongoing background figures, presenting him in a shockingly critical and nuanced light; Superman vs. Lobo marked Superman's second time up under Black Label, to...mixed results.

* Superman held a presence in assorted team and event/Elseworlds titles such as Justice League, Infinite Frontier (which resulted in Brandon Thomas and Valentine De Landro's spectacular President Superman story) and Justice League Incarnate, Event Leviathan: Checkmate, Justice League: Last Ride, Dark Knights of Steel, Justice League Infinity, and in a truly unexpected move made seemingly to delight me and me alone, RWBY/Justice League. Alongside all that, Lex Luthor is the anchoring figure of Tom King and Greg Smallwood's The Human Target.

* On the analogue front, Utopian II headed up the hilariously timed Jupiter's Legacy: Requiem, while Steve Orlando presented Prizefighter and the eponymous Patron in the excellent Commanders in Crisis and Project Patron.

Mass-Media

* While CW's Supergirl concluded this year with its sixth season, it had already given birth to its successor series in Superman & Lois, the first live-action show starring Clark Kent as Superman in over two decades, debuting to about as close to universal acclaim as any mass-media Superman project has received since at least Superman: The Animated Series if not in fact the original Christopher Reeve movies (though with behind-the-scenes controversies that mustn't be ignored). Notably it found far greater ratings success in streaming and BBC rebroadcast than on the CW proper.

* After years of sustained and severe agitation on social media by fandom in the name of the 'Snyder Cut' - received depending on who you ask as a united front in the name of a mistreated creator who had suffered horrific personal tragedy, a crazed and gleefully virulent broad harassment campaign, or indeed some of both columns - Warner Brothers announced it would allow Zack Snyder to complete editing and VFX work on his original vision of Justice League (before the infamous reshoots and substantial alterations by Joss Whedon seen in the 2017 release) as an HBO Max exclusive. Zack Snyder's Justice League, ultimately running $70 million and a theatrically unthinkable four hours, was released to shockingly widespread approval including from many who had disdained the director's previous work with the characters.

* Superman appeared in Fortnite, which according to people much more tuned-in than me as to what video games are actually popular these days is a Very Big Deal, so that's cool. That suit's grody as hell though.

* Idris Elba was the lead of The Suicide Squad as a Superman villain. Bloodsport of all dudes, but.

* An Injustice animated movie dropped, with Superman also appearing in Justice Society: World War II.

* The overtly Superman-inspired Invincible debuted on Amazon Prime to massive success, immediately being renewed through season 3. Netflix's somewhat similar project in Jupiter's Legacy debuted to...less.

Comics Announcements

* After over a decade away from DC Comics as a result of internal politics Mark Waid is returning, with an ongoing Batman/Superman: World's Finest title illustrated by Dan Mora, and a 3-issue large-format Black Label miniseries drawn by Bryan Hitch and inked by Kevin Nowlan acting as a sequel to Superman: Birthright and exploring a 'grown-up' take on Superman's refusal to kill.

* Scott Snyder revealed in a podcast interview that his eventual return to DC Comics is planned to include a Superman-led event book acting as a companion and thematic trilogy-capper to the Batman-centric Metal and Wonder Woman-focused Death Metal.

* Superman & Lois: Ignition by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Vasco Georgiev was placed in the running for DC's controversial Round Robin contest, with the couple on an interstellar odyssey to survive a boobytrapped solar system. While as expected from the beginning the Robins title easily won the vote, the editors behind the project noted their intent that some of the other proposed titles could still ultimately be published, and with Kelly and Lanzing's star rising with the upcoming Batman Beyond: Neo-Year miniseries hope remains that the title could see publication.

Mass-Media Announcements

* Famed author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates is scripting a new Superman movie produced by J.J. Abrams; apparently apart from the shared universe of DC films in the same fashion as The Batman and Joker, it will reportedly star a Black Clark Kent and may be a period piece.

* Sasha Calle will be debuting as a new take on Supergirl in 2022's The Flash.

* Michael B. Jordan will be executive producing and possibly starring in an HBO Max Val-Zod series written by Darnell Metayer and Josh Peters.

* My Adventures of Superman, an animated reinterpretation of the character's early years focusing on Lois, Clark, and Jimmy as a trio apparently in a post-Steven Universe/Infinity Train vein, will debut on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2023 with an initial two-season order. Cartoonist Jake Wyatt and frequent DC animation director (as well as Voltron: The Legendary Defender, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and The Venture Bros.) Brendan Clogher will be co-executive producing with She-Ra head writer Josie Cambell producing, and with Jack Quaid and Alice Lee starring as Clark and Lois respectively.

* DC League of Super-Pets will debut theatrically in 2022, with Dwayne The Rock Johnson as Krypto and John Krasinski as Superman.

* Battle of the Super Sons will be DC's first CG-animated DTV movie in 2022.

* There will be Superman and/or Lois Lane narrative podcasts on Spotify alongside the upcoming Batman Unburied.

* Superman will be one of the initial characters in the upcoming free-to-play fighter MultiVersus.

* Brian Bendis is writing for an HBO Max Legion of Super-Heroes adult animated series based on his reboot of the concept with Ryan Sook, presumably starring Jon Kent in the lead role.

Other items of note

* Tom Welling and Brandon Routh have both expressed interest in returning to (or in the former's case donning for the first time) the cape in future projects, both actively pursuing the prospects with Welling and Michael Rosenbaum apparently pitching an animated Smallville revival.

* Lavender Jack cartoonist Dan Schkade shared his personal project David Lynch's Superboy on Twitter.

* Karl Kerschl posted a Superman short story illustrated from a Scott Kurtz script shared 8 years earlier.

* Vladimir Nabokov's unpublished 1942 Superman poem The Man of To-Morrow's Lament was discovered.

* Lead developer Salvatrix revealed details and footage from the infamously cancelled Factor 5 PS3/Xbox 360-era Superman game codenamed 'Blue Steel'.

* Character designer Phil Bourassa shared several images from a scrapped Superman project starring an older Man of Tomorrow and several young new members of the Superman Family.

* Gabriel Hardman revealed pitch art from an unrealized Elseworlds Superman OGN.

* Giant Panda King, creators of the elaborate coffee table book fan project Gotham: 1919-1939, have expressed their intent to follow it up with Metropolis: 1925-1945.

* Ritesh Babu, Sean Dillon, and I each had work published on the subject of Grant Morrison's Superman this year, with my piece including spectacular commissioned art by Max Kay. Elsewhere in the critical sphere ComicsXF published Zack Rabiroff's essential Superman The Jew: History Of A People Through The World's Greatest Hero.

* @khancrackers revealed on Twitter details and early artwork for his planned Superman/Multiversity inspired TTRPG Up! Up! And Beyond!

* Ed Pinsent and Mark Robinson's cult classic fancomic Silver Age Superman was finally reprinted nearly 30 years later.

#Superman #Opinion

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ohheyitsokay · 3 years ago

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home

part 10 of the ‘hey batter batter’ series

pairing: Francisco (Frankie, Catfish) Morales x reader

wordcount: 3k

warnings: so so soo much fluff. clouds and clouds worth. kissing, implications of sex (blink and you’ll miss it)

summary: it’s a Triple Frontier Baseball AU! Trust me, you don’t need to know anything about baseball.

In this chapter, you and Frankie finish the season and the summer, and know it’s only the beginning.

notes: thank you all so much for supporting this little story of mine! I genuinely am blown away by how kind everyone has been! originally I planned on this series just being a couple of one-shots set in the same universe, but it got away form me, and I can’t believe so many of you came along for the ride. some of those stories will come in time, but thank you thank you thank you to everyone who stuck around this long! all the love for all of you!

It was a beautiful day for a baseball game.

The sun was shining and for once your bones weren’t shaking with the rumble of the stadium as people stomped and cheered. In fact, the majority of the noise was from Frankie’s momma as she chattered across your lap to your grandfather. The two of them were discussing gardening and how well season was played, how proud they were, the best of friends. It was peaceful, almost, and most of the flashing lights and roaring crowds were away – it was the final game, a charity fundraiser, all fun.

You could see your catcher as he turned, looking at your section like he couldn’t help but search for you, and you smiled, heart as full and as warm as the sun on your shoulders. His curls were sticking out from under his helmet haphazardly, the pads on his shoulders and thighs making him even more solid, and it was a sight that you’d never get tired of. Combined with the smells of warm pastries, jalapeños and melted cheese, contentment settled into your soul like a hand in a glove, a perfect fit.

It was the of the ninth and they were playing well, encouraged by the cause and playing for the love of of the game instead of a paycheck. Behind you, you heard someone mention just how well Frankie had batted this season, and you brushed pan dulce sugar from your lap.

The players had told you last week after all the big games were done why Santi had offered to pay for you and James to fly to see their final games. At the time, it had baffled you how intensely they insisted, how eagerly the pushed it, and how your boyfriend had looked equal parts embarrassed and hopeful, but eventually you agreed, assuming you could get the time off from work. When the secret came out you laughed, shaking your head and rolling your eyes.

They had exchanged smiles and shrugged and shared knowing glances as they let you explain away what they knew was true. You were their luck.

The thought was long gone from your mind now though, as Ben was doing weird poses on the field, and you heard chuckles ripple through the crowds. Fans of him and the team alike were endlessly charmed, and you knew you’d catch comments about it for months to come. His brother was just standing, and still you heard dreamy sighs of Will’s name, and made a mental note to tease him after the game about his “blonde halo”. Whatever that meant.

Santi threw a perfect curveball, and when it landed firmly in Frankie’s glove, you heard a girl swoon, “That’s my man!” and the laughter of her friends, as they called her “Mrs. Morales”.

“No!” his momma was glaring over her shoulder tugging on your elbow, as if physically fighting them was a viable option. You tugged back, making soothing noises as she protested, “Mi frijol.” The sweet lady muttered something else and before your heart could latch on to what you could’ve sworn was something about the future and tu marido you moved on.

“I know, I know,” you were saying, when James leaned over, glint in his sweet, aging eyes.

“She’s right, honey,” he said, only encouraging his friend, and you grinned.

“He’s my boy,” she said again with an air of finality, “and yours."

Looking at your grandfather sheepishly, you pointed at your shirt and shrugged as he said, “Right again.”

You were wearing his backup Jersey.

Cheesy as it was, it felt good to have the little claim of his over your skin, and while it wasn’t obvious to everyone, you wore it with pride. Comments from his fans slid off it like raindrops on a tin roof, and while you apricated her inclusion, you didn’t need it to know he was yours, as you were his.

Jimbo leaned towards the woman at your side and whispered conspiratorially in her ear, and she settled, and you left it, enjoying their friendship. The day was too lovely for anything else, anyway.

Catch, catch, walk, look for his girlfriend, sit, swing, hit, run, walk, sit. Repeat.

Nothing so eventful happened the last few minutes of the game, and as the Will went out for his final bat, you felt a surprising wave of bittersweet nostalgia for all that had passed since the opening game, cold as an evening breeze.

Then the ball cracked against the bat, and the sound snapped you back, and you felt a fire under your breastbone, reminding you the best was yet to come.

Frankie’s mom finished her final cheers enthusiastically, all annoyance long gone, and she pulled you into a hug.

“Nieta is calling. Hug Francisco for me, hija, and I’ll see you tomorrow?” You nodded, squeezing her back almost as hard. You and Frankie were using his first real day off to babysit and get some quality time, and both of you were well aware this was hardly goodbye. You gave a gentler hug to your grandfather, who was going with her, whispering “Bye Jimbo,” as you kissed his cheek. He had conspired to let you stay out for the evening, and while you’d miss driving him home, you were grateful for the opportunity.

Seeing them safely as far as you could, your feet danced with excitement. Like it had been more than handful of times, they knew the path to the locker rooms, carrying you so light you were almost floating. When you slid into the waiting room, Frankie was already clean and looking for you anxiously. Maybe you should’ve given him a little wave from across the room, but you could do better.

You ducked away from his line of sight, and snuck around behind him before say, “hey, batter, batter.” He whipped around and before you could even register the grin on his face, he was pulling you against his chest.

“Hey yourself,” he said, and the two of you got one sweet, slightly needy kiss before you heard good-natured groans.

“It’s been like month,” Santi said, ruffling your hair as you stepped back, “Aren’t you guys done flirting?” You stuck your tongue out at him, wondering if you were fast enough to flick him in the forehead.

“Don’t bother,” Will said, his tone resigned but playful as he hugged you too. “Be happy he got her to stick around.” You pulled a face, and Benny laughed. They all knew by now that it was more than a summer fling, even Tom, who you realized hadn’t come out yet.

When you asked, they winced, and you dropped the topic, knowing they would tell you in their own time. Frankie pulled you back to him, his warm fingers lacing with yours as you herded them towards the door.

They were still working on things, still trying to figure out what their next steps looked like.

For now, you owed your baseball boys a dinner.

It had taken you a couple of times cooking for them to get the portions right. The Miller boys ate like they were hollow, and after a game was a testament to that.

Thankfully, you had more than enough this time, having been preparing their favorites for days with the enthusiastic help from Frankie’s mom, and begrudging help from his sister as a thank you to her hermano. The piled into your little space and ate gratefully, telling you about the game like you knew what they were talking about.

“Benny, why were you –” his deep laughter cut you off, and your hand shot out to grab Will’s wrist mid-throw. You had a rule against projectile food to keep them from squabbling like children at your makeshift dinner table. The dinner roll fell to his plate as Benny tried to explain, and Santi deadpanned.

“I was stretching, and I got distracted –”

“You were flirting with the entire stadium, Ben.”

“No! Well –”

It was warm and bright, eating dinner with them like a family, teasing and laughter filling the space like clear broth in the cool of night.

Frankie’s hand found your knee under the table.

The best part about these replacement-parties was watching them all try to help clean up. You were lucky professional athletes had fast reflexes, or you would’ve lost more than a few dishes to their shenanigans. They insisted, wouldn’t let you help, and things probably would’ve been put back correctly if you had, but it was great, letting things play out however they may. Maybe years and years down the road, you would tell a younger generation that you had some of the world’s most desirable athletes fighting in your kitchen over where you kept your dish soap refills.

And after, they would collapse in your living room, unearthing all the games from your shelves. One of your favorite moments from the summer was coming through thrift stores for games, ignoring the stare of jealousy and making ridiculous bets.

All the while, Frankie kept as close to you as he could, too busy watching you with wrinkles in the corners of his eyes to be embarrassed of his rambunctious friends.

When you and Will won the first game of the evening, he accidentally hit you in the face with the back of his hand as he flung his arms open in triumph.

It hadn’t hurt as badly as it would’ve if his brother had been the one talking with his hands, but Frankie had still thumped him in the back of the head before he followed you to the kitchen.

“Baby, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Frankie,” you laughed, but he was already taking the pack of frozen peas from your hand to press it against the lump forming on your temple. He was gentle, and the air shifted, like there was more on his mind than your minor injury. Brown eyes searching yours, you wished you knew what he was thinking.

“Francisco?” Your hands had settled on his chest but the moved around his neck when he moved the ice to ghost his lips over the spot. He didn’t answer for a moment, just setting the peas aside, and carefully trapping you against the counter.

There were noises of good-natured arguing coming from the living room, and you knew he was taking advantage of their distraction, carving a little pocket for the two of you in time.

“Te adoro,” his lips were almost hot as they pressed into yours. “I love you,” he said, so close you could feel the hairs on his upper lip still.

For the past month, your relationship had been fast, jumpstarting to serious and staying that was, but this was new. It was one thing, for him to tell you he wanted something real with you, wanted you to be a part of his life, and another to hear him say he loved you simply, without abandon. Still, you didn’t hesitate.

“I love you too.”

He kissed you again, unhurried, and you almost couldn’t return it, you were smiling so widely. Your bump was long forgotten.

When the two of you came out the kitchen, the others had barely noticed you were gone and Ben immediately was accusing you of cheating, but Santi shot you a knowing smile.

There was a gap of time when a season ended, when Molly’s inbox was mercifully void of emails. It was a time when the chaos of her job slowed, for a bit before she began her work for the off-season, and she relished it with every fiber of her being.

This particular gap began wrapped up in sheets with Tom, her Tom, kissing and wishing the world outside was a simple as this, in the little bubble of her room.

She could always tell though, when his mind was no longer filled with her, and the other sides of him began to leak through the cracks. His eyes moved with urgency instead of appreciation his hands moved a little slower and then in sudden jerks, and when he trailed off mid-sentence, she sighed.

“You told them, didn’t you?”

He rolled onto his back; his gaze pointed towards the ceiling.

“Right after the game,” he confessed, and she sighed again, sitting up. If nothing else, for him, she had endless patience.

“How’d that go?”

Her love was silent, thinking only of the embarrassment and defensiveness that had reared in his chest. The tilt of Santi’s head, Frankie’s slow nod. He wished Benny had been disappointed, wished Will had thought it was a joke.

“They understood,” Tom didn’t add that he hoped with all his considerable might that they had reacted stronger, hoped they had told him not to, said they needed him to stay, but they hadn’t. It wouldn’t have been true, anyway. They were growing, going somewhere he couldn’t follow.

Her hand ran over his chest as it filled with air, stilling over his heart.

“It’s time,” one of them said, and the other nodded.

Counseling. Rehab. Retirement.

Slowing down to coach at a local college.

He clenched his hand into a fist, and then relaxed, palm falling open, upwards.

The love of his life kissed his forehead.

It was time.

The first stop of the day was with James, spending the morning helping him around the house. Before this summer, you had thought you were his favorite grandchild, but he had essentially adopted Frankie months ago, and already liked him more than you.

The little old man talked excitedly about baseball and lectured your love on enjoying his off-season. He dragged him into the yard, talking his ear off about the benefits of different teas and the importance of volunteering with youth programs, and you settled inside, throwing away expired things from his fridge. Their absence was your only opportunity for the chore.

Honestly, the two of you needed to leave sooner than later and you weren’t sure how much time you had.

“Honey?” You dropped a can of whipped cream from a month ago guiltily.

“Yeah, Jimbo?”

He eyed you suspiciously but seemed too excited to be deterred by you.

“I put this together for you!” He said proudly, and you noticed a flash of the same mischief from yesterday in his eyes. Your grandfather handed you a box, and made you promise not to open in until you left. You hugged the sweet man, and smiled when Frankie did, too, before saying your goodbyes, thankful beyond words for him.

If it weren’t for him, you were sure you wouldn’t be climbing into the truck of your boyfriend, and certainly not having the catcher’s hand slide into yours. When you opened the box, the gratitude didn’t shrink, but your embarrassment rose.

Frankie laughed so hard you thought he was going to have to pull over.

It was full of Francisco Morales merchandise, signatures and memorabilia ranging from his very first baseball card to his most recent bobble head.

Frankie kissed your knuckles for the second time since you climbed into his truck, which was silly since it had only been three minutes since you left his mother’s house.

He could feel your look, answering before you even asked.

“I’m good, just… I love you,” he said, unable to keep his eyes on the road when he said it.

“I love you too, Frankie,” you said, wondering what prompted him.

“Could we… would you want to get dinner?” He looked thoughtful and you laughed.

“Are you asking me on a date?”

Your hand was lifted to his lips again, sending electricity up your spine as he confirmed.

The two of you had a bag full of Anita’s best by the time you entered his home, and he still hadn’t told you what was on his mind. The two of you ate, sharing stories about the day’s adventures, helping his mother around the house and watching, Bianca, his sweet, tiny new niece. You had a great conversation with his mother, and despite her excitable nature, she surprised you by asking you about your boundaries and promising not to overstep.

Frankie told you about his hermana, and her slowly opening up to the idea of letting him help her out, not as charity but family, and letting him shoulder some of the responsibilities. You watched the warmth in his eyes as he talked and wondered how it was possible for a single person to feel so safe.

Eventually the talking slowed, and you found yourself half falling asleep against the stretch of his chest, is hands slowing their wandering paths.

“Love?” he murmured into your hair. You hummed in response.

When he didn’t say anything, your mind woke, and you pulled yourself up, and into his lap, straddling him.

He looked up at you for a moment before you felt him sigh against you.

“I have this baby,” he said, and you couldn’t help but smile at his phrasing. Santi always said it was melodramatic. “Do you… is this all too much?”

His expression mirrored that of your first date, and you told him the same thing as you had then.

That you would stay, as long as he would have you. That you would navigate alongside him, that you were happy to. This time, you added that you loved him, and you felt him shift under you, anxiety leaking out of him, allowing solid adoration to replace it.

Frankie said, “Thank you,” against your mouth, and like a prayer. In the dim evening light, you kissed him, and as his hands slipped under your shirt to hold your sides, he held you for the first time like you were real.

And you were, this was something that wasn’t going away.

For the first time in a long time, it was a perfect day for something new, and his heart was here, beating under his hands.

translations:

pan dulce: pastries

mi frijol: my bean

tu marido: your husband

nieta: granddaughter

hija: daughter

hermano/a: brother, sister

te adoro: I adore you

taglist:

@fangirl-316 @scribbledghost @writeforfandoms @beautyagegoodnesssize @princess76179 @mrsbentallmadge @pbeatriz

hey batter batter taglist:

@icanbeyourjedi @studyofawearymind @hnt-escape @athalien @the-witty-pen-name @daffodin @sarahjkl82-blog @pintsizemama @anaaaispunk @pjkimrn @dobbyjen @stuckontheceiling

#francisco morales #francisco morales x reader #francisco morales x you #frankie x you #frankie x reader #triple frontier baseball au #hey batter batter #maybe i don't know people

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galaxy98 · 3 years ago

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With the recent confirmation that we'll get to see more of Yunan and Olivia in season 3, I thought it would be nice to give a little rundown of a certain idea I had for a story prior to the trailer. Will I ever go through it, maybe not. For one thing, I have so many ideas that I want to do on AO3 so some things may have to be sacrificed. Not only that, but despite the episodes having a limited runtime, thus having less depth, it's likely going to turn out better than what I put out. That and it would be less convoluted. So here's a bullet list of the idea:

The working title for the fanfic is called Lady and the Newt. I wanted to go with Lady and the Merc or Lady and the General, though the former didn't made sense since Yunan is not a Mercenary. Also since it's a Disney show, I thought it would be funny to make the title a tongue-and-cheek reference to Lady and the Tramp.

The best way to describe this story is 2 lesbians on the run. There's also a butch and her daughter but we're not there yet.

Obviously, this would take place after True Colors, but based on the clips I've seen, it would've been drastically different.

For starters, it would begin with Olivia and Yunan trying to find a way to escape Newtopia. While Yunan is more concerned about finding a way out, Olivia didn't want to leave Marcy behind. At the same time, Yunan is also reluctant, albeit in denial, of wanting to go back there since she felt betrayed by both Andrias and Marcy, despite the latter being a child who was just being manipulated.

However, Olivia feels like she's complacent in letting this all happened, so she wanted to back there for the sake of ridding herself of that guilt. In other words, the both are still shooken up about the whole revelation.

They would eventually escape, but it will be a hollow victory.

This would be the first time we get to see Yunan without her armor. She took most of it off when trying to save an unconscious Olivia from drowning. By the time they set up camp, she will chuck her medals into the river in anger. She does keep the claws since they might come in handy, but other than that, she's completely vulnerable.

The fanfic would explore on the aspect about the expectations and pressure that Newtopia places on its society and how Yunan and Olivia were both affected by this mentality. Yunan ran away from home when she was in her teens because of her strained relationship with her family (Something that I will get into later on) and how due to being found by Andrias was she able to show off her skills that would work her way up to the ranks and then eventually the youngest general in the army, Scourge of the Sand Wars, Defeater of Ragnar the Wretched, yada yada yada. However, you would see why her family relationship was dysfunctional due to the infighting with her sister and mother who just happened to be a famous artisan (hint hint). Prior to becoming general, she felt like she had nothing to show for and that being a part of the court made her felt like she was special. But the problem is that she feels like she's nothing without the rank. So while Yunan constantly introduces herself because it's effective, it's also because that's all she has.

Olivia, on the other hand, didn't want to be a part of the court. The only reason she has that title in the first place was because her family already had connections to Andrias's so she was basically forced into the role. Royalty never particularly interest her but because she was so ingrained into the role, she ended up living a very isolated life. It's why she has a very stoic demeanor. Only when there's nothing else to do does she masks off the whole facade after keeping appearances for a whole day. During the night after they escape, she would lament about where it all went wrong.

There would be a retcon where Olivia originally planned on running away from Newtopia and she wanted Yunan to come with her. But with the combination of Yunan's commitment to the general rank, taking care of Marcy Wu, and then the events that soon follow, it never came to be. Olivia wondered if going through with that decision would've only make things worse.

There would be flashback chapters where we get to see the dynamics between the newts and the 13 year old girl. Any one of them involving Yunan would be an explanation as to why she initially felt betrayed by Marcy's actions. It's only later on in the story did she reconcile with those feelings.

Most of the story consist of them trying to get far away from Newtopia as possible, all while the fear of Marcy's fate lingers. In tale of dramatic irony, they assume that she may have escaped along with the others. But once they found refuge at Wartwood, they notice that Sasha was the only that's still here. That's when they figured the out news. Again, dramatic irony.

So that thing I mention about how there's also a butch and her daughter in this story, well here's what I mean. Priscilla and Pearl are the additional characters in this journey. The reason for their inclusion is because I had a particular subplot in mind. I loved the headcanon of Priscilla being Yunan's older sister because the potential dynamic makes so much sense. During their childhood, they were both competing for their mother's love, despite the fact that she didn't want them to fight. So due to jealously and the strained sibling relationship, it prompted Yunan to run away.

On an unrelated note, you can check out my poem fanfic on AO3 called O' Sister Of Mine. It explores the dynamic between Priscilla and Yunan as siblings.

The entire subplot would be about Yunan and Priscilla trying to repair their sibling relationship after years of fighting and not seeing each other. When her and Olivia cross paths with the two of them, Priscilla initially rejected their offer of going together. Because of Yunan and Olivia's status, she was worried that it was not only going to put a target on her back, but also her daughter's, which is the last thing she wants. But since they can't stay in one spot, they have no choice but to go together.

I think by looking at the pattern of where this story is going, the entire lesson is about not taking things for granted and being the change you want to be. The three girls may be the main focus of the show, but this fanfic explores on the side characters who were affected by the events.

Well there you have it. This is mostly just a rough draft of ideas but it does get the main gist across. Like I said before, this likely isn't going to see the light of day, especially when Matt Braly's crew is going to come up with something better than I can. This is one of those big AO3 projects that I'll have to keep on the shelf, at least temporarily when I don't have a lot on my plate right now.

But if you want to express any interest in me doing this in the future, feel free to reblog or leave a comment in the notes.

#amphibia #general yunnan #lady olivia #fandom discussion #writing

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elmidol · 4 years ago

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Following Orders [Adam/Reader/Tyki] NSFW

originally written October 27, 2013

A/N: As stated, I am going to be posting a few of my older one-shots on here from DGM. I do plan on writing some new ones rather soon here, beginning with Tyki/RC. I am scheduling a batch of them now, which will all include this A/N.

These ones are unedited and include (y/n), which I no longer use in my current writing. Nothing wrong with it; just a personal preference. I do also want to state that there may be instances of mentions of face reddening and such, which I now know is not inclusive.

Fic Warnings: threesome; double penetration; handjob; blowjob; vaginal sex

You were standing in the rain with an open umbrella above your head. The fact that one of your hated enemies was the individual ensuring that you weren't getting wet? That stung. Big time. You glowered at the forming puddles as you thought of what had led you into this situation. Following a recon mission, you, a fellow exorcist, and the three Finders that were with you had managed to secure a set of rooms in a hotel. Go figure that some of the Noah were staying in that very building. The kicker? The Noah apparently had some family members who weren't privvy to the fine details. Thus the Millennium Earl had called a temporary truce; the Noah would not attack you or your team so long as none of you revealed any information to their family members. The fact that Central had approved? Well, that didn't surprise you; even if they didn't care about your life, they wanted your Innocence safe.

So here you were, standing under the umbrella that was being held by Tyki Mikk. You were just thankful it was not the Millennium Earl standing beside you, sheltering you from the rain with his horrid golem, Lero. You eyed the man to your right. He had brown hair, almond eyes, and some facial hair. Your gaze wandered about his monocle then down his body. He was attractive, to be certain. However, he apparently had some sort of affiliation with the Noah famly, thus you instantly hated him.

"I can go into town myself, you know," you said in a snappish tone. Tyki only snorted while the brunette coughed into his fist. "Oh, I see. You don't trust that I won't blow your secrets."

"Something like that," Tyki muttered as the carriage the three of you were awaiting pulled up.

You climbed into the carriage, a bit perturbed when Tyki slid in next to you and the other gentleman across from you. Running a hand through your hair, you stared out the window at the rain. It was pouring down heavily, yet there was no thunder or lightning yet. You wondered if there would be any at all. For a time the Noah of Pleasure and his companion were silent. Then, realizing that you were not going to speak to them any time soon, they instead entertained one another. By speaking in Portuguese. You scowled at this; you did not speak the language and had no idea what they were gabbing on about.

A mile later, Tyki at last turned to you, saying, "Is it true you propositioned Leverrier?"

"I was drunk, it doesn't count, get off it," you muttered out, your chin resting on your hand as you glared at the window.

"But...of all people, Leverrier?" He was obviously intrigued. You tensed when you felt him set his hand on his knee. As he began to rub the joint, you jerked your leg away from his grasp. "...wait...you're the one who propositioned the Earl when you were drunk... Before you became an Exorcist, that is."

"I'm done with this conversation," you said, feeling your cheeks reddening. Boy, how you wanted to forget that memory. You had practically taken off the man's pants. Never had you seen the man so flustered; you doubted the Earl remembered you--at least, you hoped he didn't. Whenever you had battled with him, he had never brought it up or hinted towards the event in the least.

"Maybe it's a sign you're just lonely," Tyki commented, his hands gripping at either of your shoulders, massaging the flesh. He scooted closer to you.

You shrugged out of his hands, ducking and moving to the seat across from you, the one beside the brunette male. "Look, just because you flirt with every exorcist doesn't mean they're interested."

"I don't flirt with every--" Tyki started, cut off by your snort and you rolling your eyes. The Noah smiled at you, a sort of sultry look that complimented his features. You pressed your legs together, turning to face away from him. "I guess I shouldn't be so friendly when I taunt people, eh? You, though... I never get the chance to flirt with you. You're always so quick to fight. But now? We have a truce, you know~"

"I'm well aware. Think I'd be sharing a carriage with you otherwise?" Irritated by the Portuguese male, you found yourself turning your attention to the man's companion. "And what's your story? You his gay lover?"

Tyki and the other man spluttered out nonsensical words, both obviously stunned at your words.

"Wait, nevermind. That's the Earl I'm thinking of. You're his little 'Tyki-pon', after all."

Again did the two blush deeply, both arguing that they were heterosexual. You rolled your eyes. In all honesty, you didn't care about their sexual orientation. Getting under their skin, though? Yeah, that was fun.

"At least I'm not Leverrier's fucklette," Tyki said, nudging the tip of your shoe with his. "Such a rigid man...you like being bossed around, (y/n)?"

"And if I do?" you said, shooting him a dirty look while giving him a once-over.

Tyki nodded towards his companion. "Adam here likes to give commands. I wouldn't mind ordering you around a bit either."

You bit the inside of your cheek, tugging at it a bit as you considered his words. Obviously you were growing desperate if your drunken ass was trying to get into Leverrier's pants. Tyki, despite being a Noah and thus your enemy, wasn't bad looking. His friend here was quite the looker as well. Shrugging in a noncommital way, you again turned your attention to the window. An expression of confusion enveloped your face when a set of hands reached past you closing the curtains. You turned in time to see Tyki doing likewise to the other window.

"Get on the floor," a gruff voice said by your ear. Holy fuck did this man have a voice that made you wet. Your stomach doing a flip while your mind was in a flurry of mixed feelings, you shifted so that you were on your knees on the floor. Immediately you felt Adam's hand entangle itself in your hair, yanking your head back so that your neck was exposed. Tyki's finger trailed along your throat momentarily. You shuddered, feeling absolutely defenseless at the hands of your enemy. "Take off your clothes--slowly."

You pressed your lips tightly together. All the same, you started to undo the buttons on your uniform shirt. Soon your bra was exposed, and still you shrugged out of the material. You set your shirt off to the side, next tackling the task of removing your bottoms. You could feel two sets of eyes hungrily roaming over your body, which was clad in nothing more than your shoes and undergarments. Just as you were getting ready to strip yourself of those, Adam commanded you to stop.

"Sit on my lap and place both of your legs on either side of me--but make sure you're facing Tyki," he said, his voice husky. Biting your bottom lip, you slid your rear onto his lap. Your lips formed an 'o' when you felt the rather large bulge in his pants. You were kneeling on the seat, your cunt against his clothed erection. "Keep your pussy there, and I want you to stretch out and undo the front of Tyki's pants--with your teeth."

Your eyebrows shot up towards your hairline. You could feel yourself growing wet. Man, were all the people associated with the Noah family kinky? Not that you could complain. You leaned forward, carefully ensuring that your cunt stayed in contact with the man's erection as you stretched out. Tyki shifted to edge of the seat, allowing you an easier time of the task. You bit at the button on the front of his pants, working your tongue against it and pushing it through the hole. Tyki was petting your head as you completed this task. Your face was red. Adam's hand was rubbing your rear affectionately. Just as you were tugging down Tyki's zipper with your teeth, you hissed, feeling your tongue jabbed by the zipper when you jerked forward; Adam had slapped your ass with his hand none-too-gently. At the same time, you found yourself moaning. The action had resulted in your clit rubbing deliciously against his dick.

You had your hands on either of Tyki's legs. Pressing upwards, you backed away as the Noah of Pleasure withdrew his erection from the confines of his trousers. You closed your eyes, holding back a moan when you felt Adam's knuckles brushing against you. He undid the front of his own pants, tugging at you when only his boxers remained. Upon Adam's command, you leaned forward, engulfing Tyki's length in your mouth. You held yourself up with your elbows, using both hands to pleasure the Noah. One stroked the inches that were not in your mouth while the other played with his sac.

All the while, you started to roll your hips against Adam's. He bucked up against you. The way the head of his erection brushed up against your clit had you moaning around your mouthful. Adam used one hand to slap your rear again. The other was occupied with shoving down his boxers and tugging your panties so that they were off to the side. Feeling his flesh against yours made you all the more wet. You could feel your juices dripping against him. Tyki had one hand in your hair, urging you to take in more of his length. The other was stroking along your spine.

Adam positioned himself at your entrance, thrusting inside. You jerked your hips against him, relishing in the delightful feeling of the created friction. Pulling your mouth from Tyki's length, you cocked your head to the side, licking up and down the man's erection. Tyki moaned, purring out words in his mother tongue while pinching at one of your nipples. He rolled the bud between finger and thumb, causing your toes to curl.

"You're going to let him cum all over your face, you hear?" Adam said as he fucked you. You knit your brow at the command. "Hmm?" His hips stilled. Groaning, you rocked yours back and forth, only to whimper when his nails dug into you as he used his fingers to stop your movements. "Did I make myself clear?"

"Y-yes, Adam."

"Good. Now, what is it you're going to do?"

"I'm going to...let him...cum on my face."

"Good girl~" His purr had you shuddering in ecstasy. He released your hips, his hands dropping to your thighs, which he tugged at. Spreading your legs further, the man quickly found the right angle at which to stroke your g-spot. You gasped, your eyelids fluttering as you resumed placing kisses along Tyki's cock. Adam placed one hand between your body and his, pressing four fingers against your clit firmly. The stimulation had a pleasant pressure building within you. Eager for your coming release, you jerked Tyki off harder and faster. Your tongue licked along his length, then your head bobbed up and down as you took him into your mouth. When Tyki moaned out to you that he was close, you again pulled your mouth off of him. You pumped his dick, closing your eyes in time to avoid getting his semen in them.

"Oh!" You bit your bottom lip, whimpering. Adam had increased the pressure against your clit, rubbing faster and faster while his hips beat noisily against yours. You bounched up and down on his length, screaming loudly in pleasure as you were brought to orgasm.

Adam chuckled, thrusting into you a few more times before he withdrew. He came all over your stomach, some of his seed getting on the undersides of your breasts. "You're such a good girl, (y/n)," he purred, pushing you so that you fell onto the ground. You sighed. "Lay one your back and fuck yourself for me, hun."

"Oh, fuck, yes!" you heard Tyki moan out.

Your stomach swirled at that. Hearing the heavy breathing coming from both men was already getting you back in the mood. The fact that they were eager to watch you masturbate? Yeah, you were pretty wet at that. Lying down, you spread your legs while you began to knead your breasts with both hands. One hand left your chest, trailing up and down along your side. You pinched your nipple, tugging it, and then rubbed your breast tenderly. At the same time, you slipped three fingers between your folds. You brought the juices leaking from your vagina towards your clit, rubbing circles on it. Bucking your hips in time with the movements of your fingers, you found yourself starting to pant.

Tyki knelt by your head, his hand moving to reach inside you. Your eyes flew open and were filled with fear. You watched the man in horror. He had the umistakable Noah grin, the one you and your comrades had once dubbed his 'rape face'. It was as though you had a bubble of air traveling through your body. He was not gripping anything, just--oh!

"Ooooh...fffffuckkkkk!" You threw your head back. His had was stroking something inside of you that nearly had you screaming in pleasure. Tyki chuckled, his fingers quickening their pace just as yours did the same.

The man removed his hand, much to your disappointment. He flipped you onto your stomach, causing you to release an 'oomph'. You removed your fingers from yourself. Tyki scooped you up by slipping his arms under your knees. He brought you onto his lap in that manner. You threw your head back, mouth agape as he lowered you onto his cock. The Noah of Pleasure lifted you then lowered you again. You moaned, feeling his dick thrusting in and out of you.

Adam sank down onto his knees in front of you. The man nuzzled your neck, nipping, as he pinched both of your nipples and started tugging. You placed your hands on his shoulders. Tyki quickened his pace just as Adam shifted his hips forward. You trembled, knowing Tyki was using his ability to choose when you felt Adam's cock slip inside of you as well. You whimpered at the strange sensation. The tip of Tyki's cock pressed towards one side of your walls while Adam's pressed against the opposite. They stroked you from the inside. Tyki kept his grip under your legs, forcing your hips up and down, while Adam paid special attention to your chest.

"Uh! Oh. Fuck yes. Mmm." They both rolled their hips into yours, rocking back and forth as you screamed out in orgasm.

"Fuck, (y/n)," Tyki groaned as he came inside of you. Adam grunted out his release, his mouth slamming atop yours, his tongue thrusting within. You moaned, resting your head against Tyki's shoulder as both men withdrew from you. Tyki chuckled while he retrieved a handkerchief and began to wipe off your face. He cleaned the semen off of your entire body quickly, no doubt using his ability to do so. "That was fun, huh?"

"Just shut up," you said, grabbing your clothes and quickly dressing. Adam adjusted himself while Tyki muttered out slight grievances over your cruel treatment of him. He then fixed his clothing as well. The two men were seated just as you were buttoning up your uniform top. "This doesn't leave the carriage."

"That an order, babe?" Tyki asked, rubbing your thigh. You cocked your head to the side, staring at him for a moment. "Because I was totally thinking...we have this truce for three more days, right?"

"No one gets to know about it."

"That's fine," both men said in unison. "We can take turn giving orders to one another, eh?" Tyki waggled his eyebrows as he spoke. You found yourself smiling despite yourself.

#millennium earl x reader #adam x reader #tyki mikk x reader #tyki x reader #dgm fanfic

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elysian-entries · 4 years ago

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One film, two visions; The Justice League

It’s 2017; the highly anticipated “Justice League” film, directed by Zack Snyder, is set to be released later in the year as a continuation of the DCEU.

A blockbuster movie showcasing the biggest DC characters uniting. Taking down the ultimate super villain; bound to fulfil millions of past and present children’s, as well as current adults and elderly dreams.

Then a fork in the road appears, Snyder and his wife, Deborah, step down from the colossal project due to the incredibly woeful loss of their daughter, Autumn. News hits the fans like a brick. Resulting in Joss Whedon and the Warner Bros. Studio stepping up to the mantle. Or at least attempting to.

Whedon's theatrical cut lost Warner Bros. Pictures approximately $60 million dollars. With overall painfully negative reviews and reception. Breaking the hearts of DC fans everywhere.

4 years, campaigns, hashtags, sky banners, petitions, and billboards later; I can’t say how many of us would have predicted receiving the holy gift that is the “Snyder Cut”, in its full 4 hour running time glory (in a 4:3 ratio, which somehow adds to the grandeur). 4 years of dedicated, passionate and determined people helping in any way they can for the cause. It was a journey to behold.

A large section in Snyder’s 4 hour venture is used to build dimension and depth in the characters. Making an absolute world of a difference. Something that was sorely lacking in Whedon's cut. The film had a completely different feel and atmosphere instantly.

There's no better example of increased depth in characters than Cyborg's (Ray Fisher's) narrative. I was engaged, and intrigued by his story. In Whedon’s cut, he isn't even given a second thought. His entire backstory was cut as well as his father's important role also being stripped. His scene where he sacrificed himself in order for them to find the mother box was gone. And it took away such an important, integral part in Cyborgs story, and in the film in general I believe and also realised having seen the two movies; the complicated but delicately developing relationship between father and son. And just the whole story in general made such a difference in Snyder's cut, it really is almost indescribable the difference it made. It just felt so much more genuine and heartfelt. Like a real developed and executed narrative.

In Snyder's cut we were shown detailed flashbacks that fully fleshed out his character, his morals and his relationships. Creating a much needed deeper connection with the audience. We experience his conflicting journey to accepting his responsibility, accepting the past, the "gift he has", and his purpose in the league. Leading into receiving closure. He was given great and meaningful importance and purpose in this cut.

Similarly, Ezra Miller's Flash was too given a largely more meaningful and impactful role that left quite the impression on me. His character was light-hearted and charming but still had those important, emotionally impactful scenes. Which were painfully lacking in Whedon's cut. I was left loving Barry Allen a lot more than I already did. Barry's scenes with his wrongly convicted father were hard hitting for me. They also play a large part in making later scenes more impactful. Like his detrimental importance during the final fight. In Whedon's cut his big hero moment was saving a Russian family. The overall the inclusion of the family was superfluous and extraneous, along with the robber at the start and many other things. Not only that but Whedon's cut gave the Flash a silly, attempted comical relief role. To be fair he attempted to give everybody a comical relief role. Which hardly worked because none of the attempts were actually funny and were at time agonizing. It ultimately lacked substance and came across as almost immature. The scene where Barry went on about brunch was painful. Leading me to ask, why? Why was this so important to film Whedon?

After re-watching Whedon’s version, I had gained a new found appreciation for Snyder's representation of Barry. '"Make your own future, make your own past"; he echoes his father’s words. "Your son really was one of them, the best of the best," as his theme "At the Speed of Force" plays in the background of this pivotal moment. A powerful scene reflecting Barry's ulterior motive, doing his father proud. Which invoked many tears. And still does whenever I re-watch the scene or listen to the song. As if it were the first time experiencing it. Thomas Holkenborg's soundtrack truly amplified emotion and made the scenes much more powerful, It makes for one of the absolute best scenes in the movie; I'd say one of, if not my absolute favourite.

His job in charging up Victor was completely removed and I have to wonder why. Instead Barry was left to participate in "bug duty" (bugs being one of his fears also). Barry's role in Snyder's cut, and that one incredible scene where he broke the rule was arguably better than Whedon's Justice League as a whole.

I think the only scene in Whedon's cut involving Barry that I thought was actually meaningful was where he was faced with his first real mission. And he was confronted with his fears of "obnoxiously tall" beings. He appeared anxious and frantic. Fearful. Communicating to us his inexperience. And Batman simply told him to just "save one". To which he then, without struggle, saved them all. And was also able to participate in the final battle. The "save one" scene made those achievements more meaningful.

The scene after they won the battle, showcases the victorious team standing proud; and Barry with a sweet, goofy, golden retriever-esque smile plastered on his face. What a loveable smile.

An interesting contrast is the scene in where Barry reveals to his father his new position at an “actual job”. In Snyder’s cut the father was absolutely over the moon, shouting at the top of his lungs, "his foot is in the door!" repeatedly in excitement. It tugged at my heart strings; his shameless pride in his son. Making me wonder how he would have shown his pride if he found out Barry saved the whole Earth and humanity. We can assume Barry had that unequivocally powerful underlying thought too. Contributing to his saccharine reaction. In Whedon’s cut the reaction was softer and more timid but nonetheless a sweet moment. Barry becoming bashful.

It was a sweet touch to have Cyborg and Flash finally fist bump during that victorious scene after Victor rejected Barry's initial advance in Whedon's cut. Ezra Miller improvising that “racially charged” line, acknowledging the possible racism attached to a fist bump I assume. The whole fist bumping being "racially charged" was not included in Snyder's cut. The grave digging scene was entirely different. Which I far more preferred. It was a group excursion. With a little positive interaction between the Atlantean and the Amazonian. And funnier, more light-hearted dialogue between Barry and Victor.

Aquaman’s contrast was interesting. In Whedon’s cut he actually sought out to obtain the trident to help the league (although he was always disagreeing with them). Compared to Snyder; where he was apprehensive and had to be hesitantly persuaded by Willem Dafoe’s character Vulko (who was completely absent from Whedon’s cut). This was also an importantly established relationship by Snyder. Arthur first makes his desire to help the the team known saving them from the water rushing from Gotham Harbour. He isn't acknowledged in the theatrical cut but in Snyder's cut Diana notices and takes a moment to take in his presence (I assume?). Then Barry asks who that guy is. And of course we all know, it's Aquaman.

I particularly liked how Snyder chose to include Barry asking for Arthur's opinion on military hats. It's an odd, minimalistic thing to include - the reasoning as to why I like it. I also thought it was quite charming.

A scene I think deserves a mention is when Aquaman is first introduced, and then rejects Bruce's offer, he then makes his way back into the ocean. A farewell song is performed. This was quite early in the film and I think the voices being hauntingly beautiful, yet slightly eerie/poignant set the perfect atmosphere. A well done scene.

His overall character was also contrasting. He became a genuine hero who was proved capable of more than water powers and silly moments. Including that god-awful lasso of truth scene. In the theatrical cut he was bitter, a bit of a joke, not caring too much about the events that were unfolding. He had more of a heroes’ sense of purpose within Snyder’s cut.

Gal Gadot did not gain too much from the extra scenes. Though different to the theatrical cut, Snyder had paired her with a repetitive character establishing theme. It could be referred to as ancient lamentation music. Hauntingly beautiful. Something I could only assume would be the battle cries of the Amazonian warriors and the Amazonian warrior inside Diana. In some ways possibly over used, though I thought it was brilliant. It has a special place in my heart because I love that type of soundtrack. The almost eerie, maybe poignant but overall emotion provoking type. Especially her introduction scene where she faces off against the terrorists )which was overall better in Snyder's cut) The haunting warrior moans fade into her classic theme to create an incredible atmosphere. And that atmosphere was definitely missing in Whedon's cut, in more than just that one scene. It was also sorely lacking the lamentation music. We also didn't get that sweet interaction between Diana and the little girl.

When Diana began detailing Steppenwolf and the mother boxes past to Bruce, the cuts were very strange and abrupt/awkward in some way. And it felt silly and rushed; and I think that perfectly describes the whole film.

Whedon's cut also included uncomfortable scenes. Almost forcing characters to be funny where it was just completely out of place and character. Or just downright inappropriate. To be fair, Whedon is known for the Marvel movies in which fourth wall dimension breaking and odd self ware/ironic jokes are heavily used. One of the main reasons I don't particularly enjoy them, but rather enjoy the darker, more meaningful DC movies. I say meaningful in the way in which we are completely transported into this universe; where it's taken seriously and has obvious effects and meaning to the characters. Compared to Whedon's Marvel films in which the threat is joked about and the characters make fun at their expense.

Another negative contrast is the colour grading and overall shots. A good example is the conversation between Lois Lane and Martha Kent. In Whedon's version the colour is poppy, reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or The Office. As if it were an empty shell of a TV show. Lacking any artistic or symbolic aspects. Whereas Snyder's conversation between Martha Kent (who was actually Martian Manhunter) and Lois Lane was beautiful. The lighting was dim, with steam from their hot coffee creating a brilliant shot and conveying the perfect mood. Almost a piece of art. A lot of Snyder's cut looked as if it were ripped straight out of an incredible graphic novel. His talent when it comes to filmmaking is grandiloquent. Compared to Whedon's over saturated and flat scenes as if it were from a cliché sitcom.

Whedon also made the Justice League a lot more dysfunctional than it needed to be.

The scene where the team unanimously come up with the plan to revive Superman seemed really silly and lackluster in Whedon's cut. In Snyder's cut it was a genuine moment. A "wow" moment where the penny dropped. It gave me goose-bumps. The way it was implied, the explanation/analogy with the house, and then Cyborg creating a Superman visual as the team, standing around the table, stared at it in awe. All thinking the same thing. Without even having to say it (as Barry pointed out) It was a uniting moment. Whedon's version was just, disappointing. Lacking any impact at all. And it made the team seem disconnected in a way. Whereas in Snyder's scene the league's thoughts were in unison.

There was also an agonizing amount of Wonder Woman praise. I think praise is a...well...nicer way of putting it. It was more so adolescent boy humour, immature if you will; with her being the butt of the joke. To the point where it was little uncomfortable and borderline unnecessary. And to another point where Gal Gadot refused to do a scene, (the one where Flash lands on her) and Whedon insisted so much on still including it - that they used a body double. A scene so stupid and pointless it actually hurts. Why, Whedon?

Superman's main feature in this film is his moustache. Or, lack thereof. At the beginning of the theatrical cut, we witness the infamous Superman film scene, where we are introduced to his CGI moustache…then “Everybody Knows” by Sigrid plays as we see the aftermath of his death. I really enjoyed this scene, the song and the atmosphere. I think it was a strong start, setting the poignant mood. But of course it all goes out the window and downhill from here.

The biggest difference between the two Superman’s was the elimination of the godforsaken CGI removed moustache and the introduction to the “Recovery Suit” in Snyder's cut, which was a brilliant touch. We actually see Clark stumble upon the suit. A scene where various voices from his past, echo in his mind. An equally important and impactful scene; where he flied up into the universe, overlooking the Earth he is to protect.

I also really liked the whole, "Lois Lane is key" setup, with the eerie premonitions and glimpses into the “Knightmare”. Adding yet another deeper layer to the narrative. Setting the scene for Snyder's envisioned sequel.

In Whedon's cut during the first confrontation where Clark is confused immediately after his resurrection - the previous BvS battle is implemented more. With the "Do you bleed?" question being revisited. Giving us an unwanted closer look at the strange looking $3 million dollar CGI.

I liked Snyder's first confrontation better. It included more action and participation of all parties. And it was just a longer scene, making it seem more plausible and less silly. Before Clark reached Bruce he went through every member. Resulting in a little appreciated interaction between Arthur and Barry. I also thought Whedon’s scene showing Superman throwing Batman away like a ragdoll added to the ridiculous nature.

During the final battle. (Not mentioning how uncomfortable the colour grading was causing an unlikable atmosphere. Especially when it became daylight, taking away the exciting and intense atmosphere.) Whedon's Superman's entry was a little plain. Maybe cliché. Banging on about "truth" and "justice". Which isn't necessarily bad. It's just, maybe, too Superman? We then see the relieved faces of all the members. Batman's giddy smile was by far the best. It was nice to see genuine happiness and I think that played an important role in communicating to us Bruce's character arc. From lowest of lows, and his conflicting attitude towards Superman in BvS, to Superman giving him incredible hope. Though it slightly made me uncomfortable.

Snyder's entry of Superman was brutal in the best way. Appearing just before Cyborg was chopped to bits. Giving us that epic moment of 'He came.” Superman mercilessly rips into Steppenwolf for the next minute or two. No breakaways. Which was a great choice. It perfectly showcased his abilities. Though in the theatrical cut he was shown to be the only capable one of saving the world and being the real “hero”, in Snyder’s cut, especially The Flash, they were all shown to be powerful with meaningful parts to play.

Bruce Wayne appeared more guilty and conflicted about what happened in BvS in Whedon's cut. Though he was overshadowed in terms of writing by Superman and Wonder Woman. He also was the one who brought in the "big guns" a.k.a Lois Lane as a contingency plan in case the Superman resurrection went awry. In which it did. In Snyder's cut it was coincidence, or the doing of Man Hunter in that mysterious scene. Bruce was also quite tense and wasn’t too much a bright beacon of hope as he was in the Snyder cut. Even despite Snyder's vision of him being reminiscent and heavily inspired by Frank Millers version; darker, older, broken and violent in a way (which is brilliant) he still had this character arc. The lover’s tiff he suffered with Diana was irritating and what I thought was superfluous. Creating an unnecessary disconnect with the group. It wasn't an interesting sub-plot/complication at all .

Bruce's character arc (from the dark BvS time, to the hopeful present) was more thoroughly shown in Snyder’s cut compared to Whedon's. I briefly mentioned Bruce's schoolgirl grin when Superman arrived right on time. Though Snyder more effectively showcased this positive rise through his obviously increased in optimistic attitude. When the team are off the defeat Steppenwolf once and for all Alfred asks Bruce how he can be so sure of the Man of Steel’s arrival. And Bruce replies full of vigour, “Faith, Alfred, faith!” And in another instance Barry questions their strength against Steppenwolf due to the amount of demons he has won against. Bruce declares that, “He’s never fought us. Not us united.” It was a powerful statement that heavily elevated excitement for the final fight.

During this final fight, Batman basically goes out on a suicide mission. Then the rest of the league join him for a family reunion. The Snyder cut better represented this with an astounding freeze-frame, slow motion shot of the team. It nicely established the power of unity in this case.

The way in which Steppenwolf was defeated was vastly altered. Changed completely. Mostly due to Darkseid’s absence in the theatrical cut. Darkseid added an important extra layer of looming fear, and even gave Steppenwolf more depth. It gave him an important reason as to why he was doing what he wasy doing. As we saw his utter dedication to Darkseid. It alerted us of the larger dangers that were present. Steppenwolf’s death in Whedon’s cut was ultimately debilitated after seeing Snyder’s version. Instead of being anti-climactically eaten alive by his bug minions as the sun rose; (maybe it’s a personal preference but I heavily dislike the daylight, especially for action scenes) his head was chopped off, first horn by horn, then from the neck. His decapitated head thrusted back through the portal into his own world, landing at the horrifying Darkseid's feet, along with the terrifying parademons. Engulfed by a fiery hellscape. The horror that Earth could have faced. But still could face. It reveals the deeper and darker enemy, beyong Steppenwolf looming just beneath the surface.

A sinister tune plays, as we see the victorious Justice League looking back at them. The portal then closes. Although a victory, we can’t help but wonder what the demonic and powerful entities, far more powerful than Steppenwolf, have in store for Earth’s future.

The Knightmare vision being apart of that future. It's set up from BvS to the very end of Justice League. It's a very intriguing part of Snyder’s vision. The moment where you can link up and see the connections between all the post-credit scenes and the “premonitions” is an epiphanic moment. It’s a whole other narrative on its own that you can analyse, hypothesize and discuss. It’s a very intriguing/exciting concept to think of what would have been Snyder’s future movie where Barry (as we saw previously reverse time) goes back to warn Bruce that “Lois Lane is the key”, to avoid the whole disastrous scenario. We can gather that he is referencing what we see at the end of Snyder's cut, Superman turned evil. The death of Lois Lane, whose skeleton we saw Superman cradle previously, we can assume had a hand in that, and possibly the Anti-Life equation too. It's an incredible narrative, and there are few things I would love more than seeing the Snyderverse come to life on this epic scale again.

We also finally get a glimpse of Snyder’s joker. A very exciting moment for me. Seeing any new iteration of the Joker is an exciting moment. Could Jared Leto somehow redeem himself?

Well, it sure was infinitely times better than the Suicide Squad rendition. This Joker was actually eerie and unsettling. I felt almost uneasy watching these scenes, and his odd laugh caused shivers to form down my spine. Jokers comments about “boy wonder”, whom we find out was indeed Bruce’s adoptive son, were heartbreaking (I believe he was actually referring to Dick instead of Jason surprisingly as his grave was once seen in a previous movie) Leaving me holding my breath, wondering what Bruce would say next, or what other wretched thing Joker could say. Of course the "reach around" comment was a bit off, but I’ll just brush over that.

We also learnt of Arthur Curry’s death, Harley Quinn’s death. Proving that Snyder had such a colossal plans for all the characters, dead and alive.

It’s a poignant feeling; to see this incredible, vast narrative, just beneath the surface, unfold. Knowing that we won’t be able to see it fully developed. As of now.

While watching these two completely different cuts of the same movie; it occurred to me and I am sure many other people, that attempting to produce such an in depth narrative intensive movie on the small scale that Whedon attempted, will commonly end in a painful, empty and superficial representation. Or maybe that really was just Whedon's vision.

As the epilogue ended, the credits rolled. Hallelujah began playing, sung by Allison Crowe. And as they rolled, in big letters the words; "For Autumn" took center focus. White against black. Clear as day. Like a bus, it hit hard. The reason I was sitting on that couch finally having the great honour to watch such a film. The courage it must have taken to continue and finish such a project is beyond admirable, it's heroic. Also non-profit. It only further proves what we already knew, that the intentions were pure, as no one ever doubted.

Also acknowledging the giant billboard on one of the buildings promoting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. A very important cause, especially to the Snyder’s. To date fans have raised over half a million dollars to the AFSP in honour of Autumn. A truly incredible feat.

When looking at the two movies side by side, it blows my mind to see the difference that I do. The emotion, meaning, the depth. It all just made sense in Snyder's cut. The emotion was palpable, absolutley unmistakable. Things mattered more. The people mattered more. There were reasons, and purpose. It was a genuine journey for every one of the characters, and I felt it. There were so many little scenes that made so much difference that added depth and meaning, emotion.

And I cannot say such words for Whedon, though I won’t put all the blame on him. Warner Bros. is about equally responsible. .

The true, original and intended Justice League; expatiated heroes, people, stories and journeys coming together on a grandiose scale, executed with passion and care. But also giving us a bittersweet taste of Snyder’s epic trilogy that could have been.

The end of the saga; and the rest of Snyder’s visions, are left unfulfilled; as of now. But regardless, remains as one of the things I hope to see come to life. Watching this movie, and the feeling I had during and afterward is indescribable. I want to say a massive congratulations to Zack Snyder. The film was beyond breathtaking. It really is so special and it will forever have an important place in my heart.

Though I think the most important thing to take away from the Snyder's incredible work is Autumn's story.

Thank you Zack Snyder.

For Autumn.

www.imdb.com/title/tt12361974/

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kazoo5480 · 3 years ago

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Wedding preparations were fully underway, and Emma was as calm as Killian could hope for. Regina knew their secret and After Emma’s appointment, and made slight alterations to Emma’s gown but nothing noticeable to anyone who didn’t know she was expecting.

The town was beginning to bustle, and RSVPs had been flooding their mailbox. Belle helped Emma create the seating chart, and stepped in as a wedding planner. She argued with her father over floral arrangements, and the band about the ceremony, she nitpicked every single detail fighting everyone because she simply missed feeling useful. Emma was overjoyed to hand over those tasks to her.

Killian suggested to Belle that she start her own business with Jefferson seasonally as a wedding planner. She had never thought to do it, and she and Jefferson had agreed it would be a wonderful venture to try out for the upcoming summer season, with socialites and summer residents continuing to flock there for their regular summers.

The Gold estate had sold, and the furniture inside of it, but the club had not. Belle had been wracking her brain when she decided that it should be converted instead of sold. She and Killian devised a plan to reinvent it as a community club, with no membership fees to keep it inclusive for everyone.

The pool would be used for a swim club both for adults and children offering swim lessons, the inside could be redirected for rental, or community events. Classes, daycare, something that the children and people of Storybrook actually needed, shedding the skin of its previous use.

Belle asked Killian if he would be the Director of it, help her run it and he happily obliged agreeing that it would be good to make use of it for not only Storybrook but other towns not so far away. They agreed they could keep the ballroom as is for Wedding Rentals, and that would supplement income, helping to pay staff to keep the place afloat, the grounds already perfectly manicured, and ready for usage.

Emma’s building had quietly begun its transformation, wood floors were to be installed, along with new large windows for the front, but it would still be a few months before it was ready to open, but she was fine with waiting, watching her dream slowly unfold.

Her next doctor appointment showed that she was indeed progressing well into her pregnancy, her bump only slightly increasing in size. Emma was completely outed by Belle who was leaving her own appointment when Emma was exiting hers with Killian holding birthing pamphlets.

Emma was nervous, but Belle was so excited that she was practically bouncing up and down with joy for Killian and her, and squealed hugging them both. She promised to keep their secret, but could hardly contain herself.

Emma began to feel more comfortable with the changes happening all around her, and Ruby and Vic were coming into town tomorrow so they planned to have a big cookout inviting all of their friends so that everyone could meet each other, and Ruby would be attending Emma’s next fitting with Regina. They were heading home when Killian veered off towards a part of the town she hadn’t explored yet.

When he pulled into the dealership, Emma looked at him confused.

“Come on Swan,” he said, tugging her out. A thin man came out and greeted them both with a smile, and Emma looked around the lot spotting a gorgeous yellow convertible. She left the men to talk assuming Killian needed something for their car when he joined her a few minutes later.

“It’s a beautiful car’ he said, and Emma smiled nodding. “The yellow reminds me a bit of your hair Swan,” he said smirking at her, and Emma looked at him, eyes wide.

Killian dangled the keys in front of her, and she gasped. “Oh my god, Jones. What did you do?” she asked.

He smiled, “Happy wedding day angel,” he said and placed the keys in her hand. Emma looked down and at the car, and back to him.

“What!” she said excitedly, her hands going to her cheeks in shock.

He laughed, and she jumped into his arms and spun her around. “I had it ordered some time ago, but I thought it would be best that you had a car of your own. Now it makes even more sense since we won’t always be going the same way to work” he said smirking at her.

Emma was overwhelmed, her eyes filled with tears. “You bought me a car,” she said softly, shaking her head in disbelief.

Killian cupped her jaw and placed his forehead against hers. “I bought you a car, a car for us, a car for you, our family,” he said and his thumbs swiped away her tears. “Are those happy tears angel?” he asked.

Emma nodded and kissed him hard. Her arms wrapping around his neck and he grunted at the force of her small frame pulling him against her.

“I take it the lady approves,” the man said behind them, and Killian laughed nodding. “I think that is a fair assessment mate,” he said, and Emma smiled at the man.

“See you at home?” Killian asked nudging her nose with his, and she nodded.

“Wow” she whispered, and he kissed her cheek strolling back to his car.

Emma nervously climbed in, and Lumiere showed her how to lower and raise the convertible top, and the gears inside for headlights, the radio, and she nodded thanking him. He stepped out and Emma buckled herself in running her hands over the smooth leather of the steering wheel. Her heart was somersaulting in her chest. Killian had given her freedom, a life, and a family she thought caressing her small bump. He had given her everything. She tried her best not to cry but began sobbing, Lumiere looked concerned and handed her his handkerchief.

He left her alone a moment, heading inside, and she just continued to cry, the lost girl had found everything, a home, her home, and she felt so loved at that moment that she didn’t know what to do.

She let herself calm down, and used the mirror to clean her face up, Lumiere walking back to her asking if she was alright, and she thanked him nodding. He told her to keep the handkerchief and laughed, and she nodded in thanks, starting the car up and heading carefully out of the lot.

Killian was wondering where on earth Emma was when she pulled into their driveway at last. He looked up, and immediately saw the red cheeks and he smiled at her as she made her way to sit beside him.

“Are you alright, angel?” he asked as he wrapped an arm around her waist. She nodded tucking her head into his chest.

“You have given me so much, I just got overwhelmed,” she said in surprise. He smoothed her hair and rubbed her back.

“You gave me life Emma, you breathed life into me back in New York when I was a shell of a man, and you popped up here, gluing us back together. We have a family, a life, you will have your work, our child growing inside of you, you have made us a family as much as I have love” he said.

Emma nodded, “wait here,” she said going inside to grab her envelope out of her drawer that she had hidden away. She sat back down beside him and handed it to him.

“Happy Wedding Day,” she said.

Killian took it from her looking at it curiously and tore at it carefully. He glanced at the paperwork as he unfolded it, and smiled. “Emma Swan Jones”, he murmured. “You changed your name?” he asked her.

Emma nodded, “We both came from nothing Killian, I had nothing to offer you besides myself. Our child and I should have the same last name as its father, and my husband. I made Swan my middle name, and my new name is and will always be Emma Jones” she said with a smile.

Killian crushed her to him, his tears burning in his eyes. “I don’t know how we got so lucky” he whispered and she nodded.

“I know,” she said back and caressed his cheek.

“Does this mean I can’t call you Swan anymore?” he asked her, and she giggled.

“I will always be your Swan,” she said and he nodded, his smile wide and happy, Emma saw the sheen of tears in his eyes and knew she had picked the right gift.

“Well Emma Jones, I think that you are the most marvelous person in the whole universe, and our babe is going to be the luckiest, most-loved child on the planet with the best mum anyone could hope for” he whispered.

Emma smiled, “I think the baby will be the luckiest because it has two parents devoted entirely to it, and to each other” she whispered back.

Killian leaned back and kissed her softly. “I think we should celebrate, go get dressed,” he said and Emma raised a curious brow at him. “Anton’s,” he said, and she smiled and headed into the house.

Killian dressed while she finished in the bathroom, his jaw nearly dropping as Emma stepped out dressed in a black gown, with a sheer overlay. Her curls were pinned back on one side, and she had had a sparkling bracelet on, with earrings to match. He swallowed, his throat thick, and he thought instantly to the night at the new yorker, that black satin gown and his fists clenched.

Emma noticed the change in his face, “You don’t like it?” she asked him warily, and he shook his head stepping toward her.

“You look stunning angel, absolutely stunning,” he said and kissed her red lips carefully.

Killian drove the new car to Anton’s. The large man came out, surprised and happy to see them. He brought them each a glass of wine, and Emma smiled happily when her favorite pasta was placed before her.

“A toast to us, for making our way to each other, to our life, and you, the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on,” he said, and Emma clinked her glass against his, taking a small sip.

A small dance floor in the back had a few couples on it, and Killian smiled at the song “Green Eyes” by Jimmy Dorsey as it crooned out. Killian took Emma’s waist, and hand in his and begun to sway along to the music, singing lowly in her ear. When the tempo picked up, he began spinning her wildly, dancing as they used to years ago in dark New York nightclubs, and Emma laughed, matching him step for step. Her perfect dance partner.

Anton surprised them with a small dessert and drew hearts in chocolate around the plate for them. Killian laughed, and Anton nodded, “I’m not Ingrid but I can throw a little something together in a pinch,” he said leaving them to finish their meal.

They headed home and held her shoes in one hand as she stepped out, and turned to look at the moon over the water. Killian grabbed a blanket off the rocker leading Emma to the beach, not too far from the house. They laid back, looking up at the sky, the darkness blanketed in millions of stars.

Emma shivered beside him and tucked herself closer. Her arm draped over his belly, he kissed her temple and told her stories of the constellations. Emma sighed her heart content, her belly full, and Killian’s voice soothing over her.

“Tonight was perfect, a perfect ending,” she said smiling against his chest, and he chuckled, kissing her temple as she yawned.

“Come on love,” he said and pulled her to her feet leading her to their small cottage by the sea while the sky overhead blanketed them in stars.

Killian unzipped her gown, lowering it slowly as she stepped out of it, hanging it in the closet. She pulled the hairpin out, and her curls fell in long waves to her back. Killian quickly hung his suit up and stood behind her in the mirror as she removed her earrings, taking advantage of her exposed throat.

His arms wrapped around her waist, his chest to her back as her green eyes followed his movements in the mirror. He unclasped her bustier, and pulled it away, as Emma spun in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his lips to hers in a practiced kiss. His hands flexed against her bottom, pulling her closer to his hips, and she smirked against the kiss.

Killian lifted her effortlessly and moved to the bed, going down to the mattress atop her, never taking his lips off of hers. He began fumbling with his shorts, pushing them down, and Emma lifted her hips pushing her panties down. She broke the kiss and moved up the bed, laying among the nest of pillows.

Killian knelt before her, taking one smooth leg in hand, and began rubbing her foot, earning him a sigh from Emma. He began kneading up her calf, to her thighs, before starting the assault on the other leg. Emma was squirming, her heart thudding in her chest, his blue eyes filled with mischief as he slowly began kissing his way up her thighs.

Emma reached for him, pulling him up to her mouth, and he obliged knowing Emma’s stamina was not quite what it normally was. He didn’t care, the moment her lips were on his, all he wanted was to make love with her. Her soft lips and perfume invading his thoughts, as his cock ached to be inside of her.

He lined himself up, teasing the tip of his cock through her silky folds, and Emma gasped, her red painted lips curling into a smile. Killian inched forward, his eyes trained on Emma’s face as he pushed himself deeper, her core enveloping him tightly as he pulled her thighs over his, arching her back into the mattress.

Killian plunged slowly, in and out of her channel at a languid pace. Her cunt was so soft and warm, the angle allowing him to slide over that spot deep inside of her, and every time he hit it Emma let out a whimper of need.

“Come here” she panted, and he carefully inched forward, hovering over her and slid one hand into her curls, his weight resting on his forearm as he continued his thrusts. Emma pulled his lips to hers, her tongue seeking his, as he continued pushing them both towards release.

His forehead and upper back had a sheen of sweat to them, Emma’s hands slid across his skin seeking purchase on his back holding him to her, just as his hand gripped her hair holding her still. She felt her orgasm igniting, the crackle in her veins pumping through her, and every stroke of him inside of her pushing her further toward the edge.

“I love you so much” she whined as her hips bucked seeking more, and Killian slowed, pushing himself as deep as he could go. Emma gasped as their pelvises rubbed, the thatch of hair at his base rubbing deliciously over her clit, and she was lost. She gripped his biceps calling his name as it rolled through her, and Killian grunted loudly, she felt his release in hot lashes deep inside of her, coating her as he continued rolling his hips, his eyes closed, dark lashes fanned over his reddened cheeks.

He slowly laved each of her stiff nipples, before he rested his forehead on her chest. “You’ll be the death of me one day angel,” he said and Emma giggled.

“Not too soon I hope,” she said and he looked up at her and smiled.

“Let me clean you up,” he said darkly, and he inched his way down her, placing soft kisses to her bump and she felt his tongue swipe through her folds. Emma arched with a cry, and he stopped and moved toward the bathroom, bringing a warm wet cloth to her, gently wiping.

“Sorry love, did that hurt?” he asked and she shook her head, earning her a curious look.

“I am just more sensitive now,” she said. “And sleepy, hold me,” she said and he wiped himself quickly, laying beside her, and folded her into his arms.

He kissed her hair, his fingers stroking her back softly, and began humming low, a tune she had not heard for many years now, as he held her firmly against him, his heartbeat beneath her ear lulling her to sleep.

The next morning, Killian readied some coffee, and pancakes for Emma, and heard her walking down their creaky hallway floor towards him. He hadn’t bothered with a shirt and smirked as he felt Emma run her fingers through his chest hair as she hugged him from behind, her soft robe against his skin.

“Morning Angel, pancakes ok?” he asked her and Emma laughed.

“Always,” she said as she grabbed two cups of coffee to join the glass of juice he had already poured for her.

“Are you ready for Ruby?” He asked as he brought the plate of pancakes to the table, sitting across from her.

“I don’t think one is ever really ready for Ruby, but yeah, of course, I am happy to see her and meet their little ones,” she said.

“Do you plan to tell her?” he asked.

“I think Ruby will smell it the moment she steps foot in town” she laughed and Killian nodded.

“I think you might be right, we will just ask her to keep that trap shut,” he said, earning him a giggle from Emma.

The day was brisk, Killian noticed the leaves beginning to droop a little on the trees, the air blowing through the screen door he left open, a bit cooler. He could smell Fall on its way to Maine. He smiled, he loved this time of year here, and with the wedding next week, the temperature shouldn’t be too cold but he was glad Belle made sure the tent had sides.

Emma sat down on the bed, her stomach churning, and she desperately tried to keep her breakfast down, nausea hitting her from out of nowhere.

Killian came in and eyed her, and walked back out to grab a ginger ale out of the pantry and cracked it open as he walked back settling next to her, and Emma took it from him taking a small sip.

Killian rubbed her back softly, and Emma gave him a half-smile. “Sorry,” she said.

“Don’t be” he said.

Emma opened the letters sitting on the nightstand, and grabbed her pad, crossing off people and checking Belle’s list.

“I think that is everyone,” she said, “no one said no” she laughed and shook her head.

“Even Mulan?” Killian asked and Emma nodded. She is taking a train up, and I already got her room at Granny’s for three nights. I think we have completely booked her up with our out-of-town guests, but I am glad Ruby and Vic are renting a house. It will be much easier on them” she said.

Killian thought about it, “I will have someone stock the fridge for them” he said, and she nodded in agreement. “What time are they arriving?” he asked looking at the clock.

“Um I think not until this afternoon, I gave her our address, and directions, I think they will unpack so perhaps we should do the fridge ourselves and wait for them at their cottage,” she said and he nodded.

Emma decided to start the bath and went to the porch where Killian was reading. “Hey sailor, you want to join me in the bath?” she asked. Killian was up and out of his chair like his ass was on fire and Emma squealed as he scooped her up hurrying down the hallway. She giggled as he set her to her feet, and dropped her robe, Killian taking her hands in his and knelt before her.

He placed his lips on her tiny bump “ Mo stoirín, please give your mummy a break today. She wants to enjoy her day with her very old friend, so if you can give her belly a break your papa would appreciate it” he murmured and kissed her stomach.

Emma looked down at him and giggled, “what on earth did you call it?” she asked.

“Little darling in Gaeilge. Our child will speak both” he said and she nodded.

“Okay,” she said and he helped her into the tub until she sat and climbed in behind her as the water continued to fill around them.

He pulled Emma back against his chest and began rubbing her shoulders, earning him a sigh of contentment out of Emma. “Mo Anam Cara” he called her, explaining to her that he called her his soulmate and Emma smiled at him, kissing his jaw. “What can I call you?” Emma asked him.

“Is tú mo ghrá” he replied, and Emma did the poorest imitation of his phrase, which made him laugh out loud. Emma splashed him.

“You don’t have to be mean about it Jones,” she said and he was still chuckling, and she pouted.

“You are my love" he replied and squeezed her. “I wasn’t making fun of you love, but I also had never heard such a poor attempt before” he tickled her side and she groaned.

“I hate you,” she said and he kissed her neck.

“Liar” he whispered in her ear and nipped her earlobe, and Emma trembled. This was absolutely a game he was willing to play with her, and trailed his fingers down her arms, smirking at the goosebumps he left in his wake. He kissed her neck, nosing over the soft skin beneath her ear, and he felt Emma’s breath hitch.

“Cold love” he kept teasing and Emma turned in his arms. Her small hand gripped the length of him and her hand pumped him earning her a moan from him, his blue eyes burning into hers. She closed the distance between their lips and Killian settled his hands on her neck and cupped her jaw with his thumbs, kissing her deeply, nipping her bottom lip, and soothing it with his tongue.

“Killian” she panted, and he urged her up on her knees, pulling her to his chest, and moved forward to give Emma room to wrap her legs around him.

“Are you comfortable love?” he asked staring up at her and she nodded, her hair damp around her face and he guided himself inside of her with one hand, his other hand on her hip keeping her steady. He watched her pupils blow wide as he pushed deeper inside of her, her lips parting, breath ghosting over his lips.

Once he slipped inside of her completely, he groaned against Emma’s lips as her hands sifted into his hair, her elbows on his shoulders. She continued kissing him as he gripped her lower back, rocking her gently back and forth, while buried as deeply as he could go. The friction of their pelvises rubbing, her clit being constantly stroked by the thick thatch of hair at his base causing her to moan out, her sensitive folds constantly being brushed by it.

Emma placed one hand on the edge of the tub as water sloshed around them, hitting the floor in wet smacks. She locked her eyes on his, and she licked at the sweat gathering on his upper lip, and Killian sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, lightly nipping at it. She loved him so much, loved when he made love to her just like this, slow and unhurried, connected in every way, and so close they could feel each other’s, heartbeat against the others.

“I love you” she whispered, “my husband,” she said with a smirk, and Killian’s lips parted, as he tilted her pelvis to hit her at just the right angle so that she cried his name out.

“And your husband will always take care of you angel” he moaned as she clenched around him.

He kissed up her throat, his hand tangling in her curls as he maneuvered her just where he needed her to be, to hit all of those deliciously sweet spots of hers. Her skin tasted of vanilla, and her soft skin was marked lightly by the scruff of his beard.

He murmured praises against her skin as he continued pushing himself deeper, her rocking the only movement, but enough. He could orgasm simply from being buried unmoving inside of her, feeling her heat wrapped around him like a glove, so tight it was like a fist gripping him.

“Come on angel, let me see you fall” he growled as he nipped at her throat and Emma slid her knees to the outside of his thighs. She lifted herself, gliding up and down his shaft, the warm water moving her effortlessly.

Her arms began to tremble, Killian’s hands at her waist assisting her up and down movements, He braced his feet against the tub bending his knees slightly to alter her descent, and she cried out. “I’m so close” she panted, and he kept assisting her in the punishing pace of chasing release, his head tipped back and a moan escaped his lips as one particular glide had his eyes nearly rolling back in his head.

“God it feels like fucking heaven being buried inside you. Fuck me, Emma, take everything you need, take us together” he begged her, his blood singing in his veins, needing her to come, to drag him over that precipice with her.

Emma reached between them and began rubbing at her clit, right above their connection. She gasped, the sensation rippling through her, and she moved faster, grinding down on him until Killian’s hands gripped her hips and her hair tightly dragging her gaze to his.

Emma could see him barely able to restrain himself, she had complete control over him at this moment, and they were so close, their eyes wild, mouths sliding messily across each other until he gripped her ass and thrust up into her.

She was gone, crying out his name, stars bursting behind her eyelids as she heard him growl as he released himself deep inside of her. Emma held on to him tightly riding out the wave that rolled through her, her legs locked and tired, chests panting against one another.

Killian buried his face in her neck, kissing the reddened skin softly. “Oh angel, gods your perfect” he murmured against her skin, his cock twitching inside of her. She sighed, sated and her blood humming through her body. She lifted herself and laid against his chest. She felt him kiss her hair, stroking her back as they laid there in the cooling water while they caught their breath, hearts slowing to a steady pace.

“We need to clean up” he murmured, and she nodded her arms still wrapped around his torso. She twisted and plucked the stopper out of the tub draining it, and she turned the knobs on, and the shower came raining down on them.

Killian stood first, helping her to stand and she began scrubbing her hair, his soapy hands massaging her skin, and she swatted him away with a smirk as she shampooed her hair leaving him to rinse under the spray. He smiled at her, unable to stop himself from running his palm over the small swell of her belly, over their child.

“At some point, you have to wash,” she said and he grinned.

“I know, I know. Finish up, and get yourself together he said as he scrubbed his skin with soap and he helped Emma step out. He finished up quickly, trimming his beard up, and Emma was in the kitchen writing a list out.

“Go finish up, then we can head to the market and get their house stocked,” he said, and Emma nodded, and yawned.

“Are you tired? Maybe I should go get everything and you can nap. I will come back to get you he said, and she smiled at him nodding.

“Okay, but I want to help, so wake me when you get back she said sleepily and she padded down the hallway. Killian made quick work of shipping, and stopped by Maurices for some fresh flowers, for their house, and Ruby and Vic.

He dropped by the station and checked in with Robin who told him no word yet for DC on Emma and Belle, and Killian let him know that they would have friends here this week, suggesting Regina and him attend a Barbeque at his and Emma’s house.

“I’ll call you, or Gina will call Emma to confirm,” he said and nodded at Killian as he walked out the door.

He pulled up and went into the house, Emma quietly dozing on the bed, and her eyes popped open at his footsteps. “That was fast she said, and eyed the clock, a frown on her face. You were gone nearly an hour” she said sitting up to stretch.

He smiled at her as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She pulled her curls back into a braid and slipped her shoes on.

“I’ll get myself together better once they are all set,” she said, and he nodded, helping her into the car and parking beside the cottage on Maurice’s property.

“Wow,” Emma said, taking in the view, Maurices beautiful landscaping and she was a little envious. “I don’t have a green thumb but I wish our yard looked like this,” she said and Killian laughed.

“Soon enough angel, let’s get through the wedding and we can talk houses. Alright?” he asked, and she smiled but nodded grabbing a bag of groceries and walking into the small house. She set the on the counter and opened the windows facing the water, letting the ocean breeze blow through the house airing it out.

Killian followed suit and went upstairs doing the same in the bedrooms, heading back down to help Emma unpack everything. He handed her the flowers and she searched for a vase, setting them on the table for Ruby with a note. They left the windows open and headed back to their own house, Emma immediately popping her hot rollers in as she gathered things for their dinner.

She was nervous to see Ruby, she applied her makeup carefully, and pulled on her floral skirt and eyelet blouse, wanting to be comfortable but not have her belly on full display just yet.

Killian popped beers into the fridge and was chopping vegetables when the phone rang, Emma picking up the receiver and mouthed “they’re here” at him and he smiled at her.

“They will be here in an hour, they want to unpack everything,” she said as she headed to the bedroom to take her curlers out. She finger-combed her soft waves, and once satisfied she went to help in the kitchen.

Killian had rice going on the stove, and vegetables and chicken roasting in the oven. She smiled at him knowing he was making lighter foods for her sake, and stirred the lemonade in the pitcher, and laid out some snacks on a tray until dinner would be ready.

She had just sat down on the couch when she heard a horn honk and immediately stood swaying a little on her feet. She was just about to reach out for the arm of the sofa when Killian’s hands wrapped around her waist steadying her on her feet.

“Everything ok?” he asked looking her over, and she nodded. “Just stood up too fast I think,” she said and kissed his cheek heading out onto their porch to greet them.

Ruby squealed and ran at Emma hugging her tightly, and Emma felt Rubys large belly against her own, and Ruby pulled back and smiled at her, and saw Killian, running to him next and he embraced her kissing her cheek.

Vic called out “don’t mind me, I will just unstrap the monsters myself,” he said sarcastically, and he lifted both children out of the backseat, and they toddled towards Emma.

She laughed, one was a perfect copy of Ruby, and one was the spitting image of Vic. She scooped the smallest one, Samuel, into her arms, and their elder son Peter was lifted by Vic.

Killian took Samuel from Emma and watched Emma lead Ruby inside the cottage. Vic eyed him, setting Peter down, and pulled Killian in for a hug.

“You look great, so does she. All seems well?” he asked and Killian laughed and nodded.

“Mary Margaret mentioned to Ruby you had some trouble up this way, but she didn’t tell Ruby what was going on. What happened?” Vic asked, concern in his eyes.

Killian shook his head, “I handled it. Threats gone, some Yorkies caused trouble with a local family, and Emma. But we can talk about it, just not here” he said and Vic nodded in complete understanding.

Emma and Ruby came out laughing with lemonade, and the tray of snacks and set them on the small table, and the toddlers were already heading toward the beach. Ruby and Emma trailed after them, and Killian snatched a blanket up, carrying the lemonade, and Vic grabbed the tray.

They had a makeshift picnic on the beach while the boys played in the sand, the sun was not quite cool enough yet to send them inside. Ruby had a million questions and zeroed in on Emma.

“You are pregnant, aren’t you!” she exclaimed and Emma laughed rolling her eyes. She looked to Killian, and Killian nodded.

“We knew you’d sniff it out Red,” he said and Ruby cackled and clapped her hands, Vic grinned at them.

“Congratulations, wait. M’s doesn’t know this does she?” Ruby asked and Emma shook her head.

“I was waiting for her to get here, I was hoping to get through the wedding before anyone noticed,” she said and Ruby nodded.

“Well, you look great, both of you. God, I am thrilled you two finally figured it all out” she said and squeezed their hands.

Killian kissed Emma and she sighed. Ruby looked like she was going to burst with excitement, and began peppering them with questions and asking about the town. Emma told her all about the school, and Ruby’s eyes widened.

“Wow. That is like a dream come true Em’s. I am so happy for you” she said and Emma smiled at her. “A baby, a wedding, and now a business. You surely don’t waste any time do you, Jones?” Ruby teased and he blushed, nodding at her.

Killian asked Vic about their business, and what was happening down south. They both filled Emma and him in on their lives there, and the possibility of wanting to be closer to them, that business was fine, but that they were not quite sure Florida made sense for them anymore with their expanding family.

Killian offered up some thoughts about Storybrooke and the potential for them there. Vic was not quite sold on it, but Ruby seemed eager to scope the town out for herself. Emma mentioned Dave and M’s coming and seeing houses while they visited and Ruby looked shocked, and possibly a little envious.

“I am going to be the only one left out” she pouted, and Emma pulled her into an embrace and kissed her friend’s hair.

“You’re never left out Rubes. Guess that means you have two weeks to convince this guy to move you here too” she said jokingly and Vic shook his head.

“You two, always ganging up on me,” he said playfully and ran after one of the boys who was getting too close to the surf.

Emma and Ruby packed up the beach and left Killian and Victor to wrangle the boys up. Emma pulled the chicken and vegetables out, letting them rest on the stove, and Killian and Vic came in shortly once they had gotten most of the sand off the kids.

They went to sit in the living room, and Killian put some music on, handing Victor a beer, and they continued chatting through dinner.

By the time full dark had come, both boys had crashed, and Killian helped load them into the car seats, and Emma told Ruby she would pick her up before the appointment at Regina’s and to bring her dress along, in case it needed alterations too. They hugged goodnight and waved as they drove out of sight.

Emma helped tide the kitchen until Kiliian sent her to bed, wanting her off of her feet. She waited for him, and he crawled in, picked up the book, and continued reading aloud until they both drifted off to sleep.

In the morning, Killian got up and phoned Ashley, a neighbor asking her to babysit for them a few hours each day if she could manage, and secured this evening for all of them. He wanted to take Ruby and Vic out to dinner after Emma’s appointment, but he also needed to speak with Vic one on one while the girls were busy.

He asked Ashley to go to their cottage to watch the boys around 3, and she agreed happily as long as she could bring her daughter Alexandra along.

Emma came out dressed already, and padded into the kitchen making some toast for herself, and poured some juice for herself, and Killian. He relayed his plans to Emma, and Emma suggested they go to that little seafood restaurant near the pier.

“You don't want to take them to Anton’s?” he asked surprised, knowing that his pasta was one of Emma’s major cravings and she shook her head. “Why not? Anton will be delighted to see you gorging on his pasta so soon” he asked her and Emma blushed.

“I probably shouldn’t eat so much pasta,” she said quietly and nibbled at her toast.

Killian gaped at her, “Why the hell not?” he asked, leaning back in his chair completely flummoxed. Emma shrugged and continued avoiding his eye contact.

He leaned over the table and dragged her chin toward his gaze. “Talk,” he said.

Emma’s hand went over her belly, and he waited patiently. “I just don’t want to put on too much weight, not before the wedding,” she said. Killian knelt beside her and spun her legs toward him.

“Is that all, you are concerned about putting on weight before the wedding? Sod the wedding love, you should eat what you want to, and it isn’t like you are eating it every night. It is ok Emma. You are with child, our child. You are not to deprive yourself of anything that you want unless it is pancakes and cake every day. Even if I have to buy all the lace on the eastern seaboard and hire Regina three people to help her remake the bloody dress. Am I making myself clear?” he rapped his knuckles on the table.

Emma laughed and nodded. “I don’t want to get fat, I understand healthy weight gain but somehow that pasta just seems like I am overindulging,” she said quietly, her insecurities bleeding out.

Killian eyed her, “love you have hardly gained five pounds, and when you showed up here you were already underweight. I want you to be happy so if you don’t want pasta, fine. We will eat stinky seafood, and your tummy won’t be filled with that delicious pasta you want” and Emma glared at him.

He chuckled and leaned in kissing her belly and then pulled her lips to his. “I want you happy and healthy, your belly full, our child content, and I do not want you to deprive yourself of anything,” he said.

Emma nodded, “let’s let them choose, that seems fair okay?” and he grumbled but nodded.

He stood heading toward their room to dress as he called out, “you want the bloody pasta, even if I have to pick it up on the way to the seafood restaurant” he said and Emma giggled knowing he would do it.

She dialed up the cottage, and Ruby picked up, and Emma let her know about Ashley and Ruby was so excited as she relayed it to Victor. Emma offered to come to get Ruby and take her around town and show her the school space, and Ruby was thrilled, needing a few moments to dress.

Emma went off in search of Killian when she found him sitting in the guest room. “Whatcha doing Jones?” she asked, leaning against the doorway.

He shook his head, “what you said upset me” he said.

Emma frowned and walked to sit beside him.“Why?”

“Because you’re the most beautiful woman in the entire world. My entire world, and on some level you are concerned that some sort of weight gain while you grow our child is going to make you unattractive, and I don’t know how to fix that, to make you see what I see” he said. Emma’s heart clenched and she turned, pushing him back flat. She crawled atop of him and he looked up at her, his blue eyes clear and searching her face for where her mindset was.

“I know you think I am the most beautiful woman in the world, your world. I know to you I am, but to me, I am allowed to have doubts, and insecurity, your only job is to make sure that you reassure me when I feel so badly that I am not unwanted or unloved. I need to know that if I gain ten pounds or thirty, that you love me” she said and he moved so quickly she hardly registered it.

Hovering over her she felt his fingers pull her panties down her hips swiftly, and he smirked. “Then I shall take that duty very seriously, love” and knelt before her, his head disappearing beneath her skirt.

Emma arched as his tongue made contact with her clit, and she moaned.

Killian licked his lips and spread her folds wide with his thumbs. The sheer fabric of her dress over his head filtering the light, but he could see her arousal, her folds slightly swollen and he began lightly suckling at her, dipping his tongue into her core and moaned at the heat surrounding his tongue. She tasted like honey and vanilla, that jasmine scent lingered and he relished the taste of her coating his throat, down to his belly as he drank her in.

Emma squirmed, feeling his tongue dip inside of her, twisting and curling as he continued, and she jerked when he inserted his thumb, opening her wider and the finger rubbing lightly over her clit, as he continued.

Killian was growing painfully hard in his slacks, he pulled back and unbuckled them and stood dropping them to the floor. He leaned over Emma lining himself up and rubbed the tip of his cock against her opening.

Emma’s eyes burned into his, “get inside me now” she demanded, and her legs hooked behind his legs, pulling him closer.

He groaned as he slid the head of his cock inside of her, her heat enveloping him, and he inched inside of her slowly, her tight cunt gripping the head of him tightly.

“Please” she begged and he thrust forward. He pushed himself in and out of her heated walls, Emma grabbing the back of his neck and pulling his lips to hers in a lush kiss, her lips so soft against his, her tongue darting out to tease his own, and he swallowed her cries as the tip of his cock rubbed over that ridge deep inside of her.

“Fuck Angel, you’re going to make me come,” he said and kept his forehead against hers.

“Together” she whined, and he snapped his hips faster, while Emma clung to him, her nails biting into the skin on his neck.

His orgasm rushed up, not wanting to fall without her, he lightly pinched her clit and felt as she clamped down on him, squeezing him so tightly he thought he would pass out.

They cried each other’s names out together, and Killian continued slowly rocking while she drained every drop out of him.

“Killian” she whimpered, as he continued rocking, he had only softened a fraction, when the sound of her voice had him hard again.

“Angel, you need more?” he asked her, brushing her curls off her temples and she nodded.

“Please” she begged, and he smiled at her, he didn't hate the hormones of pregnancy so much when she was so needy for him.

He quickly knelt before her, bunching her skirt to her hips, exposing her to his gaze. He groaned seeing his cum trickling out of her core, and began lapping at her, licking her glistening folds.

Killian inserted two fingers, coaxing their mixed arousals out of her, and drinking down every single drop. He lifted her legs over each of his shoulders, and Emma arched, her hips bucking, trying to get closer, her heels digging into his back pulling him in.

He continued suckling and licking her at a quick pace, careful to keep his tongue and teeth gentle on her sensitive skin. He already felts her walls heating, fluttering, and he knew she was so close already. He curved his fingers grazing the soft spot inside of her, and she screamed, a fresh rush of her arousal seeped over his tongue, and he kept going, helping her ride it through.

Emma’s head slumped to the bed, her limbs felt boneless and tired. Killian kissed the inside of her thigh and loomed over her, a pleased smirk on his face.

“Does my angel require more?” he asked inches from her lips.

“No, you fiend, now I need a nap” she giggled and playfully pushed against him. He nuzzled her nose with his and kissed her chastely. He straightened his trousers and shirt, pulling Emma to a sitting position, and knelt to place her panties back on her.

“Why Swan, did I wear you out already? It’s still morning love” he teased and she glared at him without a hint of malice behind it. He pulled her to stand and tugged her panties back up, righting her dress, and spun on his heel to go wash himself up.

Emma came in and combed her hair which was now disheveled and Ruby would know right away why she was late. She smiled, looking at Killian fix his hair, using water to make it lay correctly again. He turned and smiled at her, and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her quickly.

“Pasta?” he asked her again like he did it all to prove a point. Prove to her that he found her desirable, any time, any place, any weight, and she loved him for it.

She smiled and nodded, “even if they pick the seafood place?” she asked and he chuckled.

“Of course angel, just what your heart desires” and he patted her ass walking toward the kitchen. Emma rolled her eyes and grabbed her handbag, ensuring she had a sleeve of saltines in it, and her keys, she tucked her sunglasses inside and walked out slipping her flats on.

Killian came out and looked at her, “where are you off to? It’s early for your fitting” he said.

“I was going to take Ruby around, show her the space, maybe do a little shopping. Spend some time together” she said, and he nodded.

“I will follow you, I planned to hang out with Victor anyways before tonight” and he grabbed his sunglasses, tucking them in his shirt pocket.

“Are you going to tell him?” she asked, and he cocked an eyebrow at her.

“I don’t know yet,” he said, and she believed him.

They drove up the road, and Killian pulled in first, Ruby walking as fast as she could with her garment bag towards Emma’s car, and her eyes nearly popped out of her head.

“Is this your car?” she asked her, and Emma nodded.

Ruby whistled, “Damn. I picked the wrong guy” she teased blowing Vic a kiss and he shook his head at her smiling. “Love you” she waved and the boys ran over hugging her legs and she bent placing kisses on each one, leaving her red lipstick on their cheeks.

Killian came toward Emma, "see you in a bit?” he asked, and she smiled nodding.

“We will come back here when we are done, I am sure Ruby will want to change for dinner,” she said and he nodded.

Killian cupped her jaw, the sunlight sparkling in her green eyes, and he locked his eyes on hers. “I love you. Come back in one piece, both of you” he said and Emma leaned in to close the distance.

He shook his head as he watched them drive off, Emma was a cautious driver, she would be safe. Ruby however was another story, he chuckled as he slung Peter over his shoulder making his way across the lawn towards Vic and Samuel.

“Hey. Seafood or Italian tonight?” Killian asked him.

“Italian, we have enough seafood in Florida Jones, and Ruby can hardly stand the smell right now, and I doubt Emma could handle it either,” he said and Killian smiled.

“What’s it like? Being a father?” he asked his friend.

Vic barked out a laugh, “being a human jungle gym, tiny humans kissing you, and smearing something sticky on you all the time. But Ruby, watching her be a mom is the best. I never thought I made any good decisions until the moment I decided to marry her” he said.

Killian nodded. “You will be fine, so will Emma. Plus you didn’t waste any time at all, you will probably have three in three” he said laughing.

Killian cocked an eyebrow, “what does that mean?�� he asked him.

“It means you two can hardly keep your hands off each other so three in three years, Emma will probably be pregnant as often as Ruby is” he joked and Killian chuckled. “So, you want to tell me what’s going on?” Vic asked, and Killian eyed him and gestured to the kids.

“Boys, snacks and cartoons” he called out and they scurried into the house, Vic set them up with some crackers and juice, and turned the small set on, Donald Duck waddling into view. “That will keep them busy for a while,” he said and sat down.

Killian swallowed the Iced Tea Vic had offered, and he looked down at his hands not knowing where to start. He trusted Vic, they had committed many misdeeds together, he was a safe space.

He told the story from the beginning, from the time he left Ruby and his house until now. Neil, Boston, the shooting, Emma coming back, all of it. He told Vic the details of the night they saved Belle, and Vic remained silent through it all listening to him.

Killian finished and drank his tea, gauging Vic for a reaction.

“I would have finished him if it were me,” he said shaking his head. “You never let them walk before Jones, why did you hesitate? I mean this is a guy who threatened your wife” he asked.

“There were federal agents involved, if I killed him, they would have known. Too many people saw me, I led them to the bunker in plain view” he said.

Vic shook his head. “If it had been Ruby, I would have torn him apart,” he said. “But it is now isolated, there hasn’t been any more up this way?” he asked.

Killian shook his head, and Vic sighed in relief. “We left the life, I don’t want to risk my family ever again. Ruby, ever again. Is it safe here?” he asked and Killian nodded.

“A good place for families, we could use some help. Belle wants to open a community Center, and the town could always use another restaurant” he said, his friend nodding.

“Ruby could probably help Emma out at the school too, and if we get M’s here, Ruby could easily do a boutique with her in town, there is only one for women, there is plenty of room to grow this place,” he said.

Vic rapped his knuckles on the table. “Maybe, we will see. For now, it’s just a vacation, I would feel more comfortable until the trial is over, make sure no one comes sniffing up this way again. It’s not like we were good men Jones. Florida gave me the clean slate. You got one here, I don’t want to draw attention to us” he said, and Killian nodded in understanding.

“I have some errands to run, but I will head back by around 6ish, the girls should be back around then,” Killian said standing, and Vic waved him off, heading back inside.

Killian headed toward Marco’s and pulled up in the alley, the garage door open while he worked. He turned the machine off.

"Killian my body, what is the news today?" He asked him dusting his hands on his apron.

"Hi, I just wanted to see how everything was coming, say hello. Do You need anything? He asked.

Marco shook his head. "Come see" and he led Killian around, lifting a tarp. The chair was built, and the frame of the dresser. Killian ran his hand over the pieces, "They're beautiful Marco" he said and Marco beamed.

"A few weeks and they'll be ready. I'll say around November" he replied and Killian nodded.

"I'll leave you to it," Killian said, and he headed out heading towards the butcher and placed an order for their barbeque, and stopped into the barber getting a trim and a shave. He headed home and saw Emma's car at the building. He was tempted to stop but wanted to give Emma and Ruby space.

Emma flicked the blinds open, and Ruby smiled as she took it in. "Emma! It's going to be perfect!" And hugged her as tight as she could with her burgeoning belly.

Ruby cradled her cheeks, "I am so proud of you Em" she said and Emma nodded.

"God, you guys were made for each other, I am so glad you guys made your way back together. And this place, and a baby. You have found your home and I think it’s incredible" she said wistfully and hugged Emma again, and Emma hugged her back, her eyes watering but just smiled.

"Shall we go see the dress? Emma asked, and Ruby clapped excitedly, as Emma navigated toward Regina’s house.

"Whoa, this place is massive" Ruby declared as they walked toward the front door.

"She is a lovely person, you'll like her. Sharp tongue and a sense of humor to match" Emma said ringing the bell.

Regina greeted them happily and led them into the studio. Ruby's eyes nearly rolled out her head and Emma smirked at her.

Regina hung her dress up in the changing rooms and instructed Ruby to change into her own dress. When she emerged Emma smiled, and Regina was impressed that the dress fit Ruby so well.

"Up on the podium please, let me check the length" and Ruby followed her instructions, turning, and holding still as Regina made a few alterations and then helped Ruby step out of her dress.

"Your turn Emma" Regina beamed, and Emma slipped the dress on, feeling that nervous flutter as Regina slid the zipper into place and began fastening the buttons.

Ruby impatiently sat, looking around the studio when they emerged. She gasped and immediately began crying. Emma stepped on the podium, and Regina bustled around her and fastened her veil into her hair to give the full effect.

"Well?" Regina asked, and Emma's eyes filled with tears as she took in the image of herself.

"I look like a bride, oh Regina. It's beautiful" she whispered and spun trying to see every detail.

Regina nodded and smiled. "One more fitting, two days before, but I think this will be fine, I don’t see much change in weight, your sash will deflect from any attention to your waist" she explained and grabbed Emma's hands. "It has been a pleasure to be a part of this," she said and Emma hugged her tightly.

"You brought something to life when I didn't even know what I wanted, it’s perfect!" Emma said and Ruby was wiping tears away with tissues and just nodded, unable to speak.

Regina smiled and unzipped and unfastened the buttons. She carefully removed Emma’s veil and helped her out of her dress.

Emma changed quickly and they sat and chatted for a few moments, introducing Ruby properly and they spent a little time talking, agreeing to the barbeque at their cottage as Emma and Ruby took their leave.

"God Em, that dress is going to rock Jones's world" Ruby teased and Emma laughed.

"I hope so!" Emma said as she navigated toward the rental cottage.

"Are you going to tell me what happened? Ruby asked.

Emma knew she would have to explain. She told the story, the necklace, leaving, Boston, and how she ended up here. She told her version of the Neil story leaving the gory details out, and by the end, Ruby just shook her head.

"It’s safe now though? And Emma nodded.

"Good. Because I'm going to make Vic move here!" She exclaimed, as if she could bend the wall of the world to meet her expectations and Emma smiled at her.

"I am proud of you Em, I'll see you tonight. Before you say it, I won't tell M's any of this, but I will tell her about your dress because I can’t hold that inside!" She laughed as she exited the car.

Emma got home and immediately went to their room and began pulling her hair out, and popped her curlers in. Killian wasn't back yet, but she went to the pantry drinking a little ginger ale and some crackers before going to apply her makeup.

Killian made it home and she heard him make a call to Anton's, before he came into the bedroom, and slid his arms around Emma’s waist as she combed her hair.

"You look perfect," he said and his hands caressed her belly before he knelt, and began whispering to her belly in that strange dialect.

"What are you saying?" She asked.

"To let mummy enjoy her pasta and the dancing that will surely follow" he replied, smiling up at her.

Emma giggled, "alright casanova, get dressed" she chided.

"As you wish, angel" and promptly began stripping and pulled out a suit.

"What color are you wearing tonight?" He mused looking at ties.

"Green," she said and Killian searched until he found the tie he wanted. He dressed quickly and helped Emma zip her dress up, and she grabbed her clutch down, taking a few items with her.

"All set?" He asked and she nodded as he led her to his car, and made sure she was settled, before sliding behind the wheel.

Ruby smiled as she entered the restaurant, her bubbly personality charmed Anton and he led them to their booth and a bottle of wine and water was promptly delivered.

They each had a glass and toasted as the first course came out, and they lost themselves in conversation and memories. As Emma swayed in Killian’s arms, she smiled watching Ruby and Victor dancing a few feet away.

By the time they left, Anton had slipped Killian an extra order of pasta, and a knowing smile and they headed home, where he tucked it away in their refrigerator.

Emma was exhausted, and Killian helped her out of her gown, tucking her in closely. The next few days seem to fly by quickly, and before they know it, Dave and Ms had arrived and the wedding was two days away.

He marveled at the setup Belle was overseeing on the beach, and the trucks coming and going. Emma sat on the porch watching and their friends came by often, and Emma spent this particular morning wrapped in her robe overlooking the sea.

"Everything alright, angel?" He asked and she smiled grasping the hand he had laid on her shoulder, and she kissed his hand.

"Just thinking about being the luckiest girl in the world" she mused as she rubbed her belly. Killian was surprised she was able to keep the baby a secret from Mary Margaret but they planned to tell everyone officially tonight at the rehearsal dinner.

David had officially been offered a job here, and they were seeing housed that morning. They planned to announce that at dinner as well, and Emma couldn’t be happier.

She didn’t even notice the tears streaming down her cheeks until Killian knelt before her and wiped them away.

"Tell me," he said, and she laughed, blaming her hormones.

"I'm deliriously happy," she said quietly, and he understood.

"Everything we dreamed about Angel, is just two days away," he said wiping her tears away and she nodded.

"It's just so surreal," she said.

"I know angel, it’s perfect' he mused and kissed her head, as he went inside to grab her present.

"I got you something," he said and handed her a slender velvet box.

Emma looked at him surprised when she took it with shaky hands. She gasped when she opened it. A beautiful bracelet of Diamonds. Sapphires and aquamarines lay inside with matching earrings.

"Killian, oh my god. It’s beautiful" she whispered and he sat across from her.

"Your something blue" he stated. "Do you like them?" He asked and she nodded.

"You always outdo yourself" she mused, running her fingers over them. "This is rather extravagant though sir," she said and he laughed.

Emma went inside grabbing her little box and brought it to him. He looked surprised and amused when she handed him two boxes.

A handkerchief embroidered with their wedding date lay in one, and a gorgeous pair of cufflinks in the other. "Seems I am not the only one outdoing themselves today," he said and kissed her softly.

Emma beamed at him, and he chuckled. "Let’s get ready for the day," he said and they showered quickly, dressing and got ready to go see the vendors at the beach.

Everyone gathered around the large table set up for their dinner, as Belle guided them through the rehearsal of the vows, they opted to do the ceremony outside the tent on the beach, under s canopy of white roses and freesia, ivy, and gardenia, and Belle was like a drill instructor.

Killian choked up as Emma made her way toward him in the sand, with her makeshift bouquet of ribbons and everyone lined up in their spots, doing it once more at Belles’s insistence.

They chose Anton's for the dinner, and he brought out family-style dishes of food not being served at the wedding, but Emma’s pasta was the exception. They made their announcement, and their friends cried and toasted them, and when Dave made his announcement, they cried all over again.

They danced with one another, changing partners and even Will Scarlet took Ruby and M's for a spin on the floor, and Killian sighed in contentment, watching their old lives and new ones melding together.

Ruby and Ms insisted that they spend the night before the wedding apart, much to his dismay, and Regina offered her home to the women which they gladly accepted.

Dave and Vic set up a makeshift stag party at Victor’s cottage, where they shared drinks and memories, and Killian later lay in their bed unable to sleep. He thought of how so much had changed so fast, his fingers rubbing over the wedding bands in his hand, and he realized he had fought and won everything he had set out for when he stepped off that boat in America. He was proud of himself for the first time in his whole life.

Emma enjoyed her own party at Regina’s, a lovely evening with Ruby, M's, Belle, Mulan, Regina, and Zelena. They toasted, and ate cake, and shared their own stories and memories, old and new, and Emma cried a few times as she realized she was going to get her happy ending after all. She slept soundly, missing the warmth of Killian but knew it was worth it.

Belle called early, and Zelena’s team swooped in, taking over Regina’s house like a salon. They primped and plucked and prepped everyone, including Regina, and Killian called around lunch.

"Hi" Emma exclaimed.

"Hi Angel, happy wedding day," he said, and the sound of her voice was exuberant snd he smiled at that. "You ready?" He asked.

"Absolutely" Emma replied as Zelena fussed over her.

"Alright, well I love you. See you soon" he said, not wanting to choke up talking to her.

"I will be the one in white, or ivory, or lace. All of the above" she giggled.

"I love you more than anything, angel," he said and hung up.

His heart felt like it was beating out of his chest, and when Dave and Vic arrived, they shared a strong drink, toasting to his big day, and they relaxed, getting only mildly tipsy. Belle admonished them for drinking and scurried off barking orders at all the vendors, Ingrid's truck arrived and Killian saw their cake being carried in.

He glanced at the clock, realizing he needed to get ready. Vic and Dave took off to shower at their places, taking his car, and Anton began setting up shop in his kitchen.

He dressed and pulled his new cufflinks on with his tux when Belle came in, dressed in a beautiful chiffon gown of pale blue, looking gorgeous.

"You look incredible," he said, hugging her. They sat on his bed, and Belle handed him an envelope.

"If this is money, I don't accept," he said and she laughed.

"Open it," she said rolling her eyes.

Dear Killian,

Today's the day, and I couldn't be happier. Thank you for loving me, for fighting for me, for us, for our happy ending.

I love you beyond measure, and wanted to reassure you I will be there, from every day forward I choose us, and I love you. No, take-backs, or exchanges. You're stuck with us Jones.

Love,

Emma

Killian teared up and Belle rested her head on his shoulder handing him a tissue.

"You deserve this, all of it. Here" she said. She handed him another envelope. He took it and opened it, seeing a land deed.

"Belle, I can't accept this," he argued.

"This is my gift to you, build a house here, make your life here, raise your family there. It's a beautiful spot overlooking the water, its beachfront, and it is one thing I want you to have. It has been in my holding for quite some time. A future that I hoped one day to give you on a day like today when I purchased it two years ago. This was always for you Killian" she said and he hugged her.

"Why?" He choked out.

"Because you were part of our family, and even though a lot has changed this hasn't. You are our family, and that gift was meant for you with, or without Emma. It is just more perfect now that she will share it with you" she said.

He had tears streaming down his cheeks as he clutched her against him. "You are my best friend" he whispered and placed his hand over her swollen belly. "I will love and protect you both for all of my life," he stated.

"I know," Belle said and dabbed his tears.

"Now let's get you married," she said and Vic and Dave arrived as he had pulled himself together, Belle fussing over each of them, pinning their boutonniere's on.

Guests began arriving and Belle went out to oversee the setup.

Emma stood in Belle’s living room as Regina zipped her onto her dress, and Zelena fussed with her makeup once more, and Ruby and Mary Margaret held hands crying watching Emma be dressed. Mulan stood stoically and just smiled.

"You ladies need to stop crying, I understand hormones but you're ruining your makeup" Zelena huffed as her team swooped in to fix them all up.

Mulan and Emma hugged, and they didn’t need words. They just held hands, and Mulan said a Chinese blessing over Emma and held her hand to Emma's belly. "bǎi nián hǎo hé" she whispered, "It means to wish a hundred years of conjugal bliss and harmony to the couple. It encompasses my hope for you to have an everlasting journey of love together," she said and Emma hugged her again.

"Thank you" Emma murmured and all the women gathered around her checking her over.

Belle came in, assisted by Will, and his eyes widened, "you look beautiful Emma. Jones is a lucky man" he said and Emma smiled. Belle looked so happy, and her hand was still clasped in Wills which made this day even sweeter, they all were getting their happy endings.

"It's time," Belle said.

Emma nodded and they began heading down toward the cottage where Emma would wait, and Marco stepped inside, "I would be honored if you would allow me to escort you down that aisle, and Emma almost cried.

"Of course, thank you, Marco," she said and gripped his hand. Emma looked out and could see the seats filled, and Killian fidgeting. She smiled.

Belle signaled and Marco led Emma out and down the steps. "Ready?" He asked her, and Emma smiled and nodded.

He led her down an aisle lined with beach stones, and she looked up as the music changed to Pachelbel's Canon. They came around the tent into view and Emma heard gasps and smiled, and then she looked forward.

Green locked on blue until she stood before him.

Killian was sure his heart skipped a beat when he saw her. His eyes watered, and he swallowed thickly. She looked like an angel, ethereal almost, her gown exquisite, and the smile on her face showing sheer joy. She made her way to him, Marco handing her to him, and their eyes remained locked on each other as they recited their vows, and their wedding bands slipped on one another's fingers.

"By the powers invested in me, I am honored to announce Mr. And Mrs. Killian Jones. You may kiss your bride."

Killian cupped her neck and wrapped an arm behind her waist as her arms banded around his neck, kissing much more passionately than appropriate, but they poured every emotion, every pain, every healed scar into that kiss.

They rested their foreheads together, staring into one another's eyes, until the crowd whistled and they turned to raise their hands and everyone clapped as they made their way toward the tent, followed by their guests.

Champagne flowed freely, people milling about, raucous laughter, and dancing, surrounded by friends and chosen family.

As their song played, Killian swayed her around the dance floor, his arms firmly around her as he whispered Happy Wedding day angel. We made it" and Emma giggled.

Emma nodded, "We got our happy ending Killian, in a cottage by the sea, with our friends, and a family. Everything you wished for so long ago" she said stroking the back of his neck.

He smiled at her, "that's where you're wrong angel. We just earned our happy beginning" he murmured, and they stayed just like that. Green locked on Blue.

@sailtoafarawayland @omgmarvelous

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#emma swan #killian jones #ouat au #ouat #once upon a time

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swanlake1998 · 4 years ago

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Article: Why I Left My Classical Ballet Job to Explore My Roots in Javanese Dance

Date: February 6, 2021

By: Cat Woods

At the peak of her career, dancer Juliet Burnett left the Australian Ballet to explore her Javanese roots. Now, the Indonesian-Australian ballerina is drawing on her heritage to expand the often narrow world of performing arts.

When Juliet Burnett smiles, the full gloriousness of her high-cheekbones and angular face are both feline and balletic, not dissimilar to the finely boned, regal faces of Javanese dancers. Her facial expressions, like her body — sculpted by almost two decades of professional dance — are deliberate and refined.

It's been five years since Burnett left The Australian Ballet at the peak of her career, having been steadily promoted, over 13 years, to the role of senior artist within the Melbourne-based company.

From her family home in Sydney, where she is temporarily living while borders are closed for travel due to COVID-19, Burnett is fired up about the attitudes of classical dance. She has memories of feeling like an outsider amongst a largely middle-class, white company that espoused creative adventurism but failed to appeal to — or recruit — more than a couple of Indigenous dancers, nor to make the Asian-Australian dancers in the company feel that their cultural heritage was encouraged in the imperial values of classical ballet. "Black dancers, Asian dancers, and dancers of color aren't made to feel like their cultural provenance is celebrated," she tells Allure.

"I felt like the role of women in classical ballet is to be subservient," she says now, reflective and thoughtful in her wording, though not cautious. Burnett is not one for tip-toeing about. "Not just the roles for women, but the very system of classical ballet.”

The Australian Ballet encountered backlash in June this year after it published a black square on social media. The national ballet company was accused by its Instagram followers of being "lazy," doing the bare minimum in its response to Black Lives Matter.

In 2019, in a review of the Australian Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker for Australian arts publication Limelight Magazine, the critic viewed the production as perpetuating "racialised stereotypes of Chinese characters." The lack of diversity in the ballet industry as a whole has been brought to public conversation by numerous dancers over recent years, including Misty Copeland, who, via a 2019 Instagram post, called out dancers who were in blackface during a rehearsal for a performance for the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. (Following the post and media coverage, the New York Times reported that the general director for the Bolshoi said in a statement at the time that the ballet company "will not comment on the absurd allegation" of racism.)

A statement provided to Allure from The Australian Ballet says: "The Australian Ballet aims to reflect the diverse Australian community that we operate in and foster an inclusive environment for all. We’re continuing to learn and we are working on longer-term strategies to increase participation in dance across all communities, and provide more access to The Australian Ballet for all Australians, it may take time, but we are committed to working on the bigger picture."

The statement continues: "The Australian Ballet recruited its first Indigenous dancer [Ella Havelka] in 2012, and since then has recruited a second First Nations dancer."

While Burnett would eventually become an outspoken advocate for diversity in ballet, her experience with dance began without an agenda towards a career, nor even the intention to practice classical ballet.

"My grandmother, Raden Ayu Catherine Ismadillah Brataatmaja, was a professional Javanese dancer," she says. "As soon as I was five, my mother was curious about whether dance was in my blood too, so she enrolled me in ballet with the idea that I could follow in her footsteps. She was totally not a pushy dance mum."

Brataatmaja was the star palace dancer of the Surakarta Sultanate (Javanese monarchy in Indonesia), performing the royal court dance Bedhaya Ketawang for Indonesian royalty. Widyas Burnett, while also fully encouraging her daughter to embrace classical ballet, endeavored to make the costume for 14-year-old Juliet's first school choreographic effort, "Campursari." The final number combined classical ballet moves with Javanese dance positions, set to the soundtrack of traditional gamelan music.

Like many young dancers who are recruited to train endless hours through their pre-teen and teenage years to be auditioned for international ballet schools, her talent was spotted by her dance teachers, Valerie Jenkins and Christine Keith. Her graduation from The Australian Ballet School led to the beginnings of her career in 2003. As a dancer with The Australian Ballet, she embodied Odette in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, and La Sylphide.

In 2011, Burnett was awarded the Khitercs Hirai International Scholarship, intended to allow members of The Australian Ballet companies to travel internationally. She used the scholarship to visit Indonesia to study her grandmother's art of Javanese dance and to initiate workshops for Indonesian kids — particularly those in underprivileged "slums" along the Ciliwung riverbank in Java. Burnett also trained in the theatrical, dance, and meditation techniques as pioneered by her uncle, the actor, poet, and activist, W.S. Rendra.

"When visiting my Mum's side of the family in Indonesia, we'd arrive in Jakarta and there's this big fly road that was built during Suharto's time, and you go across this modern freeway and you peer down the side and there are all these shanty towns," she recalls. At a young age, Burnett was struck by the financial inequity in such a big, prosperous city. Her parents were very open about the fact that many children didn’t have access to clean drinking water, but "then I'd go to my aunt's place and have a beautiful home-cooked meal and watch their big screen TV and everything’s clean and they’ve got their maid cooking for us." Once her dance career started taking off, she "wanted to go back and try and reconnect and bring something back to [those children]."

"Ballet dancers can live in a bubble," she says. "The level of training, rehearsal and performance becomes more than work, it's a lifestyle. I knew, from early on, that I would have to work to maintain my curiosity for other cultures, other forms of dance, to ensure I was not losing my own spirit."

There was no sudden event that resulted in Burnett's choice to leave The Australian Ballet. In fact, Burnett says she had been open with the Ballet from the beginning of her tenure about the fact that she found the hierarchical structure to be outdated and felt that it clashed with her values, and saw the system of promoting dancers destroy careers. Since leaving The Australian Ballet, Burnett has been more creative and vocal in demonstrating how dance can be a political and social statement, and provocation to limited perspectives on culture, poverty, justice, and gender. She created and shared “Injustice: a short film” on her website last year. To get the clips seen in the film, Burnett made a call out on Instagram, inviting people to submit videos of themselves following her choreographic instructions.

In pre-pandemic times, Burnett resided in Belgium, where she is a dancer for The Royal Ballet of Flanders. Burnett has also just launched her own company, A-Part. "It's purely online for now," she explains, "but obviously, once the travel restrictions allow and it is safe to do so, it will be a real-world dance company that travels and performs."

For Burnett, working with the Pina Bausch Company and alongside Akram Khan as a first soloist dancer with The Royal Ballet of Flanders allowed her to shake off the shackles of rigid, classical training and methodology in favor of the liberation, the sometimes feral and primitive nature of contemporary dance and to finally indulge her need to journey into her own Indonesian roots.

"What's wonderful about the Royal Ballet of Flanders is that it's enabled me to dance the choreography of Pina Bausch, Akram Khan, and Édouard Lock, all these contemporary choreographers who I'd never have had access to in Australia," she says. "After I left The Australian Ballet, I wanted to delve into my artistic identity."

Burnett's activism has been creative, positive, and aligned with her belief that education and collaboration are the only ways to provide inclusive, safe environments for those in the dance world. She has presented master classes in collaboration with Ballet.id (Yayasan Bina Ballet Indonesia), which is a non-profit foundation enabling partnerships between Indonesian and international dancers and academics.

In an essay for Pointe in August, writer and educator Shaté L. Hayes writes that the only meaningful response to racial insensitivity within ballet is to genuinely commit to change within ballet schools through major companies. Posting PR-approved hashtags isn’t enough.

David McAllister left his role as artistic director of the Australian Ballet last year. In the statement provided to Allure, the new artistic director, David Hallberg, says, "The future of The Australian Ballet will continue to uphold the rich repertoire of classical ballet but as well, search for new ways to communicate the spirit of dance in this country. I am absorbing the diversity that makes Australia the great country it is, full of varied voices in dance, music, and art, that will be a part of building the repertoire at The Australian Ballet."

That can't happen too soon. Burnett's bravery in speaking of her own experience of working within the ballet world as an Asian-Australian also echoes the experiences of Black, Latinx, and multiracial dancers internationally. “For those of us who were mixed race or fully Asian, Black, or a dancer of color, the ballet world can feel really homogenous, and difficult to find your place and to find a way to celebrate your cultural identity with truth and authenticity,” Burnett says. “It’s important not to be afraid to question the systems that we work in, to say things to your directors. I really hope for a day when the structures we work in don't ask dancers to be mute, subservient, and to comply all the time."

#article #juliet burnett #allure #racism #ballet

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monomonomagines · 5 years ago

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If its not too much trouble, could I ask for the monster AU with the sdr2 guys? I love monsters and I love the monster AU you did for v3

Howdy, Anon! I hope you don’t mind, but Mod Kokichi and I tend to get very excited with our Monster AU so we ended up having to split these into three parts this time thanks to the inclusion of Izuru. Now that my short explanation is out of the way, I hope that you’ll enjoy part one, and thanks so much for enjoying our V3 Monster AU. I plan to post the next parts tomorrow if possible so I hope that you’ll look forward to them.

Part 1 (Part 2 here) (Part 3 here)

Twogami (shapeshifter)

You were on an evening stroll through the neighborhood when it happened.

With nothing but the marmalade light slowly fading in the distance and sound of birds chirping in the distance to keep you company.

That serenity seemed like it would last for ages that is until an inhuman screech pierced your ears.

Within an instant, you lost that peaceful moment and in another you're legs were carrying you towards that sound before you could think to do otherwise.

Now out of breath and confused by your own lack of forethought you ended up laying your eyes on a strange shadowy figure with a nasty bite wound on its leg.

It didn't seem dangerous or that it would attack you though as it lay there with sad eyes looking at you. If anything, you felt bad for the guy so you took him home with you carrying the shadowy form, feeling it's warm and weirdly fuzzy form.

Soon enough you were home though with your new "friend" in tow. Now was the time to get him some medical attention though.

You quickly grabbed some supplies and got to work. Then by the time you were done, you sent him off on his way.

It was at least a week ago since your encounter but you still wondered at times how he or it was doing. It was hard to tell really if a shapeshifter had a gender in its truest form but even then there was no use worrying about it.

Today you had to focus. There was a charity ball being held by none other than the Togami family and as your family was the one that catered the event and you being the only one with free time, you were sent to act as a representative.

Pushing open the doors you take a deep breath as you enter immediately noticing the Byakuya Togami going absolutely ham on the food your family provided.

You wouldn't have guessed he was such a big eater but even then you shouldn't stare probably. You take your eyes off of him rather embarrassed by your own lack of manners when he called out to you.

"You're S/o are you not? I must thank you and your family for most humbly procuring all this food for us. It's sure to make our event a great one."

His eyes seemed to be looking you over rather analytically yet his words were gentle as he continued.

"I know you're not accustomed to dances such as this with your status most likely but I was hoping that you would join me for the first dance tonight."

Wait, he was asking you!? Despite any protests you gave he admonished you with equal amounts of passion, insisting that he, the Byakuya Togami, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny was to dance with you and there was no convincing him otherwise.

What you didn't expect was to even be close enough to Byakuya to interact with him but by the end of the night, you were both already planning on going out together again.

It had been like some fairy tale meeting, the way you two met was special and the relationship that quickly bloomed between you two was just as much.

That's why as months went by you decided you wanted to take things further. You ended up buying yourselves matching rings, they weren't similar to wedding rings but they were their own unspoken promise that you two were each other.

You were excited to propose the idea to him as he arrived for another one of your rendezvous but at the sight of the ring, he seemed nervous.

"Of course...I-I'd love to accept, it's nothing...just hand it over."

Despite his unnatural and obviously suspicious reaction you carefully drop the ring into his larger hand only to see him become a familiar shadowy figure before your very eyes. The rings, the gold in them must have turned him into his true form!

"I'm sorry....I'm not the real Byakuya Togami, S/o." he speaks up before you can react looking at you sadly as he admits. "I just wanted to be someone you could like and everyone seemed to like that Togami fellow so I tricked you. I know that it's unforgivable though, for me to think that we could continue like that forever so, I'll leave if that's what you please."

He seemed so genuine and yet it was hard to formulate a response. What he did was wrong, you knew it but he meant so well and you couldn't turn him away then.

Telling him to wait, Togami or Twogami turns to you perplexed by your response. Confused or not though, you reached down to pick up his smaller, plump, shadowy body.

"S/o I...thank you."

Teruteru (Incubus)

When Teruteru applied to join you in the kitchen at your family dinner you didn't think anything much of him at first.

Sometimes he'd make perverted passes at you or tease a bit but overall he was kind and a reliable coworker. You both would spend many days and nights in that kitchen just chatting as you cooked and cleaned after a hard day of work.

However, as you both continued to close your shop together you couldn't help but find him alluring in some way.

Alluring and yet there was something odd about him. Teruteru always seemed to have some new girlfriend or boyfriend to spend time with after work whenever you tried to invite him out.

Maybe his flirting meant nothing after all but even then it felt so real that trying to convince yourself it wasn't was even more painful.

You were tempted, his flirtations were sweet as honey but what if you'd regret indulging in your own sweet temptations. He could be some player or heartbreaker for all you know after all.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of your head though you decided you had enough of being lead on by the fellow chef.

You waited until it was just you two and the remains of your labor left in the kitchen.

Per usual, he started with his usual small talk when you hushed him up with all the questions that tormented you day and night. Did he like you, did he hate you, was he messing with you, and most of all why? If it wasn't anything then why, why bother!?

He was shocked to say the less and thrown off guard for sure as he leaned onto a counter covered by flour in a moment of clumsiness to steel himself.

"I...I do have a reason for my flirtin' n' all but I just...yah need to promise y'all won't fire me if I spill the beans!"

Huh? So first he admits to lying something but then what's with the sudden accent too!? As much as you wanted to laugh at his nervous mistake of coating most of his sleeves in flour, you decided to urge him to go on.

"Well, I do like yah a whole lot but...but I'm also a...I'm an Incubus." He admits, showing off his normally hidden demonic form as though to emphasize his point.

"I want to be with yah really, but I don't wanna take anythin' from yah because of these dang powers a mine."

Sucking in a shaky breath you make your way towards him, disregarding his warnings against getting close and pulling his short frame to your own. You didn't care if he was an Incubus, even if you couldn't have his body you wanted his heart far more and would do anything for it.

"Oh S/o, how could'ja take in a guy like me?"

Nekomaru (Stone Golem)

You were taking a hike on a trail through the mountains. Your plans were to make it to the top in order to look out at the beautiful scenery before your eyes but those plans surely changed when you noticed a weird statue standing at your goal point.

It wasn't too odd for a statue to be somewhere like a mountain top your supposed but something about it made you feel unnerved.

Maybe it was because of how the statue looked as though it were mid-scream or maybe because of how eerily alive it felt. However, around you, it didn't move what so ever, the only other point of interest now the large piece missing from the side of the statue.

At this point, it felt a bit awkward being up there with this thing silently screaming at you forever so you decided to focus on searching for the piece you noticed missing and sure enough it wasn't far.

Picking it up in your hands wasn't too difficult despite the obvious weight to it and with trembling hands, you were easily able to place it in it's allotted slot.

That was when that silent scream of his turned into a roar, loud enough for you to feel it shake you as his large arms came to wrap around you, pulling you into an embrace.

"GAHAHAHA! I'M FREEEEEE!" he yells out, once loud enough for anyone nearby to hear him a second time.

Now setting you down he smiles at you, finally addressing you this time. "Thanks for saving me, I knew someone would have to find me eventually!"

He gives another hearty laugh at your own confused expression, not even bothering to give you time to process what's going on as he speaks up once again.

"I guess that means that I owe you now but don't you worry. I always pay back my debts," he scratches around his nose, adding, "Though all I can offer is to protect you from now on. Tell you what, I'll be like your bodyguard even!"

Despite you opening your mouth he only continues to go on, taking this proposition far more seriously than you thought he would.

"With me around NO ONE will touch you for I am NEKOMARU NIDAI!" he cheers, picking you up again despite your protests.

"No way am I letting you walk! It's my job to protect you so just tell me which way to go!"

Despite his kindness, he really was far too insistent, but even then you could tell you weren't getting out of this so you relented, eventually arriving home in his arms.

It's been about a month since that day that Nekomaru came to live with you. With the two of you growing closer each day it wasn't surprising for you to have developed feelings for the kind golem, but you did worry about what would happen when you'd confess.

Would he leave if he didn't feel the same? Despite your fears, you wanted to face him and to lay all of your feelings bare for him to see.

You two were planning to revisit the path that you met at and so you planned to then, bursting into your confession as soon as you arrived.

You hadn't meant to be so hasty but with Nekomaru it's hard not to be, you wanted to just rip the bandage off and be over with. You were prepared for the consequences of your actions but you didn't suffer at all like you might've guessed.

No, the only suffering you were enduring was from the lack of air when Nekomaru wrapped his arms around you again just like he did when you met.

"I was wondering when you'd say it! I love you too, S/o!"

Wait he knew? As soon as you questioned him though all he did was laugh as usual.

"GAHAHAHA! I thought you knew I did too already. I mean we lived together after all!"

What!?

#danganronpa #danganronpa imagines #dr2 #danganronpa goodbye despair #danganronpa x reader #x reader #byakuya twogami #teruteru hanamura #nekomaru nidai #ask #mod toko #can you guys find all the food references in the first two? ;)

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itsclydebitches · 4 years ago

Text

Welcome back, welcome back! We have a relatively short chapter this time, which theoretically means it shouldn't have taken me as long as it did to write this recap. Yet here we are.

We open again on Sun's perspective as he joins a large group in the dorm common room. Recall that last chapter Velvet said she wanted to show SSSN something and I took issue with her "Speaking of family" line. We'll get to that in just a bit, as well as the surprise element of this chapter. Moving chronologically though, we learn that this group is the self-named Beacon Brigade and there has been a unanimous vote to allow SSSN to become a part of whatever the Brigade is doing. "Everyone here helped defend our home and school," Velvet says, "even though they didn’t have to. We’re grateful. As far as we’re concerned, you’re all honorary Beacon students." That's a rather nice sentiment and, once again, Velvet shows herself to be the best and most mature character presented so far. That's not a terribly high bar to clear and as established last chapter, she definitely contributes to the intense Sun-bashing, but this is one of the sweetest lines I've heard from RWBY in a while, so kudos.

Sun, however, doesn't take kindly to the inclusion. "Whatever that means anymore, Sun thought. Then he chided himself. To the others here, it still meant a lot." That's how you do a character flaw without making them a complete asshole. You either have someone else call the character out (paying careful attention to whether that person's opinion has any weight in the story—something the webseries still needs to work on), or you have the character call themselves out. Which Sun does here. The story allows Sun to have this flaw while likewise recognizing that he's not being fair to the others. That's a conscientious human being right there.

Or a faunus. You get what I'm saying.

Sun continues to unpack his prejudices and acknowledges that he's not a big fan of how that mentality impacts the formation of teams: "That was the whole point of the team system—to become part of something, to define yourself, to lose yourself in it. A team made you someone new, someone better." But for Sun that's too much attachment. He claims he's not the type to get attached to either people or places, though his willingness to follow Blake to Menagerie on a "What if?" says differently. Here we get to see how Sun thinks of himself as someone outside of these community ties even as he tries so hard to maintain them. It's a part of his personality that—for reasons I assume have to do with his past—he is unwilling to acknowledge yet.

The rest of this group is introduced, including Team ARBN and Nolan, originally a member of Team BRNZ. Where are the other three? Oh, they died at the Fall of Beacon.

Cue me putting the book down for a solid minute because this is one hell of a deviation from the tone of the webseries. With (maybe) the exception of the Schnee charity ball, the Fall of Beacon has been presented as no worse than what we, the viewer, directly experienced. Meaning that the end of Volume 3 was the moment RWBY went from a lighthearted action show to a tragic epic trying to take itself seriously, and crucially the show has made it seem like we were privy to everything that was a part of that change: Penny dies. Pyrrha dies. Yang loses an arm. Everyone is forced to abandon their school. Those are the four events that made this the Fall of Beacon and already we had a problem with how little the show chose to grapple with those things. Ruby's nightmares conveniently disappear. Yang has no difficulty fighting despite working through PTSD. Ruby doesn't seem to care that the friend she saw killed is miraculously standing before her. These events are, by and large, not integrated into the cast's feelings, reactions, and motivations and when they are it's to say that such a tragedy has no bearing on difficult things like trust (Ozpin) or that those who are still haunted by the Fall are unstable and unfit to lead (Ironwood). Post Volume 4 these events haven't been given the proper weight, which is bad enough on its own, yet now we find out that things were even worse than they first appeared?

Penny and Pyrrha were not the only ones to die. The Fall was always a tragedy, but this is a tragedy that goes beyond our core group of characters. Was anyone going to mention that Jaune, Nora, and Ren weren't the only ones to lose a teammate? That an entire generation of huntsmen are working through this on a far more personal level than previously established? As said, it's bad enough that the webseries has glossed over Pyrrha's death for everyone but Jaune, yet now BTD comes in to say, "Yeah, some of these kids lost their entire team. Remember these guys?"

"Everyone on the right is dead now." No need to make room for that in your primary story.

(As an aside, an anon once asked whether it's weird that Pyrrha got a statue in Argus. At the time I argued strongly that it wasn't, partly due to her celebrity status and the fact that this was her home city, but also because she seemed to be the only "real" death in the Fall. Obviously we as the viewers count Penny as well, but the world may not view the dismantling of an android in the same way they'd view the murder of an organic teenager. As the single "real" death that Beacon suffered, Pyrrha's memory shoulders that attention... but now this little tidbit blows all that out of the water. Apparently lots of kids lost their lives that day and our webseries hasn't taken the time to acknowledge that.)

So I'm reeling from this revelation and taking in what it's done to Nolan: "He was even thinner than he'd been last year at the Vytal Festival, and his rose-colored glasses didn't hide the dark shadows under his eyes." Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that at least some part of the RWBY-verse is acknowledging the severity of Volume 3's finale, it just rankles that this work is relegated to a supplementary novel already loaded with other problems, rather than put into our main storyline where it would do more good.

Speaking of those problems, we get another conversation about how unnecessarily cruel the Shade students are. I like the little pun on "shade" that Nadir gives—"Let’s just say some of the Vacuan students here are giving a new meaning to ‘Shade’ Academy"—but I’m not sure why Myers feels the need to follow that up with Nadir giving an awkward explanation. I can't remember precisely where, but didn't we see this already? With Sun or Neptune? Plus we definitely just got Fox's 'joke' that went over Neptune's head. Not every character needs to be #awkward regarding humor and you can trust your reader to get the joke without explaining it each time. That’s a specific character trait that feels like it’s being applied to too many characters now. Moving on, Arslan speaks my mind by pointing out that, regardless of what Shade might think about them "abandoning" the academies, it's not a productive attitude. Their new peers are more interested in beating them down for what's already happened than discussing how they can move forward as allies (sound like any main characters we know?) So the group strikes up a conversation about what they can actually accomplish. We learn that Yatsuhashi has been leading some of them through meditation and others take the time to share their survivor's guilt, admitting that the Shade students' attitude sometimes feels like a punishment they deserve. Iris brings up Castor, another peer who perished at Beacon, and Nolan continues to grapple with the death of his teammates. Yet despite the severity of these admissions, Sun still isn’t impressed.

“Yeah. Because you ran away, Sun thought, unable to stop himself, even though this was the exact thing the other Shade students were thinking of the Beacon and Haven survivors. No wonder Nolan was here—he was probably getting criticized worse than anyone, because Shade students were supposed to be stronger than everyone else.”

Okay wait, does Sun actually know that Nolan ran away? Is "ran away" in the context of Nolan's specific battle (his team was fighting a mech or something and he split), or is it in the context of the entire Fall (he failed to take back Beacon and therefore 'ran')? That's a huge difference because if it's the latter (and I suspect it is)... Sun ran away too. Has Sun—and Myers—forgotten that he was there? At the Fall. Right there on the left.

It feels more than a little disingenuous of Sun to be adopting any of the Shade Academy's criticism when he himself was a part of the 'failing' group. Why is he acting like he’s an outside observer, judging Nolan when they went through the same horror? When he too ‘ran’ from that fight? Obviously this ‘You ran away’ perspective is just garbage all on its own, but I'm really distracted by what appears to be only three explanations:

Nolan really did ditch his team, Sun knows about it, and this is all info that I've missed from the previous book (always possible)

Nolan really did ditch his team, Sun knows about it, but Myers isn't interested in telling us how Sun got that info or why it’s important

Nolan never ditched his team, 'ran away' is in the context of leaving Beacon to the grimm, and Sun is so deep in his denial he’s removed himself from the facts of the situation. You didn't save Beacon either, Sun!

I'm just

Sun isn't done yet though and before we cover that I just want to say: I get it. This book drags him to an unreasonable degree and any Sun fan must just be frothing at the mouth reading through this. However, I also can't claim that Myers has made Sun particularly endearing here. Like in the prologue when Sun is all about being a solo act, denying reality, and ignoring the harm he's done to his team, here he's presented as someone I'm just not interested in spending time with. I know I praised him above for correcting his knee-jerk thoughts, but like with Coco's flaw becoming overdone Sun-bashing, Sun’s attitude it so over the top I get frustrated with him even while I sympathize with the extreme criticism he’s shouldering. Because this Sun isn’t any kinder or wiser than the group targeting him:

“But he’d believe it when he saw it. It was easy to talk about doing something, and another thing to follow through on it. Maybe that was what he didn’t like about this group. So far it was all just sitting around and talking. They should be focused on moving on— channeling their strength toward protecting their new home, their new friends.”

Sun has little to no faith that this group can accomplish the things they set out to do (despite evidence to the contrary). He's critical of what they have chosen to do and is dismissive of their needs. He likewise criticizes others for not taking care of their home and their friends... even though he's the one who left his team to chase after Blake, someone who explicitly did not want or need his assistance. It's something Sun himself brings up later on: "Blake may not have needed or wanted him, but there was no doubt in his mind that he had helped" and it's his dismissive attitude here that’s my primary issue with him both in the webseries and in this novel. Sun prioritizes his own desires (I want to help) over everyone else's desires and needs (Blake didn't want my help and didn't need it). We see him doing the same thing here, rejecting what a very large group all needs because it's not something he as an individual wants. It feels contradictory to call Sun selfish because his desires do revolve around helping others—his wants are all coming from a loving place—it's just that how he prioritizes that drive to help often ends up hurting others and he continually refuses to acknowledge that. His “but I helped” is used as a catch-all justification for the bad choices he made in providing that (unwanted) assistance. Like creepily following a woman, or ditching his team, or getting in over his head by following three goons alone, or criticizing a conversation that others find beneficial. To reiterate, I do think that Sun has gotten way too much heat in this novel, but I also can't pretend that he's a character I'm particularly fond of. He made me uncomfortable the moment spying on four women in their bedroom was played as a joke and RWBY has done very little to endear me to him since. It's a bit of a surreal experience to read about someone I’m very critical of, but when the material itself criticizes him I’m suddenly like, "Hold up. That's going too far."

Reading about Sun feels like watching someone who insists they help another bake a cake. The baker does not want help, does not need help, but our character is just desperate to do something. So he forcefully takes the ingredients for himself and ends up ruining the batter. I'm like, "Okay, that's not appropriate. You're coming from a good place and you never meant any harm, but your actions were still a problem. We should address this, including where that desperate need to help is coming from."

Except then the baker 'addresses this' by screaming at him at the top of their lungs, throwing things, and banning him from the kitchen for all time.

Me: "Not like that!!"

Simply put: this novel is generating a lot of emotions and very few of them are pleasant.

Things finally come to a head when Sun rolls his eyes because he doesn't like therapy—wait.

Hold up. Just give me another second.

You remember I spoke about the "surprise element" earlier? Think about the structure of the last chapter. We end on what's essentially a small cliffhanger. Velvet says she wants to show Team SSSN something but the reader doesn't know what that is. We’re waiting for the reveal. Yet we only learn that the group is having a therapy session four pages in—and this is a six page chapter. (Yes, I'm writing twice as much as the source material. You all know I'm not succinct :p ). Myers is now demonstrating a habit of not introducing the core aspects of a scene: who, what, where, when, and why. We've got half of that— who, when, and where—but not the 'what' or the 'why.' What is the group doing in the city in the middle of the day? Are they patrolling? Out to lunch? Following a lead? Looks like they're visiting a wall. Would have been nice to know that a couple pages earlier. Oh, there's a souvenir table there? Didn't feel like it, and it was never mentioned in the scene setup, so that’s an awkward surprise. Now Velvet wants to show them something. What is it? No seriously... what is it? Please tell me what's going on before we're more than halfway through the event in question. Granted yes, you might be able to deduce that they're in therapy, but we don't know that for sure until Sun uses the word. And we need to know in order to properly read the scene. I spent the first four pages thinking that this group was an expansion of CFVY's solo missions. While they were talking I was waiting for Velvet to reveal what she wanted to share—another secret mission they were conducting, or something—not realizing that the conversation itself was it. That’s the reveal. I mean, Beacon Brigade isn't exactly a name that makes you think "therapy." They're labeling themselves an army, ergo I assumed this had something to do with their war. That is, more to do with it than working through the aftermath.

In retrospect it is somewhat obvious that these students are engaging in group therapy... but at the same time it's not because I would think, technically, that this isn't therapy. Who's the therapist? Velvet? She's the one leading, but she's also an unlicensed, traumatized teen just like everyone else in the room. It's a support group and that's fantastic, I'm honestly thrilled one of RWBY's stories decided to incorporate this, but at the same time it's odd to have Sun seriously referring to this as therapy like this is comparable to receiving professional help. I’m bringing this up because we saw the same perspective regarding RWBYJNR's status as huntresses. That's a job, something earned and presented to you by an expert, but up until Volume 7 Ruby seemed to be working under the impression that because she wanted to be a huntress and because she did vaguely huntress-like things, she was one. Simple as that. But crucially she wasn't and that lack of knowledge, maturity, and training caused serious problems in Volume 6. Now we have a group calling their activity therapy, doing vaguely therapy-like things, but Velvet isn't a therapist. I'm saying that not to knock the excellent work she's doing to help both herself and her friends (and I'm also quite aware that I'm missing an entire book's worth of information that may be pertinent here) but rather, I bring it up to acknowledge that the whole of the RWBY-verse seems to have a skewed idea of how professionalism works. We've got a lot of teens in this franchise who are put in positions of power when by all logic they shouldn't be. RWBY has failed to do the work of coming up with compelling reasons for why these half-trained teens keep getting put in charge of stuff, which is what any story staring kids and teens needs to do.

Anyway, I've rambled on about that enough. As said, Sun isn't enjoying the touchy-feely-ness of it all, even when Velvet reiterates that they're "like family." Coco reminds him that he's free to leave, but of course she turns it into an insult: "Maybe you’re not ready for this.” Sun ignores the implication and does try to leave, admitting that what he has to say probably won't go over well. The others encourage him to share though, it's a safe space... until Scarlet makes a dig about keeping them waiting again. I'm simultaneously going, "He's right. Sun still refuses to acknowledge how badly he hurt his team" and also "#Yikes. So much for this being a safe place!"

What I’m saying is these kids all need an actual therapist. Sun himself is described as feeling "strangely disconnected from his body. Unsettled” at the start of the chapter. The tragedy here is that one of the characters most in need of this help is the one digging his heels in the most.

It gets worse though. Sun finally caves and his take is, as one would expect given his feelings thus far, not great: "This is why Vacuans won’t trust you. Because you’re holding on to who you were and where you came from instead of focusing on where you are.” He also claims that “Theo really wouldn’t like this," making it sound like the group is breaking rules and should be ashamed of trying to cope with their trauma in a healthy manner. He ends with the confident belief that Vacuans understand them completely because they punish themselves by staying in the same, harsh place.

(So do these people move on or not?? Ugh I can't get into this again.)

Scarlet, as Sun predicted, isn't pleased to hear any of this. Frankly I can't blame him. "Like you didn’t leave us the first chance you got to chase after someone you barely knew who didn’t want your help?" he says. "You didn’t even stay in Vacuo for school —you chose Haven.”

He's not wrong. Hard as it is to hear, Scarlet has a point. Sun did abandon his team. He did chase after someone he'd just met who didn't want his help. He did choose to go to Haven because, as he explained last chapter, he's not a big fan of Vacuo. Which isn't a bad thing in and of itself, it just means he's not in a position to criticize others for not immediately adoring this kingdom, rejecting Beacon in the process. Like so many other RWBY protagonists, Sun holds others to a standard he doesn’t demand of himself. I can hate Vacuo and leave because there are things about it that make me uncomfortable, but you have to learn to appreciate it and forget what’s outside this kingdom, despite never having a choice about coming here. It’s food for thought and something he should be encouraged to consider. However then:

“You wouldn’t know anything about loss, Sun. You never stay in one place long enough to learn.”

That's not a point, that's just cruelty, and it's an attack that clearly hurts Sun a great deal. He flushes and snaps, "You all belong in Vacuo more than you think." Really, they all do. He reiterates to himself that there's nothing to work through, they all just need to move on, and then he really does leave, saying that he'll see them for patrol. Well, at least Sun isn’t planning on going off on his own again, even if he is on the outs with his friends.

So that was an all around depressing chapter! I didn't like it. I was honestly shocked when I went back and realized that it was only six pages because it felt far longer. We're now three chapters into this novel... with only nineteen more to go 😬

Until next time!

#rwby #rwde #mymeta #before the dawn #BTD Recaps

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subtlereferencetomyinterests · 4 years ago

Text

Complexities Unknowable- Chapter 7 (Finale!)

Ao3, 1 2 3 4 5 6. MasterPost

Relationships: Deintruality, background Analogince

Warnings: Cursing, Remus-typical language and jokes, Minor self-deprication/insecurity, the ol’ ‘thinks-it’s-unrequited-and-is-oblivious-to-obvious-flirting’ song and dance, all sympathetic sides, feelings of being left out, also I accidentally projected too hard and now Patton has adhd oops.

Word Count: 4,000 (approximately)

Patton felt better than he could ever remember feeling. Sleep came easy as it hadn’t for him in years. It was amazing how far a little bit of understanding went.

When all your closest friends are together, you get lonely. Patton wouldn’t say that he was jealous, but everything was different now. When he used to spend time with the others, it was four pals spending quality time together! Now when they did, it was a date, except oops! Patton’s here too! How awkward!

He knew that was unfair. They didn’t really think of him that way, of course not. Hence why he didn’t bring it up.

It wasn’t like that with Remus and Deceit. Even though they were dating, Patton never felt left behind. Their humor was dark and snarky but accessible, not laden with inside jokes that he’d missed out on or specific clues that he didn’t pick up.

The inclusiveness they treated him with was probably borne from being excluded for so long, though he didn’t like to think about that. The fact was, the three were friends now, the past was past, and Patton was drinking in their companionship like fine wine (or, to be more accurate to himself, a grape juice box).

It did not take him long to figure out why he was so fond of their company. You can only spend so much time with Deceit prattling about the dangers of repression before you start to unearth all of those deeply buried feelings.

He’d fallen for the Dark Sides. Whoops.

Could you really blame him? Deceit, suave and clever and funny, yet so gentle when he wanted to be; Remus, bold and brash and energetic, but still with such a deep empathy hidden in him! It was no wonder that the two were already together- anyone who spent as much time with them as they spent with each other would be head-over-heels as well! (Patton was speaking from experience on that one).

Initial surprise regarding the feelings had soon faded to something almost comfortable. He was happy to have them as his friends alone, so what was a little crush? No big deal!

...Was what he had thought ten minutes ago, when there wasn’t an affectionate Remus wrapped around him, chattering off various compliments.

“I could hold you forever, Patty. You are just the softest, like a water balloon full of blood and organs! But still so ripped, I mean, damn!”

“Language,” Patton chided meekly, trying very hard to not dissolve into the ether.

“Awww, you can’t make an exception for me? Just this once? I’ll make it worth your while~,” the last part was a hushed sing-song right near Morality’s ear. He felt his face redden, but forced himself away to refocus on… whatever he had been doing.

“Nope, no exceptions,” he chirped, going back to- right! Cleaning!

“You aren’t tempted at all? You are so responsible- and that’s really one of the sexiest qualities there is.”

It was just Remus’ nature to talk to people like that, Patton told himself firmly. The Creative side was just expressing his friendly affection in a way that made sense to him. It came alongside being close to someone so unused to ‘typical’ friendship dynamics, after all. Patton reminded himself of this again and again, denying himself the desperate urge that welled up and told him to respond in kind. He would not purposefully misinterpret Remus’ actions for his own gain, he was better than that!

“Thank you, Rem,” just nice, platonic gratitude for nice, platonic compliments.

Eventually, finally, mercifully, The Duke had seemed to get bored. He disentangled himself from Patton (appearing rather crestfallen, though the moral trait wasn’t sure why), and wandered off.

But that, whether for good or for bad, was hardly the end of that.

Deceit’s room was magnificently cozy. It was armchairs that swallowed up whomever sat in them, warm lamps casting down on all surfaces, and jazzy music playing distantly in the background. In other words, the perfect place for a good cup of tea and some sandwiches, not to mention pleasant conversation.

Deceit lounged back in his oversized chair, sending Patton an inscrutable look across their teacups. The side smiled, hoping that was the appropriate response.

“So,” he drawled, switching the track of their conversation abruptly, “You’re something of a seamster, aren’t you?”

Patton stared blankly for a moment before the term clicked.

“Oh, you mean a seamstress?”

“Sorry, I thought you’d prefer the masculine, but that really was presumptuous of me,” Deceit amended in apology.

“I didn’t know that there was a word for it other than seamstress. Hey, isn’t it kinda weird how some jobs are like that, when you think about it? Like how there’s actors and actresses! Why wouldn’t ‘actor’ be all encompassing, ya know?”

Deceit made a vague noise of disinterest and waved his hand, as though manually cutting off the tangent in conversation.

“Yes, gender is a distasteful societal construct and an overall prison to our consciences, we both agree- but regardless, you sew. Make clothing and things like our quilt. Isn’t that right?”

“Right- yes.”

“Do you make all of your own clothes, then?”

“Hmm, sometimes I do- I mostly make stuff for the others. It’s easier to conjure simple stuff for myself, but making them is a lot of fun!” Morality gestured enthusiastically to the pastel pink sweater that he wore, fluffy and intricately patterned.

Deceit’s eyes glinted in a strange, intimidating, and also incredibly hot way. Patton almost forced the attraction out of his mind, before realizing that that kind of repression would definitely be noticed in this part of the Mindscape.

“I would have to say you have quite the talent, in that case,” the dishonest trait set down his cup and craned his body over the small table between them, heterochromatic gaze alight with… something. Patton cleared his throat.

“W-Why’s that?”

“You look positively hideous in that, my Dear,” he purred in obvious lies, gloved hands now sitting in the middle of the table and creeping forward by the inch.

“Aw, thanks,” Patton croaked, fighting the urge to lean forward in turn.

Something strangely disappointed flashed in Deceit’s eyes, but he quickly recovered. He reached out to run a hand along Patton’s sleeve, the touch lingering against his arm.

“My my, that’s just like a cloud. How did you manage that, Darling?”

Morality shivered as Deceit continued to toy with the fabric of his sweater.

“I-It’s probably because it’s made with love! Since that’s what I am, kinda,” he stammered, desperately trying to keep up the cheery tone.

“I’m inclined to agree. There’s beauty in all you touch, Sunshine.”

Oh, the pet names. Patton really couldn’t take it; he jerked away and pressed his back against the chair, before he had the chance to do something stupid. Honestly, it was sad how hard this was for him- Deceit was just trying to be a good friend! It wasn’t his fault that he showed it with flirts!

“You’re too sweet,” with distance reestablished, Morality found it much easier to formulate words, “I really appreciate you, Dee.”

Deceit blinked, still hovering over the table. He cleared his throat and snapped back into his seat, suddenly looking the part of the cold and distant Dark Side that Patton had feared just months prior. Guarded, callous, stoic. It was almost frightening, how quickly he changed.

“Yes, I know you do. Let’s change topics, shall we?”

Patton, feeling quite a bit of whiplash, nodded hesitantly. Their conversation continued to flow normally, for the most part, but he couldn’t help feeling that he’d messed up somewhere. There was something heavy over them, but Patton hadn’t the slightest idea what it was.

For a brief, dizzying moment, he wondered if they were moving backwards. If he’d somehow crossed a line when he was trying so hard not to, and now they were two steps back again. Just the thought of it made him too sick to finish his tea.

Patton didn’t have to be worried for long about that particular mishap, thankfully, as a very momentous occasion had swallowed up the fear. Remus and Deceit were going to be joining in their first ever movie night as part of the family!

There’d been plenty of TV marathons with just them and Pat already, but now they’d all come together! As part of the group!! Contributing to the voting and the arguing and the joking and the experience of it all!!! Needless to say, Patton was practically bouncing off the walls in his excitement.

He plopped down onto the couch with a bowl of popcorn, passing a much larger container of snacks to the amorphous blob of limbs and sass that had once been his three best friends, cuddled together far across from him. Now, all they needed were the Dark- sorry, former Dark Sides.

He wasn’t waiting for long before Deceit and Remus appeared in the living room (Remus, thank the lord, wearing actual pajamas). Patton couldn’t contain the happy little chirp that escaped him, scrunching himself to one side of the sectional so that they’d have plenty of room to make themselves at home.

Rather than huddling together in the crook of the curved sofa, however, Deceit immediately gestured for Patton to scooch over, and Remus sat on his other side. Morality was happy (if a bit surprised) to comply with this new seating arrangement, flashing them bright smiles. In light of recent events, being so close with both of them was a little dizzying, but it wasn’t too hard to bear. For now.

The conversation on which movie to watch that night was more agreeable than usual, which was nice; they got right to the marathon with little hassle. Patton sighed as the opening credits to Tangled played. At that moment, his life couldn’t get any more wonderful. Surrounded by the people he cared about, finally all together, it was perfect.

And then, a mere ten minutes in, Remus leaned his chin on Patton’s shoulder and pressed into his side.

“Mother Gothel is such a Milf.”

Patton would usually have been put off by the sexual comment, but at that moment Deceit had also seemed to decide that he’d make a good headrest. Which was fine, this was fine. Some mild friendly cuddling- nothing he couldn't handle!

Another twenty minutes later and Remus twisted an arm around his waist. Deceit held Patton’s hand between a couple of his own. By this point, they were beginning to look a lot like the cuddle pile wrapped up together on the other side of the couch. He was still alive, though!

Neither of the sides beside him moved an inch until the film ended, only begrudgingly letting go when Morality had to get up for a snack refill. Even then, they latched back onto him as soon as he returned. Thus began the second movie, and the beginning of Patton's slow and snuggly death.

Every few minutes, it would be something else: Deceit ran a hand or two through his hair, Remus hooked his leg around Patton’s, Deceit nuzzled against his neck, Remus laughed into his shoulder, et cetera et cetera et cetera.

Three movies in and he was barely keeping up with the conversation. His head was spinning and he was sure he’d never been so warm, but more than that he felt protected. Even adored. He wasn't often on the receiving end of affection, and the longing brought with it ached, but he never wanted it to end.

Then Virgil yawned (oh yeah, the other three were still there), exiting from the ending credits of All Dogs Go To Heaven and clicking back to the main screen.

“Bed time,” he grumbled, a tone so intimate and low and clearly meant for his boyfriends that Patton almost felt bad for overhearing it.

“It is getting quite late,” Logan agreed, standing to stretch. Roman followed suit and dragged a sleepy Anxiety up with him.

Virgil tossed the remote in Patton's general direction and let Roman haul him up in his arms (Deceit caught it with an unoccupied arm, given that the moral side’s brain was currently jelly). The three bid their goodnights and were gone with a few shimmers of color and a whoosh.

“I guess we should head up, too,” Patton murmured, working very hard to disguise his reluctance. To his surprise, the traits sandwiching him only sank further into his sides.

“Oh, you’re absolutely right, it’s so very late,” Deceit rumbled, his face partially hidden in the crook of Patton’s neck.

“Yeah, I’m exhausted. I can’t move,” Remus added, his voice ticking up in a noticeably mischievous way.

“I can’t either. We should stay, just like this.”

Patton's heart warmed, looking between their adorably sleepy faces. He couldn’t lie, the offer was tempting, but in such a situation his brain came back to him. Despite the continued proximity of his crushes, this was something he could handle!

“Aww, don’t you worry about it, I’ve got ya,” and, making very sure that his grip was secure, Patton stood up with Deceit and Remus cradled in either arm. He hardly staggered under the weight of the sides, familiar with such heavy lifting.

Remus and Deceit went from sleepiness to pure shock in a matter of milliseconds. Deceit instinctively clung to Patton with all of his limbs, meanwhile Remus gave a startled laugh. Their faces were a matching pink; oh, he could have made them uncomfortable!

“Is this okay? I promise I won't drop you.”

Remus nodded frantically; Deceit squawked in an affirming sort of way.

Relief washed over Patton and, satisfied with the response, he sank out in a circle of cyan. For a moment, he feared that the nausea that The Subconscious usually brought him would unsteady him, but he was left pleasantly surprised when he felt none. In fact, it felt just like rising up anywhere else. Just as easy as breathing. Hm.

He didn’t dwell on it too long, ascending The Subconscious’ staircase and bringing his cargo to the first bedroom he saw (Deceit’s). He nudged the door open with his shoe, carrying them right to the bed and dropping them down gently. Remus fell onto his back with a happy hum; Deceit stayed upright and stared at Patton with wide eyes. He huffed a laugh and nudged The Snake's shoulders, and Deceit let himself fall beside his boyfriend, dazed.

This was routine for Patton: grabbing the covers and blanketing his friends, as he’d done for probably every other side at one point or another (even Logan, though he would deny it furiously). Once Remus and Deceit were sufficiently tucked in, he stood up and dimmed the lights to near darkness.

“Alright, you two have a good night's sleep.”

There was a noise of approval from the pair. Patton gave them one last smile before disappearing back to his own room. To scream into his pillow and think about how gay he was.

Which meant that he didn't get the opportunity to hear the interaction that followed between Dee and Ree.

“Well, that didn’t backfire at all.”

“I want him to snap my spine in half like a glow stick. He could break every bone in my body and I would thank him,” Remus replied dreamily. Deceit hummed in agreement.

“Perhaps we should try a more… direct approach, as this doesn’t seem to be working in our favor.”

“I dunno about you, but I’m feeling pretty fuckin’ favored right now.”

“I was suggesting that we be more-” he very nearly gagged, “Straightforward.”

“More like gay-forward, actually,” Remus corrected, “But I’m with you! You know I love being direct.”

“Now when I say direct, I don’t mean blunt.”

“I don’t understand the difference.”

“I know you don’t. Let me do the talking.”

“Fine by me! Whatever works to get him to pick me up and throw me!”

Deceit rolled his eyes, settling his arms around Remus.

“Yes, yes- but I’m actually wide awake right now, and I’d love it if you keep being loud all night, Dearest.”

“Oh, right,” Remus lowered his voice, curling himself around the lying side in turn. Together, their breathing slowed. As they drifted to sleep, the feeling of Patton's arms around them still ghosted their skin.

Patton was cleaning furiously. He’d already reorganized the entirety of his room- twice, for that matter- and now he’d moved to the Common area. It hadn’t been so much as a week since his last tidying session, and the Mindpalace was pretty much spotless, but that was irrelevant. It was as good a distraction as any.

Maybe he was avoiding the trifecta of trifling traits- aka his best friends- because he knew that they’d ask about why he was being so weird lately. Maybe he was avoiding Deceit and Remus, the reason that he’d been weird lately. Maybe he was just avoiding his thoughts about them, because seeing them all cozied up and sleepy and adorable a couple nights ago really hadn’t helped settle his growing infatuation with them. Most likely, he was avoiding all three.

But he had failed to take into account that The Common Area was not the best place for avoiding stuff. Given that it was. A Public Space.

“Patton,” began the voice of Deceit behind him, in a tone deadly serious.

He spun around to see a very embarrassed Dee and an immensely giddy Remus. Well, Shhhhh-ucks. Shucks.

“Hey!” Patton tossed the sponge in his hand back into the sink and pretended that he wasn’t freaking out at that exact moment.

Deceit hardly registered the greeting, continuing:

“We need to talk to you.”

“What about?”

The Snake opened his mouth, and promptly closed it. His eyes had widened concerningly, and he cast his gaze downwards.

“We-” he cut off again. Patton’s worry was mounting.

“DeeDee?” Remus prompted, elbowing his partner’s side, “I thought you were doing the talking?”

“I-I can do this, I’m not tapping out,” his voice was frenzied, hiding himself behind The Duke in a rare display of fear.

“Guys? Is something wrong?” Patton approached them, all of his nervousness about his feelings forgotten in the face of this distress, “Whatever it is, you can talk to me.”

Remus gave him a warm smile, not hesitating for a breath.

“We came to tell you you’re hot and we wanna date you! But, you know how bad Dee is with words! Anyway, whaddya say?”

Deceit, for his part, nodded in deep resignation. And Patton’s head reeled.

He could hear, audibly hear his heart thumping against his ribs. It was probably as simple as a confession could get, but regardless he found himself frantically replaying the words over and over and over again. He’d never imagined- not even for a second- even the thought of it-

Mentally, he took a step back. Roman, Logan, and Virgil were an item. Remus and Deceit were an item. And Patton was a third party, paternal and caring and watching out for all of them and their misadventures, though he knew he’d never be entirely part of it. But maybe, now he could be. After everything, they wanted not to just be with him, but to be with him.

It didn’t process.

“I- You- What- Me?”

Because there is good in this world, Remus (correctly) interpreted his flustered stammering as surprise and not distaste. The smile that he almost always wore widened and he took a step forward, dragging the mildly less panicked Deceit along with him.

“You,” he confirmed, shimmying excitedly in place, “Definitely you. And us.”

“I second that not-at-all vague sentiment. We’ve grown unfortunately fond of you,” Deceit uncoiled himself from Remus enough to be seen clearly.

Patton saw it. He saw, in full light and understanding, the subtext in their previous interactions. And now that he did, he had no idea how he’d missed it. A testament to the power of his insecurity, probably. But that didn’t matter, because they liked him back.

Patton failed to words. But, they were very near, and he was very happy, and in the light of new context, he figured that they wouldn’t mind the response he opted for instead.

He hopped forward with a delighted squeal, scooping the traits up in his arms. Remus started cackling and immediately returned the hug with just as much fervor. Deceit wasn’t far behind for once, allowing his face to split with a smile equal parts shock, relief, and glee.

“Oh, I love you two so much!” Patton laughed out, burying his face in Remus’ hair.

“I love you back!” Remus said in kind.

Deceit attempted a dramatic groan, but he failed to tamp down his grin.

“It could be said that I feel something love-adjacent for the both of you. Perhaps.”

Patton’s mind was swimming in joy, so much so that it barely registered when Remus tilted his head back only to lean forward, and oh wow, were they kissing. Patton’s vision was all bright blurs of color, and he melted. The creative trait pushed up against him, rough in much the same way as an overly excited large dog. Patton hardly had time to reciprocate the kiss before Remus broke off completely from the hug, unflustered and unaffected by what he’d done, save for a light blush.

“Now you guys!”

Oh, he was still hugging Deceit.

“Only if it’s okay?” he’d barely gotten the apprehensive words out of his mouth when it was suddenly occupied, and the world went back to hazey vibrance. Deceit was almost skittish, a barely-there press against his lips like he expected Patton to shove him away. He didn’t, by the way. Rather, he slid a hand up to rest between the side’s shoulder blades, bringing him nearer.

After a moment, they pulled back slowly, not letting go of each other.

“That was hot, ngl,” Remus chimed from his perch on the counter.

Patton was overcome with a fit of giggling, energy building in him. He ended his and Deceit’s very drawn-out embrace to satisfy the necessity of full body wiggle. He was in Silly Mode, there was no avoiding this until it had been exorcised via The Joyful Movement™. Patton flapped his hands at his sides and shook his hair out, laughing all the while. Today could not possibly get better!

But he remembered his audience of two. He looked up, hair fluffed up and face flushed with fading excitement and a tinge of self-consciousness.

“Sorry, I got over-excited...”

“That,” Deceit announced solemnly, “Was astoundingly adorable.”

“I’ve died a gruesome death,” Remus rolled off the counter and onto the ground with a crash (and some bone crunches thrown in, probably for fun), “My heart overloaded, it has burst. There’s blood everywhere, it’s in my eyes, I’m now also blind.”

Patton’s relief escaped in another bout of laughter, and something lifted in him. A weight that had been there for so long that he hadn’t even remembered it was there, nor how it felt to be without it. But now that it had left, he didn’t know how he had been living with it for so long. There was airiness in his chest, a clarity in his mind, a general sense of contentment rushing over him. This wasn’t a face he put on for others benefit, it wasn’t a fleeting enjoyment of one thing or another- what it was was a deep, thrumming joy that overcame him.

He was happy.

Naturally, Patton could not finish cleaning due to. Circumstances. Those circumstances being, he was finally letting himself indulge in some quality time with his new boyfriends (an identifier he very much liked the sound of).

The trio were half-laying on the Common room’s couch, a tangle of various limbs. Remus leaned against a pile of pillows, and Patton rested his head on his chest. Draped across the both of them was Deceit, fastening all of his arms around them in a manner simultaneously protective and needy. Oh, and also very, very cute.

“This was totally what I was planning from the beginning,” his voice reverberated through Patton’s chest, “God, I am so great at plotting.”

Remus clicked his tongue agreeably, pressing a kiss to the top of Morality’s head.

“Yeah, I was pretty sure we were gonna end up killing you, Pumpkin. This wasn’t even in the ballpark of outcomes.”

Patton hummed in thought, cuddling himself closer to his partners.

“I dunno. I’d say your plan turned out pretty well.”

@deceits-left-glove

@princemesscharming

@shrimp-crockpot

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katieskarlette · 4 years ago

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Shadows Rising: A Reaction Post

Short, mostly non-spoilery version: I liked it overall. I give it a solid B, maybe a B+.

I was disappointed in how little Nathanos and/or Sylvanas content there was, but I think proclamations of the ship’s doom are premature.

I’m intrigued by the first rumblings of new character development for certain characters, especially Anduin, Alleria and Turalyon.

I was rooting for Talanji so much. She’s great. Zekhan is a cinnamon roll too pure for this world. Sira was kind of boring. Fairshaw is so darn heartwarming I can’t stand it. I like Bwonsamdi more now. The lack of Wrathion is unsurprising but unfortunate. Nothing new with Tyrande but she’s already poised for major development in Shadowlands.

Much longer, spoilery version below.

This ended up being more of a ramble than an essay, but there’s a lot of disjointed thoughts pinging around in my head, so let’s dive in.

Overall, I enjoyed Shadows Rising. Was it the best book ever? No. Not even the best Warcraft book ever. But it was an enjoyable read. It’s always a treat to get into the heads of characters we mostly know in passing from in-game events. There are internal, emotional beats that cannot easily be explored in the game, and the books are a way to build the world and the characters in a more introspective, slow-paced manner. I like that. (That’s not to say there are no action scenes, because there definitely are.)

Talanji, Jaina, Zekhan, and Anduin were all written well and sympathetically. Maiev’s only in a couple scenes, but she felt off to me. Nathanos was very in-character, in all his snide, sour glory. Flynn and Mathias are great together.

The pacing was fine. The descriptions were good, and it all felt grounded in the game world (i.e. landmarks, ambiance, the ridiculous amount of stairs in Daz’alor...) Each of the Horde leaders got a moment or two in the spotlight. Despite a fair amount of chapters about Anduin, Alleria, Turalyon, and Jaina, it still felt like a Horde-centric book to me. Not that that’s a bad thing.

Prologue: Gayness detected on page 8! And it’s even something I kind of inadvertently predicted. In my reaction post for Before the Storm I wrote, “ In this book alone, it would have been so easy to have that blacksmith bringing a helmet as a gift to his long-lost Forsaken husband instead of friend.” That’s basically what we have here. I don’t know if they were married, and neither were blacksmiths, but the Westfall moonshiner describes one of the Forsaken slain in Arathi as “the best man I ever knew and loved.” Tada! See how easy it was? Add Jago x Wilmer to the growing list of LGBT rep in Azeroth. (Even if they’re super minor characters in the long run, it’s still great to see.)

There might be some kind of parallel to be drawn between Alleria failing Anduin (by not finding/killing Sylvanas) and Nathanos failing Sylvanas (by not killing Bwonsamdi) but my brain is too overloaded from binge-reading to articulate it right now. Both failed their king or queen, but both were also given nearly impossible tasks.

Alleria and Turalyon are definitely being set up as antagonists. We are clearly supposed to side with Jaina on this, and be uncomfortable (if not outright horrified) at their torture methods. It’s especially disturbing how they use their respective void and light powers to accomplish their goals. I mean, on one hand it’s great that both sides of the great cosmic divide can work together, and their marriage seems stronger than it was for awhile there, but yeesh...can you not torture people? I know, ends justify the means, slippery slope, greater evil, blah blah, but still...that’s not okay. It’s yet another sign that the Light is not necessarily good (or the void necessarily evil).

I welcome conflict within the Alliance, though. That’s been the Horde’s thing for long enough. Time to see how the blue side deals with its rifts.

In chapter 2 Nathanos is annoyed when a dreadtick flies by his head. What, was it too similar to a bird for his liking? Heh.

All that time in Nazmir, and we didn’t get to see a single crawg! Harumph.

It took three chapters and 39 pages to finally get something from Nathanos' perspective, and he was much more scarce going forward than I had hoped. The bits we did get from his perspective were great and in-character, but I wanted to get into his head more. Most of his scenes were from the POV of Sira or the troll villain instead, and while Apari was a good character I find Sira to be pretty one-dimensional.

I kind of got paternal vibes from Nathanos toward Sira, though. He was like, “I’ve been undead a lot longer than you; I know how to handle the bloodlust and such. Get it out of your system at appropriate times but learn to control yourself. There’s more to (un)life than slaughtering people.” She herself, though, was just “Rawr, I hate everything and want to kill anything that moves.” I mean, I get that she’s been through some traumatic stuff, but I didn’t find myself invested in her at all.

Page 42, as a bunch of trolls are about to be slaughtered: "Hungry birds circled, expectant of a big meal, and Nathanos so hated to disappoint." WHAT? Nathanos wanted to do something nice for BIRDS? I know, the phrasing fits with his dry, sarcastic sense of humor, but considering the running joke about him hating birds, it still made me go, “Huh?”

Chapter 5 (and later on, as it turns out): Zekhan having a soft spot for kids is too precious for this world.

Page 51: Thalyssra's eyes were "sparkling as she gazed across the room at Lor'themar." Awwwwwww. There was a surprising amount of ship fodder in this book overall, with Lor’themar x Thalyssra, Turalyon x Alleria, Fairshaw, and Zehkhan x Talanji all getting a moment or two (or more.)

Chapter 6: Anduin says, "Turalyon, take Alleria Windrunner and investigate these deaths." You know, Alleria...YOUR WIFE? I don't think you need to say her last name there, genius.

While I’m being snarky about the editing, there were at least two times where the word “grieves” was used instead of “greaves.” I spotted a couple other little things that a better editor (or one with more time, maybe it was rushed, I don’t know) would have caught.

Chapter 7: More matter-of-fact LGBT inclusion for minor characters, this time a lesbian troll couple who want to marry. Yes, thank you Blizzard, keep it up.

Chapter 8: If you’re going to make the “Zappy Boy” nickname for Zekhan canon, having Bwonsamdi be the one to wink at the camera and use it was a great decision. I can totally imagine him saying it.

We learn the name of Varok’s wife/Dranosh’s mother: Remda. Although I read elsewhere that the vision Zekhan saw of the Saurfang family in the afterlife was just Bwonsamdi’s B.S., it was still cool.

Chapter 13: Nathanos wearing cologne? Love it. And it’s not even to cover up the rotting smell, because apparently his new body doesn’t stink like some undead; it just doesn’t smell like a living person, either, and some find it unnerving. So he wears cologne. That’s such a delightful little detail, and surprisingly considerate of him.

Sira complaining about bugs: "We'll be eaten alive." Uh no, you'd have to BE ALIVE for that to happen. Tsk.

Nathanos being called "the pale rider" makes me think of old cowboy movies. Like, “You greenhorns better clear out; the Pale Rider is comin’ to town and there’s gonna be trouble. Go wake up the sheriff.”

Sira says that while on the voyage to Zandalar the dark rangers liked to tell the tale of how Nathanos was promoted to Ranger Lord by Sylvanas. I'm surprised he lets them gossip like that! His quests in vanilla made it seem he wanted to keep those parts of his past on the down-low, at least from the player.

Chapter 14: Thrall's second kid is Rehze. *blink* Reh-zee? Rez? Ruh-zay? I guess she’s not named after anyone. After he named his son Durak (sort of after Durotan) I assumed he’d continue the pattern with kid #2. Maybe she’s named after one of Aggra’s relatives. (Later I read on Wowpedia that the author actually said she dislikes the “fan service” trend of naming children after other characters so she just picked a random orcish name. I don’t think it’s fan service, because lots of real-life people do it, but okay. Fair enough.)

Speaking of orcish names, there’s an orc page helping out the council named Gunk. Like, what you clean out from under your fingernails after gardening. Gunk. LOL

Aww, that’s no fun...Maiev's wearing a cape trimmed in white fur, not daggers. What happened to her impeccable/deadly fashion sense?

Chapter 16: Zekhan starting to clap at Talanji's speech and then stopping and shrinking back when he realized no one else was applauding was so freaking adorable.

Chapter 17: Fairshaw, full steam ahead!!! Their chemistry is everything I hoped it would be. Learning a little about Flynn’s tragic past was both fascinating and heartbreaking. (We learned his mom’s name: Lyra Fairwind. R.I.P.)

Chapter 18: Proodmoore keep has a gallery with floor to ceiling oil paintings of the Proudmoore family, extended family, and beloved friends. It now includes Anduin. I can’t help thinking that, in a different timeline, Arthas’ portrait would have been there.

Will wonders never case? Ji Firepaw actually gets to do stuff!!! GASP!

"Thrall understood that to other humans Wrynn was said to be pleasing-looking, but to the orc, Anduin simply looked like a small, pink boy swallowed by clunky armor." So it’s canon that Anduin is good-looking in-universe. But LMAO at Thrall’s description.

Chapter 22: From Shaw’s POV, "These odds ranked pretty low... Maybe just above the time he had relied completely on a shoddy network of spies embedded in a cheese business." OMG leave Elling Trias alone! He did his best! LOL

Shaw wanting to hang out in a mountain meadow and whittle bird calls (perhaps even with a special someone) was so touchingly normal. That’s the kind of characterization that the books are so much better at than the game.

I actually like Bwonsamdi more after reading this. Not that I disliked him before, but I didn’t have a strong sense of him due to not playing Horde as much in BFA. He’s a well-done gray character: not good, not evil, insightful but a smartass, part of the great cycle, out for himself but also taking his duties seriously (saving troll souls from the Maw.)

I’m not entirely sure that we needed as much from Thrall’s POV as we got. I mean, sure, he’s a familiar character with ties to a lot of others, so it was easy to drop him into situations, and his ties to Jaina made cross-faction communication easier, but he didn’t seem as relevant to the lore of Zandalar and the Shadowlands as some other characters.

Maiev seemed OOC, especially in the Stockades scene. I know one of the themes of the book was “people change,” and I suppose I should be happy that she has a more moderate viewpoint nowadays, dialing back the Lust For Vengeance Meter from eleven to maybe a five or a six, but it didn’t feel like Maiev. Especially because her message of “maybe don’t go overboard with this vengeance thing” was aimed at Tyrande, of all people, someone who Maiev has had quite legitimate reasons to dislike for a very, very long time. I could see her maybe mellowing out a little in front of fellow Wardens, but Tyrande? Eh, it didn’t feel right to me.

No surprises from Tyrande in this. She’s still steely cold, vengeance-obsessed, consumed by anger. Not that I blame her, but it’s not healthy. I know we’ll be exploring her situation more in Shadowlands, so this was more of a reminder/reinforcement of where she is right now. It was kind of funny how Thrall, Baine and Calia tried to talk to her and she just gave them the stink eye and the silent treatment, though.

I’m fine with Anduin exploring his dark side a bit more, as long as they don’t go overboard with it. I like him as an earnest, good-hearted character. It’s only natural to test your limits, though, especially in times of crisis. Power corrupts, and he’s got plenty of it, both politically and magically, so I can understand Jaina and Mathias being a bit uneasy. Add to that the increasing themes about the Light not being as benevolent as we originally assumed, and there’s potential for interesting plot there. In the end I want Anduin to stay firmly on the side of good, empathy, compassion, etc., but a deviation into the shadows along the way isn’t a bad thing for the story.

I imagine every single person who read about Anduin sneaking off to the Lion’s Pride Inn in Goldshire smirked about that place’s reputation on certain RP realms. I was surprised he didn’t find scantily-clad elves and draenei dancing on the furniture. And then it turns out Jaina was there, too. Awkward!

Why, oh why couldn’t we have had a scene with Anduin and Wrathion hanging out (incognito, of course) in a tavern? That was their thing in MoP, and now with Anduin desperately wanting to get away from his duties for awhile and soak up some tavern ambiance it would have been perfect. Let Anduin show off the best taverns Stormwind has to offer. Even though Wrathion was as much a guest at the Tavern in the Mists as Anduin was, he acted like he owned the place and Anduin was his guest, so let them turn the tables and have Anduin play host. There could be jokes about how he better not punch Wrathion again or they’ll get kicked out for starting a bar fight. They could have still seen the young recruits, ran into Jaina, etc. But Anduin really needs a buddy to hang out with right now.

And you can’t tell me after Nya’lotha fell Wrathion just disappeared again and never at least visited Stormwind to tell grandiose tales about how he stabbed an Old God, it was so heroic, and he wasn’t scared at all, and those mean adventurers were so quick to believe he’d been corrupted, but he hadn’t, and did you know Azshara was there? And then N’Zoth almost won but KERPOW LAZERS and oh Anduin you should have seen it, etc. etc. etc.

I should be used to being disappointed about Wrathion’s absence by now, but there are SO MANY MISSED OPPORTUNITIES!

Sigh. Moving on.

Being exposed to spoilers meant I wasn’t fooled by it, but it was still a deft bit of writing to have the dark rangers drink poison when cornered by Horde soldiers, then mention Nathanos having a vial in his coat, which he drinks when defeated--making the unspoiled reader assume he’s killing himself--only for it to be a kind of liquid hearthstone attuned to Sylvanas. Had I not known that he survived the book I would have freaked out there.

So, like, was Bolvar just sitting there on the ground awkwardly eavesdropping while Sylvanas and Nathanos talked/argued? Or did he use that time to sneak away unnoticed? LOL

Which brings us to the epilogue that’s caused so much hand wringing and wailing from my fellow Blightrunner shippers. It wasn’t the openly sentimental interaction between them that I had hoped for, but I honestly didn’t read it as the doom of the ship. A bump, at worst.

[If you’re not interested in the relationship between Nathanos and Sylvanas, or if you’re one of those people who simply hate his character, you can skip the rest of this post.]

First of all, Sylvanas had just broken the Helm of Domination. That was a hugely significant thing to do, both for her personally and in the cosmic scheme of things. Her state of mind at that moment had to have been in a turmoil. So if she was a little distracted and tense, I think that’s quite understandable.

Second, I saw other fans being upset that she threatened/wanted to strike him. That’s not how I read it at all. “Sylvanas could strike him, scream and hollow out his soul, but it would not correct the failing.” She’s not saying she wants to do that, just that she could. The instinct to lash out in violence is ingrained in all the undead; death knights have to do it or they go mad. So for her mind to go there in a moment of high emotion seems natural to me. She doesn’t actually attack him or verbally/physically threaten him. People say things like “I could have killed my brother for eating the last slice of cake” or “I could’ve strangled my co-worker when she spoiled the ending of the movie” and it’s not literal.

Third, she doesn’t say “go away, I never want to see you again.” She says “Go where you will, Nathanos, but do not be idle” and “I expect you will return to me with means to prevent [Bwonsamdi’s] meddling.” So essentially she’s saying, “Fine, go home, regroup, come up with Plan B, and if it’s not possible to destroy Bwonsamdi at least concentrate on countering him.” Also note that she still considers the operation to be theirs, not just hers: “This was a blow, but one she felt sure they could overcome.” That tells me she expects to work with him in the future.

Fourth, and granted this is before she learns of his failure, but she’s clearly happy to have him there when he first arrives. “’My champion,’ Sylvanas purred. ‘Your timing could not be better. Tell me of your victory as we take these first steps together.’” She wanted to cross into the Shadowlands with him at her side. Hell, that’s bridal imagery...crossing the threshold together, and all that. The only reason she tells him to go is because his work isn’t done and she still needs him on Azeroth. But she explicitly says “I expect you will return to me.”

Fifth, in the line from her POV about how “the unjust ladder of their lives must be dismantled,” the “they” she’s referring to is all of the denizens of Azeroth, true, but I think there’s also a tinge of bitterness there as she looks back on her own life, and her life with Nathanos. Destiny has not been kind to either of them.

Sixth, she says “My path lies ahead” as she prepares to cross into the Shadowlands. It’s a reminder of the scale of the forces she is trying to manipulate. When faced with the potential fates of all the souls in the universe, her own regrets are insignificant. She can’t stay on Azeroth any longer, even if some part of her does want to just chill out on a beach somewhere with Nathanos and watch his blighthounds chase seagulls. She thinks “It would not be easy, but then, her mission required great sacrifice.” Like leaving him behind.

Even this part can be interpreted different ways: “She heard the note of hope in his voice, fragile as a fledgling dropped from the next.” Putting aside the humor of comparing bird-hating Nathanos to a fledgling, we don’t get a value judgment about the comparison. Sylvanas doesn’t think about him sympathetically, wanting to protect him in a vulnerable moment, but she also doesn’t think, “Geez, what a pathetic weakling.” It goes back to that bit in Warbringers about how she can’t kill hope. And she can’t. Here, again, no matter how bleak things are, no matter how displeased she is at his failure, he still has hope. And she needs that, whether she believes it or not.

When she “flicked her fingers, as if ridding herself of a speck of muck” that can be interpreted as her thinking of him in a derogatory way, but she was also talking about Bwonsamdi in the same breath so I can choose to believe that’s who she was being dismissive of.

I don’t know. I get that some of the language is discouraging. She describes him as having “blubbering lips” and she’s definitely not happy with him. But these two have been through a lot, and their bond has remained strong. I’m sure this isn’t their first fight, or the first time he’s disappointed her. This isn’t the end for them. Just another bump on a very long highway they’ve traveled together.

...

OMG this has turned into a monster of a post, rambling all over the place. I hope it’s coherent enough to follow. I’m just in lore overload at the moment (and enjoying every second.) I know I’m forgetting things I wanted to talk about, too, but I’m going to go ahead and post it as it is.

#shadows rising #shadows rising spoilers #bff princes #sylvanas x nathanos #rambling about wow

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reality-imagined · 5 years ago

Text

Getaway Car - Peter Parker

Young Adult!Peter Parker x Agent!Reader

Based on Getaway Car by Taylor Swift, I suggest listening to it before to get in to the ~tone~ of what’s going on. Also, Endgame never happened, goodbye.

Word Count: 8.5k

Rating: T+

Warnings: Violence, Use of guns, Hints of murder?, Maybe slowburn?, romance

Synopsis: Peter (who is 23 now) is struggling to find his footing in the team now that he’s older and he’s tired of being the kid damn it. Peter decides his next mission is going to change how his team views him, but things never work out just how he plans, does it?

I’ve been sitting on this since I first heard the song, and I’ve been itching to post it! xx

It had taken some time for the other members of the team to start taking Peter seriously, and even though they regarded him with a little more respect, they couldn’t help but still see the youth around his eyes. A facial feature they often used to fuel their jokes. Peter understood that it came from a good place, a place of caring and inclusion, but it didn’t reduce the sting any less. They praised him like a child when he achieved even the smallest task, making him feel (childlike). But even worse, any mistake he made was highlighted and turned into a lengthy lecture by each member - scolding him to be diligent and be more “mature.” They often blamed his age and lack of experience, completely missing the fact that these lectures did not assist Peter in his training at all. Only infuriated him, particularly when another member made a similar mistake, but was only brushed off by the others as “bad luck.”

Nonetheless, he worked overtime, harder, and more diligently to try to get the team to see him as more than just the youngest Avenger. He took on all the missions he could, small or large, to add more experience to his resume. Maybe, just maybe, if he could catch up with the team on experience they would finally remove the “rookie” title from his name. He couldn’t remember the last time he actually took a weekend to enjoy things other 23 year olds enjoyed. At this point, Ned and MJ quit offering invites out, knowing Peter would relay that he had a “classified” mission to go on and wouldn’t be able to make - but next time, definitely. The best way to keep up with their friend, they found, was to check the headlines and new stations - Spider-Man saves the day once again! Peter wished the team would revere him as the media did.

So, when a file came across his spot at the team table for a solo mission, Peter didn’t even have to open the file before he agreed. A solo mission. If he could knock this out of the park, in record time, then this would be the moment they finally regarded him as a full-on member of team. This would be his ticket to the big leagues and meetings that only involved Steve, Natasha, Tony, Thor and Banner. He would finally be an Avenger not only to the world, but to the other Avengers as well.

He stayed up the entire night, memorizing the file and the target. It wasn’t a simple mission to say the least, but it wasn’t impossible. Despite his lack of recon experience, he figured a quick conversation with Nat would help him in this area and he’d set course to Vienna by the end of the week.

Ned’s birthday dinner would just have to be rescheduled.

Y/n couldn’t exactly remember what invited her into her line of work, whether it was the influence of her family or a set of specific skills she had somehow stumbled upon. Either way, her job was her life and there was rarely a mission she declined. She worked for many people, a lone ranger who swayed elegantly back and forth across the line of good and bad. Sure, the number of tasks on the ‘bad’ side outnumbered the opposite tremendously, but she did experience being the good guy every now and then. She found that those jobs, where she saved the day, tended be more difficult anyway. Y/n by no means regarded herself as a hero or vigilante, just a girl trying to make a living and hopefully cash out on a beach somewhere with a mojito in hand by the age of thirty-five.

She ignored the hype of the superhero’s that everyone seemed to talk about nowadays - the Avengers? Really, were they going to release a Christmas album this year? She scoffed at the idea of being a part of a team like that, and she was surprised when she first heard of Black Widow’s involvement. Y/n had once looked up to the lethal red-head, but now having seen her join the band of ironically-clad heroes, decided that she was quite opposite of Natasha Romanoff and should probably rely only on herself for motivation. She would never be good like them, even if she wanted to.

It didn’t take long for the news of a new-age, extra deadly nuclear weapon on the market to reach her ears. And not long after that, power ridden billionaires and dirty country leaders alike requesting her services. The highest bidder bought her out of course, and she pictured that sunny beach being closer in her future than she had originally planned. Even though she was only 23 and still had a bit of baby fat in her cheeks, she knew exactly how to infiltrate this particular wealth-monger and had a new persona and ID ready for her flight to Vienna in only a couple of hours.

She didn’t think this mission would take her all that long and she could practically taste the mint mojito on her tongue.

Establishing his identity as a possible buyer to the evil guy holding the future of the world in his expensive briefcase took a lot longer than Peter had expected. He wasn’t used to being so exposed on the field, even if his mask was his only missing accessory. The thought that someone would recognize him, even with the possibility of that being in the negative percentage range, still had him on edge any time he met with another individual who got him closer and closer to his target.

Peter was thankful that the extra missions and time spent training with Steve and Bucky, shaved off the extra teenage weight he had. It didn’t take long for his face to thin, his jawline to sharpen, and his body to become more lean. He had finally lost that awkward, teenage lank to his features and he blended in easily with the people around him. Peter managed to get his last contact to trust him enough to snag an invitation to an event held by his target. It was a lavish event in a ballroom nearly the size of the compound back home. People were dressed elegantly and Peter straightened out the lapel of his suit jacket once again, an expensive number that he happily charged to the team’s mission expenses.

Peter surveyed the area as discreetly as possible, missing the functions that his mask, which was tucked safely away into his jacket, gave him when it came to surveillance. He wondered briefly if Tony could mock up some glasses for him next time. By the look of the crowd, chatting idly to each other, he figured that the target had yet to arrive. He wished he was more skilled in the social aspect of recon, his socially awkward tendencies once again coming up to bit him on the ass. Making way to the bar, he politely- and clumsily- excused himself as he nudged people from his path. Suddenly becoming anxious at the thought that his falling demeanor would give away his intentions.

Y/n stirred the drink in front of her gently, a small, polite smile on her face as she looked over the crowd. She already knew her target wasn’t here just yet. She had spent the evening in his lavish penthouse the day before and new of his schedule for the day. She had played dumb and innocent when he said he had meetings to go to before he would meet her at the party. The bug she placed on the lapel of his jacket as she passionately kissed him goodbye let her know that the last meeting with a buyer fell through and that the device she was after would be in attendance with him tonight. So, she donned a sparkly, gold number that was eye catching but allowed her to blend in with the people around her and sat herself at the bar as soon as she arrived. Smilingly gratefully the people that he had previously showed her off to, only to keep up the appearance. Inwardly grimacing and keeping the best smile she could. If she had to spend one more moment with the man and this twisted entourage, she would blow her cover and his head.

She was about to stand, the sleek watch on her wrist letting her know that her target was approaching the ballroom. The sight of a man, likely around her own age, stumbling up the bar, halted her movements. He dropped down on the stool with tense shoulders and a bead of sweat on his temple. His eyes scanned his surroundings before shooting his head to the bar tender who asked what he would like. The man visibly faltered and Y/n could instantly tell that he was new to the game that she herself, was currently playing as well.

“He’ll have an old fashion.” her voice spoke without her mind’s permission. The bartender replied a quiet ‘yes ma’am’ and began preparing a drink that matched the one she still stirred with a little red straw. The man before her stared at her with wide, startled eyes, body tense and almost ready to spring from his seat and run. “Camille.” She smiled, her fake name falling from her lips as elegantly as if it were her own, a gentle hand rising for him to shake. He stared down at her hand, before he seemed to snap out of reverie and quickly grasp her hand in an awkward shake.

He didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t expected someone to talk to him while he was here. She was beautiful, gorgeous even, and he only wished the confidence that exuded from her was contagious. By the look in her eye, he could tell she was picking up on his nervousness. It was at this point, mid-thought, he realized her hand was still in front of him, so he quickly grasped it. Flinching at his own awkward movements and released her hand from his jerky grasp as quickly as he held it.

She raised a manicured eyebrow at him, and he quickly realized he never gave her his own name. “Pe, I mean, Paul.” He tried not to show the mistake on his face and only inwardly grimace at his own stutter. He had picked out a cool undercover name before setting out on this mission, but found that he stuttered just has he had moments ago during his first task. Meaning that he was stuck with Paul.

“Paul.” She replied slowly, nodding with a small smile playing at his lips. He only hoped that she wasn’t all that perceptive and this was just her confident personality. Otherwise, his cover was blown and he’d have to hightail it back to the compound with his tail between his legs. “What brings you here Paul?” She smiled down at her drink before looking up at him. Social awkwardness once again kicking in as her beauty was getting the best of him. His imaginative James Bond ego quivering and failing him as he sat staring at her. He hadn’t even noticed the bartender place his drink in front of him. An old fashion? What a suave drink to order, he’d never had one and would’ve never thought of it. He felt that the drink was her own version of a vodka martini, shaken not stirred.

She hadn’t intended to play with him like she was, a cat toying at the mouse. She couldn’t help it. His cover was increasingly crumbling and he had a handsome face behind the worried eyebrows and sheen of sweat on his forehead. His fake name wasn’t all that bad, but by the grimace and his stutter she knew that it wasn’t the one he had planned. She briefly considered calling him out and asking him with his other name was supposed to be. But that would end her little game and that wouldn’t be fun. Besides, her target had already walked in and was in a deep conversation across the room. She could toy with the handsome man in front of her for a few moments longer.

It took him an alarmingly long time to reply to her questions and she couldn’t help but wonder how in the world he had gotten this far with his lack of experience. “I uhm, work.” he managed before taking a deep gulp of the drink she had ordered him. She let out a giggled as she witnessed him trying not to cough of the tart taste. She nodded, taking a sip of her own drink and sparing a glance at her target.

He noticed and followed her gaze, his eyes comically widening as he landed on the man she was surveying. Ah ha, so they were after the same person. Her competitiveness tried to rear its ugly head, but she kept calm. A smile spreading on her lips as he looked back at her, eyes not as wide but still holding alarm. She wished she could tell him that he was being so transparent. He was lucky to have stumbled upon her, had any other informant witnessed what she was - they’d have ended him before he could have even sat down. Competition in this line of work always ended with the opponent last’s breath and had the curve of his jaw not enticed her, then this scenario would’ve played out differently. It wasn’t her place to advise him, however. He wasn’t a friend, colleague, or even a blimp on her professional radar. There was no telling who he worked for or the nature of his visit and the last thing she needed was to get caught up in the mess of an undercover whatever he was. Agent, would not have been a word she used to describe him.

His mind whirred with the realization that she was gazing at his target, with calculated eyes. She gave off vibes that were similar to other agents he had been around, but she couldn’t possibly be undercover? A girl who looked like that? She couldn’t have been any older than him, but her face was hardened with the life of operations, he realized. Not like Natasha’s or any of his other members, though. There was an innocence, but also edge, that held her posture. Maybe she was undercover and she was that good. He didn’t know what to do or say, the alcohol from his drink pooling in his stomach. Instantly regretting never taking Thor up on his offer of Asgaurdian liquor to build up his tolerance. Her glass was empty and by the way the bartender quickly retrieved the glass and replaced it with another indicated that it wasn’t her first drink of the night.

He had no idea how to proceed, her eyes were watching him and he felt that his every move was being scrutinized. He felt vulnerable, despite the technologically advanced suit that clung to his skin beneath the expensive tuxedo. He thought briefly about pulling out his phone and dialing for backup. After weeks of working towards this event, everything he had achieved began crumbling down before this beautiful girl with an agenda of her own.

No, he wasn’t going to let a pretty face ruin his chances of earning the respect of his team. He wasn’t about to call the team to come rescue his ass because he knew he’d never hear the end of it. He was going to see this through, even it meant having to take out the girl who was still smiling at him. That thought made the alcohol in his stomach churn harder.

She was running out of time. She wanted him to make the first move, curiosity getting the best of her and momentarily causing her to lose focus of her task. But he was taking too long and her target was talking to a buyer that she knew would seal the deal and she needed to start planning her tactic on how to get her target and the briefcase alone. His eyebrows furrowed and she could tell he was gathering he thoughts to speak, but a window of opportunity opened, just as her target walked into view just beyond ‘Paul’s’ head.

Y/n tried not to sound to rushed, but she knew her, “If you’ll excuse me” was too harsh and she could feel his eyes on her retreating figure. She put emphasizes on her hips, whether it was for the man at the bar or the man she was approaching - she wasn’t quite sure, but secretly hoped that it had grabbed both of their attention.

“Have you had a nice evening?” She spoke in a smooth voice that sounded nothing like her natural one. Placing a gentle hand on the upper arm of the man she had been seducing for the past few weeks. He smirked down at her, attempting to sultry in nature, but she found nothing about this man attractive. Not like the man who she had spoken to at the bar. She inwardly chided herself for getting distracted so easily.

She only gave him enough attention to leave him wanting more, suggesting about wanting to see him ‘in private’ for a moment, voice full of seduction as her hand sliding down his arm to his own. This would be her moment to grab the briefcase and make a fast getaway. She briefly hoped that ‘Paul’ wouldn’t get in to too much trouble for not accomplishing his mission. The man agreed, pulling her towards a nearby door. She looked over her shoulder, curious to see If he was still there. And he was, now standing, watching with wide eyes. she couldn’t help it, as she pulled the door closed - she sent him a wink and cheeky smile.

‘Camille’ - 1

‘Paul’ - 0

No, no no no no. NO. Oh God, no. I really fucked up. No! SHIT.

Peter quit attempting to mask his anxiousness as the girl and the briefcase disappeared behind a door guarded by two men nearly twice his size. How could he just let himself get distracted? Let the mission get away from him like that? What was he thinking? His inner voice sounded eerily like Steve’s as he chided himself for being so naive. He tried mapping out a scenario to get into the room. Maybe there was a window? He was about to sprint to a bathroom to don his mask. Maybe Karen could scope out the scene and give him some advice. But before he could even move an inch, chaos broke out.

The door his eyes somehow were still trained on busts open, guns being pulled out from random places and random people. Shots ringing out in different directions. Party goers who were just bystanders ducking and screaming. He watched as she elegantly avoided attacks, brief case clutched in her hand as she used it to defend herself and seek an exit. He tried not to focus too much on the blood that stained her gold dress. He could tell that she was struggling to get out of the sea of chaos, her eyes jotting around the room wildly as she fought gracefully and skillfully that wound have Natasha praising her movements.

Peter found himself jumping across the bar to a near window - busting it out with elbow and easily jumping to ground beneath him. He tried to think too much about his plans suddenly altered to aiding the beautiful girl in the gold dress.

Just make it to the door, just make it to the door. Y/n’s voce sang in her head and she weaved and battled her way through the chaos. She wished she had packed more than the small hand gun clasped in her other hand. It had been useful for injuring her target enough to retrieve the briefcase but now, she wished she had more heavy artillery. It took longer than she had wished for her to reach the door, hoping that backup had not yet been called her path to the car would be easy and quick.

She found the opposite as she kicked open the doors. The lavish driveway before her was nearly filled with more agents, all after the silver briefcase in her hand. She surveyed the scenarios, trying to find the quickest way out but fell short as more attackers came trudging her way, bullets starting to fire out in her direction. She was so focused on her next move she hadn’t yet noticed the sleek black Audi revving up towards her. Not until it was stopped in front of her.

Y/n’s hand rose the gun up to aim at the driver, deciding that taking the car was her best option at the point but she faltered as she realized who was staring down the barrel. His hand was raised in surrender as he opened the door across from him, other hand steadily on the wheel, bot flinching at the sound of bullets ricocheting off the exterior of his car. Everything in her past and all the training she had received told her this was a bad idea, that she could not possibly trust this man she had only meet moments ago at the bar. But as agents started to descend upon them at a faster rate, her options were limited and all it took was his sincere, “I’ve got you.” to get her to drop into the car.

Her door was barely shut before he revved the engine and speed off, dust and debris flying up being the wheels, a rapid sound of bullets dinging as they drove away. It was then she noticed that the car was somehow bulletproof and her stomach fell at the idea that maybe Paul was more high level than she had thought. She clutched the briefcase to the side opposite of him just in case, hand on the door, ready to open it and roll out. A sudden outburst of laughter cause her to stop, looking over at him with concern.

His face was lit up with a smile and his eyes crinkled as he let out his chuckle, “Well that’s not how I planned this day to go. What about you?” He looked over at her, smile still on his face. She didn’t know how to react; she had never see someone look so… so beautiful and naturally happy. His laugh was contagious and she found herself breaking out into a smile of its own volition.

“Not exactly.” She replied in a small voice. She knew she needed to ask about his next play, next move, what he thought was about to happen. But she didn’t want to. Not yet, at least. For the first time in her life she was enjoying a wholesome moment, where, despite the circumstance, she felt connected to another human being for once in her very short life.

Peter knew he needed to tell her that he was going to have to take that briefcase, that the world depended on it. But he couldn’t say anything just yet. He liked the way she smiled at him, how her eyes seemed to light up when they met his own. Despite his many infield successes, for the first time he felt that he had done something right. He had made his own decision for once, not based on what he thought the team would praise him for, but what he wanted to do. Peter didn’t regret his decision one bit, at least not in this moment.

Camille’s silence gave him hope that she was trying to hold onto to this moment as well. He wasn’t sure of the destination, or what would happen next. All he knew was that he was going to continuing driving as far as he could, as long as she stayed right there in his passenger seat.

“We need to get rid of this car.” She spoke quietly, looking out her passenger window. We, he thought looking between her and the road quickly. “They’ll try to track us down. I wasn’t able to… extinguish the target. He’s going to come after us.” She added, looking over at him. Hesitancy filled her eyes but he didn’t hesitate to agree. Even though Peter knew that this was going to end in one way, he decided that the right decision could wait just a little bit longer.

“I know a buyer that will cash out enough for both of us to profit.” Peter spoke, not sure where this idea had come from but just fleeting enough to decide that it was his best option. She didn’t reply instantly; he had broken the veil that she had put over situation. Forgetting about what brought her into the car and the cold metal of the briefcase seeping through her dress on to her skin.

“We can talk logistics later. Let’s… figure out how to lose our tail.”

He nodded in agreement and while they sat in silence, their minds are screaming.

A night, turned into two days, and two days morphed into a week.

She had never had a partner before, romantically or professionally. Yet, she adjusted to Paul’s presence rapidly and tried not to let that scare her too much. In the past, very little scared her. But the way her heart thumped when he smiled at her, frightened Y/n. It was all unrealistic, meeting him at a bar where they were both undercover - after the same prize. But she somehow found comfort in knowing that maybe his past was just as murky as her own. She began to trust him; feelings began to bloom in the most unlikely of circumstances. She felt free, untethered to her past. It was liberating, beautiful, and terrifying.

They were at a gas station, filling up the car that Paul had hotwired only hours before - their 3rd car in their trek to no-where. She was grabbing snacks, finding out that he had a rather childish palette and also discovering that maybe she had grown to be too uptight for her age. Somehow, the scared look on the cashier’s face didn’t alert her. Y/n never noticed them reaching for the telephone, a picture of her face plastered on the television behind the counter. WANTED in big red letters. She didn’t notice until it was too late - until he was busting in the door, yelling for her.

Instincts kicked in, she reached across the counter - grabbing the collar of the poor workingman and bashed his head in to the hard surface between them. Anger getting the best of her before she gathered as much of the junk food in her arms, dashing out behind Paul who looked shocked at her actions. She tried not to think about that too much. Sirens were getting closer and she could see the lights getting brighter. It felt as if it was taking him twice as long to get the engine started. Sparks flying for the stripped wires underneath the steering wheel as he desperately tried to get the car moving. She heard the bell of the station’s door ring - the telltale sound of a shotgun being loaded.

“go go GO.” she screamed, in time with the sound of the engine bursting to life. His foot immediately in the gas, dust flying up behind them as he maneuvered the car unto the road again. Siren closer than ever - blue and red lighting up the darkened interior of the car. The shotgun rang, but missed.

He was running from the police now. He was an Avenger, and he was running from the police. His moral compass was begging for him to stop this, but something in his heart told him to keep going. See how this played out, it would be worth it. He tried to remind himself of that. He managed to lose the police, and with directions from Camille, they found a new car and decided it would be best to turn in for the night. The sound of the shower was the only thing that filled the room as he sat at the edge of the bed. Phone in one hand, heart in the other, starting at his hazy reflection in the severely outdated boxed TV.

He could call his team right now, and they would fix everything. It would be simple and quick, painless even. He had almost convinced himself to do it. The pros outweighed the cons and this would be the right thing to do. But the sound of the shower brought him back to the moment, his thoughts flooding with the idea of her. Her. The girl who had consumed his conscious for the past 9 days. The girl who he knew nothing about, but felt everything for. He could see the life and the world in her eyes. The girl who had him rethinking his choices, who he was as a person. He had gone against every single one of his morals, but had never felt more free.

He acted as if he wasn’t lying to himself.

Her phone rang out a gentle tune just as she was about to get in the dingy motel shower. Hopes that the warm water would give her clarity on her next move. She couldn’t think straight in his presence. Never once had she formulated a plan that wouldn’t only benefit herself, but she found all her ideas ensured his safety - even if it meant risking her own.

She didn’t say hello, only answers the blocked number and placed the phone to her ear. Eyes locked on her reflection in the mirror. The voice on the other end caused her pulse to ring in her ears.

“I will find you.” The voice of her vengeful target hissed, “You’ve forgotten the power I have. The length of my reach. You will never be safe. I will get my property.”

She couldn’t think of a reply, the idea of letting Paul know was her first thought - but she immediately pushed that idea away as quickly as it came.

“Then make a deal.” She replied quietly, hoping the shower masked the sound of her voice. She knew she was in no place to bargain, but it wasn’t in her nature to turn over easily.

A harsh laugh echoed through the receiver, “You will give me my property and I will consider letting you live.”

“You forget that you have no idea who I really am. The reach that I have. I could end you, no matter who you’ve poisoned with your money. Did you think I was like those other girls you like to parade on your arm? Oh, baby, I am the best and worst thing you’ll ever have. I could end you in seconds.” She hissed, letting all the pent-up emotions she had kept to herself unleash. “I’ve kept this going because I like this little jet-set Bonnie and Clyde thing that’s going on right now. It’s entertaining… but I get bored real easy. And the last thing you want me to do is get bored.”

He didn’t reply instantly. Sat there in silence, mind probably going wild trying to worm his way out of this one while she stood there confidently. Reflection smirking back at her as she waited for him to catch her bait. She couldn’t live up to any of those threats, but what he doesn’t know will make her rich. After a few more beats, a quiet and defeated, “What do you want?” came through.

She smiled wickedly at her own success. “I want 1.2 million wired to an account in the Caribbean’s and 250k in cash at the drop off. You and I both know that I’m cutting you a deal.”

And she was, really. The highest bidder, and the reason she was even in this mess, had offered 2.3 billion for the retrieval of the item. The small device had that much power and a small part of her, the part that she referred to as still being human, felt that maybe she should to turn over to the good guys. She imaged that those Avengers guys would know what to do with it.

But 1.4 million was more than enough for her to sit her ass on beach for a couple of years. She had a fleeting thought of asking him to join her.

There was silence, as he thought over her demands. Neither of them wanted to budge, but he was the desperate one now.

“I will send you a location and you will be there within 24 hours.” came the hoarse words from the other side of the line. She had ruined this man with only a few minutes of her time. It made her feel powerful.

“One last thing.” she tried to keep her voice from wavering, “My partner walks free.”

“I didn’t call you to get a lecture. I called you get help.” Peter spoke quietly, standing outside the motel door. Eyes zeroed in on the slight crack he’d left open in the door to see when she came out of the shower. His heart was pounding and was regretting his choices in the past 4 minutes.

“This is really bad kid.”

“Yeah, Steve. I know. But I- I don’t have an excuse, okay? I did what I did and now I need you to help me.” Peter was all but pleading, irritation growing in his veins. Why wouldn’t he just agree to help already? It wasn’t like Captain America was one to leave a friend in need. I mean look at what he did for Bucky all those years ago. He could easily help Peter out with this, why was Steve hesitating?

“Who is she? Who does she work for?”

“None of that matters. Just know we’re leaving in the morning and I’ll tell you where- “

“You know I’m going to have to bring her in Peter. She’s a felon and-”

“And so am I as of 9 days ago.” Peter hissed back, defenses coming up to protect a girl he barely knew. He should’ve called Tony, he chided, listening closer into the room to make sure he hadn’t heard the shower turn off. He thought his enhanced ears could hear her talking, but it had only taken one night for him to realize she liked to softly hum in the shower. He couldn’t control his wide smile when he came across that little quirk.

“You’re a kid and you make mist- “

“You’re lecturing again.” Peter deadpanned.

Steve sighed, thumb and pointer finger pinching the bridge of his nose tight as he tried to sort this out in his mind. Thankfully no one knew exactly who Peter was, so if he made this quick and low-radar, then there would be little to no knowledge of Peter’s position as an accomplice. When Peter explained that he was with the girl who Steve had seen on the news, Steve suddenly felt his age kick in as his heart began beating out of his chest. What was the kid thinking? Of course, media and information systems didn’t know much about her, and even with recruiting Nat to get intel, still very little came up. But, there was just enough out there to know that she dealt the same services that Romanoff had once dealt herself.

“Send me your location tomorrow. Nat and I will be on standby.”

Peter felt the weight of the world on his shoulder fall off, his shoulder visibly slumping with relief. The shower turned off only seconds later.

“Steve - one last thing.”

“Yeah, kid?”

“You’ve gotta let her go.”

The gradual light coming through the cheap curtains woke her up first. The dusty room congesting her nose and making eyes itch. She turned over, noting that Peter was facing her - but still fast asleep. She had grown used to sharing a bed with him, she almost found… comfort in the heat that his body created under blankets. Keeping her usually cold feet warm for once. She peered at him, the sunlight behind him making his brown hair glow lighter. She wondered how crystal his eyes would look in sunlight. Not that she didn’t find his happy eyes already one of his best features. His face was relaxed and there was a small snore that resounded as his chest expanded with his breath.

She used to find that annoying with the other men she had been with, but with him, she found it endearing and grounding as she tried to fall asleep herself. She was wrecked. Her world turned upside in a way she had never anticipated. She had no family, or friends. She didn’t have personal connections that kept her in one place. But his presence made her want to be still for once. To enjoy moments like the sunset or a good movie on TV, commercials and all. She was finding contentment in the simple things, things that often bored or disinterested her, and it scared her.

His phone buzzed crossed the room and his eyes opened immediately with sound. She noticed that he had an ability to react before her, see things she couldn’t quite, and even pick out some noises she had never noticed. He heard sirens several moments before her hears could even try to pick up a sound. She figured that’s why whoever worked for chose him, despite his lack of experience, for the job. Y/n didn’t try to play off that she wasn’t looking at him, opting to give him a small smile and continue to study his face. She couldn’t read his emotions, but she could tell he was in deep thought, despite having only woken moments before. A small crease between his eyebrows.

It wasn’t until she noticed him subtly shifting closer to her that she pinned where exactly his thought might be. For the first time, she felt nervous about someone kissing her. Heart thumping as he neared, his eyes darting across her face to try and detect any hesitation. There was none on her features and she wasn’t opposed to the idea, but all these feelings she had felt, and tried to push away. She wasn’t sure what a kiss would mean to them. Y/n made no effort to stop him, even moving closer as well, hoping that he would take the move. Because for the first time in her life, she let someone else make the decision.

His nose nudged against hers gently, her eyes falling shut at the soft caress. She felt his thumb at her chin, tilting her head up slightly before placing his lips against her own. It was soft, and sweet, and gentle. A kiss she had never experienced before, one that made her chest feel hallow and full at all at once. That made her hands tremble and body calm. He continued to kiss her like she was fragile, and even thought she was the farthest thing from it, Y/n enjoyed being treated that way, cared for that way. Her hands came up to his neck, pulling her body closer to his, legs intertwining. Neither of them had the intention of going further, this felt more intimate than any other experience either of them had ever had.

Camille pulled away from him with a gasp, his eyes opened to find hers still closed, taking in the moment. Something about the way she looked that morning, peaceful, controlled, had all those emotions he had been pushing away come back into reality. He was nervous she would reject him, which he had experience more than enough of in his lifetime. But she didn’t falter as he moved closer and it gave him all the confidence in the world. Neither of them spoke, even after she opened her eyes to look back them. Voices trapped somewhere between their heart and mouth, unsure what to say, but wanting to say everything all at once.

His phone went off again, jolting him back to reality. Back to the realization that more existed outside of this dingy motel room and this moment with her. The weight of it on his shoulders once again, he only hoped she didn’t noticed the change in him. He gently rubbed his thumb across her bottom lip, before forcing himself to move away. She didn’t say anything, only moved to get up as well. The air in the room felt still, calm but at the same time a tinge of something that could build up to tension. Peter felt content in himself and with her, but everything beyond that door, that is what made him anxious and unsure.

Little is spoken between them as they gather their things, Peter saying that they need to get a move on. She follows along, neither agreeing or protesting. He wondered vaguely about her lack of communication. The past few days she had spoken up about his decisions, particularly those she disagreed on, but always let him know her thoughts. The radio silence worried him slightly, but he tried to push that way. There were much bigger things for him to worry about.

Y/n received the drop-off location about the same time that Peter got up to answer his own phone. It was a nicer hotel that had amenities like a bar and indoor pool. She rolled her eyes, of course the target would choose a location with a high rate of witnesses. She had wanted as little fallout as she could get, this was going to be a little more difficult that she had anticipated. Peter’s voice saying that they should probably get going brought her back into the room. Her thoughts still clouded her brain, strategies, exit points, things she often had a few days to prepare for, swimming around her head. She complied, not saying anything. Only stuffing her few things into duffel bag, they stole from a gas station a few days back and followed him out of the door.

The had been on the road for 5 hours now, when she decided to speak up. “I think I found a good hotel for us to stop at?” She flashed him her phone briefly, just enough for him to glance at before looking back at the road. One hand firmly on the wheel, the other on the gear shift. She briefly thought back to first time their stolen ride wasn’t an automatic and Peter became flustered behind the wheel, hands shifting sporadically everywhere, eyes darting about because it had been 10 minutes since they broke in and they still hadn’t drove away. She had been able to control her laughter just enough to direct him in out to get the car moving without flooding the engine, and proceeded to give him tips as he tore out of the parking lot. Peter was still red faced for 3 hours after. He looked almost proficient driving now, shifting gears smoothly and precise. Her eyes trailed over him, shamelessly checking him out before turning back to her phone.

Peter pretended not to notice, but a small smirk graced his lips despite it. She pretended not to notice.

“That looks a bit expensive.” He muttered.

She tried to stay nonchalant, if she showed a desperation to stay there - it might tip him off. “I think we deserve a nice bed and a bath in a hotel that’s actually clean for a night, don’t you?” She turned on her charm, as guilty as it made her feel. Never once had she manipulated him in the time they spent together since the Gala. It made her heart break to see him react like she wanted him to as she trailed her nails lightly up the forearm resting on the console between them.

He audibly gulped, “Y-yeah. I guess you’re right.”

She had to look out her window to hid the frown that fell on her lips. For once she felt guilty in doing her job, for once she felt dirty. He deserved more than coy smiles and deceit. He was making her soft, and she couldn’t tell if she hated it or loved it.

They made it to the drop site with 2 hours to spare, it was earlier than Y/n had expected but she became grateful at seeing just how busy this hotel was. She needed to strategize and it didn’t help that the lady at the front desk told them they’d have to wait another hour before their room was ready.

“Please enjoy our bar. One complimentary drink on us for your wait.”

Y/n could practically feel the anxiety radiating off Peter as they sat themselves at the bar. The irony of it didn’t go unnoticed to her. Even more so when Peter passed the drink voucher to the bartender and ordered an old fashioned. She smiled at him and laughed lightly, looking at her with an emotion that made her stomach flutter. She went to say something, but her phone vibrated in her jacket pocket. She excused herself to the bathroom, pausing for a moment to take him in. The way his curly hair framed his face, particularly that one curl that always stayed in his face. The way his brows scrunched as he concentrated on the TV across from them. The way his mouth looked as he took a drink of the old fashion. She wanted to remember him like this, not the face of disappointment and betrayal that he would have by the end of this.

She was hoping, praying, everything and above, that this would be last time she would see him. Before she could stop herself, she gently grabbed his chin after he set the drink down, turning his face to hers. She had caught off-guard, his eyebrows furrowing with concern as he noticed the inevitable look on her face. She tried to hide it, but she knew she was failing. She gave him a small smile in attempt to soothe his thoughts. She pulled him close, placing a gentle kiss on his lips, then his cheek before pulling away.

“Don’t wait for me.” She whispered, before getting up to leave.

He laughed lightly, slightly confused but called after her that he’ll find her when the room is ready. She didn’t reply, but kept walking. Tears in her eyes and throat and chest constricted as she kept a sob locked down.

Peter watches her walk away, noting that he steps look heavier than usual. Concern enters his mind but doesn’t have time to linger as his phone goes off on the bar infant of him. It’s Steve, saying their arrival is less than 5 minutes. He’s grateful that she’s not here, meaning he sneak out with the briefcase that holds the device. He hoped he would be able to see her one more time before he had to leave, but he doubted that would happen. He was lost in his thoughts of her when gun fire deafened his heightened hearing. He reached for his ears before jumping into action. People in the lobby were scattering.

Gun fire was going off from two ends of the hotel. Peter recognized the uniforms of some, others looked like civilians carrying military grade weapons. It was a set up. Peter panicked, calling out for Camille and attempting to go in her direction. A firm hand stopped him,

“Where’s the device?” Steve’s voice was firm, but there was a relief sound to it. The kid had made it out unscathed and even though shit was hitting the fan, Peter wasn’t in the crosshairs. Peter spun to wear the briefcase had been tucked at his feet at the bar, but faltered when he realized it was gone. He paled, trying to retrace everything. His eyes fell on Steve when he realized… “Where’d she go?” The relief in Steve’s was gone, his face was hard and he was now in mission mode. Peter fumbled but couldn’t make words. How could she? Why would she? Is the reason that-? Steve didn’t wait for an answer, pushing Peter of the way so he could set off on tearing the place apart to find her. Peter knew he wouldn’t though.

Chaos was erupting around him, but all he could do was sit back down at the bar. Defeated, hopeless, lost. He reached for the old fashion and downed in one go.

Another hand on placed itself on his shoulder and Peter spun around to get ready to argue with Steve, but stopped in place.

“You’ve got a lot of explaining to do, Paul.” the mask of the Iron Man suit lifting away to reveal a tired and irritated Tony.

“How’d you- Did Steve?”

Tony started fiddling with a blueprint of the hotel, heat signature popping up and showing a crowded room on the 8th floor. “Your girlfriend called.” Was all he said before jetting off in the direction of 803, what was to be his and Camille’s bedroom.

It happened all too fast. Before Y/n knew it, guns were going off and she was fighting 10 men on her own. She took down the target in one movement, leaving him bleeding on the floor and his men scattering for revenge. What she wasn’t aware of was the onslaught of S.H.I.E.L.D. tactical teams barging in on the place. She had called Stark Industries, at their last gas station stop. Leaving a voicemail with a very concerned lady that detailed what was about to down, telling them that no matter what - her accomplice had nothing to do with anything and he knew nothing.

Y/n knew not to trust the target, and knew that she couldn’t return this device to him. She kind of liked this stupid planet she lived on, and didn’t want to see it’s destruction in her time. She only hoped that the Avengers would go easy on Paul. She had to leave him there to get away herself. And that left knots in her stomach but traitors like them never win. She managed to grab the money bag and, just as an explosion happened at the hotel door, shoot out the window of the room. Escaping just as Tony and Steve, equally surprised to see the other’s presence, enter the room to see the men she had taken out.

It took Peter a moment for his brain to catch up with his body as he darted after Tony. His stealth suit coming in handy underneath his clothes. It didn’t take him long to catch up, but he was frozen in place as soon as he arrived. The room was trashed, bodies lying across the floor. Tony and Steve stood beside the bed, the briefcase Peter recognized that was supposed to have the device between them, opened. They looked at him, waiting for his move.

Peter stepped up to the bed to find the device still safely tucked away, a note taped to it.

“I’m sorry” scrawled in quick but neat letters.

Tony nor Steve spoke as Steve gathered the suitcase, closing it, and then putting it their own protection case. They left, Tony gently patting Peter as he stood there, staring at the note in his hand.

#adult!peter parker #peter parker x reader #peter parker fic #mcu peter parker x reader #marvel fic

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