#sorry for speaking turkish a bit lot

[senawashere]

Me right after i say i am not that big fan of football

[sivyera]

i dont know if you take request s but i really need this one i havent found anyone doing it. i really need headcanons with cullen their mate being turkish (like her english is good but like classical turkish things yk being angry at the smallest things, making fun of everything, being very kind and welcoming but looks so serious all the time and please if you can make her pretty as a valpire). its ok if you dont take requests 💗. and im sorry if i couldnt express myself english is not my first language.

hi! i tried my best and i add other islamic countries because i don't know if you wear hijab or not and i also wanted to give some love to my ladies with hijabs so there are some parts with hijab in every character, i hope you like it because i put a lot of work in it!

Twilight characters dating islamic reader

ft. carlise, emmet, rosalie, edward, jasper, alice, jacob, seth, paul, bella

a/n: guys i'm not from islamic country so i apologize for any mistakes, i don't want to make anyone upset nor angry, it is also not really good because i don't know much about this culture so... i tried my best, hope you like it!

༺☆༻

⤷ Carlise Cullen

-Carlise would love your constant switching emotions. at one time you are calm, kind, welcoming to everyone and a lovely wife and then out of the sudden you trip over your dress and you are now yelling over the whole house, then mumbling something in turkish (your native language) underneath your breath that no cullen understands and Carlise is just smiling while looking at you.

he'd want to know about Turkey (or other islamic country) and what is it like, i belive he visited Turkey (or other islamic countries) but just for two weeks max so... he didn't really explored the culture and he wants to hear you speak about your homeland and family and stories, he just loves it.

he'd love to see you cook your favourite food or some traditional meals or snacks from your childhood because he wants to educate himself about your country, but he cannot eat it which makes him kinda mad, about the educating; he'll also search some Turkish (or other islamic country) words and when he's feeling really flirty, he'll tell you something in turkish to impress you

if you're wearing a hijab, he'd be again very respectful and if anyone did you wrong, he'd have your back and be right next to you glaring and "politely" telling the person to fuck off

⤷ Emmett Cullen

-Emmett would love to tease you just to see you being mad. he will poke your belly a bit or (gently) kick your feet so you trip over and when you are being all angry, again mumbling something in your native language probably something how you gonna kill him and all, he's just there laughing on the ground.

sometimes he would get confused because you look so serious at all the time and sometimes you talk with serious, stone hard face without even realizing it, so if you tell him a joke with dead serious face he'd stand there blank look on his face, yk yk.

you can use it against him, because when you are really mad he's scared of you. and you are the only one he listens to.

he'd love to try and eat every single food you have in Turkey (other islamic country) or snacks or drinks, but because he's a vampire he cannot so you are just telling him what each food is like and what's inside etc.,, he can listen for hours to this

if you're wearing a hijab he'd definitely would use it for another teasing, like gently tugging on it or placing bananas on top of your head yk.

⤷ Rosalie Hale/Cullen

-Rosalie have always found islamic women so pretty. she always thought that they are the most beautiful women on earth, just their energy made her feel some kind of way...

so she is considering herself extremely lucky to date you, like really. she even thinks that you are more beautiful than her, which shows how much she actually love you.

she also has bad temper so when you are mad on the smallest thing, she's mad with you just because

sometimes people say you two are siblings because both of you have your serious face all the time, when people say that both of you are mad, you "yelling" on that person and Rosalie growling under her breath ready to attack this person

but when she sees you looking out of window, calmly breathing with sun rays slightly touching your soft features, she smiles to herself while being glad that she has you

if you're wearing a hijab, she'd want you to teach her how to make it and then she will do it for you. she'd find you even more beautiful because she can just look at your pretty clear face without hair in it and admire you.

⤷ Edward Cullen

-Edward reads a lot so i believe he knows a lot about your homeland and culture but he lied to you and told you that he never heard of it so you have to tell him about it, so he can hear you talk.

he didn't realize how many interesting thoughts he'd hear, i mean at one time he can hear you thinking about that pretty nail polish you've bought and after few minutes he hears some turkish (or other islamic language) words without knowing the meaning and then english words where you say you messed up that nail polish.

he'd probably could speak with you in your native language because he hears so many words (thoughts) in your native language so that he remembers them and know the meaning.

he'd play for you on piano some turkish (or other) songs he has found on the internet just to impress you and it was such a romatic gesture.

he'd be really interested in music at your homeland because it would make him feel more close to you.

⤷ Jasper Hale/Cullen

-Jasper is "old" cowboy so you two just somehow clicked. somehow there was a chemistry that just mixed your vibes and made a perfect couple yk.

he'd sneak into your room at night and listen to stories from your homeland and then he would tell you some stories from time when he was a human.

Jasper can feel your emotions so if you are tired of your bad temper just tell him and he will calm you whenever he feels that you are getting angry.

that's why you two are such a perfect couple, because you help him control his thirst and he helps you to control your emotions, so both of you are focusing on different things that doesn't involve you which means you are even calmer

you two agreed on that you are gonna pull out the "in pain face" card whenever one of you is feeling uncomfortable so

if you're wearing a hijab, Jasper would make sure no one makes you uncomfortable even more because people at Forks are not used to seeing women wearing a hijab and some kids at school can be pretty mean...

⤷ Alice Cullen

-Alice knew that her mate will be from Turkey (or other islamic country) so she had some time to get ready. she read something on the internet and she borrowed some books from Carlise or Esme about islamic countries so she could be prepared

she was very opened and VERY interested in your homeland and your traditions, so she would want to know every single detail! because she didn't wanted to disrespect you, not even the smallest

sometimes she could see when you will become angry, so she either wants to see you angry because she thinks you look cute or she will do anything to prevent it, depends on her mood

you two are the definition of sunshine x grumpy, because Alice is always smiling and kind and loving... you on the other hand are also kind and loving but your face looks like a stone so you kinda scare Alice's bullies away

Alice would be really interested in your traditional dresses just because she likes fashion and she likes to talk about it. so you two will lay in bed, you holding a photo of you in you traditional dress in your hands and she pointing at each suture and decoration

if you're wearing a hijab, she would love to style it for you or put cute stickers on it (if you let her)

⤷ Jacob Black

-Jacob would LOVE it! because when you are angry you cringe your nose in such a cute was, he's not scared at all he finds it funny because there is no way you could beat him.

he would be very protective because sometimes you and Paul argue which can lead Paul to shift so Jacob is here to protect you in that case.

but your welcoming and loving side is his favourite. when you treat him like a puppy, yeah really. when you stroke his cheek while saying "good job, baby" when he fixed his bike, his pupils will go bigger and he will follow you around like a puppy.

he'd eat everything you make, like everything. so when you started making you traditional food and snacks (with Emily's help) he ate it all and then say how much he liked it.

he will crave your both initials into a small piece of wood and gave it to you as a good luck charm, and when you asked him what's his lucky charm he answered with simple "you".

if you're wearing a hijab he will make sure that it's clean because there is a lot of wolf hair around the house.

⤷ Seth Clearwater

-Seth will also love when you are angry but because you look so hot! so he will just stare in awe and then take you to his room and kiss you all over

he will also start stare fights, like who can last longer without blinking but he will always lose and laugh at your serious face.

he can become really protective when someone is disrespecting you, and by that i mean he'll go feral if someone slightly disrespects you he'll tear them apart. he maybe looks cute but he's a real monster in his wolf form, to you he's just a big puppy

he will eat every traditional snack that you can offer, some small candy your grandma made when you couldn't sleep or some salty chip your mother fried when you wanted, he will eat it ALL.

when you cuddle with him, he will put his face into your neck and breath in your scent because that calms him down, knowing that you are here with him, safe

if you're wearing hijab he will make sure no one touches it or no one is making you uncomfortable with questions because if yes, oh lord...

⤷ Paul Lahote

-Paul again finds you anger sexy and cute at the same time so it depends if he's in a heat or not, and if you say you get angry at the smallest things well then you two will do a lot of cardio...

Paul, like every other shape-shifter will eat everything! if it's from you then TWICE of everything! he then uses the energy and calories to his wolf body which makes him even stronger than he already is!

he's also very possessive and protective, like a LOT! especially if it's a guy that's bothering you, he will beat him up like crazy i can tell

if you cup his face into your hands and kiss him "hard" on the lips, he will melt into you. he loves when you surprise him with kisses and affection...

he LOVES when you talk to him in your native language, call him baby in your native language and his full attention will be on you, he will come to you as soon as he hears your voice; put his hands on your waist and just stare into your eyes

if you're wearing a hijab he'll ask a lot of questions about it and then growl at everyone who starts talking about it, even at Sam

⤷ Bella Swan

-Bella would be shy from the start so she will just look at you with blank stare without knowing what to do because you were fine few minutes ago, now you are yelling at some ladybug that scared you.

but she will get used to it and then just giggle at you, she will also learn few turkish (other islamic language) words just to impress you but it will take her a bit more time to really say them to you

she will love to hear you stories while you're playing with her hair, she will lay her head on your lap and just close her eyes, listening to your calming voice telling her some fairy tail that you grandma used to tell you while you're stroking her hair

she will try some candy or sweet snacks from your country and some good meal that's not spicy, because i feel like she's not really a fan of spicy food

she often does some movements with her face like with her lips or eyes or eyebrows and she finds it so fascinating that you can stare at the tv with serious face... wow...

if you're wearing hijab she will look at you while you make it and how you tug your hair perfectly inside, gorgeous.

i feel like this is so bad, i really hope you like it!

-love, sivyera

[catchyhuh]

Well part 6 made it obvious that besides French and Japanese Lupin can talk at least in English, Italian, Russian, Spanish, German, Turkish, Korean and Dutch (gosh, he's good, I'm jelly).

What languages do the others know? I have some headcanons about Goe, but I'm curious about your ones!

well, the short of it, for all of em really, is: “do i need to learn this language to continue living for the next month? yes? ok let’s learn some conjugation.” so it’s less about which specific languages and just HOW many they know so much as how do they go about the process of learning/how do they USE the language once they’ve learned it so. IT’S A LOT

and uh also they all tend to default to japanese but you probably knew that LET’S GET INTO THE LOT

jigen:

jigen knows the least out of all of them, mostly because he. does not talk to many people. he’s an unintentional perfectionist about it in just that one sense; if he’s communicating, he wants to be SURE he’s understood, no room for misunderstanding

of course, that doesn’t mean he’s a slouch. i’m sure he can still speak, listen to, read AND write at least ten more languages than you and i can, minimum. BUT STILL, he just doesn’t want any room for misinterpretation, none whatsoever. so usually, he lets someone else do the talking, or he attempts to get by with whatever he and the other party can understand. it’s kind of funny because his stubbornness with this means a lot of times the gang will purposefully leave him to flounder, because THAT’S WHAT HE GETS FOR NOT WANTING TO REMEMBER SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS “no ice in my drink please”

because of this, he’s most proficient in READING in other languages. there’s no need for input on his end, and he can get a hang of sentence structure AND the words themselves, so there’s no embarrassment later. so particular about these things

fujiko:

the only one who can speak a language better than she can understand it being spoken to her. like jigen, she mostly learns by just reading it, (sometimes by rereading a book she already knows, so she already has an easy guide to go off of) so trying to decipher someone TALK talking at a conversational speed is. a different beast

uses the whole multilingual thing as more of a novelty than a necessity. like it’s a party trick to her. like she's a translation dictionary in the flesh! ask her how to say purple in danish! wanna know the word for cookie in malay? if you want to know how to say “penis” in 30 languages, fujiko will frown and go “c’mon. grow up." ...but she'll still answer since it’s actually still just ‘penis’ in like five different languages anyway,

this is mostly because she weaponizes the “you don’t think i can understand x language, but yes, i can, and i can hear you calling me stupid while i’m standing right fucking next to you. you will regret this in time”

goemon:

absorbs foreign languages the fastest, which is hilarious because he’s always the most stubborn about wanting to just speak his first language. i mean it’s goemon, you probably saw this coming! 

has since softened on the concept, not because of a “loosening of his personal principles,” but rather, he saw how damn DIFFICULT it made things for the average person he interacts with for two seconds of his life. it was initially easy to hold onto it, until he saw the poor waitress grin apologetically and say she was so sorry she didn’t understand. then he softened. a BIT. if you know even a smidge of japanese he’s expecting it from you. 

wore a t-shirt that said COOL GUY in big, obnoxiously american letters once for a disguise. burnt it when the operation was over. lupin has five pictures of it. goemon allows the records to exist because he is, objectively, a COOL GUY

zenigata:

the funny thing is you’d ask him about it and he’d get kind of sheepish. like, yeah, he knows (he pauses to count on his fingers for a second) 23 languages but he’s not REALLY good at most of them it’s just like a thing for WORK it’s not like he’s REALLY got them down--

again, it’s the fault of that freakish hypercompetence that comes up for rule of funny. if he’s just getting off the plane and he realizes he’s left his gloves at home and is desperately trying to find a pair, no, he can’t get through in the slightest. but if it’s LUPIN involved, oh buddy if there is an ELEMENT of DANGER AND/OR LUPIN, he just breaks out entire sentences with almost perfect pronunciation and everything, to the point the other people in the room wonder if he was faking his issues earlier. and the answer is no, he wasn’t, he just didn’t have the proper motivation. NOW he does, and NOW he can speak fucking perfect indonesian, just because!

also kind of sort of treats it as a party trick the way lupin and fujiko do if he’s in a good enough mood (but you actually do get hints of that in the show, like that one little part 3 bit!) so that’s fun

[animatorweirdo]

Good morning/evening! It's muffin anon! How do you think the Fellowship would react to a ployglot Reader? Like, one day reader got lost in the woods and get found by a Frodo. Reader tries like ten languages until they get to English. And oh boy, is Frodo surprised by these languages. He brings Reader to Rivendell where Lord Elrond lets them stay.

Can you imagine explaining language trees to Frodo? And reader knowing two very diffirent sounding language that come from the same language tree, like Japanese and Turkish from the Altaic tree, maybe? As a language nerd myself, I can imagine spending days discussing these things with Frodo.

Also, how do you think Frodo would react to reader swictihng from one language to another because their ployglot brain just can't make that damn sentence in a single language? Certainly not me, looking up an English idiom while speaking in my mother tongue. 😶

Anyways, sending you lots of love. Side note, part 3 for loremaster reader is coming. Just after I finish that essay I've been procrastinating on for 3 weeks.

Oh, I think reader and Frodo will be nerdies in the language department. I think the elves would be curious too since they have a thing for languages. Frodo might be fascinated with reader's ability to switch language to another and wouldn't make fun of it if reader mixes up a word or two. It can happen.

By the way, English is not my first language as well and every time I post I just hope it won't look stupid or something. And I mix up words all the time too with my mother tongue.

I'm excited for the part 3 for the loremaster. You know, it would really fit together if reader and Gandalf both end up as Saruman's prisoners and they escape together on two eagles (Just a suggestion, you decide how it goes) And I'm itching to know what will Saruman do since he has now knowledge of the future after mind torturing reader. Logically, some things are meant to change since Saruman would tell Sauron what he knows. (Sorry if I'm being a bit nerdy about your fic. Good luck with your essay)

[rollercoasterwords]

about the language- yes! i've seen lots of people who find english not enough to convey how they feel and i used to agree but then as i got into english media, i kept seeing so many unique english phrases that are like impossible to translate to turkish. and likewise, for example there are like 4 different words in turkish that mean "heart" alone and so many phrases that when you try to translate them, you lose all the beauty or essence behind the words. and not just the words, the combination of the words and the context make the language unique too. so reducing a language to a word like "shallow" or "bland" or "complex" feels a bit unfair and disregarding now.

and that's the beauty in writing: words are like paints and people who speak the same language have relatively similar paint but the way u use your brush and the paints you choose and the canvas you paint on makes all the difference; painting can come out relatively flat or rich and you can get better at it when you work for it etc

CONCLUSION i like the way you paint and sorry for rambling this much just to say that ��😭

yeah i feel u! i don't necessarily feel the need to go to bat for english considering that british + u.s. imperialism have basically already made it the default lingua franca lol but i'm moreso wary of the idea that any one language on the whole is better/worse/more or less complex than another. i think especially when learning a second language people can sometimes get the impression that said language is worse by some metric because it will never be able to directly capture all the nuances of how ur able to express urself in ur native language. but i think ur metaphor about brushes and paints is spot on--every language has its own intricacies and can be employed in lots of different + beautiful ways, which is what makes all these different languages so cool!

[astranva]

I’ve dated a Turkish guy and this was my experience:

He will take care of you and make effort for you a lot. This is the first type of man I date seriously think that : he has to give me complete pleasure, love, and attention. So he will always talk to you everyday if you want. He promise never speak to any girl then he prove it to you. He will buy things to you when you need. He will do whatever you want because he thinks he has responsibility to care his lover.

He is family oriented. For people who are in western culture it will be a little bit hard to understand but I don't find it problem. He call his family everyday. And so he expect you to do so. My boyfriend wants me to take care of my parents too. He used to say to me: “"A person who does not give money to her parent is a bad girl. He hates those girls like that.” I could not disagree since I feel the same.

My boyfriend respects me and willing to listen to me. It is strange right? He says sorry to me when he hurts me. He listens to what I try to say and took time to accept. He does not force me to convert religion.

He is financial savvy with many careful matured plan. He used to say to me to not spend much because I need to save it. He said he only thinks of marriage after he has job, he has enough money to take care of his wife. I found my boyfriend is similar to my culture in this way.

He is loyal and very honest. Why I am sure? Because I had a long time to test him on fire. We discuss a lot about many things

i don't know if every Turkish men are like him or not. But my boyfriend like history, politics and turkey. He is very proud of his culture. He likes to discuss about politics. Quite patriotic and not easy accept other culture cuisine.

when he loves he loves hard. He waits until you really love him. He is very spiritual about love. He is not the type of giving up. Devotion and commitment is what he is good at it.

dont underestimate about him. He knows how to cook and do housechores. If you want him to help just ask nicely. Avoid boss him around. He is open to listen to you if you behave as a good girl then he is willing to make you happy, even you want him to change his personality.

Hope it helped!!!💖💖💖 ( sorry that’s it’s a whole paper but just looking out for my girls✨)

awwwwww 😭😭😭😭😭

i need a turkish man asap

[rivalcobalt]

oh no, I'm sorry. I didn't ask to try and get you to give information about yourself you'd rather keep private. I personally don't care what anyone's ethnicity on here is. I wanted to ask that because I wondered about the thought process behind the renaming of mixed anglophone trans people. Also was thinking about the potential societal pressure mixed trans people might feel to conform to some degree when renaming themselves. I know some immigrant parents give their kids local names to fit in

so I thought maybe t. people do that too and wanted to ask you that. Tho I realize my question wasn't clear on that. I don't think you need to worry about talking abt your ethnicity tho. Atrocities sure, EVERY people have a history of them. They're always committed by a group of people tho. It's never a defining trait of an entire population. You shouldn't have to add a disclaimer like that. If people online or where you live have made you feel bad about that I'm sorry, but they're blockheads. or not just mixed people but also 2nd gen immigrants and such. well it figures that people would consider naming themselves in their other native languages as well. I guess the everyday racism can be too much when coupled with the transphobia. I don't think you are a coward at all.

Oh no don't worry, you're good, it's just that I'm being careful for general internet safety reasons/not being visible to parents or employers here. I don't mind sharing my naming process in more detail (I'll add it under the cut in case it answers any other questions you had).

The disclaimer was definitely me being hypervigilant because of tumblr being tumblr moreso than from actual bad experiences that have happeend to me. Generally people don't even know the history of the area well enough to use it to justify racism against Turks, but I have seen it happen a few times. I mostly just don't want to be associated with Turkish nationalists, but yeah it really isn't something anyone should have to worry about when saying what ethnicity they are. I do think that if, say, Kurds or Armenians hate Turks that's kinda justified though.

Anyways I hope this helps answer some questions? I can't say racism and transphobia weren't things I thought about, but I pass pretty well as cis and white, so they were probably less significant than for some others.

Funnily enough, I think my dad (Turkish) who actually wanted to give us more typical English names as kids but it was my mom (white) who was like "nooo it's so much more interesting to give them Turkish names" and didn't really understand why he was apprehensive about it until we started like, getting shit at school for it lol. 2000s islamophobia + elementary school kids parroting youtube and all that lmao

I actually didn't really have memorable incidents in high school, just everyone mispronouncing the name to a point where I just kinda stopped bothering to correct everyone. I was probably less bothered by that than most cis POC would be, since it wasn't a name I really intended on keeping anyways. I did consider whether or not I should go with a Turkish name, but I was mostly just like "man this is annoying, I don't wanna have to explain how to say my name all the time" yknow? I also didn't feel particularly strongly about wanting to keep a Turkish name since like... my parents had some bits of Turkish stuff around at home, but I can't speak the language and I wasn't really raised with distinctly different cultural values or religious practices from the average white kid. It's not that I don't think it's important, and I understand why it's important to a lot of other people, but it didn't feel critical enough to me to have a signifier to everyone about it.

(Plus, uh. Kinda heavy but my mom was catastrophizing at the time about how me transitioning would impact the family and threatening suicide if people found out that I was trans and traced things back to them, so I definitely didn't want it to be anything that would give hints for that.)

Michael was actually an impulsive compromise with myself around not outright kin naming (Mikaela -> Michaela -> Michael) lmao. I don't regret it though; it's been so fucking funny having a common name so I can get online "hate" messages like "why is your name Michael" and so friends can send me new shit like this regularly

[legends-of-time]

The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 7: July to August 1914

Masterlist

As the months go from May to June to July, Emma notices more tension brewing not only at home but worldwide. She personally feels incredibly tense as she knew and knows what is coming, what will happen. When, on the 28th of June, the Austrian Archduke and his wife are murdered by a Serbian in Bosnia, Emma knows for definite then that war is on its way and it'll be different to any of the wars the people around have experienced; it's not going to be as far away or as quick as they expect.

Emma had gone along with the family for the season. This one was particularly special as Lady Sybil was presented to the King and Queen. Usually, when they go to London, it is not always both Anna and Emma but considering it was the season, as well as an important one, all hands on deck were needed.

Shortly before they went, William had to go to visit his mother as she was very unwell and wouldn't live long.

While Anna returned with the family, Lady Mary had decided to stay with Lady Rosamund Painswick, her aunt, for two more weeks and since she literally can't fend for herself, Emma stayed on with her.

It is quite exciting to be somewhere else other than Downton but not much is happening as Lady Mary is not receiving many invitations, which can be blamed on having done four seasons and maybe the rumours about her, particularly about her and Pamuk now.

Lady Mary herself has confessed to Emma about her reservations about accepting Mr Crawley though Emma can tell she loves him. She tries and encourages her not to put him off too long or he'll get the wrong idea.

Despite enjoying the new environment, Emma misses the usual crowd back at Downton as Lady Rosamund's lot aren't the most inclusive so she feels a bit lonely at times but Lady Mary has allowed her to wander about as much as she wants around the city. Emma couldn't help but find seeing how different the London is here compared to the one she knew.

——

It is later that Lady Mary had a visit from Mr Napier, who had done some investigation into where these rumours about her and Pamuk had come from. Turns out it had come from the Turkish Ambassador, in particular, the ambassador and his wife. When Lady Mary was telling Emma about it, she at first struggles to answer her when Emma asks her how it had got to them. She eventually told her that people are believing the story to be true because it was Lady Edith who had written a letter to them. Emma is in shock at that.

She knows that things weren't exactly great between the sisters, but to do that?! She can't believe that Lady Edith would actually do that. She also begins to wonder how she knew as well as Emma's suspicions that Thomas might be linked and there is also the fact about how shaken Daisy was. Did he, or maybe O'Brien cause he tells her all sorts, get Daisy to confess?

——

It is not long before the news of Lady Grantham being pregnant reaches Belgrave Square. Now there's a possibility that this time Lady Grantham will actually have a boy, which put Mr Crawley in a less sure position than before. Emma worries that this will affect Lady Mary's response despite her loving him.

Her aunt doesn't help, with her getting into her head about what'll be her life if it is a boy and how she should wait till after the baby is born. Emma tries to shoot down that idea as best she can that night when Lady Mary talks about what Lady Rosamund has told her.

"But it's not her life, is it?" Emma speaks. "She doesn't know what you truly want."

"But what if she's—" Lady Mary begins but Emma interrupts her.

"Look I'm sorry but can you ever imagine being without him? Truly?" Lady Mary ponders her words.

——

Emma returns to Downton and there are only two topics on everyone's lips: the baby and the assassination.

"Maybe we should knit something," Daisy says as she cleans up the dishes on the Servants' Hall table. Emma sits next to Anna and Mr Bates.

"Oh, yes, I'm sure they'd love a pair of booties knitted by you." Miss O'Brien remarks.

"Or what about a Christening mug?" William asks, sitting next to Thomas, who is reading the newspaper.

"They can buy their own silver," Thomas says.

"Also, them paying us just so we can buy something for them?" Emma says. Thomas looks at her in surprise, probably not thinking she would indirectly agree with him.

"Anything in the paper, Thomas?" Gwen asks, coming into the room.

"They've arrested this Princip fellow and his gang. All Serbian and members of the Black Hand."

""The Black Hand"? Oh, I don't like the sound of that." Miss O'Brien says. Gwen sits down on Emma's right.

"I don't like the sound of any of it. War is on the way." Mr Bates adds. Emma sits in silence as she watches history literally play out in front of her. It's weird to think how she was once sitting in a classroom learning about this and now here she is.

"Then we'll have to face it. As bravely as we can." William declares.

"Thank you, Mr Cannon Fodder." Thomas remarks.

"Well, don't you think a war's coming?" Gwen asks, looking worried.

"Oh, there'll be a war, all right. It's time to prepare for it."

"The country, do you mean?" Anna says in mild disbelief.

"No, me." Emma looks at him concerned. Despite recent events, she doesn't want him going to the front. Enlisting early won't save him.

"You never disappoint." Mr Bates says, somewhat disgusted with Thomas.

Mr Carson enters and they all stand.

"Daisy? Run and find Mrs Patmore. His Lordship wants to see her in the Library."

"His Lordship wants Mrs Patmore to go up to the Library?" Daisy asks as if to be sure she just heard him right.

"That is what I said. And Anna, you're to come, too." Daisy goes to fetch Mrs Patmore. Mr Carson exits.

"And we thought the assassination of an archduke was a surprise," O'Brien says. Anna leaves and they sit down.

Emma soon learns about Mr Bates supposedly stealing regimental silver from his former army regiment from Anna. She is in a bit of disbelief about it and Emma gets what she means, it's difficult to imagine Mr Bates going around nicking things. What is difficult is that he is not being very open about any more information.

Emma also takes the chance to visit Mr Branson at the Garage for a break from it all. His company often helps her relax.

——

Why Lord Grantham wanted to speak to Mrs Patmore is soon revealed. He has decided to send her up to London to see an eye specialist at Moorfields eye ospital. Anna is going with her and they'll stay with Lady Rosamund in her house in Belgrave Square. Because they are losing their cook, Mr and Mrs Crawley are lending their cook, Mrs Bird, while Mrs Patmore is away, which means the other Crawleys will eat here.

Emma, Anna and Mr Molesley watch the conversation, or should she say confrontation, of Mrs Patmore and Mrs Bird with Daisy next to them from the Kitchen window.

"I expect it'll be hard adjusting to this Kitchen after the one you're used to." Mrs Patmore says.

"Not to worry, I'm sure I can have it cleaned up in no time." Mrs Bird replies. Oh, dear.

"Cleaned up?" Mrs Patmore spits.

"I'm not criticising. With your eyesight, it's a wonder you could see the pots at all." Mrs Bird says.

Mrs Hughes hurries over, "You'll have met Daisy and the others?"

"I have. Though what they all find to do is a mystery to me." Mrs Bird answers. Why do cooks think they are so grand and mighty?

"Are you not used to managing staff, Mrs Bird?" Mrs Patmore asks.

"I'm used to getting it done with one Kitchen maid, Mrs Patmore, but I suppose in a house like this, you expect to take it easy." Mrs Patmore puts down her baking spoon at that.

"Do you think we should erect a ring and let them fight it out?" Anna remarks.

"Oooh! I'd pay to see that!" Emma says.

Mr Molesley chuckles. "She's all right, Mrs Bird. She's more of a general than a trooper, but you need that in a cook."

Anna chuckles. "Well, Mrs Patmore's the Generalissimo." Mr Molesley and Emma laugh at that.

——

Daisy is serving out the soup for their meal the next evening as they all settle down in the Servants' Hall after the family has been taken care of. Gwen is telling Emma how Lady Sybil has sent Gwen's application to Mr Bromidge, the telephone man, as he is looking for a secretary. She's feeling quite hopeful.

"Will you join us, Mrs Bird?" Mr Carson asks the woman.

"I don't mind if I do." Mrs Bird replies.

"I'm not sure Mrs Patmore would like that, Mr Carson. Cook always eats separate, that's what she says." Daisy pipes up.

"Not in our house. There's only the four of us." Mr Molesley says.

Emma sees Thomas approach Miss O'Brien and murmurs something to her to which she replies scowling, but that's hardly new.

"Let the Kitchen maids have theirs on their own. You stay with us." Mrs Hughes says. Mrs Bird nods her appreciation and sits at the table while Daisy finishes serving up the soup.

"Her Ladyship said to tell you that the dinner was delicious." Mr Carson tells her.

"She can't have." Daisy suddenly says. Emma looks at her in surprise along with the others.

"Daisy? Does that surprise you?" Mr Carson questions.

Emma begins eating and she soon realises something's wrong. Mrs Bird herself spits out her soup and looks at Daisy.

"What have you done with this, you little beggar? I knew it. That's why I said it was for upstairs. Come on!" Mrs Bird bangs her hand on the table and Daisy jumps. "Tell us what's in it!"

"Just...water and a bit of soap," Daisy admits. They all put down their spoons.

"And you've put something in the fish sauce as well?" Mrs Bird asks though she looks like she knows the answer to this already.

"Only mustard and aniseed."

Mrs Hughes stands up enraged. "Why, Daisy? Why would you do such a thing?!"

Daisy begins to cry. "Because Mrs Patmore was worried that they'd prefer Mrs Bird's cooking and they wouldn't want her to come back."

"Is that likely?" Mr Carson says angrily. "When they've taken such trouble to get her well?"

"I'm sorry." Daisy continues crying. Mrs Bird stands and goes to comfort her.

"There, there. There are worse crimes on earth than loyalty. Dry your eyes, and fetch the beef stew I was making for tomorrow. You've not had a chance to spoil that, I suppose."

"I was going to mix in some syrup of figs." Everyone laughs. "But I've not done it yet."

"Well, at least we'd have all been regular." Thomas remarks. Daisy rushes out to fetch the stew as they all continue to chuckle.

——

Emma lingers in the Great Hall excitedly watching the men work, cleaning a little bit more than she needs to. Today is the day that Downton Abbey is installing its first telephones. She had seen them and actually got to use it once in London so she's quite excited for it to be here. Never did she think she'd be so excited over an old fashioned phone but it is a step toward more familiar technology.

Lady Sybil walks in from the Drawing room, "Carson said you were here."

"Ah, just, er, checking that everything's being done right, Milady." Mr Bromidge says.

"Only we never heard back. That is, Miss Dawson never heard back from you. About an interview."

"Ah, yes, er, we-we got the young lady's letter. But the trouble is, she didn't have any experience of hard work that I could tell, so..."

"Oh, but she's a very hard worker!" Lady Sybil insists.

"Oh, I couldn't find any proof of it. And she gave you as a reference when, er, you don't run a business, Milady." Mr Bromidge says before catching himself, "Well, not that I'm aware of."

Emma then hears her name being called, "Emma! Can you find Gwen and tell her to come to the Hall, now?"

"Yes, Milady." She leaves and hurries downstairs where she finds Gwen walking through the corridor.

"Gwen! Lady Sybil needs you in the Great Hall! Mr Bromidge is here." Emma tells her.

Gwen's eyes widen, "Oh!" And she darts up the stairs with Emma behind her. When they get upstairs, Lady Sybil and Mr Bromidge are now standing in the Outer Hall.

"I will if I like the look of her." Mr Bromidge says as they rush in. "Ah, so, young lady, you thought I'd turn up my nose at a housemaid."

"I did, Sir," Gwen replies.

"Well, my mother was a housemaid. I've got nothing against housemaids. They know about hard work and long hours, that's for sure."

"Well, I believe so, Sir."

"Right, well, is there somewhere we could talk?" He looks at Lady Sybil when he asks this.

"Gwen, take Mr Bromidge to the Library. I'll see no one disturbs you." Lady Sybil answers.

"Okay." Gwen precedes Mr Bromidge into the next room. Lady Sybil and Emma stand guard in the Outer Hall as Lord Grantham approaches.

"Sorry, Papa, you can't go in there." His daughter tells him.

"Why on earth not?" Lord Grantham questions, confused.

"Gwen's in there with Mr Bromidge. She's being interviewed."

"I cannot use my Library because one of the housemaids is in there applying for another job?" Lord Grantham asks, sounding as if he is unsure whether he heard her right.

"That's about the size of it."

Lord Grantham sighs exasperated and walks away. Lady Sybil looks at the Library door excitedly before turning to Emma and they squeal excitedly.

Emma soon rushes off to tell Mr Branson all about it. He found it quite funny that His Lordship couldn't get into his own Library but was quite pleased for Gwen.

——

Emma, Daisy William and Gwen stare at the telephone. It's funny how she is staring at it the same way they are, as if she had never seen a telephone but what she had seen looked nothing like this.

"Who do you call? No one you know has got one." William wonders.

"But they will have. You'll see." Gwen says.

"One day we won't be able to live without them," Emma adds.

Mr Carson enters, "Might I inquire why my pantry has become a common room?" All of them straighten.

"Sorry, Mr Carson. But... do you know how it works?" William asks.

Mr Carson looks indignant at the assumption, "Of course I do." Emma can't help but think he doesn't.

"Will you show us?" Daisy asks.

"Certainly not! A telephone is not a toy, but a useful and valuable tool. Now, get back to your work." Mr Carson orders. They leave and Mr Carson closes the door.

——

Anna and Mrs Patmore return from London and Emma is standing next to Daisy in the Kitchen to see Mrs Patmore's confrontation with Mrs Bird.

"How long will you wear them?" Mrs Hughes asks as Mrs Patmore is wearing a pair of sunglasses. Never thought she'd see the day that this would happen.

"A week or so. But I can see much better already, even with them on." Mrs Patmore answers. Thank God.

"Thank heaven." Mrs Hughes voices everyone's thoughts. "Now, we need to talk about the garden party. Mrs Bird and I have made some lists..."

Mrs Patmore scoffs, "Mrs Bird? Oh, I think we can manage without any help from Mrs Bird."

Mrs Bird doesn't take this lying down, "Can you? Well, if you want your garden party to be run by a Blind Pew, that's your business."

"Mrs Patmore, there's a lot to be done and you're only just up on your feet. We really cannot manage without Mrs Bird." Mrs Hughes says trying to keep the peace while Emma is simply happy to be a spectator.

Mrs Patmore huffs, "If you say so."

"Now, I've been checking the stores and I've ordered what you'll need for the baking."

"That's very kind, Mrs Hughes. But, er, I believe we should check the stores when it's convenient." Mrs Bird says. Emma blinks in surprise but she's quite pleased to hear it.

"Mrs Bird, at Downton Abbey, the housekeeper manages the Store Cupboard, but I think you'll find..." Mrs Hughes tries to say but Mrs Bird interrupts her.

"I've never not run my own Store Cupboard in my life. Separate the cook from the Store Cupboard? Where's the sense in that?" Emma has been thinking the same thing.

Mrs Patmore looks pretty pleased with this, "How long have I been saying this, O Lord?"

"We're the ones who cook it. We should be the ones to order it." Mrs Bird finishes.

"Mrs Bird, I shall be very happy with your help with the garden party. I'm sure we can manage it easily, between the two of us." Mrs Patmore says.

Mrs Hughes is disconcerted; she fidgets and leaves. Daisy and Emma smile at each other in amusement. This is not what she expected but she's still happy.

——

Awful news comes as they all learn that Lady Grantham had slipped when having a bath and had ended up losing the baby. Everyone is gathered in the Servants' Hall sombrely.

"That poor wee babe." Mrs Hughes murmurs.

"How's Her Ladyship doing?" Anna asks.

"I'll take her up a tray in a minute, but I daresay she won't touch a bite."

William turns to O'Brien, who had been sitting in silence, staring at nothing, "What about you, Miss O'Brien?" O'Brien looks at him like he can read her thoughts.

"What about me?"

Emma actually feels sorry for her at this moment. "It must've been a traumatic experience for you as well." She adds.

"Yes. Yes, it was."

Mr Branson enters, this time Emma doesn't feel happy to see him.

"I think you'd better dine with us, Mr Branson. We can't know if you might be needed later." Mr Carson says.

"Well, I'm to go for the doctor at ten." Mr Branson says, taking a seat.

Thomas comes in. "What a long-faced lot."

"Kindly show some respect." Mr Carson reproaches.

"Come on, Mr Carson, she'll get over it. They're no bigger than a hamster at that stage." Emma frowns at him. What's gotten into him recently?

"Will you shut up?" Mr Bates snaps.

"I agree. What is the matter with you, Thomas?" Mrs Hughes says angrily.

"I don't know. I suppose all this makes me feel claustrophobic. I mean I'm sorry, 'course I am, but why must we live through them? They're just our employers; they're not our flesh and blood."

Emma gapes at him in shock. "That's no excuse." She tells him.

"Thomas, don't be so unkind," Daisy adds.

"Is there nothing left on earth that you respect?" William remarks.

"Hark at him. Blimey, if he carries on like this for the unborn baby of a woman who scarcely knows his name, no wonder he fell to pieces when his old mum snuffed it." Their jaws drop. William bolts out of his chair and punches Thomas.

"William!" Mr Carson yells.

Everyone stands up from the table as William pushes Thomas onto it and climbs on top of him.

"Thomas! William! Stop that! That is enough!"

Neither of them pay Mr Carson any heed. They roll off the table onto the floor and William punches Thomas. Thomas stops the next punch and hits William back. Mr Branson steps in and pulls William off Thomas.

"Calm down!" Branson cries.

Mr Carson holds back Thomas and shoves him out of the room. He pats William on the shoulder.

"He had that coming." Mr Branson mutters. Emma can't help but agree with him.

——

Anna pulls Emma to the side and confesses that she had gone to see Mr Bates' mother, who revealed that he took the fall for his wife, the one who actually was the thief.

"Well, she sounds lovely!" Emma says sarcastically.

"I know." Anna agrees.

Emma gasps jokingly, "But Anna! You're supposed to be the nice one!"

Anna sniggers at her joke.

"Though," Emma says sobering up. "At least that's cleared up."

"I know. I have already told His Lordship."

Well, at least there's some good news.

——

The next day is the day of the garden party. There are multiple tents set up, a portion of them for the servants to set up and organise the food and drinks. Emma spends the day bringing trays to and fro as well as sorting them out in the tent for the footmen to hand out to the guests. Though Thomas' face is bruised from the fight.

She is walking across the grass of the lawn listening to the string quartet playing when a hand grabs her arm. She spins round in a panic before realising it's Mr Branson.

"Christ," Emma puts a hand to her chest where she can feel it beating rapidly, "Did you have to scare me like that?"

He chuckles. "Sorry." He doesn't look sorry. "I have some news. I can't find Lady Sybil."

"News?" Emma already suspects what he's going to tell her.

He leans in next to her ear. Her breath hitches at how close he is as she also realises that he hasn't let go of her arm.

"Gwen got the job."

Emma pulls back gaping at him before letting out a small cry of happiness. He laughs at her reaction. "Well let's go find her and Lady Sybil!"

Emma rushes off with him behind her. They find Lady Sybil first and they run over. They probably got some odd looks, definitely when they reached Lady Sybil, who is standing with Lady Edith and two other ladies. Emma runs up to her tapping her on the arm, she turns looking at them in surprise.

"My lady, we have news!" Emma beams. She whispers it in her ear and Lady Sybil covers her mouth as she gasps excitedly. "Oh! Sorry." She says to the women around her.

Lady Sybil rushes off with Mr Branson and Emma following her, probably to the surprise of her sister and the other ladies. They run to Gwen, who's carrying a tray.

"Mr Bromidge has rung! You've done it, Gwen! You got the job!" Lady Sybil cries.

Gwen gasps excitedly and shoves her tray at Anne. "Take it! Take it!" She takes it looking bewildered and Gwen has a giggling group hug with Emma, Lady Sybil and Mr Branson.

"Something to celebrate?" Emma hears Mrs Hughes say scornfully. The group hug breaks up to face Mrs Hughes.

"I got the job, Mrs Hughes! I'm a secretary! I've begun!" Gwen explains.

"I'm very happy for you, Gwen. And we'll celebrate after we've finished today's work." Mrs Hughes replies. Will it kill her to look happy?

"Of course, Mrs Hughes." Gwen sobers and goes back to work. Emma realises then that she's holding Mr Branson's hand with Lady Sybil looking at them smiling. She turns to him and they stare at each other. Emma feels shaken feeling his bare skin against hers.

"I don't suppose that..." he begins to say but he isn't able to finish as Mrs Hughes interrupts.

"Lady Sybil? Her Ladyship was asking after you. And Emma, I'm sure that they need your help carrying more trays."

Emma glances back at Mr Branson before both she and Lady Sybil leave. Emma lets out a shuddered breath.

"So do you like him?" Lady Sybil's voice breaks her out of her stupor. Emma blinks at her.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She looks like she doesn't believe her.

——

The day does not seem to be going well for everyone as Emma sees first Sir Anthony Strallan walking away from Lady Edith to Mr Crawley walking away from Lady Mary. The former sort of deserved that cause of her behaviour as well as she doesn't really think she should spend her life with him anyway and the latter really should've just said yes, taken a risk.

Out of the blue, Lord Grantham is yelling for the music to stop as he waves his hat to get everyone's attention, "Please, will you stop, please!"

The string quartet abruptly stops playing.

"My Lords, Ladies and gentlemen. Can I ask for silence?"

All conversations cease and Emma steps out of one of the tents to listen along with everyone else.

"Because I very much regret to announce... that we are at war with Germany."

Everyone stands in shock. Emma knew this day was coming but that didn't take away the dread that filled her then. She glances at all the young men around her and wonders how many of them would actually make it home.

——

A/N: Season 1 done!!!!

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

[chanstopher]

resending this so i'm really sorry if i miss answering anything from your reply rip jdksdj but hi again dreamy, hope you got better 🥰 it's refreshing looking at someone take it seriously though, most people lightly answer it and, even though i like hearing all kinds of answers, it tell a lot about the person too i believe! i feel like i'd also pick someone who has good survival skills/is a fast learner over someone i'd have to worry about on top of being stranded on an island and thinking about food, shelter communication etc.! then maybe a spare change of clothes? they can be used as bandages, to keep warm if it's chilly/cold & you can alternate between that and what you're wearing instead of sticking to the same set of clothes you arrived in haha as for my final choice, hm... maybe transceivers? something that can help us get in contact with people who can help as i think you can always use wood/leaves/bones as tools/weapons! that is a lovely combination of colours too⏤i immediately imagine a room/interior when people tell me their favourite colour/s and yours is a lovely mainly black/dark grey + whites room with rose gold + slight mustard accents; very elegant & chic! i myself like neutral tones a lot :D but these days i'm into deep greys, muted blues/lilacs and gold! oh and i just saw the languages ask, i must've mixed things up, my bad! but i see, did you learn korean + italian or grasped it/grew up with it? i think english is the only langauage i can say i'm 100% fluent in kdjfdalk but other than that i can speak arabic, enough french and korean to be able to get by if i were to be randomly stranded in the countries, an embarrassingly small bit of chinese despite it being my mother tongue and a teenie tine amount of turkish and swedish. my maternal grandpa knows like 8 languages and he'd speak to us in all of them ever since we were younger so we started understanding a bit of each & my uncle's entire family speaks swedish so we like asking our cousins to speak it 😂 do you like travelling/is there a place you'd like to travel to? oh, and! what's your favourite dessert? - 🌨

oh im glad it came through this time!

most of my apartment is pretty much white and black so you're definitely on to something with your visualization lol i do have a few lighter pinks thrown in but sadly no yellows. most of my decor is like witchy like black cats and moons and things so I don't know how well a lot of color would really work lol

the italian i can speak i learned from my grandfather growing up and i think its starting to leak out of my brain the more i try to stuff korean into it lol korean i've tried to learn through books and videos and things to grasp it so kpop is a little easier to get but i think i have the ability of a like a preschooler lmao so not too helpful but i think i could get myself some basic needs if i was lost in korea fssgd

i havent traveled a lot because its so expensive to go places here, but ive been to disney world before, and nyc a bunch of times. I’d really love to go to australia or new zealand tho! australia has so many sharks and philips island which is supposed to be so cool! and ive been a big lotr nerd forever so new zealand is very big on my list lol

as for dessert im a big cheese cake person and i love tiramisu <3

i cant believe its already almost christmas i feel like we started this so recently!

[drrutherford]

hasan-demir​:

Hasan laughed at Gideon’s concern giving him a smile.

“Sorry, but as her brother that’s a loaded question.  She was hanging around with almost every mob’s idiot, and Ayaz, so I’m sort of always worried about her.  In this case not so much.  That said I’d appreciate it if given the opportunity you’d keep her out of harm.  I don’t expect you to jump in front of any bullets, but you know not killing her or letting that barbarian use her as leverage against me would be nice.”

He breathed in leading Gideon toward the pharmacy stopping a little bit away from the window so they could speak.

“Yes I do.  As I do a bit for most people in this life, that isn’t to say I would let them stab me again, but sometimes I might deserve it a bit.  I like to press people’s buttons.  See how far they will let me go with banter usually, and said the wrong thing, or a lot of wrong things.  I’ll just have to get some armor for the next time I meet them.  Are these the kind of antibiotics you can’t mix with alcohol?  Are you sure I couldn’t just put an ointment on it or something?”

Hasan thought a bit about how much time he’d spent in bars recently.  Being on the mend was frustrating.  It had served a small purpose though.

“Don’t tell Ayda about my hand if you don’t have to.  It wasn’t a threat to her, that was different, a family matter which is hopefully handled.  More ripples of her tryst with Ayaz.  I feel like I’m speaking his name for too often for my taste.  It just reminds me of the taste of blood, and being a walking bruise.  Pleasant man, he’d probably kill me on sight if he could.  I hope you’re never forced into the ring of fight club.  Your hands are better suited to healing.”

He looked tired, as his eyes met Gideon’s.

“You have a big name, have you ever felt like your family keeps you from doing things you want?  Trying to protect them is a task that never ends it feels like and for you it must be even worse.”

.

He doesn’t smile this time. Not even when Hasan laughs with self-deprecation, while relaying all the stress he and Ayda have been under, recently. 

He mentions Ayaz as well, although Gideon has no idea what a Rutherford Lieutenant has to do with Ayda, beyond the obvious commonality that they shared with regards to biographical background. It makes him feel a trickle of guilt for having come to visit Ayaz in hospital, although it doesn’t exactly rid him of his intentions to do it, either. These Turkish vendettas were fairly above his head, at this point. 

“Does Ayaz mean her any harm?... I imagine they have some things in common, given their choices.” He stays silent on what they don’t have in common — namely, that although both of them quit Haringey, Ayda didn’t add salt to the wound by working for the enemy. He doesn’t relish adding salt to the wound by asking, either, but he’s trying to gauge what makes Hasan so worried for his sister’s sake... Is it just the insult of her hanging around the enemy — or is the girl at any more serious risk of harm?

“I wouldn’t hurt her, told ya a month ago and nothing’s changed since then. Wouldn’t let anyone use her either, if I could help it.” Gideon reassures the man, meaning it, too. He only has a very early friendship with Ayda, but it’s enough to give him a vested interest in her safety, both physical and otherwise. 

What does make him laugh, is Hasan asking whether he can mix alcohol with his antibiotics. “Gonna write you up for a five day course of Co-Amoxiclav. Should be fine with alcohol, so long as you’re not binge-drinking or anything.” So saying, he places his satchel on an empty chair, flips the latches, and fishes out the blank prescription templates. “No ointment’s gonna cut it. But one tablet, three times a day for five days and you’ll be outta the woods.” He writes fast and rips the script out of the blanks, handing it to Hasan. “Here you go. I won’t mention the hand to Ayda.”

‘... You have a big name, have you ever felt like your family keeps you from doing things you want?  Trying to protect them is a task that never ends it feels like and for you it must be even worse...’

He stiffens at that, caught off guard. 

After a beat he slips the blank prescriptions back in his satchel and flips it shut. “One could say the same thing about you and your relationship to your own family... No?”

 It’s tentative, laden with cautious respect. He wouldn’t dare suggest that Hasan should breakaway from his dirty business �� not this early into their acquaintance – but the Turk’s loaded remark makes him volley back the query with quiet curiosity.

[rottenstawberrygirl]

They say INTJ is so dangerous, rude, and cold. Ok but why do romantic!?!?!?! We have to change the INTJ stereotypes into “charming, luring sirens” 🗣️🗣️🗣️ My boyfriend is an ESFP which makes him the total opposite, lol! I may admire INTJs but I can’t just leave my boyfriend and go on a hunt for the RARE type. That would be so dumb! (Why not have both? 😋)

I yap a lot and so do you! My pen pal! My Turkish pen pal! 🩷 I like the story behind your name :D My name is Mariposa :) It’s a Spanish name (I’m Spanish / Latina / Hispanic (are they considered the same thing? Sorry, if they don’t, my autism can’t tell & im too lazy to search :( ) which means “Butterfly”. My mother named me that because she loves butterflies!

I’m a bit confused. Do I consider you European or Asian? I think most people from Turkey consider themselves as “European”? It’s funny because the other part of your name is literally “Asia”. 😭

Ngl, I’m with the diplomats (you!) when it comes to admiring analysts. Omg! Toaster-San at your blog :0 I don’t get it when people say that she’s intimidating in a bad way. She’s so thoughtful and understanding :) & she’s intimidating in a good way!

Your 🍓🐛 anon

I AM SORRY MY ANSWERS ARE BECOMING LONGER AND LONGER. PLEASE TOLERATE ME. 🙏 I tried to reply to everything you said.

And they are not even purposely trying to be romantic, they seem to just have a natural attractiveness 😭 I think most of them don't notice when someone flirts with them, and after two days have passed, all of a sudden it hits them in the head like, “Oh. They were flirting with me, weren't they? 🤔😧”

Unlike me, they have bigger priorities to occupy their minds rather than romance. I know that winning the heart of an INTJ would be very challenging, but if someone has won, I also know that that person should NEVER do anything to shatter it. Because I think INTJs deeply treasure the one they are in love with and they make that person feel like they are the most pretty/handsome girl/guy in the whole universe. (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡

~~~

You are lucky, girlie. I hope your boyfriend is treating you well, as he should. You are such a sweet person. 🥺Me, personally, I want to fall in love, but I don't have anyone around me that I'm drawn to. Perhaps love is something I am idealizing... I honestly can't imagine myself in a relationship. I'll either be the most patient and caring girlfriend you've ever seen or just a bundle of depression and anxiety. You've probably already realized from our previous conversations that I'm seeking for a long-term commitment. I believe love. I am a loyal person. Not only to the person I will love, but also to my family, to my friends. So if I am going to give my heart completely to someone, I need to know that person is right. I don't want to be hurt.

I do wonder what an INTP and ESFP relationship looks like, it's difficult for me to visualize, please tell me more if you are comfortable talking about it here. How did you two meet for example? I'm a sucker for love stories!

~~~

Mariposa, I like the way your name is sung. As if it is the name of a fairy or a princess. It's very pleasant and pretty. Well, giving you the caterpillar emoji was a nice coincidence then. Would you prefer to be addressed by your name or should I keep calling you with the emojis? I don't mind either way. Oh, by the way, don't worry, I gotcha. (•̀ᴗ•́)و

Only Spain is Spanish. But most other places speak Spanish too. You must be living in one of the countries in the middle.

~~~

As for whether I'm European or Asian if I'm being honest, I am not sure either. It is a bit complicated and confusing for me too. As you say, some say they are ‘Europeans’ and I don't think they would right because although technically my country is on both continents, it is not in The European Union. Culturally and geographically speaking, we are leaning more towards Asia, so there's that too. I would say we belong to Asia, however, I don't feel like an Asian either. I honestly don't feel like I belong anywhere. (・_・ヾAnd I think to the people abroad, Turkey probably seems like an unusual country. But at the end of the day, we're all just tiny little humans living on the same planet. It doesn’t matter as long as you are a good person.

~~~

People say Toaster-san is intimidating in a bad way?! No way! First of all, they should be ashamed of themselves for claiming such a thing. I've looked at Toaster-san's blog and AO3 account, it was truly astonishing, she even gave me a helpful and courteous response before. I've never seen her behaving maliciously to anyone. She genuinely seems like an insightful, polite person who values kindness, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to keep a little distance from people, after all, she doesn't know them and doesn't owe them anything, and yet she takes the time to answer to them with great effort and respect. People can be so insensitive. This saddens me. It could hurt her feelings to hear them call her something awful like that. I know I would be hurt. Have they no sense of empathy at all? >:(

[readersperspective]

Writing Advice Bilingual Characters

As some of you (who read my reviews) already might have noticed, I am bilingual myself. Sadly, multilingual people do not get represented well a lot in media, so yeah... some advice for writing them. It will certainly not capture every aspect of being bilingual, but it might give you a first idea.

There are different ways to be multilingual.

People who grew up with more than one native language will almost certainly speak all of them fluently. Most of them have two (their parents’ language and their country’s language, or the language of one parent and of the other) but I also know a family where the children grew up with four native languages (the mother speaks Portuguese, the father Italian, they talk to each other in English, and live in Germany, where the children grew up)

Some people speak two or more languages, but cannot write all of them - especially when the alphabets are not the same, for example English and Russian or Arabic. This affects mostly children of immigrants.

Some people can read and write a language quite well, but are not good at speaking or listening comprehension. Those people often learned the language at school with a bad teacher or by themselves with books and apps.

Some people, again mostly children and grandchildren of immigrants, can read and understand a language, but don’t speak it. Mostly, the parents decided to not teach the child the language, and they learned it themselves by listening to their parents talk to relatives.

Confidence can play a big role in this. I understand the dialect of my grandparents without a problem, but I would never try to speak it. I can’t even imagine forming those words with my mouth, and it would sound terrible.

People who learnt a language at school can reach completely different levels of that language. I started learning English at age 6 and am completely fluent by now. Other people in my class barely understand more than easy conversations in English.

Most people will do their very best to hide their accents.

If the person is not a native speaker, but fluent in a language, their accent will be a mix of whatever they can find at the moment. Media is a big influence in that.

Since I watch more British than American TV, my accent sounds a bit british, too. When I watched “Call the Midwife”, I often even unconciously copy the accent of Laura Main. I don’t know why her, but my brain just liked it, I guess.

Also, we will use words, phrases and sentence structures from so many different sources.

People who learnt English through the internet (aka most of the younger generation) will have problems to not use swear words when actually being in Great Britain or America. They just do not have the weight for us, since on the internet they get used all the time.

I have never in my whole live heard a multilingual person switch languages mid-sentence on accident.

We will do it on purpose, though, if the other part of the conversation understands both languages.

Also, we will maybe say the word in another language if we forget the meaning.

Multilingual people that are not natives in the language they usually use in their day-to-day life (immigrants, for example) will often count and calculate in their native language. For example at a restaurant where they calculate the price in their head, they will probably do it in their native language.

Conversations with multiple multilingual people can be very different.

If one person only understands one language, they will probably try to include that person by speaking the language they share. I can say from experience, though, that if eight native Germans that have varying levels of English language skills will sit together with one introverted Turkish person with medium English language skills, they will go back to German quite often. It’s not nice, but sadly natural.

In general, people will try to speak in their native language if possible. You can take two people that share a native language and also both speak English and let them walk around in London - they will probably speak their native language, no matter how well they speak English.

Multilingual people that share multiple languages will switch on purpose when they feel like they can express their thoughts better in the other language.

Many languages have taken words from English.

Especially young people take a lot of English filler words and phrases (or insults) and put them into their native language. “Help, mein Deutschlehrer überfordert uns mit Hausaufgaben, like, what the fuck, glaubt der wir haben nichts besseres zu tun?” Is a sentence you would absolutely hear from a German student.

Many young people that don’t live in Great Britain or America will not use these words and phrases around their parents. First of all, our parents often do not speak English as well as we do, but more importantly, our parents do not like us using English instead of ur native language.

Many professions nowadays have an English name, I don’t know why. What used to be a Hausmeister is now a Facility Manager. The longer the English phrase for your profession, the more likely you will not be taken serious by older people.

Once you have more than one native language, you learn new languages more easily, for some reason. I know a girl that speaks 7 languages, at age 20, 5 of them fluently.

"You speak English quite well” or phrases like that said by a native speaker can be the best compliment ever, or more uncomfortable than nice.

When you are translating for your family and hear that sentence, it is super nice.

When you are only speaking English, that sentence indicates that your accent is still heavy. You do not pass as a native speaker.

When you are a native speaker, that sentence is just weird.

You can indentify the people that learnt a language through reading by giving them words that are pronounced untypically.

For years I thought “precious” (a word that is heavily used on the internet, especially in fan communities, but not that much in school) was pronounces pree-ci-ous. I was shocked when I heard it for the first time.

There are situations where even quite fluent non-native speakers will not be able to understand or talk in their second language.

The first few minutes after standing up (although that can change when the person is really fluent)

When they are in great pain

When they are in great fear

When they are under great stress

Sometimes even when they did not use that language in the last few days

Translating in realtime is terribly hard and will fuck your head. When I was on holiday with my parents, I often had to read the information signs in museums or at sights for them and translate. It’s easier when you first read the text and then summarise it in another language, but trying to translate it sentence by sentence is painful and you will question your abilities in both languages.

This gets just more horrible when under pressure. While we were in England, a visibly stressed young woman came to us and asked us if we had 5 pounds, she had lost some money she needed to take the train back home. I repeated her sentence to my father. In English.

Also sorry to the poor worker at McDonalds who I talked English to while speaking German to my English exchange student.

People abroad will absolutely become friends with every person that they hear speaking their language. While being in London, we overheard a man talking to his son in German about taking a photo, and I immediately asked (in German) if I should take a photo of both of them together. We talked for fifteen minutes after that, even though we had never met before.

On that note, in tourist citys the people that try to sell things to tourists usually speak a lot of languages enough to say things like “Oh, I speak a bit of [language], too, but not well. Didn’t pay enough attention in school. You look like nice people.” Makes it so easy to sell things.

Idioms are literally hell. Best example has been in the news currently, with Greta Thunberg literally translating a Swedish idiom in a tweet not realising that “putting someone against a wall” means something totally different in English. 

Idioms will be hell for you as a writer, too, though, as long as you do not fluently speak both of the languages or at least one of them is fictional, because it’s quite easy to mess up if you use idioms that jus aren’t normally used by people speaking that language.

Bilingual puns are amazing, but sadly rare.

Those are the things I thought of first... Maybe you can find some ideas or inspiration there for your characters, too. The best thing of course is to let someone proof-read your character if you are uncertain, but this hopefully already helped you a bit!

[365days365movies]

March 21, 2021: Orlando (1992)

Tilda Swinton...confuses me.

Like, in a good way. Because Tilda may be the most versatile actor working today. I mean, look at the goddamn filmography, and you’ll see what I’ve mean. I’ve seen Tilda Swinton in a lot, surprisingly, and I don’t think anything I’ve seen was bad. For example, I am an ARDENT defender in the portrayal of the Ancient One in the MCU.

I understand the controversy here, but I actually think this is excellent casting. Especially considering...being comic book-accurate would NOT have been a good idea with this role, if we’re trying to AVOID controversy. But Tilda Swinton FUCKING KILLED IT in this role, and I will always be happy for this choice.

Let’s see, there’s Jadis in the Narnia films, as shown at the top, there’s Snowpiercer, as Mason (an amazing character, and an acting job that Swinton disappears into), Moonrise Kingdom as Social Services, The Grand Budapest Hotel as Madame D., and Gabriel in Constantine. Which is a good segue to the next talking point...

Gabriel is pointedly androgynous, and honestly, Tilda Swinton kind of is as well. You may have noticed that I haven’t used any pronouns in referencing to Tilda Swinton, entirely out of respect. Gonna be a little hard to keep up with, so I’ll be using she/her from here on out, only because those are the pronouns that Swinton’s most recently promoted for herself. She’s also referred to herself as queer of some variety, as well as being famously gender non-conforming.

Which is fitting, given that a lot of that public image began with today’s movie, one of her first big roles. I’ll be revisiting Swinton in the independent movie scene in a couple of months, but this may be a good introduction. Instead of spoiling anything off the bat, I’m gonna jump right in. And so, I present: Orlando. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap (1/2)

We begin with a young man named, well, Orlando (Tilda Swinton), a young man with a feminine appearance and a good upbringing. His name means power land and property, but all he really wants is company. He writes and rests by a tree in the day, but falls asleep by mistake. When he wakes up, he runs back to where he’s meant to be, with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth I (Quentin Crisp) playing in the background. And that’s a REAL song, by the way, actually sung in the 1600s for Elizabeth! Very neat.

A title screen flashes, reading “1600: Death”, and we see where Orlando is meant to be. He speaks poetry for the Queen and her court, but is interrupted by the aged queen, who asks whether or not his poem is appropriate for her presence, as the poem is about youth, and Queen Elizabeth is not that. Orlando’s father (John Bott), who is serving as host to Elizabeth, intervenes on his behalf. However, it doesn’t seem to matter to the Queen, as she invites Orlando back to England to serve as her “favourite”. He accepts, and soon lives alongside the Queen. She quickly promises Orlando much land and property, for him and his heirs, but on one condition: that he does not fade, wither, or grow old. 

The same wish cannot be applied to Elizabeth herself, nor to his father, as both grow old and die soon afterwards. Fast forward 10 years, and it’s a cold winter in England. Visiting Orlando’s vast estate is a woman from Russia, named Sasha (Charlotte Valandrey), and Orlando quickly falls for her. This is to the dismay of Euphrosne (Anna Healy), his fiancée? I’m not sure, to be honest, but they’re definitely involved, and she’s definitely upset.

However, this is also a scandal for everybody else as well, not just because Orlando’s already engaged, but also because Sasha is Russian, during a particularly poor economic period for the country. Euphrosne angrily throws his ring back at him, and Orlando speaks directly to the audience, telling us that a man must follow his heart. The two go to his private cottage, and they start to make out, when Orlando suddenly comes down with intense melancholy.

Because this is such great happiness that he feels, but this happiness too will one day end. Which is, like, the most emo-shit I’ve ever heard, but I’m kinda here for it. And yet, that happiness does indeed end, when Sasha is forced to return to Russia, despite Orlando’s pleading for her to stay. He asks her to meet him at London Bridge, so that they may elope together.

Later, Orlando happens upon a performance of Othello, noting to us that it’s a terrific play. This is as the death of Othello is being played out, so that’s probably foreshadowing, right? Anyway, Orlando leads two horses through the thick fog, waiting for Sasha to arrive and come away with him. But as a storm sets in, there is no sign of Sasha. And Orlando stands there in the rain. Said rain, though, soon becomes ice, underneath his feet, floating away down the river, along with his hopes of a happy future with Sasha. The treachery of women, according to Orlando.

Over the next week, Orlando languishes in his bed, asleep for the entire time. Increasingly more servants are brought up to try and rouse him, only for him to remain asleep, no matter what they do. But then, he wakes up, noting that he can only conjure three words to describe women, none of them worth explaining.

Forty years later, and the title screen cries “Poetry”! And Orlando looks exactly the same. Guess he really took that whole “don’t grow old” thing from Elizabeth to heart, huh? He speaks to a poet, Nick Greene (Heathcote Williams), and gushes about his poetry, which is a pursuit that he loves greatly. But Nick is...well, Nick is kind of a dick, to be honest. Orlando wants only to share his love and his poetry with him, but Nick’s only in it for the money. Not a true artist, and he mocks Orlando’s poetry, which he reads only after Orlando offers him money. And then, he writes a poem mocking Orlando further, which angers Orlando...but doesn’t stop the money flowing to Nick.

Orlando moves onto his next pursuit, in 1700, in the next section: Politics. Now over 100 years old, Orlando becomes an ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and travels to Constantinople. There, he receives a somewhat rough and awkward greeting, which Orlando is not helping with. They share some Turkish coffee, Orlando has trouble drinking that Turkish coffee, they drink a LOT of Turkish coffee, and they toast to multiple things, including the “beauty of women, and the joys of love.” Orlando pauses at this, and reveals that he is still suffering quite a bit of heartbreak. His Turkish friend, the Khan (Lothaire Bluteau), bonds with him about this.

After 10 years, Orlando has fully retreated into life as a Turkish man. This is interrupted by a British emissary, sent to bring him news of a new appointment and power from the Queen. However, something goes wrong when the Khan arrives and takes Orlando hostage. The city is under attack, and the Khan asks Orlando if he will help against their enemies. Orlando agrees, and gives them arms, and heads to help himself at the walls. There, he witnesses a man dying, and it shakes him greatly. And just like before, he sleeps it off for seven days. And then...she wakes up.

YUP. WHAT.

Yeah, um, Orlando is now a woman. Like she says: “Same person, just a different sex.” Which is a very interesting premise, not gonna lie. Looks like Orlando now has to live life as a woman, which is going to be...difficult in 1700s Turkey. Or England. Or anywhere. Or any time.

Still, Orlando approaches this new life with aplomb, and without really any needed caution. Parading in some awesome dresses, she greets fellow nobility as the lady Orlando. However, the emissary from earlier, Archduke Harry (John Wood), begins to recognize her as similar to the lord Orlando.

In speaking with a group of poets, however, Orlando learns EXACTLY what men think of women in this society, and it’s not even a little bit good. She leaves, enraged and embarrassed. Harry also speaks with her, assuming that she was a woman all along. However, Orlando’s in EVEN MORE shit, as she’s quickly served with papers that are an attempt to take away all of her property and titles, because Lord Orlando is legally dead, and Lady Orlando is a woman, which one of them says is basically the same thing. FUCKIN’ YIKES, BRUV.

Ah, but Harry tries to help by proposing to her ON THE FUCKIN’ SPOT. He believed that Orlando was perfect as both genders, and is happy to do it. However, Orlando understandably refuses, and after Harry tells her that she will die as a spinster, alone and dispossessed, she runs into a nearby hedge maze. And while in the hedge maze, time passes, and her outfit changes to match the period accordingly.

Forward 140 years now! The year is 1850, and a new chapter begins: Sex.

And as she runs from the maze, she runs into who else...but Shelmerdine (Billy Zane), a man who...Shelmerdine? SHELMERDINE? What fuckin’ witch cursed his entirely family line to have THAT name? That’s the kind of family that was named AFTER a bridge, not the other way around! WHAT KINDA NAME IS FUCKIN’ SHELMERDINE?

Well, I’ve looked it up now, and it is apparently a real name. So, if any Shelmerdines are reading this...I mean, I’m sorry, but also, FUCKIN’ SHELMERDINE? OK, back to Shelmerdine. He’s twisted his ankle falling off his horse, and Orlando is now taking care of him. She reveals, in the process, that she’s about to lose everything. The reasons for that aren’t quite said, but Shelmerdine offers a place at his side, back to the great free land of America.

After having a conversation about the roles of men and women in the world (which is interesting given the context of the film in general), the two fulfill the chapter’s imperative. And we never see the act, but we do get some interesting angles and hand-holding. But the next morning, this post-coital reverie is interrupted by the lawyers from the Queen. The lawsuits have been settled, and Orlando has been legally declared a woman, meaning that unless she has a son, all of her possessions will be lost.

Shelmerdine (I swear, every time I say that name, a fairy gets chlamydia) leaves as well, with the southwest wind. As he heads back to America to fight for freedom, Orlando stands in the rain, facing an uncertain future, and broken fully by the politics of the time period.

And then...the sound of planes overhead. Looks like a new time period once again, heading into the periods of World Wars, and Orlando is now...heavily pregnant. OH. FUCK. Welcome to the next chapter: Birth.

We jump past the period of World War II, and to the 1990s! Orlando is presenting a book to a publisher, and he believes that the book will sell. With her young daughter in tow, she finally goes back to her old mansion, now finally able to go back after losing it 100 years prior. The narration from the beginning repeats, recontextualized for Orlando’s new life. She is over 400 years old, and finally, FINALLY...she is happy.

And that’s Orlando! I think I loved it. Real talk, this was a fascinating movie, and I’m into it. I’m very much into it. I’m sure there’s more to be gleaned from this film, but I’m glad I watched it regardless. More in the Review, though! See you there!

[larkylabs]

So every other character except the black woman in your games gets to be sexual and multidimensional. Cool. Love how every single otome refuses to acknowledge black women as sexual and always either makes us aro or ace because they find black bodies unfuckable. I was so excited for there to be a black bi woman and then without fail white creators have to fuck up. Ace rep is good, but falling into the tropes of hypersexualization/complete desexualization of black women is not. 1/

Hi Anon, First of all, I’m so sorry that my games gave you anything other than entertainment and fun. Writing and playing romance aspects of an interactive story can be a very personal experience. So, when it’s done improperly, it can be very frustrating. I actually do try my best to read and speak to the appropriate people when I’m making a character with a background I’m not familiar with. I do try to gather as much information and feedback as possible. Although not as well as I could have, apparently. And I’m very sorry for that. But I feel like I’m being a little bit unfairly judged here, which is not anybody’s fault. This is the internet, so it’s normal to have miscommunications and misunderstandings. First of all, the main character of Oathbreaker can be black, and she is neither asexual nor one-dimentional, as far as I’m aware. As for non-MC characters, I don’t see Wiz being aro or ace either. Neither is she the typical angry, violent, aggressive black woman. (Again, as far as I’m aware. Please call me out if she is not.) But neither of them are love interests, so maybe you are talking about Lea specifically and not all of my games? Honestly, I wasn’t aware that every black LI is aro or ace in otome games. Had I known, I would have approached it differently. I don’t really play a lot of otome games, and that is something I have to remedy in the future for sure. But you are making assumptions about my motivations and my identity. (Although, again, I do understand. You’d have to be a psychic to read my mind. If my work somehow gave you that idea, I’m really disappointed that it did.) First of all, I’m Turkish. I’m not from USA, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m not a bigot who finds black people unfuckable or “too” fuckable like a fetish or something. I understand your frustration, but assuming someone having bad and callous intentions when they do not is neither practical nor constructive. I have never once thought of Lea as an unfuckable woman, nor did I intend to make her a one-dimentional character. I made her a woman with a tragic past, who has a lot of love to give. More importantly, I made her the mother of the group. Finding her lost son inside Raelan and finding herself inside MC. I just thought it would be fitting as a Spymaster, who’s job is to not trust anyone. When I’m thinking about the main characters of a game, I think about their personality and their jobs and their side stories inside the main story before their phsyical appearance. Even before their genders. So, maybe I should start thinking about that? To make sure the characters doesn’t fall into any offensive stereotypes. If I messed up with Lea, it is entirely out of bad luck and my inexperience in writing. I have neither the past nor the parental education to have such a racist and bigoted subconscious. I’m so sorry that I gave you the impression that I didn’t give much thought to Lea, but it is not the case. The intention was good, but the application wasn’t, I suppose. This uncaring attitute towards people’s identity and history is something I’ve been subjected to in most harem themed media. Hell, there is hardly any media of my own culture. So, the last thing I wanted to do was to make somebody frustrated instead of happy with my content. Hopefully with Glam Pursuit and my future games, it won’t be as frustrating for you to play (if you do play, of course). I will do better to at least have more options next time, and learn more about Western stereotypes.

Stay safe & happy! It’s a frustrating time for all of us. I hope I wasn’t a big part of it! 🕊️

[lucisfavoritedemon]

Waiting For Forever Chapter 10

Pairing: Bucky x reader, Sam x platonic!reader

Summary: You met Bucky for a brief second at a fair him and Steve attended. Little did you know you would run into him again as you assist Peggy with Steve. There was just something about the sadness in Bucky’s eyes that night that captured your soul, and he was all you could think about. You have a secret though. You aren’t exactly who he thinks you are. This is a story of love, loss, and overcoming any obstacle thrown your way.

Warnings: fluff, slight angst, Bucky being the cutest dad ever, cursing, reader really despising Walker, violence, talks of sexual actions

Word Count: 6467

A/N: This is my thoughts on what happens to reader During The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: Episode Four (roughly). It is not 100% accurate, but I wanted to put a little twist to it. This gives you a glimpse at how the reader and Bucky are balancing work life and keeping their relationship some what professional. I added in some 3rd person POV to get insight on what Bucky’s thoughts are in a certain part. That will be in italics. It is kind of a long one, but there was a lot of detail I wanted to add. There also is something mentioned that I may consider doing a What If...? twist with. Y’all let me know what you think, would that be something you’d be interested in? All mistakes are mine. TFATWS SPOILERS!!!!!

Enjoy!

Of course that’s what Ayo wanted. I didn’t blame her either, Zemo killed their king. Of course Bucky and Sam just had to break him out of jail, and here we are about to feel the wrath of the Wakandans. 

“Why did you free Zemo?”

“We need him.” Bucky responded.

“In all honesty, I agree with you Ayo. I wish he would have left well enough alone.”

“We freed you of everything that went back to the Winter Soldier.”

“And I’m grateful for that.”

“Have you forgotten that he killed King T’Chaka at the U.N.?”

“Of course not.”

“My people, those men put me in charge of watching over him, protecting him.”

“I understand that.”

“Maybe we should give him back to them.” Bucky starts to speak Wakandan, “he’s a means to an end.”

I roll my eyes at this. This was absolutely unbelievable, I agreed that Zemo needed to go back. He was going to stop at nothing till he had manipulated us into letting him go free. It would be an endless cycle, a loop that never ended.

“You have 8 hours. Then we come for Zemo.”

Ayo walked away. She didn’t look happy at all, and frankly, I didn’t blame her. I turned around and started heading back to the place Zemo had for us to stay. Bucky grabbed my wrist making me face him. He gave this pleading look, and I knew he was either asking for forgiveness, or to talk.

“I understand your frustration. I do. He’s the last chance we have at finding Karli. Once we’re done, I’ll give him back to the Wakandans. They can do what they will with him.”

“I don’t need you to explain your reasoning. I just knew having Zemo around was a bad idea.”

“I get that. I just need you to trust me. When we’re done with him, I’ll give him back to them.”

“Fine. I’m giving you 6 hours. They’re a little more generous than I am.”

“Fine.”

We walked back to the house in silence. I hated being the bad guy in this, but I believe someone had to be. We walked back in as Zemo stepped out of the bathroom, presumably after a shower. I went and sat down on the couch as Bucky walked to the island in the kitchen. He glanced down at his phone, and his face went sour.

“What’s wrong Buck?” I asked, concerned.

“Karli blew up one of the GRC warehouses. 11 injured, 3 dead.”

“It seems I may be the only one here who is brave enough to finish this mission.”

“We aren’t going to kill her.” Sam stated.

“If it came to that, would you be strong enough to do it?”

“No one is killing anyone, besides me killing you Zemo.” I glared in his direction.

“It’s people with her ideals that have formed the Nazis, Ultron, the Avengers.”

“Those are our friends you’re talking about.” Sam snapped.

“The Avengers, not the Nazis.” Bucky added, for clarification of course.

Zemo started to go on about supremacy, and how Karli is a supremacist. Then he started to talk about super soldiers, and it really got my blood boiling.

“What about Steve?”

“There has yet to be another Steve Rodgers.”

“You wanna know why that is Zemo?” I looked at him seriously this time.

“Why would that be?”

“Because Erskine hand picked Steve. All he ever wanted was to prove to the world that the person who is the most underestimated, can come out on top. It’s why so many people looked up to him. He was part of the minority group. He wasn’t meant to be a good soldier, but a good man.”

I looked away from the group as I recall Erskine's huge speech to Steve. He always knew exactly what to say to people. It’s how he gained my trust so quickly. He treated me like his own flesh and blood when others wanted to use me for my powers. He protected me from Schmidt in Germany before we moved to America, and he continued to do so even after his death.

“When I was young my TT passed away.” Sam started. 

“Your, your TT?” Bucky interrupted

"Yeah, my TT."

"Wh-who is your TT?" Bucky questioned, sounding a little annoyed and confused. 

“Okay when I was younger, my aunt passed away. The whole community came together. It was a week long thing. Maybe they’re doing the same thing for Donya Madani.”

“That’s actually not a bad thought. A lot of cultures do it.” I agreed.

Zemo goes to one of the cupboards and grabs a container, dumping it out, and tossing something from it to Sam. “Turkish Delight. Irresistible.”

We all decided to go and ask around to see if we could figure out whether we could find out where her funeral was. Zemo of course started to go off about how so much has changed since he was younger. We decided to split up, I was with Sam, and Bucky got stuck with Zemo.

Sam and I walked up to the upper level, and began to ask around. Everyone ran away from us though, and didn’t want to speak with us. They all looked scared and very weary. We walked into a room where it looked like a lesson was taking place.

“We’re looking for Donya Madani, she was a refugee here.” Sam spoke up.

“We are not refugees. We have nothing to seek refuge from. We are just displaced people. We don’t trust outsiders.”

“We want to help out.”

“We have heard that so many times. People have promised more teachers, supplies. That was 6 months ago.”

I was starting to understand Karli better. Before Erskine I was alone in a world that didn’t care about me. Erskine was the person who took me in and gave me food and shelter. He was the only person who seemed to care. So, I guess I could understand Karli a bit better.

“What’s your name, I can make a few calls.” Sam tried to fight.

“I know who you are, but I don’t trust you. I’m sorry.” The man picks up a child and walks off.

“Well that didn’t go to plan.” “No, but it gave us a better idea as to why Karli is doing what she’s doing. Her people are suffering because the government won’t meet their needs. Her cause is good, but the way she is going about it is wrong.”

“Then we need to find Donya and find Karli. The sooner we can get her to stop this the better off we’ll be.”

“The thing is Sam, I don’t think we’ll be able to. Her ideals, they are just too strong to stop. Not without going into war that is. Trust me. I know how this ends, and it ends in bloodshed, as much as I hate to admit it.”

Sam nods in agreement as we walk down to meet up with the other two. As we approach we notice Zemo talking to a group of kids. I notice the Turkish Delight laid out on a little stool. I notice a little girl walk up to him, and whisper in his ear.

“What is he doing?” Sam asked.

“I have no idea.” Bucky responded. 

“This is why I’m going to be a helicopter parent when we get home.” I add in, watching with a look of shock and horror on my face.

Zemo walks back over to us, and we all head back to his place. He was keeping us in the dark about something, and I did not like this one bit. Once back at the house, we settled in and started to question Zemo.

“That little girl, what did she tell you?” Sam questioned first.

“The funeral is this afternoon.”

“Where is it?” I asked, hoping he would tell us.

“That is classified.”

“Of course it is. No matter, wherever it is, I want to talk to Karli.”

“Absolutely not.” Bucky protested.

“I’m going with you Y/N.” Sam stated.

“Fine with me, but I feel like maybe talking to someone who knows exactly what she is going through may help her.”

“And you think you can stop her?” Zemo almost laughed.

“I’ve been in her shoes. I know what it’s like to feel all alone. To want the world to pay attention to the minority. I used to be her.”

“But you’re not.” Bucky added.

“Not anymore, but had Erskine not found me when he did, I could have ended up exactly like her.”

“I don’t think you’re going to convince her.” Zemo butted in.

“I don’t care, if I even make her question whether this is the right thing, then I’ve done something right.”

“You know the Dora will be here for you any minute, so keep talking.” Bucky threatened.

“What, so you can turn me over? I prefer to keep my leverage.” Zemo retorts.

Bucky stands up quickly, grabs the cup Zemo is holding, and throws it at the wall, “you wanna see what someone can do with leverage?”

“Bucky, calm down. It’s okay.” I say walking over to him.

“I’m going to make a call.” Sam said walking off.

I went and sat back down on the couch. I pulled Bucky over to sit next to me to get him to calm down so he didn't kill Zemo. I wanted to bring up the fact it was his idea to break Zemo out of prison. 

“Have you checked in on Jamie?” Bucky asked as I ran my fingers through his hair. 

“I haven't. I didn't want to, not with mister creeper around.”

Bucky chuckled some, "that's fair. I just worry about him without us around. D-does he have any powers or weird abilities?”

“He's started to develop some, but that all comes from my side. You'd be surprised how much he reminds me a lot of Steve, but he really is just like you. He has your charm and Steve's spirit. God, that boy is going to be a lady killer.” I giggle some. 

Bucky smiles at me, but it fades fast, "I hope nobody has teased him about who his dad is. I hope they don't ruin the picture you've painted of me in his mind.”

“I hope not either, but if that does happen, we'll handle it. Together, I fear nothing as long as we do it together, as a family.” I squeezed Bucky's hand tightly. He was part of my family now. He was the father of my child, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. 

Bucky squeezed my hand back, “as a family.” He smiled, and my heart skipped a beat when those words came out of his mouth. 

“Okay you two love birds, let's get going.” Sam said, interrupting our moment. 

Bucky and I stood up, and we walked out heading to the celebration of life for Donya Madani. Bucky took my hand, intertwining our fingers. The metal felt nice and cool against my hand, and I was relishing in the fact that he felt comfortable with me holding his metal hand. 

“Karli Morgenthau is too dangerous for you guys to be pulling this shit.” John Walker spoke as he and his sidekick walked towards us.

“Ah! How'd you find us now?” Bucky sounded annoyed and pissed. 

“Come on, man. You really think two Avengers can walk around Latvia without drawing attention?” Battlestar spoke up. 

“No more keeping us in the dark. You could start by telling us why you broke him out of prison.” Walker demanded. 

“He did that himself technically.” Bucky said, making me roll my eyes. 

“This better be an unbelievable explana…”

“Hey! Take it easy before it gets weird.” Sam said, breaking things up between Walker and Bucky. 

“I know where Karlie is.” Zemo announced. 

“Well, where?”

“All we know is that it's a memorial.’

“So we're going to intercept her there.” Sam stated trying to stop Walker from following us.

“That means civilians, high risk of casualties.” Battlestar stated. 

“Alright, good, we'll move in fast.” Walker ordered, moving around Sam.

“No. Sam and I are going to talk to her, civilly. I'm not sure if you know what that means, do you want me to give you the definition?”

“We want to talk to her alone.”

“Don't be smart with me bitch!”

“What did you call me!?” I went to charge him, but Bucky grabbed my arm to stop me. 

“I'm not losing her again!” Walker shouted. 

“Look, the person closest to her died, she's vulnerable. If there's any time to reason with her, it's now.”

“What? No, no! No, no, no, stop!” Walker tried to get us to stop walking. 

“I know you think you can't reason with people like her, Walker, but I used to be in her shoes. I know what it's like to feel like the world doesn't care about you. I was that girl almost 90 years ago. Abraham was my Donya, and I lost him. If anything, she needs someone who knows what it's like, not someone who got handed everything.” I attempted to walk around him, but he shoved me back. 

“I think we're way past reasoning with her, unless you forgot the fact that she blew up a building with people still in it.”

“You two walk in there cold, she could kill you.”

“If we go in hot, and the op goes wrong, more people could die." Sam tried to reason. 

“I believe that Sam and I can reason with her.” I tried to explain. 

“You're gonna let them do this?” Walker turned to Bucky. 

Bucky had a look of confidence and confusion. I know he hated the thought of me going in there, but he also knew I was right. He knew Sam and I both had a good chance of convincing her to stand down. 

“You're going to let your partners walk into a room with a super soldier alone?" Walker tried to contort his thoughts into not letting me walk in. 

I locked eyes with Bucky, begging him to not listen to Walker. That he wasn't the voice of reason, that I was. I begged him to trust me with this mission, that I could do this. I knew I could defend myself if it came to that, so could Sam. I could see the war going on in his head though, and I was almost convinced he was going to pull me out. 

“They've dealt with worse. And Sam isn't my partner.” Bucky responded, and I breathed a sigh of relief. 

“I used to counsel soldiers dealing with trauma, okay? This is right in my wheelhouse.” Sam tried to convince Walker more. 

“Yeah, I know. And I know those soldiers, which is why I believe this is a bad idea.”

“Wait, John. If they can talk her down it might be worth a try.”

Walker scoffs, “fine," he turns to Zemo, "we'll deal with you later.”

“I'm sure you all will come to an agreeable conclusion. My associate is just up ahead.” Zemo gestures to a little girl and we start walking again, “hello my friend,” he pulls some money out of his pocket, “this is for your family. Can you show us the way?”

The little girl nods and starts walking ahead. I looked to Bucky, reminding him this is why I haven't called to check up on Jamie with Zemo around. 

“What the hell?”

“For once I agree with you.” I mumble to myself, staying close to Bucky. 

The little girl leads us to what appears to be the back entrance to where this gathering is happening. She stops, opens the door and nods. She starts to walk in gesturing us to follow her.

“This is the place.” Zemo stated.

Sam and I get in front of the group, and go to follow the little girl. Walker grabs Zemo quickly, and I thought a fight was going to break out. Walker cuffs Zemo to a boiler looking thing, and pins him there.

“You two have 10 minutes, then we’re doing things my way.” Walker states.

Sam and I rush in to find time for us to talk to Karli before Walker can get to her. As we walk around, we notice the building we’re in is two levels. Sam and I watch Karli’s speech from the upper level. Hearing her talk about Donya reminded me a lot of how I would have talked about Dr. Erskine. The more she talked, the more I felt connected to her.

After everyone left, Sam and I decided to go down, and talk with her. I had a feeling this was gonna be both easy and challenging. I had faith that we were going to be able to talk her down. I was confident Sam felt the exact same way I did.

“I saw you two back there.” Karli spoke, her back turned to us.

“We came alone.” Sam spoke.

“We just want to talk, Karli.” I tried to speak as softly as I could to her, I didn’t want to scare her off, and blow our chance.

“We’re sorry for your loss.” Sam spoke genuinely.

“Don’t condescend to me, I’m not a child.”

“We’re not condescending. I know what it’s like to lose some, believe me.”

“No you don’t, not like this.”

“I do.” I spoke up.

Karli turned to me, then looked at Sam. I wanted her to know I had once come from where she is. I knew what it was like to be someone the government mistreated. I had to get those words out. Maybe then she would stop all this, and everything could go back to normal. No more people would get hurt.

“It doesn’t have to be a war, Karli.”

“They started a war as soon as they kicked us out of our homes and onto the streets. People all around the world need me. Millions of them.”

“We can’t speak for millions, but we understand you, Y/n especially. She came from the same situation you’re facing right now.” Sam mentioned. He had to say anything to gain her attention.

“I understand your frustration, and I understand your helplessness.” I interjected.

Karli stood there for a second before she finally spoke, “so you want me to stop because people are gettin’ hurt, right? But what if I’m making the world a better place?”

“It’s not a better place if you’re killing people, it’s just different.”

“I used to think that fighting back was the only thing, the only way you could get people to listen.”

“You both are either brilliant, or just hopelessly optimistic.” Karli smiles.

“Can’t we be a little bit of both?” Sam chuckled.

“No.”

“Y/n, she knows more about Super Soldiers than anyone on this planet. She was Erskine’s protégé back in the 1930s and 40s."

"It's true. Erskine was my Donya. He saved me from the streets of Germany. He gave me a home, clothes, and food. Everything I could have needed. When things got bad in Germany, he smuggled me away to America. He only wanted what was best for me. I fought back against those who killed him, but I also rebelled against the government back in Germany. Trust me, it got me nowhere fast. It changed nothing, loads of people still died, and I didn’t help.”

“This guy we know who knows a lot about Super Soldiers too, he says you’re a supremacist.”

“Me?” Karli asked as Sam went to sit next to her.

“Yeah.” Sam responded.

“That’s ridiculous. Everything I do is to end supremacy. These corporations and the beasts who run them, they’re the supremacists.”

“So, let us ask you, you have more serum right?” Sam asked, standing up.

“So?”

“Are you going to increase your army? You’re killin’ innocent people.”

“They’re not innocent. They’re roadblocks in my journey, and I’d kill them again if I had to.”

“Wow.” Sam and I were both shocked at what just came out of her mouth.

“No, no I didn’t mean it like that. You tricked me into sounding like…”

“Like what?”

“The people I’m fightin’ are trying to take your home, Sam. Why are you here instead of stopping them?”

“You know, my sister is waiting for that exact same answer.”

“We’re not your enemy, Karli. We agree with your fight.”

“We just can’t get with the way you’re fightin’ it.”

“And I’m sure she wouldn’t either.” I look at Donya, hoping Karli would agree.

Meanwhile:

“No, no, no, no. This is a bad idea.” Walker started speaking aggressively as he paced the small room.

“It hasn’t been 10 minutes, John. Just sit tight.” Bucky spoke up as he leaned against the door frame. He wanted to block the way to give Sam and Y/n time to talk to Karli, though Walker was convinced it was already taking too long.

“Don’t do that. Don’t patronize me.”

“They know what they’re doing, especially Y/n. She’s done this dance before. Give them the time.” Bucky kept trying to convince him.

Bucky couldn’t tell at what point he was convincing John, or still convincing himself. He trusted Y/n and Sam, he knew in his head they could do it. His heart was the one screaming at him to just let John go after them. All Bucky wanted was his girl safe, that’s it.

“I’m goin’ in.” Walker started walking quickly towards the doorway.

Bucky immediately stopped him. If anything, now he was going to risk their lives rather than save them. That was something Bucky couldn’t have. His girl was in there with someone who could easily kill them, and he didn’t want that.

“This is all really easy for you isn't it? All that serum runnin’ through your veins. Barnes, your partners need backup in there. You really want their blood on your hands?”

Bucky is lost for words. He was staring at John to intimidate him, but now, he was frozen in fear. John knew just what to say to get Bucky to do as he said. The last thing he wanted to do was be the reason for Y/n’s death. That was his biggest fear, to come home to their son without his mom.

“Karli Morgenthau, you’re under arrest.” Walker announced, walking in.

Karli looked between Sam and I. This son of a bitch just ruined any chance we had of getting her to back down. From the looks of it, Bucky didn’t put up a fight either.

“So this is what that was?”

“Karli wait…” I stepped closer to her, I needed her to see where this could end. Her fight was going to lead to devastation, and this asshole Walker just ruined everything.

“Tricking me till your backup arrived?” Karli backed away.

“We had enough time to talk.”

By now Bucky and Walker’s partner in crime had walked in. Bucky was trying to get to Walker, but his buddy wouldn’t let him get close. Karli started yelling, and John was trying to grab her. Chaos had broken out in just a few short seconds. It took all I had not to knock Walker on his ass right then and there.

Karli pushed John into a table before taking off. Bucky had shoved the sidekick back, and started going after her. I followed suit hoping I could touch Karli, just so she could feel that I was telling the truth. 

We were stopped by a whole group of her allies and fights started breaking out, but I continued to follow her. She was my target, my mission, and I couldn’t let her get away. I didn’t get far though when I met back up with Sam and Bucky.

“I lost her.” Bucky announced.

“I swear to god, next time I see Walker’s face, I’m gonna kill him! Why the hell did you let him get through!” I charged at Bucky.

“Y/n, wait a minute! We don’t know that Bucky let him through.” Sam tried to reason.

“Walker didn’t have a damn scratch on him. If Bucky fought back, he would have been on the ground in 2 seconds flat.”

Bucky stayed quiet because he knew I was right. I was so frustrated that we got so close, and now we are right back to where we started. I was so angry I punched one of the walls in the room we were in.

“Y/n, doll, calm down.”

“No! Because Walker got in, people are going to die. You could have prevented that if you just put up a fight.”

“Are you saying that blood is going to be on my hands?”

“Well you certainly aren’t helping your case here.”

“Y/n! Knock it off. I get you’re frustrated, but take a walk before you say something you can’t take back.” Sam yelled.

I knew he was right. I was about to tell Bucky that the blood of everyone who could die at Karli’s hands was going to be because of him. He already struggles enough with that. I stood there and took a deep breath in to calm myself as Bucky started talking.

“You wanna know what really happened back there? He used you against me. Saying if Karli turned on you, your blood would be on my hands. That would be something I couldn’t live with knowing.”

“Walker plays mind games huh? I’m really gonna kill him this time. So, I suggest you keep us as far apart as possible.”

We started to walk around to see if we could find Walker, when Bucky pulled me aside. I was shocked at how aggressively he grabbed me, but was even more shocked when a rough kiss was what I was met with rather than yelling. I wrapped my arms around his neck pulling him closer to me. After a few seconds he pulled away.

“The last thing I want to do is lose you. I’m sorry I let John get past me like that, but…”

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m not mad at you. I’m frustrated at the situation. Had John not got between Karli and I, I would have been able to show her I wasn’t lying. That Sam and I were really there to show her we agree with her ideals. That I once was just like her. That Erskine was my Donya.”

“I’m glad he rescued you. He brought you to me.”

I giggle, “don’t get sappy on me Buck. I could have easily ended up in a completely different scenario. I could have ended up as Schmidt’s protégé.”

“We would have never met then. I wouldn’t know where I would be without you.”

“Okay, come on lover boy. Let’s get back before Sam gets worried we ran out on him or something.”

We ran to catch up with Sam who had found a door leading to a staircase. We ran in, and saw Walker with a knocked out Zemo on the ground. Walker’s sidekick came running in a few seconds behind us. We looked at each other, then back to Walker. I felt Bucky grab my arm to let me know not to murder him here, no matter how badly I wanted to.

‘What did we miss?” Sam asked, hoping someone could explain the passed out Zemo.

No one said a word as Bucky walked down and picked Zemo up. We walked off back to his place leaving Walker behind. I was so glad Bucky and Sam were there to stop me because I really just wanted to knock Walker out. 

When we got into the house, Bucky laid Zemo on the couch. Then, Bucky grabbed my arm and dragged me to one of the bedrooms, slamming the door shut. I was shocked at his bold moves, but I knew we couldn’t do anything with these thin walls, and Sam sitting in the other room.

When Walker played mind games with him, it unlocked something in Bucky. A side I had not seen in a very long time, a side of him I hadn’t seen since the war. Bucky pulled me close after shrugging off his jacket, kissing me passionately, his hands trailing my body. He attempted to start to undress me before I pulled away slowly.

“Everything okay, doll?”

“Not here Bucky. Not when it’s so quiet.”

“You said when we got a vacation.”

“Not with Sam on the other side of the door. He’ll hear everything. I promise, I will find us some alone time, but not right now.”

“Okay,” Bucky grabbed his jacket, putting it back on, “I’m going out for a walk. I’ll be back.” He kissed me gently before walking out.

I sat in the room trying to gather my own thoughts as to what just happened. I started hearing talking from the living room. Zemo was awake now, and he was asking Sam about being offered the super soldier serum. He then asked Sam if he would ever take it. I started to think about Bucky, how he never got the choice. He was a lab rat for HYDRA, and didn’t get a say on the matter.

“Super Soldiers should be allowed to exist.” Zemo spoke.

“Isn’t that how gods talk? And if that’s how you feel, what about Bucky?”

“You know Zemo, Bucky didn’t get a choice,” I could feel the tears already coming, “and if that’s how you think, then Erskine should have been thrown in jail before he was able to give Steve the serum. Let HYDRA and the Nazis control the world.” I could feel my voice crack.

Right on queue Bucky walked through the doors, “something’s not right about Walker.” He announced.

“You don’t say.”

“Well, I know crazy when I see one because I am crazy.”

“Can’t argue with that.”

“Sam!” I glare at him, and he puts his hands up in defense.

“You shouldn’t have given him the shield.” Bucky stated, pouring himself a drink.

“I didn’t give him the shield.” Sam protested.

“Here we go again.” I roll my eyes.

“Well Steve definitely didn’t.” Bucky looks at Sam as he takes a drink.

Suddenly the doors burst open, “All right that’s it let’s go. I’m ordering you to turn him over.”

“Oh Walker, I've been waiting for you to walk through those doors.” I walk over to him ready to fight.

“I’m flattered, sweetheart, but Lemar is the one interested in you.”

“Hey, just slow your roll,” Sam said, getting between Walker, and me and Zemo, “let’s be clear, shield or no shield, the only thing you’re runnin’ in here is your mouth. Now, we had Karli there, and you overstepped. He’s actually proven himself useful today. We’re gonna need all hands on deck for whatever’s comin’ next.”

“How do you want the rest of this conversation to go, huh?”

“I know how I want it to go.” I raise my hand. Sam glares at me and I put it down.

“Should I put down the shield? Make it fair?”

“Oh yeah, bring it Walker.” I say gathering all my strength to knock him out in one shot.

Walker puts the shield up against one of the columns, but as he goes to stand up, a spear aims right for his head. Too bad he moved out of the way quickly. Then the other two walked in and started speaking Wakandan to Bucky and I.

“Even if he is a means to your end. Time’s up,” Ayo starts speaking English, “release him to us now.”

“More than happy to Ayo. Was willing to when we met up the first time.”

“Hi, John Walker, Captain America.” John reached his hand out to shake Ayo’s, and all I could do was laugh. “Well, let’s, uh, put down the pointy sticks and we can talk this through, huh?”

“Hey John, take it easy,” Sam smiled to himself, “you might want to fight Bucky before you tangle with the Dora Milaje.”

“Hear how he said Bucky, and not me. I’m just as tough to fight as the Dora. They may be a little harder than me, by a little.” I said, kind of bragging.

“The Dora Milaje don’t have jurisdiction here…”

“The Dora Milaje have jurisdiction wherever the Dora Milaje find themselves to be.” Ayo spoke, sounding very annoyed, and very angry.

“Okay, look I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot…” Walker put his hand on Ayo’s shoulder, and the fight broke out.

I couldn’t help, but sit on the counter to watch. This was better than I thought. Walker kept trying to fight back, but they kept putting him on his ass.

“We should do something.” Sam tried to reason with Bucky.

Bucky crossed his arms, “looking strong John.”

“Bucky…” Sam warned.

He rolled his eyes, and stopped Ayo from stabbing Walker, “Ayo, let’s talk about this.”

I happened to look over my shoulder as Zemo slipped into the bathroom. I shot up from my spot, and ran to the door, “don’t you dare, Zemo!” I banged on the door. I tried to open it, but he had locked it. I used the force of the wind to knock it open, but he had already slipped into the sewer system.

I turn around as I hear the action from behind me stop, “I’m sorry Ayo. I tried to stop him as soon as I saw what he was doing.” She placed a hand on my shoulder before standing back up. I turned around to see Bucky’s arm on the floor as the Dora headed out.

“Did you know they could do that?” Sam asked as Bucky went to pick up his arm to put it back on.

“No.” Bucky swung his arm around once it was back in place.

Bucky and Sam walked over to the opened sewer drain, “I can’t believe he pulled an El Chapo.” Sam gazed down.

“I can.” Bucky said, annoyed, “come on.” Bucky started to walk out.

We wander the streets for a bit. Sam’s phone starts going off, and he picks it up quickly. Whoever is on the other end sounds panicked. By how quickly Sam is answering them, it’s pretty concerning to Bucky and I.

“”Pack an overnight bag, take the boys somewhere.”

“What’s going on?” Bucky asked, concerned.

Sam pulls the phone from his ear for a second, “Karli called my sister. She threatened my nephews,” he goes back to talking to Sarah, “wherever you go only pay cash. Let me know when you get there. I love you. You know I would never let anything happen to you or the boys. I’ll talk to you soon.”

I begin to panic about Jamie, and I can tell the same fear has rushed over Bucky. “I’ll call Miranda once we meet with Karli.”

“Maybe you should check on him now.” Bucky sounded worried, and I nodded.

Just as I went to call Miranda I got a text from her, “she just texted me saying that she is taking Jamie somewhere. She got a call, probably similar to Sarah.”

“Tell her to contact Sarah and meet up. That way they’re together, and safe.” Sam suggested.

“I agree.” I sent the sitter a text with Sarah’s contact information, and told her to stay with them till we get state side.

At that point Sam got a message with the coordinates we were to meet Karli, “she said come alone.”

“I’m going with you.” Bucky stated, rubbing my back to soothe me.

I nodded in agreement as we headed to suit up. We then headed to where Karli asked us to meet. It was in the same area where the gathering for Madani was, which made it easy for us I guess. We knew if she took off though, we wouldn’t be able to find her again.

“Karli!” Sam yelled, announcing our presence. She then peeked her head out, and we ascended the stairs nearby.

“You called my sister, and her babysitter. Is that how we’re going to play this?” Sam asked, angry as hell.

“I would never hurt them. I just wanted to understand the two of you better,” she looks over, seeing Bucky, “I see you, um, didn’t come alone.”

“You have to end this now.”

“I don’t want to hurt you, either of you. You both are tools in the regimes I want to destroy. You’re not hiding behind a shield.” Karli started.

“Yeah Walker doesn’t exactly know how to properly fight it seems.” I chuckled, earring me a glare from Sam.

“If I were to kill you, it’d be meaningless. I was going to ask you to join me. Or do the world a favor and let me go.” Karli continued, practically begging.

Sam then looked down at his arm piece. He seemed to zoom in as panic sunk in his face. He then looked up and over to Bucky, “it’s Walker.”

Bucky jumped down, but Karli followed, and knocked him into a column. Sam and I jumped down after, so Karli didn’t hurt him. I ran over to help Bucky up as Sam and Karli fought. Once Bucky was on his feet, I helped Sam out by knocking her into one of the columns behind her.

“I’ll send you the two of you the coordinates, go.” Sam ordered before taking off.

Bucky and I took off after Karli. We chased her through the streets before she dipped back into the building. We went to head up the stairs, but Bucky was knocked down by one of the Flagsmashers. Bucky shoved them down the stairs, but they got right back up. He then kicked them into a wall, and they fell through.

We went back to chasing up the stairs after her. At the top of the stairs there was a doorway that led to a huge room. Sam and Walker were fighting off Flagsmashers left and right. I groaned knowing we had to help Walker. Bucky ran up and punched one in the face that was about to take Sam out from behind.

“You’re welcome.” Bucky said, going back to fighting.

I kept shoving them into each other, then pushing them towards Bucky or Sam to take care of. It was working well to start, then things went south when Lemar was kicked into column at full speed by Karli. He was dead on impact, though Walker begged for him not to be.

Sam, Bucky, and I took off after Karli. The chase led to the streets, and we were met with a horrible, gruesome scene. I tried to scream, but nothing came out. Steve’s shield was used as a weapon for the first time. I was disgusted, angry, and numb all at once. All I could do was cling to Bucky to keep me standing straight.

“What has he done?”

TAGLIST (OPEN):

@ginger-swag-rapunzel​ @soccer1000​

[weraceasone]

Hey :) I'm sorry, I'm quite new to the whole F1 fandom.

But did Max Verstappen did abused as a child? Or what is your post about? I didn't really find anything online..

Have a good evening!

hey there! welcome to the f1 community, I hope everyone treats you well 😊. feel free to ask me a question if you’re wondering about something! 🧡

to answer your question, I will first give a ‼️ HUGE TRIGGER WARNING: abuse ‼️, so if anyone that is reading this right now doesn’t feel comfortable reading about that, please don’t feel pressured to continue reading. I will also tag this with a trigger warning, so people who have the tag blocked won’t see this.

I will try to link as many articles as possible, but a lot of them are in Dutch which I do speak, but I know that not everyone does of course, so I will try to translate them as good as possible.

so let’s start with the most important one: Jos has gone to jail for assault. he first had to appear in court because his ex-wife, Sophie Kumpen (which is Max’ mother), accused him of harassment and assault. according to her, Jos had threathened her by text, assaulted her and slashed her tyres three times. Jos brushed this off by saying that he acknowledged there were some “relationship problems”, but that he thought the legal proceedings were excessive. he never went to jail for this, so maybe you would think “oh, maybe it wasn’t true” but then it happened again. in 2012, his then girlfriend accused him of abuse and even attempted homicide. on the 4th of January 2012, Jos deliberately hit her with his car and this is how he ended up serving 8 months in jail.

Jos’ own dad accused him of beating him up. apparently between the Hungarian and German Grand Prix back in 2016, there had been an incident where Jos started beating his own dad. his dad, Frans Verstappen, said (and I quote): “We've seen before that Jos has loose hands, but this was the limit. Jos is very bad tempered.”

apparantly Jos also got into a fight back in 2017 and beat someone up. he was taken into custody and actually had to go to court again.

so, not the best start, but what did he actually do to Max? well, a lot and Max keeps telling these things like they’re some sort of funny story.

for example; back when Max was 15, he lost a race which apparently “he should have been able to win easily”. Max made a mistake, as you do when you’re young and inexperienced, but Jos response to this was a bit off. basically Jos stopped at a gas station in the middle of Italy, kicked Max out of the van and left him alone. and mind you, 15-year-old Max did not speak one word Italian or English. Max had to call his mother to pick him up and Jos did not talk to Max for weeks. Max has said in an interview before, “I’ve never had any problems in F1, cause nobody has ever been as hard on me as my dad.”

in a Carnext podcast Jos and Max did together a few weeks ago with David Coulthard, they talked about how Jos would hit Max on his helmet after a bad performance and how others in the paddock would be concerned, but according to them it was “tough love”. they also said that Jos used to make Max drive around in the cold for so long he couldn’t feel his fingers, just to get the data. Jos also made Max drive karts in the rain on slicks deliberately so he could find the grip. (via @struggleism)

only a few weeks ago at the Turkish GP, Max explained that he won’t use padding because his dad will laugh at him if he does. I quote: “I remember my very first F3 test I did, after one day I couldn't hold my neck straight and then I had to put the padding in. My dad was laughing at me because I was using that, and since that day, I refuse to put padding next to my head. I'd prefer that my head falls off then I'm running with padding! So it will be the same also this weekend.”

there’s also been plenty of rumours in Dutch media that Jos would physically abuse Max, but there’s no proof for that so I won’t go into that any further.

I bet there’s more, but that’s all I know. I think it’s safe to say that he’s basically just a piece of shit. I hope this cleared everything up!