#sorry for the 4a ramblings

[lookforanewangle]

I am. so fucking touch starved.

[yellowhollyhock]

raph vs a volcano day 20

The 1987 episode plot:

Donatello's health scanner predicts Raphael has only 24 hours to live. Raphael goes around doing good deeds and taking ridiculous risks because he's gonna die anyway. Meanwhile Donatello figures out his machine didn't work right and means to tell Raphael, but you see he is distracted doing good deeds and taking ridiculous risks. It culminates with Raph inside an active volcano (trying to stop it from erupting? bro??) and his brothers have to come rescue him.

I love this episode. For so many reasons.

1) What an interesting way to give Raph his role while keeping him in character within the new role they gave him for this show. Because Mirage Raph is the guy who always wants to help without pausing to think about whether they can. He's known for sometimes being impulsive and always being protective. And not just of his fellow turtles! He sees someone in trouble he wants to help. But usually in Mirage that's expressed with violence. So for the show they made the "crazy one" express the same traits through sarcasm instead and he became the witty one, and I love how future Raphs are both. And I especially love when 1987 Raphael himself is both

2) This is such a classic plot. It's like... the tribbles spoof/tribute or 'character gets kidnapped but acts so annoying they get released.' You know the kinds of plots I mean right? Our style of storytelling has changed (it's always changing) but tv shows in late 80s early 90s especially had these. You could pretty much guess the plot from the title because you know the characters and you know the story. The exciting reveal is mostly the jokes. There are words for what I'm saying but I haven't had an english class in a few years, so take this ramble and trust me. It's a beautiful example of whatever this is. And!

---2a, It doesn't have the classic resolution that 'character thought they had one day to live due to a misunderstanding' would have on a kids show. There isn't a 'moral' about seizing the moment and using your time wisely. There also isn't a moral about communication, so instead of the miscommunication being annoying like it would in a preachy episode, it's gloriously hilarious to watch

3) Speaking of that, the obligatory 'he tried to ask' scene is Raphael watching Michelangelo cry on Donatello's shoulder because "I'll miss him so much" "I'm sorry there's nothing I can do for him" it's the oven. The oven is broken. Michelangelo is sobbing in Donatello's arms like his world is ending because they're going to have to get a new oven because this one's beyond fixing. And Raphael fully believes that Michelangelo is begging Donatello to fix him, when this version of Donatello is so very none medic. Like I don't even know how to describe why and how much I love this scene. I think I killed english

4) The scene of Raphael in the volcano. I just. He's so funny. This episode really captures what I love about the whole show, which is that I am absolutely buying into it and feeling deeply about it, and simultaneously enjoying it ironically. Does that make sense? When you can put your whole heart into unironic enjoyment but your brain at the same time gets it's 'make fun of this' treat. So both types of fun at once.

---4a it's not trying to fix the plot holes it's enjoying that in this format you don't have to. I feel like this is severely under utilized in modern cinema. make things not make sense on purpose for fun. don't explain about where they are, how they carried that object with them, why there were not other consequences for certain actions. The fun thing about stories is they don't have to be realistic unless you want them to

so for today I had intended to write a Rise version of this episode. I think it would work well for them. Plus, Raph and Donnie bonding. However. That is going in drafts and will be coming. later (march for raph is my opportunity to collect drafts for the rise turtles apparently.) I'm actually still debating if Donnie would make a health-o-meter or if something goes down in witch down, but either way, ❤️��

[rustyvanburace]

I KEEP FORGETTING TO APPLAUD YOU FOR YOUR DAMN GOOD 4/4A ANALYSIS STUFF AND NOW’S MY CHANCE!!!! may or may not be prompted by the unsung moral and asahi posts since. there really are quite a few messages and parallels that get overlooked. i get this is mostly due to how divisive the fandom is on 4a but it’s nice to see posts about what the game did well or something interesting about it.

wanted to point out tho that the parasocial relationship thing extends to nanashi as well??? even hallelujah and toki and i could argue gaston to an extent (and ik you acknowledged this common theme in your analysis) but nanashi and dagda’s relationship seems to be the main foil depending on the route. i mean dagda, too, is placing a lot of faith in one person but gives him a lot more freedom of choice to fuck around. yeah he does attempt to groom nanashi into being a godslayer and all but he still can go against the original plan. flynn has a lot more pressure. the divine powers weren’t taking chances with letting him do anything, plus all the self sacrificing and being the champion of tokyo left him little choice but to comply. doesn’t help that a lot of 4’s structure is being told to do a bunch of things with little choice until the last half of the game. (even then neutral is one big fetch quest for masakado.) there’s a lot to ramble regarding the contrast (and sorry for the big ramble in the ask!!!) but tbh your posts about both games prompts a lot of analyzing and are extra wonderful as a result-

Oh my god! Thank you SO much for your wonderful comment!! <3 As you can plainly see, my love for the IV/A duology goes really deep and I love sharing my thoughts on them. I am really glad and thankful to hear that you (and others too!) enjoy my analyses and silly prattles!

And I definitely agree that the concept of parasocial relationships is explored through the all of IVA's cast. It is especially apparent with Hallelujah and Toki (in so far as her relationship to the Ring of Gaea); I had wanted to look through the lens of Flynn's relationship with the whole of Tokyo specifically as I felt that often goes underlooked in discussions about the game. But the theme can be found everywhere. You raise excellent points too with Nanashi and Dagda's own estranged partnership and the parallels they have with Flynn and the Divine Powers -- I hadn't fully considered that until now! It is funny in a way then that, despite forcing a boy to do his bidding, Dagda still does in some ways holds more respect for humans and their freedom of choice than the Divine Powers do. Especially with how he emphasizes uplifting humanity to a higher evolutionary stage in his universe. I still have yet to do the Anarchy route in the game and to really think about Dagda's goals. But there is irony in how much faith he places in Nanashi, as you said, and how that comes back to bite him in the Bonds route. Even Krishna says, in his belief, that Dagda's undoing was his trust in humanity. Whereas Krishna very much does not trust humans and says as much.

All that said, your ask actually gave me quite a bit to think about and reflect on! Please do feel free to share your own thoughts on the IV/A duology! Just as much as I love writing about these games, I also love hearing other peoples' thoughts on them too! Thank you again!

[haobinful]

ok i think im done yuzuru rbing tonight </3

[sunmoonandeddie]

apartment 4d

pairing: bucky barnes x reader

word count: 2,621

summary: There’s nothing Bucky loves more than the widow down the hall and her son.

warnings: Tiny bit of angst and some cussing.  Mostly fluff.

a/n:  Thank you so much to @indyluckycharlie for commissioning this!  I hope you enjoy!

Bucky Barnes was a simple man.  He loved his family, Steve, his apartment, and you.

You, the pretty widow.  You and your son, Eugene, lived in 4D, right down from where he lived in 4A.  After your husband had died in the war, you’d been forced to move since you couldn’t afford the nice house you once had.

And maybe he’s sick.  He’s gotta be, considering the fact that you had lost your husband in the same war that he’d been fighting in, that he’d lost his arm in and almost his sanity with it.  He’s gotta be sick, right?

Because otherwise he wouldn’t dream of coming home to you and Eugene, of sweetly kissing your cheek.  He wouldn’t want to teach Eugene how to tie his shoes and shave his face when the time came.

Speaking of.

A grin spread over his lips as he came up the stairs and saw you trying to unlock your front door while also holding your baby boy on one hip and your groceries in the other.  Your son, clad in a cute little outfit that looked almost like a sailor’s uniform, whined as he tugged at your hair.

“Baby,” you cooed, wincing as you tried to not get upset.  It had been a really rough day and him pulling your hair was just making it a little harder since you were trying to open the door.  “Please don’t pull Mama’s hair.”

“Hey, you want some help?” Bucky called out from the top of the stairs, his hand still holding onto the rail.

His voice breaking the silence startled you, judging by the way that you jumped and dropped your keys.  “Oh, uh…  That’d be lovely.  Thank you,” you said, giving him an exasperated smile as he came over and grabbed them from the ground.

“Here, let me help,” He said after opening the door.  He grabbed some of your groceries, though he couldn’t take all of it since he’d left his experimental prosthetic at home.  Howard was still tweaking the design since it hurt if he kept it on too long.

“Thank you,” you breathed out as you managed to get inside and you set Eugene on the floor with a few of his toys.  “Today has just been a nightmare.  Eugene gets overwhelmed so easily and the supermarket was horrifically packed…”  A snort.  “I’m sorry.  I’m rambling.  You probably have things better to do than listening to me complain.”

But there was almost nothing that Bucky would love more than to listen to you complain about literally anything for the rest of his life.  “No!  No, don’t worry,” he insisted as he stepped towards you.  “I don’t mind…”

Your eyes felt hot as you tried to fight tears, your cheeks flushed.  “Sorry…  I hate crying…”  God.  Here you were, crying in front of a man you hardly knew.

“You really don’t have to keep apologizing,” he insisted as he set the groceries he was holding on the kitchen counter.

The dark green countertop was a stark contrast to the white wood of the cabinets and a compliment to the soft green walls.  It wasn’t light enough to be mint, but not dark enough to be forest.  He could see the care that you clearly put into your home just from the kitchen, considering the fresh greenery that framed the circular window, a potted plant sitting on the sill.

Eugene was talking animatedly to his toys in the living room, completely unaware of their conversation in the kitchen.

Somehow, even with the nightmare you had claimed to be through, you still looked absolutely stunning.  There was a stain from what he suspected might’ve been Eugene’s lunch on your chest, and the victory rolls in your curls were starting to fall.  Your fiery red lipstick was a little smudged in the corner, and before he could even stop to think, he reached across the counter top and gently wiped it away.

“There,” he breathed out, his voice barely audible.  There was a sparkle in the depths of your eyes that he wanted to capture and hold onto forever.  A kiss at the corner of your lips.

And he didn’t deserve such sweet things.  Not after everything he’d done.

He couldn’t stain you red with his sin, put a traitor’s ring on your finger.

“Thank you,” you breathed out, your eyes locked on his.

And it was like he suddenly forgot his own argument.

He’d fall to his knees at the altar of your love and beg for forgiveness.  He’d repent until he was repenting his own name and etching yours into his heart.

“Mama?”

And your son.  He’d do everything he could to love him and show him what a real man was if you’d let him.

If you’d let him love the both of you.

“Yes, my love?” you asked as you scooped him up and placed him on the counter.

The spell between you two hadn’t been broken, just… momentarily suspended.  There was still the magic that came from a moment clinging to the air.  The domesticity of it all was so apparent as your eyes met his for just a second.

“Can Mr. Bucky stay for dinner?” He asked, tripping and stumbling over his words like any toddler would.

A honey sweet smile spread over your lips as you looked up at him.  “Well?  Can Mr. Bucky stay for dinner?” You asked.

And he did.  He stayed for dinner.  And then stayed for dinner the next night and the next.

Bucky stayed for dinner seventy-two times before you invited him to stay the night.

You two had shared a lot in the last few months.  You’d completely fallen for him, somehow letting all your walls down.

The sheets softly rustled as you climbed into bed, your heart pounding.  You’d made sure to wash them that same morning, wanting them to be fresh for when he came over.

Your nicest nightgown, a shift made of soft blue silk, slid against your skin as you peered up at him, watching as he slowly undid his shirt.  The metal of his prosthetic gleamed in the soft light coming from your bedside lamp.  Warm orange light lit up his face and made him look like some sort of Donatello sculpture.

“Um…  This isn’t too pretty, so I understand if you don’t wanna look,” he said, his hands visibly shaking.

“I can handle it,” you insisted, inhaling sharply when he let his shirt fall from his shoulders.

The left side of his chest was a spider web of pink scar tissue.  It stretched halfway across his chest and almost down to the waist of his pants.

Bucky grimaced as he reached up with his flesh hand and undid his prosthetic, biting his lip to keep from crying out.  It disconnected, and he carefully set it to the side.  What was left of his arm was even more scarred up, though it had clearly been operated on to make it easier for the prosthetic to be attached.  “I told you it’s not pretty,” Bucky grunted.

But you simply opened up the blankets for him to crawl in, watching as he toed off his shoes before letting his pants fall to the ground.  “All of you is pretty, James,” you murmured as he climbed in beside you.  Your hand found his cheek, your thumb running over the soft skin.  He’d recently shaved and the stubble had yet to grow back.

“Not as pretty as you, darling,” He said as he wrapped his arm around you to pull you to his chest.  His lips pressed to yours in a happy sigh, your foot running up his leg.

“James?”

“Mmhm?”

“I was thinking…”

He was still kissing you, though his lips had migrated from yours and were giving attention to your cheeks and your neck.  “Yeah, baby doll?  ‘Bout what?”

“Halloween is coming up…”

A kiss to your chest.

“Yeah…”

His hand sliding up your thigh.

“And I was thinking…”

His nose nudging against your collarbone.

“Mmm…”

His thigh moving between yours.

“What if you came trick-or-treating with Eugene and me?” You asked, flustered beyond belief.  Bucky and you had started getting frisky a few weeks after you met—it wasn’t like you were a blushing virgin, after all—but he still managed to get you all worked up in a matter of seconds.

He leaned back, his blue eyes wide.  “Really?  You’d want that?” He asked curiously.  “But…  But we haven’t told him that we’re… you know.”

“I know,” you said reassuringly as your fingers ran through his shortly cropped hair.  “But…  I want to tell him.”  You kissed his forehead, your leg hooking over his waist.  “My…  My husband wasn’t a kind man.  He didn’t hit me or anything like that, but…  He wasn’t good.  I didn’t know men could be good until you came along.”  Tears pricked your eyes as you cupped his cheek, letting his head rest against your chest.  “I want you.  And I want Eugene to know what a good man is.  I want him to be a good man like you.”

He nodded, sniffling as he nuzzled further into your neck.  “I want you.  And I want him.  I wanna be your family.  Your husband.”

“Let’s start with trick-or-treating.”

It was a few weeks until Halloween, but Bucky went all out.  He got his mom, Winnifred, to make the three of you matching outfits, making you look like a scarecrow family.

“Thank you for doing this,” you said softly to the older woman as she helped you get Eugene into his costume.

“I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing,” she insisted quietly, taking a deep breath.  “You know…  They told me he was dead.  I got a telegram telling me that my son was dead because he fell from a train.”  Her blue eyes, so much like Bucky’s, were already glassy with tears.  “And then one day…  He just wasn’t dead anymore.  He was on my doorstep with nothing but the clothes on his back and one arm less than when he’d left.”

Your heart ached for her, for the mourning she had done and the grief that still clearly lingered in her heart.  “I only got a telegram, too,” you said after a few minutes, letting her do your hair.  “When they told me my husband died…  I just got a telegram.  And the last thing…”  You coughed to clear your throat.  “The last thing I said to him before he left was if he signed up to go fight in a war while leaving me at home pregnant, then he wouldn’t have a home to come back to.”

“We all say things we don’t mean,” Winnifred said kindly, her calloused fingers gently twisting your hair into an updo.  She placed little pieces of hay here and there to match your costume.  “And I’m sure he knew you didn’t mean it.”

Your eyes drifted to the living room, where Bucky was sitting with Eugene on his lap as he read to him, already in his costume.  “I’m lucky to have Bucky.”

“He’s lucky to have you, too,” Winnifred said with a smile.  “I hadn’t seen him smile or laugh in months… and then all of a sudden he’s coming over for Sunday dinner and talking about some girl he met that lives down the hall…”  She took a step back, finishing up.  “There.  You’re all done and ready to go.”

It was rather chilly outside, but you weren’t really paying attention to the weather.  Your heart was too warm from watching Bucky walk with Eugene, hand in hand as he helped him go to each house to get his candy.  His sweet little, “Twick or tweat!” made you grin every time.

You didn’t get back to your apartment until almost ten at night, and it was way past his bedtime.  Giving him a bath was an adventure as you both worked to get him all cleaned up in a mess of splashing water and bubbles.  Eugene found it hilarious to try to get the both of you as wet as possible, his cheeks flushed with delight.

“Okay, buddy.  Story time, okay?” Bucky said as he tucked him in, the both of you sitting on either side of him.  “You get one book and then you gotta go to bed.  It’s real late.”

Eugene nodded, his eyes starting to droop.  Now that the rush had faded, he was quickly becoming more and more sleepy.  You gave it about five minutes before he was out like a light.

“The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams,” Bucky said softly.  “There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid.  He was fat and bunchy, as a rabbit should be; his coat was spotted brown and white.  He had real thread whiskers, and his ears were lined with pink sateen.  On Christmas morning, when he sat wedged in the top of the Boy's stocking, with a sprig of holly between his paws, the effect was charming.”

Your eyes were soft as you watched him, your fingers scratching your son’s scalp as he listened as intently as he could.  What had you done to deserve Bucky?  What God had you pleased so much that he deigned you worthy of his presence?

His voice was like deep velvet as he continued to read, smooth as molasses.  And if you weren’t careful, you were sure to fall asleep just like your son was.

“One evening, when the Boy was going to bed, he couldn't find the china dog that always slept with him.  Nana was in a hurry, and it was too much trouble to hunt for china dogs at bedtime, so she simply looked about her, and seeing that the toy cupboard door stood open, she made a swoop.  ‘Here,’ she said, ‘take your old Bunny!  He'll do to sleep with you!’  And

she dragged the Rabbit out by one ear, and put him into the Boy's arms.”  Bucky grinned down at Eugene as he saw his eyes start to flutter shut, continuing to read, “That night, and for many nights after, the Velveteen Rabbit slept in the Boy's bed.  At first he found it rather uncomfortable, for the Boy hugged him very tight, and sometimes he rolled over on him, and sometimes he pushed him so far under the pillow that the Rabbit could scarcely breathe.  And he missed, too, those long moonlight hours in the nursery, when all the house was silent, and his talks with the Skin Horse.  But very soon he grew to like it, for the Boy used to talk to him, and made nice tunnels for him under the bedclothes that he said were like the burrows the real rabbits lived in.  And they had splendid games together, in whispers, when Nana had gone away to her supper and left the nightlight burning on the mantelpiece. And when the Boy dropped off to sleep, the Rabbit would snuggle down close under his little warm chin and dream, with the Boy's hands clasped close round him all night long.”

“I think he’s asleep,” you whispered as you looked up at him, having snuggled down in the bed.  The moonlight lit up the room, giving a halo-like glow to everything around the two of you.

“I don’t mind,” he said, his arm sliding around both you and Eugene, bringing you two close as he continued to read.

You stayed awake for as long as you could, a faint smile on your lips.

"’Wasn't I Real before?’ asked the little Rabbit.  ‘You were Real to the Boy,’ the Fairy said, ‘because he loved you. Now you shall be Real to everyone…’”

[casspurrjoybell-20]

Blueberry Muffins - Chapter 4a

*Warning Adult Content*

It’s Complicated - Part 1

Two days have passed since the arrival of the visiting guests from the Whitewater Pack. Wren Rivera, avoided them like the plague, especially, Joshua Calder. He seemed to be doing the same, as well.. It was probably because of what happened that one fateful morning. Wren still felt a bit bad about it. Either way, though, Wren would have to see Joshua tonight. They had their monthly wolf run today. It was basically an entire day of special events. They would have a lovely picnic lunch and joint group games at their local lake. They would spent the rest of the day there, swimming and sunbathing until nightfall. 

Once the moon rose into the sky, they would all shift and began the pack run. It was a great time to bond with their wolf mates. Wren still enjoyed it even if his wolf was slightly slower than most of the other wolves. Erin’s wolf sometimes stops to run with him but he usually, as an Alpha, have to stay at the front of the pack. That’s fine with Wren though because after the run, they all gather back by the lake and spent the night out. Wren has a small bag of extra clothes to take with him as he walks to the pack house. He was going to meet Erin and their friends before they went to the picnic. The weather is perfect for the event too.

‘Thanks to the Goddess.’ 

They've had to run in the rain before but the day honestly felt so perfect, like nothing could ruin it. As Wren went to open the front door, he suddenly found it slammed into his face. He cries out, holding his nose. The person who hit him gasped, closing the door quickly. Wren opens his eyes and is surprised to see that Joshua is the perpetrator of his current injury. 

‘Wonderful. Just wonderful. So he'd seen me half-naked and now he's probably broken my nose.’

"Wren," Joshua says, looking panicky.

"Ow. That really hurt," Wren whines, still holding his nose as he tried to calm himself down.

"I'm so sorry. Let me take you to the pack doctor or something. Shoot, I didn't mean to, I swear," he rambles, his hands scrambling around to try and find something to do.

Wren steps back, shaking his head. 

"No, no, it's fine. No need for a doctor and it'll heal soon anyway."

Joshua looked at Wren intently, his face becoming unreadable for a moment. 

"So, um... about..."

"Wren," a voice suddenly called out.

Joshua stopped mid-sentence, his face going blank when he sees Erin, Ryder and Aaron coming their way. Wren smiles, still holding his nose. When Erin stopped in front of his boyfriend, he noticed him holding his nose, a frown taking over his handsome face soon after. 

"You're hurt. What happened?" he asked worriedly, grabbing Wren’s hand to pull it away from his nose.

"Joshua accidentally hit me in the nose with the door. He’s apologized already and if I'm being honest I wasn't really looking where I was going anyway," Wren explained to Erin, while he examined his boyfriend’s face.

"It doesn't look too bad. It should heal soon."

Wren nods his head. As werewolves, they naturally have an accelerated healing rate, more than humans did. And they had longer lifespans as well. 

‘Werewolves weren't invincible, of course but the healing ability certainly came in handy when we get a paper cut. Those things hurt like crazy.’

"Okay, why don't we all head to the lake together? Aaron's letting us use his car," Ryder offers, smiling widely.

Erin nodded in agreement, looking at Joshua, who'd gone completely silent. Joshua opened his mouth to say something but stopped, nodding his head in agreement. Wren gave him a small smile, to which he quickly avoided his gaze. He felt an arm wrap around his waist and he looks up, to see smiling at Erin him.

"Okay, let's head out then. Joshua, where are Alpha Kristen and her son?" Erin asked, keeping me close.

"They left with your father. I came back to get something."

Wren realizes Joshua is carrying a small tote-bag. Erin nods his head, telling them to get going. Ryder and Aaron began to walk away, getting ahead of the couple. Erin and Wren walked together, with Joshua following behind them. Aaron’s car was parked a short walk away with a few other cars. Wren doesn't know why Aaron doesn't just park near the pack house like all the others did since there was a small parking lot off to the side of the building. Maybe he wanted to keep it open for the guests. 

‘What a nice guy, right?’

Meanwhile they have to walk the 10 minute hike to get to his car.

[whirlybirbs]

hope I never had feeling for Rex until your blog and now I have feelings pls give us the Rex content

a/n: here’s a continuation of this, because i am hot n bothered for rexy tonight.

Rex wonders how in the world he managed this. 

Forget the fact you’d both just survived a three day long mission to the Outer Rim, securing a horde of encrypted Separatist data-drives filled with enough live-fire to earn him early retirement. It’s not the fact he’d been shot twice on the assignment, or the fact you’d all barely gotten away by the skin of your teeth, no --

It’s the fact that you’re listening to him ramble on about training procedures on Kamino as if it’s the most engaging thing you’ve ever heard. 

You’re posed in the booth beside him, turned completely and resting your head in your hand that’s braced against the back of the velvet booth. Your legs are crossed, bare skin still distracting even in the dim lights of 79′s. Your dress is short, and Rex is suddenly reminded that you’re not a soldier like him. You’re a civilian -- a criminal, really -- who happens to have a skill set useful to the Republic. 

You’re familiar with the lower levels of Coruscant -- you’d grown up on these streets, partied in these bars. Rex wonders, off-handedly, if you’ve ever done this before. Y’know, drink with an off-duty clone captain. 

Or, is he just the luckiest man in the entire Grand Army of the Republic?

He stumbles over his words as his train of thought is derailed and your lips quirk -- the smile there is warm. 

“What?”

“... I’m sorry?”

“You’re doing the face --”

“You said this before,” he harrumphs, “And I don’t make a face.”

You peel into a sweet laugh, hand finding your drink as you sip it and shake your head. “You do. It’s when you’re concentrating.”

“Well, pardon me --”

“Concentrating on my legs, then?”

Rex sputters into his beer and you offer the slyest of grins -- he’d hoped that his sweep of you in the booth had gone unnoticed. But, he’s not surprised you caught it. You’d been happily paying attention to his every word. He should have known.

“I wasn’t --”

You roll your eyes, nodding. Your voice is light with play-fullness. You would be lying if you said you didn’t want to the Captain to stare. If that was the case, you wouldn’t have worn the tight little dress. 

“Sure, sure, c’mon, Capítan, I wanna learn what kinda face I should expect when you lie --”

That gets a laugh out the blonde who takes an indignant sip from his drink.

Quietly, he rumbles a cautious: 

“... Can you blame me?”

Your jaw falls open a bit and you smirk, leaning forward and prodding at the composite armor along his arm. “... Is that you flirting?”

“... Maybe a bit, yes.”

Honey colored eyes glimpse your way out the corner of his eyes and he smirks, then, spurring you to laugh -- you sit forward, scooting yourself close enough that your knees touch his beneath the table. Rex leans back, mimicking your engaged posture with both of his elbows coming to rest on the table. His eyes are on you, now, and he’s openly staring -- you drop your head into the arm resting on the table, face near his.

“I thought that was against regulation.”

“Lots of things are,” he chirps, “Like kill-counts on your armor or trophies from th’ battlefield... an’ I’d never do those things, would I?”

He’s being sarcastic. You watched him do both of those things just this last mission; during down-time, he’d meticulously carved more tallies onto the blue paint along his wrist with a sharpened battle droid finger he kept in his pack. When you’d asked, he said he was counting by tens. 

In the strobing, colorful lights of 79′s upstairs bar, your fingers find the gouges in the composite -- fingertips scale the armor along his bicep. You count eight marks. Eighty droids. 

Rex watches, jaw tightening. “Now you’re makin’ a face.”

“I’m thinking about what would happen if you broke,” you gesture between the two of you; your voice is smooth like satin, “this regulation.”

His brows raise. He scoffs, albeit bitterly.

“A court-martial, maybe.” 

Your jaw nearly drops in shock. “You’re kidding.”

Rex makes the face. This was a bit different from the staple, though, because it’s shadowed by a looming sense of anger and resentment as he speaks. 

“Relationships, romantic or sexual in nature, are prohibited via the Grand Army of the Republic’s conduct code -- chapter 90, article 4a,” he mumbles, sipping his beer, “Though, try telling that to any man in this bar, I suppose.”

“... And men who... who fall in love?” you sputter, looking around, “That’s... I mean, you’re people --”

“Not to the Republic,” Rex chides, “We’re property.” 

There’d been plenty of stories about men who’d eloped -- certain sectors in the Outer Rim offered citizenship to some troopers, you’d read, and the basic rights the Republic denied them. You’d read, three weeks ago, about an ARC Trooper who’d run off with a Senator’s aid; they’d gotten married on some tropical planet and had been granted immunity. It’d been a story circulating on the holo-net for weeks, met with mixed emotions. You’d overheard Fives and Kix talking about it, even, and happily chimed in with their sentiments:

Clones deserved happiness, love, freedom... They were sentient, after all.

“Do you believe that?” you ask, tilting your head, “Truly?”

Another scoff. “Not one bit.”

Your smile could light up the whole bar. Rex leans back in the booth and admires it, his own expression lightening substantially as you nod. Silence slips between you both as your gazes roam one another’s faces. Rex really does suppose he’s the luckiest trooper in all of 79′s right now. You’re beautiful. More beautiful than anyone he’d ever seen in all his days.

“... Am I worth a court-martial, then?”

His gut swims. You cross your legs a bit tighter, chewing your lips.

The words rush out in an exhale.

“Yes, you are.”

[firelxdykatara]

hello!! i just wanted to ask- i wanna do an ouat rewatch bc CAPTAIN SWANN but its pretty long and i honestly dont care for the other characters/how badly the overall writing was handled.. which are your favourite captain swan eps? anything them centered and i think ill just skip around to rewatch their romance as they did invent romance 😭😭 ty in advance <3

they absolutely did invent romance, you are right about that and i love them so much

UHMMMM as far as my favorite CS eps, here’s a roadmap of what I personally consider key eps in their journey (some of this is from memory but I haven’t done a full rewatch in a while so i’m going through the episode list as a refresher)

2x06: Tallahassee--this is a must-watch ep for any CS fan, and I really think this is the episode that sparked the fire that CS would become as a fandom. It has everything--flirtatious banter, all kinds of tension, deliberate parallels drawn between Emma and Killian’s pasts, as well as their first meeting being intercut with her relationship with Neal (which serves, especially in hindsight, to highlight just how sketchy that relationship was, and why she couldn’t bring herself to trust Killian--because the last time she felt this way about anyone, it ended horribly)

2x08 and 2x09: Into the Deep and Queen of Hearts--these episodes cover the race to the portal between Emma&co and Hook/Cora and while they don’t do a ton for CS as a relationship since they’re still enemies at this point, it lays great foundation for their future relationship development. Plus, sexy swordfight, Hook going out of his way to save Aurora’s heart--he may be a pirate, but he has standards ok--and Emma realizing Cora can’t remove her heart without her permission? Poetic Cinema

2x11: The Outsider--more of a Killian-centric episode, it shows a lot of Killian at his worst but it’s necessary for his overall character arc and I genuinely love looking back and seeing just how far he managed to come, to the point of eventually even letting go of his (very understandable) grudge against Rumplestiltskin.

2x12: In the Name of the Brother--am I including this purely for Emma&Hook banter in the hospital, and Killian saying ‘hey beautiful’ when he’s lying on the road because he just got hit by a fucking car? You bet I am. Also, go to youtube and look up ‘ouat season two deleted scene jello’, because it’s beautiful and there was a tremendous outcry in the fandom when we realized it had been cut from the episode lmao (It’s also the episode that made me start shipping Frankenwolf, which I’m still sad never went anywhere, but they had a lot of potential and great chemistry.)

2x22: And Straight On Till Morning--A few of the episodes in between have some fun minor interactions and flashbacks (and I always approve of episodes where Killian gets one up on Rumple, so 2x15 is fun for me if i ignore all the Neal bits) but the finale is where we finally get a glimpse of who Killian could be beyond his need for revenge. He didn’t have to come back, he didn’t have to bring back the bean and help the town--but he did.

Season 3a: there’s a lot of really good stuff here for Hook and Emma that is interwoven between the A plots of other episodes. I think, as far as half-season arcs go, it’s one of the best (and everything after 4a bombed hard, but I digress) But there are a few episodes that stand out if you don’t want to watch the whole season. (I recommend starting with the premier though, it was a really solid season starter overall.)

3x05: Good Form--this is the culmination of David’s poisoned-by-dreamshade arc, and is also Peak Captain Charming Bromance. Hook not only keeping David’s secret, but doing everything he can to help save him??? Poetic cinema. It also provides some crucial Killian backstory, showing how he lost his brother to the very same dreamshade. Plus, the character development--Pan offers Killian a chance to escape the island with Emma if he kills David, and instead, he saves him, refusing the deal and damn the consequences. Also also? The first CS kiss which drove the fandom WILD.

3X06: Ariel--not only to I love OUaT’s take on Ariel, but this episode has the infamous Echo Cave scene, which involves a lot of feelsy confessions and Killian being the one to tell everyone that Neal is alive and helping Emma save him despite his own growing feelings for her.....IT’S JUST A LOT AND I LOVE IT.

3x07: Dark Hallow--oh man, I’d forgotten about this episode, but it has Killian and Neal fighting over Emma, which may sound eye-roll worthy, but Emma is allowed to tear them a new one about it and it’s one of the few times she’s allowed to actually???? put her own feelings first so I have to include it here on spec

3x11 and 3x12: Going Home and New York City Serenade--these mark the end of 3a and start of 3b respectively, and it has some amazing shit like Killian vowing never to forget Emma and Emma smiling as she replies, “Good.” And then she and Henry are in New York with their memories completely altered, but Killian shows up because Storybrooke is back and in jeopardy, and he helps Emma get back to her family and her home and, much later, Emma finds out he sold the Jolly Roger to be able to do it and it’s just. It’s beautiful ok.

3x17: The Jolly Roger--there’s honestly not a whole lot in the back half of season 3 (until the CS movie) but of course anything named for Hook is a must-watch, and this is where we get the iconic line I swear on Emma Swan--which is Killian saying he’s in love with her before he even realizes it. We also find out just what he did to Ariel, and his attempts to make amends are what lead to Zelena being able to curse him, so it’s great from a character perspective as well.

The next four episodes round out the end of the season, and there’s a lot of great stuff in them--Hook refusing to get Emma to kiss him, but Emma feeling like she can’t trust him because he didn’t tell her about the curse to begin with, and then kissing him anyway to save his life regardless of the consequences.... but the only ones that are absolutely necessary are the final two episodes.

They are colloquially termed ‘The Captain Swan Movie’ for a reason, after all.

Killian and Emma essentially have an entire Time Travel adventure all to themselves, where they accidentally ruin her parents first meeting and have to fix it so that she’ll even be born, Emma finally getting into the storybook, the pair of them dancing at a ball, Killian rushing to save Emma only for her to get out of the cell herself, because “The only one who saves me is me.” Killian saying “I would go to the ends of the world for her... or time.” Finally fixing the timeline and making it back to Storybrooke and Killian feeling like he doesn’t deserve a place at the table so he doesn’t go inside, but Emma comes out to him anyway and finds out he gave up the Jolly Roger for her, the true start to their relationship...... IM CRYING JUST THINKING ABOUT IT I’M SORRY.

I personally really enjoyed 4a, the Frozen arc was one of the last good half-season arcs of the show, but a lot of people disliked it so it’s really up to interpretation. I don’t have as many Intense Opinions on this season (except hating almost everything about 4b and the queens of darkness arc), but I will say the episodes with good Killian/CS moments are 4x02 (Emma nearly freezes to death, Killian is desperate to save her, Captain Charming teamwork, my heart hurts), 4x04 (Emma asks Killian out on a real date, he tries to get his real hand back from Gold, things go massively awry and he winds up back under Gold’s thumb), 4x08 (Killian tries to save Emma from Gold’s plans), 4x11 (the 4a finale is just great in general), and then..... it cannot be overstated how much I hate season 4b, but 4x15 is the Killian-centric ep where his past with Ursula is revealed and he makes amends to her in order to get her to leave the QoD alliance and it’s great character stuff for him, and then there’s the season 4 finale.

Both parts are worth watching, if only because Deckhand Coward Hook still being a braver, more heroic man than ‘Hero Rumplestiltskin’ warms the very cockles of my heart, and of course the second part of the finale has him helping Henry to save Emma and it’s beautiful and also Emma watches him die for her and it is angsty as FUCK but gods I love it. Here’s where it gets tricky, though--my recommendation is, turn the episode off right after Emma finds Killian back in the present day of Storybrooke and they reunite.

Just turn off the episode there and skip right ahead to the s6 musical episode (Emma and Killian’s wedding ep) and pretend they got married and none of seasons 5 or 6 ever happened. >.> (Although I will say certain parts of the Underworld arc were incredibly feelsy despite how much I overall hated the season: 5x11 (the 5a finale, Killian as the dark one STILL being a better man than rumple, we love to see it), 5x15 (I am not immune to Brothers Jones feelings ok), 5x20 (emma literally takes a True Love Test trying to find a way to save killian, you don’t get more romantic than that--also Killian telling Emma to promise she won’t put her armor back up just because she lost him again??? my HEART), 5x21 (Hook does what he can from the Underworld anyway and zeus sends him back to Emma, they really just said ‘today I will invent romance’ and then Did That)

And then, yeah, just skip to the wedding. It’s beautiful, I enjoyed the music, personally, though I know musical episodes are hit or miss with most people. And if you turn it off when the last musical number starts (after the wedding ceremony, I believe) you can pretend it was the end of the show! =DDD

.....Oh my god I just rambled for years. I HOPE YOU FIND THIS USEFUL, ANON. I 100% support a CS-centered rewatch, their episodes were consistently some of the best across the entire series, and they are truly one of my favorite romances of all time.

[misssophiachase]

All You Never Say - Part 4a

Mr Mikael and Mrs Esther Mikaelson and Dr Grayson and Mrs Miranda Pierce request the pleasure of your presence at the wedding of their children:

The Hon Elijah Edward Mikaelson and Dr Katherine Elena Pierce

On the twenty-third of June, twenty-twenty one, 1400h at Ely Cathedral followed by a reception at Mikaelson Manor, Ely Cambridgeshire

Dress: White Tie

23rd June 2021, Mikaelson Manor, Ely Cambridgeshire - 8:47am

“What do you mean the beagle ate the wedding cake?” Caroline hissed, shutting the door behind her so as not to alarm the bride on her big day.

“Well, I can detail the stages of destruction, but yes, the Mikaelson's beloved pet dog decided to taste test the cake early, long story short.” Caroline was certain that the housekeeper’s use of “the Mikaelson’s beloved pet dog” was clearly by design.

Caroline was all for adorable dogs, especially those that were photogenic for the wedding album like Tully, but not those who scoffed the cake before the ceremony had even begun. Especially given that extra amount of fondant and extra tier which cost the earth.

But given the way Tully looked at her with those imploring, brown eyes and the telling evidence of frosting smeared across her chops, she was close to calling it a day.

Who needed cake anyway? It was worth way too many calories and most people would be so drunk that far into the festivities it wouldn’t even matter, right?

“So, I see you’ve met our cute but pressing problem.”

Caroline turned to see the best man in all his glory. And by that she meant those unkempt curls, sly grin and a fitted, tank top that should be illegal given those arms on display. 

Was this their thing? Just running into each other partially clothed. She looked down at her ensemble self-consciously glad for the shorts, t-shirt and the Maid of Honour monogrammed robe that she greedily pulled across her chest.

“Our problem?”

“Because a problem shared is a problem halved right, wedding buddy?”

“Wedding buddy? Oh, you mean the same guy who wanted to document the lost ring for speech fodder?”

“It was a joke but clearly you don’t know what that means, grouchy.”

“Oh, like that time you let your dog, albeit cute, eat the wedding cake before the ceremony. I only hope the Bride and Groom figurines are still firmly intact at least?”

“Well, their passing was most definitely mourned,” Klaus noted. Caroline was trying to be mad, but he was doing that thing where he looked cute so as to avoid her wrath. Bastard.

“So, what you’re telling me is that we have no cake or cake topper and the wedding is due to start in 5 hours?"

“I mean there’s some cake left, albeit a mess, but if the guests want to eat it off the floor...”

“Yeah, I can see the Prime Minister doing that. You are not helping, Mikaelson. Look, I’ll call the baker, they must have a back-up cake on hand, otherwise why are we paying them such an exorbitant amount? I mean it’s a cake, like it’s hard to bake one of those,” she rambled, the reality of the situation making a sudden and ugly appearance.

“Okay, I didn’t want to tell you this because you are clearly already upset but the baker has no wedding themed alternatives,” Klaus explained, shooing away both the guilty canine and her loyal housekeeper in the process, no doubt by design. This was not the news Caroline wanted to hear and clearly he knew it.

“What?"

“You are not going to lose it, not on my watch, Forbes.”

“I am not losing it,” she hissed, finally finding her voice. “But she is your dog and that makes you responsible for my mood.”

“She is a Mikaelson, I mean expensive taste comes with the territory,” Klaus replied. Caroline, meanwhile, felt the brief spell he had over her lift.

“Can you please stop offering up annoying commentary? We have an emergency, one that needs to be rectified STAT.”

“What I didn’t get to say was that the baker has two other cakes on hand.” Caroline’s ears pricked up, maybe all wasn’t lost.

“I’m listening,” she murmured.

Klaus pulled his cell from his pocket and swiped through his phone. “These are the options.”

He leaned in closer so she could see the photos but in the process his arm grazed hers and she was momentarily blindsided and not focused on the pressing emergency. It reminded her so much of two years ago, when she’d felt his arm encircle her waist and pull her towards him. 

Caroline told herself he must have been dreaming at the time but that didn’t take away from how it had felt. It felt good, really good.

“Alright, love?” She looked up into his blue eyes, only deciding too late that it was a bad idea. A very bad idea.

“I’m just shocked by...” she paused, her eyes hurriedly flickering to his cell screen. “Congratulations on your Retirement, Bernie?”

“I’m sure we can change a few letters around or something,” she gave him a look which plainly said it wasn’t going to happen. “Right, here’s the other one."

“Happy 6th Birthday to our Unicorn Princess? Don’t think Kat would mind being called a unicorn princess at all but not sure about Elijah...”

“Well, what suggestions do you have, Forbes?”

He had a point, there were none that forthcoming but then it hit her.

“The bomboniere.” Caroline was surprised she thought of it given she was so caught off guard by his close proximity and the unfolding situation.

“The what?”

“I don’t have time to explain wedding terminology right now, I have a bride to reassure that everything is peachy. Just meet me in the kitchen in twenty minutes and put some clothes on while you’re at it.”

“Only if you do,” he smirked. Caroline didn’t wait before slamming the door in his smug face.

There were so many things to reconcile with Klaus Mikaleson and not just her feelings. Last night they’d shared more than a sandwich in the kitchen and two years ago...well that was another story.

Perch, Los Angeles CA - 14 February (two and a bit years earlier)

Caroline felt like she’d finally hit rock bottom.

Not because it was Valentine’s Day.

Or that she was single.

That wasn’t the worst part of her predicament. She was currently...well, before she could lament her situation a bell rang out, breaking Caroline from her regretful thoughts. She didn’t have time to bid Phil the Chiropractor farewell because a burly looking brunette appeared immediately in his place.

“Tyler.” Apparently there was no need for an actual greeting or for Caroline to ask his name in the first place. I suppose they only had two minutes so he was getting straight to the point. Caroline couldn’t blame him given how painful this whole thing was.

Caroline was going to kill them. First Bonnie, who wanted their apartment to herself tonight so she could cook a romantic dinner for current boyfriend Jeremy. Clearly he hadn’t been present at her most horrific of food failures given they were still dating.

They’d been living together since Bonnie relocated to Los Angeles nine months earlier and Caroline was enjoying rooming with her best friend again after so long. Then she got a boyfriend, even if he looked twelve, and Caroline was relegated back to her usual existence. It wasn’t like Caroline wanted or needed a boyfriend because her schedule was busy enough.

Which took her to the second person she had to blame. Lexi. Her colleague and friend, who decided they should spend the evening speed dating so Bonnie could “get it on with her boyfriend” as she put it. Caroline figured the fact she’d already signed them up weeks earlier and only asked right before a deposition hearing were the main reasons why she had no choice but to agree.

Now, here she was, pretending to be interested in Tyler and shooting deliberate looks in Lexi’s direction who seemed unaffected given the way she was attempting to read her guy’s palm. Smooth.

“I don’t think I got your name?”

“Huh?” She looked into his warm, brown eyes feeling guilty she’d been blatantly ignoring him.

“Your name?” Before she could reply, she heard a very familiar voice call out her name.

Then he appeared in all his gorgeous goodness, his ability to wear a suit had not waned since they’d seen each other last at a mutual friend’s engagement party. Why he was here of all places, she had no idea.

“Caroline, sweetheart.” Sweetheart?

“Do you know this guy?” Tyler asked, the confusion obvious. She didn’t blame him.

“Of course she knows me, I’m only her boyfriend.”

Her what now? Caroline was too shocked to speak let alone reprimand him for being a presumptuous idiot.

“You have a boyfriend? Then why are you here?”

“I’d like to know the same thing, mate,” Klaus agreed, his hands crossed over his chest. Caroline was madly trying to crawl under the table just so everyone would stop looking at her like she was some two-timing girlfriend.

Lexi meanwhile seemed to be enjoying the entertainment from afar, raising her champagne glass in salute, even if she had no idea what was happening. Caroline wasn’t enjoying it at all. She wanted to scream at him for being such an ass but at the same time a rescue from this situation was an equally enticing prospect.

“I…”

Before she could find the words, he found them for her.

“It’s my fault, sweet cheeks,” he implored, pushing past Tyler and placing his hands in hers. Caroline was trying to ignore the electricity it generated but also the horrible pet name he’d bestowed. Like he couldn’t have come up with something normal? “I neglected you and for that I am so sorry but just know that I will love you, always and forever.”

Was he kidding? Next thing he’d be pulling out a cracker jack bracelet or resembling any one of the romantic leads in a Nicholas Sparks adaptation. Caroline made a note to tease him about his taste in movies and television later.

However it seemed their audience didn’t mind one bit. Women and men nearby were more interested in fawning over the scene playing out than resuming speed dating. Even their organiser seemed transfixed.

She hated him, especially for interrupting her night and being the smug pain-in-the-ass she knew so well but she needed to get out of there fast and he was her ticket.

“Honey bear,” she cooed, noting the slight twitch in his jaw. Caroline knew he was trying to withhold his signature smirk. But why did he have to smell so good withholding it? His hands were still firmly intertwined with hers too. “You took me for granted, so why should I forgive you?”

Now he was trying to contain an eye roll, only someone who’d known him for that long could tell. And she was loving every moment especially if he was going to crash her speed date and embarrass her in the process.

“And for that I am eternally sorry, baby cakes.” Caroline had to really try not to dry reach. “But you are the one for me. We are destined to be together forever, like soulmates.”

As much as she wanted to draw this out and force him to eat those horrible and predictable platitudes, this show needed to end. Now. Given Tyler’s defeated expression she knew it wouldn’t be too difficult to transition to the bar and to a much-needed straight vodka on the rocks.

“You were an imbecile, Mario, but I’m willing to consider a reconciliation if you stop being an asshat and promise to worship me forever.”

Before she could relish in her response and the slight tugging at the edges of his crimson lips, he’d pulled her up and moved them towards the direction of the bar. No doubt because her demands were slightly out of the question and he was starting to feel embarrassed himself. Served him right really. Given half of the people were entranced by their conversation and the rest were clearly dubious she decided it was good timing to high tail it out of there.

“Worship you forever, someone clearly has tickets on themselves,” he muttered, gesturing to the barman. “And who is Mario? I so do not look like a Mario.”

“Says the man child named Mario who called me sweet cheeks and baby cakes."

“I was clearly being sarcastic,” he shot back, gesturing for a shot. “What was honey bear all about then?”

“You barrelled into my life uninvited, and last time I checked you don’t live here.”

“I'm in town for business and was having dinner with colleagues. Had I known it was going to be dinner and a show I might have arrived sooner.” Caroline chose not to respond immediately, just drank her vodka in one, long gulp. “Someone is thirsty.”

“I need to drink to deal with you.”

“Says the girl speed dating,” he whistled. “I mean you can be difficult and kind of abrasive, Forbes, but I never thought you’d speed date in a million years.”

“I am only doing this for Bonnie because she wanted the apartment to herself to cook for her date and then my friend Lexi signed me up without telling me,” she rambled.

“She’ll have another vodka,” he gestured to the barman. “So, I take it this boyfriend hasn’t sampled Bennett’s cooking yet? I just hope you left the fire extinguisher in plain view.”

“That’s what you took from all of this?’"

“I feel like if I delve too deeply I’ll be too immersed in all the Rebekah type drama and we both know that is not my thing.”

“I’ll be sure to pass on your best wishes to your sister,” she growled. “So, why involve yourself and embarrass me like that in front of total strangers? Let me guess, you’ve got no one to play with and were bored?”

“Don’t underestimate my ability to find a playmate, love.” The way he drawled “playmate” was making places below feel like they hadn’t in a long time. So much so that she didn’t even try to bite back. “Anyway, I thought it would be fun,” he teased, his left dimple making an unwanted appearance at that exact moment. “And I could tell you you needed rescuing.”

“I’m not some damsel in distress you need to save, Mikaelson,” she argued.

“Says the girl who looked like she’d rather be anywhere but here,” he shot back. “So, you’re welcome.”

“Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss!” The patrons began to chant and tap their glasses, Caroline only just realising they seemed to have an audience of very interested speed daters watching their every move.

“I’m going to need more vodka,” she muttered, “But not here.”

Roosevelt Hotel, Beverly Hills - 2 hours later

“So, this is where you bring all your playmates?” It was the first thing that came to mind when Caroline spied the king size bed taking pride of place in his suite. They’d spent an hour at 25 degrees, the hotel’s poolside bar and were now in his suite.

Inexplicably.

Okay, maybe not so inexplicably.

Caroline wasn’t one to go to a guy’s hotel room - especially this particular one - but between the vodka buzz and the fact Lexi had picked up and Bonnie was enjoying her night in their apartment there wasn’t much choice about where to go.

The vodka had helped loosen her usual inhibitions and, although she’d never say it aloud, Caroline was enjoying his company. Although, if anyone asked about this temporary bout of insanity she’d blame the alcohol.

“ Says the woman who was questioning the existence of said playmates only a few hours earlier.”

“So, you won’t mind if I do this?” She stated, not bothering to ask his permission as she discarded her heels and jumped onto the perfectly made bed. He stopped what he was doing momentarily, his eyes transfixed on her short, black dress and bouncing, blonde waves.

“I’m going to have to tip the maid extra now,” his voice was low, husky almost.

“Maybe she deserves it,” Caroline shot back.

He didn’t respond immediately, just shrugged off his suit jacket and loosened his tie. She was watching him do it like it was in slow motion. Then he rolled up his shirt sleeves. Who knew forearms could be so...appealing?

Caroline was starting to think that she was entering some sort of alternate universe she needed to escape, if only just to keep her sanity and self respect. I mean he was Klaus Mikaelson and she wasn’t one of his “playmates.” Not by a long shot.

“Drink?”

“Water, please,” she replied immediately, he cocked an eyebrow as if to say she was no fun. “I’m a cheap drunk, what can I say? And who knows what else I might trash in this place under the influence?”

He seemed to accept her response, busying himself with drink preparation. “So, why exactly did you go speed dating in the first place?” He asked, filling a tall glass with ice cubes.

“I told you,” she panted, finally tiring of the activity and making herself comfortable on the expansive bed. “Bonnie…”

“I heard that version,” he pressed. “But I want the real one.”

He passed her the water and made himself comfortable on the bed, his aftershave combining with the dizziness and messing with her overall composure.

“It’s Valentine’s Day, and maybe you don’t understand, but spending it alone can kind of suck,” she confessed. “Especially when your roomie kicks you out of the house.”

“I just hope you kick Bennett out on Halloween as payback.”

“You like Halloween?”

“You have no idea, love,” he chuckled. “No rose petals or corny ballads, just blood, guts and general mayhem.”

“Noted.”

“It’s just this ridiculous Hallmark Holiday,” Klaus offered, stretching out further and grazing her legs in the process. “It creates unrealistic expectations.”

“So, it’s Hallmark’s fault?”

“Hallmark is the tip of the iceberg,” he explained. “Every candy company, every florist, every jeweller and don’t even get me started on those terrible things they call romantic comedies.”

“You don’t like romantic comedies?”

“I try to steer clear for my own sanity, Caroline.”

“Not tonight,” she murmured, an idea suddenly coming to mind. “If I’m forced to stay in this mediocre hotel with you then...”

It was a lie and they both knew it but suddenly the less tipsy version of herself felt like she needed an excuse to stay the night with her best friend’s brother in such close quarters.

“I demand a movie marathon.”

“Terminator, Rambo, Rocky?”

“It’s Valentine’s Day, Mikaelson,” she shot back. “And I happen to know there is a marathon on television tonight.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me?”

“I’m deathly serious,” she answered. “But before we start, I’m going to need some popcorn and a shirt.”

“You want my shirt?”

“Not the shirt you’re wearing, lover boy, don’t get so excited. But I can’t sleep in this dress.”

His eyes seemed to linger a little too long on her body and Caroline was trying to do everything in her power to remain calm. Luckily he broke the silence not too long after.

“I’ll get you a shirt, but I’m not going to enjoy these movies at all, understand? I am only watching these ridiculous excuses of cinema because you’ve taken my television hostage?”

2 hours later…

“So, the apparent “virgin who can’t drive” ends up with the step brother? I mean I’m not surprised given the poor and predictable plot but is this kind of union legal in the state of California?”

“For the fiftieth time, he’s not related,” she growled, throwing a few popcorn kernels in his direction. This is about Cher realising that material things in life aren’t everything.”

"Whatever you say, Forbes. Although, tell me after this movie ended she ditched the mansion, the jeep, the designer plaid and knee sock combination outfits and moved to the Valley?”

He was annoying but also eerily observant.

“Yes, I mean maybe? People with money can change.”

“They’ve clearly never met Mikael or Esther.”

He said it quietly but Caroline couldn’t mistake the pain in his voice. She knew about his difficult past but they’d never been close enough to discuss it and given they were lying in the same bed it didn’t seem like the best time to open that pandora’s box.

“Do I have a great choice for you next,” she promised, her eyes sparkling, hoping to lift the mood.

2 hours later…

“Are you crying?”

“No, for the last time I have allergies, Caroline.”

“Inside?”

“The pollen level was high today and the doors in these rooms are forever opening and closing. Maybe the maid doesn’t deserve such a big tip after all.”

Maybe it was cruel, but it was on television and there was no stopping the effects of the Notebook on even the most emotionless male.

2 hours later…

“I thought I’d seen everything,” he scoffed, stretching out tiredly. “She paid a guy to be her wedding date?”

“Not just anyone, he’s hot.”

“He’s an escort.”

“I think it adds to his overall appeal. He knows how to treat a woman because of his experience.”

“And how many escorts have you met?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Wow, if you ever show up to a wedding with a stranger, I’ll be asking for their credentials,” he joked. “Wait, you think he’s attractive?”

“Didn’t I just say that?”

“Each to their own I suppose, but that aside, the whole premise is just unrealistic.”

“It is a movie.”

“Yeah, a romantic comedy,” he shot back. “Case closed. Now, can we please sleep already? I think I deserve it after that marathon effort.”

“Fine,” she conceded, leaning across to turn off the lamp. “I have to say your shirt is very comfortable.”

“It should be," he replied, snuggling into the covers. “That’s my lucky Ramones t-shirt.”

As her head hit the pillow, Caroline was wondering why he gave her that particular shirt to wear. She couldn’t deny just how good the worn fabric felt against her bare skin and how the faint hint of his aftershave consumed her senses.

Sleep was immediate.

When she woke up the next morning and felt his arm encircle her waist and pull her towards him Caroline relished in the feeling. She assumed life would go back to normal but for now she was happy to live in the moment. It was probably better that way.

Read on AO3 HERE 

[ahs-source]

Happy Friday! Welcome to this week’s Fanfiction Friday! Thank you to those who submitted these fantastic works for this week’s Fanfiction Friday. Let’s celebrate these wonderful works that you can all read while in quarantine! Please stay safe!

As Above, So Below (Completed) by 7_wonders (AO3) Relationships: Michael Langdon x Female Reader | Tags: Hades & Persephone au | Completed (23/23 Chapters) | 71441 words

Your average, mundane life as a college student is flipped upside down when the man you thought you knew as your next-door neighbor turns out to be the God of the Dead. When Michael lures you down to Hell, everything that you thought you knew about the world is proven wrong.

Headache (Completed) by heramew (AO3) Relationships: Fiona Goode x Myrtle Snow | Tags: Abuse, Hurt/Comfort, young Fiona and Myrtle | Completed (1/1 Chapters) | 2098 words

1971, Fiona and her friends sneaked up to a party in town, but things didn't go as planned.

Headfirst for Halos (WIP) by @hellish-ramblings-of-an-emo​ (Tumblr) Relationships: Tate Langdon x Female Reader | Warnings: allusions to both physical and emotional abuse from a family member, actual physical abuse between a freshman and a senior, allusions to mental illnesses such as depression, student v. student violence. A certain way an event was phrased could be considered an allusion to molestation. strong language. a reference to homophobic slurs (none were used) | Completed (1/? Chapters) | 1240 words

I truly believe there isn’t a sound as horrible as the sound of my alarm. The repetitive chimes shoot straight to the center of my brain. It’s horrible. My bones crack as I attempt to get out of bed, a groan instinctively leaving my throat. I was dizzy, the light peeking through from between my blinds making my head throb. My shitty alarm clock read 6:27AM. 15 minutes until my ride gets here.

Love Like Winter (Completed) by @dailylangdon​​ (Tumblr) Relationships: Winter Anderson x Female Reader | Warnings: Oral sex, alcohol use, fingering, lack of plot | Completed (1/1 Chapters) | 549 words

How did you end up like this?

You hadn’t seen her in god knows how long. She was just a girl you knew from school. It was Christmas break from college and by chance you ran into her on your first night back in town.

She took you to her place and you split a frozen cherry lime wine cooler. The two of you talked about old times and dissolved into giggles. Next thing you knew, every piece of your clothing was hastily peeled off your body.

Resistance is Futile (Completed) by Sojourne (AO3) Relationships: Michael Langdon x Female Reader | Tags: Dubious Consent, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Demons, Bondage, Begging, Size Difference, Size Kink, Dirty Talk, Oral Sex, Vaginal Fingering, Fingerfucking, Hand & Finger Kink, Overstimulation, Choking, Hair-pulling, Demons, Demon Summoning, Spanking, Rough Sex | Completed (1/1 Chapters) | 5355 words

Soon after moving into your new apartment, you realize that something isn't quite right. It's constantly cold, you always feel like someone is watching you, and things start moving around on their own.

Turns out, one of the past tenants summoned a demon and then trapped him here, and now he's upset with you invading his territory. Uh-oh.

Demon AU

Run Rabbit Run (Completed) by @maso-xchrist​​​​ (Tumblr) Relationships: Michael Langdon x Female Reader | Warnings: PURE SMUT. Non/dub-con, chasing, violence, mimicry, knifeplay, cutting, stabbing, choking, hanging, & blood consumption. In other words, not for the faint of heart! | Completed (1/1 Chapters) | 6k+ words

A single heart beats in the outpost.

Security Blanket (Completed) by @mxnstersarehuman​​​​​​ (Tumblr) Relationships: Kai Anderson x Female Reader | Prompt: Hey could you write something maybe for a softer Kai Anderson x reader idc what I’m sorry I know this isn’t really specific just softer Kai thanks if you can! | Completed (1/1 Chapters)

You hear the slam of the door and immediately know Kai is home. Things had been so hectic as of late and he was always so busy with his cult so you always made sure to stay up for his return home just so you could see him. Even if it was only for a few minutes before fatigue took over and you both fell asleep.

Kai was a terrifying person, mean and vindictive and manipulative and cruel, all things that he had never been towards you. Everyone in the cult had thought you were crazy for accepting his proposal of a date when he had offered a year ago, but you saw something in his eyes when he asked you. His request wasn’t demanding like you would’ve expected, rather polite and genuinely inquisitive as to whether you actually liked him romantically.

So of course you had said yes.

thanatos (Completed) by SophieGraceJ (AO3) Relationships: Michael Langdon x Mallory | Tags: Immobilisation kink, Smut, Rape/Non-con Elements, Creepy, Blood and Gore, fairytale!au, Snow White!Au, dark!millory, this is dark, Death, cosmic horror kinda | Completed (1/1 Chapters) | 2537 words

“There’s something in these forests.” “Something … something venomous. It’s been killing me since I arrived here. It is what drains me of life, what keeps me bed ridden.” “But I cannot leave. I protect the people. Now I pass this onto you, this destiny is yours now Mallory.”

She fell, fell deep into the grave, body unmoving. At first, she suspected it was sleep. But it wasn’t. No.

Her eyes blinking again, vision clear. She could see, hear, smell … but not touch. Couldn’t move a finger, couldn’t wriggle her toes, couldn’t open her mouth to gasp when time passed.

He met her gaze, and his eyes widened. Only just discovering an intimacy. He smiled some more. This time, it reached his eyes, although they wept with tears, copying her own.

The Devil Incarnate (Completed) by jeromevaleska​​​​​ (AO3) Relationships: Michael Langdon x Female Reader | Tags: POV Second Person, Eventual Smut, Banter, Slow Burn, Family Drama, Lots of plot, Reader-Insert, Explicit Language, Slow Build, Sexual Tension, it starts off when miriam brings michael into her home, there will be smut ya'll already know, Reader-Interactive, Eventual Sex, there's some tension between you and michael, you don't trust him at all, Porn With Plot, i'll add tags as the story goes on, Love/Hate, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Dysfunctional Relationships, Explicit Sexual Content, Developing Relationship | Completed (23/23 Chapters) | 142022 words

You're Miriam Mead's daughter, and you two have a complicated relationship to say the least. You think she's more than a little bonkers with her religious beliefs, and no matter how much she has tried to make you follow the same dark path, it's in vain. But when Miriam welcomes Michael into your home, you start to question everything and you just might become a believer.

the love that discovered the sin (Completed) by @lvngdvns​​​​​ (Tumblr) Relationships: Michael Langdon x Female Reader x Timothy Howard | Warnings: Fingering, oral sex (fem. receiving), threesome, rough sex, double penetration, anallingus, anal sex, vaginal sex, degradation, choking, cum eating, religion kink, biblical allusions/perversion of scripture, all things blasphemous and unholy. Literally just sacrilegious PWP. (+ crack ship pairing) | Completed (1/1 Chapters) | 4.4k words

“Bless me father,” she breathes into Timothy’s ear as she crawls astride his lap, slipping a finger underneath the rim of his collar and pulling it free in a single, effortless motion, “for I have sinned.”

Untitled pt. 2 (pt.1 here) by @writerforprompt​​ (Tumblr) Relationships: Kai Anderson x Female Reader | Warnings: Oral Sex, Manipulation, Mention of Drug Use, Vaginal Sex, Dark Themes, Pregnancy | Completed (1/1 Chapters) | 2350 words 

You were kneeling in between Kai’s legs, head tilted towards the sky, arching your throat into his grip. You brought your chest forward to make sure it was directly within his line of sight. Based upon the number of hungry glances he shot down your plunging neckline, you’d say it was.

Thank you to those who sent in these works! Please continue sending submissions to ahs-source.tumblr.com/submit or through the Tumblr mobile app to continue celebrating the writers in the community!

Previous FF Fridays: 1 | 2a + 2b | 3 | 4a + 4b | 5 | 6

[kattythingz]

Motherghost #4

As per the usual, credit to @squishywritings. This is the much-needed explanation chapter for “how tf did Danny become a single ghost mom?” Well, there you go!

Illuminating Insight

Summary: When Danny doubts the nature of Dani’s “joke”, he goes to his most trusted exposition-dumper for answers. Ft. A gratuitous amount of Clockdad :D.

Words: 2,547

“Clockwork?”

Danny looked around the vast space of cogs and gears, the echoing sound of their rotation strangely soothing his nerves. He’d come here because if there was anyone Danny went to in times of doubt, it was Clockwork. He could’ve gone to Frostbite, of course, but he had followed his core’s guidance, and it led him here.

An aura entered his peripheral senses, something wise and calm like the jasmine tea his mother liked so much, and Danny immediately put a name to it. “Clockwork!” He turned to him.

“That I am, Daniel,” Clockwork chuckled in lieu of a proper greeting. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit this time? Here to tamper with the timelines yet again?” He raised a brow.

Danny laughed, his hand reaching for the back of his neck. “What, no. I would never.”

Clockwork smiled amusedly at his antics, and Danny’s core thrummed pleasantly at that. It’s been happening a lot around him and Frostbite, actually. Maybe he could ask him about that after he’s done with his questions.

“Of course not,” Clockwork agreed. “Then, is something wrong? You look distressed.”

“You could say that,” Danny sighed. “I wanted to ask you something.”

“This wouldn’t happen to be about your new young charges, would it?”

Danny blinked in surprise. “How did you know that?” 

“I’m the Master of Time, Daniel,” Clockwork said as he swiped at a few of the floating screens. “I foresaw that you would come searching for me, after all.”

“Oh, yeah,” he felt kind of stupid for asking that. Of course, Clockwork knew! He was Clockwork.

“Well, aren’t you going to ask your question?” Clockwork finally turned his attention back to him. Danny felt a blush wash over his cheeks as he realized he was just standing there like an idiot.

“Right, right,” he rubbed at his chest, a nervous habit he’d developed that he, for some reason, only did when he was in his ghost form. How could he word this without sounding completely ridiculous?

Clockwork floated closer, his gaze never once leaving him, and a part of Danny relaxed at that. Suddenly the words came easier. “Well, two weeks ago, Dani and I were just, you know, hanging out, when she teasingly called me ‘Mom’. I was pretty much nagging her to eat something before she played, so I guess it made a little sense, even if it was a little weird coming from Dani-”

“Daniel, you’re rambling,” Clockwork interrupted gently, an amused smile at his lips.

“Sorry,” he caught himself. “Anyway, so, I brushed it off as a joke because she was probably just teasing me, but then she did again the next day! And the day after that! And before I knew it she was calling me Mom the whole two weeks!”

Danny probably sounded hysterical if Clockwork’s growing amusement was anything to go by, but he kept going. “Even worse, Dan has picked up on it! I asked her what it was about, but she just said it was a joke, but for a joke, this has gone on for a long time! And Dan wouldn’t stop either!”

He flushed as Clockwork chuckled. Wow, very eloquent description there, Fenton.

“It seems to me that this is more than a little problem,” Clockwork pointed out. His form switched to middle-aged, but Danny was used to the shifting by now and instead focused on his words. “A little problem with a simple answer.”

“Really?” Danny asked. “Am I just worrying about this too much? Is it just a joke?”

Clockwork smirked, but the soft hand that reached out to pat his hair soothingly spoke of something gentler. “You are certainly a worrier, Daniel, but rest assured that this time, your worrying is not over nothing.”

“Then what is it?” he frowned in thought. “What reason would they have to do that? Is that her way of asking me for help? Is there something she can’t talk about? Oh, Ancients-”

“None of what you’re thinking,” Clockwork shook his head. “It’s actually good news, but only if you choose to see it as that.”

Danny cocked his head. “What do you mean?”

“Let me show you,” he answered. Reaching out, Clockwork grabbed his hand and guided it to the center of his chest, right above the internal clock ticking away. As soon as his fingers brushed over the area, his entire hand was tingling, but the sensation was oddly pleasant, and it sent a rush of warmth comfort love-

Danny gasped at the rush of sudden emotion going straight to his core, but something prevented him from pulling away, and it wasn’t Clockwork’s hand. “What… is this?”

“What did you feel?” Clockwork asked. Danny closed his eyes, trying to focus on the overwhelming rush. It feels like… like he was holding the emotions on his hands. Like he could touch them. Danny has never had anyone touch his own core so intimately before, he couldn’t imagine how violating it must feel to Clockwork. Danny started to pull away, but Clockwork’s hand on his wrist stopped him.

“Clockwork,” Danny whispered. “What is this?”

“This, Daniel,” He smiled, “Is what I’m feeling right now.”

“What?” He looked up in surprise. 

“What you just did was essentially tapping into my core’s emotional readings,” Clockwork explained. “Only certain ghosts can do this.”

“What, so this is some new ghost power?” Danny asked. He didn’t feel any different lately.

“Not at all,” he replied. “What we just did, only certain ghosts can do that because of the nature of the relationship that’s required.”

Relationship? Danny thought back to how this friendship started. It started out as a sort of mentorship, but then it started becoming something warmer, more familiar. The closest example he could think of was-

“Wait, we?” Danny interrupted himself.

Clockwork smiled mysteriously, “Yes, we. When you felt my emotions, I felt yours as well, and it was a perfect match of my own.”

“How is that possible? Only I was touching yours.”

“Yes, but when you did that, it created a connection between our cores that allowed us to exchange information.” Clockwork said. “Were you to do that with another ghost, you likely wouldn’t be able to get a read on them like you just did.”

“Because of that relationship you mentioned?” Danny guessed.

“Exactly,” He said with pride in his voice, and that weird warmth came back when he heard it.

“So, what exactly is this required relationship? Like a mentor/student thing?” Clockwork shook his head at that. Danny racked at his brain but came up empty. What else could it-

Oh.

Oh . 

Danny gasped. “No way.”

“Not what you were expecting, was it?” Clockwork teased, or, he did in his own strange Clockwork-y way. Danny was pretty sure anyone else wouldn’t have caught that tone.

Which just made this new discovery all the more real. 

“You’re saying that this is some weird father/son thing?” Danny gaped. “But that makes no sense! I have two human parents that I love despite what they do, I shouldn’t be feeling like this toward someone else!”

“You’re forgetting something crucial, Daniel,” Clockwork sighed. Through their connected cores, he could feel the quick flash of hurt, and Danny winced when he realized he was the cause of that. “You’re not the standard ghost, you’re a halfa. That means that, no matter how much your ghost core yearns to act on its instincts, it will do so in a manner that doesn’t unravel the balance between your two halves.” 

“That… makes sense, I guess,” Danny pulled away his hand. “If I already have parents, why does my ghost half want a ghost parent, too?”

“Answer me this: do your parents cater to your needs as a ghost?” 

“Of course not!” Danny scowled. “They’re ghost hunters, they’d shoot me on sight!”

“If they were to care for your ghost half the same way they care for your human half, this desire, and this connection, would have never formed. But they actively hunt you, and as a ghost, you do not trust them. In order to remain balanced, your ghost half needed someone to care for your other self as well.” Clockwork gestured to one of the screens behind them, continuing, “There are timelines where I do not play a role in your life because your parents accepted your ghost half earlier. But because they have yet to do that now, you needed something to even out your already delicate balance.”

Danny could feel an oncoming headache from all the information he’d just absorbed, but he tried to make sense of it. So, Clockwork was, like, his ghost dad or something? It explained the alien sensations that he felt around him. 

(He ignored the pang of wrongness he’d felt when Clockwork said that list bit. Something in his core ached at the horrible thought, and he couldn’t help but take comfort in the fact that Clockwork was right here. He could vaguely feel his core, even with this distance between them.)

Clockwork let him mull over the revelation in silence, something he greatly appreciated. Now that he could think clearly to himself without the confusion (emotions), he came to a solid conclusion.

“Then, I guess I have three parents now,” Danny smiled at the now older Clockwork, and the smile that he received in return warmed his chilly core.

Clockwork shook his head, still smiling. “That’s one way to put it.”

“Wait, I’ve also noticed that I felt something similar to this around Frostbite, does that mean…?”

“Not all parents in the ghost zone know each other personally like humans do,” Clockwork said. “In fact, it is very rare for a family here to be related by ‘blood’, as you would say. The process of reproduction doesn’t guarantee that your child will choose you as its parents. Young ghosts, as rare as they are, are free to choose their own parents, which can lead to a situation similar to yours.” He smiled at Danny at the end, like he was sharing some kind of inside joke.

“That’s… that’s really sweet, actually,” Danny grinned. “So no ghosts are bound to their blood family?”

“No, and that’s why bonds like ours are intimate enough to allow the touching of cores.”

Danny huffed out a laugh. “I can’t believe this. All this time I’ve had four parents? Man, wait ‘til I tell the kids-”

That’s when he froze, and his words registered in his head. Clockwork’s explanation, Dani and Dan’s running “joke”, and not to mention the strange sense of something in his core every time they smiled at him or did something goofy…

Oh my god. 

“Oh my god,” He gasped suddenly, a stark contrast to Clockwork’s amused smirk. “OH MY GOD, I’M A PARENT!”

“That you are,” He grinned. “Congratulations, Daniel.”

“Clockwork, I’m literally fifteen! I’m barely juggling my schoolwork with my superhero career, how can I handle two kids? How does it even make sense? I understand Dani, kind of, but Dan is, like, twenty-four. Way older than me and-”

“I believe he’s ten years old by your standards, actually,” Clockwork cut in with a smirk.

“Huh.” Danny’s mind blanked for a whole three seconds. Dan, ten? What-

Clockwork looked utterly unsympathetic as he explained, “Dan was only born as a result of your core fusing with Plasmius’, which is how all ghost children are born, though the fusion is usually done with a smaller portion. Dan has only existed for ten years thus far.”

Okay, that makes sen-

Wait.

“I HAD A BABY WITH VLAD?”

“Two,” he corrected. “Danielle was born as a result of you being cloned, wasn’t she? He had to give her his own ectoplasm to stabilize her at the time.”

The rush of burning ectoplasm (blood?) going straight to his core and face left him blushing a bright green, and suddenly Danny wanted to dig himself into a hole and never come out. Him and Vlad? What the hell. What the hell.

“D-Does that mean-”

“Worry not, young Daniel,” Clockwork laughed. “The act of reproduction is, ironically, not as romanticized as it is for you humans. Most ghosts reproduce simply to keep the population going, and it’s very rare that it’s done with romantic intent.”

“Oh,” he sighed in relief. That didn’t quite erase the scar that he’d never lose, but it did soothe it a little. He couldn’t even imagine being associated with Vlad like that. The thought alone was disgusting and, frankly, very creepy.

The feeling of warmth on his face returned him to reality, and he belatedly realized that it was Clockwork’s hand. Touches like this should feel awkward, but this just reminded him of Mom’s soft caresses, something he would never confess to liking.

“You’ve already proven to be a wonderful parent to them, Daniel,” Clockwork reassured him with a smile. “Danielle is a wanderer at heart, and yet she hasn’t left in the last three months she’s been staying with you. Doesn’t that just mean that you’ve made her finally feel like she has a home?”

Danny nodded weakly. “I guess, but I… I don’t think I’m ready for something like this. I’m only fifteen, I could mess this up so easily. I’m surprised I haven’t already.”

“You put yourself on too low a pedestal. Compared to all his other timelines, Dan has been surprisingly tame,” he joked, and Danny cracked a smile at that. “You’re doing well, Daniel. Don’t let your self-doubt cloud your judgment. If you weren’t good to them, their cores would have never pulled them to you. And if you weren’t capable, you would have never reciprocated enough to seal the bond.”

The lump in his throat eased just enough for him to swallow, and Danny exhaled softly. “You really think so?”

“Undoubtedly.”

Danny flushed, and the connecting touch sent the pride love certainty straight to his wavering core. The reassurances steadied its thrumming, leaving behind a soft and steady thrumming of calm joy gratitude.

“Thanks,” he smiled shyly.

Clockwork pulled away, but the reassurance never left. “Of course, Daniel. It’s why I’m here. To guide and care for you.”

Before he could stop himself, Danny surged forward, wrapping his skinny arms around Clockwork in an attempt to hug him. Clockwork froze in surprise, but he eventually returned the action, his arms a comforting and steady anchor.

Danny broke the hug first, feeling very awkward after a minute of silence. Then he remembered something.

“Oh, come on! Even my own core thinks I’m more motherly than fatherly?”

Clockwork blinked at the outburst and laughed. “Well, the ghost definition of mothers and fathers depends more on behavior rather than gender, so I presume that your behavior leaned more toward that of a mother.”

Danny grumbled, crossing his arms. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

“If that’s what you want to believe,” he hummed.

Danny spent a few more hours with Clockwork, and by the time he had to go, his thoughts were a lot more organized than they were when he first arrived. Thinking of all that he’s learned (except that Vlad bit, he thought with a shiver), Danny couldn’t help the smile that came to him.

He had his gremlins waiting for him, after all.

The end (?)

(Now on ao3 too!)

[kittyprincessofcats]

Pre-CoC rambling

It’s 3AM here and I stayed up until now cleaning up and sorting 5 years of university papers that had been chaotically thrown together. So yeah, I’m pretty tired right now. Sorry if my rambling doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Pairs

For once, Pairs is the discipline I’m the most excited to see. That doesn’t happen often, and the reason for it is very simple: Sui/Han. I’m so excited to finally see them compete again. Hopefully they can finally have an injury-free season this time. I really hope I get to see them in Torino. I also hope Peng/Jin do well here and manage to secure their spot in the final, too. Also interested to see what Efimova/Korovin and Ryom/Kim will bring to the table this season.

Ladies

The Ladies’ competition here is very interesting and could be crucial in determining who will ultimately make the GPF. If we assume that Eteri’s 4A and Rika will all make the final, that leaves only one spot open. And the battle for that last spot could be fought here between Young You and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva. They both already have one bronze medal. If we assume that Anna S. will win gold again, whoever wins silver between Young and Liza has a good shot of reaching the final. I’m kind of rooting for Young just because I want Rika to have a friend in the GPF and not be up against 5 Russians alone. But I’d also be happy for Liza, because then we’d at least have one adult woman in the GPF - in a 4A+Rika+Young final every single one of the “senior” Ladies would be under 18, and that’s a little scary. Of course, Young and Liza aren’t the only possibilities of who could get that last spot. Satoko Miyahara is making her GP debut here, and if she wins a bronze and a silver here and at CoR, she has a chance of reaching the final, too. And then there’s Mariah Bell, who isn’t in this competition, but still has a chance of reaching the final, too (please no).

GPF aside - I also hope Marin Honda, Amber Glenn and Sofia Samodurova do well here!

Men

The men’s competition is so unpredictabe here that I don’t even want to try. I also have no idea who will make the GPF at this point. Boyang Jin, Junhwan Cha and Matteo Rizzo don’t have a chance anymore - but I still hope they can all have a great competition here and hopefully have the redemption skates they want. And then there’s Keiji, Camden and Keegan, who (I think??) could all still make the final if they do really well here. I hope they can do well and not let nerves get to them. Well, in Keegan’s case I actually just hope that he’s okay (as far as possible under these circumstances) and that he and his family have friends to support them through this really hard time.

[lovevalley45]

We lost a lot of possible Nate and Zari material in 4a because Nick couldn't be on set very often for almost half of it. It came down to keeping the Nate and Ava plot or doing the family plots that were set up in the first episode (Nate and Zari with Mick and Ray) and like while I love that Ava has a real friend now I do wish they'd kept the family plots instead because you can see where they should have been. We also lost a lot of Charlie scenes because we lost the family aspect.

i kinda Went Off so i’m gonna put a read more to spare my followers

ik that nick had personal issues that kept from being on set which i respect and understand so i get that being a reason why had to discard those plots

and yes i am also a big ol fan of nora and ava’s friendship but the family aspect is a serious loss in this season

like u know me. i love steelhacker but i do think that having a character resolve their plot arc that has been with them since day one is more important than a romantic relationship

besides in the most of that we see nate getting to work thru his stuff with his dad but zari’s storyline is focused on getting them together which would have been FINE if the finale hadn’t ended the way it had. i so much would have preferred a focus on her personal spot on the team 

especially in relation to charlie bc of the whole thing with legends of to-meow-meow and how it ended like that then the whole zari and charlie thing (whether it was romantic or platonic, it still had plenty of potential) was just kinda dropped for zari/nate? 

also idk if it was just me but it felt like charlie was unfortunately kinda sidelined as more emotional support/comic relief during 4b. which sucks bc once again, i would have loved to see more scenes with her and zari like the ones in ‘terms of service’ in an plotline building up to that finale. 

do i know how it would work? not really. would it have been better than the rush job they did throwing everything in last minute in the finale? most likely

and yea i know this was the Nate Heywood Appreciation season which he kinda deserves but i don’t think that zari’s overall plot in the season should have been sidelined to serve as his romantic interest when, in my opinion, there are so many more interesting things she could have been doing. if they had a balance (like they would ever have that) with her and nate’s romance AND foreshadowing towards the timeline change in the finale i would be less pissed about it maybe? idk 

this definitely got kinda rambly and off track and there are probably things i missed so i’m sorry abt that but i got carried away

tldr; i’m gonna rewrite s4b to appease zarlie fans and suit the finale better bc it’s what zari deserves

also on a sidenote the fear/love thing was honestly so stupid like what the fuck keep it on him trying to collect souls YOU CAN’T ESTABLISH HE HAD A SPECIFIC CLAUSE IN THE APP TO COLLECT SOULS THEN SAY FUCK THAT IN THE LITERAL NEXT EPISODE FUCKING DAMNIT (i’m very mad abt the finale still)

[vividlybnha]

Assistant to Love

Warnings: Fluff

Word Count: 1270

Relationship: All Might x Reader, Yagi Toshinori x Reader

Author’s Note: This is from the wonderful @michelledixart!!! I just love their stuff so much! Its just so good and pure! It makes me so happy and its great! Go check it out yourself before I go on forever!!! And this is the art I based this off of: http://michelledixart.tumblr.com/post/183479941578/4a-all-might-hero-form-w

The tap of your shoes against the tile floor echoed into the absent hallways. UA was truly a beautiful place when it wasn't chaotic, not bottled up with kids, screaming and yelling with their classmates. Now it reminded you more of a ghost town. The sun drifted in through the windows, flashing against you as you made your way to the gym. You admired the students, you really did but the quiet aura of the school was just too pleasing. You hugged your papers closer to your chest, humming softly, filling the silence with the piercing sound.

You could just barely hear the grunts of effort and screams from the gym (even though you were a few halls down). You’d think with how advanced UA was as a school that they would figure out how to make the gym soundproof. You chuckled as you heard a loud crash mixed with various screams (one coming from a particularly angry student).

You loved the energy that the kids gave off, wallowing in their sweet child-like innocent as they made their way through classes. This assistant gig with Aizawa was making you consider being a teacher more and more each day. Not that you were really minding. You had thought about becoming a teacher before, over a simple subject that came easier to you. But as always Pro Hero work came first, until an injury that put you out of commission. Yeah, maybe you could go back if you did enough physical therapy but you’d probably still have the pain. So while you waited to heal up Principal Nezu offered you a job At UA (permanent if need be). Yet you were still not so convinced.

Pushing open the wide doors to the gym you were faced with the kids training together on the field. You smile softly as you make your way to where Aizawa snoozed on the bench. You gently set the papers down next to him, gently patting his head and watching. That’s when you noticed him and his rambunctious laughter.

All Might.

Over in the corner, he stood near a few students, loudly giving them tips. You couldn’t help but grasp at your shirt softly as you watched. Through all your short time at UA, you hadn’t really had a chance to meet him, much to your displeasure. While teaching may be an amazing job it was also a very busy one and you found yourself usually in the same corner of the teacher's lounge grading busy work while your peers laughed on. Oh, how you wished you could talk to him. One of the most amazing heroes! Putting his life on the line time after time again. He was who you aspired to be! Yet you were nothing with this stupid injury.

You sigh and look off to another batch of students electing to gain entertainment rather than starting to sulk over your failures. And gain entertainment you did as you watched the fierce battle between two other students, others standing nearby to cheer them on.

“Why hello there!”

You let out a sharp yelp as you jump in your seat. From beside you, All Might walked up waving his hands as his smile faltered on his face.

“Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you! I just wanted to say hello! I haven’t seen you around before!”

You can feel the warmth pooling on your cheeks as All Might pushed his hand out for you to shake. This is your first time being so close to him, first time touching him. You can feel the tinge of nervousness shock through your muscles.

“Uh, I-HI! Hel-hello! Yeah, I’m kinda new around here! For the time being, I’m going to be Mr. Aizawa’s assistant!” You curse the wobbliness of your voice and stumble to stand, placing your hand in his. Oh God, his hands are so big.

“An assistant? That’s amazing! Are you having fun? I know this job can sometimes be so draining!” He drew his hands back and placed them against his stomach, chuckling deeply before giving you his attention.

You find yourself staring at the kids fight and scream at the center of the gym, you can feel your heart fill with adoration. “You are right. This job can be so tiring but…-” You smile as some of the kids cheer on another classmate who very clearly lost. He jumps up ready to try again, his classmates cheering behind him. “-Seeing these kids, this new generation of heroes...I feel safe. These kids are trying so hard to get better, to do better because they want to save people. They are trying so hard.” You turn back to All Might who is listening intently. “To be honest with all that’s happening this year they should be crushed, devastated but they aren’t. They are ready to put their lives down now, as children for so many more people. They give me so much faith. I use to think that everything was going downhill with all the villains and what they’ve started to do but they have shown me so much that I know our future is secure. I just know it.”

You don’t realize how silent All Might is until you are meant with a seldom look he has, his eyebrows pushed upwards and a sad smile on his face.

“Ahh! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to ramble!” Anxiety fills your body and you can’t stop yourself from bowing and wailing apologies.

“No! No, it’s okay!” All Might set a heavy hand on your shoulder, smiling brightly. “I understand what you mean.”

You pause mid-bow and smile, you can’t really help it. You suppose his smile is infectious. You move to sit down, patting the area behind you. “Come, sit down. We should talk more! I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!”

He moves to sit down but then hesitates. Then you see small bouts of steam rising from him. Your eyebrows furrow as you move closer.

“You’re hot.”

The silence is soul-shattering.

You both look up at each other in a tense moment before you are once more bowing and apologizing, way louder than you should be.

“I-I’m so sorry! I didn- Oh man! It wasn’t supposed to come out like that! Not saying you aren't hot! You are! It’s just-” You let out a loud scream, stuffing your hands to your hair and ruffling it. Your nerves rattling your body. You slowly meet his eyes. The steam shrouding him has grown along with a patch of red that lights up his face. Just barely do you see the red seeping past his lips. You move your face further to hide behind your hands screaming again.

“It-Its fine, really. You do- your fine. I should just get going.”

You plop down into the bench, hunched into your hands, you can’t bring yourself to look at him anymore. You wave a trembling hand at him, a weak attempt at a goodbye.

Once you hear his heavy footsteps leave and the gym door close you finally bring your face up from your hands.

“You are an absolute mess.” You snap your head over to see Aizawa waist almost out of his sleeping bag and leaning on one hand, watching you. “A wreck. I think watching a car accident would have been better.” You can see the tint of a smirk on his lips and you kick his legs off the bench.

“Oh, shut up you bastard!”

He only laughs and you find yourself again in your hands, face red and wishing you were anywhere else but here.

[curiosi-tea]

hey how was coping with 4 A2s compared with 4AS because I think I’m keeping 4 on but I’m not sure as every one else seems to be dropping one! Your results are amazing btw!! Well done

hey! i'm sorry for the late reply ahhhhh

okay!! doing 4 A2s was VERY different than doing 4 ASs. the content gets much more difficult going into year 2 of a levels. i would say there's more of a jump going from AS to A2, than there is going from GCSE to AS (in my experience, anyway).

only continue doing 4 subjects if you really like them!! i was initially planning on dropping physics after my AS exams (unless I got 4 As). but i'm so so so glad that i didn't drop it because physics turned into one of my easier subjects, whereas biology (which i really enjoyed first year) got much more difficult for me to cope with and keep up with.

in my sixth form, there were only 2 other people i knew of who continued doing 4 A levels (out of almost 500), but they had 1-2 "easier" subjects (their words, not mine) to deal with, rather than 4 "difficult" ones. so maybe if you have a nice subject that you find easier, that could be what helps you get through the year haha

one last thing!! it is SO important to stay organised, trust me

haha i'm sorry this answer turned out longer than expected (please ignore my rambling). but if you want any help in the future, don't hesitate to dm me!

[imnotinclinedtomaturity]

4A

title: 4A summary: Most people’s soulmate tattoos are fairly short – “excuse me” or “nice to meet you” were common phrases. Most people just don’t say that much in one breath to a complete stranger. Most people, however, are not Phil’s soulmate. Thus, while everyone else has pretty, dainty phrases on their forearms, Phil has an entire paragraph crammed between his elbow and his hand in teeny tiny print. aka Dan’s a flustered mess when he finally meets his soulmate. words: 1.8k genre: fluff, soulmates au rating: g

Most people’s soulmate tattoos are fairly short – “excuse me” or “nice to meet you” were common phrases. Most people just don’t say that much in one breath to a complete stranger. Most people, however, are not Phil’s soulmate. Thus, while everyone else has pretty, dainty phrases on their forearms, Phil has an entire paragraph crammed between his elbow and his hand in teeny tiny print. The size, combined with the messy handwriting, caused Phil to spend hours deciphering what the first words his soulmate will say to him actually were. On his sixteenth birthday, Phil couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed that he was still clueless as to how his first interaction would go.

Since then, hundreds of hours in classes, work, and procrastination have been spent trying to make out the words. Over half a decade later, he’s pretty sure he’s correctly identified enough words to get the gist of what it says. Now it’s just a matter of waiting.

Phil sat on sofa in his brother’s lounge, idly flipping through a magazine, while he waited for his brother and his girlfriend to finally be ready to leave. A light knock at the door brought him out of his daze.

“Phil,” he heard Cornelia call from the bedroom, “can you grab the door? We’re expecting a package!”

With a sigh, Phil tossed the magazine onto the coffee table and walked to the door. His mum’s birthday present teetered slightly as the magazine collided with it. When he opened the door, he found a slightly smaller boy with a similar fringe holding a box and standing awkwardly in the hallway. Phil opened his mouth to ask where he should sign, but was cut off before he could say anything.

“Hi, I just moved in and this got delivered to me and the grouchy woman down the hall said to bring it to this apartment.” As the boy talked, Phil could slowly feel a smirk growing on his face. The boy, however, wasn’t quite making eye contact and continued rambling. “Are you Cornelia? Obviously you’re not. Are you her husband? Boyfriend? Sorry – just – here.” The boy shoved the package into Phil’s arms before turning around to retreat back towards what Phil assumed was his own apartment.

“So, do you always talk this much?” He called out.

The boy stopped in his tracks, slowly turning around to face Phil. The awkward expression was replaced by a cheeky grin accompanied by an adorably deep dimple.

“Only when I’m caught off guard by incredibly hot guys.”

Now it was Phil’s turn to blush. He stuck out his hand. “Hi, I’m Phil, Cornelia’s quasi brother-in-law.”

“Hi,” the boy smiled. “I’m Dan, Cornelia’s new neighbor.”

“I’ve been waiting about six years for that package, you know.”

Dan leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms across his chest. Phil caught a glimpse of his own sloppy scrawl on Dan’s left forearm.

“Man, I knew the Royal Mail was shit, but I think that might be a new low. To be fair, I’ve only had it about ten minutes.” Dan chuckled quietly and Phil knew immediately that he would have no problem falling in love with that laugh.

Cornelia appeared behind Phil, carrying both her and Martin’s and Phil’s presents in her hands.

“Did you get the package, Phil?” Cornelia’s eyes drifted to Dan, who was still leaning in the doorway. “Oh, hi,” she said to Dan.

“Hello, I’m Dan.” Like a perfect gentleman, Dan extended his hand to shake Cornelia’s. “Your package got delivered to my place by accident.”

“Thanks for bringing it by! Are you new here? I haven’t seen you around.”

“Yeah, I just moved into apartment 4A last week.”

“Lovely to meet you. We’d love to have you over for tea sometime soon.” Cornelia turned to Phil. “Martin just called the cab and said he’d meet us downstairs.” She grabbed the package from Phil’s hands and tossed it onto the couch.

Phil didn’t break eye contact with Dan. “Sorry, it’s my mum’s birthday or else I’d…”

Dan straightened up. “No, no, don’t worry about it. I’ll be in my apartment—4A—all weekend, ya know, unpacking and stuff in 4A. So yeah, uh, whenever. 4A.”

A wide smile spread across Phil’s face and his tongue slightly poked out. He laughed quietly at Dan’s lack of subtlety. “Sorry, what was that? I think I missed it. Did you say 5C?”

“Shut up you spork. I’m just gonna…” Dan took a few steps backwards and gave Phil a small two-fingered salute with his left hand. This time, Phil got a better look at the words on Dan’s forearm: So, do you always talk this much? His stomach involuntarily did a flippy-over-thing at the sight. Dan turned around and scampered into his apartment, quickly shutting the door behind him.

Cornelia shot Phil a confused look, but grasped his wrist and pulled him towards the stairs without question. “Come on, let’s go before we miss the cab.”

Phil remained silent as they trudged down the four flights of stairs to the lobby. In the back of his mind, he heard Martin yell at them to wait up. Together, the three of them waited in the crisp November air; while they stood on the pavement, Cornelia huddled into Martin for body warmth.

The cab came and Phil climbed into the backseat, as if on autopilot. His thoughts drifted to caramel eyes and a long brunette fringe. If he closed his eyes, he could almost hear Dan’s chuckle. He replayed their short interaction in his head over and over again on the way to the restaurant.

“Phil. PHIL. PHIL.” Martin’s fingers snapping loudly in his face pulled him out of his daydreams. “I said we’re here. Get out of the cab.”

“Oh. Oops.” Flustered, Phil opened the door and gracelessly clambered out, holding the door opened for his brother.

Dinner passed by in a blur. Several times, his mother asked him why he was particularly aloof tonight, but Phil brushed it off each time. Tonight was his mother’s special night and he didn’t want to overshadow her birthday celebrations. After the third time his mum expressed concern, Phil tried his best to push his encounter with his soulmate to the back of his head and engage more.

It wasn’t until he was standing outside the restaurant waiting with Martin and Cornelia for their cab again that he let his thoughts drift back to Dan.

“Cornelia?” Phil interrupted her conversation with Martin.

“Hmm?”

“What was in the box? From earlier?”

Cornelia smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I’m not telling you.”

Phil cocked his head to the side. “Why not?”

“It’s your Christmas present, silly.”

Without warning, Phil flung himself at Cornelia, embracing her in a tight hug. “Thank you thank you thank you.”

Cornelia patted Phil’s back as best as she could, given that her arms were pinned to her side by Phil’s smothering hug. “I’ve gotten you a present every year for four years. Don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah, well, you never need to get me one again because you’re never going to top this.” Phil released her, stepping back.

“Okay, nerd, you haven’t even opened it yet.”

“No—I—uh…” His cheeks reddened. “Dan.”

Martin, who missed the entire interaction earlier, muttered, “Who the bloody hell is Dan?”

However, Cornelia’s eyes widened. Her eyes traveled down Phil’s right arm. “Was that…?”

Phil nodded sheepishly. “Yeah, yeah it was.”

This time, it was Cornelia who smothered Phil. “Oh my god. I’m so happy for you.” She stepped back, reaching up to squeeze Phil’s cheeks between her hands. “Does this mean you’ll stop spending every moment you can at our apartment?”

Phil smiled so wide it hurt. “Yeah, but I can’t promise you’ll see any less of me. He is your neighbor, after all.”

“Okay, what the fuck is going on?” Martin interjected.

“My package got delivered across the hall by accident and the new neighbor brought it over.” Cornelia roughly grabbed Phil’s arm and shoved it towards Martin’s face.

“Okay…?”

Cornelia rolled her eyes. “Oh my god, you’re so dense. Phil’s soulmate brought the package over.

A look of realization spread across Martin’s face. “Oh… Oh! Congratulations!” Phil smiled, suddenly eager to get back to the apartment. He was secretly hoping to bail on the Great British Bake Off marathon they had planned.

The ride back seemed to take an eternity. When they finally arrived at the apartment, Phil awkwardly loitered by the door while Martin and Cornelia hung their coats and set down their things.

“I’m sorry to be rude, but do you mind if I maybe go across the hall instead of watching the Bakeoff? See if Dan’s awake still?”

“Take the spares so you don’t wake us up when you come back.” Phil barely caught the keys Cornelia tossed at him.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Martin smirked.

“It’s not like that—I’m not going to… that. I just want to meet him. Properly.”

Cornelia shoved his shoulder lightly, pushing him in the direction of Dan’s apartment. “Get out of here. Have fun.”

As he stood in front of 4A, Phil took a steadying breath to try to calm his nerves. Before he could chicken out, he knocked lightly on Dan’s door. A quick glance at his watch told him it was nearly 23:00. He hoped Dan wasn’t an early sleeper.

Much to his relief, the door opened barely ten seconds after he knocked. Dan had changed into black joggers paired with a black tshirt and had clearly showered since Phil saw him earlier. Phil’s eyes were immediately drawn to Dan’s hair, which was a wet, curly mop on top of his head. Self-consciously, Dan fiddled with the curls, trying to tame them into submission.

“You have curly hair,” Phil murmured, stunned.

Dan flushed. “I know. I look like a fucking hobbit.”

Phil desperately wanted to reach out and run his hands through Dan’s hair, but they’d only just met and he didn’t want to freak Dan out. Instead, he said, “the cutest hobbit I’ve ever seen.”

The redness of Dan’s cheeks extended to his ears, but he smiled shyly and Phil could see a hint of his deep dimple. “Do you want to come in?”

“I’d like nothing more.”

As Phil entered the apartment, he scanned the lounge. It was obvious that Dan was still moving in, but the room was littered with knickknacks. A large Muse poster hung on the opposite wall. A charizard plushie sat haphazardly on the sofa. A boxed set of the Studio Ghibli movies balanced precariously atop the television. Mario Kart was paused on the screen.

No, Phil thought, I won’t have any trouble at all falling in love with this boy.