#spot the difference challenge all my otps are the same

[fla-t-line]

Merry Christmas Chrisker n Thorki :D

[frankenstein-ate-my-left-shoe]

20 questions for fic writers

i was tagged by @stevethehairington, thanks mack!!

1. How many works do you have on AO3? only 10!

2. What’s your total AO3 word count? 149,243

3. What fandoms do you write for? mainly been stranger things and one little spn drabble here on tumblr and my st/spn crossover fic

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

1. Several Notes of the Most Amiable Nature - aka secret admirer au (my first fic!) 2. A Recipe for Disaster - the princess diaries 2 au 3. (Reprise) - sequel to Several Notes 4. i'm outta my head over you - my mixtape fic 5. of sunshine and starlight - PWP 😏

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not? i am so super behind, but yes!!!! and i appreciate them all so so much 🥺

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? definitely it's a date, my summer challenge fic (but i am working through a follow-up that makes it a happy ending i promise 😭)

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? of all of them, i would probably say Several Notes; that one is the schmoopiest ending of them all, but next would def be outta my head.

(i don't want to count Recipe for Disaster since that's the same ending as the PD movie so... 😅)

8. Do you get hate on fics? i've been lucky to only get a little bit of screaming at me for it's a date, but not hate. they were all justifiably ASKLFAJLFASF at the plot twist, but it was all in good fun/still loved 🥰

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? yes!! my number 5 most liked fic is just PWP! and it's always been cute fluffy "real" smut so far, like the two being goofy with each other and super in love and shit lmao 10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? yeah! only the one though, my wip ST/SPN crossover fic You Will Never Walk Alone (You Can Always Reach Me); and to the previous question, my first smut was in chap 3 of this one and i am super proud of it still 😊

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? i really hope not???

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? not yet!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? nope!

14. What’s your all time favorite ship? oh fuck...honestly? it's probably steddie. my OTP is destiel, like, they are the blueprint, they are the ones i have the most history with, but in complete honesty: in my head steddie is much more fluid/blorbo-y than destiel are. dean and cas are so fuckin' good in canon and kinda rare-er for me to find a good au with them that they still seem like themselves? if that makes sense?

with steddie, they are so moldable and fit into any spot you put them; i prefer canon adjacent but anything they do seems so correct, whereas dean and cas will always be a hunter and angel you know? that's how their story has been for so long, and all my fave fics of them are canon spn universe - a spell, a different timeline, a hunt, it's always them™

idk if that makes sense to anyone else, but maybe it's because destiel have been destiel for like 11 seasons and 15 years, and steddie have so little with only one season/summer that they are more moldable but... 🤷‍♀️

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? honestly, it's probably my hispanic!eddie au, but my casper!eddie has been falling off at an exponential rate and it's bumming me out tbh

16. What are your writing strengths? i think it's dialogue? i think that's the thing i've gotten the most comments about, the wit and snark of eddie and his internal voice, or just conversations in general. i like to think through how conversations will go in a fic first, like, how exactly they would realistically speak to each other or how an accent (wayne) would come through and how best to type it out so others can 'hear' it correctly 😊

17. What are your writing weaknesses? writing out action/feelings well. maybe it's cause i get super engrossed in what i'm writing and am looking at it too long, but a lot of the time it feels like i'm just writing "he did this 😐 and then he did this 😐 then said this."

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? i do my best!!! like with the short drabble i did that started the hispanic!eddie au, i did best i could to translate the couple spanish phrases in it, but i don't speak spanish myself. my husband is hispanic and is fluent, but when i wrote that one i was much to embarrassed by why i would be asking him, that i didn't ask him to translate 😭

19. First fandom you wrote for? stranger things! the st/steddie fandom was so supportive with my secret admirer drabble that i made it my first full fic!!!

20. Favorite fic you’ve written? my fave that i've written is my mixtape fic i'm outta my head over you. i wrote so much for it in such a short amount of time for steddie week but it really came together and was all me!

i do also LOVE how my version of a princess diaries rewrite came out, but the plot is just a copy of the movie and isn't really mine you know?

not sure who all has been tagged already, but here are some no pressure tags!!: @thisapplepielife, @azrielgreen, @its-steddie-time, @strawberryspence, @sayesayes, @undreaming-fanfiction, @greatunironic, @fairyfried

[pigtailedgirl]

God this episode was everything right!

Sure, it felt shorter. I'm use to OG longer pace. The manga had a stillness I guess you could read like long pause. I missed the McDonald's scene of anime too. But it's so minor nitpicks or difference.

Cause god again, at the same time, this was beautiful and perfect and I fell in love all over again. The colors and movement and expressions are spot on in this new series.

Also Kuno and Nabiki are excellent once again too.

But I wanna gush about this moment!!! Is the moment I fell in love with the series and manga and Ranma X Akane for sure! Even if my first read volume was like 31 in french, which I didn't understand at the time.

This is the episode or volume that solids Akane transitioning to crush Ranma back. The why they crush on each other.

This second spar is everything in their relationship laid out and why they are OTP perfect teen love.

He sees her. Really sees her. This desire to fight that is defensive and passionate and driven by self-motivation to get over boys trying to own her and unrequited love born of expectation. The internal frustration of Akane that bubbles out in her need to fight.

That Ranma's very presence up-ends and challenges. By being a boy who explicitly gets not wanting to be owned or own her, though he could as the better fighter and by the being forced to as fiance. As boy who might catch a bit of a girls' perspective and also perverts it's expectation with the spring curse. With sharing the trouble of Kuno's perverse type affection, and what we will see of the manipulative other types. As Ranma realizes he really crushes on her, on her other fierceness and yet the undercurrent like that first meet, the kindness and dedication, but she already has a guy she likes, so he doesn't know how give in to win but shows his merit by his earnest try. A try that first for him is not determined by must be best or or win victory over. Ranma is natural fighter and anything goes to goal after-all, but here's this girl he wants to be happy. His goals is Akane's affection shared but not by force.

And so they fight each other to tension release. To insights and honesty even if it's covered by the playful tease winning. Your kindness and happy smile makes you cute Akane. Your willingness to be open, and take me on in not playing to win fight makes Ranma true partner, not opponent. Makes her consider her self worth and smile in private, even if she's technically knocked off feet.

They are a match! They are having a literal match-off! And yet it its all space to be them, to breath, to have no expectation. And that's what they bring to each other in their interactions and fights and togetherness.

[mimisempai]

And suddenly all the love songs were about you

Summary:

Loki and Mobius are visiting Asgard. Mobius discovers something he didn't know about Loki, Loki remembers things he had forgotten, and Frigga rejoices at her son's happiness.

30 days OTP challenge Day 4: One of them playing musical instrument

Notes:

I saw a picture of Tom Hiddleston playing piano and for me it was clear, Loki plays the piano. I have no idea if there are pianos in Asgard, but in my canon there are.

And this fanfic is special, it's my 100th Lokius fanfic! Lokius has captured my heart, and they have inspired me incredibly. Thank you to everyone who likes, comments, shares their love for this couple with me. I love you all!

Song that Loki sings : It feels like home (second verse reworked to fit) - Chantal Kreviazuk

https://archiveofourown.org/works/35202430

1373 words - Rating G

"Loki?"

Loki closed the book he was reading, put it on the nightstand and walked towards the place where Mobius' voice was coming from.

They were in Loki's suite, or rather now Loki and Mobius' suite, in Asgard.

While Loki was relaxing, Mobius was doing his favorite thing when they were here. He was exploring Loki's quarters, looking for little details that would tell him more about his lover.

Loki was standing in the doorway of his old playroom, which had become a sort of storage room over time.

Mobius was sitting in front of his old piano, looking at a picture frame he held in his hands.

"Is this yours?" Mobius asked as he pointed to the musical instrument.

Loki nodded his head.

Mobius looked surprised and said, "I knew you could sing but not that you play the piano?"

"My mother taught me," Loki replied softly.

"Is that a good memory or a bad one?" asked Mobius, fully aware of the wounds of the past still vivid despite the reconciliations.

Loki smiled gently and said, "One of the best."

He walked over and Mobius tapped the spot next to him.

Loki sat down and leaned over to see the frame in Mobius' hands. As he saw the small painting, memories of afternoons spent with his mother in front of that piano came back to him.

How could he have forgotten all that?

In the painting his mother was sitting in front of the piano, a little boy with a small face surrounded by black curls was sitting on her lap. The little boy's hands were on the keyboard and Frigga had put her hands on his to guide him.

It was Loki, and he still remembered the song, he could still hear his mother's soft voice, he could still feel her hands on his, her perfume.

All his memories were coming back, finishing to erase the other more bitter ones. As if his childhood erased by Odin's lie was returned to him.

"Wow...", Loki said, blinking to hide his tears, wonder in his voice.

"Loki, sweetheart, are you okay?" asked Mobius, a worried gleam in his eye.

Loki nodded, took the frame from Mobius' hands and with a smile on his face said, "That's Mother and me."

Mobius' face lit up with a fond smile, "That's adorable. You were so little."

At Loki's silence, Mobius slipped an arm around his waist and asked him a second time, pressing him closer, "Loki, are you sure you're okay?"

Loki nodded again and said softly, "The day Odin revealed the truth about my birth and origins, I was so angry that he and even Mom had been lying to me all this time, that my rage wiped it all away. I know now that as far as my mother was concerned, she didn't tell me anything because for her I was always her son in the same way as Thor. But seeing that piano again, made me remember that indeed, she always gave me her love as a mother. I still think they should have told me as soon as I was old enough to understand, but it's easier to accept when I see that she never made a difference between me and Thor. That she loved me as if I were her own flesh."

Mobius nodded understandingly, happy to see the path his lover was taking. Aware of his mistakes but also of the mistakes of others.

Mobius gently stroked his back and gently asked, "Will you play something for me?"

Loki placed his long fingers on the keys, rediscovering the sensations of his past. Aware of the warmth of Mobius' body against him, he closed his eyes, let his fingers run over the keys and began to sing softly, the notes returning to his fingertips as if no time had passed.

Mobius listened and watched him, fascinated by both the piano and Loki's voice.

He was happy to understand the Asgardian language, and the words of the song, enhanced by Loki's deep tone and piano accompaniment, stirred him as few things had stirred him before.

There's something in your eyes that makes me wanna lose myself

That makes me wanna lose myself in your arms

There's something in your voice that makes my heart beat fast

I Hope this feeling lasts the rest of my life

If you knew how lonely my life has been and how long I've been so alone

If you knew how I wanted someone to come along and change my life the way you've done

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me

It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from

Loki paused in the song and looked at Mobius, while continuing to play.

"You know when mom used to sing it to me, I was too young to understand the meaning of those words, but now, now when I see you, that I'm here with you..."

Realms are collapsing around us, war is raging in the universe, the night sometimes seems endless,

But I'm alright 'cause I have you here with me and I can almost see through the dark there is light

If you knew how much this moment means to me and how long I've waited for your touch

If you knew how happy you are making me

I've never thought that I'd love anyone so much

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me

It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong.

As the melody slowly stopped, Loki let his voice die out on the last note.

He looked up at Mobius who was looking at him lovingly, his cheeks slightly colored and his eyes shining. A soft smile lit up his face.

Mobius tightened the arm that had been around Loki's hips throughout the song, pulling him against him. He placed a kiss on his hair and then whispered, his voice slightly hoarse with emotion, "Sweetheart, I have no words... it was just so beautiful and again that is an understatement."

Loki smiled shyly, which was rather rare for him. Shy was rarely a word one associated with Loki.

He asked softly, as if unaware of his talent, "Really?"

Mobius chuckled softly against his hair, "Are you fishing for compliments, my love? At the risk of being second rate humor, I'd say you played and sang like a god."

Loki harrumphed and groaned against Mobius' chest, "Hey, I'm serious."

Mobius kissed his hair again and replied more seriously, "Really Sweetheart, that was amazing in every way.."

"I couldn't agree more." a voice behind them said softly.

They turned together towards the source of the voice and Loki exclaimed, "Mother, how long have you been here?"

Frigga approached, her eyes clearly filled with emotion, and replied, "I came here as soon as I heard the first notes. I haven't heard that song in a very long time. I didn't have the heart to sing it once you were gone."

She wiped a small tear from the corner of her eye with her fingertips and continued, "You know Loki, the greatest gift for a mother is to see her children happy. Seeing you sing this song for Mobius, I can see the reason for your happiness and I am a blessed mother. Come my son."

Frigga opened her arms and Loki rushed into them, whispering simply, " Mother."

Mobius looked at them fondly and Frigga, meeting his gaze over Loki's shoulder, whispered, "Thank you."

As they stepped away from each other, holding hands, they turned to Mobius and Frigga held out her hand, "Come on my future son-in-law, let's all go to dinner now."

As Mobius stood up and approached laughing, Loki exclaimed in a tone that was half offended, half embarrassed, "Muuuum!"

Laughing and bickering, they headed to dinner, ending the day in the high spirits and joy of a family united by deep bonds.

Some time later, a piano had appeared in the house of Loki and Mobius, and the painting of Loki and Frigga at the piano was displayed on the mantelpiece, in full view, among other photos of happy moments. Fragments of happiness to never forget.

_________

As always, bear with me as it is not beta'd and english is not my native language I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless🥰

Next day: Holding hands

Challenge List here

[aeempress]

Apritello Express Evidences, part 1

Greetings, Apritello enthusiasts and attention! Here comes a loong post is written by totally nerd. You've been warned. Here we go.

The thing is that Apritello is a double-edged sword. The series shows us established friendship of these two, give us a lot of content with them. We can see development of relationship through interaction between the characters, their reaction about the situations they are put in. We can sense their synergy and bound through the show.

Donnie and April have incredible chemistry, and both options, brotp and otp seems fine to me.

But let me tell you why I ship them.

Apritello is the kind of pairings, which consists of small details, hints, that's hidden, but if you're sharp and attentive one, you will notice that. Apritello has a strong foundation: the best friends trope.

And from the very beginning, it works as planned.

When I start watching show, I could say that April and Donnie are best friends. It is worth noting that April is like an older sister to the other brothers, more of a sisterly figure than a friend, but with Donnie she behaves somewhat differently, namely, as best friend. Obviously, she sets him apart from his brothers, although girl tries to pay attention to all of them equally. And Donnie behaves as well.

Dee's battle shell designs for April needs as well as his. His shell transform into comfy spot for taking ride for April. Special and only for her. Because his bros are not supposed to use it (at least, he carries no one on his back), Donnie carries them by his techno-bó or his limbs.

This tiny detail shows his special treatment to her. April is a very, very special occasion to D. Don does care about her comfort, he accept the way she is. Donatello does not try to prevent her from participating in their affairs because he respects her decisions and is pleased that April can be shoulder to shoulder with him.

D is glad to be at her service.

Yeah, Dee's still playing cool, he has image to perform as tough and coolheaded guy. So Don doesn't show his intentions, interest and feeling to other people (he's tryin', but fails). Because his actions matter. They are always small, hidden, but meaningful.

April, in return, trusts Dee and depends on his tech, even knowing what his inventions are the opposite of success (usually).

Go on. Look at Donnie's facial expressions and body language when April is near.

Donnie seems more relaxed when she's around, happier. His emotional response is always different from his brothers ones.

Oh, and look, he wanted to be first to give her a high three.

They worry about each other. Look at Don. He does worry about her way more than his brothers. Yeah, they all want to protect her, but Donnie is more expressive.

Mayham has no particular sympathy for the brothers: he is afraid of Raph and behaves aggressively, he is indifferent to Leo and Mikey. Mayham immediately takes a liking to April. And then the details come back: he let Donnie touch his neck. The most vulnerable place for any living creation, for a second. Let him to study an important vial without any hesitation. Mayham depends on April trust for Donnie. When everything goes wrong for Don, the little doggie comes to his rescue, just as April would have done. Is the hint transparent enough?

We can see links with "A mystic library", wherе Donnie begins to look for solutions to save April's pet. Yes, this may seem like his next leap, "sit down, I'm smart, and now I'll solve all the problems, watch and learn," but Don says one phrase that opens up the veil of the second plan, what happens behind the scenes. "My illiteral colleagues and I was conducting a mustic research, with a life of the beloved pet, hanging in a bounce".

Strange wording, Donatello. Beloved pet? Not yours, as we can see. I can say, that everything in this sentence is true, but Donnie and Mayham has something more.

Continue. Next episode "Origami tsunami". Interactions are kept to a minimum, as April herself appears for a maximum of 5 minutes in the series itself. But devil is always in the details, dear friends.

When April was attacked and hung up, the only one who excitedly called out to her was Donny. Raph is furious that the thieves have escaped, Leo is frustrated that their plan has failed, and Mikey is worried about the salami.

Yeah, we didn't see his worries about her when she fell, because Donnie is on the mission and must be coolheaded turtle, and second, he's calm because now April life is safe and sound, out of the danger.

Dear passangers, Apritello Express arrives to the next station - episode "War and Pizza".

Bare facts:

1. April has Donnie's number on an emergency call.

2. "Anything for you"

3. Donnie is the reason why Alberto knows April's name.

No one calles April by her name (except for Donnie, while phone call, but Alberto wasn't nearby) it was "Captain O'Neil" by her chief, her badge seems blank. And yeah, you can say, that's just economy of budget, but I assure you: in the first episode we were shown the name of the delivery guy. The animators were not lazy bones and wrore "Stewart" on his badge. So if something isn't there, then it either shouldn't be there, or it really isn't, that's how this show works.

So, the reason explained in the episode. When Al has short circuit, parts of its new code flashed through its mind.

Info about April was in its memory, in its code. Alberto was a lame animatronic, and it seems somewhat outdated. I do really doubt about Alberto is being something smartass machine with complicated AI like Freddy's Pizza's ones. Quite questionable. Donatello fix Al's brain and wrote code, synchronize with his remote control. He put information about Cap O'Neil into animatronic's head. All this pictures are kind of massage: "You was created for birthday celebrations. You are machine, and there concepts of "life" and "birth". Do great party for this birthday kid and April won't be like this". Or, something like that.

So Alberto did - do a memorable party. And he do what his creator programmed him to do, but in his way.

4. In other words, Alberto was a tool to impress April. Don flaunts himself in front of her, stating how he did the upgrade while doing the upgrade, even though April is fully aware of his tech wizard. And his abilities supposed to help Cap O'Neil to finish the birthday party, so she will stay at her job, not fired. All thanks to Donnie and his upgrade Alberto. (Or not)

By the way, Donnie was the last to leave April in ruined "Alberto's". And it's not an isolated case, it is a pattern.

5. They understand each other without words.

First, Donny came at her at the speed of light. Second, she hadn't even finished speaking before Dee was taking Al apart. Third, their chaotic, well-coordinated work? Donnie was a distraction (although he wanted to just take a break from the battle or let Alberto's guard down, while April just knocked him out). Donnie and April are great team, and sometimes the DonniexApril team is much more precise, coordinated, and interdependent than the DonniexBrothers one.

D&A feel each other and anticipate each other's actions, their skills complement each other, creating an incredible synergy of their interaction. They act as a whole, while it's not always possible with his brothers, even though they're family and know each other the way more Donnie know April. And Dee hasn't trained with cap O'Neil.

Donatello didn't show his crush for April. No puppy, loving eyes, no lovey-dovey speeches, no planning schemes (at least, the audience don't see one) . He just want her attention, but stays cool and hidden. D is already her BFF, but still.

The same thing is claimed in 5B episode - Mascot Melee. Donnie has no problems with interaction with idol of his childhood - Atomic Lass. She'd put Leo in a stupor, but Donnie? He playfully challenges her to a dance duel. Yes, he adores this character, who may have become his measure of the attractiveness of others to Donatello, determined his type. But still, he's playing all cool and confident guy, he's really smooth with girls, so you will never see a puppy loving eyes from him. Only two things can betray him at this point: his voice and his body language. Remember, how's soft his voice became for Atomic Lass? Now I want you to remember the scene before, in turtle tank, when April sent guys a meme.

D is the first to respond to the message, despite the fact that Mikey is sitting closest to the screen. And the responding is a little too emotional for this situation, don't you think?

And this face of his. And he comments it. He likes her sense of humour.

The only difference between April and Atomic Lass is that the first one is a real girl who is a friend of their family, practically a member of it; and the other one is just a fictional character. It is easier to say about love for a fictional character, because it brings less problems for a teenager, especially when he is living with three brothers and a father who likes to tease as well. Donatello needs to be careful and outline the area of emotions he could show, so that he does not get hurt.

Now, dear passangers, we are returning to the previous episode, shall we?

Donnie presents to his brothers his precious Turtle tank, but she's gone, and it's really necessary to find out, who has taken her. And the first person to suspect is April.

Something is odd, don't you think? Yeah, Raphael has taken tyre for their "Midnight special", Leo claimed that Donnie's stuff is common, but they are D's beothers. It's natural for family to borrow(stole) stuff of each other. But this trend was not observed in April. She would never steal anything from Donnie, much less steal anything from him.

Actually, there is a good, logical and solid explanation here. April was number 1 in Donatello' suspect list, because he simply told her about Turtle tank. His brothers didn't know he were working at Moon buggy, except Mikey (Orange helps Dee get the vehicle from Repomantis), but they didn't know what exactly Donnie was working for. They didn't know he build the Turtle tank, he kept it a secret, to surprise his brothers. But April knew.

- Alright you! Where's our turtle tank?

- Hi, DONNIE. You have 9 seconds to say, why are you just broke my door.

- Someone's stole Donnie's turtle tank.

- Haha-ow, I see. As your best friend, you naturally suspect me.

- She gets it!

- Oh-ho, don't give me that! You're the only one could taken it!

The only one, because she knew about it.

As Splints said in this episode - "April is not a snitch"

Donatello does trust April and share with her both, sorrows and joys. But we are not shown this directly. We do not see the action itself, we do not see their calls and conversations on the phone late at night, we only see the consequence. We have no choice and take it as a given.

And the way she cooled him down? Fast, efficient, and Donnie seems to used to it. Moreover, she slapped everyone, but still, she throw Don out of window the last. However, why such a large time delay between him, being slapped and him, was throwing out of the window?

And my favourite scene. It was obvious that Donnie had taken the hardest hit (judging by his scream and the way he was putting his knuckles back in place). Don then claims that their inner circle is secure, Mikey tries to make amends for everyone, and April agrees, blowing them a kiss and closing the window. Cute and mean, isn't it? (You're cute! but mean! why do I always go for your type?! - ep. War and Pizza)

Nota bene: Donnie wouldn't apologize to April. Tough, not caring badass boy image, remember? Even to best friends. It's hard to him to express his feelings by using words, he cannot do it in proper way. But he has Mikey, who is so alike inner him. Michelangelo apologizes not only for himself, but for D mostly, because D starts suspected April.

Let's continue: the episode 8B: Hypno Part Deux

• Donnie put "Donnie's blocker" at April's phone to protect her.

It's common thing that your friend install some programs or apps on your device. But you will always ask your friend to do such a favour, and you will always know about what, when and where were installed on your phone.

And April didn't know Donnie had done something with her phone. It was a real surprise for her, to see blocker with "Donnie says no-no-no".

And you know, the interface of his app. The way he tell this current phrase. Donnie could put a huge banner "THE APP YOU WANT DOWNLOAD TO IS A REAL PIECE OF GARBAGE", as usual antiviruses do. But no, voice interface. It makes the app more personal and thoughtful. Because when Don made gifts for his brother, the program was voiced by a computer-generated female voice. Yes, the tank's interface is voiced by Donatello himself, but his voice sounds more like Google than the real Don. And, we talking about HIS BABEY, for a second. Bit still, the point remains.

• Also, Dale.

Dale is nerdy boy in purple, wow, how convenient for making a parallel with certain purple turtle.

But thing is, April doesn't like Dale. He's clingy, remora guy, who has a little obsession with April, even he's not harmful, still, such behaviour freaks girls (and not them only) out. Her classmate is usually tell her what April O'Neil is "his favourite person" and he loves her. There is little that is attractive about this behavior.

So, there is nothing new and unpredictable here that Dale was rejected. Because April didn't, doesn't and won't like him because of his lame personality and strange behaviour. Our girl in yellow do right thing: she clearly sets personal boundaries and does not allow any dubious personalities to invade them. So that's the reason she refuses to go on a date with him at the end. He's weird, obsessed, and she doesn't like him.

Donatello, as far as I concerned from different versions of TMNT, was always a little obsessive with some things. And, you know, putting a blocker inside your best friend's phone seems a little weird, because it's, in simple words, violation of privacy and personal space. And there are people who may regard this as stalking or sorta.

Yeah, for the most part, he gets away with it, not only because April's focus is in a different area, but also because their bond is stronger than April's with anyone else at school.

She has known him for years. Donnie is her best friend. I can't say that it's fine to her when Dee violates her personal space - her phone, but April can accept Donatello's personality in general.

And he does really have good intentions. Donnie installed this blocker, developed by himself only for one reason: to protect personal space April from fishy apps from nowhere, from being hacked and etc. Don knew her too well, how much she depends on stupid apps that will distract her. He also knew well, that he can't be with her 24/7 to fix problems with April's phone, so Dee put a part of himself to prevent any harm in the future.

And again, "Donnie's gifts"'s vibes. Donatello genuinely cared about April, because he wrote, coded, developed, designed, and dubbed it, turned on the database, and installed it all on April's phone. 'cause, you know, writing programs in general is a bit of a hassle, but writing an antivirus is much more difficult, because viruses are changing, and questionable applications are finding ways to bypass. Do you feel how much effort Dee put in for her?

But Donatello didn't mean to fix April, as he tried to do with his brothers. Purple turtle accepts this girl the way she is, and tries his best to play smoothly with April, by adjusting, not being passive aggressive jerk. It's his outstanding way to show his caring nature, soft side.

Remember, small but meaningful actions.

Maybe, Donnie also can foresee that April may be forced to download some suspicious program, but still, it work: he managed to prevent April being hypnotized, even if couldn't be physically with April at the this moment - Dee was working for Repo Mantis, building dog's paradise for Todd. That's why, by the way, Leo and Raph were dragged into this whole situation. Mayham would teleported literally anyone to help his hostess. Donnie just wasn't at the Lair at the moment.

And on this note, we'll take a break for now. Stay tuned, expect parsing of the series, there's a lot to discuss.

Part 2

Part 3

[wanderingnork]

for the different shipping meme, dragon age!

lowkey otp: Warden/Architect. There’s like no content but I don’t care, it just has so much going for it. You have to know, though, I almost couldn’t choose? I love so many ships in this fandom, most of them pairings between side characters or total crackships, that I had a laundry list of faves going before I threw in the towel and just picked the one I’ve actually written.

highkey notp: boy howdy Cullen/Samson is not remotely my cup of tea. Like if you’ve gotta ship Samson with another Templar, Ser Delrin Barris is right there.

[softly] don’t notp: I’ll give this spot to Lavellan/Solas. Most portrayals I don’t like, but I see the appeal of the ship and I have read a couple that I very much enjoyed. Also, I salute all those in general who are willing to let Solas break their hearts. In that respect, we’re all in the same boat!

highkey otp but I’m scared of saying it: none, if I like it I’m not going to be out here hiding it. No shame for any of my ships, no matter how wild (Feynriel/Varania is currently top of that list, but it’s subject to change).

highkey otp and anyone on my tumblr knows it: any Adaar/Solas and Anders/Fenris. Just give me all the content. Let me WRITE all the content. Both of the ships just good. Potential for growth! Personal change! Challenging each other to be better! Or worse, if that’s what you want! Surprising common ground!

Plus, you know, I’ve just got a real thing in general for “supernatural being of phenomenal cosmic power falls in love with someone who’s Just An Average Guy and realizes the true value of the world.” And a thing for warriors going out of their way to be chivalrous shields in battle for their glass cannon mage lovers. And height differences. And mutual “I don’t know how to love someone/how to be loved but I want to figure it out with you.”

Help.

[kumeko]

Title: for the dances that never were

Prompt: Exploration, Secret, Ambition, Devotion, Bonus: Gossip

A/N: For the Fódlan Bakeoff challenge! I couldn’t post it on time due to internet issues (sadness). I had a hard time picking what characters to write before realizing, I haven’t posted anything with my OTP of the series!

…

…

…

…

i.

There was, Claude had to reluctantly admit, a sort of grace to Fódlan dancing. Standing in the Great Hall, he watched as his peers swirled on the dance floor. Above them, enormous chandeliers gave enough light to chase the shadows out of every corner. Dresses swished as women twirled, the silken fabrics resembling a fully-bloomed rose. Pairs of dancers glided past one another, just narrowly avoiding collision.

 This dance was nowhere near as loud or energetic as an Almyran dance. There was a vibrancy, a feeling of life in their movements that just couldn’t be matched with a simple twirl and side-step. Still, the dances here were nonetheless pleasing to watch. Standing in a corner, he swirled his wine and watched as the lion prince and eagle emperor dominated the dance floor, elegance and poise radiating off every step.

 Claude wasn’t the only one watching. Across the dance floor, he spotted Byleth and Jeralt chatting amicably, their eyes firmly on the students. Well, he guessed they were having fun. It was hard to tell with his professor sometimes, her expression was often blanker than a slate.

“Whatcha looking at?” A familiar voice asked beside him and he didn’t have to turn his head to know it was Hilda. Slightly breathless, she leaned back and fanned herself. “Or should I say who?”

 “You can say whatever you like,” he replied smoothly, smiling as he turned to his exhausted friend. Her neatly coifed hair was starting to unravel, stray hairs falling out of her bun. “Someone’s popular.”

 “Please, I’m not that popular.” Despite her words, she looked utterly pleased. Winking at him, she gestured at the professor. “She’s everyone’s first choice.”

 That didn’t surprise him in the least. It explained why Byleth’s expression looked slightly worn, the way it did when she’d entertained too many of his questions or cleaned up after his pranks. “I wonder who her’s is.”

 “No idea.” Sighing, Hilda shrugged. “She accepted everyone who asked, which is really stupid. You have to be picky or you’ll wear yourself out.”

 “Like you have?” he teased, smirking.

 “I am just taking a short break. I can still dance.” Hilda glanced at Byleth, than at him. “You going to ask her too?”

 “Maybe.” It wasn’t a bad idea. She was Jeralt’s daughter, a teacher at the academy, the wielder of the Creator’s Sword, and seemingly Rhea’s favourite. There were only bonuses to getting closer to her. One way or another, she’d be useful to his ambitions. He wasn’t sure why he was hesitating, standing on this side of the room and as far from her as possible.

 “Ohh, too late.” Hilda giggled as Sylvain approached Byleth, looking as charming as ever. “You have to be fast to catch her.”

 “There’s always the dance after.” Claude shrugged. Holding out a hand, he winked. “Care for one more?”

 Hilda frowned. She still took his hand. “I thought I told you I didn’t like too much work.”

  ii.

Claude stared at the ceiling. It was funny how, five years later, this sight remained the same. The dorms hadn’t been as badly damaged as the rest of the academy in the attack, but his room had remained utterly unscratched. The structural damage remained unseen.

 Closing his eyes, he listened to the leaves as they gently rustled. An owl hooted nearby, crickets chirped. Five years ago, there would have been students chattering as they snuck off for a nightly escapade. Now there was just the clink of chain mail, the guards patrolling the area in case of attack.

 After tomorrow, they wouldn’t need to. A final clash between Empire and Alliance, one that would hopefully go as the battle of Eagle and Lion had gone years ago. Claude sat up at the thought. Who was he kidding? That had been a friendly bout between houses. Now almost everyone he’d defeated from that time was dead. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. There would be no sleep tonight, which was a pity. A tactician needed his rest. Edelgard and Hubert wouldn’t make tomorrow’s battle easy.

 Slipping out of his bed, he crept out of his room. The sensation as he stalked the school at night was both familiar and strange. Even now, he remembered the secret passages, which stairs creaked, the best shadows to slip in. Yet the stairs were different, the walls lined with scorch mark, and he felt like he was exploring an entirely new place, an explorer finding ruins where a city should have stood.

 He was not sure what led him to the great hall, to the half-collapsed ballroom. He wasn’t sure, but when he spied Byleth inside, sitting on a jagged piece of rubble, he couldn’t stop his smile. Somehow, his path led to her, and he shouldn’t have expected this to be any different. They were connected, fates intertwined, and he was certain that if she died, their journey would end right there.

 Despite his quiet entrance, Byleth noticed him right away and watched as he slowly approached him. Bathed in moonlight through the broken roof, there was something ethereal about his former teacher. She had always been a mystery, even before all of this. With her blank expression and gaps of knowledge, there had been something interesting about her. The secrets she held now only made her even more intriguing.

 He always liked puzzles. Sauntering over, he asked, “Couldn’t sleep, Teach?”

 Byleth shook her head. Her eyes looked even darker in the gloom. It was strange to think that he’d seen this place entirely lit up once. Now all it held were shadows.

 “Me neither.” He leaned against the rubble, looking around him. “One way or another, it will end tomorrow.”

 “Can we…” Byleth trailed off, her voice so low he could barely hear it. She wrapped an arm around herself, her fingers digging into her arm. “Do you think we can…”

 “Win?” Claude guessed, giving her a confident smirk. “Of course.”

 She shook her head. “Save them.”

 “Oh.” That was a harder question. Almost impossible to answer. Edelgard and Hubert would fight to the death; he had never seen either of them back down. Dedue seemed to be on a suicide mission. How many others were left alive? Petra, Dorothea—but who else? Maybe some of the Blue Lions had survived that last skirmish and were just hiding. “I don’t know.”

 Her shoulders slumped at the answer. It was strange to think that at one point he thought her emotionless. Her tells were more subtle than others, for sure, but he could read her now. It was hard to mistake the sorrow washing over her for anything else.

 Maybe she wouldn’t smile, but he wanted her to be at least a little happy before it went down. One way or another, it would end tomorrow. Maybe he’d die. Maybe she would. Maybe neither of them would and he’d remember this night as the time he had been a little dramatic. Claude gestured around them. “Remember the last time we were here?”

 Byleth glanced at him curiously before nodding. “The dance.”

 “Yep. I remember someone being very popular that night.” He winked at her. “I think you danced with everyone that night.”

 Still not following him, she nodded. “There were a lot of hands. I didn’t want to refuse anyone.”

 “Even Marianne asked you to dance.” Claude sighed. “And yet, I think I’m the only one who didn’t get a dance.”

 “You didn’t?” Byleth frowned, ticking off her fingers as she remembered that night. It might have been five years for him, but for her it must have felt like months.

 “Every time you took a break, someone else approached. What’s a poor guy to do?” Claude tapped his chin for a long minute before pretending to come up with an idea. “Oh, but you’re free now.”

 “There’s no music,” she pointed out, catching on.

 “That’s fine.” Claude held out a hand. “I still want my turn.”

 She looked at him for a long second, and he wondered what was going on behind her green eyes. There had always been a practical air about her, no doubt from her lifetime of mercenary work. He wasn’t even sure if she liked dancing, let alone wanted to do it. Before he could retract the offer though, she slipped her hand in his. “Alright.”

 “Great.” He pulled her down from the rubble and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Winking, he started waltzing through the debris. “I hope you haven’t forgotten how to dance.”

 “I never learned in the first place,” Byleth answered, her tone lighter. It was a start.

 “Then I’ll just have to take lead.” Claude twirled her. He wasn’t sure when it happened, when he’d stopped thinking of Byleth as a friend and instead as something more. Maybe that was what had stilled his hand all those years ago, an emotion that had slowly taken root and refused to go.

 He had always known he was a bit of a coward, but hadn’t realized that it even extended to his feelings.

  iii.

 It wasn’t a surprise to find Byleth alone, after all was said and done. They had defeated the Empire and yet somehow, it didn’t feel like a win at all. They had lost almost all their classmates, either at their hands or at the hands of the Empire. Even Dedue, who had reappeared out of nowhere, had fallen in his last-ditch attempt to avenge his king. And even then, after killing Edelgard, they had discovered that they had an older enemy to face.

 It was no surprise that victory rang hollow. His peers were scattered about the monastery, trying to make sense of it all, and so it wasn’t a surprise that Byleth had isolated herself as well. What was surprising, though, was that he’d found her here in the ballroom once more. The repairs were almost done now, the rubble from before cleaned up. There were cracks along the walls, signs of the war that wouldn’t fade, but with a little paint this would be a ballroom once more.

 The late evening light bathed the room a dark red. It wasn’t the same colour as Edelgard’s cloak, as her blood, but he couldn’t look at it all the same. Byleth stood in the center of the room, back toward him. He wondered what expression she had.

 “You okay?” he asked, leaving off her nickname as he broke the silence. It was too quiet in here. It reminded him of the throne room and he didn’t want to think of that.

 Byleth didn’t reply. She turned toward him, looking utterly heartbroken.

 Stopping next to her, he lifted his hand before dropping it back to his side. He didn’t know where to touch her, what to say that wouldn’t hurt her. She had looked like this as she’d lifted her sword, as Edelgard had closed her eyes. He should have stepped up then, taken her sword so she didn’t have to carry that burden too.

 He could still hear the sound as Edelgard’s head hit the ground. Maybe she was still listening to it too.

 Finally, she uttered, “Did it have to be like this?” Byleth gestured around, her voice cracking slightly. “We danced here. Edelgard, Dimitri—I danced with all of them. Couldn’t we have done something?”

 It was a question he had asked himself many times. There had to be a path, somewhere, somehow, that had all of their houses surviving, all of the people coexisting. But there had been too many secrets, too many untold ambitions and hopes. “I don’t know,” he answered honestly.

 He hoped there had been but it was too late now.

 “I should have been here,” she murmured, her shoulders sagging from the weight of it all. He had never thought of Byleth as a small woman, but she looked tiny now. A single touch could shatter her. Somehow, despite it all, she didn’t cry. Her expression looked like she wanted to, needed to, but her tears remained unshed.

 “There’s nothing you could have done.” Gingerly, he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her in for a hug. He hadn’t understood the word devotion before, what had made his mother leave her homeland and everything she’d ever known, but he could feel it now pulsating through his veins. Claude would give anything to make Byleth whole again but after this, he wasn’t sure anything could.

 “There had to be something.” She rested her head against his shoulder.

 “Even if there was, we can’t change the past.” Claude slowly walked her around the room, a slower version of the waltz they’d done just a month ago. He hadn’t imagined that the next time they’d be in this room, they’d feel even worse than they had then. “There’s only the future.”

 “The future.” She followed his steps automatically. “Another fight.”

 “Beyond that.” He shook his head, pulling back so she had to look at him. Smiling gently, he added, “After the war, after it all—that future.”

 She still looked lost. “What happens then?”

 “Many things. My dreams. Yours.” He rested a hand on the small of her back, guiding her through the dance. Half of him wanted to confess, to kiss. To show her there was some light in the darkness. But the future was still too uncertain and he didn’t want his love to be another stone she had to carry. “We’re bringing peace to everyone. We’re going to change Fódlan, for the better.”

 “So no one has to go through this again.” Byleth nodded, her lips pulling up slightly.

 “So no one has to feel like this again,” he echoed, resisting the urge to push back her hair. “We can do this.”

 “Yes.” While her expression still looked bittersweet, he thought it was more sweet than bitter this time. “Thanks, Claude.”

 “Anytime. We’re in this together.” Claude winked. “We’re partners, right?”

 “What about you?” Byleth asked, looking at her hand. She turned her attention to him, her green eyes bright. “How are you feeling?”

 “Better now.” It was a truth, in a sense. He felt much better now that she did. After all this was over, maybe he’d tell her what was really in his heart. When she still looked doubtful, he playfully added, “Teach, I didn’t know you cared so much.”

 She didn’t refute him, like he’d expected. Instead she gave him a flat look. “Of course I do.”

 Claude wasn’t sure how to respond to that. He wasn’t even sure what she meant, or if he wanted her to clarify. There was no way to tell without asking. Faking a laugh, he replied, “Aww, Lorenz will be jealous.”

 “How are the others?” she asked, looking past him at the ballroom entrance. “I should check on them.”

 “They’re coping, but I think they’d like a little comforting from you.” Claude sighed. “I guess I can’t hog you all to myself.”

 “No, you can’t,” she agreed, letting go. Byleth had always been all work and no play, and he had expected this reaction.

 That didn’t make his hand feel any less empty. “I’ll head to the war room, then. Maybe Judith has some information on those slithering guys.”

 Byleth nodded before heading to the doors. At the threshold, she paused and looked at him over her shoulder. “After this is over, let’s have another dance here.”

 “A dance?” Claude smiled as he looked around the room. More than a paint of coat, what this room needed was laughter, was the smell of sweets and the bright lights of a thousand candles. It was what they’d all need, after it was all over. “Yeah, that’s a good idea. A party would lift everyone’s spirits.”

 “And this time, you’ll ask me to dance.”

 He whipped his head to the entrance, but she was already gone.

 Maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t the only one who had some feelings left unsaid.

[janeyre]

i could never look away: 1/2

otp: ten x rose

word count: 6229

summary: rose survived doomsday. this close call only brings her and the doctor closer together.

AO3

Rose Tyler’s knuckles grasped desperately to the lever in her hand. She’s outsmarted every challenge she’s ever faced, and this time would be no different, she told herself.

But her mind was filling with an overwhelming sense of dread. Over her shoulder, the Void pulled at her with all its might, a might almost stronger than hers. Every muscle in her body ached. Every fiber of her being was crying out in desperate pain.

She turned back to look at the Doctor. He was so far away, she could barely make him out, but she saw the fear on his face and felt her own fear spill through her veins like poison. She could hardly breathe.

The wind whipped against her, which was not helping. With every passing second she felt more and more dread surrounding her. The white of the walls seemed to be growing dark and closing in.

Her finger slipped.

“Doctor!” she cried out, but her mouth didn’t make a sound. She let out a shriek, silent.

Her hands were ripped suddenly from the clamp, the pull of the Void too strong.

“Doctor!” She seemed to fall in slow motion.

Very distantly, she heard, “Rose.”

There was a weight on her shoulder. She felt like she couldn't breathe deep enough.

“Rose.” Clearer now.

It was like something was pulling her up, up…..

“Rose, you’re okay.”

Rose’s eyes flew open. Her heart pounded in her chest like a prisoner trying to break free of its cage. She gasped for air as her eyes flew around the room wildly.

She was in her room, on the TARDIS. She took another deep breath. She had been so scared, of losing the Doctor, and her life among the stars and…..

“You alright?”

She looked to her right. The Doctor. Thank God. She tackled him in a hug as she willed her heart to stop hammering.

“Yeah, jus’ a bad dream.” She let out a low sigh. “It was about today, an’.... What else could have happened, if…”

“I know,” the Doctor said. He really did know -- he’d seen all the timelines twisting in that very moment, and if he wouldn’t have thought to tie her to the clamp…. He shivered. Looking at the timelines now scared him just as much as it did then, even though the danger had already passed. The thought of losing Rose was sickening, and the idea that it could have become a reality so easily was even worse.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

He pulled away a little to look at her. “I wasn’t really sleeping. It’s okay. Do you want to talk about it?”

She shrugged. Rose had a shy look on her face that the Doctor knew wasn’t usual. What had happened today (or rather, what could have happened) had really shaken her. It broke his hearts to see her like this.

“I just…” she paused, “I can’t stop thinking ‘bout it. I close my eyes, and I can't keep my mind from drifting there and worrying, until I’m all worked up again.” She let out a heavy sigh. “It’s silly, I know, I know that it’s all okay now. But I can’t stop…” she shook her head. “I can’t get it out of my mind. I can’t sleep.”

The Doctor studied her for a moment.

He knew exactly what would help, but he didn’t know if Rose would like it.

“I think the emotional centers of your brain need a break, hm? They were pushed to their limits today, and are now working themselves into overdrive trying to process everything, it’s why those memories keep resurfacing no matter how much you try to push them down.” He steeled himself. “I could, uhm, well, I could help, with that, if you wanted? I’d have to go into your mind of course, and I know how that makes you feel, so if that makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay.”

“Makes me uncomfortable?”

“Well, on our first adventure, the TARDIS was translating in your head for you and you said you didn’t like it,” he said, a bit confused.

Rose let out a small laugh. “I just didn’t like that it all happened without my consent, Doctor. I’m thankful that I’ve got the old girl in my head.” She watched him for a moment. She made sure she locked eyes with him as she said, “I trust you,” and brought his hands up to her temples.

The Doctor knew he would never stop being amazed by Rose, but he still couldn’t help being…. well, amazed. That she trusted him like that was beyond words.

“You’ll feel me at the edge of your mind,” he said. “Just let me in.”

Sure enough, Rose felt a tingle at the edge of her conscience, as if someone were knocking on a door only she knew about. She imagined the Doctor on the other side, and threw it open.

She could tell the moment he stepped into her thoughts.

Is this alright? he asked.

Yeah.

Rose watched (or rather, felt) as he moved through her mind, looking around. The minute he found what he was looking for she knew, because all her unease and anxiety about the past day was suddenly abating behind a wave of reassurance and comfort. It was like crawling into bed and cuddling up beneath fluffy blankets after an exhausting day. She couldn’t help but bask for a moment in how good it felt.

Then, she realized something. If the Doctor could do this for her, surely she could do this for him, too.

Rose observed him a bit more, then turned to go the way he’d come from, back to his mind. Since the connection between the two of them was already open, she stepped through, delicately as she could. She didn’t know exactly what she was doing, so she moved as lightly as possible.

She looked around just as he had, for anything that seemed…. Hurt. In pain. Today’s events weren’t that hard to spot, because they were at the forefront of his mind. She moved a little closer, and contemplated what to do for a moment before taking action.

Rose focused hard on the pain she felt in him, and the fear, and drew it as close to her as she could. She wasn’t exactly sure how this worked, but she projected the same sort of reassurance and comfort that she had felt from him. She imagined that his thoughts were a big group of somethingand she was drawing it in for a hug as tight as she could.

Out of the corner of her eye, something else caught her attention. The fear of loss from today seemed to stem from something else, something bigger, like a weed that had found a place to grow in the crack in the sidewalk. She followed the thread to its source, to a memory she hadn’t been a part of.

Suddenly, she was overwhelmed with grief and hurt like nothing she had ever seen. Scenes of people screaming and crying, and flames, and unbelievable pain, like nothing she had ever seen flashed before her. Surrounding it all was shame so powerful Rose felt like she was drowning.

And she knew exactly what this memory must be.

The Time War.

The one thing the Doctor never talked about.

Finally, she really, really understood why. If it was this painful of a memory, she couldn’t blame him for pushing it away as far as it would go.

His memories from today lead her here because he had already lost everything, and he couldn’t stand to lose her too.

Her heart felt like it was about to shatter in her very chest. If she were still in the physical world, she would have had tears streaming down her face. She couldn’t imagine carrying this much sadness. She couldn’t believe the Doctor had so much contempt for himself.

Her Doctor, who had saved her life on numerous occasions. Her Doctor, who had given her some of the best days of her life. Who had shown her true joy and complete happiness. Who had given her the stars and the most wonderful things she had ever seen. Who would give everything to keep her safe. Who had accompanied her through some of the lowest and scariest parts of her life like there was no place he’d rather be.

Her favorite person in the universe.

There was the sorrow she felt from his memories, but on top of that there was the pain she felt for him.

With all her might, Rose tried to gather up any pain or sadness or shame and draw it as close to her as possible. She was on her knees, giving as much love as she possibly could. She’d do anything to fix this for him.

Rose felt the Doctor’s conscience startle.

Rose? He sounded alarmed almost.

She’d been so lost in sympathy for the Doctor, she’d completely forgotten how far she’d wandered into his mind. With a hurried final burst of comfort, she retreated as fast as she could out and into the physical world.

When she opened her eyes, she found the Doctor staring at her in disbelief.

“I’m so sorry Doctor, I know I got carried away, I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry.”

“No, Rose, it’s okay, I was just surprised. What were you up to?”

She bit her lip and looked away. ‘Well, you were helping me, and it felt so good, and I thought, surely I can do the same for you. So I went back the way you came, and found your memories of today, and I tried to heal it, but then there was…. Something else, attached to it, and it was so much deeper, and sadder, and I…. I knew what it was, the one thing you never talk about, and I just…” She could feel her throat closing up.

“It’s okay.” The Doctor smiled softly at her. “You just what?”

She let out a shaky breath. “I just wanted to make it better.” Her voice wavered and cracked on the last syllable, her lip trembling.

“I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t have ventured that deep, I know that’s private. I’m so sorry, Doctor. I just…” She remembered the pain and the grief and felt her heart breaking all over again. “I… I never knew…. I would do anything to make you feel better, Doctor, there’s so much you don’t know about yourself, about how good you are, I wish I could take some of that sadness from you.”

Finally, she ventured a glance back at him. His eyes were wide. She watched him for a moment, before --

He sat up abruptly, turning and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed so he was facing away from her.

Oh, no , she thought. I should have known not to mention it, it’s his greatest insecurity and I’ve just gone wandering right through it like it’s nothing, dredging it all back up again. She wished she could take it back. She couldn’t imagine how hard this was for him.

“Doctor?” she tried softly. Nothing.

Carefully, she sat up and scooted next to him, and waited a moment to see if he would move away. He didn’t.

She chanced a look at his face to see, was he angry? Was he scared?

No, he was crying.

Rose had never seen the Doctor cry.

Oh, god, I’ve really mucked it up. He tries to do one nice thing for me, and I go bringing up his trauma. Scenes of the Doctor shying away from Rose amidst anything sensitive came rushing into her mind. He’s gonna send me away , she thought. There’s no way I can come back from this.  

“Doctor,” she took an uneven breath. “I’m so sorry. If I would have thought better for even a second, I wouldn’t have done that. I know how hard it is for you, and I never should have gone just traipsing through your mind. I’m so sorry.”

The Doctor said nothing for a moment, and scrubbed the palms of his hands into his eyes. Then, ever so subtly, he shook his head.

What?

“That’s not it,” he said, ever so quietly.

“Then what is?”

The Doctor swallowed thickly. He thought of turning to look at Rose, but he didn’t know how he could meet her gaze. She had seen the whole of him, who he really was, and yet…

He felt her place a hand on his back, and his breath shuddered in his lungs in reply. He didn’t deserve her.

“I’m here for you, just take your time.”

At that, another cry built up in his chest, and he tried to swallow it back. He could feel his whole body shaking.

How could he tell her? How could he even begin to process that, after seeing his darkest, most terrible moments, she wanted nothing but to help him heal? To draw him closer? He couldn’t think of how he’d ever look her in the eyes again. She knew who was, now. Knew that he was a murderer. Knew all his deepest shame, and all the grief that he carried with him like clothes on his back.

She saw him.

And somehow, she didn’t want to look away.

The Doctor drew in a shuddering breath. “I never…. Thought that anyone could see what I’ve done…. Who I am… and want to get closer, not farther away.”

Rose’s mind took a second to catch up.

So, he wasn’t mad then.

The air whooshed out of her lungs.

“Doctor, of course I do.” She scooted closer to him. “I made my choice that I am gonna stay with you, and that didn’t mean I wanted to spend my forever with someone I was going to get only sort of close with.”

She looked at him again, the man who had seen the rise and fall of civilizations, saved lives, felt the turn of the Earth and made time bend to his will. The man who lived the loneliest life in the universe. The man she’d do anything for, who she wanted to spend every day for the rest of her life with. The man who she….

Rose took a deep breath. She had to tell him. He had to know. After everything they had been through at Canary Wharf, and all they could have lost.

“I… I know this isn’t really your thing, but… I love you, Doctor. And I mean it, because loving someone means loving every part of them, no matter what. How could I ever look at a part of you that’s wounded and resent you for it?” She took another breath to steady herself. “Loving you means I'm going to always try and help you get better. Always. When... when I said I wanted to stay with you forever, this is what I meant. I’m not about to let you be stuck with all this sadness if I can help shoulder some of it.”

The weight of her words hit the Doctor like a train and he couldn’t help himself from looking up immediately to watch her face.

Shit , Rose thought, that was way too much. He’s gonna be so overwhelmed, and he doesn’t think of me like that, and --

The Doctor tackled her in a hug.

She could tell that he was crying, and he was holding her so, so tight.

Relief bloomed in her chest.

“Shh… you’re okay, Doctor, it’s okay. I’m here for you. It’s all gonna be okay.”

They sat like that for a while, clinging to each other. Rose rubbed the Doctor’s back while he tried to pull himself together, which was admittedly difficult. He was so overwhelmed by everything Rose had said and done in the past few minutes, and he didn’t deserve an ounce of it. But that didn’t mean that he didn’t think she was the best thing that ever happened to him. And that certainly didn’t mean he would ever let her go.

Finally, the Doctor pulled away slowly, sitting up and turning his head away to wipe his eyes, more than a little ashamed of what a mess he was. But before he could stay that way for too long, Rose’s hand was on his shoulder, turning him back to face her. He looked at her shyly as she began to speak.

“If there’s ever something I can do to help you feel better, I want you to tell me.” Rose took his hand in hers, and he squeezed it. “If that means going into your mind every night to give you, I don't know, good vibes or whatever, I'll do it. I care about you, Doctor.” Despite her heart pounding a beat like a thunderstorm, she still gave him a gentle, reassuring smile. “We’re gonna get through this together, you ‘n me, no matter what.”

For perhaps the thousandth time that evening, the Doctor felt the air leave his lungs. He squeezed her hand again and closed what little space there was between them.

“Rose… I love you, too. I’m so sorry you didn’t know sooner.”

All she could hear was static.

He loved her.

Their eyes met and they shared watery smiles, looking at each other through their eyelashes and blushing like there was fire in their cheeks.

Rose leaned in, just a little, and wasn’t mistaken if she thought the Doctor might have been leaning in too. He stopped just before her lips, as if waiting for a sign.

She squeezed his hands, as if to say, I want this too.

Delicately, with all the reverence of a man about to enter the gates of heaven, he kissed her.

It was unlike any kiss Rose had ever had. Never had she felt so much love radiating off such a small gesture. Never had she wanted so desperately to return that love in full force.

When they pulled away, they were grinning at each other like idiots. The Doctor couldn’t keep from looking at Rose in complete awe. She was the answer to all his prayers. He would do anything for her.

They sat for a while, hugging and kissing and smiling before they finally crawled back under the covers. Rose snuggled up right against the Doctor’s chest, wrapping her arms around him and placing a kiss to whatever part of his body was nearest. He drew her as close to him as he could.

“Good night, Doctor. I love you,” she murmured. He could hear the smile in her voice.

‘Good night, sweet Rose.” He kissed her on the head. “I love you too.”

[altumvidetur]

Kaishin Fic Recs

Previously: Haikyuu!! Fic Recs

So, I was thinking about the coronavirus pandemic and what I could do to help people out. I’m isolated because I’m at higher risk, so I can’t really offer to go out for my elderly neighbors or my family… but I thought I could try to help keep people entertained.

Because I don’t have an AO3 account right now, I’ve been compiling fic recs for my own amusement for a year or so. And I thought – maybe that’s the time to share these with everyone? So everyone will have plenty of things to read while they have to stay at home, or even to escape anxiety a little bit if you’re forced to go out.

Of course, these cater to my own tastes, so you may find stuff you don’t like around here. I never include works in progress. The Mature and Explicit works will be in italic. I ask you to READ THE WORK’S TAGS before continuing, so you won’t find anything that makes you uncomfortable.

I’ve decided to split it in a series of posts, and, well, when it comes to DCMK, I have one major OTP. So here’s enough Kaishin to keep you entertained for a year:

The Dwelling Night, by proser132

Three shot. KaiShin. Brief moments were all they had, but dwelling on dreams is sometimes enough.

In Theory, by orphan_account

Kaito's got a whole list of cheesy and awful pickup lines to use on Shinichi.

(Un)fortunately for him, Shinichi's got just as many to throw back.

As You Wish, by orphan_account

Shinichi hasn't been doing a very good job of pretending he isn't hiding something from Kaito, and Kaito is more than determined to find out what it is -- even if it means asking everyone the detective knows in order to do so.

He just wants to know what all the boxes are for.

you’re the reason i come home, by LunaDarkside

Shinichi comes home after a two-week investigation in New York. Kaito could not be more thrilled.

Lovesick, by DragonSorceress22

"You know what I want? I want a fic where Kaito sends out a heist notice but then he gets sick but he can't NOT go. I guess it could go the other way too, where Conan solves a heist notice but then he gets sick but he can't NOT go. I want to read that fic." "There's tons of fics like that..." And now there's one more.

whispers and nicks and all these tricks, by LunaDarkside

In which there is sex pollen at a heist, and Kaito and Shinichi end up in the same room. Coincidentally enough.

Be Real, by DragonSorceress22

This, KID thought, was what someone reaching their limit looked like.

a study in scarlette, by kittebasu

There are people who want to live forever, and then there is Shinichi, who just wants to live a little longer than this.

wait a minute (so you’re not just losing the dress), by LunaDarkside

Everything is overwhelmingly good. And then Kaito has to go and say it.

“I’ve never done this before,” he mumbles mindlessly against the pliant softness of Shinichi’s lips, and everything immediately stops.

“Wait, what?” Shinichi jerks upwards, eyes wide.

Or, neither Shinichi nor Kaito has any experience, but they make do.

The printer’s a lie, by OrphanText

In which Kuroba has an annoying printer, a very good looking (and mildly terrifying) RA, and general bad ideas up his sleeves (but it works out in the end).

The Alcohol Test, by DragonSorceress22

When your rival-turned-best-friend is a phantom thief who has recently reached legal drinking age, there’s really only one responsible way to approach the matter. Spreadsheets.

Getting Off Track, by solomonara

The easiest way to find out what someone wants is to ask them, so of course neither Shinichi nor Kaito KID is going to do that. (OR: In which Shinichi and Kaito KID take turns falling into each other's arms.)

Wouldn’t Change A Thing, by BlackKatJinx

“Don't you get tired of it?”

“'It'?” He asks.

“Stealing.”

By Any Other Name, by AngelicSentinel

the one where you don’t know your soulmate until you hear them say your name.

Snowed In, by DragonSorceress22

Shinichi and Kaito are exceptionally bad at quiet nights at home.

Go Out With a Bang (Since We’re to Wilt Anyway), by KXL

Love can be cruel, and painful, but Kaito knew that already. Maybe he's just a masochist.

take in another breath (get closer), by Melomaniac

He paused on the threshold of the door between the pseudo-corridor and the seating area, and faintly corrected himself. Not as alone as he thought. Not as alone at all.

Sat by himself, with his chin resting on his hand, an arm loosely propped on the small table, an explosion of paper and assorted important looking documents in front of him, flask of (presumably) coffee held to his lips, was Kudou Shinichi, whose eyes had met Kaito’s when he walked into the carriage, had widened, and hadn’t looked away since.

In which there is a late night (or an early morning), a train, copious amounts of flirting, a phone, a name, and a stolen heart.

Last Day Again, by Phantoms_Echo

(Summary by me: Groundhog Day!AU with Kaito becoming more and more unhinged as he desperately tries to break the time loop he’s stuck in.)

Net Force, by LunaDarkside

Ran decides it's high time for Shinichi and Kaito to get together. Awkward matchmaking ensues.

Of Corset Hurts, by KXL

Shinichi and Kaito are both pretty much done with the situation, though for somewhat different reasons. Both reasons involve overly long dresses to some degree.

Ace up Their Sleeves, by Procrastination_Sensation

Summary by me: Soulmates!AU in which seeing your soulmark in someone else (your soulmate) causes debilitating pain until the two of you kiss.

Murder by Cremation, by KXL

Capturing the lawless monsters who ate people after burning them up was, apparently, the easy part.

Halloween Heist, by Phantoms_Echo

Because Halloween Scavenger Hunt doesn't sound as nice.

Trick or Treat, Tantei-kun! Up for a little Halloween game? I’ve left clues all over town. Find them all, you’ll get a treat. Fail to find them in time, you’ll get a trick. Good luck, Tantei-kun. -Kaitou KID

the suffering of fools, by AngelicSentinel

It's Las Vegas; the lights are bright, the liquor is flowing, and Ran married someone other than Shinichi. He just wants to drown his sorrows, but a half-familiar face steals his drink.

♠ ♦ ♣ ♥ Case Files, by AngelicSentinel

Solving life's little mysteries, one at a time.

one-shots in the suffering of fools universe

A Study in Trust, by Calculatrice

Conan swallows anger and condemnation and, for the very first time, gives Kaitou KID the benefit of the doubt. ________________

In which Conan constantly has to revise what he thinks of a certain thief, and is frankly getting pretty sick of feeling like his subconscious is already ahead of him.

Jacket, by Calculatrice

He turns to look at KID, grimacing as his overlong sleeves swish around him.

“It doesn’t exactly fit me,” he frowns as he points out the obvious. “Does this do anything for you?”

Kiss and tell., by DragonSorceress22

Shinichi might have gotten a little ahead of himself. And KID. Luckily, Hakuba has a level head and a soft spot for lovesick genius-idiots.

the goat one-shot, by helloimtrash

They're family now.

Interrogation, by Calculatrice

Admittedly, there are many things Kaito could probably be blamed for, but pulling Shinichi into the nearest empty hallway to kiss him senseless isn’t one of them.

So It Goes, by Calculatrice

It goes like this.

(In which Murphy’s Law isn’t much of a law - more something to be gleefully stomped on.)

Mii Plaza, by Calculatrice and helloimtrash

“Okay,” Kaito grins as the opening notes of Wii Sports ring out. “Are you ready for defeat?”

“Can’t we just play Mario Kart,” Shinichi frowns, crossing his legs as he watches Kaito push the coffee table out of the way. “It’s like, one in the morning.”

The Forensics of Falling, by LunaDarkside

[FF.Net Link] When fans of world-famous magician and actor Kuroba Kaito begin turning up dead, Inspector Kudou Shinichi is put on the case.

the toxicology of trust, by LunaDarkside

World-famous magician and actor Kuroba Kaito and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force's star inspector Kudou Shinichi finally get some much-needed time off. Or they would, if there wasn't a killer on their cruise.

(sequel to The Forensics of Falling)

On Familiarity, by lastdream

No one had ever known Kaito quite like Shinichi did, and Kaito wasn't sure he could take it.

Lies and the Art of Relaxation, by DragonSorceress22

Shinichi is stressed and Kaito is a liar. Business as usual.

And Again, by Calculatrice

It’s late, late in the night, and while on another night they may have been awake and neck-deep in plans, or perhaps delirious and making silly conversation, tonight he and Kaito are both curled in bed.

the only bed worth sleeping, by LunaDarkside

Kaito's not a detective, but he's pretty sure there's no logical explanation for Shinichi's disappearance from his apartment. Or for the cat that's shown up in his kitchen.

Magic Eight Ball, by Rikkamaru

Shinichi chases Kaitou Kid into the Blue Parrot thinking he's injured.

(For the Kaishin Discord, which made a "challenge" that a few people took up.)

swing for the fences, by LunaDarkside

"How to Fall in Love with Kudou Shinichi (Featuring Pink Panties, Dead Bodies, and Ill-Advised Bets): A Comprehensive and Kind of Embarrassing Guide" by Kuroba Kaito.

In The Soul, by Calculatrice

Shinichi ferries souls from the shores of the living to those of the dead, so they may pass safely on to an eternal afterlife. It’s really not a difficult concept, and definitely not one he thought could be wilfully ignored, but Kuroba Kaito obviously didn’t get the memo.

even miracles, by LunaDarkside

“No, Mother,” Shinichi says pleasantly. “I don’t think it would be a good idea to host a dinner party to find me a wife.”

bros before, by LunaDarkside

Shinichi needs a fake date for his parents' vow renewal ceremony. Naturally, he asks his best friend, Hattori. 

maybe I was going too fast, by Ann1215

A year after Kaito faces off Conan, who'd figured out his identity, he comes across Kudou Shinichi during their first year of university.

Trouble is, Kudou has no idea who Kaito is.

swear i’ll never leave again, by Ann1215

When Kaito eventually grows tired of his mother's relentless matchmaking tendencies, he ropes Shinichi into tricking everyone they know and love that they're both engaged. To each other. And it's easy enough, because all they have to do is:

1. Don't lie to each other. 2. Don't tell anyone about their plan. 3. Don't fall in love with each other.

At least, it was supposed to be easy.

(See you) Next Illusion!, by PhantomsEcho

Collections of Oneshots too long to fit in Next Conan Hint.

beneath a waxing moon, by kittebasu

The man stares at him, and then shakes his head, messy hair shaking with it. “Car trouble, Detective?” The way his lips curl around the word ‘detective’ strikes Shinichi as strange, eerily familiar, and Shinichi almost has to physically shake the feeling away before he can reply.

“Engine’s making a weird noise,” Shinichi says, and then his thoughts catch up with alacrity, his muscles tensing all at once. “What makes you think I’m a detective?”

“Police tags on your car,” the man replies, grin growing wider. “Plus this is a Camry from the nineties. No one drives those but police, these days, and regular officers drive patrol cars.” He leans forward a little, gloved hands circling his helmet and lowering it slightly to his handlebars for extra balance. “Far from undercover, if you know what you’re looking for.”

The cloud cover shifts, revealing the gorgeous full moon, and the light catches the man just right, surrounding him in a pearly glow and putting his face in shadow. “And you know what you’re looking for?”

broken glass, by jadedgalaxies

KID presses Shinichi into the wall, covering his mouth with a gloved hand and shushing him quietly. Shinichi’s heart thrums. KID isn’t looking at him but every part of KID that is pressed against Shinichi is electrified. Even amidst the circumstances that led to this moment, KID’s heartbeat is steady under Shinichi’s trembling fingers. His hair tickles Shinichi’s nose, his scent sweet and overpowering. KID is warm, alive, thrilling. Shinichi’s face warms.

In this moment, beneath the pale moonlight, helping KID evade arrest, detective Kudou Shinichi realizes he’s in love with the Phantom Thief, Kaitou KID. And he probably has been for a long time.

-

Shinichi realizes he's in love with Kaitou KID and that's just the beginning.

Owned and Never More Free, by Curry Jolokia

Kaitou Kid is uncatchable. Except for this.

about a love that glows, by LunaDarkside

The good news is that it’s not an overt time limit on his life, and it’s not anything parasitic. It’s not a life-force drainer, or a bad luck charm, or a magnet for unfortunate circumstances. It’s not going to bother him in day-to-day life.

The bad news is that if Shinichi falls in love with someone, he’ll die. And they’ll die.

(There is no good news, really.)

the empty vault of night, by AngelicSentinel

Shinichi offers Kid a gift. For a price.

Sound of Silence, by Cesela

His return to being Kudou Shinichi was not everything he had hoped for, not with Ran moving on, a limp and a shattered soul as he struggles with the return to normalcy. And then there’s the neighbour with a soft smile slowly battering down his walls. Kaishin / Shinkai

A Case Closed Carol, by solomonara

With apologies to Charles Dickens. Shinichi is working way too hard and has zero time for Christmas or anything else, really. But a rather unlikely source is about to put him back on track...

where villains spend the weekend, by aishiteita

A former teen sleuth enlists a should-be-retired-thief's help to slap ennui in the face.

(Alternatively, a study in motives.)

always ends in a hazy shower scene, by LunaDarkside

Shinichi didn’t mean to shack up with an internationally wanted thief.

[tchalla-rogers]

more than candy canes

December 1st: Candy Canes (Steve Rogers x Reader)

Christmas OTP Challenge for @thefanficfaerie​

“Fury needs backup at the HYDRA base,” Tony muttered, not meeting anyone’s eyes.

“When...would that be?” Nat asked, crossing her eyes and leaning further into her chair.

“He anticipates that it will be a two-day mission. He only needs two volunteers that are willing.”

“Okay...but, when is it?” you spoke up, voice quiet for a room full of thunderous thoughts. “He does realize we’re supposed to have a break in a few days, right?”

Tony sighed, piling the papers together that were scattered around the table. “It’s during Christmas, Y/N. Missions don’t just stop for the holidays, unfortunately, and I have no control over that.”

Sam looked up at Tony who had just passed where he was seated. “Let me guess. You either told Fury that we have a break and he laughed in your face or you didn’t tell him that you promised us a nice, relaxing break and this is the result.”

“The latter,” you guessed, pressing your lips together as Tony grumbled to himself. “Well, I guess I’ll volunteer. I expect not to be bothered for the next mission and a lifetime supply of candy canes to make up for it.”

Tony’s eyes lit up since he was expecting no one to volunteer themselves. Fury never mentioned that anyone should volunteer, but rather that he expected Tony to find someone for the mission. “Great, great! I can’t promise either of those.” He sat down in his seat again, plopping all of the papers in front of him. “Anyone else care to volunteer? Bucky? Natasha?”

“You can’t?” Bucky mumbled as Tony felt the pressure build on him once again.

“I have a very important dinner that I promised Pepper on Christmas and she’ll have my head if I cancel on her again.”

“I’ll go,” Steve said from the other end of the conference table. One of Tony’s eyebrows rose, as everyone began to look at Captain America. Even you watched him, seeing his unwavering eyes that met Tony’s.

Tony nodded, taking down a few notes. “Alright...Y/N and Steve, you’re set to embark tomorrow. I’ll tell Fury who will be joining S.H.I.E.L.D. agents at the HYDRA base. Be ready by 9 A.M. sharp.”

***

You hoped that no one really knew of your relationship with Steve. It was surely a surprise when Steve thought that Tony hadn’t even caught on. When he volunteered to partner with you, it really wasn’t a surprise to anyone in that conference room. Surely, the secrecy didn’t last as long as you had hoped, especially after hiding it for a little more than a year.

The both of you were geared up, on the Quinjet to head to the other agents who were about to flood the HYDRA base on Christmas. There was not a moment that both of you had alone since this morning, waking up late and rushing so that no one would spot the two of you in the same room together. Although, Tony already knew when he asked F.R.I.D.A.Y. for your whereabouts and he was informed that you were in Steve’s room. He chuckled to himself, mostly due to the fact that your relationship with Steve was rather obvious.

Once at the perimeters of the HYDRA base, the agents there briefed you on the mission at hand. Steve quickly pulled you to the side as everyone began to take their positions. He lightly caressed your cheek with his thumb, seeing no nerves evident in your facial expression. Both of you went into the mission hoping it would be over soon and you smirked up at him, playfully. “What is it?” you whispered, searching his eyes.

“We have each other’s backs out there, okay?”

You nodded, faintly holding onto his gloved hand as the cold bit at your cheeks. “When have we not?” Through your comms, a voice was heard urging for the mission to begin.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents continued lightly stepping through the foot of snow that continued to grow and inching forward, guns drawn for any surprise attack. Steve walked in front of both of you, eyes scanning around the area. It was a short while before they broke through HYDRA’s base. Everyone scattered to different areas in the vacant room and Steve and you had no idea where to go first. It seemed as though every agent had occupied every inch of the room.

Steve looked amongst the room, tugging you in closer and muttered something under his breath that you couldn’t decipher. He turned around, hoping to spot the entrance that everyone had just walked through as clear, but the supposed S.H.I.E.L.D. agents had their guns aimed right at your backs.

Once Steve knew, every agent shifted, aiming their guns at the two of you. Steve desperately wanted to step in front of you, but guns were still pointed at you wherever he did not block. “Drop your shield,” a booming voice spoke up. Steve didn’t waver, eyes continuously darting around the vacant room. “Now.” Steve quickly realized the voice that had told him orders. His hand inched towards the ground, lightly placing his shield to the ground with his eyes still trained on the agents surrounding the both of you.

The boots of the man walking towards you both created daunting sounds against the ground as it masked the sound of your heart thudding in your chest. “Rumlow,” you whispered as he removed his Crossbones mask. “We should’ve known.”

Rumlow inched towards the both of you, hand outstretched as he lightly grabbed at your trembling chin. “Hi, sweetheart.”

Steve grabbed Rumlow’s wrist and his voice was dripping and laced in anger. “Don’t touch her again, Rumlow or I’ll make sure you don’t use that hand again.”

Rumlow’s hand retreated as he slightly nodded to Steve’s threat. It almost seemed as if Steve had used his minuscule authority, but Rumlow’s arm retracted and was aimed for Steve’s seemingly unknowing face. Your eyes were trained on each of Rumlow’s movements as your hand instantly seized Rumlow’s blow. “Today will be a painful day for you,” you threatened and Rumlow easily rolled his eyes.

“Well, it won’t be without a fight.” He used his other hand to jab you in the side, causing you to wince and let go of his fist. The other agents started for both of you and it seemed like fate was nowhere on your side. Steve turned around, settling into a defensive stance as you continued to fight Rumlow.

He wasn’t letting up and Steve didn’t know how long he’d be able to fight these agents by himself. He knew there were too many of them to count, slowly closing in. “Y/N, I think we have more pressing matters.” Steve heard more grunts behind him until they were silenced and he turned around.

You had your arm wrapped impressively around Rumlow’s throat, his gun tightly gripped in your hand and aimed at his head. “Drop your weapons.” They hesitated in their next step, guns still pointed toward the both of you but you weren’t letting up. The barrel of the gun pressed further into the side of Rumlow’s head, his teeth gritting.

Steve knew that the comms given to you were no good and Fury would know nothing that’s happening right now. He still protectively tried to stand in front of you, watching every figure in the room.

“If you don’t drop your guns now, I can’t promise that I won’t put a bullet through his head.” The aiming of their guns did not falter and someone finally spoke up.

“You kill him, that’s one down. You still have more of us to get through,” a booming voice pointed out. This gave one of them enough time as you glanced around the room, although your grip did not let up. The alarming sound of a gun going off filled your ears and there was not enough time to react.

The gun pierced your lower back quickly as you cried out in agony, dropping to the ground. Steve reacted quickly and kicked Rumlow’s leg out from underneath him. He noticed that it didn’t take long for your blood to begin to pool around you, worry lacing Steve’s eyes and he was more than aware that he couldn’t do this alone.

Another gun went off, this time aimed for Steve and a bullet successfully made its way into his shoulder. He grunted, falling forward and hunching over on the floor.

Steve tried his best to crawl over to where you were panting, but Rumlow kicked Steve in the stomach, causing him to fall on his back. Rumlow didn’t take long to continuously beat Steve into the ground, fist hitting every inch of his face and foot connecting into Steve’s ribs many times. Steve spat out blood, wincing as he looked over at you one more time. “You thought this would end easily,” Rumlow smirked, kneeling down to where Steve was. “Now she’s bleeding out in front of you and you can’t do anything about it.”

Steve made one last effort, spotting a gun placed not so far from where he was. He quickly stretched his hand to reach for the gun, groaning from the pain that he had to fight through. Rumlow stomped on Steve’s hand and Steve cried out once more, bones crunching underneath Rumlow’s boot. “I’m glad I get to watch you both die in front of me so that I can send a message-.”

The sound of a body falling on the floor caused Rumlow to turn around. His eyes drastically widened when he saw his enemies forming around him, many of his allies’ bodies littered the dirt floor. “I highly suggest you give it up now,” Tony had his repulsors aimed at the HYDRA agent on the floor and Rumlow made no movement. “Message received?”

Natasha came up behind Rumlow, kicking the back of his knee so that he would fall to his knees. She now had control over Rumlow, arm wrapped around his neck. Steve was just noticing the HYDRA agents with their hands above their heads, accepting defeat.

He almost forgot about the bullet that tore through his shoulder and as he went to stand up, he wobbled from the pain. You were unmoved on the floor, a tear in your suit from where the bullet shred through easily. “We...we need a medic,” Steve muttered, sweat pouring down his face as he collapsed at your side. His blood loss was evident as soon as the fatigue filled his body. “Get a medic.” He collapsed to the ground next to you, slipping into unconsciousness.

***

You awoke in a brightly lit room, eyes squinting quickly and you used your hand to shield your eyes. “Fuck,” you groaned and tried to adjust in the uncomfortable bed that you were in.

Your slight movement was enough to cause Steve to awake and jolt from his seat but winced quickly when he felt the pain in his shoulder. “Steve?” you questioned and Steve slightly smiled at you.

“Hey...hey,” he whispered.

“What are you doing here?” You observed the bandage over his shoulder that his shirt was barely hiding. Steve placed his hands over yours, leaning into the bed.

“I was checked out yesterday...I will heal fine.” He patted your hand before you reached out to lightly brush your fingers over his bruises that littered his face. “How are you feeling?” You shrugged, once again slightly modifying your current placement on the bed only to grimace. “Take it slow, Y/N...please.”

After calming down, you reclined back into the bed and sighed. “I know, I know. I feel like I was hit by a damn truck.”

“Yeah, we’re really lucky that the bullet didn’t hit anything serious, doll.” He pressed the call button for Dr. Helen Cho so that she was aware you were awake. She made it in rather quickly, surprised you were awake so soon. It didn’t take long for her to give you a run-down and perform a few more tests, but you weren’t out of the clear yet. When she left, you groaned to yourself in disappointment.

The room grew silent again as you couldn’t bear to meet Steve’s eyes. His voice was already laced with regret, worry, and pain and she didn’t want to watch that in his stare. “Y/N,” he inevitably started and held your hand once again. “I really can’t express the fear...t-the fear I felt when everything happened. I was in more pain when I couldn’t even do anything to save you. It was the worst feeling.”

“It’s not your fault, Steve,” you tried to reassure him, but he quickly shook his head.

“I know...I just never want to see it happen again.”

You squeezed his hand that held yours, slightly grinning at the man you were sure that you were falling in love with. “We’re in the line of fire all of the time. We can’t stop it, no matter how many times we want to.”

Steve barely nodded and decided to lay his head on your legs. You smiled down at him, lightly playing with his ruffled hair and massaging his scalp. “They’ll see us, you know?”

“Trust me, doll, they’ve already found out.” Your hand stopped moving and you feigned a surprised look. “Don’t act surprised. You knew that they already knew?” Steve sat up and examined your joking face as you playfully rolled your eyes.

“We’re not as secretive as we think.” Steve chuckled to himself and you saw him reach down for something by his feet. “Oooooh, what’s that?” As much as you wanted to bend over to check, pain shot up your back at any sudden movement.

A gift basket was carefully placed into your hands as a smile grew on your face. “It’s not the best present. I wanted to go shopping, but then the mission and then I’ve been sitting here. It’s from the whole team.”

Your nimble fingers attentively peeled away the plastic from the gift basket and Steve even assisted, throwing it away once it was removed. You found a box of different assortments, gifts that only your closest friends would know that you would want. Your eyes laid on the box of candy canes, widening in surprise. “Nuh-uh.” Steve laughed at your shock at Tony’s obvious gift. “For the first time in a while, I want to hug Tony.”

“There’s still one more present in there,” Steve said, scratching at the back of his neck. One of your eyebrows rose questioningly, digging through the basket’s crinkle paper once more. Your fingers touched something at the bottom of the basket, grasping it and bringing it into your line of vision. A small velvet box shaped like a Christmas present sat in your hand and you beamed, slowly opening it. A small, yet sparkling diamond ring was the first thing you saw. The bright lights that you were once annoyed with were now allowing the diamond to shine its brightest. “ I’m so committed to what we have, but I know that we will never know the outcome of each day here. I know that...we’re unsure of our future in the Avengers, but it’s a symbol of my unending love for you and then, my plans to marry you. That’s my promise to you.”

Cheerful tears pricked your eyes as Steve’s words poured out so easily. His eyes never left your own and you were aware that each word he spoke was the truth and the declaration of his love to you. You knew about Peggy Carter and this was something new for Steve, especially after losing her going into the ice for nearly seventy years.

He grasped the ring tenderly and you smiled at him in approval as he gently slipped it onto your left ring finger. You fought through the excruciating pain to pull Steve in for a tight hug, but Steve was quick to lightly push you back onto the bed. He heard your pain-filled grunt, but the smile was still evident on your face. “I love you, Rogers. More than these candy canes.”

“I’ll love you till the end of time.” He leaned in and chuckled, grasping your chin to lightly pull you in for a sweet kiss.

[actingwithportals]

for the ask meme!!! radiance?

OOOOOH FUCK YEAH RADI

Why I like them

Her design SLAPS, her boss music goes hard, her presence is really powerful and striking and commands so much attention, everything about her backstory and lore is set up SO NICELY, like there is so much going on with her character and so many ways you could take her motivations and reasonings and characterizations, like,,,, she’s such a well developed antagonist. She falls into the same category for me as like GLaDOS (Portal) and Salem (RWBY) as far as villains go, in that these characters are terrible and so obviously bad people, but the way they became what they are makes sense to the things they do. It never excuses them but it fits and it can be explained and I think that giving villains care like that is incredibly sexy and also just good writing.

Why I don’t

No matter how good I get at the game I have still only ever beaten vanilla Radi once and I am forever salty about how much I suck at her fight.

Favorite episode (scene if movie)

NOTHING WILL EVER GO AS HARD AS WHEN YOU FIRST ENTER THE DREAM REALM AND GET THE PROMPT TO CHALLENGE THE FUCKING SUN AND THEN THE SUN BLOOMS FUCKING WINGS LIKE MAN THAT SHIT SLAPS SO HARD OH MY GOD

Favorite season/movie

I wanna know more about what the Radiance was like in her earlier days and honestly this is something I need to develop more in my AUs cause I crave that deep Radi lore

Favorite line

She doesn’t have much dialogue that really stands out to me specifically, but I am always kinda interested in how you’ll get lines like “kill the empty one” when dream nailing infected husks, because it makes me wonder if she considers Ghost empty because they’re a vessel, or because she thinks Ghost specifically is empty? Wouldn’t she realize that Hollow is not? Does she consider Hollow or Ghost to be the outlier here?

Favorite outfit

Dat floof tho

OTP

I have never come across a ship with the Radiance that I liked and tbh I think I enjoy her without a ship the best.

Brotp

I do love that kinda familial relationship some people give her and Seer, like it’s really nice,,,

Head Canon

I am pretty die-hard on the fanon idea of the Radiance and the Nightmare Heart being siblings, but I guess something a bit more personal would be that Radi is,,, extremely lonely. And that terrible loneliness is what led her down the path of vengeance she’s on in the game. I think she’s actually quite tragic and I can’t help but feel for her a bit.

Unpopular opinion

I sometimes see an idea of the Radiance paralleling a bit with Christianity as far as religions go, but I don’t entirely see it? In some ways I do but in a lot of others I don’t, and having been abused by that religion myself, both on the inside of it and out, the comparison doesn’t always sit well with me. The details of why tho would need to be explained in a different post, when I have the energy for that and if I ever decide it’s worth talking about.

A wish

It would be neat to see a redemption story for Radi. I have come across a few fics that have done this and are Really Good (first that comes to mind is Broken Open by Jaxxcapta and,,,, fuck I don’t remember the title but the Babiance fic by Ruthlesslistener), but ngl I’d always be interested in seeing more!

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen

Kinda hope Radi doesn’t show up in Silksong at all, unless referenced in like a past-tense. I doubt it, but sometimes old enemies get brought back in sequels of things, and sometimes that works but with Radi I don’t think it would. I feel like the conclusion HK gave her was satisfying enough.

5 words to best describe them

Brilliance, consuming, overbearing, passionate, warmth

My nickname for them

I guess Radi is a nickname? I don’t really have a personal one, though

Thanks Spot!!

[adventure-hearts]

20th Anniversary = 20 questions (Day 14 / 21)

FEB 14: FAVOURITE SHIP / OTP

All right. I know what is expected of me. Time to give one for the team.

*cracks knuckles*

It’s a strange time to be a Sora/Yamato fan. Just when everyone had kind of grown out of the shipping wars and when most have accepted that the Epilogue outcome was going nowhere, we got new canon that ended up challenging many people’s expectations and not paying too much attention to the ship. The Result: some of the people who are more invested in the canon portrayal of Sorato are the ones that were left more disappointed. 

But this isn’t going to be a discussion of the “Highschool is Complicated!” approach that tri. (and so far, Kizuna’s promo) have taken. No, fam, this is a good old-fashioned analysis about why this ship freaking works.

*

I’ve been uninspired lately, and it’s been a while since I wrote a proper, long Sora/Yamato analysis. Consider this post a sequel to my very first meta, one of the very first things I wrote when I started AH. You can also check the sorato / soraxyamato tags to read few smaller pieces I’ve written since. 

I think it’s time to move on from the whole “here’s 97699 hints and foreshadowing you missed in the original series”. By now, everyone knows the appeal of the couple is based on their parallel journeys, the symbolism of the crests, the perfect balance that it gives to the triangle, their similar yet compatible personalities... I don’t feel the need to keep justifying it or trying to convert people. 

For the Kizuna Countdown, I’m going to write a few words about Yamato and Sora’s mutual understanding and uncanny empathy for each other, focusing in particular on the portrayal of their relationship in tri., and even more specifically about their scene in Chapter 6, which, is to my mind, one of the best canon Sora/Yamato scenes we ever got in canon. I’ve actually written briefly about it before, but I’m just going to analyze it again, because it’s such a perfect moment of shipping bliss. 

It is my contention that tri. didn’t give us much, but the little it did give was spot on.

The scene takes place early in Chapter 6, after Taichi’s disappearance. Yamato has assumed the role of the leader and is making sure the group moves forward and keeps fighting, in spite of what happened. However, although he is acting calm and pragmatic and determined, other feelings lurk inside. For a split second, Yamato drops his mask and looks back at the mountain where Taichi went missing, and his true feelings emerge to the surface.

Everyone else seems oblivious to this moment of vulnerability. Except for Sora. Yamato tries to hide it, embarrassed that she caught him, but eventually relents. This shit doesn’t work with her. While everyone moves on, Yamato and Sora stay back to have a one-on-one.

At this point, I have to address the elephant in the room, which is that tri. makes zero acknowledgment of the current relationship status of these two, or even about whatever happened between them during 02. 

Is this a scene between boyfriend and girlfriend? (tri. surely peppered the episodes with enough material not to completely erase this interpretation — arriving together all time, etc.). And if they’re not together, do they have a romantic history? Did the 02 fling go nowhere? Are they exes? Who broke up with whom? (lbr, Sora did.) Are there lingering feelings between them? (This, I will argue, is obvious — from Yamato’s side, at least)

The fact is we don’t know the answers to any of these pertinent questions. It’s let to the viewers to imagine the background of the relationship according to their own interpretations. It’s a bad writing decision, obviously. But I believe that, despite of this uncertainty, this scene still works wonderfully to establish and develop why Sora/Yamato makes so much sense.

Back to the scene. Sora doesn’t even need to ask Yamato what’s up. She immediately knows what is going to his head. In fact, she is the one who verbalizes what he doesn’t dare to. Yamato is surprised that she read through him so well.

Then Sora decides to do the most “unhealthily-Sora-thing” she can do. She tells Yamato he can go find Taichi, if he wants to, and that everyone else will be fine. It’s obviously not true. Sora is putting Yamato’s emotional needs first, ignoring her own.  She knows that the whole “let’s save our tears for later and fight on” is something he’s doing for the sake of others, not necessarily what his heart wants him to do.

But Yamato doesn’t even think twice. He immediately reaffirms his choice. He’s not leaving the group at this crucial time, when he has a job to do. It’s the right thing to do, it’s what Taichi would want. Yet, he is conflicted. Part of him is pulling in the opposite direction, as his natural instinct (his Crest, remember?) is pulling him towards his friend. The fact that Yamato is making a decision with his head rather than with his feelings is a huge sign of growth for him. But it’s a tough choice, and he’s not immune to the inner conflict and the responsibility of stepping into Taichi’s shoes, as later scenes in the episode will show.

Sora is reaction to this is just The Best. She doesn’t judge. She gets it. After all — and every tri. scene is always echoing what came before, always sending us back to moments in the previous series — this has happened before. Once, it was Sora who made a different choice. She was the one who left to find Taichi, and the group suffered (as did she, who had to be alone with her grief). At another point, Yamato also left the group — not to find others, but to find himself.  Then, Sora was the one who provided reassurance and who understood why he needed to go. This is to show that, if anyone understands the urge to leave, it’s Sora. She’s giving Yamato permission to make a different choice, taking the pressure off his shoulders. So that when he decides to stay, it’s much more powerful.  

Sora then decides to open up. She’s very cautious about it, but she ends up admit she’s struggling with all the loss they’ve been experiencing lately. Yamato admits he feels the same.

This a pretty vulnerable moment for Sora. As previously established, she’s one of the characters who represses her emotions the most, preferring to focus on others instead of herself. In such a moment of crisis, of course she’s doing her best to hide her fears. She’s far from an optimist, but her job is to keep morale up, to reassure others. So, for her to expose her own doubts to someone else is also a big step.

I’d just like to point out that the framing of this scene is really interesting. Next time you’re watching it, notice where the characters stand at the beginning and at the end. 

When Sora starts talking about her feelings to Yamato, their backs are turned to each other. She’s looking at the mountain behind them, he’s staring at the goggles in his hand. Taichi is on both of their minds, as their pain about his disappearance rise to the surface. This is a point when each of them is kind of lonely in their own grief.

But when Sora asks if Taichi is dead, Yamato turns around immediately, focusing on her. She doesn’t want to believe he’s dead, but she doesn’t want to fool herself either. You can feel her despair at the moment, so carefully controlled until now.

Then Sora turns to him, tears in his eyes. A pretty vulnerable moment for both, when every pretense is dropped.  They are facing each other, now. 

And Yamato just… gives her the most affectionate smile ever.

Smiling! When she’s crying! I can hear some people sharpening their pitchforks as we speak. Our Yamato would never respond so callously to her pain! Just go and hug her, you big dork!

But think for a second.  

Yamato gets that she isn’t asking him a question, not really. She’s just telling him how she feels. Yamato gets that trusts him enough to drop the mask that everything is okay. He gets that doesn’t necessarily expect him to lie or to comfort her… she just needed him to listen.

Flashback to Chapter 4:  Sora’s complaint was that she wasn’t listened to, that her feelings weren’t being taken into consideration, that no-one seemed to care. The conflict back then was caused because Yamato and Taichi couldn’t see through her silence, and also because that she would refuse to talk about what was bothering her, and expected others to guess.

But now Yamato has grown, Sora has grown. They got to a place where they feel totally at ease admitting their deepest, darkest feelings to each other. They know the other will listen and empathize.

They’ve reached a moment of pure mutual understanding. Yamato totally gets Sora, is flattered that she trusted him, and he is full of tenderness for her. That’s why he’s smiling.

Yamato just asks if she’s okay and she thanks him, for listening. 

By the end of the scene, they are facing each other, a lot closer, looking at each other with adoring eyes affection and trust. 

That’s what Piyomon sees when she and finds them together. Piyomon goes into Protective Mother Hen mode and decides to interrupt this lovely moment. To ad insult to injury, he Yamato aghast at the accusation that he would break into “a cheesy love song.” (Would he? HAS HE?)

To sum up, I find this small scene to be a perfect example of why Sora/Yamato is so compelling to me, and why I think tri. (in spite of its issues) was such a wonderful addition to the history of this couple.

The trust and love between them (whether romantic or not) are palpable. Look at Yamato’s smile (and all the looks he gives her during tri.) The boy freaking adores her. Sora is more guarded, but actions speak louder than words. Lots of people complain Yamato and Sora “came out of nowhere” and “have no relationship outside of Taichi”. I redirect you to this scene. There’s history and depth between these two.

The scene also shows that their personalities are different enough to cause friction, but similar enough so that, when they are open and honest enough, they can understand each other’s thoughts and feelings easily and completely, without much need for words. This is important, since both Sora and Yamato aren’t good at expressing their feelings in a healthy and open way, although they are so empathetic and passionate. Yamato and Sora have never been a case of “opposites attract”. Similar personalities can cause their own set of issues, but they can still make for a compelling and fulfilling kind of relationship.

It also explains why gravitate towards one another and why they have what it takes to make each other happy in the future. Yes, they are probably the two people who are more invested in Taichi’s fate and the ones who are more concerned in keeping the group together under these specific circumstances. But who else would see though Yamato’s tough resolve and allow him to confess his inner conflict freely? Who else would let Sora vent out without jumping in with words of empty comfort? (The Digimon partners don’t count!) They give each other exactly what they need, in this specific moment and (one can only imagine) in other similar hard times. They make each other feel safe, understood and, ultimately, loved.  Not a bad place to start.

*Dido’s White Flag plays in the distance*

[onyx-void]

Answer 1 through 50

Okay. You called my bluff. (ok not really a bluff, tbh, thank you I appreciate you) Unfortunately, we're having an internet outage where I live, so this is gonna take a while. Also, I have to do this on the webpage, on my phone, cause otherwise I can't have an 'under the cut.'

1. Do you have a crush on anyone?

I suppose you could call it a crush. That's one layer to how I feel. Like an onion :p

2. What's your favorite candy?

Ferror Roche, or however you spell it, Unless it's a holiday, then I Love those chocolate covered marshmallow treats. 

3. Favorite love song? 

I don't really listen to music much, tbh, love songs included. The first one to come to mind is "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. My favorite when I actually think about it has to be "You Are My Sunshine" by Johnny Cash. 

4. What was your first kiss like?

My first kiss. I had my first kiss last year, actually, at the same age I am now, 22. That was my first date, too, such as it was during a pandemic. I hadn't -still haven't, I guess- had many 'first's.' It was awkward, but nice. Chaste, to start. 

5. What was your last kiss like? 

My last kiss, was a goodbye.

6. Sexual/romantic orientation?

I'm reasonably sure I'm straight, heteroromantic. I've questioned all my orientations several times over the years, but nothing seems to fit as well as that does.

7. Do you prefer poems or love letters?

I would be over the moon to get either. I've written a few poems, though they weren't For anyone. I would prefer love letters, though. Poems can wax and wain to the individuals interpretation, but love letters can declare for all to see. 

8. Favorite fanfic trope?

God, I'm Super self-indulgent with my fanfic. I love Mary Sue's, fix-it, time travel, amnesia, self-insert. I want everything to be okay, and for the main character to be able to have at least some idea of what challenges they'll face. 

9. Have you ever been in love?

Have been, still am.

10. Favorite milkshake flavor?

Strawberry. Also favorite ice cream flavor. Chocolate's fine, but strawberry Hagen Daaz is The Best. (tbh it's also a sorta reference to my fav character/anime, Ryougi Shiki from Kara no Kyoukai. It's also just damn good ice cream tho

11. Dinner dates or Brunch dates?

Dinner dates could be a great end to the day, but brunch date leaves the possibility for a full day together to look forward to, so I'll go with that.

12. Favorite flowers?

Sunflowers. Though lilacs are nice too.

13. Favorite perfume/cologne?

I've used a vanilla sugar scent in the past? Don't use or have others use it enough to have a favorite.

14. Favorite candle scent?

I got a pack of incense a while back, a dozen different scents. I think my favorite is called Celestial. It's smells like... lavender and petrichor and stardust, I suppose.

15. What's your ideal first date? 

Ideal, so everything's perfect. Hiking in the woods, a mountainous area, lots of ups and downs and winding paths and beautiful colors and views. We come to a clearing, and a picnic I've prearranged is already set up next to a glittering lake. We sit, and eat, and talk. 

16. What's your favorite love story?

Just the other day, I was finally able to watch The Princess Bride. I absolutely loved it. 

17. What's the most attractive thing a person could wear? 

Easy. One of my shirts, and that's all that's visible. Could they be wearing something underneath it? Maybe. But you can't be sure, unless they show you one way or another  It's a sort of, are they aren't they thing. That said, it works for just about anything where you can't tell if they're wearing short shorts or something, but it works best if it's something more casual than a dress, like a oversized hoodie or shirt. 

18. Chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet?

Chocolate. Vanillas alright, red velvets gross.

19. Snow, rain, or sun? 

God, we just got snow here that Actually Lasted All Day. That's a miracle tbh. I absolutely love it. 

20. Sweetest romantic memory?

We were swinging at the local park, just talking. And I looked over, and the sun was shining through the trees onto the face of an angel. I could have spent eternity in that moment.

21. Favorite dating sim? (And favorite character?)

The only dating sims I know are yandere dating sim, and hautiful boyfriend. Favorite character in general is Ryougi Shiki

22. Fictional crushes?

...Ryougi Shiki...

23. What's your dream wedding like?

It's a small affair, outside, in our backyard on our plant of land, amongst the orchards and vegetable gardens. There's a living arch made of roses I've been growing in secret in preparation, and the bride's bouquet is made from cuttings we took on the spot. The sun is shining, everyone's full of joy, and our love is sure. 

24. What makes you blush?

Sincere expressions of love, or even just Being Known. If you say you care for me I Will Melt and that is a Threat.

25. Do you believe in love at first sight? 

I have to. I can't disregard my own experiences. That said, it's important to say that love is also something you work towards, together, day in and day out. It's not always hard work, it might not even seem like work, but it's an active thing. 

26. Do you believe in soulmates?

I think there are several people you can meet over the course of your life you can call a soulmate. 

27. Denim jackets, leather jackets, or bomber jackets?

Leather jackets cause I live in Texas. Otherwise, bomber jackets.

28. What's your sign?

Taurus. Lmk if you want my complete chart from that star app.

29. Are you single?

Unfortunately.

30. Do you prefer to charm, or be charmed?

I think I'm quite charming, I'd definitely say I'm in touch with people, though my execution probably leaves something to be desired. That said, I Love to be charmed. Tell me you like me, tell me I'm wanted. Hell yeah.

31. Guitar or piano?

Piano. Love the classics. I was actually looking at how much pan flutes cost just the other day. 

32. Favorite romcom? (Or any romantic movie?)

Once again going with The Princess Bride here.

33. Do you fall in love easily?

Far too easily, I'm afraid. Show your interest in me, and you'll catch mine in you. Doesn't happen very often, though. And if it's just something like a dating profile, I'm far pickier. 

34. Valentine's decorations, yay or nay?

If it's something personal, absolutely. As long as it has meaning, it's worth it. Even if the holiday itself is just to sell cards. 

35. Would you like to propose, or be proposed to? What's your dream proposal?

I would propose, after it's been made mutually clear and discussed we're both up for it. As a kid I dreamed about proposing on one of those boat rides under Niagara Falls. Now, I think it'd be during a hike, on an overlooking cliff, basically like my ideal first date, actually. That, or somewhere personal to the two of us. 

36. Cloud gazing or star gazing?

Star gazing, definitely. Out under the stars, looking up and sneaking glances at each other. Telling stories and making up constellations. What's not to love?

37. Do you like to dance?

Oooh, no. I've never danced, not really the social dancing type. Never really took the opportunity too.

38. What's your OTP?

....Ryougi Shiki and Mikiya Kokuto

39. Kittens or puppies?

You're gonna make me CHOOSE?! ...puppies, because they're more lively and willing to interact with me, generally speaking. 

40. Coffee, hot chocolate, or tea?

Hot chocolate. Never got into coffee, I want to like hot tea, but eh. Iced tea is good tho y'all. 

41. Favorite soda?

God as a kid I Devoured grape Crush soda. Like. 24 cans a week. Mainly drink juice nowadays. Or choccy milk

42. Do you prefer gazing wistfully out the window or lying dramatically on the sofa?

Window, definitely. Light as well have a view if I've gotta be dramatic, right?

43. Favorite ABBA song?

"Take a Chance on Me" followed shortly by "Dancing Queen"

44. Fuck/Marry/Kill?

You didn't name anyone, so... Fuck Lauren German (I've been watching Lucifer) Marry the one I love, and kill, idk, Trump?

45. Favorite pajamas?

For myself? They're fleece, I think. Usually I just sleep in my boxers tho. For my theoretical partner? How about my boxers ;)

46. Favorite liquor?

I've never had any alcohol, and I don't really intend to.

47. Do you think about love alot?

Every day. It's what drives me.

48. A walk in the park or a walk on the beach?

Walk in the park. More cover ;)

49. Hand kisses or nose kisses?

How about a hand kiss going up the arm, slowly, sensually, all the way up the arm, to the shoulder, taking a stop on the side of the neck, and right before it gets to the lips... Nose kisses.

50. What's your dreamhouse?

It's in a mountainous area. On at least 5 acres. Plenty of woods with trails in them, bordering a national park. On my land, there's an orchard of fruit trees, and greenhouses with herbs and vegetables. The house itself is actually japanese inspired. There's an outdoor garden you can access after coming through the entrance. The bedroom door is a sliding one, through a shortened circular opening. The whole thing gives off a cozy feeling. The love of my life has made their presence known in every room of the house.

[sicklyscribe]

y’all thought I forgot about this one

a good (3) of you really wanted this meta and well. It’s been like. Four years? Anyways. 

‘Stolen Dance’ was on the radio today and it makes me think of Klaus and Care, because I get it mixed up with ‘Dangerous’ and that’s my song for them. Also, Stolen Dance has a line that I THOUGHT was ‘Stolen Paradise’ and it’s ACTUALLY ‘stoned in paradise’ so I USED to get K/C vibes from that. Anyways. Whenever I think of that ship I think of @hairzier, and I remembered that I had given her a teaser of this meta a while back. Before I got home, I had FINALLY constructed a thesis (wow amy what a nerd) for this analysis that I’d tried to write FOREVER ago, but it didn’t have a central focus and it was way too bogged down with me trying to find one as I went along. 

Don’t know what the hell I’m talking about?

The meta is this: Klaus as an artist + Klaus’ relationships with three featured women in his life circa 2010′s. If you came to the fandom late or haven’t ever seen my username, hi, I used to write a ton of TO meta, I Don’t Do Ships Really At All For It. At least, not the ‘big’ ones. I digress. Just -- don’t expect me to bash or gush over any ship, I’m gonna compliment and critique them all. Please avoid or read on accordingly <3

Caroline: The Art

I tried to find my write-up for Sahar from ages ago, because it was clear and concise and exactly what I intended. Oh well. Once more. 

Shippers and Antis pretty much love it and hate it for the same reason: Klaus is so different around her. Well, that and it’s either empowering for Caroline or abusive. Depends on perspective. I am firmly in the camp that every relationship in Klaus’ life during this time period is abusive in some way. What he does to Caroline is particularly messed up, but also particularly kind, in turns. The lightness and puppy-love-ness of Klaus around her was so jarring, is so jarring, because he doesn’t display that behavior for anyone else. He allows himself to be foolishly partial to her, but he also seems to only have selective guilt for the horrors he subjects her to. As a viewer who will bend over backwards to create complexity rather than label something ‘bad writing’, I found that Klaus’ relationships, especially with women, especially with Caroline, are steeped in his relationship with art. 

To Klaus, Caroline is an exquisite work of living art. Pleasing to the eye, challenging to his thoughts, but benign -- safe, and static. More than wanting to ‘own’ her, though, I believe he wants to join her. Make himself into something that compliments her colors and her lines, because the experience of interacting with art is one of the purest joys Klaus knows. In this way, he intimately analyzes her life and feelings, he inserts himself into her narrative, he plays a part that he enjoys -- maybe one, at times, he truly wishes was not a performance. In this way, he adores her, he respects her, but not really as a person, and certainly not as an equal. He values every moment with her, treasures it; lets himself get drunk on it. She’s the Mona Lisa, living, breathing, and bold enough to insult him to his face. When she breaks the frame he makes for her -- when she really challenges him in ways only a person can -- he can only retreat, and lash out. 

And ask for forgiveness with acts of kindness, or material value (he even, incredibly, uses his art to soften her to him, on more than one occasion) -- trying to shift her attention as if she can forget his abuses.  In all: he wants her to enrich his life, not change it. 

Hayley: The Clay

(Or the canvas, or materials, or what have you.)

One of Hayley’s first scenes with Klaus sets her up as a direct foil to Caroline: 

Klaus: Painting is a metaphor for control. Every choice is mine-- the canvas, the color. As a child, I had neither a sense of the world nor my place in it, but art taught me that one's vision can be achieved with sheer force of will. The same is true of life, provided one refuses to let anything stand in one's way.

Hayley: So this is your thing-- show a girl a few mediocre paintings, whine about your childhood, and I swoon and spill all my dirty secrets?

Hayley doesn’t want to see him as a person. Klaus doesn’t really want to see her as a person, either. Eventually, he learns that he has to respect her as a mother, at least, or he will not deserve his daughter. Eventually, he learns to see her as family. But at the core, and I don’t think he ever loses this -- he sees Hayley as his work-in-progress. Potential. Not only to be a strong ally, but to be -- just maybe -- an equal.

Which is annoying for him, because she also happens to be the only person he cannot reliably control, or predict. His only choice is to try to shape her into someone that he can work with. That someone is himself, mostly, but with some key improvements. His tone with her is so often instructive, mentor-ly, a thin veneer above his need for her to be someone he doesn’t have to worry about, damn it! He can understand her so why can’t he control her! 

This kicks into gear, mostly, after Hayley’s transformation. She estranges herself from Elijah, somewhat, and Klaus does not interfere with her spiral into blood and rage because it’s part of the process. He sees himself in her, but not like he saw himself in Marcel. His perspective on Marcel was so tied to fatherhood that he was trying to raise a young Klaus, while in Hayley’s case, he is trying to sculpt her in his image. 

His advice on how to deal with rage, vengeance, and wildness is sincere and from personal experience. His advice on what to do about love? Well, certainly stay with Elijah while it’s convenient for me, but don’t let love blind you to what you need. What we need. What I need. Don’t tell Jackson you slept with my brother -- honesty won’t keep this vital political alliance strong. Don’t forget you’re one of us now. It’s what I would do. 

I guess you could even say that Hayley, while pregnant, was a very different kind of work-in-progress for Klaus that made it near-impossible for him to see her as anything but a thing meant to be changed or cause change. Art, unfinished, and his. 

Camille: The Critic

All of these relationships are unique and powerful in their own ways. I admit I’m partial to the poetry of this one, the radicalness of this one, but again, I don’t really ship it as a romance? Maybe I do, now that I’ve had time away from it, but I don’t ‘stan’ it as ‘otp’. 

This one is obvious. Their ‘art’ scene is straightforward, and kind of cliche. A woman watches a street artist fill a huge canvas. Another passerby notices, and stops to ask her what she thinks. She floors him with her response -- so insightful, so bold, and so compassionate. The clever bartender that Marcel has a crush on just so happens to be a psychologist -- and, he learns later, with a particular, personal empathy for violent and cruel offenders. 

He feels a unique desire to be seen by her, and to be considered by her, in his entirety. Not that he does not want to control what she knows -- obviously -- but that he does not want to put on a single, convenient mask with her to accomplish his ends. He wants to be known, and he wants to know what she thinks of him. 

Again, he does not want any of this to touch him, or change him, really. He begins his Gallery Of Self not by making a therapy appointment but by ‘hiring’ (forcing) her to transcribe his biography (and making her forget everything she knows the moment she leaves his sight). This is safe, and it lets him bring out the masks and the goals and the good and the ugly of him and air them for her reaction. Will he, too, be worthy of empathy? 

Yes. But he’s also worthy of critique. Eventually, he takes baby steps to allowing her to impact his life (to varying degrees throughout all seasons that, in my opinion, make for a shamefully circular set of arcs on the writers’ parts. The point is I saw where they were trying to go with it, and letting Drama of the Week get in the way). Eventually, he makes real appointments. Tells himself he needs to change, somewhat, for Hope’s sake. 

And Camille is the kind of strong, confident woman he can imagine Hope to someday resemble. He wants his daughter to be free from the cycles of Mikaelson abuse, and he wants her to know goodness and have no reason to be evil. And if he is to do that, and if he is to know that Hope, then someone like Camille should be able to look at him and deem him capable. Worthy. Warts and all. He’ll spend time with her because he likes her, because he’s attracted to the beauty in her heart (like Caroline!) -- but he opens himself to her scrutiny because for once in his life he knows he has to change for the better. He knows he has to get help, and, well, the clever bartender seemed to fall into his life at exactly the right time to take in all of his decades and all of his deeds -- piece by piece, movement by movement, style by style, and understand them. Critique them. Maybe with that in mind he can make himself into a work that he can one day show to Hope. 

With that in mind, I can’t help but have a soft spot for those cheesy lines from the very first episode.

Klaus: Do you paint?

Cami: No, but I admire. Every artist has a story, you know.

Klaus: And what do you suppose his story is?

Cami: He's...angry. Dark. Doesn't feel safe and doesn't know what to do about it. He wishes he could control his demons instead of having his demons control him. He's lost. Alone.

Cami: Or maybe he just drank too much tonight. Sorry. Overzealous Psych major.

Klaus: No. I think you were probably right the first time.

@florafaunaandeldritchhorrors @ptonkin @furrydolphin @jungshoook (DID YOU ABANDON THE KLEBEKAH URL REDIRECT????? MOM??????!?!!?!??!?!??!?!!?!!?!??! I JUST CHECKED AND IT’S NOT THERE ANYMORE???? I NEED TO *MOURN* AND YOU JUST DIDN’T *TELL* US??!)

[robbieandlaurafan2020]

My OTP are a perfect astrological match

So even though I’m not into astrology at all, I decided to look up Robbie and Laura’s astrological compatibility for shits and giggles and it turns out as we all ready knew, they are a perfect couple.  We know from the Inspector Morse pilot “The Dead of Jericho” that Robbie’s birthday is sometime the week of June 12th, which would make him a Gemini, and Laura stated in the Lewis episode “Dark Matter” that she isa Sagittarius.

https://www.astrology.com/love/compatibility/sagittarius-gemini.html

Sagittarius And Gemini Love Compatibility

When Gemini and Sagittarius come together in a love affair, it can be a truly spectacular match! These two are extremely compatible; any rough spots they encounter during the course of the relationship are sure to be smoothed over with a minimum of effort. Gemini is quite able to provide pioneering, adventurous Sagittarius with the independence Sagittarius requires in a close relationship, because Gemini shares that same need. While Sagittarius needs physical independence, Gemini needs mental freedom, but the need is the same at base. These two both love new experiences, people and sensations, and are sure to have great adventures together. Both have attention spans that love to move quickly from one thing to the next in order to absorb as much experience as possible.

Gemini and Sagittarius are great friends, besides being well-matched lovers. They share a deep understanding and a very similar life view, based on a general, refreshing optimism and enthusiasm. Sagittarius can sometimes be a bit too blunt, saying things without thinking beforehand about whether they’ll hurt someone or not, but Gemini is a hardy sort and, like Sagittarius, can forgive and forget quickly. These two don’t have time or the interest required to hold a grudge.

Gemini is ruled by Mercury (Communication) and Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter (Luck). Mercury lends Gemini their chatty, intellectual demeanor; Jupiter is about both luck and philosophy, and lends Sagittarius their constant questing for knowledge and truth. This is a great match — Gemini comes up with a new idea and Sagittarius jumps right on, ready to explore it to its limits.

WANT IN-DEPTH GUIDANCE ON A SAGITTARIUS GEMINI MATCH? GET MORE INSIGHT INTO THIS PAIRING WITH A LOVE COMPATIBILITY REPORT

Gemini is an Air Sign and Sagittarius is a Fire Sign. This is quite the active relationship! Air spreads Fire far and wide, helping it increase in power. Gemini and Sagittarius together have just this effect on one another. Theirs is a very fiery, passionate connection; there’s always something going on. Sometimes what’s going on escalates into a real argument and actually hurt feelings; these Signs are opposite one another in the Zodiac, which means they have quite a deep and complex connection. In other words, when it’s good it’s very, very good, but when it’s bad it can be terrible. These two may fight most about who’s in charge; they both have competitive streaks that can flare up at inopportune moments. The good thing is, although they may disagree often, their differences of opinion don’t last long — Gemini is too busy moving on to the next challenge to hold a grudge, and Sagittarius can forgive anything but a lack of respect from their Gemini lover.

Gemini and Sagittarius are both Mutable Signs and are thus extremely compatible. They’re both flexible in the extreme, quite willing and able to adapt to change. This is a good thing; when Gemini changes their mind mid-thought, Sagittarius has no problem taking a 180-degree turn and keeping right up with their high-flying partner. When Sagittarius suddenly gets the travel bug, Gemini is very amiable about hopping in the car and going right along.

What’s the best aspect of the Gemini-Sagittarius relationship? Their mutual interest in cultivating knowledge, utilizing intellect and turning it into action. They are well-matched in their enthusiasm, energy and drive. Common interests and similar personalities make them a compatible couple.

[pokemon-legends-and-legacies]

Any headcanons for Yellow/Leaf, Lisia/May, and Winona/Kris?

Yellow/Leaf

They’ve known each other since childhood, as Yellow is an old friend of Red and Green’s, and Red is Leaf’s older brother. However, they were never super close as children due to their age difference and having their own friend groups.

They reconnect later on after Leaf joins Team Rocket and begins investigating Mewtwo around the same era as the Gen 2 games. Yellow was also investigating Mewtwo on her own, so the two met by chance and decided to work together. I’m still fleshing out how their investigation goes, but the endgame is that they become close friends and are able to befriend Mewtwo.

They end up pursuing their own paths - Yellow goes to school to study to become a Pokémon Doctor, while Leaf starts working for Green at the Viridian Gym. The whole time they’re supporting each other’s different goals though!

At some point, they start dating and eventually move in together once Yellow graduates and Leaf inherits the Gym from Green (who retired to become a Professor). The two buy a house in Viridian, near the forest, that Yellow also runs a small clinic out of. 

Their daughter and only child, Amaryllis, was a surprise and was born before they got married, though they got engaged after discovering Yellow was pregnant. They were also surprised when she was born with bright red hair, though this made Leaf very happy as it’s her mother’s hair color.

In the fankid era, Leaf continues to be the Viridian Gym Leader, while Yellow runs the clinic, focusing on taking care of the various wild pokémon who might get injured. Amaryllis is a fairy-type trainer with aspirations of becoming a Gym Leader herself.

Lisia/May

My OTP so I have a lot for this ship.

They’re a couple who gets together quite quickly! They start dating sometime in the post game of ORAS, probably after the Delta Episode, which is when May decided to try out being a coordinator after spending so long being a trainer. 

Their relationship is pretty similar to what plays out in the game, with Lisia taking on a mentor, and eventual rival role to May and encouraging her before and after each contest win, the two growing closer the entire time. I think romantic feelings develop for Lisia first, but she’s hesitant to confess since she’s afraid May doesn’t feel the same, but May for sure caught feelings pretty soon as well, not saying anything since she thought Lisia was totally out of her league. 

Eventually, right before the two are ready to compete in the Hoenn Grand Festival that year (I used the anime set up for contests in this verse!), the two both decide it’s the time to confess before they face off against each other in the competition. As they both had the same idea, they ended up confessing at the same time! It all worked out though, since knowing that no matter what, they had each other now and a whole future as girlfriends to look forward to, it didn’t matter who won or lost in the Grand Festival. (As it turns out, neither won, the spot going to Robert as it did in the anime.)

Drew was also there, yes, and he and May had a rivalry like they did in the anime! In this case, it just never became romantic, though of course the two remain very close friends throughout the fankid era. He may or may not have given May some advice and the final push to work up the courage to confess to Lisia. (May returns the favor by bothering him about Harley later on.)

May continued to pursue coordinating for a while, though her endgame career is as a Frontier Brain, replacing Spenser. Her facility is called the Battle Stage and functions like an enhanced version of the battle portion of contests (which is where she got the name from), where challengers have to show off both their battling skills and how in sync they are with their pokémon’s moves and performance. Her title as a Frontier Brain is “Stage Princess May”.

Lisia ends up taking over the Sootopolis Gym from her uncle Wallace when he becomes Champion, having been inspired by May’s success as a trainer. She specializes in Dragon-types (her babies) and is a formidable opponent for any gym challenger, often the last gym leader challenged in the league due to Sootopolis’s location. 

The couple live in Sootopolis with their three children, Levi, Evan, and Ione. Levi is a coordinator and aspiring contest idol, taking after Lisia, Evan is a trainer who wants to become the Petalburg Gym Leader one day like his uncle and grandfather, and Ione is an aspiring performer who starts her journey in Kalos. There was a bit of drama with Evan since Brendan and Wally had already mentioned they liked Eve as a girl’s name for their soon-to-be born child, and Evan is awfully close to Eve. May swears it was a coincidence but there was a bit of tension for a while (that luckily gets cleared up pretty quickly.)

Kris/Winona

Less to say here since they’re less developed.

It was actually kind of an arranged marriage. Kris’s family and Winona’s family are both old and traditional and have ties going way back. The elders from both families decided it was time to have the clans join in marriage, something they do fairly regularly every so often and began discussions with clan members.

Initially the pairing suggested was Clair and Winona, but Clair wanted nothing to do with marriage so the elders approached her younger sister, Kris with the idea instead. Kris actually saw it as an opportunity for adventure and figured that since it was kind of a political match, she could still find love elsewhere if she and Winona didn’t click. Hoenn seemed like a fun place to live, so she agreed.

As such, they’re a couple who fall in love after marriage rather than before. They have Amethyst fairly soon after marriage since it was sort of expected of them and both were fine with having a kid, but Gale is born a fair bit later as he was the child they had after falling in love. Amethyst is a coordinator and Gale is a trainer and Evan’s rival.

The romance happened fairly slowly, but after living together for a while, both Kris and Winona found themselves thinking about each other a lot. Kris loved watching Winona work at the gym and how attentive she was to her pokémon (and formed a good bond with all of Winona’s flying-types as well!). Winona loved seeing how dedicated Kris was to her work as a researcher, her care in studying and looking after pokémon and the environment. Before either realized it, they were in love and it just felt right.

Winona continues to run the Fortree Gym, but she’s considering one of her children as a successor, if that’s what they want. Kris, already working for Professor Elm in Johto before moving to Hoenn to get married, simply started working for Professor Birch instead, and later works closely with Brendan once he takes up his father’s lab coat. She focuses on studying pokémon ecology in and around the Fortree area and how pokémon fit into the natural ecosystem, though she will also do the occasional study on pokémon in other habitats in Hoenn as well.