#sucks for everybody on the other end too yikes sorry about that

[msommers]

once a week i think about the fact that riya's introduction to most of the wardens at weisshaupt was her shrieking, sobbing, and flinging herself onto the dying body of her best friend and how soul-crushingly mortifying that must be

[quaranmine]

Sorry for putting this in your asks but you're absolutely right about the poll thing. I honestly just wish the poll would be deleted at this point, even if there would be some possible backlash from that as well-- I don't understand why op would include jellie if they clearly did not want her to win and had particular intentions going into this (expecting a "democratic" show from Tumblr sure is... something) but regardless there's so much bad energy around the whole thing (and this happens with basically every single poll I've seen on Tumblr, mcyt involved or not) and it's just so disappointing all around. The poll was made with bad faith, I don't understand why people are still paying attention to it. Nothing can be gained from this, if Jellie wins everyone who already is unreasonable will just be even more petty about it. It's a bad look for both sides, even if I do completely sympathize with everyone who's mad about the disgusting statements by op. It sucks.

I think you're explaining a lot of my same thoughts very well now. I was worried on the last poll (semi final or whatever) that this might go down badly, which is the same thought I have any time something vaguely mcyt-related ends up in a poll, but it went fine so I naively thought this one would be fine too. I was wrong...yikes, it's bad. Like you said, it's bad energy surrounding the whole thing. I don't care anymore about Jellie winning because it's such a negative experience, not a genuine friendly win. If she does win, everybody who voted for nefarious anglerfish is just going to be super mad about it. If she doesn't win, people are also going to be mean about it. It's just a cacaphony of people arguing and being mean to each other at this point. OP's comments upset me too but it just genuinely isnt worth it to Keep Talking About It. They get it. They got it thousands of notes ago. We're just dogpiling and talking in circles at this point and being obnoxious about it.

I'm also worried it might breach tumblr and Scar will somehow hear about. I think it would hurt him to see people say nasty things about Jellie AND hurt him to see his own fans acting nasty on his (unasked for) behalf. Whereas if everyone would just drop the issue we could all move on instead of getting into a frenzy over a simple cat poll. I think it should probably be deleted too. Either call it right now with nefarious anglerfish as the winner, declare co-winners, or just forget about it completely—I don't care what options gets chosen but I do think it's a bad idea to stretch this situation for another 5 days. Maybe everyone will lose interest by then.

[zai-doodles]

Ok ok last question then I’ll stop bothering you lol (but I eagerly look forward to anything you will say in the future about fairytail!)

I think I got your thoughts on Nalu, but what about other ships? You said Gajeel and Levy are your fav ship, could you tell us more why? What about Gray x Juvia? Do you have a least favorite ship?

(And don’t be sorry for rambling a lot/your posts being long! I really enjoy reading your thoughts!)

bestie i literally love u i never have the chance to post my ft hc stuff im THRIVING

aight so im going to make enemies with this post i can feel it in my bones gjkfdhgsfdkj

however i just want to say if u like these ships thats completely fine and if you read them diffrently than i do thats also dope

so lets start positive!! i LOVE gajevy sm its so perfect i just ljdghfkjd

no listen like the thing that gets me abt gajevy is how it elevates gajeel as a character SO MUCH and gives levy so much agency at the same time, like u cant tell me ft would have embraced gajeel the way they did if levy didnt CHOOSE to forgive gajeel in some capacity and like fuck imagine ur GAJEEL in this situation like bro wakes up everyday and this is just his life

gajeel lost metalica at a young age, and (i dont remember too much of canon but im pretty sure its implied he just kinda fucked around until phantom tropue picked him up which yikes) like this CHILD was on his own most of his formative years and then got picked up by a super shitty abusive group of ppl and he just LEARNED to blend in, like yea metalica made him kind of a punk but he was a KID so during those years he was alone he probably just closed himself off to survive and learned to prioritize himself over everybody else and to do that it takes a level of desensitizing urself to others pain

and like ok again im playing hard and fast with canon but i THINK its implied he like, had done a lot of bad shit with them or whatever right? like what he did to levy and fairy tail wasn't NEW, so when the events in canon happen and he ends up at fairy tail, in my mind that's the FIRST TIME he has to face how HIS ACTIONS DIRECTLY HURT SOMEONE

and not only thats but someone who OBJECTIVELY DIDN'T DESERVE IT

like ugh gajeel just,, having to learn to let himself care but also it fucking sucks bc it just makes it set in more and more what a bad person he is (he isnt but he thinks he is) THEN FUCKING LEVY PULLS UP AND JUST?? IS THE BEST???

she literally blows thro all his expectations of her bc at this point i think hes use to dealing with ppl being afraid of him bc that ssomething he understands and control, what he DOESNT understand is her being NICE to him and it makes him RESPECT her and its so out of no where that by the time the GMG roles around and gajeel has fully accepted the fact that he indeed has emotions like everyone else, ONLY TO HAVE TO FACE LEVY BEING SCARED OF HIM AGAIN

learning to put others needs above his own and being empathetic in his own fucked up way

ok enough positivity time to make ppl mad

gonna link my juvia is a lesbian post here bc it sums up a LOT of my feelings on gruvia but the tldr is that my personal hc is that juvia is a lesbian with a serious case of comp het from trying to fit in with other kids growing up and it literally was just never corrected until she got to fairy tail and actively started to form friendships

the main reason i dislike gruvia is that it paints gray as the one who needs to change in order to accept juvias feelings and not just cuz he needs to grow as a person and learn to allow himself to be vunrable.

like grays arc doesnt ONLY center around juvia but its a big part of it and juvias growth CENTERS around gray and we can talk about the the borderline misogynist idea of having a female character whos damn near whole identity is her feelings for a man where she never grows or learns meaningfully but instead just very slowly chills out more so from being sidelined than growth but i digress i just dont like them

last is jerza,, i just dont like em,, jellal is really boring in my opinion and he had a lot of potential but meh? his redemption is neat and his history with erza has potential but i feel like the point of erzas arc is about growth and moving on and while i think her and jellal can still be friends and have each others back she still has so much healing to do after tower of heaven

idk i dont see a lot wrong with jerza i just feel like its a lil bland and not my cup of tea

and yes queer platonic nalu is my life id die for them actually and i have more stuff about natsus abandonment issues and how they carry into his relationships with ppl but imma stop bc this post is long jgkfhgdjhfdjk

tldr: i love gajevy, actively dislike gruvia, very meh about jerza, love qpp nalu

[shinonometrash]

Jasper Lane’s Main Story: English vs Japanese version, full summary, comparisons & thoughts. Part 1 of 3. (TW: rape, sexual assault, drugging)

So! Jasper’s route has finally been released in English as of August 31st, 2021. It seems that Voltage is following the same release order for consorts and events as how items were released in the Japanese version. I spent wayyy too much money to binge the entire route in a day...and get all the premium content...(honestly the hardest part about binging a route isn’t the love passes, it’s getting all the spirit points. Ugh.) I took note of a lot of different things in this and wanted to make a post going over all this information. Sorry this post took me so long to make, I had to go back and reread a lot of Jasper’s story in Japanese to refresh my memory as well as make sure I didn’t miss any big details since I had read it first back in May, and my Japanese has improved a lot (I think) since then. It was unfortunate and I didn’t really want to, lol. But! Now it’s his birthday (9/11)! I get to post this on his birthday! Happy birthday, asshole! This post is why you and your route suck! I’m probably only going to be able to post this first part today though, because honestly this post is taking much more time than I expected.

The biggest thing is going to be that 

Jasper’s English (Court of Darkness) route does NOT contain any major triggering content. You’ll probably still want to punch him, though.

So, if you’re looking to find out about that, there you go. Anyways.

I’ve broken this into four posts, three that contain summaries of each chapter, regardless of changes, and one that only contains the changes. 

(As of the date of posting, 9/11/2021, I have not completed all the posts yet. Please check back later and I will add the links to the rest of  them as they are posted.)

This post is part one including the summaries. Part two in currently progress. Part three in currently progress. Post with ONLY comparisons and thoughts currently in progress. 

Since I had contacted Voltage about the triggering content in Jasper’s route (and made a very lengthy Tumblr post about it) and they told me they prefer to remove potentially triggering content from stories in the localization process, rather than simply adding trigger warnings, I was more or less expecting this. Although...I didn’t really expect it to be to this extent, nor did I realize how I was actually going to feel about it...! Of course, the CoD did a fabulous job with the content they were given and what they were told to do, as always, and I completely understand why they changed what they did. Like. Seriously. They did the best they could do with the absolute mess of a route they were given. But, like, the route was an absolute mess to begin with. So there’s only so much that can be done to fix it...💀 Anyways, please know that any of my complaining is not directed at the CoD team because they’re wonderful!! Support them by buying in game content if you’re able to!! They recently released a special VIP pack that’s honestly an AMAZING deal. This is just a criticism of the route itself and my thoughts on it, not on the CoD team.

Now, onto the main point of the post...the English and Japanese versions of this route are very different. 

Warning: This post contains major spoilers about Jasper’s main story as well as potentially triggering content including but not limited to rape, sexual assault, and drugging.

In addition, I am not including any CGs in this post as I’m not trying to break Voltage’s policy.

Please click under the read more to continue.

Okay, so first off this is probably going to sound incredibly self centered of me, but I sort of get the feeling that my post about his Japanese route had some sort of influence on the changes in his route...? Not sure how big of tabs Voltage keeps on Tumblr...but it seems like nearly all of the main points I was specifically really mad about got changed--and I’m sure they must have definitely seen my post...? Also, this too probably sounds silly, but I was kinda happy reading some of the dialogue that was nearly the same as the way I had translated it. Part of me was still afraid that I had no idea what I was talking about and just looked stupid writing a long post with misinterpretations of lines💀

Pre-notes: 1. For those who named their cat something else, Robin = MC’s cat.  2. In the direct quotes, anytime you see “---” it’s just me cutting out a part in the dialogue that I deem unnecessary for comparison purposes. 3. I bolded whether there’s differences in the chapters or not in each chapter summary, in case you only want to read the summaries for the chapters with the differences. It’s pretty much going to be the same as reading my other post, then, but I explain more of the chapter here, usually.

Chapter 1-3

Literally so dull. Nothing really of note. Pretty much the same between the English and Japanese. Jasper asks about her hands and she’s like “omg he’s so nice he was worried about my hands!!”, she meets Sherry and they become friends, the headmaster tells her she has to learn magic if she wants a chance at going back home. They go to the runes and learn about the history of Saligia. Guy grabs her again, she escapes.

Chapter 4

It starts to get a little bit more interesting here. Overall, nothing seems too different between the two stories yet. Jasper invites her to the rooftop for a tea party. Jasper is desperately trying to get MC to interact (in a positive manner) with Guy, she asks Jasper to have tea with her instead. Sherry and Rio mention a ball. Toa and Guy get into a glaring match. Toa leaves. You know, the usual. Jasper whispers something in Guy’s ear and they leave, and everybody follows them because...you know. They discover that Guy’s room has been trashed. Toa walks in and asks what’s going on, and then falls silent when he sees Guy’s room. Guy is like “Toa, you left before me, did you not?” and Toa is like “What are you trying to imply?” then they glare at each other until Lynt is like “Are you trying to say that Toa is the culprit? He would never.” Fenn agrees. Roy says they should investigate, and Toa says he will also investigate, since he is the dorm prefect after all. Afterwards, Jasper asks Guy if he thinks Toa did it, Guy says “No, Qelsum isn’t that stupid.” Guy says they need information. He sends Jasper out to investigate, tells Jasper to be sure not to be seen. Fenn, Violet, and MC go out for food or something, and MC runs into Sirius, literally. Fenn is like “what are you doing?” and MC says she ran into somebody but turns around and there’s nobody there. I guess it’s trying to imply that Jasper is stealthy and can hide away into the night or something?? But then that’s it.

Chapter 5-6

No overall noticeable changes. It’s time for the ball! Sherry lends MC a dress and they head to the ball. She sees Jasper in the hallway closely inspecting wine, without Guy. She calls his name and he startles. He tells her he’s selecting a wine for Guy because Guy is very selective and will not consume anything that Jasper has not prepared. Jasper essentially says that Guy is his reason for living. Then they go into the dance hall. And Guy is all like “why did you come in together?” then they say they ran into each other by chance. Guy goes to take a sip of the wine, looks  startled, and then ends up spitting it out into a handkerchief. He claims he choked on the wine. She finds Jasper in the hallway again, looking at the wine, and calls out. Again, he startles. She wonders why. She tries to ask, but then he dodges the question by telling MC that the dress looks good on her. He invites her to dance and says he’ll teach her. They head back to the ballroom, she asks him some various questions and they all basically end with him saying that he serves Guy or whatever, and she’s thinking all like “work, again...?”. Jasper then tries to make her dance with Guy instead of himself, and when she says she’s going to leave he grabs her arm. There’s a few choices you can make, but one of them is “Please let go of me.” And then! And then! This man literally looks at her and asks “Why?” Yikes!! And she asks why he’s asking why, and he says he doesn’t want her to go, so she agrees to stay a little longer. (Mistake #1) Then he shoves her off onto Guy again. After dancing with Guy she goes out to the balcony and runs into Aquia, and Aquia pricks his finger and it starts bleeding. She tries to look at it and it somehow brushes her lips and at that moment Guy and Jasper come out and ask what’s going on. Aquia apologizes (he did nothing wrong!! >:(  ) They then discover that Aquia’s wound has magically healed somehow. Then here’s the scene with  Guy: “That girl, I want to know everything about her.” Jasper: “Oh my, have you fallen in love?” Guy: “Something like that” Jasper: “Congratulations! We must celebrate this wonderful occasion!” Guy: “That’s enough now. Investigate that woman’s power.”

Chapter 7

No major changes between versions. But...Ughhhhhhhh. We’re gonna meet Sirius in this chapter. But first some humor. They go to the S rank lounge, I believe after the ball. Jasper offers to make coffee. Literally ALL the valets suddenly RUSH to Jasper’s side to ask him to teach them how to brew coffee. So there sitting in the S rank lounge with Jasper brewing coffee while all the other valets are like 👀👀👀👀 lmaoooo. Aight and so the humorous part ends there, sorry! That’s it! Now we must move on.  Fenn says he wants to go out drinking and asks Jasper if he’d like to join, Jasper declines saying he has other matters to attend to. We learn that Hawke, Jasper, and Lance are all drinking buddies. MC is all like “oh thank god, that means he does get time off!” -_- So then Toa laughs and comments how close Jasper and MC are, and is like “wow imagine using your valet for something like that” and then tells her that she’ll be a tool for Avari if she sticks with them, and that it’s not too late to switch to Qelsum’s side instead. (She does not switch. Mistake #2. Arguably her biggest mistake in this entire route, if you ask me.) Guy interjects and tells Toa that MC is his, and Toa is like “lmaooo then why does she seem closer with your valet than you?” and then they glare at each other. MC gets annoyed and leaves. Jasper asks where she’s going. She says she’s going back to her room to see Robin. For some reason, Jasper seems disappointed about this? Afterwards, she goes to her room for a bit but then decides to go explore the town with Robin. Uh oh! Robin goes missing.

She starts looking for Robin and runs into this sketch looking dude. He asks her where’s she’s going, she says she’s looking for her cat. He’s like “oh that flying thing?” and she’s like “Yeah!” and then is like “could you just tell me which way he was headed? I can get there myself.” but the guy insists that she should follow him instead, because the streets are dangerous and she might run into dangerous men. The man is then like “I’m Sirius.” (which, when I first read the Japanese, I thought he was saying “I’m serious” lmaoo) and then he frickin grabs her hand and drags her off!!! Yikes! 

Chapter 8, 1st Interlude, and Chapter 9 

Okay so we’ve got the most significant changes in these chapters. Like. A LOT. This is what the majority of my previous post focused on: the drugging, sexual assault, and morning after.  They basically did their best to make this consensual. It went very similar to what I had predicted, although played up a bit more cringe-y than I had expected...or maybe I just hadn’t thought about how cringe-y it would be. There’s literally so many changes that it’d be a bit of a pain to summarize all of them between the versions, I’m just going to put the actual dialogue/stuff from the stories for a lot of this so you can see the differences more directly. (The Japanese will be roughly translated by me, of course.)

Chapter 8

So Sirius starts walking and walking and walking and she asks where they’re going but he keeps insisting it’ll only be just a little longer or that it’s a shortcut and stuff. Ughhhhh...Then she’s like. This man clearly has no idea what he’s doing, I’m going to run away after all. But then he suddenly tells her they’re going to take a “break”. He drags her into the bar before she can protest or try to run. She tries to say no to a drink, but then he asks if she does drink and she’s like “well I do, but...” and you start seeing the differences here. In English she makes a comment of “Ugh, if only he wasn’t so charming.” Sirius further insists only one drink, even though MC tries to say she needs to go find Robin. He then just straight up orders drinks for them, despite her protesting. She then agrees, and then mentally apologizes to Robin. (Mistake #3) And we start seeing the biggest differences about right here...

For this chapter, let’s play a guessing game on which one is the Japanese version and which one is the English version, shall we? :)

Away from the table, Sirius plants a palm on the counter. Two of the usual are set out before him, bubbles frothing over the top. Sirius glances back and finds MC staring at the patterns in the wood grain. Sirius: Much obliged. Tavern Keeper: Mm-hmm. Scooping up the fizzing, popping tumblers, he tosses a wink at the tavern keeper. Then, he strolls back to spend time with his new friend. - Away from the table, Sirius plants a palm on the counter. Immediately two of the usual shot glasses are set out in front of him. Just to make sure, he looks back at MC, who is staring at the table. Sirius: Ah, thanks. Tavern Keeper: Mhm. Sirius skillfully drops the tablet he had hidden between his fingers into the shot glass of the opposite hand. Then, feigning a nonchalant look, he returns back to the table.

Did you guess which one was which in this part? :) And yes, my friends. In the fucking CANON MAIN ROUTE, it deadass has a line saying that our love interest puts a drug in our drinks. And yet...the Japanese fans still love him! Ugh. Also, that “skillfully” bit really concerns me. That kinda implies that he’s done it multiple times before, does it not??? Honestly I’m not really sure why it says it was a shot glass in the Japanese, though. I thought they were drinking like cocktails, not taking a shot. Maybe that’s why they changed that bit...? Now the stories are the same again for a tiny bit. Some time has passed that they’ve been in the bar/tavern and MC chugs her drink and slams it down on the table. She seems drunk. She’s rambling about Guy and Jasper. Like “I’m not an object!!” “and he’s like “Yes, yes, you aren’t an object.” then like “Who goes around saying stuff like “you are mine” and “give me your power”?? Like seriously! Who says that sort of stuff! It’s so messed up!” and he just listens along, amused. He then says that it’s good to drink sometimes, and she agrees, and then he asks what she wants to do. She notes how she’s only had one drink, yet her head feels a bit fuzzy already, and how it made her very talkative. She says she wants to go home. She reveals that her family died, and that she has a hair clip in her hair from her mom that’s very important to her. She mentions how there are still good people in this world, though.  Sirius tries to order her another drink, and here’s where stuff deviates again.

Sirius: Another of the same, if you please. MC: What, no! I’m fine MC: So hey, you’ve been fantastic company but I really need to go find Robin. (Man I got way too into that conversation.) (Robin must be out there looking for me.) MC: Thanks for the drink, though. You’re a really good listener. And also...really, really pretty. MC: It’s been great meeting you. Maybe I’ll see you around sometime? MC: Like...when I’m not looking for my cat. That’d be...nice.” (I have no filter. No filter whatsoever.) MC: Right, so...Bye... He stands up right as I do. The rickety old table wobbles between us and I pitch into his arms. Sirius: Steady on. Sirius: I might almost think you’ve fallen for me. (Fallen for him? But I’ve only just met the man.) Sirius holds me steady as I smile up at him, feeling silly but bold. He’s even more handsome up close. MC: Like I said, very attractive but...gotta go. Sirius: Hold fast. MC: Haha. Did you just pick me up?! Sirius hefts me into his arms like I weigh nothing, and for a moment I feel like I’m being carried off into the sunset. An electrifying thrill runs through me as I sway against him, adn then I realize we’re moving. MC: Where are we going? Sirius: ... MC: The look he gives me then makes my eyebrows shoot up. I nod and let him carry on. (English version, Mistake #4) When I next open my eyes, I’m being placed down on something fluffy. (I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. I should leave well enough alone but there’s something about him...) I peer at the unfamiliar ceiling overhead while Sirius stares down in my eyes. Sirius: No need to hurry. Sirius: The night’s just begun, after all. (Wait a second, aren’t you...?) The seductive smile on his face comes closer. For a split second he reminds me of someone, but it must be my imagination. - Sirius: Bartender, another of the same. MC: Ah, no, I’m good! MC: I really need to go find Robin. (Yikes, I got totally absorbed in that conversation.) (Surely Robin is looking for me, too) MC: Thanks...for talking with me...and listening... MC: Thanks to that I’ll be sure to...remember this... MC: From now on, I’m going...to study...more seriously...for sure.... (Wha...I’m so dizzy...) MC: Sorry...I’m...leaving now... Sirius: Whoa, hold on. MC: Ah... Unsteady on my feet, Sirius picks me up and holds me in his arms. I feel swaying and I open my eyes slightly. I’m being carried somewhere. MC: Where...are we going...? Sirius: ... Strangely, it feels like the ceiling has gotten awfully high... The next thing I’m aware of when I open my eyes is being placed down on something fluffy. (Where am I...?) I gaze at the ceiling above me and Sirius looks into my eyes. Sirius: Let’s take it slowly. Sirius: The night has just begun, no? (Huh...?) Laughing mysteriously, the man’s face comes closer. For a second, I think he looks similar to someone. But it’s just my imagination, right...?

I’m sure you can guess which one is which. One is extremely alarming, the other is cringe. It’s clear they did the most they could to try and make it consensual between them, and ended up doing exactly what I thought with having her make several comments about how attractive he is and then add some playful flirting between them. 😖 Alright! Ready for the next part? 

1st Interlude

I just read the normal first interlude in Japanese before typing out this post and...god, I thought the premium interlude was bad. So, one more time, trigger warning for sexual assault. Damn I really don’t want to write this part, I’m so tired from writing the rest TT (I saved this for last, unfortunately.) I’m not translating all of these so I’ll do a mix of translating exact lines and summarization. In all the stories, first she calls out Jasper’s name at first, confused, and then Sirius looks shocked. And she’s like, how weird, why would I call him that...he’s clearly Sirius...and then they all start to deviate. ><

Normal Interlude

Japanese version (this is the worst one): MC: I’m sorry...I must’ve gotten drunk, sorry for the trouble... Sirius: So you’re apologizing in this situation. (This...situation...?) He kisses her. (Wha...I’m being...kissed...) I’m aware of it, but my body feels so heavy, I can’t resist it. With my arms pinned to the bed, I’m forced to accept the kiss. He says “what is this power?” and then she sees an aura flare up around him. She asks if it’s magic, and he says that it’s interesting, and then asks if it has to do with the length of time or the type of physical contact. -- Sirius: Is it only your lips, or...? His finger runs along my knee, tickling it. With his other hand, he skillfully slips his hand into my shirt. Sirius: No need to be alarmed. Sirius: I simply wish to confirm. (Confirm...?) Sirius: So soft and smooth, you feel nice to touch. Sirius: But, I don’t feel anything from just touching you... Sirius: Is it different depending on where I touch? The sensation of him stroking my skin falsely spreads through my whole body while his fingertips make their way down to my lower limbs. I move my shoulders to try to tell him “I don’t want you to touch me!”, but it doesn’t matter as his fingertips continue to try to uncover something. MC: St...stop it... Yelling out makes him stop--at least, that’s what I had thought. However,  the thing that stops him isn’t my voice. He removes his hand that was feeling around in my shirt and then starts to think about something. (Is he...searching for something...?) Sirius: ...so it can’t be transferred through the skin, hm. (W-what...?) It’s finally over--is what I thought, at least. This time, he drops kisses on my ears and collarbone. When he puts his hands on my thighs again, I want to run away immediately. (Why...? Why is this happening...?) MC: Is this...is this a dream...? Sirius: Yes. It’s a dream. So, goodnight. Sirius: You’re about to reach the limit, aren’t you? (Limit? What is he talking about?) Even if I wanted to think about it, my head is too fuzzy and I can’t think of anything. I don’t like it, but...what is it I don’t like? Surely it was something important, but I can’t remember. Before I could say “I’m sorry, I’m really sleepy” my consciousness blacks out. She passes out and Sirius says something about how interesting it is, and that he must report his findings to Guy.

English version: MC: Sorry, I can’t believe I called you by the wrong name. Sirius: Is this the time for apologies? (I guess not...?) He kisses her. (We’re kissing. I’m kissing Sirius...) He’s certainly attractive enough. I’m not attached to anyone here, and yet...Why is it that I keep thinking of Jasper? He says “what is this power?” and then she sees an aura flare up around him. She asks if it’s magic, and he says that it’s interesting, and then asks if it has to do with the length of time or the type of physical contact. -- Sirius: Is it only your lips, or...? His fingers walk along my knee, tickling me. I shiver and grin as he gives me a considering look, then slips his hand inside my shirt. -- Sirius: I only wish to see what you’re capable of. (Strangest bedroom talk ever.) Sirius: You’re exquisite. Soft, smooth, perfect to the touch... Sirius: But I seek other responses. Sirius: Tell me, is this where you want to be touched? He peers down at me expectantly, hands petting along my skin as if to encourage me to speak. I squeeze my thighs together, hoping he’ll continue without the need for words. He raises an eyebrow. MC: Sirius, I need... At first I think the sound of my voice has given him pause. Then I realize something else has happened. He tidies my open shirt a little and frowns thoughtfully. (What is he doing? What is it he’s looking for?) Sirius: Hm, no transfer from the skin. (Uh, what?) My mouth falls open. Has the moment been ruined somehow? If so, what’d I do? But then he plants tiny kisses over my ears, neck, and cheeks. His hands sweep over me once more, but far more soothingly. Still, I can’t get the image of Jasper out of my mind. (I can’t be doing this. It’s not fair to be thinking of one man when I’m with another. I need to sort my head out.) MC: Sirius, I can’t do this. I’m...I think I’m developing feelings for someone else, so it wouldn’t be fair to you to do this... Sirius: Well, well. There’s an unexpected turn. ...All right. We’ll think of this as nothing more than a passing dream. Sirius: This never happened then. Good night, MC. (Good night? But we’ve only just...) Suddenly I feel very drowsy. A second ago I wanted nothing more than a crazy, one-night romp with a man who has crystalline red eyes. Now I can’t think of anything but how comfortable this bed is. She passes out and Sirius says something about how interesting it is, and that he must report his findings to Guy. --

Yikes!!!!! I was so shocked when I read the normal interlude!! Especially the Japanese version!! Now for the other one...

Premium Interlude

Japanese version:

MC: I’m sorry...I must’ve gotten drunk, sorry for the trouble... Sirius: So you’re apologizing in this situation. (This...situation...?) His voice is close.  But besides that, I don’t understand the situation very well. Sirius: Is it hard to open your eyes? MC: Yes... Sirius: I’ll make you feel better right now. (Feel better...?) She sees him put in eyedrops. She tries to ask but her voice is really quiet and her throat is dry. MC: Excuse me, could...could I have some water?”  Sirius: I’ll give you some right now I felt something cold touch my lips and water poured down my throat. MC: ...nng (No...it’s something else. I’m...being kissed...) I understand that, but, but I feel too drowsy to be able to resist.  With my arms pinned to the bed, I’m forced to accept the kiss. He says “what is this power?” and then she sees an aura flare up around him. She asks if it’s magic, and he says that it’s interesting, and then asks if it has to do with the length of time or the type of physical contact. (What...this kiss...) It’s a kiss that makes me feel as if I’ll be swallowed by the torrent of pleasure. (I’ve never experienced something like this...) Sirius: Ha...ahh... MC: ...mm, Sirius... His lips pull away with a wet sound and I sigh. Sirius: It’s as I thought... MC: Stop...it...already... Sirius: Shhh... Sirius: Be quiet. I’m going to make you feel better. He wipes his finger along my wet lips and pushes it inside my mouth. My shoulders jump and I shiver and inhale sharply, feeling like I’m being bitten on the neck by Sirius. MC: Mnn... Sirius: Suck... He moves his finger around my mouth and I move my tongue as I’m told. Sirius: That’s it good girl... Sirius: ...so it can’t be transferred through the skin, hm. (What...is he talking about...?) Sirius: How about...here? He removes his finger from my mouth and strokes my knee. MC asks if it’s a dream, and the rest of the interlude ends the same way as the normal Japanese interlude ends.

English version:

MC: Sorry, I can’t believe I called you by the wrong name. Sirius: Is this the time for apologies? (I guess not...?) I can almost feel his voice vibrate against my skin. Shivering at the sensation, I let my head fall against the pillows. Sirius: Would you rather keep your eyes closed at the moment? MC: Mm. yeah. I like the sound of your voice. It...reminds me of someone... Sirius: Then keep them closed. Sirius tells her to hold on a minute and puts in eyedrops. MC says her throat is dry and asks for some water. He gives her water, but she realizes that it’s not a cup but rather him giving her water from his lips. -- They kiss. (Who taught him to kiss like this?) It’s like some dam has burst within me and a tide of pleasure is threatening to sweet me away. (I’ve never experienced anything like this. Is this magic, too, or just him?) Sirius: Mm..Yes... MC: Ah...Sirius... A wanton moan escapes me as he gives me space to breathe. The thing is, in my mind’s eye I keep seeing someone else. Sirius: Quite as I suspected. MC: That was incredible. What was-- Sirius: Shh. Hush now. I’ll fufill that yearning of yours. He rubs his thumb against my dampened bottom lip then slips it inside my mouth. My shoulders jump as he moves his lips and teeth over my neck. Sirius: Suck. I obediently swirl my tongue over his thumb, taking it in further. Sirius: Good girl. -- Then she says she can’t do it because of having feelings for someone else, just like in the normal English and the rest of the interlude continues the exact same way.

I can’t believe Voltage was really like “hey, pay us and we’ll make the content less rape-y for you! :)” Big yikes lol. I’d only read the premium at the time of my original post, and I thought that was bad enough to write a post about it. That normal interlude though? YIKES. Like...gahhh I know I already said this same thing like three times earlier but I’m just so grossed out!!

Also, a quick note. The CG for this has Sirius laying on top of her while she has her eyes closed. This is because she’s UNCONSCIOUS in the Japanese version. I was wondering how they were gonna get around it, but like not long before it came out I was like “oh they can just have him comment telling her to close her eyes or something” and I guess that’s more or less what they did...?

Chapter 9

Okay so I realize I did make a slight translation error in my original post about the ninth chapter. She does indeed say “I don’t have a headache” rather than what I had thought it said which was “My head hurts, but it can’t be a hangover.”  which is what they went with in the English. “My head doesn’t hurt, though, which suggests I don’t have a hangover.” The rest seems about right, though. Anyways, so this chapter starts the morning after the events of the first interlude with MC waking up in the strange bedroom. While not technically as big of change as in Chapter 8 and the first interlude, this is also one of the most changed chapters between versions. 

The Japanese version:

(Where am I?) I open my eyes and am unable to move at first. ---- (Robin and I got separated in town...so I was searching for him) (And then...ah, yeah, I met Sirius) (He was showing me the way...and then there was that bar on the dark street where I was only going to drink one drink, and then...) .... ....... .......... “Shit, I can’t remember anything...” I’m not sure how I got to this room or what happened after I blacked out. My head doesn’t hurt, so it’s not a hangover.  I only had one drink, that’s the one thing I CAN remember. “No way...” Nervously, I run my hands down my body.  The hem of my shirt was untucked, all the buttons completely undone, and my skirt was rolled up past my thighs.  (I want to think it’s just from how I slept...I really want to think that, but...)  Being drunk can make you roll around and do that. I can’t hide how anxious I am about this unexpected situation. My heart thumps painfully in my chest and my legs shake. ---- (Huh? A tattoo?) I see Sirius taking a shower in the other room, with a tattoo spread across his back. (That would mean Sirius and I...) Looking at the bed with disheveled sheets, I wrap my arms around my body and hug myself tightly. “Maybe...maybe we just slept, that’s all...” (It’s a pitiful excuse, I know.) (Oh my god!! I need to go find Robin!!) Remembering something very important, she runs out of the room. ---- Sirius: “Ha, she ran away.”

English version:

Where am I? I open my eyes and stay perfectly still for the first few minutes. ---- (I got separated from Robin in town and while I was looking for him I, ended up lost.) (And then...Oh right, I met Sirius. Man, he was attractive.) (He was showing me the way, then we paused for a drink, and then...) Then...Hmm. What did happen? I’m drawing a blank here. “What the? I have no memory of last night.” I have no idea where this is or the events that led to me waking up here. There are flashes of groans and sighs, but that’s all. My head doesn’t hurt, though, which suggests I don’t have a hangover. Not that I’d expect to have one over a single drink, but I remember that drink being similar to a potion. “Uh-oh. Did I hook up with someone?” I carefully pat myself down. My shirt’s untucked, the buttons are undone, and my skirt’s hiked up around my thighs. (Then again, I could’ve just slept weird. Here’s hoping.) I’ve definitely rolled around in my sleep while drunk before. Still, I never thought I’d have to do a walk of shame in another realm. My heart pounds as I look around, trying to figure out who I spent the night with. (Did I somehow manage to book a room for myself? With what coin?) (It’s like everything that happened since I got here caught up to me all at once. What did I do...?) ---- “What was that?” (A tattoo? It was a gorgeous one, if so.) (The question is, how acquainted did I become with that tattoo last night?) The rumbled bedding comes back into view as I put my head in my hands. “Maybe we just crashed here together after our drink.” “...” (Pitiful excuse, but I’ll take it for now.) (Wait, Robin! Oh god. I have to go find him.) I run out of the room as soon as I remember. Given how little of the situation I remember, it’s probably better if we put that night behind us. ---- Sirius: “Alas. She has absconded.”

Then after she leaves, it goes about the same in both versions. She finds Robin at the gates, is rushing to Toa’s class, gets stopped by Jasper. His voice reminds her of Sirius. He then teases her for being late and is like “You said you were going to go back to your room last night, but it seems like you went out and had fun instead.” and she snaps at him and says she didn’t. He acts surprised. She apologizes and walks off, embarrassed. He laughs.

So. Yeah. One of them, MC wakes up confused after being drugged and raped and is trying to process that and then remembers Robin, runs back to the dorms, and has to deal with Jasper teasing her saying she went out and had “fun” which triggers extremely fresh, bad memories. While the other one...MC is like. Did I hook up with someone?? Whoopsies! Hm, I wonder how I did that. Oh but that Sirius guy was SO hot. Oh shit! I have a cat that’s missing! Gotta go. And then Jasper teases her but she just gets upset because she feels embarrassed about hooking up with someone. Neat. Also, what is with Voltage and their obsession with using “abscond”???

----

Are you feeling uncomfortable right now? A little horrified that Voltage would write a story like that, and romanticize it? Awesome! Me too! Let’s take a break here before moving on. Thankfully, the next parts won’t contain anything near as triggering as the first interlude and chapter 9. 

(Next post currently in progress, will add link as soon as possible! This is taking much longer than I thought it would to write;;;)

[moonlightreal]

Fate episode 6

When last we left Elemental Academy, I was seeing doomful parallels to every Bad Ending arc in Higurashi.  And sadly, I like the three adults and my genre-savvy tells me they won’t all make it through this last episode.

How much of a downer will the ending be?  Who will end up screwing everything up? (my money’s on Bloom.)  Who’s for the chop?  (my guess is Silva and one out of Dane, Riven or Beatrix.)  Will we finally learn the red truth of what happened at Aster Dell?  Will we ever get the skinny on what the heck Burned Ones are?  Will the show finally give me the lowdown on changelings that I’ve been whining about since episode one?  Will we get the full story on Bloom’s destiny? (My money’s on no to at least three of the four.)  

And I suppose we’ll finally answer the question we started with: Good, bad or irredeemable?  

One last time, let’s dive in!

We pick up right where we left off, Bloom having a mental chat with Rosalind!  Rosalind says, ‘Do you have any idea how special you are?”

...waitwaitwait, is there gonna be a prophecy?  There’s always a prophecy!  A prophecy that the Chosen one would be born in Aster Dell and that’s the real reason Rosalind nuked the place.  Only she didn’t know which of the babies it was, she guessed Beatrix and she guessed wrong.

Am I right?  Sorry, I barely let the episode start, let’s get back.

Rosalind encourages Bloom to bust her out.  Bloom flames her eyes up.

Aaaaand we cut back to the girls in the corridor.  Terra wonders what they could be talking about and Stella teases that she once heard Terra talk about dirt for two hours.  I’m liking friendly Stella, but she faceturned faster than Tinx at the end of WoW!  

Terra’s also worried Beatrix may recover from being frozen and come after them.  Sensible, Terra!  But no, Beatrix will be gone when you get back, off getting the mysterious “him.”  I know how these shows work!

Ahahahaha! I’m right!  Beatrix is gone!  I swear I type these things while I watch, all guesses are genuine!

And then Dowling, Harvey and Aisha bust in.  Yeah girls, you might’ve not done this during a Burned One attack!  Harvey says “Not another word!” which nobody listening is why y’all gonna get the bad ending, and the girls follow him.  Stella resurrects her inner witch to tell Aisha, ‘Hope the brownie points you get from this will keep you company when you’ve got no friends.”  simmer down Stell, she was trying to protect people’s lives…  Aisha goes with the girls leaving Dowling to go after Bloom alone.

Rosalind is coaching Bloom on how to burn through the barrier.  Bloom’s grinning, because magic feels hot and dangerous and you just want more.  Then the barrier goes down and Bloom has a moment of worry about what she’s done before she… has a very caring moment, she grabs Rosalind assuming the older fairy will need water and food after being trapped for so long.  That is really sweet, Bloom.  But Rosalind says, ‘No.  I need magic.”

And here comes Dowling!  I assumed Rosalind would steal Dowling’s magic, but when the headmistress gets there everybody’s gone.

Opening!

Bloom and Rosalind come out a door in the graveyard out in the forest. Secret passage!  Dowling doesn’t know about it.  Dowling doesn’t know about lots of things, according to Rosalind.  Bloom really should be having second thoughts here.  Rosalind has an evil face!

Harvey reads the girls the riot act.  He’s wearing his army coat, the same kind Rosalind wears, from their soldier days.  He’s horrified about all the girls have done.  He turns to go.

And Terra jumps up, “You lied again!  About Rosalind, about everything, and you’re angry with ME?  You can’t punish me for not knowing something you didn’t tell me!”

Yes! Get ‘em Terra!  

Stella and Musa tennis-match look from daughter to father.

Harvey just says, “I suggest you all cool down!” and leaves without facing his daughter’s very sensible argument.  And he magics the doors locked.

Terra: ‘I’ve caught him in a logic trap and he’s used his magic to ground us.’

Stella: “That means you won.”

Then aisha heads for her room to “deescalate the situation by removing myself from it” and Stella calls her a rat of a teacher’s pet and Musa asks for a brief pause so she can get her headphones.  She flees into her room as Stella and Aisha get into it.

There’s Sam!  Hiding in Musa and Terra’s room!

Stella says everyone over five knows not to snitch, even terra knows not to snitch, and Terra gives her a look.  Aisha brings the logic: burned Ones, outside!  Bloom, kinda single minded!  Rosalind, an extra problem we don’t need right now!

Dowling checks the stone circle.  Nobody there.

When she leaves, Rosalind and Bloom appear.  So Rosalind is mind/light at least.  Rosalind puts her hands over the center stone and absorbs magic.

Bloom asks what happened at Aster Dell.  Rosalind makes a very evil face. ‘Everything Farah told you is true.  I lied to them.  I told then Aster Dell was evacuated.  It wasn’t.”

Bloom starts to wonder if maybe she released a baddie.

But rosalind has more to say.  ‘One of the fundamental tenets of the Otherworld is that only fairies can do magic.  The settlers of Aster Dell were the exception.  They were humans who drew on sacrifice and death.  Blood witches.”

Gee it’d have been nice to hear that fundamental tenet sometime before the last episode! 9_9  

So Rosalind saw an opportunity to wipe out the totally unforeshadowed witches along with the Burned Ones.  And Bloom was a fairy baby kidnapped by the witches.  Her fairy parents are still unknown. Bloom’s freaking out, but Rosalind just says, ‘You weren’t safe in the Otherworld, the power inside you was too great.  that’s why the witches wanted you, to use your power.”  and the Burned Ones can sense Bloom’s power and want to get rid of it before it’s used on them.

Yikes! Bloom realizes her presence is putting everybody in danger!

Rosalind: ‘Sucks to be special sometimes, doesn’t it.”  But now they can go after the Burned Ones!  And Rosalind has another trick to teach Bloom…

Hmm, so these Burned Ones were just… around?  And gathering because they sensed Bloom’s magic?  I assumed someone summoned them back after not being seen for 16 years.  

We go to the fighters at the barrier.  Remember how last episode Bloom drugged Sky and left him passed out at the stone circle?  Well Aisha found out somehow and told the teachers so Silva is giving Sky the “why did I find this out from Aisha?’ and Sky hits back with, “Why’d I have to find out about Aster dell from Bloom?”  But they’re in the middle of a siege situation here so Silva logically suggests they talk about that later.  

Another few specialists including Riven and a girl named Kat who knows Stella are watching Noura’s last video.  Kat thinks she knows where it was shot.  Silva says, “Let’s go.”  Just him and five students. Riven says, ‘Without fairies?  that’s fucking stupid, there’s six of them!”  and Sky shuts him down; order’s an order.  That’s the most twit-ish thing Sky has done this whole show.

They hear Burned Ones growling… but it’s coming from the direction of the school!  Yikes!  Everyone rushes back!

At Alfea, the lights, that were never bright anyway so we’d remember this is a dark show, flicker out! Terra says the electricity runs on magic and there are energy wells… Sam says he’ll go check it out. He Kitty Prydes it through the door, unbothered my the sealing spell.  So if he can phase, can Terra learn it too?

Spooky empty corridors!  Flickering lights!  Sam all alone!  Y’know Sam probably can’t do that trick Kitty does where an enemy launches at her and goes right through, because he can only phase through earth-y and plant-y stuff.

Yikes! It’s a jump scare!  Burned One right in Sam’s face!  It claws him and he goes down yelling in pain!

But he manages to get back into the girls’ suite to tell them there’s a Burned One loose in the school!

Back with Bloom and Rosalind, Rosalind’s encouraging Bloom to channel lots of magic.  “More!  Let the fire consume you!  Control limits you!”  bloom says she’s scared and Rosalind encourages her to embrace that feeling, to enjoy it!  “And with the right people around you...”

Bloom unflames.  “You mean with you.”  Bloom’s realized it!  “You want me to listen to you and trust you and let you guide me?  I just met you.’  and that’s not all!  Bloom realizes Rosalind left her on earth a danger to everyone around her, to hide her from Dowling. “Without any guidance.”

Rosalind: ‘The guidance you needed was love.  Farah couldn’t give that to you.  Vanessa and Michael could.”  Ugh, so their names are canon. And Rosalind knew about their baby and “gave them a second chance. And I gave you a hiding place from the monsters that wanted you dead.”  And rosalind says she’ll always look out for Bloom, and when this is over they’ll find Bloom’s birth parents.

I dunno Bloom, maybe ask a whole lot more about how she knew about an Earth couple whose baby had a heart defect?

It had occurred to me that Beatrix might be the other half of the changeling swap, if there’s healing magic that can fix things like that.  

But no time for that, Burned Ones are in the school and the girls are stuck in their room!  Bloom has to go help.  She asks Rosalind if she’s charged up enough to help help.  Rosalind says she can’t, “But you don’t need it.  BS, Rosalind, you could totally help. But Bloom runs off leaving the lady with the evil face all alone.

In the suite, Sam is getting worse, they can’t get out, and cel phones are giving up.

Bloom races toward the school.  She hears noises from every side… but there’s Sky!  At least bloom seems relieved he’s ok after she spiked his drink.  He doesn’t seem nearly as upset as he should be over that, but I guess we gotta save the school first!

Inside dark halls there’s Riven and Kat with flashlights.  They hear noises, but it’s just some students led by a male fire fairy with a handful of flames.  Kat goes with them to the “courtyard” which I’ve been calling the cafeteria, I guess it’s outside?  The big set with the arches and walkway overlooking it.

So Riven’s all alone to get the rest of the students from this area! He goes into the greenhouse… and there’s Dane!  And Beatrix lying asleep on a table.  Dane brought Beatrix here but she’s still paralyzed from the spell and Dane doesn’t know how to help her.

Riven just says it sucks for her and she’s not worth it.  Which true we’d be better off without her but also yikes, heartless much Riven?

Dane: “She cares about you and I know you care about her.  Don’t act like you don’t.”

Riven shrugs and turns to go and Dane grabs him.  Riven says fine, he’ll help.  Dunno why they don’t just carry Beatrix to where the students are gathering, that’d be safer for everyone.

Sky and Bloom are having the “you drugged me.” conversation.  And the “I trusted you, I told you things.’ and “you trusted me but you’d still have stopped me.’ and “you were gonna release a murderer and a crazy ex-headmistress.” and Bloom starts realizing everyone had reasons for what they did and Sky wraps it up, ‘just because they’re doing what they thought was right doesn’t mean that it is.”  

Back with the girls, Sam’s getting worse and something is banging on the door!  it’s Sky!  Did he just kick his way through an enspelled door?  Badass.

Sky and Stella look at each other and say hey.

Then we all head for the courtyard and comparative safety!

Dowling is magically sealing the beautiful arched doors with trees in them, she tells the boy fire fairy to get his compatriots to weld them shut, and everyone to start making barricades.  Silva’s handing out armor to fairies who want it.  Harvey has a whole chemistry lab set up with a lunch lady helping him.  Badass Marco is still getting treatment for his injury when the girls bring Sam in for help.  Sam’s in a bad way.  Harvey asks why they didn’t bring him immediately and Terra reminds him they were locked in their room.  Harvey flinches.

Dowling stands on the stage where we saw Luna before, as behind her fire fairies weld the doors.  She tells them the situation: Burned Ones in, power out.  But she got word to Queen Luna and the army’s on the way!  Everyone looks at Stella when she says that.  They’re safe in the courtyard… but if the Burned Ones get through before the army comes, they’ll have to fight.  Dowling does her best to be inspiring, “Let’s show them what it means to be Alfeans!”  But I just feel… the lack of history.  And I know, we have history. Feels like we don’t.  

Sky and Stella have a moment.  Bloom told him Stella ran away from home. Stella: “Home’s on its way here, so that’s fun.”  Sky offers to help her hide but Stella says she’d love to take him up on it but… ‘Breaking up was the right thing to do, we never should’ve gotten back together.  We are codependant at best, toxic at worst. This time I have to deal with it myself.”  yay Stella!  Grow into a better person!  Sky says she sounds just like Bloom and Stella jokes that that’s what he’s into these days.

Meanwhile Bloom is following Dowling trying to convince her not to be mad. ‘Rosalind isn’t the monster you think she is.”

Bloom, you just met her you said it yourself!

“She had a reason to lie.  The settlers of Aster Dell weren’t innocent. They were blood witches.  And my birth parents weren’t even there.”

Dowling just sighs and says “She certainly has a way of winning people over doesn’t she.”  Dangit, I wanted her to just kill the retcon and say, “there’s no such thing as blood witches, Bloom.”

Bloom goes with, ‘is your ego so fragile you can’t even consider for a minute you might be wrong about her?”  Dowling says Rosalind is just manipulating, Bloom says you’re doing that too, and Dowling sensibly points out Dowling could be here defending herself and also defending the school.

Bloom flinches from that logic but says Rosalind is still too weak.  

Dowling says the stone circle is the conduit to the magic of the land.  It supplies everything… like the electricity.  And the barrier.

Yup. Nice job breaking it, hero!  Bloom singlehandedly brings about the bad ending!

Bloom says the Burned Ones are after her, and Dowling had figured that out. Bloom says she knows how to fight them now, but Dowling points out, ‘you’re he reason we’re in this mess, you’ve done enough. Help the other fire fairies weld the doors if you want to.’

And she strides off, pausing to suggest to Aisha that the other water fairies could use her leadership.

Aisha had been coming to talk to bloom I think, but she changes her mind.

In the greenhouse Dane and Riven are making a medicine to revive Beatrix.  Turns out Riven is good at potions because he used to hang out with Terra.  ‘Look, I’ll deny saying this but she’s not the worst.”  

Ok, that makes Riven’s nasty remark to Terra in the first episode way worse.

Riven: “I might’ve led you astray this year...’

Dane: “you didn’t.  Beatrix is special.”

Riven: ‘You are gay, right?  I’m not blind?  I know when someone wants my dick.”

Dane: “I think you’re hot.  She is too, in a different way.”

There’s nothing like a cute threesome!  ...and this is nothing like a cute threesome.  But now the problematic element sits up and says, ‘You made the right choice.  Rosalind will be impressed.  When this is all over, you’re going to want to be on our side.”

Burned Ones growl!  Rosalind pulls magic from the stone circle!

And Sam is in a bad way.  There was a splinter of Burned One claw near his heart.  Dang, I should’ve put him on the list of people for the chop!  Musa tries to use her mind magic to take some of his pain, but it’s too much for her.

Harvey starts falling apart, stuttering that he can’t get the splinter out.  Terra encourages her father, and Harvey manages to pull the claw splinter out.  sam’s alive, but until the Burned One that tagged him is dead it’s only a matter of time!

The fire fairy boy says he heard they have the rest of the night and a whole day before the army comes. Too long for Sam, and if the Burned Ones get through the doors too long for all of them.  Bloom, who’d been watching in horror the results of her bad choices, sets her lips and strides out.

Bustle of students putting up barricades.  Sky is working with Badass Marco, then he turns and there’s Bloom with an apology.  “I should’ve been honest with you like you were honest with me and I’m sorry.” And she reassures him that the kiss was honest, and gives him another one for emphasis!

Sky: “If I still say I don’t believe you, can we do it again?”

Well Sky is the most sane and stable person here, he’ll be good for Bloom!  And immediately her catches Bloom’s glance and says, ‘whatever you’re thinking of doing… I’m here.”

And Aisha knows Bloom’s gonna try something, because Bloom always tries something and this time she thinks it’s her fault.  Stella tries the, ‘If only her friend hadn’t turned on her..” and Aisha feels bad and she’s sorry.  And here’s Bloom, come to get them! It’s the last episode, we all get to go fight!  

Sky’s not with them, he’s with Silva and Silva has a final confession to make.  Because he thinks they’re all gonna die tonight, he wants to tell Sky the truth about what happened at Aster Dell.  Because that was where Sky’s father died.  But Sky thought he died in battle…

Flashback! On the plains.  Silva is yelling that there were still people, the town wasn’t evacuated.  He wants to run and tell Rosalind.  This must be while the magic users are up on the cliff ready to call down lightning.  Silva says his friends think they’re only killing Burned Ones, but Andreas says Rosalind knows the truth.  And he’s going with what Rosalind said.  

Silva says ‘I know Rosalind gave you a sense of purpose, I know you’re indebted to her.” backstory there, but surely Andreas wouldn’t be on side for nuking hundreds of people?!  Silva says, orders or morals?  And Andreas… yep, he’s Team Rosalind.  he’s not gonna let Silva warn the others.

He does not say, “They’re evil blood witches, we’ll show you the evidence and then come back.” which is really the only correct thing to say here.

Punches are thrown!  The two warriors scuffle.  Then Andreas goes for his sword.  Silva draws his own.  And a few swings in, he runs Andreas through.  And races to the top of the bluff to stop his friends being accessories to a massacre.

Oof! What a thing for Sky to learn!  And before that, Silva says, Andreas really was a great hero.  Just… flawed.  As we all are.  That’s not much good and sky snaps, ‘What the fuck am I supposed to do with that?”  But he’ll have to work it out later because now the Burned Ones are breaking in!

Dowling and the specialists move to the front, Dowling saying, ‘Keep your emotions in check.  Runaway fear leads to runaway magic.”

In the clinic Harvey and Terra battle to keep Sam alive.  Terra goes to get help and finds Musa zoned out with headphones.  Terra begs for help and Musa says she can’t bear to feel somebody she cares about die, not again.  This Musa’s mother dies last year, and Musa was with her and felt everything.  Oof!  The two girls hang onto each other and cry for a moment then Terra says, ‘It’s ok.  I’m not gonna let him die.”  And, understanding, leaves Musa to her music. But headphones can’t shut out the sound of the Burned Ones banging on the walls!

In the courtyard terra walks right up past everybody and starts dismanteling the barricade!  ‘We’re hiding when we should be fighting.”  Silva tells her they’re gonna be fighting soon enough and indeed, here comes a Burned One through the roof!  The boy fire fairy blasts it and Kat is ready to skewer the thing when it… passes them?

It’s looking for Bloom!  Who was last seen sneaking out a trapdoor with Stella and Aisha!  The banging stops, and Dowling figures out Bloom has left to draw the enemy away!

The girls emerge from the secret passage in the graveyard.

Harvey calls Terra over as she is clearly headed out to fight, but he says she needs to stay with her brother, to help him hold on until the Burned One is destroyed.  Then Musa appears and takes Sam’s hand. She’ll help him as long as she can.

Outside Stella points out that her mom is on the way with a real live army, but Bloom says there’s no time for that.  Rosalind taught her how to stop the Burned Ones but she has to do big magic and she’s not sure how that’ll work.  She needs help.  Aisha will be there with her water magic in case the forest catches fire, and Stella can hide them.

Bloom: “Rosalind wants me to believe that she’s the person I need to get through this.  But she’s not.

Aisha pulls the water from the pond into a cyclone around Bloom.  Bloon lights up her eyes and lifts off the ground and… transforms. Transforms-ish.  Flames spiral around her arms and legs, and around her body.  Bloom’s clothes don’t change but fiery veined wings open behind her, first very large then dwindling as Bloom lands back on the ground.

The designers definitely could’ve watched PGSM to get this, if they then decided to tone things way down.  And why not change her clothes?  I’m sure they could’ve managed something.  As a live action transformation sequence it’s… ok.  They were trying for something cool and they had some good ideas how to get there, the fie spirals were good, but they needed to really run with it and they didn’t.  So it’s just ok.

And how the night did Rosalind know the long lost secret of how to transform?  

Burned Ones advance and Bloom blasts them with fire one after another.  When the last one is down, her wings go out.  And where the Burned Ones fell are… specialists?  People, anyway.

Dowling arrives and Bloom collapses in her arms, then Aisha and Stella rush over to help.  “We did it.’

Inside Sam suddenly feels much better!  Terra hugs Musa.  The lights come back on.  

In the greenhouse too, where Beatrix and the boys are ready to bring the bad ending!  I still smell a bad ending, because we just had a good ending but there’s twenty minutes more to go!  The boys say they should rejoin their classmates but Beatrix says they should wait to meet Rosalind and her dad, who have a plan.  ‘The two of you can be part of it.  This doesn’t have to end.”

Dane asks if it was her dad who sent her to Alfea and B says he’s technically not her dad… and here’s Rosalind coming in the greenhouse doors.  She and Beatrix recognize each other though they can’t have met.  B says the boys are her friends and Rosalind reads their minds.  I wanna say the boys are wondering what they’ve gotten into but… no, they don’t seem to be seeing anythuing wrong with this at all.

The girls are putting Bloom to bed, talking about the good ending they think they have.  Sam will be fine, Terra’s great at doctoring and she’s sad she missed seeing Bloom’s wings.  Tinkerbell is mentioned and I can just hear my friend cringing as they say Bloom’s wings were cooler than Tinkerbell’s.  Bloom’s parents call and Aisha talks to them, covering for Bloom.  She calls it her ‘one allocated lie of the week” which is weird.  Bloom’s awake and fine, she could talk to her folks.  Aisha says they’ve been having killer exams and the girls giggle.

Nobody says, ‘ohmigod the secret of wings was lost ages ago, what exactly did you do? help us all learn it!” which seems like a very obvious thing for everybody to be saying.

Also being all happy and going to bed while Rosalind and Beatrix are unaccounted for is a weird choice!

Silva and some specialists are scouting for her.  No luck.  They find Dowling with the bodies of the ex-Burned Ones.

Dowling: “Bloom transformed, Saul.  She spent one night with Rosalind and unlocked ancient fairy magic, magic we thought was lost.  She told Bloom the settlers of Aster dell weren’t civilians, they were blood witches.”

And Silva seems to believe it.  Which of course means he killed his friend for no good reason.  If it’s true.  But if it’s true why didn’t Rosalind and Andreas tell the others, present evidence of the blood witches’ crimes, and make a plan to deal with things aboveboard?  So why does Silva believe it now hearing from Dowling who heard from Bloom who heard from Rosalind well after the fact? But he does believe it and this is his awful moment of guilt.

Sky too is grappling with what he’s just learned, pacing on the lawn outside the school as the night ends.

Bloom finds him as the sun rises and I gotta say, I was not expecting the night to end!  Everyone heard Bloom “went full fairy last night.” Bloom says it was the first time she truly felt like herself.  She says, “I belong here.”  but she realizes Sky is in the same clothes as last night and asks if he’s ok.  He says he’s fine, which he isn’t.

Then Dowling comes looking for Bloom.  The two fairies go into the headmistress’ office.  Bloom’s feeling ok after her big magic, and suddenly she apologizes for all the awful things she’s said to Dowling.  “You found me when I was lost, brought me to a safe place, gave me guaidance.  Surrounded me with amazing people.  And I’ve been...’

Dowling says, ‘It’s forgiven.”  And Bloom hesitantly asks for a hug, or maybe offers one.  Dowling looks like she’s never heard of hugs before, then she stands up and she and Bloom hug.  Dowling totally gets teary-eyed.

Dowling: “When I became headmistress I made a decision.  To become a figurehead.  To project strength.  It’s what students your age need.  Admitting mistakes invites uncertainty...but not admittng them means people you care about have to ask you if you hug.”

Awwww, that was sweet!  Dowling says she should have been more honest and Bloom says she maybe needed time.

...are we maybe NOT having a bad ending?  I mean if Stella confronts her mum that would take up the time and we could end on a good note! Nobody’s dead yet!  But all that bad-ending buildup...

‘Cause suddenly we’re back on Earth and Bloom is going to tell them the truth!  Which, what good will that do them?  And do you even know the truth?  People told you lots of things.  And the rest of the girls are here to hang out over the weekend!  They head upstairs so Bloom can drop the “changeling” bomb in peace.

Music plays, Bloom speaks and her mother cries and looks at a baby book, ultrasounds and a newborn hospital bracelet.  They believe it too, the whole mad story of fairies and magic.  Of course Bloom summoning double handfuls of fire probably does a lot to convince them.

Sweet family montage, Bloom hugging her parents, the girls at the kitchen table, eating pizza.

Back at Alfea, Silva asks Sky where Riven is.  Sky just says he and Dane are probably off getting stoned.  When is this?  Did y’all not do a full headcount after the battle?  Sky is of course not happy with his mentor.  Silva just says, ‘one day I hope you’ll see everything I did was for your benefit Sky.”  Which, if Silva’s parenting produced Sky the paragon of decency and Andreas’ parenting produced Beatrix the occasionally charming also slutty obsessed murderer, good point there!

Here come some doomful black SUVs!  They pull around and out hop a bunch of soldiers who surround the two confused guys.

Queen Luna gets out and… arrests Silva for the attempted murder of Andreas of Eraklyon!

Yow! Poor Silva looks most confused.  But there he is, Andreas gets out of an SUV still wearing his specialist vest thingy.  Sky looks at his resurrected father in shock!

Dowling is looking over some graves.  Rosalind suddenly turns up!  Turns out the Burned Ones are a sort of zombie, they were human once so when Bloom turned them human again and dead Dowling buried them.  I hope she tried to find their next of kin and stuff too.  Rosalind knew about them.

Dowling: “Are there more out there?”

Rosalind: “Shit ton.”

Rosalind must’ve already met Riven, his speech patterns are rubbing off on her!

And then Rosalind delivers the prophecy.  There always is one.  Or in this case, “There’s a legend.  It’s a thousand years old. That’s how old the Burned Ones are, by the way.  They were soldiers from an ancient war.  The legend is about the magic used against them.  It created them.  it’s powerful.  It’s primal.  The Dragon Flame.”

Whaaaaaat? Really?  Come on.

And that’s what Bloom’s got and that’s why she could transform. Rosalind let the Burned Ones into the school to see if Bloom could do it.  Dowling’s upset about the danger to, y’know, everybody.

Rosalind: “there’s a war on the horizon.  The Burned Ones are nothing compared to what’s coming.”

And Rosalind says she’s taking over the school, pretty much.  We go back to the front yard where Silva’s getting hauled away in handcuffs and Queen Luna is giving the ordersy and there’s Beatrix watching and inside someone’s taking down Dowling’s portrait and putting up Rosalind’s.

Soldiers march into the greenhouse and Harvey and Sam smile weakly, smart enough not to try anything against six big dudes.

We learn that Andreas has been in hiding all these years because “I needed someone to raise Beatrix.”  Uh, wow Andreas is one obedient guy!  He also looks a little nutty.  I dunno, the very regal beard… it’s too much somehow.  Next to him Beatrix smiles at Riven and Dane who are I guess her loyal retainers now.

And then, infodump over… Rosalind straight up MURDERIZES Dowling!  Well first she suggests Dowling might want to run away and take some time off, but Dowling is having none of that so Rosalind kills her!  And then angry rock music plays as Dowling’s body sinks into the ground and flowers come up over her, making one more grave.

The girls return from their weekend on earth wearing the awful clothes from the trailer and discover… not the three adults they were expecting!

Well that was… something.  You got the bad ending all right!

So lemme scroll up and see how good my guesses were…

Nobody but Dowling died, so my death guesses were wrong.  And if she’s an earth fairy she might be able to heal herself under the ground or something, I mean weirder things happen in this kind of show.  Bloom did indeed doom the school by releasing Rosalind.  

We learned what I guess is the truth of Aster Dell, but... unforeshadowed blood witches?  Reeeeeally!?  That’s what you’re going with?  And we found out Burned Ones are ancient zombies created by the unforeshadowed Dragon Flame which Bloom has for some reason. You’re supposed to foreshadow the important stuff for the night’s sake!  That’s how things have weight in your story, that’s how you make the world feel real like the parts of it are connected to the other parts of it!  The lack of worldbuilding has been bugging me more and more, can you tell?

Anyway we get a season two.  I’m pleased because I’ve enjoyed plenty of aspects of Fate, but on the other hand… Fate has turned the already weird Winx fandom into a pit of radioactive rage-bees, and I won’t be sad to put that behind us!

So what about the big question?  Good, bad or irredeemable?

I expected to judge how Fate lines up as a Winx Club show, but it… just doesn’t.  At all.  None of the characters are the same, none of the worldbuilding is the same.  It’s apples to oranges.

But as just a show… I think I’d have to go with “bad.”  The way the world feels so flimsy, all the really obvious bits of Otherworldbuilding that just aren’t there until the end, or aren’t there at all.  All the Earth popular culture references.  Beatrix being stuck in a slut stereotype role.  All the drugs.  All the everyone’s lying to everyone about everything, it got really tiresome.  Those things knock the show out of the “good” category.

But there was a lot to like.  I have to say, all the actors did a really good job.  Given the semi-mess they had to work with, they gave it all they had!  Stella was so awful but put across that she’s terrible because she’s terrified.  Sky was a truly good person. Beatrix and Riven are objectively terrible people but both had moments of being so charming it was hard to hate them.  And Dowling, Silva and Harvey managed to hold up this flimsy worldbuilding and almost make it work.  The magic was flimsy but pretty and the castle and the forest are absolutely stunning.

So it’s not good, but there’s something there.  So it’s not irredeemable, though there’s a lot we have to wallpaper over with it.  I’m’a go with “Bad.  The show has charms but is in general bad.”  

At least that’s what I think after a five-hour marathon of the last episode!  We’ll see what occurs to me in days to come!

[mlovesstories]

Shake It Off Part 2

AN- @spngenrebingo: Jensen Ackles

Summary: Jared struggles to work through his trauma.

Warnings: self-worth, cussing, depression

Word Count: 1500

Jared x Reader!Platonic

Jensen x Reader!Platonic

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“But what if I don’t want to?”

__________

YN gasped internally.  

“Well, you take it in small chunks,” she sighed. 

“I know I need to be there for my kids and my wife, and the show-” 

“No, Jared.  You need to fight for you.  Don’t worry about them right now.  I hate to use your words against you, but you HAVE TO put yourself first,”  YN offered a weak smile. 

“You’re going there, huh?”  Jared laughed.  “Thanks, kid.” 

“I’m not a kid.  You know that, right?” YN rolled her eyes playfully. 

“Compared to me you are.” 

Jensen walked up to the table with his food. 

“And he could be your grandpa!”  Jared exclaimed as he looked to his TV brother. 

“What?!  How old do you think I am?”  Jensen sat down, crashing into his folding chair to eat his food.  

“You two need a mediator.  Seriously,” YN rolled her eyes back at the boys.  

“Thanks for the help, YN.  I mean it,” Jared pushed his empty plate away from himself on the table. 

“I’ve been there.  I get it,”  YN ate a bite of her lunch.  Her phone went off.  A screaming ringtone got the boys’ attention. “My mom,” YN huffed. “Yes, Mom?”

Jensen and Jared tried not to be nosy as she seemed annoyed with the female on the other end of the line.  

“No, Mom.  I am not famous… Yes, I know what I did…  It’s not a stupid show!  Why are you calling me anyway…  No, I was not playing hero!  If you’re going to bash me, I’m gonna hang up.  Did you need to tell me something?  No? Bye then,”  YN took a deep breath before addressing the boys.  “Sorry.  She’s manipulative and worries that “I bring too much negative attention to the family, and ‘it’s a stupid show anyway.’” YN put her phone on the table and pushed it away from her.  

“You saved my life.  You know that, right?”

“And you kept me calm even though I was in shock.” Jensen added to Jared’s statement.  

“I would want someone to stick up for me is all.  And I know it’s not a stupid show.  Mom is just trying to get in my head.  Gah, she makes things so complicated.  Good thing I only have to be around all them once a year.” 

“Sounds like the Brady Bunch to me,” Jared chuckled.  

“Yeah right,” YN responded sarcastically.  “Nah. Let’s just say it’s more ‘Intervention’ than Brady Bunch.”

“Yikes,” Jensen pursed his lips. 

Changing the subject, YN asked if Jared was feeling better. 

“Yeah. My brain just…” 

“Thinks too much,” YN finished for him. “I work out when I can’t stop the craziness in my head. Helps make me quiet, I guess.  Maybe that will help you?” 

“I work out already,” Jared sighed defeatedly.

“Rigorously though?  That’s what makes the difference for me. If I can’t get to the gym, I do intensive workouts on YouTube. I was in a bad place the other night and a ten minute workout video helped me fall asleep. Granted, I sweated a bit, but it was totally worth it.”

“You should try those P90x videos. I have a few. You can borrow them,” Jense stuffed a chicken burrito in his mouth. 

“Didn’t your mom ever teach you to not talk with your mouth full?  You better not get caught by Wardrobe. There is a stain on the hem of your shirt, mister.” YN giggled. 

“Oh, crap!” He looked down at the dark spot on his shirt. I’ll tuck it in my jeans. They’ll never-“ 

“JENSEN ACKLES!” Robin walked up behind YN, seeing Jensen trying to hide the stain. “What in the hell?  Go change.”

“It’s fine! The camera won’t see it,” he defiantly defended himself. 

“What about that glob of guacamole on your collar?” She pressed. 

“Dammit!” He looked down seeing green on his shirt. “Fine.” With a scowl, Jensen stood up and stomped toward the wardrobe trailer. 

“Wow. Attitude much?” YN folded over in laughter. “I know you’ve been feeling down. I get it. You went through something traumatic. But I know that you know to take it moment by moment. What are you scared of?” YN asked gently. 

“I guess being embarrassed. It’s tough to not be in control of your own circumstances. I mean-“ he stopped and took a hurried breath. 

“What, Jared?”

“I had no understanding of what was happening. I looked weak because-“

“Do you know how many people are complimenting your recovery online? They are wishing you the best and are not expecting you to fine right away. Everyone I’ve seen online has made comments about paying low and not pushing yourself because it’s what’s best. No one knows that you’re having these symptoms still, and they wouldn’t judge you anyway. They love you, Jared.” 

“Really?”

“Yeah. It’s called a family for a reason, moose.” YN laughed. “You HAVE GOT to get out of your head.  Your seizure happened.  We can’t change that.  Your recovery is up to you though.”  

YN could see Jared withdraw the next few days.  She observed them walking toward her. 

“Get out of your head, Jared.  I can see it on your face.”  Jensen clapped him on his back.  

“I can’t, dude.  My head is just too much.”  They stopped walking for privacy reasons. 

“Go for a run.  We have time.”

“No, I don’t want-” Jared started. 

I know you don’t want to.  You need to.”

“Stop, Jensen.” 

“YN!”  Jensen screamed her name.  She turned from her personal cast chair. “Come here!”

Concerned, she walked quickly to the boys.

“Can you knock some sense into him, please?” Jensen crossed his arms. 

YN took a breath. 

“What’s up, big guy?  Come here.” They walked to some folding chairs off to the side.  

“I am too much.”

“Why do you feel like that?” 

“I saw stuff online by accident.  People said stuff like I was too old to do this anymore.  I’m too delayed, and I belong in a home, and-”

“Okay, woah.  Deep breaths. Let’s talk through this.  You didn’t look it up on purpose, right?” Jared shook his head.  “Good.  Those people aren’t part of the SPN Family.  I know you want them to like you. Everyone wants that.  Whether you had the seizure or not, you know that going to happen.  What would you tell yourself about that before this happened?” 

“It doesn’t matter because I like what I do,” Jared sucked in a breath.  

“That still stands.  I promise.  Why don’t you and Jensen go to the gym trailer?  You have a while before the next scene, right?” 

“I can take him,” Jensen agreed.  

“Can you come?”  Jared looked at YN sadly.  

“Sure.”

The three met inside the gym.  Jensen started punching the bag while Jensen held it in place.

“I’m tired,” Jared slowed down.  

“No, keep going.”  Jensen groaned as he absorbed Jared’s punches through the bag.  

“I can’t.” 

“Jensen, switch with me,” YN stood from the bench she was sitting on.  He gave her a questioning look, but he complied.  When she took Jensen’s place, she slowly encouraged Jared to continue.  “You can do this.  You have to fight.  Right now.  Punch it until your brain shuts off.  It will help you reset.”  YN called Jensen back over to hold the bag as she coached Jared.  

“Okay,” Jared agreed. 

“Punch it.  Come on.  Deep breaths, let’s go!”  YN raised her voice as Jared hit the black cylinder faster and faster. After a minute of solid punching, he collapsed onto a workout bench.  Jared put his head in his hands.  Hyperventilating, he wiped his hand over his face.  

“It’s okay.  Good job.  You need a minute?”  YN knelt down so that she was level with Jared sitting in his seat. He nodded.  “Okay,” she stood up to leave.  

“No, stay,” Jared said quickly.  Quietly, she agreed and sat on a bench next to him.  She stayed quiet as he processed.  “I feel a little better.  Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome,” she weakly smiled.  “You’re worth it.  Don’t forget it.  I think you two need a minute,” YN stood up and left the trailer.  

“She’s good,” Jared chuckled.  

“YN gets it.  It’s tough stuff, man.  But you can’t give up.  You’re worth it.”

“Thanks,” Jared offered a relieved sigh. 

“BOYS! WE NEED YOU!” A PA pounded on the door.  

“Dammit.”

“I’ll cover for you.  Go shower.” 

_______

“Hey, everybody!  I wanted to come on here and tell you about my friend, YN.  We actually have a little announcement.  Say hi, YN!”  Jared panned the camera over to YN.  She waved to his Facebook Live fans.  

“Hi!” 

“We know that I had quite the experience a few weeks ago.  It’s been a roller coaster, but YN saved the day at our last convention.  She has been such a help, so we thought we would team up and raise some money.  We had these shirts made, and we hope you’ll join us in donating to the Epilepsy Foundation.” 

YN displayed her t-shirt that she was wearing with a smile.  

“We love the SPN Family!”  YN blew a kiss to the camera.  

“Always remember to put yourself first! Love you guys!” 

_____

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[rogerina-yee-haw]

“at least I’m one”

sd!gwilym lee x reader

chapter 6: “- the happiness”

[the goodbye] [the sadness & tenderness] [the broken rules and true affection] [the pain and eternal bliss] [the anticipated sweetness]

summary: you and gwil met ten months ago; and he offered you to be his sugar baby almost immediately. you agreed at that exact moment, not knowing where it would get you.

word count: 4,3K+

warnings: fluffy fluff, angst, mentions of negative body image, mentions of abuse, typos

a/n: well, this is it!! it’s been almost three months since i posted “the goodbye” chapter, and now alio is over!! yikes!! 

but, seriously. i can’t thank all of you enough. you’ve shown amazing support to this fic and it caught me completely off guard. it’s my first fic in English that i’ve finished (sorry, “Truth or Dare” kssjsjdksksjsk) and i’m so thankful for all of you. i have found amazing friends through this fic, through this fandom - and i’m really, really thankful for the love and support you have for alio. thankuthankthanku. i love you all dearly, and hope that you will enjoy the last chapter. i’m still going to write some side pieces to the fic, but for now, alio is over. again, i love you all so much and thank u.

p.s. hope this chapter doesn’t suck ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Whatcha doin'?"

You raise your head from the book to look at Gwil - he stands in the doorway, rubbing his eyes sleepily and wearing nothing but boxers. He looks so soft and sweet, that you can't quite process the fact that he's all yours. It all still feels like a dream.

"Reading".

"At three in the morning?" his eyebrows rise, as he comes closer to the couch and takes a seat right near you; Gwil doesn't seem to be bothered about personal space at all - he sits down so that your hips are touching. 

"What's wrong?" Gwilym brushes your cheek with his fingers, looking at you worriedly.

You put the book on the tea table in front of the couch, and turn yourself to Gwil so that you're facing each other. "Nothing".

"Something's wrong, I know it", he insists, and you sigh. "C'mon, love. Tell me".

Can he get any more perfect? you think to yourself while looking at him. How is it possible that he knows something is wrong before you even tell him? Is he some kind of psychic or something?

"Are you some kind of psychic or something?" you repeat your thoughts out loud; Gwil chuckles and licks his lips.

"That's the ultimate dream of mine, y'know", he's even closer right now; his hand is on your thigh, squeezing it gently, while his other hand cups your cheek, "being a psychic, read people's minds", the corners of your mouth quirk up at Gwil's attempt to joke. "But I'm not, in reality", he says softly, "I just feel that something is wrong". Gwilym is silent for a moment; his gaze wanders all over your body, stopping to look at your hands that are covered with the long sleeves of your hoodie. He sighs deeply, adding another thing to many of his suspicions about your weird behavior. "You've been ignoring me for the past two days. Just tell me what I've done wro-"

"It's not you, baby", you don't let him finish. "It's just..." you stutter for a moment. "I still can't process that. Still can't believe we're here. Getting married, and just... Being together. Like a normal couple".

Gwil lowers his head to look you in the eyes; his hand is still on your face. "Baby", he brushes his thumb over your cheek slowly, "what are you afraid of?"

It's weird. Weird how he feels you, knows you. Before you could even think about it, he already knows the answer. You're scared. You've been in a serious relationship before, but it turned out to be complete garbage. You loved too much and got hurt terribly. You don't want to witness the moment when tenderness leaves Gwil's eyes and he falls out of love with you. You're afraid of losing him - you almost did, and it made you go nuts - and you don't ever want for this to happen again. The love you have for him is immeasurable, and you're scared that once this bliss will go away. You're scared he'll stop loving you.

"I don't want to lose you", your voice is almost a whisper, but Gwil hears it. And it breaks his heart to know that you think this way.

"You won't", he reassures you, "I'll always be here. You'd get tired of me first", Gwilym jokes, and the corners of your mouth turn up, giving him a small smile.

"I can hardly believe that", you mutter, turning your head away and losing Gwil's touch on your face. He furrows his brows; he doesn't understand what's going on.

It's been five days since the two of you came back from Dublin and two days since you've been acting weird. Your mood would swing from happiness to crying in the bathroom. You wouldn't talk to him. You wouldn't let him touch you. The two of you barely kissed - Gwil only got quick pecks on the lips before going to work. You were never like this: you were always affectionate and loving towards him (and everybody) and seeing such a shift confused Gwilym to no end. When he woke up several minutes ago without you in bed, he immediately thought that you left him - for ever. That's the only thing that's been going on his mind for the past two days.

"Do you regret it?" the words leave his mouth before he can stop them. Your brows knit and you look at him in confusion.

"What are you talking about?"

"Do you regret being with me?" Gwil is everything but calm now. "Do you regret saying "Yes"? Do you regret all of it?"

Your breaths quickened at his words. "Why would you even say this?"

"Because that's what I'm afraid of", he is silent for a moment. "I'm scared of you just pretending. I know you're not - I trust you and I love you and I know that you love me - but I'm scared that you don't want to be with me. That you'd better be free now, doing something - being with someone else. I'm afraid you regret all of it, like everything that happened in between us - I'm just so scared that it's not-"

"Gwil", you cup his cheeks before he can say something else. "I don't regret it", his eyes are glistening with tears. You hate it. "None of it, baby. I love you so much, it's even impossible for me-", you sigh. "I'm scared that you regret being with me".

"Why would I ever regret being with you?"

"Because it's me. I'm not like every other girlfriend you had. I'm not skinny, not pretty, not-"

"Woah", Gwilym takes your face in his hands and examines it thoroughly. "Don't say that. You're amazingly beautiful. Mesmerizing. Y/N, I haven't been dating anyone for some good amount of years. Or what-" he looks you in the eyes, "you think Zoe was my girlfriend? Or, god forbid, Alice?" Gwil huffs. "No. That's the point. I fell in love with you immediately, like it was something in my mind telling me to come and talk to you. I'm not going to - I won't ever say bullshit like "You're not like other girls" and shit, but, baby, you're so fucking special to me. Everything about you is unique. You've changed my life in so many ways, and there you are, sitting here, and telling me that you're not pretty enough for me?" you sigh deeply, and he licks his lips, a grin creeping onto his face. "How dare you, Mrs. Lee".

You raise a brow and look at him, startled. "Mrs. Lee?"

"Soon to be", Gwil smiles softly. "Only if you want to", he adds quickly.

"’Course I want to", you bite your lip, and Gwil feels his cock twitching in his boxers. "Wouldn't ever follow you to Dublin and lose my job if I didn't want to".

Gwil kisses your forehead and intertwines his fingers with yours. "Please, don't push me away if you feel insecure. Please". He puts his forehead to yours and looks you in the eyes. "You're everything I've ever wanted. I love you, Y/N", you can feel a lump in your throat.

"I'm just-"

It's been building up for so long.

You have never been following the standards of beauty. But you did that unknowingly when you were a teenager; you had all of it that every magazine required from a woman - a flat stomach, a skinny body, and long, perfect hair. But you never saw it - you were drowning so deeply in your insecurities, that you saw yourself only as something "fat and disgusting". It took you a lot of time to come through this terrible period when you considered fatness to be something awful; it never has been awful, and you're happy to know this now. But no matter how much you stood up for body positivity since you've learned about it, no matter how many times you've been praising your friends' bodies and souls, you could never bring yourself to this concept of "self-love". For many years, especially when those ones you had spent with Luke, you've been asking yourself daily, "What is self-love?"

Your mother couldn't explain it to you. Your sister couldn't. Your best friend since the university days, Janet, put it as, "Self-love is when you love yourself. Easy, right? Very easy, Y/N. You just gotta look at yourself in the mirror and see how perfect you are. You've got big boobs, nice ass, thick thighs - well, a bit of extra weight on your stomach, but that's fixable - come on, how can you not love yourself? You have to remember that if you don't love somethin' about yourself - you can fix it. Lose weight and shit. But it shouldn't ever make you insecure! Guys love thick girls too!".

Janet has always been a bit of an asshole, as Billy puts it up. You used to tell him off for such words, but after her speech on body positivity, you stopped. You knew Janet meant only well, but her words made you feel worse. "If you don't love somethin' about yourself - you can fix it". It was echoing in your head every day. When you looked in the mirror especially.

When you were a teenager, you saw a lot of extra weight in yourself, you were never able to see yourself as you really looked. James never actually complimented you, but he loved to tell you, "How fuckin' big ya tits are, babe, just fuckin' made fo' me to touch". Some years later your therapist would tell you it wasn't a compliment. At least, not the type of compliment to help in your self-esteem increase.

These words were steady, always at your side when you and Luke were together. He used to praise you, but this praise was never genuine - it was when he was guilty and tried to buy your trust back or when he needed something from you. He told you that you had an amazing body and later that day said you needed to lose weight - as he would state that - because he was ashamed to go out with "Such a whale".

You starved yourself for days. Tried to keep up with this "diet" when the only thing you could "eat" was water. You never stuck to it for too long, though. Your mum and Becca always made you eat - and you were grateful for this. But you still felt terrible. You couldn't love yourself. Even though you were sure everyone is beautiful, you never thought that you were too.

Several years later, when you were twenty-three - just some days before you met Gwilym - you and Billy were at one of the family gatherings when you asked him about self-love. You remember him being silent for a moment; when the two of you sat down on the bed in your childhood room, he sighed deeply. "I have no fucking idea, Y/N", he said in a shaky voice. "I can't say I love myself. I mean, sure, I work out and I got abs and muscles and girls fall for it, but-", Billy stuttered, looking at you. "All of it doesn't make me love myself. I don't know what self-love is, to be honest". He lied down on the bed and you did the same; you heads on the pillows were touching and both of you were looking at the ceiling. "Mum always says that no one would love you if you don't love yourself".

"Do you agree with it?"

Billy shrugged his shoulders. "Dunno. It feels like truth, but whenever I shag a girl and she tells me how hot I am-"

"Jesus, ew".

"Yeah", he chuckled. "I have the same reaction all the time. Always ask myself, 'Is she really into me? Why is she into me? Is this because I'm ripped?'"

"Have you found the answer?"

He sighed, leaning in closer to you, so your shoulders were touching too. "Not yet. I'm just thinking, Y/N - how does it feel to love yourself? What should happen in your life that you just wake up and... Feel it? Feel that you don't look like shit, feel that your body doesn't have imperfections. How does this happen?"

You gave a half shrug. "I don't know. But from what I've read and what my therapist told me - self-love isn't about seeing yourself as something "perfect". It's about accepting your flaws and loving them. It's about accepting yourself, no matter what you look like".

"Oh, I get it", Billy answered quietly, "I've read about such shit on Twitter".

"Not the best source".

He shushed you. "There was like a thread - I don't remember exactly everything, but there was this thing that got into my mind. It said, that no matter how ripped you are, no matter how much you look like these Victoria's Secret's models - if you don't love yourself, you'd still hate the person in the mirror. Even if you look "perfect".

You nodded and let out a deep sigh. "Well, that's true. I mean, you look like a fucking bodybuilder and still hate yourself".

"At least I'm not the one listening to my bitch of a friend who says I have to lose weight to look good".

You poked him in the ribs playfully, and both of you smiled.

"Alright, we're both fucked up, I admit it", Billy replied. "Let's make a deal".

You turned your head to look him in the eyes. "What kind of deal?"

"Let's try loving ourselves", he said in a soft voice. "Let's say something nice to the reflection in the mirror. Maybe something dumb like, "That dick is poking out good today" or whatever. You can say the same 'bout your nipples".

"Why do you always have to make it sexual, Billy?"

"Oh, come on, Y/N!" he said loudly, propping onto his elbows. "That's the bare minimum! And I make it sexually related because I don't know what to praise in myself except for the dick. Not yet", he added quietly.

"At least, you admit you can praise your dick. I hate every part of my body. I don't know how it’s even possible".

"I would say that you have nice tits, but it would sound really weird".

"You already fucking said it, you dumbass".

"Y/N, look-", he was determined to convince you, "everyone hates something 'bout themselves. But we've gotta work on that. We've gotta get out of this pit full of hatred and self-pity, just 'cause-", he stuttered, "just 'cause if we don't - we won't end up well. And that's certainly isn't something anyone wants".

"Come on, Y/N", he continued when you didn't respond, "I know it's hard to believe it, but you're really fuckin' gorgeous. But what's most important is that your beauty isn't the only thing to admire. You graduated with honors, you can outsmart anyone everywhere - and you're literally throwing good opportunities away because you're insecure. Remember that job you were offered last month?" you nodded. "You fuckin' declined the offer. ‘Cause you're too scared you won't fit in. It's written all over your face that you think everyone would discuss how fat you are".

"How'd you know that?" you mumbled.

"'Cause you wear nothing but baggy clothes all the time!" Billy almost yelled. "You've got a nice body down there - I have never checked you out in my life - 'cause it's disgusting - and I know it because everyone's body is beautiful. Isn't it a thing you're telling everybody on a daily basis?"

You let out an exasperated sigh, even though you knew Billy was right.

"A bit hypocritical, innit, Y/N?"

"Alright, alright, yeah", you said finally. "I admit, I don't even try to love myself".

"And you're too scared of the society's attention", Billy added. "Like, remember our senior ball? You looked really good in that pink dress. The makeup though? T'was great, made me feel jealous I didn't wear that eyeshadow instead of you", his comment made you laugh. "Everyone was startled, but when Jemma Cham said you looked ugly... You only saw that. You always see only the bad things, Y/N, and ignore the good ones. That's what I meant. You should start appreciating the good things around you, at least", you both looked at each other for a while, before Billy rested his head on the pillow again. "Come on, mate. Let's make a deal".

His pinky finger was at your face in an instant; and sighed deeply and gave up. At least, Billy wasn't offering to do something terrible.

"Let's say good things about ourselves every day", he said, when you gave him a pinky promise. "No hate, no irritation - just the good things. Agreed?"

You nodded, smiling at him. "Promised".

"Alright", he said. "I'll start. I will try to love my first name, that my poor, fangirling mother gave me twenty-three years ago when she thought Billy Bob Thornton to be the best manin the world".

"It still sucks. Try something else, bub".

Billy sighed. "You don't make it any better, Y/N".

You were bad at keeping promises. Of course, you tried to start this journey to the anticipated self-love - and, to be honest, you hated yourself a bit less now. You acknowledged that your body had some good sides; you started to understand that stretch marks weren't a bad thing. Especially after Gwil kissed all over your inner thighs with stretch marks on them the first time you had sex. Gwilym made you feel a lot better about your body - he never stopped worshipping it and telling you how good you looked, no matter what you wore. That made you feel better. But only before you met Alice.

Of course, now Alice isn't a problem - she's being charged with breaking and entering into Gwil's apartment and won’t ever bother the two of you - but she certainly had been a problem in the past. With her long, beautiful black hair, perfect body and witty personality - you felt like you were out of the competition. She had made an impression on you during your multiple encounters - that one on Christmas, in the pub where you were with Billy and Janet, in the mall, or when you were grocery shopping... The last one wasn't quite good, though.

"Doesn't Gwil give you money to go to some better places for shopping?" she asked, while the two of you stood near the shelves with vegetables.

"I've gotta the same question to you", you muttered under your breath, trying to ignore her presence by looking at the price of tomatoes.

"Oh, my mum asked me to buy something for her here", you looked over at her shopping cart; something about it told you it wasn't for Alice's mother. "I don't go grocery shopping at all. Gwil has bought me a maid for it. And for cleaning my flat too".

You had to restrain yourself from laughing. Of course. "That's very kind of him", you said, turning to face her. "Guess, he gave all of his money to you, since he can't hire someone to fix up his place", a muscle in Alice's jaw twitched. "You've been to his flat, right? It's a mess", you looked at her with innocence written all over your face, "he can't even do laundry or wash this pile of dishes - that's how busy he is. And still, there is no maid helping him out. Maybe you'll share yours with him?"

Alice was almost burning; her face went completely red and she was heavily breathing. "Maybe you will do it?" she asked a couple of seconds later when she got herself together. "You've got quite a personality for it".

You frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"People like you..." Alice looked you up and down. "Are just destined to be the second best. No, probably, even the tenth best. But never the first".

Alice won back then. She made you feel terrible in every way possible, and - it was pretty stupid, as you thought - you couldn't stop remembering about this moment now especially. You never tend to be the first. Never. Never. Never.

"Baby", Gwil whispers, looking into your eyes, "what is it?"

You close your eyes and sigh deeply. His hands are on your cheeks, and his touch is so tender and soft that it makes your eyes swim with tears. This is too much. He is too much. No one has ever cared about you like this before. 

It all has been building up for so long - probably since you were a teenager. 

James never understood the basics of human nature, never understood why you needed his shoulder to cry on, why you needed his constant reassurance that he loved you. And Luke... Luke is a different story. He would tell you he loves you, and the next moment you were crying on the floor because at this specific time he hit you too hard. Luke was never caring or loving. Luke was - and still is - harsh and cruel, violent. And even after ten months with Gwil, you're still not used to being admired, worshipped. You still aren't used to being loved.

"I'm just-", you barely open your mouth, when you feel the lump in your throat. You're afraid that the next time you open your mouth - you'll be choking on tears.

"What's wrong?" even though your eyes are closed, you can still feel Gwilym looking at you. He's worried, sad and anxious. He's still scared that you're going to get up and leave him forever. Gwil thinks that he won't ever get rid of this fear. "Baby", he presses his forehead to yours; you bite the inside of your cheek just to stop the tears - but they uncontrollably stream down your face anyway. "I understand. You don't have to tell me if you're not ready. You don't have to" when Gwil repeats it, your eyes are flushed open.

"No, I-" wow, you really are choking on tears, "I want to. I just...don't know how". You're crying - sobbing now, actually - and Gwil still has his hands on your cheeks. Because he knows that you need his touch. Need it more than anything. "No one has ever - ever cared about me as you do. And I don't know - I don't know where to start, what to say - I just-" you stutter again, unable to continue. You feel as if all the oxygen has been taken from - you can't fucking breathe.

Gwil kisses your forehead and pulls you closer, putting his hands around you. You nuzzle his neck, tears glistening on his skin in the dim light of the living-room. You feel warm and safe - and for the first time in your life, you feel comfortable crying. He holds you close, stroking your hair and whispering sweet nothings. That's the thing you've been craving from James and Luke - the thing they never gave you. Reassurance.

"I love you", Gwil whispers, when you finally pluck up the courage to look at him. "I love you more than anything".

"I love you too", you say breathlessly and kiss his stubbly cheek lightly. And when he looks at you - with so much love and fondness - you start speaking. You don't know how to stop yourself, but part of you knows that you don't want to.

You keep telling Gwil about everything: starting with your classmate calling you a "cow" in the sixth grade and finishing with your fears. You can't stop saying all of it, and Gwil doesn't want you to - it's probably the first time when everything is focused around you. You're not much of a talker, and sometimes saying "I love you" to your parents is a hard thing to do - but tonight you talk, and talk, and talk. All because you're tired of keeping everything inside. And if you don't spill it out, you'll blow up.

And Gwil deserves to know what's going on inside your head - he's going to marry you, you can't keep having secrets from each other. Every relationship must be built on trust, and tonight you finally let all of your walls fall down, opening up to Gwil like to no one else. You trust him. That's the most important reason why you're being so honest. You know he won't laugh at you, you know he would never judge. He'll accept you no matter what. Because now you know that he loves you.

When you finish, it's already the break of dawn. You're in Gwil's arms, with your head oh his shoulders, and his arm around your waist. He's playing with your hair, while the two of you sit in silence.

"Still wanna marry me?" you say jokingly.

He smiles and kisses the top of your head. "Always. Can't wait to call you 'my wife'".

You chuckle and snuggle closer to him. All of it feels like home. And you know that you have finally found the love of your life.

He’s so warm and sweet and lovely. You’ve never thought you’d be so in love with someone that even their smile would make you go crazy. He’s the guy you’ve been dreaming about your whole life, he is your Prince Charming. And you are his Princess. Even though you don’t need this - you just need him in your life. You feel so much love and happiness while kissing with him before you two fall asleep in your bed at six in the morning - and you can’t keep yourself from beaming when Gwil’s pulling you closer to him and whispering “I love you’s” into your neck. Now you don’t know yet that in two hours you’ll wake up with the worst nausea in your life; you still don’t know that three days later you’ll find out about your pregnancy. You don’t need to know that yet. Now you’re in the state of total bliss and love and what you’ve craved for years - eternal happiness - is given to you by the man right next to you. And you that’s exactly what you need.

_______________________________________________________________

“alio” taglist:  @majesticdiscodeaky @heartsarecompatible @all-my-friends-are-german @magicwithaknife @longing-hiraeth @thelondondreamer5 @roger-taylors-drumsticks @runningoutofwordstosay @chlobo6 @you-and-i-deserve-the-world @queenficarchive @murydedeus03 @alis-volat-propriiis @deacycomics @hollandspcter @gwils-bitch   @crazylittlethingcalleddub-step @painthatiusedto @kaylaylaylayla @rogerinastolemyheart @broken-pieces @chicagoblackhawkslover96 @leah-halliwell92 @brianandthemays  @murydedeus03 @rogerfxckingtaylor  @zvzxs

[peeterparkr]

3 lies. (t.h.)

Lie number 1.

summary: you’re invited over for a family weekend with the Hollands. 

a/n: this is for Kath’s! @upsidedownparker writing challenge! Love you girl! This will be a series! sorry for the horrible writing

prompt: fake dating au

tom holland x reader

words: 1.8k

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The Killers was playing in the background as you were singing along, failing with Tom to make a harmony out of the partly joking yodeling you were both trying to pull. Tom honked the claxon as a car was blindly joining the lane, not realizing they could’ve crashed. Tom cursed under his breath as you let out a long sigh. 7 am in the morning was definitely not your favorite time to be awake, a part of you was already regretting to agree with this trip. You had your coffee so it couldn’t be as bad, though your eyelids were fighting to stay open since you clearly preferred being asleep. “So your dad’s birthday?” You asked Tom, scrolling through your phone as he was driving. Music blasting off as the early traffic in London had you stuck for a while. Tom seemed anxious, as he was tapping his fingers on the wheel. You turned to him, “Chill, we will be on time.” “Hm?” Tom turned over as he cleared his throat. “No, no, it’s not that, I’m just...you know?” You chuckled slightly, locking your phone as the song ended. “Excited? Nervous?” “Both, if it’s possible, I feel like I might just throw up.” “Please don’t,” Harrison laughed from the back as he finally gave a sign of being alive. “By the way, why exactly are you nervous? Is Tom Holland nervous about showing off his little girlfriend?” You rolled your eyes, ignoring your friend. “Shut up, mate,” Tom flipped Haz off as you chuckled. “I’m not his girlfriend,” you defended yourself as Tom nodded. Funny thing to think about. People usually assumed you were as Tom and you would be seen on his Instagram stories quite often. More often than not, you both would be sillying around. “Tell that to my family, first thing, please,” Tom warned. “They’re gonna definitely ask why I’m bringing a girl to the family weekend.” “You always bring Harrison,” you pointed out as Haz blew a kiss to Tom on the mirror. “Ah, yes, but I’m way out of Tom’s league,” Haz smirked as you nodded in agreement with a rather forced laughed, which wasn’t greatly accepted by Harrison. Curiosity was present on your current state, with your increasing excitement and nervous game with Tom, you couldn’t help but finally transcend the unexpected invitation Tom had offered. Your friendship with him had been around for years, yet there was always a step, a boundary which impeded you to become closer to him. He was so familiar, he had been around you for a while, so you could trust him. You could trust his family, too. You knew Harry, Sam, and even Paddy. Though, the relationship hadn’t become any closer. Tom’s father was celebrating his 52nd birthday and had decided to go to out of the city to celebrate, rent a cottage and invite some family over to have a warmer weekend. Sam was bringing his girlfriend, and Tom was bringing you and Harrison. Harry had claimed he wasn’t bringing anyone due to his sudden interest on family time. Sam, Harrison, and Tom had bullied him on being single, thing which had been easily snapped back at Tom. ‘So y/n is your girlfriend, then?’ The question would be the elephant in the room every now and then within the group of friends. You’d always smile and decline, smile and decline. Though, you’d be lying if you didn’t admit Tom being your boyfriend had been a constant query on your mind. You could see yourself dating the Spider-dude, it’d be fun, and magical. You knew it wouldn’t hurt to try, yet the friendship had become an obvious obstacle to try anything. That, and the fact you knew Tom didn’t share your attraction. You had been quite delicate on hiding your crush on Tom, however, there were times when you couldn’t help but let it be. Tom was oblivious to everything, whatsoever. Yet, Harrison wasn’t. Harrison was well aware of the dreamy eyes directed to Tom, and the tinge of red that’d come across your cheeks. He’d observe but stay quiet, so you were fine with it. The ride went loud, as loud as Tom and Haz could make it to help you avoid sleep. Help wouldn’t be the word you’d use, yet you made it. You joked, you played and you sang through the road, and your stomach was pinching you with butterflies from both embarrassment and anxiety to deal with family. They believed you were dating Tom, so that flattered you without a doubt. When you arrived, Nikki was there to welcome you with a hug, Paddy standing beside her ready to high five and hug you. “How was your ride?” Nikki asked you, as Tom was getting the bags off the trunk. You tried taking yours but he refused to give it to you.

“I’m Spider-Man, dude, I’m strong enough to pick up a bag.” Both you and Nikki rolled your eyes as she chuckled with her son, and then said hello to Harrison. You walked into the house, Dom was talking to Harry in the kitchen and they were both eager to say hello. You hugged them both and handed Dom a present you had bought him. Sam was with his girlfriend plopped on the couch in the living room. They both gave you the peace sign as Tom walked into the kitchen. Nikki offered Tom, Haz and you a beer and you stayed in the kitchen as Sam and Harry approached Tom. Nikki left the kitchen with Dom, discussing some important arrangements about the house, or something adults like to talk about alone.

“So, I’m the only one with a girlfriend,” Sam smirked. “Ah, too bad, bet Paddy here will get a girlfriend sooner than any of you three.” Sam giggled hugging his girlfriend who rolled her eyes.

Elysia glanced over at you and mouthed: “sorry”. You chuckled a bit but shrugged it off.

“Ah, bet El is actually under a spell,” cried Harry.

“I am,” she answered, laughing. Sam raised a brow to his older brother.

“What ‘bout you, bro? You’ve got millions of fans who’d die to date you, yet no girlfriend, yikes,” Sam teased laughing. Tom stayed quiet, drinking of his beer, casually laughing it off. “Oh, you can’t get the girl you want, huh?”

Harrison glanced at you.

“Eh, Tom may be cute and all but not cute enough for the one he wants,” Harry joined in to tease his older brother, causing all but you to laugh. It was a moment you could take.

“Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can,” Sam started signing. “Even scare off girls!”

“You’re awful at singing,” Tom defended himself rolling his eyes.

“Tommy is single,” Harry continued.

“You’re single too, dickhead,” Tom laughed and Harry faked indignation. You and Haz giggled to each other.

“Tom can’t get the girl!” Sam continued to bother Tom, Tom was still ignoring it. Sibling love.

“Tom can’t get the girl!” Harry repeated.

“Tom can’t get the girl!” Haz joined. And suddenly the three of them were forming a chant. Elysia and you rolled your eyes staring at them, laughing. Tom laughed as he ran a hand through his hair.

“Okay guys, c’mon,” you chuckled interrupting the chant but they kept yelling it. You cleared your throat as you glanced at the family, you saw Tom was embarrassed and he kept blushing as the chant got louder. “He did get the girl!” You yelled, and the chant stopped.

“He -what?” Harry asked, clearly confused.

You made your way over to Tom, wrapping your arm around him, him clearly as confused as his brothers, blushing even more than possible.

“Didn’t you tell them?” You asked him. Tom blinked.

“Tell us what?” Sam smirked, as Elysia’s face turned to you with an excited smile.

“Tom and I are dating,” you sentenced, in perfect timing as Dom and Nikki were walking into the kitchen. Oh god, what had you done? Tom was red, you were red. You wished earth could suck you in and throw you to another place. 

Everybody was staring at you. Specially Haz who had the widest smirk on his face. Nothing good could come out of this one.

“You guys are what?” Nikki asked with a smile. Suddenly Tom loosened his body as he wrapped his arms around you and placed a kiss on your forehead.

“We’re dating, ma’,” Tom answered.

Sam and Harry had their mouths opened, O shapped and Haz couldn’t stop giggling.

“Harrison, care to confirm this?” asked Sam, suspicious of you and Tom.

“Oh, no, they are dating,” Harrison smiled and nodded. “Total lovebirds here.”

Tom grinned as he watched his whole family surprised, and he held you close.

“Totally,” Tom confirmed.

“Kiss then!” The younger Holland suddenly popped from behind, Paddy begged as he watched you both.

“Paddy!”Nikki laughed.

“What? That’s what couples do!” Paddy retorted as Nikki and Dom laughed.

“Pad’s right,” Harry frowned. “Kiss, because something smells funny here.”

“It’s you, Harry” Tom laughed but glanced over at you. “You smell funny.”

Tom was cool with this, Tom was an actor, he could play another role with this. But you knew he probably was going to be angry at you. You hadn’t consulted anything with him, and this probably wasn’t the best way to try off a relationship.

Your stomach filled with butterflies as Tom was looking down at you.

“Kiss then,” Harrison was the one to insist now. Tom glared at him but then leaned in anyway, to give you a soft peck on the lips. Your heart started to race. You weren’t usually like this,

“That was not a kiss,” Sam whined.

“Unlike you,” Tom answered. “I have the decency to not make out in front of the whole family.”

Dom nodded in agreement and Nikki just kept smiling at you. Trouble was definitely expecting you this weekend. The news was quickly erased by Sam asking to go out to talk to Elysia. Harry joined Paddy as he insisted on playing a video game with him, and Nikki and Dom left to a market to buy ‘supplies’ for the weekend.

Only you, Tom and Harrison were left. You quickly let go of Tom, embarrassed by your actions as Haz laughed away. Tom insisted on going to his room.

Tom chuckled as he raised both his eyebrows at you, walking after you, clearly waiting for an explanation.

“So, we’re dating huh?” He asked.

“I freaked out,” you snapped. “I’m sorry, we can tell them it isn’t true…”

“I wish we could’ve talked about it before,” Tom cleared his throat. 

“I’d love to see how you guys play this off,” Haz smirked, winking at you, plopping on Tom’s bed. “They were shockingly happy to see the news, and you guys played it soooo natural.”

“Haz, eh, please. I need to have a word with y/n,”Tom’s voice was rough and serious, you bit your lip looking away. Haz shrugged, flipping him off as he made is way out of the room. 

“They were thinking we were dating, anyway,” Tom sighed as he then glanced at you. “Well, we need a story to tell.”

“Tom, I’m sorry,” you felt your heart was going to bump off your chest from guilt, but Tom chuckled as he shook his head. 

“It’s fine, might be fun,” Tom smiled at you. “Thanks, for stopping the chant, though.”

“It was the worst way to stop it,” You chuckled. 

“Meh, it’s okay, it’s only an innocent lie, huh?” Tom assured you.

But you didn’t know how far from innocent your lie could get. 

tag list: @aussie-holland @magical-fandoms @hollandharrison @rmillerartemis @exoticeggos @nextkaratekid @haroldhookwriter @multifandom-fangirl4 @tommytheholland @the-crime-fighting-spider   @lostnliterature @hoshijoo   @redback-bell @fortheloveofmcu @sholla4-314 @im-on-something-different @kicknamestakeassgirl @my-babies-are-ash @justaboringlurker @flashcal @quacksonqueen @totallyreadyforthis @generalokoiye @sighspidey    @sydthekid443 @whereartthouwakanda @petersnmyhead   @spidey-shit @desir-ae @generalokoiye @theultimatelordofthegays @iwillalwaysbevictorious @peterparkerpepper @embrace-themagic @peterparkyourassonme  @1enchantedfantasy1 @fandomsunitestuff @thekidsofneibolt @spider-gwenscanary @brokenuntilmay3rd2019 @ceruleanparker @misformarvel  @oof-whut @underoosstark  @quicksoldier  @wombatholland @pensysto @peter-stark-parker​

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[sharethisgemwithme]

“Change Your Mind” instant reaction

As always, my first watch is without pausing or rewinding. The stopwatch for part one starts as close to "We..." as possible (assuming we get a standard intro). As this is a single episode, I'll pause the clock during commercial breaks and try to gather my thoughts, then post the whole thing in one block.

As the episode just aired, and this is quite lengthy, parts 2-4 are behind a cut. I’m gonna go through and re-proofread after posting.

0:00 - LET THE BATTLE OF HEART AND MIND BEGIN. I don't expect a standard episode title card, more likely something like they did for "Bismuth". 0:03 - WE'LL ALWAYS SAVE THE DAY! 0:21 - OK, title card. And the litany of boarders. 0:34 - Wake up, Pink Lasagna. 0:44 - "Oh right, prison." Exactly what I would have sarcastically typed. 0:58 - Umm, where is she? 1:11 - You didn't send her to the zoo, did you? 1:24 - What the hell? 1:38 - That's a weird looking pebble. Even for the pebbles. 1:48 - Oh. Shit. flashback? 2:04 - She's gonna take away your pearl. That's gonna become White Pearl? 2:28 - Everything goes in circles. 2:39 - Another terrible nightmare. Enjoy eternity spent in prison. 2:55 - Yep. Everything goes in circles, alright. 3:06 - Connie, you are probably not gonna help the situation right now. 3:25 - Ok. "I'm sorry." 3:29 - Or not. 3:38 - Bunches of tears. 3:49 - This is not gonna make her any happier. 4:09 - It has warped him into thinking that fusion is okay. Which is not a bad thing. 4:32 - Oof. 4:46 - You did. A lot. Enough to make her run away and pretend she was gone forever. 5:04 - "This is why you left, isn't it?" Pretty much. 5:10 - I think we're about to get a song... 5:35 - I don't know we're ready to get you home. 5:45 - MEAL TIME. 6:08 - Good luck with that. 6:25 - Busted. 6:42 - "She prefers to be called Steven." Wow. Close enough. 7:06 - Diamond on diamond violence. 7:24 - This is a good distraction. 7:38 - That's a lot of shards in bubbles in the background there. 7:50 - I saw four gems there. 8:00 - They're not ready to reform yet! 8:08 - You've already done that. Yep, just like Blue just said. 8:20 - But Yellow can't admit that she's hurtng. 8:34 - Yellow trying to fuckin' kill Blue here. 8:59 - It's been only 100 something episodes since that hot dog line came up. I'm glad Yellow was like "WTF does that even mean?" 9:21 - You'd think these bridges would be a bit sturdier. 9:29 - "I'm not." 9:45 - RUN FOR IT. 9:58 - Makes sense. The harder the hit, the longer the recovery. 10:17 - Yeah, this isn't gonna work. 10:29 - Time for white to say her line from the promo. "You're not going anywhere." 10:35 - I mean that was kinda obvious, but... called it. 10:58 - White Pearl, you are freaky as all hell.

OK, so Steven and Connie have retrieved the physical gems, and have Blue and Yellow on their side, but 3 on 1 might not be enough for a fair fight.

11:00 - Start of Act 2. 11:15 - Go to your rooms. All three of you. 11:29 - Was that pun really necessary, Connie? 11:44 - And here comes Bismuth! 11:55 - They look like they're lying, even though we know they aren't. 12:14 - Boom, what a knockout. 12:22 - Bismuth's piloting one of them. 12:32 - I guess Peri's piloting the other one, if she's woken up. 12:45 - Damn, those are some fancy outfits 12:52 - Lapis... almost has a star. 13:00 - Good thing you fixed it. 13:20 - One of these days Steven will learn how to GET THE FUCK OUT WHILE YOU CAN. 13:45 - At least put the gems somewhere safe! 14:07 - And White won't admit it. 14:14 - Connie's motif. Always pretty. 14:25 - Remember when Dr. Maheswaren was used as a proxy for Yellow? 14:55 - She called him Steven! 15:08 - FORM VOLTRON! 15:20 - It's about time we found out why the diamond ships form a full body. 15:55 - Id on't know what they'd actually want to say, though. 16:02 - I took over a lot of worlds, and I don't get enough credit for that. 16:25 - So many geology puns there. 16:30 - I'm not sure that's the kind of conversation Steven was really looking for, though. 16:51 - Peridot's visor is too wonky IMO. 17:00 - Let us all into our head. That might be a bit too literal. 17:!2 - WHAT THE FUCK. 17:19 - WHAT THE ABSOLUTE FUCK. 17:28 - NOT OKAY. 17:36 - AGAIN, HOW ABOUT WE GET THE FUCK OUT AND REGROUP? 17:50 - Goddammit, Steven. I told you to put those somewhere safer than IN YOUR HANDS. Don't you have pockets?! 18:28 - What? That's a bit weird. 18:36 - Is that how he's gonna get the other ones back also?! 18:54 - "Owl be fine.” NICE. 19:04 - WE'RE REALLY DOING THIS!!! 19:15 - Whose voice is that? 19:28 - Luckily this chasm is fuckin' infinite. 19:59 - OH HELL YES WE DOING THIS ALRIGHT! 20:07 - Or maybe not just yet.

Holy shit all the new fusions and forms, fuck yeah everything. But we didn't even get a name or appearance for Steven + Garnet before they got stomped on by a diamond ship.

20:15 - Start of Act 3. 20:19 - So much for a chance to collect my thoughts first. 20:29 - "You better step off." "Chillax my dudes." 20:41 - Sunstone. Wow. 20:48 - I feel like I should be able to place this voice, but I can't. 21:12 - Fourth wall breaking. Just like on the bingo card. 21:25 - Bungacowa. That's Amethyst's line! 21:38 - What the hell is even happening now? 21:58 - That didn't work. 22:02 - Another wonky visor. 22:10 - Obsidian? 22:14 - OBSIDIAN! 22:20 - You might wanna hurry this dance up. 22:38 - Gonna look like the temple fusion? 22:58 - YEP. Even though I question the chronology of that. 23:11 - Huge is a relative term. 23:25 - Yeah, it's about time the B team started doing something down here. 23:49 - Peridot, shut up before you get smacked in the face again. 24:02 - Try to be a little more stable when you got a human holding on for dear life. 24:22 - Oof, they took a hit. 24:39 - Bismuth's suit is metal. That should be good enough. 24:48 - Fuckin' ow. 24:52 - Connie. Where's Connie? 24:58 - Whew. 25:05 - "I've got this." The hell you do, Connie. 25:19 - If you're Voltron, then why am I the one forming blazing sword? 25:40 - Gem script decoders, get to work. 25:59 - They fell apart. But now they've got a way in. 26:15 - Save Connie! 26:24 - Never mind, she's okay. 26:40 - Oh this is creepy as all fuck. All three of them with one voice. 27:07 - So why didn't White zap Steven or any of the true rebels? 27:39 - Amethyst is me. As usual. 27:51 - Why did I have to ask that? 28:02 - Yeah, and it's plenty, Amethyst. 28:11 - GET OUT OF THE WAY, DAMMIT. 28:24 - This is not going well. 28:32 - And now they're all devoid of color. 28:55 - That was a middle finger, just sayin'. 29:09 - Oh good we got the 360 degree head spin just for kicks. 29:35 - She's not often told that she's wrong. 29:47 - "Because you are also flawed."? 30:07 - That's a creepy laugh. On top of all the other creepy shit. 30:20 - Connie, be careful. 30:33 - The student faces the teacher. 30:58 - Please make it stop. 31:15 - You've gotta say something more than just "You're wrong." 31:28 - That picture did seem a bit weird. 31:53 - We know that he's part gem. That doesn't mean he's the same person. 32:15 - And one more commercial break? 32:30 - Oh don't you dare. 32:49 - FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK. WE ALWAYS WORRIED THAT WAS GONNA HAPPEN.

"Three Gems", "Bubbled", and I'm sure one or two other episodes teased the idea of what would happen if Steven's gem was removed. Well we're about to find out, I guess. Shit.

33:00 - Start of Act 4. 33:05 - Oh wow, a two-part vision? 33:19 - This is freaky. 33:32 - Shit, I wasn't looking at all the forms. 33:45 - Yikes. 33:49 - No one's quite sure what to say. 33:59 - Are they gonna talk together? I guess not. 34:15 - That's some hardcore yelling from Pink Steven. 34:35 - Merge with him. Please. 34:42 - Fuck, Connie got strong. 34:52 - It's not a real thing. You can't zap him. 35:10 - Or something like that. 35:21 - Luckily he's got a 360 shield. 35:40 - What does this mean? 35:50 - Flesh Steven is in so much pain. 36:02 - 'Cause it's funny how much you suck. 36:19 - He's back! 36:40 - White is losing her shit. She's the one having the tantrum. 36:54 - Oh, her imperfections are showing. And now there's color in the world again! 37:13 - I don't think you're in control anymore. 37:25 - And where's the original Pink Pearl? 37:33 - Show us the original pink pearl. 37:39 - Read the room, guys. 37:55 - There she is! 38:02 - Still wondering what the deal is with her eye. 38:14 - OH FUCK, THAT'S WHY SHE SHINE SO BRIGHT, SO THAT NO ONE CAN SEE HER SHADING. 38:30 - We're all who we are. 38:38 - Why don't you let yourself just be whoever you are! 38:45 - You been doing a shit job of making everything better so far, White. 38:59 - And we're glad they left Greg behind. 39:12 - Sadie's singing Greg's greatest hit! 39:25 - IT'S BEACHAPALOOZA. 39:38 - Greg's gonna break into tears. And then some. 39:47 -- Ronaldo's face! 39:55 - PERFECT TIMING, LARS! 40:12 -Or maybe not, Rhodonite, but it's okay. 40:29 - Yeah, they know who the Diamonds are. 40:44 - You're kin with each other now. 40:55 - Oh god, Padparascha. 41:02 - "Lars isn't going to know what to say." Oh god, I laughed. 41:18 - How long has it been since we had a nice star wipe ending? 41:39 - I think that counts as a hot pink limousine. 41:56 - Ronaldo already pissing off Lars. 42:20 - We're healing everybody!!!! 42:42 - New verse for the "WATCG"! 43:02 - JASPER! 43:15 - Someone's gonna have to explain something to Jasper. 43:36 - So... where the hell do we go from here? 43:52 - Like, seriously. What in the hell can the next episode possibly be? 44:45 - Eh. I'm not sure how I feel about that last song. 45:00 - Movie promo! 45:10 - COMING THIS FALL.

And... we got the credits from "We Need to Talk" for some reason. Okay then. No credit notes tonight, I suppose.

[thehuggamugcafe]

The Charlatan: Transfer Student II

OOC: So, like the idiot that I can be on occasion, I forgot to extend my heartfelt gratitude toward the anon who suggested this to begin with. The anon who “planted the seed” in this Barista’s brain, if you will.

Fear not, dear anon. I didn’t forget you, not for a second. Thus, I will wholeheartedly thank you now for suggesting this to begin with. Without your ingenious thought, this wouldn’t have been at all possible. So, again, this Barista thanks you from the bottom of her heart, dear anon!

Also, I was watching NicoB’s playthrough of Persona 5, watching the first episode of the animation, and reading the Persona 5 manga while writing this. I wasn’t sure which one to stick with, so I went with a mixture of the three. I hope that that’s fine with everybody.

Well, that’s enough rambling from me. Let us start the game, shall we? ☕

Part I is here: https://thehuggamugcafe.tumblr.com/post/174565496827/the-charlatan-transfer-student-i

Your eyes narrowed, a frown pursed your lips as your brows pinched the slant of your glaring gaze. Your hands curled to fists that shook, trembled with thinly contained anger in your lap as you breathed a sigh. You always got a bit fired up whenever you thought back to what transpired on that day...

Suddenly, the giggles of two teenagers caught your attention, their laughter breaking you from your gloomy thoughts. You blinked as you raised your head, pointing your glasses-framed (e/c) irises on the two teenagers. They were female, a year or two younger than you, and dressed in school uniforms.

“Huh? Are you for real? A mental shutdown?”

“It’s the truth!”

“To a person, though? That’s gotta be a joke,” one girl said, rolling her soft brown eyes heavenward as she added, “You really love all that occult stuff, don’t you?”

Typical. Don’t they have anything better to do but gossip? you muttered silently, distaste worming its way through every word, every syllable you quietly hissed.

You pursed your lips to a thin line, swallowing a particularly snarky comment as the girls shared one last giggle, resisting the temptation to roll your eyes. You settled for voicing a soft “tsk” as you rode the train to your destination.

Finally, the subway pulled to one of the stops you had to make on the way to your destination: Yongen-Jaya.

In what felt like no time at all, you found yourself surrounded by a literal pond of people: men, women, teenagers, and children. Advertisements for a variety of products, TV shows, movies, and news reports were displayed on large screens. Their comments and laughter rose up into the sunny atmosphere in a collective chorus, and you felt your eyes widening slightly.

“S-So many people,” you muttered, blinking owlishly.

“Ah!” you breathed, bringing your (e/c) gaze back down on your phone.

The GPS menu was displayed, having already put in directions to the café of your caretaker for the next year: Sojiro Sakura.

“Oh yeah... Um... It’s in Yongen-Jaya, right? ...Transfer from Shibuya Station to the... Denentoshi Line... Where is that? Is it around here...?”

Your gaze fell on an uniformed officer—and almost immediately, a chill danced up and down your spine.

Ever since that day, you felt somewhat anxious around police officers, whether they were in uniform or off-duty. In the here and now, whenever a cop’s stern glare fell on you, you’d always wonder to yourself...

If you’d wake up one morning, and find yourself surrounded by four walls.

If you’d wake up one morning, and feel the sensation of icy steel clamped around your wrists.

If you’d wake up one day and find yourself stared, pointed at, sneered at, and mocked for the rest of your days.

Tch! you seethed quietly, furrowing your brows slightly.

I should’ve known that my so-called “friends” wouldn’t associate with me anymore, either!

It was true. None of your friends, friends who had sworn to stick by your side through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad times, had shown up at the station to see you off. The only ones who even bothered to show up to see you off, to wish you well, and to promise to keep in touch with you at all through your probation period were your father and little brother.

“Don’t talk to me.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t hang out with you.”

“It’s been fun, (Y/n), but...”

“I’m sorry, but...”

“We can’t be friends anymore.”

“We just can’t, okay? Please understand.”

“You’ve been a great friend, but...”

For a moment, and only a moment, your posture stiffened, becoming as rigid and straight as a board, feeling your shoulders stiffening as a wave of strong irritation washed over you. Finally, you breathed in, slowly and deeply, releasing the breath in a whoosh of an exhale.

Suck it up, (Y/n)! you chided yourself, your heels clicking on the asphalt as you approached the officer.

Honestly, what’s the worst he could do? Tell you to get lost, nothing else.

“Excuse me, officer?”

The cop’s eyes fell on you, narrowing slightly as he gave you a quick once-over look out of suspicion before grunting out a, “Yeah?” in response to you addressing him.

“Where is the Denentoshi Line...?” you asked, holding up your cellphone as you voiced your question.

“Denentoshi Line...?” The officer glanced up from your phone, pointing on your left. “Go that way.”

“Thank you very much,” you said, lingering long enough to bow respectfully.

You took no more than a few steps before you paused, sparing a quick glance behind the stationary officer, spotting the caution tape that was stretched, connected to two poles.

A no trespassing line, huh?

Once again the heels of your shoes clicked over the street as you walked away from the officer, flicking a stare around you, over your shoulder. Your (e/c) irises silently ogled the occasional group of civilians here and there, usually with a uniformed officer in their midst, gesturing or asking them to move along.

Here too? you mused quietly, pursing your lips.

You breathed a hum as you exited the station, stepping out into the open streets of Tokyo.

Is Shibuya really that dangerous?

Your quiet curiosity remained as you blinked, standing in the midst of clusters upon clusters of people. The pond of citizens you stood in mere moments ago was a foreshadowing of being amongst an ocean of civilians. Your eyes widened as your mouth fell open, astounded by how many chattering men, women, teenagers, and children surrounded you.

“There’s... There’s so many people,” you muttered, realizing just how out-of-place you were.

You shook your head, shaking yourself free of the stupefied stupor that possessed you. You raised your phone to eye-level, your (e/c) gaze pointed straight at the illuminated screen.

“Oh yeah! The Denentoshi Line... Ah!”  

Unexpectedly, you stumbled forward a few steps as someone’s shoulder bumped into yours. Luckily, you steadied yourself before you were sent to the ground. That didn’t stop a fresh wave of irritation to hit you. It didn’t stop you from pointing a glare on the offending person.

It certainly didn’t stop you from snapping an irate, “hey!” to the young man as he walked by you.

The young man, a year or two younger than you, simply returned your annoyed scowl. He looked as though you had bumped into him, not the other way around.

For the second time in the time-frame of a few minutes, your lips pursed to a thin line as you frowned.

He bumped into me, and he didn’t say anything? Not even offered me an apology?

Your hand clutched the cellphone, furrowing your brows as you voiced a soft “tch!” of annoyance.

“Oh, so yesterday...”

“Really? Yikes. That’s tough. I feel bad for you, man.”

“I feel so sluggish. Tomorrow’s Sunday too. Monday’s going to be a pain in the ass.”

“Mom! You want a bite?”

“Hm?” you murmured, blinking owlishly as you stared at the screen of your phone as a notification tune played.

“What is this? It’s so creepy.”

“Ah!”

The surprised gasp of a child as her ice cream cone fell from her hand went unnoticed by you, too absorbed in what blinked back at you on your phone. An unusual app was displayed, bolstering of a red and black colour scheme, but what you found to be most unsettling about the app’s appearance was what appeared to be an eye in the middle, seeming to almost stare back at you.

“Weird... Did that bump make me press something I shouldn’t have?”

A bubble of confusion rose up inside you, a frown pursed your lips as you pressed a finger on the glowing screen. Frustrated, you pressed it a few more times, but it did nothing; the end result was a sore thumb and fresh annoyance.

“Seriously... What the hell is this...?” you asked, breathing a sigh.

“I have the feeling that’s what’s going on...”

The voice of a businessman caught your attention—or rather, his voice droning to a complete stop caught your attention.

“Tomorrow’s test is so...”

The voice of a high school student complaining to her friend also slowed to a halt.

Startled, you looked over your shoulder, watching as the girls’ steps became sluggish, as though they’d suddenly become mired in mud. Looking around, you realized that it wasn’t just the businessman or the high school girls who’d slowed to a stop, freezing altogether. In fact...

Everyone had stopped.

Awash in surprise and confusion, you looked around, but it didn’t matter. Everywhere you looked you saw life-like statues of what had been people chatting, laughing, and walking mere seconds ago.

“Huh?!” you breathed, shocked, confused, and...

Honestly, a bit terrified at what you were seeing.

“T-They all stopped...?” you stuttered, your face paling in surprise.

And yet... And yet...

The hairs rose on the back of your neck, and your forearms quivered with a similar feeling of gooseflesh.

You were being watched.

You turned on your heels, locking a stare on what appeared to be... flames. The fire was bluish-white in hue, flickering sporadically before it burst to life. It touched concrete, shone against glass, and yet whatever it touched, it remained unaffected. The fire took on an unidentifiable form, flaring out at the edges as reddish-orange appeared in what could pass for a face, grinning fiendishly.

“That’s...”

Only for it to become your face.

“Me...?”

Indeed, your visage stared back at you amidst the blue-white fire, a fiendish smile curling lips that were very similar to your own, but... You would never grin, smile, or smirk so dangerously, and... More importantly, above everything else...

In place of (e/c) irises were eyes that shone with a golden hue, strangely complimenting the devilish sneer that curled your doppelgänger’s lips. The ‘you’ who watched you gripped what appeared to be a mask in ‘her’ hands, wrapped in the glowing bluish-white flames just as ‘she’ was.

A chilling chuckle left ‘her’ lips, the marigold irises glinting maniacally as you blinked...

She was gone.

“...What the...?”

“By the way...”

“Wahhh! Mommy!”

The distressed cries of a little girl caught your attention, staring at her as her brown eyes welled up with tears. Her ice cream cone hit the ground with a soft splat noise, the cone crumbling at the edges. The life-like statues, the people that surrounded you resumed their previous activities. They, talked, laughed, complained, and they walked, ran, drove, or sped past you on bicycles.

“Hush, now. I’ll buy you another one,” the mother said, reassuring her sniffling daughter.

“Where were you yesterday?”

“He said that? Really?”

“Heh? That’s new...”

“Seriously? I mean...”

They’re all moving again? you thought, blinking owlishly as you looked around.

“Huh... Was it just my imagination...?”

Frowning, you spared a glance down at the screen of your cellphone. The app was still there.

“...Yeah. That’s got to be it,” you muttered, pressing and holding your index finger on the blinking red and black app.

A trash bin icon popped up as the blinking app was dragged down, disappearing from your sight. Your eyes widened as the current time glared back at you in (f/c) digital numbers: 16:45.

“It’s this late already?!” you gasped, turning on your heels and running from the clusters of citizens.

To you, it seemed as though someone had pressed a fast forward button on the world, but you soon found yourself standing in front of a coffee shop in a back alley.

“Café Leblanc... This must be it,” you said, breathing in as you steadied yourself.

A slim, feminine hand reached for the café’s latch, pulling down on it and tugging the café’s door open. A small golden bell above the entrance jingled merrily as you stepped inside, signaling your arrival—and almost immediately, the scent of brewing coffee made its aroma known to you.

“A public transit bus was driven down an opposing line with its customers still in it! The citizens can’t live in peace if this keeps up!”

The voice of a tabloid show host announced the news through a TV screen fixed into the wall, near the service counter. The TV host’s monotone voice resulted in you managing to resist the urge to roll your eyes heavenward, if only slightly.

“How frightening,” an elderly man said, shaking his head as he talked.

“What could be going on? Didn’t something similar happen just the other day?”

An elderly woman sat across from him, tossing in her thoughts as well. They were most likely husband and wife.

“Vertical is... The name of a shellfish used for farming pearls...”

The second man’s voice caught your attention, staring at a man who sat in one of the stools. He appeared to be middle-aged, black hair that was slicked-back with a receding hairline, gray eyes, a chinstrap beard with a goatee that flared out, and glasses sat on his nose. He wore a pale pink dress shirt with rolled up sleeves, a black apron with a white pinstripe design, pale khakis held up by a white leather belt, and white loafers completed his appearance.

After a short pause he glanced up, fixing a stare on you.

“...Oh, right,” he said, pausing to set the crossword puzzle and pencil aside on the service counter.

“They did say that was today.”

“We’ll be going now. The payment’s on the table,” the elderly man said, standing up along with his wife.

“Thanks for coming.”

“This place is in the back alley, so there’s no chance of a car crashing in here.”

The older man let out a soft, wheezy laugh, as though he had said something particularly funny.

“A what now?”

“There’s been a string of those rampage accidents, you know. I just hope that none happen around here.���

“It’s none of my concern.”

Your brows furrowed slightly at the bearded man’s cold attitude. Just what sort of acquaintance was this man to your parents?

“Haha, we’ll see you next time.”

You moved to give the elderly couple enough room to move, watching them over your shoulder as they exited the small café. The telltale jingle of the small bell above the entrance was heard as the door shut behind them.

A soft “tsk” of annoyance made you look back at the middle-aged man.

“...Four hours for a single cup of joe,” he muttered to himself, raising a hand to scratch the back of his head. His voice spoke volumes of his annoyance.

“I was wondering what kind of unruly kid would show up, but you’re the one, huh?”

You stared at the gray-eyed, middle-aged owner, blinking owlishly.

“I’m (Y/n) (L/n),” you said, pausing to bow respectfully before adding, “I appreciate this, sir.”

The man raised his eyebrows, lazily drawling out a “heh” in response to your greeting. He seemed to be surprised by your display of manners.

“So, you’re (Y/n)?”

You straightened your posture, nodding once. A smile quirked the corner of his lips.

“I’m Sojiro Sakura. You’ll be in my custody for the next year.”

[mosylufanfic]

I request prompt 22nd; Happy birthday month!

Thank you! Also requested by a nonny, although you might see another reply for that, nonny! I keep thinking these are going to be short and cute and I look up four pages later and go, “. . . shit.”

Best Laid Plans

Caitlin heaved a sigh, dropped her head back, and told the ceiling, "I'm trying very hard not to see all this as a metaphor for my life."

The smoke alarm shrieked. The lasagna that she'd worked on all afternoon was a scorched-black lump. Her pan was probably ruined too.

She sniffed and wiped away tears. "It's just a lasagna," she scolded herself.

But it wasn't, and she knew it. The lasagna had been a single but critical cog in a carefully crafted plan, and now it was trash.

Cisco was due any minute, and she was still in her robe, with no makeup and her hair barely blow-dried. Her main dish was completely ruined and there was no time to throw together something new.

She sniffed again and then pulled a chair over and climbed up on it to turn off the smoke alarm. When it had been silenced, with a last surprised tweet, she rested her head against the top of the door frame and mourned briefly for her ruined evening, which was supposed to end with her in Cisco's arms.

Sometimes it seemed like her dating life since Ronnie's death had been nothing but trying to feel more than she did, or disastrous breakups. Or both. Often both. But Cisco had always had a place in her heart. Sometime after he'd first gotten together with Cynthia, she'd realized that the place he occupied had transformed from platonic to romantic without her noticing.

She'd told herself then that it was hopeless. He had a girlfriend, one he was madly in love with. She'd hated herself for the ember of hope that had blossomed when he'd told her that they'd broken up. "Too different," he'd said, sagging in her comfy armchair with his third or fourth stiff drink. "We love each other, but we don't want the same things. And the things we want - they’re kind of all or nothing."

"I'm sorry," she'd said, and gotten more ice cream out of the freezer.

She'd counseled herself to wait, to let him heal, to watch for signs that he was ready to risk his heart again.

In the past month, she'd been seeing those signs, and more, signs that he might be already willing to risk it with her. Casual touches that lingered longer than usual. Banter that leaned toward flirtation. Small, thoughtful gestures, that wouldn't have seemed out of place in Cisco's history of thoughtful gestures except for the smiles he gave her along with the cup of tea he brought to her desk, or the candy bar he picked up when he was out. Long text conversations about nothing in the middle of the night.

But if they were ever going to be anything more than text buddies, one of them was going to have to move things along, and she'd decided it was going to be her. Except that her meticulous plan had gone off the rails the moment she turned on her hair-dryer and missed hearing the over timer go off.

She looked over and saw the wine on the counter. She hopped off the chair, grabbed a corkscrew, jammed it into the cork, and worked it out of the bottle with a pop. Without bothering with a glass, she took a deep chug straight out of the bottle.

It was a nice red wine, and it would have been really nice with her burned lasagna.

She was considering another chug when the doorbell rang. With a gasp, she stuck the bottle back on the counter and bolted for the door.

"Hey - what burned?" were the first words out of his mouth when she opened it.

"Lasagna," she said, letting him in. "I was drying my hair and I didn't hear the buzzer."

"Awww," he said. "I’ve been there. Sorry." He gave her a quick hug and she told herself to let go when he did, not to cling to him, not to snuggle close and bask in the smell of his shampoo and the feel of his body against hers. "You didn't have to make dinner. I told you I'd bring something over."

"I wanted to," she said. "But I screwed it up."

He squeezed her upper arms to comfort. "Look," he said. "Why don't I go get a pizza? Will that work with the rest of your menu?"

"Sure," she sighed. "Go for it."

"Be right back," he said, and opened up a breach in the middle of her entryway.

When it sucked itself closed, she went back into her bedroom to put on clothes. Half her closet was scattered over her bed - pretty ruffled skirts that showed off her legs, low cut tops that showed off her decolletage, dresses in a fine-gauge knit that clung to her curves. They'd all seemed not quite perfect for the intimate dinner she'd had planned.

They definitely wouldn't work over pizza.

She put on a soft, drapey t-shirt and a pair of yoga pants, then pulled her hair into a ponytail and put on basic makeup. She started to put on a simple, sheer pink lipstick, then paused, wiped it off, and selected a redder shade.

Even if she couldn't seduce him tonight like she'd planned, that was no reason not to make him think about her lips if she had the chance.

She shut her bedroom door behind her and went to see what else could be salvaged.

By the time he knocked again, she was feeling more cheerful. Yes, the charred lasagna was occupying a place of dishonor on the back of her stove, but that wasn’t the only thing she’d prepared. She did swap out her table settings, though. Thick-crusted, cheesy, greasy pizza just didn't go with her fine china. She let him in with a smile.

"All right," Cisco said, bearing a heavenly-smelling cardboard box toward her table and setting it down in the center. He plopped two twenty-ounce bottles next to the box, one orange soda and one iced tea. “We’ve got a large sausage and mushroom, because I ain’t looking at pineapple on pizza tonight, you Hawaiian-loving weirdo.”

Although sausage and mushroom did go better with the rest of the meal, she scowled playfully at him. He always gave her grief for her taste in pizza. “Keep talking like that and you won't get any caprese salad.”

“Any what now?” he asked, transferring slices onto her red Fiestaware plates.

She shifted the box and showed him the plate. Fat chunks of mozzarella alternated with tomato slices, garnished with basil leaves, and all of it drizzled in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. She’d assembled it and put in the fridge before jumping in the shower earlier.

His eyes lit up. “Fancy!” He nudged his two slices of pizza aside to make room on his plate.

“Okay,” she said after serving herself. “Are you ready to plan?”

“Born ready,” he said, twisting the cap off the orange soda. “Hit me. What are you thinking?”

She pulled out her notebook. “I’ve jotted down some ideas. This is Iris’s thirtieth birthday. It’s a milestone. We want it to be special.”

He cut up a slice of mozzarella and swabbed up balsamic vinegar before popping it in his mouth. “Remind me why we’re planning this and Barry isn’t?”

“Because it’s supposed to stay a surprise for more than thirty seconds,” Caitlin said.

“And he folds like a cheap suit when she cocks her eyebrow. Right.”

She should feel guilty, using a party planning session as a pretense for luring Cisco into her clutches. But Iris, who’d listened to her agonize a few times, would more than understand. Anyway, Caitlin had ditched that plan.

Mostly.

She watched Cisco lick pizza grease off his lips and grin at her as he suggested a country western theme (which she shot down with a quickness) and reminded herself that she wasn’t going to jump him.

Which was too bad, because in that shirt and those pants, he was looking really good. And he was having an incredible hair day.

They settled on a private room at Iris’s favorite restaurant the Saturday after her birthday. Caitlin wrote herself a note to check availability, and to figure out backup restaurants if that one didn’t pan out.

“We should have a decoy celebration,” Cisco suggested. “Like, tell her to meet us for lunch on Sunday.”

“Right! If we all just pretend to have forgotten, she’ll know something’s up. A decoy sounds perfect. Now, who are we inviting to the real thing?”

Cisco pulled up Facebook on his phone and went trawling through Iris’s friend list. “I’ll take care of contacting everybody,” he said, scribbling names down. “Hey, have you got contact info for Linda Park?”

“I can get it,” Caitlin said, writing herself another note. “Iris would love it if she made it from Coast City for this.”

By the time they’d eaten half the pizza and all the caprese salad, they had the beginnings of a really nice party. Cisco closed the box. "Want to keep the rest of this?"

"You take it home," she said, hopping up. "But I do have a new recipe that I tried for dessert."

"I'm going to get fat if you keep making me all your finds," Cisco said, not sounding terribly worried about the prospect. "They're gonna start calling me Jello instead of Vibe."

She grinned at him. "Maybe it's awful. I did burn the lasagna."

"Yikes," he said, and loaded her dishwasher while she pulled the dessert out.

He tilted his head to study the mound of white dessert that she set in front of him. "Is this flan? Because I have to tell you, it’s on the pale side."

"No," she said. "It's panna cotta. Taste it."

He did, and made a noise in his throat that made her skin buzz. "Holy shit. What's it called again?"

"Panna cotta. I made it last night." She tasted it herself and almost sighed. It had really turned out well. Good choice to garnish with raspberries. Next time, she would have to do the mint chocolate variation she'd found.

"Just for funsies?"

"Well, I found the recipe and I really wanted to try it out."

"And you knew I'd be here to help you eat it," he said, taking another bite. "So how did you make it?"

She launched into an explanation of the recipe, how the cream had to just simmer, not fully boil. How you had to let the gelatin dissolve just right, why you had to warm the mixture and let it cool in a particular pattern so the chemical reaction could happen properly. How you could add vanilla or almond or tea or anything, really, to flavor it and then add even more things on top when it had chilled overnight, and then - if you chose - unmold it onto a plate before garnishing. It was her favorite kind of recipe - scientific precision on the one hand, endless flavor choices on the other.

He watched her, smiling as he ate his panna cotta. “Maybe you should make it for Iris’s party,” he suggested.

She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think I’m up to making this for that many people, and the restaurant might have something to say about it.”

“Okay,” he said with a laugh. “You’ll just have to make it for me again.”

She looked up to see him smiling at her, and her heart skipped a beat. “Okay,” she said, telling herself that her voice wasn’t breathier than Jessica Rabbit’s. “Sure. Anytime.”

Their gazes locked and held until her heart fluttered again, and his lips parted. He blinked, breaking the spell, and set his spoon in his empty dish. “I’m gonna - “ He gestured vaguely in the direction of her bathroom. “Um.”

“Sure,” she said, and had to sit for another five or ten seconds, catching her breath, before she could get up and take the panna cotta dishes to the sink. They had to be hand-washed, but she couldn’t do it now. She’d probably break one.

She cleaned up the rest of the table, checked that Cisco had loaded the dishwasher properly (he had) and was considering how salvageable the lasagna pan was when Cisco called out, “Hey, Caitlin?”

“Hmmm?”

“Can you come here a minute?”

She went to the living room to see him studying her coffee table. “So, what’s this?” he asked.

She swallowed hard. She’d forgotten about that setup. “Um, candles. And wine glasses.”

“Fancy candles,” he said. “And your good wine glasses. And I couldn't help but notice there was a pretty nice red wine breathing on the counter all through dinner.”

“Oh,” she said. “I forgot about that. Yes.”

“And I know you’ll probably be mad and I’m sorry, but I may have slightly snooped in your bedroom on my way to the bathroom and I noticed your closet had exploded.”

She felt herself go red to the hairline. “. . . Yes,” she admitted. “It did, kind of.”

He tilted his head. “Did you have a plan for tonight?”

She nodded slowly. Her face felt hot enough to cook an egg. “But I burned the lasagna and spent too much time looking for the right outfit and ruined it.”

He smushed his lips together. “That’s an easily ruined plan.”

“You know how I am about my plans,” she said.

“Yeah,” he admitted, and picked up one of the wine glasses. “Too bad. This looks like it would have been pretty nice.”

She stood looking at him twisting the wineglass in his fingers, and thought, I’m on Team Flash. Plans going wrong is where we live. I should be able to improvise.

She curled her toes against the carpet. “Do you want to know what end I was planning toward?” she asked.

He looked up at her. “Kinda would. Yeah.”

“Okay,” she said. Whispered, really. “Okay.”

She reached out and took the wineglass from his hand. Setting it down on the coffee table, she rested her hands on his shoulders and leaned forward to kiss him.

He went still, and she thought, Oh, oh no, I’ve misread everything, I -

Then his arms slipped around her waist and he kissed her back. Cautious at first, learning how they fit together, what she liked, what he liked. Then the kiss became more confident, hungrier. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed up against him, and he hummed in his throat the way he had when he’d tasted the panna cotta. This time, the sound thrilled her right down to the marrow.

They had to break for air eventually, and leaned together, panting. “So,” he said, his thumb rubbing against her rib cage through her thin shirt. “That was the end of the evening? In your plan?”

“Well,” she said, stroking her fingers through the baby-fine hairs on his neck. “No. Not necessarily.”

He smiled at her, his big joyful Cisco smile that she’d always loved to see, and said, “I was hoping you’d say that.”

FINIS

[wrappedaroundyourvoodoodoll]

Birthday Princess

Yikes this was supposed to go up on Ash’s birthday, but you get the point. Enjoy!

Word Count: 2.5k+

Another drunken line of girls passed by me on a determined path to the bathroom, bumping the cheap tiara on my head in the process. I huffed in response while adjusting the ridiculously glittery ‘Birthday Girl’ sash my friends bought and took the opportunity to swipe the newly freed seats near the bar so I could people-watch. An overflow of sweaty bodies wriggled and swayed on every inch of the dance floor free of inhibition due to their intoxication levels. Some men were getting encouraging pats on the backs from their wolf packs of friends before shooting their shot with whichever girl happened to be giggling their way. People throughout the club whooped and hollered when the DJ switched to some vaguely different genre of party music that the lively crowd could fist-bump and grind to.

After straining my neck to check the entrance of the club for the umpteenth time in the past 15 minutes, I turned back around to see a mesmerizing pair of hazel eyes peering into mine. I hadn’t realized how deeply I was staring until the wavy-haired individual tried speaking to me over the loud music.

“I’m sorry, what?” I shouted closer to him.

“I asked if you wanted a refill,” he said loudly while gesturing to my half empty water.

My phone buzzed in my hand, indicating I was getting a text. I briefly looked down at the preview of the message from my friends’ group chat.

Sent at 8:43pm

1: Y/N I’m so sorry honey I can’t make it :( I thought I could cram for this test but there’s way more content than I thought

Sent at 8:44pm

2: ^^ me too :/ my boyfriend’s game went into overtime and I’m pretty sure they’re celebrating after. Maybe another time?

I rolled my eyes and looked back up at the stranger clearing the table of leftover drinks and glasses.

“Actually, I think I was just heading out,” I said standing from my seat.

“So soon?” He asked with raised eyebrows.

“Yeah, clubbing on your birthday just doesn’t have the same ring to it when you’re by yourself,” I replied.

“You don’t have any friends coming to celebrate with you?” He questioned as he wiped the table down and went behind the bar counter.

I followed his trail and answered with evident irritation, “Nope, they suddenly had other plans that were more important this evening.”

“Well,” he planted both of his hands on the counter, “I, in good conscious, can’t let you end tonight as the unhappy birthday girl.”

“And why is that?” I asked curiously.

“Because I’m going to become your new favorite barkeep,” he said with a proud smile. “And it is with this new title that I solemnly promise,” he raised his right hand as if he was taking an oath, “…to ensure that the rest of tonight does not suck for you.”

A small smirk grew on my face at the mischievous man in front of me.

“You can’t be serious, right?” I asked incredulously. “I don’t even know you!”

“How about this, birthday girl” he glanced at a few people walking up to the bar, most likely to order new drinks, “My name is Ashton. I like going on adventures and buying vanilla scented candles. My favorite part of movies are the trailers and I don’t understand how zodiac signs work. I’m gonna come back over here at 9 when my shift ends. If you decide by then that you don’t think an innocent night of fun with me is better than sitting at home by yourself, I will personally call you an Uber and let you go home,” he smiled walking away.

“You should add ‘cocky’ to that little bio of yours,” I playfully said with my arms crossed.

“Not cocky!” He shouted over his shoulder, “just hopeful.”

Promptly at 9:00, Ashton popped out of a room near the back of the club in his normal clothes and re-approached me at the bar.

“So, birthday girl,” he leaned on the counter, “what’s our verdict?”

“Well seeing as you made such an appealing case and I don’t want to put this outfit to waste, I think one night of adventure couldn’t hurt,” I said in a posh tone of voice.

“Then what are we waiting around for?” He asked holding his hand out. I grabbed it and he helped me out of my seat. “Let’s get this party started.”

With that, Ashton led me out of the club and towards the parking lot. He pulled out his car keys and hit the unlock button, bringing my eyes to the flashing headlights on a black mustang.

“This is you?” I asked in disbelief.

He shrugged and replied opening the passenger door for me, “Well I can’t have the birthday princess walking around on her feet all night now, can I?”

“How considerate of you. And when did I upgrade to princess?” I said getting into the car and reaching over to open his door.

Ashton entered on his side of the car and strapped on his safety belt before brandishing that smile of his once more to answer, “When you decided to spend your night with me.” With that remark, Ashton revved up the engine and we dashed through the streets filled with nightlife.

My eyes scanned the various strings of bright lights and neon signs on the buildings near us as the car slowed to a stop. Ashton and I exited the car and re-joined hands as he led me towards the entrance of a building that had a string of people waiting in line to enter. We approached the bouncer - who could easily be mistaken for a ten-foot brick wall - with an icy glare.

“Sam!” Ashton shouted with open arms. The bouncer turned around and suddenly smiled widely, “Ashton!” The two shared a brief hug and fell into small talk.

“How long has it been man?” The bouncer said.

“It’s definitely been too long, buddy, but I was just in the neighborhood and wanted to show my friend here a good time,” Ashton said gesturing to me.

I shook Sam’s outreached hand and smiled, “Hi, I’m Y/N.”

“Nice to meet you, Y/N. Any friend of Ashton is a friend of mine.”

“Do you think you can let us in? I want to introduce her to Mitchy,” Ashton politely asked.

“Of course, but you know the drill man,” Sam giving a side eye towards the line of hopeful club goers beginning to look towards us.

Ashton nodded understandably and leaned towards me to whisper, “Just go with it.”

Before I could ask what ‘it’ was that Ashton was referring to, Sam started shouting.

“Look dammit, I’m not gonna say it again: if you want in you have to wait in line just like everybody else!”

“Fine! No need to get all testy,” Ashton shouted back while we walked backwards with displeased expressions.

While the people waiting in line hooted their agreements at Sam and went back to their own business, Sam winked at us and let down the rope for us to enter while whispering, “You guys enjoy your night,” with a thumbs-up.

I laughed at the switch in his demeanor and followed Ashton into the building. My eyes glimmered and a smile grew on my face as I looked over the chandeliers and walked down the slightly spiraled staircase past a few bottle girls that could very well be models. The all white decor on the top and bottom levels of the building were being splotched with reflections of the blue pink and green lights from the tiled dance floor and the DJ’s station. I was disrupted from my cotton candy dream when Ashton continued to lead me to the bar where a tattooed man in sunglasses stood.

“Ash is that you?” He called out.

“You’re pretty popular around here, huh?” I asked Ashton with a smirk.

“You could say that,” he chuckled and bro-hugged the man at the bar.

“Is this the pretty girl you were texting me about?” The tattooed pointed towards me, causing me to raise my eyebrows.

Ashton turned beet red and the man stepped up to me, “My name’s Mitchy, one of Ashton’s good friends. Unless I’ve got the wrong glasses on, you must be the birthday girl.”

“That’s right,” I said adjusting my sash so the letters were in the right place. “And this one over here is my event guide for the night,” I said nodding towards Ashton.

“Well he brought you to the right place,” he said leading me to a bar stool and going behind the counter. “First two rounds are on me!”

“Mitch, you don’t have to do that man,” Ashton said waving his hands.

“Nonsense! First round is for her birthday, and the second is for yours,” Mitchy continuing to conjure up a suitable beverage to start the night.

My head quickly whipped around to Ashton with my mouth agape, “When is your birthday?!”

“It might also be tonight,” he said nonchalantly with his fingers interlaced in the countertop.

“Seriously?” I questioned.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” he shrugged.

I took the plastic tiara off of my head and placed it on his and said, “Guess who’s the birthday princess now?” making Ashton laugh with an accompanying clap.

Mitchy slid two shot glasses towards us layered with various spirits. Ashton reached for one, but Mitchy lightly swatted his hand away and held up a finger as if to say ‘wait for it’ while pulling a lighter out of his pocket. My eyebrows were furrowed until Mitchy sparked a flame and lit the upper layer of our shots aflame.

“Holy shit. What is that?” I said staring at the beverage.

“It’s informally titled flaming liquid cocaine, but tonight it’s your birthday candle,” Mitchy stated proudly.

“In that case,” Ashton began, “make a wish, princess.”

Mitchy counted us off on three and we blew out the flame, quickly picking up the glass to down the liquid. I shook my head as warmth crept through my belly and up my spine. “Oh my god that tasted like Christmas.”

“Lucky for you, not-so Saint Nick has another one of those coming up,” Mitchy said re-sparking his lighter, making Ashton and I whoop in response.

“What do you mean you can’t dance?” Ashton was baffled bringing me onto the dance floor.

“I said what I said! Unless there’s instructions in the song, I can’t dance for shit!” I told him.

Ashton laced our fingers and brought us closer together, slowly beginning to sway us into the tempo of the upbeat song currently playing, “I don’t believe that for a second.”

“Alright, but don’t say anything when I step in your toes,” I retaliated making his glazed eyes squint while he giggled.

As many times as I stumbled, Ashton kept me on my feet and in a great mood. He wasn’t exactly the world’s best dancer either, so most of our dancing was simply us goofing off with each other and singing the lyrics we knew. Eventually the liquor filtered through his system and he got a lot smoother in his movements. 

It was when Ashton began body rolling that a small circle formed in the dance floor around us with other club goers chanting and cheering his freestyle session on. I giggled when he looked around and realized what was happening before setting his eyes on me. He did a dramatic pause and cracked an imaginary whip, making said cracking sound with his mouth. He then whipped the imaginary rope around me, tightening the knot with both hands and started his gradual pull. When the crowd saw I wasn’t shifting with his faux lasso, a few girls behind me gently pushed me towards him. The crowd got louder as we got closer and the drop in the song was approaching. Ashton “released” his lasso and spun me twice into his arms before creating a picture-perfect moment and dipping me at the bass drop of the song, causing the crowd to cheer and applaud.

We fell into a fit of laughter while the crowd went back to their own dancing. He pulled me upright slowly so I wouldn’t get too dizzy. As our giggles faded, our smiles remained as we recognized how close we were in proximity. The DJ switched the song to a slower, more promiscuous one. Ashton brushed the remaining strands of hair out of my face and my breath hitched when he brushed his thumb over my bottom lip. I took his hands in mine and slid them down to my hips, both of us swaying and grinding softly to the music. I turned around so his front was pressed against my backside like a second skin. He kept his hands lightly roaming on my sides and thighs, rolling his hips against me while I pushed my ass on him as rhythmically as I could. My head lulled to rest on his shoulder, allowing me to feel how quickly his pulse had gotten from our actions. We continued like that, occasionally altering the pace, until the song ended. We faced each other with flushed cheeks, still close in each other’s arms.

“Do you want to get out of here?” He exhaled.

“Oh my god,” I moaned while throwing my head back.

“Fuck, I know,” Ashton groaned equally satisfied.

The McDonald’s cashier behind the counter judgmentally stared at both of us individually going through our second Big Macs.

“It’s even better than the first one!” He shouted with a mouthful.

I gasped and set my burger down to take the bun off and add French fries into it. When I replaced the bun and took a bite, I nearly melted in my seat. “This is the best night ever,” I said taking a sip of my chocolate milkshake.

“I told you!” Ashton victoriously yelled dipping fries into his shake.

And laughed at his boasting and waved away the few other drunks in the restaurant to high five him.

“I’m now your favorite barkeep and newly officiated birthday buddy,” he smiled. “And why do you keep laughing,” he said giggling himself.

“Because you have really deep dimples so your smile is super cute okay! I mean look at you,” I whisper shouted touching his face. “It’s like you’re sculpted to be perfect,” I commented lowly making him blush further.

“It takes perfection to know it,” he attempted to compliment me back, but the moment was stolen by me laughing at the fact that he was trying to bring his straw to his mouth with his tongue and failing miserably.

“Dammit, I’m trying to say you’re beautiful and I’m fucking it up,” he laughed and covered his face.

I removed his hands from his face and kissed his cheek, making his laughter falter.

“Thank you for tonight,” I smiled.

He smiled back and wrapped me into a side hug, “Right back at ya, birthday princess.”

[lovemesomesurveys]

Find the nearest book. Read the second sentence on page 13. I don’t have a book near me and I don’t feel like getting up.

Do you own anything that is made of metal and pink? Not that I can think of.

Is there laundry in your dryer right now? *shrug*

Would you eat a hissing beetle for $1000? Noooooo.

If you had to spend a year studying an animal in the wild, what animal? Let’s just pretend that I’m an outdoorsy, nature kind of person who would actually enjoy something like that, okay? Okay. In that hypothetical scenario, I would choose to study giraffes!

What is your all time favorite recipe? I don’t cook.

What’s the first thing you think of when you smell strawberries? Strawberry milkshake.

What’s the nearest thing to your right that starts with an L? Lights. I have lights strung around my headboard. Are there any bells in your house? No.

What’s your favorite informercial? I don’t have a favorite informercial.

Ever been to AsSeenOnTv.com? Nope. I’ve seen the products in stores, though.

If you could have a shopping spree in any store, what would it be? Hmm. Just give me cash so I could do other things with it.

Where’s the best place to register for a wedding? I don’t know.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever found on the beach? I’ve never found anything weird on a beach. <<< Me either.

Have you ever kissed anyone within an hour of meeting them? No.

Can you watch a birthing video all the way through? I couldn’t get through the birthing video they showed in 8th grade. I’m sorry, but the act of giving birth isn’t beautiful to me. lol. I’m too squeamish.

What would be your act in a talent show? I wouldn’t be in a talent show cause I have no talent.

What channel is on channel 37 on your tv? No channel 37.

What’s the last thing you wrote? By hand it was my signature.

Do you have a community mailbox or an individual one? A community one.

How many keys are on your key ring? Three.

What was your first myspace song ever? Oh man, I have no idea. That was so long ago.

Besides mama and dada, what was your first real word? I don’t know.

Would you rather be stuck in the desert or in a blizzard? Ahhh. Both sound absolutely horrible, I don’t know? I wouldn’t survive either one.

What dessert do you hate? I don’t like pie or jello.

What candy factory would you love to work at? I wouldn’t, honestly. Not like a big candy person.

What does an envelope taste like to you? Like paper and grossness.

What’s your favorite line in your favorite movie? That’s a tough one cause first of all, I don’t know what I would choose as my favorite movie. I have many.

Have you ever gone to the bathroom outdoors? No.

Would you help a baby cougar w/ the risk of the mama attacking you? Yikes, no! I hope to never be that close to one. I am not about to be in their territory and be killed.

What international monument would you like to visit the most? Hmm.

Have you decided where you want to get married? I don’t know if I want to get married. I can’t imagine it ever happening.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten in a sandwich? I don’t really consider it that strange, but I used to put chips in my sandwich. Otherwise, my sandwiches are pretty normal.

What’s the most exotic thing you’ve eaten? I’m so picky and not adventurous at all with trying new and exotic foods.

Is there a crime/criminal that intrigues you the most? Not particularly.

What Disney prince/character do you think is the cutest? Disney characters are cute, how could I choose?

Can you name some of the clever names of OPI nail polish? Nah.

Can you sing the entire theme song to any show? Yes, to quite a few.

Did you ever get ‘the talk’ from either one of your parents? Yeah.

Do you remember drinking from a bottle? Kind of.

What’s in the third drawer of your dresser? Pants.

What do you keep in the little pocket of your purse? My pill container.

When people ask for ID, which ID do you use? The only ID I have.

Who was the first person you knew who’s name started with a P? I don’t know?

What’s the last form you filled out online? Hmm. It’s been awhile, I’m not sure.

How many times have you had to renew/change your driver’s license? I don’t drive.

Have you ever been given a bouquet of carnations? No.

Do you have an old computer that just sits at the house? Nope.

Do you read the lyrics in the CD sleeve while listening to the song? Back when I still used CDs, yes, I loved doing that. <<< Saaame.

Name something you made out of play-doh when you were younger. I think I had some accessories to make shapes and things with. Not sure otherwise. Random stuff, probably.

What’s your next appointment for? My pain specialist appointment.

When’s the last time you put glitter on something? I have no idea. Glitter is so messy and you find it  e v e r y w h e r e.

What’s the worst birthday gift you received as a child? I didn’t receive any bad gifts.

Do you go into the gas station or stay by your car when pumping gas? I don’t drive, so.

When’s the last time you sat on Santa’s lap? When I was a kid.

What’s your favorite kind of caramel apple? I don’t like ‘em.

Would you rather wrestle crocodiles or anacondas? Uh, neither....

Did you sneeze last night? I don’t think so.

Do you hold the remote while watching tv or set it down? I set it down.

Have you ever done farm chores like milk a cow or shave a sheep? Nope.

When’s the last time you used a coupon? I’m not sure.

Does your mom know what size clothes you wear now? Yes.

Is Love written anywhere in the room you’re in? Yes. There’s also two things that say, “I <3 [insert thing here]” here, so that kinda counts.

What’s the nearest sports equipment to you? None.

Have you ever glued your fingers or hands together? I used to do the thing where you put glue on your hand and let it dry so that you can peel it off.

Do you think that they should bring the guillotine back? Nope.

If you could invent anything to make life easier, what would it be? Teleportation. <– Saaaaame. I’d abuse the hell out of it, but still. <<<< Ha, same.

Would you like to run in a giant hamster ball for humans? I’ve seen those big ball things you get inside of and can do that. That would not be good for claustrophobia; though, so for me no thanks.

What were that last kind of nuts you ate? Cashews.

Do you own any shirts with political or social statements on them? No.

Do you remember what your 2nd grade teacher’s first name was? I do. Her first name was the same as mine.

Have you ever played Twister & had someone’s butt in your face? No lol.

What was the last thing you cheated on? Nothing.

When was the last time you used a walkie talkie? I have no idea.

Where do you usually go camping? I don’t go camping. Nooo thank you.

Who do you sleep with when you go camping? -

Ever been afraid to see a ghost in your rearview mirror when driving alone? Well thanks for putting that image in my head.

Have you ever dated anyone whose name started with B? No.

If yes, was it a good experience? -

Do you remember what Doug Funnie’s dog’s name was? Porkchop.

What is your favorite episode of The Brady Bunch? I don’t really have a particular favorite episode, but I do like to watch it.

Name a line from a Spice Girls song. “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends. Make it last forever, friendship never ends.”

Have you ever jumped into a pile of leaves? No.

What does your swimsuit look like? I don’t own one.

Do you like it fast or slow? I wouldn’t know.

What’s the last holiday candy you consumed? An Easter bunny chocolate.

What’s the last thing you bought at a grocery store? Creamer, a personal size cake, and muffins.

Have you ever done a backflip on a giant trampoline? No.

Do you believe that there is only ONE person out there for everybody? I don’t think so.

Do you prefer flowers or chocolate? How ‘bout donuts or coffee?

Do you remember the first time you used a computer? Yes.

Do you remember the first computer game you ever played? Some educational game.

Does your Wii character ever look like you? It did at the time I made it.

What’s the last sour thing you put in your mouth? I don’t like sour stuff.

Do you remember anything from before you were 3? No.

Do you believe in hypnosis? No.

Do you reserve pages in the yearbook for certain people? I didn’t do that.

Ever had a fantasy about a teacher? No.

What’s the most humiliating outfit your parent made you wear? Nothing, thankfully.

Did you ever want to change religions? No.

Is it hard for you to fall asleep when you have had a lot of sugar? No.

What’s your favorite thing to eat with strawberries? Chocolate. Or with bananas in a smoothie.

How do you eat a Reese’s Peanut butter Cup? I just eat them.

What would you do for a Klondike bar? Nothing. They’re not that great.

What’s the funniest bumper sticker you’ve ever seen? *shrug*

Ever been up in the mountains? Yes.

When’s the first time you ever touched snow? I think I was like... 12?

What color is your computer desk? I don’t have one. I keep my laptop on my bed.

Are you baptized? I am not.

What did you dream of last night? I don’t recall.

Have you ever eaten an exotic animal? No.

What do you think is the funniest movie of all time? That’s a tough one. I suck at choosing favorites or the “iest” of something.

Name a line from that movie? --

Would you be surprised if you found out your mom had tattoos? She does have one.

Would you wear a leather dog collar for free drinks? I don’t drink, so nah.

When was the last time you danced the Macarena? It’s been a long time. 

Can you sing your school’s song? I’m no longer in school.

What was your all time favorite subject in elementary school? English.

What’s the last song you sang out loud in the car? I don’t remember.

Who is the last person you talked to whose name started with a G? One of my nurses, Gloria.

Have you ever bedazzled anything? No.

Have you ever bought anything off of HSN or QVC? Nope. Where do you keep your cash? In the bank.

Do you fold laundry while watching tv? I don’t fold laundry. I’m so bad. My clothes just get piled up on my bed.

When’s the last time you used a protractor? Not since high school.

When’s the last time you used a Victoria’s Secret product? It’s been years.

Can you name the kids from the Cosby Show? Denise, Theo, Rudy, Olivia. That’s all I got. Is there more?

What’s your favorite show on Nick At Nite? George Lopez.

Have you ever made a rubber band ball? No.

What zodiac sign do you find to be the most interesting? --

Would you ever see a psychic? No.

When’s the last time you had cotton candy? It’s been a long time.

Where is your younger sibling? He’s asleep.

What’s the last thing you ordered at a Mexican restaurant? A bean burrito with rice, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole with gravy dip on the side to dip it in. My favorite.

Do you have an ant problem in the summer? Every now and then, but nothing too bad.

Do you tan outside or in a booth? I may get a tan if I actually spend enough time outside, which is rare.

Do you still use scrunchies? No.

Have you ever met someone for the 1st time that seemed so familiar? I don’t think so.

What’s the most hours you’ve worked in a week? Zero.

Do you keep anything in files? Yes, on my laptop.

Do you have special ringtones for different people? No. I used to do that back in the day.

How do you eat your steak? I don’t.

Is your birthmark shaped like anything? No.

Can you put on mascara with your mouth closed? Yes.

Have you ever worn men’s underwear? No.

Do you own anything that’s fuzzy and purple? Nope.

When’s the last time you were kissed on the cheek? I don’t know.

Do you play with pogs? No.

What wild animal would you like as a pet? I get the feeling that the survey maker has a thing for wild life.

When’s the last time someone hung up on you? I don’t know.

Have you eaten an entire pizza by yourself? Personal size ones.

Have you ever fallen out of a tree? I’ve never even been in a tree in the first place. <<<

Did you read the Babysitters Club book series? I did.

How about Goosebumps? I read the choose-your-own adventure ones, because they were in the waiting room at the karate school my family went to. <<<< I loved those kinds of books. Also, yes I did read Goosebumps. They were my fave.

Ever worn a flower in your hair? Yes.

What kind of car did your parents have while you were growing up? My mom had a van and my dad had a Honda.

Do you ever wish your birthday was on a different day? I wish it were in the fall.

Do you sunburn easily? I do now it seems.

Have you read the Twilight series? Yes.

Why couldn’t you go to sleep the last time you were up all night? Anxiety.

What breed of dog do you find the most annoying? Any of the tiny yappy ones. <<< lol same.

What would you name your first born son? I don’t know if I want kids.

Do you cook anything you don’t like eating? No?

Do you watch any reality shows on MTV or VH1? I do. I watch too much reality TV.

Would you have a better chance of surviving in the Sahara or Alaska? You kinda asked this already.

When’s the last time you pet a cat? I think like 2 years ago.

Do you remember Eureka’s Castle on Nick JR? I do.

What would you say is Paris Hilton’s occupation? I don’t know, really.

Are you wearing a necklace? Nope.

Do you have any noticeable moles or birthmarks? Yes to both.

Count to ten in another language. Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez.

Do you feel uncomfortable telling friends they have boogers in their nose? Yes. :X Same if they have something in their teeth. But I know it’d be more embarrassing for them if I didn’t say anything, but for some reason I feel awkward having to someone that.   What do you remember from sex ed class when you were younger? My 6th grade teacher put a condom on a banana.

What’s the first instrument you ever played? Piano.

What’s the last thing you wore around your neck? A necklace.

[lupe-skybrawler]

Get to know me 6-96 please

It’s legit taken over a month for me to answer lol I’m so sorry6. What’s your lucky number? Fifteen, it’s always been on my mind as my lucky number7. Do you have any pets? I don’t at the moment but I want a dog and bees

8. Where are you from? I am from Mexico, a city in the state of Nuevo Leon called Monterrey (not from the Middle East)9. How tall are you? 5′4″10. What shoe size are you? 8-8.5 depending of the shoe style11. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Oh man I actually have a lot of shoes and most of them are chucks or boots, I’m gonna guess and say over 15 12. What was your last dream about? The last dream I remember was a nightmare because I was fighting and I ended up losing 3 teeth. I love my teeth and I would HATE to lose them13. What talents do you have? There are a lot of different types of talent but if we’re talking about artsy stuff then I sing and play guitar14. Are you psychic in any way? not that I know of but I like to follow my gut feeling15. Favorite song? Late Morning Lullaby by Brandi Carlile16. Favorite movie? I don’t have favorite movies tbh17. Who would be your ideal partner? My wife @theonlyproofthatineed-isyou​ for anything at any time. 18. Do you want children? Yes, I would love to have a little family 19. Do you want a church wedding? They sound nice and all but I don’t think I’d be allowed to so I’ve just given up on the thought. 20. Are you religious? I am Catholic21. Have you ever been to the hospital? Boy, I work there 22. Have you ever got in trouble with the law? I got a parking ticket once but I paid it within the hour so I’m guessing the law and I are in good terms.23. Have you ever met any celebrities? I used to see Khalid at my brother’s high school all the time so I’m gonna say we’re actually friends24. Baths or showers? We never had a bathtub growing up so I’m not used to baths but I do love showers, I can’t go out if I haven’t showered, I’m not comfortable. 25. What color socks are you wearing? white crews26. Have you ever been famous? I was on TV once and I played music at a gallery downtown but nah (my lil’ brother has my song on his iPod tho)27. Would you like to be a big celebrity? I’m a slut for attention but I don’t think I could deal with the stress, ya feel?28. What type of music do you like? Roots, indie, stomp-and-holler tracks, I love anything acoustic or that makes me feel like a live in a Florence and The Machine music video29. Have you ever been skinny dipping? Once.30. How many pillows do you sleep with? 3 because I need to have my arms around something when my wife’s not around ): or else I can’t sleep31. What position do you usually sleep in? on my right side32. How big is your house? 3 beds, 2 baths idk33. What do you typically have for breakfast? Lunch34. Have you ever fired a gun? not an actual one35. Have you ever tried archery? yes! I like it!36. Favorite clean word? #yikes37. Favorite swear word? #fuck38. What’s the longest you’ve ever gone without sleep? It was something around 32 hours39. Do you have any scars? I have one on my upper lip on the right side where a dog bit me when I was little, once on my chin where I got stitches after a fall that same year, one on my left forearm where my little brother bit me when he was 2, one on my right ankle where some glass broke and cut me, and a whole bunch of emotional ones from growing up altogether40. Have you ever had a secret admirer? oh yes, sadly I’ve had luck with those ):41. Are you a good liar? Damn good one and I hate it sometimes42. Are you a good judge of character? I am, I like to observe people and think about the reasons they have for the things they do, so I always find myself looking for patterns of behavior and traits.43. Can you do any other accents other than your own? I can do a southern accent sometimes, and a whole bunch of regional Mexican accents44. Do you have a strong accent? I don’t think so, but I used to45. What is your favorite accent? My wife’s half-southern half-Mexican accent she’s developed *insert heart eyes*46. What is your personality type? I’m very outgoing and I like to care for and protect my people.47. What is your most expensive piece of clothing? A black dress I bought for $4048. Can you curl your tongue? nope49. Are you an innie or an outie? innie50. Left or right handed? both51. Are you scared of spiders? no52. Favorite food? seafood53. Favorite foreign food? Pho54. Are you a clean or messy person? clean but messy if I’m rushing because I overslept and I’m running late55. Most used phrase? It doesn’t count as a phrase but I’m always playing with words and bothering my wife with unnecessary puns 56. Most used word? “yikes”57. How long does it take for you to get ready? Either 10 minutes or 1.5 hours, there’s no inbetween58. Do you have much of an ego? I’m trying to chill a lil’ tbh59. Do you suck or bite lollipops? suck. And I’ll save the extra comments I can already hear my wife blushing over (;60. Do you talk to yourself? if I don’t, who will?61. Do you sing to yourself? to check that my voice is not actually horrible and I’m hurting everybody’s hearing, yes62. Are you a good singer? I have my doubts but people say I am

63. Biggest Fear? Alligators64. Are you a gossip? I try not to and I’ve gotten better at it65. Best dramatic movie you’ve seen? Schindler’s List66. Do you like long or short hair? short for me, long gets annoying fast because I get too hot67. Can you name all 50 states of America? I can proudly say yes thanks to Yakko68. Favorite school subject? Math69. Extrovert or Introvert? Extrovert70. Have you ever been scuba diving? no but I wanna!71. What makes you nervous? my parents mentioning gay people because I always feel like they’re gonna accuse me and I’ll get fed up and say yes and then they’ll disown me72. Are you scared of the dark? I am a dark73. Do you correct people when they make mistakes? not if it’s something they can’t help, also never in front of others74. Are you ticklish? not a lot75. Have you ever started a rumor? no76. Have you ever been in a position of authority? yes77. Have you ever drank underage? no78. Have you ever done drugs? no79. Who was your first real crush? my first gf tbh80. How many piercings do you have? just my ears, 281. Can you roll your Rs? yes82. How fast can you type? I just took a test and it’s 65 WPM83. How fast can you run? I’d die first tbh84. What color is your hair? dark brown85. What color is your eyes? dark brown also86. What are you allergic to? bees87. Do you keep a journal? no88. What do your parents do? idk they kind just go around existing89. Do you like your age? yeah!90. What makes you angry? injustice91. Do you like your own name? I do92. Have you already thought of baby names, and if so what are they? ok so hear me out, my wife wants to name a little boy Micah but I’m not sold but I’m probably just gonna let her because she’s precious but other than that no

93. Do you want a boy a girl for a child? I have a feeling I’m having a girl one day but either one is fantastic and I’ll love them with my whole life94. What are you strengths? I don’t give up on people or things I believe in95. What are your weaknesses? I don’t give up on people96. How did you get your name? My older brother used to watch a novela where the protagonist was Ana Karen and he BEGGED my mother to name me that, then my mom had a neighbor whose name she liked when she heard her friends come and call her out to hang out so she named me that too. Thanks for the questions! Sorry it took forever and you probably don’t even remember you sent this but I remember! I’m just bad at remembering long enough to do it. 

[spectrumscribe]

I live commented on the latest (and very leaked) episode of TMNT and this was the result.

Spoilers below, obviously speaking. Avoid if you don’t want to see this shit before you see the actual episode of Owari.

Not much of a break down or analysis of the episode, just me being salty about a lot of things.

----------------------------

Finally he’s fucking dead

Why did they bury him don’t they cremate folks in japan

Oh fuck no he’s still alive

Wait no he’s a ghost, fucking great.

Oh real helpful advice splinter thank you

No he’s not the fucking sensei he’s their idiot older brother don’t tell him he has more power than he does

Oh oh he’s leaving

Fucking bye splinter, real useful advice as always.

Now the hospital scene. God. Karai I’m sorry your life sucks you didn’t deserve this.

Oh hey they mentioned Casey has an actual family. Whoa. It’s only been like two three seasons since they did.

Ew hand holding

Ew touchy hand holding

Nice a montage scene

Casey you disaster I love you, I can’t believe he did that to shredder’s mask. Oh wait yes I can he’s Casey.

Okay everyone looks like they’ve been listening to too much MCR and I can’t tell if I hate it or love it.

At least April is untouched.

Kay I have to admit, the sneaky black look when they’re in the actual dark is p cool.

Also April killin it as always. Thank you for that nick.

Y’all have been at this for like three years stop tempting fate and saying the Thing every time you get a break.

Real strategic guys, go straight for the cliff. Nice.

Aw shit its Xever. Finally someone who knows what they’re doing at least most of the time.

Apparently Raph leveled up since the last time he fought Xever. Nice.

Whoa cold, leaving him to suffocate. I like.

I can’t believe it only took a whole four seasons to get the kids on board with the murder plan.

Yo what the retromutagen is back?? Where the shit has it been all this time.

Omg the reason stockman has been a fly all this time is because he liked it. He actually liked it. Wonders never cease.

“Michael” omfg

“Michael” I can’t get over that. That’s almost as strange as Mikey saying “papa” out of nowhere.

At least bebop and rocksteady don’t forget Casey and April like the plot often does. Thanks guys.

Oh hell yes some Donnie ninja action for the first time in forever. Donnie hurry Casey is about to die and you’re not the one to do it.

Wow I can’t believe they finally remembered the shit Donnie can do when used correctly. Beautiful.

OH SHIT ROBOT ARM NICE

“-all of your hands,” nice

Ooh clockwork hands are nifty. Loving the steampunk.

Okay so April can take a full on punch from tigerclaw but not one slash from shredder on the arm, like what??? Continuity, people, please.

And Leo continues to have bad catch phrases in battle. Bring this back more often thanks.

OH SHIT MORE TIGERS

YES

Bruh wait has tigerclaw been chillin with a bunch of actual tigers

This seems like furry shit

I’m calling it he’s a cat fucker

MOLOTOV COCKTAIL THE NINJA EDITION YEEEAAAAH

Oh and we conveniently leave the humans behind. nice.

Showdown. Fuck yeah.

A family that murders together stays together. Kill a bitch, boys.

Actually working together in battle, nice nice. Everyone’s getting their shots in, I’m loving it.

OH FUCK IS IT GONNA BE DEE?

no of course not, who am i kidding why would they let him do anything cool in this hell show.

Retromutagen time. Oh no it doesn’t fucking work, of course it didn’t work.

DEE NO

Oh nvm his boyfriend and girlfriend saved him.

But shit he can’t get back up. Convenient.

YES MIKEY GO BEAT HIS ASS

NO DON’T

FUCK- well there he goes too. Bye Mikey, RIP.

The first they show of how scary he is in seasons and he’s thrown off a building. Ugh.

And there goes Raph too. At least he smashed shredder’s head against shit before then.

Oh shut up Leo shredhead obvs gives no shits anymore. Don’t try guilting him now.

HA HIS ARM

FUCKING

WOW JUST LIKE KARAI NOW YOU CAN BE TWINSIES

Rat dad no this is not the time for a vision

“Fear nothing” um excuse me that’s not helpful here

Wtf why was Leo’s sword able to defeat shredder but not fucking Karai’s, who had a direct shot at his stupid radioactive heart

I call bullshit

BULLSHIT

also

OH FUCK ITS HIS HEAD

Wait no it’s not a head. I thought it was a head.

The end- oh wait no more hetero

“-what no one else could,” like you?? Why is she just letting this go? Karai don’t let it go. You wanted the bastard dead and you didn’t get to do it yourself why are you not mad.

What happened to Leo’s broken arm. Did he healing hand it when no one was looking and not share that with Karai. Wtf.

Well that was a horrendously out of character moment from Raph. Thanks nick.

Everyone emerges from the shadows to cockblock Leo, bless.

Why are you all out in the middle of daylight holy fuck

Guys get underground it’s like noon or something

“Right, sensei?” guys Leo’s talking to thin air you should do something about that

And we pan out with a watermark in the sky of splinter. Real classy.

Okay but

WHERE IS SHINI

HELL WHERE IS EVERYBODY

Guys you had like, an armada of friends who are basically tanks why didn’t you use them to defeat shredder.

Wtf

-------------------

Okay so all in all- yikes.

Ignoring some continuity errors, it just felt… kind of really rushed? Also a bit forced in specific areas.

The whole “Leo defeats the big bad” thing is really bothering me. This was a family fight. The whole family. That should have been the brothers all together, their friends who are basically their extended family now, and Karai maybe?? Since she’s actually related to and very deeply involved in this mess??

But nope. Lone Wolf Leo strikes again. As per fucking usual. I don’t know how they’re expecting Leo to lead the team, honestly. His skills on teamwork need some serious polishing. (The whole “you are their father and master now” thing with splinter last ep is still seriously bothering me. Like…. Eugh.)

Definitely not a fan of how things worked out. We barely saw the other brothers do much of anything, Karai was flipping bed ridden- I swear she wasn’t that injured in the last episode, I’m calling bull- and Casey and April were utterly exiled from the final showdown.

Nvm that the Mutanimals- who lost their only safe refuge and literal home in all this- weren’t even mentioned. Also Shini. Where did that beautiful murder lady get off to? She was fine in the last ep, why didn’t she show up and shank shredder for her wonderful senpai?

And the retromutagen. Seriously, that’s been completely ignored for over a season, and it suddenly shows up again. There’s been a number of innocent mutants come and gone who could have used that stuff. Feels weird that the boys never even offered them the chance at humanity again. (Karai too, have they even told her it exists?? Though I doubt she’d take that offer, it’d still be nice if they at least told her she has the choice.)

((What is it with this show and taking choices away from characters? More specifically the female ones.))

At least we got an explanation why stockman was still a fly. Wow is he a weirdo. Gotta love him for it though.

So yeah, lots of dropped points here. Important points. Would have been nice to actually mention a few of them, even just in passing.

Over all I didn’t feel much emotion or gravity from the episode. Mostly just salt. I’ll bet people will be crying all over the place about what happened in this thing and I’ll just be sitting here feeling nothing but sodium powered emotion.

I’m still kind of really laughing over the whole MCR look though. I can’t wait to see all the angsty AMV’s that come from this, it’ll be fucking hilarious.

[shslshortie]

Little log 8/9 (please ignore)

Again, this has absolutely nothing to do with like any of my followers, so please ignore it cuz it'll just clog your dash.

Luckily, I'm posting this at 4:57 am, so not THAT many people will have to see this.

BUT Kaja asked how this whole thing was going, so I figured I'd update this thingy with the stuff that happened Saturday and Sunday.

Current list:

1) Christianna

1) Kelsey

1) Rae

(Everybody else is mostly the same?? Or my opinion hasn't changed THAT much to where I need an update on them)

I don't know how to do a read more on mobile???? So sorry?????????

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Okay, so Saturday was rough for me. This weekend had a lot of things kinda up in the air, and most of them didn't turn out the right way, so I was not in a good mindset.

But while I was alone and upset and feeling fairly unwanted, OUT OF NO WHERE WITH NO PROMPTING, both Christianna and Kelsey were texting and snapchating me like everything was completely normal (which it was for them). This was amazing, because when I felt so shitty, they were still reaching out to me just because they wanted to, or because they had stuff that they specifically wanted to tell/show me. Kelsey was even saying how she wished I was a dance major just so I could have been with her at the dance major watch party. And she was the one who convinced me to go to the party on Saturday night. (Which was not good, especially since she ended up leaving with the only other member that I've heard she wants as her big, so YIKES). ((I mean if Madison (the member) wants Kelsey, there is literally nothing I would be able to do to stop her from taking her. Everybody would want Madison if they thought she would want them, and I wouldn't even be able to be mad about it, because she is perfect))

So I happy cried over both Christianna and Kelsey because it made me feel wanted by both of them, and kind of solidified the relationship I want to have with them. A two way street of care and love, where even though I will basically be their mom, where at the basis of our Big/Little relationship, we are still really good friends.

And with Rae, last week she was apparently looking for me at the tailgate because she didn't know anyone else there, and because I was the only one who she felt comfortable around who wasn't black out drunk. (Bad thing was, I showed up real late and she had already left, BUT I ended up seeing her in the stadium and we talked for a bit!!) And yesterday and today she was asking me for advice about guerrilla; and me being the Pledge Mom™ that I am, offered to bring any pledges who wanted it food/coffee while they were waiting in line for guerilla sign ups. I ended up staying the whole time??? (Which was stupid and unnecessary but it was fine) and for most of it, she was just telling the other pledges how wonderful I was.

This is a huge ego boost, but the problem is that if these rankings stay the same for me... I have no idea who I would pick. Because if I decided to put Christianna and Rae as my #1 and #2, I would probably have guaranteed twins with both of them. Currently, I want Kelsey a bit more, just because I feel like it would be a better Big/little relationship, since Rae doesn't drink or do a lot of stuff like that, and I don't want to end up with a little that judges me or is ashamed of me. BUT I know that if I end up putting Kelsey as like #1 because I want her most, and put the other two at 2 and 3.... I might not get any of them... and even though I feel like I would get at least 1 little that I love, even if they aren't on my list... I don't want to mess it up with any of them because I made a mistake in ranking.

So long story short @ me:

Christianna: I'm like 90% sure I'm gonna get her. We are planning a guerrilla act together, and I was the first/only person she thought to ask. She doesn't know that many people, so I have absolutely no clue who else would be on her list. AND WHEN I WAS COMPLAINING I DIDNT HAVE ANY BLUE GLITTER, SHE SAID SHE HAD SOME THAT I COULD USE. and especially with my reputation in APO (my fucking pledge name was Sparkle Tits for crying out loud) there's no way it wouldn't be a match.

Kelsey: I love her, and we snapchat all the time, and she is super fun, and we will be going on a second pledge date soon. I'm just worried because she might want a Dance big, especially if she ends up with Claire as her dance honor society big... so I'll just have to figure out if she wants Madison or not and if Madison wants her. Which is what I'm stressed about, cuz I thought Madison would want someone like Blaire or Olivia or Emma or Nicole (the upperclassman dance majors who are pledging). And since she's 1) a senior, 2) is in a sorority... I can't imagine that she will take twins??? And she hasn't even been around that much?? Only at guerrilla and popping in at parties??? So like??? HOPEFULLY I can hear the whole situation when we have family brunch.

(Which is a WHOLE different monster of stress)

Rae: love her, and she's very sweet, but what people usually think of her as is a little pompous or know it all or above it all, which isn't really true. She just doesn't drink/party, and doesn't really like it when people do. She can tolerate it, which must mean she doesn't care that I do/has never been able to tell when I've been drunk (cuz I've definitely been drunk around her at least 3 if not 4 times). And she has a very matter of fact way of talking, which kind of stems from her education/how she wants to go all the way to get her PhD and her interests, which can make it seem like she's being short with you. And I don't have a problem with it, but like I'm not entirely sure if I would be the best big for her needs??? But we've talked a lot about makeup and dance and everything, and she's been very grateful whenever I've done anything for her or offered her help, and has reached out a lot, which is probably why I'm more drawn to her right now.

Again, the biggest stressor right now, is trying to figure out the order (which Luckily, I don't have to figure out until at least the 25th, if not the end of October) so that I feel like my twins both have me as their #1, and that they are who I want. Because originally, I was very much keeping my mind open, so that I would be happy and love whoever I got. Of course, if I got someone else, that means that they wanted me, I just might still be hurt or a bit upset if I was dead set on having a particular pair, and ended up with someone else. Because the biggest thing is, I don't want to be that big that has an obvious favorite twin and an ignored twin -- because looking at it last year, it fucking SUCKED when I saw some of the pairs, and I felt bad for some of the twins because of how obvious it was. Overall, it matters what the pledges want, so no matter what, I will do my best to make them happy, give them all the love they deserve, and give them the best APO experience.

Last note:

Holy hell am I stressed about this upcoming family brunch. We've been trying to plan it for 2-3 weeks, and it still hasn't happened yet. I'm very worried specifically because I don't want to be split off from the Peyton-Carli line just because LC is gone. Unless EVERYONE in our family gets twins, we wouldn't be strong enough on our own. Peyton and Carli would be fine, and could even still be too big. But for LC's line, it's just me and Brannon who are going to take littles. (IF MARISSA TOOK A LITTLE I WOULD BE FUCKING SHOOK. Girl Peyton could, but I would highly highly highly doubt it) and that would mean it would be like 4 people on that stage, maybe 5, maybe 6. Plus I don't want fake to split again, unless we did Peyton, Carli and LC all separate, and then came back together once everyone was done.

I also am stressed because at the very least, the entirety of Fake Fam (16 active members who attend UA currently) could theoretically take 32 new littles. At the very least, it could be 7, but it would most likely be between 10-17. That is a LOT. Which means that unless we all did the same thing (instead of the same theme like we did last year) it would be super fucking difficult to coordinate a reveal.

Finally, I'm stressed because I don't know who everybody wants???? And I KNOW that will be a huge big deal at brunch because Carli and Peyton are literally in charge of assigning Big/Little pairs for the entirety of APO. So hopefully, that means they will put us on high priority... but it COULD also mean that theyre gonna put their littles/grand littles/future ggrand littles on high priority above LC's line. ESPECIALLY if some people on their side wants the same people as Brannon or I do. (Cough cough Madison).

Best case scenario, Carli just goes around and asks everyone "do you want twins, and who do you want" and nobody has any issues with anybody else's picks.

Bad case scenario: the first thing they bring up is a split. Madison wants Kelsey and only Kelsey. I end up getting 1 little who is a random, and Brannon gets none. And drama happens where people start explaining why certain people shouldn't be a big little pair.

Well, here's hoping that it all works out, and I figure things out further. ✌