#that i could see the other sisters working as well | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

01zfan · 2 days ago

Text

bad friend: bestfriend’s sister

brothers bestfriend!sungchan x reader | 5.3k words

well...you guys know i couldn't end it without sungchan getting his lick back.

contains: eunseok and sungchan are in a war that hasn't been vocally waged, sungchan is kind of a manipulator, reader is semi-innocent, some sort of tension between sungchan and eunseok that neither of them acknowledge

bad friend: AITA

Sungchan was disappointed that it took him so long to figure out what to do. After he read Eunseok’s Reddit post he had to think, picking at the peeling skin of the vinyl seat he was in.

He sat in the seat of the cafe closer to their apartment basking in rage while his bestfriend was unaffected. Eunseok barely looked up from his laptop, Sungchan imagined his friend was editing the post as he sat right across from him. He could see Eunseok mouthing words, repeating phrases back to himself before he could hear backspacing on his computer and some more typing. Sungchan felt his friend’s eyes occasionally lift to look at him, and when he would catch his eyes Eunseok would snap right back to his screen.

Sungchan could feel the atmosphere around them change, until Eunseok couldn’t bare it anymore and closed his laptop. Sungchan stared at the logo of Eunseok's laptop, thinking about the post that his friend was working on only moments ago.

“Are you ready to go back to the apartment?”

Eunseok hesitated with each movement. Sungchan was unbothered, stretching his back and arms until they rested on the vinyl seats again.

He couldn't lie and say he didn't enjoy seeing Eunseok uneasy from the tension. Asking about something as trivial as food left in their shared fridge made Eunseok finally drop that nonchalant act. The facade fell to show what Eunseok truly was, remorseful even if he tried to hide it and thinking about what he did to his alleged roommate and bestfriend.

Sungchan enjoyed seeing Eunseok uncomfortable, he hoped that it was guilt. Eunseok was so used to being the diplomat he didn’t know what to do when he was the one waging a war. Sungchan recalled the times Eunseok's easygoing attitude got him out of trouble while growing up. Eunseok asking Sungchan is it worth it? when he was about to lose his cool or telling him to calm down in that annoying monotone voice.

Sungchan could tell his friend didn’t know how to face a problem he created. Sungchan was sure the comments on whatever he was going to post would be telling him that he wasn’t the asshole. That's what losers on the Internet did. They convened in the dark corners, circle jerking and letting eachother know that even at their lowest they're justified. There would be someone like Sungchan, well adjusted and socialized telling him he should come clean. That he should tell Sungchan that he slept with his girlfriend. Sungchan even gave him the perfect segue into the conversation. All he had to do was come clean about the leftover food in the fridge. Sungchan would even let Eunseok lie, he could tell Sungchan that you came onto him, and he couldn't deny you. He could spare Sungchan the details because he read them already, he could just say that he wanted you to feel better.

Sungchan looked from the barista behind the counter back to Eunseok. He was taking too long to slip his laptop into the secure place in his backpack.

“My sister is coming over later today, by the way.” Eunseok was still looking into his backpack, speaking to it quietly. “Some mail still ends up going to my parents house for some reason. So she’s bringing it to me. She might bring some food too.” He added.

Food was always the olive branch extended between the two of them. When Sungchan was invited to that birthday party in elementary school and Eunseok wasn't he brought him vegetable dumplings from the convenience store. When Eunseok beat Sungchan at the schools spelling bee they ate samgyeopsal until Sungchan thought his stomach would explode. Food was always how they silently told eachother the other went too far without directly saying it, and each time it worked. The resentment that built up over the twenty years of friendship was in no way related to the fact they never actually talked about their problems. That was something that couldn't be explained, or maybe Eunseok could ask a fucking sub-reddit about it.

But what was important was that Eunseok was offering another olive branch. Although Eunseok nodded his head, Sungchan barely listened to the rest of Eunseok’s mumble, they were going to be even. Eunseok was talking about the mail that ended up at his parents house, or something about the coffee here, but Sungchan couldn't be bothered. Revenge walked into his lap, mentioned candidly while Eunseok tried hard to push past the uneasy feeling in his heart.

When Eunseok finally looked up from his backpack to look at Sungchan, he had already honed his emotions and changed the expression on his face to something neutral.

“I didn’t know your sister was coming over.” Sungchan tried remembering what you were doing with your life now. Your brother rarely mentioned you for some reason. You were just a contact on Eunseok’s phone that would call when you had a question about your computer and an old contact photo in his family’s groupchat. “Is she back in town?” He asked.

After Sungchan asked his question Eunseok had the nerve to side eye him from his backpack. As if Eunseok wasn’t the one who fucked his bestfriends girlfriend then was going on the Internet to garner sympathy. He looked at Sungchan like he was the crazy one for asking about your life.

“Only for a month or so." Eunseok stood up from his recliner and Sungchan followed suit. "She's staying in town for a friend's wedding or something.”

Sungchan could tell that Eunseok really wanted to repeat what he told him all those years ago. Back when the three of you became young adults and Sungchan stopped looking at you like you were Eunseok’s little sister.

Eunseok caught on fast, but you were more like Sungchan when it came to hiding things. All cards were on the table, you couldn’t hide your adoration for your older brother's bestfriend.

In the beginning Eunseok and Sungchan just chalked it up to you wanting to know how boys had fun. When he would complain about you suddenly taking an interest in video games or action figures your mother always told Eunseok to let you play. When he was still young and hardheaded he would protest, saying you were a girl and his sister and he didn't want to play with you. But when you wouldn't budge and neither were his parents, Eunseok was forced to become indifferent.

He had to be indifferent about your presence because his parents would always take your side. Sometime during that, Eunseok became indifferent to you as a whole. He never wanted the responsibilities of an older brother so he nevver doted on you or was protective.

Sungchan noticed that you two never became close. Even when you got older and started to become your own person, Eunseok was unconcerned with what was going on in your life. Sungchan watched you both separately behave like only children, living under the same roof but never having conversations that went beyond telling the other that dinner was ready.

Eunseok would never admit that you were closer to Sungchan than you were to him, that you favored being around him. There are pictures of you hanging on the wall at Eunseok's parents' place. An old digital picture at Sungchan and Eunseok's soccer game, clinging to Sungchan instead of your brother. You were barely to his waist then, but your smile was bigger than the two of there's put together. You held onto him so tight it wrinkled his jersey. When you would call for your older brother it used to be in reference to Sungchan, when you wanted comfort you used to run past Eunseok right into Sungchan's arms. You used to complain about Sungchan having to go to his own house instead of spending another night at your place.

When the looks you started giving him became more obvious and turned to something different. Overnight you started hanging on every word Sungchan would say, batting your eyelashes and looking up at him. Eunseok and Sungchan still hung around after they graduated highschool and you were nearly done yourself. During that gap year you seemed to always be home, seniors in highschool always seemed to be everywhere else but school.

Eunseok was casual about it, he always was. He would only look between you and Sungchan's exchanges, nothing more than a scratch at the top of his head and everything else was forgotten. Sungchan knew that being an older brother was never something Eunseok strived to excel at, he remembered the casual confession from his friend that he never asked for a younger sibling. Eunseok described your existence as something that just happened one day, his parents went to the hospital and he was watched by his grandparents all day. Sungchan could even recall the day sometimes, how he was buzzing with excitement at the thought of seeing a baby while his friend only shrugged his shoulders.

Eunseok was convinced that he had to still remain indifferent to you. But Sungchan could tell that it upset him to no end that he was bested at another thing. Even if something was irking Eunseok so deeply about whatever was blossoming he refused to let it show. The idea of Eunseok truly not caring upset Sungchan even more. He was too stoic.

Eunseok’s calm demeanor regarding you pissed Sungchan off. If he had a sister and he caught wind of mutual attraction he would’ve forbid Eunseok from coming over before it ever turned into whatever your stares at him had become. But Eunseok was a sleazy older brother, nonchalant and more concerned with video games and anime than being protective of you. Then Eunseok went as far to accuse Sungchan of liking you because he cared more about where you were going dressed the way you were. Sungchan was the one asking if you needed to be picked up later, if your parents knew what you were doing. Eunseok would only ask more questions to follow his friends lead, side-eyeing your conversation he was pushed out of. Eunseok would have to clear his throat to get the focus back on him, and then he would finally try being an older brother. But it was obvious he was only doing it for show.

He thinks to this day Eunseok never truly cared about protecting you when he gave Sungchan the rule, he just wanted to stand between another thing Sungchan was good at.

Eunseok was casual about it, paying more attention to the game than Sungchan. Sungchan stopped playing entirely, he could feel the controller vibrate in his hand with each hit he was taking. Eunseok didn’t look towards him once. He bit his lip in concentration from pressing the buttons at the right time, leaning back like the game was fair as Sungchan lost. Eunseok watched his character rip out the spine of Sungchan’s character in a gruesome way while the announcer called out the fatality.

You had to have picked up on the rule. The dynamic between Sungchan and Eunseok changed that night and Sungchan knew you noticed, He gave you more credit than Eunseok ever did, even if you conflated things and blew them out of proportion. You thought that it was funny to call them boyfriends, and you said they were always in competition with eachother. Your commentary on their relationship was one of the things that pushed Eunseok to get his own place, because he couldn’t get rid of you but to his dismay he couldn’t get rid of Sungchan either. So that night only after Eunseok won a game over Sungchan, he told him two things.

He was getting his own apartment but he needed a roommate.

Sungchan absolutely could not, under any circumstance, fuck his sister.

When you’d come around looking for Eunseok but find Sungchan you still had that look of adoration in your eyes, but Sungchan had respect for his friend. He avoided you, looked past you, would end up gone each time you came around. He knew you were looking for him, because he wasn’t stupid and you were more like your brother than you would ever know. When you stopped coming around after they moved in together Sungchan knew you knew he was purposefully making himself scarce. He also knew that Eunseok would feign benevolence each time, and would’ve just shrugged his shoulders if you asked where he was.

Sungchan convinced himself that all was fair in the car ride back to the apartment. Eunseok was the one who waged the war, and the way you always looked at Sungchan was reminiscent of something tender. Maybe not love but blind adoration. A childhood crush that was never requited. Sungchan knew the crush was still fresh for you, because you still asked where he was each time he came around. He knew it still bothered Eunseok because he would always avoid giving you a straight answer. Sungchan would just have to be there to tell you himself.

Sungchan and Eunseok spent another quiet night on separate ends of their couch, watching a television show neither of them liked. The episodes dragged on after they were finished eating. It was obvious both of them were focused on other things. Eunseok’s leg was permanently restless, and Sungchan had his head balanced on his hand while the other picked at the couch.

Your knock on the door gave Eunseok an excuse to call it a night, he got up too quick and paused the television show too fast. Sungchan lingered on the couch. When Eunseok’s back faced him he fixed his appearance, making sure his shirt fell just right and his hair looked nice, that he wasn’t getting the life drained out of him by boring television and his boring roommate. He made sure the hair you always used to pull at when you were younger looked fluffy, and the shoulders you used to hang off of when Eunseok didn’t want to play with you looked broad.

Instead of going back into his room when Eunseok opened the door for you Sungchan stayed right there, he even leaned forward to come into your line of sight. Sungchan watched you try focusing on your brother before you looked over his shoulder, then he watched Eunseok follow your line of sight until he grabbed the mail from your hands.

“Is that it?” Eunseok spoke loudly but you still didn’t look at him. Watching him try to be a big brother after all this time was amusing. Sungchan hoped he saw the way your eyes still focused on him, how you spoke to Eunseok but stayed looking at Sungchan on the couch. “Mom found some of your clothes laying around and she made me bring that too. She also made me bring food because she knows you guys are eating only eating takeout.”

“She made food for me too?” Sungchan asked.

He got up from the couch, and he watched you two focus on him. You two were too easy to fluster. Eunseok narrowed his eyes and you nodded your head mindlessly.

“Of course, she loves you.” Eunseok turned back towards you, because his mom rarely said something so heartfelt. Like Sungchan hadn’t been there a majority of Eunseok’s childhood to see it first hand, he watched you take your shake your head and quickly motion between him and Eunseok. “She loves you both. She loves you both and the food is in my car.”

Before Eunseok could reluctantly offer to help you, Sungchan was clearing the apartment and sliding on Eunseok’s crocs. He took his friends small shoes and crammed his feet in them, knowing those were things Eunseok had chided him for in the past.

Sungchan didn’t close the door in Eunseok’s face. He let him see the way your expression lit up, he let him see the way he looked down at you with a smile. He wanted Eunseok to bask in it, he wanted you to ignore him when he insisted he could help you instead. He let Eunseok’s thoughts ferment in the entryway and wonder what you two were talking about while he scrambled around the apartment for another pair of his shoes. When Eunseok finally made it down the stairs to the parking lot Sungchan let him see the moment you put your number in his phone before realizing he was there, and he let Eunseok see the way you tried to act inconspicuous about the whole thing.

The following weeks, Sungchan played you and your brother. Eunseok’s guilt made it easy. Eunseok knew that Sungchan was texting you because he didn’t try to hide it. He saw your name pop up on his phone screen, he saw the way you came around everyday. Eunseok suddenly had a million things waiting for him at his parents place, and you were the only one who could bring it by. Eunseok didn’t press the issue further because he didn’t know how to be a good big brother after years of pretending you didn’t exist, and he didn’t know how to be a good friend after fucking Sungchan’s ex. He just watched and waited, question on the tip of his tongue when Sungchan would tell him he would be bringing company over at night.

Eunseok did try to catch him in the act once. In the middle of the night after Eunseok came back from what Sungchan assumed to be another visit to his ex he heard him come through the door. Almost instantly when the front door close Sungchan let himself get louder, letting go of his bitten lip to let the smallest sounds slip through the walls. Sungchan had the biggest room but it was right by the entryway, he could hear Eunseok’s loud steps stop right by his closed door. Sungchan ignored the quiet knocks, instead getting louder and squeezing his hand tighter.

When Eunseok opened the door, Sungchan jolted in his bed. He pretended like he didn’t hear Eunseok the past week try to subtly drops hints about how he was too loud late at night. He watched his friend’s expression shift from triumph of catching him in the act to pure horror when he realized it was Sungchan in his room by himself.

After Sungchan told him to get out, he had to worry about Eunseok’s presence alot less. Guilt from walking in on his roommate masturbating tacked on with the guilt of fucking his ex-girlfriend made Eunseok disappear all together. He was doing things on his own throughout the day and turned the sound up on his headset late at night. When Sungchan would come out to grab something from the common area Eunseok would duck away no matter what he was doing. Food was left on the table and the fridge was practically left open, the only trace of him being there was the glow from his headset and the sound of his door closing.

Eunseok unfortunately made himself too hidden. Sungchan realized after the fact that he foolishly pushed his bestfriend past his limit, turning him into a complete hermit. When Sungchan started sneaking you into the apartment Eunseok never got the chance to get a glimpse of you. The first night you were in Sungchan’s room and your body was leaned against his shoulder the only thing Sungchan was paying attention to was the sound of his friend coming out of his room. Both you and Sungchan sat on the edge of his bed facing the door, his fingers deep inside of you. You made him promise to lock the door but you two still managed to end up there, practically on display just waiting for the door to open. The anticipation made it so Sungchan couldn't look away even if he wanted to. He didn’t take his eyes away from the door, he still looked at the handle when he'd turn his head ever so often to plant a distracted kiss on your lips. You were no better, not even paying attention to what was going on beyond the walls of Sungchan's bedroom. You still held your sounds back then, the same way Eunseok always held back his, so worried about your unknowing brother who did not care.

The second time you got too loud. Sungchan was thinking about other things, like what was going on beyond the wall he shared and you were distracting him. You called him by the nickname Eunseok gave him mockingly, telling jinsu to go faster and that you were so close. He had you bent over the dresser that was against their shared wall, and he had to finally clasp a large hand over your mouth. By the end of that night you were sucking on his fingers, and moved to the center of his bed and pushed down to a pathetic position on your stomach. Sungchan had to wrap a hand underneath your waist to keep you up.

Sungchan found out you were weak just like Eunseok too. No endurance, no sports you stayed involved in. There was a pattern between the two of you that was never brought up, where you two started in sports but developed a liking for indoor activities instead. There was a time where Eunseok played sports with Sungchan, then overnight his friend ditched him for anime and video games. You went down the same path, you were just able to cover it up with makeup and making friends. When Eunseok became a recluse you became a social butterfly, a homebody that was ironically out every weekend. Sungchan told himself he could never bring this up because how much you hated being compared to your brother, and Eunseok spent most of his days forgetting he even had a sister.

You were also low maintenance just like your brother. The pretty hair and expensive clothes were just for show. The spoiled princess accusations Eunseok used to say under his breath passing was false. The concept of someone wanting something and vocalizing it was just so foreign to Eunseok he assumed you were rotten. If anything it was Sungchan who was spoiled. You came running with just a text, ditching your friends and any plans just to sneak into his apartment. The only thing you asked was if your brother would be there. That didn’t seem to bother you too much, because Sungchan said maybe and you still were at his door with an overnight bag tucked underneath your arm.

When he opened the door you came right into his arms. Like the day you went without seeing him was a century, you buried your head deep in his chest and breathed him in. You smelled like Eunseok but sweeter, as if he was drowned in rose and vanilla.

“I missed you.” You whispered it when you pressed the side of your face into Sungchan’s chest. Sungchan felt you squeeze him tighter and play with the bottom of his shirt. He hummed and rubbed your back, easing out that tension in your shoulders.

He didn’t know someone in your family could be so vulnerable. He had known Eunseok for years and there were still walls he didn’t bother to break down anymore. He let his friend be mysterious and he let your parents be passive. You treated Sungchan like a gift because he let you be vulnerable, even if he only responded with i know or it’s okay.

Sungchan almost felt bad for what he was doing. Even in the dark entryway he could see that look in your eye. Always like a lost puppy, seemingly becoming even more innocent in debauched circumstances. Eunseok was going to come home at some point, Sungchan knew that. He knew that you were going to make noise that would bleed through the cracks in his doors and the thin walls. He had to clasp a hand over your mouth anytime he had you like this, or push your face into the mattress until you got the hint. Being vulnerable came with being loud, a bumbling mess with tears welling in your eyes and broken words falling from your lips. You looked like a puppy and you sounded like one too, whimpering and drooling while you wasted all your energy.

But that wasn’t his view just yet. You were kneeling on his bed for him right now, left in your underwear and a camisole as you looked up to him. Sungchan was still fully clothed, looking down at the way your thighs pressed together the more you leaned back to try and settle yourself. He brought his hand up to your face, already knowing you’d eagerly move to put your chin in the palm of his hand.

“You’re too cute.” A pitiful exhale fans his palm. Your eyes manage to get even more watery, almost twinkling as you look up at him. He almost feels bad for what he’s doing. “Do you know how cute you are?” He asks.

You shake your head, and Sungchan is grateful for Eunseok being a terrible brother. Sungchan even feels gratitude in his heart for Eunseok being a terrible friend. If those things hadn’t happened, and Eunseok hadn’t made that post Sungchan would’ve never been here. Caressing your chin, feeling you give all your free will to him. You were malleable, made in Sungchan’s image after a little less than two weeks. His hands crafted you into whatever you were becoming. The power was intoxicating, because even he had no idea what you were molding into. Submissive, eager to please, reaching for something you didn’t know how to handle.

“Do you think your brother is an asshole?” Sungchan’s hand underneath your chin tilted your head up to him. Your pretty eyebrows knit together in confusion, and Sungchan tried not to laugh at tripping you up. He remained serious, tilting your head even further up. “Do you think he’s a bad person?” He asked.

He gave you the smallest amount of authority when you started messing with his belt. He let his hands fall to his sides and he overcompensated your strength, letting your shaking hands pull his hips towards you. Sungchan sighed at the thought of you being dominant. He knew you didn’t have it in you. Your avoidance of responsibility made Sungchan relinquishing power hard. Even if it was for your benefit, even if it was all a show the second sigh he let out was smug. His hands went to resting at his hips as yours became more hesitant.

You didn’t take well to being in charge. You didn’t take well to questions you didn’t know how to answer. You don’t know your brother, even if you grew up in the same house and had so much in common. Sungchan almost wants to tell you about the Reddit post, to let you know how truly sleazy your older brother is. But if he was honest he’d have to tell you that’s the reason why you two are in this room when there’s only a wall separating you from your brother’s room. Almost immediately your hands started to falter, the thought of disapproval from Sungchan made you fix your gaze on his stomach instead. You pulled his belt tighter instead of pulling it loose. You were more like your brother than either of you would ever know. Sungchan knew your palms were lining with sweat, the same way Eunseok would get whenever he knew he wasn’t doing something perfectly. Your face was hot to the touch, he could feel it when his hand went back to your chin.

“You’re really too cute.” Sungchan said again.

He notices that you two both have the same habit of denying compliments when you first receive them. Eunseok looks to the side while you slowly shake your head. Sungchan manually nods your head with his fingers holding your chin.

You and Eunseok were meant to be lead by someone like Sungchan. The self-proclaimed brains to his brawn. One couldn’t exist without the other, no matter how miserable the other had become. That’s why Eunseok fucked his ex. That’s why he was about to fuck you. Eunseok would eventually find out about you two, if he didn’t already know he would figure out by the clothes Sungchan would strategically leave laying around in the common area. He could tell you were going to make noise for him tonight. Eunseok was still up around this time, the banging on his wall and the sound of things falling would keep him awake.

Sungchan watches your hands go back to your thighs, resting in a clenched fist. Everything about you was made to please Sungchan. From his favorite color on your underwear to your shirt that was a size to small. You gave him everything, the little bow on your waistband like you were his gift. He should feel terrible for doing this. Breaking the one stipulation his bestfriend gave him. But he waged the war, and this was fair. You didn’t mind, because you started digging your nails into your leg when Sungchan took too long undoing his belt. He kept you waiting, until his pants were at his ankles and you were watching him grab himself over his boxers.

“Turn around for me baby.” He said.

You were better at listening to him than Eunseok. When Eunseok would’ve shaken his head or pretended not to hear him all together you were scurrying to the center of his mattress, turning around and sticking your ass in the air. Sungchan watched you let out out a pensive breath, settling into the arch he showed you the very first night. You were a faster learner than Eunseok too.

Sungchan took off his underwear and touched himself, knowing you wished you were the one doing it. The first night you told Sungchan a million times how much you thought of him, how you waited so long just for the chance to touch him. Sungchan let you remember while he slowly worked his hand up his length, the same way he did when Eunseok caught him all those weeks ago. He put on the condom slowly after he watched your shaky hands pull out the slimy latex. The top of the foil packaging was still between your teeth, only falling out when you let out another labored breath. Your head fell back to the mattress and Sungchan settled behind you, hands gripping your waist tight.

“Be loud tonight, okay?” Sungchan watched you preemptively bite your lip and look towards the shared wall. The occasional thud on the other side could be heard, the dull whirring of Eunseok talking into his microphone came through. Worry crossed your pretty eyes, you wiped your palms on Sungchan's comforter. Sungchan come clower to you, until he felt your frame give slightly underneath his. He focused on your big eyes and he pulled together his most sincere look. “Please? For me?” Sungchan asked.

That’s all it took for you to nod your head. You were easier than Eunseok, that was for certain. He pushed into you with ease because you were made for him, and you groaned loudly solely because he asked. Sungchan made sure you made noise for good reason, until you were rivaling with the creak in his mattress and his headboard bumping into the wall. He hoped that it rocked Eunseok’s computer setup, that his friends could hear it in their voice chat. The thought of it made Sungchan prop a leg up and pull your hips backwards to meet him. The thought made him make sounds of his own, until his throat become dry and his voice become hoarse. He was made for you too it seemed, because you squeezed him tight and your sweaty hand clasped around his perfectly.

He knew when you were getting close. He knows your brother so by extension he knows you too, and the same time you started forgetting about anyone else in the apartment he finally heard Eunseok’s door open. Sungchan heard the creak in the floorboards and then Eunseok's timid steps outside his door. Eunseok knocked just like he did the first night, and Sungchan wrapped his arms around your chest to bring you up from the bed to pull you against him. He let your sounds come out, the identity of who was crying obvious even to indifferent brothers. Eunseok didn’t knock again, he left the apartment completely and closed the front door so loud pictures on Sungchan’s wall shook. You shook in Sungchan's arms before you melted to his bed.

Sungchan broke the one rule Eunseok set for him. All is fair. Eunseok waged the war and Sungchan would end it. He wouldn't make a Reddit post about it, he would only leave the white sweater Eunseok bought for you on Christmas draped over the couch in their shared common area.

#seriez: bad friend #01zfan: sungchan #sungchan smut #riize smut

98 notes · View notes

bronx-bomber87 · 3 days ago

Text

Well hello there lovely Fandom :) This has to be one of the best of eps of season so far. Tied with last week for sure. The writers came to play this season holy hell. Also a little birdie (my friend ha) told me the person who wrote 2x11 wrote this one. SOOO of course it's incredible. Start to finish. Once again not just the Chenford stuff either. (That was insanely good obviously. Losing my mind over it.)

I just love that they've tapped back into the show as a whole again. I mean we would have some decent B and C storylines along with our ship last couple years. But this season? Phew they are killing the game. Each week tops the last or ties it. I can see why Eric loves this season so much. Why he's called it his fav so far. It's been fantastic. I'm with him. Let us dive into the goldmine that is this episode.

7x08 Wildfire

We start off with another Genny appearance. I love this sfm. Wasn't sure when we'd get to see her again. Definitely was not expecting a couple episodes after 7x06. This season continues to surprise and delight me in the best way. Her reply about the GPS cracks me up. I've been in traffic so bad the GPS gave up on me too LOL Yay Uncle Tim to the rescue. This was such a nice start to the ep for Tim.

This is the season that continues to give and give. More of Tim's house AND an Uncle Tim scene? *swoon* I love that the first thing they ask about is where the good boy is. We all love him and need more of him in all of our lives. Kojo is at daycare hehe Considering how this episode goes down I'm grateful for it.

They try to pull one over on him but it ain't working. Not even a little bit. Lmao I adore how he pops back in to catch them instantly disobeying. The best part is they say 'Yes sir.' when they're caught. The love and respect is evident. It's so lovely. Seeing him in Uncle Tim mode is so cute I can't stand it. Little gem I didn't knew I needed. Well done writers.

I love Lucy bee-lining for Tim to let him know about the looting in his neighborhood. The best part is her immediately jumping in his car to get to his nephews. My heart. Such a short but impactful scene. Does my shipper heart good to see it. Chips down they're always there for each other. That's never changed despite all the messy relationship issues. A constant for them we all love to see.

So many things to love about this next portion. I wasn't able to get it all in. But the way they enter the house together on guard. As you all know I love watching them in the field. It is ship crack for me. I'll never be over the well oiled machine that is them. It is the ONE thing that never suffered no matter how bad it got between them.

It's their center and it held well. I friggin love the pic. Oh my word. It's from the baseball game in 5x11. The little things are the best. I love the small details. Tim is so damn sassy 'Gently.' Can't say I didn't think the same when they were man handling his TV. lol

Then the ship crack really kicks in. Fighting the stealing duo together. gimme gimme. Poetry in motion as always. Love to see it. The funniest part is his nephew's reappearance. Cracks me up they were playing the entire time. LOL Of course Genny shows up to see it all. Little bit of levity amongst a sea of intensity during this ep. Also relief the boys will be safe and headed home with her after this.

Oh my word, them talking about his nephews. Be still my damn heart. I love that she had a relationship with them. Not only that she coached them as well. Her joke about the curveball making Tim's smile even wider. Could he be more in love with her? *sad sigh* This is why the breakup destroyed her. Stuff like this. No doubt she thought they were getting married and we're forever. She had relationships with his sister and her kids. Legit ones to the point they miss and ask about her.

Tim was her one and done. The first time she fell in love and thought it was going to be her future. He was going to be her future. Oh Timothy, you really stepped in it when you let her go. My goodness. I love getting peaks into their life outside the station when they were together. This was a fantastic addition to that. The details in this one making me insanely giddy. Too bad we don't get to hear what he told them but hot damn I enjoyed this little tidbit moment.

The immense fire interrupts their lovely moment. They're trapped and have to radio in as such. Grey is one giant ball of panic even thought he's trying to hide it. Despite being his officers those are his friends in real danger. Not only that he is stuck at a command post hoping against hope they make it out. Eric killing me with his expressions once again.

The deep breath he takes before formulating a plan is everything. Suggests they leave the shop ASAP. Just a tinder box waiting to happen. When he said to use a safety blanket I was percolating with excitement. That meant tight quarters and goodness to come. I could feel it. I was legit vibrating this morning as I watched this go down. Tim not giving Lucy a ton of relief saying he saw it on youtube once lol

I absolutely love the role reversal here. Tim is the rambling one. Going on and on. Lucy has to be the one get him to focus. He’s spewing facts that mean nothing to her in this moment. She just needs to know they’re going to be ok. That this is going to work and they're not going to die in this fire.

First time we see Tim come undone and not have the cooler head between them. Lucy has to be the one to get him to focus and give her a straight yes or no answer. Her anxiety can't take the long winded reply. I love her face and hand she puts up letting him know as such. She needs his reassurance not his facts.

This is the meat and potatoes of this scene right here. The sass coming from this man in this scene lmao I love him sfm. 'What, You got somewhere to be?' Oh my lord. These two. Lucy cuts him to the quick. Trying to stop this near death-love confession of his. Tim continuing the sass train saying he could be saying something hateful. LOL Doubtful my love very very doubtful. You forget she knows you just as well as you do her. Lucy continues to try and water down his confession by cutting him off. Saying she knows what he's going to say.

That he's still in love with her. Tim's reply is primo. ‘The arrogance.' This made me cackle. My god this is not the time to be fighting her on this Timothy. Also she’s not wrong babe.... He gives in and says she's not wrong. Of course he still loves her. *heart clutch* Here's what I love the most about him saying this. It's fact that he couldn’t die or possibly let her leave this earth without letting her know he’s still in love with her. That he loves her. That fact still hasn't changed for him. I’m sure he’s worked it out in therapy and lives with the guilt of it daily. Her wondering if he still loved her. If he truly loved her like she loved him.

I remember thinking about that in post 6x06. And it honestly killed me the thought of it. When he broke it off how she must've felt like he didn't love her anymore. Or fell out of love. Or never even cared at all with how he tossed them away. When it was the farthest thing from the truth. Whether she realizes it or not she needed to hear this from him. To hear him say he still loved her. It’ll mean more post this moment than anything else. I think this healed a small part of her. Whether she wanted to hear it or not. I think she sensed it in 6x09 with their hug. With the way he clung to her and told he he wasn't ok till that hug. But this is verbal confirmation for her. He loves her.

Her anger is still shining through when Tim asks if she still loves him? As it should. He DEEPLY wounded her. Also only they could have a near death-love confession and be fighting through the entire thing LOL I love them sfm fandom. I truly do. It's insane how much I do. ‘You are infuriating.’ Doesn't crack or let it slip she loves him back still. Now her non reply truly is her answer. Tim can see that and it's why he says 'So that's a yes?' He knows her. But she is fighting him every step of the way.

Lucy is not going to be an easy nut to crack. Nor should she be. He straight up scarred her for life with that breakup. The carelessness of it. Fuck, it damaged me for sure. This show and this ship are my happy place. I was going through a rough and painful transition in life when it occurred. So it hit me real hard when it happened. My happy place was suddenly not so happy anymore. I struggled with it a lot. Can only imagine how Lucy felt. She has a rock hard exterior slash wall with him. Even facing death she couldn’t verbalize she’s still in love with him too. It risks too much for her. He shattered her heart into a million pieces.

Tim is slowly picking up the many shards but its going to take time. He is going to have to keep chipping away at her wall. Because the scars he left on her heart run very deep. It’s going to take him continuing to try and keep that convo going in order to get her to a good place. A place where she can unleash her pent up anger toward him. To be able to receive his deepest amends to get them on the road to recovery. Loved his 'I know!' He knows he's infuriating. Doesn't fight her and I love the self awareness of his line. The way he cradles her head at the end as they come together. I CANNOT everyone. The tender protection of this has me reeling.

The banter doesn't skip a beat when they emerge. Tim bragging they would make it. Lucy of course doesn't let him get away with it. Because she is wifey and that won't stand. Heh. Gah the way he helps her up. It's so tender and sweet. Once again the little things I adore so very much. Also lets note the look he gives when he radios in 'Code Four.' The man is a glass house of transparency for his feelings. No way she doesn't know he is gone for her even minus the confession.

THIS HUG. OMFG. Tim doesn't hesitate to pull her in. It's the way he holds her holy cow. The moment they have a second to breathe she's in his arms. He needs to grab her and make sure she's really next to him. To ground himself. They legit just survived a near death experience together. The way she falls into him. *happy sigh* Wraps one arm around his back and has her other hand placed intimately on his stomach. I may faint. The wide shot from behind is beautifully done. Showing them what they just made it through together.

It's the way he shuts his eyes and sways with her on the return shot that gets me. Lucy reaching up to touch his stomach once again. Grounding herself through touching him as well. Her eyes filling with tears as she views the destruction they got through. It's such a beautiful moment. I love their hugs SO much. They always convey so much love and emotion in them. Was hoping for a new one this year. Wish granted. The giving season continues to give. This will be my new header for sure. When I find the right gif.

I feel like moments like this I can consider as 'Little doses' He’s trying so hard everyone. He really is. Since s7 started the man has done everything he can while respecting her bounds. Wants to continually show up for her in whatever capacity she'll accept him in. To rebuild her trust in him. Now she’s not there yet and rightfully so. But he’s chipping away slowly with moments like this. This is an amazing moment step forward for them.

Lucy reaches out first in the hospital. Talking about priorities and them being crystallized. Tim looking at her with massive heart eyes when he says his were clear. She is his #1 priority. That has never changed. Even during the breakup she was. Because he was doing it in his mind at the time to protect her. So his priorities have been clear for awhile. But even more so post-therapy. That clarity was sharpened into focus ten fold for him. She is it. It just has taken on a new life and context for him post-therapy.

Lucy does not see what he is throwing down unfortunately. That or she's avoiding reading into what he's saying. I can't decide. That's the beauty of doing my in-depth ones in the summer. Because I'll have the whole season in hand to make a better analysis of that. What I can tell you was Tim wanted to have the convo again. Now his panic is at 100 when she says she needs to move forward. It's pouring out of his eyes the panic of what that means. Striking some terror into his soul. Him worrying she means personally.

Luckily Lucy’s talking about her career instead. Now he is a little dejected still but not nearly as panicked. Agreeing once again just like in 7x06 and letting go of the convo he wants to have....Oh my boy. You’re gonna have to make it happen honey. She is too gun-shy after what you did. You’re gonna have to really really make this happen. Oooh man they’re really gonna make us work for this reconciliation and I’m here for it. Holy hell this season is good. The writers brought it this year I have to say.

Now I know some want a reconciliation already. I get it. Really I do. I miss them being together too. My heart aches and longs for it. BUT they need to really flesh this out. I don't see it as being dragged out so much as worked out. If they don't and they got back together right now people would complain. Saying Tim didn't do the work or work out his shit or take accountability. (Which is he BTW thank you writers for last week) Or that Lucy's feelings are being ignored and she's easily letting him back in. This delay is showing neither of those things are true. Lucy is protecting her feelings and heart still. Tim is really going to have to continually show up for her. They say an apology is useless unless there is changed behavior. He's gotta keep showing her he's changed.

His actions will speak louder than anything. This is going to take time. I keep saying that because it's true. Tim is going to need to continue to put in the work. That way she can get to a place where her feelings are expressed and acknowledged. Where she can truly let him have it and they can move forward. Have that adult convo she was so wrongfully denied in 6x07. When the man was nowhere near ready. He is now. Thing is she isn't ready yet. That's ok. I like them slowing it down to explore them getting fixed in other ways before that convo. Also that it isn't going to be on easy on Tim. You know I love my boy but he's going to have to EARN her back ten times over. It needs to be hard. Now her going for Sergeant? I’m down with.

To quote the legend Alexis Rose. 'Love that journey for you.' This will give her career clarity. I want that so badly for her. Especially if it gets her out of his chain of command. Fixes that issue instantly. Also the smiles happening based on that were so sweet. Tim, literally laying it down, they could be together if she wanted, should she make Sergeant. She smiles with her reply. *screams into pillow* The throw back to 2x02 made me dizzy with happiness. How beautifully full circle would it be for him to help her make Sergeant? To help her study? (loving this idea btw.). The flirty vibes in this scene made me squee. Their base banter is still alive and well. Lucy is flirting right back everyone. This is an excellent sign. Saying they could get a 'Head start early.' Flirty af back at him.

Dumbass Seth comes in and incriminates himself like the idiot he is… Idk what he was thinking saying this in front of not only Lucy but Tim? You little fool. He warned you not to put her in jeopardy. Said you'd regret if you did. My god I fanned myself at his reply to Seth. The feral like stare along with his reply? Hot damn. Get me some ice water. Tim is coming for you dude. Locked and loaded. He told you he would kill you if you put her in harms way. You’re a dead man Ridley. Officially marked my son.

His panic at being caught in his lie is so painfully evident. Trying to cover it up with 'checking in.' on Lucy. Put the Fear of God into them my ass. You couldn't scare a butterfly bro. The knowing shared looks are everything. You just started your countdown clock out of the FTO Seth. They're gonna work together prove what you did. Scorched Earth is coming your way whether you like it or not.

Phew. Holy moly what a good episode. It was incredibly good. End to end fantastic. That seems to be the theme this year. I'm about it. Bummed we have one mini break but after this ep we might need the slight decompression lol

Thank you as always to the amazing people who like, comment (these makes me so happy,) and reblog these. It means more than you can ever know. You are the real MVP's. I'll see you all in a couple weeks for 7x09. It'll be the halfway point which is unreal. Stay excellent my lovely readers.

~~~~

Side notes-non Chenford

Love me some Wopez early in this ep very cute. They are controlled chaos haha Poor Wes stuck with all the kids lol

'Wealthy glamorous widow.' Angela Lopez you are a Queen and I adore you.

Angela's serious talk with Nyla was really good. She didn't listen sadly (at first) but loved her for doing that knowing wouldn't be well received. Nyla is having hard ole time this season. She is starting to crack and it shows.

Good job Nolan with the kid. I like them tapping back into what made him likeable in the first couple of seasons. Also him calling Bailey while she was fighting fires was hilarious. Like I'm a little busy bub lol

Of course Seth hid the note…I mean it got us our moment but still. That is going to come back and end him. Tim and Lucy were affected by this. Grey was SHAKEN by his mishap, Won't just be them coming after him with a vengeance when he is found out.

I love that Nyla listens to Angela at the end and taking care of herself. Too bad it doesn't last long.

Jesus what a way to end the ep poor James......That girl got annihilated no way she makes it.

Glad they posted the viewer discretion advised. My heart goes out to Cali and all they've lost.

#Caitlin's First Impressions #chenford #7x08 Wildfire #the rookie 7x08 #tim bradford #lucy chen #tim x lucy #lucy x tim #eric winter #melissa o'neil #s7 #the rookie

105 notes · View notes

rootedinrevisions · 1 day ago

Text

Religiously

Summary: Jake’s world is turned upside down when he learns that the woman he once loved is getting married to someone else. Struggling with the weight of his past mistakes and the emotional fallout of their breakup, Jake is deployed on a mission that nearly costs him his life. What happens when he returns home to recover from his injuries and comes face to face with her?

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader (No Use of Y/n)

Warnings: Mild Language, Mild Religious References, Violence related to military action and combat, Combat Related Injury, Mentions of near death experiences, Discussions of emotional and physical pain, PTSD like themes, Possible triggers related to medical and emergency situations.

Word Count: 6,664

A/N: So it's been a little bit since I posted anything. But here is a little something I've been working on for a few days. Hope you guys enjoy xx

**Flashbacks ared indicated by italics**

Jake shifted the phone to his other ear, stretching his legs out on the hard, thin standard issue mattress that the Navy offered in the barracks. The air conditioning unit rattled in the background, barely cutting through the Southern California heat.

It was late, and he was tired. But he knew he couldn’t miss his usual Sunday night call with his mom. No matter where the Navy sent him, Mama Seresin always expected him to check in.

“Your dad finally fixed the fence,” his mom was saying. “After I reminded him for the hundredth time.”

Jake smirked, rubbing a hand over his face. “Took him long enough.”

“That’s what I said, honey! But you know how he is. Stubborn as a mule.”

“Guess I know where I get it from, then.”

His mom scoffed. “Oh honey, that’s all from your daddy’s side.”

Jake chuckled, the familiar back and forth easing some of the tension in his chest. These calls were a tether to home. Something steady in a life that seemed to never stop moving.

But then his mom’s tone shifted, just slightly. “Oh, did you see the picture of the paper? Your sister said she was going to send it to you.”

Jake frowned. “What paper?”

“The Gazette. They had an engagement announcement in last week’s edition.”

He didn’t think much of it at first, just let her words settle in the background as he reached for the beer on the nightstand.

And then she said your name.

Jake’s fingers froze around the bottle. His heart punched once, hard, against his ribs.

“She’s getting married next month. Can you believe it?”

His throat suddenly felt tight and dry. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice even. “Yeah?”

“Mmhmm. Big wedding from what I hear. Out at that fancy vineyard in Hill Country. Her mama must be over the moon.”

Jake could only nod, even though she couldn’t see him.

You. Married.

He should’ve expected it. It had been years since he’d last seen you, since he’d walked away and let you go. But still, something about it didn’t sit right.

“Anyway, I always thought you two would end up together,” his mom added casually. Like she hadn’t just knocked the wind out of him. “Guess life had other plans.”

Jake let out a breath through his nose, gripping the bottle tighter. “Yeah. Guess so.”

A silence stretched between them, heavy with everything he didn’t say.

“Jake?” His mom’s voice softened. “You okay, sweetie?”

He cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’m good.”

“You sure, honey?” his mom pressed. “You sound—”

“I’m good, Ma,” he cut in, his voice rougher than he meant it to be. He ran a hand over his face. “Just tired. Long day.”

His mom didn’t push, but he could hear the doubt in the way she sighed. “Alright, well, get some rest. And call me next Sunday, you hear?”

“Yeah. Love you.”

“Love you too, baby.”

The call ended with a soft click, but the silence it left behind was anything but peaceful.

Jake let the phone rest against his chest for a second, staring up at the ceiling. The AC hummed steady but weak, barely making a dent in the sticky air.

He shut his eyes. Tried to push the thought of you out of his head. Tried to forget the way your name had felt like a punch to the ribs. Tried not to picture you in a white dress, smiling at some other man.

Jake sat up abruptly, cursing under his breath. He ran a hand through his hair, restless. His pulse was too loud, his thoughts running too fast.

He told himself to leave it alone. To let it go, the way he had years ago.

But his fingers moved before he could stop them, unlocking his phone and pulling up his photos. He scrolled fast, past images of deployments, blurry bar nights, old squadmates.

Until he sees it. A picture of you.

The two of you, tangled together on the dock that summer. Your legs draped over his, your head tipped back in laughter. The setting sun had turned your skin golden, your hair wind-tousled and perfect. He remembered the exact moment he took the photo.

“You’re staring,” you’d teased, nudging his arm.

“Maybe,” he’d admitted, grinning. “Can you blame me?”

Jake swallowed hard. His thumb hovered over the screen. He should put the phone down. Delete the photos. Move on.

But instead, his mind pulled him under. Back to that summer. Back to you. Back to the moment everything changed.

Jake kept scrolling. Past the dock. Past the bonfires. Past the blurry, stolen moments that still felt too sharp.

And then he stopped. The picture filled his screen, pulling the air straight from his lungs.

You, standing in the middle of the river, the water lapping at your thighs. Your arms stretched out, face tipped to the sun, eyes closed like you could soak in the warmth forever. That stupid blue swimsuit he used to tease you about, the one you insisted was your favorite.

He could still hear your laugh from that day.

Could still feel the moment everything changed.

“You coming in, or what?” you called, twisting toward him, your hair dripping down your back.

Jake sat on the riverbank, forearms resting on his knees, watching you wade deeper into the water. “I don’t know. You sure it’s not freezing?”

You rolled your eyes. “It’s Texas in July, dumbass.”

Still he didn’t move. Just sat there, watching the sunlight catch in your hair, the way the water curved around your legs.

You sighed, dramatically, and turned to face him fully. “Okay, fine. I’ll come to you.”

Before he could react, you lunged forward, hands cutting through the water, sending a wave straight at him.

“Damn it—”

It was too late. Cold water splashed over his legs, soaking the edge of his shorts.

Your laugh was loud and reckless. “Guess it’s not that cold, huh?”

Jake shot to his feet. “Oh, you’re real funny.”

“I try,” you quipped, grinning as you stepped back, deeper into the river. “What’re you gonna do about it?”

He didn’t think—just moved. Sprinting forward, he hit the water fast, the shock of it stealing his breath, but he didn’t stop. You yelped, spinning to escape, but he caught you easily, his arms wrapping around your waist.

“Jake. Don’t you dare—”

Too late.

He lifted you effortlessly, slinging you over his shoulder before spinning in a circle. You shrieked, kicking your legs, but he only laughed.

“Apologize,” he teased, tightening his grip.

“Never.”

“Suit yourself.”

And then he dropped you. You disappeared beneath the surface, the splash soaking him completely. He barely had a second to gloat before you popped up, hair plastered to your face, eyes blazing with mock outrage.

“Oh, it’s on,” you warned.

Before he could react, you launched yourself at him, pushing him under.

He surfaced a second later, shaking water from his face, only to find you already laughing.

You looked happy. You always looked happy, but today there was something different about it. About you.

Jake’s breath caught, something unfamiliar curling in his chest. He wanted to keep you like this. Wanted to see you like this every damn day.

And that’s when it hit him. Like a punch to the ribs.

He was falling for you. Maybe he already had.

Jake blinked, the memory dissolving like mist.

His chest ached, his grip tightening around the phone.

He should’ve told you. He should’ve said those three little words that summer.

But he never did. And now? Now you were marrying someone else.

Jake exhaled sharply and closed out of his photo album. Before he could think better of it, his fingers moved on instinct, opening his social media app and typing your name into the search bar.

The first picture hit him like a gut punch.

You standing in front of a wall of pastel balloons, champagne glass in hand. The caption read Bride to Be in swirly gold script, matching the sash draped over your shoulder. Someone had tagged you in the post a few weeks ago

Jake swallowed hard, his eyes dragging over the details.

The white dress clung to you in all the right ways. Your hair was curled soft around your face, your smile wide and effortless.

You looked happy. Really happy.

The sight of it made him sick.

His stomach twisted as he swiped through more photos. You, laughing with friends. You cutting into a cake shaped like a wedding dress. You leaning into your fiancé..

Jake’s jaw locked at the sight of the guy.

He looked…fine. Some clean cut, polished type. A little too put together. A little too perfect.

Your smiles with your fiance were poised and practiced. Pretty but forced. The kind of smile you put on when you knew a camera was on you. It was the kind of smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

Jake scrolled back to one of your old pictures together. A blurry shot from a summer night. You were sitting beside him on the tailgate of his truck. Your head was thrown back in laughter. No perfect angles. No careful posing. Just you, caught mid laugh, so lost in the moment you didn’t care about the camera.

And maybe Jake was just torturing himself, but he swore you looked happier then. Happier with him.

He scrolled back up, staring at the image of you in white at the bridal shower. Maybe you smiled like that now. Maybe you convinced yourself this was what you wanted.

Jake exhaled sharply and shut off his phone, dropping it onto the bed beside him like it burned. But the image of you in white was already seared into his mind.

Marriage. It was what you always wanted. Hell, he wanted it too…just not as soon as you. He told himself he wasn’t ready. That he needed more time, that he had things to figure out, that forever could wait a little longer.

But you weren’t willing to wait for him to decide that he was ready. And now time was up.

His jaw clenched. He ran a hand over his face, dragging it down to his mouth as if that could stop the ache clawing at his chest.

He should be over this by now. You were.

He stared at the ceiling, willing himself not to care.

It had been a couple of years. He’d had his share of short lived relationships, other break ups. He went through the motions. First dates, good mornings, empty conversations that never quite filled the space you left behind. Some hurt for a while, some didn’t even register, most faded into nothing more than a name or a fleeting memory.

But yours? That breakup was different. It wasn’t just another failed relationship. Yours was the one that gutted him. The one that still sat heavy in his chest, refusing to be buried no matter how much time passed.

It was the only one that still got to him. He could barely remember the details of his other breakups. Who ended things first, the reasons why, the words exchanged. They were all just echoes of something that was never meant to last.

But you? He remembered everything.

"I love you, Jake. I love you so much, but I can’t keep waiting for you to decide if you want this...if you want me."

Your eyes had been glassy, your hands clenched into fists at your sides like you were holding yourself together by sheer will alone. He’d stood there, jaw tight, arms crossed, refusing to let himself break. Refusing to admit he was terrified.

"It’s not that simple," he had said, voice rough, exhausted from the same argument you’d been having for weeks.

"It is for me," you whispered, voice cracking. "I want a life with you. A future. A family. But if you don’t know if you want that with me, then I—" You sucked in a sharp breath. "Then I can’t do this anymore."

The way your fingers trembled as you slipped the key to his place onto the counter nearly undid him. It was such a small movement, so quiet, but it hit like a gunshot. Final. Permanent.

Even then, even when you turned to go, he could have stopped you. He could have said Wait. I love you. I want this. I want you. But his own stubborn silence kept him frozen, hands fisting at his sides as he watched you walk to the door.

And everything in him screamed that he should run after you.

But he didn’t. And that was the moment he lost you.

And now, years later, the weight of losing you hadn’t lessened. If anything, it pressed down harder, knowing you’d moved on while he was still stuck here trying to pretend he wasn’t.

Jake’s thumb hovered over the screen as he scrolled, then stopped. A picture of you with a guitar.

You were sitting on a blanket in the grass, laughing at something just outside the frame, fingers curled around the neck of the instrument like it was second nature. The sight of it pulled at something deep in his chest. And just like that, he was back there.

Back on your front porch that summer night.

The cicadas hummed in the background, a lazy breeze rolling through, carrying the scent of honeysuckle and warm earth. You sat cross legged on the old wooden swing, your guitar balanced on your lap, the porch light casting a soft glow over your face.

"Come on, Jake," you teased, strumming a few easy chords. "You know this one."

He grinned, leaning against the railing with a beer dangling from his fingers. "I know it, but I’m not singing it."

"Fine," you huffed dramatically, but there was a smile playing on your lips. "Guess I’ll just have to sing it for both of us."

Your voice, soft and sweet, wrapped around the melody, carrying the words into the warm night air. And Jake just watched you. The way your fingers danced effortlessly over the strings. The way your nose scrunched slightly when you hit the higher notes. The way your eyes flicked up to meet his like you were singing just for him.

And that was the moment.

That was the moment he knew, or at least thought he knew, that he was going to marry you.

It hit him so fast, so unexpectedly, that it nearly knocked the breath out of him. He’d never believed in fate or soulmates or any of that, but sitting there, listening to you play your song under the Texas sky, he’d never been so sure of anything in his life.

But that was a lifetime ago.

And now, that life the one he thought he’d have with you, belonged to someone else.

Tomorrow he was leaving for deployment. Another stretch of time spent oceans away, filling his days with routine and responsibility. Pushing everything else, everything going on in his personal life to the back of his mind.

That was usually the easy part. But this time?

This time, he wished you were here. He wished you were the one standing by giving him that last lingering hug before he boarded the plane. The one pressing a kiss to his lips and telling him to stay safe, to come home in one piece. You used to say it with a teasing smile, but he knew you meant it with every part of you.

And if he was being honest with himself, if he let himself sink into that dangerous, aching place in his chest, he wished you’d be the one waiting for him when he came home too.

But he knew better than that. By the time he came back, you’d be someone else’s. You’d moved on. You’d found what you needed with someone who didn’t keep you waiting for him to be ready.

And tomorrow, as he stood on the tarmac, duffel slung over his shoulder, staring out at the horizon before takeoff…he’d have to find a way to make peace with that.

* * * * *

The days leading up to the mission had felt like any other. Straightforward. Jake had been briefed, run the practice drills. He knew the routine, knew the threats, knew the risks. But he wasn’t worried. He’d been through this before. He was trained for moments like this. His crew made up of Phoenix and Bob had his back, and he trusted them.

It wasn’t a difficult mission. Two planes. Simple intel. Minor threat from enemy aircraft, but it wasn’t a serious risk. That’s what they had been told, and Jake believed it.

They took off that morning, the cool January air crisp as the planes cut through it. Jake was leading, flying in formation with Phoenix and Bob close behind. The adrenaline buzzed in his veins, but he kept it steady. They had their plan, and nothing was going to go wrong. Or so he thought.

The radio crackled in his ear, Phoenix's voice cutting through the static. "Enemy aircraft, five o’clock!"

Jake didn’t see them. Not at first. Everything was too smooth, too easy. But as Phoenix and Bob called it out, the world shifted. He glanced over his shoulder just as a shadow broke through the cloud cover.

Before he could react, there was a burst of red hot fire tearing through his right wing. The impact hit like a freight train, and then… everything went wrong. His plane jolted violently, and the warning lights flashed in his cockpit.

"Shit!" Jake muttered under his breath, fighting for control.

His heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the sky. Phoenix and Bob were calling over the radio shouting commands, but everything was a blur of panic and noise.

The next thing he knew, the plane was spiraling, falling. And then came the gut wrenching sound of metal meeting the surface as his plane hit the water.

It was cold, too cold.

His body hit the surface with an intensity that felt like concrete.

Pain exploded in his chest, knocking the wind out of him, the world spinning around him as his plane began to sank. He struggled to keep his head above water. The saltwater burned against his skin, but it was the cold that was most unforgiving.

His breath came in shallow gasps. He could barely keep his eyes open. The pain radiated through every nerve in his body, but his thoughts didn’t linger on the physical agony.

All he could think about was you.

Your face, your laugh, the way you smiled at him like you were the only two people in the world. The warmth of your touch when he held you close. The way your eyes sparkled in the light.

God, he missed you.

It didn’t even feel like life anymore. The sun was still shining above, but it was too bright, too distant.

For a moment, Jake wondered if this was what death felt like. If the coldness of the ocean would be the last thing he ever felt.

He was there drifting, and staring up at the sky, each passing second slipping further and further from him. The world was fading. He wasn’t sure if it was the water filling his lungs or the weight of the loss that was dragging him down.

And then, in that haze of fading consciousness, a single thought pierced through the fog.

He would never see you again.

The pain from the crash didn’t compare to the ache in his chest at that thought. The empty, hollow feeling that consumed him, knowing he’d never get another chance to hold you, to tell you he loved you, to fix the mess he made.

His eyes closed again, the memory fading as darkness closed in, but not before he whispered one last time, "I love you."

Jake didn’t know how much time had passed. But suddenly the world around Jake was nothing but noise and shadows, a blur of voices he couldn’t quite make sense of. His body felt like a weight, every inch of him burning with pain, yet somehow, it was as if his mind was disconnected, floating somewhere far away.

He was still in the water. The coldness had a grip on him, sinking into his bones, but now... now there was warmth, a sensation that almost didn’t feel real. He blinked slowly, the light above him flickering, and then it was the sound of helicopters. The deep, reverberating thrum of blades slicing through the sky.

“Lieutenant Seresin!” a voice called, familiar yet distant. “Stay with me.”

He couldn’t focus on who was speaking, but the words reached him, distant echoes that seemed to tug him back from the abyss.

He heard his call sign then, as if it was the only thing tethering him to the world: “Hangman...Hangman, we’ve got you.”

A sharp pain ran through his body, and he hissed in response. His eyes tried to focus, but the world kept shifting, pulling him further under, as if the ocean itself was calling him back.

“Hang in there, Hangman!” another voice barked, this one more frantic. “We’ve got you. Just hold on.”

But he couldn’t hold on. He couldn’t keep his grip on consciousness. His eyes closed again, darkness threatening to take over.

And in that quiet, fleeting moment before everything faded, one thought echoed in his mind, louder than any of the voices around him, louder than the chopper blades, louder than the pain.

One name.

Your name.

The sound of your name coming from his lips was barely audible. But the weight of it was everything. It was the only thing his heart could hold onto.

The darkness began to press in around him yet again. But the voices around him wouldn’t let him go.

“Hangman, come on. You’ve got to stay with us.” Someone urged, and Jake could feel the pressure of someone's hands on his chest. He could tell he was being moved.

But even as he was pulled away from the brink of death, all he could think about was you. And the painful truth that you weren’t there. You weren’t going to be there waiting for him if he woke up.

* * * * *

The steady beeping of a heart monitor was the first thing Jake registered as he drifted back to consciousness. He blinked against the bright overhead light, his vision adjusting to the sterile white walls of a hospital room. His body felt heavy, weighed down by pain and exhaustion, but he was alive.

Alive. The word should’ve meant something. Should’ve felt like a victory. But all he felt was numb.

He didn’t know how long he lay there staring at the ceiling, letting the reality of everything settle in. The mission. The hit. The cold. The pain. The fact that he should be dead, but somehow wasn’t.

And you. You had been the last thing on his mind before he hit the water. The last thing before everything faded.

And now lying here alive when he shouldn’t be, he didn’t know what to do with that.

* * * * *

Jake stepped off the plane, the humid Texas air wrapping around him like an old familiar embrace. The warmth should’ve felt like home, but it didn’t. Not really. Maybe nothing would after everything.

His ribs ached from the long flight, but he ignored it as he grabbed his duffel bag and made his way through the small Austin airport. His mom was waiting for him near baggage claim, standing on her toes to scan the crowd. The second she spotted him, relief softened her face, and she rushed forward, pulling him into a tight hug.

"Jake," she breathed, her voice thick with emotion. "Oh, honey, it's so good to see you."

He gritted his teeth against the pain of her embrace but didn’t pull away. "Good to see you too, Mama."

She held him for a moment longer before stepping back, her hands lingering on his arms like she was afraid he’d disappear if she let go. Her eyes scanned his face, taking in the bruises, the exhaustion still clinging to him. "You look tired."

"Yeah, well. Almost dying will do that to a guy."

She swatted his arm lightly. "Don’t joke about that."

He gave her a tired smirk, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Not joking."

Her expression faltered for a second, like she wanted to say something else, but instead, she just squeezed his arm. "Come on. Let’s get you home."

The drive back to the house was quiet, save for the occasional updates from his mom about family, neighbors, the latest town gossip. But Jake wasn’t really listening. He just stared out the window, watching the familiar Texas landscape roll past.

When they pulled into the driveway, his mom turned off the engine but didn’t get out right away. Instead, she looked at him carefully, her hands still gripping the wheel.

"You settling in okay?" she asked.

He frowned. "I just got here."

She nodded slowly, her lips pressing together like she was debating saying something else.

"What?" Jake asked, narrowing his eyes.

His mom hesitated, then gave him a small, knowing smile. "Nothing. Just…I have a feeling you're gonna find your time home a little more interesting than you expected."

Jake’s stomach twisted, but before he could ask what the hell that was supposed to mean, she grabbed her purse and stepped out of the car, leaving him sitting there, wondering why the hell she suddenly looked like she knew something he didn’t.

The next morning, the house was quiet. His parents had already left for work, leaving Jake alone with nothing but the old family dog and his own thoughts. He sat on the porch, the Texas sun warming his skin, a coffee cup resting on the arm of the wooden chair beside him.

His ribs still ached with every breath, and even the smallest movements sent sharp reminders through his body. But the worst pain wasn’t physical.

Beau, the aging golden retriever, lay at his feet, tail thumping lazily against the wooden planks as Jake absently scratched behind his ears. The dog was content. Jake wished he could say the same.

He leaned back, closing his eyes, listening to the rustle of the wind through the trees. It was peaceful, but peace didn’t reach him the way it used to. Not with everything in his head. Not with everything in his chest.

Then he heard it. Gravel crunching under tires.

His brows pulled together as he opened his eyes, turning his head toward the driveway. A car he didn’t recognize was pulling in. His stomach tightened, his mind automatically running through the possibilities. Maybe it was a neighbor. Maybe someone looking for his mom or dad.

Then the driver’s side door opened. And you stepped out.

Jake’s entire body went still. For a second, he wondered if the pain meds were making him hallucinate. Because there was no way you were here. No way you were standing in his parents’ driveway, looking exactly the same and somehow completely different all at once.

His pulse roared in his ears, drowning out everything else.

You shut the car door gently, standing there for a beat, like you weren’t sure if you should take another step.

Jake swallowed, but his throat was dry.

You take a slow step forward. Then another. The crunch of your shoes against the gravel is the only sound between you. Beau lifts his head, watching you curiously, but Jake didn’t move. He just watches you come closer, like he isn’t sure if you’re real or if you’ll disappear before you reach him.

And then you stop at the edge of the porch. Close enough that he can see every flicker of hesitation in your eyes. Close enough that he can tell you’re nervous.

Neither of you speak at first. You just look at each other. For a moment, it feels like the whole world holds its breath.

Then you break the silence. "How are you?"

Jake almost lies. The words 'I’m fine' sit on the tip of his tongue, easy and automatic. But when he looks at you—really looks at you—he can’t bring himself to say it.

Instead he exhales, shifts slightly in his seat, and admits, "Everything hurts like hell."

Your lips press together, your gaze flickering down, and for a second, he wonders if he shouldn’t have said that. If maybe you didn’t want to hear the truth.

Then you go quiet. Your fingers fidget at your sides, like you’re debating something.

Jake watches you, waiting. And then, finally, you lift your gaze and say softly, "I was scared when I got the call."

His brow furrows slightly. "What?"

You let out a breath, shifting on your feet. "They…couldn’t get ahold of your mom after the accident. And I guess..." You hesitate. "I guess I was still listed as a contact on your paperwork."

Jake's stomach tightens.

"They called you?" His voice is quieter now.

You nod. "Yeah." A small, almost breathless laugh leaves you, but it isn’t amused. It’s tired. "I was the one who had to tell your mom what happened."

Jake stares at you, something unreadable flickering through his expression.

He doesn’t know what to say. Doesn’t know how to process the fact that you were the one who got the call. That you were the one who had to break the news to his mother.

And that when it came down to it, you still picked up the phone.

Jake lets out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head as he looks away. "Hell, maybe it would’ve been easier if I didn’t make it."

Your breath catches in your throat. "Jake—"

"I’m serious," he mutters, still not meeting your eyes. "Would’ve saved everyone a lot of trouble. You wouldn’t have had to get that call. Wouldn’t have had to show up here now, feeling like you owe me something." He exhales sharply, jaw tight. "Would’ve been easier for you."

The words hit like a punch to the gut. Your arms drop from where they’d been crossed over your chest, the weight of his statement sinking deep into your bones.

"You think that?" Your voice is quieter now, but there’s an edge to it. Sharp and laced with something close to anger. "You think it would be easier for me if you were—"

You can’t even say the word. It makes you sick.

Jake finally looks at you then, and for the first time since you stepped out of your car, he sees it. The hurt in your eyes, the way you’re gripping your hands into fists like you’re trying to hold yourself together.

"God, Jake." You shake your head, blinking hard. "You really think I’d want to live in a world where you don’t exist?"

He swallows, but he doesn’t say anything.

"I don’t care what happened between us. I don’t care how much time has passed." Your voice wavers, but you push through it. "I would never, never be okay with losing you."

Jake looks away again, his throat tight, his chest heavier than it already was. He wasn’t expecting this. He wasn’t expecting you to still feel anything close to this strongly.

Jake clears his throat, shifting on the porch steps. He winces as the movement sends a sharp pain through his ribs. The weight of your words still lingers in the air between you, heavy and unspoken. He doesn’t know what to say or how to navigate this. So he reaches for the one thing that’s been at the forefront of his mind since you pulled into his driveway.

"So, uh...the wedding." His voice is rough, uncertain. "It’s soon, right?"

You let out a dry scoff, shaking your head. "Not anymore."

Jake frowns confused. "What do you mean?"

You cross your arms, shifting your weight from one foot to the other. There’s a moment of hesitation before you say it out loud. "I called it off."

The words hit him harder than they should. His fingers flex against his thigh, his pulse kicking up just slightly. He searches your face, trying to piece it together.

"Why?" he asks, voice quieter now.

You let out a breath, looking down at the ground. "Because it wasn’t right."

Jake watches you carefully. "Did he do something?" There’s an edge to his tone now,something protective, almost territorial, that he doesn’t even mean to let slip.

You shake your head. "No. He was...he is a good man." You look up then, meeting Jake’s gaze, and there’s something unreadable in your expression. "But he wasn’t you."

Jake just stares at you, completely floored. His mind races, trying to process what you just said. You still love him. After everything. After the years apart, the breakup, the almost marriage to someone else…you still love him.

Jake watches you, waiting, hoping, praying that this isn’t just some cruel dream that he's going to wake up from.

But then you take a shaky breath, and your eyes drop to the wooden porch beneath your feet. "Something happened when I got the call," you admit quietly.

Jake tenses, his stomach twisting. "What do you mean?"

You shift, wrapping your arms around yourself like you’re bracing for something. "I was with him. My fiancé." You hesitate, voice barely above a whisper. "We were at our bachelor and bachelorette party."

Jake sucks in a sharp breath, his jaw clenching. He doesn’t say anything, just watches as you force yourself to meet his gaze again.

"My phone rang. I saw the number, and I just…I knew it was about you." You let out a small, bitter laugh, shaking your head. "He asked me not to answer. Told me that whatever it was, it could wait. But I couldn’t do it, Jake. I couldn’t ignore it. Not when I knew it was about you. I knew that the Navy would only be calling for one thing. And that I needed to know if something had happened."

Jake’s chest tightens, his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

"That was the moment I knew," you whisper. "I couldn’t marry him. Because no matter how much I wanted to move on, no matter how much I tried to convince myself that I had—" You trail off, exhaling shakily. "I don't think I ever did."

Jake’s breath catches. His entire body aches, but nothing compares to the way his heart clenches at your words.

"Then let me be yours again." His voice is rough, pleading, desperate. "Please."

You stare at him, eyes wide, like you weren’t expecting him to say it. To fight for this.

Jake leans forward, wincing slightly from the pain still radiating through his ribs, but he doesn’t care. Not when you’re standing in front of him, looking at him like that, like part of you is still afraid to believe this is real.

"I lost you once," he says, voice raw. "And it damn near broke me. I’m not making that mistake again."

Your breath shudders as you exhale, and for a moment, neither of you speak. The air between you is thick with everything unsaid, years of heartbreak and longing hanging in the balance.

"Jake—" You hesitate, pressing your lips together like you’re trying to stop yourself from saying something you’ll regret. "I don’t know how to do this again."

"Then we figure it out together." His voice is steady this time, sure.

"I was so scared," you whisper, shaking your head. "When they called me, when I had to tell your mom-" You break off, inhaling sharply. "Jake, I thought—"

He doesn’t let you finish. He reaches out, his hand covering yours where it’s clenched into a fist against your side. Your fingers tremble under his touch but don’t pull away.

"I’m here," he murmurs, squeezing gently. "And I don’t want to waste any more time pretending like this doesn’t still mean something."

Your eyes search his, and he sees the war inside you, the part that’s still afraid to let him back in. But then, slowly, your fingers uncurl. You turn your hand over, letting your palm press against his.

"Okay," you whisper.

Jake exhales a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding, relief crashing over him.

"Okay," he echoes, squeezing your hand one more time before pulling you down onto the porch beside him.

For a long moment, neither of you speaks. There's only the sound of the wind and the soft rustle of the trees around you. Then, without a word, Jake pulls you into his arms, his hold tight but gentle, as if he's afraid you'll disappear if he lets go.

You bury your face in his chest, the familiar scent of him grounding you in this moment, in a feeling you thought you lost. His arms tighten around you, and for the first time in a long time, you both breathe.

It’s like the world slows down, and in each other's arms, the years, the mistakes, the heartache fade into nothingness. There’s no need for words, no need for anything else. Just the comfort of being together again.

* * * * *

A few days later, things are still a bit new between you and Jake, but it feels right. You're taking it slow, giving each other the space to rediscover what you once had. Things are easier now, the awkwardness slowly slipping away as the days pass. Jake is at your place sitting on the couch while you make coffee in the kitchen. There’s a comfortable quiet between you, no pressure, just the two of you spending time together.

When you come back into the living room, he’s standing by the corner of the room, his fingers lightly brushing over the strings of your old guitar that’s resting in the corner.

"You still play?" he asks, his voice soft, almost like he’s unsure of how to approach it.

You give him a playful shrug, leaning against the doorframe. "Sometimes. Not as much as I used to."

Jake tilts his head, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You take requests?" he teases, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

You chuckle, the familiar feeling of teasing him making something warm stir inside you. "You think you’re funny, huh?"

You walk over, picking up the guitar, and sit down on the couch, strumming a few chords to warm up your fingers.

"What's your request?"

"Our song," Jake says, sitting down beside you, the familiar weight of his gaze on you.

Your heart skips at the words. You start to play, the chords coming back to you like second nature, the rhythm flowing through you like a memory you never quite forgot. The song, the one that’s always been yours and Jake's song, fills the space between you. And with every note you can feel something stirring again.

By the time you reach the last line of the song, your fingers move with a gentle certainty. It feels like this is the way it was always meant to be. The two of you here in this moment, coming back to what you never should have left behind.

When the last chord fades, Jake’s hand finds yours, his fingers gently curling around yours. He looks at you for a beat, and then without a word he leans in.

The kiss is slow, sweet, and soft, like everything that’s been building between you has finally found its way out. It’s not rushed, not desperate, but full of all the things you’ve both been holding back for too long. When he pulls away, his forehead rests against yours, and you can’t help but smile.

"I missed this," he whispers, his voice rough with emotion.

"Me too," you say, heart full, the world around you fading away until there’s only Jake, and you, and the love you’re starting to believe in again.

#Jake Seresin #Jake Seresin Fanfiction #Jake Seresin Fanfic #Jake Hangman Seresin #Jake Seresin x reader #Hangman x reader #Spotify

185 notes · View notes

mrsfrecklesmarauders · 2 days ago

Text

Sirius became a member of The Potter Family. I am not talking about Fleamont and Euphemia. I'm talking about James, Lily, and Harry's family.

It started when James and Lily named him the best man at their wedding. And later, godfather of their son.

He was a crutial part of The Potters even if he wasn't officially part of them to the common eye. He loved them platonically yet dearly. With every beat of his heart and his whole soul.

Sirius was platonically in love with James. Of his bravery, his silliness, his leadership and his way of taking care of others. He loved his joyful personality and his childish heart. He had been his brother since the day they met, and would always be close.

He was platonically in love with Lily. With her tenderness, with her wisdom, with her way of seeing beauty in everything and forgive easily. Sirius didn't like her at first when she started dating James. But with time, they became so close that she was one of his best friends. Almost a sister to him.

And Sirius was platonically in love with Harry and the way he was a mixture of his two parents. The way he was his own person as well. His mischievous eyes and his intelligence even at a young age. And the way Harry admired Sirius, which made him feel better about himself. Because he was proud of being Harry's role model. They had a connection no one could break. Sometimes Sirius was the only person that Harry listened to or needed.

Sirius was in love with that family. And sometimes he was a crutial part of them. They asked him for his opinion in matters or decisions, he had a room at their house and they kept pictures of him around. Sirius got to know their habits and routines so much he could tell anyone. This brought joy to Sirius. So much his heart felt full.

Other times, there were moments when it was just the three of them. And Sirius couldn't intervene. Because society said that that was how family worked: mother, father and child. And Sirius was simply a mere uncle (not even a blood uncle). But Sirius craved to be more and more part of that little family.

It was profound and not socially acceptable the way of loving them. He was expected of have a spouse of his own and children of his own. Although he would die for each one of them. And they were his favorite people in the whole world.

That was a kind of love not any of Sirius’s partners or lovers could compete with.

#This in an AU where James and Lily survive #Or a Muggle AU #marauders #maraudersera #marauders headcanon #sirius black #james potter #lily evans #jily #harry potter #the potter family #the potters

51 notes · View notes

dr-spectre · 3 days ago

Text

I heard about how in Bancala Walker there was a short story about Marina and Acht and their time in the domes. And I'm gonna be 100% honest with you. It kinda makes me mad, and it really highlights a massive problem with Splatoon as a whole, and that's how it treats its stories.

(Yep I'm rambling about Splatoon's storytelling for the 500th time, welcome to my blog.)

Since Splatoon 2, the series has had a weird relationship with its storytelling, the main stories of each campaign are very simplistic and are very video game like plots. "Go get the Great Zapfish back and save Captain Cuttlefish. Go get the Great Zapfish again and find Callie. Find the thangs and get out. GO GET THE ZAPFISH AGAIN AND SAVE CAPTAIN CUTTLEFISH AGAIN!!! Climb up the tower." Splatoon 1 got away with this because it's clearly the most "tutorial" mode out of any of the single player campaigns and it doesn't really try to say any deeper messages or express a character arc.

Now, obviously video game stories must have goals for the player to work towards, I'm not complaining about that, you gotta have that stuff in games to motivate the player, however, what really drives me up a wall is when they decide to add depth and interesting things relating to the characters and world, yet they intentionally throw away that same depth and chuck it to the side. Hell they sometimes retcon the optional hard to find lore or make it more confusing just because!! If you're gonna add depth and something else to these stories, you HAVE to actually explore it and expand upon it WITHIN THE STORY! You cannot add it as "extra lore" when it's stuff that should have been in the main storyline to begin with. It's like not adding seasoning to chicken and that you boiled the fucking chicken and wrapped it in lettuce and mayonnaise.

I could obviously talk about the elephant in the room... you know... this little goober right here. This freak.

And I'm going to.

From the concept art we were given, we know that Callie was originally gonna have more exploration into her troubling mental health issues as seen by her being in the shadows and being comforted by Octarians. It's a significantly different tone compared to the final product.

However in the final game, they tossed MOST of this shit away and say in the game as well as in official media, "naw she was kidnapped and brainwashed forcefully because she's a dumb clutz lmao." They tried to backtrack with an obscure relationship chart, the sunken scrolls and Squid Sisters web prequel series, but then they backtracked AGAIN with the Splatoon 3 artbook that states that she was "brainwashed." It's an incredibly simplified and frankly insulting version of events that are TECHNICALLY canon but Nintendo and others don't treat it as such and i don't know why. I dont know why they treat Callie like this. Is it because she's silly?

Wouldn't it be more interesting and more powerful as a story if they made Callie had more control and awareness of her actions? That she was truly acting upon her mental illness and isolation? Putting DJ Octavio, the fucking funny octopus guy on the same level as Talon from Overwatch and Hydra from Marvel, the literal nazis who damaged Bucky Barnes' brain and removed all of his memories, making him into the Winter Solider, is fucking psychotic and actually insane of Nintendo to do.

There is also Acht and how they were shown between Octo Expansion and Side Order.

Some of the most powerful stories in media have strong character arcs and characters overcoming their struggles and pain. It is inspirating and incredibly real to see a loved one reach out to a person that they care about who have lost their way, either from mental illness or drugs. Trying to bring them back and help them go through their pain together. When someone is under distress and mental health troubles, they can act like a completely different person and the fact that Nintendo half assed serious topics like this and made shit WAY WORSE boils my blood to no end.

In Octo Expansion, we were told that they went under Sanitization willingly in order to remove doubts in their mind and put their all into music. Now due to the unknowns of Sanitization at the time, this made for a really interesting character and brought up a lot of interesting questions as to why they would do this and who they are.

However, in Side Order when they explained Sanitization further and told us that Acht lost all of their free will and were FORCED to make music for Tartar, it kinda damaged their story a little bit. Like sure, Acht still probably wanted to go under Sanitization to clear their doubts and remove emotion, but the added information kinda goes against the interesting story they were trying to tell with Acht. Acht doesn't even mention why they went under Sanitization in Side Order and their reasoning is only found IN A SOCIAL MEDIA POST BACK IN 2018!!! THEY DON'T RESTATE IT AT ALL WHEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPORTANT TO DO SO! They kinda tell us via their letters, but guess when you get those, IN THE POST GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This leads me to another big talking point, most of the lore is hidden and hard to find. You have to go out of your way to find most of the shit Splatoon has to offer. Sunken Scrolls are hidden collectables and most people don't wanna go through the effort of finding them all in the stages, the chat logs in Octo Expansion are completely optional due to entries being tied to specific stations and you can choose to easily skip them, the dev diaries are locked behind lockers and some people may complete Side Order in a manner where they can get to the final boss and be done with the main campaign before seeing most of the entries. Now I'm not saying that there cannot be extra lore tidbits for players to find, hell no, i love extra stuff like that, i think Splatoon 1 and 3's hero modes did a really job of that. BUT WHEN YOU HIDE AWAY IMPORTANT DETAILS LIKE CALLIE'S MOTIVATION IN SPLATOON 2 AND MARINA'S AND PEARL'S BACKSTORIES!?!? YEAH I GOT A FUCKING PROBLEM RIGHT THERE!

In other games, these would be cutscenes or a bunch of mandatory dialogue, BUT NOPE! THEY ARE IN HARD TO FIND SPOTS!

Some of the other lore details are found on social media posts and some of them are YEARS old or on Splatoon's dead Tumblr account. Most people would rather go to Inkipedia and even they can sometimes make vital mistakes or have wording that gives people the wrong idea on what happened in particular events, which heavily impacts the community and discussion. When i talk about my perspective on what happened to Callie in Splatoon 2, I've seen people say to me "wait really? Huh?! I didn't know that." The amount of research you gotta do to go into these characters is an absolute nightmare, AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE SPLATBANDS!!! Their lore is literally locked behind Japanese exclusive expensive artbooks!!! WHY?!?!

I really do wanna stress again, is it cool to get cool lore outside of the games and as collectables?! ABSOLUTELY! You know how awesome it was to read the Alterna logs for the first time? The smile on my face seeing Pearl and Marina back in the Final Fest in Side Order. But when the main stories suffer because of important information being tossed to the side and not applied to the main games... I dont know man, it just becomes incredibly frustrating to me personally. Especially with all the misconceptions and other things that occur within the community, the fandom has an information problem and honestly, it's Nintendo's fault. Imagine if Side Order had flashbacks to a younger Marina and Acht, it would have helped with the middle chunk of the story being so... nothing.

#splatoon #splatoon 3 #side order #acht splatoon #dedf1sh #marina ida #marina splatoon #callie cuttlefish #callie splatoon #hypno callie #rambles #ramblings #storytelling #discussion #game discussion #long post #nintendo

49 notes · View notes

exitpursuedbyavulcan · 2 days ago

Text

For the first time in years, Ser Criston Cole is not guarding his Queen. Alicent has sent him on a covert mission to retrieve her wayward daughter, who has fled from the prospect of marrying her twin brother. It was supposed to be simple, but he quickly finds that the girl he thought to be so like her elder half-sister is in fact quite different.

Author's Note: We are absolutely, uneqivicolly, without a doubt not mentioning that this was planned to be a part of my 2023 12 Days of Smuff. The muses are fickle bitches and I'm a natural procrastinator, what can I say? It's also late for the second writing event it's a part of so maybe just start expecting it at this point.

Pairing: Ser Criston Cole x Aegon's Twin!Reader (3rd person)

Warnings: accidental stimulation

This work is a part of my 12 Days of Smuff event! Read the rest here.

This work is also part of the @hotd-bigbang House of the Dragon Ships Month for Trope Week!

My Masterlist

Ser Criston Cole held his charge close against his chest as his horse slowed, knowing her legs were likely numb after riding for half the day. Queen Alicent would not be pleased if he let her eldest daughter topple into the mud. She would not be happy that he was taking her to this decrepit little town, either, but they were still more than a full day’s travel away from King’s Landing, and the princess needed rest.

Indeed, she groaned with relief as they approached the inn, with its ramshackle walls and crooked sign. “Thank the gods,” she mumbled. “I thought you were going to make me sleep on the horse. Or in the woods.”

He had considered it. They were more likely to be discovered in a town. But it would be far easier to protect her if she was within solid—or at least, mostly solid—walls. They would be out in the open in the woods, too exposed. He would not only be looking out for men who would harm her but the beasts of the forest as well. And if she were to somehow escape him, it would be far easier for her to hide in the forest. Far easier for her to get herself killed.

Yes, the town was better. Even if it was as seedy as Flea Bottom and as filthy as a stable. It certainly smelled like a stable.

Criston guided his horse to the side of the inn, dismounting and hitching it before he turned back to the princess. “Pull your hood tighter,” he instructed, “do not let it fall.”

She pursed her lips in annoyance, but she obeyed, pulling her hood tighter than was truly necessary, the same petulant show of dramatics Criston had come to expect of her and her twin brother. And her half-sister, he thought with a twinge.

The gods must be punishing him for that transgression for him to again be tasked with chaperoning a girl so like the one he had broken his oath for. It was well-deserved. But he was determined to bear it with as much dignity as he could muster. He stood at the horse’s side and raised his hands to the Princess’ waist.

“I can do it myself,” she snapped.

He knew she could not. Could see the tightening of her jaw as she tried to swing her leg over, only to find it would not move at all. On any other day, he would let her struggle until she wore herself out and asked for his help.

Today, however, he did not have the time. He needed to get her inside and safe as quickly as possible so they could set out all the earlier the following morning. So, he took hold of her, ignoring her yelps of protest and her fists pounding against his shoulders, and lifted her off the horse.

The moment she was on the ground, she wobbled dangerously, and the arms that had been attempting to push him away held tightly to him. He let her steady herself for a moment. “Are you able to walk?”

She glared at him but then looked down to frown at her legs. “I think so.”

“Hold to my arm and stay close.” Criston moved slowly as they rounded the corner of the building, allowing her to find her footing before they entered the inn.

The princess paused at the door, eyes narrowing as she took in the broken sign dangling from the wall. “I thought inns were supposed to be cozy.”

“Some are,” he answered, tugging at her arm to pull her forward, “not this one.”

“Can we not find one that is?”

With a sigh, he faced her, leaning down to meet her eye. “Do you wish to get back on the horse, princess?” She blanched and shook her head. “Then this is it.”

She clung to him as they entered the inn and paid the keeper a gold dragon for his best room, never allowing even a hair’s breadth between his arm and hers.

The inn’s ‘best room’ put half of Flea Bottom to shame.

The floor was crooked. The glass of the single window was spiderwebbed with a thousand tiny cracks. And the bed—the one, small bed—rested on wood blocks rather than proper legs. It was not a place where a princess should sleep. It was hardly a place where anyone should sleep. But it was already dark out, and he would not risk the princess just because he did not want to sleep in such a hovel.

“Do you need to visit the washbasin? Or the privy?” Criston asked the princess, not looking at her eyes. In his periphery, he saw her blush and shake her head. “Good. Get in bed.”

He released the princess’ arm and locked the door behind them, then shoved his dagger into the gap by the hinges as an extra precautionary measure.

When he turned back, he was surprised to see the princess had obeyed his order without protest. It was unlike her. Like her half-sister, she had always fought back against his every command. But not now. It was strange in a way he could neither understand nor explain, yet it made him want to smile.

“Where will you sleep?” she asked. He finally looked at her and found her visibly nervous—her eyes wide, darting about, and hands clutching tightly to the blanket. When he said nothing, she bit her lip and turned away.

She was afraid. Not of returning home and facing her mother or the brother she was to marry, but of the place they were in and what may happen to them. Though it was good to be afraid—it would make her more alert and aware—he could not help his desire to reassure her.

“I will sleep on the floor,” he said as he removed his cloak to bundle for his pillow. “Between you and the door.”

“Will it not be too uncomfortable?”

Criston shrugged. “I slept in more discomfort when I was a soldier.”

“But that was when you were young.”

He froze. “When I was ‘young?’ Are you suggesting that I am old?”

She blushed again, ducking her head to hide her slight smile. “I did not say that.”

Rhaenyra once smiled at him in the same way. Damn. The thought only served to make him angry, even if he knew it was not the princess’ fault that she resembled her half-sister in certain lights. He bunched up his cloak and threw it to the ground. “I am not old.”

“You were a man grown when I was born, were you not?”

She was turning it into a game, masking her own fear by taunting him. Criston knew it, and yet he took the bait. If it helped her to feel safe and sleep, he would play the fool. “I was.”

Her smile brightened. “And I am now a woman grown, about to be married. That makes you, my dear Ser Criston, old.” She was giddy and giggling as she lay on the bed and buried herself beneath the stack of threadbare quilts. “Now get in the bed. You are of no use as my protector if you are too stiff to raise your sword.”

His heart sank. Not for the commentary on his age—he would admit that her logic there was sound—but for the fact that to lay in bed with her was a dangerous thing. A temptation that echoed his lowest moment.

The gods were not punishing him. They were testing him.

Another Targaryen princess. Another innocent game. Another opportunity to break his oath and sully his honor.

“What would your future husband think?” Both a refusal and a reminder of why he had followed her halfway to Duskendale to bring her back to King’s Landing. And if she were trying to coax him, as Rhaenyra did, perhaps it would make her angry enough to abandon the effort.

As expected, her smile immediately fell, and the playfulness vanished from her eyes. “Aegon spends every night on the Street of Silk. What right has he to judge me for simply ensuring the comfort of my escort?”

Again, Criston could not fault her logic. Still, he had to argue, “He is to be your husband and king.”

“Of that, I am all too aware,” she whispered. But she did not snipe back at him. She did not smile, nor frown. All the fight seemed to leave her in a single moment, along with her energy. Sighing, she closed her eyes and turned to face the wall. “Get in the bed or do not. I no longer care.”

He did not quite know how to respond to that, to her seemingly… giving up. In all her life, he had never seen her do that. Rhaenyra certainly had never done so.

Then again, Rhaenyra was never forced to marry her fool of a twin brother.

When the betrothal had been announced, Criston had pitied her. At every event where she was forced to sit next to Aegon while he drank himself silly and groped at serving girls and ladies alike, he had pitied her. When he and Queen Alicent had happened upon her in the Grand Sept, where she begged the gods to deliver her from the marriage, he pitied her. Yet, when she fled, and the king commanded him to track her down and bring her home, he did not hesitate to obey.

For the first time since he found her trying to trade one of her earrings for a new pair of shoes in the common room of the Old Stone Bridge, he felt guilty for what he was doing.

No matter how much he pitied her and wished he could aid her in some other way, he served the king, and the king had commanded him to bring the princess home. He could not disobey, but he could give her this one small concession.

So, Criston laid on the bed beside her, atop the blankets despite the cold, and as far away as he could manage without falling off the edge. He would not be able to sleep like this, but at least the princess could.

After a while, he was sure she had fallen asleep. Until she grumbled, “You are cold, Ser Criston.”

“Nothing for you to concern yourself with, princess.”

She huffed. “I truly am not allowed to be concerned for you?”

“No, you are not.”

Once again, she fell silent.

Then, just when Criston thought she might have fallen asleep again, “Am I allowed to complain that your shivering is keeping me awake?”

Damn the girl.

Criston rearranged himself under the blankets and turned away from the princess. If she were Rhaenyra, she would likely ask that he hold her to keep her warm.

But she was not Rhaenyra, and soon, her breathing softened and steadied.

With that settled, Criston closed his eyes, even if he would not fall asleep.

Criston fell asleep.

He must have, for he found himself startling awake with a soft moan and the mortifying realization that his cock was hard.

Gods, he would never forgive himself for this. He was sharing a bed with the young princess, and he was hard. No better than a young boy after catching his first glimpse of a woman’s bare leg if he reacted like this, even with the space between them. Except…

There was no space between them.

Not anymore. The princess now lay flush against him, her back pressed to his chest, her head resting on one of his arms while her waist was safely cradled in the other, and her… rear pressed against his traitorous, treasonous, troublesome cock.

The gods truly, deeply hated him, for she was dreaming. Actively.

Every movement brought a light, teasing, agonizingly wonderful pressure. It took every bit of his will not to follow her rhythm, to not press back against her. Instinct warred with oath, and Criston was caught in the crossfire with no escape.

He could not disentangle himself from her without waking her. If she woke, she would feel him against her. Perhaps with her younger sister, he could be confident that she would not realize what it meant, but with a twin such as Aegon, he had no doubt she would know.

But if he did not, if he allowed her to continue her movements, he would soon find himself in an even more embarrassing situation that he would not be able to conceal when she woke in the morning.

That was the decision made.

Slowly removing his hand from around her waist, Criston pulled his hips as far away as he could. Only when he felt there was no chance of her feeling his predicament did he press against her shoulder and whisper, “Princess, wake up.”

He should have gotten out of the bed.

The Princess startled, spinning around to face him, draping an arm around his neck and pulling him close. She moved so fast that he could do nothing to stop her legs from entangling with his, her thigh pressing between his legs and forcing a gasping groan from him.

Her eyes grew wide as she felt his hardness against her, but when she again faced him, they changed. The violet of her eyes faded, overtaken by growing blackness, her eyelids heavy with sleep and something that heated Criston’s blood when it should chill it. Yet even as those eyes fell to his mouth, they held no trace of the mischief he had seen the last time he was so close to a Targaryen princess.

She wanted him but made no move to take him.

It only made him want to kiss her more.

But he could not do that. The gods had given him this chance at redemption and he refused to fail again.

Criston shoved the princess away and rolled out of the bed, crossing the room in two strides to rest his forehead against the rough wood of the door, willing his heart, his blood, and his cock to calm.

Voices, laughter, and music from a very poorly tuned fiddle still bled through the gaps in the doorframe. But no light came through the window, not even from the slight sliver of the moon that had begun to rise when they arrived. Night, but perhaps still early within it? The hour of the eel?

Whatever it was, it meant it would be some time yet before he could resume taking the princess back to King’s Landing.

“Did I…” Her voice trembled slightly. Was she simply cold? Or was she hurt by him pushing her away? “Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” he had to take a moment to catch his breath. Perhaps he was getting old. “No. I have done you wrong, princess. I am deeply sorry.”

When they returned to the Red Keep, he would confess his sins to both the gods and his queen. She had mercy on him all those years ago, she could forgive him again, absolve him of his repeated shame.

But this was not Rhaenyra, her erstwhile friend turned stepdaughter and rival. This was her daughter, her second-born child. When she and Aegon were born, Criston had held them before their father did. He had played with them, taught them. Tried to guide them as best he could so they would not feel the absence of their father.

And now, he had come so close to defiling her.

No, his queen would not forgive him for this. He would not forgive himself.

“There is nothing to apologize for, Ser Criston.”

He turned to look at her in bewilderment. ‘Nothing to apologize for?’ According to law, he should be gelded or killed. Two times over. “Yes, there is, my princess. I have dishonored you, myself, and my oath.”

She stood, the blanket draped over her shoulders like a cloak. “No, there is not.”

“Princess – ”

“No, it was my fault!” Her uncharacteristic anger – petulance was more characteristic of her than true anger – was enough to stun him into silence. He only hoped none in the common room heard the slight outburst. But there was no pause in the din nor the truly awful fiddling. “I am the one who tried… I wanted to kiss you, but I should not have done that. I just thought…”

Even knowing that she wanted him, hearing her say it sent a strange feeling of warmth through Criston’s body. “What did you think, princess?”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked steadfastly at her feet. “I thought you might want to kiss me, too.”

Gods forgive him. He had wanted to kiss her and still wanted to. But he could not tell her that for his own sake and hers. “What we want is not always possible,” he said. It felt cruel to tell her, even though she must know. It felt like crushing the hopes of the little girl he had known for so long as if it were nothing more than the hollow shell of an egg. “I have sworn an oath that forbids me from… such things. And you are to be married.”

Her face hardened, and for a moment, Criston could see the fierceness of a Targaryen queen in her eyes as she spat, “That didn’t stop you with Rhaenyra.”

His heart turned to lead, its weight enough to pull him through the floor and the earth itself. “Whatever you heard –”

“Rhaenyra told me herself.” She sank back onto the bed, her body drawing in on herself as if she were being scolded rather than exposing the truth of his sins. “Back when she still talked to us. I believe she thought I was too young to understand or remember what she said. She did that a lot, actually.”

Her eyes grew distant, lost in the memory of a sister who was her sister no more, but her enemy. Indeed, her small, sweet smile quickly gave way to a pained grimace. “I do not remember everything she told me, but I remember that. It was a while before I truly understood it, but I remembered. I think… because it was about you.”

“I wish you did not,” he said. “Remember. It is a shame I have long sought to forget myself.”

Silence fell over them like heavy rain, interrupted only by the occasional shouting from the common room. Criston thanked the gods many times over when he was finally able to rid himself of his lust. It was, perhaps, not entirely vanished, but enough so his body finally calmed.

Pity and guilt washed in to replace it. Pity for the poor girl he cared so deeply for who wanted only the one thing he could not – would not – give. Guilt for nevertheless wanting to give it, guilt for the hapless life he was delivering her to, and guilt for the fact that it was his wrongdoings that had led her here.

“Did you love her?”

The answer came easily, instinctually. “No.”

He had never admitted to loving Rhaenyra, but he had never denied it. After all, if he had loved her, was the sin not lessened? Love was the greatest virtue of the gods, so even if it could not erase the stain on his honor and soul, could it not at least redeem him from damnation?

But he did not love Rhaenyra.

“It was not love,” he declared to himself, the princess, and the gods. “I once believed it was, but in truth, it was no more than a foolish infatuation.”

That was what he was – a fool. On that night and now.

The princess’ voice was so soft Criston nearly could hardly hear it over the murmurings of the busy inn. “I do not love Aegon.”

He knew. Still, “I am sorry, princess.”

“I do not want to marry someone I do not love.” She picked absentmindedly at the skin around her nails. “And I do not want to be queen.”

But she must. It was her duty, and that was not something anyone could escape – not even a Targaryen. Criston certainly had not been able to. Yet he could not bring himself to say so. Instead, he asked, “What do you want?”

“What I want – what I was going to do before you found me,” she gave a humorless laugh. “I was going to find a ship to take me across the Narrow Sea to Lys. My great aunt Saera said she would take me in while I figured out what to do after that.”

Criston’s eyes widened at the name. “Princess Saera? The Old King’s daughter?”

She nodded, jutting her chin out in defiance of the reproach that was surely coming, even as tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. “I have been corresponding with her for the better part of a year.”

“In secret?” She nodded again, and his body began to feel as if it were made of molten lead.

A year. She had been planning this escape for nearly a year. It was not, as he had assumed, just an impulsive, rebellious notion but a proper plan. A plan she had risked all her hopes and dreams and happiness upon. A plan he had foiled in mere days, and with such dismissive contempt for her in his heart.

The weight of his guilt became so heavy he could not bear it, and he fell to his knees before her. Of all the sins he committed since Rhaenyra had shackled him with his white cloak, this was the worst—a step too far, even for him.

This lovely princess, a future queen, was good. Sweet and pure and full of hope in a hopeless world. When he looked at her, he no longer saw the impish young girl who so happily followed Aegon in his mischief, but the beautiful, kind woman she had grown into.

He could not condemn that woman to the misery that surely awaited her should she marry Aegon. Whether it damned his soul or cost him his life, he could not.

So, he enveloped her hands in his and gazed up at her eyes. A softer shade of violet than Rhaenyra’s, and all the more beautiful. All the sounds and smells of the awful inn faded away as he looked into those eyes. “If you would allow me, princess,” he swallowed the slight lump in his throat, torn between grief and elation at the prospect of her saying yes, “I would be honored to accompany you on your journey.”

The princess smiled, and as he basked in its radiant glow, Criston realized that what the gods offered by bringing him to her was not temptation or redemption but the chance at a new beginning. A new life. With her.

I no longer do taglists. If you'd like to be notified when I post a new fic, please follow @exitpursuedbyavulcan-writes and turn on notifications!

#criston cole x reader #criston cole x oc #criston cole fanfic #ser criston cole #criston cole #ser criston cole x reader #ser criston cole x oc #ser criston cole fanfic #criston cole fanfiction #ser criston cole fanfiction #hotd fanfic #hotd fanfiction #exitpursuedbyavulcan #vbbships

71 notes · View notes

chiaraforfun · 2 days ago

Text

I think they both make fair points actually, because what @elenasalvatore1 is referred to what happened once they where together, and @jilyydoe to both before and during.

I've always been a big fan of Hinny, and I find this extremely true analysis a bit unsettling, lmao. However, I would like to clarify 3 points that are very subjective.

The first is that yes, Harry and Ginny probably wouldn’t have stayed together forever instead of what Rowling later decided, because they were likely together for insufficient reasons. At the same time, I don’t see Harry with Hermione as a good match (I could easily write a fanfic about it because it would work well as a romance, just to be clear). I don’t know if it’s because they literally grew up together, and I can’t fully support those couples who date young and end up marrying, but I never saw them as "in love".

They had a beautiful friendship, that's it.

However, it's also true that I love Romione, which goes against that last thought, BUT there has always been that... I don’t know... distance? The friendship that Hermione and Harry shared is not the same as that between Hermione and Ron. You could almost feel that tension from the start. So, I guess it makes less sense to me.

Point two: Ginny in the books is very different from the films, where they made her too flat, and while it may be true that the premises of their relationship were somewhat toxic (okay, maybe a bit more than somewhat), them being together makes sense. I reiterate, not forever, because I believe they would inevitably break up sooner or later, but in the books, it makes sense, and she is fantastic. I mean, she is mean to Fleur behind her back, but so is the rest of them beside a few if I remember properly. It's not an excuse but I think I remember Ginny and Hermione both making fun with Mrs Weasley.

She makes fun of Ron but let's be realistic, I did the same with my brother and he did the same with me. I'm not proud and growing up we changed but let's not forget she's still young!

All the dynamics makes sense if you think of her age.

We are so used to see the golden trio as "older" because of what they fight but in truth they are not.

So I guess I do give her a bit of an excuse for her behaviour. Also because she was funny, I'm sorry.

And then, as @jilyydoe pointed out, Harry's last thought before dying was about her so—why not!

Point three: for once, we’re not reading about the extremely predictable relationship between the protagonist and another main character. I mean, come on, let’s break away a bit. I love f/m friendship!

True friends, not romanticised.

Point 4 (that I forgot about): I really don't think that Ginny loves because of his popularity.

Surely that’s the reason she had a crush on him in the first year, but I don’t think that’s the reason she fell in love with him. I believe the story of the younger sister falling in love with her older brother's friend is an old classic, but there’s a deeper reason behind it. And it's the same thing here, among many reasons, right? I mean, Harry was constantly with Ron, he spent a lot of time with the rest of the brothers, and it often happened that he was at the Weasley house. In my opinion, she started to fall in love with him precisely by spending time together, gradually more and more, especially since at the beginning she was a bit pushed aside by her brother, lol. Then, indeed, she tried to have her own experiences and well, we all know how it went from there, toxic dynamics included.

But, I don’t think she fell in love with him for popularity. That, I would say, was just the spark that ignited everything else

I get all your other points and yess it's ruined a bit my idea, I won't idolise their relationship anymore (😭 ), and I get it, it's not that perfect, but maybe that's why I like Hinny so much; it’s unpredictable. It’s a couple that means nothing from a distance, but for them, it’s everything.

I don’t know, it makes sense to me, and I apologize for not being able to explain myself better. English is not my native language, and unfortunately, I don’t know how else to convey these concepts.

P.S.: The thing that makes me cringe a little about Hinny, I have to admit, is that it gives me a bit of a “mommy issues” vibe because of the hair, lmao.

Ya'll really gonna come in here and tell me you love Harry Potter but you hate Hinny.

You're going to tell me to my face that you love Harry James Potter, a man who has been through so much. Lost his whole entire family., and you're going to deny him his greatest source of comfort.

Are you actually going to tell me that you think ferret face or someone who Harry has described as a sister to him is a better fit for him than someone who makes him happier than he can ever remember being.

He was willing to die happily just thinking about her kissing him. Literally his last dying thought but you're gonna come here and tell me that you hate true love.

Please.

#hinny #harmony #harry/hermione #harry/ginny #harry potter #hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry

161 notes · View notes

tgirl-swagless · 3 days ago

Text

Making a Perfect Date

Tags: big sister, little sister, sisters, incest, underage sex, OC, highschool, smut, porn, masturbation, trans female character

Summary: Astrid, a cisgender older sister, makes sure her transgender little sister Emily has a good first date.

Word count: 3858

Part 1

Emily finally got her first date, not that she was too interested in dating to begin with. She is only really doing it to satisfy her highschool friends. I mean, she's 17 and still hasn't went on a single date, so her friends felt the need to pressure her to get out there and find someone. Deep down though, Emily has someone she wants, and it's none of her classmates. She might not realize it's what she wants right now, but her big sister Astrid is all she thinks about.

Emily and Astrid are inseperable, or... at least they were. Astrid graduated just last year, leaving Emily to fend for herself while at school. They used to meet up every lunch period to hang out and joke around with each other. As long as they weren't in any of their classes, they'd always be seen together. But since Astrid graduated, Emily has gotten noticably distant and lonely when at school. Her friends are only trying to help her. They care about her.

Astrid hasn't bothered leaving home yet. Nothing has really called to her. She got a job at the corner store in order to give back to her parents at least a little, which they are very appreciative of. She got today off work due to some schedule mix-up, but that is no bad thing to Astrid; she gets to see her baby sister come home from school! To her dismay, Astrid doesn't get the chance to see Emily too often anymore.

Emily walks through the door, letting out a big sigh, her bookbag falling off her shoulder to the floor right by the front door. Astrid is just sitting on the couch, half waiting for Emily, half just killing time watching TV. As soon as Emily notices her though, her entire expression changes.

Her eyes light up and she lets out a high pitch, "Oh, Astrid! Hi big sis!"

Without a care for her belongings left at the door, Emily rushes to the couch and bounces onto it right beside Astrid. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon today," Emily exclaims with a big smile across her face.

Astrid can't help but get a little giddy at the sight of her little sister being so excited to see her. "Yeah, work had a mix-up and I dont work today. How was school," Astrid asks.

Emily rests herself on the couch facing Astrid. "It was ok, nothing special." Astrid is about to reply, but Emily cuts her off saying, "but... my friends kinda pushed me to ask someone out, so I guess I have a date tomorrow."

A rush of gloom flows through Astrid. Why would she feel so bad at the thought of her little sister seeing someone? She should be happy for Emily. She knows her little sister has been feeling down while at school for some time, she should be happy that Emily is finally getting out there some. It's not like she would be able to be there with Emily forever.

The unenthused statement definitely reaches Astrid, though. She teases Emily saying, "What's with that, not excited for your first ever date?" Astrid has been on tons of dates, had a couple boyfriends and girlfriends at different points through highschool as well, but she too has been in a slump of sorts since graduating.

Emily sits facing forward now. She can tell Astrid is still looking at her in her peripheral. "Well... like I said, my friends kinda just pushed me to do it. They have been for a while now, and I guess I just caved because I was getting annoyed with them. So I asked out one of the first girls I saw. She must have been into me because she was really excited when I asked."

Throughout Emily's reply, Astrid could tell she was not interested in this one bit. She hates to see her little sister so unhappy though, she has to think of something to help cheer her up. Astrid gives an acknowledging hum after Emily finishes, and looks off into the distance, thinking of anything she could do. An idea comes to mind, she lets out an "Aha!"

Astrid turns towards Emily again, and Emily towards her. Astrid takes her little sister's hand and says, "What if we go out and get you a brand new outfit for the date, something cool and you. Maybe you'll feel more into it if you get something nice for it."

Emily thinks on it a moment. She couldn't possibly deny going out shopping with her big sister, even if it wasn't for Astrid or for them. "That's a great idea," Emily says with a big smile on her face, trying to hide the dread of a date with someone she honestly doesn't really care about.

The two sisters get in Astrids old, beat up Subaru and head to the mall. Astrid prefers stores like Hot Topic and Zumie's, but Emily hasn't really had a preference. She always was happy to follow her big sister through stores and seeing what she would pick out. She usually just got Astrid's hand-me-downs anyway.

Once they arrive, as the sisters jump out of the car and start walking for the entrance, Astrid asks, "So... who is your date?"

Emily looks down at the ground as they walk to the entrance. "Eh, it's just Jocelyn Danials."

Astrid audibly gasps. "Damn little sis, you scored a baddie," Astrid exclaims. "I remember her pretty well still. She always had killer style, and I was a little jealous she got her hair colored pastel before mom and dad would let me even cut mine this way." Astrid lifts the hair on the side of her head, revealing a large part that is shaved down to the skin. The way it was cut and styled made Astrid look a little wild, or feral. Either way, when she initially styled it that way, Emily was in awe of how cool she looked. She isn't nearly as brave to do something so crazy with her hair right now, but is envious of her big sister's raw style.

Now inside the mall, they gotta decide where to go. Astrid asks, "Where is your date gonna be at, by the way? Should help us decide what kinda clothes you want to get."

Astrid takes Emily's hand again and Emily can't help but blush a little and look around to see if anyone is staring. It embarses her a little when her big sister is so physical like this. She manages to get out, "I-it's actually the theater here, we were gonna go see [redacted] right after school."

Astrid ponders a moment, then replies saying, "Ok, ok... so something a little warm. Although, the theaters here tend to run a little hot. Made that mistake one too many times... uh, anyway, so maybe something light with a jacket?"

Emily looks up to her sister and says, "I like that idea! Where should we go for that?"

Astrid starts pulling her little sis by the hand off to the store she has in mind without bothering to say where.

They enter a Hot Topic, typical Astrid. "Around the sides and back you can find most of the clothes. They have a ton of cute dresses. You go pick one out, on me." Astrid pushes Emily in as she goes elsewhere in the store. Just a little confused, Emily follows Astrid's direction and goes to look at the dresses.

There's frilly ones, long and short ones, a few really bland ones, and also some fandom ones that Emily has no context for. Eventually, Emily spots a cute little thing that draws her in. It's like a dress, but the top is connected to the skirt bottom by a couple straps on each side. She rushes to the changing room to give it a whirl. Once changed, she pops out to show her big sister what she found. To Emily's surprise, Astrid was right there holding a very punk looking leather jacket, complete with sharp studs on the shoulders and a few metal loops at the elbows and down the sides.

But as soon as Emily notices her big sis standing there, she instinctively does a little twirl to show off all the angles of the dress she picked out.

Astrid blushes bright red at the sight. Her little sister's curves are perfectly captured. The top of the dress is basically a croptop, showing the world her soft belly, her cruvy sides, and her lower back. Plus its just tight enough to make her perky little nipples poke through. Astrid tries hard to hide her sudden arousal. Emily notices the reddening face of her big sister and gets aroused thinking of what could be getting her big sis all red. Did she really get turned on by her little sis? It's not like she was trying to. Why did that thought make her little estrogenized dick leak a little? She can't help but blush as well now, thinking of how the skirt of her dress would be tenting if it wasn't for her panties she has on. Now tight around her hips with her bulging dick.

After a moment of silent staring at each other, Emily pipes up with, "S-so uhhm... what do you think, big sis...?" Emily looks so innocent standing there, hands held together in front of her to try and hide any semblence of her being turned on.

Astrid stumbles over her words, feeling like she is in free fall as she tries to speak. "I-it uh um y-you are p-pretty, yeah, uh y-you I mean the dress is i-its good. Yeah." God , Astrid thinks to herself, how dare I have these thoughts of my little sister?! She must be doing this on purpose. Her eyes are clearly pleading for me. This is so wrong, I need to distract myself. Her mind is flooded with images of her little sister barely clothed, beckoning to her. "H-here try on this jacket. Maybe not quite your style, b-but it looks pretty cool in my opinion." Astrid thrusts the jacket towards Emily, nearly smacking her face with a sleeve, making sure her face stays blocked from Emily's view.

Emily takes the jacket from her big sister and tries it on. Astrid was right, definitely not her style, even though she looked very cool with it. In the end, she decides to just get the dress. She has a couple of jackets she could wear with it, anyway. She thought it was alright, but the way her sister reacted to seeing her made her need to have the dress. Does she actually want to make her big sister lust for her? It sounds so wrong to think about, but she can't help herself. The thought of her big sister going crazy at the sight of her little sister's body in turn drives Emily crazy. She tries her best to brush all these thoughts aside as she changes back into her clothes, but her buldge is still so obvious through her shorts at this point. She has to take a few extra minutes to calm herself so she can tuck her dick back in place.

The two sisters checkout the dress and head for the exit. They start to pass by the theater when Emily slows. She stares into the theater, thinking of her date tomorrow.

Astrid notices her lagging behind, so she asks, "Are you alright, sis?" She walks back to Emily, radiating comfort for her little sister, cheeks still a little red.

Still staring into the theater area, Emily replies, "I'm just... nervous. It's my first date, and I'm just... yeah, nervous." Emily doesn't want to do this, but she already fell to the pressure. No going back from that now. She doesn't have it in her to turn Jocelyn down at this point.

"Well," Astrid says after a moment, "we could go see a movie. You can pretend it is a date too, like, to practice for what you'd do tomorrow." Emily's face lights up red again thinking about going on a date with her big sister. It's not like they've never seen a movie together before, but the way her big sister worded it makes her feel so elated.

Emily's eyes twinkling with glee, barely hiding her enthusiasm, "yes, please. I mean, uhm, I really like that idea."

Astrid replies, "I'm full of those today," and shoots her little sis a wink, instantly making Emily blush and want to hide her face again.

It doesn't even matter to them what movie they see. Emily is just excited to go on her first, albeit technically fake, date with her big sister. Astrid is trying hard to hide it, but she is also ecstatic that Emily said yes. Astrid just wants to cheer up her little sister. A smile on her face is all she needs. They get a couple tickets to see a random movie, grab a bag of popcorn, and find their seats.

A ways into the movie, as the sisters are intently watching the movie, Astrid goes to grab some popcorn from the bag sitting in Emily's lap. She completly misses the bag and lands her hand on her little sister's bare leg, just above the knee. She prodes for just a moment until she realizes what she's done. Astrid whips her head to the side to see what she just did and whispers to Emily, "oh my god, I-I'm sorry, sis."

Astrid yanks her hand away, ashamed of having touched her little sister, even just on accident. She has been so on edge today with everything going on. Emily whispers back to her, "I-it's alright, sis. Think nothing of it." Although, Emily herself is unable to stop thinking about it. She froze as soon as she felt her big sister's hand on her. It felt good, even just a very momentary touch. And now her dick is begging to be free again. Luckily she has the bag of popcorn to hide her bulge, she thinks to herself.

"Here, uh, I'll hold the bag," whispers Astrid, as to not make the same mistake again. Even in the dim light of the movie screen, she can see how turned on her little sister is.

Emily goes bright red and excuses herself saying, "I need to use the bathroom. I'll be right back." She then hurries down to the exit of the room and to the bathroom.

Alone in a stall, she pulls down her shorts and panties, freeing her rock hard cock. "Ahh... Astrid... why...?" Emily grabs her little dick and starts to slowly stroke it, her glands already soaked with precum. She can't help but question why it turns her on so much, but her mind is too hazy to think straight right now. She continues stroking herself off to the thought of her big sister. She imagines Astrid pushing the bag of popcorn away and undoing her button and zipper, pulling out her little sister's cock right in the movie theater. She imagines her big sister's hands stroking her dick, making her feel like the prettiest little sister anyone could have. She imagines her big sister whispering in her ear, "I didn't realize how much my baby sis wanted me, wanted this. You're so dirty, Emmy." She lets out a whimper at the thoughts flooding her mind. Luckily she's aline in the bathroom right now. Emily continues to stroke her dick until she finally orgasms, leaking a few drops of cum into the toilet and down her shaft.

Just as Emily is cleaning herself up, Astrid enters the bathroom and calls out for her. "Emily, you still in here? The movie just ended." She spots the familiar shoes of her little sis underneath one of the stall doors and waits near the entenace to the bathroom for her. Astrid's entrance makes Emily scurry to finish cleaning up. She exits the stall to see her big sister with a worried expression on her face. "Are you feeling alright, sis," Astrid asks. Emily's face is flushed after having just orgasmed.

Making her way to the sink, she replies, "Y-yeah. I-I'm alright, sis."

The way she walks, the flushed face, the dazed words coming out of her mouth; Astrid knows exactly what her little sis was just doing. And it makes her mind go wild. She notices she's starting to get wet as she tries hard to push the thought away, but it lingers still.

Astrid waits for her little sis to finish up as she steps out of the bathroom. They walk to the car in silence, keeping a gap between them. The tension is so palpable.

In the car, as Astrid is starting it up, Emily's stomach growls. It catches Astrid's attention. "Sounds like you're hungry." Not a moment later, Astrids stomach also grumbles.

Emily giggles. "You're one to talk."

Astrid lets out a small laugh. "We should go get some food on the way home. That alright?"

Emily gives her big sis a smile and says, "You're right again. Lets."

The sisters can feel the tension loosening as they drive towards home. They stop at a local borito joint, a favorite of Emily's. They order and sit down. Emily stops a moment and notices her sister's face. Nothing has changed, other than the little bit of guac on the side of her mouth. She giggles at the sight of it.

Astrid stops, too. With food still in her mouth, she teasingly says, "hey, what're you laughing at?"

Emily can't help but smile. She feels so warm, just her big sister and her at one of her favorite places. "It's just... thank you for today. It means a lot to me you want to help with my first date."

Astrid gulps down what was in her mouth, a little surprised to hear Emily so grateful. She replies, "Oh, well, of course Em. I know you haven't had a great time lately, and I wanted to be sure you were prepared for your first date. It just eats at me to see you so unhappy." Only now does she bring a napkin up to wipe her face clean.

Emily let's out another giggle. Full of her little sister brattiness, she says, "yeah, and I can't believe you would steal my first date from me, too," while grinning the whole time.

Astrid scoffs at Emily's remark and her cheeks lightly glow red. "What?! I-it was just to test it out! For you! I mean, it was like, uh, I was just trying to make sure you would have a perfect first date. I mean the real one! Not the one we just did."

Emily can't help but laugh at how embarrassed her big sister got from her little teasing. "Aww, come on now, sis. You know I joke," Emily says and sticks out her tongue.

Astrid gives a little chuckle and continues eating her borito.

Once the sisters finish eating, they head home, listening to their favorite radio station the whole way. It is pretty late by now, so they both retire to their rooms and ready themselves for bed.

Astrid lays on her bed, contemplating the weird day she just spent with her little sis. She really enjoyed it, but her mind kept getting flooded by thoughts of her Emmy. That dress she chose looked so perfect on her. Her skin was so soft when she accidentally touched it. Her flushed face right after having orgasmed. God, her face. There's no doubt she thought of me when she left to use the bathroom , she thought.

Astrid's hand starts to drift down her body, feeling the goosebumps on her skin as she goes lower. I could clearly see her buldge in the theater. God, I want to see her. I want to see her little dick. I want to feel her soft skin. She continues down until she reaches her panties, slowly rubbing her clit over her underwear to the thought of her little sister.

Astrid lets out a small moan. "Ahh, Emily..." she whispers to herself. Again, and again she calls her baby sisters name as she picks up the pace, rubbing her clit until she can't take it any more. Astrid pulls down her underwear revealing her wet lips to the open air. She spreads her labia as she moans, a little louder this time. Astrid penetrates her pussy with her middle and ring fingers as she moans and writhes for her sister.

Emily lays in her bed, about to drift off to sleep when she faintly hears her name be called. It sounded kind of like Astrid calling to me , she thought. She brushes it off and closes her eyes, but hears her name called again. That's definitely Astrid's voice. Emily decides to get up and drearily walk towards Astrid's room. The house is otherwise quiet. All the lights are off except for a dim light peeking out the bottom of Astrid's door. Emily turns the door handle and opens the door just to the point she can see into her big sister's room.

But as soon as she does, Astrid lets out another moan, "ffffuck~ Emily, ahh, ahh." Emily freezes with the door slightly ajar as she stares in astonishment at the sight of her big sister fingering herself while moaning her name. "Mmm, Emmy, ahh, Emmy..." Astrid breathily cries out, completely oblivious to the fact her little sister is watching her now. Emily can't help but turn bright red as the buldge in her silky-soft panties grows bigger. She cant fight her urge. Her hand drifts down to stimulate her little dick as she intently watches her big sister pleasure herself. Emily's breathing starts to pick up as she feels herself up, her other hand groping her tender breast.

It only takes a few more moments for Astrid to climax, spraying her juice all over her hand as she falls limp. Emily decides to scurry away before she can be noticed. Astrid turns her head to her door and notices its open. She could have sworn it was closed. She shakily gets up and peeks out into the dark hallway. Nothing. She shrugs it off, closes her door, and gets herself ready for sleep.

Emily back in her room is now furiously stroking her cock. Big sis, you really want me, Emily thinks to herself. Sheets out a small whimper as her fingers go over her glands. But, no, it's not right, this is so wrong, I cant do this. Wrought with shame and anxiety, her hand slows and her little cock slowly goes limp. Now she lay in the darkness of midnight on her bed, contemplating her emotions. So much shame. What if mom and dad found out, she thinks. They would make Astrid move away, no doubt. They may even disown her. Or maybe they would blame me! She holds one of her plushies tight. Emily silently weeps as the anxiety spirals in her mind. Until she has worn herself out so much she drifts off to sleep.

Part 2 coming soon :3

#my post #my writing #trans ns/fw #trans nsft #siscon #lesbian ns/fw #siscest #yuricest #short story #original story

26 notes · View notes

darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 3 days ago

Text

Crushed 21

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, manipulation, cheating, sleazy behaviour, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your next door neighbours hook up, bringing to surface deep-seated feelings.

Characters: Colin Shea, Jonathan Pine

Note: Surprise.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me <3

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)

Love you like my dog loves belly rubs (that’s a lot). Take care. 💖

You’re late. Despite all your warnings and effort, you’re late. Your mother is going to kill you.

As you get out of the car, your thighs brush together and you quiver. He left a bite mark right along the meat of your leg. His ravenous energy swept you entirely off your feet. You think he shifted a few pins in your hair even.

He’s unbothered. As calm as her ever is. Well, your mother’s wrath won’t be aimed at him.

He comes around and you latch onto his proffered arm for strength. He walks you toward the hall and your heels tap loudly. The noise addles you’re already swirling nerves.

You enter through the heavy double doors. You hear a buzzy beyond the sign that denotes your family’s party with an arrow. Jonathan keeps your steps even. You shrink down as you approach the archway.

“Darling, do stand tall,” he bids as he smooths his jacket with his free hand.

You push your shoulder back and glance at him. He’s so handsome and perfect. His blonde hair is combed back so effortlessly and its as if his features were crafted so that he could never look anything but certain. More than ever, you feel out of place.

As you enter, you look around. Your mother finds you first as she accosts you by your other arm. She hisses at you.

“You’re late,” she sneers. “How lucky you are that the catering is too or you’d have awful timing.”

“Mom,” you flinch and look at her.

“Oh, Eugenia, please forgive me and do not hold it against your daughter. It’s quite my fault. I should have pressed my suit yesterday,” he speaks over you before you can muster an apology. “How utterly inconsiderate of me.”

She winces and looks at him. Her expression brightens and she smiles, “oh, Jonathan, I’m so happy you could make it. Ah, and you look so dashing. What a suit that is.”

“Me? You’re daughter is glowing, I wilt in her shine,” he banters. Your mother’s eyes dart over sharply and her brows arch. “And I’ve saved my best suit for the day of.”

“Oh, yes, I’m certain you will be entirely charming, as always,” she as good as ignores you as she steps around you and clasps his other arm. “Let me introduce you to the rest them.”

“Yes, let us get it over with before I fall to shambles,” he chuckles.

You let your arm slacken but he does not let you slip away. He merely shifts and instead brings his hand to the small of your back. You walk along with him, gripping your clutch tighter and tighter.

Geri turns and spots your mother. She waves but falters in her ivory sheath dress. She tweaks her head as she steps past your other sisters, away from her groom.

“Mom,” she crosses toward you. “There you are, we were just about to get everyone seated. Who’s this?” She looks at Jonathan then flinches as her eyes fall on you, “oh!” Her eyes round, “I hardly recognised you. You brought a date.”

“Geri,” you give a tight-lipped smile. “Yeah, uh, this is Jonathan.”

She preens up at him and offers her hand, “Jonathan, it’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard nothing about you.”

“Yes, well, it has been a rather whirlwind romance,” he unsnakes his arm from your mother’s and shakes Geri’s hand. “I’m honoured to be invited. You look wonderful. A blushing bride.”

She giggles, “oh, English? That’s quite the accent.”

“Ha, I suppose.” He lets her go and slips his hand around your hip, drawing you closer.

“You know, I almost did a destination wedding. I looked at a few places over there. Some castles.”

“Castles? Yes, many do think those are rather amusing, don’t they?”

Your sister twitches. The way he says it is almost patronizing. As if he were speaking to a child, yet his accent makes it hard to be sure.

“Well, we are so happy to have you here. Nice of her to finally find a date,” she snickers. “So good to see you, sis.”

She squeezes your shoulder and flutters away. You blink after her and your mother sighs and claps her hands. “There are three more!” She turns and marches forward, “Vicky, come,” she beckons to your oldest sister. She is swollen and waddling. “This is Jonathan,” she introduces as Vicky leans on her husband, Marshall.

“A pleasure,” Jonathan shakes both their hands, “should you not sit?”

Vicky chuckles, “oh no, I can manage,” she rubs her stomach. “I’m fine.”

“I didn’t know you had a man,” Marshall comments.

You shrug and Jonathan’s fingers curl deeper into your hip.

“Good things come to those who wait,” Jonathan rebuffs.

“And my other girls,” your mother ushers you onward. “Charmaine, Sienna,” she beckons them closer, “these are my youngest, “both in school still.”

“Ah, you’ve quite the brood. No sons?” Jonathan muses.

“Oh, it isn’t for lack of trying,” she chirps. You make a face. “It helps that we started early, like Vicky.”

“Well, I’m certain we’ll make a go of it,” Jonathan laughs. You gulp and look at him sharply. The insinuation is chilling. Kids? You only just started dating? That’s what it is, right? You assure yourself he’s only putting on a front.

“Yes, well, as you said, good things come to those who wait,” your mother hums. “Forgive me, I must help. We’re about to begin.”

She clops away in her heels and you chew the inside of your lip. Well, that wasn’t a whole disaster. Jonathan was the perfect shield against the onslaught, if not a bit much. Sienna nudges you, “you’re sitting with us.”

You follow your sisters to a table. Jonathan pulls out your chair. Vicky sits and watches you do the same, Marshall already in his seat. Her eyes narrow. You thank your escort and he sits beside you, shifting his chair closer.

“Darling,” he leans in, “I must remind you for it strikes me every time I look, but you are beautiful.”

“Jonathan,” your murmur.

“It is the truth,” he brings his lips close to your ear and softens to a whisper, “especially in your afterglow.”

The allusion to your prior activities makes you squirm. He puts a kiss on your cheek and hums. You smile and pat his knee.

“You are too much,” you keep your voice low. “Please, it’s my sister’s dinner.”

“And yet all I see is you,” he continues. Your younger sisters giggle and peek over at you. “I wonder if we might sneak off during the speeches and find somewhere.... private.”

You blanch and grab his hand as he rests it on your leg. You smile and turn to him, “let’s wait until we get home.”

His blue eyes search your face and he grins, “home?” He echoes. “Yes, for you, I would wait.”

💗

As you come out of the hall, you yawn. You take out your phone and the shine makes you wince. It’s dark as the moon shimmers through streaky clouds. You trip as your heel catches a crack in the lot.

“Darling, you should really look where you’re going and not at your phone,” Jonathan girds, “besides, the light is not good for your eyes in the dark.”

“Sorry, I just...” you trail off as your phone vibes. It’s your mom. Already.

‘You better not be late for the wedding!’ You sigh. It’s your fault always your fault.

You reply with a thumbs up and reach for the car door. It opens before you can grab the handle. Jonathan exhales as he holds it for you. You sit in the passenger seat and thank him.

He shuts it without a word. Your phone buzzes again. You’re surprised that for how long you didn’t have it, you got almost no calls or text. Your mom, once more; ‘Jonathan is lovely. Try not to ruin it’.

You frown as Jonathan gets into the driver’s seat. He buckles up his seat belt and reminds you to the same. You rest the cell in your lap as you click in into place. You pick up your phone as it buzzes a third time.

It’s Geri. She’s resent her invitation, a passive aggressive reminder of when you need to be at the church. Yes, you get it. You were late. You huff.

“Darling, you shouldn’t spend so much time on that if it makes you unhappy,” Jonathan chides.

“It’s just my family--”

“The light will make it hard to drive,” he interjects and snatches it from your hand. He taps the side button and puts it in the cup holder. “The blue light will also affect your sleep so late.”

You look down at your empty hands and frown. You don’t mention his late night calls to his parents, there must be blue light in the tablet. You don’t because you wouldn’t. You clasp your hands together.

“Sorry, I wasn’t meaning--”

“I do hate to see your upset,” he twists the key in the ignition. “You know that and I would not have you moping over that device anon.”

“I know, I wasn’t, erm, moping.”

“You should relax,” he pulls out of the spot. “Things are going well, are they not? Your family was rather pleasant.”

Yeah, to you.

You don’t voice your chagrin out loud. It isn’t fair. Jonathan has been so supportive and you just bring everything down. After all, you’re not a victim, all this is your own fault.

“I think I should fit right in,” he continues, “don’t you?”

“Oh, Jonathan,” you begin, “sure, but... it’s a bit early, isn’t it?”

“Early? Well, I’m certainly doey-eyed for you, fawn, but it isn’t so bad. I would say it’s worth the risk,” he affirms.

You feel worse for his declaration. Guilty because you’re still a mess. Your heart aches for another even as he plucks at it. You wish it would stop. You wish you didn’t care about Colin anymore. You wish your brain was in your chest instead of this useless thing.

“Do you not... feel the same?” He asks sheepishly.

“Jonathan, of course I like you. I... you’re so wonderful to me and this is... amazing,” you fidget. “It’s late, I’m sorry, I’m a bit burnt out from all that.”

He drones a disappointed tone, “yes it was rather long.”

“It was,” you agree and stare out the window. You don’t want to let him down. Not like everyone else.

“Well, when we get in, how about...” he slithers, “you take your shoes off, take your hair down, wash off your make up...” he steers between the streetlights, “then I’ll help you out of your dress. You can lay down and I’ll help you relax.”

You sit in silence, shifting at the heat that sparks in your core.

“I’ll start with your shoulders, you care a lot there, then your back... feel all the perfection beneath my fingertips,” he clears his throat and shudders out his breath, “then your hips, those precious curves, and that bottom...”

“Jonathan,” you squeak.

“And your thighs, I shall need to work those well. The calves and ankles, so delicate, and your feet. Those shoes must be untenable,” he purrs. “And when you are putty, I will turn you over and bow to you as a proper gentleman. As I did before our departure--”

“Stop,” you wisp and squirm.

“Darling,” he growls, “I can hardly wait.”

He startles you as he reaches across the car. The light limns his sleeve as he tugs at your skirt. You wriggle and clasp onto his wrist.

“Jonathan, the car--”

“I can manage,” he tuts and shakes off your grasp. He dips his hand beneath the hem of the skirt and tickles along your thigh. The fabric rumples around his arm. “Mmm,” he flutters his fingers just beneath your pelvis, “I can feel your warmth already.”

He presses his fingertips against your panties. You twitch and yelp in surprise. He rubs against the lace, the friction heating up instantaneously. You quiver and murmur as he pushes down on your clit, rolling it beneath his touch. He purrs and you can’t help but echo him.

You soak through your panties and he clucks, “fawn, you are wet.”

You squeal and latch onto the door as you writhe, legs splayed. “I... I know.”

“Naughty minx,” he keeps his fingers moving, slowly, steadily. Enough to tease but not enough to take you over the edge. “You will not cum until we get home.”

“Huh?” You choke and reach over to grab his shoulder, your stomach clenching as you crush his hand between your thighs.

“You heard me. You will not cum. Not until I say so.” He wiggles his fingers and you puff out weakly. “Or you will be thoroughly punished.”

You close your eyes and moan, slapping your hand against the window as you tremble.

“Say, ‘yes, Mr. Pine’, so I know you understand,” his voice is rigid as steel. It makes you whine again.

“Yes, Mr. Pine,” you gasp.

#colin shea #jonathan pine #dark jonathan pine #dark colin shea #dark!colin shea #dark!jonathan pine #jonathan pine x reader #colin shea x reader #crushed #what's your number #the night manager #fic #dark fic #dark!fic #series #au

56 notes · View notes

phoebepheebsphibs · 13 hours ago

Text

Parental Guidance

WE'RE BACK WITH UIFY TMNT AU COMP STORIES!!! THE TOT ARC COMMENCES!!

@tmntaucompetition @littlemissartemisia

Prev | Next

DvD was getting strangely used to these people. He found that he didn't mind the mutant turtles. The younger ones seemed to look up to him, due to his wisdom and his tactical skills. Actually, even the slightly older brother looked to him for guidance. And it was comforting to be in a majority, having a lot of mutant turtles around him wasn't something he was used to. He liked having a 'big sister', as well. Raphael said he also had another big sister named Frida, but nobody paid any attention to that. And Donatello was even starting to like the other grownup mutant, April. He had slight reservations about her having once been human, but at least she wasn't human anymore. So that was something.

But DvD disliked, despised, and even hated the human Karai.

As he hated all humans.

He took every opportunity to ignore her, avoid her, belittle her. He would never speak to her directly, he would use one of the others to speak for him. He would never follow her directions, rules, or regulations; but only if April or Misa made it abundantly clear that he needed to. And even then, he did so begrudgingly and with venom in his words.

"I don't understand why he dislikes me so," Karai sighed sadly to her companions. "He's never acted like that before!"

"You never met him before he left his father," April explained, groaning loudly at the memories of her fights with him. "Draxum had him under his thumb reeeaaal bad."

"How so?"

"Draxum hates humans," Misa whispered nervously. "His life's work in most every universe is or was to destroy humankind by means of mutating them."

"Or simply unaliving them," April added.

"Unalive--?"

"She means murder," Misa translated. Karai still didn't totally understand the slang of the 21'st century.

Karai's eyes widened as she looked back at DvD. He was so young, only a child... but even at this tender and innocent age, his 'father' was working to corrupt him. What kind of cruel man was he, to have so much hatred inside of him that he would not only seek genocide, but would bring up a boy to believe that such an action was good and commendable? Donatello -- the older one, the one she knew as family -- had expressed his extreme dislike of the man. But she did not know how deep the roots went.

She hoped that there was still time for her to help him at this age...

Karai was not one to play favourites. BUT she did try EXTREMELY HARD to help solidify in Donatello's mind that she was not 'evil' or 'disgusting' as Baron Draxum had believed. It was hard work, and it seemed in vain. DvD was completely against her in all matters. And the one who truly seemed repulsed at Donatello's actions was not Karai, but April. April O'Neil, who was one of the only people that could get DvD to listen to reason, was furious on Karai's behalf. She hated the discrimination that he showed her, the way he belittled her and argued with her no matter the reason. His behaviour was getting out of hand.

"Donatello, you need to stay where I can see you," Karai remarked softly when the softshell had tried once again to lead the group in a different direction. "You cannot keep running off like that, you could get lost."

DvD shot her a glare and scoffed, preparing to run away again.

"Dee, stop it!" April barked angrily. "You heard Karai. And don't make those faces at her, it's rude!"

"She can't tell me what to do," Donatello argued.

"Yes, she can. She's the oldest, she's in charge."

"She's not in charge of me!"

"Donnie," April growled, storming over to him. "Listen to me. I mean it, you have to stop acting like this to Karai. She's in charge, you have to show respect--"

"NO," Donnie yelled at her. "I WON'T! I don't care if she's in charge, she's a filthy human and I HATE HUMANS!"

April's patience met its limit. She snapped, her hands moving before she could even think. She'd grabbed Donatello by the arm and pulled him close to her face, which was already red and seething with fury.

"DONATELLO VON DRAXUM," she shouted. "I've had just about enough of your rotten attitude and AWFUL BEHAVIOUR! You CANNOT act that way to ANYONE, ESPECIALLY Karai!! She's working her butt off to help you and all you can do is sass her and treat her like dirt?! You will show her respect and you will do as you are told, young man! I don't care if you don't like her, YOU DO NOT TREAT HER LIKE THAT. YOU DO NOT TREAT ANYONE LIKE THAT! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

DvD's eyes went wide, his face pale.

"Y-yes..."

"I said DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?" April demanded, almost shaking him.

"Yes ma'am!" he whimpered, tears pooling in his goggles and preparing to flow down his cheek.

"Good! Now, you are going to apologize to her right now and be on your best behaviour or so help me I AM GOING TO --"

DvD flinched, crying in fear as he attempted to shield his face. April paused. Her hand was balled in a fist, held tightly between herself and Donatello. She took a breath, steadying herself.

Donnie looked so scared.

This little boy was absolutely terrified of her anger. Of being hurt, punished, painfully reprimanded for doing something wrong. April recalled some of the stories his older counterpart had divulged once or twice about the extent of his father's abuse and his 'training'. Ways to ensure that the boy would grow up to be strong and self-made. What he did to punish him, to 'fix' him.

DvD was shaking and sobbing as he waited for her to strike him, how his father would strike him. He tried to pull free from her grasp. She realized she was holding him too tightly and let go. He stepped away, eyes wet with tears as he blubbered incoherent apologies to her.

"I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please don't hit me, I won't do it again...!"

April felt her heart crumble.

"...No, I'm sorry," she said softly, gently taking his trembling hands in hers. "I shouldn't have yelled like that, or grabbed you so tight... I handled that badly. I was angry, and I'm sorry for hurting you and scaring you."

Donatello Von Draxum stared at her in shock, tears still seeping through the cracks of his goggles as his cries turned to suck-ups.

"Y-You...? Sorry?" DvD hiccuped.

"Yes, me, sorry. I was being a bad grownup. But I meant what I said, you cannot keep acting out like that around Karai. She's a good person who's doing her best to take care of you and keep you safe."

"But she's human!" DvD retorted, sniffling in between sentences. "And Father says all humans are evil and weakened fools!"

"Then why would he use human DNA to create you?" she shot back with a sly grin.

That caught him. DvD stared at her, mouth falling open.

"He... what?"

"Draxum mutated you with the DNA of the greatest warrior he could find. And it wasn't a Yokai, or some random creature or mythical beast. He chose to mutate you with what he believed was the strongest and most skilled being in existence -- the human warrior and champ of the Battle Nexus, Lou Jitsu. Draxum didn't tell you that?"

DvD squirmed slightly.

"I... I'm sure he would have... I'm sure he was getting around to it."

"Maybe. But you realize that means you have a lot more in common with the humans than you think, right?"

DvD mumbled incoherently, fidgeting with his shirt sleeves and kicking the floor.

"And you have more in common with Karai, you know," she added.

"What do you mean?"

"You're family."

"Huh?" he asked, forehead creasing with confusion. "What do you mean? She's Leonardo and Michelangelo's family, not mine."

"Actually, she's all of your family. Because she is a part of Lou Jitsu's family clan. That means you guys are direct descendents of her!"

Donatello was silent. He stared blankly at April, then peered over her shoulder at Karai. The human smiled gently at him, hoping maybe he would give her a chance. DvD looked back at April and sighed.

"I guess... I could try to listen to her."

"Good enough for now," April sighed back. "And maybe, if you're nice to her, Karai might want to teach you some cool kung fu moves or whatever?"

"Actually, kung fu is more of a Chinese-originated martial arts whereas--" Karai interjected.

"Right, you get my point though," April said.

DvD nodded solemnly.

"Okay."

"Now, I think you have something you need to say to Karai?" April reminded him, gesturing to the only real grownup of the group.

DvD took a deep and overly dramatic inhale before striding over to Karai and respectfully bowing to her.

"I apologize for my behaviour."

"I forgive you, Donatello," Karai answered, patting his shoulder and signaling him to stand straight. "Thank you."

"I shall do better to respect my elders," he finished. "May I go... be with the others now?"

"Yes, you can go play with your brothers."

DvD rushed off, leaving Karai and April to themselves.

"Oh my ancestors, he called me an 'elder'," Karai despondently moaned.

"Well, at least he's trying to respect you now!" April chuckled. "Baby steps."

Prev | Next

#rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #until i found you #until i found you au #rottmnt until i found you #rottmnt donnie #uify dvd #uify donatello von draxum #rottmnt april #rottmnt karai #uify april #uify karai #tmnt au competition #tmnt au propaganda 25 #turtle tots

16 notes · View notes

legofanguy · 21 hours ago

Text

Shazam: Day of the Marvel Family

A Shazam fanficton for @marybatson event Billy Batson week 2025 day 6 A Marvelous Family.

Stepping out of the Time Tunnel, Billy find himself back in the Rock of Eternity with Dr. Sivana, whose is surrounded by the wizard along with Mary and Freddy, which Freddy said to Billy, "Good job, Cap. I see that the timeline is the same as it was and you stop Dr. Sivana for any attempts to changed time." and Billy said, "Of couse. Our last stop was during the Justice League first battle with Starro and he was calling himself Nyarlathotep when Sivana was helping...." but the wizard Shazam cut Billy off as he said with fear, "Billy.... Did you said Nyarlathotep." which Dr. Sivana said, "Indeed, your champion has done, Shazam." and black smoke come out of Dr. Sivana, whose then collapse and Mary catch him, and the mad scientist said in confusion, "Where am I? The same thing I remember was a strange woman give me a artifact to read when she told me that it could a ancinet power that could destory the Red Cheese, and things start to be weird as I read the artifact...." which a booming voice cry out, "That artifact was my prison!" and the black smoke turn into a humanoid whose look like a ancint Egypt king wearing a yellow business suit as he said, "When Shazam forsaw the threat of I, the great Nyarlathotep, he imprisoned me in a small prison which that fool free me from and I take over his body so I could use the Orb of Aion to remove possbile threats to my fellow gods, such as Excalbur, Shazam's champion by destroying his home decades before his birth as well when time made him a weak old man, and those whose call themselves the Justice League. If I can't change the past..." and then Nyarlathotep disappear as he said, "....Then I just destroy the Rock of Eternity!" Fred ask the wizard Shazam, "Where did he go?" and there is a sudden earthquake.

As Billy, Mary, and Freddy fly out, they saw a giant Nyarlathotep trying to crush the Rock of Eternity as he boast, "This will be the start of the end of all of reality." and Billy and the two others work to stop Nyarlathotep, which Dr. Sivana comment to the wizard Shazam, "The Red Cheese and his annoying sister and brother can't stop that thing." and the wizard said Dr. Sivana, "For once, I must accept on you, Dr. Sivana. Billy is going to need his family across the multiverse to save the day." and he begins to open portals across dimensions and time, which Dr. Sivana said, "Maybe I should have keep my big mouth shut." Soon, a army of different figures wearing different versions of Billy's costume come flying out of the portals and flew in to aid Billy, defeating Nyarlahotep once and for all.

#billybatsonweek #bb85week #dc comics #fawcett comics #billy batson #dc captain marvel #shazam #mary marvel #captain marvel jr #freddy freeman #marvel family #dr sivana #nyarlathotep

17 notes · View notes

pruneunfair · 3 days ago

Text

When you have a shitty sibling. *TW: talk of abuse and rape*

This is a little different than what I usually post.

Not too long ago, I made a vent post that was mostly pretty vague but got the central point across, it's deleted now but not like it matters since it was just mindless ranting.

That vent post was dedicated mostly to my younger brother.

For all the people with siblings out there, we already know those corny depictions of brothers and sisters always getting along and calling each other "Big bro" was not the most accurate form of a sibling relationship. Naturally you fight a lot with this person considering they are a built in room mate, meaning you have to live with someone including their worst habits. Maybe they plop a plate into the sink right as you're done doing dishes, maybe they take your things without bothering to ask you, those are all normal things to expect out of a sibling. What doesn't feel normal is when they reach this level of behavior.

My brother who I'll refer to as B relatively liked to get on peoples nerves but other than that, he wasn't so bad to be around up until recently. It was little things at first, leaving his garbage behind in the living room, making a fuss if we asked him to do anything, and then it got progressively worse.

Skipping school for 3 months straight, running away from home to god knows what, bringing strange people home, vaping and taking substances, increasing levels of disrespect towards women, seemed to assume that if a person who happened to be female wasn't punished along side him meant that they were being bias toward her for being a girl, calling our own disabled mother lazy for being unable to work, expecting everyone to cater towards him and pick up his slack, actively call me and our mom a bitch/cunt, pretending that he's going to hit me to see me flinch, gaslighting us, severe lack of empathy, casually admitting to want to hit me and other people that make him mad, refusal to listen or admit when he's wrong.

B has changed this much in only the span of a year. The lack of empathy and over eagerness to have an excuse to threaten someone is honestly scaring me.

Lately I started to take on the role of tidying up around the house and cooking dinner. My mom as I mentioned is mentally disabled, she can still perform tasks herself and still is juggling around two households of the family, I don't wanna to get too into it but I'll just say that she needs to take a myriad of medication to help regulate her mind or else she could kill herself. Her mental health has declined in recent years to the point where she can't keep a job and she does need help more than ever.

Now I do not mind this at all, mom is still a very considerate woman who appreciates the help I do and still makes an effort to keep things easy, it's also a good way for me to learn independence and take care of myself. The problem is that I have to live with B for a brother and he likes to bring his gang of friends over for small house parties that I usually am in charge of when mom is away. The house is always left a mess as a result and I have to pick it up since B likes to weaponize his incompetence to escape responsibility, I have to pick up every piece of crap they leave behind and sweep up old crumbs off the floor only for those same kids to come back, destroy the house again, leave me to clean it up because B knows that if I don't, all he needs to do is continue weaponizing his incompetence until our mom snaps and has me clean it for him.

There is no compromising with him, B has made it clear that if he says "Nope" then we have to suck it up because he can always just run away to our dad or claim that we are just acting crazy. I can't even get some basic respect from him for being the maid for him and his friends bullshit.

Now this all wouldn't be so scary if I didn't know he had no empathy but he clearly doesn't. How do I know?

Well, I'll leave a pretty simple background: Mom kept telling dad to stop, Dad coerced mom that it would be fine and he lied about wearing a condom. 9 months later I was born.

This is very sensitive knowledge that we do not talk about at all, hell B and I weren't even supposed to know I was both a rape and a baby trap kid, I can't exactly remember why but mom mentioned it on a bad day that I now know was likely an episode.

And during an argument, B told our mother, the woman who was willing to stay with our father just so she can at least have a planned child in the name of B, that she should have taken some birth control before she "had sex" with our dad. That boy KNOWS that was one thing mom never wanted to remember, even when we reminded him WHY we don't talk about that, he didn't care, what mattered was that he got the point of him hating me across.

So yeah, I'm officially terrified of the same person who I used to know as an itty bitty baby sleeping in the crib next to my bed.

I know I am not the only one dealing with this shit, plenty of people do and it's shitty that you have to walk on egg shells around someone you knew when they were still innocent, a little baby turning into a monster with no interest in being better as a person, only in being right at all times. For anyone who has a shitty brother or sister reading this, I am so sorry that you have to live in fear of someone you called family but you are not alone, if you believe you might be in danger even, please tell someone, anyone at all, whenever it's a social worker at school, a cop, or even just a few people you trust. You don't deserve to believe you are worse then dirt just because you had to step up and pick up the slack around your household.

Thank you for listening.

#siblings #family issues #tw: sa mention #tw: abuse #vent #vent post

16 notes · View notes

dichenlachmandaily · 21 hours ago

Text

Severance’s Dichen Lachman Gets Inside Gemma’s Head

“I definitely think she doesn’t want to be down there,” the actress says of her mysterious character, “and I don’t think Gemma would volunteer to be severed.”

[Spoilers ahead.]

For three long years, Severance fans were left clinging to two words at the end of the season 1 finale: “She’s alive!” In that thrilling scene, protagonist Mark S. (Adam Scott)—who underwent the severance procedure that separates his working self (“Innie”) from his personal self (“Outie”) after his wife Gemma (Dichen Lachman) died—desperately tries to tell his sister that Gemma isn’t dead after all. As we, and Mark’s Innnie, found out in season 1, Gemma is still very much alive and wandering the stark white halls of Lumon Industries as the wellness director Ms. Casey.

In season 2, we finally get some answers about Gemma’s journey. The seventh episode, titled “Chikhai Bardo,” chronicles her relationship with Mark, showing their meet-cute while donating blood, their happy life as college professors, and a devastating miscarriage that changes their marriage. The episode directed by Jessica Lee Gagné (who primarily works on the show as a cinematographer) jumps through time, flashing between these intimate moments between the couple and rare glimpses into where Gemma is now. She’s kept like a prisoner on Lumon’s testing floor and is forced to repeatedly enter rooms where she faces bizarre situations like writing thank-you cards on Christmas or riding an airplane amid turbulence. (Viewers might recognize the names of those rooms as the projects that Mark is working on with the Macrodata Refinement team.)

While Severance is known for its fan theories and mind-boggling sci-fi elements, Mark and Gemma’s love for each other is deep in the show’s core. It was crucial to Lachman that audiences “understand why Mark did what he did [to become severed], to feel the loss of that relationship,” she told ELLE.com over a Zoom call. While she didn’t feel comfortable speculating on the meaning of the seventh episode title—the chikhai bardo is a Buddhist belief about a transitional state between death and rebirth, which could point to reintegration for both Mark and Gemma—she did agree that the severance procedure is all about transforming, something both characters are grappling with throughout the series.

So why—and how—is Gemma at Lumon and what is going on with the rooms on the testing floor? Will she ever be able to escape, especially after we witness a failed attempt in “Chikhai Bardo”? Lachman spoke to us about what she thinks is going on at the company, her layered performance, and how she and Adam Scott established their chemistry in this standout episode.

This is the first time we really see Mark and Gemma together. How did you and Adam Scott create and establish your chemistry?

Adam is just such a generous actor. Up to this point, I was sort of left out, so for me it was like, I gotta get in, I gotta deliver, and I’ve got to be absolutely on point. Adam went out of his way to make me feel comfortable, and I think that that chemistry is there because of his generosity. Also the writing helps and Jessica really did a wonderful job framing it. Severance is in a very controlled, oppressive, and symmetrical setting, but this episode had so much more movement and was so much freer. With the combination of the medium and style changing a little bit, Adam’s generosity, and obviously all the other departments who were so integral in telling the story, that all helped make everything just click and feel really lived-in.

This episode reveals how Mark and Gemma coped with the grief of a miscarriage. How did it feel to portray that as part of Gemma’s story?

I thought it was a really important story to tell, because it’s such a common thing that women go through. A lot of women feel very isolated when that happens to them, so it was nice to be able to represent that story even when it’s not the most important part of the show. I appreciated that, and because two men [Dan Erickson and Mark Friedman] were writing the scripts, they were open to input from Jessica and myself in terms of delicately playing with the balance of that.

Blood was a recurring motif in the episode: Mark and Gemma meet while donating blood, Gemma suffers a miscarriage, and a Lumon employee pricks her finger to gain access to the various rooms. Blood can represent a lot of things, from life and death to family. What do you think it symbolizes in Gemma’s story?

That’s something that I hadn’t thought about, but perhaps it’s a reminder that we’re all human. If you prick us, do we not bleed?

Your performance had to be nuanced when balancing the different versions of Gemma. How did you keep all of it straight?

That was really tricky. I used my body to transition into the given circumstances. We don’t get to spend a lot of time with these Innies; it’s just part of the the torture Gemma’s subjected to everyday. There are a lot of rooms down there, and we’re only seeing the Christmas room and the airplane, but what else could possibly be down there that’s even darker than that? The Innies don’t really understand the outside world, so I leaned into the circumstance that each Innie had a different physicality. I would be in a position of fear or boredom or a rebellious teenager. It was subtly working on the physicality, and internally figuring out what that Innie was going through.

Do you remember any specific direction you got from director Jessica Lee Gagné?

Specifically with the Christmas scene, it was that adolescence and that defiance, and we went from internalizing that to getting quite angry with [Doctor, played by Robby Benson]. [Gagné] really wanted to test scenes in lots of different ways, so we had the time to go through such a spectrum of intensities.

One of the big themes of the season is the consciousness of the Innie vs. the Outie. Do you think your Innies are fully aware of what’s happening to them within Lumon’s walls?

I wonder about that too—maybe it depends on how much time is spent as that Innie. But also everyone reacts to things differently. Like, ibuprofen will really affect me but my friend will pop them whenever they have a bad back. It’s got to be the same thing. I feel like if you’re going to get a chip in the back of your head, the length of time of it being there and the amount of time spent as that person has to affect [the experience].

Why do you think Gemma signed up for this program at Lumon?

That is still a mystery to me. But you’ll notice that they’re living in a Lumon world—everything they come in contact with is Lumon branded. The card that she's looking at in the mail in this episode is from Lumon, the Christmas tree in their house is reminiscent of the Christmas tree in the Christmas room. So there’s some bigger involvement in terms of this town and this world. The possibilities are endless.

What are they trying to get from Gemma by putting her into these rooms and having her experience these different scenarios?

In our society, we have this desire to avoid anything unpleasant. I think Lumon is trying to develop a chip so that no one ever has to experience anything unpleasant, like going to a job they don’t like or giving birth or going to the dentist, like we see Gemma do in this episode. Our society is going in a direction where we don’t want to experience or feel anything unpleasant, and this is a way of shutting all of that out. But I would probably never get this severance chip because you can’t experience joy, fun, pleasure, or leisure without the contrast of the things that you don’t like.

Do you think she regrets signing up for whatever is happening inside the Lumon walls?

She definitely doesn’t want to be there. You’ll notice in the flashbacks that the doctor is present in the fertility clinic, he walks by in the background. So I definitely think she doesn’t want to be down there, and I don’t think Gemma would volunteer to be severed.

The doctor tells her that Mark remarried and has a daughter now; Gemma responds by hitting the doctor on the head with a chair. Why do you think she doesn’t believe their manipulation?

It’s funny that you bring that up, because we did that scene a few different ways. I’m glad they chose the one where she’s not affected, because it shows her resilience. Down there, time moves at a different pace, and in the episode before, [Severance] alludes to the fact that she broke [the doctor’s] fingers at one point—I think that that’s why Jessica wanted a little bit of that rebelliousness to come out in that Christmas scene. Because even if you compartmentalize the pain, there’s going to be qualities that end up in these Innies.

Gemma’s severed personality, Ms. Casey, appears when she tries to escape and winds up on the severed floor. Ms. Casey seems to sense that something was amiss and it felt like a glimpse of Gemma’s consciousness was pushing through there. Did you read that scene like that as well?

Yes. Ms. Casey is wearing a completely strange outfit, she doesn’t have her hair, and she’s kind of confused. The last time she was in that hallway, it was to say goodbye, and she wasn’t given any answers. So she’s a little bit like, Oh, I’m coming back, but it feels different because she’s just been through something. That was a tricky one to film because I also wondered, would she physically have a little bit of that adrenaline from escaping running through her and maybe that's why she feels a little weird?

How many times do you think this cycle has happened, where Gemma tries to escape but gets stuck in the loop of exiting on the severed floor?

I want to believe that it happened many times, and that she just doesn’t give up—every now and then she’s like, I’m just gonna go for it again. Maybe this time it’ll work. To me, she’s been trying to get out of there since the moment she got in.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

#dichen lachman #severance #ms casey

17 notes · View notes