#the fact that they've done it twice now

[skylessknights]

EVILIVE 악인전기 (2023)

Han Dong-soo & Han Beom-jae + Seo Do-young & Kwon Oh-jae

[yandere-daydreams]

If you DO go into moth hybrid stuff, a fun fact: domesticated silkmoths are unable to fly because they've been specifically bred to be easy to contain and care for to collect the silk they produce

Oh noooOoooo mr Moth/Butterfly Gojo/Geto, don't be mean and make fun of me and my stupid fat moth BBL and my teeny tiny wings that don't let me fly like both of you.... why do you keep making comments about how i can't run away, you're so mean :'(

Or if you're into little pathetic men and feel like dabbling with lil short creeps, female moths are usually larger than males. Some gross mf coming up to you, "oh wow you're so big and strong for a lady 🥺❤️ what are you gonna do to me tee hee" like nothing fool leave me alone

tw - non/con, manipulation, degradation, egg mention.

i will touch on the sexual dimorphism later maybe (trans moth!geto?), but right now my brain is just,,, butterfly!gojo and moth!geto stumbling onto a helpless silkmoth hybrid who's accidentally wandered away from their lepidopterarium and is out in the wild alone for the first time, unable to fly and already on the verge of tears. you're too naive and too sheltered to know how dangerous the world really is, but don't worry - they'll take you back to their shared den, give you plenty of nectar to drink, and if they're feeling nice, only bully you a little before taking turns pumping eggs into their cute new mate. gojo's as mean as he is pretty, making fun of your useless, stubby wings and empty head as he forces his stupidly big cock into you, while geto (as a fellow moth) is a touch nicer, letting you cling to his fur as he fucks you twice as roughly as gojo did. if you still have the energy to ask when you'll be able to go back to the terrarium when they're done, maybe they'll even be polite enough not laugh as they tell you that you won't be leaving them anytime soon <3

[the-offside-rule]

Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) - Explain

Requested: yes

Prompt: 18) "My mum thinks we're dating."

Warnings: Max being dumb asf

Y/n and Victoria had been friends for as long as they could remember. They would visit eachothers houses, carpool to school, go shopping on the weekends; you name it, they did it and they did it together. Now both girls had a set of rules for eachother and Victoria's number one rule was not a surprise at all; her brother was off limits. Y/n didn't have a problem with it because well, Max was older and they rarely talked. Even as children she didn't like him that way, mainly because as a child she thought he looked like a strange lizard of some sort. When Max became a Formula One driver, Y/n found herself with Victoria less and less due to her still having to stay in school, whilst Victoria travelled the world with her brother for a good part of the academic year. But it didn't tarnish their friendship in any way.

In fact, once Y/n graduated from high-school, Victoria managed to get her to a few races that the whole Verstappen family attended. She grew closer with the family as a whole and even became one of the regulars in the paddock after a while. However, Y/n went on to study in Italy and her paddock appearances were significantly lowered to once or twice a year.

The weekend of Monza 2023 was a special one to say the least. Y/n smiled as she walked into the paddock with Victoria, like she did every other time. The cameras took photos, like they did every other year and they walked straight to the hospitality. "I missed this place." Y/n sighed as she looked around the hospitality, holding her godson Luka's hand as he waddled about the place. "I know. They've changed a few things since you've been here last." Victoria smiled as she wheeled the stroller through the paddock. "And where is the golden boy himself?" Y/n asked, obviously referring to Victoria's now two-time world champion brother.  "He's with Mama. They're having their weekly lunch like they usually do." Y/n nodded. "I can't wait to chill in the hospitality. I'd argue it'd my favourite place."

Just as she said she would, Y/n sat in the  hospitality of Red Bull. She got her usual place; a table by the window that overlooked the whole paddock, and close enough to Ferrari so she could get a glimpse of Charles Leclerc walking by. All heads snapped around as the heard large footsteps pounding up the stairs and there appeared a delirious looking Max Verstappen. They locked eyes and Max began walking over to her quite quickly. Did he really miss her that much?

"Hi, Max. How are you-" Max sits down rapidly, making Y/n freeze and look at the dutchman as if he had two heads. "I have a problem. Well, no. We- we have a problem." Max said, stumbling on his words. "You look like you've just seen a ghost." Y/n chuckled as she continued to scroll through her phone. "I- I think I really messed up." Max muttered. Y/n scoffed in reply. "Can't be worse than the time you-" She paused and looked at the familiar face of Max's I fucked up face. "What did you do?" She asked, not putting the phone down. "I- You're going to hate me." Max said. "What have you done?" She asked again. "My mum thinks we're dating." Max blurted out, leaving both of them in stunned silence. "She what?!" She put her phone down and stood up. "I know! It was really dumb!" Max repeated over and over again. "Max! Why did you tell her that!"

"It was an accident!" Max replied defensively. "What exactly did you say?!" Y/n asked. "Well she said we would make a cute couple and I kind of joked that well, what if we were but nobody knew. And then she started smiling like that and asking questions so I just went with it so now-" He paused. "Now she thinks we're together." Max mumbled the last bit. "Max, you need to tell her we aren't!" Y/n said. "But why? She seems so happy-"

"Max! Victoria might actually murder me! I have known her since we were seven!" Y/n whisper shouted. "It'll be fine! She won't know, I am sure of it-"

"Y/n?" Y/n froze as she heard her loving friend Victoria call out her name. Max and Y/n turned to see Victoria walking towards them, almost in the same fashion that Max walked over just a matter of minutes ago. "Victoria, I can explain!"

"Oh I'm so happy for you both! It makes so much sense now! Why you were looking for him this morning, I mean." Vuctoria squealed, engulfing Y/n in a hug. Max stood up chuckling along. "You- you're not mad?" Y/n asked, audibly confused. "Mad? Of course not! Me and Mama have said it many times; that the two of you should be dating. It's about time, to be honest." Y/n smiled and looked between the two Verstappens. "And you! Oh thank goodness you found a nice girlfriend after that last one, she was horrible." Max nodded and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Even Dad is happy about you two!" Max and Y/n didn't know what to say. "And you all want us to...date?"

"Yes! For the longest time. It was so obvious you liked eachother too. So, so obvious." Max looked down at Y/n. The pair's faces turned as red as the Ferrari garage next door. "Well, I'll let you two lovebirds have some alone time. Ill see you both later?" Victoria asked, getting ready to leave. "Yes. Definitely."

"That didn't go how I thought it would." Y/n muttered. "Are we missing something? Do we like eachother but we're just too stupid to tell?" Max asked. "I- I don't know." She whispered. "But, I think we should tell them we aren't together before this gets out of hand." Y/n went to walk, but felt her hand being grabbed. She looked back to see Max. "Or we just play along until it dies down." Max suggested. "That is possibly the most stupid thing you've ever said." Y/n retorted. "Bot really. We both get benefits out of dating. You get recognition for being my girlfriend which comes with brand deals, magazine shoots-"

"I would never date you just for the benefits. I date someone because I love them."

"So so you love me?" Y/n didn't really know how to respond to that. Her mouth opened and closed, searching for the words but she couldn't couldn't a singular sentence. Max's grin widened. "Don't even! I'll see you around." Y/n said storming off, her face red from embarrassment. "Okay. Bye my love!" Max teased. "Shut up!" Did she like him? Did she love him? No! Of course...well....maybe.

[wileys-russo]

Alessia playing a rough match & insisting she’s fine (despite being on the ground more than not).

“I know every inch of your body Alessia and I know for a fact that bruise is new”

+proceeding to take care of her and kiss all her better

I love your writing btw

bruises II a.russo

"they're really going in on her today." you mumbled to your soon to be brother in law, bouncing your knee anxiously as not even twenty minutes into the game and your fiance had already been the collateral damage of three fouls and a yellow card.

"she's a big girl and it's a contact sport, she'll be fine." gio waved off your worries, patting your back without looking away from the pitch as you sighed.

"she'll be alright darling, she's done this for years she knows what to do." carol murmured much more empathetically, squeezing your knee and sending you a reassuring look as you nodded.

however by half time your worries had only doubled ten fold, your fiance seemingly spending more time on the ground than on her own two feet.

alessia had always been clumsy by nature and normally her consistent stumbles and slips had you smiling with amusement but now every time her body hit the ground your breath caught in your throat.

"go on. ease the nerves a bit!" gio nudged past you and dropped back into his seat, handing you a drink as you forced a smile and took a sip. normally you'd not drink at your fiances games but today you'd do anything to try and fight the anxiety which clawed desperately at your throat.

"oh thats a joke, how is that not a card?" you protested, wincing as you watched alessia's body thud to the ground once again, her legs completely sweeped out from underneath her. "beats me. come on ref!" gio yelled, joining the horde of angry arsenal fans also shouting for at least a yellow.

"she's limping." your brought your bottom lip between your teeth, chewing on it nervously as your fiance waved off the medics, hobbling back to her position and resetting herself for a moment. rolling her shoulders and neck she bent back down, joining the huddle of her team mates as they bunched in for a corner.

"six more minutes of stoppage time love, she's going to be just fine." carol assured, you only nodding wordlessly as your gaze locked onto alessia, knee once again bouncing as you flinched every time she came near to the ball.

"again? they've got to be taking the piss." you scoffed as the same defender from before sweeped her legs out from beneath her, though this time your fiance wasn't quite so quick to her feet. you huffed as finally a card was rewarded, the spurs player headed off the pitch as it was her second yellow of the match.

"she's not getting up." you mumbled, jaw clenching as your knee bounced even faster, not even your future mother in laws hand squeezing it reassuringly helping with anything. your stomach dropped as you watched your fiance gesture frantically toward her knee, the pain clear on her face with every passing second.

"you don't think-" you started, not even finishing your sentence out of gut wrenching terror for the next few words which died in your mouth.

"no, we don't even think about that." gio remanded firmly though not unkindly as he draped an arm around your shoulders, a sigh of relief left you as finally alessia was up being helped off the pitch as stina was subbed on in her place.

"see? she knows how to take a knock and a push, she's nearly twice the size of that pesky defender anyway." gio chuckled, doing his best to reassure you as play resumed.

"the bigger they are the harder they fall." you sighed, much less optimistic as you caught leah's eye from the bench, the girl raising an eyebrow and nodding her head toward the tunnel.

"go darling." carol watched the blonde gesture for you to come to her, nudging you up as you hurried out of your seat and out of the stand, leah meeting you as you did.

"she's all good, just a bit sore." the older girl assured, pulling you into her side in a hug as she walked the two of you toward the medic room where alessia had been taken to.

you heard cheering as the final whistle blew, the gunners winning 4-1 but you couldn't share their excitement, your only focus now the blonde you were only seconds away from seeing.

"go kiss it better." leah winked, pinching your cheek playfully and giving you a gentle push into the med room.

the physio gave you a smile, also assuring there wasn't any major damage just a mild sprain but alessia would need to take it carefully and train separately for the week until it could be reassessed.

you thanked him grateful for the update as he left the room and shut the door afterward, giving you and your fiance some more privacy.

"hi beautiful." the blonde smiled affectionately, sat on the medical bench still in her kit as you moved to stand between her dangling legs. "ah! babe." she whined in surprise as you suddenly smacked her thigh with a loud slap and an unimpressed scowl.

"do not scare me like that again, pointing to your knee when its an ankle problem." you warned with a huff, frowning up at her as your fiance only smiled, infuriatingly attractive as she did so.

"i just knew it was something in my leg and your head mentally always goes to the worst possible scenario. i didn't mean to worry you baby i'm sorry." she apologized sincerely, your hands moving either side of her body as you leaned up to kiss her, another apology mumbled against your lips as her hands squeezed your sides.

~

"you're limping lessi. just let me help you!" you groaned frustratedly, your fiance refusing, batting away your arms which reached out to help her out of the car. "for the one millionth time i am fine!" she huffed, hauling herself up and swallowing her pain, walking as normally as she could to the front door.

"so fucking stubborn." you grumbled, slamming the door after her and shaking your head, your fiance letting herself into your shared home. "my love please at least sit down, put your ankle up on a pillow and rest it, please!" you begged with a sigh, the striker still standing with her head engrossed in her phone.

"honestly are you going to be this dramatic all week? because you are already getting on my last nerve its just a sprain i am absolutely fine!" alessia spat, rolling her eyes and limping off into the bedroom as you dragged your hands down your face with a silent groan of irritation before following after her.

"stop! i'll do it." you dropped down to your knees, helping her take off her trainers, extra careful with her injured ankle. alessia only groaned, flopping down onto her back on the bed making you roll your eyes.

"right i have had it with this denial and the stroppy attitude. hoodie off, joggers off." you stood back up and ordered firmly, crossing your arms sternly. "don't be cute, i'm serious." you warned as alessia smiled suggestively, though it dropped from her lips at your tone.

with a roll of her eyes she shuffled back up the bed, resting on her elbows as she tugged at her hoodie.

"i don't see why i have to-"

"stop." you moved to push away her hands, helping her to take her hoodie off and moving her training top up so it pooled at her neck, giving her a firm look as she opened her mouth to continue complaining.

without another word you ducked your head, placing a tender kiss to each and every bruise which littered her rib cage, your eyes locked with alessia's own as you did so.

you broke her stare as you moved backwards and dropped again to your knees, sliding her joggers off and giving the bruises adoring her legs the same loving treatment, your fiance tangling a hand in your hair, short nails affectionately scratching your scalp as she exhaled slowly.

tugging her top back down you carefully swung your leg over her hips, settling yourself on top of her as her hands instinctively moved to caress your thighs.

"alessia i know your body like the back of my hand. i've been head over heels in love with you for five years and your best friend for far longer than that. so there is not a single freckle, scar, birth mark, mole, nothing that i do not know like a map." you started, her hands coming to rest on your thighs.

"so these, all of these, are new." you frowned, shuffling down her body a little bit, gesturing to the freshly inflicted bruises scattering her body.

"so please don't tell me you're fine and everything is fine and nothing hurts. i know you better than that and i'd hope you know me better than that to think i'd believe anything otherwise." you finished softly, your hands moving to gently clasp her face, thumbs tracing the curvature of her jaw.

"i love you very very much less and i've always supported you in every single way i can, and i will always continue to do so. but please let me take care of you when you need it, even when you don't think you do." you requested, eyebrows knitted into a concerned frown.

"m'sorry baby, i love you very much and i didn't mean to be snappy or difficult." your fiance sighed apologetically as you shook your head.

"i've always known you were difficult love, i wouldn't have said yes to marrying you if i didn't know how to handle that." you smiled in amusement, shutting up her response with a kiss so filled with love it sent her head spinning.

"well then mrs russo i promise to always let you take care of me if you promise to always let me take care of you. i might be difficult but you are one of the most stubborn women i've ever met my pretty girl." your fiance grinned knowingly, squeezing your legs and leaning up slightly to place a gentle kiss to your nose.

holding out her pinky toward you expectantly making you laugh you linked your own with hers, the two of you kissing your interlocked fingers.

"i promise."

[vanilleandclove]

the meadow in which you lay | 3

ser erryk cargyll x arryn!reader | chapter three: one for glory, another for honor

When Prince Lucerys's claim to Driftmark is question, your cousin seeks your support as a pillar of strength. It has now been a near six years since you've seen your lover, you are near strangers, but no different.

word count: 2.4k | warnings: criston cole is a bitch, alicent got ate up twice, sexual references, give the reader a damn s** t**, clear description of wounds and stitches | a/n: did i accidentally age down jeyne? yes. rip jeyne arryn you would have loved pride month. (i still believe jeyne would have been great friends with luke and jace in my always correct opinion). also, three posts back-to-back??

previous - next

taglist: @wolvestitches @holb32 @callsignwidow

"They mean to call Lucerys's claim to the Driftmark throne? What business do I have there?" you questioned your brother deeply, as Jeyne returned back from her walk with Jessamyn and greeted you both with kisses on your cheeks. "The Vale has Jeyne for it to be protected, I owe no business to defend the piss poor Hightowers" you continued.

"Rhaenyra, our cousin. If you can help her defend Luke's claim, they would not question defending her either" your brother reasoned, only leading your sinuses to burn and head to pound.

"Brother I know you mean well, but you know exactly what they think of our cousin and nephews" you responded, "And what treacheries Criston Cole rallies into Alicent's ear about me".

"And your paramour, Ser Erryk Cargyll" your brother quirked, only leading you to glare at him. "I believe it would strengthen your reputation and our cousin's".

"I or he would have to be married to be a paramour brother, watch your tongue".

"He is married to law Y/n, I only mean to protect you" your brother defended himself, "A Kingsguard is no-".

"No match for a husband, yes, I know and made acutely aware of said fact" you interrupted, "I do not need protection brother, I never needed protection" you continued, "I will go to court only if our cousin requests me to" getting up from your seat at the table and merely walking off until your brother spoke up.

"If you plan to avoid the knight, surely you can tell him by raven that you do not mean to continue your affections had you be in King's Landing" and with that suggestion came the fall of your heart, how deeply it shattered.

You simply nodded, not looking your brother in the eye after his suggestion, you could not. If you return to court, they will twist your words, they will make a spectacle about you just as they've done to your cousin. By proxy, they'll call into question the honor of your lover. He may have loved you, tasted you, and garnered your affections, by textbook, he broke no oath. By the conservative opinion of the Hightower's, he was a sinner, he had committed blasphemy.

That night you sat pondering on your vanity chair, cursing the gods for making you in love with a man you cannot have. As you toyed with the rings that laid on your fingers, you wondered if the world be different, if a wedding ring would be donned on them. A Kingsguard is no match for a husband, luckily you did not want to be matched to another. Who is to say you were a match to a wife, as the high lords sat like puppies to Otto Hightower, with the exception of the Vale, Riverlands, and the North. You once told Ser Erryk you loved him, you told a knight you loved him, words only a fool would utter.

You ended up returning to court as Rhaenyra summoned you, the journey more exhausting than last. Six years have passed, Rhaenyra's boys have grown into young men, Laena's daughters as beautiful as always. You had greeted them upon their arrival as they trailed just behind you.

"Forgive us for always meeting in the worst of circumstances cousin" Rhaenyra sighed, her stomach had homed another child, you hoped it'd be a girl, knowing Rhaenyra always wanted a daughter or sister, "You've seemed to be glowing".

"I believe it is the thick air cousin" you laughed, "Daemon" you nodded at the Prince.

"Have you seen him yet?" Daemon asked, only earning a confused look from you. "The King".

"They would not let me visit, though I am sure they would let the Heir and his brother see to his bedside" you answered Daemon, "You two visit, I will see to it that the children will be settled down". Both Rhaenyra and Daemon nodded to your kindness.

You signaled the children to follow you, it had been years since they step foot into the Castle. Lucerys and Jacaerys found their way to the Red Keep to evaluate the guards practice, you'd join them after showing Joffery to his quarters and Rhaena to her twin sister.

At the Red Keep you quickly saw Erryk and Arryk sparring one another, as well as the spectators flooding the floor to oversee Criston and Aemond sparring. The Prince disarmed the cocky bastard, you snickered only to be caught by the cocky bastard himself.

"Lady Arryn you seem to be fond of the Red Keep, would you like to spar with us men? We have heard of your fierceness in the fields, granted, we hope you are just as fierce in bed" Criston smiled smugly.

You smiled back before looking at your nephews "Fetch me a Morningstar boys, and a shield, for Ser Criston" you instigated, all eyes now landed on you, including the Cargyll twins.

"Morningstar? To a sword fight? Scared to be disarmed?".

"Oh no you wound me Ser" you laughed as Lucerys handed you the Morningstar and Criston the shield, "Only to prevent another bloody fight like you started at my cousin's wedding".

As you waved the Morningstar around, you blocked several hits from Criston, hitting his shield twice which resulted into breaking it in half. After which you disarmed yourself, handing the Morningstar back to Lucerys, you quickly tripped the knight with your legs and climbed on top of him, his hands situated at your waist before you violently dislocated his shoulder before putting it back into place. His screams shocked the spectators, but it was not until he pulled out a blade and stabbed into your thigh did they react.

"Enough!" Erryk quickly intervened, seeing the bloody mess that leaked from your thigh, the rage that coursed through your veins immediately translated to you removing the blade and stabbing into Criston's hand to pin him to the ground once and for all. Though Erryk must admit, your sheer violence to the knight was, well sexy, it did not discount your own injury and how that worried him.

"See to that the Lady Arryn is handled by the Maesters, Ser Criston as well" Arryk told several guards, you looked at your nephews with pride before speaking.

"Now that is how you get bloody revenge" they both laughed and beamed as Erryk carried you bridal style in order to maintain pressure to your wound, you caught a glimpse of Aemond as he had a look of shock. "Ser Arryk, please do not make a fuss of this to my cousin, granted Alicent might have my head for damaging her beloved whore".

Arryk only laughed at your words before Erryk swiftly walked through the halls, quick to enter your chambers and assess your wound that was bleeding profusely.

"You are mad at me" you spoke up as Erryk cleaned your wound, long minutes have passed since he undressed your bottom half of clothing, his hands were gentle but his gaze not, "Talk to me Erryk".

"Ser" he spoke up before cauterizing the wound in order to stitch, leading you to yelp out in pain and grip his free hand, "You could've gotten yourself killed Lady Arryn, you know well of Ser Criston's temper just as much as I".

"Well Ser, it was only a demonstration".

"You are a woman, a Lady no less, if one peeped to your brother, they would have his head on a spike in the Vale, granted the loves you gained in the North and the Riverlands would surely support his beheading" Erryk critiqued, before grabbing the needles and stitches, giving your legs another look.

"I know I am a woman, I know I am a Lady as well Ser Erryk" you fought back, "You want his head on a spike and hide behind the idea of my brother wanting to kill him, knowing fully my brother would not cause such hysterics unless he'd be backed by Rhaenyra and the bitch Hightowers were gone from court" you scoffed, only earning a small smile from the knight due to your obscenities. "Do not take your anger out on me Erryk, I know you better than anyone" you pleaded, the knight's quip to hurt you by not allowing you to refrain from politics and formalities.

He started the stitches before saying "Six years, I am near twice the man you left Lady Arryn" he started, one stitch fully weaved as you bit your lip to distract yourself from the pain, "Granted, I have never bedded a woman, nor have I sought the company of one seeing that I am bound to the King. I do not own lands and I know plenty of Prince Aegon's depravities. I know more of the histories of Westeros, better yet I know how to make the unmarried, fierce, who most claim to be barren, Lady Y/n Arryn, cum. I am a man, still the man you once loved" Erryk teased, weaving the second to last stitch.

"You take pride in the fact that you know how to get me off?" you chuckled, feeling the heat pool in between your legs.

"I take pride in the fact that you loved me" Erryk sighed, finishing the stitches before aiding you into dressing up and standing on your feet, "Though, I must say no food or sweet in the land can match the sweetness of you, Lady Arryn".

These past six years taught you more about restraint than you bargained for truly, if it were not for your wound and the oath being a vow of chastity, you'd wager that Ser Erryk would have already been spilling his seed in your womb, but, restraint.

"I still hold the same amount of love for you just as I did when we were younger" you told him, he shook his head once more as your confession rolled off your tongue, "I do not jest, I just know the repercussions that you can face. I can handle the great and smaller houses calling me a whore, I cannot handle you being exiled, perhaps beheaded for betraying an oath to the King".

Erryk stood there for a moment, afraid of his words betraying him and hurting you, "I'd give the King my neck if it meant you'd love me" he told you, his hand lightly grazing your knee, your pupils dilated as your eyes only focused on your lover. Emotions of love and pain in unison synchronized between the two of you, as if your energies converged with one another. Warmth and frost rushed through your blood.

"I love you, but that does not mean I am able to lose you like every wife who marries knows…" you started, when you marry one, the implication of death separating you when the gods take your lover is evident and prepared, "A life without you is not a life I want to live Erryk, you have taken my heart when I was barely a lady, now I am a woman and my loyalty to you never wavered- neither my pride".

A knock interrupted your conversation, causing you to jolt and Erryk to discard his hands from your body. "You may enter!" you cleared your throat, being met with Alicent.

Her eyes bore into your soul, she took notice to the knight in your chambers, "Back to your post Ser Erryk" she commanded, you took a glance at him, nodding for him to be eased into his dismissal. As he left, Alicent's lips pursed, you did not fear her no matter how much she wanted you to.

"You are excused from court Lady Y/n Arryn, may you begin your journ-".

"I did not come for you, Alicent" you interrupted, "I came to court for the likes and commitment to my dear cousin, not the Hightowers".

"Just your 'dear' cousin?" Alicent quirked a brow, "Or the lover you parade around who is clearly breaking an oath he made on his own, which should be punished as such".

"As such? What your father, the usurper, would have his head for simply being a trusted friend of mine?" you scoffed, staring back at her wildly, "Lay a finger on Ser Erryk or Arryk, you will be waging a war you and your father cannot fund or survive. You forget, we were never once sisters as you propagate everyone to believe, your victimization may work in the throne, but when it comes to one of the greatest houses, it falters".

Alicent smiled in fear as you were now face to face, "One day I hope we can be friends".

"I hope you find solace in the fact that we never will be. Your grace".

As you all gathered in the throne room to contest the ascension of Lucerys to the Driftmark seat, as Lord Corlys health was questionable, the tension was thick. You still wondered what Rhaenyra needed you for in the means of defending your nephew's claim. Vaemond's vile insults that led to Daemon slicing his head in half, bringing the arguments to a close as there was no one else to contest Lucerys parentage and claim.

"Will you join us all for supper cousin?" Rhaenyra asked as you walked towards the Godswood tree, "Please I would not be able to tolerate Otto and Alicent alone".

"Only for you cousin" you giggled, "I take she informed you of the incident in the Red Keep this morning?".

"How is your leg?" Rhaenyra implored, observing how your leg had a faint limp to it, "She also insinuated you and Ser Erryk were engaged in- rather sexual activities".

"I'd need more than a half hour with him Rhaenyra" you quipped, "Criston is a cunt, if you asked me, I would not let him take my maidenhead" you looked to her, she rolled her eyes at the remark.

"We all have our regrets; you chose the better knight".

[aclockmaker]

Part 2 now here

Okay to expand on this I just think: Steve who’s been in a couple of tv shows and is having a moment, famous offscreen for his hair and his charm and onscreen for his ability to find chemistry with anyone (and also, again, his hair).

And Eddie who is a complete unknown; he’s been in some stage productions and had the tiniest bit parts on TV but nobody’s ever, like, recognized him on the street.

Eddie auditions for a new HBO show. When his agent tells him that Steve Harrington is already attached Eddie is like cool, I’ll never get this part but the audition will be good practice so why not. They’re never gonna cast him. He’s sure he’s playing it too weird, and he hasn’t cut his hair (but he will when a part needs him to) but then he gets a callback. Twice.

And then he’s getting called in to do a chemistry test with some of the other actors. The show is like a modern Freaks and Geeks but with a slow burn murder mystery, and Eddie’s actually dead in the main timeline but about half the show is told in flashbacks so it’s a big part. When he meets Steve he doesn’t know what he’s expecting from the paparazzi darling but the guy is super genuine, makes Eddie feel way more comfortable than he has so far. They do their read together and Eddie is just thinking to himself like… damn, this guy really is good, because that felt crazy. He’s acted opposite some insanely talented people but it’s never been that easy. That must just be what it’s like working with Steve.

And now it’s dangerous because he really wants the part. He wants to stop bartending to make rent. He wants to be on this show, because the pages he’s seen are good, and he thinks he could really bring something to it. And because he wants to work with Steve. And even the rest of the cast, too, but—

The day Eddie gets the part he gets a text from a number he doesn't know. Hey man, really looking forward to working with you. And then, a few minutes later, It's Steve btw. He's smiling down at his phone so much that his agent, whose office he's in, is like "What, did you just score another life-changing opportunity I don't know about?" And Eddie is like "Nope, just the one, uh—it's just my uncle saying congrats. Anyway—"

They don't make him cut his hair. They don't tell him to stop playing it so weird. Everything goes so well that it feels fucking hard to believe, in fact, like he's just waiting for the other shoe to drop. There's one group of them playing seniors in high school, the main foursome of which is Eddie, Steve, and their two girl costars, Nancy and Robin. And then there's a younger group playing freshmen whose story intersects with theirs.

His and Steve's characters are set up as opposites, almost rivals, and at least at first, you're presumably supposed to wonder if it's Steve's rich, popular guy who's killed Eddie's character. Nobody in the cast knows the truth yet; the scripts get revealed to them as they're shooting them and they've been told the murderer won't even be revealed in the first season (so here's hoping they get renewed, because Eddie would really like to know who killed him—and he'd also like to keep making HBO money).

Their scenes are some of Eddie's favorites to film (although he also has a soft spot for the kids—especially Dustin who plays a hilarious and awesome nerd who does D&D with Eddie's DM). Eddie hopes his and Steve's stuff is working on whatever level they ultimately need it to work on—sometimes they do get notes that tell them to pull back or dig into something, to emphasize something else, so he has to trust that they're doing the right things.

They often film out of order so when they eventually film the scene where Eddie and Steve's characters have their first run-in at school, it's far from the first time they've shot together. They get all up in each other's faces in the scene, and they've run the lines, done a table read, but acting it out at full intensity is. A lot. Steve's character is mad because he thinks Eddie's character is trying to steal his girlfriend (really she was just buying drugs from him). The way Steve plays it is all simmering intensity, the threat of violence just under the surface, and this is where Eddie doesn't know if he's reading something into it that isn't there. Because for him, there's also another kind of tension between them. And he doesn't know if it's his real life bleeding into the character; if it's just how Steve can't help being with everyone; or if it's a legitimate part of the scripts that they're supposed to be picking up on and exploring. He doesn't even know if anybody else sees what he does. But they do their takes; nobody tells him he's doing something wrong. And after the director calls cut the first time, Steve winks at him. Just to cut the tension, Eddie thinks, maybe to make him smile, which it does. It's fun watching Steve work, watching him slip into and out of character. He's really easy to work with.

Sometimes they get together to run lines or talk motivation or whatever. “It's crazy, you know," Eddie tells Steve in his trailer one night. Steve's is bigger so all of them usually hang out here. They've been making each other laugh, shooting the shit about increasingly funny backstories for their characters, and Eddie feels high with it. "I mean, you know this is my first real show. It's like—" he gestures between them, trying to encompass everything that happens on-camera and all the fun of working on that off-camera. "I didn't know it would be like this."

"Oh—yeah, man," Steve says and laughs a little self-deprecatingly, running a hand through his hair. "But, I mean, for me, I've done a couple and, with our stuff—it’s never been like this with anyone else, either.”

It's going to be so hard, Eddie thinks, looking back at him, to not read into that more than he should.

[lightofraye]

Debunking Nonsense Against Jared

There's apparently some crap about Jared that is just absolute nonsense. Full of lies and bullshit.

It'd be one thing if people just didn't like him. It happens. Not everyone is likeable. You're not expected to like him. But don't pull up lies to explain why you don't like him. Especially when they've been debunked again and again and again.

1. The "racist" tattoo. Y'all, this is nonsense. It's been debunked over and over and over. It's not a racist tattoo. For one, it's lacking the logo of "Come and take it", which would make it a racist tattoo. But a lone star above a cannon does not a racist tattoo make.

Jared is a proud Texan. He also donates to many a charity and organization that help people, speaking out about them often. Not to mention, prior to pro-gun rights appropriating the symbol and logo, it stood for a proud history in Texas. Jared would've known.

So how about instead of focusing on a mere tattoo, come up with more proof that Jared is a racist? Hmm?

Besides, if you're mad at Jared's tattoo, are you then mad at Jensen's t-shirt, which did show the saying as well?

2. Fighting with fans online. Oh come on. Misha's done it. (Misha's done worse, in fact.) Danneel's done it. Jared doing it does not a bad person make. And I don't think he's done it in a long time.

And of course, people will go "Danneel was hitting back!" And? What's the difference? Jared was hitting back too. Danneel went a step farther most of the time, siccing her followers on them, threatening them with Clif, even ran crying to Clif because people were being "mean".

3. RE: Prequelgate. Give me a fucking break! Jared was right to be upset! He called and texted Jensen for hours before he gave up and responded to that tweet about The Winchesters announcement. Jensen also lied about not being allowed cellphones on The Boys set. When they weren't filming, they were allowed. (Of course they can't have their cellphones on their person during filming, unless it suited the scene!) Besides all that, Jared honestly didn't know about it! Kripke was even shocked when he learned Jared didn't know! Supernatural and its legacy is as much Jared's as it was Jensen's! The whole freakin' industry gave Jensen a massive side-eye for his unprofessional behavior. Kevin Smith, a man who has directed, written, and acted in the industry, thought it was uncool. Also, Jared wasn't drunk.

4. Supposed bully accusations. I'd need to see more of this to believe it, but outside of occasionally putting Misha in his bullshit place, I've never heard of Jared bullying anyone. Everyone he's worked with has sung his praises. The only one who hasn't is Misha and that's because Jared won't let Misha put him down. And in fact, has had to step in to stop Misha from torturing Jensen. So fuck off with your noise.

5. His fanbase. Is he now responsible for his fanbase? I never knew that. What about Misha's fanbase sending Jensen death threats for denouncing Destiel? Has Misha ever stopped that? What about AAs hoping for Jared to suicide after Walker was cancelled?

6. What about Genevieve? Oh come on! Do I like that Gen is featuring the kids a lot? Myself, no. But if Jared was truly bothered by it, I'm sure he would've spoken to Genevieve. And Gen isn't any different than many other mommy influencers. I'm not keen on exploiting the kids like that, but would you say the same about Danneel abruptly grabbing the kids at Wales Comic Con and dragging them out for a photo op? All because she had no one in line for her autographs and desperate for attention?

7. Jared's Hair. Apparently there are some claiming Jared had gotten hair plugs. My response to that is: So what? Misha's had plastic surgery (trust me, it's obvious--his eyes and clearly lip fillers). Danneel's had worse--her hair is fried, bad extensions, plastic surgery galore that has ruined her hair line because of facelifts, fillers, Botox, and breast implants (twice!). Jensen's likely had a bit of work too.

So. Fucking. What. About Jared's hair?

--

Come up with truthful reasons to hate Jared, hmm? Not bullshit.

[sgiandubh]

In fact I have the impression that most fans in this fandom are never satisfied no matter how SC acts, they'll always find something to say. I remember how they behaved towards each other in the early days, and a lot of fans criticized SC for acting like kids and being unprofessional when they appeared at different events and I sometimes felt the same way about certain salacious things that were said to journalists and which they were also criticized for. When SC were very demonstrative with each other, fans criticized them for selling the show, and I even read comments from angry fans on their SM at the time asking them to stop behaving like that and that S wasn't respecting his co-star. Some people tend to forget that today they're no longer in their thirties, 11 years have passed, they've evolved, they've mellowed. S no longer acts like the young boy who fell under his co-star's spell, they've both moved on in their careers and in their private lives. Their goal, I think, is to go on in Hollywood and at least get some good job opportunities, and you don't need to have done advanced math to know that if you act like a kid on the red carpet, it doesn't look serious nor professional. In addition, many fans continue to say that if SC managed to represent Jamie and Claire so well it's because it's real. I'm sorry but SC and JC are two different couples. When S says he's not Jamie and when C says she's not Claire, it's true. Is C a doctor? Is S a fighter? Is S as traditional as Jamie? Are SC as co-dependent? I don't know if you've noticed, but SC have repeatedly pigeonholed this saying that JC are so fused that Claire would even tell Jamie when she went to the bathroom because he'd be worried. S, of course said recently that it's good to play scenes with other protagonists and not necessarily Claire, to which S joked and added : I need some space ok? For me JC's spotless love doesn't represent reality and unless I'm mistaken I don't think SC's daily life is all about living on love and fresh air. I agree with you, though, that there's been a certain distance between Jamie and Claire for a few seasons now so I don't know if it's because they've grown older and wiser, so they're not going to jump on each other like they did when they were young or if it's because the distance SC set up between them for the public is unconsciously transposed to JC . In any case, I think that SC, and maybe S more than C now, have set limits and that when they take part in promotions they remain professional and it's no longer Sam and Caitriona as a couple but Sam and Caitriona as co-stars. For me, fans need to stop mixing the two, also out of respect for the actors. I don't think it does them any favors to dissect their slightest behavior, and they're perfectly aware that every move they make will be observed and commented on, hence the distance S has put up with C publicly. Sorry for my long speech but when I read certain things, I think that some fans and mostly Anons need to stop throwing their own expectations and dreams of the ideal couple onto these two people (SC). On the other hand, SC have allowed some fans to find comfort in JC's love, and we can thank them for that.

Dear Long Speech Anon,

This is, indeed, very long and given my current circumstances, I had to read it twice in a row, in order to make sense of it.

I have to 1500% agree with you when you say two very important things:

'For me JC's spotless love doesn't represent reality and unless I'm mistaken I don't think SC's daily life is all about living on love and fresh air.'

With the amendment that JC's love is not exactly spotless, either. But that is Gabaldon's narrative choice, and as much as I detest her public persona (with a passion, can you tell?) she is queen on her page and of her own creatures. When she created them out of thin air, she assumed complete mastery over their destiny, even if any good writer will tell you that characters do have a life of their own - one of the most exciting mysteries of writing, indeed. Yet, it is ultimately up to the scribe to choose the words and to weave the story as they see fit. But yeah, SC not being a postcard couple is what makes them so damn endearing to me, in the first place, too.

'I think that some fans and mostly Anons need to stop throwing their own expectations and dreams of the ideal couple onto these two people (SC).'

You know, I really try to understand why this happens. There is so much tension and ugliness in this world, that you sometimes need a secret garden of sorts, don't you agree? It is harmless, it brings you solace & comfort, it's just that kind of daydreaming torpor your brain sometimes automatically switches on, in order to cope with hardship. Where I do see a problem, however, is going very vocal and public about it. And even more so, when people start to demand or believe they are owed at least an explanation (if not vindication), when These Two do not fit what definitely is to me a terrible, syrupy scenario.

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Mitsuhide Akechi Sequel

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors and inaccuracies.

Spoilers ahead. Not a full chapter translation.

With a pale face, Sasuke nodded.

Sasuke: "The fact that Mitsuhide's name is starting to disappear from the travel guide suggests that possibility."

Sasuke: "If Mitsuhide vanishes from the stage of history, the cause of divine punishment will be gone, and you'll surely return to normal."

The trembling of my body suddenly stopped.

My fingertips had gone so cold I could no longer feel anything.

Mai: "Thank you for answering honestly."

Sasuke: "Mai, what I just mentioned is just one solution. It's not the only definitive answer."

Mai: "Yeah, I know."

(But it is the most straightforward solution.)

Mai: "I'll try to forget about this and come up with other ways."

Sasuke: "Okay. I'll keep looking into it, too."

Sasuke: "So, Mai, please don't dwell on this alone."

Mai: "Thank you."

Unable to say yes, I simply expressed my gratitude.

Sasuke: "!?"

Sasuke: "Mai!?"

A flash of distress crossed Sasuke's face.

(I'm disappearing again!)

I quickly pulled out the necklace and rang the bell.

Sasuke: "Mai!"

Mai: "I'm fine, really!"

I shouted at the top of my lungs, wishing my voice would reach him.

Mai: "You take care too, alright? Thank you, Sasuke."

Perhaps he barely heard me, but Sasuke nodded in response.

Sasuke: "Don't forget, you have so many people on your side."

Mai: "Yeah!"

As I watched him walk away, I could no longer stand and collapsed to the floor.

Mai: "I'm okay. I'm okay. I'll definitely be okay."

I kept telling myself that over and over again, trying to muster the strength to get up.

(I'm scared, but even so, I'm glad I was able to face it.)

(Because now, I know how to avoid the worst outcome.)

This world no longer has a place for me.

The ground beneath me has disappeared, and I'm falling endlessly into darkness.

Fear engulfed me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. And yet, at the same time, a glimmer of hope emerged—a way to protect the person I love.

(It's strange.)

(Even though the thought of the future terrifies me to the point I can hardly breathe...)

At this moment, I feel the happiest I've ever been in my life.

(Loving someone is full of contradictions.)

Ranmaru: "I've brought Lady Mai."

Nobunaga: "Well done, Ranmaru."

Nobunaga: "You're there, aren't you, Mai?"

Mai: "Yes."

As I replied, the soft chime of a bell echoed, and Nobunaga nodded in acknowledgment.

The warlords, fully prepared for battle, wore determined expressions.

Scanning the hall, I quickly noticed the absence of someone I wanted to see.

(Mitsuhide isn't back yet.)

Although he'd been visiting whenever he found the time since the strange events began, he remained as elusive as ever. I haven't seen him since yesterday.

Hideyoshi: "Mai came all the way here, and yet, where's that guy?"

Mitsunari: "Lord Mitsuhide won't be participating in this campaign."

Mai: "I see."

(So, he's off somewhere, hatching another plan.)

I offered a quiet prayer in my heart.

(I hope Mitsuhide can accomplish whatever he's aiming for.)

(And also, happiness and peace.)

Nobunaga: "Keiji, what's the situation with Kicho and the others?"

Keiji: "They've left Sakai and are advancing toward Azuchi."

Keiji: "According to reports from the scouts, the enemy forces are twice our number."

(That big of a difference!?)

Hideyoshi: "We can't divert forces from suppressing the rebellion. We'll face them with a select elite group."

Masamune: "Perfect. My sword's itching for some action."

Masamune spoke with a fearless grin, but my heart pounded uncontrollably.

(I'll never get used to war.)

(I mean, how could I? So much blood will be spilled.)

At this very moment, thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands, must be on the verge of screaming, consumed by the fear of losing someone precious.

(I'm one of them.)

(This pain of loss transcends enemies and allies.)

Just imagining the heartache of losing someone made my chest feel like it was being crushed.

Ieyasu: "Mai, I bet you're making a sad face right now. I can tell, even though I can't see it."

Mai: "Ieyasu..."

Ieyasu: "You don't need to worry about unnecessary things."

Mitsunari: "Lady Mai, we'll return safely. Every single one of us."

Mitsunari: "Knowing that someone is waiting for us gives us strength."

Mitsunari's words were met with nods of agreement from everyone around us.

Mai: "Okay. I'll wait for you guys."

(I'm glad I decided not to run away.)

Even though I was almost like a ghost, there were still people who needed me.

(We're not needed because we're useful; we need each other simply because we want to be there for one another.)

Keiji: "Well then, let's go make some noise!"

Nobunaga: "Do not falter, any of you."

Everyone: "Yes!"

[Mai's Room, a few days later]

Mai: "Kicho and Motonari aim to undermine Lord Nobunaga's power and keep the rebellions going."

Ranmaru: "Judging by how easily the enemy army retreated, that's likely their intention."

(They aim to disrupt the peace of this world itself.)

Mai: "But why? There's no benefit in that for Kicho or Motonari."

Ranmaru: "I have no idea."

Ranmaru: "Times like this make me wish we could consult an expert in scheming."

Ranmaru muttered this with a look of pure frustration on his face.

(Does Mitsuhide know about Kicho and Motonari's movements?)

Ranmaru: "Lady Mai, if Lord Mitsuhide comes here, will you let him know?"

Ranmaru: "Tell him Lord Nobunaga and everyone are waiting for him. He needs to show up."

Mai: "Alright, I will."

After Ranmaru left, the only sound that remained was the howling wind outside.

(It feels like a storm is coming.)

The room started growing darker, so I lit a candle, but the draft caused the flame to flicker wildly.

My shadow, dancing along with the candlelight, appeared faint and thin.

(I don't have much time left.)

(Mitsuhide hasn't returned to Azuchi yet, so tonight's my chance.)

(I need to do whatever I can to avoid the worst outcome.)

I gathered only the bare essentials and wrapped them in a cloth bundle.

As I was preparing to leave—

???: "I'm coming in, Mai."

Mai: "!"

Masamune stepped into the room, his eye fixed intently on me.

Masamune: "What are you doing?"

(How could he show up at the exact moment I didn't want anyone to see me?)

I forced a smile, desperately trying to hide my panic, and turned to face him.

Mai: "Just tidying up. I had some free time, so I thought I'd organize a bit."

Masamune: "Liar."

Mai: "Huh?"

He strode toward me in large steps, leaning in to meet my eyes directly.

Masamune: "You're planning to disappear, aren't you?"

(How does he know?)

I clutched the small bundle I'd just packed tightly to my chest.

Masamune: "Thought so."

Before I could even think of an excuse, he spoke with absolute certainty.

Masamune: "I had a bad feeling, so I came to check on you. Looks like I was right."

Masamune: "Now that I've caught you, explain yourself."

Mai: "............"

Masamune: "Relax. I won't tell Mitsuhide."

He even guessed why I hesitated to speak.

Defeated, I gave in.

(There's no way I can deceive him.)

(I can't tell him everything, but if I don't speak honestly, he'll never forgive me.)

I lowered my gaze, searching for the right words.

Compared to Masamune's bold and vivid shadow, mine wavered like ink dissolving into water.

Mai: "Being near yet unable to connect is just too lonely."

Masamune: "............"

Mai: "If I know I'm no longer by everyone's side, maybe the pain will someday fade away."

Mai: "The sadness of not being able to touch someone, the pain of not being able to help, I thought that if I could just keep the good memories, that would be enough."

Masamune: "............"

Mai: "If I can't change the fate of disappearing, then at least I want to put an end to it myself."

Masamune: "So, you're going to leave here alone and say nothing?"

Mai: "Yeah."

(What scares me the most isn't the thought of becoming a ghost.)

(It's the thought that Mitsuhide might realize that if he disappears, my strange condition will be cured.)

I've come to believe that he would throw his life away without hesitation to save me, having loved me with such unrestrained devotion.

(If he disappears from this world, that would be the worst possible outcome for me.)

Mai: "Even if I leave here, I think I can somehow survive. I've been given enough strength to do that."

Mai: "Once I leave Azuchi and settle down, I'll send a letter."

It felt like a gaping hole had opened up in the center of my heart, and a dry wind was blowing right through it.

Masamune: "I understand your resolve."

Masamune: "That being said, I'll ask you again."

The intensity in Masamune's eye grew even stronger.

Masamune: "Is there no way I can steal you?"

(Masamune...)

(Was he serious about this?)

Mai: "Thank you, Masamune. I'm really grateful that you're trying to help, but there's nothing that can be done."

Mai: "I can't even control my own heart freely."

(Even if it's just for show, I can't be with anyone other than Mitsuhide.)

(I can't lie to my feelings, not even for a second.)

In this world, I fell deeply in love.

Love has become my backbone.

Masamune: "I see. In that case, don't back down, Mai."

Mai: "-----!"

Struck by his commanding voice, I quickly lifted my head.

Masamune: "Even if the bullets run out or the sword breaks, as long as you don't turn your back, there's still a chance of victory."

Masamune: "You stay where your heart belongs, even if it's by force."

(Where my heart belongs…)

The strength drained from my body and the small bundle I was holding dropped with a soft thud.

The gaze that pierced the depths of my soul pried open the feelings I'd buried deep inside.

(I...)

Mai: "The truth is..."

Masamune: "............"

Mai: "The truth is, I don't want to go anywhere!"

Masamune: "Mai..."

The scream I let out never pierced the air, and my wavering shadow finally disappeared.

Still, I couldn't keep it bottled up any longer.

Mai: "I want to be by Mitsuhide's side, not knowing anything about my fate. I want us to live together!"

(I won't give in to this fate. I won't lose.)

I let the tears flow freely.

I wasn't sad. I was just so angry.

Masamune: "Are you crying?"

Mai: "Yeah, sorry."

Even the sobs I couldn't control didn't reach him now.

Masamune: "Cry as much as you want."

Masamune: "Once you've cried it all out, you'll be able to fight again."

Masamune smiled and placed his hand gently on my head.

The motion of his palm as he stroked the air above me was incredibly kind.

(He's patting my head.)

Masamune: "If you try to leave again, this time, I'll take you from Mitsuhide by force."

Masamune: "And it won't just be me. Hideyoshi, Ieyasu, Mitsunari, Keiji, Ranmaru, and Lord Nobunaga—they'll all come for you."

Mai: "T-That's..."

Masamune: "If that bothers you, then stay here."

Masamune: "Understood?"

Mai: "Thank you."

(I hadn't considered the consequences.)

(If I leave Azuchi, there will be people I'll make sad.)

(I've been cherished far more than I realized.)

Fear and happiness crashed into me at the same time, leaving me frozen, unable to move.

No matter how much I pretended to be strong, my heart shattered, revealing my weakness.

(I guess it's okay to still be uncertain.)

I'm determined to avoid the worst possible outcome, and I won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to prevent it.

(Maybe I can stay here just a little longer.)

As I stood there, unable to move, Masamune quietly let me cry as much as I needed.

In the hallway, a shadow listened intently to the sound of muffled sobs.

Mitsuhide: "..........."

Without saying a word, Mitsuhide quietly left the spot without meeting Mai's eyes and departed Azuchi.

A few days later, thick clouds covered Azuchi at night.

As the rain gradually intensified, the brightly lit hall of Azuchi Castle was filled with the gathered Oda warlords.

Nobunaga: "You're back, Mitsuhide."

Mitsuhide: "Yes."

Surrounded by generals in full armor, Mitsuhide, wearing an immaculate kimono with no stains, stood out more than usual.

Mitsuhide: "I was a little late due to personal matters."

Hideyoshi: "You left the battle against Kicho and Motonari and still show up here as if nothing happened."

Mitsuhide: "It wasn't a problem without me, was it?"

Mitsuhide: "In fact, the Oda army won in less than a day."

Hideyoshi: "Don't start making excuses."

Hideyoshi stood up, veins bulging on his forehead, and angrily confronted Mitsuhide.

Hideyoshi: "What were you doing leaving Mai behind?"

Mitsuhide: "I said it was a personal matter."

Hideyoshi: "I'm asking what exactly that matter was."

Even as Hideyoshi grabbed him by the collar, Mitsuhide maintained a cold smile.

Nobunaga & Ranmaru: "............."

Masamune & Keiji: "............."

Ieyasu & Mitsunari: "............."

The gazes of everyone gathered pierced through Mitsuhide as the sound of rain from outside grew louder and more intense.

Hideyoshi: "Speak. What were you doing?"

A growl-like voice escaped Hideyoshi's throat.

No one in the room attempted to stop him.

Mitsuhide: "Let go of me. I won't be able to speak if you choke me."

Hideyoshi: "............"

Once Hideyoshi released his grip, Mitsuhide straightened his collar.

He then walked past Hideyoshi and approached Nobunaga, bowing deeply.

Mitsuhide: "Lord Nobunaga, I wish to resign from my position as a general of the Oda army."

Nobunaga: "..........."

Hideyoshi: "Ha?"

Masamune: "What kind of evil scheme is this now?"

Mitsuhide: "That's something I cannot say."

Hideyoshi: "You..."

Masamune: "Can't even tell us, huh?"

Ieyasu: "A rather honest answer for someone like you."

Mitsuhide: "I won't deny that."

Mitsuhide: "I can't say more, but I do thank you all. I appreciate everything you've done for me."

Hideyoshi: "Cut the jokes. It's not the time for that."

Keiji: "I don't think it's a joke. You should know better than anyone that he's not joking, Hideyoshi."

Mitsunari: "He's not someone who will listen to persuasion."

Mitsunari: "Even if you try to reason with him, he's already got his rebuttals lined up."

Mitsuhide: "You're sharp, Mitsunari. With you here, the Oda army's plans are in good hands."

Ieyasu: "And what about Mai? Does she agree with you?"

Mitsuhide: "I'll tell her myself and make her understand."

Ranmaru: "Do you really think she'll just accept that?!"

Ranmaru: "What happens to Mai if you leave?!"

Mitsuhide: "Mai and I are separate people."

Ranmaru: "-----!"

Mitsuhide: "Mai will follow her own path."

The warlords fell silent, and Mitsuhide quietly looked around at each of them before standing up.

Mitsuhide: "Well then, this is where we part ways."

Nobunaga: "Mitsuhide."

Mitsuhide: "Yes?"

Nobunaga: "Have I strayed from my path?"

Mitsuhide: "No, never."

Mitsuhide: "It's simply that our paths have diverged."

Without looking back, Mitsuhide opened the door and left the hall.

The incoming dark clouds unleashed a violent rainstorm upon the castle.

[Castle's Hallway]

Masamune: "Wait."

Mitsuhide: ".........."

At the voice calling after him, Mitsuhide paused.

The cold hallway was dark, and the night air seemed to cling to both of them.

Mitsuhide: "I thought our conversation was over?"

Masamune: "I still have something I want to ask."

The murderous intent in Masamune's voice made Mitsuhide turn around.

His gaze, sharp as a blade, met Mitsuhide's.

Masamune: "It's your choice to part ways with us for the sake of your ambition, for your own righteousness, but have you truly severed your ties with Mai as well?"

Mitsuhide: "That's exactly what has happened."

Mitsuhide: "If you intend to take her, now is the time."

Masamune: "........."

Masamune: "Eavesdropping again, I see. Always a fine hobby of yours."

Masamune: "Are you really serious about this?"

Mitsuhide: "Of course."

Masamune: "Then you're a fool."

Masamune: "If I could take her, I would have done it long ago."

Mitsuhide: "Don't get so down. It's so unlike you."

Masamune: "You, on the other hand, are acting so much like yourself that it's almost nauseating."

Mitsuhide: "Take it however you want."

Mitsuhide: "Tonight, our connection will be cut."

Masamune: "Is that so? If you're so sure about it, then..."

With a smooth, fluid motion, Masamune placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Masamune: "I'll cut off your limbs to make sure you don't leave."

Mitsuhide: "I'd appreciate it if you refrained from that."

[notnotstarving]

What the Survivors Think of Wes

I saw somebody make one of these with Maxwell, and they stopped it at that. So I've decided to continue the saga of analyzing the survivors relationships with one another, trying my best to remain objective and not let my bias seep in. And then maybe I'll make a chart once I'm done with this series, for those who don't wanna read allat. I'm starting off with Wes because it will help give context to another interpretive essay I'll be doing.

You are welcome to add more quotes/other context I missed, as well as reply with your own interpretation, in fact I encourage it!! I love nothing more than a good discussion.

Wilson

Generic- "Greetings, %s!"

Attacker- "%s is silent, but deadly..."

Murderer- "Mime this!"

Reviver- "%s thinks outside the invisible box."

Ghost- "How do you say "I'll get a revival device" in mime?"

Firestarter- "Wait, don't tell me. You lit a fire."

Wilson doesn't actually have much to say about Wes, if anything Wilson seems slightly peeved by him, but he's mostly neutral towards Wes. He actually seems more interested in his balloonomancy than Wes himself, but not by much:

Pile o' Balloons- "It looks like clown currency."

Balloon- "How are they floating?"

Speedy Balloon- "The hole in the center makes it more aerodynamic, that's just physics!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Now it's just another balloon."

Party Balloon- "How did he get the smaller balloons inside?"

Inflatable Vest- "If the bright colors don't attract some horrible creature, the squeaking will."

Balloon Hat- "The static does terrible things to my hair."

As curious as Wilson is about how the balloons work, I don't think he actually likes them and views them as annoying given how they mess up his hair (what a diva) and potentially attract "horrible creatures". In this animated short he also gives Wes quite the glare when he pops one, so I don't think he's a big fan of the balloons despite his mild curiosity.

There's also this quote:

Second-hand Dentures- "They've quickly become Wes' favorite prop."

I'm not sure of the tone it's supposed to be read in, but given the lack of enthusiasm for Wes's clown acts that Wilson has shown, I'd have to guess he's making a snarky remark on how unamusing Wes' use of props are.

Wilson's opinion is mostly neutral. Although he is not entertained by Wes' clown antics, and may even view his mime act as impractical given their circumstances, he doesn't seem to harbor hostility towards Wes in spite of this.

Willow

Generic- "Hi %s!"

Attacker- "That mime punch was really convincing! Haha, ow!"

Murderer- "Your actions speak louder than words! Murderer!"

Reviver- "Who do ghosts call? %s!"

Ghost- "Just tell me whatcha need and I'll get it for you. Heheh!"

Firestarter- "Make it BURN!"

Willow has a very positive view on Wes. She gives him the benefit of the doubt when he attacks her, thinking he's just playing around and wouldn't actually hurt her, which implies she truly believes Wes doesn't have a mean bone in his body (she's right).

Pile o' Balloons- "I could fill them with flammable gas."

Balloon- "That's just asking to be popped."

Speedy Balloon- "Thanks! I'll be able to set fires twice as fast with this thing!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "No flying away!"

Party Balloon- "Hey, when are you gonna make a hot air balloon? I could help!"

Inflatable Vest- "Squeak-squeak-squeak! Ha ha where's Maxwell, this'll drive him crazy!"

Balloon Hat- "Hey, a rabbit! Not bad!"

In contrast to Wilson, she's actually a pretty big fan of the balloons. Also unlike others in this list, rather than simply examining the balloons, it's actually implied she's speaking directly TO Wes rather than just about him. At least the speedy, party, and hat ones imply this.

Cannon (Nothing to upload)- "Darn it, I'm out... hey Wes, you always wanted to try being a human cannonball right?"

Empty Elixir- "Hey Wes! Dare you to drink the last bit!"

Beaten Beater- "When I crank it Wes pretends to ride unicycle circles around me."

She also has a whopping THREE bonus quotes mentioning Wes, this is more than anyone else has. All three suggest they have a very playful relationship, which of course is in tune with both their natures. Although Willow may mean the cannon one literally, which suggests she wants to maim him, this is normal for her and does not imply hostility.

Overall Willow seems to get along with him great and trusts him a good deal.

Wolfgang

Generic- "Is tiny oddman, %s! Hello!"

Attacker- "Wolfgang does not trust your rosy cheeks, %s."

Murderer- "Ah! Is killer clown! %s!"

Reviver- "%s is nice, weird little man."

Ghost- "Wolfgang will go get heart for odd clownman!"

Firestarter- "You are looking very guilty, clownman."

Lmao Wolfgang thinks he's weird, straight up calls him weird and odd. Despite that he does get along with Wes.

He also thinks the balloons are fun and wants to share the experience with the others:

Pile o' Balloons- "Wolfgang will make balloon muscles."

Balloon- "Is full of clown breath!"

Speedy Balloon- "Clownman has mighty lungs to make balloon so big!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Balloon has gotten scrawny and weak!"

Party Balloon- "Come, friends! Is party!"

Inflatable Vest- "Wolfgang will try not to pop little vest with his mighty muscles."

Balloon Hat- "Haha! Tiny clownman make funny rabbit hat!"

Bonus Quote:

Wire Hanger- "Is skinny and bendy, like clownman Wes."

Wolfgang probably means bendy as a compliment considering the context that Wolfgang is from a circus group.

Wolfgang has a positive opinion on Wes. Despite thinking Wes is strange, he does not let that hinder his friendship with Wes and treats him the same as the other survivors.

Wendy

Generic- "How do you do, %s?"

Attacker- "There's something you're not telling us..."

Murderer- "%s, this is the end... for you!"

Reviver- "Abigail says she understands you, %s."

Ghost- "You won't leave us if I get you a heart, right?"

Firestarter- "There are other ways to express yourself, %s."

Wendy is overall neutral, but Abigail seems to understand him somehow, which probably gets him points in Wendy's favor. She does seem sad when he's dead and doesn't want him to leave her, so she does care for him.

Pile o' Balloons- "These look as deflated as I feel..."

Balloon- "A colorful reminder that my childhood is no more."

Speedy Balloon- "Will it make me swift enough to outrun my problems?"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Sail far away from here, little balloon."

Party Balloon- "What is the point of celebrating in a place such as this?"

Inflatable Vest- "Why try to prolong the inevitable?"

Balloon Hat- "Can he make one for Abigail?"

She's emo as usual when inspecting the balloons, but I think she gets joy out of it and won't admit it. She wants Abigail to have a balloon hat after all so she must like them to some extent.

Wendy seems neutral towards him on the surface, but she does like him given that he makes her, or at least Abby, happy.

WX-78

Generic- "DETECTING... %s!"

Attacker- "ENOUGH CLOWNING AROUND, %s"

Murderer- "YOUR INVISIBLE MATTER SHIELD CANNOT STOP ME, %s"

Reviver- "THE QUIET FLESHLING %s MAY BE WORTH KEEPING AROUND"

Ghost- "I DON'T THINK THE FLESHLING IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE THAT"

Firestarter- "%s WILL DESTROY ALL FLESHLINGS WITH FIRE"

Yeah typical Wx. They don't like him, but not for any fault on Wes' part, it's simply because he's a fleshling.

Pile o' Balloons- "USELESS RUBBER SACKS"

Balloon- "WX-78 CANNOT BE FOOLED. THESE ANIMALS ARE NOT REAL"

Speedy Balloon- "IT DEFIES ALL LOGIC"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "I DON'T TRUST IT"

Party Balloon- "I WILL POP IT. NO. THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS..."

Inflatable Vest- "THIS ONE MIGHT NOT BE ENTIRELY WORTHLESS"

Balloon Hat- "IT SERVES NO PURPOSE OTHER THAN BEING UGLY"

Not a fan of the balloons either, they think they're useless. The party balloon implies they have no problem popping Wes' balloons and probably do it regularly, but refrain from doing so with the party balloons because they know Wes purposed them to be popped and would be pleased, which Wx doesn't want.

In short, WX doesn't like him, but that's also WX's default, so maybe they're neutral?

Wickerbottom

Generic- "Ah, the mime lad. Greetings, dear %s!"

Attacker- "His body language says everything."

Murderer- "They'll tell tales of your defeat, %s!"

Reviver- "You're a fine young man, %s."

Ghost- "Poor dear. %s needs a heart to anchor him to this plane."

Firestarter- "Don't cry to me when you burn yourself, dear."

Nothing too notable, Ms Wickerbottom is a polite woman and remains so with Wes.

Pile o' Balloons- "These seem frivolous."

Balloon- "Could serve as a suitable diversion."

Speedy Balloon- "The chemical composition of the young man's breath must be fascinating."

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Probably not enough air left to analyze its composition..."

Party Balloon- "A reasonable amount of cheer every so often would do us good."

Inflatable Vest- "I applaud your attempt at practicality, dear."

Balloon Hat- "I believe it's meant to evoke the image of a Lagomorph."

She thinks the balloons are frivolous, but she can also appreciate that Wes is spreading cheer.

Wickerbottom is neutral towards Wes, however she does value Wes and how he can boost morale even if she herself is not a big fan of his act.

Woodie

Generic- "%s! How ya doin', buddy?"

Attacker- "%s could learn some manners..."

Murderer- "You're MIME now, %s!"

Reviver- "%s, you're an alright guy."

Ghost- "First we'll get you a heart, then we'll get you some bacon, eh %s?"

Firestarter- "Keep those flames away from my trees!"

I know it looks like they're buddies, but this is just Woodie being Canadian, he calls everyone buddy and is a polite guy. He does seem to coddle him though, wanting to get him bacon after he's back from the dead.

Pile o' Balloons- "Are those balloons?"

Balloon- "It's squeaky. Just like a real woodland creature."

Speedy Balloon- "Now how do you figure that works, Luce?"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Just a regular balloon now, eh?"

Party Balloon- "Uh oh, I didn't forget someone's birthday did I?"

Inflatable Vest- "It beats drowning, I guess..."

Balloon Hat- "We can all appreciate nature in our own way."

Indifferent towards the balloons, which makes me think he doesn't care too much for clowns, but I also don't think he dislikes them.

Woodie is neutral towards Wes but leans more on the friendly side. No comment on Lucy's part.

Maxwell

Generic- "Greetings, Mr. %s."

Attacker- "%s is giving me the creeps..."

Murderer- "Murderous fiend! You cannot escape!"

Reviver- "%s is an effective ally."

Ghost- "I could get you a heart, %s... for a price."

Firestarter- "Stop burning things, mime."

I don't know what to make of this honestly. Maxwell finds him creepy, but he's not resistant to calling him an ally. Buuut he also doesn't revive Wes, instead opting to ask for something in return. I'm inclined to say he is most likely just teasing Wes though, cuz he does tease a lot of the others when they die.

Pile o' Balloons- "Those look much too jovial for my liking."

Balloon- "This seems out of place here. Too cheery."

Speedy Balloon- "The mime's power unsettles me."

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Its power is spent. Now it's just garishly cheery."

Party Balloon- "Oh no... he's managed to make them even more cheerful."

Inflatable Vest- "I think I'd rather drown."

Balloon Hat- "Would I really stoop so low as to wear such a thing?"

Doesn't like his balloons. (Interesting thing to note is that Wes seems to have some sort of "power" and it unsettles Maxwell.)

Maxwell is largely indifferent towards Wes, maybe slightly leaning towards dislike because Maxy's not a fan of the mime stuff or Wes' power.

Wigfrid

Generic- "Gööd health tö yöu, %s!"

Attacker- "Dö yöu bite yöur thumb at me, mime?"

Murderer- "May we meet again in Valhalla!"

Reviver- "%s has Höenir's blessing."

Ghost- "Meditate ön Höenir's blessings, %s. I'll find a heart."

Firestarter- "Dön't ruin yöur fair makeup with ashes, %s."

Only good things to say to Wes, she also likes his makeup. (If you're wondering, Hœnir is the god of silence, spirituality, poetry, and of passion. So she respects him enough to say he has a God's blessing, but this isn't out of the ordinary for Wigrid to say about her allies.)

Pile o' Balloons- "Such cölörs! I cöuld sing!"

Balloon- "Fie! Föul beast!"

Speedy Balloon- "Grant me the speed öf Hermöd!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Its strange pöwer hath faded."

Party Balloon- "It hath swallöwed the wee önes whöle!"

Inflatable Vest- "Tis önly gööd för flöating, nöt fighting."

Balloon Hat- "A rubbery möckery öf life."

She has mixed feelings about Wes' craft. She loves the colors and the speedy balloon, but otherwise finds them useless.

Wigrid gets along with Wes, they're probably friends.

Webber

Generic- "Hey! Hi %s!"

Attacker- "Maybe we can talk this out?"

Murderer- "You're supposed to play nice!"

Reviver- "%s is super nice. And his makeup's cool!"

Ghost- "We'll help you get back on your feet, %s!"

Firestarter- "You were just supposed to mime lighting it!"

This dweeb thinks the mime is cool.

Pile o' Balloons- "Is there going to be a party?!"

Balloon- "Balloon animals! Balloon animals!!"

Speedy Balloon- "Circles must be the speediest shape."

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "We have to hold on tight or it'll fly away!"

Party Balloon- "Yay! It's a party!"

Inflatable Vest- "We should take it on our boat trips."

Balloon Hat- "It looks like a bunny!"

He loves the balloons, of course, he is a kiddo living in a nightmare world, the balloons probably give him some comfort.

Webber likes Wes. he thinks Wes is super nice and kinda cool.

Winona

Generic- "Don't worry %s, I can talk enough for two. Ha!"

Attacker- "Didn't know ya had it in ya, %s!"

Murderer- "Killer mime! I'll have nightmares tonight!"

Reviver- "Thanks for the assist, %s."

Ghost- "Let's getcha back on your feet, %s."

Firestarter- "You responsible for that fire there, %s?"

She doesn't mind that he doesn't speak and may even find him endearing. Judging by how she doesn't seem at all offended by him attacking her, she actually seems more proud than hurt, which is reminiscent of her big sister personality type.

Pile o' Balloons- "No fun without Wes."

Balloon- "Oh! A balloon."

Speedy Balloon- "It's full of get up and go!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Better not leave that unattended."

Party Balloon- "We can celebrate once the work is done."

Inflatable Vest- "I think he's trying to be helpful... in his own way."

Balloon Hat- "Cute, but it won't protect your noggin' from much."

She thinks Wes is fun and encourages the use of his balloons (not without getting the work done first of course). Those last two quotes are vaguely patronizing, but in an older sister kinda way and not in a "I'm better than you" kind of way.

She likes him, they're friends, she treats him like a little brother almost.

Wortox

Generic- "%s, let's practice our routine!"

Attacker- "Those punches weren't part of the bit!"

Murderer- "Don't hurt me, %s!"

Reviver- "Thank-you, thank-you, funny friend!"

Ghost- "%s, did you get more delicious?"

Firestarter- "Ooohoohoo, what have you been up to?"

Wortox seems to be friends with Wes! They practice routines together, probably very frequently too because he thinks Wes is playing into one of their bits when he gets attacked by him.

Pile o' Balloons- "Stores one's breath for later spells."

Balloon- "I often feel like I might float away. Hyuyu!"

Speedy Balloon- "With this gift, I'll be more swift!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Its magic is spent."

Party Balloon- "A party! Am I invited?"

Inflatable Vest- "A bright balloon vest to wear across my chest."

Balloon Hat- "I'm likely to get lightheaded from wearing it, hyuyuyu!"

Nothing too special to say about Wes' crafts but he seems to enjoy them.

Wortox and Wes are friends that seem to bond over their mutual interest for pranks and all things alike. This makes sense given that Wortox is a little jokester and it is literally Wes' livelihood to be one as well.

Wormwood

Generic- "%s is quiet friend"

Attacker- "Bad %s! Don't hurt!"

Murderer- "%s is silent dead maker"

Reviver- "%s is a good friend"

Ghost- "%s is a quiet floaty"

Firestarter- "Aggh! %s made too much fire!"

Pile o' Balloons- "Needs air"

Balloon- "Boop"

Speedy Balloon- "Run run run!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Boop"

Party Balloon- "Fun!"

Inflatable Vest- "Safe?"

Balloon Hat- "Squee Hopper? Hm. No"

Wormwood is as neutral as they come. If this whole thing was a graph then Wormwood would be right smack dab in the middle. He has no bad things, but also nothing special, to say about Wes.

Warly

Generic- "Bonjour, %s!"

Attacker- "I didn't expect him to be the violent sort."

Murderer- "What a terrible act you've committed."

Reviver- "I love your act, by the way."

Ghost- "Is there a medic on this island?"

Firestarter- "Watch where you light those fires, %s."

Nothing too out of the ordinary, Warly does go out of his way to say he likes Wes' act though.

Pile o' Balloons- "It's been left completely breathless."

Balloon- "How colorful!"

Speedy Balloon- "What a kind gift!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Quite an odd design. Then again, it was made by an odd fellow."

Party Balloon- "Ah! A celebration!"

Inflatable Vest- "I'm not sure how safe that is."

Balloon Hat- "It's... not exactly my style."

Here's another person that thinks Wes is weird, but he mostly has positive things to say about his balloons.

Warly is neutral. Based on the fact that Warly thinks he's weird, and that the most substantial thing he has to say about Wes is regarding his act, I don't think they interact much. Warly just sees him as the resident mime and nothing more. (Which honestly surprises me, I would've thought they'd at least bond over their mutual understanding of the French language.)

Wurt

Generic- "Hello clown man."

Attacker- "Glorph, go away!"

Murderer- "Scale-less bad, never shoulda left swamp!"

Reviver- "Oh... thanks, flort."

Ghost- "Look paler than usual, florp."

Firestarter- "You a strange man, flort."

I know it seems like she is neutral, but if you compare these quotes with how she speaks with the others, then you would be able to see that she likes him less than the others. She says "Hello." rather than "Hello!" The only other survivor she greets this way is WX, who she believes doesn't like her. I think she also believes that Wes does not like her and in turn she does not like him. because she seems surprised/confused when he revives her. She also calls him strange, and unlike Wolfgang, she means this negatively.

Pile o' Balloons- "Look chewy, florp."

Balloon- "Want one!!"

Speedy Balloon- "That a big one, flurp!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Awww, got all small."

Party Balloon- "Huh? There stuff inside!"

Inflatable Vest- "Ooooh, water floaty!"

Balloon Hat- "Squeaky hat."

She likes the balloons tho. I mean, she is a kid after all.

Wurt finds Wes weird and does not appear to like/trust him. (My hypothesis is that she may find his silence and makeup creepy, cuz I can't figure out any other reason as to why she dislikes him.)

Walter

Generic- "Uh... hi %s."

Attacker- "This is why I don't trust clowns!"

Murderer- "%s is a killer clown!"

Reviver- "I guess some clowns are okay."

Ghost- "A Pinetree Pioneer leaves no one behind! Even if they're a clown!"

Firestarter- "That's not a proper campfire, %s!"

Walter spells it out for us very clearly: he does not trust Wes. He is scared of clowns, and therefore keeps his distance. Despite this, Walter is still a good kid who does not stray from his own code of ethics. Walter will happily revive Wes and still greet him (even if he does so unenthusiastically) just like he would for anyone else.

Pile o' Balloons- "Someone left litter here!"

Balloon- "My keen tracking senses are telling me there's a clown nearby."

Speedy Balloon- "Clowns have strange and mysterious ways..."

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "It's pretty much just a regular balloon now."

Party Balloon- "Is someone having a party?"

Inflatable Vest- "I guess it's better than not having a life jacket at all..."

Balloon Hat- "I'm a bit too old for this kind of thing."

Walter doesn't like clowns so of course he isn't gonna like his props either. He thinks Wes has a "mysterious", probably sinister, use for the speedy balloon and is reluctant to use the vest.

Walter distrusts Wes and is not a fan at all of his mime antics.

Wanda

Generic- "Sorry %s, I have no time for charades!"

Attacker- "Now hold on just one minute, I don't think that's part of the act!"

Murderer- "Murderer! Do you have nothing to say for yourself?!"

Reviver- "%s's actions speak louder than his words."

Ghost- "Don't you fret, soon it'll be like this never even happened!"

Firestarter- "Ah... it looks like I'm in the bad timeline again."

Wanda is pretty neutral, but I don't think she's too fond of socializing with Wes considering he can only communicate in "charades", and maybe by writing, which she doesn't have time for.

Pile o' Balloons- "Everyone has their forte. Some bend time, others bend balloons."

Balloon- "Balloons have such a short lifespan."

Speedy Balloon- "Just the extra bit of speed I've been looking for!"

Speedy Balloon (deflated)- "Well, that was short-lived."

Party Balloon- "Balloons within balloons."

Inflatable Vest- "If it keeps me from drowning, I'll wear it."

Balloon Hat- "Ha, I'd look ridiculous in that! Let me try it on."

Saying that "Some bend time, others bend balloons." sounds pretty condescending. But again, we can't hear the tone she is saying this in so we can't tell for sure how she means it. My interpretation is that she may look down on Wes for not having much to offer in terms of survival or prowess, but she will give him credit where credit is due; he's good at balloons. After all, she does seem to like Wes' balloons, actually appreciating the usefulness of his balloons in some situations.

Overall, she is neutral towards Wes, but mostly just sees him as a clown. Wanda is actually a pretty silly woman, she is not averse to having fun, even if she is all "I don't have time for this and that". I think if she did have the spare time, she would not mind hanging around Wes, but I don't see her making the time to do so.

Conclusion

Most of the survivors like Wes. A lot of the survivors though, including the some of the ones that like him, seem to view him as just "the mime" rather than anything else. Not being able to see past his gimmick does makes sense for a lot of the survivors because they aren't able to communicate with Wes in the way they're used to: talking. The mime thing is also a hit or miss with the survivors, some are not big fans of clowns while others love it.

Wes' biggest allies: Willow, Wortox, Winona

Wes' biggest haters: Walter, Wurt, WX-78

[grandlinedreams]

Obsessed w dad!az 🤩 we need a little angst to fluff 🫣 what if something were to happen to the kids like a kidnapping or something 😭😭😭

OUGH your mind too 😩

|| warnings: little touch of angst, reader kind of going catatonic/mention of reader's power/touch of horror with that, mention of blood

It feels like you've been gutted. Scooped out, hollowed ㅡ emptied for the cold slither of the thing that's inhabited your body since you came out of the Cauldron. You don't know what it is, not really ㅡ only that you've worked hard to keep it reined in, docile and dormant.

It simmers under your skin now, howling a demand for an outlet, screaming so loud you can't think past anything but wanting to absolutely rip apart whatever or whoever has had the audacity to touch your children, let alone take them from you.

"You're bleeding."

Concern doesn't begin to cover how Azriel feels, watching you stare blankly at the baby blanket draped over your legs. Just hours ago, the twins had been sleeping soundly underneath it. Just hours ago, Aria, Ivy and River had been safe and sound. Your hands are curled tight, crimson oozing beneath your fingertips ㅡ your nails have dug so hard they've broken skin.

Azriel reaches for you, tries not to think about the fact he can't feel anything from your end of the bond, cold snap of a shield so fierce that even Rhysand couldn't get you to lower it, that your skin burns under his touch.

Your fingers uncurl like a spring-loaded trap, bloodied at the tips with no source for it as your skin knits together, sealing the little crescents your nails had dug. Your gaze shifts over to him, painfully slow. What stares out at him from behind your eyes isn't you, and isn't fae.

Azriel swallows. And not for the first time, he wonders what else came out of the Cauldron with you. You blink once, twice ㅡ and that power dims, a shadow tucked back to the deep. Your shoulders tremble and then you're in his arms, muffling a choked cry as the dam breaks.

"They're out there," you sob, "Aria and Ivy and River ㅡ they're out there, Azriel."

His chest aches. "I know."

Azriel wonders how he can hold you tight enough to keep you from falling apart when he's unraveling with you, thoughts jumping from one scenario to another, each one worse than the last. He wants to be out there looking for them, hunting down whoever took them ㅡ but Rhysand had taken one look at you and told him you needed him more.

Time feels like syrup. Thick, sticky, and agonizing for how slow it slips past ㅡ Azriel doesn't know how long you cry for, only that his heart feels like it's been cleaved in two when you finally still. He knows you're not asleep, can feel the wet sweep of your lashes on his skin with each slow blink.

He doesn't know how to comfort you. As much as he wants to, he knows that there isn't anything he can say that will close that chasm of fear for either of you until your children are back.

Azriel tenses as his shadows alert him Cassian and Rhys' return ㅡ and he waits, ignoring your questioning look as he asks the tentative question, fearing the answer. Are theyㅡ

They're here. And they're okay, Rhys tells him, sounding exhausted but relieved. Not a scratch on them.

He knows you've heard Rhys too by the way you're pulling away from him and getting to your feet, bolting at the sound of Ivy's wailing ㅡ and he isn't far behind you.

Red-cheeked, your younger daughter is near screaming in Cassian's arms, teary-eyed River in Rhys' with Aria clinging to his leg. Azriel takes River from the High Lord, shadows wreathing around Aria to guide her to him as well, and Ivy quiets as she's cradled into your arms.

You're crying again. Quietly, tears dampening Ivy's hair as you kiss her head, her cheeks, her nose ㅡ and they continue to spill until you've done the same with Aria and River, reassuring yourself that your children are indeed unharmed.

Once you and your children are far enough away, Azriel turns towards Cassian and Rhys. "What about who took them?"

Cassian looks away, but the gleam to his eyes and the spatter of blood he's missed cleaning off his face says enough, and dark satisfaction thrums in Azriel's veins.

The tension doesn't ease completely until the three of them are asleep between the two of you, cradled protectively with you on one side, Azriel on the other. Only then does Azriel allow himself to relax, knowing that they're safe and sound.

[kalinara]

I've been contemplating why many of the Throuple or "Scogean" fics and meta that I see don't really work for me. This is not intended to target any one author or commenter. This is just my own personal, general opinion.

And I think my main issue is that I look for Throuple fic/meta that specifically deals with the 616, that is, the main comic book, continuity. And, for all that this is where the Throuple is actually canon*, it's actually pretty rare to find fic/meta about this specific dynamic.

(*No one's buying the eleventh hour denial, Marvel)

I think what a lot of Throuple writers don't realize about the 616 continuity is that Scott, Jean and Logan really are not a ship of two well adjusted individuals and their weird self-loathing, feral pet that they've coaxed in from the cold.

That dynamic may work for some of the other continuities, and that's perfectly cool, don't get me wrong, but if we're specifically talking about 616, the dynamic is ultimately very different.

I mean, yes, Logan is Logan. And he's got a lot of trauma and issues under his belt. He's also about 200 years old and has learned a shit ton of coping mechanisms. He's not always friendly, he's not always civilized, and occasionally he's an outright judgmental asshole. But he's mostly figured out his own shit.

Now let's look at Scott Summers and Jean Grey for a minute. The first and best of Xavier's child soldiers.

Jean Grey is the living embodiment of a god, who is constantly dealing with the fact that a loss of control on her part could and has led to billions of deaths. She has to deal with the fact that she dies, a lot and basically every time she comes back it's to a very different world than she left where everyone is yet again in some new bizarre crisis. She's constantly trying to relearn herself, her surroundings, her relationships, and atone for the things done when she'd lost control.

(A.X.E. X-Men #1)

Scott Summers is arguably the more normal of the three. He's not a god or an immortal, right? But this is a man who, in his last canonical nervous breakdown kicked Xavier from the mansion (twice), went from being headmaster of the School, to the benevolent dictator of the entire mutant race, to being an outlaw revolutionary that decorates college dorm rooms Che Guevara style and ended up on the cover of Rolling Stone even as SHIELD, the Avengers, and pretty much every world government wanted him captured or dead. Oh, and he thought it was a great idea to try to teach a new batch of students in the fucking left over WEAPONS X facility.

He's a little more stable now, admittedly. I'm not quite sure what to make of the whole outsourcing his moral accountability to his wife bit. But I'm sure the panic attack and the fact that he's now living in an abandoned Sentinel factory are not something we really need to worry about.

(Uncanny X-Men #527)

Obviously, everyone is going to have their own read on the throuple, but to me, the throuple is less two well adjusted people with their poor feral friend, and more one somewhat sane old dude who is dating a tormented goddess, and a modern version of Alexander the Great perpetually on the verge of a psychotic break.

I'm just saying, in the 616 continuity, LOGAN is the well-adjusted one.

[ghcstao3]

second time i'm putting ghost and tommy in a band just because

but them being pretty big in the underground punk scene but never straying from that local-band vibe even after they've attracted a decent following. their plan had never been to go big, just to make music, so that's what they do.

johnny's a frequenter of underground shows, and he just so happened to catch word of one when he's in manchester for whatever reason. so of course he goes, uncaring if he knows any names, because music is music, and he's just there for a good time.

when simon and tommy's band comes onto the stage, johnny is absolutely enamoured with the band. somehow it's just about everything he likes all meshed into one act, and while the frontman is energetic, and has seemingly perfected that line between professional and amateur in his sound, and the drummer and guitarist all the same—johnny's eyes are on the bassist the entire time.

his smeared eyeliner and half-obscured face, his messy hair and bloodied knuckles like he'd just come fresh from a fight before playing. his casual stance and dark eyes and—it's no wonder johnny subconsciously worms his way to the very front just to gaze up at the man from up close.

shame johnny hadn't caught the band's name when it had been announced. he feels a sudden need to follow them along all of their shows.

which, speaking of—once the set is over, johnny does the stupid thing of trying to find where the band heads off to. he'd done it once or twice before, and usually shows like this lend the acts to spend time with the crowd as a part of it at some point, so it's not... so difficult.

he doesn't end up finding the band—at least, not all of it.

because in the alley of the venue, johnny finds the bassist smoking, face now fully exposed as he brings a cigarette to his lips.

with nothing to lose but his dignity, johnny sidles up to the man as casually as he can manage, as if he hadn't just become a big fan.

"great gig," johnny says. "how long have you been playing?"

the bassist barely spares him a glance. "few years now. s'there somethin' i can help you with or what?"

his voice is a pleasant rumble in johnny's chest, as low and steady as the bass itself. his tone is indifferent, though, and johnny thinks to change that.

"only lookin' for a name." johnny shrugs, leaning perhaps a bit too close.

the bassist finally looks to him, a mild confusion written into his face. up close, his eyes are impossibly darker, voids johnny thinks he could gladly sink into.

"simon," he eventually supplies. "that it?"

johnny grins. "maybe. you have other shows coming up? haven't heard you guys before, and i have a bit of a thing for live music."

simon stares at him a moment. if johnny watched close enough—which he certainly does—he'd notice the subtle upwards quirk of simon's lips.

"we have gigs planned, yeah. you have a pen? i'll write the date for you."

johnny frowns, just a bit, before searching his person for something to write with.

the best he manages is an eyeliner pencil, but apparently it's good enough for simon to take johnny's arm to write on his skin. the drag of the pencil across his skin is harsh, though it's hardly simon's fault.

johnny watches simon's face the entire time, the lit cigarette dangling from his lips. he never once questions why he couldn't have just been told the date.

"try not to rub it," simon advises once he's finished, straightening his back and offering the pencil back to johnny. "see you around..."

"john," he says. he tucks the pencil away, never bothering to glance at his arm.

"johnny," simon decides instead, taking one last drag of his smoke before snubbing it out on the brick wall and flicking it to the ground. he brushes past johnny and disappears back inside through a door johnny hadn't previously noticed.

it isn't until much too late that johnny looks down and sees that a date had not, in fact, been written on his arm—but rather, a phone number.

cheeky bastard.

the worst part is that johnny still doesn't know the band's name.

[thesleepyfable]

~ SWTD: Still Here AU Part 9: ~

When the Walls Crumbled:

This is it. The long awaited Murine/Muirinnes chapter.

Fun fact: This is my first ever romance piece I've done for any fan-fiction. So, I have no idea if this is good or not.

Another fact: I had already completed this chapter before chapters 7 and 8. This was going to be chapter 7, but I had to map out a timeline when I decided this was going to be a mini-arc, and not a time-jump to post-rescue. Plus, during that time, I decided not to have military involvement. What I have instead you'll soon see.

Tw: Parental abuse and gambling.

Part 10:

Innes couldn't sleep. He found himself staring at the container ceiling. Drool ran down the chin, which only momentarily snapped him out of his daydream. Then right back to it. He tried, but no amount of tossing or turning was helping. Even when he was leaned against Muir, he found no comfort. A quick check from his watch showed it was 2:15am.

'Maybe some fresh air will help?' He asked himself.

With a quick glance at Muir, seeing him sleeping peacefully, Innes carefully moved from his side and made it for the door. He'll go outside, sit at the railing, and have a smoke to himself. Or he would do that if a tendril didn't wrap around his waist. Of course, Muir was secretly awake the entire time. Sneaky little shit. Innes accepted defeat with a deflated sigh and turned to see Muir lift him up and place him in front of his face.

'I thought you were asleep.'

Muir ignored the empty statement.

'Innes, what's wrong?' Because he could sense something. His heartbeat wasn't normal, and he felt it sink at the question. Then there were his eyes. For hours, Innes has had a hurt look in them. Even when he cheered for Brodie and Finlay, and when gorged on the leftovers, the look was still there. Plus, even if they've been practically inseparable, Innes couldn't bring himself to look Muir in his. Even now, Innes was clearly looking through him. 'It's okay. You know it'll be okay.'

Words filled and drowned Innes' mind.

'Stupid boy. You deserve this. How can you look at yourself? Stop being a fucking idiot!'

The words Innes would hear from his father and he'd repeat them as self-punishment.

'Don't cry. You're not a man if you cry!'

He wanted to, but a part of him was always afraid to. He feared his father would find out, even over a hundred miles away and being 6 feet under. That man left a mark that was hard to scrub off. No luck. Even Innes had a breaking point. Tears began to fall, and Muir began to wipe them away.

'Why aren't you mad at me?' A lump formed in his throat, and his heart began to race. 'I left you alone. I just ran whilst you turned into,' he gestured to Muir's exposed ribs. 'This. I'm your supervisor. I'm supposed to look out for you. You said that yourself!' He paused to catch his breath, but to no avail. 'I'm so sorry, Muir.'

The guilt had been eating away at him. Since he heard Muir calling out for him in distress. Even if no one could blame him, Innes' heart felt heavy, and he wanted to be sick. In his mind, because of him, Muir will never be human again. His body blew open and turned inside out with ribs exposed and flesh crawling along the hard-hat, which was possibly the reason it didn't spread further. He lost his hair, his mouth was stretched on one side, and most of his lips had melted away, half-blind despite having multiple eyes, and his innards hung inches from the floor. It was all his fault. Muir's cry for help will be something he can never forgive or forget.

'Innes, where ya going?!'

'INNNNNEEEEEEEES!'

'Innes? Help me, Innes!'

'Innes? Where's Innes? I just need help, eh?'

How was Muir able to break down the walls he tried so hard to build? What was this man to him? Innes never cried, and yet in one day, he cried over him twice. Not even his ex-wife got him to cry when she left him for someone else. He didn't cry when his house got repossessed through his gambling. And he certainly didn't cry when he heard his dad had passed. A tendril kept wiping his tears away. Muir pulled him closer, and Innes hugged what he could of his face. He didn't want to let go.

The last 3 years raced through his mind. Innes remembered the day he was called up to Rennick's office. At first, he thought it was because he had rolled up his sleeves and pants because of the unbearable summer heat. He wasn't too happy to hear he'd be looking after a newcomer with no prior training, but he did get a bollocking for the uniform.

Muir stepped off the chopper without a single hair out of place or crease in his uniform. Like all new hires, he had brought too much baggage. A backpack and small suitcase. Innes knew more than half of that wasn't going to see the light of day for months. Always amusing to see. He lingered at the steps with crossed arms and a smirk. Rennick introduced himself with that fake yet convincing smile to the untrained eye. In all honesty, Innes thought Muir had brided his way to become a deckhand. How can someone just leave their family farm and instantly work on an oil rig? Still, he grinned and taught Muir everything he could, even if he kept his walls up.

He couldn't tell when they began to crumble, but whenever there was a crack, he would try to mend it. It was exhausting. A fight he had to surrender because as much as he denied it, feelings started to bloom. He hoped they would go overtime, but the opposite happened. Muir's looks, his smell, his laugh, and even his clumsy nature that has gotten the pair in more than enough trouble, just made Innes -

Oh. That's why. Because for the first time in years, Innes was genuinely happy.

'I love you.' He let out a shakey breath and sniffled as he pulled away. The muscles in his neck twitched as he smiled. The hurt look in his eyes was gone, and he could finally look at Muir. His heart continued to race and skip a beat. 'I wished I told you sooner.' He noticed Muir began to cry, but with a smile on the one side of his face. One of pure joy, as if all the problems in the world had washed away. Now, it was Innes' turn to wipe his tears. He'd noticed his right eye was completely open again, and his nose at some point had been put back into shape.

'I've been waiting three years for you to say that.' He stifled a laugh and lightly squeezed Innes' waist. 'I love you too, my big man.'

'I think that's you now.'

'Don't get smart with me.'

The pair shared a mix of laughter and cries. They pulled each other together for another long hug. Innes kissed Muir above his good eye, then at the bridge of his nose, where they placed their foreheads together. They dried each other's tears. Muir moved his head towards Innes to replicate a nuzzle on a part of his shoulder.

It might be the middle of winter, but they felt warm. It was inviting. It was new. It was something they didn't want to let go of, so they stayed like this. Frozen in time.

Roy opened the door. Neither had come for breakfast, so he thought it was best to check up on them. He found the pair huddled together. Tendrils wrapped around Innes like a blanket, except for his arms hugging them in return. Muir lightly snored, stretched, and gently pulled Innes closer.

He was no expert, but Roy could tell. He slowly closed the door and left the pair. What harm would another hour do?

[autumnmobile12]

I've seen more than a few posts by now asking why Horikoshi doesn't just kill Dabi off by now, and frankly I agree with that question. Let's be honest, killing him would be a mercy at this point and in spite of everything he's done, I don't thinking another prolonged coma with sporadic moments of consciousness is a punishment that fits the crime. He killed 30+ people, caused mass destruction, and tried to overturn an entire society.

Giving some crossover insight, Light Yagami probably killed millions with the Death Note, and I don't think even he would deserve the fate Dabi got. His poetic justice was he was an arrogant psychopath who died a pathetic death in a warehouse. The vampires of Castlevania Netflix have killed and tortured millions of people over the centuries they've been alive and out of all of them, I think only Erzsébet Báthory might deserve that fate, and that's only because she's ascended to goddess status and may be unkillable at this point and eternal imprisonment might be the only option.

So why doesn't Horikoshi kill Dabi off already?

Well....Horikoshi does have a problem with killing off characters unless its for shock value. There's no reason Nighteye, Magne, or Midnight had to die other than shock value. Most other characters that are killed off are barely in the series long enough to consider them a noteworthy death.

You could argue that Magne's death was to show that Overhaul was a new villain that meant business, but given the fact Overhaul doesn't kill or maim any other character the same way unless it's one of his nameless henchmen, his power doesn't prove to be that much of a threat to the main cast.

When Midnight reacted to Majestic's death, I legitimately asked, "Who?"

Endeavor confronts Dabi about killing Snatch and even Dabi asks, "Who?" (Also, why? Did Endeavor even know Snatch? Why bring that up?)

Why did Star have to die? To showcase how strong an opponent AFO/Shigaraki was? Uh, we already knew that...? To show why no other nations were getting involved in the fighting in Japan? A simple doomsday message from multiple nations that says, 'You're on your own,' would have sufficed. AFO could have been blackmailing world leaders into staying out of it. There could have been an international conspiracy of corrupt leaders who were in on it. They could have been having the same issue with mass prison breaks and couldn't help out. There was no need to invent a whole new character for any of that, so her death was a waste.

Arguably, Twice is the only character I can think of at the moment whose death was plot relevant. Realistically, how else was that fight going to go down? He and Hawks spend the entire battle in a weird standoff?

So either Dabi's current state is the result of creator cruelty or:

In the last couple chapters we have left, we're going to find out Eri's Quirk is not as damaged as everyone thought it was and she comes in clutch to save everyone. It's a cop-out ending, but I tentatively think this one might actually happen yet, mostly because it would neatly fix Bakugou's destroyed hand and some of the other characters who were maimed in Final War to the point their Quirks are barely usable.

Dr. Garaki cuts a deal where he biologically engineers a solution that saves everyone in exchange for a reduced sentence. Also a legit possibility. Would not be shocked if President Hawks visits the guy in prison and says, "Listen, a lot of people got really messed up in that last fight, so we've got a proposition for you." Saving both heroes and ensuring the villains actually live out a life sentence.

That unknown figure wandering around the wasteland does prove to be Shigaraki and he's got some unknown Quirk from AFO that could potentially save his comrades and we're headed for a Harry Potter Musical 'It's Not Over Yet' twist ending.

If the rumors about My Hero getting a sequel series are true, Horikoshi may be keeping Dabi around in case he has a use for him there. I don't know how that would even be possible, but I do admit the possibility of this conversation does make me laugh a little:

Pro Shouto: The plan couldn't have gone more wrong. Deku was in the wrong place. Bakugou was being Bakugou. Yaoyorozu had a relapse in nervousness and just created those weird dolls of hers instead of the materials we actually needed. The whole thing made the civilians laugh though. Not mean laughter, they were entertained and that's important, but if we were still in school, Aizawa would have expelled us all for sure.

Dabi: ...as much I just love our bi-weekly challenge of how long we can keep a conversation going before that heart monitor goes off and they put me back to sleep, do I have to listen to you bitch about work?

Pro Shouto: You said you wanted to hear about the outside world.

Dabi: Yeah, the fucking weather and shit.

Pro Shouto: You want a full forecast or--

Dabi: Don't make me come down there.

...

Realistically, none of those four scenarios are gonna happen, but the sequel rumors are preventing me from discounting them outright.

I would say there's no point in having that last minute 'everyone is saved' because that's it, that's the end, but then I remember Zuko's last line in Avatar is, "Where is my mother?" and opened up that whole subplot for the graphic novels.

So I don't know anymore.

[where-theres-smoak-2]

I was watching a reaction on YouTube to dune part 2 and when I looked at the comments section there were a few people saying that they didn't understand why chani was angry and felt betrayed at the end of the film, that she should have recognised that Paul's proposal was political and been OK with it. Honestly I was a bit flabbergasted because how do miss the point that badly, how do you get to the end of the movie and not understand why chani is so angry and why she feels betrayed by paul?

Like to me it's very obvious why she's rightly upset and heartbroken and it actually has little to do with paul proposing to irulan, like chani knows it's political and this isn't a jealousy thing, its what the action represents, that paul is making a play for more power. Throughout the film paul makes a series of statements or you could even call them promises that he then breaks.

The first is that he is not the mahdi and that he doesn't want to lead the fremen. He says this at least twice, the first time after his mother drinks the water of life and the second after he and chani make love. He then breaks this promise at the war council when he publicly declares himself the Lisan al gaib and says he will lead them to paradise, making himself their leader.

Speaking of when they made love, in that scene he also promised her that he would always be with her, as long as he breathed, then when he drank the water of life he risked her losing him, she went through that moment of grief and trauma when she thought he was dead. Also he couldn't guarantee before drinking the water that he would survive it, so understandably, she is angry about him taking that risk.

He also promised her that he didn't want power and then he grasped for power again and again, he took on the family atomic arsenal, he took control of the fremen fundamentalists, he made a grab for the throne of the Known Universe when he proposed to the Princess, this was the issue that chani had with paul proposing.

Finally he promised to be her equal. Right before their first kiss she tells him that here on arrakis they are equals and what they do is done for the benefit of all. His reply, his promise to her is that he would like to be her equal but come the end of the film he has placed himself in a position of power over her and her people as the Duke of Arrakis and as Emperor of the Known Universe. Not only that but by asking for the princess' hand he has placed a foreigner, another woman in a position of power and control over chani and her people. The cherry on top is that paul also then commits her people to a holy war that most definitely does not benefit them.

I think the fact that a few of these promises made were done at vulnerably open and emotional moments between them, their first kiss, after they've just made love, makes him breaking them even more painful for her. It's like it now taints those moments because now whenever she thinks back on those moments she'll be reminded of those promises he broke.

I think the situation is so much more complicated than just the man I love has proposed to another woman and now I'm smad and I think that was made really clear in the film. If a guy made you a series of promises and then broke everyone of them you'd be upset. If that same guy had found his way into your heart, if he knew how passionately you felt about your people and how much you hated this prophecy and then still embraced the role of prophet and used your people for his own gain, you'd be upset. Him proposing to another woman was the least of her concerns. Sadly I think the only promise paul does/will keep is the last one he makes her, that he'll love her as long as he breathes, but it's not enough.

And I'm saying all of this as a die hard paulxchani fan who hopes they somehow find their way back to each other.