#the last season kind of confused me and felt rushed

[piknim]

The end to disenchantment was kinda unsatisfying but also good???

[chvoswxtch]

part two: the secret

[series masterlist] | [part one] | [part three]

pairing: billy russo x fem!reader

summary: if the police can't help, who can you turn to?

warnings: swearing, heavy angst, mentions of murder, conversation about past domestic abuse, mentions of alcohol, billy once again being a cocky lil shit

word count: 3.8k

a/n: y'all never fail to blow me away with how lovely & kind y'all are. i'm so happy you're all enjoying spooky slutty season so far. it's getting heavier in this chapter, but we're one step closer to the goods. ;) as always, feedback is welcomed/appreciated!

Annie was looking at you in a mixture of concern and apprehension. When she heard your scream piercing through the silence of the apartment, she’d immediately rushed into your bedroom, where she’d found you on your knees on the floor, hyperventilating as panicked tears rushed down your cheeks. She had desperately begged you to tell her what happened, but you couldn’t speak through your choked sobs. You just kept pointing to your phone that was face down on the hardwood, but when she picked it up, she didn’t see anything except your lock screen.

For the past twenty minutes, you’d been sitting on the edge of your bed, almost completely catatonic. It felt as though your body had gone into shock and just completely shut down. Your brain seemed to slip into a mental panic room, locking itself away behind steel soundproof walls those traumatic memories couldn’t break through. But you knew you couldn’t stay there, as badly as you wanted to. You had to come out, and you had to come clean.

Annie slowly reached out and placed her hand on top of one of yours that was in your lap, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Honey, I need you to tell me what’s going on. You’re scaring me.”

A fresh wave of helplessness built up along your bottom lash line, and your voice was weakened with defeat when you finally spoke.

“He found me.”

Annie tilted her head to the side slightly as she looked at you, a crease of confusion forming between her dark brows.

“Who found you Y/N?”

Closing your eyes, stray tears slipped down your damp cheeks. You had hoped this day would never come. The fear of your past catching up to you had been in the back of your mind for the last three years, but you never thought it would rear its ugly head in such a horrific way. Letting out a shaky breath, you opened your glossy eyes and turned to look at Annie in despondency.

“I need to tell you something.”

You hadn’t told a soul the truth about who you were since you moved to New York. No one here knew that you’d come here to completely start over with a brand new identity. No one knew what you had run from. You thought it was safer that way. 

Annie looked at you warily, her dark brown eyes searching your own as she waited for you to speak.

“My real name is Cassia. I’m not from New York, I was born in California. I grew up there. I…I do have a family. I lied about that. But I haven’t seen or spoken to them in three years.”

“I don’t understand-”

“I had a boyfriend. He-”

Closing your eyes, you felt your anxiety start to crest again. For the past three years, you tried so hard to push it out of your head. You told yourself that was someone else, that those memories belonged to someone else. You weren’t her anymore. That girl…she was gone. You’d burned every trace of her and rose from the ashes someone new. Those painful memories, those emotional scars, you’d buried them in the deepest, darkest part of your mind, but they wouldn’t stay dead.

Annie’s puzzlement broke apart into sympathy as she heard the grief in your voice. She could see it in your eyes, the reason behind your painful secret. She gave your hand a light and reassuring squeeze, speaking in a gentle voice.

“Was he…?”

Swallowing the lump that had lodged in your throat, you nodded slowly.

“Yeah.”

Letting out a shuddering breath, a few more tears slipped down your face as you ripped open your own wounds that had never seemed to heal, letting all the lingering shame and sorrow bleed out.

“I should’ve left the first time it happened. I knew it then. I just…I didn’t want to believe it had happened. I didn’t want to believe that I was like those other women…that I was like my mother. I knew what an angry man looked like. I knew how he spoke, and how he acted, and what his footsteps sounded like. I told myself that was never going to be me, you know? It wasn’t supposed to happen to me. I…I knew better. I watched my mom go through so many of them, I knew what the signs looked like, and I just…I missed them somehow…and then I ignored it. I made excuses, I tried so hard to convince myself…that it was different…that I was different.”

You never wanted to be a victim, and you never thought you would be. For the first nine months, Roman had been an almost perfect boyfriend. He was sweet, and funny, and he always looked at you like you were the only person in the room, even from the beginning. He always knew exactly what to say, and what to do, and you had thought you’d found someone that just…understood you, in a way no one else ever had. He was just so incredibly goddamn charming.

But most psychopaths are.

He’d lured you into a false sense of security, manipulated you into letting your guard down, and you’d foolishly gifted him your trust. He didn’t just break that, he broke you.

Roman’s apologies were always so sincere, and you got trapped in the cycle. He would confess to his problems, promise to get help and stop drinking, and swore things would change. And it would, for a while. The calm before the storm was so peaceful, you couldn’t see the ominous clouds darkening over your head. He swore that he loved you, but his version of love was controlling and manipulative, and it was intense. It became obsessive and violent, and his volatile temper left your heart and spirit maimed and your body bruised. He said that he loved hard, but he hit harder. 

The night you finally decided to leave him was the night that permanently altered everything. It didn’t just change your life, it changed you.

“The last time I saw him, he almost killed me. Our neighbors had heard me screaming. They were the ones that called the police. I had already blacked out when they arrived. I woke up in the hospital with a concussion and a crushed windpipe. And you know what’s fucking crazy? He only did two months in jail, because it was his ‘first offense’.”

A bitter and dry laugh left your lips that sounded more like a scoff. You’d been too terrified to feel anger back then. At that time, all you could feel was immense relief that he was locked away somewhere that he couldn’t get to you. But now, anger was all that you felt. The more you thought about the situation, the more white hot searing rage had the blood in your veins sizzling. 

“I got a restraining order, but it didn’t stop him. The only reason I was even able to get it was because the cops walked in on him choking me to death. As soon as he got out of jail, he was back. And he didn’t just threaten me, he threatened everyone around me. I was scared. I didn’t know what else to do, so I ran. I ran as far away as I could get. I changed my name, I changed everything about myself, and I started over. I had to cut everyone out from my old life in Woodsboro, to keep them safe.”

Three years ago, you’d just vanished. The terror he instilled in your bones had run deep into the marrow. You couldn’t even say goodbye to anyone. All you’d been able to part with was a hastily written note containing a heartfelt apology to your mother, and you’d fled to sanctuary across the country. New York was home to millions of people, and you thought you’d be safe as a ghost in the bustling streets. You thought you could be invisible.

“I just…I don’t even know how he found me. I’ve been careful, I haven’t told anyone about this. I just…I don’t understand. And now Adam’s dead-”

“Wait, you think he killed Adam?”

“He told me he did. He was the one who called me on the phone. I know it was him. His voice was different…but he said my name, Annie. My real name.”

Annie was staring at you in a mixture of shock, fear, and a hint of pity. You hated that look. You hated being on the receiving end of it. And you hated that you were now a dangerous burden, a liability to her otherwise peaceful life. If you weren’t safe, that meant she wasn’t safe, and you could see in her eyes that she knew that. As she glanced down at your phone, you could see her swallow thickly. 

“We need to go to the police.”

»»———　　———««

“What do you mean you can’t do anything? Did you hear any of what I just said?”

“Miss Y/L/N, the restraining order is in California, and it’s not under your current name.”

Detective Craven met your incredulous gaze with an expression of pity. His partner, however, did not share his condolences.

“Why didn’t you mention this two days ago?”

Turning your attention to Detective Williamson, the outrage you felt at his underlying accusation was clear on your face and in your sharp tone.

“Because it’s not your fucking business. You told me Adam got mugged-”

“We theorized it was a robbery gone wrong-”

“Theorized, confirmed, what fucking difference does it make? Those were your words. You said that’s what happened, so I had no reason to think it was connected to my psychotic ex boyfriend, who now not only knows where I am, but fucking called me to confess to murdering Adam. And now, you’re telling me you can’t do a goddamn thing about it because of, what? Red fucking tape?”

Detective Craven raised both of his worn hands in a placating gesture as he looked between you and his partner.

“Okay, okay. Let’s just take it down a notch.”

He shot his partner a warning glare, and Detective Williamson held his hands up in a show of surrender as he let out an irritated exhale through his nose. Turning his attention back to you, Detective Craven placed his hands on his hips.

“Miss Y/L/N, listen to me. I don’t want you to think we’re not taking this seriously, alright? Unfortunately, our hands are tied though. We don’t have any evidence from the crime scene, and the call on your phone came from an unknown number. We don’t have anything concrete to link this to Roman Walker.”

Just hearing his name out loud for the first time in three years was enough to make you feel like someone had just pressed the steel tip of a cold blade to the back of your neck. Detective Craven could see the raw paranoia in your eyes and the way you physically reacted to Roman’s name. Letting out a deep sigh, he reached out and placed both of his hands on your shoulders and spoke in a calming voice.

“Y/N, you did the right thing coming to us. You gave us a suspect with a motive, that gives us a lot to work with now, alright? Just because we don’t have any evidence right now doesn’t mean we won’t find any. Now we know who we’re potentially looking for, and that’s a step in the right direction. So please, trust me when I say that I will do everything I can to keep you safe. Until then, please just be careful.”

You rubbed both of your palms down your face in a stressful manner, a deep exhale of frustration blowing through your flared nostrils. Throwing your hands up in exasperation, they both dropped to your sides with a light smack against your jeans as your body physically deflated.

“So what am I supposed to do? Wait for another threatening phone call? Another person near me to get killed?”

“Just take some precautions. Be vigilant, don’t go anywhere alone, maybe look into a security system in the meantime.”

A light scoff left your lips at his suggestions and you shook your head in complete disbelief. As you stormed out of Detective Craven’s office, you slammed the door shut behind you with a little more force than necessary at your exit. Annie quickly jumped up from where she’d been sitting outside, looking at you warily.

“What did they say?”

“To go fuck myself, essentially.”

Meeting Annie’s disapproving look, you sighed and placed one of your hands on your hip while your other ran through your hair stressfully.

“There’s no evidence, they can’t trace an unknown call, and the restraining order isn’t in my name or in this state.”

“You’re fucking kidding me. So that’s it?”

“Yeah, their advice was pretty much to do everything I already do as a woman just existing.”

Annie let out a frustrated exhale of her own, glaring at the door of the detective’s office before brushing her golden blonde hair away from her shoulder and crossing her arms over her chest.

“No, fuck that. We’re gonna figure something out.”

In the midst of your outrage at the situation, one of Detective Craven’s suggestions suddenly stood out in your head.

“Maybe look into a security system in the meantime.”

You didn’t know anything about security or even where to start, but you knew someone who did.

“Actually, I think I know who can help.”

»»———　　———««

“You know, four months is a hell of a long time to make a guy wait for a second date.”

Glancing up from your drink, you watched as Billy took a seat at the bar next to you, flashing you his signature charming smirk. Rolling your eyes, you fought to contain your amusement as you lifted the beer bottle to your lips.

“That was not a date, and this isn’t one either.”

Billy let out a deep chuckle, signaling the bartender over with a wave of his hand.

“Hey, you called me. And, you brought me back to the place we first met. That’s pretty romantic, even if this is a shitty dive bar. ”

Billy turned on the bar stool to face you, a glint of mischief in his dark brown eyes as the edge of his lips curled into a smirk. Giving him a quick once over, you noticed he was dressed a lot more casually. You almost swore it was the exact same outfit he’d worn the night you met him.

“I thought someone as high maintenance as you would be a lot harder to please.”

Shaking his head at your quip, Billy grinned as he brought his own beer to his lips.

“Careful, you keep sweet talkin’ me like that, I might think you actually like me.”

“Oh well we can’t have that.”

Your lips were spread in a faint teasing smirk as you took another sip of your beer. Billy set the bottle down on the bar, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. He eyed you curiously as he gave you his full attention.

“Alright, so if this isn’t a date, what is it then?”

Your eyes flickered towards Billy’s before glancing down at the green glass bottle in your hand. The edge of the gold label was peeling on the top right corner, and you gently smoothed it down with your thumb, spreading a drop of condensation over the cold glass.

“What kind of security does Anvil do? I mean, I know it’s mostly military stuff, but…what about private protection for civilians?”

Billy’s amusement quickly faded into a more serious expression at your question. He didn’t miss the way your voice had become quieter, no trace of your usual dry sarcasm or sharp wit. He cocked his head to the side slightly, noticing that you wouldn’t look at him.

“What’s going on, Y/N?”

“I was just curious-”

“C’mon, sweetheart. You’ve never spared my feelin’s before, don’t start now. Talk to me.”

Turning your head to look at Billy reluctantly, you got a glimpse of the Marine that lingered dormant within him, hidden beneath the designer clothes and CEO title. Serious Billy was a completely different Billy. The intensity of his stare was almost unsettling. You weren’t sure what to do with this version of him. A part of you secretly longed for the cocky smartass side in this moment, wishing he’d slip another flirty quip into the conversation to bring levity to the heaviness settling in your chest.

He had a point though, you’d always been blunt with him, and if he was going to help you, you were going to have to tell him everything.

Glancing down at the bottle in your hands again, you let out a deep sigh of resignation. At least with Billy, you didn’t have to pull your punches. You didn’t have to dance around your words and take caution with how you laid this all out, not like you had to with Annie. Lifting your head, you turned to look at him again.

“No bullshit?”

Billy gave you a faint nod of his head, confirming that he wanted nothing but the raw, honest truth.

“No bullshit.”

Waving over the bartender, you ordered two double shots of tequila. You needed a little liquid courage to ease your nerves, and to ease the shake of anxiety in your voice. Billy watched you in curiosity tinged with concern as you downed the first with unnerving ease and set the empty shot glass down on the bar before turning to look at him again. The burn flowing down your throat and into the pit of your stomach like molten lava was a welcome distraction from the chilled fear that made your hands tremble. 

“Alright. Adam was murdered by my ex boyfriend, who’s the sole reason I moved across the country three years ago and changed my whole identity. He called me last night and confessed, but the police can’t do anything, because apparently they can’t trace an unknown call. Oh, and they can’t do anything about my obsessive stalker turned murderer ex boyfriend, because New York’s finest doesn’t have any fucking evidence, and my restraining order, which only ever seemed to be a really goddamn expensive piece of paper that meant nothing, can’t be enforced because we’re not in California, and it’s filed under my real name. So basically, I’m fucked.”

Downing the second shot, your face scrunched slightly as the clear alcohol started to burn in your lower stomach, the heat rising to flush in your cheeks. It made you feel a little lighter, melting that solid block of terror that had been weighing you down. Setting the glass down harshly on the bar, you licked the remaining tequila off your lips and turned to look at Billy, arching one of your brows.

“Questions? Comments? Concerns? More tequila?”

Billy’s dark brows rose slightly up his forehead as he stared at you silently for a moment. Whatever he was thinking or feeling, you couldn’t tell. 

“So, just to…make sure we’re on the same page here…you have a psychotic ex that forced you to move across the country, change your name, and he’s the reason the guy you went out with is dead. And you think you’re next.”

Blinking a few times, you opened your mouth to correct him, but there was nothing to correct. 

“That’s…a gross oversimplification, but yes.”

Taking a swig of your beer, your dark brows furrowed slightly as you set it back down and glanced at him with a faint scowl.

“I didn’t say I thought I was next though, asshole.”

“Oh, so the rant about NYPD being unhelpful and askin’ me about security for civilians is just small talk, then?”

Billy arched one of his dark brows, and the barely concealed sass in his voice made you want to slap him. As if sensing your thoughts, Billy let out a deep exhale through his nose as he regarded you with a more sympathetic expression.

“C’mon sweetheart. We agreed, no bullshit. You’re scared, and you got every reason to be. You need help, and you ain’t gettin’ it from the police.”

You had expected Billy to be far more smug about this. To bask in the fact that you needed his help, to hold it over your head, maybe even barter it for a date. It was almost a little unnerving that he was being so sincere and caring. You were just so used to him being an arrogant dick.

“I’m not gonna get on my knees and beg.”

Billy let out a light chuckle at that, giving a shake of his head before glancing at you with a familiar smirk.

“I’d never expect you to, sweetheart.”

Taking another swig of his beer, a look of contemplation crossed Billy’s sharp features.

“I guess it’s a good thing this isn’t a date then.”

Glancing at him in puzzlement, a crease formed between your brows as you set the green glass bottle down on the sticky wooden bar top.

“Why?”

Without missing a beat, Billy raised the bottle to his lips and shrugged casually.

“I’d hate to end up gutted in some alley.”

Billy had said those words so nonchalantly, with a deadpan expression on his face, that for a moment you were in shock. You should’ve been incredibly offended, or horrified by that crass comment, but instead, you were holding back a surprised laugh that threatened to escape. Your lips were puckered in an attempt to scowl as you slightly narrowed your eyes. Billy turned his head to look at you with faux innocence on his face and in his voice.

“Too soon?”

Seeing the way you were trying so hard to conceal your amusement, Billy’s lips slowly spread into a wolfish grin. Shaking your head, you brought your beer bottle to your lips to hide the way you were trying not to laugh or smile.

“You are such an asshole.”

Billy’s shoulders subtly shook as he snickered. His dark brown eyes flickered down to the green glass bottle in his left hand, and then he lifted his head to wave the bartender over again.

“Whiskey, neat.”

Turning his attention back to you, Billy could see the lingering look in your eyes that gave away how worried you truly were despite the front you were attempting to put up. He cleared his throat and leaned in a little closer, resting his arms on the bar as he gave a nod of his head in your direction and spoke calmly.

“Alright, alright. I’ll behave. Start from the beginning, tell me everything.”

tags: @thyme-in-a-bubble @ferns-fics @danzer8705 @to-thelakes @simonsgirl @sweetserendipity65 @zomtart @day-dreaming-goddess @caroblogsthings @thomasshelbyswife @snowkestrel @hallowedtangerine @ameliaswife @dreadfulxives18 @ebsmind @lllla717 @slumnit @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @nolita-fairytale @oliviaewl @r1kk @unlikelystarlightcowboy @imperihoe-writes

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[arcane-vagabond]

By Its Cover: Chapter Two

By Its Cover: Chapter Two

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader (Last Name: Sinclair)

Summary: The frivolity of high society has never much interested in you. You preferred to spend your time reading, something your sisters couldn't fathom as they spent their time shopping the latest dress styles. The youngest of five children and the fourth daughter, not much was expected of you. You knew you might be married one day, but you hoped beyond hope that it would be to someone that might understand your intellectual pursuits. You begin exchanging letters with a mysterious stranger, and what's more, your older brother's rakish best friend seems to find himself in your path more and more as the season goes on. What's a girl to do? (Regency!AU)

Content Warning: Disapproving Mother, Reader gets scolded, Lingering Touches, Suggestive Jokes, Supportive Dad figures, Overprotective Brother, Shameless Sister, Feelings of Inadequacy. I think that's it, but please let me know if I missed anything!

Word Count: 3.3k

Series Masterlist || Moodboard

You had dozed off at some point in the evening, Mr. Mitchell’s copy of Pride and Prejudice sitting on your lap when the man himself finally came to find you.

“It’s getting late, Bug,” he had whispered, shaking your shoulder as you grumbled your way into consciousness. The older man gave you a kind smile as you blinked the sleep away from your eyes, gazing at him in confusion.

“The party’s just wrapped up,” he chuckled, resting a hand on your shoulder as you slowly remembered who’s library you were sitting in. You turned to Mr. Mitchell with concern clear on your face, and he held a hand up to stop you in your tracks.

“Don’t worry, your mother didn’t notice you snuck away,” he smiled, pulling you up by your hand and offering you his arm. You took it, looping yours through his as he gave you a wink. “So let’s hurry you on downstairs so we can keep it that way, hm?”

You let him escort you back down the stairs, several people still milling about as the ballroom cleared, the servants already beginning their cleaning duties as members of the Island bid each other a pleasant evening. Your mother was speaking with Mrs. Mitchell, a beautiful woman who must have been an even greater beauty in her youth you surmised. Georgiana stood off to the side with William and Lord Seresin, smiling and batting her lashes at the blond who seemed to be pointedly keeping his eyes on your brother.

“Oh, darling!” Your mother exclaimed, rushing towards you with a knit of her brow. “Where have you been, dearest?”

“I found her outside in the garden getting some air,” Mr. Mitchell supplied smoothly, giving your arm a playful squeeze. You shot him a small smile, thankful for his understanding of your dislike for large gatherings. You had never been one for them, if you were being honest, the judging eyes that seemed to follow you wherever you went a constant source of anxiety and discomfort. Your father had always understood, telling you once that he felt the same way about them, and you were glad for Mr. Mitchell during this time as well.

He seemed to be the only one other than your late father and Natasha that understood you, the real you that was. Your mother tried, you knew in your heart she did, but she never seemed to know what to do with you, not like your brother and sisters. You found yourself wondering some days if you should perhaps disappear into the night, start a new life where no one knew who you were or where you came from. You longed for a life where someone saw you for who you truly were, not who you were presumed to be given the Sinclair name. You had thoughts and ideas that only Natasha, and Mr. Mitchell on the rare occasion, seemed to understand, but you knew that the two of them wouldn’t be around forever. Were you destined to a life as some miserable lady of the house whose husband merely saw her as a means to procure an heir and maintain appearances?

“By yourself?” Your mother asked, positively aghast. “Dearest, why would you do such a thing? Think of what could have happened!”

Your cheeks warmed at her scolding, glancing down at the floor and wishing in that moment that it would open wide and swallow you whole. You felt the eyes of everyone on you as you stood there silently, and you chanced a glance up, not expecting to meet jade green ones first. Your breath hitched in your throat as your cheeks warmed even more, a feat you weren’t sure how was accomplished. Lord Seresin studied you, a frown tugging at his lips, but it was the look in his eyes that gave you pause.

No judgement shown in them. It was something you weren’t sure you understood. Curiosity, perhaps? His gaze met yours, and you could have sworn they softened as the two of you looked at one another, your eyes widening and lips parting on their own accord.

“It’s alright, Celine,” Mrs. Mitchell soothed, placing a gentle hand on your mother’s arm, drawing her attention away from you for a moment. The movement broke you from your trance, your head ducking down quickly to avoid making an even bigger fool of yourself than you already had. Though why you found yourself so eager to have the young lord’s approval, you weren’t quite sure, and you were irritated with yourself at the realization.

“I’m sorry, Mama,” you murmured, looking up at her through your lashes. She pressed her lips into a grimace before letting out a sigh.

“See that it doesn’t happen again,” she clucked, though you knew she wouldn’t stay upset with you for long - she never did. Mr. Mitchell gave your arm another squeeze before gesturing towards the now empty room.

“Well, as much as I do love seeing you all,” he started, mirth ever present in his tone. “The hour grows late, and I must insist that you all return home so that I may get my rest.”

“He is quite a crankly, old codger when he doesn’t get enough rest,” Mrs. Mitchell teased, smiling endearingly at her husband. He gave her an affectionate smile in return, beginning to steer you towards the exit.

“It was so lovely to see you all,” Mrs. Mitchell continued as the others began to file out as well, your mother on William’s arm and Georgie on Lord Seresin’s, though you couldn’t help but notice that it seemed his attention was entirely on her. “I’m afraid I can’t walk you out, though. There are some things I need to attend to around the manor.”

“It was lovely chatting with you as always, Charlotte,” your mother smiled, earning one in return.

“Please do come over for tea sometime, Celine,” Mrs. Mitchell said, already heading in the other direction. “I do so enjoy your visits!”

The October night sending a chill up your spine as you pressed a little closer to Mr. Mitchell for warmth.

“I knew I should have brought a cape,” you muttered, earning a chuckle. Your brother offered your mother a hand to step up into the stagecoach, ever the dutiful son. Your sister turned to Lord Seresin with a bat of her eyelashes and curl of her lips.

“I do hope we’ll be seeing more of you, your grace,” she purred, puffing her chest out more than was entirely necessary. You resisted the urge to roll your eyes at your older sister, clenching your jaw at her brazen display. If that’s what it took to get a husband, then you most assuredly wanted no part in it.

Lord Seresin cleared his throat, giving her a polite smile that looked entirely too much like a grimace as he dipped his head to her.

“I’m sure I’ll be finding my way to your family’s estate just like old times, Miss Sinclair,” he responded politely, passing her off to your brother who helped her into the stagecoach. You moved to follow, but Mr. Mitchell pulled you back, a twinkle in his eyes.

“You almost forgot this,” he whispered to you, pressing something into your hand. You glanced down to see the book you had been reading in the library, your eyes alighting in delight as you gripped it tightly.

“Thank you,” you whispered back, turning to find your brother had taken refuge from the cold inside the coach. You saw Lord Seresin standing by the door, waiting for you. You nearly balked, but Mr. Mitchell placed a steady hand on your back and pushed you towards him. Your cheeks suddenly felt too hot as you walked stiffly forward, avoiding the Duke’s eyes as best you could. Once you reached the doors, his hand appeared in your vision. You hesitated, and you weren’t sure why. The moment stretched on in silence, and you could feel the awkwardness at your lack of action grow stronger.

“It’s alright,” he murmured, his warm breath fanning over you as he leaned forward. “I only bite when provoked.”

You glanced up at him, cheeks aflame and eyes widened as before. He let out a low chuckle, meeting your gaze easily as his eyes twinkled.

“I’m kidding,” he smirked, tilting his head in a disgustingly endearing way.

“Bug, get in the coach before we freeze to death,” harped Georgie, shooting you a positively venomous glare. You gulped, slowly placing your hand in Lord Seresin’s as he gripped yours tightly. His hand was warm, comfortingly so, and a spark shot through you as your skin made contact with his. You sucked in a sharp breath, eyes flickering up to meet his. A smile curled at his lips as he looked at you with a hooded gaze. You could have sworn the world tampered out around you as he held your gaze, lips spreading into a smirk as his thumb smoothed over the back of your hand. Your lips parted, eyes darting down to his own on their own accord. They looked soft.

“Bug!” Georgie nearly shrieked, pulling you from your stupor. You cleared your throat, turning towards the coach once more, but not before noticing how Lord Seresin’s smile faded into a frown as you moved. You sat in the seat next to your brother, across from Georgie who still openly glared at you. Lord Seresin still held your hand as you settled in the seat, giving it a squeeze as you turned to face him.

“Lady Bug,” he purred as his hand slowly slipped from yours, green eyes intense as they watched you. You swallowed thickly.

“Your grace,” you replied, voice barely above a whisper. You glanced behind him towards where Mr. Mitchell stood, a brow raised, but not in your direction. You turned to see your mother looking back at him, a mirroring brow arched as she glanced over at you with a knowing look. You felt embarrassed as you pressed further into the seat. You refused to look up, even as the coach door clicked shut, the driver spurring the horses into motion. Even as you still felt the Duke’s gaze lingering on you.

You turned the page with a tired sigh, eyes flickering up briefly to watch as your sister paced around the large parlor. Morning light filtered through clouds and through the tall windows, casting shadows along the ornate, antique rug that had laid on the floor for God only knows how long. You were still tired from your night at the party, your sister refusing to leave until most of the crowd had left already. The sister in question was pacing haughtily across the carpet in front of you, shooting you poisonous looks as you buried your nose further into your book to try and ignore her. Your mother sat on the sofa across from you, her needlepoint in hand as she eyed your sister with exasperation.

“Georgiana, please,” she sighed, closing her eyes as if that might give her a moment’s respite. “Sit down before you wear a hole in my rug.”

“How can I sit still, Mama?” Georgie cried out, stopping in her tracks to spare your mother the briefest of looks. “She’s sitting there like nothing happened!”

“Because nothing did happen,” you muttered, which proved to be a mistake as your sister swung around to shoot you daggers once more.

“Right,” she scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest, “because you didn’t practically drool all over him last night. I saw the way you looked at him!”

“Georgie,” you sighed, setting your book down on your lap to give her your undivided attention, “you know me better than that. I have no interest in courtship, let alone marriage of all things.”

Your words seemed to placate her some as she arched a brow at you, but at least she no longer glared.

“Besides,” you continued, eager to have her ire directed at something other than you, “it was you who he danced with all night, was it not?”

That seemed to snap her out of her tirade, a large smile forming on her lips as she let out a dreamy sigh, twirling in place.

“Yes, it was,” she gushed, cupping her cheek. “Oh, we must have looked so wonderful together. Wouldn’t you agree, Mama?”

Your mother hummed noncommittally as she glanced up from her needlepoint.

“What?” She blinked. “Oh, yes, of course, my darling.”

She didn’t sound too convinced as her eyes strayed to you, that knowing look making your cheeks heat once again as you looked away. Georgiana didn’t notice your silent exchange as she giggled to herself.

“I wonder if we’ll have a long courtship,” she mused, sitting down next to your mother, jostling the older woman slightly. “We shall have a wedding befitting that of a Duke and Duchess, surely.”

“You mustn’t rush these things, my darling,” your mother hummed once more, and you could feel her eyes still boring into you. “Much can happen over the course of a season.”

In that moment, your brother waltzed into the room, a familiar blond following close behind. You felt your heart stutter in your chest, hands clenching the book in your lap as you did your best to try and act like his mere presence didn’t have a most peculiar effect on your senses.

“Good morning, all,” William chirped, leaning against the mantle, a brilliant smile on his face.

“William,” your mother scolded, setting aside her needlepoint hastily before smoothing down her skirts. “You could have warned us that you were expecting company!”

“Sorry, Mother,” William grinned his demeanor contradictory to his words. “It must have slipped my mind.”

“Lord Seresin,” your sister giggled, standing so suddenly as to startle you, your book falling to the floor in your fright. You bent over to grab it, fingers just brushing the cover as a much larger hand brushed yours. You glanced up to meet jade green eyes, a nearly silent gasp leaving your lips on its own accord. His fingers, so large compared to your own, brushed the back of your hand gently before you gathered your wits about you. You yanked your hand away, the book along with it as you leaned back up. Your cheeks were on fire, your eyes looking everywhere but at him.

“My lord,” you murmured apologetically, sparing him another glance. His face was unreadable as he watched you for a beat more, slowly standing straight from where he had bent over.

“Lady Bug,” he nodded, pressing his lips into a tight line. You noticed the flex of his hand at his side - the one he had just touched you with - and you felt a fluttering in your stomach.

“Your grace,” your mother began, but Lord Seresin held his hand up to stop her, a smile gracing his handsome features.

“Please, Lady Sinclair,” he said. “I much prefer it if you’d all call me by my given name. Like old times.”

“Jacob,” your mother amended with a bow of her head. “What brings you to our home this morning?”

“Jake was just regaling me with stories of his travels,” William chimed in, walking over to plop down on the sofa next to you. He reached up to tickle your chin, and you swatted his hand away with a vicious scowl. He grinned up at you, shooting you a wink before turning back to others. “I invited him to dinner tonight, I hope you all don’t mind.”

“Of course. You know you’re more than welcome here,” your mother smiled at the blond as your sister practically bounced in her seat from excitement. Your eyes flickered over to him of their own accord, and you were almost unsurprised to see him already looking at you. You blinked, eyes as round as saucers as you looked away. William gave you a look of curiosity, but wrinkled his nose as Georgie batted her eyes up at the duke.

“Jake,” she crooned, leaning forward, practically pushing her chest up for him to view. “Would you care to hear me play the pianoforte? I’ve become quite the good player since you were last here.”

Jake frowned slightly before putting on a charming smile.

“Please. By all means,” he said, gesturing towards the instrument in question. Georgie gathered her skirts before prancing over to sit on the bench. You had to admit, your sister was quite the excellent player. You wouldn’t say you were horrible by any means, but your sister had a knack for music. You were much more content with your books and paints. The delicate notes of her playing filled the room, and you smiled softly as she continued.

Your sister played for a while, and after a few minutes you turned to your brother to say something, stopping when you saw him. William didn’t seem to be paying attention to the music, no. His brow was furrowed, lips turned into a contemplative frown as he all but glared forward. You followed his gaze, stopping as you saw what had him so perplexed. Jake was already looking at you, that unreadable expression once again on his face. Georgiana finished her song, your mother’s clapping breaking you from your stunned silence. You began to clap alongside her, followed by the two men. Georgie rose from the bench, a coy smile on her face as she curtsied to the room.

“That was lovely, Georgie,” William smiled, the consternation having vanished from his demeanor entirely.

“Agreed,” Jake chimed in, and Georgie positively beamed under their praise.

“Thank you,” she gushed. The sun chose that moment to make its way through the gloomy clouds, casting bright light into the room.

“Oh, Mama,” Georgiana exclaimed. “Look! The sun is out. Might we go out promenading?”

Your mother cast her attention out the tall windows, taking in the sight of the almost crystal blue sky.

“It does look lovely outside,” she murmured. “Alright, yes, but be sure to grab your cloaks! Jacob, will you be joining us?”

Jake hesitated, glancing around the room before slowly nodding. “Yes, I suppose I shall if it’s alright with you.”

Georgie practically squealed as she raced out of the room, your mother close behind. You rose to your feet, book still clutched in your hands as your brother followed suit.

“I’ll take that as my cue and meet you all outside, then,” Jake chuckled, casting one more glance at you before heading off in the opposite direction. You let out a breath you didn’t know you had been holding, feeling the stress leave your shoulders as they sagged slightly.

“Bug,” William said, and you turned to look at him. His expression was serious, brow furrowed once more.

“What is it?” You questioned, raising a brow at him. William seemed to mull over his words, teeth worrying at his cheek as he was prone to do when something was bothering him.

“Just,” he hesitated, “be careful. Jake is my oldest and dearest friend, but even I know his reputation is well earned.”

Your heart sank in your chest, but you schooled your features into one of nonchalance.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you sniffed, looking away and towards the wall. You weren’t stupid enough to think the duke had any interest in you, the strange youngest sister who had made it known she would never marry. You wouldn’t even know the first thing about being a duchess, and you weren’t about to start entertaining the idea. Not when someone like Georgie seemed so keen on it.

“Right,” William snickered, looking down at his shoes with a shake of his head. He seemed like he wanted to say more, but he must have thought better of it. He looked back up at you, gesturing towards the door.

“Go,” he shooed. “Grab your cloak quickly before we have to hear more of Georgie’s shrieking.”

You smiled at him, nodding before turning on your feet to do as he bid.

A/N: Here it is! I didn't get as much done as I would have liked this week, but I'm proud of myself for getting two different updates out in the same week! That's a lot for me! Anyway, I'm going to enjoy the rest of my week off and look forward to my one in July. Please be thinking about what you would like to see from me next, and let me know what you thought about this chapter!

As always, reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated. If you would like to be notified on when I post updates, please follow my side blog (@arcanevagabond-library) and turn on post notifications! My work is cross posted on AO3 under the username sailor_aviator. Until next time!

[leaentries]

welcome back | luke hughes

summary: when someone insults you at the devil's welcome-back party, luke doesn't take it lightly.

warnings: rude comments about weight, pretty much straight-up bullying, a stranger being a complete dickwad, swearing, making-out

wc: 1.3k+

Luke absolutely adored you. In his eyes, you hung the moon and painted every last star. That’s why he often got distraught and confused when people felt the need to comment about your appearance. Now, it was very clear that you were bigger than the typical girl, but it just made Luke love you that much more. 

The ceiling was littered with glittering lights, and the walls were covered in black and red decor. The annual welcome-back party was in full swing, couples and players alike mingling in every corner of the large room. 

It was quite obvious that the Devil’s organization spared no expense in planning this event. It was grand, to say the least. A highly sought-after DJ stood at his booth in the center of the room, playing any song imaginable. Yet, you were too enamored with the brunette in front of you. 

Luke was dressed in a sleek black suit with a jacket perfectly tailored to cling to the hard muscles on his arms, displaying them with any slight movement. His white dress shirt was slightly unbuttoned as the room got hotter. Luke’s tie had been ditched within the first five minutes of arriving, as he claimed it was “choking him.” You could barely tear your eyes away, even for a moment. However, the feeling was very much mutual. With the dress you had on, Luke was practically drooling all over the table. 

You wore the very dress that could make Luke fall to his knees. The material hugged every curve of your body in the most flattering way. Luke could have sworn he fell in love with you all over again the second you walked out of your apartment. Anyone in the room could see the love swimming in waves around the both of you.

You quietly talked amongst yourselves, at least until Jack and Nico made their way to your table. The conversation quickly changed to the upcoming opener, the boys eager to start the season. Only half-listening, you noticed the food being restocked. You figured Luke was probably starving since the two of you had spent almost all day getting ready. 

You lightly gripped the arm that rested next to you, gaining his attention. “I’m gonna go make us some plates.” You nodded towards the freshly made food. He agreed immediately, solidifying your previous assumption. You stood, placing a gentle kiss on the top of Luke’s head as you made your way to the buffet.

You grabbed two pearly white plates, setting them in front of you as you began to put all of Luke’s favorites onto his plate. You piled as much as the porcelain could handle, then proceeded to fill your own. You balanced the two plates, getting ready to walk away when a male voice sounded from beside you. 

“Two plates, seriously?” You turned towards the rough voice, clearly confused as to what you thought you heard. 

“Excuse me?” You replied, a slight edge to your voice. 

“I mean, c’mon, you obviously don’t need that much food. Sweetheart, I hate to break it to you, but you fill out that dress a bit too much already. It wouldn’t hurt to cut back on the carbs.” 

Shock flooded your body, causing you to freeze. There was absolutely no way a complete stranger just said that to you, let alone to your face. The shock was quickly replaced with anger. You set the plates down, careful not to spill Luke’s food. 

“Apparently, I’m doing just fine if you felt the need to stare at me for that long.” You crossed your arms, biting the side of your mouth in an attempt to control your irritation. 

“It’s kind of hard to miss you. You’re one of the biggest girls in the room.” Your anger dissipated, shame rushing to take its place. You felt your cheeks and ears begin to burn with embarrassment.

Normally, comments like this didn’t bother you, but something about the look in this guy’s eyes made you feel a brand new form of humiliation.

“What the fuck did you just say to my girlfriend?” The sound of a voice you couldn’t be more happy to hear echoed from behind you. Luke came to stand beside you, slightly putting his body in front of yours. 

Luke’s jaw ticked with rage. His eyes were dark, you don’t think you’ve ever seen him this angry. Not even on the ice. The guy’s eyes widened, noticeably in fear and… excitement? 

“Oh my, you’re Luke Hughes! I’ve been trying to find you all night! I wanted to see if you would be interested in coming on my podcast next week?” The stranger's audacity caught you by surprise.

 Luke’s fists tightened, glaringly angry. 

“Are you serious right now?” Luke’s voice was harsh, “You just openly insulted my girlfriend, then you have the audacity to ask me to come on your podcast?” The stranger’s eye drifted to you, then back to Luke.

“She’s your girlfriend? I heard you had one, but never would I have guessed she would look like that.” 

Crack! 

The sound of Luke’s fist colliding with the guy's face was all you could hear. The room went silent, all eyes on Luke’s visibly enraged body towering over the guy clutching his nose on the ground. 

“I swear to God, if you ever come near me or my girlfriend again, you’ll fucking regret it.” Luke grabbed your hand, leading you past your table where he quickly snatched up your belongings. He whispered something to Jack and Nico, to which they responded with understanding nods. He continued to lead you through the large building until you reached the parking garage. 

Luke had yet to say a single word, the tension in the air became suffocating.

He remained silent the rest of the way to the car, helping you into the passenger side. Once he was in the car, he let out a deep sigh, gripping the steering wheel. 

“I’m so sorry, baby” His voice came out barely above a whisper. You looked over, noticing his eyes tightly shut. 

You shook your head, “Sorry for what? Nothing that happened in there was your fault.” He turned his head towards you, opening his deep eyes to meet yours. Conflict fought battles within his orbs, causing you to reach over and cradle his face. “Lukey, listen to me. I’m okay, you’re okay, we’re okay. He was just some jackass that isn’t happy with his life so he felt the need to take it out on me.” 

He furrowed his eyebrows, “I don’t get it. You’re the one who got insulted, yet you’re comforting me. It’s supposed to be the other way around.” You smiled, leaning to place a soft kiss on his nose.

“I’m just used to it, I guess. I have tough skin.” Luke frowned at this. 

“You shouldn’t be used to it, y/n.” He reached to hold your hands in his, “You’re so fucking beautiful, I just don’t understand how anyone could say those things about you. You don’t deserve any of it.” 

Overwhelmed by his statement, you couldn’t do anything but press your lips against his. He kissed back immediately, pulling you as close as the car would allow. The kiss was desperate and needy, expressing every emotion you both were feeling. Your hands gripped at the curls on his neck, causing a low groan to escape his throat. 

You pulled away, leaving both of you with heaving chests as you attempted to catch your breath. “Thank you for defending me, Lukey.” 

“I’ll always defend you, angel.” He looked deeply into your eyes, before leaning back to turn on the car, “But now it’s time to go get as much food as we can stuff down our throats.” You laughed at his antics. 

This boy was gonna be the death of you.

[sflow-er]

Assorted Heartstopper season 3 thoughts (spoilers!)

Charlie's mental health issues were handled really, really well and Joe Locke acted his heart out. Perhaps the recovery could've been shown in a little more detail, but the ep4 structure was a great solution for a show of this length. I also liked how they portrayed the impact on his loved ones (especially the toll on Nick and Tori).

As much as I missed Nick's mum throughout the season, making his aunt a psychiatrist and letting her advise him about Charlie was an excellent choice! It actually felt more realistic than if it had been Sarah.

So pleased to see more Tori this season, and the rewrite of her and Michael's first meeting was cute! I do wish they had broken away from the comics timeline though, because the fast-forward to him casually hanging at their house felt very abrupt. I would've preferred a closer portrayal of her depression and them gradually getting closer this season, with their actual relationship saved for later.

Hence, I am actually glad they saved the ace reveal for S4. We saw too little of Tori and Michael's relationship or her confusion around it to relate to her aceness yet. If she had randomly come out to Charlie on the Ferris wheel, it would have just felt like lip service and a nod to the fans who knew her story from Solitaire (which is not canon in the show). I get why people feel like she was straightwashed, but there is zero chance of Alice Oseman of all people eradicating ace rep, and I genuinely feel that this was the better choice.

That being said, Michael was perfect and the casting was spot on!

As for the aspec rep we already got, Isaac's arc this season was amazingly well done! Even if his experience doesn't resonate with me on a personal level, it was relatable as hell in the show. It's also a great reminder that we are watching an ongoing show. S2 was Isaac figuring out his own identity, S3 was him living it and communicating it to others - and based on the camerawork in the scene where people wondered about Tori and Michael, S4 may be Isaac helping someone else figure out their own identity.

Another memorable thing for me was Elle's radio interview - the sheer absurdity of a trans teen being asked to respond to bad faith talking points from some adult TERF. The host both-sidesing it and unwittingly exposing her to vitriol if the interview had aired. Holy shit how appalled I was on her behalf - and how sadly realistic it felt... I hope the parents and random adults who watch this highly popular show take note.

Is it horribly middle-aged of me to say the teachers are still my favourite couple? I loved the glimpses we got of them together and the flashback to little Youssef made me tear up. More of them in the final season please and thank you!

My main criticism is that the season felt too heavily packed. There are so many characters now, and Alice and the writers want to give them all at least some kind of arc in each season. The result is that many of those arcs feel a bit rushed, and even as someone who usually fixates on side characters, I'm struggling to invest in all of them at once. Especially while the main characters and the more prominent side characters are going through very heavy stuff. So yeah, I would have preferred a tighter focus and more narrative breathing space.

All in all though, I really enjoyed this season and am looking forward to the next (presumably last) one!

[my-mt-heart]

What's confusing to me after watching the leaks (aside from just having no English subtitles for the French scenes, which was desperately confusing, please watch this when it airs - but it was 6 Carol episodes for my birthday so I watched it anyway) is that Zabel said no Caryl, and this season really felt like Caryl build-up.

I've been a "Carol and Daryl are best friends and soulmates first, and if they go romantic, good, if they don't, fine" stancer since Season 2. So going in, knowing about that interview, I watched for Carol first, expecting nothing further from her and Daryl than what we've had. "Do It For Her" style.

On that note, I was quite satisfied. A good six Carol plot episodes back to back would have been a rare treat in the main series.

Some things she did that made me sigh: lying to Ash, though it appeared impulsive and she almost seemed to try to talk him out of helping her after.

Some things she did that me proud: actually really trying with the ecologist woman who spared her, shouting after those two soldiers chasing civilians so she could gun them down and prevent the civilians they were chasing from getting hurt, showing compassion for Isabelle and stopping her search for her best friend to help her, stopping outside the window when that old lady was getting threatened and going in guns blazing to try to help her even though it would have been safer for her to stealthily exit with Daryl, snorting derisively at gunpoint when Genet tells her she could never understand her loss, telling Ash the truth, staying behind to cover him and avoid separating from Daryl.

Then there was the final scene with her holding the knife to a vision of herself. We know what happened to her in the comics. We know how hard it is for her to keep living after what she's been through. She held the knife to her own throat...and didn't. "Sophia" visited her, and Carol tremulously asks if she can go with her, and Sophia leaves, turns back, but Carol doesn't follow. Twice in as many minutes, Carol chooses to live.

I've heard Melissa McBride had a great deal of say in Carol's arc this season, and I think it shows. That's why I suggest: do it for her. I don't want her copping the blame for the various cringe moments in this season that didn't involve her.

That being said, and what confuses me after that interview, there really does feel like there was a lot of Caryl buildup. She was clearly pained when she was informed, multiple times, that Isabelle and Daryl were a (15 seconds of cringe) thing. Daryl asked her if she had the "hots for" Ash in an apparently-dismissive-but-actually-kind-of-miffed tone. This does not strike me as bestie behavior.

In what fairness I can mete out to Daryl (sigh), he very seriously, very pointedly told Carol he loved her last time they saw each other, and she immediately turned it into a "omg bestie I love you too!!" energy thing because she isn't ready to confront those feelings for him. She says this season while they're at the plane: "If I lose you I couldn't go on" (or something to that effect) and I think she views expressing her feelings to him as a serious risk and potential outlet for losing him.

Anyway, Daryl may have taken that energy switch after he told her he loved her as a very gentle rejection. This is just to try to understand the headspace they're both in.

The brave old lady tells Carol to her face that Daryl loves her (under the impression she's Isabelle, but Carol has quite the face journey) and that true love is rare. The old man remarks they bicker like a married couple. It was at this point I actually became confused, because didn't they say this wasn't going to happen? And I, troubled, thought, "If they're going to do this they need to lay the groundwork now and do it in Season 3," instead of rushing it like Daryl and Isabelle, because if Daryl and Carol are going to go canon, I don't want it to be a long look and 15 seconds smooching.

Carol asks Daryl at one point (regarding losing a child) "What, are you afraid of ending up like me?" in a biting tone (anticipating Daryl's rejection of her, as she often does...and never gets) and he says, very calmly, "No, I'm not afraid of that." He is afraid of losing a child, but not of ending up like her, because he respects and admires her a great deal.

Daryl hears Carol talk about how difficult things are at the Commonwealth without him, and says, "Things will be different. We'll be together this time." Carol chooses to stay behind with him at the plane.

As they go into the tunnel, a man chooses to stay behind with the woman he's in love with instead of separating like they had planned. At the risk of sounding deranged, their gloved and intertwined hands do actually resemble Carol and Daryl's, and it seemed like an intentional parallel.

After Carol chooses to live (twice) and makes her way back to Daryl, he has a hallucination of Isabelle telling him to "bet on hope", before vanishing into a cloud of fireflies a la lover giving lovee the blessing to continue in life without her. He, too, chooses to live, and he had Carol reunite. They put on the only two gas masks in the cavern and say, "Let's go home." As they do, a song lyric that has played in the episode before goes over the scene: "Sometime you don't always get what you want", but this time it continues: "...but what you need."

All told, I don't know where they're taking this next. This frankly does not feel like platonic build up, and I went in knowing of the interview and fully expecting strictly platonic interactions. I am at this point almost willing to believe the statement that Caryl wasn't happening was a very ill-advised troll attempt. Melissa McBride, at least, clearly has her hands in Carol's plotline, and her above anyone else I trust with Carol. That's why, at this point in time, I am cautiously optimistic about season 3, and cautiously appreciative of the focus on Carol and Daryl's relationship this season.

My suggestion would be to, again, do it for her, and watch the series as it airs.

I have a different impression of what happened in S11's "I love you" and how it impacted Caryl's relationship in the spinoff, but that's beside the point. The point is, I agree that there are hints of something romantic between Caryl. My issue is this though. Fans of Carol and Daryl expect a show marketed as a Carol and Daryl show to explore their relationship, so why is that exploration reduced to subtext and parallels while other relationships that we aren't invested in are getting explicit beats? Why are their conversations being interrupted and their chemistry forcibly toned down? Why does Caryl's relationship feel like it's on the periphery and not at the center? You said you're willing to believe that Zabel was trolling, that he may actually be building up to something, but to me, it's very clearly a case of creative differences. At least someone wants Caryl while others don't and we know which way Zabel leans because he explicitly told us so. I think what we see in TBOC is an aggressive attempt to hide what somebody else wants and/or what is mandated. It's almost like watching a procedural drama where things are teased, but the characters and the relationship remain stagnant, always reset to where they started by the end. It's shitty because for over a decade, Carol and Daryl have been anything but stagnant.

I can definitely see where Melissa's influence begins and it's the most exciting element of the show imo because she clearly understands her character's trajectory and how to let her grow, but I can see where her influence ends too. Like everything else, Sophia's arc didn't go anywhere (side note: I hate that they tried to recast Sophia and she looked nothing like the og). Her need for Daryl wasn't reciprocated and her sense of "home" deflated like an old balloon when she had to find out he was preoccupied with his new family. As I said before, I felt like she was carrying more pain with her by the end than she was before she left and the way it was handled felt deeply misogynistic, like she was being punished. It gave me flashbacks to S11 when she was sidelined (literally sent back to the kitchen) and Daryl was being a jerk to her without any clear indication as to why.

I respect your opinion and I will second your advice for anyone who chooses to watch to do so for Melissa because she really is phenomenal all the way through. At the same time, the show and its marketing have raised enough red flags for me to feel uncomfortable encouraging anyone to give AMC their money when they've been mislead to think they were getting a Caryl show (Idk who the fuck the show is targeting, but it certainly isn't Carylers) and then a month out, are basically told by the showrunner to fuck off. Even if you aren't expecting Caryl and just want a strong Carol arc, that's not what this show is either. She gets the sidekick treatment as soon as her arc intersects with Daryl's, her name isn't allowed in the title, and Melissa doesn't get equal billing like the other female leads in the franchise. Ultimately, watching or not watching is a double-edged sword and I think everybody just has to decide for themselves what's best for them. What I think is more important is that regardless of your choice, just make sure AMC knows why you made it. Speak up where they can hear you.

[aishangotome]

Ellis Twilight: Chapter 1

What is happiness?

It's like the twilight sky that changes color immediately after the moment it's imprinted in your eyes...

It never lets go of your heart, but you can never have the same thing again.

Time, stop - so that this happiness doesn't fade away.

-

(Starting today, I'll be living under the surveillance of the people from "Crown," the assassination organization that uses evil to defeat evil.)

(As a "Fairytale Keeper," it's my duty to record their sins - and my only lifeline.)

I get ready in front of the mirror and pump myself up.

(To be honest, I'm scared to witness "sin" again...)

(But I've handled customer complaints at the post office and deliveries in hectic situations like a demon.)

(It's okay. I'm sure it'll be fine.)

Kate: Just one month. I can do it, I can do it... Okay!

I chant it to myself like a spell, open the door, and take a step forward with momentum -

-

???: Whoa!

Kate: Kyaa!?

I bumped my nose right into the chest of someone standing in front of my room.

Kate: I-I'm so sorry...!

Ellis: I'm sorry too. ...Does it hurt?

(Ah...this person--)

Last night, I found out the secret of "Crown," the assassination organization directly under the Queen...

*last night*

Harrison: ...So, what are you going to do, Victor, after explaining it so thoroughly?

Victor: Hmm...let's see...

Ellis: Should we kill her?

(Eh-?)

Ellis: She doesn't seem happy at all, but I'll do it if it's a job.

*back to present*

(He's the one who immediately suggested killing me.)

(But after that...)

*earlier*

Ellis: I'm Ellis.

Kate: Ellis... Nice to meet you.

Ellis: Yeah... Nice to meet you too. Jude and I are often out on assignments,

Ellis: But while I'm here, I'll try my best to make you happy.

*back to present*

From the same mouth, he casually said a line like a proposal... A bit of a strange person.

(Why is Ellis in front of my room...?)

(Ah, that's right. The surveillance has already started.)

If I make a mistake, I might be killed.

Remembering the fear I felt last night, my back straightened.

(I can't be in the same mindset as my everyday life.)

(I've already stepped into a different world.)

Kate: Ellis, right? It's nice to meet you from today onwards.

Ellis: Yes, Ellis Twilight. Nice to meet you... You don't have to be so stiff.

Ellis chuckled lightly and peered at my face with concern.

Ellis: ...Your nose is red.

Ellis: I'm sorry. I was just about to knock when the door opened, so I couldn't avoid it.

His slender, long arm held the door.

Beyond his tousled hair were eyes the color of twilight, just like his name.

I gasped at the unexpectedly close distance and hurriedly apologized.

Kate: No! I'm the one who's sorry for rushing out with too much energy.

Ellis: Energy? Why?

Kate: Eh!? Um...

("I was psyching myself up because I was scared of living with you guys.")

(I can't say that...)

Kate: It's like being transferred to a completely unknown department, so...um...

Kate: It's like, "Go, go, go!" kind of feeling...!

Ellis: Go, go, go...

Ellis blinked in confusion.

(T-that was too unnatural...)

Ellis: ...You're a cute person.

Kate: Um...you don't have to try to cover for me...

(I should be glad I was able to make an excuse, but somehow I feel really embarrassed...)

As I looked away, searching for a place to hide, Ellis, back to his serious expression, whispered.

Ellis: Kate, I want to ask you for your first task in this "new department"... Is that okay?

-

Kate: –Wow...

(What a beautiful garden.)

I was led to the courtyard of Crown Castle, where a beautifully manicured English garden spread out.

Seasonal flowers were blooming in profusion, and it smelled as good as paradise.

(Last night, I only felt the solemnity and danger of the towering castle...)

(But there's such a peaceful place here too.)

Admiring the beautiful garden, I followed Ellis along the path and saw a gazebo.

On the table, tea and scones were prepared as if a tea party was about to start.

Ellis: Please.

Kate: Huh... Ah, thank you.

I hesitantly sat down on the chair Ellis pulled out for me, and he also sat down on the opposite seat.

(He said he wanted to ask me for a task earlier, but...)

Kate: Is this where I do my first task?

Ellis: Yes. ...Your first task is to have breakfast with me.

(...Huh?)

Ellis: Tell me about yourself while we eat delicious food. I'll tell you about myself too.

Ellis: If you record that, it'll become your report as a "Fairytale Keeper," right?

Kate: That would be helpful, but... wouldn't it be a bother to you?

Ellis: I don't think so, but why?

He seems to be genuinely trying to cooperate with me.

Ellis: I'll tell you about the other Crown members too.

Ellis: I think it's a little scary to live among people you don't know at all.

Kate:...!

(Could it be that this "first task"...)

Kate: Did you invite me to ease my tension?

Ellis: ...A little bit correct.

Kate: "A little bit"?

Ellis: It's also for me to talk to you...so a little bit incorrect.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

(I wonder if my first impression of Ellis last night was a misunderstanding.)

Just being near him, my body temperature seemed to drop, and I felt like something was peering at me from a gaping darkness - I was sure I felt that uneasiness last night, but...

(I don't feel that uneasiness from Ellis in front of me.)

(Maybe it was because I had just seen a murder scene.)

I gently pushed aside the discomfort that I was sure had arisen in my chest and chose not to see it.

-In hindsight, that was a mistake.

(Anyway, since Ellis went out of his way to arrange this for me...)

(I'll take him up on his offer and hear all sorts of stories.)

Kate: Thank you, Ellis.

Ellis: It's nothing to thank me for.

Ellis: Do you like sweets? This is the scone Victor baked this morning.

Kate: Eh? Victor cooks...?

Ellis: Yeah, it seems to be his hobby. Al is also good at cooking.

Ellis: I learned how to make clotted cream from Al before, and I prepared it.

Ellis: Liam recommended this jam and bought it for us.

Ellis: Maybe because he's a stage actor, he's knowledgeable about trends.

Ellis: This meat pie is from a restaurant Roger took me to for lunch before. He often treats us.

Kate: W-wait a minute. I want to write down what you just told me...!

I took out the notebook I had in my pocket, and Ellis told me all sorts of things about the Crown members.

Kate: Ah, I know this apricot crumble shop too! There's usually a long line, isn't there?

Ellis: Harry and I lined up to buy it. Harry has a sweet tooth, despite his appearance, and he loves delicious sweet shops.

Kate: Hehe... Everyone in Crown seems to get along well.

(I thought they were like people from another world,)

(But they're just normal people living in the same London... I feel a little relieved.)

(Thanks to Ellis.)

With a smile on my face, I spread cream on the scone in my hand.

Ellis: Kate.

Kate: Yes...?

Quite naturally, Ellis's large palm stretched out towards my face -

Ellis: ...Cream is about to get on your hair.

Kate: Eh? Ah...

(He's right, I didn't notice.)

Ellis scooped up my hair with his fingertips and gently tucked it behind my ear.

Kate: Thank you.

Ellis: You're welcome. ...Was it delicious enough to make you lose yourself?

Resting his cheek on his hand, Ellis smiled at me.

Kate: ...Yes, it's delicious.

Ellis: I'm glad.

(To be able to do something like this casually, Ellis...he seems popular.)

Realizing that he's making my heart flutter, I try to calm my racing pulse.

Kate: Preparing this table for me, being so considerate...

Kate: Why are you so kind to me?

(I don't remember doing anything to deserve such kindness from Ellis, especially so soon after yesterday...)

Ellis: Kate, you've had an unhappy look on your face since last night.

Ellis: I want the people around me to be smiling as much as possible.

(Is that all...?)

(I'm just a stranger to Ellis.)

Kate: Do you do this for everyone? Even strangers?

Ellis: Huh...? Yeah... Is that bad?

My simple question seemed to make him confused.

(Ellis really is a bit of a strange person.)

(But...)

Kate: ...I'm happy.

(It's true that Ellis helped me feel better.)

Ellis: I see... I'm glad you don't mind.

By the end of the peaceful breakfast, my vigilance had completely faded.

Ellis: Is theater your hobby?

Kate: Yes. Actually, last night, I even took on an unfamiliar night shift just to earn money for tickets...

Ellis: Hehe... You're quite passionate.

The conversation with Ellis never seemed to end, as if we were friends who had just met.

Then, another set of footsteps echoed.

Victor: Well, well, you're having a lively time!

Ellis: Victor.

Kate: ...! Good morning.

Victor: Oh, you don't have to stand up! I don't intend to interrupt your pleasant conversation.

Victor: Ellis offered, so I left breakfast to him... Has your tension eased a little?

Victor smiled genially and looked at me as if trying to gauge me.

The shadow of unfathomability I felt from him last night had faded, and I felt warm concern from his jewel-like eyes.

(Maybe it's thanks to the enjoyable "first task" with Ellis that my tension has eased.)

Kate: Yes. Thanks to Ellis and the delicious scones Victor baked.

Victor: ......

When I smiled in gratitude, Victor seemed a little surprised.

But soon, he broke into a bright smile like a blooming flower.

Victor: Yes, yes. Your relaxed smile also says, "I'm so happy to be the exclusive Fairytale Keeper for Crown!"

Ellis: ...I didn't say that much, did I?

Kate: ...Hehe.

Victor narrowed his eyes, looking at me as I shrugged my shoulders slightly.

Victor: Now, I asked you, the Fairytale Keeper, for two things. To keep secrets and to record sins.

Victor: The former is fine, but I thought you might be confused about what to do for the latter, so I wanted to explain a little.

Kate: Yes, please do.

Victor: It's not that difficult. Observe the people of Crown carefully and write down what you feel is a sin.

Victor: I'll leave the method up to you.

Victor: You can observe multiple people on a rotating basis, or focus on one person and accompany them in their actions.

(Observe the members of Crown carefully, the means and the person are up to me... I see.)

Kate: Understood. ...Um, to what extent am I being monitored?

Victor: By monitoring, I don't intend to restrict your freedom of action except for going out alone.

Victor: I may ask you to accompany us on missions, but you are free to spend the rest of your time as you like.

I'm a little relieved because I thought I would be under stricter surveillance.

Kate: I understand. Thank you for the explanation.

Victor: ...To be honest, I was a little surprised just now. I didn't think I'd see your smile so soon.

Victor: We showed you a terrible scene, and we're an evil organization that can't say "don't worry."

He winked playfully, then narrowed his eyes as if looking at the dazzling sunlight.

Victor: I hope the darkness that you will inevitably be exposed to from now on won't take away that smile.

The words he said strangely didn't seem like a lie.

(The people of Crown are definitely dwellers of darkness, terrifying people who don't hesitate to kill.)

But - I felt that if I looked deep down inside, there were feelings that I could understand.

Victor: Well, I'll excuse myself. The Queen's aide is quite busy.

As if he had only come to check on me, Victor left without sitting down at the table.

(To record sins, I first need to observe the people of Crown carefully.)

Then - I want to get to know Ellis better first.

That feeling arises quite naturally.

Kate: Um, Ellis... What's your schedule for today?

But my question is interrupted by a threatening voice.

Jude: Ya' have work ta' do. What are ya' slackin' off for? I'll beat ya' up.

Ellis and Kate: !

We both jump up at the harsh voice.

(This voice is--)

I turn around fearfully and see Jude standing in the garden, arms crossed, looking irritated.

(H-he's angry...!)

Ellis: Sorry, I'll be right there.

Ellis answered without standing up, calmly looking at Jude.

(So casually...)

Jude clicked his tongue and immediately turned away, leaving.

Ellis: ...As you can see, that's my schedule for today.

Kate: You work at a trading company, right?

(Jude is the president, and Ellis is the assistant to the president... right?)

(I thought I'd observe Ellis, but maybe I should do it another day.)

Kate: Thank you for taking the time for me. Good luck with your work.

Ellis: ..............

Ellis stared at me, lost in thought -

Kate: Um?

Ellis: If you'd like, why don't you come with me?

.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 2

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[jackwhiteprophetic]

9-1-1 Plot holes? Or storylines you felt could have gone on longer?

Hmmm I've been thinking about this one and I will probably come up with better ones later...

I mean the whole timeline in general is just a massive plot hole right? Ages don't really make sense, but I really want to see some more characters' birthdays being celebrated because that would be fun and silly!!!

I really liked Eddie's arc in s5 with his breakdown and the stuff with his dad, I wish it continued more into season 6 rather than just doing what they often do with Eddie and Buck, where they're like OH YES THEY'RE NOW FULLY HEALED FROM LIFE ALTERING TRAUMA ----> DATING TIME!!! Like I HATED when the team kind of pushed Eddie into finding someone it's so weird ughhh.

Also I wish they gave basically all the storylines this season more time, especially Chris leaving (there were definitely so many scenes they cut and it meant it just felt like it was missing stuff). I wanted them to drag out Bobby's coma arc more.

Again with plot holes, the whole Gerrard thing is just something I despise and it's such a rushed and weird storyline, like we all know he's not gonna stay and we all know he's fucking evil so why the fuck should they just subject the audience to seeing their characters be targeted by a bigot, and why put the actors through that again????

I also think they missed out on having Buck and Ravi talk about childhood leukemia and stuff, like that's such a clear link between them that they STILL HAVE TIME TO EXPAND UPON PLEASE!!!!

I also wish they gave us more of an update on Denny's dad and stuff, because they just haven't really addressed it this season, also in like S3 when they first meet Denny's dad (it might be S2 sorry) he's like it's up to you whether I'm in his life... ARE YOU TELLING ME HEN AND KAREN WERE LIKE UMMMM YEAH NO WE'RE DOING NO CONTACT???? FOR NO REASON???? WHYY?? That confused me...

Also I know it was a short season but I hope we get a Maddie begins or a properly expanded upon Maddie storyline next season, because even though I loved the madney wedding I think they should have extended it so that Maddie could have her own storyline, maybe a Hen (excuse the pun) party or idk just more screen time in her own wedding???

Anyway I still really enjoyed this last season and I love the show!!! It's just very silly and the plot holes are generally quite funny! ALSO SORRY I'M ADDING A LOT but the Taylor Kelly book I'M SO ANNOYED IT WAS ONLY COMMENTED ON IN PASSING. AND NOW I FEAR WE ARE TOO FAR FROM IT BEING RELEASED TO HAVE THAT EXPANDED UPON. WHICH IS NOT FAIR!!!

Have a wonderful day and lmk yours!!!

[roanofarcc]

PROJECT SUNSHINE CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR → ON THE LAM

summary: steve harrington x oc

when another product of Hawkins National Laboratory escaped a long-survived nightmare alongside her sister, she crashed into one unsuspecting teenage boy and dragged him deeper into the dark mysteries that made up their hometown.

word count. 4.1k || masterlist

warnings: cannon typical violence, child abuse, horror, gore, and depictions of mental illness. parts of this story were written pre-season 4 release. cannon divergence.

previous chapter ← → next chapter

Tagged: @sattlersquarry, @leptitlu, @two-sides-samecoin, @adaydreamaway30

Sunshine expected something explosive, the gritting of teeth and slamming of Calum’s body against one of the brick walls that sandwiched them inside an alley. The admittance from Calum that his father was Brenner’s partner was no different than picking up the loaded gun in Kali’s coat pocket, placing it in her hands, and fixing her finger on the trigger. 

However, Kali stood still. There was no expression on her face, no indication of violence, not even the pulsing anger she held inside the dead man’s apartment they had just been in. For what felt like a century, no one spoke. Calum looked confused, Kali remained a paused figure, and Sunshine held her breath. 

The sound of a police siren snapped them all out of it. Kali’s eyes fell onto the crumpled note in her hands, spotted red with the blood of the man who had wanted to help them, despite aiding in the Lab all of those years ago. 

“Kali…” Sunshine started, the pit in her stomach turning. 

“This guy's place isn’t far,” she said, much too calm for Sunshine’s liking. Explosive anger and vicious outrage were one thing, silent rage was something else entirely.

Kali didn’t wait for Sunshine or Calum to say anything before she started walking, pushing her hood up and hiding her hands in her pockets. Sunshine cursed under her breath and tried to wipe any trace of blood from her face. On her sweater, it looked like an odd pattern. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest and kept her head ducked as she followed after Kali. Calum wasn’t far behind, rushing to catch up once he realized they were going to leave him. 

“You didn’t answer my question,” Calum pushed, and Sunshine wanted to push him to the ground for his own sake. 

Kali kept a quick pace, not even sparing a look back at him. “Of course, I knew him,” she replied with a flat tone and coldness on the back end. It caused Sunshine to shiver. 

“I’m trying to find him. Or, well, I was. It’s…it’s complicated at the moment, I guess-” 

“I hope you find him before I do,” Kali said simply. 

Calum sputtered, clearly feeling the effects of Kali’s frozen tone. “W-Why?” 

They turned a corner to a street full of small homes in a neat row. Kali stepped into a park that sat on the opposite side of the street from the houses and stopped once she found a picnic table in a secluded corner, shielded by budding trees. 

As she took a seat, she said, plainly, “Because I’m going to kill him.” 

Sunshine sighed and rubbed her forehead where an ache had been growing all day. 

Calum looked shocked, bordering on mortified. “What? Y-You can’t-” 

“I can,” Kali cut him off. “Him and Brenner, and everyone else who worked in the Lab deserve something much worse than I can give them. But when they’re dead, they can’t hurt anyone else.” 

That was hard to argue with, no matter how much Sunshine wanted to fight her twisted set of morals. 

Calum looked to her, maybe for help or to tell him Kali was joking. But just as the Russians and Upside Down had been no joke last summer, this too was too real. Sunshine said nothing; she had nothing that would help either one of them. 

“Look, I-I know what my dad was a part of was fucked up. But I’m looking for him to give me answers to why he did it. There has to be some sort of…some kind of reason he did what he did. There has to be more. You can’t just kill him!” 

Kali’s gaze hardened, causing Calum to shrink back. “No one is changing my mind. I don’t care that he’s your father. I don’t care if it’s wrong,” she looked to Sunshine. “I never asked for help to follow through. This is my way of taking back what they took from me. I wouldn’t suggest getting in my way.” She tilted her head just slightly, narrowing her eyes in what Sunshine thought looked like concentration. Suddenly, Calum let out a gasp as he fell backward off of the picnic bench and into the grass. 

“What are you doing?” Sunshine rushed out. 

A drop of blood started to fall from Kali’s nose; she was using her abilities to make Calum see something that wasn’t really there. 

“Kali, please,” Sunshine pleaded, but she didn’t stop the illusion. Calum stayed with his back on the grass, swatting away something with frantic movements and panicked yelps. In pure frustration, Sunshine grabbed a hold of Kali’s hand, breaking her concentration at the sudden contact. In reflex, Kali twisted her arm and grabbed hold of both of Sunshine’s upper arms before shoving her as hard as she could, sending Sunshine to the ground alongside Calum. 

For a moment, Sunshine noticed the same frightened animal-like expression that she had once gotten, back before she was used to people touching her with no malicious intent. Kali didn’t seem to have that; she was still reeling from years of abuse that created a hard shell around her. 

“Oh, God,” Calum moaned. “What the hell, man.” He sounded on the verge of tears, confused and frustrated. 

Sunshine sat upright, combing down her flyaway with a huff. She looked at Kali, whose expression faltered back into something Sunshine couldn’t read. 

“I’m sorry,” Sunshine said, and Kali’s shoulders stiffened. “Can we just talk about this?” 

“Talk? She just said she’s going to kill my dad!” Calum protested, scrambling to his feet, still swatting at his clothes. “What did you do? W-What was that?” 

Kali sat back down on the bench, her jaw clenching when she looked at Calum. Sunshine knew she saw it too, the shared resemblance he shared with his father. It was hard to look past, even if Calum wasn’t his father, nor was fated to be like him. They still were family; Calum still wanted to talk to him and try to make sense of what he had done. He wanted an answer that would make his father seem less of a monster, but Sunshine knew any answer Dr. Miller could come up with wouldn’t be enough to justify his actions. 

“We’ll talk to this guy after sunset,” Kali said, ignoring Calum’s question about her abilities. “You said you still had questions.” 

Sunshine slid back onto the bench, her fingers cold from the breeze and spotted with dried blood. She hid them in her slightly oversized sleeves and sighed. “There’s someone that keeps coming up in my dreams. I know a lot of different people who worked in the Lab; they came and went. But he…he sticks out.” She explained him the best she could, a tall, pale, man who often watched over them inside the Rainbow Room. She didn’t recall him speaking to her much, only little conversation here and there regarding the games she was playing or the puzzles she was trying to solve. Out of everyone who worked there, he was among the kindest, gentle-spoken, and never grabbed at them. He looked at them with understanding instead of disdain. Sunshine never got his name, but she remembered he spoke the most often with El; however, when she had asked her sister about the man, she had no recollection of him. It was like he only existed inside her head, but she wanted to know if Kali remembered him. 

Kali seemed to think deeply for a moment, both of them ignoring the grumbles from Calum before he sat down quite dejected that his concern was dismissed. Sunshine felt bad, she did, but she was trying to get Kali’s mind off of murder at the moment. 

“He sounds a little familiar. There was someone, a man who often joined me in games of chess when I was new…” she trailed off, a slightly pained look twisted up on her face before it was steeled. “He talked like Brenner. Always saying what I could do was a ‘gift.’ That I remember, but that’s it.” 

Kali leaned forward on her elbows, the sky behind her slowly shifting to evening-melting colors. “I still don’t get what remembering will get you besides more pain.” 

“Maybe,” Sunshine said, her fingers twisting her necklace. “But I want to make sense of things and make sense of myself. I don’t want to-”

“Become like me?” Kali said. That wasn’t entirely Sunshine’s concern. She was scared of snapping, of hurting the people she cared about because she was so intensely wrapped in anger and age-old pain she couldn’t make sense up, but that haunted her dreams. If she untangled all of the webs inside her head, she thought she could make something neat and beautiful of herself, something normal. She wanted to resolve her anger, so she never took it out on anyone undeserving. She wanted to move on and live a little life free of troubles and ghosts from her past. Was that possible? Sunshine had no clue, but she’d try. 

“No,” Sunshine replied. “I just don’t want to lose myself, I guess. With a clear head, I want a fresh start.” 

Kali laughed short and bitterly. “Yet, you’re going to take the bus back to Hawkins tomorrow morning.” 

“I have a family.” Sunshine felt defensive, her cheeks warm and jaw lightly clenched. “I have people there that I can’t leave, yet. But I don’t plan to stay there forever.” She didn’t need to justify that to Kali, but a part of her felt the urge to. She just wanted her to understand the obligation Sunshine had to the members of the party left, who only had a few people left to look after them and who knew just what they had been through. There wasn’t a chance in hell Sunshine would walk away and leave the kids to fight for themselves. 

Kali let out a breath that was visible in the dropping temperatures of early spring but said nothing. 

Instead, it was Calum who piped up. “Wait, you aren’t going to kill the guy we’re about to talk to. Are you?” he said, changing the topic of conversation. 

“As long as no one beats me to it.” 

Three children and a woman were in the next room, a quiet agreement made between Kali and the man they had come to talk to, per Sunshine’s request. She wasn’t sure why she assumed the man would be alone; maybe she hoped everyone who had worked at the Lab ended up sad and alone. But they didn’t; they lived plentiful lives, and Sunshine didn’t like how bitter that made her. 

“Look, you kids-” 

“Don’t patronize us,” Kali snapped. He seemed much less fearful of the gun in her hands like he’d stood there before being threatened. “Answer the question.” 

The man, Craig as he had introduced himself, sighed and briefly closed his eyes. 

Sunshine chewed down on her lip, listening to the faint talking of a mother to her children who all were confused as to why Craig insisted on talking with three teenagers. Her mind was working double time trying to listen to his answers and think of a way to get Kali to not kill him one room over from his family. Did she think someone like him deserved a fresh start? No. But he already had it and taking it away at that point would do nothing but put them all on a watch list and hurt his family who had done nothing to them. 

“Yes. Dr. Brenner and Miller contacted me. I declined their offer as well. I’m happy here and I-I…” Craig stuttered before he stopped himself. Kali's intense gaze made him shrink just slightly before he met Sunshine’s eyes, the lesser threat. “I didn’t know what I signed up for in the beginning. I was fresh out of school and recruited.” 

“They tried to recruit you again,” Kali said. “What for?” 

Craig had a scar across his forehead, white and faded but still visible. Sunshine found herself looking at it rather than his eyes. 

“I wasn’t given details, just a vague letter.” 

Kali stepped forward, leveling her gun with the scar on his forehead a couple of feet away. “What did they want with you and others who worked in the Lab?” Her voice was stern, leaving no room for avoidance. 

“Another Lab, if I had to guess. They found what they were good at-” Kali stepped forward in a hasty, rage-filled burst. She pressed the gun against his forehead. Sunshine was only a second behind her. 

“Kali,” she said close to Kali’s ear as calmly as she could muster. 

Maybe it was annoyance at Sunshine’s interference with her “missions” or a tiny thread of reasonability that had finally come over Kali, but she seemed to listen to Sunshine enough to step back with a deep breath. Most likely she knew they’d get no answers if she killed Craig in a fit of rage. 

“I am just statin’ the truth. I don’t approve, didn’t at the time either. But I had just gotten married and needed a job. Besides, getting out of a government contract like that was a nightmare,” he continued. 

“You know what else was a nightmare?” Kali hissed. “Being taken from my home and experimented on for years.” 

He was too caviler, too okay with the role he played. It made her stomach turn as she thought about Ivy, about Three, about all of the kids who never made it out, and those like Kali who never found a home after escaping a nonstop nightmare. For a moment, Sunshine clenched her fist as her palm felt hot with anger. But she extinguished it before her abilities got the better of her. 

“We were under orders-”

“You were a coward.” 

Craig shrugged, not disagreeing. “I was, but not anymore. Whatever those men are up to, I’m not a part of it. I don’t plan on ever being a part of something like that again. I learned my lesson.” 

“Have you?” Kali asked. “Because to me, it doesn’t seem like you feel bad at all for any of it.” 

Something shifted in his expression, a mix between his own burning anger and a look of memories flickering across his mind. He was remembering something. How Sunshine knew that she wasn’t exactly sure, it was just something she could feel. 

Her memories assaulted her often, and that same ghostly look probably overcame her as well. 

“Believe me, I can’t lose my eyes without seeing…” Craig shuttered as if the memory was shaking him with a kind of violence Sunshine knew all too well. It was curious. 

Sunshine took a step forward, her fingers hovering just above the gun as if she was quicker than Kali to pull it away if she threatened to shoot. “See what?” she asked. 

Craig’s fingers rubbed harshly against his forehead, which was weathered with worry lines. “That night,” he began, the words seemingly thick in his throat. “God, I’ve never seen anything like that. I-I know things happened inside that building that were…” He looked between Sunshine and Kali, trying to think of a word that properly encompassed what had happened to them and every other child, but there was not one; Sunshine hadn’t found one yet, at least. 

“That were awful. I know I was a part of that, to an extent. But after that night…after seeing whatever monster had done that, I quit. I left that building and I never looked back.” 

Sunshine furrowed her brows. “The Demogorgon?” There were plenty of monsters inside the Lab, but the only one not in the body of a man was the Demogorgon that was unleashed the night she and El had escaped. While she didn’t know the details of what the monster had done before it escaped into the woods and stole little Will Byers from his own home, but it would be enough to make someone jump ship. Some people could stomach experimenting on children but drew the line at monsters from other words. 

Unfortunately, Sunshine and her friends had faced both, and she wasn’t sure they were done doing so. But they couldn’t run away because their lives were in Hawkins, unlike the man in front of her. 

Both Craig and Kali looked at Sunshine with confused expressions. “It’s, uh, a monster. Did you see it inside the Lab?” 

“I didn’t see anything but the bodies. So many bodies. So many kids…” He shuttered once more, closing his eyes. 

The only kids inside the building that night were El and herself. If anyone had died that night, it would have only been Lab workers. If there were kids Sunshine didn’t know about when she escaped, Hopper, Joyce, and Murry would have known shortly after. 

“When did you leave?” 

“Uh, God, it feels like a lifetime ago.” 

Kali narrowed her gaze, readjusting her grip on the gun. “Answer her question.” 

“‘78…no. No, it was ‘79.” 

Sunshine took an uneven step backward. 

That was years before they escaped. She didn’t have the greatest concept of time inside the Lab, only a vague understanding of how old she was because of Ivy and afterward because of a sheet of paper she hid in one of the ceiling panels in her bedroom where she marked off each day she was there. She didn’t understand what he was referring to, but she racked her brain for an answer. The only bodies she had seen were Three’s and Ivy’s after they were dead or nearly dead. 

She had more questions, a million more which she thought she’d have the chance to ask because the man seemed rather unphased by Kali’s gun and Kali hadn’t yet learned where Brenner and Miller were operating. 

But they never got the chance. 

For the second time that day, a bullet came flying out of nowhere. It split the window on the side of the house, raining glass down upon everyone standing in the living room. 

Sunshine gasped loudly in surprise before Kali grasped her arm and pulled her onto the carpeted floor. She hit the ground with all of the air escaping her lungs. The sound of breaking glass rang in her ears, filtering everything else out in a horrible echo. 

For a disorienting moment, she stayed down, eyes squeezed closed until the sounds of the world came back to her. 

Calum ran in from where he begrudgingly kept watch outside and the wife of Craig flew into the living room with her eyes wide and frightened. 

“Oh, my God!” the woman screamed, running to her husband. Craig still sat on the couch still, aside from his hand holding the side of his face as blood seeped out from his pale fingers. 

Sunshine scrambled up from the ground and ran forward toward the man. She grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and tried to hand it off to his wife. 

“Why? Why did you do this?” the woman cried, looking at Sunshine with bloodshot eyes. 

Sunshine’s mouth was dry as she tried to press the blanket up against Craig’s bloodied hand in a weak attempt to stop the bleeding from the fatal wound in the cheek. She felt his blood soak the fabric, sinking onto her skin. 

“It wasn’t us,” Kali answered for Sunshine, peering out the window from the side. “I told you; someone is after all of them.” 

The wife wailed but seemed more enraged as Craig’s eyes fluttered closed and slumped back against the ruined white couch. She lashed out toward Sunshine, shoving her to the ground with messy, blurry-eyed waving hands. Sunshine groaned as she landed on her back for the second time that day. 

Craig’s wife’s chest heaved. “Get out! Get out of here!” She was scared for her life and her children, and Sunshine felt her fear in each frantic kick and shove. 

“What the hell is going on? Calum cried. 

Sirens sounded somewhere far off in the distance and Sunshine’s chest felt so tight she couldn’t breathe. 

Kali used her combat boot to kick the woman off of Sunshine, but not hard enough to seriously hurt her. Craig’s wife cried against the carpet while her kids called from the next room. Guilt chewed at Sunshine, digging its sharp teeth deeper into her skin. Tears welled up in her eyes as shallow breaths escaped her lips. 

“We have to go!” Kali said, shaking Sunshine’s shoulders. “You have to go.” 

Sunshine’s mind was fractured into too many pieces of worry and problems stacking up, but she focused on Kali for a moment. “N-No,” she sputtered out. “You have to come with us. Come to Hawkins. You’ll be safe there a-and we’ll figure this out.” 

“Hawkins is not my home,” Kali replied, tugging Sunshine towards the door and leaving the now-broken family behind. 

“But it can be,” Sunshine said. “It’s different. It’s better now. Please, Kali. We can go back and figure out where Brenner and Miller are. I promise everything will work out; it will.” There was nothing Sunshine wanted more than to find a happy ending for all of the kids of the Hawkins Lab who were left. And while she didn’t come to Indy with the full intention of convincing Kali, knowing what El and the twins had said about their other sister, but something inside of her urged her to bring Kali back. It felt important, urgent even. Maybe it was simply the adrenaline and panic in her veins, or maybe that was what Sunshine had wanted all along, not just the answers to her memories. 

Kali looked like she wanted to fight, but there was something different in her eyes, something that almost looked scared. 

Sirens sounded louder. “Guys?!” Calum’s voice grabbed their attention. 

“Fine!” Kali relented, throwing her hands up near the back door of the home. She shoved it open and all of them hurried out. “I’ll go back with you but only to figure out a way to find them. That’s it. The only home I want is my own and they took that away from me.” 

Sunshine wanted to say something, something comforting but she could feel blood on her hands and a gunshot in her ears. Her world was dizzying that she wasn’t even sure she had heard Kali right. But they made a plan anyway before Kali split ways to find them a ride back to Hawkins. 

While Kali left to find them a ride, Sunshine and Calum found themselves in an alleyway where she had promised to meet them. All of the gross fear and anger bubbled through Sunshine’s veins to the point she couldn’t hide it under her smooth skin and soft exterior. Instead, it flooded her palms, bringing light to them that she threatened Calum with. A part of her felt bad about the fear in his tense muscles, but a larger part of her wanted him to stop. It may not have been his fault they ran into each other in Indy, but with him came an unraveling thread that he felt a sick need to pick at. He couldn’t stop and Sunshine couldn’t stand it. 

Two men were dead. Her necklace was gone. Kali had agreed to come back to Hawkins under false promises that Sunshine couldn’t keep. And Dr. Brenner and Miller were possibly up to their same old sick experiment. If there were other kids out there in danger, Sunshine wanted to help, but she had no idea where to even start. That’s why she needed to get home where she could talk to the people she trusted without hesitation to come up with some kind of plan. 

She wanted to cry, and after a tense moment of holding her illuminated hand to Calum’s face, that feeling washed over her anger like a sudden tidal wave, sending her floating back to the shore of reason. Stumbling backward, she curled her fingers into a fist and let a couple of tears fall from her eyes, hitting the alleyway gravel. 

Calum stood motionless, his face twisted up in a million different emotions. They had no time to exchange any words before a car pulled up, stopping quickly with its headlights turned off. Kali threw open the passenger side door from inside and gestured for them to hurry. 

With minor hesitation, Sunshine raced towards the car and Calum followed a couple of steps behind. Once they both closed their doors, Kali stepped on it, weaving through the alleyways and backroads of Indy until she hit the highway, leaving the mess in the rearview mirror. 

Sunshine leaned her head against the window, feeling the cool glass against her hot cheek. Her shaky, stained hands folded themselves on her lap after trying once more to reach for her necklace that was long gone. But at least she was heading home.

[laylawatermelon]

Buddie Episode ficlet season 8

Pulling from all theories floating

(i just wanted to write a fic🤗)

So let me set the scene, season 7 finale, Buck of course gets a really bad sprain after a rescue. He's staying with Eddie because duh, of course he is after his apartment rent went up (or burned down, flooded whichever flavor of whump they live to give him).

So episode 1 begins like this.

We're at The Diaz family house early in the morning.

Chris' alarm rings and he slams it off turning to go back to sleep. Eddie pushes the door open as he passes.

"Wake up Chris." He says dryly wiping his face.

We hear the sizzling of food and Eddie walks into the kitchen sniffing dramatically. He grabs orange juice and milk out of the fridge.

"Smells great, what is that pancakes?"

Buck turns beaming at him, towel on his shoulder, "Yeah Chris mentioned it last night so I made it today."

Eddie rests the stuff down patting him on the shoulder, "You know you don't have to do that." He slides past him getting the plates out of the cupboards, "But you know I'd never deny your food."

He rests the plates on the dining table depending as he checks the clock.

"Hey Chris! You up?"

Buck turns off the stove walking to his room, "I'll check up on him."

Eddie glances at his for, "You sure your leg okay?"

"It's perfect!"

Buck knocks on the door gently as Chris friends in annoyance. Buck laughed walking over, "Gotta get up buddy."

He pulls the sheet off of him and Chris whines. "Buck!"

Buck just laughs and walks out, "I made pancakes but if you're late you're gonna have to eat em cold in the car!"

He hears Chris' walking behind him and grins.

Chris eventually comes to breakfast and they chat while eating.

Chris talks about his upcoming tests and things he plans to do in that day, Eddie talks about his past shift and how he wishes he could be on the shift with him and Buck just staring at them with love and fondness.

Eddie catches his eyes and just grins reminding him to eat.

Then they're leaving, Chris rushing to the car after his girlfriend messaged him.

Buck stands at the door holding it open for Eddie.

Eddie hurriedly puts his water bottle and some snacks in his bag as he's rushing to the door. "We're gonna be late traffic is gonna be a killer."

Buck sighed as he waved to Chris who was impatiently waiting by the car door.

"You'll be fine Eddie, just take a couple side and back roads."

Eddie rolled his eyes as he walked past him, "Yeah me and the rest of Los Angeles will do that."

Then he leans over pressing a quick kiss on his lips. "See you after work Evan."

Buck nods as Eddie jogs off closing the door robotically.

Eddie freezes as he reaches his side of the car realizing what he just did. His head whips back to the closed door.

"Wait-"

"Come on Dad I'm gonna be late! My teacher's going to mark me down again."

Eddie nods eyes still transfixed on the door as he gets in.

"Yeah yeah. Okay."

Behind the door Buck is staring into space before sliding down the door in shock touching his lips.

He blinks away his shock and pulls out of the yard.

----------

Hen notices something's wrong instantly. Chim does as well but he's not in the gossip mood yet.

He assumes he'll be after he had breakfast so instead of bothering a dazed Eddie he jogs up to the second floor for breakfast.

Hen crosses her arms watching the dazed man pass her and follow him into the locker room.

Eddie absent-mindedly changes and she sits on a bench looking out at the trucks.

"So what's up today?"

Eddie closes his locker turning to her, "I don't know. I actually have no idea. I just did it. It felt natural."

He walked out still dazed as a confused look dawns on her face.

"Did what?"

Her phone rings and checks it frowning at the caller.

"Buck?"

She picks up and Buck is absolutely distressed on the other side.

"I dunno what to do it just happened! It was so natural. Kind of weird how natural it was though. Shouldn't there be some sort of fanfare?"

Hen stand up, "Slow down Buck I have no idea what's going on. Now what happened?"

"Eddie kissed me as he left this morning."

"He WHAT?!"

She looked up at Eddie who was climbing to the second floor waving at the others.

"Give me a minute."

"Yeah, I dunno what to do. He was like see you later Evan. Bam! Kiss. Gone."

The she goes to and confronts Eddie and Chim latches into the gossip that's being told in the locker room.

(i feel like this could be something but i dunno i just wanted to write🤷🏾‍♀️)

[websurfshark]

season 19 was a let down 😭😭

spoilers below!

i’m sure that over a year of hype doesn’t help my case here but i really was expecting something a little better 😭

i don’t mean to be too much of a critic in this post and sorry if i seem like i’m complaining but man 🧍‍♂️ full review here we go

sarges death was expected and the character arc that simmons got from it was pretty well done , he was cool — sarges death did just seem kind of rushed but that’s probably also time constraints , nobody seemed super affected by it tho and that kinda put me off ☹️ sure the reds were like Sad right after he died , and grif + simmons had the moment at his grave, but it’s literally not brought up again ? simmons just gets to be a leader kinda and tucker doesn’t get told he killed sarge, nobody else brings it up after the climax?? not even during the climax as they fight meta again ?

^ although sarges final moments were done very nicely and the va’s had a ton of emotion ❤️

along with that, wash’s acting was amazing as always

grif was characterized really weirdly throughout the first half of the season - i’m guessing they tried to make him the “straight man” of the group but it kinda fell flat because he just seemed irrationally angry every single time he spoke 😭 he kinda evened out as it went on tho so that’s better than nothing

Simmons was very kind this season that was interesting and cool He didn’t have a care in the world

animation was wonky at times but it was there - fight scenes weren’t monty oum style of crazy but they were creative with them and ill give them that! good callbacks during the fight

character callbacks were cool! i’m glad we got a little bit of kai (no reunion with grif tho so that sucks), dylan was there but she was kinda characterized weird, grey there, agent one (???) for some reason, 479er!!!!! she was well done and she fit really well into the plot!, no checkup on chorus life which was kinda sad (no lieutenants boohoohoo) some of the callbacks felt out of place tho

i don’t like how they handled tex cause even though it was cool she was back , i feel like we’ve done this dance a thousand times

also carolina quite literally came out of nowhere ?? how did she just ? drop from the sky what ??? LOL

absolutely no donut at all ? there was like one mention of him that i can remember ? lopez is just forgotten about back at the bases ??? i don’t know if the donut thing was something behind the scenes but Uhh

music wasnt up to par - they just reused old songs basically , the weird song that played during the “Memories” sequence wasn’t good

i’m not the hugest fan of the ais in general so i don’t think about them too much but i feel like sigma wasn’t characterized in the same way he was in the freelancer seasons — in pfl he kind of subtly manipulated maine into becoming meta etc etc but for tucker , he basically just like😭 tortured him WHICH IS PROBABLY CAUSE LIKE tucker knows This guy is evil Ahhhh!!! but still that was a little weird

no grimmons sad day for the rvb fandom - some scenes could be read as grimmons, like grif basically inviting simmons to go with him , i’m confused on why simmons stayed because simmons himself literally said One last mission ? so idk what he’s doing bro idk if he’s staying in blood gulch or what — grif just straight up leaves and like ? are they gonna see eachother again orrr ? what’s happening

the ending felt rushed and kinda weird - just vibes , i think i’m biased because i now realize that not a lot can beat the s13 ending , but even so , grif just kinda leaves and that’s the end 😭

i feel like we didn’t get a whole lot of conclusions for all the characters even tho that’s what was promised

overall i’m probably giving this a solid 5-6/10 , the season was overall very hit or miss in some aspects and scenes

ANWYAYS😭 don’t let my opinions take away from your experience with season 19! this is just how i felt about it after my first watchthrough and my opinions might/will change!

[rutellingmeashrimpfriedthisrice]

MCYT Yuri Week Day Five!

Prompt: Rarepair

Ship: False (FalseSymmetry)/Gem (GeminiTay)

Series: Empires SMP (season two)/Hermitcraft SMP (season nine)

Word Count: 1,007

@mcyt-yuri-week

Gem could tell the difference instantly. The way she spoke, the way she moved, everything was so different, yet so distinctly her.

This was her False.

"Gem!" False- her False said, rushing closer. Gem could recognize her anywhere, wearing her usual clothes and talking to her with such familiarity.

"False! Is it really you?" Gem asked, reaching out but not yet touching her.

"Really me? What do you mean?" False asked, confusion evident on her face. "Where are we? The portal- This isn't Hermitcraft, how are you here?" She asked, eyes scanning the redhead's face for answers.

"It is you!" Gem hugged her tightly. "I'll explain everything, I promise." She said softly, trying not to notice the confused looks her Empires friends gave her for being so overly-friendly with someone from the portal. "Come on, let's go to my kingdom." She suggested.

"Your kingdom? You have a- Is that a bear?!" False startled at the large brown bear now sniffing at the grass near Gem's feet.

Gem chuckled sheepishly. "Let me catch you up."

💜💛💜💛

"So you mean to tell me there's a version of me running around whose only personality traits are loving copper and selling iron? What am I, a golem?" False asked, drinking an offered bottle of honey as she sat on Gem's bed.

Gem chuckled and shrugged. "I don't know, maybe? You certainly aren't as fun to talk to as you are now." She said between bites of a golden carrot.

"What are you even doing here if everything's so…predictable?" False wondered, looking out over Dawn, which resembled Gem's elven base so much but was also so completely different it was hard to describe.

"I like it here." Gem said, a wistful smile on her face as she looked out over the kingdom she'd created from scratch. "Here I don't have to focus on any big projects, I can just…do whatever I want. I can make a bee farm one day and attend a princess party the next. It's just…nice." She said, shrugging.

False glanced down at her empty bottle and moved it to her pocket as she mulled over Gem's response. "Why didn't you tell me you were here? That here even existed?" She asked.

Gem giggled. "I wasn't sure how you'd take it if I told you I subconsciously created a version of you in my princess roleplay world." She finally answered.

False blinked. "You- You made this place?"

Gem shrugged. "Maybe? It has all my friends here, makes sense I made it." She said nonchalantly.

"Gem." False said, emphasizing every syllable she said. "You got bored, and made a whole world, just so you could be a butterfly princess. Do you know how incredible and impossible that sounds?" She asked, eyes never leaving the redhead's.

"Well when you put it like that…"

"Gem!"

"Okay, okay." Gem held up her hands in surrender. "It does sound kind of unbelievable, yeah."

False shook her head and chuckled. "You're insane." She said with fondness in her voice.

"Hey!" Gem punched her shoulder lightly, fighting back laughter and grinning when False snickered and punched her back.

💛💜💛💜

Gem waved to False from afar, noticing Scott's questioning gaze from beside her before she tried to continue her conversation with him.

Gem hadn't felt this excited since she "moved" to the land of Empires, hanging around False between her princess duties at every chance she could, looking forward to her friend's jokes about the other rulers of the land.

It was different with False. Her other friends marveled in the strange new land, not knowing it was made by Gem or that the people they met weren't real. False knew, she saw this as a game just like Gem did.

She felt seen with False.

But it couldn't last forever. She knew that. Gem always knew her friends would eventually leave, that she'd be the only sentient person in the Empires again.

She just didn't expect it to be so soon.

"Come on, Gem." False smiled slightly, rubbing her arm as she stood near the reawakened portal. "You'll see me again, right? Back in Hermitcraft."

"I-" Gem sighed. "I know." She forced herself to smile. "I just…thought I'd have company here a bit longer."

They stared at each other for a minute as the other Hermits and Empires rulers said their goodbyes before False cleared the distance to bring the Dawn princess in for a tight hug.

"I'll see you soon, Gem." She said quietly.

Gem held her tightly, eyes shut tight to make the moment feel longer than it was. "See you, False." She whispered back.

False turned to leave, but paused at the feeling of Gem's hand curled gently around her wrist.

"Thanks. You know, for keeping me company here." Gem said with a small shrug and tight smile.

False's smile softened as she moved to hold her friend's hand. "Any time." She said, giving her hand a small squeeze. She lifted Gem's hand to her lips, leaving a light kiss to her knuckles while the princess blushed brightly. "Until next time, your majesty." She said with a bow, giggling softly as she let go of the redhead's hand.

Gem clutched her hand to her chest, stunned silent as False turned and stepped through the portal.

💜💛💜💛

"Hey, Gem!" False- leader of Cogsmeade- waved, carrying a barrel in her arms and straining slightly with effort. "I've got your shipment! Sorry it took so long, I was…traveling." She said, setting it down with a heavy thud.

"Thank you." Gem said with a forced grin. It was hard to face this False knowing she was so different from her False.

"No problem!" False grinned, wiping some sweat from her brow.

For a moment, Gem caught a glimpse of her friend in the identical girl's smile.

"Do you…want to stop by the tavern for a drink?" Gem asked slowly.

False perked up, nodding happily. "Sure!" She agreed.

Gem walked with this False, wondering if she would ever start to feel the same as the one she loved.

[lemotmo]

Yeah I'm still confused about Tommy's involvement in this storyline. (Also it doesn't help that I don't vibe with his character at all) Yes it started the Bi Buck story, but at the same time the whole relationship (if we can call it relationship yet) as been super rush. It just feels like they are trying to shove so many elements at the same time which doesn't give people time to see a connection developing.

Also I think what doesn't help me is that all the interview/cameo have been confusing me. It seems like Lou is there for an arc, but I have seen people saying that since the official Instagram follow him and that Oliver seem interested to continue to have Tommy there, he will be there for the whole season. (That interview where he could stay as a friend) Also saying that Tim was still writing that last 3 episode that it could change. I mean I'm pretty sure Tim as a vague ideas of where the major point of is story will go. If he does change it last second to include more Tommy then that will be pissed me off especially knowing that he was brought for an Eddie storyline in the beginning.

I hope he's gone soon. I was hoping episode 6, but it could be episode 7. This is a short season and I don't want them to to spend to much time on side character.

i don't know what to think anymore, but I think what doesn't help is how some part of the fandom try to make you feel guilty that you can't accept this new ship. I have been on a blocking spree and it feels great, but it hasn't be easy.

Sorry that was long, but just wanted to vent a bit and tell you I like some of your takes.

Exactly! Everything between Buck and Tommy is rushed and doesn't feel organic at all. It's a frustrating storyline for so many of us, because it just doesn't deliver on the romance. It's boring and dull and kinda just falls flat.

That's why I've got the strong suspicion that Tommy is only there to serve the narrative of Buck coming out as bisexual. He is a plot device to uncover this hidden side of Buck, but it doesn't make any kind of sense in the long run. 911 has been telling the Buck and Eddie story for so many seasons now. It feels organic and natural. There is a build-up and so much history between them. So why not use Eddie to give Buck his bisexual oh-moment? Simple, Buck needed to realise he was bisexual first. That way they can write a slow realisation of feelings for Eddie. Feelings that have always been there. Also, Eddie is still with Marisol at the moment. Any feelings reveal at this point would be so messy. This ship deserves better than this.

As for those interviews and cameos. Oliver always seems to rehash the same things: vague Tommy references and how he wants them to stay friends afterwards (which doesn't bode well for their romance), the kiss felt the same as a kiss with a woman, he is so damn proud to be able to play a bisexual man (GO Oliver! I love him for that!), if Buddie were to go romantic he would be open for it. He never really interacts with Lou directly or shares a lot of Tommy or bucktommy pictures. He just vibes with the fact that he is proud to play a bisexual character. Which... good for him!

As for Lou? He is all over the place. I like the guy, but he is very chaotic. But overall he has been pretty clear that he's only there for a little while. He is also still involved in other shows, so he won't have time to fully commit to 911 anyway. Next to that, even he has mentioned Buddie in his interviews and cameos. I mean... the fact that it was also pitched for him to be with Eddie? Yeah, Tommy is a plot device alright. It is always possible that Tim will try to milk Lou's popularity by extending his stay for a couple of more episodes, but overall I'm not too worried about his staying too long.

I know Tim is still writing some episodes of S7, but the main storylines are already set in stone by now. It's only the details and how to get from point A to B that still have to be worked out. I'd like to think that they wouldn't just change main storylines at the drop of a hat like that. Tim isn't always truthful when it comes to his comments on 911.

Okay, this is for everyone who needs to hear it:

Don't feel guilty for not vibing with a character or a ship!

Don't listen to haters who try to make you feel guilty about it. But also don't go out there to make other people feel guilty about shipping bucktommy. We all like what we like. All you can do is block haters and filter out the tags you don't want to see. Also, surround yourself with people who think alike. Trust me, there's a lot of us out there.

Lastly, I decidedly don't vibe with Tommy or bucktommy. I don't see any chemistry between them. But I also need to accept that this is where the storyline is right now. We have no other choice then to follow the narrative and hope it leads to something more interesting, like Buddie. We'll just have to wait and see and hope that the show is smart enough to follow the chemistry between Buck and Eddie, and not let themselves be swayed by the superficial and temporary popularity of one guest character.

Don't worry about venting here. I don't mind. These are trying times in the Buddie-fandom and we all need to let it out once in a while.

[ragingstillness]

Ok so I just finished the episodes and by a cruel twist of fate I once again have to work in the morning so here’s my quick thoughts:

Calypso’s bday was clearly a pride celebration and I love that for them

I actually picked up on it surprisingly fast, like literally when Frenchie left the galley to go prepare for the party

Izzy’s voice is of course always tops, we knew Con could sing but man he really belted it this episode

Ned Low is a dick and deserved what he got

I now stan Hellcat Maggie

Not surprised murder turns Stede on, frankly it was smtg I was always expecting

While their previous two kisses have been sweet and romantic I was happy to see one with some passion

Izzy, Jim, and Wee John in drag mean everything to me

Poor Roach, he seemed to be enjoying his torture

Wish we’d seen whatever torture there was that “turned Izzy on” lol

Can confirm, people who play violin are assholes (source: I am a violinist) /jk

Ngl the episode felt a tiny bit rushed idk if that was just me

Ricky’s a dick and his speech immediately made me think of a gay priest who is denying himself and condemning homosexuality (for which specific priest, just take your pick there are a lot of them)

As much as I like Ed trying to encourage Stede not to “kill in cold blood” I think that ship has totally sailed on both their parts. Even if you don’t claim Stede’s killing of the Badmintons as “cold blood” he did totally set that ship of French aristocrats on fire

I like that the show’s acknowledging that jumping right into sex especially after trauma is not necessarily a good idea no matter how much some part of my shipper heart is like ugh why are they fighting again let them be happy

The second episode in particular Stede spends kind of acting like a dick and knowing Djenks and his team this is on purpose but it’s still unpleasant to watch

I feel like Stede’s fallen into the trap of now that he’s back with Ed he thinks everything is going to be fine and he’s turned Ed into this idealized figure again and is ignoring the actual things that Ed says

That being said, I do agree with him that Ed is being a coward by running off to become a fisherman as if he wasn’t a bloodthirsty pirate who still hasn’t made up for his actions to the crew.

Ed becoming a fisherman is clearly a “I was happy fishing for the first time in a long time I want to hold onto that feeling” decision

Essentially both Ed and Stede are running from their faults and pasts and I think they need to talk it out

Ed seems to be trying to say to Stede that he wants to have time to love himself before falling headlong into a relationship but he missed the mark a bit

Izzy briefly plays Lucius’ role in congratulating them on sleeping together and giving Stede advise

It fits him like an over large suit but I understand they needed a character to fill that role and Lucius has his own plotline now

I do think Izzy is being remarkably calm and that might not last, he’s probably bottling it up

Has the Jim/Olu/Archie polycule expanded to include Zheng? I’m so confused by it all. I don’t disapprove in any way I just feel like some of the relationships in that square are qpps and some are romantic and I can’t really nail down which is which

Fang and Roach bonding I kind of ship them a little

The Paper-azzi hysterical

Jackie’s new outfit: yes queen

The Swede’s new look: bitchin’

I feel like most of the cast have gotten hotter over the season. Shows what a few modifications in costuming can do (note, I said in costuming not in body or face or anything I’m not shaming anyone)

At one point I straight up thought Izzy was a ghost the way he kept popping up near Stede and Ed and giving commentary, idk if that was intentional

Izzy is still dealing with his alcoholism and I’m glad they didn’t pretend that’d be solved in a few days

RIP Ed’s leathers, you were hot

I knew there was smtg up with those clocks but I thought there was some sort of secret message in them not that they’d explode. That might be just because I considered it an anachronism. The earliest I can find evidence of a time bomb with a little googling is 1776 but that may be wrong

Who was firing on the republic? Was it Ricky or did the bombs somehow set off the canons on Zheng’s ships?

Stede deserved the beat down he got he was being a misogynistic dick

Also, it’s about time Stede detached from Ed long enough to realize that he hasn’t spent enough quality time with his crew to get them to stay with him when there are other options

Not surprised Ed didn’t kill Ned Low but a little surprised Izzy didn’t, as Izzy’s canonically killed everyone Ed couldn’t

Izzy mentioning how Ed shot him when he told him he loved him and Stede responding as if he’d heard that before I would have loved to see that scene

In general these two episodes felt a little rushed but idk if I’m perceiving that correctly I’m too tired

[chvoswxtch]

👋 hi, i'm back again already :)

i'm so glad i'm not alone in being completely feral for those set pictures. like it's insane what just seeing them has done to my brain chemistry. i saw them like an hour or so before i had therapy on wednesday and i felt like i was going insane for the rest of the day. the frank brainrot is real and i will be binge-reading ur fics again (bc i love ur portrayal of frank and i need that man in my life) and just UGH, i can't even explain how this man makes me feel without sounding fucking nuts.

and okay after finishing season two, i just, i have no words. i know that the fandom doesn't always love amy but genuinely, she has such a special place in my heart. and the lengths that frank went to protect her actually just made me want to sob. he absolutely melts my heart and i remember when i watched the start of season 2 all the way back in like september last year, i literally sobbed at the end of the first episode after he had that conversation about maria with the woman he met at the bar. like i am such a simp for this man, it's insane how emotional i get over it sometimes.

also i know you've watched criminal minds (the two fics u wrote were absolutely delicious btw) so i feel like you will understand this but pilgrim's actor being the same as will's just made it slightly hard for me to take him seriously. like the actor did a phenomenal job but i just couldn't help but see him as will. it was so jarring and also just a little bit funny. either way, i didn't hate the storyline as much as i thought but the connection between him and the schultz family did seem a little jarring? or like out of the blue? but i'm not sure if that's because of the writing or because of how long it took me to actually finish the show. but i think it was such an interesting way to connect the two plots even if it confused me?

then okay, like billy this season, he was a complete fucking psycho and usually ben barnes can make psychos be so hot but after he and dumont tried to like break frank by making him think he killed innocents, bro i was not on this man's side anymore. like i honestly was so mad at him. i haven't like been that mad at a character in so long, i was concerned for myself. honestly, i could have strangled billy in that moment. also dumont was just such a kind of dull character? i think the scene in like episode 12 when dumont and madani are having that conversation about like the trauma she (and billy and frank) went through was so good but that was like the most interesting i found her. i'd love to know your thoughts on her!

and like madani? i can't talk about madani without going too feral. like her and frank are my definition of bisexual panic. any time they are on the screen together, i go insane. the thought of the two of them actually is just- it's too much. i feel like madani doesn't get a lot of love in the fandom which always makes me sad because she is (to me) a literal goddess. but anyway.

i have so many more thoughts (mainly about how much i love frank and how fucking good a job jon does at portraying him) but this is already such a long message. i am SO sorry, i can do nothing but apologise

(the only reason it's so long is because none of my friends have actually watched the punisher so i have no one to talk to. sorry court <3)

i'm gonna ramble below the cut with you, please step into my office <3

those set pictures are ruining my life. like it still feels surreal that it's happening?? but i'm so happy they listened to the fans and seem to be taking the reboot seriously. also I know how protective charlie and jon are over matt and frank, so I trust they're making sure it's done right. akjdfhdfh you're too nice to me pls

I loved season 2, personally. it felt a little rushed, but I think that has to due with the fact that they planned more storylines and got cancelled because of the disney plus thing. I liked that we got to see a more fatherly side of frank with amy because it added so many more layers to his personality. we got to see it with the micro's kids, but we got to see it so much more with amy and I loved that

OMG WHEN WILL SHOWED UP I WAS LIKE SIR WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?? WHERE IS JJ??? it's so funny you say that bc the first thing I saw that actor in was a horror movie and then criminal minds but I always think of those two when I see him lmao. the pilgrim/schultz storyline was a little strange but again I think it's one of those things where they planned for more and weren't able to do it with the cancellation

I did not care for dumont's character at all to be candid. I don't really feel like she added much to the storyline. my main complaint about billy in season 2 is he still looked too pretty LMAO. like I get it, it's ben barnes, they can only do so much, but frank rocked his shit too hard for him to have a few scratches. I would've preferred to see him be more evil and psycho and bloodthisty for revenge but that's just me

DINAH MADANI THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE. she and frank are the definition of bisexual panic. she's just...like that scene of her and karen in the conference room when she's asking her if she knows anything about frank being alive?? karen is a stronger woman than me bc I would've let her bend me over that table. dinah doesn't get enough love in this fandom and that doesn't sit right with me and I feel it is my civic duty to keep the thirst for her alive

pls don't apologize! I am happy to chat about frankie anytime :)

[spammreviews]

MINI REVIEW OF SEASON TWO OF ARCANE BECAUSE WHY NOT

Warning: Major spoilers. Very major, the most majorest of spoilers.

Here’s the thing about Arcane. For me, half of the appeal is the way it looks and sounds, and this season looks and sounds just as amazing. Every location is gorgeous looking in a completely different way and every character design is a banger in a completely different way. I love the way the art style depicts eyes. They’re so expressive. There’s also a lot of shots of weapons and machinery doing machine stuff, and the detail in those moments is spectacular. Also, this is one of the coolest depictions of magic, where it’s all shiny and unnatural. All of the weird trippy magic sequences are incredibly creative. 

In terms of sound, the soundtrack is filled with bangers. I feel like I wouldn’t care much for the songs if I just heard them on the radio, but in the context of the show, they work so well. The show also uses sound design to really add to its vibes, with every machine sounding twice as large as it really is, and every bit of magic having its own unique sound. Very neat.

However, I have problems with the script. Almost all of my problems stem from the fact that this is the final season. When I first heard that season two was gonna be the last season, I was really surprised. This story feels so big and epic, I was thinking they’d need at least three seasons to give it justice. My thoughts on that have not changed.

If this season was two seasons then we wouldn’t have so many plotlines that feel rushed.

The first of these rushed plots is Ambessa’s story. I was very confused as to what her motivations were. Why does she care so much about this random city? This is a problem because she is essentially the final villain of the story. Throughout the whole final battle, all I could think was “Why is she doing this? Why is this happening?” It’s also unclear what Ambessa really wants to do, meaning there’s a lot less stakes. If she conquers the city then what? How would it be worse than before? I wouldn’t be surprised if Ambessa as a character makes more sense to game players, but I haven’t played League of Legends.

Similarly, I bet most game players probably understood The Black Rose far more than I did. I didn’t understand what they wanted, what they did, or what they really were. As a result, they felt more like a plot device than anything.

Many of the character arcs also felt too quick. I like Viktor’s arc, how his desire to make the world perfect leads him to villainy, but it feels like he goes from wanting to cure diseases to initiating the Human Instrumentality Project far too quickly. I can say the same for Caitlyn. She went from being a dictator to turning on Ambessa and forgiving Vi pretty quickly. I would have liked to see more time with her grappling with what happened. As is, we only have four episodes with Caitlyn and Vi apart, and this gives their reunion and banging less gravitas than it otherwise would have. 

Also, Sevika. She plays a fairly major role in the first three episodes of season two, and then she just becomes a minor player in the last episode. Where’s her character arc?

Speaking of Zaunites, the riff between Zaun and Topside is never mentioned in the last three episodes, so it kind of feels like that entire plot thread was just dropped. The Zaunites and the Topsiders manage to put their differences aside very quickly. Season one, and the first six episodes of season two, made it clear that Zaun was thiiiiis close to full on rebellion, and I don’t think that was ever resolved beyond Sevika getting a seat at the high council of the city. The show does tell us that there will be further conflicts in the future, so it’s definitely smart enough to understand that you can’t wish away these problems, but it still feels unsatisfying to see this major part of the show turning into a footnote.

Lastly, I don’t think Shimmer was mentioned once during this entire season. 

However, I don’t know what else the writers could have done aside from adding more episodes. The show does the best with the time it has, and also, many of the character arcs do work. I really liked seeing Jinx healing from her trauma by taking care of Isma or whatever her name was, even though I did kind of wish we got to see more of her healing after losing Isma. She doesn’t get to grieve for very long. However, I did like the first 2/3rds of her story. In addition, Mel letting go of the expectations of her family was very satisfying, and Vi had a really great arc all about her struggling with human connection and isolating herself that ultimately ended with her finally learning to let herself be vulnerable. I like how Vi’s last scene has her humming a song her mother used to sing, showing that she’s made peace with her past. Very nice. 

All that being said, there are some problems I have with the show that have nothing to do with the season being rushed. First, why did the show decide to show Jayce destroying Viktor’s cult and then explain why? That’s such a bizarre choice. Usually, you want the audience to know the character’s motivations. Throughout the scene in episode 6 where Jayce was going crazy, I was just confused. Most of the beats of Jayce’s character arc here did work with me, with him realizing the evils of hextech, struggling with his relationship with Viktor, and grappling with his past. However, this one detail significantly weakened it.

Second, of all the characters to kill off, Jinx was probably the worst. Okay, she might not really be dead, as I see a bunch of people online making some theories that make sense. However, that’s also annoying, because what’s the point in having a fake-out? Nevertheless, if we are to assume that Jinx did actually die, that’s…weird. We saw that Jinx was suicidal before the battle, so having her bravely sacrifice herself feels icky. It’s weird that Ekko gives Jinx a whole speech about why she needs to keep fighting, only for her to die anyway. In addition, having Jinx go through this entire redemption arc where she makes peace with her past only to die is just…sucky. However, she might not be dead.

Also, by the way, we only get one shot of Ekko reacting to Jinx’s death, so that sucks.

Thirdly, speaking of Ekko, the time travel thing felt very random to me, and I’m pretty sure that’s because I haven’t played the video game. From a character standpoint, it worked well at having Ekko realize how his actions have affected the world, and it allowed him to have proper goodbyes with all these people, and it showed him how important Jinx is. However, plotwise, it’s odd to randomly introduce fucking alternative universe time travel shenanigans and then only bring it up once again. I’m sure this has a basis in the League of Legends lore, but I am of the opinion that adaptation should stand up on their own, partially because I don’t want to play League of Legends.

Now, that’s a lot of complaints, but I still liked the season. The first three episodes, act one, are basically perfect. Basically all my complaints are about acts two and three. In addition, the breakneck pace means that I was never bored, and the benefits of not explaining anything is that there is basically no exposition in this season. I liked this season. It had a very, very, very hard job, and the fact that it managed to make something coherent at all is impressive. Plus, as an experience, it works, simply because it looks and sounds so good. It’s not perfect, but maybe it’s the best it could possibly be.

Also, every character here is hot as hell, and there is appeal for everyone. No matter who you are attracted to, you’ll find a character to like. That’s worth something. It’s also nice that the characters are sexy, and they have sex occasionally, but they’re never sexualized. They don’t wear revealing clothing, and we don’t get a million shots of their butts.