#the most suspicious guardian angel

[deathbxnny]

Helloo!! Arcane is ending soon, so I was wondering if I could request the Arcane cast reacting to a reader who suspiciously seems to know everything that’s gonna happen in the plot? They always appear where the action is, and they warn about dangers before they happen, trying to ”subtly” change the outcomes of horrible events. Tragedies are a core element of the story, so I feel that the narrative would create another disaster if one event got prevented, but the thought of these characters being safe and happy after all they’ve been through would be so healing :3 It’s up to you which way you want to take it 🐁💖 I’m fine with both platonic and romantic, but I’d love to see Vi, Jinx and Caitlyn if that’s ok :)

I love love love your writing, reading your HC’s before bed has become an important part of my day and it’s always a joy to see your work pop up in the tags <3 Thank you for letting us read your creations 💖 I can’t wait to read the second part of your Caitlyn fic!!

The Timekeeper. | Vi, Caitlyn, Jinx x Gn!Reader

I absolutely LOVE this idea, Anon, and I appreciate your request so much!! Also, thank you for your kind words. It really means the world to me reading something so sweet!<33

Content: Angst, can be read as either platonic or romantic tbh, time traveling, fluff, bitter sweet, cursing, spoilers for season 2?, sfw

Reader has no set pronouns.

((Not proofread))

You were always a mysterious figure to them. One that appeared at the right time in the right place whenever they needed you the most.

You never revealed a thing about yourself. You never even told them your name. But one thing they did know was that you had always looked out for them, like a guardian angel in a way.

And on one fateful day, after another evaded tragedy, they finally caught up to you just before you could leave again.

》VI

"Who the hell are you?" She asked completely out of breath after having practically chased you down through the dense crowd of the undercity. She had seen you so many times before. So, so many times. And every time she did, you were somehow able to save her from certain death by subtly showing her the right way to survive.

It took her a while to piece together that you must've known the outcome of every situation she had ever been in beforehand. That was the only logical answer to the many questions around your existence she could come up with, but it wasn't enough to satiate her desperate curiosity. There were times she had chosen against your signs, and the consequences ended up being almost grave. So whoever you were, you must've had otherworldly knowledge about everything and everyone.

Because whilst she didn't know a thing about you, you certainly knew everything about her.

Raising your hooded head, you idly played with the pocket watch in your hand, piercing eyes meeting her own. "Does that matter?" You ask, and truthfully, it shouldn't. Who cared about your identity when she knew she could trust you? But that wasn't enough. "Yeah, it does to me. Now tell me who you are already. I... I've been seeing you everywhere for years now. You have always been there and I..." She trailed off, suddenly losing her confidence.

She had thought of this moment for years now, imagined exactly what she would say to you. And yet, ultimately, she found herself speechless in your presence that seemed to drown out everyone else around you two. "I see... but my apologies, we were not supposed to meet yet." You said calmly, seemingly undisturbed by her appearance. "Time and fate... they both are so tightly intertwined and yet also so far apart from each other... how odd that the timeline changed so suddenly again, no?" Your words made zero sense in her mind, but that just added to your mystery.

"What-" "-Are you happy with the way your life is going?" You ask, and that made the woman pause in thought. The answer was positive, of course, but only because you had a strong hand in it once she accepted your help. She thought of Powder back home, who was probably happily tinkering away with the young girl Isha they recently took in, and that made her finally nod. "Yes. All thanks to you." "Not at all. It was you who chose your fate. I only showed you the alternative paths."

You two stood there in silence for a moment before she shoved her hands into her pockets and looked over to a nearby bar she liked to frequent in-between missions. "Let's go grab a drink and talk. It's on me." Deciding to accept this new path the timelines had given you, you accept her invitation with a smile.

》JINX

"You're terrible at your job." "Am I? I like to pride myself in my good work ethic, actually." Jinx was idly swinging her gun back and forth on her index finger whilst she rested up in the ceiling above you, clearly having followed you around secretly. But she knew that you already knew that from the start.

Scoffing at your words, she jumped down and landed in front of your indifferent figure as she pointed the gun right at you. "Pah! You're a funny one... so what are you? A time traveler?" "Ah, I like the title Timekeeper more." You were aggravating but at the same time a familiar face she had grown to appreciate deeply. You were the reason she was doing well in life now, even if she ignored you for a very, very long time. She thought she knew better despite all the odds pointing against her, especially you. Ultimately, she learned her lesson when she finally just listened to you.

"Ugh... whatever. Can't ya at least tell me your name?" "No." "Man, you're such a pain in the butt!" "Likewise." Rolling her eyes, she lowered her gun and lazily leaned against a wall, arms crossed tightly as she observed the crowds passing by from outside the abandoned building you were in. An admittedly comfortable silence fell between you two, one that relaxed her shoulders and made her sigh in defeat after a while. Your presence was always so comforting.

"So, you let me catch up to you this time. Finally tired of the cat and mouse game we've been playing?" You lowered your head at her question, a sly smile on your face that made her narrow her eyes in interest. "Perhaps. Or maybe I just wanted to ask you how you're doing?" What an odd question, considering the context of your meet-up. And yet, it was somehow fitting coming from you specifically. Wasn't your whole mysterious mission revolving around her well-being anyway?

"Shouldn't you know the answer to that, oh so esteemed 'Timekeeper'?" You found no offense in the mockery of your title. Just pure amusement. "I'm afraid that mind reading was not in the initial job listing." Jinx took a moment to think about your question carefully then, deciding to indulge you despite her better judgment. Things were good now, after all. She, Isha, and Vi were together again as a family, including Vander, even if they had yet to find a way to turn him back properly. But everything was happy otherwise... because you made sure that the end to her story wouldn't be a painfully tragic one.

"... I'm fine. Everything's fine." She muttered, and your smile widened at that answer. "So... I'm not terrible at my job, after all?" Pressing a playful hand to her chin, Jinx acted as though she was in deep thought. "Hmmm... I guess I'll need more convincing than all of this to decide." "Of course... then how about we start with running away before the Enforcers show up to raid this place in approximately... 2 minutes?"

Jinx rolled her eyes again with a grin but agreed to follow you, very much glad to have learned her lesson at your side throughout the years.

》CAITLYN

She was ignorant towards your judgment from the start, especially as she was able to analyze very quickly that you weren't all you claimed you were. You were too smart, too fast, too aware of everything. It was clear that you already knew how her life story especially would come to an end. But that didn't mean that she'd always listen to you.

Caitlyn believed to know better, even going as far as to protest against your word, which she had learned to be fate itself. And sometimes she'd nearly get away with her life, and on others, you'd be the one to show up just in time to save her. It was embarrassing and at times even near humiliating, but you never judged her, just silently left every time she attempted to confront you.

And this time she had finally succeeded.

Now dressed in a formal uniform, she watched your still form stare out of a window in her estate, as though you weren't practically trespassing. But Caitlyn was used to that. "It's going to rain soon. I wonder if the construction workers will get done with the restoration on time today before the first drops fall." The navy haired woman came to stand next to you, ears finely tuned to your calming voice she had heard in her dreams and mind for so many years. It felt surreal to stand next to you at last.

"You already know the answer... but I think Mother will send out guards soon to retrieve them." Her mother, who had only narrowly escaped her death, if it wasn't for you. She had only gotten a little injured from falling debris, but that was all that happened. All of the councilors and people in the building had survived the Jinx attack. No grave injuries. All because you prevented it by throwing Jinx slightly off balance enough to make her shot not as precise.

"... Thank you." "For what?" The right answer would be absolutely everything, but she refrained, noting that you didn't seem keen on praise. You saw it as your job. As your duty to her for a reason unknown. "For saving my mother." That should do.

You nodded at her words in acknowledgment as your eyes spied Ambessa retreating with her troops in defeat. They were practicing chased away by the council since their help was unwelcome. Served them right for meddling with the business of other nations. You had exposed their ulterior motives in secret, and that's all it took for the tide to turn against them. "Just my duty." "I knew you'd say that... but I want to reward you for all you've done. If it wasn't for you... then I... I don't want to know what I would have become."

You glanced at her with an unreadable look in your eye, and that reconfirmed her suspicions regarding how deep she would have fallen otherwise. It's best not to think of it.

Humming to yourself in thought, you gave her a small smile. "Very well, if you insist... you can treat me to some fine tea and cookies." Caitlyn weakly mirrored your grin, relief filling her senses at you accepting her offer. She was worried you wouldn't. "Of course. Follow me." Linking your arms together carefully, you made your way through the dim halls.

A chuckle left your lips when it indeed began to rain.

[faeryarchives]

heartslabyul with a furina-like female reader! the "regina of all waters, kindreds, peoples and laws" is deeply loved by all. under her flamboyant and imprudent facade, lies a girl holding an unbearable weight and guilt on her shoulders to save her people. note: contains major spoilers about fontaine story quests (you have been warned) !! furina - like female reader series: savanaclaw recent fics: you feel like home & octavinelle with a fischl like female reader! & i'm not jealous !! (savanaclaw x gn!reader)

-‘๑’- riddle rosehearts

"who are you people? and why are you all dressed suspiciously? no, don't come near me, i am warning you!" "calm dow- where did these water familiars came from?!" "stay back i said!"

riddle was taken aback by your sudden behavior and your ability to wield a sword as well as commanding your familiar like it's your second nature! but weapons are still not allowed on school grounds 🤬

after the incident, riddle thought he wouldn't interact with you again when somehow manage your way to the dorm and stepped in when he was about to collar his dorm mates

"i don't think it's appropriate for you to chain your subjects like prisoners, mr. riddle. that is not a proper way of to rule." "don't stand in my way, what do you know about ruling?!" "... you have no idea."

and you proved him so wrong after overhearing your conversation with your heartslabyul friends. it's not like he intended to eavesdrop but it just happened that he was passing by

"after 500 years of acting on stage - i am finally free to live as a normal human again without the need to act as a strong and more god-like version of myself. but the problem is, i don't know where to start."

riddle made it his mission to always make you feel welcomed in the heartslabyul dorm and gradually became close friends with you

who knew that the two of you are similar to each other? from ruling over a community to having tea parties and your love for sweets

"riddle, you can enjoy sweets as much as you want. you dont need to follow such suffocating rules." "...what a pleasant surprise, truly an extra slice of joy."

believe it when i say he is very fond of your salon members and even went out his way to always give them a proper greeting and send them invitations for the unbirthday parties.

it was like he is healing his inner child along with you + very comfortable to the point that he doesn't even hesitate to ask you for advice 🫡 rather than an older sister you were like his twin

-‘๑’- trey clover

it is bad to have favoritism but trey clover took the cake immediately after watching him bake the most delicious cake you ever tasted

sorry to all fontaine patissier or fontaine in general but maybe you might as well stay in this world ... kidding 🧍🏻‍♀️

out of everyone you met, trey's firs impression was the second best (kalim being first for obvious reasons) he was like your dear friend who adores tea time but more laid back verion of them

"what a rich aroma and delicate texture... i didn't expect you to be such an accomplished cook... with refined taste, as well!" "a compliment from the regina herself is such a worthy praise for someone like me." "nonsense, trey! you are the best one out there!"

with curiosity getting the best of you, you always try to help out during the unbirthday parties and learn how to cook and bake from the vice dorm leader

... after all having pasta everyday is not very healthy 😭

listens to your rambles about the novels you've read befora and suggests you some that he have on hand! at this point he might as well be your guardian angel

despite being smaller than most of the student at nrc - you shocked the whole heartslabyul group after fighting off the known bully group of seniors trying to scare some freshmen

"now go along and never show your faces to me again. capiche?" "woah, i thought you said you are not used to battling!" "mmm, i did. but it's different from my abilities, no?"

you were the opposite of trey, rather than being embarrassed, you know your strengths and weaknesses and use it to your advantage

"trey, don't tell me you are just an ordinary person, you liar. you can't fool me with your downplaying talk!"

he can't fool you with that but trey pulls some harmless pranks on you by tricking you in putting a different recipe in the pie orsomething

he learned his lesson after you really followed his instructions and became the first victim to his own prank

you always seem to pride yourself as a strong and capable woman and how despite everything you are going through you always go for it headstrong

"now look at you, getting sick. i told you not to overwork yourself right?" "mmm, sorry big brother..."

did you just say 🥺 older 🥺 brother? after that he wears that title like a cape everyday and even brags it to cater 😭

-‘๑’- cater diamond

oh cater absolutely adores you the moment he saw your outfit because it is so well made?! 🫨 not only that - you were like giving the total celebrity vibes

"you have an eye for discerning people! yes, i am once the most beloved star of my country... but that time already came to an end."

sometimes while he tags along whenever you, grim and the adeuce duo hangs out - he always had this feeling that you are staring deep into his soul 👁️👁️

as much as he puts up his usual cheerful facade to fool you, it was like arguing up to a wall and you finally pointed it out one day during your tea parties

"you know, you don't have to force yourself to eat sweets. i cooked some habanero pepper cream pasta earlier with

you might as well become his favorite underclassman 🥺

no wonder you were able to read him so well because you revealed that some how seeing him act in such way reminds him of yourself in the past

"sometimes acting for so long can make you wonder if people can really see through you or was it all fake." "but that is how it is right? how can other people know us when we don't even know ourselves?"

anyways! every now and then, cater would appear right on your doorsteps with small clothes and hats in shopping bags to give it to the salon members

it was funny to see your salon members have a new member and they treat him like their own son 😭🤍

as much as he want to tease you sometimes - he try not to over do it after seeing you let the salon trio chase after ace and grim all over the maze with threatening looks in their eyes.

"wow, mademoiselle crabaletta looks so energetic when she got to hit ace at the back of his head." "well, ace did pissed her off by playing rock paper scissors with her." "... did she win?" "i don't know, you tell me big brother cater."

... he will never let it down after owning his title as your big brother 😭 get ready to receive random gifts every now and then because this big brother cater is ready to spoil you to rotten

-‘๑’- ace trappola

having to get sprayed and hit by multiple bubbles in the face was certainly not on ace's list 😭 remind him to never play rock paper scissors with mademoiselle crabaletta ever again

he really like to be your friend genuinely 🙏 not that you mind though because ace is fun to talk too + you were able to adapt and learn about this world thanks to him, deuce and grim

but sometimes, he can be a little too reckless in roping you in trouble

"woah! (name) put mr seahorse down and let's talk about this!" "oh so you prefer my sword instead?" "it was just a harmless prank!" "then why is there an anemone on grim's head, again?!"

after you were comfortable enough to tell your story - ace thought he was actually dreaming because how did you stay sane after that 500 years?!

will ask you to help him with his studies and practicing magic + probably thought you were clueless but after years of searching every nook and nanny in your nation's library, you were like a walking dictionary

"how come you get a higher score than me in animal languages?!" "i was wondering how on teyvat did you get a lower score than me?"

omg you traitor 👩🏻‍⚖️

your number one buddy with midnight snacks + everytime he would sneak out of the dorm he always bring some sweets as a bribe to let him stay

there are times that you always fool ace by acting especially in front ofriddle when he accidentally dropped your cake in accident

despite the shenanigans between you two, he always trusts you to have his back

"(nickname) cover for me!" "alright! let the world come alive, hehe!"

whenever the salon members feel silly, they will go and chase after him and you just let them be - even they shower him with love in unexpected ways.

"recently, i've been wondering if Iife been a little too hard on myself in the past. i never got the chance to enjoy my life." "then let's go grab cater-senpai and go shopping!"

he will not let you experience such loneliness again! not when he is one of your first friend here in wonderland.

-‘๑’- deuce spade

opposite to ace, he is mademoiselle crabaletta's favorite for some reason or even the whole salon members are fond of him !

while he is more on the less troublesome side - he still make some troubles but you can see how much he was trying to not get you involve in it 😭

"deuce, you could've just told me earlier about this..." "i'm sorry, i don't want you to get involve again." "you are really a jester. we are friends! how can i not help you when you are facing problems?"

just as you listen to his problems, you were surprised that deuce is a great listener 😮 its not sarcasm !!

it first came to you during the octavinelle incident when deuce found you crying behind the ramshackle down, hugging your knees and being surrounded by your salon members, trying to calm you down

"i still couldn't do it... i do not belong in this world now i don't even have a place to stay..." "(name)..." "d-don't look at me like this! just give me a second." "no it's okay, let it out. i am so sorry for putting the pressure on you."

the sweetest guy??? ever??? he will try to include you in discussions about this world itself and wouldn't let you feel out of place

you even found him taking down notes whenever you get the chance to talk about your nation and people

"you have a dragon as a friend?!" "yea, don't let the dragon title fool you though. he is very kind but all he eats and drink is water every break time."

while ace had your back, deuce got your sides covered + knows fully how capable of being the front liner

"how dare you!?" "ah, (nickname) don't go to far!" "... remind me to never mess with her again."

remember the phantom back in the mines? you encountered one again and after it made one of your salon members disappear - the trio watch you literally annihilate the monster

seeing you all impatient and having a childlike temper made him laugh because you weren't so different from them after all

but please do not rush in battle so suddenly, you might as well give him a heart attack 😵

don't tell the others but deuce really looks up to you as an admirable person + not only you were able to endure everything for a long time, you still have the heart to forgive everyone who doubted you.

"do you know that you are really a respectable friend?" "...? oh my god, did you eat mushrooms for breakfast again?" "i'm serious!" "oh is that so? well i am proud of you. don't you know you improved a lot too?"

it's 7 am in the morning are you trying to make him cry? 🥹

having you with him during his high school life is an unexpected but wonderful experience - learning other things together + being interested in the same things? he had never felt such comfort before

deuce just hope that even though he and ace are seen as troublemakers, you won't hesitate to let your walls come down when times get rough 🫂

[bubbleddisasters]

I know considering what we just learned in Caters dream this may be unlikely but:

I feel like Treys dream is just going to be everyone got fucking therapy. And something to do with dentistry and/or a bakery. Like thats it.

Just everyone actually works together in a safe, effective and healthy manner, Che’nyas an NRC student and is able watch over Riddle and keep watch/the dorm in line when Trey can’t and Cater opens up to him.

Like thats it. Everything else is status quo.

Ace and Deuce are still fucking around as usual, Yuu is the mediator, Leona finally got meds for his depression and some therapy so he’s not sleeping around as much, the majority of students are less manipulative and self absorbed, all is fine and dandy.

Ah yes, and You’ve predicted correctly, another Blue Che’nya Rant incoming under the cut lol:

———-

I need Che’nya to pull out his fourth wall breaking shenanigans again. He referenced Yuu’s mirror in Book 1 before Yuu even knew about it? AND The Cheshire Cat has Shapeshifting abilities and is literally the strongest creature in Wonderland only second to TIME ITSELF.

And what do Cats hate? Mice and Birds.

And who, pray tell, gets Alice out of Wonderland?

THE 👏CHESHIRE 👏CAT

You cannot tell me Che’nya was NOT the one who Mickey saw. Che’nya is already mildly hinted at being ridiculously OP.

Think also about Grim. Who has the same color palette and Blue fire as Ignihyde, and the only other character besides Che’nya to have a Cheshire esc grinning sprite. Also, a directly CAT based appearance, not a Lion like Leona, but your average joe cat.

Judging from Grims Design, role in the story and Bow, he’s likely based on Alices Cat in Alice in Wonderland that is unintentionally left behind by Alice when she falls through the Rabbit Hole.

Oh, and the Cheshire cat in the live action? DARKISH GREY AND FUCKING BLUE.

And Che’nya? Who conveniently appeared in both books with Tyrant in the name, conveniently has the ability to slip past NRCs barrier that took S.T.Y.X THEMSELVES SEVERAL HIGH POWERED ANTI MAGIC SHOTS to get through? Without Crowley noticing aswell? And likely teleporting the length of probably a SMALL COUNTRY just to go and fuck with Heartstabyl every other Tuesday or something? WITH NO VISIBLE MAGESTONE ON HIM.

Who randomly knew about our Mirror before we did, and DIRECTLY REFERENCED MICKEY/SOMEONE/ANOTHER WORLD BEING IN OUR MIRROR FROM THE START?? Who has had the ability to FLY, GO INVISIBLE, CONTROL HIS OWN GRAVITY AND LIKELY TELEPORT SO MUCH THAT TREYS SIBLINGS ASSUMED IT WAS CHE’NYA OPENING THEIR FRIDGE AND NOT THEIR OWN DAMM BROTHER, AND POSSIBLY DETACHING HIS OWN LIMBS, SINCE AGE FUCKING NINE (all seen/referenced in manga) , WHICH WE LEARNED SHOULD HAVE PRACTICALLY EXPLODED THE AVERAGE CHILD FROM ROLLO.

BRO HAS BEEN DOING FEATS WE’VE ONLY SEEN LILIA, CROWLEY AND MALLEUS DO.

Lastly, who could’ve followed us throughout our entire journey without notice?

In the Manga, a clone cater got LITERALLY impaled. Theres no way in hell every single person survived an overblot fight with, according to Ace, “A Couple Bruises” without some guardian angel bs happening.

WHOS ALSO THERE FOR ALICES ENTIRE JOURNEY AND PLAYS THE GUARDIAN ANGEL WHEN ALICE NEEDED AN EMERGENCY ROUTE OUT OF WONDERLAND WHEN SHE WAS BEING CHASED??????

THE 👏CHESHIRE 👏CAT

And theres only one person that can pull that role off without detection even if they slipped up, as if Crowley did so and suddenly accidentally became visible or smth, it’d draw more questions. Like wtf he’s doing his job????

For Scarabia, We basically had a magic shield (Floyd) and a Direct Target (Kalim), so Yuus less likely to catch Strays. Plus I wouldn’t put it above Floyd to work with Che’nya and just not fucking mention it. They seem like they’d get along well actually ngl.

Ignihyde is both the most suspicious and kinda hard to piece together, but why did Riddle end up the ONLY one to get oldified when they were likely similar distances to Tartarus. Something that conveniently forced him to pull out of the fight?

Also, you CANNOT tell me, no anti-magic necklaces or not, the magepens would be magic summonable. Thats way too risky and an obvious thing they’d have a backup for. Someone had to unlock it and I have my doubts it was Idia/Ortho, because that raised their fail rate probably quite higher.

Same goes for the Lightning Bolts. I heavily doubt Idia or Ortho would give them access to that at its full ability, especially pretty right off the bat, if the off chance of all three being used against them at once was on the table, since it would practically be the equivalent to a 3-1 hit K.O cheat code or 3-1 Instant D-20s in a row. 9 possible instant K.O shots per team. Thats way too risky. One? Maybe. Two? Eh. BUT THREE? BEFORE THE FINAL BOSS FIGHT? WITH THE MAGEPENS TOO?

Also, if someone had the batshit Idea (cough Epel or Rook cough) to jump down the tower, since it’s literally just the worlds deadliest spiral staircase, and summon some cushioning for their fall and jump to the last floor platform, they could speedrun directly to them with the fully charged bolt, and if they got the rest of the groups to do that, things would go to shit for Idia pretty fast.

They also had the equivalent of a trained sniper with them. If Rook finds major vulnerabilities and tells everyone where to hit them all at the same time, its probably over.

I can mildly see the possibility of OB! Idia getting too cocky and doing so, but I find it doubtful, as I feel he would label it an “endgame” reward considering how OP it is.

It’s been proved before that NRC has it basically on sight with RSA, which works in Che’nyas favor, since they focus on the fact an RSA students on campus rather then HOW he got there.

That, and the Overblotee or more logical guys will probably be like “Riddle/Trey sent Supervision? Yea all things considering that tracks honestly.”

We see this in the game and manga, but in the manga, we can see in the Heartstabyl Finale image that Che’nya never actually left after we see him get “chased out”, and has literally been chilling in a bush watching the group the whole time, meaning he’s likely pretty experienced with faking his departures.

So we can’t hear him, can’t see him, no footprints or footsteps, he can literally clip out of existence to miles away up a mountain on command??? And can unexplainably slip past 500 year old arcane barriers without breaking a sweat???

Bros got The Guardian Angel/ Spy package Deluxe.

Anyway thats just a bad theory but yea

Thats the end of my rant for now I need to eat lunch lol.

[atiny-for-life]

Ateez's Full Storyline Explained - Part 28

Masterlist

Ice On My Teeth (Unknown World)

We open on a shot of the new Ateez logo embroidered on a white towel before we pan up to Yunho holding a black lollipop which he swiftly exchanges for a tennis racket and ball. He's inside the mansion/museum this entire MV takes place in.

Rows of masked individuals dressed in tennis outfits are lined up behind him while the walls are all decked out in "classical" paintings of masked people in fancy dress (seemingly royals), but also masked angels which implies this entire place's history is filled with criminals trying to hide their identity. Even their "pure" beings like angels don't dare to show their faces.

Given the new AT-logo can be found both on the building's facade and their clothing, the initial assumption is: this entire building belongs to Ateez and they're a group of criminals in a far more straightforward way than the Black Pirates ever were.

This then gets reinforced by the end of Yunho's part where he drops this line, which sounds much like a murder threat.

Though whether this assumption is correct remains to be seen...

We next cut to Yeosang who's in the same room and we now get to see the orange floor is actually a tennis court and the tennis balls turn into splashes of black paint upon impact.

The theme of art strewn throughout this video really carries into all of the details as well. However, these guys seem more so inclined to destroy it rather than cherish it, going by how they're already ruining some of the paintings with the tennis balls.

At this point, they seem like the antithesis to Ateez and the Black Pirates who we know love art and view it as a way to reach people's hearts.

Moving on to the next scene, we find Seonghwa outside the mansion with some of their goons, all dressed up in suits.

We cut to Seonghwa taking a seat in front of the goons where the rest of Ateez are already sitting, flanking him - one nice, big crime family with their giant ass mansion in the background. Here, we can see the logo on the facade most clearly.

The flashing letters after this just echo the repeating lyrics, by the way.

Mingi's up next and in his office where he receives a ring alongside some ashes (suspicious).

He slides on the ring, gets it kissed by one of the masked goons (mafia much?) and goes to admire some artwork on the wall.

Given the ring was not originally his but is still engraved with the 'AT' logo, we can now begin to wonder if this Ateez actually belongs in this world or if they merely took the place over from the original 'AT'.

Going by the ashes that came with the ring, I would think they burnt the ring's original owner, much like they're about to burn down this mansion.

They may not be what they originally seemed to be...

Suspicions deepen when we get to see Mingi's face as he looks up at the painting of the masked family. That is not the expression of a proud son looking up at his ancestors.

Panning up from a shattered mirror, we move on to Hongjoong with a flapper-era hairdo in a fur coat (very Say My Name) who's in a largely unused room filled with dust/ashes and already got a fire going in the fireplace.

Taking two ice cubes on sticks, he sets them by the fire like marshmallows before we move on to Jongho.

Jongho's in a music room where one of the masked people is playing the piano for him as he sings. In the back, we can see two banners with the 'AT' logo, as well as a row of dancing ballerinas, a ton of speakers, and a giant clock.

Aesthetically, this entire place screams "Z-World", especially the speakers (Guerrilla), art, and shattered mirror, which would imply these are the Black Pirates who've gone to visit Guardian Island or a similar art storage facility, but let's see...

Out in the hallway, Seonghwa is dressed up like Zorro as ballerinas dance by him on either side. In his hand, he holds something that looks like a mix between a 20's lady's pipe and a candle snuffer with the longest handle I've ever seen.

We move on to San who's in a ball room and literally floating up to a chandelier. Is this a dream then? It certainly isn't something they've ever been able to do outside the dreamscape...

Side note: the coloring of this MV is absolutely gorgeous. I love the blue-orange contrast, the crisp footage, the cinematic shots. Such a feast for the eyes.

Interestingly, right after this shot, we get more flashing across the screen and, upon pausing, find an arrow pointing upward.

The chorus is upon us, and we get to see Hongjoong in a different outfit, sporting a chain with an anchor-shaped pin. The nautical theme has returned, potentially a callback to the Treasure series.

We get some nice center-Wooyoung and -Yeosang time, which is lovely to find in the chorus, before we cut to Seonghwa and get another flash, this time of a circle highlighting the ballerinas' formation around Seonghwa.

Following the chorus, we're gifted more Yeosang time and find him seated in a room with a freaky-ass ventriloquist doll on his lap while masked reporters surround him. Yunho then pops up to grab him by the shoulder before they ask us "How do we look? Who do you think you are?"

Moving on to San, he begins with the line "Little bird over there has a lot to say" which reminds me of Halazia, but even more so of Yeosang.

Ever since the beginning of their story, it was Yeosang who always said he felt like a caged bird and he's been associated with birds all throughout their lore, even in The Real where white doves took off around him, and that was an MV entirely unrelated to the storyline.

And given how Yunho just grabbed Yeosang, stopping him from continuing his act in front of the press, I wonder if Yeosang in this world, has been given a new role. Is he a mouthpiece for Ateez?

Continuing onward, as the fans are lowered behind San, they reveal Wooyoung while the words "We don't have time" flash across the screen, echoing Wooyoung who comes forward to a ring a dinner bell in our face.

Seonghwa rolls up next, sitting on a rusty car placed in the middle of the dining table between their masked goons, which really drives the last nail in the coffin: this is not real. We're in a dream. But who's dream is it?

In front of Seonghwa, a chandelier crashes to the ground while, behind him, we can once again see the banners and giant clock we already saw with Jongho earlier.

Incidentally, Jongho is also up next with a huge tic-tac-toe game beside him, underlining Seonghwa's line from a second ago, but also making me wonder if this entire world isn't just not real, but also like a game to this version of Ateez.

Following the circling shot of Jongho, we get a few quick flashes of photographs taken of the members in gray-scale, starting with the family pictures from earlier and continuing with snapshots of Jongho (flanked by Sanhwa with their heads inclined as if they were his servants - hilarious), then Yeosang with the twin towers (all looking like runway models), and Topaz (an iconic duo).

Every time Jongho and Seonghwa get put in the same unit, stuff like this happens and I love it.

We move on to Hongjoong, back in his furcoat which he ditches right at the start. He's surrounded by rows of busts covered in masks, one of whom starts to move its lips along to his words (this world is a dream), before we see him floating among the angels in the painting.

Angel!Hongjoong confirmed.

Continuing with the theme of art-destruction, he then stands by as all the busts topple off their sockets and shatter on the ground.

Back outside in the driveway, Mingi is playing chess with the goons (more games) while one of those hydraulic cars we last saw in Work is bouncing in the background.

While holding one of the chess pieces, he then smashes in the glass of a car window.

Fading from a grand piano getting played to the top floor window of the mansion, we then get to see Jongho commanding the strings which pull at the furniture they're now working on piling up in the driveway.

Within the room itself, furniture pieces also move about, pulled by rope which in turns seems to be pulled by an unseen force.

Echoing Yeosang's ventriloquist doll act from earlier, this also has the theme of "strings getting pulled", of "puppeteering". It's all a game and the world around them is inhabited by game pieces.

Jongho then checks his digital pocket watch and it's 11:15, the release date. Within the theme of the MV, time is ticking, and they're operating on a tight schedule.

Now comes the most interesting part: Yunho is in a doctor's office, presenting the doctor with "CT scans" of the mansion they've been wrecking this entire time and the doctor seems mighty concerned about it. Are we inside this man's head? Is this his dreamscape which Ateez have invaded and made their own by pasting their logo everywhere and destroying all which was already there?

And even more interestingly: If this entire place is filled with masked criminals, what does that say about this doctor's mind and personality? Is he a rotten criminal down to his very core? Have Ateez come here to punish him for his crimes and destroy him from within? Or is this merely a warning?

A music string shoots forward, wrapping itself around the doctor's wrist and dragging him all the way outside through the driveway while Yeosang watches on, unperturbed, holding his umbrella over himself in the rain-free darkness.

Together with the wooden furniture they've been taking outside, they build a pyre in the driveway. And the doctor has been strapped down right at its center, prepared to be burnt like the owner of the ring Mingi put on earlier.

Jongho looks down at the doctor with disgust on his face as he drops the line "chew 'em up and keep 'em shut". The doctor's teeth frame the shot.

It's Mingi who then drops the lighter, sealing the doctor's fate before the rest of Ateez join him to dance in front of the pyre. Perhaps the scene of him getting the ring actually takes place after this fire has burnt down then and the ring originally belonged to this doctor.

We get quick flashes of the burning rooms within the mansion, later on also some with Ateez still in them, uncaring about the fire consuming their environment, further highlighting the fact this is merely a dream and they know they won't get hurt.

We then end on Hongjoong who walked into the pyre where the lower jaw of the doctor was left behind. He removes one of the teeth, a diamond shaped like a tooth, and holds it up for inspection. They've achieved what they came for. He smiles into the camera.

Our final shot is of Ateez in the aftermath of the family picture. While the masked goons walk off, they remain seated, leaving us with some time to think about who they are and what all this means.

In my mind, there are a few options:

This is A-World's Ateez coming back together to use their Cromer abilities to fight greed, which has destroyed their world (and ours), by travelling into criminal's minds and raining down hell upon them. (That man is a doctor and his mind is solely consumed by money, crime, and riches.) What hints toward this is: the fur coats and environment reminiscent of Say My Name, the anchor on Hongjoong's outfit.

This is Z-World's Ateez cleaning up after the revolution by mind-breaking all the bastards left behind from the tyrannical government so they can't regroup and try to reclaim power over the people. What hints toward this is: the all black outfits, Seonghwa's giant hat, the general vibe of the environment.

This is Halazia-World's Ateez continuing on their dream-travelling spree and they've now taken to fighting the sort of greedy dirtbags who ruined their world. What hints toward this is: Hongjoong's hat, all the fire, the clocks.

Regardless of which version of Ateez this is, the themes remain the same: greed corrupts the mind and they hate that shit so they use their abilities to do a public service by punishing this doctor within his dream (and likely also other people like him).

And honestly, all I can say to that is: thank you and keep going!

[steam-beasts]

Lady Come Down

(Part of this is a rewrite of part of the last story. Also, here's a little song if you want music)

Standing before Edward’s berth, Sir Topham Hatt took a deep breath, feeling his heart do flips. Carefully, he gripped the shed door’s handle, dreading the sight he was gonna see. Slowly, he pushed open the door and stepped inside, wary of his surroundings.

“Edward? Henry? Is everyone alright in he–?” He trailed off the moment he saw the four giant creatures in front of him. Once he got a good look at each of their faces, he knew instantly they were his engines. All he could do was just stand there, staring up at them with wide eyes, he felt his heart had dropped in that moment. Sitting against the wall in new human-like forms were none other than Edward, Emily, Gordon and Henry.

They stared down at him, wide-eyed with confusion and fear, Edward and Emily were huddled together while Gordon and Henry sat behind them. Henry in particular looked the most shaken of the four. Sir Topham Hatt could just tell from where he was standing that Henry was visibly shaking, his hand clawing and clutching at his other arm while tears were rolling down his cheeks. The silence was crushing.

Finally, Emily let out a quiet whimper "Sir...?"

“I-I…uh..” the controller was simply at a loss for words once more, just like he was back at Knapford. Finally, he managed to let a few words slip out "W...What happened?"

"I...w-we don't...really know, Sir" Edward admitted meekly, exchanging a look with Emily. Gordon piped up "We all woke up like this...it is truly embarrassing" he groaned, trying to shield his privates, as the rest did as well. For their sakes, Topham kept his eyes on theirs.

He slumped his shoulders and hung his head low "Oh dear...first Thomas, James and Percy, now you lot" He sighed, his face riddled with guilt. Emily's ears twitched "W-Wait, so...we're not the only engines like this?" She asked tentatively.

"I'm afraid not, Emily. I was one of many at Knapford to see Percy turn into...well, what you lot are now"

"And what about Thomas and James, Sir?" Gordon asked, shifting himself on to his knees. Edward's eyes widened in realisation "Oh, yes! What about them, Sir?"

Sir Topham Hatt hummed in thought "I'm not too sure, Edward. But according to James's crew, Thomas came along when James turned, so–"

"Of COURSE Thomas was turned first!" Gordon suddenly scoffed "Gordon!" Topham and Edward snapped in unison. Gordon rolled his eyes "Well, he seemed to be the first one who turned, correct?"

"I suppose it seems that way. Yes, but what are you suggesting, Gordon?" Edward asked suspiciously. Gordon remained vague "Suggesting? Oh no, Edward, I'm not suggesting anything. But wouldn't you say it's odd that Thomas was near when James changed?"

Emily groaned "Honestly Gordon, Thomas isn't to blame here!"

"I'm not saying it's Thomas's fault, Little Emily"

Henry, still clutching at his bicep, sarcastically remarked "Yeah, Gordon. You're not insinuating at all–"

"Oh shut up, Henry!"

Edward gazed down at Sir Topham Hatt and saw that he was sitting down, hands covering his face in what appeared to be shame. Frowning, Edward slowly crawled towards the controller, being careful to not squish him.

"Sir? Are you alright?" He asked, reaching out a giant hand.

Sir Topham Hatt rose his head to glance it him before resting it on his hands "Ugh...hello, Edward. I must be honest, I feel like complete and utter dirt" He groaned, then gazing at his hands "You see, I promised my father, like he had with my grandfather, to take good care of the railway and my engines...and considering everything that's happened over the years, I feel like a failure at this point" He lamented. Edward felt a pang of sadness as he listened.

"I know everyone can make mistakes, but I've made one too many. Edward, be honest with me...would you rather have had me or my grandfather?" The stout gentleman asked, gazing up at Edward.

Edward's frown became deeper. Gently, and to Sir Topham Hatt's surprise, he picked up the man and held him up to his own face "None of us see you as a failure, Bertram. I'm sure Sir Richard would've been proud of you despite everything, even your father" He whispered reassuringly. Sir Topham Hatt let a soft smile grow on his face, wiping away a small tear. He gave Edward's chin a little scratch "Thank you, Edward". Edward gently leaned in and purred in response.

At that point, the others gathered around Edward and Sir Topham Hatt.

"It's not your fault, Sir" said a new voice.

Everyone immediately looked over at the open berth doors to see none other than Thomas, James and Percy, who all seemed to had made it on their own.

"Thomas?!" Edward exclaimed, face quickly etched with concern and relief at seeing his adoptive son.

He gave Topham to Henry, who gently and very delicately set him down. Thomas barked and quickly crawled towards Edward, who was fast to pull the humanoid E2 into a hug, their tails wagging happily. James and Percy crawled inside afterwards.

Their controller was surprised to see them “Wha- I thought you three were waiting at Knapford?”

Percy rubbed his arm “Sorry, Sir. We heard there was trouble here, Sir and we got worried…Sir”. Sir Topham Hatt was about to question how on earth they heard him over the crowds and everything, until he remembered that they all had really good hearing “Oh…” was all he could say.

After Edward and Thomas split from their hug, the drivers, firemen and women came in to see their engines. A couple were speechless and a few were amazed. Mr Conductor approached the shorter man as Junior ran up to Thomas’s calf and began climbing his leg, blabbering on about it.

“Are you ok, Sir? This is quite much to take in, even I must admit that this is fairly new” The magic keeper asked, checking in. Topham grunted in acknowledgment “I’m fine now, Mr Conductor and yes, it’s very new indeed. Have you ever seen this before, may I ask?” Mr Conductor shook his head “No I haven’t. I didn’t really think this was possible, either”

“Would it have anything to do with…erm…that sparkly gold glitter? Gold dust, you call it?”

Mr Conductor hummed thoughtfully “Maybe, Sir. I wouldn’t put it past anything if…’humanizing’ a living machine is something gold dust can do” in that moment, he came up with an idea “Ah..If I were to pinpoint the cause of any of this, Sir…I’d say this is the work of–“

“Oi, Cous’! Come over here an’ feel Tommy’s hair! Softest hair ah’ve ever felt!” Junior laughed, cutting away the serious mood between them. Junior was climbing up Thomas’s hair as if it were a bundle of vines, burying his face into the soft, silky mass. Thomas just rolled his eyes and huffed.

Mr Conductor rolled his eyes “I’ll be there in a second!” He called before sighing, he looked at Sir Topham Hatt apologetically “Sorry, Sir. You know my cousin…”. The stout gentleman waved his hand dismissively “No, it is fine, I had a cousin myself” he said. Topham looked up at the six humanoid creatures in the room. He can’t let anymore people see them, not until all this was figured out and fixed. Then another daunting realisation came: what about all his engines at the Little Western? What about the diesels? What about his engines at Harwick? The thought was indeed slightly terrifying, having a railway populated by giant grey humans. Sir Topham Hatt quickly shook his head “Don’t think about it, Bertram. Just cross that bridge if it comes” he thought.

Right now, he needed to address some things “Ahem!” He coughed “I know and understand what is happening right now is very stressful for you all, I can see that. But we must keep calm and not let it get to our heads!”

James scoffed under his breath “Ha, it’s already got to our heads…”

As if he was a school student, Thomas raised his hand “Sir?”. The controller smiled “Yes, Thomas?”.

“Do you know if anyone else on the railway is like this?” He asked curiously. He shook his head “Afraid not, Thomas. As far as I know, you’re the only ones who have changed” Topham admitted “I am yet to hear if–“

Suddenly, the guardsman came running in, panting “Sir! A phone call just came in from the sheds at Arlesburgh! Th-The engines... they've–"

"Let me guess, they've turned into giant humanoid creatures?"

"I-I...yes, Sir. How did you know?" The guard stuttered, speechless at such an outlandish but spot-on guess. Sir Topham Hatt deadpanned "Oh...lucky guess, I suppose"

"But why is this happening?" Emily asked, an question everyone wanted to ask. Before the controller could answer, a blinding gold light shone through the berth door windows. The engines and humans squinted. The doors were then slowly pushed open by a 16ft tall grey woman, who unlike the others, had her own clothing. She entered with grace, her blonde hair styled like a greek goddess, highlighting her beauty. She stood tall, crouching slightly to enter the shed.

Thomas in particular blushed as she entered:

"L..Lady?"

(This design may change)

Lady gazed down at Thomas and his friends and simply smiled "Yes, my dear...it has been a while, hasn't it?" She replied.

Mr Conductor exclaimed "I knew it!"

"Huh, ah dinnae know the Lost engine was capable of doin' this?" Junior said, scratching his head. Mr Conductor smiled "She's a god, Junior. She has powers beyond even our comprehensions"

Lady got on to her knees in front of the group "I'm truly sorry for the scare" She apologized. "But why did you do this?" Gordon asked. Lady sighed "Well, it was a...dare from Patch. He didn't think I'd be able to turn myself into a human. While I did find it silly, I saw it as a new way to use my power. I...well, didn't think in that moment that it would affect all of you. So...silly me!" She shrugged.

"That american boy with the horse caused this?" James guffawed. Speak of the devil – Patch came walking in, hands in his pockets with Lily and Burnett following after. The three stopped as soon as they saw the scene. Lily instantly shot Patch a look "Did you HAVE to dare Lady, Patch?"

"Hey, it's not my fault, I was curious!" He exclaimed. He stood nervously as the big engines began to surround him.

Gordon let out a low growl "So...you initiated this, did you?"

It was at this moment that Patch knew – he fucked up.

The end

(Dw, he lived)

[dubina-dawkins]

WHEN YOU CALL MY NAME, IT'S LIKE A LITTLE PRAY

~800 words

pairing: sam winchester x castiel

>Sam hasn't prayed in a long time, and it certainly is not hurting Castiel's ego at all...

warnings/notes:smut, mdni! perhaps offensive to religion? all fiction tho, fingering, sam is a whiny pup, softdom! cas, sub! sam, im really sorry f/ this one

REBLOGS WILL BE APPRECIATED

"Cas...tiel...nngh!" Sam throws his head back on the pillow, whimpering foully, so needy, like he's been alone and starving somewhere in the desert for years. It's weird, what's even happening...

Sam had prayed every day before. Woke up and put his hands together, prayed before breakfasts, lunches, dinners-while he was at Stanford, when he could eat on a schedule. Even when he started hunting with Dean again, he prayed constantly, more often than before.

Sam was a man of faith.

Until Dean died. Something in Sam lost all hope then. When prayers didn't save him or give him a shred of confidence, when nothing helped at all.

And when he first tasted Ruby's blood, sweet and sour at the same time, like a cherry, that forbidden fruit that could handle anything that prayers and faith in God and heaven could not, he began to forget the lines he had learned by heart over decades of life.

Even when he tried to cross, his fingers burned against the air and there was bitterness on his tongue. Oh, he was poisoned, he was polluted on some abstract level.

In angels he was disappointed. Heaven, God... And when even Ruby betrayed him - betrayed from the very first second! - he couldn't trust anyone. Not the feathered, not the horned, not even himself.

But God, how Sam longed to be purified. And the heat in his cheeks at the mere sight of the angel's cold blue eyes wasn't helping at all.

Cas was disappointed in Sam; hadn't even expected anything good from the beginning. Suspicious and leering, frowning, and even that disgruntled, frosty look lit a fire in Winchester so strong he could swear that if he let it out, it would burn everything around him, including himself.

"Purify me, Cas" said at the very threshold of tears, after much begging to come. Not prayers, but requests - as if Sam remembered a word of the prayers to the angels. Unless, notoriously, the words of prayers to guardian angels floated in his memory, but Cas wasn't one for him. Not to him, anyway.

The light touch of the angel's pale fingers on his cheekbone, burning his skin; just as holy water burns any evil, except in its most benign form. Castiel is silent, and still there is pity in his eyes. He is disappointed, but like any holy being he is merciful, especially to sinful mankind, according to all the precepts of the departed God.

And that purity, it hurts, and it hurts in the gut, in the bottom, because Sam likes it in the dirtiest sense of the word.

His flannel hangs neatly on a chair beside the cheap and creaky motel bed, his jeans tugged carelessly down to his ankles, his breathing ragged and rapid as he restlessly cradles the angel in his arms. How sinful was it to dirty an angel already gone from heaven?

Castiel's hand pressed gently but insistently on the hard bump in his white boxers, feeling the wet spot of precum as if he had no idea what he was doing. Oh, he knows what he's doing. He knows what he's doing, and he's doing it in a way that will drive Sam completely insane.

Angel takes his hand and brings it gently to his lips, leaving a feather-like kiss, and the brown-haired man doesn't hold back, pressing the pale palm sharply to his face, showering the cold skin with kisses. The touch of his lips is wet, sloppy, on the verge of biting - as a matter of habit.

Finally he raises his puppy dog eyes to Cas, silently asking for permission to do something, and receiving a hesitant nod, Sam pushes angel's index and middle fingers sharply into his mouth, coating them with saliva, squeezing Castiel's hand painfully hard - not in a rough way, more like needing, wanting, craving....

"Cas-"

"Pray for it."

The first word the angel says during the whole process sends a wave of goosebumps all over Sam's tanned skin, and he whimpers, arching his back like the dirtiest, cheapest whore in the world. God, he needs that sinful purity more than he needs fucking air.

"Angel of God, my Guardi- gaah..." he whimpered at the feel of wet fingers sliding over his cheekbone and jaw. Sam let out a heavy, long breath that was cut short when the fingers of Angel's dry hand lightly tugged the waistband of his white boxers. "My Guardian dear, to whom-"

Sam hissed at the sensation of cold air on his foreskin, and bent his legs at the knees as if to help Cass with the wet penetration of his fingers. His animal sounds, like a pure dog whimpering....

"Fuck..."

"...Now start again," Castiel paused.

Perhaps it wasn't purification, but the worst kind of torture.

a/n:haven't written in a while lol... but I really love sastiel and hadn't seen enough content with them on there so yk... working on coffeeshop! sastiel rn but idk if anyone will love it tho, stay checked

[bonefall]

(dif anon) So is Ashfur grooming Shadowsight a plotline you would keep/rework in BB? I'm not so keen on the way canon used it to retcon his epilepsy, but I do think a plotline examining how clerics can be vulnerable to abuse from StarClan spirits is kinda compelling

Shadowsight's epilepsy is staying in BB, the Erins can try and take it away again over my dead body

Yes, that's staying and BB!StarClan was reworked with unfairness in mind.

This time around, I'm considering the idea that Ashfur didn't work completely alone. After the events of Squirrelflight’s Horror, Silverpelt's divisons are starting to crackle the stars.

Skystar and the other more traditional spirits are losing patience with the peace that Fire Alone brings, and the ways that the code has been bent.

They feel that honor is being lost in their descendants.

Even angels disrespect the collective; see how Skypelt has its own heaven? With a demon in its midst? There is blasphemy even in the skies.

Firestar and the more modern pantheon are ferociously defensive of the choices of the living. StarClan exists for them; not the other way around.

Meanwhile, Mousefur has gone missing. Others start to blink out, too. This is causing panic... and Ashfur keeps it quiet that he's the only one who knows where they've gone.

The angels that plan action probably were a small group to begin with, radical spirits. Skystar and Ashfur are two of them, and Ash is the "youngest." So when he comes down to the mortal plane and betrays them, very few other angels knew what had happened.

(I might even have a few angels be doing the various supernatural things in that first book, but slowly, Ashfur is wittling down their numbers until it's just him.)

I'm still working out specifics, but the other angels that Ashfur has consumed are giving him a massive power boost. He can use this to jump between planes freely, and he's able to do some whacky things like weave dreams and pull nightmares out of the Dark Forest.

The most important unique power he has, which he can do ALL on his own once he's absorbed enough starpower, is blast Shadowpaw with a bolt of lightning. The electric current runs through Shadowpaw's brand new scar, giving him a connection to StarClan like he's a little radio tower.

Thing is... when StarClan is blocked off, the only signal he receives is Ashfur's.

So, Shadowpaw.

From the time he was very young, Shadowkit has had an unhealthy relationship to life and death

He watched a lot of cats die before he was old enough to really understand it, and the only one who came back was Heartstar.

His epilepsy was so severe it would have been terminal. He was prepared to die as a kit.

Tawnypelt took him to the Tribe to learn more about treatments, bringing back a method of refining chamomile to manage the convulsions.

When people come back from death, it was to serve "a purpose."

He feels like he needs to be special, like he needs to find the great meaning in his life. The reason why he's still here.

In BB, there can be guardian angels. Cats you knew in life who decide to watch out for you in the afterlife. Moleflight is Jayfeather's, Shrewface is Squirrelflight’s. Ashfur poses as Shadowpaw's.

THAT is how I plan to address my criticism. Ashfur DOES build a very personal, trusting relationship with Shadowpaw, pretending to be the one who's here to give him the destiny he craves. Pretending like he's someone looking out for him.

I actually LIKE how desperate the situation was in-canon and I want to stress how none of this was Shadow's fault, so I also plan to keep that they had very little choice. Shadowpaw trusts his angel completely, and Ashfur coaches him on saying all the right things.

The older Clerics are suspicious, but... what else can they do?

Also, instead of framing this all as something Shadowpaw needs to "atone" for, I'm going to make certain cats unfairly scapegoat him for bringing the Impostor into the forest. Shadowpaw himself agrees with them, blaming himself, but he has to learn it wasn't his fault.

He DIDN'T let anyone down by failing to live up to great expectations, and there's no way he could have known that Ashfur was using him. This never happened before, he always made the choice he thought was right and tried to make up for harm done, and he's not responsible for what his abuser made him do.

I actually want to have him figure out some of this by talking to DF demons, towards the end. Cats faaaar more responsible for what they did in life than him.

Ravenwing in particular, who was also mislead by a rogue StarClan spirit, but... ultimately decided that if StarClan was right in their judgement.

He was told (by Birchface, but he still doesn't know who it was in particular) to make three kittens unsafe by revealing their parentage. His choice killed three innocent children, and lead to the Queen’s Rights.

And StarClan was furious that he'd ever believe they'd want something so CRUEL.

And even if they DID want something so cruel... "Then they wouldn't have been ancestors worth following. And that's why I believe it's right that I'm here."

As a Cleric, he had authority on their behalf. And if they would misuse it through him, he wishes he could have just given it right back.

And Shadowsight's lightbulb goes Ding!

The very last thing Ashfur does in TBC, when the jig is up and he's about to be killed by the Lights in the Mist and a bunch of Demons who have come to defend their home, is swallow a Founder-- Skystar.

He takes the level of a true god, and reaches a nearly undefeatable level of power. Instead of black water, he's so large, malicious, and has a gravitational pull so massive it starts destroying the afterlife. It shatters the purgatory (Meadow of Young Stars) into floating cosmic fragments, and Heaven and Hell are set to collide.

Shadowsight confronts Ashfur, politely explaining that he's, well... done a lot of thinking, and, he doesn't really want what he gave him. "You can, uh, have this back!"

And blasts the lightning from his scar right back at him, like a chain, holding the screeching eldrich horror in place. Every ally he's made, here in the DF, come down from StarClan, and as Lights in the Mist, jump to his side. They can't hold down Ashfur, but they can hold SHADOWSIGHT

While they're all supporting him, Bristlefrost sees the one chance to get rid of him, once and for all. A clear shot. She bolts, pounces, and SHOOTS right into Ashfur like a falling star, knocking them both off the edge of the heaven he destroyed, burning up in orbit with a monster a hundred times her size.

And after that, Shadowsight has to go home and live with this.

He gave up the very connection that made him so special, and now he has to go back to being a Cleric without StarClan.

but the other Clerics accept this. They have to. They were all complicit in the choices that allowed the Impostor to rise.

What Shadowsight learns is... everyone was part of this. From those who made the follies with him, to the supporters and rebels against the impostor, to those who helped him realize his worth, to Bristlefrost who ultimately killed Ashfur.

He is valuable because living is valuable.

Everyone, and everything, matters. All cats have a role to play, and he was never alone.

I want to close him out in BB!TBC on a tea scene that parallels the various points in his life. Others used to prepare his chamomile treatments FOR him, in careful doses, because it is a very serious medicine. Now, at the end, he's the one brewing it.

A fully fledged Cleric, who realizes he's never been alone. Cats who love him were around him the whole time, making his medicine, and they'll love him even after he's given up his powerful gift. So now he's at the stage in his life where HE can make that medicine, share his wisdom with others, and find fulfillment in the skills he's acquired over a hard life brightening.

[iiposblog]

for the fanfics,

on wattpad

behind the screen- taco and nickel get stuck in a tadc esque world

on ao3

room 43- adorable lightbrush (and slight fantube) college au

hall 17- similar to exp 21, ver good read if you are looking to cry

living millennium- only 1 chapter so far, but its 20k words, very interesting au where taco, lb, fan and apple get brought over from their medieval universe to modern universe of the rest of the ii cast

all i wanna do is go to a (cast) party- college au, vialfile, they all are starring in a play

it cant be that hard.. right?- ii is a very popular show and bot has to go to school while being famous

object show hosts in a content house, what will they do- object show hosts get trapped in a house

we winning inanimate insanity with this one- taco, mepad, toilet and mephone4 (later mic) are in a discord server

crying, my guardian angel is crying- the most heartbreaking tacomic fic out there

battle for rotting my brain out of my skull (series) - bfb and ii crossover, very deep lore.

all that glitters isnt gold- amazing ii au abt mephone

uncovering meeple- taco returns back to america, but meeple is rather suspicious (only around 4 chapters)

honorable mention goes to Crowned, Your puppets, my puppets and Wake up; Stay awake

.

[ultimateissuessimp]

Could you do Cat King x gn reader, they are a mage that came to port Townsend and tried to warn Edwin about using magic on cats. As they escort the dead boy detectives to the King they try to have Thomas go easy on Edwin. Cat King gets a little jealous as to why his partner wants to let Edwin off easy. (Edwin reminds the reader of their younger sibling they haven’t seen in while)

I love, love, LOVE this request SO MUCH! Thank you for giving me the honour of writing it! I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

For me? For you.

The Cat King x GN Reader

Word count: 3,041

Warnings: A dead body appearing, but only for a second and without gruesome description, some jealousy coming from the Cat King and a mention of having a dead younger sibling

Y/N had known about the Dead Boy Detectives Agency for quite some time now. They had been watching the two boys' adventures the moment they heard about them, taking care of bigger problems when they encounter them from the shadows, taking on a role of a guardian angel. Well, guardian mage, but the point stands. The reason why they took such interest in those boys was because one of them, Edwin Payne, reminded them of their little brother who died quite a long time ago due to an illness that even magic couldn't cure. They stayed with their brother until Death showed up to collect them.

So the moment they felt their presence in Port Townsend alognside a very skilled medium, they had to finally show themself to the trio. A small lesson in dos and don'ts when it came to this town, something that would not only keep them safe, but also inform them about what could be hiding in it.

Y/N teleported themself into the little apartment that Crystal was renting, scaring the three people inside it to death. Well, at least one of them since the other two were already dead. Immediately Charles got into an offensive stance, ready to fight if needed while Edwin remained cautious and Crystal stood behind both of them, still a bit in shock, a fight or flight mode ready to go in a case of an emergency.

-Who the hell are you and what are you doing here?! - Charles asked, hand at the ready to reach for his cricket bat. At the same time Edwin was thinking of different exits out of the possible danger.

-Calm down, calm down. I come here as a messenger - Y/N said, raising their hands up in defense before crossing them over their chest and looking the trio over. - You could say I've been observing from the shadows what you've been doing for quite some time now. The difference now is that you're in a new place you have no knowledge of. There are dangers here. Rules even. If you like your peace, keep to them. Most important would be to stay away from the cats. Don't even think about using magic on them, you don't want to find out what will happen if you do - they stated, uncurling their index finger as they started talking about the first rule. Then the second one when they mentioned watching out for a witch that lived in Port Townsend, a menace to deal with. Then another one and another one until they were out of fingers to show and rules to tell.

-Why the hell would we believe anything you just said? - Charles asked, suspicious look on his face as he carefully observed Y/N, not even for a second dropping his guard.

-Because I saved your ass so many times you could at least try to trust me. Remember that nasty poltergeist in 30 East Drive, Pontefract? How you got cornered because he smashed all the mirrors and quite literally trapped you inside that house? Yeah, that was me. So have some faith kids. Alright, that should be it. Remember what I said and don't get into any trouble. If you dive, head first, into deep shit, then I don't know how well my influence in town could help to save you. Again - they said before doing a little wave with their fingers and dissappearing in a swirl of black fog.

You'd think that after such a warning, people would listen. Yeah, not Edwin. As much as Charles is stubborn, he's somewhat not dumb enough to not listen to someone who clearly wants to help them, albeit reluctant. Crystal doesn't even know much what to do, so she wouldn't try anything either way, but Edwin... Oh Edwin. Mr. Edwin, Know-It-All, I-Know-Better-Than-You, Why-Should-I-Listen-To-You?, Payne. Of course he would be the one so intelligent, yet so stupidly stubborn, to pull shit like that.

Obviously he just HAD to cast a magic spell on a cat. Now not only does Y/N have to save his ass from a harsh punishment, they also have to deal with a certain moody Cat King that was currently throwing a hissy fit, pacing around and cursing out everything in bloody existence. Y/N rubbed their temples as they listened to their partner rant continously.

-The nerve! Magic! On my cats! They'll be lucky if they walk out of here alive! - Thomas said angrily, running a hand through his hair as he did another circle in front of his throne.

-My love, will you take a deep breath with me, please? I'm sure there's a logical explanation to this. I know you're mad, I understand where that's coming from, I really do, but let's not make rushed decisions okay? - Y/N proposed, walking over to Thomas and stopping him gently by placing their hands on top of his shoulders, before sliding them down his arms to his hands, catching them in theirs and holding tightly.

-Sugar, I don't think there's a logical enough explanation to using magic on my fucking cats - the Cat King hissed out, before finally closing his eyes for a second and taking a deep breath to slightly calm down, not wanting to lash out on his partner.

-I'm sure there is. Will you hear him out at least? - Y/N asked, rubbing soothing circles with their thumbs into the backs of Thomas' hands, wanting to calm him down a bit more.

-Him? Kitty cat, it sounds to me like you know who it was - Thomas said, slight accusation in his voice as he looked at Y/N with his head slightly shifted to the side, eyebrows furred as a scowl started appearing on his face making Y/N cup his cheeks in their hands.

-I think I know who it is for almost a hundred percent, but I've warned them that they would be wise to stay away from your cats - they said, pressing their forehead against Thomas', hoping that they convinced him at least just a bit to go easy on Edwin without particularly saying anything.

-Yet they didn't listen now did they? - The man asked, huffing out some air before wrapping his arms around their waist. - I'll think about being less harsh, but there still must be a punishment. No one gets away with hurting or damaging what belongs to me - he added before planting a kiss on Y/N's lips.

It was finally time for the trio to have a little talk with the Cat King. He had already sent the cat Edwin used the magic on to go and fetch them, but Y/N wanted to be there too before they actually get there to give them another small advice. They promised Thomas that they'll be back soon before they departed in a swirl of black fog like the one before.

-You've done fucked up. What did I tell you, huh? Stay away from the cat and what did you do? You went and used MAGIC on one. Are you out of your mind, Edwin Payne? - Y/N asked with a certain edge to their voice, clearly very annoyed with, mostly Edwin, the group, because there was no guarantee that Thomas would actually go easy on all of them. Especially with all of their smart mouths that only get them into even more trouble.

-I don't see what's all the fuss about. It's just a bit of magic - the ghost teenager said, rolling his eyes sassily before placing his hands on his hips to add even more sass to his statement.

-Don't give me that attitude, young man, you have no idea in what deep shit you are and I specifically told you not to dive head first into any shit. It already took me some time to try and get him to calm down and not send out a swarm of cats to rip you to shreds. Talk any more shit and I won't be able to get your ass out of this one - Y/N said, crossing their arms over their chest as they stared Edwin down before Charles chimed in.

-Him? Who's him? And why is he so important that you speak of him as if he was about to send Edwin back to the pits of Hell? - he asked with a look of confusion on his face as he looked simultaneously at Y/N and the cat that was now sitting a few feet behind them, patiently waiting to continue navigating the group to the warehouse.

-You'll see soon enough. Now come on. There's no time to waste - they said before finally turning sideways and gesturing to their right as an indicator for the teenagers to finally move.

When they got inside the warehouse, Y/N couldn't help, but smile softly and shake their head at their boyfriend's antics. Of course he would put on a show. He wouldn't be the diva cat that he was if he didn't. As they approached the throne and the cats dispersed from before it, leaving only a very massacred body behind alongside three disturbed teenagers with an unfazed mage in front of them, the said teenagers behind Y/N observed the orange cat with confusion and caution written on their faces.

-We were invited to see the Cat King - Edwin said, trying not to let the shakiness in his voice after seeing the dead guy before the be heard.

The trio flinched when the cat disappeared in purple fire, making space for the gorgeous man that is Y/N's boyfriend to appear. They smiled brightly at him and bowed down jokingly, making the Cat King chuckle with endearment, just to get that fire back into his eyes that spoke of danger and anger at not only the disrespect of his rules, but also endangerment of one of his subjects after he saw the group behind his partner.

-Hi - he said as he observed the trio, a faux friendly smile on his face.

-Can all cats do that? - Crystal asked the boys quietly, yet not quiet enough that the Cat King didn't hear which only made him chuckle in amusement.

-"Can all cats do that?" Of course not, I'm a Cat KING - He answered, putting an emphasis on the 'king' part, going full on sass as he usually did. - I can tell you're not the brains of the operation. Sorry, I'm already bored - Thomas added, making a rather mean comment, which he didn't really seem to care about, wanting to get to the center of the problem quickly.

-No need to be rude, darling - Y/N said with a gentle pout to their face before they walked over to where Thomas was sitting and stood right next to the throne, putting their hand on the man's shoulder, a little sign that he could tone it down a bit.

-Hmm - The Cat King only mused before letting out a soft sigh and turning his head towards the cats gathered in the back. - Which one of them used the magic on you? - he asked the cat that fell victim of Edwin's antics.

-The scrawny one that just had the nerve to talk to you - the cat answered, clearly showcasing where the it's personality came from.

That brought out a little 'oh' out of Thomas, before Edwin spoke up again, trying to explain what they were doing and who they were until the Cat King interrupted him.

-Oh I don't care. Using magic on my cats is a total car crash on your part - He said with a cynical smile before lazily pointing with his index towards Edwin. - We... Should discuss your offense. Privately- the man added while standing up from the throne.

Of course Charles didn't like that and tried to stop anything from happening, but Y/N shook their head as a signal not to do it. It would only make the matter worse and they already had a plan of action, so he could screw it up with his little outburst. Edwin talked it out with the other two while Y/N walked over to Thomas and slightly fixed his messy hair, sighing softly as they thought over what to do when they actually go and sort this out.

When the trio came back, Thomas departed himself, Y/N and Edwin to the bedroom they both shared. Weird choice of a place to sort this situation out, but Y/N didn't really question it. Out loud at least.

-So... What should your punishment be? - Thomas said with a large amused grin as he stepped closer towards Edwin.

-How about something that wouldn't involve dangerous things that would result in Edwin going to the afterlife? - Y/N proposed an idea with arms crossed over their chest and eyebrows slightly raised as they looked at their lover with a, just a smidge, pleading look.

-Why not? I don't think that would really be over the top. Seems quite fitting in my opinion - the Cat King said shrugging his shoulders with a smirk as he looked back towards Y/N.

-Please? He just made a mistake. A dumb one, I admit, but it was a mistake. He shouldn't have to lose his ghost life for that - they said, straightening their pose before slightly tilting their head to the side as they kept their gaze only on Thomas.

Clearly he didn't like that constant defending of the boy coming from his partner, so he decided to have a small talk with them off to the side, excusing them both for a moment before guiding Y/N to the one spot he knew Edwin wouldn't see or hear much.

-Why do you care about this ghostly twink so much? What, do you find him cute, is that what it is? I've got to admit, he's quite cute, but I'm literally right here, hello? - Thomas began asking a series of questions, an aura of jealousy surrounding him as he loosely caged Y/N against the wall, his cat personality clearly kicking in as the respect for personal space completely flew out of the window in a matter of seconds when he leaned in so their faces were centimeters away.

-What? No! Kitty cat, he just... He reminds me of Alexander... They both didn't get to grow up and they are similar so much personality wise... I can't help but see Alexander in him, even though I know that he had moved on to the afterlife. Somewhere where I can't follow. Not yet - Y/N explained, letting out a sigh before turning their head and looking off to the side at the clear as day memory of their younger brother filled their mind.

-Shit... I'm sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions... - He said with a look filled with guilt before he rested his head against their shoulder, wrapped his arms around their waist and closed his eyes. - I'll go easy on him for you. Give him something not too hard to do, looking at the fact that he seems like a clever fella. He will have to stay here for quite some time to do that though - Thomas added after pressing apologetic, small kiss against the skin of their neck and then pulling away a bit to look into their eyes.

-Really? You'll do that for me? - they asked quietly, looking back at Thomas with a soft smile.

-For you. Always for you - he said and leaned it to capture their lips with his own in a sweet, short kiss.

After that they went back to Edwin who was looking around, more than likely looking for a way out, but even if he wanted to run, he would get lost, so that would be unsuccessful.

-Alright. I've got just the right punishment for you - Thomas said, stretching out his arms to the sides slightly with a large grin on his face. - Show me your arm. Come on, I don't have the whole night - he told Edwin, doing a little 'Come on' motion with his hand at the same time he said it out loud.

-For what? - Edwin asked cautiously, clearly not trusting the Cat King. Obviously so. After all he was about to receive a punishment that he had no idea what it was.

-Edwin, just do it - Y/N said, encouraging the teenager with a small smile and a nod of their head.

Finally, the boy agreed, although reluctantly, and stretched out his arm towards the Cat King before pulling it quickly back when a gold bracelet showed up around it.

-What is this? - Edwin asked with suspicion, immediately trying to take it off yet finding himself unable to do so.

-A little piece of jewellery that will keep reminding you of your punishment. All you have to do is count all the cats that reside in Port Townsend. It will also keep you in the town for that time. Until you finish counting of course. Also only the one who put it on can take it off, so I'd recommend hurrying if you want to go back to wherever you came from - the Cat King said, a cheeky smirk on his face as he observed the boy's flabbergasted expression with amusement.

When Edwin started lamenting and protesting that the task was unfair and impossible to do, Thomas explained why he received such a punishment before sending him back to the other two teenagers while Y/N and him stayed back in the bedroom.

Y/N walked over to the Cat King, wrapping their arms around the man's neck and leaning in to press a sweet kiss, thanking him without words while he wrapped his arms around their middle and pulled them close.

-That went well. Next time he pulls something stupid, then you won't be able to save his ass from the harsher punishment though - he said before burying his face in their neck and simply resting there.

-Yeah, yeah, we'll see about that - they said, both of them knowing how different the reality will be if such a thing actually happens. Y/N having so much control over Thomad without trying too much. After all, the Cat King was such a romantic and he hated it.

[stabbyfoxandrew]

Ahh!!! I'm finally on time again for wip Wednesday! I'm so excited! I would love some Angel Neil.

(I loved the long snippet from last week but obviously I will love anything of any length you post)

WIP Wednesday (9/18) | Guardian Angel Neil AU (Part 235)

So he's going to once again get Bee's thoughts on the angel. He's going to make her tell the truth and admit one way or another if she thinks he's got a serious problem. (If she calls Neil an imaginary friend again, Andrew might bite her. No, no. He wouldn't bite Betsy. But he might light a fire in her office.)

See, Andrew ruled out Neil being a side effect after Monday morning. He'd come charging up here first thing during his nightmare-induced rampage, without taking his meds, and Neil was here waiting for him like always. Andrew's quite sure he's not actually psychotic, no matter what his teammates like to say. But he wants to check his notes against Bee's one more time.

This way, if he ever starts to doubt Neil again he can remind himself that Betsy thinks he's fine and that Kevin knows the Butcher's son. That's what he would need, reassurance from the two people he trusts most. God, how did Kevin Day end up on this list? Andrew digresses. The biggest problem with grilling Bee about this is Neil himself. Because Neil said he would stay as long as Andrew believed in him. If he were to overhear anything... Would he leave for good? Is he actually able to? Andrew does not want to find out.

Andrew realizes with a start that his cigarette is nothing but a tiny burned up nub between his fingers. He looks at it, annoyed, then flicks it into the bushes below. When he turns, Neil is staring from where he's propped on an elbow. Has he been staring this entire time? (Andrew thinks he could stare at Neil for days. That's beside the point.) He cocks a brow.

"You know, I'm right here." Neil says, looking amused. "That means you can actually talk to me instead of just thinking about me real hard."

Andrew flusters and bristles simultaneously. "Who said I want to talk to you?"

Neil laughs like Andrew's being stupid. "Your head is going to explode, Andrew. Or maybe mine is. I can't tell. But it's getting annoying, so just say something."

"I hate you."

"There you go." Neil smiles. "Let it out and stop pounding on the insane of my skull."

"Is that what it feels like when I think about you?"

Neil sighs, "Not always. Sometimes it's a little pinch. Maybe a tap on the forehead, a flick to the ear. But sometimes you get real... Thunderous."

"Thunderous."

"Yeah. Like I can't think because you're too busy thinking about me." Neil says, sounding only slightly accusatory. "You're doing it now. Want to tell me why?"

"You told me you don't come into Bee's office. Is that still true?"

"Of course."

"Isn't it the angel's right to know what's going on with me?"

Neil looks almost offended that Andrew thinks he'd eavesdrop. "No. I've told you before. Whatever you have to say to her is none of my business and I certainty don't care to hear what she thinks about me."

"Right. I know."

"Then why are you asking this again?" Neil asks suspiciously. "Should I be listening in on you for some reason?"

Oh fuck, time to backtrack.

[danyvhell-writes]

General Kuras headcanons (Touchstarved)

GN reader - no warnings | Literally my second fav character in this game, love him sm ! Had a lot to say about this sweet angel so here we are. I want him to read me a bedtime story, then we can cuddle. Also I might post about Leander next time...

• Divine smell like omg the aromas, the fragrance ! A mix of clean clothes, nutmeg, honeysuckle & jasmine. (my personal fav but it's up to you)

• Radiates warmth, physically and also in terms of energy. Whenever he's near you, you can't help but relax and feel welcome. He makes you feel safe no matter what. He thinks it's cute that you like hugging him so much.

• If you're short don't worry ! Kuras won't mind reaching things you can't, he'll be your personal assistant for high supplies you can't get.

• We know he uses he/him pronouns but being an angel, a being of pure light & love, would technically make him genderless/agender ? Can he shapeshift ? Surely, but who truly knows... Ah what a gorgeous mysterious being.

• He's able to perceive souls and energies. He doesn't need to 'know' people to actually know them if that makes sense.

• He finds you fascinating and so do you ! You love listening to whatever he has to say because it's genuinely so interesting, his thought process is so intriguing. You two always have endless conversations about so many topics ! You'd never have thought he'd be this talkative but oh do you enjoy it.

• Have a calm reading session with him and he's yours ! This is his vision of the perfect date. Can't read because you're tired ? He'll read for you while you relax, charmed by his soothing voice. Of course, he loves your voice too ! Read him your favourite book, he will listen with much attention. He's all ears.

• If you're a very spiritual person, you'll love him even more. Talk to him about spirits, energies, deities etc… there's so much he'll teach and explain to you ! This tall guy is full of knowledge (big brain over here).

• Remember when he said "Do not be afraid." ? He meant it ! I think he's still used to his original form and so doesn't want to scare anyone. His current form is more accessible for mortals and he's trying his best to 'fit in'. (His incarnation is the opposite of scary but I don't think he realizes how attractive he is)

• He's omnilingual. That's it. No but fr, I don't know what his role is/was precisely as an angel (if he was a messenger or a guardian) but he understands any languages ! He tries to hide this ability because how could he explain it without sounding suspicious ? "How do I know javanese & martiniquan creole ? Oh, well it's a long story. I do not think you would find this interesting, really MC."

• Want to share jewelry with him ? Of course, go on. Give him your stuff, he'll love wearing whatever you have especially if it's golden. If you have big earrings like his he'll love them, big 10/10, sharing is caring as we say ! You guys would switch earrings a lot and I think it's adorable.

• If you're polyglot, he'd appreciate greatly to talk with you in your native tongue or other. Need some help with your vocabulary or something ? He's here to help ! Don't hesitate to ask him anything. → Would be really fun to have you, Kuras and Ais talking in other languages together ! Imagine the possibilities !!! Such interesting conversations omg

• 100% the type of person to gift you accessories and aesthetic presents. "This brooch reminded me of you ! I thought you would like to add it to your collection. What do you think ?" and you're just standing "???? Thanks omg you're so sweet !" 😭

• I'm sure he has a lot of fun facts about anatomy and medicine in general. He's also the type of person to tell the most gruesome anecdote about one of his patient and go "Oh but they are completely fine now, you do not need to worry MC :)" like okay if you say so doc…

• We know he's not the most expressive but you get him with a simplicity that is surprising ! Whether it's the tone he uses, his choice of words or the way he looks at his interlocutor, you can easily decipher how he feels. People say he's distant and appears a little cold but you know he's the most affectionate person you've ever seen !

• Always buys you food and invites you to eat outside to make up for the fact that he cooks badly ! He's truly sorry for his poor cooking skills but is always willing to feed you the best products in town. Please, teach him some basics. How can you be a good doctor when your food is causing stomach aches ??

• Afraid to be too comfortable around him ? Don't worry, he's a doctor. If you think sneezing or burping in front of him is embarrassing, remember he sees sick people and corpses on a daily basis. ↑ If you happen to sneeze next to him and feel gross because of the snot, no prob ! He'd simply go "Oh, bless you. Do you need a tissue ? I have my handkerchief if you want." with his cute lil smile.

• If texting was a thing in TS, he would 100% overuse the ":)" smiley. You'll find it at the end of every freakin text, you can't run away from it lmaoeuzfh. "Good morning MC, how are you ? :)" "One of my patient has been affected by -insert horrible affliction-, therefore I will see you this afternoon :)" "I'm deeply sorry to hear that your mentor passed away, may they rest in peace :)" "Ais said that I, I quote, 'give off milf energy' ? Would you mind explaining this term to me ? I asked Leander but he seemed uncomfortable. :)"

• Likes going on walks with you. Think you can't keep up with his long legs ? Just wrap your arm around his and he won't lose you. He's very careful to adapt to your pace so you can enjoy the moment. → Would definitely pick flowers for you while you guys are strolling around the city. He knows flower language so he'd tell you what they mean if you want. Also you have to tell him your favourite flower(s), he'll gift you the best bouquets ever (he would make them himself of course) !

• He's a doctor so he might go picking plants and flowers for his medicines. Just imagine him with a little basket, wandering around fields like a little witch :') Go flowerpicking with him please 😩 he'd love to share this activity with you !

• Whenever you get home after spending time with him, you always find white feathers hidden on & in your clothes. Can be on your vest, in your pockets, even in your bag ! At first you wonder if Kuras doesn't own a bird and he's like "Oh ! Do not worry, these are mine." "Yours ? Like your pet's ?" "No dear, mine. I happen to lose my feathers sometimes, it's not convenient and I am sorry if this bothers you." "...Oh hm, okay ?". So then you just collect them cause they're pretty and soft. (He wouldn't mind if you used the small ones to stuff your pillows really.)

• Lets you braid his hair. If you have some pretty accessories that go well with his aesthetic, don't hesitate ! He likes how you touch his hair with softness, always careful.

• This is him. No need for further explanation.

[mckiwi]

The Dance of 1650

Chapter Five: Guardian Angel

Read on AO3

Start<< Prev< >Next

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Warning: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Category: Gen

Fandom: Good Omens

Relationships: Aziraphale & Crowley, Aziraphale/Crowley

Characters: Aziraphale, Crowley, OFCs, OMCs

“I did the ‘I was wrong’ dance in 1650, in 1793, 1941–” -Aziraphale S2:E1 39:45

If 1793 was the crepe incident and 1941 was the magic show, what happened in 1650? Or rather, what happened the time Crowley was accused of witchcraft?

---

This is written for Whumptober 2024. All of the prompts will be used by being divided up between six chapters throughout October. Each chapter will have a list of the prompts used in the tags.

“You can quit the begging and praying. No angels will come save you.”

“He will if he ever wants to see me again!” 

Aziraphale wrung his hands together and paced in one of the church’s back rooms. He’d gotten Crowley off of the consecrated ground, at least. That was his most pressing concern, but now that she was dealt with, he didn’t even know where to begin. This was as far as his hastily put-together plan had taken him. 

He could really go for some crepes right about now. And a drink. With Crowley. Far away from this town and Scotland in its entirety. The weather here was too dreary and chilly for his liking, anyhow. 

That could wait. General Bell would be back anytime now, more than likely wanting to discuss Crowley’s sentence. Obviously, he didn’t want her to die, that was simply unthinkable. If Crowley were to be discorporated, she’d be downstairs for decades! Who could he possibly thwart in the meantime? 

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he could admit to himself he’d miss her company immensely, regardless of the accompanying wiles. But those were thoughts for the back burner, once those were invented. For now, he had more pressing matters. 

Four knocks in quick succession at the door broke Aziraphale out of his thoughts, “Yes? Who is it?”

“General Nicholas Bell. May I enter?” The man announced. 

Aziraphale steeled himself and crossed to open the door, “Hello, General. How can I help you?”

The general seemed slightly put out. “Afternoon, Brother Fell. I was just wondering of your intentions with the demon.”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow,” the angel lied.

Bell searched for his words for a moment before stating, “I’ll admit, at first I thought your intervening with the trial to be troublesome. Brother Rowe let my men and I decide the fate of witches. Your insistence has delayed the witch’s sentence, certainly. But for that very reason, I’m thankful. If we had proceeded with the sentencing without knowing the truth, that poor woman the demon is possessing would have died unjustly.”

What about all the other women who died? A voice that sounded suspiciously like Crowley argued. Aziraphale shoved that thought to the metaphorical back burner, too. “I see. Pardon me if I sound obtuse, but, what difference does it make if your subject is a witch or demon?”

“That’s what I was here to ask you,” Bell answered. “I’m a Witch Hunter. I’ve no experience with the supernatural. You, however, gave me those verses to reveal a demon’s nature and how to cleanse a body with holy water. Do you know of a way to kill a demon?”

Yes. He very well knew how to kill a demon. It was his job, admittedly one he was very bad at. 

Aziraphale looked down at Crawley. Would he kill her? He looked out across the mass of tattered blankets and sleeping children. He looked at the baby who had never been safer than in the arms of a demon. The ark gave a particularly awful lurch, or it might’ve just been the guilt settling in his stomach as he turned the other cheek. “I’ve been commanded to protect every life aboard, and that’s what I intend to do.” 

“You can’t kill this demon,” Aziraphale said in way of an explanation. It wasn’t a lie. They can’t kill Crowley. He wouldn’t allow it. “The most you could possibly do is send it back to Hell.”

Bell nodded, “and how do we do that?”

Aziraphale hesitated, “Give me some time and I’ll have a solution. This is a very delicate matter, you see. I can’t afford any mistakes.”

The general accepted this, “Understood. Thank you for assisting me. Is tomorrow morning sufficient time for you?”

“That should do, yes. I’ll be here in the morning.” Aziraphale agreed. 

His wording seemed to trip something in the other man’s memory, “Your lodgings! I’m sorry for the state we left it in. I will have some of my men repair things for you. By the time this ordeal is over, all of your things will be just as you left them.” 

Nothing would be the same after this was over, but he let it go with a short hum. General Bell took it for the dismissal it was and left Aziraphale to his thoughts once again. 

The sun had long since set on the horizon. Aziraphale had papers strewn out in front of him and a cup of tea that had hardly been touched. It was fortunate angels didn’t need sleep, not that Aziraphale would be able to regardless, not when he still didn’t have a plan in place. 

He’d had several ideas, though none of them seemed worthwhile. His most promising idea thus far involved causing an earthquake and breaking the doors to the cell, allowing Crowley to escape, but that’d been done before, and it’d surely be noticed by humans and Heaven alike. Scotland wasn’t exactly known to have foundation-shattering quakes, after all, so that idea carried about as much potential as a piece of wet firewood. 

Wet firewood… he could suggest Crowley be burned at the stake, but–

No, that wouldn’t work. Aziraphale hung his head in his hands and scrubbed at his face harshly. How had they gotten into this situation again? 

He mulled over several more ideas in the following hours. One such idea involved Crowley turning into a snake and slipping out unnoticed through the mob of people. He thought better of it when he remembered what God had last said to the Serpent of Eden. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. Best not to have Crowley around that many snake-crushable boots. 

As the sun rose and the fog dissipated, Aziraphale set out through the village in search of… something. He first stopped by the cells but found them guarded and locked. Crowley was inside, he could sense that much. She wasn’t on the verge of discorporation, at the very least, though Aziraphale would wager Crowley’d complain she’d ‘die of boredom’ if only given the smidgen of the chance. She loved to complain and gripe, though hardly ever did anything to solve the apparent problem. “Why would I thwart my own wiles? That’s meant to be your job, innit?” She’d said once. 

There were three ways they typically executed witches. He visited all three sites and plotted. 

Trial by Water. This was the most common trial, and perhaps the only execution that could somehow be deemed a ‘trial.’ The accused would die either way, but there was the possibility of a posthumous decree of innocence. The witch was tied and thrown into the lake. They would either drown, proving their innocence, or they would survive, only to be convicted of witchcraft and hanged for it. 

Aziraphale eyed the docks of the nearby lake. They didn’t technically need to breathe, so perhaps Crowley could stay submerged long enough for the crowd to disperse and for Aziraphale to fetch her. 

Trial by Hanging. This wasn’t so much of a trial as it was a death sentence, plain and simple. The accused would be hanged for their supposed crimes. At the very least, it would be a swift death. 

Again, they didn’t technically need to breathe, but the rope might cause undue damage to Crowley’s throat or even decapitate her, and Aziraphale didn’t want to risk it. Though, if the rope frayed just so, and if it just so happened to snap… Aziraphale tucked away that idea for further review. 

Trial by Fire. It was less an execution than it was an act of theatre. A spectacle for those fully believed to be witches and to serve as a warning to others. A pyre of wood was lit aflame with the witch tied to a stake in its midst. 

Could he make it so the fire wouldn’t ignite? Or at the very least not harm Crowley? Their corporations were resilient, yes, but still mostly human. Fire would destroy her corporation all the same. 

Hellfire might not, though. 

——————

That afternoon, Aziraphale convinced General Bell the only way to send a demon back to Hell was with fire. Hell was often depicted as a fiery pit of sulfur and brimstone, after all, so it wasn’t too difficult to have the General come to this conclusion. The best lies always hold an element of truth, as Crowley had told him once. 

And so Aziraphale began to plan this spectacular escape. He couldn’t get too close to the Hellfire himself, else he meet a rather gruesome and permanent end, dooming them both in the process. He could remove the Miracle-dampening shackles, however, and tie a knot loose enough around her wrists to trick onlookers but be enough for Crowley to slip through. 

Now all he had to do was get down to Crowley’s cell and tell her of his plan! She would think his plan was genius!

“Full offence, Angel, your plan’s horrible.”

Or perhaps not. 

They bickered the point back and forth until it suddenly came to a screeching halt. 

“Why not!”

“Because it could destroy you!” Crowley bellowed. Aziraphale stared in stunned silence. “I’m not living in a world where I’m the reason you’re not.”

What could he possibly say to that? Aziraphale swallowed, “And the feeling is mutual.”

It didn’t take long before Aziraphale caved and brought the demon into his arms. She stiffened at the contact and the angel retreated, fearing having hurt her, but she ignored his concerns and leaned into the hug. He allowed himself this moment. They would figure things out. They would be okay in the end. He mustered up enough self-control to stand and leave the cell with a promise of wine tomorrow night. 

——————

The rising sun was met with cheerful birdsong, unbeknownst to Aziraphale’s emotional turmoil. A pyre was being set up while other people went about their everyday lives as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. Aziraphale felt sick to his stomach. 

Soon enough, a band of people strode forward with two people in tow, one of which being Crowley. She still had the Miracle-dampening shackles on and a gag in place, looking worse for wear. Three days chained to a cold, hard floor hadn’t done the demon any favours. She looked as if she hadn’t slept the entire time if the half-lidded eyes and sluggish movements were anything to go by. Or that could just be the old wounds reopening from the unusual movements after being mostly stationary. Aziraphale, not for the first time, felt a tug of regret. He shouldn’t have ever gotten them tangled up in this mess. A torch was lit aflame and Aziraphale took a stabilizing breath as Crowley was led to…

The docks?

What?

Aziraphale was about to question the purpose of the pyre when he took notice of the second person being brought to trial. 

Doctor John Davis stepped up and was tied to the stake.

“Hang on just one moment! This isn’t what we discussed!” Aziraphale exclaimed and strode over to General Bell. “We said Crowley would have a Trial by Fire! Whatever happened to that?”

Bell nodded, “I understand your confusion. I do appreciate your valiant effort to help the cause, but the more I thought over your words, I realized that if you want something done right, you’ll see it done yourself.”

Aziraphale gaped, “what about the doctor? Where does he get involved in this?”

“He confessed to being a witch in exchange for his daughter’s life,” Bell answered. 

“This is– this is a right outrage! We had a deal!”

“No, Brother Fell, I don’t believe we did,” Bell chided. “I asked for your advice, which you gave. I never said I would do what you said.” Aziraphale was struck with the thought that Gabriel and Nicholas Bell might get along splendidly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a Trial to get started.”

Bell nodded toward the man holding the torch. The man pulled away Davis’ gag and asked, “Any last remarks?”

Davis took a deep breath and spoke, “I only hope my wife will be there to catch me should I fall for my sins and that God will forgive me for my trespasses.” 

Aziraphale sent a quiet Blessing his way. 

Bell nodded toward the man holding Crowley and removed her gag. “Any last remarks?”

Crowley licked her lips and wrinkled her nose in disgust, “yeah, no. I’ve already done the whole ‘Fall for my sins’ bit. Not a fan. But really? This entire charade has been something Hastur would love to hear about. In fact, I think I’ll introduce you to him personally.” At that, Crowley levelled Bell with an impressive demonic glare, which really wasn’t helping her current allegations. 

“That is all then,” Bell started. “I hereby sentence Doctor Davis to burn at the stake and the demon Crowley to be cleansed by holy water.”

Angel and demon looked up in utmost alarm. “I beg your pardon?!” Aziraphale all but shouted. 

Bell exhaled heavily and cast Aziraphale an annoyed glance, “Yes, Brother Fell? Are you in objection to my using the verses you gave me specifically for if a demon should come across my path to God’s Light?”

Aziraphale huffed, “Well I didn’t mean for it to be this particular demon.”

The Witch Hunter caught onto his wording like a hound to a fox’s scent, “Be careful how you speak. You being a minister doesn’t give you any protection from the righteous flames of the pyre.”

Crowley struggled in the man’s hold, “Oi, watch it!” She spat even as the man tightened the ropes. 

“I’m growing tired of these interruptions,” Bell seethed and raised a hand, “benedic aquas has in nomine angeli!”

Aziraphale saw the way Crowley instinctively shied away from the water despite not feeling the effects himself. “So that’s it then?” Crowley asked the Hunter. “You tie me up and throw me in just to die either way. I’ll sink or swim.”

Bell hummed, “‘Sink or Swim’ you say? I like that. I think I’ll use that.” At Crowley’s indignant scoff, the Hunter looked out across the gathering crowd. “Light the fire. Throw her in.”

Aziraphale and Crowley screamed as one as the demon’s back hit the water. 

[hbyrde36]

The Crawl

Part 3 of 5

Part 1 Part 2 AO3

cw: character death, (with a happy ending) | wc:7087

-Steve-

Will’s guardian angel from the Upside Down had been a faceless ghost to the rest of the party for a long time. Once the group accepted that he was real and started actually listening to the kid about what was coming for them, they began to wonder more and more about who this Eddie person really was, why he was in that place, and how he knew so much about what they were facing. 

Steve found himself especially curious since the guy’s warnings had saved him and Robin from what would have apparently been literal torture by the Russian Military. Suddenly it felt like the mysterious Eddie was all of their guardian angels. 

So, imagine his surprise when on the first day of their freshman year of high school the kids called an emergency party meeting because they’d run into Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson in the cafeteria and Will had instantly recognized him as the strange older boy from the Upside Down who had helped him.

The group quickly agreed to take Eddie under their wing while also deciding not to tell him anything about his other self or the alternate dimension, since they had no idea how he would become involved in their world of monsters and mayhem. They didn’t want to freak him out prematurely. He probably wouldn’t have believed them anyway

Keeping an eye on him meant having the kids join the Hellfire Club, the four boys did at least. It was no hardship, they all still loved to play D&D and would have absolutely joined anyway. Max and El refused, which was fine. There would be plenty of eyes on Eddie regardless because Steve was also being tasked with befriending him. 

The kids could watch over him at school no problem, but someone would need to keep tabs on him the rest of the time.

It made the most sense for Steve to be the one of the older group to try and get close to Eddie. He had a lot of free time. They were both guys, both around the same age, and… 

That was about it. 

They didn’t have much or really anything else in common, except for the kids who Eddie loved immediately– thank god, but Steve was determined to make it work. 

He thought it would be easy. He and Eddie hadn’t been enemies or anything when he was in school, though they hadn’t been friends either. They’d simply run in different circles and didn’t have much reason to interact with each other for the most part. Eddie had his band and the D&D club, while Steve ran with the jock crowd and Tommy and Carol, right up until the other-dimensional-shit hit the fan in his junior year. After that he mostly kept to himself and Nancy, and then just to himself when that didn’t work out. 

It wasn’t easy, as it turned out.

Eddie was suspicious, to say the least, when Steve started making appearances at Hellfire every Friday night. 

The first time he came to pick the kids up, he purposely hung around outside until Eddie came out to his van. He waved and tried to say hello, but the other boy didn’t hear him, or more likely, purposely ignored him. 

His second attempt a week later didn’t yield any better results. Eddie looked right at him that time, quite clearly perplexed by Steve’s presence, but he still didn’t return the greeting. 

The third week was when Eddie started to crack. Steve had an idea that it was coming. Dustin had let slip a few days before that Eddie had begun to ask questions about him and why he was picking them all up every week. Like, how did Steve even come to be your babysitter? And, aren't you guys too old for babysitters anyway? 

Dustin assured Steve that all of the boys, even Mike, had thoroughly talked him up. He was a little doubtful on that point, but he had no choice but to roll with it. 

As the four boys battled it out for the front seat, Steve stood outside the car like he always did and gave it his all, waving as he hit Eddie with the same dazzling smile that had knocked the socks off so many girls back in his King Steve days. Eddie met his gaze, big brown eyes a little wider than usual when he, finally, awkwardly raised his hand to wave back. 

Steve was buzzing with excitement as he drove the kids home that night. It was practically nothing, the progress was ridiculously slow, but it was progress nonetheless!

He pushed his luck the next Friday, purposely arriving at the school a little earlier than usual. He knew Hellfire was hosted in the drama room so he decided to peek in and maybe watch the last few minutes of the game. 

Eddie’s head snapped up in surprise as Steve entered the room, but he didn’t miss a beat as he wove his tale for the assembled group listening with rapt attention. 

He hovered by the door, afraid to say anything or even move until Eddie caught his eye and tilted his head to the right, a subtle invitation to take a seat on the small couch on that side of the room. Steve nodded his thanks and did just that. 

He quickly found that he couldn’t take his eyes off Eddie. Though he had no idea what was going on, there was just something about the other boy. It was endearing how excited he would get when someone made a good roll, or annoyed, depending on the situation, and so entertaining to hear him try on other voices and accents for the various characters he played. 

There was something else too, but Steve couldn’t put his finger on it. Eddie had a way about him. Something that drew him in. With every gesture of his hand and subtle eyebrow raise Eddie had his complete attention. 

Steve was staring, he knew it and yet he couldn’t stop. After a while Eddie noticed, because how could he not, and a little smirk appeared on his face. 

Steve finally managed to tear his eyes away, embarrassed, cheeks growing warm, and when he finally looked back up everyone was gathering their things, the session having come to a close while he furiously tried to figure out why Eddie Munson of all people was leaving him captivated.

He arrived earlier and earlier each time after that. Even going so far as to change his schedule with Family Video so he’d be off on Fridays for the occasion. Something Robin teased him relentlessly for, though he knew it was only because she missed working together on those nights. 

Eventually he began showing up before the game had even started, and he and Eddie would talk as they set things up. 

As many great friendships do, it all began with arguing about music.

Steve was mainly a Top 40’s guy, Eddie a metalhead, obviously. It made perfect sense that they would butt heads on the subject, and butt heads they did, until eventually Steve admitted that Eddie’s music wasn’t all that bad. He even liked some of the songs that were a little less loud and shouty. 

Soon after, Eddie admitted too that, yes he preferred metal but really he just loved music, and he could enjoy different genres as long as there was something to appreciate, like a good beat, a nice rhythm, or a solid melody with some meaningful lyrics sprinkled in. 

It wasn’t long before they were making mixtapes to swap and introducing each other to new favorites, and a few guilty pleasures. Suddenly they were bonding over music instead of fighting about it. Steve wondered what more they might have in common if he was brave enough to look deeper. 

The first time Steve went over to Eddie’s place to hang out it was almost a disaster.

Technically they’d been hanging out for a few months by then but it was always at the school and mostly around the kids. This would be the first time they could just relax around eachother, have a beer, watch a movie, and maybe talk for more than 20 minutes without getting interrupted by Dustin. 

Steve was nervous, more so than he’d ever been for any first date before. 

Not that it was a date! 

He wasn’t sure why he kept thinking of their hang out in those terms, but it had been happening ever since Eddie invited him over. Maybe it was because it was just going to be the two of them? 

No, that was stupid. How many times had he and Tommy hung out alone when they were still friends? And it’d never felt like this. 

It was just because of who Eddie was, Steve reasoned. The stakes were high. He needed Eddie to like him. He needed Eddie to want him around so he could keep him safe, the same way Eddie’s counterpart in the Upside Down had kept him safe. 

It made sense, that had to be it. 

He’d gotten so antsy sitting around at home waiting that he wound up arriving at the trailer almost 30 minutes early, which led to Eddie answering the door with dripping wet hair, wearing nothing but a pair of gray sweatpants slung low around his hips.

Steve froze in place, unable to move from the doorway. His eyes were glued to Eddie’s pale chest. First admiring his tattoos and the smattering of dark hair, then tracking the water droplets that fell from his hair as they rolled down the length of his body to disappear into the waistband of his pants. 

Eddie cleared his throat loudly, breaking whatever spell Steve had been under, and he snapped back to attention. 

Steve was mortified. There was no denying that he’d just been ogling his friend. He could practically feel the drool drying on his own chin, figuratively speaking. He didn't know what to panic about first. The fact that Eddie was probably going to kick him out and say he never wanted to see him again, or the fact that he was definitely attracted to Eddie, a boy, when he’d never looked twice at another guy that way in his life! 

Okay, that last part wasn’t entirely true, there may have been some wandering eyes and errant thoughts over the years, but only the normal amount.

To his surprise, Eddie didn’t say a word about it, only eyed him a little curiously as he moved aside and gestured for Steve to come in. He then, mercifully, ducked into his bedroom to get dressed the rest of the way, giving Steve a moment alone on the couch to get his racing pulse under control. 

Somehow he made it through the rest of that night without making too much more of a fool of himself, though he couldn't help but notice how Eddie sat a little closer to him than might be considered strictly friendly while they watched their movie, or how his gaze lingered on Steve a little longer than it usually did. 

He tried very hard not to read into the fact that every time they hung out after that night Eddie would make a point to answer the door shirtless. He was pretty sure the guy was trying to kill him. 

Eventually Steve got up the courage to talk to Robin about it. They’d become close after everything that happened at Starcourt and somehow he knew he could trust her with this.

She’d hated him when they started working together at Scoops Ahoy. At first it was just because of his former high school reputation, but then she found out that he’d tried to get her fired.

She was furious, but It was for her own good, even if she didn’t know it at the time. Will’s directions had been simple, Steve and Robin were to go nowhere the mall’s elevators, specifically, the Russian one. A crazy fucking sentence to hear said, but Steve accepted it just like he’d accepted all the other weird shit in his life. 

It all sounded simple enough, but it wasn’t Steve’s first rodeo. If the other dimension and its monsters were coming for them again, then no amount of elevator avoidance would leave them completely unscathed. 

No, the safest thing for Robin would be to get her away from the mall altogether. 

Unfortunately she was stubborn and smart. She managed to keep her job no matter how hard he tried, and ultimately Steve was glad she did. They could never have cracked the code without her. He passed the information off to Hopper, letting him, Joyce, and Murray take lead on the Russian side of things, while he and Robin helped the others fight off both Max’s brother Billy, who’d been possessed by the Mind Flayer, and the Mind Flayer itself. 

They won the day, though Billy had been killed saving El in one final act of decency. Everyone else made it out relatively okay, including Hopper, which they were all aware hadn’t been a sure thing. It was the first time they knew for sure that they had changed something big. 

After the smoke cleared Steve gave Robin the talk, explaining all about the Upside Down, Demo-whatsits, and everything the group had been through since 1983. He told her about Will’s guardian angel who’d helped him get out of the other dimension when he was young, and the warnings about what was to come. When she realized what Steve tried to do for her, and why he’d acted like such a jackass, she gave him the tightest, longest hug he’d ever received.

They were pretty much inseparable after that. 

She had been there to help him figure out how to get close to Eddie Munson when they realized he was THE Eddie, and she was there again to help him come to terms with the fact that he was was bisexual when he showed up at her house freaking out at one o’clock in the morning after another night of hanging out with the other boy alone. 

They stayed up talking until sunrise, until Steve felt like he understood himself a little better. Over the course of the night Robin had come out to him too. She was a lesbian and understood all too well the feeling of being confused about who you liked versus who you were supposed to like, and the pressure society could put on those who were different. 

They were both so glad to have someone in their life who got it. Steve would forever be grateful to that stupid ice cream shop for bringing him and Robin together. 

Gay crisis averted, she jumped right into trying to convince him to make a move on Eddie. After only one time of the three of them hanging out together, she was convinced that the other boy felt the same way. 

Steve couldn’t really argue with her. He saw it too, felt the charged energy between them anytime they were alone, but still he hesitated. He was scared, for a lot of reasons. He’d been hurt before, badly, and he wasn’t sure he could go through that again. He already knew his feelings for Eddie were much more than a passing crush. He’d also never been with a guy before, romantically, and that brought on a whole different set of nerves. 

There was also the big bad thing looming on the horizon. 

Vecna-slash-Henry-slash-One was coming for all of them, and Steve might not be one of the big brains of this operation, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew if there really was another version of Eddie stuck somewhere in the Upside Down, it wasn’t a good thing. 

No, it could only mean something had gone very seriously wrong. His feelings for Eddie and whatever was budding between them could wait. The most important thing now was to remain vigilant and do everything in his power to keep everyone safe. They didn’t know much of what was to come, but Steve would be damned if he’d let Eddie’s fate, whatever it was, repeat itself. 

He would keep this Eddie safe and when it was all over, he would tell him how he felt. 

Except when the time came Steve completely and utterly failed. 

They knew about Vecna and that Chrissy Cunningham was his first victim. What they didn’t know was when and how it would all begin, and in hindsight they should have kept a close eye on the cheerleader too.

Neither Steve or any of the kids had any idea that Chrissy had approached Eddie to buy weed from him during school that day.

THE day. 

Steve was so pissed off at the time that it left him blind to the possibilities. Lucas had a basketball game, a big one, that happened to conflict with the final session of Hellfire for the current campaign, and Eddie, the stubborn asshole, outright refused to postpone. Even had the balls to ask Dustin to call Steve to fill in. He said no, of course, and to really drive the point home about who was in the wrong he went to Lucas’ game and sat front row center, cheering him on loudly the whole time.

As mad as he’d been at Eddie for excluding Lucas and not supporting his other interests, Steve was much angrier at himself the next morning when it all came down. 

He and Eddie always hung out after Hellfire– but not that week! No, because he was pissed, and so not only did he blow off D&D, he told Eddie he couldn’t see him afterwards either.

If Steve had just gone along with their normal routine, he’d have been there. He would have seen Chrissy come home with Eddie. He would have put the pieces together! He might have been able to do something. 

But he wasn’t there, and he hadn’t stopped it. 

Eddie had brought Chrissy home to his trailer and she’d died a horrible death right in front of him. 

Understandably, he ran. 

A good thing too because It didn’t take long for the whole town to decide that he was a murderer.

Luckily Steve was pretty sure he knew where Eddie would have gone to hide out. Rick, his supplier, had been locked up a few weeks before, leaving his house on Lover’s Lake empty. Steve had ridden along with Eddie on a pick up once or twice, so he knew the way, and they quickly found him holed up in the boathouse behind it. 

They finally told him everything. 

Well, not everything. 

The group still agreed that their Eddie should never know about the other Eddie. It was already so much to come to terms with, learning about monsters and another dimension that lived right under their feet. He didn’t need the extra burden of knowing that this had all happened before. 

And Steve knew Eddie well enough by now to know he would have so many questions. Questions that none of them really had answers to. 

He failed a second time when he and the others went off trying to figure things out, leaving Eddie alone and vulnerable when Jason and his goon squad had come to Rick's and found him hiding.

The panic that seized Steve when he came back to the lakehouse and saw the police and the ambulance standing by was like nothing he’d ever experienced before. He felt a little sick about how relieved he was to learn that it was Patrick who'd been killed, but he couldn't help it. 

He barely knew Patrick, but he loved Eddie.  

It was the first time Steve had allowed himself to think the words, but it was far from a shocking revelation. He’d been falling for Eddie since the first time he waved back in the school parking lot.

Dustin’s walkie crackled to life not long after they arrived on the scene. Eddie was okay, and he was hiding out at Skull Rock. 

Steve knew the spot well and didn't need a map or Dustin with his broken compass to tell him where to go. He wanted to cry when they finally reached the rock formation and Eddie came jumping out of the bushes, and he didn’t hesitate to wrap the other boy up in a fierce embrace. 

They’d hugged before, it wasn't necessarily a new thing for them, but the desperation was. The way they held onto each other so tightly, as if they were afraid the other would disappear at any moment, the way Eddie pressed his face into the curve of Steve's neck, and how Steve whispered in his ear, “I’m here. I’ve got you,” over and over again. That was all new. 

For the record, Steve didn’t exactly want to jump head first into the murky water of Lover’s Lake, but it needed to be done. Facts were facts and as a former lifeguard and co-captain of the swim team, there was no one better suited for the job. Even if one of the others had volunteered, he wasn’t sure he could have let any of them go in that water without him.   

Meeting the other Eddie was not something Steve had ever anticipated happening, but when the living vines of the Upside Down grabbed him by the ankle, pulled him through the water, and down into their world, that was exactly what happened. 

He was right there in the lake bed when Steve emerged, as if he’d been waiting for his arrival. Maybe he had.

Steve was completely unprepared for what he saw. Future Eddie, or past Eddie, or whatever he technically was, looked like he’d been through hell. 

What he could see of Eddie’s skin beneath the layers of dirt, grime, and something that looked suspiciously like mold, was ghostly pale. His clothes were torn and stained with old blood, nearly black in color, and what remained of his Hellfire Club shirt was almost unrecognizable. His hair was a wild mess of tangled curls, and the deep brown eyes that Steve had grown so used to gazing at were stained with red, tainted, though the look in them was hauntingly familiar.

It was suddenly so obvious what had gone wrong, what had caused this Eddie to be stuck here.

He’d died in this place. 

Steve didn't know how he was walking and talking or how he was still so completely himself after everything he’d been through, but it made it that much harder to leave him behind. 

He knew he had to, there was nothing more he could do for this version of the boy he loved except to make sure things turned out differently this time, that his efforts and sacrifice hadn’t been in vain. 

After their all too brief time together he managed to wrench himself away, but as he raced back to his friends he couldn't help wondering if another Steve in another time had been forced to leave this Eddie behind too.

He made it just in time to intercept one of the demobats before it could latch itself to Robin’s back. He grasped it by its tail with his bare hands, swinging it around in a wide arc before bashing it into the ground over and over until it lay stunned. He stomped down on it, pulling at the same time and managed to tear the creature in two.

It was then that he finally looked up to meet Eddie’s gaze. 

His Eddie, soaking wet from the impromptu swim but not a scratch on him. Steve prayed it would stay that way. He reached out and took the other boy’s hand, lacing their fingers together and led the way into the trees where the four of them could hide before more of the bats arrived.

Eventually they got out of the Upside Down through the gate in Eddie’s trailer and regrouped with the rest of the party, but not before Nancy had the same visions that the other Eddie had spoken to him about.

He went back and forth about it in his head so many times, but in the end decided not to tell anyone else that he’d seen the Eddie who was trapped in the Upside Down. He didn’t want the rest of the party to feel what he did, a guilt that was eating him up inside. Let them guess and speculate and not be faced with confirmation of the ugly truth.  

It wouldn’t make a difference anyway, except to plant seeds of doubt. Like he’d told the other Eddie, it was a solid plan and considering that they had way more players on the field this time there was no reason to assume things would turn out the same way.

They really didn’t have much of a choice. If they didn’t go after Vecna now, he would come after Max on his own, or worse, attack some other innocent kid who had no one on their side and no way to fight him off.

When the time came, Max was joined at the Right-Side-Up Creel house by Lucas, Erica, Eleven, Mike, and Joyce. El would be helping Max to bait and then ultimately to hide from Vecna, while also fighting him inside his own mind.

The rest of the party made what they hoped would be their final trek into the Upside Down.

Steve, Robin, Nancy, Jonathan, and Hopper would all be going on to the alternate Creel house to destroy Vecna’s body, while Eddie, Dustin, and Will created a distraction for the demobats and any other creatures who might be lurking around. 

Steve could taste terror like bile on the back of his tongue when the time came to part ways with Eddie and the two younger boys and take their positions. He’d been avoiding Eddie a little up till then, unable to stop picturing him getting torn apart trying to fight off an entire swarm of demobats on his own. He almost offered to switch places, anything to ensure that his Eddie wouldn’t meet the same end as his predecessor, but somehow the idea of sending him off the fight Vecna felt even more dangerous. 

As the group said their goodbyes, Steve marched right up to Eddie and zipped his leather jacket up all the way to the top, and then zipped the army vest closed on top of that. Just in case the little pep talk he was about to give didn’t work.

“You worried I'm going to catch a cold down here Mama Harrington?” Eddie teased, though there was a tightness around his eyes that belied his joking tone. He was scared, they all were. 

“Do me a favor, Eds?” Steve asked, resting his hands up on Eddie’s shoulders.

“Yeah, anything, man.” Eddie breathed. 

They were standing so close together, close enough to kiss, but Steve still held back. He had to get this out. He had to make sure that Eddie listened.

“Don’t try to be cute or be a hero or something, okay? Distract the bats for a little bit and then get your ass inside. Make sure you block up the air vents, and if anything goes wrong, and I mean anything, you bail. You and the boys get topside. Don’t hesitate, don’t-” Steve’s voice broke on the words and he just barely managed to mask it behind a cough. “Don’t wait for us, we’ll find another way out if we have to.”

Eddie looked deep into his eyes, studying his face like he was trying to memorize it and gave a single nod. Steve squeezed his shoulder and forced himself to step away. His throat was tight and his eyes burned and god, he hoped this wasn’t the last time he’d see Eddie alive. 

They set off with Hopper in the lead, followed by Nancy and Jonathan, while Steve and Robin brought up the rear. They had only gone a few steps when there was a rustling behind them and Eddie’s voice calling out Steve’s name. It stopped him in his tracks.

“You go ahead, Robin. Just give me a second. I'll be right behind you.” Steve said.

She nodded and gave him a knowing smile. 

“Go get him, Dingus.” She murmured softly before setting back off to catch up with the others. 

He turned and met Eddie halfway, very aware that Dustin and Will were not far off and were probably watching their every move, but he was so far beyond caring about that right now. They were good kids, they wouldn’t judge. 

“Eds, I… ”

“Stevie, I… ”

They both began in unison, and broke out into giggles as they interrupted each other. 

Steve thought again about the other version of himself. Had he loved his Eddie too? Had they shared a moment like this before parting ways forever, or had his other self been too afraid, too repressed to see what was right in front of him?

This Steve was done with it all. 

Done with waiting, and done being scared. He reached for the perfect way to tell Eddie that he’d fallen in love with him, but no combination of words in the English language were good enough to properly express how he felt about the boy in front of him.

So he figured, fuck words.

He stepped in and took Eddie’s face between his hands as he crashed their lips together, all in one fluid motion. Eddie’s arms circled his waist, tugging him in closer, tighter, until there was no space left between them. 

Steve deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue along the seam of Eddie’s mouth until he opened for him, letting him lick in and taste. Steve wanted nothing more than to stay in that kiss forever, would climb inside Eddie and live there for a thousand years if he could. 

Neither of them wanted to pull back, but the seconds were ticking by to minutes and Steve had to go. He had to see this plan through to the end, and see Vecna dead. They clung to each other for one last handful of seconds, before finally breaking apart, panting into each other’s mouths. Steve rested his forehead against Eddies and sighed, stealing one perfect moment of contentment at the end of the world in the arms of the boy he loved. 

“I’m sorry I let you get mixed up in all this. I wanted to keep you safe from it.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“But if I hadn’t been so mad at you, if i’d been there I…”

“Baby, stop.” Eddie said, pressing a light kiss under each of Steve's eyes to catch his tears. He was crying, and he hadn’t even realized it. “You can’t worry about the what if’s, okay? Don’t do that to yourself. And you were right to be mad at me by the way I was being a total jackass.”

Steve captured Eddie’s lips one more time before finally letting him go. If he waited too much longer to catch up he’d never find the others before they reached the Creel house. 

“You better come back to me, Steve Harrington.” Eddie said, squeezing him tight before giving him a light shove in the direction Robin had gone, somehow knowing he needed the push.

“I will, I promise.” Steve said, and hoped it wasn’t a lie.

In the end it had been almost too easy to take Vecna down. Which is not to say that he didn’t put up a fight. In fact, for a minute there Steve thought they were done for before they’d even made it to the attic. 

The steps to the top floor of the house were covered in vines and though they tried to avoid stepping on them, the hive mind must still have sensed their presence. 

In the blink of an eye Steve found himself pinned to the wall by his neck, arms, and legs, watching helplessly in horror as the same happened to Robin right beside him, and Nancy across the way. Only Jonathan and Hopper managed to stay free. 

The older man hacked at the vines mercilessly with his axe, but no sooner would one break off than another would take its place. Jonathan tried to pry the things off Nancy with his bare hands but he wasn’t anywhere near strong enough. 

Just when Steve had given up hope, his vision blurring with the beginnings of losing consciousness, the pressure eased and all the vines fell away at once. Somehow he knew they had El to thank for the rescue, and he made a mental note to never let his freezer run out of Eggos again.

When they finally made it to Vecna’s attic lair he seemed to be well and truly under Eleven’s hold, she must have given him one hell of a fight. He was weak, stuck, all but unmoving as they set his body aflame and watched it burn. 

When it was clear that they had won, every fiber of Steve’s being wanted to run back to Eddie, Will, and Dustin to make sure that history hadn’t repeated itself, but they couldn’t leave until Vecna was no more than a pile of ash. 

He would have gone anyway, trusting the others to see the job through, but Robin wouldn’t let him go alone. He’d been hurt in the initial struggle with the vines and judging by the amount of pain he was in, he was pretty sure his shoulder was dislocated. 

When the fire burned out and they did finally start to head back towards the trailer park, Steve charged ahead, turning a deaf ear to his friend’s sounds of protest. They just didn’t understand, they didn’t know what he knew. 

He heard the two boys shouting for help before he could even see them, and his heart sank as he ran flat out until they came into view, huddled around a shape lying prone on the ground. 

He skidded to a halt and fell to his knees when he reached them.

“Steve! You gotta do something. We can’t let this happen, not… “ Will trailed off, voice lost amid a fresh set of tears.

Again. 

Not again.

That’s what Will had been about to say. 

Steve gaped at the younger boy, and felt like such an idiot. Will had known. All this time- of course he had! He would have seen the same thing Steve did when he met the other Eddie. The blood, the wounds, the eyes. He was a smart kid, it was no surprise he put it together. No wonder he had insisted on being part of the distraction team.

He promised himself he’d make time to talk to the kid later once they were safely out of there.

Eddie was unconscious, lying face-up on the ground with blood running down his chin and neck, mostly stemming from a deep bite wound in his cheek, and one of his pant legs was torn open revealing more bites on his thigh and calf, but he was breathing, and his pulse was strong and steady.

Steve sagged in relief. Eddie was alive. 

Through some miracle, they’d changed things just enough to make all the difference in the world.

“He’s alive!” Steve shouted. 

“He’s alive and he’s going to be okay.” He repeated, as much for himself as for the two younger boys.

He continued to look Eddie over thoroughly, searching head to toe for other wounds but apart from a lump on the back of his head, what he saw initially seemed to be the extent of it. It was bad but not life threatening. 

“I think he hit his head when the bats knocked him from the bike.” Dustin said when he’d finally calmed down. 

Steve nodded. He’d figured as much but was trying not to think about things like concussions and head trauma.

“Is Vecna gone? Is it over?” Will asked. 

Steve started to answer but realized Will was looking up over his head and a voice sounded from behind. The others had finally caught up. 

“Yeah, buddy. It’s over. ” Jonathan said.

Will jumped to his feet and ran to his brother who caught him up in a joyful hug, while Dustin threw himself at Steve attempting to do the same, which was sweet but caused a new burst of pain in his shoulder. He sucked in a sharp breath and tried to hide the wince, but the kid noticed anyway. 

“Shit!” Dustin cursed, rearing back. “Why didn’t you say you were hurt?” His eyes searched Steve frantically up and down like he was looking for bullet wounds.

“I’m fine, Henderson. it’s just my shoulder, no big deal.”

The ground beneath their feet began to shake suddenly and the deep cracking sounds of rock splitting apart thundered in the distance. 

“That’s our cue to get the hell out of here.” Hopper said. “Let’s move, people!”

Steve tried to scoop Eddie into his arms, fully intent on carrying him home himself, but quickly realized he couldn’t bear any weight on his bad arm. Tears of frustration sprang to his eyes, and he wiped them away angrily as he stood.

Hopper stepped up and gently patted his back. “I got him, kid. Don’t you worry. We’re not leaving anyone behind.” He said, bending to pick Eddie up like it was nothing. 

Steve couldn’t help scanning the tree line as they made the short journey the rest of the way back to the gate. 

He wondered where the other Eddie was now. If he’d been watching them from afar or if he’d simply gone elsewhere. 

His question was answered when they started piling into the trailer one by one. Steve lagged behind, wanting to make sure everyone else got through the gate before he did, so of course Robin stayed back too. They were still standing on the porch just outside the door when Steve caught a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye. 

He stared at a spot in the distance until finally he saw a head of familiar curls peeking out from behind a tree. 

Robin gasped. 

Steve turned, realizing she had seen him too.

”Oh my god, is that… ?” She began, Steve slapped his hand over her mouth before she could finish. 

He shook his head and gestured towards the door, hoping she would get the memo that he didn't want the others to see. Understanding dawned on her face and he lowered his hand cautiously. 

“Cover for me?” He whispered, and made to take off before she could answer. 

“Harrington, get back here, this place is falling apart!” She hissed. 

He turned to her with pleading eyes. “I swear I'll explain later. I just… I need a minute with him, Robin. Please? I promise I'll be right behind you.” 

It was eerily similar to their exchange earlier before he’d gone back and kissed his Eddie. The thought made his chest tight. 

He could tell she didn't like it, but she nodded and ducked inside. 

He didn’t waste time worrying about what excuse she would make for him, just rushed to where he’d seen the other Eddie hiding. He knew had to make this fast.

Eddie stepped out from his cover when Steve drew close. He smiled sadly. “You shouldn’t be here Stevie, it’s time for you to go home.”

“Where were you?”

“After I saw you at the lake, Vecna’s strength must have started to return. It was his power that reanimated me, I guess, and I could feel him starting to take more and more of my control away. I’m sorry. I wanted to be there, to help, but I was afraid if I did he would turn me against you, so I stayed away until I knew it was safe.”

“And is he… really dead?” Steve had watched the body burn up right in front of him but he still had to ask, just to be sure.

“As a doornail.” Eddie said. He grinned, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He held himself stiffly, like he was in pain.

“What’s wrong? What’s happening?” Steve reached out to touch the other boy, same as he had before, but Eddie stepped back just out of reach and he had to let his hand fall.

“You really should go.” 

“What about you?”

Eddie’s gaze dropped to the ground. “This place is dying, and I can feel myself going with it.”

Steve should have known and on some level he probably had, but that didn’t stop the surge of panic from overtaking him. “No, no, there has to be something we can do.”

Eddie shook his head, finally looking back up. “Your Eddie, is he… did he make it?”

“Yeah, he’s– he’ll be alright once we get him to a hospital, but you…”

“No buts, Steve,” Eddie said, gently cutting him off. “I was already on borrowed time. I've made my peace with it.”

“I don’t know how to let you go.” Steve whispered. He felt like his heart was breaking. In his head he knew that this Eddie and his Eddie weren’t one in the same, but standing there listening to him say he was ready to die, it was hard to convince his heart of that.  

This time when Steve moved in close, Eddie held himself still and when Steve's hand hovered over his hair and caressed the side of his face, he leaned into it, just for a second.

“It’s not goodbye, not really. You have an even better version of me waiting for you just on the other side of the gate.” Eddie leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to Steve’s cheek. 

He smiled one last time, turned, and ran before Steve could try and stop him. 

Steve walked back to the trailer and found Robin waiting at the bottom of the rope for him. She gave him a boost which he grudgingly took, knowing he would need the extra help with only one good arm.  

There was a lot to be thankful for. They had won the war, and Steve was overjoyed to be going home to a place where Eddie had survived and they had a future to look forward to, together. It was somehow both one of the happiest days of his life, and one of the most devastating. As he climbed the rope that would lead him out of the Upside Down for the last time, his heart ached for the Eddie that couldn’t be saved.

Part 4

Thanks forever to @penny00dreadful for being the best friend, cheerleader, and beta in the whole fucking world 💜 (and for bring there to cry along with me about the end of this chapter 😭) truly could not do it without you.

I'm going to tag anyonei can who showed interest and interacted with parts 1 & 2 but feel free to tell me to fuck off (🤣) and let me know if you want to be removed from the list!!

@hissunflowers @sadisticaltarts @gutterflower77 @epiclazershark @yeahhhh-suga @soapyscoobert @thetrueghostqueen @guppynuggets @reh-hateshumans @katdeerly @kolorzapster @useless-nb-bisexual @sammyammi @ellietheasexylibrarian @thesecondfate @eleganttidalwavecloud @localcrustrat @letsmo6 @justaquietnerd @marvelobessed @femmeratale @carriethesaint @novelnovella @ubpd

[larsisfrommars]

The Night of The Murderous Spring Is So JUICY!

I think I need to talk about how insanely gay this episode of Wild Wild West is or I might EXPLODE. I know a lot of us who already watch the show knew this episode was ridiculous in the gay subtext department but I feel compelled to go in-depth about putting it into words.

Let’s not even dig into the fact that before drugging Jim Dr. Loveless proudly proclaims that he will make James West “kill the thing he loves” and was referring to Artemus when he said that! That’s already wild enough as it is.

For me like, through a shipping/gay subtext lense, I could already tell Artie was into Jim. There is a mountain of evidence to interpret their relationship that way at least on Gordon’s end. For West it was a little more sparse until and especially THIS episode. Which confirmed for me as relatively new to this show and fandom “ohhhh!! He really DOES reciprocate whatever ambiguously gay mess is happening here!”

The version of Artemus that Jim subconsciously conjures up for himself is so interesting. And of course, it appears to him when he’s in desperate need of comfort, of a rock to cling to, but can find none. So his hallucinating brain projects what he NEEDS most, not some lovely young lady (familiar or otherwise) to tell him everything is alright, but Artemus to take care of him. He WANTS to be taken care of and comforted by Artemus and no one else. I’m not crying YOU are crying!

His version of Artemus is pretty close to the real deal but there’s something… softer about this projected version. He’s not completely different, I wouldn’t even say out-of-character. But he is gentler, more patient and forgiving, and very much there to play guardian angel for Jim. All of his positive traits are exaggerated in Jim’s eyes, like hes always seeing the guy through rose colored glasses.

I say this because part of why I got a bit suspicious of this version of Artie was him being way too calm and forgiving when Jim starts being aggressive towards him due to the drug. Yeah Artie loves Jim but like, he’s got his own sense of self-preservation, intelligence, and a bit of a temper. I was expecting a joke or some sternness or something, hell maybe taking Jim’s gun from him. But of course he doesn’t and he can’t, because he’s not real and he’s there to comfort. Jim can’t be thrown off the course that’ll lead him to killing Artie by his hallucination’s own intervention. He’s himself but oh so slightly off.

Another thing was something that “Artie” said that didn’t actually make a lot of sense compared to the rest of established canon when Jim first starts getting temperamental. “Hey it’s me remember? Artemus Gordon? Mrs. Gordon’s son.” Now I know there’s probably some throwaway Doylist explanation for this, but the Watsonian in me prevails.

Artie never brings up either of his parents before this or ever again to my knowledge. Jim only mentions family once in a previous Dr. Loveless episode. It’s the kind of thing you’d say to someone where you’d known each other your whole lives, implying Jim would somehow know his mother. Now unless I’m mistaken they met each other in the military as adults. Which means Jim’s subconscious emotions have made him feel as though Artie’s known him his whole life. Which is some soulmate sounding mess if I ever heard it.

Then there is the crescendo of this madness where Jim shoots the illusionary Artemus in cold blood. Which is easily some of the most heartbreaking acting in the series. I have watched it a normal amount of times (lying)!! Dying “Artie” looks confused and betrayed but he STILL reaches out to Jim like he like wants Jim to know that it’s okay?! OUCH. Then of course there’s the little “why?” before he dies that pushes Jim over the edge.

Jim completely flies off the handle after Artemus’s apparent death. Careening through the street, threatening the hotel staff, trying to get himself arrested for murdering Artie. I don’t know whether it was a side effect of how much hallucinogen he ingested or what. He straight up faints like some tragic Victorian protagonist after returning to his room, overwhelmed by the evil that he has seemingly done.

When he comes back around he is not at all acting like the Jim we know and love. It’s almost like he wants Loveless to kill him with the way he goads the guy. He’s despondent and jaded and being reckless with his own life. He only snaps back to normal when he discovers Artie is in fact alive and well. Which is such a beautifully loaded reunion. He responds to Jim’s unusual tenderness with a sassy joke (which is of course how we know this one is real). It feels very akin to the Kirk and Spock reunion at the end of Amok Time.

I also think it’s worth noting that I think the first time I ever heard James West utter the words “Artie! Help me!” when he’s trying to prevent the ducks carrying the murder-LSD from being released (this episode is NUTS). Which you know in light of the events of this episode is a big step in Jim being a bit more vulnerable as a character. So there is THAT too.

Hey, and maybe it’s just me, but whether it was deliberate or not, something changed about the whole tone of the show after this particular episode. It felt like the showrunners were slowly having it dawn on them the show is at its strongest when it plays off of the bond shared by these two characters. This episode along a few other gems from season one seem to have clinched it. I noticed in season two so far they’re using Artie and Jim’s relationship as a support beam where it was more of a flexible suggestion before. Which has ✨implications✨ whether you interpret the relationship as gay or not. The events of this episode cracked Jim West’s very hard shell, and made these two characters closer than before.

[1moreoffkeyanthem]

Another OJV friendship that is my fav is Kenny and Kyle, I was wondering if you wanted to talk about them because I live for your Headcannons and tumblr extras 🤓

I ALSO live for the headcanons and tumblr extras and OK ORANGEJUICEVERSE KENNY AND KYLE LETS GOOOOOO!!!

So like, Kenny is EASILY styles closest friend other than each other. And OJV Ken is pretty much everyone’s go-to, like Stan running to him when he feels like he fucked up, Marj and Cartman knowing Kenny’s down with a scheme, but it’s a little different with Kyle.

Kyle is 100% the mom friend of the group. And the WHOLE REASON he’s like that with everybody is because growing up, he was the one to jump in as the voice of reason (especially when the Disaster Duo gets goin) and always took care of his people. And who needs taken care of the most? Kenny.

Kyle is CONSTANTLY scolding him for not taking care of himself, doing crazy shit, yes he’s amused by a lot of the antics, but when the logic takes the forefront, he’s all Sheila mode “DR PEPPER DOESNT COUNT AS WATER ESPECIALLY IF YOURE GOING TO A BLOOD DRIVE” “aw it’s fine Ky I got it covered” “no,” *throws a water bottle at him* “I’ve got YOU covered”

Kyle’s super supportive of Kenny’s career, too. That’s not only his bestie but also his metaphorical son. He is SO hyping up every new painting and sculpture, the first person Ken shows new work to bc not only is it gonna be a confidence boost, but Kyle will also have suggestions when he’s stuck.

Kenny, our darling chaotic comic relief friend who hides his own issues behind a grin and a joke and a guardian angel complex, is VERY protective of Kyle. Nearly as much as Stan is. OJV Kenny is a LITTLE GUY, even shorter than Kyle is, but he’s POWERFUL and has every creative solution to get the gang out of a bind, and he’s really friendly with everyone he meets, and people automatically open up to him. On top of that, he is REALLY good at reading people. Kenny’s super perceptive. He sees when someone in his found family has something going on, even before they say something. Ken was the first to be suspicious of what was going on with Ky in high school, brought it up to Stan, who said “I know dude. He’s stressed as shit but I don’t want to piss him off by telling him to relax”, like Kenny does people EXPERTLY; at 14 he knew it wasn’t his place to stage an ed intervention and knew he had to wait for Kyle to hit the point where he either hit rock bottom or came forward on his own.

On the note of Kenny’s emotional intelligence, I mean, come on. Artists in particular see creative solutions to problems, read the energy around us. And Kenny… oh my GOD that boy is a force to be reckoned with in strategy. Which is WHY he and Kyle are BANNED from teaming up in any game. They’re too powerful together. Poker? Fuckin forget about it those two are DESTROYING EVERYONE they are way too smart and between Kyle’s own abundant perceptiveness and Kenny’s people skills they’re not fucking around lmfao. I also find it extremely iconic that while both Ken and Stan are super smart, you put them together and they are sharing a singular brain cell, doing the dumbest shit, and Kyle is RIGHT THERE telling them off for it.

Kenny is so so incredibly thoughtful though too. He is absolutely the person you want to go to if you need a shoulder to cry on, and Kyle, who is the other person in the gang who gets relied on emotionally a lot, does go to him.

Thank u for the ask man live laugh love orange juice

[springonmytraptillicomeback]

you. Clafry headcanons.

Sir yes sir!

Okay what I want to start with is basically William fucking hated Clay at first. Clay was taking up his time with Henry, yadda yadda, jealousy. But then after a while, William subconsciously started thinking of Clay as “special”. Henry likes Clay. Henry must have a reason for liking Clay and enjoying his company. Because of this, William kinda becomes obsessed with Clay, but not in the worshipping way he is for Henry, in a “why-the-fuck-does-God-like-you” way. He becomes obsessed with figuring out what is special about Clay. After a while, his view of Clay is kinda forced into a better light because of Henry. Will would ask Henry some not so suspicious questions about Clay, like what Henry thought about Clay, what he thought was so special about Clay, etc etc. Henry’s answers were usually all pretty positive (Clay’s nice, he’s fun to hangout with, he’s funny, etc). This shifts William’s view of Clay because Henry’s word is law to him.

Clay, on the other hand, was always fond of William. He thought Will was smart, and he was a bit faggy for William’s extremely outgoing, flamboyant, and dramatic portrayal.

Henry was the chain between the two, if that makes sense. He like William because he and William get each other in a way he feels like no one else does, he like Clay because of also a little bit of the same reason, but Clay also feels like a “normal” part of his life. Clay is probably the most sane and normal between the three, and Henry wants to be seen as sane and normal so he thought hanging out with Clay would help.

Both William and Clay see Henry as some sort of religious being in their lives. William sees Henry as God, more on that. Clay sees Henry as more of a religious guidance, kinda like a guardian angel, going to him for advice, comfort, protection, etc.

As the three got closer, William ultimately took a tolerance to Clay, being an attention whore man who always liked attention, he never denied the opportunity for more

Clay would go over to Fredbear’s on his breaks and the three would bond over broken marriages, not exactly knowing how to be fathers, and a general feeling of somehow being “different” or an outcast. They’re all neurodivergent and queer In some way, William’s autistic, queer both gender and sexuality wise, Henry’s honest idk I have decided, maybe NPD, and gay, Clay has ADHD and he’s bi. But none of them know any of that so they all bond over being different and not knowing the fuck why how romantic <3

uuuhahaggg that’s all I can think of for now but bet ur bottom dollar that I’ll be back with more