#they are thriving they are in their lane and they are the moment

[ratatattouille]

Why Arcane's Finale Fumbled Pt. 2

In my last post, I argued that Arcane's second season was artistically beautiful and thematically cheap. I broke down where I believed the writers fumbled with Vi's, Jinx's and Viktor's characters, and how the conflict of season 2 should have centred around a war between Piltover and Zaun rather than Piltover/Zaun against Ambessa and cosmic robots. I asserted the the real let-down of Season 2 had to do with its themes and its refusal to commit to the political story it had set up.

Well, folks, on further examination, it actually looks worse than I thought, and I'm going to use two characters--Silco and Mel--to break down what makes the message of Arcane so hollow and even a little dangerous.

Let's get into it.

Silco: The First Proposition

Silco and Vander:

Silco is a character CENTRAL to the themes of Arcane. The setup of the entire drama of the show, the central theme, are these questions: what is the price of progress and are we willing to pay it? Should we pay that price? Or as Silco says it quite bluntly to the first kid we see him give shimmer to: “Real power belongs to people who are willing to do anything to get it.” This story isn’t merely about ambition, but a dialogue on what actual progress costs and looks like. What does a better world look like? Is the better world we’re fighting for better for us or others? And what (or who) are we willing to sacrifice to achieve that goal? Vander, when faced with that question on the bridge answers, “No dream is worth the loss of those we love.”

The death on the Bridge of Progress during the early war/conflict had too high a cost to Vander. Silco, however, “had enough.” Unlike Vander, what happened on the Bridge of Progress radicalized him. Silco, while being drowned by Vander, realized in that moment that he would do anything, not just to live, but to achieve his dream of a free Zaun. With or without Vander. Even if he had to sacrifice Vander. And we soon see, that while Vander dedicated the rest of his life to keeping the vulnerable in The Lanes safe (even if it meant making deals with enforcers), Silco was willing to throw citizens of The Lanes to the wolves on his way to achieve independence for Zaun. Silco calls it, “The necessary violence for change.” And in this episode (3 of Season 1) Silco sets forth a proposition for the entire show: does the path to a better world require violence?

Silco and Sevika:

Silco’s new approach to crossing the bridge of progress, the path to freedom is winding and twisted. Silco embraces that, because only the goal matters: an independent Zaun. Silco won’t be at the mercy of the Council or anyone in The Lanes, and Sevika is into that shit. We saw that she percieved Vander as weak and servile to enforcers. Who she deems abhorrent without remorse (Vander and Grayson are both despised by Sevika and Marcus because they are percieved as being too lenient with their enemies). Silco, however, has an ACTUAL plan.

He creates a shimmer enterprise because having this control not only gives him a monopoly on The Lanes (and the gangs within), but leverage when it comes to manipulating the Council. Violence and the threat of war are the official languages of both Zaun and Piltover. It is how anyone bothers to listen to Silco both in The Lanes and within the Council. We know that the rich Piltovians (like those IRL) only speak money. “Progress” to them is prosperity and legacy (and I’ll get more into that later).

By creating the shimmer enterprise, Silco not only gets his foot in the door, monopoly over the other gangs and factions (thus uniting them), but a metaphorical seat at the table. His name has weight now, which positions him to make demands of Piltover and give Zaun a thriving industry (at least when it comes to money). Especially because (as we see with Salo and Lest) shimmer is also used by the elites. Silco is a brilliant tactician who exploits the hubris of Piltovians (like Marcus, who wanted to be in charge so he can neuter Zaunites indiscriminately), and manipulates them to his own advantage (much like Mel). But when Renni’s son is killed in the mines, Silco’s proposition is confronted once again: isn’t it easy to justify necessary violence when no one you love is the collateral?

Silco doesn’t care about Renni’s son, doesn’t see himself as remotely near Renni’s position. When Twitch calls Jinx his “dog” (something Sevika herself wanted to do lmao), Silco gets twitchy. He doesn’t recognize any similarity between his relationship with Jinx and Renni and her son. Jinx is not someone he would ever consider as up for debate. Which was the point of tension between him and Sevika (a Sevika who’s loyalty he KNEW he needed in order to keep control, especially in the wake of Jinx’s volatility and unpopularity). Nevertheless, Sevika doesn’t betray him in that moment, because she still sees Silco as stronger (even though she believes Jinx is a weakness he needs to get rid of). As with Vander, Sevika views affection for their own at the cost of freedom as weakness.

Yet, funnily enough, she is fiercely loyal. She, like Jinx, is Silco’s “dog.” She shares his weakness, the weakness that makes her zealous for a better world in the first place. But what Twitch and Renni pose to both Silco and Sevika is the unsettling question of: are you really willing to go far enough? Or do you still see yourself as an exception? Regardless, when it comes to Silco’s proposition, Silco WAS SUCCESSFUL (and also accurate in his deductions on what would get both cities to respect him and eventaully give him what he wanted - Zaun). His determination and focus paid off, indeed, it’s hard to see how he could have been successful without the “necessary violence”. It is clear that he wouldn’t have. No shimmer, no independence. Silco, for all his gruesome methods, WAS RIGHT. Except . . .

Silco and Marcus:

By exploiting and manipulating the vulnerable of The Lanes, Silco also ensured he would suffer the same fate as Marcus. Unlike Silco, Marcus did horrible things to protect his daughter. Marcus, at first, had started out as a zealous enforcer, eager to clean out the rats of The Lanes. Although he didn’t plan for Grayson to be killed, he was willing to get rid of her in order to ensure that he would get into a position that allowed him to do what he wanted to do: exterminate rats and be the hero of Piltover.

Silco offers him bodies for Stillwater in exchange for ease of shimmer distribution. Silco is willing to sacrifice his own people, the people Zaun is ironically for, in order to gain influence in Piltover. Silco, however, did the opposite. Because he loved Jinx, he recognized her deepest insecurity and sought to assuage it (inadvertently weaponizing it against her and those who loved her). He let Jinx get close and gave her responsibility so she could feel like she belonged (he let her drug his eye, a delicate process, while she was still thought of as reckless and untrustworthy). He brought her deeper into the heart of the violence and taught her to embrace it. He made her a child prodigy of warfare.

He takes a different approach to Vander (who kept telling the kids to stay out of trouble where they could and used himself as a buffer). So was Silco wrong? Was Vander? The answer was, quite poetically and profoundly, their deaths and the resulting silence. Both died, more or less, at the hands of their daughters. This is something overlooked often by fandom. It was Vi’s choice to lead her brothers and sister into Jayce’s apartment that would eventually bring the enforcers down to The Lanes, sparking the chain of events that would lead to Vander’s death (or had things gone “well,” his arrest). Vi is also how Powder got the arcane stones in the first place. Vi’s encouragement (well-meaning and innocent as it was) played a hand in the disaster that followed.

But the fact that both Vander and Silco die regardless, paints an excellent portrait of the constraints of oppression. Both tried different methods when it came to rearing their daughters. Both methods got them killed and thrust their children into peril. Vander could only have shielded Vi for so long, and Jinx could only have taken so much so young before she broke down completely. The fate of the girls is not merely their fathers’ fault, nor their sister’s. The tragedies of their lives happen due to the simple fact that they were born in The Lanes. No choice, on either Vander’s, Silco’s, Powder’s or Vi’s mattered in the end.

They were always playing a losing game, which is what makes it so fucking INFURIATING when S2 comes along and suggests that “ACKTUALLY the reason everyone’s happy in Ekko’s AU is because Vi died/hextech was no more/Silco and Vander made up).” All of those were symptoms of the bigger issue, not the issue itself. And that is the horrible irony of Silco’s story. He WAS right. But his folly was viewing himself and those he loved as exceptions to the rule. For when Zaun demands the final price, when Jayce asks for Jinx in exchange for his dream being realized, he isn’t willing to pay anymore.

Marcus only crossed the bridge of progress into Zaun for the sake of his daughter (as is shown in a chilling scene where he finds Silco playing with her in her room). Likewise, when Silco FINALLY finishes, after all those years, his march on The Bridge of Progress, like Marcus, he dies in a swarm of bullets. But unlike Marcus, he is afforded time to tell his daughter, “I wouldn’t have given you to them. Not for the world.” Not for his dream. So what did Season 2 do with that?

Summary of Fumblings:

-I’ll tell you what Season 2 did. Season 2 took the biggest shit on one of the most fascinating characters in animated history. The reason I didn’t put that much critique up there was to show you how complex, layered, deep and thoughtful Season 1 was with Silco’s character. Silco in S2 became a cheap gimmick flung in our faces like the marketing team was trying to sell Silco plushies following the release. His back-story in Season 2 clashes horribly with Season 1. If Vander, Silco and Felicia were such chums back then, why did neither Silco nor Vi recognize each other when they met in Season 1? They were quite grown by the time the March on The Bridge of Progress happened. Honestly, there’s too many mistakes and inconsistencies with how Season 2 handles the backstory I don’t even see a point in getting to it

-(excerpt from one of the writers) I can't BELIEVE MY FUCKING EYES! Silco’s respect for Vander, despite the fact that Vander tried to drown him (most likely after the carnage on the Bridge of Progress where Vander realized the cost of war), was that Vander remained dedicated to Zaun’s independence, at least, until he began prioritizing the safety of the children over Zaun’s freedom. Silco’s respect for Vander had never been a goal or motivation. Silco never expressed any desire to be respected by Vander. He merely expressed respect, ONLY because Vander, up until he became the enforcer’s “lapdog,” shared his pursuit of a free Zaun. Silco killed Vander for the same reason Vander tried to drown Silco: they had become a threat to what they held dear - Silco, his pursuit of Zaun, and Vander the safety of his adopted children.

-”We build our own prisons. Bars forged of oaths, codes, commitments.” This conversation is SO FUCKING—rips into mattress and pulls out stuffing Jinx hallucinates Silco from within the cell she’s in at Stillwater, maybe the same one Vi had been in. Silco starts off saying something like “It’s funny how Marcus thought putting Vi in this cell was a greater mercy than killing her,” cluing us in to not just Jinx’s mental state but the very real torment it must have been for Vi as a child as well. SO JUST TO RECAP, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE PRISON OF THE CYCLE OF KILLING AND VIOLENCE, OKAY. In addition to that already horrible quote above, Silco says, “. . . and it will continue, long after the two of you.” So, folks, IN CONCLUSION, this cycle of violence (which I have already established like a fucking broken record is EXPLICITLY started and perpetuated by Piltover) is eternal and inevitable. Just let that fucking sink in. Let it settle nice and sour in your gut and then tell me how that GERD feels. Not only is that an appalling thing to suggest about any oppressive regime, it’s also untrue. Yes, humanity has not gone a decade without some form of conflict and struggle, but individual societies have been PROVABLY capable of both progress and regress. Both of which require the agency and active participation of others. And Arcane seems to want to show that progress is indeed possible, but it has already declared it, to some extent, a pointless pursuit in this conversation. Which is it, Arcane S2 writers? Is progress worth striving for, or is it pointless? “Oh my god, you’re so dumb ratatatouille!” you say. “Of course they answered the former! Duh! In Ekko’s monologue when Jinx is trying to kill herself, he tells Jinx that someone special once told him that no matter what happened in the past, it’s never too late to build something new - someone worth building it for.” GREAT! DELICIOUS, EVEN! Now why is it that Ekko says this instead of Silco? Why isn’t this something Silco would say, given that this was the entire point of his and Vander’s story? That this is what his arc embodied and explored? “You’re so silly! Obviously Silco is a hallucination!” The show explicitly frames Silco as RIGHT and tries to tie in what Silco says with what Ekko says. More sympathetic viewers will say that since Ekko discovered that Jinx was never the problem, that hextech was, and that Jinx was actually the path towards progress - a path Silco had walked so she could run - Ekko approached her as someone he could finally save (and oh boy am I going to get into why that doesn’t work AT ALL later). Is is not Jinx, but the hextech, the ARCANE, that is dangerous. The hextech is the true jinx. It is what will keep the cycle going. That’s why Silco holds the arcane stone near his eye like that in the scene.

And to that I say . . . WELL THAT’S FUCKING STUPID. I don’t care that “Arcane” is the title of the show. It is the cheapest story gimmick I have seen since vibranium, except vibranium REMAINED a plot device and didn’t usurp the theme or political/interpersonal conflicts in Black Panther. Hextech was a PLOT DEVICE meant to be used to explore the themes which became the ENDPOINT. And this story SUFFERS SO MUCH from that simple change. This is why most critics of season 2 say the story should have remained focused on the interpersonal and political reasons characters did what they did, rather than siphoning all their stories into a mission to stop the evil, mystical stones. It is a fucking stupid distraction in S2, where in S1 it had been a beautiful metaphor, a fragment of a mirror that the characters held up to examine their faces.

But by claiming the cycle was the hextech all along, you just shat on everything that made S1 good.

Which brings me back to what Ekko tells Jinx, that she can still build a better world for the people she loves (like Vi, I guess). That’s why she comes back to help her sister. She cuts her hair (a symbol of letting go of the past) and joins Vi to defeat Ambessa and evil Viktor. This is treated as some kind of continuation (or the true point) of Silco’s “ending the cycle” speech. By letting go of Vi (literally) and Silco (also literally), she can finally . . . er . . . stop “running in circles.” So the show tells us she is BOTH supposed to fight one more time to achieve an autonomous Zaun AND fuck off to a new land to escape said cycle—which, what was the POINT of fighting if she still had to “escape” it in the end anyways?

NO S2 HALLUCINATION SILCO, JINX AND VI DID NOT BUILD THEIR OWN PRISONS. THEY SURVIVED THE CAGES THEY WERE PUT IN AS CHILDREN AND THEY DESERVED BETTER THAN THAT GODAWFUL DUMBASS SPEECH.

Do you see why this writing is so horrible? It contradicts itself so many fucking times, no matter how you splice it. Whether it’s about the cycle of violence being the fault of unforgiveness or hextech. None of it makes any sense because none of it was ever established in season 1 as being the cause for any of those things. And by even SUGGESTING that either or both of those could be the cause, the writers send us two very troubling messages: oppression is inevitable and also, somehow, the fault (rather than responsibility) of the oppressed. Actually no, I think the suggestion from the writers is even stupider: oppression is an option and you can opt in or out.

And that is the ultimate insult to Silco’s character and what he did for the story of the show.

Mel: The Counterpoint

Mel and Jayce:

Mel is Silco’s thematic counterpoint. In the story, Silco proposes that progress costs some “necessary violence.” Mel is faced with this same question as a child, when Ambessa presents her with the last remaining heir of a nation Noxus had conquered. Ambessa asks young Mel if they should kill or spare the girl. “Kino says war is a failure of statecraft,” Mel had said, when her mother told her about how her father had made her retrieve knives on the battlefield at ten so she’d know death. War, Mel is sure, is REGRESS not PROGRESS. It is the breaking down of the state, not the making of one. It’s obvious to Mel that sparing this girl, who looks about her age, is the progressive, less barbaric thing to do. Yet Ambessa insists, “Your brother thinks he can talk his way out of anything,” Likening him to being a fox among wolves when a good ruler needs to be both. To which Mel goes on to describe the kind of ruler the new conquered kingdom will need. A woman “with a kind, fat face to charm her subjects”, but moldable, to which Ambesaa basically says “So basically you? Cool. I’m down, but you have to prove yourself to me. Prove you can take it.” This is when Mel is presented with the ultimatum: choose to spare the girl or kill her. “We can show the people we are merciful,” she pleads on behalf of the girl. But Ambessa is firm. If Mel kills her now (a symbol of the old “regime”), she won’t (maybe) have to deal with any uprisings and kill thousands.

But Mel doesn’t swallow this poison, insists that diplomacy is the superior way, and is banished to Piltover, where she undertakes the task of proving herself. She tries to become the fox. She uses her kind, fat face to charm the Councilors of Piltover and utilizes Jayce to use hextech for Piltover so that her work in the city becomes impressive, cements her legacy as a Medarda, validates her as one of them, and ALSO proves her mother wrong, thus liberating herself from her mother’s cycle of violence and re-instating her rightful station as a worthy member of the Medarda clan.

But it’s not JUST that, though. Jayce’s enthusiasm to improve the world with hextech inspires Mel and validates what she felt so strongly as a child that Ambessa staunchly denied. When Jayce shares his dream with her, she goes all soft and says, “We’re (the Medarda’s) not often in the position to give back.” Which is . . . funny, lol. I think she was talking about herself rather than her entire family. Anyway, to Jayce, Mel was the one who gave him a second chance. He and Viktor wouldn’t have gone anywhere without her help. Jayce is likely the first person she’s felt capable of helping (especially outside Ambessa’s shadow), and likewise, Mel makes Jayce feel indominable (remember: “Nothing feels impossible when I’m with you”). Jayce makes her feel good about herself, hopeful that her ways can work. After all, being the fox has worked for Jayce and Piltover.

But Mel isn’t just the fox, and not for the reasons S2 thinks. Why? LONG before Ambessa sets foot in Piltover, Mel receives a letter from a correspondent overseas. She despairs that Jayce is not ready to be the success she needs him to be. Even after he confides in her about Viktor’s illness, to her it is not a personal loss. Like no matter what the meljayvik or melvik shippers say, Viktor and Mel DID NOT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT EACH OTHER OUTSIDE OF JAYCE. Jayce wants to uphold his promise in helping Viktor, the man who saved him from his own death (AND TRUST ME, WE’LL GET TO THAT) but Mel wants Jayce focused on keeping her investment and legacy IN PILTOVER safe from Ambessa.

So what does homegirl do? She manipulates Jayce into creating hextech weapons. The reason she moves for a vote to make Jayce a councilor on Progress Day is in light of Jinx’s attack. The councilors are worried that someone in the undercity got their hands on hextech and can use it against them. Jayce, feeling responsible for the situation (and that probably having something to do with Caitlyn nearly dying in the attack), proposes to pause all hextech developments until the threat is neutralized. Instantly, we see Viktor’s and Mel’s reactions—panic. Both are running out of time. Mel to make Piltover a success (in that it is able to defend itself from Ambessa), and Viktor to help those dying in The Lanes. So Mel proposes Jayce become a councilor instead.

We next see her examining Jinx’s bomb with Viktor and Jayce. Jayce asks Viktor if it’s possible that Jinx could create something resembling hextech. Viktor, who is busy marvelling at Jinx’s ingenuity and feeling a little proud of his people, says very confidently that “It’s a leap.” Meaning it’s far away from what Jayce and him are developing. But Mel needs SOMETHING to intimidate Ambessa. That, or she recognizes the undercity as a real threat to her dream of progress and prosperity. Legacy. The undercity is ugly and she wants to neutralize it before she loses her chance. Regardless, here, we see her make the choice to be the wolf. The relentless and unmerciful. Focused and driven by her ambition. She will be a Medarda, unlike last time. Armed and prepared. When Jayce asks if she knows for certain that Zaun intends to turn the gemstones into weapons, Mel says, “That doesn’t matter. We’ll assume,” which pisses Viktor off. But then she performs the ultimate manipulation on Jayce. She uses Jayce’s care for the Kirammans and Piltover to convince him that it’s necessary to “protect your people” which, Viktor can tell, does not extend to the people of the undercity.

Once again, Mel is demonstrating that she doesn’t see Zaunites as people. She barely acknowledges Viktor when he protests, saying “That’s not what we invented hextech for!” She merely looks at him, then looks back at Jayce and talks to Jayce. She repeatedly ignores Viktor, talks over him, as if he isn’t there. Doesn’t matter. After all, Jayce is the only one in Piltover worth her time. Piltover is her project, not the dirty undercity. Mel had already sown the seed for Jayce’s rampage by the time Ambessa showed up.

“Stay away from Jayce!” she says, and yet Mel is what brought Ambessa close to Jayce both physically and ideologically. For hextech and Piltover (the City of Progress) to be safe, Jayce has to commit some “necessary violence for change.”

This isn’t only Ambessa’s fault, but Mel’s and Jayce’s errors as leaders. By neglecting the undercity, Jayce fails to see how his innovations could be weapons until it's too late. Mel is also so focused on Ambessa as a threat that she neglects the threat of the undercity, a place that only became a threat because of YEARS of failed state-craft.

Jayce acquiesces to Ambessa's rhetoric since the attack at the bridge, and proposes to the other council members to go into The Lanes with force, which they are all (including Mel) hesitant to do. But then Jayce goes ahead anyways, and kills a kid (which we’ll come back to), and he not only regrets it, but does a 180 and returns, like Mel, back to his core values — peace and progress over prosperity or legacy. He makes a deal with Silco and then goes and tells the Council what’s up. Mel, now utterly convinced of her position, is the first to cast her vote in favor of an independent Zaun, and removes the Medarda ring while she does so, signalling her disdain for all the clan represents. Not only that, but she smears gold over the Noxian ships in her painting, which her mother correctly reads as a rejection of Noxus and an embrace of the Piltover her and Jayce want to build. Mel does not anticipate the attack, and Mel, in the last frame of the finale of Season 1, is the first target of Jinx’s bomb, the first councilor it was going to hit while her back was turned to it.

Mel and Viktor:

Mel’s parallel with Viktor is interesting. Mel’s interest in hextech (and initially Jayce) are to her own ends, later becoming altruistic (Viktor’s interest in Jayce also starts as an interest in his theories although his motivations were altruistic from the start). Jayce reminded her what she wanted to be in the first place. That her family name, like Jayce’s was to his, was a ball and chain around her neck. Holding her back from true progress. From a better world. A better legacy. Viktor comes from nowhere-land. Viktor doesn’t have a family legacy to inherit. Viktor is a Zaunite. And soon, much like Viktor, Mel is going to have to work hard to create her own legacy. Both Viktor and Mel are sort of outsiders in Piltover. As is shown in S2 with Salo, Piltover, the Fake City of Progress, has no accommodations for the disabled, which makes Viktor stand out like a sore thumb (also, Viktor is the one who made his own leg brace). Mel is a foreigner who has to make a name for herself before she can latch onto the Medarda title. Viktor wants the city to be good, while Mel wants the city (and herself) to look good by matching the strength and prosperity of Noxus.

This is why Viktor gets so sassy with her lmao. He sees through her manipulations and notices that she is pulling Jayce away from what they’d set out to do together (he is also annoyed at how easy it is for Jayce to forget). Mel is the one who tells Jayce it would be wiser to let the council members get away with their criminality (all while cracking down on The Lanes), which makes them wealthier, something that pushes Jayce deeper into his own prejudices against Zaun, where he starts seeing himself as primarily a caretaker of Piltover rather than hextech, as a councilor rather than a scientist, and it jeopardizes his relationship with Viktor.

But Jayce helped her re-connect with the values all three of them shared deep down. The desire to help people and make the world a better place. After the bridge massacre, Mel wants to put her charm and diplomacy to good use, and she does so in the Council Room when she votes for Zaun’s independence.

But here’s where the FUMBLE happens. In S2, we see that Mel’s magic seems to have shielded Jayce and herself, but not Viktor. Not only that, but it’s hinted that Viktor’s magic is resistant to her touch. We don’t get any answer as to why that is (although I’d like to think that was Viktor being petty even while unconscious). This is especially weird since the arcane is alluded to be where the mages get their power (and isn’t it convenient that Viktor became a mindless war machine controlled by the corrupted/corrupting arcane instead of a mage when we see that in other universes he is indeed a mage already?). Not only that, but Viktor can clearly “touch” her magic through the puppet, later on.

Jayce keeps asking her why he was spared and Viktor wasn’t, and Mel, once again, cannot answer him. She knows that her magic protected her and Jayce, but once again, Jayce is lowkey asking why all these horrible things keep happening to Viktor instead of him. Why he is spared instead of Viktor. Unlike Mel, I have an answer. The answer IS PRIVILEGE JAYCE NOT THE FUCKING ARCANE AND THE MYSTICAL NATURE OF MAGIC OR SOME UNKNOWN FORCE OF FATE. Viktor’s tragedy was something that could be helped by both hextech and just Piltover not being a bunch of fucking asswipes. Viktor’s “bad luck” was actually just piss poor governance, or as Kino would say, “a failure of statecraft.” When Mel forsook her original ideals in order to pursue her mother’s acceptance and her family legacy, she did what all the other council members did: make themselves comfortable in places of power at the expense of the oppressed. In order for her to reclaim herself, she had to abandon Noxus and her dream of returning or belonging to the Medarda Clan. Mel has to choose between her family’s legacy and her own longing for progress and dedication to mercy over violence.

Mel and Ambessa:

While Jayce has to fight Victor (who is really now reduced to just another weapon Jayce created that’s gotten into the wrong hands - and more on THAT later), Mel’s task is facing down her mother. By removing the context of oppressed/oppressor inherent to the Piltover/Zaun dynamic, we fail to explore S1’s setup for Mel. IT SHOULD BE NOTED that the reason diplomacy worked for Mel and not Silco was because of their differences in power. When Viktor tells Jayce “There is always a choice” after Jayce expresses his doubts regarding what Mel said about the Zaunites making hextech, Viktor was talking about Jayce’s choice. Mel’s choice. Mel could have chosen to be diplomatic, even with the threat of Jinx. But instead she forsook her ideals in pursuit of her desire to become a Medarda and, like her mother in her dream, preferred to eliminate the threat rather than integrate (Zaun). Even if she back-tracked by the time her mom came back.

Mel has to face the fact that, like Jayce, she betrayed her values and initiated something horrible: the war she’d always dreaded and despised. Mel is why Ambessa heard of the weapons in the first place. But S2 doesn’t focus on this at all. It barely acknowledges it. Instead, Mel is sucked into the Black Rose and told she’s a mage and that her mother must die for the sake of nameless nations the Black Rose mentions. You see, Ambessa is a scapegoat. An excuse to halt and dissolve any meaningful discussion on Piltover’s (and Mel’s) hand in the plight of The Lanes.

By making Ambessa the big bad, the council members and other Piltovians complicit in Zaun’s desperation get a free pass. Both in the show and by fandom. In fact, Mel can now be regarded as a hero (one of the GOATs of Arcane, if I recall) for killing Ambessa, then being christened the wolf by her mother. We don’t have to reckon with the fact that for most of the time she ignored Zaun, and that when Zaun got her attention, her first instinct was to weaponize Piltover, saying, “The peace was already broken.” And I’m pretty sure the reason she did this was LARGELY for ambition, because not more than an episode later, she’s backtracking, insisting that Jayce doesn’t know war like she does, that they should simply give Silco what he wants.

So Viktor was right. She wasn’t forced to create hextech weapons. She wanted to do it for her own gain. And Jayce rightfully gets mad at her in S2 when he recognizes her manipulations (even if he himself was complicit). He does, however tell her that “No one can control you and you’ll never be a passenger.” Once again affirming her incredible power—only this time, the focus is magic and not her political prowess. AND ISN’T IT CONVENIENT THAT MEL “DOESN’T UNDERSTAND” HER EMPATHIC POWERS SO SHE CAN BE TECHNICALLY EXCUSED FROM HER DECISIONS IN S1? HOW COOL IS THAT?!

Lmao when Mel starts lecturing her mother in the finale with “Mother, look at the price of your ambition,” it’s like . . . okay? You exacerbated this war long before your mother, girl. You were the one on the council for YEARS before she arrived. Mel, like Caitlyn, gets to play saviour while barely taking any credit for the fact that she was largely responsible for where Zaun and Piltover ended up (sis literally determined council votes singlehandedly). When Mel stands on the other side of the Bridge of Progress, she sees a trail of violence. She decides to cling even more firmly to her core values. Silco was right, but so was Mel. You see, diplomacy wouldn't have worked for Silco, but it could work for Mel, because Mel had power.

Summary of Fumblings:

-And what was that, “(Piltover is) the city I built for my family” BS? By the end of S1, it is clear that Mel wants NOTHING to do with being a Medarda anymore. She wants to keep Noxus and Piltover SEPARATE. So why does she tell her mother, “You will never be a Medarda” as some kind of gotcha? Lmao, like why tf does that matter? How would she know? Why would she care? Other than her and Kino, what other benevolent Medardas are out there that makes her say this?

-The Black Rose warns Mel of Ambessa’s “thirst for legacy” (much like Mel’s) leading to a worldwide calamity. Mel wants to imagine that her mother prizes her own children over her pride, but the Black Rose insists that’s not true. That Ambessa is willing to sacrifice her children for more power and legacy. We do understand, however, that when Ambessa is confronted by the Black Rose, she is resorting to hextech so she can avoid using Mel (”she’s safer as our enemy”). AND THAT WOULD MAKE SENSE IF THE THIRD ACT ACTUALLY ACTED LIKE IT. How is Mel going to be this really great weapon that Ambessa doesn’t want to use because she loves her (which like, why didn’t she love Kino then if it wasn’t about magic?), but also simultaneously SENT AWAY TO A DISTANT LAND OUT OF HER WATCH? So now she’s hiding Mel, but she wants to pursue the arcane that is waking her mage-ness up and making it impossible for Mel to hide? Ambessa was literally there in the council room in the aftermath of the explosion. She knew Mel had used magic to protect herself and Jayce, but she didn’t do anything? Say anything?

Now most of this is clearly setting up another story in Runeterra (which means my criticism will ultimately be left to conjecture), so I’m going to focus instead on her last words to Mel: “You are the wolf.” The wolf being a symbol (at least in callback to season 1) of ruthlessness and fearlessness: the opposite of mercy. Why does her mother say this? Because Mel finally made a kill? Or because she killed to protect what she built? Finally embraced her power? Yeah, let’s go with that last one. Mel’s development in S2 becomes one where we focus on the power she’s always had, both magical and influential. Yet the show focuses more on the cool magic part than the rammys of Mel’s decisions in S1. It ignores her political power and frontlines her magical abilities, even making her political prowess partly due to her magical empath powers . . . like . . .

-Mel had dislodged her legacy from the Medardas by the time S2 rolls around. . . except no she hasn’t. In the end, Mel is sailing back on the Noxian ships she painted over, and she is doing so as the new Warlord (even wearing what looks like her mother’s cape) because she is the badass wolf, the leader that her mom wasn’t. And how did she achieve that power? Magic. Why does she want to go back? To reform the Medarda name? To take on the mission her mother couldn’t finish against The Deceiver? Because Jayce is dead? Who even cares at this point, this is mainly happening for the spinoff. It isn’t illogical, it’s just the least interesting approach to her character. Mel had much more agency in S1, and her political prowess made her formidable. But that doesn’t matter anymore.

-Her whole arc in S1 was all about her finding the courage to leave the Medarda name behind in pursuit of true progress, but then she kills her mother and sails away from Piltover, the city she fought to protect and killed her mother for and is all about probably reforming the Medarda name—and that’s her job done? Is it me, or is that a reversal of her—pardon the pun—progress? Also, she grew up in Piltover, it must be more of her home than Noxus ever was. Not only that, but making Ambessa go from an imperialist tyrant to this woman bravely fighting against a larger, more powerful threat cheapens what Noxus represented for me. Sometimes conquerors do be conquering, and they make threats up to justify their greed. Not the other way around. It’s not too egregious, but it would’ve been nice if the Black Rose had been more of an epilogue thing.

-sigh I know I’ve said it before but it’s because it’s true . . . the conflict should have remained between Zaun and Piltover and Ambessa was a cheap way out of what S1 was building up

-Ambessa was not who Mel needed to physically defeat, but someone she needed to ideologically defeat. And we don’t see any of that. By the time Ambessa calls Mel “the wolf” it’s hollow, because it’s about Mel being a more powerful combatant than a wise ruler. In this moment, her “foxness” is about how she figured out the “deception” of the Black Rose and not how she outmaneuvered her mother politically. Perhaps it would be epic if we knew what the fuck she meant by “I see your face deceiver!” and then super sayan-ing out of nowhere. Her not having mercy on her mother is about being a Medarda, a question that wasn’t the focus of season 1, merely a catalyst. Becoming a Medarda was the goal Mel had, not the need. She needed to learn how to rule. Instead, she learns how to kill. And then she’s off to her home in Noxus as more of a soldier and spy than a queen. 

Which likely means two things:

-S2 got bored of Mel and just gave her cool reflective powers to make up for it. Making every interesting development about her character happen off-screen, in the writers room, or on another show.

-S2 was deliberately trying to communicate that it sided with Ambessa. That violence and combat, war, is not merely a failure of state craft, but necessary or inevitable to political growth. That militarism is the only thing that can answer militarism. That the only way to ensure the progress you make is secure is arming yourself. Even though this topic has some grey areas, Arcane explicitly picks a side by narratively using Ambessa to justify Piltover’s weaponization of hextech.

i know fandom has a lot to say about Mel being a “strong-black woman” character, but as a black woman myself, I hated how they stripped her of what made her such a strong, enigmatic presence in S1. Her prowess, her wit and cleverness. Her sheer intellectual power made her so FORMIDABLE.

She’s just a lost, hurt uwu little puppy for most of S2 before she’s given her US government assigned Avengers superhero uniform.

Mel in Act I was already using Lest to spy and we almost got a good story then—POOF!—Black Rose.

-Mel’s contribution to the development of hex-tech every step of the way is completely ignored. Instead Viktor and Jayce take full responsibility.

Conclusion:

Mel and Silco's arcs both ask: is violence necessary for progress? Both answer yes, but Mel's remains a little unsatisfactory. Because Mel had a choice. She had power. Power that Silco was willing to do (almost) anything to get. Both Mel and Silco's presence in S1 were formidable, and what made them so intriguing was there thorough understanding of people, both the good and the bad. But in S2, at least for Mel, what made her such an agentive character is thrust aside for spinoff hype. It's not that it isn't cool, it is. It's just one of the things that made S2 feel not only chunky, but disconnected from the roots of its story in S1. Both Silco's and Mel's characters in S2 reveal a very poor (or troubling) view of oppression, power dynamics and politics.

Anyway, that's just me. I was gonna do Ekko, Caitlyn and Jayce as well, but this post got too lengthy. I'll probably need to whittle it all down later. I've already cut so much.

[kiyawritesforf1]

Flirting in the Fast Lane

Pairing : Max Verstappen x shy!reader

Words : 2k

When they first met, she had no idea how her life would change. Max was bold, outgoing, and had this way of making people feel both nervous and excited. He was the kind of guy who thrived in the spotlight, and it wasn’t long before they found themselves together—despite her hesitations. It had started off as casual, but it didn’t take long before they were inseparable. Max, with his usual charm, had swept her off her feet in ways she never thought possible. He found her shyness endearing, and it wasn’t long before he decided to tease her whenever he got the chance.

The other drivers knew about their relationship, and they often saw Max making little comments that would leave Y/N blushing and flustered. At first, she had hoped it was just a one-time thing, but Max’s playful flirting became a regular part of their dynamic—and it never failed to make her heart race.

The Media Moment:

It was a race weekend, and the media was buzzing. The drivers were all gathered for a press conference, and Y/N was sitting in the front row, trying to stay as quiet and unobtrusive as possible. Max was sitting a few seats away, his usual confident posture in place, but his eyes kept flicking toward her. He couldn’t resist. He leaned in just enough for only her to hear him.

“You look beautiful today, babe,” he whispered, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

Y/N’s face immediately turned crimson. She tried to keep it together, not wanting anyone to notice how flustered she was. But Max, being Max, wasn’t going to make it easy for her. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“I-I’m fine, Max,” she stammered, her voice barely audible.

Max raised an eyebrow, his voice loud enough for the other drivers to hear, “Are you sure? You’re looking extra gorgeous today. Are you trying to steal my attention from everyone else?”

The other drivers turned toward them, noticing the subtle interaction. George Russell, who was sitting next to Max, smirked knowingly.

“Max, can you ever be serious?” George teased, his eyes flicking between the couple.

Y/N’s face turned even redder, her hands fumbling nervously in her lap. “M-Max! D-don’t do this here,” she whispered, her words practically tumbling over each other.

Max’s grin only grew wider. “You know I can’t help myself when you look this good.”

At that moment, Lando Norris, who had been listening intently, let out a soft laugh. “I think it’s cute. Max never holds back.”

“You’re embarrassing her, mate,” Daniel Ricciardo added, a wide grin on his face.

Y/N couldn’t even look at anyone anymore. She buried her face in her hands, wishing she could disappear. The teasing continued, but Max's playful smile never faltered. He was having far too much fun.

The Paddock Tease:

Later that day, after the practice session, Max and Y/N found themselves in the paddock, the sounds of the crowd and the whir of pit crews in the background. The sun was starting to dip, casting a warm glow over everything. Y/N was busy checking some details on her phone about the team’s strategy and race-day preparations, but she couldn’t help but notice Max walking toward her, a playful grin on his face.

Max was never one to let a moment slip by without having some fun. As he neared her, he stopped, looking at her with exaggerated interest.

“You know, you’ve been distracting me all day, Y/N,” he said, leaning in just enough for only her to hear, but his voice was loud enough for a few nearby drivers to overhear. “I can't concentrate when you look this good.”

Y/N’s eyes widened as she looked up at him, the warmth of her cheeks quickly spreading. “M-Max! Don’t start here,” she stammered, immediately glancing around to see if anyone had heard.

Max smiled, clearly enjoying her flustered reaction. “I can’t help it. You’re just too cute for your own good,” he teased, his voice growing louder, making sure the drivers in the area could catch every word.

As expected, Lando Norris was nearby and had clearly heard everything. With a smirk, he called out, “Max, you’re really shameless, you know that? You’re making everyone uncomfortable, especially Y/N.”

Max just shrugged, unfazed. “She loves it,” he said, winking at Y/N.

The other drivers nearby, including George Russell and Daniel Ricciardo, all exchanged knowing glances. They couldn’t help but laugh at Max’s antics, but also at how Y/N turned even more red every time he did this.

Y/N tried to keep it together but failed miserably as she awkwardly shuffled her feet. “M-Max, please…” she murmured, wishing for a hole to open up and swallow her whole.

“Aw, don’t be shy,” Max said, stepping closer, but before he could say anything else, Daniel Ricciardo walked by with a big grin.

“Max, seriously, you’re going to make her blush so hard that it might start affecting the team’s performance,” Daniel joked, his voice light and teasing.

Y/N let out a small, nervous laugh, her hands instinctively covering her face as she looked at the ground. “I-I’m fine, really,” she stuttered, trying to regain some composure.

“Sure you are,” Lando said with a laugh. “You’re just trying to hide that adorable blush of yours.”

Max couldn’t contain his grin, and neither could Y/N—despite her embarrassment. It had become almost a routine, this playful back-and-forth. Max’s teasing was relentless, but she couldn’t help but appreciate the way he made her smile through the discomfort.

“I’ll let you off the hook for now,” Max said, leaning down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. “But only because you look too cute when you’re all flustered.”

Y/N could feel the heat on her cheeks, but as Max walked away, she couldn’t help but shake her head, laughing quietly at the ridiculousness of it all. It was just another day in the life with Max Verstappen.

The Race Day Tease:

The next morning was race day, and the energy was electric. Y/N and Max were in the paddock, getting ready for the day. Max was as confident as ever, but when he saw Y/N standing by the car, her focus on adjusting the gear and making sure everything was in place, he couldn't help himself.

He walked up to her, his voice low enough for only her to hear, “I think you might be distracting me from the race, you know.”

Y/N blinked, her heart racing as she looked up at him. “What do you mean?” she stuttered, completely confused.

Max flashed that teasing grin of his. “Every time I see you, it’s hard to focus. You’re too distracting.”

Y/N's face flushed instantly. “Max, please,” she whispered, the words practically slipping out of her mouth.

The other drivers, who had overheard Max’s comment, all turned toward them. George Russell, who was nearby, raised an eyebrow and smirked. “You’re making it hard for her to concentrate, Max. Maybe you should keep it down a bit?”

“Ah, don’t worry, George,” Max said, still looking at Y/N. “I can’t help it. She’s too cute when she’s all flustered.”

Y/N could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, and she tried to step back, but Max followed her, not letting up for a second. “Stop it, Max. I’ll never hear the end of it if everyone keeps teasing me,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Max chuckled and finally pulled away, but not before giving her one last lingering look. “You know you love it,” he said with a wink.

Lando, who had been watching the entire exchange, shook his head. “Max, you’re just too much sometimes. But I can’t say I blame you. She’s definitely worth all that teasing.”

Y/N couldn’t stop herself from giggling nervously. The teasing never seemed to stop, but somehow, she was starting to get used to it—at least a little bit.

The After-Race Moment:

It was after the race, and Max had just finished his interviews. He was walking back to the paddock, and Y/N was standing by his car, waiting for him. When he approached, he grinned, clearly proud of his performance.

“You were amazing out there,” Y/N said, her voice soft but full of admiration.

Max raised an eyebrow. “Just amazing? I thought you’d have a better compliment than that,” he teased.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile that tugged at her lips. “You were perfect, as always,” she said, trying to stay composed.

Max stepped closer, his eyes softening for a moment. “You know, you’re the one who makes all of this worth it. I can’t wait to get home and celebrate with you.”

Y/N’s heart fluttered at his words, but before she could respond, Lando walked by with a grin.

“Max, you’re really laying it on thick today, aren��t you?” he teased, giving Y/N a wink. “I think she’s about to melt in front of you.”

Y/N’s face turned beet red again, and she couldn’t stop herself from looking down in embarrassment. Max, however, just laughed and shrugged.

“Can’t help it, mate,” he said, looking back at Y/N. “I’ll always do whatever it takes to make her smile.

[gazeofseer]

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍?

𓇼🐚☾☼🦪 🎀🫶🏻💌💓

••....••°°°°••....••°°°°••....••°°°°••....••°°°••....••

Texas, Australia, United States and California, You are a queer by soul who lives by their own even amongst the crowded room, seeking something as distant and indifferent to what seems the same after all, but subtle do you fear the idea behind crossing lines, edges that drew scars around your borderline of heart the reason you easily withdraw the click and connection with places and people, you feel everything should be new as each passing moment because anything that stay longer bored you because you feed in daydreams and expect teh same dosh to be served outside around you, but all you taste is something different but not you.

Guidance : You are looking for yourself from within by blocking all the external settings and invites believing the world to be a harm to your existence throughout your journey down the lane to changing seasons and places so far, now you are just tired and tormented wanting to settle but truly can't keeps you restless.

Leo sun, Aries Rising, 8, Saturn in 9th house, Silver accessories, Denim Jeans, You brought something last week still waiting to be worn.

I see you are not only brain fogging but also bloating with overwhelming thoughts and emotions at the same time because you want but you don't, you don't but you want so badly, you have been guided to not make any decision right now, and not to hang in either, changes kept happening, but you are holding something beyond it did. It could be a little picture or a memory too, let it go to where it belongs it will harm you in the long run. Stop sitting with disappointment, disgrace or insult. Let that find peace within you and embrace these changes as a chance for you to strike this fog with the sword of your consciousness on if the very next second you would die, what will you do in the given second of the moment? Chose what is right, and needed for now that is how you lead life always rightly despite the wrong being gifted.

Netherland, Germany, Scotland, Denver & Amsterdam, there are eerie chills to your soul which plays chivilrious in the darkness and acts demure in the light, like a nasty kid you carry the flaws around the forest creeks but throw a elegant gaze the moment a eye flickers upon you, the mask of basking in solitude feels so enchanting enough to thrive through life beyond its hardship and pain, you take it as gift for the one who got none even sorrow becomes the only life present before.

Guidance : The ostracized child, who was not even a count nor in the quantity or quality leave the first and last of being a choice but never an part of any option to even begin with? I feel you started to heal enough that you understand the value of pain you received so far and treat it exactly right that it has become your that safe home which strengthens you instead to tame, instead of guidance your spirit guides have messages 'That, we really appreciate your pure heart and acknowledge your being of existence as of great as of the any other living, we are around you, when you believe you are lucky enough after seeing something weird l, quirky and unique because that is who you are and we show up there'

Fox teddy, bear, herbivores, cozy vibes, brown eyes, eyeglasses, Aquarius Venus, Capricorn Venus or sun, writing a novel or blog, secret lover.

Paris, France, Italy, London, Russia and South Korea, What beauty of it doesn't scares a bit right? It took you a trail blaze or ages to burn down and pave one path for you that fire runs through your body despite the sickness you feel in your heart and fatigue you carry on your soul, the more you get tested the more pure you mold into the miracles and become the magic itself, you accept the essence of love, that sets free, wild and at the arms of death where one can love so truly to the depths of each feels and moves of life.

Guidance : Okay, so this pile has been through a lot bodily or mentally the sickness which prolonged seems like a default, or your mistake or an accident which made you be on bed for rest and feel this helplessness from the echoes of the room and beyond the sky where slowly you discovered and connected to your soul and learned the ultimate truth of being all that you need to yourself exactly when you need yourself.

'Hey, sorry to interrupt I am just worried and kind off ..sorry again how are you? I hope you are doing well now, I promise I am on my way please, kindly don't give upon me, for that I have not yet arrived into your life, all the lovers you met were the lie you told yourself to hold yourself tight in your head, but let go the grudge and find me within your heart whenever you look into the mirror with those doe eyes, those two flicks of your hair curls around you ear I did kiss those cheeks with freckles and toughened skin, I did hold you like the witch who carries her wretched wand in her power and strength, I love you, can you hear that, I say that everyday before you sleep'

Well, that was tear jerking right? Give me a second.

Important Updated my services list do check (;

[goldfades]

crash out couple thought…reader is def loved by a lot of people, so what if at a game maybe its a very bold fan or another player playing against luka trying to flirt with her? how do u think luka would react?

ohhh this is such a delicious scenario because luka? oh, luka does not play when it comes to his girl. like, he’s chaotic and goofy until it comes to you, and then? suddenly it’s giving possessive, petty, and lowkey unhinged energy

picture this:

it’s a big game. high stakes. the arena’s packed, lights are bright, and you’re sitting courtside—of course. you’re in one of luka’s oversized jerseys, legs crossed, looking effortlessly good like you didn’t just steal the entire spotlight by simply existing.

every camera in the building cuts to you at some point. you’re that girl. the wnba star with the attitude, the reputation, the “crash out queen.” and you? you’re chilling, locked in on luka, maybe tossing a few playful chirps his way when he misses a shot.

but then—

oh and, here comes the problem.

it starts with a look.

maybe it’s a player luka’s had beef with before. one of those guys who likes to push buttons, always jawing at luka during games, always trying to throw him off his rhythm.

but today? he takes it too far.

because instead of running his mouth at luka, he glances at you. gives you that slow once-over, paired with some smirk like he’s got a shot.

you? you roll your eyes. because please. be serious.

but luka? luka sees it.

and ohhh, the whole vibe shifts.

luka, who was previously all smiles and shoulder shrugs, suddenly looks dead serious. he squints, head tilts a little like, nah, did this dude really just try that?

you can see the exact moment his whole demeanor changes. he stops joking with his teammates. next possession down the court? luka’s got the ball, and he’s locked in—but not just on the basket. on him.

the trash talk starts immediately.

luka hits a three in the guy’s face and doesn’t even look at the basket. nah, he’s staring dead at him, jogging backward like:

“what was that? you were saying something? look at the scoreboard.”

petty. disrespectful. peak luka.

but the dude won’t let it go.

next dead ball, he saunters by the sideline, glancing your way again. throws a wink.

“yo, you sure you don’t wanna sit somewhere else? i could get you a better view.”

oh. he’s dead.

luka hears every word.

and you? you’re ready to pop off—because you don’t need luka to defend you, you’re more than capable of checking someone yourself. but before you can even uncross your legs, luka’s already there.

he steps right up to him, smirking but with that dangerous edge in his eyes.

“nah, she’s good where she’s at. you should worry about staying on the court. you’re lucky she doesn’t lace up right now—she’d drop 30 on your head easy.”

the ref steps in before it gets too heated, but the tension? palpable.

and it doesn’t stop there.

luka cooks him the entire game. stepbacks. no-look assists. and every time luka scores, he looks straight at you.

blows a kiss. taps his ring finger. mouths, “mine.”

the fans are eating it up. twitter’s in shambles. the broadcast camera cannot stop cutting between luka’s smirking face and you, sitting courtside, absolutely thriving in the chaos.

postgame?

luka barely lets the clock run out before he’s jogging over to you. he pulls you in by the waist like there aren’t thousands of eyes watching, resting his forehead against yours with that cocky grin.

“he really thought he had a chance? that’s crazy.”

“you’re petty as hell.”

“and you love it.”

and okay, maybe you do. because luka getting fired up over you? putting on a show just to remind everyone exactly who you belong to?

yeah. that’s the crash out couple energy.

the press conference after? iconic.

a reporter tries to sneak in a question:

“luka, there seemed to be some extra back-and-forth with [player] tonight. any comment?”

luka shrugs, grinning that infuriating grin.

“nah. just making sure people know to stay in their lane.”

and you? you’re sitting in the back of the room, smirking right back at him.

the internet the next day is on fire:

“luka doncic going full ‘don’t talk to my girl’ mode is peak crash out couple behavior.” “he really dropped a 40-piece out of pure jealousy 😭😭.” “she’s the wnba’s problem and his problem only.”

because that’s the thing about luka and his queen:

they’re chaotic. they’re fiery.

but above all else?

they don’t play about each other.

[laughhardrunfastbekindsblog]

... So, am I the only one who doesn't have Luthen's monologue on my list of top 3 favorite speeches from Andor season 1? 🫣

I mean, it's an AWESOME speech and gives me chills every time, but if I have to narrow it down my top 3 are as follows:

1. Brasso relaying Maarva's last words to Cassian

Tell him, none of this is his fault. It was already burning. He’s just the first spark of the fire. Tell him, he knows everything he needs to know and feels everything he needs to feel, and when the day comes, and those two pull together, he will be an unstoppable force for good. Tell him… I love him more than anything he could ever do wrong.

2. Nemik's manifesto

There will be times when the struggle seems impossible. I know this already. Alone, unsure, dwarfed by the scale of the enemy. Remember this. Freedom is a pure idea. It occurs spontaneously and without instruction. Random acts of insurrection are occurring constantly throughout the galaxy. There are whole armies, battalions that have no idea that they’ve already enlisted in the cause. Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward. And then remember this. The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that. And know this, the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance will have flooded the banks of the Empire’s authority and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege. Remember this. Try.

3. Maarva's speech

I want Ferrix to continue. In my waning hours, that’s what comforts me most. But I fear for you. We’ve been sleeping. We’ve had each other, and Ferrix, our work, our days. We had each other, and they left us alone. We kept the trade lanes open, and they left us alone. We took their money and ignored them, we kept their engines churning, and the moment they pulled away, we forgot them. Because we had each other. We had Ferrix. But we were sleeping. I’ve been sleeping. And I’ve been turning away from the truth I wanted not to face. There is a wound that won’t heal at the center of the galaxy. There is a darkness reaching like rust into everything around us. We let it grow, and now it’s here. It’s here, and it’s not visiting anymore. It wants to stay. The Empire is a disease that thrives in darkness, it is never more alive than when we sleep. It’s easy for the dead to tell you to fight, and maybe it’s true, maybe fighting is useless. Perhaps it’s too late. But I’ll tell you this: If I could do it again, I’d wake up early and be fighting these b****rds from the start. Fight the Empire!

[supercorpkid]

Memory Lane

Supergirl. Lena Luthor x Reader. Sam Arias

Word Count: 3975.

Notes: It seems my fics are getting longer, sorry about that (I'm not really tho).

Lena Luthor has always been lonely, though she never complained about it. National City offers a fresh start, but she’s not here to make friends. The Luthor name doesn’t open doors—it slams them shut.

The Luthor name is a curse. Her half-brother’s actions made sure of it, and now she can’t escape it. No matter how much she wants to be just Lena, the world always sees the Luthor name before anything else. She’s stuck with it, a legacy she never chose.

There was a time, though, a brief moment, when it didn’t matter. Boarding school. A time when she could forget about the name she was given and just be Lena. When the world didn’t see her family first, just her. It was freeing. She hasn’t felt that in years.

But that time is gone, and she knows memories don’t keep her warm when the nights grow long. She’s made peace with most things. Andrea and even Veronica Sinclair, though the last one not as much. But there’s one thing she can’t shake. You. The first one she loved. The one who made her believe there could be someone who saw her beneath the walls, beneath the name.

But you never loved her back, not the way she needed to. She was always your secret, and Lena was too afraid to ask for more, afraid she didn't deserve more. That quiet ache never quite faded.

Years later, the memory of you still lingers. It isn’t fair. It wasn’t fair then, and it isn’t now. She never got to ask for the truth, never got to say goodbye before leaving school in the middle of the night, after her father died. And sometimes she wonders if that’s the one thing she’ll never get over.

Because the truth would sting, but the unknown? That’s something else entirely.

She’s been rebuilding LuthorCorp from the inside out. Fired half of Lex’s associates, cut through the rot and the lies, brought in people she truly trusted to help her piece together the remnants of what her brother left behind. The transformation isn’t overnight—no, it’s slow, deliberate, like molding clay into something better. LCorp is hers now, and under her hands, it’s becoming something else entirely. A place where scientific discovery is celebrated, where innovation has a chance to thrive again.

But even with all the progress, there’s still the shadow of the Luthor name hanging over her. People don’t forget, not easily. The whispers are quieter now, but they’re still there. She knows it. 

“Sam, maybe we should partner up with a philanthropy well-known from National City,” Lena suggests one evening as she leans back in her chair, eyes sharp, calculating. “Maybe that would make people trust us more.”

Sam looks up from her tablet, her brow furrowed, always willing to take on the impossible for Lena. “On it, boss. I’ll find something good, something we believe in.”

Lena nods, already thinking a step ahead. It’s a way to ease the tension, a way to show the world that she’s more than just her last name. That she’s more than the mistakes of her family. She doesn’t need approval, but she sure as hell isn’t going to let the Luthor name define her anymore. The quiet war she fights, every single day, to prove to herself and everyone else that she’s not like them—not like him—it’s exhausting, but it’s the only way forward.

It’s Sam who shows up with the solution, not long after.

Lena’s in her office, going over figures when Sam walks in, a small grin on her face, holding a file in hand. “Got something for you,” she says, dropping it on the desk. “National City’s most famous philanthropic center for arts and science. They’ve got the reputation, and it’s everything we’re looking for—innovative, clean, forward-thinking.”

Lena leans forward, flipping through the file, already impressed. The foundation’s work in preserving and promoting the arts while pushing the boundaries of scientific research aligns perfectly with her own vision for LCorp.

Sam continues, “I’ve arranged a meeting too. The owner herself. You could meet with the CEO, sure, but the face of this place—well, she’s the one who carries the weight. Thought it’d be better if you went straight to the source.”

Lena raises an eyebrow, a flicker of intrigue in her eyes. “You’ve set it up?”

“Yep. She’ll be expecting you tomorrow,” Sam replies, grinning like a cat that’s already caught the canary.

Lena leans back in her chair, turning the idea over in her mind. If she can get the owner of this place on her side, well, it would do wonders for the rebranding of LCorp. More than that, she could finally start shaping the legacy she’s been trying to build.

“And the owner?” Lena asks, her voice smooth, but with a hint of something else—something weirdly familiar. She doesn’t quite know why, but something about this feels personal.

Sam doesn’t hesitate. “She’s someone worth getting to know, Lena. Trust me. I think you’ll like her.”

Lena narrows her eyes, her thoughts a maze of possibilities. “Fine. Let’s see what she’s really about.”

The next day, Lena goes alone. Sam stays behind at LCorp, holding down the fort while Lena takes the final step to bring this deal home.

This is it, Lena thinks as she steps into the center. It’s everything she envisioned—sharp, modern, ambitious. A vision brought to life. It’s almost like someone reached into her mind and pulled out every piece of her ideal world, assembling it here in front of her. It's perfect.

“Lena Kieran Luthor.”

Lena freezes in her tracks. How do they know her full name? Who would even—? She turns around slowly, her breath catching in her throat. And then she sees it—the brightest smile she’s ever seen, the one that’s haunted her dreams for years.

“How’s National City treating you, Lee?”

“I—You—Why are you—?” Her words falter, choking on the weight of her own surprise. But then she catches herself. Of course. Of course it would be you. It had to be you.

This place. This entire thing—it looks, smells, feels like you. Like something pulled straight from your mind. She’s inside it. She’s inside your world. That’s why it felt so damn familiar.

“I’ve been wondering when we’d run into each other.”

Lena watches as you lift your hand waiting to shake her hand, unbothered, like the thought of touching her doesn’t unnerve you the way it does her. Like this isn’t shaking the very foundation beneath her feet.

“National City’s big,” you continue, easy, familiar. “But not that big.”

Lena hesitates for a fraction of a second before clasping your hand, her grip firm and practiced—like she would in any business meeting. But as her fingers curl around yours, something flickers in your gaze. A flash of something knowing, something teasing, that catches her off guard. It makes her throat tighten, her grip faltering just briefly before she regains herself.

If you notice, you don’t comment on it. 

“So,” Lena says, schooling her expression into something neutral, something unreadable. “You run this place?”

You hum, tilting your head slightly. “I built this place,” you correct, your fingers still curled around hers, lingering just long enough to make it clear that this is not some random handshake. “But I guess you could say I run it, too.”

Of course, Lena thinks. Of course you built this. Because this—this center, this perfect fusion of science and art, this vision—this was always the kind of thing you dreamed of back then. And Lena had been the one who listened, who knew the way your mind worked better than anyone.

She pulls her hand back, tucking it into the pocket of her coat, as though trying to shake off the warmth of your touch—like it's too much, too sudden. She straightens her posture, forcing her voice to steady, her words cool and professional. "Then I suppose we have business to discuss."

You nod toward the hallway ahead, your smirk barely masking the challenge in your eyes. "Come on, then. Let’s make this official before I get distracted by your beauty."

Lena follows, her steps deliberate, as if each one requires more effort than the last. This is a business meeting. That’s all. The ghosts of the past don’t matter, not when she’s here to handle what’s in front of her. No matter how many compliments you throw her way, no matter how much that smirk—that smirk—gets under her skin.

You lead her through the center, pointing out the labs, the creative workspaces, the massive atrium where art and technology merge seamlessly. It’s brilliant, she won’t deny that. The kind of place that could change the world.

She pauses by one of the exhibits, a display of kinetic sculptures moving in response to subtle shifts in sound waves. It’s mesmerizing, the way science bends to artistry here—everything in motion, even when it’s still. She glances at you, tilting her head.

"You always said science is an art," she muses, her voice quieter than she intends, like the words were easier to say back when you weren't standing so close.

You grin, slow and deliberate, like you were waiting for her to say that. "Oh, so you do remember me, huh?"

Lena exhales sharply, shaking her head. She hates the way her lips want to betray her, curling into a smile at the nostalgia of it. "Some things are hard to forget."

"Oh, I know," you counter, voice lowering just enough to send a ripple of heat across her chest. "I have vivid memories of you."

The words hang there for a second, too heavy, too intimate. Lena looks away first, fighting the wave of warmth in her cheeks. "So tell me," she says, clearing her throat, attempting to regain control of the conversation. "You already have a good center, a solid reputation in the community. What exactly would you need from L-Corp?"

"Well," you begin, casual, effortless, like you haven’t just rattled her down to her bones, "if any of your scientists are half as brilliant as you are, I think we could do something incredible together."

Lena watches you—really watches you. The way your eyes light up with the prospect of working together, the way your voice carries that same easy confidence you’ve always had. As if life has always been kind to you. As if it hasn’t touched you the way it has her. She clears her throat, forces her lips into a firm, neutral line before they can betray her.

"Think about it," you continue, stepping closer, lowering your voice like you're letting her in on a secret. "Science that’s not just smart or groundbreaking, but beautiful." You hold her gaze, and then— "You know, like you."

Oh, you’re making this difficult. And the flicker of mischief in your eyes tells her you know exactly what you’re doing.

"Sounds good," she manages, forcing her focus back to the conversation. "On paper. But I know better than anyone that not everything makes it past the blueprint stage." She's been trying not to refer to the old days, but a little jab won't hurt.

Your gaze drops—to her mouth, just for a second. And despite herself, she glances at yours, too. A reflex. A mistake.

"I don’t know," you murmur, voice dipped in something warmer, something more dangerous. "I think we have the kind of chemistry that can really make things fly off the paper."

Lena exhales slowly, collecting herself, because she cannot—will not—let you shake her. She straightens, smoothing a hand down the front of her blazer like she’s dusting off the moment entirely.

"Bold assumption," she says, arching a brow.

"Just speaking from experience," you reply, and there's that smirk again—infuriating, familiar. "You always worked best under pressure."

She doesn't react. At least, not outwardly. But the way you tilt your head, watching her, tells her you’ve noticed her heart beating out of chest, anyway.

"If you're done flirting your way into this business," she says, cool, composed, as if her pulse isn't betraying her, "maybe we should talk logistics."

"Flirting?" You blink, feigning innocence. "No, Lee, I'm just discussing chemistry."

Lena exhales through her nose, shakes her head—god, you’re impossible—and gestures toward the conference room down the hall.

"Come on," she says, already moving, determined to regain control of the conversation. "Let’s see if this chemistry translates to something actually worth my time."

"Lead the way, Miss Luthor," you reply, falling into step beside her, amusement curling at the edges of your voice. “I've always liked the view from behind you, anyways.”

Lena doesn’t look at you, doesn’t let you see the way her lips almost, almost betray her.

This is going to be a very long meeting.

She forces herself to stay composed, to keep this professional, no matter how many flirtatious remarks you throw her way. She dodges them with ease, redirecting, deflecting. And it works—until the very end.

"I'll send my trusted CFO with a proposal. See if it interests you."

"Oh, Lena, come on," you say, shaking your head, like she’s being difficult on purpose. "We’re long-lost—” You hesitate, choosing your words carefully, and Lena watches you, waiting, daring you to pick the wrong one. “Friends.”

She almost rolls her eyes. Almost.

"We can talk business over dinner," you offer, voice light, easy, but your gaze is anything but. "Or, you know, we could just catch up." A deliberate pause, a slow smirk curling at the edge of your lips before you add, "It’s up to you, baby."

Lena stills. The word—baby—lands differently than all the others, a soft, unexpected weight that slips through her defenses before she can stop it. You haven’t called her that in years. No one has. Not since school. It’s a word heavy with history, laced with intimacy she’s long since buried under walls of professionalism.

She should say no. Set the boundary, reinforce the armor she’s worked so hard to build. Make it clear that this is about work—nothing more. It should be simple. A polite, neutral response and a return to business.

But she’s already made the mistake of holding your gaze too long. Already let herself linger on the way your eyes flicker with something she doesn’t want to name. It’s not just the softness in your tone—it’s the way you look at her, like nothing’s changed.

You’ve always had a way of making her forget the lines she’s drawn.

"I’ll think about it," she says, hating the way her voice isn’t quite as steady as she wants it to be.

You don’t look disappointed. No, you look amused, like you knew exactly how this would play out. Like you never expected anything different.

You nod, stepping back just enough to give her space—but not enough to make it easy. "Let me know, then. At least this time, you won't leave without saying goodbye."

Lena clenches her jaw. Her pulse trips over itself, old wounds pressing too close to the surface. She should let it go. She should walk away.

Instead, her voice comes out before she can stop it. Low, quiet, and sharper than she intended.

"Like you care."

She doesn’t wait to see your reaction. Doesn’t give you the chance to fire back, because she knows you would. You’re too quick. Too clever. Too good at saying exactly the thing that would make her stay.

And she can’t stay. Not another second. Not without coming undone.

She tells herself she’s not going. This is ridiculous. She’s not about to sit across from her ex-something—and pretend the old days weren’t just lies dressed in sweet words. Not after everything.

Sam doesn’t understand. How could she? She never had to hide—never had to slip into the shadows, trying to piece together a love that was nothing but a secret. She never had to sneak into the dark, beneath the bleachers, just to feel something close to being wanted.

But you did this to her. And while she was just a stupid teenager, thinking she was undeserving of anything better, she let it happen. She believed it was all she was worth. But not anymore. Not now. Now she knows better.

"Lena, look, I get it," Sam starts, but Lena’s already sure Sam doesn’t. “Confronting the past is never easy. But you know better than anyone how huge this is for L Corp! For your name. For—damn it, for science!”

Lena doesn’t answer, knowing Sam’s not done yet.

“If she wants a dinner, then give her one. One dinner. One night in exchange for everything this partnership could bring.”

“I can’t just sit there, Sam. I can't not say something about how she treated me.”

“Then say it! Make your peace with the past.”

“And if we lose the partnership?” Lena’s voice cracks at the thought. She doesn’t want to lose this—doesn’t want to lose the chance to build something that matters, something she’s worked so damn hard for. 

“At least one good thing came out of it.” Sam reaches out, her hand brushing against Lena’s, soft, like a tether. "You can finally put an end to the hold she has on you."

So she goes. Even when everything inside her screams to turn back, even when her heart is a twisted mess of doubt and resentment, she goes. Even if you're still the same. Sure, you look older, more polished, more put together. But every word you speak is carefully calculated to pull her back to those days—those moments, those secrets. As if she’s still the same dumb teenager who fell for your wits, who let you keep her hidden in the shadows.

The restaurant is too quiet. Lena sits across from you, poised and immaculate as always, but there’s an edge to her. The coldness in the way she holds herself, is a constant reminder of the fortress she built around herself all those years ago. You can’t help but feel like you’re staring at the walls that kept you out.

“Gotta admit, Lee,” you say, breaking the silence, “didn’t think you’d actually say yes to this.”

Lena raises an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly, a challenge in them. She doesn’t speak, waiting for you to continue.

“I figured that was the last time I’d ever see you,” you continue, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of your lips.

“Oh?” Lena asks, her voice soft but cutting. She swallows the words that are threatening to spill, but you both know she’s barely holding it in.

“You do have a knack for disappearing, you know?” You take a sip of your wine as if to drag time. “It took me years in therapy to get over you just vanishing like that. No warning. No nothing.”

“Then it seems we both had to spend some time in therapy after it,” she replies, her tone dry, like she’s trying to keep the conversation from becoming too personal. “Which makes me wonder how productive our partnership would really be.”

“Well,” you smile, bright and carefree, as if nothing’s bothering you, “we’re both more mature now. At least, I like to think so.” You set your glass down with a soft clink. “So… remind me again—why did I make you go to therapy?”

Lena’s eyes narrow slightly. “You don’t remember?”

“Can’t say that I do.” You bite your lip, and she watches the way your eyes dart, as if you’re searching for an answer. “But, hey, it’s been a lot of years. Why don’t you refresh my memory?”

Lena’s laugh is sharp, almost cutting. It’s forced, but the anger beneath it is undeniable. The resentment, too. How dare you not remember? How could you not remember how you broke her?

“You kept me a secret,” she spits out, leaning in just a little closer. “A little secret you could call whenever you wanted, something to love only in the dead of the night when no one could see it. You made me believe I wasn’t worth claiming. And for what? Keeping your popularity intact?”

She can see the words hitting you like a slap, each one landing with precision, stripping you of the control you’ve held so tightly over the years. Lena doesn’t break her gaze; her eyes are steady, unwavering, like she’s daring you to say something in defense.

She feels the shift, a crack in your composure, and for the first time, she thinks she's got you. You falter, a brief flash of confusion and guilt clouding your expression. Lena watches closely, savoring the sight of you unsettled. She’s finally—finally—done what she couldn’t all those years ago: destabilized you. And it feels good. Too good.

But the feeling doesn’t last.

Because you lean in, smug. “Oh, so this is what all the attitude’s about?” You get closer, voice low, teasing, and sharp. “I think you’re forgetting all the secrets you told me. How Lillian kept tabs on you. How she made one of your boyfriends disappear…” Your gaze sharpens. “I didn’t do it for me. Hell, I was dating the hottest girl in the school. Do you really think I would've wanted to keep you a secret?”

Lena blinks, caught off guard by the sudden turn. She looks lost for a second, and you press on, pushing her buttons just a little harder.

“Remember now? How you've said Lillian would kill you if she found out you were gay?”

Lena stumbles over her words, her voice barely above a whisper. “I—I didn’t think you were doing that for me. I thought you were embarrassed by me… by my name.”

"No. You were embarrassed by your name." You squeeze her hand, and she doesn’t pull away. Her breath is unsteady, caught somewhere between disbelief and something else. Something fragile. "I never saw you as a Luthor. I only ever saw you as Lena. I've always wanted you, just you, baby."

Lena’s throat tightens, something raw flickering in her eyes. “Is that true?”

But she already knows the answer. It’s there, in your gaze—steady, unwavering. A quiet kind of devotion.

“We're too old to lie about it, don't you think?”

She opens her mouth, then closes it again, her breath catching like she’s trying to hold back something too fragile to name. Then, after a beat, she exhales, voice softer than before.

“I’m sorry,” she murmurs. “For leaving. For not saying goodbye.”

Your gaze softens, and she sees it again— the exact same look you used to give her when you were younger. She can call it whatever she wants to—lust, passion, longing. But she knows there is one right word for it. Love. 

“I was sorry you left too. But hey, we met again. No more Lillian controlling your every step. No more two confused little girls hiding under the bleachers. I’d love nothing more than to start over.”

Lena, caught off guard by the offer, hesitates. Then, after a beat, she lifts a hand in a small gesture—uncertain, but open. A quiet smile tugs at her lips.

“Well then…” She exhales, years of history woven into the words. Her voice is softer now, almost like an introduction. “Lena Luthor.”

You grin, warmth in your voice. “Nice to meet you, Lena. Did anyone ever tell you, you’re the prettiest girl in the world?”

Lena bites back a smile, the familiar words hitting her like a memory she didn’t realize she was craving. “I could use a reminder.” 

Your smile reaches your eyes, raw and honest. “I will,” you promise, steady now. “As long as you’ll let me. So... should we get out of here?”

Lena’s smile—real this time—surprises you. It’s the first one you’ve seen since you walked into her life again. And damn, if it isn't the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. “Yeah.” She exhales, like she’s been holding her breath for years. “Your place or mine?”

[onegayastronaut]

Quiet Strengths

Requested by anon: Can I request a fic where reader is autistic and shy but has a crush on Alex? Maybe she's the little sister of Lucy and Lois Lane?

Words: 2277

Alex Danvers wasn’t supposed to notice you. At least, that’s what you told yourself every time you saw her. You had convinced yourself that someone as brave, intelligent, and confident as her could never have a reason to look your way. But here she was, in the middle of the DEO’s bustling operations room, walking straight toward you with a warm smile.

You’d been working there for a couple of months, quietly carving out a place as the DEO’s go-to analyst for obscure alien tech. It wasn’t glamorous, but it suited you—your meticulous attention to detail and fascination with patterns made you uniquely good at it. It also meant you could avoid the high-intensity fieldwork that Alex seemed to thrive on. Watching her from a distance felt safe. Approachable. But now, she was closing that distance, and your heart thudded in your chest like a drum.

“Hey, Y/N,” Alex greeted, her voice cutting through the hum of background chatter. “Got a second?”

You nodded, swallowing hard. Words felt like an uphill climb most days, especially with someone like Alex. You shifted your weight from one foot to the other, your hands fidgeting with the hem of your sweater. “Uh, yeah. Sure.”

Alex’s smile widened, and you had to fight the urge to look away. Her presence was magnetic, overwhelming in a way that left you both exhilarated and frozen.

“Great,” she said, holding out a tablet. “We recovered this from a raid earlier, but none of our usual techies can make sense of it. J’onn said you’re the best person for the job.”

Your cheeks warmed at the compliment. “Oh. Um, okay. I can take a look.”

“Thanks,” Alex said, and for a moment, her gaze lingered on you. “I’m glad you’re here. You’ve been a huge help lately.”

You blinked, taken aback. Compliments weren’t something you knew how to handle, and coming from Alex, they felt like rare treasures. You mumbled a quiet “thank you” and took the tablet, focusing on the device to avoid meeting her eyes again.

“If you need anything, let me know,” Alex added before walking away, leaving you rooted in place, your mind buzzing with her words.

It wasn’t the first time Alex had complimented you, nor was it the first time she’d made an effort to talk to you. But every interaction left you more certain of one thing: you had a massive crush on her.

You hadn’t told anyone, not even your sisters, Lois and Lucy. They’d always been your champions, fierce and protective in their love for you, but the idea of confessing your feelings for Alex felt too vulnerable. Lois would probably tease you mercilessly, and Lucy—well, Lucy would likely try to set you up, which sounded mortifying.

Instead, you kept your feelings locked away, channeling your energy into deciphering alien tech. It was easier to focus on circuits and coding than the whirlwind of emotions Alex stirred in you.

One evening, after a particularly long day, Lois called. You were curled up on your couch, poring over schematics from the tablet Alex had given you, when your phone buzzed. You hesitated before answering. Lois had a knack for picking up on your moods, and you weren’t sure you were ready for her to pry.

“Hey, kiddo,” she said, her voice cheerful but tinged with concern. “How’s work?”

“It’s good,” you replied, keeping your tone light. “Busy, but good.”

“Uh-huh,” Lois said, clearly unconvinced. “And how’s Alex?”

You nearly dropped the phone. “Wh-what do you mean?”

“Oh, come on,” Lois teased. “Lucy told me you’ve been working with her a lot. She’s great, isn’t she?”

“She’s… fine,” you mumbled, your face burning. “She’s nice.”

“Nice?” Lois repeated, laughing. “Y/N, you’re terrible at hiding things. Do you like her?”

“Lois!” you protested, your voice rising an octave. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you don’t,” Lois said, clearly amused. “Just… don’t overthink it, okay? You’re amazing, and if she doesn’t see that, it’s her loss.”

Her words stayed with you long after the call ended, a small seed of confidence taking root in your chest.

A few days later, you were in the lab, engrossed in analyzing the tablet Alex had given you. The device was unlike anything you’d seen before, its interface a mesmerizing web of glowing symbols. You were so focused that you didn’t hear Alex enter until she was standing right beside you.

“Any luck?” she asked, startling you enough to make you drop the stylus in your hand.

“Oh! Um, yes,” you stammered, quickly picking up the stylus. “Sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.”

Alex chuckled. “Didn’t mean to scare you. You looked pretty deep in thought.”

“It’s… fascinating,” you admitted, your voice gaining confidence as you gestured to the tablet. “The tech is… well, it’s not like anything we’ve seen before. It’s modular, adaptable. I think it’s designed to interface with other systems, but I’m still figuring out the specifics.”

Alex leaned in to look at the screen, and you caught a faint whiff of her perfume—something crisp and clean that made your stomach flutter. “That sounds like it could be really useful,” she said. “Do you think it’s dangerous?”

“Not… not inherently,” you replied, your words careful. “But it depends on who’s using it. It could be a tool or a weapon.”

Alex’s expression turned thoughtful. “Good to know. Let me know if you need more resources. Or if you just want to bounce ideas around.”

You nodded, trying to ignore the way her offer made your heart soar. “Thanks. I will.”

She smiled again, that same warm, genuine smile that seemed to light up the room. “You’re doing great, Y/N. Really.”

For a moment, you dared to meet her eyes, and the sincerity you saw there made your chest tighten. You managed another quiet “thank you” before she left, leaving you to wonder how someone as incredible as Alex could make you feel so seen.

Your opportunity to say something came sooner than you expected. A week later, the DEO was hosting a small celebration for a successful mission, and to your surprise, Alex sought you out amid the crowd.

“Hey,” she said, holding out a drink. “Thought you might like some company.”

You hesitated, then accepted the drink with a shy smile. “Thanks. I’m not… really good at these things.”

“Neither am I,” Alex admitted, leaning against the wall beside you. “Big crowds aren’t exactly my thing.”

You glanced at her, surprised. “Really? You always seem so… confident.”

Alex laughed softly. “Trust me, it’s mostly an act. I’m way more comfortable when I’m working.”

You nodded, understanding all too well. “Me too. It’s easier when there’s… structure. Predictability.”

“Exactly,” Alex said, her tone warm with understanding. She looked at you, her gaze steady. “You’re easy to talk to, you know that?”

Your cheeks flushed, and you looked down at your drink. “I… don’t usually feel that way.”

“Well, you are,” Alex said, her voice soft but firm. “And for what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re here. Not just at the DEO, but… here. With me.”

Your heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, you couldn’t find the words. Finally, you mustered the courage to look at her. “I… I’m glad too.”

Alex smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. As the evening wore on, Alex stayed by your side, her presence a calming anchor in the bustling crowd. She asked about your work, genuinely curious about the projects you were passionate about, and you found yourself opening up in ways that surprised you.

“So, what do you do for fun?” Alex asked, her tone light but interested.

You hesitated, unsure how much to share. “Um, I like puzzles. And building models. Stuff like that.”

“That makes sense,” Alex said with a grin. “You’ve got a brilliant mind. I bet you’re amazing at solving puzzles.”

“I guess,” you said, ducking your head. “It’s… relaxing. Predictable.”

Alex nodded. “I get that. It’s nice to have something you can control, especially when everything else feels chaotic.”

You glanced at her, surprised by how much she seemed to understand. “Yeah. Exactly.”

The conversation flowed easily after that, and for the first time in a long while, you felt truly at ease. When the night ended, Alex walked you to your car, her hand brushing yours as she said goodbye.

“See you tomorrow?” she asked, her voice soft.

“Yeah,” you replied, your heart thudding in your chest. “See you tomorrow.”

Alex lingered for a moment, her gaze searching yours as if she wanted to say something more. But then she smiled—a quiet, sincere smile that made your breath catch—and stepped back. You watched her walk away, the faint warmth of her presence still lingering like a comforting echo.

The following days passed in a haze of tentative hope and quiet longing. Alex’s words and actions lingered in your mind, each small interaction leaving you wondering if she might feel the same way you did. She continued to seek you out during breaks, her questions and interest in your work feeling genuine and steady. It wasn’t just about the tech or the DEO anymore—she wanted to know you.

One afternoon, you were working in the lab when Alex appeared again, carrying two cups of coffee. She handed you one with a smile. “Thought you could use a pick-me-up.”

“Oh, thanks,” you said, taking the cup with a shy smile. “You didn’t have to.”

“Sure I did,” Alex said, leaning casually against the table. “You’ve been working nonstop. Consider it a thank-you for being amazing.”

Your face heated at her words, and you took a sip of coffee to hide your flustered expression. “I’m just… doing my job.”

“You’re doing more than that,” Alex said firmly, her tone laced with admiration. “You’re brilliant, Y/N. I don’t know how the DEO managed before you came along.”

Her compliment sent a warm rush through you, but it also left you feeling exposed. You fidgeted with the edge of your sweater, your thoughts racing. “I… I’m not good at taking compliments,” you admitted quietly.

Alex’s expression softened. “That’s okay. You don’t have to say anything. Just know that I mean it.”

For a moment, the room felt smaller, the distance between you shrinking as Alex’s gaze held yours. The weight of unspoken feelings hung in the air, and you wondered if she could hear the rapid beating of your heart.

“Alex, I…” You hesitated, the words catching in your throat. “I want to say… thank you. For being so kind. And patient.”

“Of course,” Alex said gently. “I like being around you, Y/N. You’re… special.”

Her words filled you with a mixture of joy and fear. Did she mean it the way you hoped? Or was she simply being kind? The uncertainty gnawed at you, but before you could overthink, Alex reached out, her hand brushing yours.

“Can I ask you something?” she said, her voice soft.

You nodded, barely trusting yourself to speak.

“Would you want to grab dinner sometime? Just the two of us?”

Your breath hitched. The room seemed to tilt as her question registered. “Like… like a date?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Alex’s lips curved into a smile, her eyes warm and steady. “Yeah. Like a date.”

A quiet gasp escaped you, and for a moment, all you could do was nod. “I’d like that,” you managed, your voice trembling but sure.

Alex’s smile widened, and she squeezed your hand gently before pulling back. “Great. How about tomorrow night?”

“Okay,” you said, a small, nervous laugh bubbling up. “Tomorrow night.”

The hours leading up to your date felt like an eternity. You second-guessed everything—your outfit, your choice of conversation topics, even your decision to agree in the first place. But when Alex showed up at your door, her easy smile and casual confidence melted away your nerves.

“You look amazing,” she said, her gaze warm and admiring.

“Th-thank you,” you stammered, feeling the blush creep up your neck.

The evening was a quiet, intimate affair—a cozy restaurant with dim lighting and a menu that catered to your preferences. Alex made you laugh with stories about Kara’s antics and listened intently as you shared your own quirks and passions. For the first time, you felt like someone truly saw you, not just as a brilliant analyst but as a person.

As the night drew to a close, Alex walked you back to your apartment. The air was cool, the city lights casting a soft glow over the street. She stopped just outside your door, her hands in her pockets as she turned to face you.

“I had a great time tonight,” she said, her voice earnest.

“Me too,” you replied, your heart pounding.

Alex hesitated, then stepped closer, her gaze searching yours. “Can I kiss you?”

Your breath caught, and for a moment, all you could do was nod. Alex leaned in, her lips brushing yours in a soft, tentative kiss that made the world fade away. When she pulled back, her smile was radiant, her eyes filled with something you could only describe as joy.

“Goodnight, Y/N,” she said softly.

“Goodnight,” you whispered, watching as she walked away, your heart full in a way it had never been before.

In that moment, you realized that maybe—just maybe—Alex Danvers wasn’t just someone you admired from afar. She was someone who saw you, understood you, and wanted to be with you. And for the first time, you let yourself believe that you were worthy of that kind of love.

[lajulie24]

I always wanted to be lifted. I was always eager, always waiting to be inspired. I remember every time it happened, every time the dead lifted me... with their truth. And now I'm dead, and I yearn to lift you. Not because i want to shine or even be remembered. It's because i want you to go on. I want Ferrix to continue. In my waning hours, that’s what comforts me most.

But I fear for you. We've been sleeping. We've had each other, and Ferrix, our work, our days. We had each other and they left us alone. We kept the trade lane open, and they left us alone. We took their money and ignored them, we kept their engine churning, and the moment they pulled away. we forgot them. Because we had each other. We had Ferrix. But we were sleeping. I've been sleeping. And I've been turning away from the truth I wanted not to face.

There is a wound that won't heal at the center of the galaxy. There is a darkness reaching like rust into everything around us. We let it grow, and now it's here. It's here and it's not visiting anymore. It wants to stay.

The Empire is a disease that thrives in darkness, it is never more alive than when we asleep. It's easy for the dead to tell you to fight, and maybe it's true, maybe fighting is useless. Perhaps it's too late. But I'll tell you this, if I could do it again, I'd wake up early and be fighting those bastards from the start! Fight the Empire!

— from Maarva Andor’s monologue, Andor (season 1 finale)

[whateverisbeautiful]

♥️Reveling in Richonne - TOWL

#61: The Happy Ending (1.06)

The Grimes family is reunited.😭🙌🏽

That's it. That's the intro. 😋 Because we just gotta dive right in and break this super rewarding and moving Grimes family reunion all the way down. It's everything. 🥹...

First off - The way we WIN.

After so many years, we really got to witness our babies get their happily ever after with their babies. They won. We won. 🎉😭

And the biggest reason I say we win is because something that we love lives. Richonne's story has been able to live to its fullest potential and in the most captivating and fulfilling way. From the iconic start in TWD to this impactful conclusion in TOWL. 🙌🏽

When working on these TOWL revelings, I tried to have the majority of them written and ready before I even started sharing the posts in July to ensure I’d deliver on my promise and follow through to the end. These final Grimes Family reunion posts are the only ones I put off writing for a while because, as far as we know, this is it. 🥲 The last page we get to see of Richonne’s beautiful years-long story. The last new Richonne scenes to break down and revel in. 

Since TOWL was announced as a 6-episode miniseries, I’m currently approaching this final scene as the official conclusion of Richonne's story. I know Andy, Danai, and Scott haven't outright said they're never reprising these roles, and the more I hear their answers to the questions about a return, a part of me thinks they know they're coming back in some capacity, be it a cameo or more, and already have an existing contract perhaps, which is why they can't 'spoil' anything by confirming or denying a return.

The way I view it - if Richonne makes another appearance, I'm absolutely seated and celebratory. And if they don't, I'm absolutely satisfied and grateful for what we got. As the gift that keeps on giving, they've already given us over 10 years of golden Richonne content, and this Grimes Family 2.0 reunion put a lovely bow on top of this gift. 💝 It was truly a beautiful and fitting conclusion to their story. And most of all I want the Grimes Family to get to live happily and at peace together, so I'm more than elated with how Richonne's story comes to a close here. 😇

So, as the broadcast announces “A historic day to begin a new chapter for the Republic” - which of course Rick and Michonne Grimes would be the ones capable of bringing about a fresh, historic, and thriving new chapter for a whole city of thousands - we see a glimpse of Judith sitting beside her walkie. And then I love hearing Michonne on the other end say, “Shoto, it’s Daito.” 🥹

Ahhhhhhh the Grimes family reunion was happening! 🥳🥳🥳 And I'm so glad it's with the original actors too. 😭🙌🏽

I remember there was a period when some were a bit worried that Richonne wouldn't reunite with their kids in TOWL. For me, I felt so sure it was gonna happen because that was the only way Michonne and Rick would feel their mission was successful. And I love how it gets confirmed that they’ll be seeing the kids as soon as we see this walkie-talkie moment. 

...Even tho for some of us, the Grimes family reunion was basically confirmed a little earlier, when a certain two illustrious actors filmed a trip down memory lane in Senoia, Georgia. 🤭

Our lovely captains have a sweet little exchange during that great memory lane special that clued me in on what to expect. There's a part where Danai is talking about Judith and RJ and how she loved seeing Judith with the mini sword on her back. Then, as others also picked up on, Danai said something to Andy about how now Cailey has nearly outgrown the sword, and she seemed to think Andy could co-sign that she has. And that had my extra self’s ears perking up. 😋

Because Andy had been having to work double time to recall some TWD scenes he was actually a part of during this trip down memory lane - so I said to myself - Self, it is highly unlikely that he knows if Cailey, who he never had scenes with, is now outgrowing the sword…unless he’s already filmed a scene with her wearing the sword. 😏

gif cred: @nerd4music

So yeah, after that I was no longer even 1% unsure if Richonne would have their family reunion. It was happening. 💯 And the way it happened is Love personified. 👏🏽💗

It had to be such a euphoric moment for Judith to finally, after over a year, hear her mom on the other end of that walkie that she said she'd always keep with her. And it had to be euphoric for Michonne to no longer get static but finally get her baby girl on the other end. 🥹

I remember it was emotional watching Michonne and Judith's final walkie-talkie conversation in TWD, especially knowing they'd eventually fall out of range. And so it was a great feeling to see their walkies finally make a connection again.

I like the way it’s shot with the walkie on the steps and Rick’s holster and gun on Judith’s hip. Again, Michonne summed it up perfectly when she said Judith is her and Rick. And it’s sweet seeing Judith immediately grab the walkie when she hears her mom’s voice. 

Also knowing Michonne was able to reach Judith on the walkie, I think this would definitely imply that Rick was able to talk to or at least hear Judith before they see each other in person. I’d be so curious what that very first exchange over the walkies was like between Michonne, Judith, and Rick. I'd imagine it was quite emotional for Rick to hear Judith's voice on the other end for the first time. 🥲

So then there’s the return of Rick’s battle-tested cowboy boots as he steps off the helicopter. And I really like the way it’s shot as we just see his feet first and then Michonne’s feet join him. It feels like yet another way to illustrate and celebrate that Rick is no longer alone. The love of his life found him and now they really will be by each other's side for pretty much all things going forward. 

gif cred: @taiturner

As TV's greatest husband and wife step off the helicopter, we get to see Rick and Michonne more fully and I adore that they’re holding hands. 🥰 They always look so married. And as has been established, holding hands is one of Richonne's favorite things.

And then you know we gotta take a moment for Michonne’s outfit 🔥🔥🔥. Cutest outfit she’s ever worn. 👏🏽 I LOVE it. 🤩

gif cred: @alwaysthequietones

It’s great how they chose something that feels both fresh but also so true to Michonne for her final outfit and it just feels like she’s again getting to return to herself through the clothing. A fashion It Girl, through and through. 💅🏽

Michonne stayed proving an apocalypse does not have to stop you from stylishly color-coordinating and accessorizing. And I love the cowrie shells being back in her hair too. One of the last times she wore cowrie shells - a symbol of fertility - RJ arrived shortly after. So of course seeing the shells in this finale had my Richonne baby fever activated. 😋 It’s also great she got her katana back as well. That sword will always find its way back to its Mama Michonne. 👌🏽

And I of course also love that Michonne and Rick are wearing matching colors. A signature Richonne thing to the end. 😌 And Rick and Michonne matching in that tan color is great because the color scheme is giving "Must've been something else then." 😊

Then, I think it’s such a touching and well-acted moment when, before we even see the kids, we can tell that Richonne has spotted their kids from the way they react. 😭

Something about the way Michonne holds Rick's hand and then runs to her babies just feels like such a wife and mother and it’s so sweet. Like if you showed this running clip out of context to someone unfamiliar with the show, I feel they'd immediately be able to tell that who Michonne and Rick are running to is their children.

I love how Michonne drops her bag and just immediately runs to the kids. And then it’s precious that Rick sees his children for the first time and drops his bag as he eagerly runs to them as well. Goodness, this whole thing is just heartwarming x10, I can’t. 🫠

gif cred: @nat111love

And it gets extra heartwarming when we see Judith and RJ for the first time, sprinting to their parents with the biggest smiles on their faces. 😭😭😭 Richonne's babies are here. 🥹

gif cred: @alwaysthequietones

The way I rejoiced seeing the adorable Grimes kids running the first time I watched. 🙌🏽 I love seeing how ecstatic they are and the way Judith looks back at her little brother as they run. A true big sister. And of course, I adore that Judith is wearing the sword like her mom and her gun in her holster like her dad and that RJ is wearing his dad's signature Sherriff hat and dressed like little Carl. It’s all so perfect. 🥹

And for me, watching this scene would be the hardest Try Not To Tear Up challenge yet, because the way Judith and RJ smile and run into Michonne’s arms, and the three embrace - My heart bursts. 😭❤️‍🩹

gif cred: @riickgrimes

They all hold so tightly to each other and it’s precious. For a long while, the only Grimes family Judith and RJ had been used to was just the three of them. So it’s really sweet that the three of them have a moment to reunite after missing each other for so long. RJ's smile and Judith's face when she hugs her mom always makes me want to cry. 

gif cred: @nat111love

(Side note: There are people out there who ignorantly discredit and downplay Judith and Michonne’s mother/daughter relationship and that will forever be foolish to me (though sadly not surprising 😪). Judith has only ever known life with Michonne, and Michonne has been raising Judith since before she could walk. Their mom/daughter status cannot be denied. Interestingly, Judith is the one Grimes kid who has only ever known life with both Rick and Michonne. Carl was old enough to recall when Michonne entered his life. RJ is old enough to recall when Rick entered his life. But Judith doesn’t recall when either entered her life because her parents have been raising her since she was in diapers. They’re the only mom and dad she’s ever recognized. Yes, Judith knows Michonne didn’t birth her but that’s not the only qualification one needs to be a mom. In every other way, Michonne has been Judith’s mom for as long as she can remember. So when Judith looks at Michonne it’s clear she sees her mom, not 'the woman who looks after her', not her 'play mom' - her mom. 👌🏽)

I love that Michonne gets her own moment to reunite with her kids and that they let that moment breathe. Michonne is the anchor to this reunion as they all look to her as the connecting piece of this family right now. It’s realistic for the kids to take their time greeting Michonne because that’s the only parent they really know.

And just like Rick and Michonne had to do a lot of sacrificing on this journey, so did Judith and RJ.

These kids sacrificed valuable time with their mom so that she could go bring their dad back home. So I love that they get to have a moment of being just so elated to be back in their mom’s arms.

Rick stands in the back of the shot, as he anxiously awaits greeting his kids. I know Rick appreciated seeing this moment between the three and immediately seeing that his kids love and view Michonne just as highly as he does. He got yet another reminder that he chose the perfect woman to be the mother of his kids seeing the way his babies beamed and ran in Michonne's arms. 😊

gif cred: @riickgrimes

And then it is again so precious when Michonne and the kids look at each other and whisper "Hi" and just again have these joyous smiles on their faces.

gif cred: @riickgrimes

RJ’s quiet little ‘hi,’ 🥹 Michonne asking how they’re doing and acknowledging they’ve got so big since she last saw them, 🥹 the way they can’t help but smile and laugh, 🥹 and then when Michonne and Judith put their heads together. 🥹 I love every second.

gif cred: @riickgrimes

Michonne finally gets to hold the two who fueled her to keep going even in the moments during this TOWL journey where it felt like all was lost. She was not going to let her kids down and she was going to ensure she made it back to them.And Judith and RJ knew their mom would make it back to them too, no matter how long it took. 

I also love seeing Michonne’s M bracelet in the shot. Again, she really came back adorned with gifts from her husband because Rick loves her the way a cherished wife should be loved. And of all the gifts Rick has given Michonne, we know she cherishes most the gift of their children. 💛

gif cred: @riickgrimes

It really is beautiful how we went from Michonne telling Carl one kid was enough for her to her now having four kids (…and counting possibly). And I love the way it's visible how Michonne's soul just lights up so brightly as she holds her kids in her arms.

So as the three embrace, Rick stands back and watches his beautiful family. And the way Rick is looking at them, it’s clear this is all so surreal for him.

It makes sense that Rick would hang back for the reunion as Michonne has a moment with their kids. It reminds me of how on Carl’s last day, Rick approached it like he understood Michonne and Carl needed their time together as a mother and son because he knew he was losing his son and Michonne was too. Also, it's evident during this reunion that Rick wants to be mindful of whatever contact Judith and RJ want with him.

So Judith gives one more smile over at her brother and mom, as Michonne adorably lifts up RJ’s hat and embraces her baby boy, who is not such a baby anymore, saying, “Hi there.”

And then Judith turns to Rick with a smile. As they look at each other, Judith becomes emotional and starts to cry. She walks to Rick and finally, after all this time, gets to embrace her dad. 🥹

gif cred: @twdfranchise

Y’all, there is a reason I put off writing these reunion posts for so long. 😭 This entire scene between these four makes me emotional for so many reasons.

I think it’s so sweet that Rick is letting his kids set the tone for how they want to interact with him in this scene. You know if it were up to him, he’d probably be bawling and pulling them into an embrace, but he also knows that he’s in some ways a stranger to them now. So the thoughtful way Andy plays it, I love that it’s clear Rick wants to let the kids decide what they’re comfortable with. And the second Rick knows they want to hug him, he so tenderly and lovingly hugs them back. 🥹

gif cred: @twdfranchise

The way he hugs Judith, you see how layered this moment is for Rick because he’s so happy to be back with his daughter and also sad to see just how much he’s missed as she’s done a lot of growing up in his absence.

Plus, during his time with the CRM, Rick had to devastatingly accept that he may never see Judith again and even tried to convince himself that maybe she'd be safer if he didn't come home to her and protected her from afar. I feel like hugging Judith right now, Rick probably feels so overcome with emotion knowing that he's actually getting to hold his daughter after thinking he'd never get this chance again.

Hearing Judith cry as she hugs him and seeing the fatherly way Rick holds her head and tries to hold it together while clearly feeling so many emotions. I cannot. ❤️‍🩹 My heart is moved during each part of this Grimes family reunion. 

While still hugging him, Judith emotionally says, “I knew it, Dad. I knew you were still out there.” It’s so sweet that this is the first thing she says and that Rick gets to hear that Judith never lost her hope that Rick was alive.

gif cred: @twdfranchise

While Rick came close to ending it a few times during his years away, he managed to stay another day and then another after that and another after that, and I like to think that day by day he was somehow subconsciously being fueled by his wife and kids belief in him. They believed he was still out there and that energy helped keep him here long enough to now be back with them again.

I also love how no one ever came and took Rick’s place in his family’s life because these three Grimes were always believing Rick was still out there. Judith held onto this faith that her dad was alive even when the odds of Rick being alive seemed low. It feels like Michonne modeled that example to her of continuing to believe. And their belief was worth the wait. 🥹

And then Judith looks up at Rick and says, "I just never wanted you to feel alone.” It moves me so much that while Rick was afar hoping Judith was okay, he now gets to know that his daughter had been hoping he was okay too. 🥲

gif cred: @twdfranchise

As a big sister myself, I just gotta say Cailey plays the big sister role so well. Especially when you’re the family-oriented and responsible big sister, you always just want to make sure everyone is okay. Your younger siblings, your parents, aunts, uncles, everybody. And I love that Judith’s big thing was wanting to be sure her dad never felt alone. That’s so caring. 😭

I also feel like her saying this is her reiterating why she encouraged her mom to go after Rick. On the walkies in Michonne's last full TWD episode, Judith told Michonne, "What if he's trying to come home too, but no one will help?" And she was spot on with that prediction. In TOWL ep 3, Rick even verbalized to Michonne that he had asked for help, but he didn't get it.

So even though it made Judith really sad to be away from her mom, she knew Rick might be alone and in need of Michonne's help even more. Never wanting her dad to feel alone was among the many reasons Judith urged Michonne to go get him.

And another thing that's poetic to me is that Judith is such a pivotal character in getting Rick and Michonne to meet the way they did. Had Glenn and Maggie not gone out to the store to get Judith's formula, Michonne wouldn't have run into them and brought the formula to the prison for her future daughter. Also, even the very night Rick and Michonne became an official romantic couple in 6.10, their couch moment began with smiling over Judith on the baby monitor.

Since she was born, Judith has helped ensure her dad didn't feel alone because her very existence played a part in Rick finding his ultimate life partner and soulmate, Michonne.

So next, Rick says his first words to Judith in years when he looks at her and says, “I thought I was..."

I like that he's honest about how he did think he was alone at first. There definitely was a time when Rick was confronted with the depths of loneliness within the CRM.

gif cred: @riickgrimes

Rick continues, "Then I realized..." and I love that he looks over at Michonne as he says this. And the way Michonne holds RJ while smiling at Rick and Judith interacting again for the first time in years. 🥲

All those years in TWD, Michonne saw how much Rick loved Judith, and so it clearly means a lot to her to see Rick face to face with their daughter again. Rick and Michonne both just seem so present and grateful for this moment as parents.

gif cred: @riickgrimes

Rick looks over at Michonne, knowing how instrumental his wife was in both his daughter being who she is today and in helping him realize what he says next - "I wasn’t.” 🥹

It’s really nice to see that Rick realized he was never alone because he always had his family.

When Rick tells Judith that he realized he wasn’t alone, Judith gets to hear Rick essentially say he realized her own little mantra that she wrote on her family drawing, “My family is always with me.”

Judith and Rick both know the sadness of losing your loved ones' memory, but I’m so glad they now have each other back to affirm that while the memory can seem lost, it can always be found again.

gif cred: @andremichaux

Also the way Rick says this line with such a tender tone and tears in his eyes and then he looks at Judith with a smile and blinks probably still trying to comprehend that this little lady in front of him is the daughter he last saw as a toddler. 😭

gif cred: @alwaysthequietones

And then Judith cries again as she leans in and hugs Rick and I’m a puddle of tears inside. Like when you think about how hard Rick fought for his daughter all those years on TWD, it’s just so special to now see him get to hold her and already get a glimpse of the great loving person she’s turned out to be.

I know Judith is about to feel so loved and protected by this great dad, and I love thinking about how they’ll now get to reestablish their bond and just have the best father-daughter relationship. 

It hit me that years ago, we got to see the very first time both Rick and Michonne ever held baby Judith and how it was a big moment for both of them. While she stirred up painful memories from their past, Judith was also this little bundle of hope for the future in their arms.

And then in this TOWL finale, we beautifully got to see Rick and Michonne hold Judith in their embrace one more time. 🥹

Michonne reuniting with her son and daughter and Rick reuniting with his baby girl were such golden TOWL moments.

With these touching exchanges, the Grimes Family reunions had all occurred. And now it was time for the big Grimes Family introduction. It was time for Rick to finally meet Rick. 😭

So we gotta bring it on home now and talk about the special, heartfelt, and rewarding final moment of The Ones Who Live. 🥰👌🏽

[mlmxreader]

High Society | Bruce Wayne x gn!reader

『••✎••』

↳ ❝ Bruce Wayne

77"I just… just need to be with you for a while, if that’s okay?”

97“What’s the harm in just one dance, huh?”

278“It was just a nightmare, you’re okay, you’re safe”

292Sneaking away during a party to share stolen kisses ❞

: ̗̀➛ Bruce forces your hand and makes you accompany to him to the very last place in the world that you would ever want to go to.

trigger warnings: ̗̀➛ swearing

: ̗̀➛ CHRISTIAN BALE!BATMAN

•───────────────★•♛•★──────────────•

spotlight fundraiser : ̗̀➛ help Eman survive and study medicine

•───────────────★•♛•★──────────────•

Wisteria Lane was alight and thriving with noise and light and food and drinks and just about anything that anybody would ever need for a good, strong, party; you weren't so keen, outside of Gotham wasn't exactly your favourite place to be and was far from your natural habitat.

But Bruce had insisted, and you did owe him one after he had stayed late at yours to fix a busted pipe; you just figured it was one of those things where you owed your boyfriend a favour and would make him breakfast in bed to even the debt. Apparently not.

The suburb was all too false; perfectly cut green grass in their front gardens with white picket fences and arches and roses and hydrangeas. Every window was clean and there wasn't so much as a speck of dirt on any of the houses or the cars outside; it was disgusting.

You clung to Bruce's arm tightly, scowling as you looked at the false, gleaming white, toothy smiles and grins; he gently tapped your chin, glancing at you from the corner of his eye to tell you to stop.

"Relax," he murmured. "If anyone didn't know any better, they wouldn't think your boyfriend is the richest man in Gotham."

You huffed, glancing around at all the faces and their deceitful and spiteful smiles. "They just have to rub their wealth in everybody's faces, don't they?"

Bruce smiled to himself as he licked his lips; he tugged you close, putting his hand between your shoulders and making a big show and dance of kissing you softly. The camera lights flashed as people took pictures of the moment, and you found it difficult not to scowl.

"It's just one night," he murmured against your lips. "You'll survive."

You shook your head in disapproval, still clinging onto his arm as you followed him around.

The redhead was chatty and polite, kind enough. She seemed to like your candid way of speaking, not so much the raggedy jeans and hoodie that you had donned.

The blonde was a lot more open and honest. She was down to earth and you actually didn't mind her so much.

The brunette was a bit clumsy, having to constantly hold onto her boyfriend for support. But she was friendly and she was sweet.

The ex-model was more than happy to have the company of Bruce. She was pleasant towards you as well, though.

Their husbands and boyfriends were the issue, more than anything; asking Bruce about Lex Luthor's latest shitty electric car that posed a danger to the public. Asking about Lex's plan for government. They seemed like they actually supported that fucking weirdo.

You grew tired of it, though, and when the music increased in volume, you tugged at Bruce's hand; no one noticed when you lead him into one of the open back gardens, pushing him down onto a patio chair and straddled his waist, your hands falling onto his shoulders.

In the dim light, his dark brown eyes seemed to sparkle so brightly; his soft, dark brown hair slightly messy from where he had been chasing around after you to keep you from biting someone's throat out.

He smiled, tilting his head to the side. "And what's this about?"

You shrugged as you stole a kiss, then another, and a third, then a fourth, then you couldn't kiss him again without laughing. "I just... just need to be with you for a while, if that's okay?"

Bruce nodded, maybe a little too eager, as he stole another kiss; holding the back of your neck as he allowed his other hand to drift down to the waistband of your jeans at the back. Just shy of stealing a quick, cheeky, grab. "Mmm. More than if you wanna do is steal kisses."

You smiled against him, and when you noticed that a slower song was starting to play, you stood up, and allowed him to follow suit before leading you in a private, quiet, dance. Your head fell against his, and you leaned into him as much as you possibly could. Bruce hummed softly, keeping you close.

"What's the harm in just one dance, huh?" He asked quietly. "Unless you think we'll get caught?"

"I don't think so," you murmured. "All those toffs out there are too concerned with looking good to worry about us."

Softly, Bruce laughed as he easily fell in with you. "Y'know, I haven't thought about that night for a while..."

You shook your head against him, taking in a harsh breath. "It was just a nightmare, you're okay, you're safe with me... it's that lot out there you should worry about - they'll eat you alive."

He pulled away, cupping your face in his hands as he grinned and swallowed thickly. "But at least I have you to protect me."

"Fancy that," you whistled. "The big, bad bat needs help from a commoner."

"Shut up," he chuckled, making it a point to pull you in close by the shoulders so he could kiss you properly.

It was harsh and it was deep, and you kissed him back as much as you possibly could. You loved every second of it, and when he pulled away, you could only frown.

"Come on," he told you, smiling. "We best make another five minute appearance before we sneak off again, don't you think?"

You agreed, letting him guide you around and cling to him as he did all the talking; he glanced at you from the corner of his eye every now and then when he knew you were scowling. It was amusing to him, as he couldn't believe that you were so against every single one of them, yet perfectly fine with him.

Then again, it was always going to be a funny thing with him.

Finally, the five minutes of high society and false polite small talk was over, and Bruce tugged at your arm to make sure you were paying attention to him.

"Come on, let's sneak off before anyone notices."

[zaundads]

Ultimate Zaundads Quote guides

All the important Zaundads Quotes

I was reading this post on iconic couple quotes and I realized that this is kinda hard for Zaundads considering they have like two scenes where they actually talk to each other. So it's hard not to do "well, just everything". Still, here are all the best ones, highlightes for my faves.

"I trusted you. And you betrayed me."

"I'll show you what you really are."

"I hated you, but you kept my respect."

"I hated you for what you'd done. But as time passed, so did my hate. "

"What I did to you… I've never forgiven myself."

"Greatest thing we can do in life is find the power to forgive."

"What's the point if we can't raise an ankle biter or two?"

"We shared a vision, Vander. A dream of freedom. Not just for the Lanes, but the whole of the underground, united as one. The nation of Zaun. Do you even remember?"

"I had no choice." - "Perhaps. But now you do. Shimmer. We have the power. We can finally realize our dream,"

"Silco. Let her go. This is between you and me." - "You had your chance."

"You'd die for the cause, but you won't fight for one? "

"I knew you still had it in you."

"Ever wonder what it's like to drown? Story of opposites. There's peace in water. Like it's holdin' you, whisperin' in low tones to let it in. And every problem in the world will fade away. But then there's this thing… …in your head, and it's raging. Lighting every nerve with madness. To fight. To survive. And all the while, this question lingers before you: "Have you had enough?" It's funny. You could pass a lifetime without ever facing a choice like that. But it changes you forever. For that, I thank you… old friend."

"Oh, it all makes sense now, brother."

"A thousand times I've imagined this moment. Never like this. All we ever wanted."

"You hear that, Bozo 2? We made it. We're done. Oh, you're sadly mistaken. I'm Bozo 1."

"I've looked everywhere, but… it's clear you don't wanna be found. God, I'm shit at this. I'm sorry. When she died, I lost my head. I told myself what I did to you was for the greater good, that you deserved it. But the dirt was on both our hands. Anyway, you know where to find me. Blisters and bedrock. V."

"If he found this, everything might have been different."

Bonus "indirect quotes"

"Benzo, stay back. […] Wait!" (Vander not wanting Benzo to attack Silco)

"We had nothing. You know what bore us through those times? Loyalty. Brothers and sisters back-to-back against whatever the world threw at us. Now I'm forced to share the air with parasites like you, who leach off their legacies."

"Tonight a harebrained scheme these two bozos cooked up to turn a dank crack in the earth into a thriving, healthy community became a reality."

"He isn't a monster. He was once a man. Well respected, at that. Victim of great tragedy. He had a ferocious will to live. An incredible tolerance for pain. With him, I was able to make strides impossible with any other specimen. But the mind... The mind I could not recover. The man forever lost in the bowels of the beast, compelled only by the scent of blood. Or so I thought. It now seems I had yet to uncover the right catalyst. S: Blisters and bedrock." (Singed in 2x05, followed by Warwick's nightmare of Silco)

"I saw your father. His dream of your family and vision of Zaun as it could have been, it was… beautiful." (Viktor about Vander in 2x08)

"So there's a chance for us yet." (Silco to Vander in 2x07)

Merchant: "This is vile." Vander: "You'll learn to love it." (Vander about Zaunite tobacco)

"There's worse things than enforcers out there." (Vander about ?? Silco? Other Zaunite criminals? )

"Fear haunts us all, child." (Silco about ?? The dreams he has about Vander drowning him?)

"Betrayal, that pain that feels like it'll eat you from the inside out,"

"You two are gonna figure this Zaun thing out. I don't care if you have to carve it out of the bedrock, covered in blisters. You're not allowed to fail anymore."

"Nearly forgot. I ran into an old friend of yours. He had some stories. You weren't always the peacekeeper, were you? - Yeah, well, you can't escape the past. Right?"" (Marcus and Vander about Silco)

"You told me a million times. [...] Blah, blah, blah [...]" (Jinx complaining about just how often Silco talks about Vander)

"Silco thinks he made Jinx, with all his rants and his hard-won lessons. "Excise your doubts, Jinx." "Be what they fear, Jinx." Like everything was the same as when Vander left him."

Did I forget any? What is your ultimate Silco and Vander quote?

Bonus:

Full dialogue of selected scenes under the cut:

Silco and Vander in 1x03: S: It's a little crude, I'll admit. The base violence necessary for change. But we both know topside won't listen to anything else. V: Even with your monsters, you won't win a war against Piltover. S: I don't have to. I just need to scare them. They won't dare set foot in the underground again. V: You'll get people killed. For what? Pride? S: For respect. Opportunity. Everything they've denied us. V: You had my respect. The Lanes' respect, but that… that was never enough for you. S: We shared a vision, Vander. A dream of freedom. Not just for the Lanes, but the whole of the underground, united as one. The nation of Zaun. Do you even remember? I trusted you. And you betrayed me. V: What I did to you… I've never forgiven myself. You were my brother. S: No, you still don't understand. Can you imagine what it's like? When your blood mixes with the filth and the river toxins eat through your nerves. Oh, I hated you for what you'd done. But as time passed, so did my hate. And I was left with an understanding. The only way to defeat a superior enemy is to stop at nothing. To become what they fear. I hated you, but you kept my respect. Until you made peace with them. Played lapdog after everything we suffered. V: I had no choice. S: Perhaps. But now you do. Shimmer. We have the power. We can finally realize our dream, brother. V: Look at what you've done. Benzo. These kids. In fighting topside, you'd sacrifice everything that we are. It's not the way. Can't you see that? kill me if you have to, but please spare the Lanes. S: You'd die for the cause, but you won't fight for one? V: I'm just… not that man anymore. S: I'll show you what you really are.

Jinx and Silco 1x05:

S: I almost drowned in these waters. J: You told me a million times. S:Vander wasn't the man you thought he was. J: Right, he was like a brother to you, and he turned his back and blah, blah, blah. Did I miss anything? S: I've got a new one for you. That day, I let a weak man die. And another was reborn. Betrayal, that pain that feels like it'll eat you from the inside out, can either break you or forge you into something greater. You need to let Powder die. So the fear of pain will no longer control you. You're strong now. Just like you were always meant to be. Jinx is perfect.

Silco vs Chembarons 1x07: Have you forgotten where we came from? The mines they had us in? Air so thick it clogged your throat. Stuck in your eyes. But I pulled you all up from the depths. Offered you a taste of topside. And fresh air. I gave you life. Purpose. But you've grown fat and complacent. Too much time in the sun. We came from a world where there was never enough to go around, Finn. That is why we fight. Do you remember?

Silco vs Finn 2x09: S: I'm busy. F: When you took Vander out of play, I thought, "Now here's a man who understands what it takes to run an enterprise." The attitude, the instinct, the eye. The whole package, you were. Always two steps ahead. But time's lapped you, old man. S: You're with him, are you? F: You screwed up, Silco. S: You're too young to remember what the undercity was before it became an "enterprise".We had nothing. You know what bore us through those times? Loyalty. Brothers and sisters back-to-back against whatever the world threw at us. Now I'm forced to share the air with parasites like you, who leach off their legacies. F: Today's the day you die, Silco. S: That's a risk I've known all my life. But I still believe in loyalty.

Silco at the Vander statue: S: A thousand times I've imagined this moment. Never like this. All we ever wanted. The boy didn't even haggle. And what do I lose but problems? Oh, it all makes sense now, brother. Is there anything so undoing as a daughter?

Vander, SIlco and Felicia in 2x05:

V: What's the occasion? F: Hmm. Can't a lady just be in the mood for a familiar song? V: Not this lady, and not this song. F: Tonight a harebrained scheme these two bozos cooked up to turn a dank crack in the earth into a thriving, healthy community became a reality. V: Tonight, eh? You hear that, Bozo 2? We made it. We're done. S: Oh, you're sadly mistaken. I'm Bozo 1. V: A night of revelations. F: I'm knocked up. A girl. V: How do you know? F: Mm. Wasn't really part of my plan, but guess that's everything when you're living week to week. V: What did Connol say? F: I haven't told him. Working up the nerve. I don't know anything about kids. I get sweaty being alone with one. V: Hey, you're gonna be a great mother. F: Shut up. I'm not ready for that. I started trying to come up with a name, and it hits me that this one word is a decision she's gonna live with her whole life. I can't protect her from all the shit down here and work out how to be a parent at the same time. Then I realized, I don't have to. V: Hmm? Why's that? F: Because the second I told you, I put you on the hook. You two are gonna figure this Zaun thing out. I don't care if you have to carve it out of the bedrock, covered in blisters. You're not allowed to fail anymore. For her. For me. V: What's the point if we can't raise an ankle biter or two? S: To Zaun, then. Blisters and bedrock. V: Blisters and bedrock. I've always liked the name Violet.

[eriochromatic]

I love your Silco takes so I was wondering if you could share yours on Vander and the drowning incident because no matter what angle I look at, it doesn't make sense.

As far as I can tell from what we're shown, the riot was well under way before Silco threw that molotov, and it's confirmed that enforcers killed Felicia. Thing is, it's implicit that Felicia chose to participate in the riot because a.) Why else would she be there, and b.) She was down with Zaun being independent for HER KIDS. Also, anyone who participates in a riot, or even a peaceful protest, knows they're putting their life on the line. So while I understand reacting to loss with intense grief, it's not exactly a surprise? It's something you have to mentally prepare for when you take a stand against an oppressor?

But then, if you go the ideology route with Silco taking it too far and the riot was Silco's idea, that stunt on the bridge was most likely pre-planned, organized resistance. This means a sizable number in their community, including Felicia and Connol, supported it. Even if Vander had doubts, he went along with it. Otherwise, why does the show open with him beating an enforcer on the bridge? Vander had other options: he could have split the resistance group down the middle by sitting it out and/or trying to stop Silco, neither of which he did!

The letter highlights the loss of Felicia as Vander's triggering event, and Vander admits that there's blood on both their hands. To be honest, I kind of like this because it hints that Silco's violence was acceptable to Vander within the context of revolution, and he thought he could handle the sacrifices required. Ironically, when he couldn't handle it, HIS violence pushed Silco towards any-violence-necessary because you can't trust anyone ever anyway!

Anyway, I know this is the fault of flimsy writing in S2 and what feels like internal censorship with challenging political status quo during production, but two drowning attempts (which for Silco came out of nowhere), followed by expulsion from the Lanes (which he helped build), the guilt of Felicia's death, and the total loss of the friends and community he was fighting for ... I mean, at least Silco's villain era makes complete and total sense???

Ugh honestly I try not to think about the drowning incident or even make sense of it anymore because every time I do, it's just so obvious to me that the writers themselves had no idea what they're doing. Timelines are completely off, character motivations make no sense, so why is it up to me to untangle the mess they made?

I have a huge love hate relationship with season 2 because on one hand, I didn't expect as much Silco crumbs we got in the first place and I'm SO HAPPY we got to see him normally in episode 5 and thriving in episode 7. But the retcon… I was so pissed when Act 2 dropped because the whole bridge incident just stopped making sense like you said.

Then when Act 3 happened, it all clicked together, but not in the "ohhh the story makes sense now" way but in the "oh the writers needed to set up smth previously so this would work." and it completely took me out of it. Like. The writers wanted Vander and Silco to make up with each other. But they don't know how to do that. Let's add some underlying sentimentality between Vander and Silco and Vi's mom, then kill Vi off. That'll make them go back together (along with that STUPID LETTER Vander wrote). Sure that's a bandaid solution and on surface level it works, but I don't think the writers really thought we would think about Silco this much so the moment you peel back the layers nothing makes sense anymore. I think they could've crafted a way more interesting story if they ACTUALLY SAT DOWN AND TRIED to have Silco and Vander reconcile without using Felicia as a crutch, but season 2 has an overarching problem of "lets have all the important things happen offscreen and only imply that they happened" which is just… so lazy…. so I'm not surprised that this happened.

It just weakens so, so many parts of the story and raises way more questions than answer them. Why does Silco pull away and distance himself from Felicia's family? Surely Vi should know him from before? Does Silco only take in Powder because he knew she was Felicia's daughter? Why, WHY does Vander go like "there are worse things than enforcers out there" (implying Silco) in s1 while talking to Benzo????????? when he's apparently felt guilty this whole time ??????? what happened to "I've looked everywhere????" etc etc idk man. from s1 I always thought the bridge incident happened way, way earlier from Felicia dying bc Vi looked like she was about 7 years old during the bridge and around 14 during act one, but then if you see Silco during the s2 warwick flashback he looks like he's 25. maybe 30 at the maximum. aint no way he aged that much in 7 years, in act one he and Vander both feel like they're in their mid 40s idk.

This is lowkey why I kind of only want to draw young Silco.. I love old man yaoi but like. If everything I draw is just flashback version of him, I don't need to worry about logistics of the bridge thing bc it hasn't happened yet lmfao. Or the AU version where everything is solved and no one rlly thinks about that time anymore.

Honestly I've tried to write this response several times trying to spell out my version of the timeline but just. nothing makes any fucking sense. I don't like thinking about how badly the writers fucked up on this part. Silco magically gets an eye injury caused by Vander and they had yaoi divorce but it's fine now. That's just how it is for me and if I think about it even a little more in depth my head will explode and I have better things to do with my time like draw zaundads yaoi

[cowboylikelyric]

strip (famous!harry x fashion designer!y/n)

Summary: A focused CEO Y/N clashes with an unprofessional but alluring Harry Styles, their heated partnership testing patience and stirring unexpected tension.

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: nothing much, angsty

A/N: hey guys.... it's been a while. the writing bug bit me tonight, so you guys have the start to a new series that i will hopefully finish. i know that there's no smut, but hoping you guys will still love it. more to come in up coming parts!

---

      You stomp quickly through the halls of the office, your folder tucked in the crease of your arm against your body. At the sound of your heels clicking, everyone stiffens in their seats and people in passing move to the side of the hallway, out of your way. On a regular basis, your employees weren’t threatened by you like this. But when the click of your heels went up an octave, they all knew to stay out of your lane. 

      When you stepped into your assistant Heather’s office, she must not have picked up on the cues considering she began by greeting you with a, “Good morning, Y/N! All good this morning?”

      You ignore her greeting and cut straight to the chase, “Do you have any idea where he is?” Heather’s face drops and surely her stomach too. You look down at your watch and up at her again, “It’s quarter ‘til 10. He was meant to be here 45 minutes ago.” 

      Your assistant immediately reaches for her telephone, pressing it against her ear as she types in the sequence of numbers. Heather sits there for a second as the phone rings, biting her lip until you hear a faint click and someone speaks. “Hi Abby, yes, this is Heather Rossi, Y/N Y/L/N’s assistant, and I was just calling to check in about Y/N and Mr. Styles’ meeting this morning. It was meant to start approximately 45 minutes ago, but we still have no signs of Mr. Styles.” You lean against the door frame, possibly looking like a cartoon character with steam spewing from your ears. 

      Heather nods as she listens to the person on the opposite end. “A miscommunication, I understand.” You roll your eyes and scoff. Heather gives you an apologetic look. “Will you excuse me for a moment while I talk to Miss. Y/L/N?” She puts the call on hold before looking up to you. “Are we rescheduling or will you still take him?” 

      You sigh and shake your head, “We have to take him today. We’re under a strict schedule, there’s no time for rescheduling.” Heather nods and picks up the call again.

      “Yeah, so we’re going to need for Mr. Styles to come in today. Scheduling is tight and there is really no time for rescheduling.” She pauses for a second as she hears Abby’s response. “Asap would be great. Perfect, thank you.” When Heather hangs up the phone, she gives you a roll of the eye. “20 minutes.” She sighs.

      You groan and decide that you might as well take a seat in her office. “This guy is actually creeping onto my last nerve.”

      Normal people would just tell you to get rid of him, and it has crossed your mind plenty of times, but it just wouldn’t be good for your company. Aurelia, your clothing brand, thrived when he was wearing your clothes, unfortunately. His first advertisement boosted your sales by almost 50%. It felt almost insulting, but you couldn’t really deny that it was rewarding. And of course his assistant came running back to you. Whatever was good for your company, was even better for him. 

      However, while this partnership was very important to his team,  modeling was not his top priority. In fact, it was probably last on his personal list. On a normal day, he was a music artist. He’d show up to proposals in wrinkled button ups and sunglasses to shadow his hangovers. Overall, he showed no respect for you or your brand for that matter. So, it seemed to you that he was treating this partnership as extra spending money. It infuriated you. 

      Heather nods, “Mine as well. I mean, he could at least try and take the whole thing more seriously.” 

      “Tell me about it,” You lay your folder down on her desk and sit back in the guest chair in front of it. “Abby’s always like, ‘He really appreciates this opportunity,’ with that sweet smile. And while I appreciate excitement, I don’t appreciate lies.” Heather snorts out a laugh before picking up the coffee mug in front of her, handing it to you. 

      “I think you might need this more than I do.” You accept it and take a large sip, feeling the warmth travel down your body. “I’ll make sure I stock up on some tequila next time.” That cracks a good laugh out of you.

      While most CEO’s look down upon their assistants, You praise yours. Heather is an angel sent from above, and most of the time, her work is harder than yours is. She keeps everything on track, aside from Styles' shenanigans which you can’t blame her for, and does it like it’s nothing. She’s the real lady boss.

      “Okay, well let me get down there and prepare for their arrival,” You scoop up your folder and take the mug of coffee with you. “And would you consider coming down to teach Abby how reminders work in online calendars? She’s driving me up the wall.” 

      She laughs, “I’ll be there.” You exit the office with somewhat less of a temper, giving everyone a good morning as you pass, despite you not having one. When you make your way down to the lobby, You watch as a petite woman with icy blonde hair and lash extensions enters through the doors. Abby. And the man you were supposed to see over an hour ago following close behind.

      Harry Styles.

      “Good Morning! I’m so sorry for our tardiness.” Abby clatters near you, grabbing your shoulder as she apologizes. You remove her hand, painting on a smile.

      “That’s alright, Heather’s gonna set up a joint online calendar with you today, so there are no more misunderstandings.” On your part, you want to say. You peak around her to see Harry with his head buried in his phone. You clear your throat and his head lifts. “Harry.” You say, your neck is stiff and your nose is tilted. 

      “Y/N.” He’s dressed in ripped jeans and a loose t-shirt that contains a few holes, as well as glasses that you’ve seen him in one or two times. He slides his phone into his back pocket. “What are ya dressing me up in today?” 

      “Ah, there’s that excitement of your’s I would have loved to have over an hour ago.” You state as you start walking in the direction of your dressing room. You can feel his eye’s roll from behind you, but you continue on with a firm click of your heels. 

      When you reach the room, Heather happens to already be there, looking up from her phone as you approach. “Good morning, everyone.” She walks straight toward Harry and Abby. “Nice to see you again, Harry. Abby, would you like to join me up in my office? I think we should go over some of the future meetings and shoots we have so there are no confusions.” Abby nods and you have to try hard to hold back a laugh. You would say poor Abby, but sympathy left you a long time ago. 

      After their departure, you turn to Harry, who is on his phone yet again, “Harry.” You call his name, but this time you don’t worry about layering on any nice tones. If you aren’t stern with Harry, your words fly right over him. He looks up and raises his brows. “Okay so listen. This project that we're working on is moving fast and on schedule. Which means I need you here when you’re supposed to be and doing what you’re supposed to be. An album with no release date can wait, a line with a hard launch date cannot.”

      You raise your brows, looking for a reply. Harry huffs out a laugh and, “Yes, ma’am.” At least he’s paying attention. 

      “Great.” You turn and grab some of the pieces you created, specifically with him in mind. 

      While he never seems too interested in his part of Aurelia, Harry is known in the media for his style. He’s been seen on the cover of multiple fashion magazines, which is where you first caught sight of him. So while his interests in Aurelia were low, he didn’t mind fashion. 

      “While I get these ready for you, remind me of the name of this collection, the one that you are the “partner” for.” Yeah, you just air quoted him.

      He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall of the dressing room. “HA HA HA.” 

      “Exactly, which is a very you name, and not a very Aurelia name. But if you really sell it, everyone will love it.” You pull a ringer tee off of the rack that displays a moody teddy bear, quite similar to Harry right now, with a line of his lyrics. You look over to Harry who’s still fully clothed, raising your brows. When he raises his back, you groan, “Strip.”

      He smirks and pulls his shirt over his head, “Geez, take me to dinner first.” When his abdomen flashes in front of your eyes, you scold yourself mentally for spending a little extra time perusing the creases of his body with your eyeballs. You quickly shake the thoughts from your head and hand him the shirt, not missing the sly grin on his face, signaling that he most definitely caught you gawking. 

      Harry slips on the shirt and walks over to stand in front of the full body mirror, brushing his hands down the shirt. You walk over behind him, just barely being able to look over his shoulder in your heels to see his reflection in the mirror. You pull at one of the sleeves to even out the shirt on his shoulders, your stomach twisting slightly, making you pull away rather quickly. When you look back into the mirror, Harry’s no longer looking at himself, but he’s looking you in the eyes. 

      “Look good?” He asks, the tone of his voice being deep, adding a rasp to it that gives you goosebumps. Judging by the way he asks, he knows it looks good, he just wants to hear you say it. You nod, but he pushes further with a, “Hmm?” 

      You bristle and straighten your shoulders, pulling yourself from the daze you fell into. “Yes, it looks exactly as I imagined.” Strutting over to the rack, you pluck out a pale yellow pair of slacks to pair with the shirt. When you look back over to Harry, he’s just staring back at you, so you raise a brow.

      “Strip?” He asks, and you nod, rolling your eyes.

      “You act like you’re new here, Styles.” He reaches for the button of his jeans, shrugging,

     “Just in a daze today.” That makes two of us, you thought. As he discarded his jeans you couldn’t help but be drawn to watch below his torso. This man annoyed you on the regular, but something about him today spiked your blood. You had to be ovulating, it was the only explanation. Something about the way that those ferns pointed right to a place you’d never thought about before today, had your lady bits in a frenzy. But that was quickly shut down as he tugged on the pair of pants you had given him, covering the tattoos you were fantasizing about following like they were a huge neon sign that read ‘suck my cock!’ What the hell was wrong with you? 

      You cleared your throat and began helping him tuck the shirt into the trousers. You can feel as he sucks in a breath and his abdomen caves in, making your stomach turn. When you’re finished, you lean back and take him in, tilting your head to the side.

      “Something’s missing.” Don’t get it twisted, he still looked near delectable, which was infuriating, but it needed something more. You watch as he looks past you to the rack. 

      “That.” You follow his eyes to the plaid green overcoat that hangs at the end of the clothing rack. As soon as you saw it, you gasped. 

      “Exactly,” You rush toward the piece, pulling it off of the hanger and walking it over to him. He pulled it over his arms and joy burst throughout your chest. You clapped a little to yourself out of pure satisfaction.

      Harry smirks at your excitement, stating, “I know what I’m doing, sometimes.”

      Blinded by happiness, you rush forward and run your hands down his coat covered arms smiling. “This is sooo good.” Key moments like this were the reason that you loved this job. When an outfit just made sense, it meant everything to you. But then you realize that you’re feeling up your brand partner, and pull away immediately. Harry huffs out a laugh, shaking his head. Cocky bastard.

      Turning a shade of pink, you pull out your phone from the inside of your blazer, pulling up your camera to capture the outfit. Harry sticks his hands in the pockets of the slacks and stares at you with this sexy straight face smolder. God damn ovulation. You snap the photo and quickly put your phone away. 

      “Okay, on to the next.”

—

      You needed to get him out of your office as soon as possible. Something in the air had turned you into a cat in heat, feeling like you were going to hump his leg any second now. It was such a strange sensation. One minute you wanted to punch his face, the next you wanted to sit on it. What a predicament.

      Harry snapped in front of your face. “Hello?” 

      Your shoulders tightened up and you blinked a few times. “Huh?” Sorry, I was too busy focusing on the fact you were standing in front of me in just a pair of briefs that hug your package quite nicely. 

      “Is that all for today?” He smirked as he looked you in the eye, his gaze then traveling up and down your body. You planted your hands on your hips and tried to give him an unimpressed look, though you were definitely impressed by the size of that- Oh my god, what is happening?

      You nodded and gestured your hands to his original outfit. “Yeah, put some clothes on please.” 

      “I don’t know,” He said slyly, stalking closer to you, like a predator to its prey, “I’m starting to think you like them better off me.” I definitely am- No! You gave him a stern look and squinted your eyes. 

        “Styles, that is highly inappropriate. Please put your clothes on.” Crossing your arms, you made your way to the door of the room. “Get here on time next time.” You reach for the door handle to exit the room but as you do, his fingers grasp your wrist tightly and spin you around, pulling you close to him.

      He shakes his head, with a panty dropping expression. “I don’t think I will.” He whispers. You grit your teeth and huff through your nose. This brings another one of those god damned smirks to his face. “Not if you're gonna continue to be a brat like this.” His hand reaches up to thread through your hair before pulling it tight to cock your head up to look at him. “You gonna keep being a brat?” 

      Your nostril flared and your panties became drenched. It has to be ovulation time. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

      He chuckled degradingly, “Oh, please. Like you aren’t crossing your fucking legs right now.” Harry leans in beside your ear. “Need some relief, don’t you?” His teeth nipped and your ear and you felt a shiver run down your spine. But then a knock came to the door and you ripped away from him, also probably ripping out a few strands of hair at the same time. A moment later, Abby burst through the door. 

      She smiled, “Oh good, you’re done. You have a studio session in an hour, so we better get going.” Oh, so she could keep track of the studio sessions, but not this? Makes you feel wonderful. 

      You straightened your posture and nodded to Harry. “See you in a few days.” 

      A fucking smirk and you squeezed your thighs together. “Can’t wait.”

***

For more of my writing, check out my masterlist!

[constantlybrainrotting]

you guys will never guess what time it is...

COMP DANCER AU TIME!!!

on todays roster, the main characters as well as the more important characters to this au, their roles, specialties and some facts (in order of oldest to youngest)!! keep in mind some of the characters are underage, as that is the prime time for competitive dancing

Mel Medarda (19)

Studio: Piltover Dance Corps

Team: Senior

Specialty: lyrical/contemp

Mel was originally born in the city of Noxus to the wealthy Medarda family

in 6th grade she ended up moving in with her estranged uncle, who lived in New Piltover, after her and her mother got into a huge arguement

he ended up signing her up for dance as a way to get her out of the house and to stop sulking

she ended up loving it so much she dedicated her whole life to it and refused to move back with her mother at all since Noxus didn't have a good dance program that she was looking for

she quickly improved and was asked to join the competitive team in 8th grade, where she thrived

this is when she met Elora, who ended up in her class that year and they quickly became best friends

she wants to become a professional dancer when she gets out of high school and has gotten an offer with the New Piltover Ballet Company for their lyrical specific program, leading to her in the end running the NPBC

she teaches the younger part-time kids lyrical and tech classes

her and Jayce ended up doing some partner work during the nutcracker one year and ended up becoming good friends because of it

she ended up having to ask out both her boys because one is dense and the other has a hard time with social ques

she is choreographing a few solos as well this year

met Lest in her civics class (her mother insisted) and she was quickly was added in to make the iconic trio (Mel, Elora, Lest)

her mother ended up moving to New Piltover when she was brought to the senior team and has become the most involved dance parent ever omg

i chose lyrical for Mel because of the way she walks and presents herself in the show. her walk and movements are soft and intentional and pairing that with the way she fights with her magic, she is shown to use a lot of fluidity with her whole body which pairs well with the fluidity of lyrical

i however also chose lyrical because of her unpredictability. while everything to her is intentional, to everyone else she can be conniving with both her movements and speech. i find it would work well with contemp because it does have these moments of chaos before softening up and moving back to a neutral state.

Sky Young (19)

Studio: Zaun Dance Movement

Team: Senior

Specialty: pointe/ballet/lyrical

Sky is Viktor's best friend and biggest pain in the ass tbh

you think being a ballet kid makes her calm?? WRONG we are agents of chaos

as one of the only ballet kids at the studio she is pushed even harder by Silco and in turn has become closer with the Lane-Shimmerson family

her favourite solo has been her demi-pointe to the song "Gypsy Dance I" from Don Quixote when she was 15 because she was given a tambourine to use (yes that was an actual dance i did and i wanted to include it because i love that one so much lol)

she is going to university next year for a major in plant science/botany and a minor in both statistics and entomology

she wants to become a botanist with a specialty in plant genetics

always pairing up with Mel in science because Mel's dweeb boyfriends are a nightmare to pair up with in science

we don't know a whole lot about her in the show but we do know that in the first season she was very timid so i wanted to give her an opposite effect when she dances.

i picked ballet/pointe for her because at it's core ballet as a whole can be both soft and intense and i wanted to create that space for her where she could be this agent of intensity and allow her to express herself in a healthy way. i did however to the opposite by picking lyrical for her as well, as to bring through that softer and timid side to her with softer and flowy movements (i really hope that made sense)

she currently works at a local flower shop part time and teaches ballet to the rec kids

Viktor Lane-Shimmerson (19)

Studio: Zaun Dance Movement

Team: honorary senior

Specialty: being a bitch <3

OH HOW I ADORE THIS GREMLIN

he was adopted through surrogacy by Silco and Vander before they gained any of the other kids actually when the two were a year into their marriage

Silco and Vander were both 21 at the time

has a good amount of health problems that no one caught when he was a newborn and it ended up giving him a nasty case of femoral anteversion that he received surgery on at one point

he uses a mix of a heavy duty knee brace, kt tape, his cane and a fuck ton of tiger balm to help with any pains and such

when his parents opened up the studio, he was the main cause for the adaptive movement program and he ended up joining as a way to help strengthen his bad leg (his physio therapist actually recommended it (DO NOT TAKE THIS ADVICE I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, I AM SIMPLY JUST A GIRLY IN THE ARTS))

he is always around the studio to the point that the current senior group think of him as one of their own

he attends all the comps and thats actually how he met Jayce when they were younger

besties with Sky and they love talking smack

he will sit in on dance classes and tell you where you fucked up because he may not be a dancer but his entire family is so he knows what he's talking about tyvm

always pairing up with Jayce in science because no one wants to pair up with either of them (they collectively have caused so many accidents in that room)

has both a badass gf and boyfriend who both dance!!

my guy is a disabled guy surrounded by athletes and he WILL pull out the disabled card everytime

low key got a bit of the tism (his special interests are infectious diseases, cults, programming, science as a whole and unsurprisingly dance, specifically it's effects on the body)

because this man cannot take a break, he is double majored in kinesiology and mechanical engineering when he heads of to college next year

he wants to become a sports medicine physician with a specialty in dancers, as well as to create more physical disability aids, ergo the mechanical engineering degree

he's such a good older brother tbh and is the best person to go to for advice according to his siblings

Powder and him get along especially with their shared love for the sciences

during recitals, he is backstage coordinating with the backstage crew on lights, curtains, backdrop, etc.

while he himself doesn't do comp dance, he is proficient in creating choreo that he choreographs solos for his siblings that always do well

he works part time at the studio doing all sorts of odd jobs like front desk work, organizing costumes, creating programs to help with front desk, and honestly whatever Silco needs done

Vander is his dad and Silco is his tatínek (papa in Czech according to google translate so let me know if im wrong pls)

Calls Claggor ""Button Vi "Bolt", Mylo "Duckling" and Powder a mix of "Powder Keg, Shadow and Little Rabbit", and will occasionally call any of them "Sestřička" and "Bratříček"

he is the loudest mf in the audience okay, like hes so loud you can distinctly hear him in the recordings and people refuse to sit beside him it's actually a problem (no ur honor i am not projecting myself on Viktor shut the fuck up-)

Jayce Talis (19)

Studio: Piltover Dance Corps

Team: Senior

Specialty: hip hop/tap

Jayce has been at PDC since he was young and has been there probably the longest of everyone

Ximena was a professional dancer and had put him in dance to share the love with her son

unfortunately his father had passed when Jayce was 8 due to a driving accident in a blizzard when the family was driving to see Ximena's family

Ximena suffered the loss of 2 of her fingers while Jayce luckily just suffered with some nasty cuts and bruises

he hates blizzards with a passion since then and refuses to leave the house when theirs one no matter what

he loves the cold however because this man is a FURNACE

he also works at his late fathers forge part time that creates medical aid devices

i have him as a hip hop and tap kid for different reasons. this man is BIG okay, big and bulky that when he swings his hammer in canon, it is through jerky and heavy movements and I find that translates well into hip hop. hip hop would show off his more intense and rougher self that we clearly see in season 2. tap however is closer to his season 1 self, lighter and airy and overall a more laid back look to him

i believe tap would come easiest to him and he would be a natural at it, to the point that its all muscle memory to him, while hip hop he has to think about more, giving him an intense look to his hip hop

i also just think he would love the clicking of tap shoes given his part time job in the forge

he first met Viktor when they were fairly young at a competition and Jayce made it his MISSION to befriend this pathetic looking boy (little did you know, that is Viktor's ruse and that man is a MENACE)

Ximena and Vander would set up play dates with the two because Jayce would not shut up about his new friend and it was a year after the accident and he needed some cheering up tbh and Vander thought Viktor needed to socialize and no, talking on cult forums is not socializing Viktor do not listen to your other father-

while they went to different elementary schools, they ended up going to the same middle/high school where they formatted themselves as a duo

definitely has adhd and whenever someone close to him brings up a special interest or general interest, he does deep dives into it to talk to them about it

CANNOT stop moving

and for the moment we've all been waiting for, hes dating both Mel and Viktor and the three have a polyship and are known around school as the Brains and the Brawn, Viktor & Jayce as brains and Mel as brawn because as strong as Jayce is he is but a pathetic nerd and Mel grew up in Noxus where people are known to be ample fighters (she also beat the shit out of a girl when she first came to the school for talking smack about her uncle who hadn't deserved to be talked in that way)

over time he has had increasing knee, joint and muscle pain in his left leg that doctors are just straight up not believing him about and keep giving him the same 5 pages of exercises to do that don't work (it was Viktor that suggested the part time use of a knee brace and tiger balm when it gets bad)

he was accepted into a biomedical major at the same university as Viktor and will be doing a double major in mechanical engineering - he wants to be able to help people with disabilities and pains and give them better access to treatments with his inventions. it definitely helps that both he and his boyf are a part of those communities and want to work in similar fields. (in the future their most popular invention is the HexCore, a series of leg braces that helps take stress off the leg, allowing for more range of movement without allowing for the leg to loose muscle and strength (side note; do not ask me how it would work, i almost failed 10th grade science okay-))

Claggor Lane (16)

Studio: Zaun Dance Movement

Team: Senior

Specialty: ballet/tap

the second oldest of the Lane-Shimmerson clan

Claggor is actually Vander's younger brother (their mother was 17 when she had Vander and 41 when she had Claggor and she died in childbirth, their father left after their mother found out she was pregnant with Claggor and gave up all rights to the boy)

he only has Vander's last name even though he is officially adopted by Silco due to Vander's request on wanting to keep his mother's final request of her son to keep Claggor simply a Lane (her maiden name)

A 24 year old Vander was also dealing with a 24yo Silco, who was in performances quite a bit and a 4yo Viktor in his toddler years so he had his hands full but the 2 of them made do and while Claggor knew of his origins, he never saw Vander as a brother in any sort of capacity, Vander is his dad and Silco is his tatínek

he's dating Orianna Reveck (SHE'S TECHNICALLY IN ARCANE OK AND IM PROB GOING TO FACTOR IN LOL CHARACTERS IF I NEED MORE) and they are so cute ngl

i picked ballet for 2 reasons, one more selfish than the other lmao. the first reason is that with the way he uses his strength in the fight against Deckard in canon, can easily be translated into great partner work and lifting in ballet and it ties into his less intense demeanor compared to Vi and Mylo. the other is that i think a ballet/pointe duet with him and Orianna would be adorable and I think the partner work would look so good!!

i also went with tap for him because as we noted earlier, his fighting is heavy handed and i think a good intense tap with a lot of stamping would really work well with him.

Claggor is a very focused person and really enjoys the STEM subjects - he is debating on going into the biology field and asks Sky lots of questions on botany

him and Orianna have friday night dates because it's the only night they are free during the week and they tend to rotate between movie night, rollerblading, karaoke, the arcade and dinner + ice cream

his love language is gift giving and he when he finds random trinkets on the street, he gives them to who he thinks would like them like he is always bringing pretty flowers and rocks to Orianna, found a pile of gears by the junkyard for Viktor and Powder, a vintage coin for Vi, a skeleton key for Milo (which no one knows how he found it honestly even him), etc.

he has nicknames for everyone (Vik and Braniac - Viktor / Vi - Violet (he was the one to start it actually) / Lo and Pebbles (Mylo hates that one) - Mylo / Bug and Blue - Powder / Ori and Doll - Orianna / Little Man - Ekko / Kay - Caitlyn / Mar - Margot / Big G - Gert / you get the gist)

he's suprisingly friends with Margot Vyx and have been since elementary school

he works part time at the cafe and really enjoys working there when he has time

he has been dancing since the first year the studio was open when he was 4

Violet "Vi" Lane-Shimmerson (16)

Studio: Zaun Dance Movement

Team: Senior

Specialty: hip hop/contemp

our favourite head blocker is the full on middle child in the Lane-Shimmerson clan

when she was 10 years old her parents passed when they were participating in a protest for better pay at the NPBC by trigger happy cops that came to break it up (both were dancers at the company)

that was the day that Vander and Silco took her and Powder in, as per the will of their parents (the four were very close and Felicia+Connel named the two godparents of the two girls)

Vi bonded more originally with Vander since Silco was recovering from an injury he had received that same day from the protest. She calls Vander pops and it took her much longer to call Silco papa (she ends up calling him Sil more than anything though)

I had a very clear vision of what styles i wanted to have Vi specialize in

I gave her hip hop and contemp exclusively based off her fighting style and her roof running, because if you look closely, the way she moves in certain situations can work with either style

her fighting leans more towards the hip hop style, heavy hitting and strong at its core. she has a tendency to use larger but fast punches at first but switches to smaller jabs to disorient her opponents that work seamlessly with hip hops use of levels and erratic pacing. the same erratic pacing of her punches also work seamlessly with contemp, having be known as one of the more intense pacing styles of dance

her roof running however is a lot more graceful and meticulous, with a lot of quick footing that contemp loves to use and flips that are more correlated with hip hop

her and Caitlyn are in a very sweet and hidden relationship but it is quite legit only hidden to Silco and Cassandra who are always 5 seconds away from ripping the other to shreds (Vander and Tobias think its hilarious but would love for their respective partners to chill so the girls can be cute with them)

Tobias was actually very hesitant about Vi and Caitlyn's friendship at first since they started with a bit of a rivalry and it was Cassandra who told him to give her a chance because Vander is a good man and she trusts his parenting more than her urge to fist fight Silco

she takes up boxing at the closest gym and is pretty good overall

she's actually a huge reader and her favourite school book is "The Kite Runner" and her favourite non-school book/series is "Assistant to the Villain"

has a one sided rivalry with Deckard that she doesn't realize she has (he hates her and she is indifferent to him)

everytime she sees Loris at a comp she gets excited and the 2 are always cheering eachother on despite the difference in studios

Vi and Jayce are not aloud to be left alone together because last time Jayce sprained his wrist and Vi almost broke her collarbone from trying to do a stunt

it's so bad that Viktor/Mel and Caitlyn fear what would happen with the two at their respective weddings

when the two studios do a collective show, Vi and Caitlyn do the sweetest lyrical duet ever to "Physics and Love" by The Public Service

Vi teaches hip hop to the rec kids part time and does some solos when she can

Vi's contemp solos are extremely dark and heavy in theme while her hip hop solos are light and upbeat

she wants to either become a dance teacher, firefighter or a writer one day

she joined the studio during the 2nd year it was open when she turned 5 since Felicia and Connel wanted her to have a healthy outlet and support their friends new studio

Caitlyn Kiramman (16)

Studio: Piltover Dance Corps

Team: Senior

Specialty: lyrical/pointe

Cait is by all definitions a dance nepo baby but no one actually gaf because shes actually good and applies herself

i decided on giving her pointe because of her use of a rifle in the show which sounds odd but trust me on this one!!! using any sort of gun, but specifically a rifle, takes a good amount of focus, concentration and precision which are all qualities needed for pointe, so going off of that, i think she would throw herself into ballet and pointe and absolutely love it

i think that her love of ballet would also translate well to lyrical. lyrical is the byproduct of mixing ballet and jazz together so the softer lines would really appeal to her and basing off of her season 1 personality mainly, she is a soft hearted individual who can portray the emotions needed for lyrical in particular.

Caitlyn is genuinely such an amazing dancer that it's what initially drew in Vi to have a crush on her and the exact dance that made her realize that crush was to "Winner Takes it All" (side note, i found this solo while deep diving and i think it is so gorgeous that i had to have Cait do it)

she is one of the golden kids at the studio since her routines always score high and she dances in such a specific way that you can tell it's her

she teaches some of the rec ballet classes and the younger rec part time ballet classes

shes a mediocre student surprisingly! she is always studying but her grades are c+ to a- most of the time

she's a huge cry baby and you can always find her in tears after doing or watching a sadder routine

as the youngest on her team, her nickname is "mouse"

it was hilarious to them all when she asked to be cast as a rat in the nutcracker after receiving the nickname

shes always down to do a bit - that girl is a huge jokester when she gets close to you

shes also always baking and will drop off goodies to ZDC and PDC both (Vi is always excited for a sweet treat and when she first dropped off cupcakes thats when the nickname "cupcake" was born)

she is in a current debate with herself to become a journalist or to continue with dance

her and Jayce have a serious sibling/cousin relationship due to the closeness of Ximena and Cassandra and are always picking on each other

she takes pilates and yoga classes when she has the chance

she hates not being busy and tries to book up her time

has the prettiest dance photos its actually so rude

she is always cracking her joints its to the point her mother is worried she needs a chiroprator

she buys Vi flowers all the time and when they first got together, she bought a bouquet for each of the siblings

she was the one to give Mel and Viktor the shovel talk when they first got together with Jayce and it was very funny watching this 13 year old girl threaten two 16 year olds much to Jayce's embarrassment

Mylo Lane-Shimmerson (15)

Studio: Zaun Dance Movement

Team: Inter

Specialty: tap

Mylo is the second youngest of the Lane-Shimmerson clan

he was the last one to join the family as an emergency foster placement

Vander and Silco full on forgot they had signed up to be foster parents when Vi and Powder came into their custody so you can imagine their surprise a year later when they got a call at 3am about an emergency foster placement of a 9 year old boy who had come from a case of extreme neglect

he was very slow to open up to the family but ended up bonding with Powder who took it upon herself to keep him company in his sulking, just being a little chatterbox and showing him her inventions until he started to open up to her

as one of the youngest, he is constantly fucking with Powder who is 5 seconds away from jumping his ass in class

he was 11 when he finally joined the studio, wanting to relate to his new siblings easier and quickly took to it

for Mylo i took some creative liberties in choosing his specialty for a few reasons. in his fight scenes he quite frankly is a horrid fighter with wider punches and little to no muscle mass so i had to only go off his general presentation of himself, specifically the way he walks and his general attitude

Mylo at his core embodies the tap genre very well. he is loud and brash on the outside but has these moments where the quieter noises take effect to bring a softer side to him and add dimension to him and the tap genre

i also just think he would love the noise that tap shoes make tbh

he does the most intense and high energy tap solos

hes the only one that Smeech doesn't completely hate since he can pull off intricate tap moves

can jump stupidly high its so annoying but so good for ballet

he does however hate ballet so it's a double edged sword for Silco

he is closer with Silco to everyone's surprise since they bonded over their random trinket collections

hes the class clown 100% and loves to make people laugh

he and powder are really close despite how mean he was to her in the earlier years of his stay and he calls her "pipsqueak, brainiac" and was technically the first one to nickname her "jinx"

he was fully adopted when he was 13 and he low-key was sobbing when it was ruled that he could stay with the Lane-Shimmerson's

he regularly sees a therapist to help with the trauma from the neglect in his youth (her name is Leanne and she is a godsend)

he wants to become an entrepreneur when hes older and work in sales and marketing

because of this, Vander has put him in charge of the cafe's social media to help him gain some experience - the people love his posts

Ekko Prospero (14)

Studio: Zaun Dance Movement

Team: Inters

Specialty: hip hop/acro

fun fact time! his last name Prospero is from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, symbolizing control over time and destiny. (thank you namecoded.com)

i originally had him just specializing in hip hop but after reviewing his fighting scenes, adding in acro would make the most sense given his form on the hoverboards

he would be the type of hip hopper to be extremely light on their feet and move quickly compared to heavier hitters like Vi and it would translate well into his flips and tricks for both acro and hip hop

he knows how to do some insane tumbling sets that always have the crowd cheering

his parents were never together but he lives with his dad Benzo since his mom passed in labour - his step mom Amari (random name that i threw in) is wonderful to him and treats him as her own

he and Powder originally met through a party that Vander and Silco had thrown when the two were 3 and have been inseparable since

when they were younger, Ekko, Scar, Eve and other unrevealed character were in a hip hop small group ad nicknamed themselves the "Firelights" after the song they had danced to and are still a close knit group

him and Jinx do the most ridiculous and insane acro duets and they are always a fan favourite

he is always showing up to the studio with his skateboard and a dream, trying new tricks while attempting not to hurt himself so Silco and Sevika don't kick his ass

he started dance the same year as Powder did and for years he only did it because he wanted to hang with Powder until he took up acro his second year

he really looks up to Claggor and will always be watching his routines even if he is up past his bedtime

as he's grown older, hes gathered a small crush on Powder that he refuses to act on

him and Powder once did an acro duet to "Red Flags" by Tom Cardy and it got so many special awards that year

he loves doing hip hop solos with Vi

he gets such good grades because 1 he is just naturally smart and 2 he studies quite a bit, he want's to be able to be given any and all opportunites

he's a tiny tinkerer, always fixing items around the house - Benzo got him a fancy toolbox one year and it's his prized possession

always has some sort of jerky on him it's actually concerning

helps Powder pull pranks on the older kids

they once managed to tinfoil the entire studio much to Silco's annoyance

they both got grounded for that one

Powder "Jinx" Lane-Shimmerson (13)

Studio: Zaun Dance Movement

Team: Inters

Specialty: acro/musical theatre

MY GIRL IS FINALLY HERE!!!!

i gave her the acro specialty due to her quiet and snake-like movements and well as her general ability to move and flip quickly while fighting. to me that is only elevated by the shimmer she receives in season 1 and would make her SO GOOD at acro, with a further specialty in silks

her musical theatre specialty would come from her ability to act less dangerous as we see in multiple scenes throughout the show. that girl would LOVE the dramatics of musical theatre you cannot convince me otherwise

she IS the studio sweetheart as the youngest Lane-Shimmerson

she also has schizophrenia which has been medicated for years at this point but she regularly sees a therapist to help with it nonetheless

she's a little spitfire like she is in canon and that translates to her style of dancing, lots of drawn out moments followed by intensely moving scenes

because Babette does most of her musical theatre solos, she sees the woman like a grandmother of sorts and she goes to her for all kinds of advice

Silco is by far her favourite dad mostly because he teaches her all kinds of random shit outside dance and encourages her habit of inventing things

she has always followed Viktor like a little duckling and he's where she found her love of inventing shit

in later years, he has choreographed her musical theatre and acro solos both

she goes to a local gymnastics place to learn how to do silks and they incorporate it a lot with her acro solos and routines

when she first met Isha, she was her assistant and Isha immediately took to her which has led to a very sweet mentorship between the two - leading to Jinx seeing her as a little sister

she LOVES playing pranks everywhere she goes

her and Smeech have so much beef that its a genuine physical struggle to get her to tap class

Vander had to actually lift her up and stand by the door every tap class when she was younger

her favourite acro/silks solo was to "The Ballad of Jane Doe" from Ride the Cyclone and it got her a top soloist award that year

she also has a small crush on Ekko and is essentially forcing Ekko into pulling the first move because she's a little shit like that

during her last senior year, her and Isha do a final duet that they both cry every time they do it

gets mediocre grades in everything but science and art

she is determined to become both an engineer and an artist when she's older and combine the two to create insane pieces

the Lane-Shimmerson house is never safe from her glitter bombs - it used to be paint but Vander quickly shut that down for the safety of the furniture

shes always doodling

Mylo during his mean years once called her a jinx so to spite him, she made it a nickname and makes Silco put her down as Jinx on her comp registration forms every year

she loves doing flips and will give everyone heart attacks by doing them at the most un-opportune times

is ALWAYS cracking every bone in her body

always annoying Sevika and that woman cannot ESCAPE (Sevika is so tired of her shit ngl)

Isha Lowe (6)

Studio: Zaun Dance Movement

Team: Mini

Specialty: acro/hip hop

little Isha is here!!!

i am of the belief that she would want to be just like the older kids, taking after Powder in particular so she gets an acro specialty as well as a hip hop one because who wouldn't want to see this cutie do hip hop

Isha is mute from damage to her vocal cords at a young age

she does however have the LARGEST attitude omg

LOVES Sevika omg

she is always watching in on her classes when she has the chance

not a whole lot on Isha but she would end up as a somewhat important character at some point due to her relation with Jinx in this AU

[brightlotusmoon]

When Robin Williams and Nathan Lane met during the casting process for "The Birdcage" (1996), an instant bond sparked between them that would grow far beyond the film set. Director Mike Nichols had envisioned Williams as Armand Goldman, the reserved club owner, and Lane as Albert, the flamboyant star performer.

During their first table read, Williams, already a household name, quietly slipped into a supportive role, allowing Lane's explosive humor to shine. Those early sessions were filled with laughter, but they also set the tone for a friendship rooted in mutual respect and the rare ability to make each other feel safe in a world that could be brutally unforgiving.

Nathan Lane, at that time, was navigating a personal crossroads. Although he had built a respected career on Broadway, he had not publicly come out as gay. The pressure from Hollywood and the media was heavy.

During the promotion of "The Birdcage," a particularly uncomfortable moment arose on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" when Lane grew visibly anxious at the prospect of being forced into a conversation about his sexuality. Sitting next to him, Robin Williams immediately sensed the shift.

Without missing a beat, Williams launched into a wild, hilarious riff that completely derailed the conversation, pulling all attention toward himself. That spontaneous, compassionate act protected Lane without ever making it obvious, and Lane later described it as one of the kindest things anyone had ever done for him.

Their camaraderie on the set of "The Birdcage" was legendary. Between takes, they often improvised scenes that had the crew in tears of laughter. Mike Nichols would sometimes leave the cameras rolling just to capture whatever Williams and Lane concocted. Lane, known for his sharp timing, found in Williams a rare equal, someone whose manic energy could lift even the cleverest script to another level. Williams, for his part, cherished Lane's ability to ground a scene with pinpoint precision, providing the perfect counterbalance to his own flights of improvisation.

Offscreen, their friendship deepened with quiet acts of kindness. After Lane’s father passed away during the shooting of "The Birdcage," Williams was one of the first people to call, offering not grand gestures but simple, heartfelt support. He would send handwritten notes and little gifts meant to make Lane smile. Once, knowing Lane loved old classic comedies, Williams gifted him a rare collection of original radio recordings from the 1940s, accompanied by a note that said, "Laughter connects us through time."

In interviews over the years, Lane often spoke about Williams with a mix of reverence and affection, referring to him as both a “comic genius” and a “deeply sensitive soul.” He recalled how Williams had a way of lighting up every room but always seemed to reserve a private corner of himself for the friends he truly trusted. Lane became part of that private circle, a relationship built not on celebrity status, but on shared vulnerability and understanding.

When Robin Williams died in 2014, Lane was devastated. Speaking publicly, he remembered not the superstar persona but the man who had shielded him when he felt most exposed, who had made him feel seen, and who had gifted him with a friendship that carried profound meaning. Lane said in an emotional interview, “He was someone who made the world a better place not because he tried, but because he could not help himself.”

Their bond, formed in a world of bright lights and louder expectations, thrived quietly and authentically, a testament to the rarest kind of Hollywood friendship—one rooted in laughter, loyalty, and the simple human need to be understood.

Some friendships are written not in grand declarations, but in the small, silent acts that say, without words, “I am here.”

[stele3]

Has anybody written the fic of Jason getting his throat cut by Bruce in “UtRH,” then having a moment of true clarity in his second(?) death(?) and deciding “fuck this”?

He tells Talia that Bruce isn’t the person they thought he was and if either of them are going to be saved, they have to do it for themselves. He takes off for the West Coast.

I’m gonna be selfish and say he settles in Portland with the intent of going back to school. This is the Batman-ified version of Portland, though, or maybe just the Portland envisioned in conservative media: lawless, violent, on fire all the time. (Reality check: lol.) The guy can’t help himself and pretty soon he’s beating the shit out of Proud Boys downtown. No reason he can’t smash some fash AND get his GED.

Flash forward a few years and by day he’s attending Reed College, with its rolling lawns, nature trails, and liberal arts; by night he’s gotten involved with the local mutual aid network. He’s got a ponytail and an undercut, one full sleeve tattoo and the start of another, multiple facial piercings, and a Subaru. He’s joined a polycule — nothing serious, just some people who are kind with their bodies and have taught him to be the same. He buys secondhand and recycles. He works in the community garden. And if a few Proud Boys have gone missing then no one misses them, right? Portland is small enough to be overlooked but big enough to disappear into. He’s in his lane, moisturized, thriving.

Then Talia shows up with Damian in tow. Because it makes absolutely no sense for her to send Damian to Bruce in the first place, unless she somehow didn’t know that Bruce slit Jason’s throat, OR she somehow didn’t give a shit. Why on Earth would she trust Bruce to care for Damian after he’s already killed one son? No. She gives Damian to Jason.

Has anyone written a fic like this very specific one? Lolol