#they would so try and watch the adventure but queenie was too pretty so they had to go into the game to dance with her lol

[chez-cinnamon]

Ideas ideas ideas....

Thinking of adventures that could take place in my AU, a fancy ball adventure sounds perfect!!!!!!

There would be more but I had a busy and stressful day lol

[stillchaoticlogic]

Stumbling Chapter 7

Pairing: Raihan X Reader X Leon

Your life hadn’t gone exactly as you planned…

This is why when an old rival walks into the coffee shop you work at he gives you an offer you just can’t refuse. Finally, a chance at the League. Suddenly you are thrust into the spotlight and a world you thought you had left behind. Dreams aren’t always what they are cracked up to be though, especially when you find yourself the tangled up with the champion and a certain gym leader.

Has all your dreams come true?

Or is this your worst nightmare?

Masterlist!

No Mercy

You are woken by a yelp and practically leap out of your sleeping bag. You turn around in enough time to see Leon pry his hand out of Hades’ mouth. 

“Hades!” you yelp as you get up and rush to Leon. 

“Did he get you good?” you ask as you grab his hand to inspect it. 

You don’t notice the blush on Leon’s face or the way he smiles at your concern. 

Leon chuckles as he inspects his own hand, “I don’t think so… I guess that’s what I get for trying to feed him…”

“He’s a little overzealous with food… I don’t know that they properly fed him in that ring…” you say forlornly as you gaze over at the dragon behind you. He has burrowed his head under a blanket in an attempt to hide from you. Even though it’s been two weeks since the attack and you’ve been working with him and Davine the two dragons have a long way to go. 

Leon shakes off the bite before he walks over to the young dragon and pats him on the back. 

“It’s okay buddy… You didn’t get me too bad…” he says softly as he soothes the dragon. 

Hades pulls his head from under the blankets and nudges Leon happily. You smile at the two of them before you look around the mostly empty tent. 

“Where’s Raihan?” you ask noticing his empty sleeping bag. He’s usually the last one up, but he’s nowhere to be found. 

“He’s taking his Pokemon out. His Flygon was being a little antsy.”

“Ahh… I see…” 

The two of you clean the camp up quickly, you’re pretty excited to get on the road. Today you leave the Wild Area and head up towards Route 3 in order to get to the Mines. After two weeks of training, you were ready to win a gym badge. 

Once Raihan returns the green dragon comes fluttering up to you and nuzzles you. You chuckle as you pet the top of his head. 

“Alright...alright… stop sucking up to the lady! She needs her space,” Raihan says with a laugh before calling the dragon back. He walks over to you and hands you a flower he found on his walk.

“For the lady,” he says with a smile as he presents it you. 

You giggle as you take it and quietly thank him, you stick the flower in your hair before you show it off.

“Beautiful! I’ll have to get you more flowers to put in your hair…” he says with a sly glance over to Leon. 

The three of you set out towards Motostoke so you can pass through the city. You’re pretty excited to be heading that way since you’re a little tired of curry. You end up stopping at the battle cafe to eat lunch and you’re relieved when no one seems to pay the two celebrities with you any attention. The visit is quick, you all take your teams to the Pokemon center and stock up on supplies while you wait for them to be ready to go. 

It’s around one in the afternoon when you start out on route three. The sound of Rookidee chirping fills the air and you chuckle as you notice trainers battling along the trail. It’s not long before a girl about seventeen asks for a battle and you indulge her. She sends her Vulpix out and you send out Axel, your Toxel.

The baby Pokemon is pouty and honestly isn’t that great at battling yet. He really just spits out acid and flails around. Even after you win against the vulpix, by some miracle, he just runs up to you and begs to be held. You pick him and let him ride on your back while you continue down the path. 

“You’re spoiling him…” sighs Leon.

“He’s a baby! What do you expect!” You say in defense. 

You’ve been walking for a few hours, casually battling other trainers when it begins to sprinkle. You glance up at the sky in annoyance, but otherwise, keep walking. Suddenly the sky opens up and a torrent of rain falls down upon you. You gasp and attempt to throw your hands over your head to protect yourself from the rain. A moment later, a piece of clothing is thrown over your head and you pull it up noticing the familiar smell of Raihan. He had thrown his hoodie over you to protect you from the rain. 

You’re surprised when you hear laughter coming from behind and look back to see Leon laughing as he runs through the rain. His mane is soaked and plastered to his shoulders. Raihan is running along beside him and you aren’t surprised when you hear Raihan challenge Leon to a race. You roll your eyes as the duo takes off down the pathway racing one another as they go. 

You slow to a jog as you watch them show off ahead of you, but the sound of raindrops hitting the ground is soothing in and of itself. You stop and gaze up at the sky and just enjoy the moment of freedom. You’ve won several battles today and your team is growing stronger. You’re thankful…

A soft whine cuts the air and you glance around at your surroundings. It takes a moment but you recognize huddled up under a bush is a Charmander. Your eyes widen as you notice the way he clutched the end of his tail where his flame was growing smaller by the minute. 

“LEE! RAI! Set up the tent! We have a problem!”

The guys stop and glance back down the trail at you as they watch you rush over to a bush. You hear them yell various questions as they run back to you. 

“Hurry! He needs to him dry!” You yell as you indicate the Charmander you are shielding from the rain. 

“We have to hurry! He won’t last long!” Leon yells over the rain.

The wind begins to pick up and you aren’t surprised when the guys unleash a few of their Pokémon to help set the tent up in the nearby clearing. They have it up in record time and you scoop the tiny lizard up in your arms careful of his flame and run into the tent. The wind picks up and the once calm rain is now an actual monsoon. 

You grab a couple of blankets out of your pack and start drying him off. He gazed up at you in confusion, but you already know he isn’t from the wild. There weren’t any wild Charmander in the area, he is either lost or he was released. 

You dig around in your pack and pull out several berries and allow him to eat his fill. He does so happily giving little grumbles of happiness as he munched on them. 

“How do you think he got here?” Questions Raihan as he rubs under his chin.

“Do you think he has a trainer? They aren’t native to this area… they aren’t even in the wild…” Leon says in worry, obviously thinking of his own friend at his side.

“You don’t think he was abandoned do you?” You ask as you gaze down at him.

The Charmander looks up at you forlornly and turns to face away from you. He gives a soft cry before he takes a bite of the oran berry clutched in his little claws.

“Did someone release you, buddy?” You ask softly.

The tiny lizard nods as he looks down at the ground and curled his tail closer to himself. You frown in confusion, who would release a Charmander? Especially when Leon has a Charizard… The demand for the little fire lizard skyrocketed after he became champion several years ago.  

“Ok… Let’s just wait out the storm okay and we can decide what needs to happen in the morning.”

You all end up eating sandwiches because the storm never lets up. It’s at this point you are incredibly grateful to Raihan and his industrial-grade tent. The water doesn’t seep into the tent, so you are all able to get changed into dry clothes and be comfortable. You’ve let your team out of their Pokeballs and they are roaming around the tent, being adorable nuances. Serenity and Arum are curious about the Charmander and meander over to him to keep him company. Hades is rather fond of Raihan and is spending this evening getting spoiled by the dragon trainer. You are forever amused by the fact that Queenie enjoys hanging out on Leon’s snapback, balancing herself perfectly so she can watch whatever it is that he is doing at the moment. Currently, he’s polishing his Aegislash and Queenie is happily keeping him company. Davine’s favorite place is usually curled up next to you and Axel enjoys rolling the ball back and forth. You aren’t surprised when Serenity comes bounding up to you and takes her usual spot on your head; Arum and Charmander aren’t far behind. They end up making themselves comfortable near you and you curl up to read, happy for a minute to relax before you hit the Mines and eventually the gym.  

“Getting nervous?” Raihan asks as he pets your ecstatic Deino under the chin. He sprawls himself and lays his head in your lap before he grins innocently up at you. 

“Not really… Queenie can handle anything that gets thrown at her. She’s come a long way in a short time.” You say as you raise a brow at the dragon tamer before you give him and allow him to use your lap as a pillow.

“Bug types do grow and adapt quickly. It’s what makes them so invaluable early in your adventure, but they are also amazing at beating obscure types like psychic types,” Leon says as he looks up from this task, frowning at the position Raihan is in.

You nod at Leon, “I’m glad I caught Queenie that day. She’s going to be my secret weapon for this gym!” 

You notice Charmander gets up and walks away, sitting himself down in a corner facing the wall. You narrow your eyes as you gaze at the fire pokemon. You glance over at Lee who looks concerned for the little guy as well. The two of you lock eyes and he just nods. 

“You know if you had a fire Pokemon it would be so much easier for you to beat Milo…” Leon says as he smirks at you. 

You watch as his little head perks up, “It would… A fire type would be a wonderful addition to my team… especially a Charmander…”

He turns back around and happily trots over to you, a happy smile on his little face. 

“Charmander?” he asks as he points to himself.

“If you want to,” you say with a soft smile. 

He cheers along with your other Pokemon who seem to be quite pleased by the new addition. You pull a Pokeball out and chuckle when he taps his new home. He pops back out a moment later with a happy cry and begins to chat animatedly with the rest of your team. You know you’re going to have to send someone to the box, but you will do that in the morning before you head out. 

The next day dawns far more quickly than you expected. Arum whines as you decide to send her to the box for the battle. 

“Think of it as a vacation… Plus Nessa is next and you’re going to be my shining star for that battle!” She hums happily after your explanation and agrees as she gets sent to the habitat she will inhabit while you train up your new Charmander for the gym battle. 

“Why did you choose Arum?” Leon asks as he gazes over your shoulder at your pokemon information. Raihan is still asleep, so you and Leon have some time to get your things ready before he wakes up and you all head out. 

“The sooner that Axel evolves into a Toxtricity the better…” you grumble as you gaze down at the device, “Plus Davine and Hades need to build up more trust before I can send them off with a good conscience. Davine still has to build her confidence and Hades needs experience getting his senses under control.”

“What about Serenity?” he asks innocently. 

“What about Charizard?”

“Point taken…” 

“Charmander will do well in this battle. We need to get used to each other before I send him straight into a gym battle. I’ll take a day when we get Turffield and train with him. That will also give me the chance to capture an Eevee!”

“He chuckles, “An Eevee? And what will you evolve the Eevee into?” 

You give him a Cheshire grin.

“Don’t you dare say it…”

 “It’s a secret!”

You squeal as Leon wraps his arms around you and begins to tickle you, “I told you not to say it!”

“You don’t tell me what to do!” you exclaim between laughs. 

“Tell me!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“NEVER!”

You end up collapsing on the ground to catch your breath and he sits down beside you.

“I will evolve it into the type I need to round out my team,” you say as you roll your head to face him. 

“So you don’t know yet.”

“I kind of want a Vaporeon.”

“To take on Kabu…”

“To round out my team,” you say as you gaze up at the sky, “Plus everyone always wants a Sylveon, but the other evolutions are cool too…” 

“You really are a collector of misfits aren’t you?” he asks as he glances over to you.

“Well… I’m kind of a misfit… So I know what it’s like to be rejected and to hurt and to pull yourself out a hole so deep you could see the stars during the day…” you say as you lift your arm into the air and gaze at the sky just past your fingertips. 

He pauses for a moment, unsure of how to react. 

“Was it that bad?”

“Some days… That’s why I got Serenity… negativity affects her, so if I know that what I’m feeling will affect her then I strive to feel better…”

“Did it work?”

“I’m here aren’t I?”

“Yeah… you are… I’m glad you are… I’m glad you decided to take on the gym challenge.”

“...Me too…”

The two of you lay there for a few more minutes as the morning dew creates a mist in the air and the quiet lulls you into a sense of peace. Raihan steps out of the tent with a stretch and a yawn. 

“You guys about ready?” he asks as he looks down at the two of you in confusion. 

“To the Mines!” you say pointing in the general direction of the Mines. Raihan chuckles and turns away, hiding his blush, as he starts collecting the bags from the tent, so he could take it down. Leon gets up to help and you grab Raihan some breakfast that you set aside before you clean up the breakfast things. The pokemon were already fed and in no time you were all ready to head out. 

You make quick work of the mines and before you know it you are getting rooms at the inn in Turffield. You spend the rest of the day training your pokemon so you can take on your first gym tomorrow. 

Night had fallen as you continued to train and search for an Eevee when Raihan comes out to check on you. 

“Hungry?” He asks as he hands you a plate of food from the Inn. 

“Yeah!” you say as you sit down beside him on a rock. 

“You don’t have any reason to be nervous, you’re going to do great.”

“That’s easy for you to say… You do this literally all the time…” you grumble as you take a bite. 

“Yeah… but I still remember my first gym battle… I was terrified at first, but the moment the battle started everything just flowed. I loved it and I knew that it was where I wanted to be. That’s when I decided to dedicate myself to battle. That rush is unlike any other. You’re going to love it.”

“I hope so…”

Raihan scoots closer to you and wraps an arm around your shoulder pulling you against him. You rest your head under his chin as he wraps himself around you.

“You know… I’m glad you came on the journey too…” you hear him mumble as you snuggle closer to him and close your eyes. 

“I’m glad too… I didn’t realize how badly I needed it… I guess Leon getting lost all the time isn’t such a bad thing…”

He throws his head back and laughs but agrees with you. 

The next morning you walk into the gym to challenge Milo before you could talk yourself out of it. There were a couple of challengers in front of you, but at this point most had already challenged the first gym leader and moved on the Nessa. You watch the battles and get a feel for his battle style. 

Before you know it they are calling your name and you enter the challenge. 

“I have to do what?” you ask as you cross your arms and look at the League official in confusion. 

“You have to herd the Wooloo across the field.”

Stepping up to the entrance you just mutter under your breath, “You’ve got to be kidding me…”

The whistle sounds and you’re off rushing towards the sheep pokemon. They begin rolling down the field as you herd them this way and that way. When you finally get all 20 sheep into the designated area you about lose it when they plow through the hay barrels and onto another part. You frown as you look down the field and see the Yamper running amuck. 

“Ahh...shit…” you groan. 

After several of the Wooloo scatter around the field you manage to get them to the end. You roll your eyes as they collectively plow through more hay barrels. 

Once the challenge was completed and you caught your breath you walk down the dim hallway. You could hear the yells from the crowd and you heart begins to pound in your chest. Your fingers run over your friends’ home, each one vibrates with excitement and anticipation. 

This is what you have been working for. You’ve waited for this moment your entire life and finally, you feel ready. 

Stepping out onto the field the crowd goes ballistic. You don’t remember it being this loud when the other competitors stepped onto the pitch. 

“It seems we finally have the challenger we have all been waiting for!”

You look around the field in confusion.

 ‘They’ve been waiting for me?!’ you think in a slight panic. 

You shake your head to will the thought away, you’ll deal with this later, right now you have a badge to win. 

You meet Milo in the center of the field and give him a hesitant smile, he beams back at you.

“I was wondering when I was going to see Leon’s special challenger.”

“It seems there has been a lot of anticipation for this battle… I didn’t realize I was making the world wait on me.”

“You haven’t been keeping up with the news? You’re everywhere.”

“Ah… no… I’ve been training.”

Milo gives you a knowing smile, “That’s good, that drive is going to take you far. Are you ready?”

“Born ready.”

With that, you throw your Pokeball releasing your Charmander. He lets out a small cry as he takes his place on the battlefield. Milo’s Glossifleur is his first pokemon out. 

“Glossifleur! Magical Leaf!”

“Charmander! Ember!” 

You are rather impressed when your Charmander sent out a couple of fireballs hurtling towards the flower. The first one incinerated the leaves while the second one hit. Charmander dives out of the way while Glossifleur sends out a another way of leaves using its rapid spin to scatter them around. 

Charmander is back on his feet in an instant, “Charmander! Smokescreen! Then hit it with a Dragon’s Breath!”

Glossifleur looks around in confusion as it’s enveloped in the smoke. The next thing you know it’s hit with the attack and thrown from the cloud of smoke. You heave a sigh of relief when it doesn’t get up. 

Charmander comes running up to you happily and he jumps into your arms. You laugh as you swing him around yelling, ‘you did it!’ After your moment of celebrating you call him back into his Pokeball and pull out Queenie’s.

“Let’s win this!” you exclaim as you release her. 

Milo sends out his Eldegoss and your eyes grow the size of saucers when he dynamaxes his pokemon. 

“Let’s show them what you’ve got!” Milo yells as he chucks the giant Pokeball over his shoulder. 

“Oh… boy…”

You and Queenie watch in slight horror as the Eldegoss grows to over twenty times its normal size. 

Queenie glances back at you and you just nod at her, “Soon.”

She dodges the move by the giant Eldegoss, but she can’t dodge the next one. You watch as she’s thrown back and you yell encouragement to her as she flutters her tiny wing in order for her take to the air again. She’s hit by another of the Dynamaxed pokemon’s moves while she’s still dazed from the first one. She lays on the ground for a moment and you feel like your plan backfired and you put her in unnecessary danger. 

You can hardly believe your eyes when a bright light emanates from her and shoots out all around her. Suddenly a Vespiquen takes to the air and zips around the stadium as the Eldegoss begins to shrink back down to size. 

“Queenie! LET’S GO!” You waste no time in summoning her back into her Pokeball and giggle with glee as it grows in your hands before you throw it behind you. Queenie reappears in her Dynamax form and as an ominous buzz haunts the stadium you smile happily. 

“Alright, Queenie! Show them what you’ve got!”  

Queenie unleashes the attack and you can’t help but whoop in excitement when the Eldegoss falls to the ground after the first attack. The stadium erupts into deafening screams as Queenie returns to her normal size and flies over to you. You give her a gentle hug and laugh as she uses her claws to hold onto you happily. 

“I think you’ve earned this,” you turn towards Milo and hold out your hand to shake his before he hands you the badge. 

“Thank you…” you say with an embarrassed smile. 

“I look forward to battling you in the finals tournament.”

“I’ll meet you there!” you say with a smile.

Once off the pitch, you are swarmed with reporters. 

“How does it feel to win your first badge?!”

“Have you had any more trouble from the Pokemon thieves you helped to capture?”

“Are you still training the Jangmo-o?”

“What’s been most challenging on your adventure?”

You feel an imposing presence behind you and turn to see Milo there.

“This is a private area, you all need to leave the challenger alone.”

“Just one question!”

“Okay… one,” you relent with a look of annoyance. 

“What do you have to say to Champion Leon right now?”

“No mercy,” you say with a shrug and a smirk. 

Notes:

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! If you would like to be on the taglist make sure you send me an ask! You are welcome to send a message as verification since I update the taglist before I post the next chapter! So if you don’t hear from me right away that’s why! 

We need a name for Charmander! Also, go ahead and be thinking of a name for a Vaporeon! Who doesn’t love that little water baby?

And as always I love to hear from you all! BTW we are getting dangerously close to 500 followers! Help me get to 500 and I’ll I shall reward you all handsomely! Maybe a oneshot with our favorite man? I’ll even let you choose!

Taglist: @Ichigokage @pinktowne @marina-and-the-memes @ssskeletonsoffun @secretly-a-weeb @duizhangdeluxe @swiftly-heart @invaderbekk​ @crowkie @narees17 @skinklady @nerdyeldritchhorror @wthyuta @serendipityseoul @crescentrax @ninjarose23

[winterfrostlovetriangle]

I’m right there with you on being wide awake and it’s only 10pm here haha.. so let’s say a drunk Magnus and reader night would be like maybe he slips up and tells her how he feels?

Thanks for the request @devilbat​! I hope this what you were looking for. 

Warning: Implied smut, drunk Magnus, fluff

Masterlist

Confessions of a Drunk Detective

At 10 p.m. you had finally fallen into bed. You had just finished a shift that should have ended five hours ago, but people are stupid. Especially if they are drunk. You and your partner had been called to sort out a noise complaint. Thanks, Kurt. Apparently, all the other officers were too busy to handle it. 

When you arrived at the scene, the culprits were hanging from a tree shouting at each other. It was one of the strangest things you’d ever seen. You honestly had no idea how they had even gotten up there, let alone how they were still hanging on. It took forever for you and Magnus to get them to even notice you. 

Finally getting the attention of the male you shouted, “Hi, I’m Detective Y/L/N and this is Detective Martinsson.”

The pair waved down to you. 

You smiled back. “It seems like you two have had a fun evening. Why don’t you come down and tell us about it?” 

“We live up here, dearie,” the man answered. “We-we’re bats!”

Magnus, who was standing behind you, choked on a laugh. “They’re certainly batty,” he whispered.

Hiding your laugh, you continued, “Right, well how about you come down all the same. We can talk more on the ground.”

“We actually can’t move. We’ve been trying for an hour and turns out we’re stuck up here,” the woman piped up. 

“Great, just great,” you muttered under your breath. “Care to help, Magnus?”

“Nope, you are doing brilliantly, Y/N.” 

You huffed and went back to the car to radio for the fire department. Walking back to the tree, you noticed Magnus was talking with the couple.

“Here she comes,” called the man. “It’s the queen!” He then began singing “God Save the Queen.”

Magnus lost it then. You stood next to him and hip-checked him, only causing him to laugh harder. 

“What, don’t think I’d make a good queen?” you teased. 

“Oh, you definitely would. I’m just enjoying this.” You shook your head and joined in.

“You’re so pretty,” came a sing-songy voice. 

You looked up and noticed that the couple was watching you and Magnus. 

“She is! They make a cute pair,” the woman agreed. “Your girlfriend is pretty, don’t you think, young man.”

Your face flushed and you could only imagine that Magnus’ had as well.

“Um,” he began. He was cut off by sirens. He let out a sigh of relief. 

That hurt mate, you thought. 

Finally, the couple was extracted from the tree. You and Magnus put them in the back of the car and drove back to the station.

“Ooo, love...we’re going for a ride,” the woman hiccuped. 

“Going on an adventure. Oh, I forgot my camera,” the man cried. 

Magnus laughed out loud. You slapped his arm and he stopped. You made it back to the station and after another hour, being thrown up on, and a shower and change of clothes, you were ready to head home. 

“Oi, Queenie, want to go get a drink?” Magnus called to you. 

You rolled your eyes and hid a smile. “No, I am going home and sleeping for the next three days,” you replied. 

“Alright, enjoy the weekend.”

“You too, Mags.”

-----

Crash! 

The sound jerked you awake. You sat bolt upright and listened. You heard a scratching noise.

Thud!

Someone was definitely at your front door. You quickly got up, pulled your gun from the drawer, and tip-toed to the door. You didn’t see anyone through the peephole but cautiously turned the knob. 

“Wo-ah!” 

A body hit the ground. You looked down in surprise, it was the last person you ever expected to show up at your flat.

“Mags? What are you doing here?”

“Hellooooo,” he sang out. You raised your eyebrows. 

“Are you drunk?” You knew it was stupid to ask. 

“No-oo...well, maybe a little,” Magnus giggled. He suddenly began belting out “God Save the Queen.”

You quickly tried to shush him. “Magnus, stop! It’s too late to sing.”

“Oh, sorry,” Magnus whispers. “Shhh, I have to be quiet now.”

You chuckled at your partner. “Come on, mate. Let’s get you up.”

“No,” he whined. “I want to stay here.”

Child, you said to yourself. “I know, but I need to shut the door, love.”

Magnus lifted his arms. You huffed knowing what he expected you to do. You grabbed his hands and pulled farther into the room and closed the door. You came back and stared down at Magnus. He waved up at you.

“What am I going to do with, Mags?”

“Love me?” came his response.

“What?” You were caught off guard but remembered that he was three sheets to the wind. “Of course I will.”

He patted the space next to him. You laid down, staring at the ceiling. You felt him scoot closer to you. Magnus was quiet for a few minutes, so thinking he was asleep, you rolled over onto your side to look at him. You were met with his blue eyes staring into your brown ones. He had a goofy schoolboy grin on his face. He reached up and brushed a stray hair behind your ear. 

“He was right, ya know,” Magnus slurred. “You are pretty.”

You smiled. 

“I wouldn’t mind if you were my girlfriend. You are...beautiful, Y/N. Funny, wise, and...have the cutest nose,” he confessed. He booped your nose and laughed. “I love you. I have since the first day you w-walked into the station. You were wearing a blue dress.”

“You remember that?” you asked.

“O-of course. It complimented your eyes and,” he paused leaning forward. “And it showed off your legs. Very sexy,” Magnus whispered. 

You laughed at his confession. “I think you’re pretty sexy yourself. It’s just a shame you won’t remember any of this when you wake up in the morning,” you said. “Come, love. Let’s get you to bed.” 

You stood and offered your hand to Magnus. He grabbed it and attempted to stand. In his drunken state, he tripped over his own feet and tumbled forward. Before you knew what was happening, you found yourself on your back with Magnus on top of you. You stared at each other for a second. You got lost in his stormy eyes.

“I’m going to kiss you know,” he said. You nodded. Magnus pressed his lips to yours in a sloppy kiss. 

You could taste the alcohol on his tongue, instantly feeling intoxicated. It wasn’t the exact way you dreamed your first kiss with Magnus would be, but it was still amazing. Your arms went around his neck and you both moaned into the kiss. His hand found its way under your nightshirt and caressed your skin. Your eyes shot open, your brain suddenly remembering what you were doing. 

You broke the kiss and flipped Magnus over so he was on his back. He looked up you, pupil lust blown. 

“No, Magnus. No more, not tonight. We need to get some sleep,” you told him. He nodded. 

You got up and helped Magnus stand. You both made it to your bedroom without any more accidents. You helped him to lay down and decided to take his shoes off. 

You sat on the edge of the bed next to him. “Now, close your eyes and get some sleep, Mags.” 

His eyes were already closed, his mouth slightly open. You bent over him and brushed your lips over his forehead. “Sleep well, Magnus.”

You stopped in the doorway to look at him one more time.

“Love you,” he muttered.

You sniffed and closed the door behind you. Settling on the couch, you stared at the floor where you two had just been. You pulled a blanket over yourself and snuggled down as a few tears escaped as you thought of his drunken confession. 

“I love you too, Mags.” 

The next morning you woke up with a crick in your back from the position you slept in. Groaning you stretched and went into the kitchen to start breakfast. Finishing the eggs you heard a thud and a groan come from your room. You smiled, poor Magnus. Suddenly he cleared his throat, causing you to jump. 

“Pain relievers on the counter, Mags. Drink all of the water.”

“Yes, Mum,” he grumbled. 

You laughed as you walked over to him, a cup of coffee in your hands. Magnus sat at the peninsula with his head in his hands. 

“Drink this.” You went back to the stove. “It will help.” 

“Did - did I do or say anything embarrassing last night,” he asked hesitantly.

“Nope,” you replied. Smirking you started humming a familiar song.

“Ugh, I really sang that?”

“Yes, you did. Placing a plate in front of him, you smiled. “Now, eat your eggs.” 

You cleaned up the kitchen in silence while he ate, refilling his mug twice more. 

“Wait on the couch. I’ll drive you home after I shower.” 

“Are you sure I didn’t do anything, Y/N?” he asked again. “You’re awfully quiet.”

“I’m fine Mags, I just need a shower. We can talk when your head isn’t pounding. I’ll be back.” You offered him a small smile. 

Once in your bathroom, you leaned against the closed door. Sighing, you turned the water on and got undressed. “Maybe one day he’ll tell me he loves me.” You got in the shower and let the warm water run over you. You massaged your neck, the water helping release the tension. 

You felt a pair of hands circle your waist. You yelped in surprise and lost your footing, but were held in place by those hands. Your breathing quickened as you felt the solid chest touching your back. 

“I thought of another way to relieve my headache, love.” His voice was rough and sultry. 

You bit your lip hoping you weren’t going to wake up back on the couch. “Mags, I-”

“I meant what I said last night,” he said turning you around to look in your face. “I fell in love the first day we met.” 

The way the water cascaded over his curls and the fact that you were both standing naked in your shower was affecting you. 

“I love you, Y/N.”

“I-I love you too, Magnus. Always have,” you confessed. You two stared at each other for a beat. “Kiss me...please.”

Magnus pushed you against the shower wall and captured your lips in a blood-boiling kiss. His hands wandered your body touching every surface and curve he could find. He swallowed up your moans greedily. His hands finally find your backside. He rubbed your cheeks, before giving a hard squeeze. 

You squealed and pulled back, gasping for air. Magnus turned off the water and grabbed a towel. He dried you both off and then picked you up bridal style. Throwing you on the bed, he scrambled to hover of you. He smiled down at you, which you quickly returned. 

Best weekend ever!

[dragon-kazansky]

One year special

Chapter two - Time to party

It makes sense to speak to the characters that started this blog. My first ever post was a Fantastic Beasts post. I make my way over to the small group.

Queenie noticed me coming over and broke away from the others to greet me halfway. She pulled me into a hug which I was happy to return. She led me back over to the group, who all turned to smile at me.

It's so cool seeing them all standing in front of me.

"It makes sense for me to speak to you all. You're the guys that started my blog." I smile at them.

Newt smiles back.

"We should thank you for making us your first post."

"You'll always have a special place on my blog, after all, my URL is a Fantastic Beasts reference. You'll always be there on my page." I chuckle. "The wizarding world is fun and there is plenty for me to explore in it."

"Though don't think we haven't noticed your sights have been on someone else." Tina pointed out, nodding behind her sister where a certain wizard was standing. Glancing up, I noticed him watching. He smirked.

"Well, sometimes the villains can be the most fun to write, but that doesn't mean I don't love you lot any less."

They all smile. They know I mean well, even if I have written a lot for Grindelwald. I glance back over to see him still looking at me. Grindelwald obviously wants me to go over and talk to him, and I probably should. I turn back to the group though, Grindelwald can wait a little longer.

"Will you be writing for us again? We know you did at Christmas, but we would like to see what else you can come up with." Queenie gives me her beautiful smile.

"Of course! I won't stop writing for you just because I haven't had many ideas. Just you wait, I'll have ideas for you again soon! I'll probably do more Christmas stories for you guys again this year too." There's plenty more characters for me to write for after all.

They all nod and smile.

I can still feel Grindelwald's eyes on me. I glance over and he smirks again. I sigh softly and excuse myself. They understand and let me go. I walk over to the dark wizard slowly.

"Ah, so you are going to talk to me." He sounds smug.

"I would have got to you eventually." I grin. "Patience is harmless."

He chuckles. It's a deep sound that seems to vibrate from his chest. Much like Dracula's chuckle.

"I don't really know what to say. I write for you quite a bit. I've done many headcanons for you." I smile.

"I'm honoured. You clearly have fun writing for me."

"You're intriguing." I smirk.

"I'm glad you think so."

"I wrote a whole story about you, so you know it's true." I chuckle softly. "Actually I've written a few stories about you."

"I hope to see another in the future."

"I can't promise anything, but we'll see." I suddenly find the courage to wink at him, which seems to please him.

The Doctor pops up beside me and smiles.

"They're going to start karaoke now."

"Alright."

I don't glance back at Grindelwald as I follow her across the room, but I can feel his gaze on me. I heard him chuckle as I left his side.

The karaoke machine was set up and I see Crowley go over to take the mic. The Doctor and I go to stand by Aziraphale who had been left by himself.

The angel turns to smile at me as I stop next to him.

"Oh hello!" He says, cheerfully.

"Hello Aziraphale." I smile. "I bet it's a Queen song."

Aziraphale chuckles and nods. We watch Crowley as the music begins to play. I chuckle when the intro comes on. Yeah, it's a Queen song.

"Are you going to sing, Aziraphale?"

"Oh no, I'm quite happy just watching." He smiles.

"Me too." The Doctor chimes in.

"Awe. I was hoping we could sing something." I pout at her. She looks a little caught off guard, but smiles.

"Well, I suppose one song will be OK. She grins brightly at me.

"I can't sing very well, but that shouldn't stop us from having a good time." I chuckle. There is no one here I wouldn't feel comfortable singing for, so it should be a good laugh if anything.

The Doctor nods.

Crowley gets really into the song and even poses at the end before grabbing a drink from the table next to him and strutting over. He comes to stand in front of me and smirks, pulling his glasses down just enough to peer over the brim. I can see his bright yellow eyes.

"Though we would have to wait all night to talk to you."

"Sorry I kept you waiting. There's a lot of people here." I smile up at him. He's tall. Everyone seems much taller than me.

"You're here now, let's have a drink." He puts his arm around my shoulders and leads me over to the table he had just come from. Aziraphale and the Doctor follow silently.

Crowley tops up his glass after downing what was left and then pours me a drink. Sparkling white wine in a pretty wine glass.

"The V.I.P gets a special drink." He winks at me as he hands it over. I smile and drink some of it.

"Thank you."

Crowley keeps an arm looped around my shoulders as he looks around the room. Thor was having a go on the karaoke machine, Loki trying to avoid him nearby. Some of the other guests are dancing despite Thor's singing.

Across the room I can see Dracula and Grindelwald talking. I wonder what they're talking about. I see Dracula glance up and grin at me when he sees me looking. I smile back and turn my attention elsewhere. 

I see the Master trying to make his way over, but suddenly the Doctor leaves Aziraphale's side and hurries over to him, pulling him in a different direction. I wonder what's going on there.

I feel Crowley tug me closer. I look up and see him looking at me with a grin.

"When the party gets going, we should dance." He wiggles his eyebrows.

I chuckle.

"Sure, but keep in mind that I've told Dracula I'd dance with him too. He might want to go first."

Crowley glances up at the vampire across the room.

"Suppose I don't have much choice if he comes over." He clicks his tongue.

For the rest of time the karaoke goes on, I stay with Crowley and Aziraphale. We have a wonderful conversation, Aziraphale telling me how excited he was to meet me and that he hopes an opportunity like this rises again.

I'm sure another opportunity to gather like this again will come again.

We watch as Wanda Maximoff, Queenie and Jacob, Jerome Valeska, and then Lee Scoresby take turns on the karaoke machine.

I catch the Doctor's eye and she nods at me. I notice the Master isn't with her as she meets me at the machine.

"You can pick the song." She says, looking at the machine in front of you.

"Um, OK." I look at all the songs on the machine and smile as I see one I like.

Believer - Imagine Dragons.

I listen to them a lot, so this is a song I've sung many times while listening to their stuff. I smile at the Doctor as we grab a mic each and wait for the song to come on.

I choose not to notice all the eyes on me. If they were all strangers, I wouldn't be doing this right now.

The song is certainly not a duet, but we both sing a verse each and it's a lot of fun. The Doctor is smiling which is more than I could ever ask for. I feel a sense of pride knowing I'm the reason she's smiling.

If only she smiled like this more.

When the song ends, everyone cheers. I take a bow and put the mic down.

The Doctor is grinning as she follows me away from the machine.

The karaoke is promptly turned off for now while music plays loudly. This gives everyone the excuse to dance.

I'm now standing in the centre of the room. I know what's coming as I see Crowley approach from one side, and Dracula from the other. I barely blink when Dracula comes up beside me. I turn to talk to him, asking if this was about the dance I promised him, but I'm tugged backwards gently. Crowley has just arrived, so it's not him.

I turn to see the Master smiling at me.

"First dance is mine."

I smile.

"Alright."

We leave Dracula and Crowley standing there as we go to join in on the fun. The music is upbeat, so we're just bopping along to the beat of the song. He's smiling and I once again feel proud to get the Time Lord smiling. I managed to get them both to be happy in less than an hour.

When the song comes to an end, the Doctor rushes to pull the Master away. Before I can intervene, I'm also dragged off. I turn to see Dracula.

"You owe me a dance."

"Yeah, but I didn't realise how urgent it was."

He has me face him and pulls me a little closer. I have to strain my neck to look up at him.

"This is going to be uncomfortable if I have to stand this close to you and look up." I tell him.

"Don't look up then." He grins.

I roll my eyes and take a step back. The next song has already started. I begin to bop along to the music.

Dracula eases his way into the dancing.

Unfortunately for him, my attention is being held elsewhere as I look to the side. I see Lee Scoresby making his way over. I slip from Dracula's hold to meet him halfway.

"Hey."

"Hey!" Lee grins.

Dracula isn't so pleased to see my attention is held elsewhere, but he leaves it and disappears into the crowd across the room.

"I was hoping we get to spend some time together. I have to thank you for that story you did for me." He smiles.

I smile back.

"It's my pleasure. I wish I could go on an epic adventure like everyone here, but writing about those adventures is the next best thing, and I get to share those stories with lots of amazing people."

He smiles brightly at me.

"That's an adventure by itself." He chuckles.

I smile fondly at that.

"I guess it is."

I dance with Lee for a while before deciding I want to sit down and eat something. He seemed cool with it and left to find Lyra, promising to bring her over later.

I make my way to the buffet table. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble with this and it looked amazing.

This was so far the best party I had ever been to.

[magicalhideoutengineer]

Iwas wondering what your characters' dynamic is [in terms of Queenie and Tina's] relationship as sisters… you're the younger one – do you guys get along, or [is] Katherine as Tina more motherly and domineering? What's their relationship like?

Alison Sudol:

I think it's a really beautiful relationship. It's two sisters [who] have basically raised each other because their parents died when they were very young. So there's a mutual caring for each other. It's not like older sister-younger sister, because I think in some ways Tina is more grounded and an adult, but then Queenie has this deep empathy and such an unbelievable amount of perception about everybody but especially about Tina. So there's a real care and a warmth, and they occasionally are like [sisters] and bicker, but we didn't want it to be that kind of relationship because it's so much more about the love that they have for each other. And that's just present. It's not even trying to show it. It's just there.

All the female characters for Harry Potter went on to become feminist icons and role models – like, Hermione is huge. So did that add any pressure, or was it something you were thinking about as you were taking on the next big female roles in the Harry Potter universe?

Alison Sudol:

Absolutely. It's something that Katherine and I care about very much. It's an opportunity to show different sides of these women and empower younger girls growing up. I've learned so much about being a girl from watching films.

I think what I love and what I find is also a great responsibility with Queenie is, she's incredibly feminine. And I grew up not seeing the strength in femininity. I grew up kind of feeling guilty about being a girl and wanting to just be like the boys and be treated the same. I didn't want to be different; I didn't think that beauty was something to be proud of. And what I love about Queenie is that she's incredibly smart, she's kind, she's beautiful, she has that pizzazz in femininity. She's completely unashamed about it and not vain at all. She's just a good, good human being.

I think as actresses it's part of our responsibility to show all different sides of a character and of women. There's not the fancy one and the serious one, but we're all very deeply layered human beings [who] happen to be women.

In the UK, in the Harry Potter world, if you are a witch or a wizard, your identity is easily traceable. You went to Hogwarts – it's a very small community. But it seems like from what we've glimpsed in America, it's a bit more dangerous to be magical. Could you speak a bit about how your character relates to the magical community and how that forms her identity in this new realm?

Alison Sudol:

Well, I think you're very right in that. There's more of an "us and them" mentality. And they're always intermingling, so it's this strange sense of living with people [whom] you're fascinated by but you're not really allowed to get close to, because otherwise it could just jeopardize everything. I think it's just a very different dynamic. And then there's an interesting dynamic between Queenie and well, all of us, really. And Jacob, who isn't magical. Because there's this fascination and a realization that humanity can access: Even though we may be a little bit different – we can cook dinner with our wands – there is still something very much in common between the two worlds.

Did you get to have any conversations with J.K Rowling about the character or the role?

Alison Sudol:

I actually only just met her the other day, which was a total honor. But [laughs] to be honest, I got a little bit flummoxed, and I wasn't able to ask her anything because I was so… I just was like, [gasps] [laughs] I don’t know what to do! She was absolutely wonderful, and I sort of let the others ask questions and hoped to glean as much as I could, but I didn't want to attack her because I felt like if I started asking questions, they may not stop. I hope to get more intrepid.

Luckily, there was a lot on the page about Queenie, and I was also given a huge amount of freedom to create her as well. It was sort of like I was entrusted with this person, and then they said, it's okay. You know her. Go for it. Just go where you know she would go. And that's also been amazing to have that sort of free reign.

Is there any part of your character that you personally relate to?

Alison Sudol:

Oh, so much of her. I think she has a real joy to her. When I'm at my happiest and least self-conscious – which we all have days where that happens and days where it doesn't happen – I really can find adventures in anything. I just love having fun, because if you have the choice between not having fun and having fun, I'd much rather have fun. And with Queenie, I'm kind of required to be in that headspace. Because she's just so in love with this adventure that they're on. And I think I love people, and so does she. And there's a lot to her. I just try to scrape away the stuff that doesn't feel present or joyful or free because there's just a freedom with her. It's not all joy. Sometimes she's upset, sometimes she's angry, but she's 100 percent present.

We know what Newt's relationship is with the fantastic beasts. So what is Queenie's relationship like with these things? Clearly, she knows they exist because she lives in this world, but are there ones that she's particularly fond of or ones that she's terrified of, ones she finds repulsive?

Alison Sudol:

Well, there are not a lot of beasts in New York proper. It's not like we're out in the countryside where there'[re] animals anyway, so my choice was that she hasn't really seen most of these things before because it's a much more urban environment. It would be really hazardous to have these creatures out and about. So when she does come across them, there's this sense of wonderment, like a kid going to the zoo for the first time. It's pretty extraordinary, and they're fascinating. And occasionally a little bit… I wouldn't even say scary, but you're aware that they're wild.

Can you talk about Queenie's relationship with Jacob and Newt and what it's been like working with Dan [Fogler] and Eddie [Redmayne]?

Alison Sudol:

They're both such great people, and it's been so fun and lovely, and they're very supportive, both of them. And funny, too. We all laugh a lot on set. And as characters, Newt is this person who has a key to a different world. As does Jacob, really, and so they're quite interesting to Queenie. But Jacob, in particular: He's just such a kind, kind man, and because she's able to see into him like she does in everyone, she sees how kind and good he is through and through. It's a real lovely dynamic between the two of them that he can't hide from her, and he has nothing to hide because even when he says something that he doesn't mean to, it's still great.

[nootscamoonder]

Together // Newt Scamander x Reader

Word Count: 1076 (I didn’t mean for this to get this long???????)

Request: from Anon,, “an ANGSTY af newt x fem muggle reader where grindelwald convinces her to join his side so her and newt can stay together (like queenie does for jacob :)) so she begs newt to come with her but he refuses”

Warnings?: Just lots of angst as nonnie requested ;]

A/N: This took me a while to write but i’m pretty happy with it, not gonna lie!! Pleasepleaseplease give me feedback as it’s super helpful! Also, if you have a Newt request you’d want to possibly see written then feel free to send me it!!

“Join me, you and Newt will be safe. Able to love without fear of losing each other”

“I’ll give you some time to consider my offer, Y/N”

Those words echoed in your mind as the fight raged around you. The underground amphitheatre was filled with screams as tongues of fire snapped out and burned the scrambling aurors, leaving nothing behind. The dark wizard, Grindelwald, had spoken to you the night before, you had no idea why he would bother asking a muggle like you to join his cause, but you couldn’t deny that you found his proposal appealing. Honestly, it felt like your only way out of this one.

You had met Newt months ago, in England, and were quickly enchanted by him and the wizarding world. Life with Newt had never been boring, all the creatures you’ve met and adventures you had fulfilled you. You had been so happy. Unfortunately, that joy was waning, as your relationship was threatened. Newt hadn’t told you directly, but you knew that this war that was brewing could tear you apart, you could lose him. Over the last few days spent in Paris on an ever-so-slightly illegal ‘vacation’, Newt had grown progressively quieter and more reserved, it worried you. So, when Grindelwald approached you with the opportunity to live safely with Newt, you had been tempted to accept straight away. But you couldn’t accept without Newt.

As the blue fire burned, you reached up to tug on Newt’s coat sleeve getting his attention. He tore his eyes from the dark wizard and turned them to you, asking a silent question.

“Let’s go,” you said quietly, but just loud enough to be heard over the roar of the flames.

“Together.” Newt frowned at this, you stayed silent, giving him a chance to understand. After a few seconds his expression softened, and he looked at you in confusion? Heartbreak? Betrayal? It was hard to tell. You directed your attention to Grindelwald, watching as he orchestrated the flames. You could still feel Newt’s eyes on you, but he didn’t say anything. Your grip on his sleeve tightened, your cheeks were wet. You were crying. Choking back a sob, you spoke again,

“please.”

Newt’s hand moved to yours and held it tightly.

“Y/N, love, you can’t be serious.”

Tears soaked your coat collar

“I am, Newt.” You sobbed, “We’ll be safe this way, together”

His hand brushed against your cheek, his thumb wiping your tears away as he gently turned your head to face him again. His eyes were wet, he was trying, but failing, to hold back emotion.

“I can’t do that, Y/N.” Newt said, a teardrop escaping and sliding down his cheek. “And neither can you, we’ll go back home, alright? You, the creatures… and me.” He finished. You avoided looking at him, seeing the sadness and disbelief on his face was something you couldn’t handle, instead you found your gaze drawing back to the stage in the centre. This time, however, you saw Grindelwald looking back at you and Newt, obviously surveying the scene. If you couldn’t persuade Newt to come with you, then you’d be killed for sure. A powerful wizard such as Grindelwald had no need for a muggle like you. Tugging Newt’s sleeve, you became frantic,

“please, Newt, we need to go” your heart was beating hard in your chest as urgency creeped into your voice. But you got no answer. When you finally dared to look back at the love of your life, your heart nearly gave out right then and there. He was crying, but beneath that you could see disappointment, fear and… acceptance. That’s when you realised, you’d been a fool. Newt was loyal to his creatures first, and you second. The arrangement you were suggesting would directly endanger his life’s work, you’d been stuck at a dead end this whole time, blindly attempting to break through the wall in front of you. At least you figured it out, he wasn’t going to agree no matter what you said. You released Newt’s sleeve, the hand darting up to your face and swiping the tears away.

You were in a dead end, it was time you gave up.

“I’m sorry, Newt,” you said, voice quivering. “It was incredibly stupid of me to think you’d ever follow me in this.”

“Y/N - “ He began, but you cut him off. You’d chosen your sides, there was nothing left to be said. Except…

“I love you.”

And with that you started down the steps, your knees wobbling and mind spinning. Doubt started to invade your thoughts and you fought to fight it back as you neared the flames. Tears burned at the edges of your eyes, but you scrubbed at them furiously. Being a muggle was useless enough to a wizard such as Grindelwald, you couldn’t appear weak. If he refused your loyalty now, you’d have nowhere to go.

The flames surprised you, they weren’t hot. Instead they were freezing, so cold that they burned none the less. Fear gripped your heart and your legs stopped moving. You would have most likely stayed like that, if it wasn’t for Grindelwald’s pale hand that reached out, through the fire, beckoning you forward. You hesitated for only a moment before reaching up and placing your own hand atop his. He clasped it, pulling you forward gently and guiding you through the flames. You held your breath as the cold fire danced around you, but soon it retreated and you were in the clear, standing in the centre of the amphitheatre. Grindelwald let go of you and placed his palm on your shoulder in a surprisingly comforting manner, he then lowered his head ever so slightly as he spoke to you.

“I can’t imagine how difficult that was for you” You nodded in agreement.

“Never the less, you’re safe now,” he continued. “Queenie, take her with you, please.”

Your friend moved quickly to your side, she was crying too, obviously hurting. Her soft hand clasped yours and she gave you a watery smile. Before she apparated you both, your eyes snapped back to where Newt stood, you were too far to see his face properly, but you saw him anyway. You prayed to God, or Merlin or whoever deals with these things that he would stay alive and that you’d see him again someday. Then your vision twisted, and a loud crack was heard as Queenie apparated with you in tow.

[iridecsense]

parallels - m.

|↫ previous | | forwards ↬|

       «────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

- Chapter Four -

✧ 𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔲𝔡𝔢𝔩 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔭𝔲𝔭𝔭𝔶 𝔡𝔬𝔤 𝔢𝔶𝔢𝔰 ✧

✉ summary: the one where you learn about a world separate from your own.

✉ word count: 1.8k

✉ pairing: newt scamander | muggle!reader

✉ genre: action, adventure, fantasy, fiction, romance

✉ warnings: none

✉ author’s note: this is long overdue! sorry for being so neglectful. hope you enjoy! :)

       «────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Newt was surprised when you agreed to help him. He hadn’t much experience with muggles, but he knew that you were handling everything extremely well. You weren’t what he expected at all.

“Mr. Scamander!” Tina’s wavering voice called from your living room.

You and Newt rushed to the door, your shoulder’s brushing against each other due to the tight space.

“Sorry,” your voices overlapped each other.

Once again your eyes locked with his bright ones. He looked down at his shoes and stepped out of the way.

“After you,” he said.

You took his gesture and stepped in front of him, through the door of your study and back toward your living room. Tina was tending to Jacob who was still pale in the face. However, you did notice his sweating had decreased immensely, thanks to your herbs.

Tina looked up at Newt who stood a behind you. “Help me get him down the stairs please.” Newt rushed towards them, took one of Jacob’s arms and headed towards the door.

After double checking that your animals were safe and fed, you put your delicious pie in the freezer for later. Alerting the others that you were ready to leave, you said goodbye to Sherlock, threw on your jacket, and followed the rest out the door.

You walked alongside Newt in the street. Tina was guiding you all to her apartment while keeping Jacob on his feet.

Tina was grumbling about how much trouble they were in. If anything she was talking more to herself than to anyone else. She talked about a Madame President and a MACUSA. She kept referring to you and Mr. Kowalski as no-majs— which offended you for some reason despite not knowing what it meant— and was overall, very neurotic. You stopped listening to her after a while.

“Is she always like this?” you asked under your breath so only Newt could hear.

“I wouldn’t know,” he replied. “I only met her this morning.”

You hummed in understanding and continued to follow Tina. “She seems like a stickler to me.” You teased, earning a barely-there smile from the older man.

Newt had been itching to ask you questions since he entered your apartment. How could he not? You had various specimen living with you in a New York Apartment. Anyone would be curious about such an unusual sight.

“S..S-So how come you have so many creatures in your flat?” Newt mustered the courage to ask you after correctly gathering his thoughts.

“I watch over them I guess,” you answered. “Humans naturally imprint on things, and unlike animals, they can imprint more than once. As you can tell, I’ve imprinted on many creatures over the years. You see, I am a zoologist of sorts.”

Newt perked up at this. “A zoologist?” He repeated.

You turned to face him and nodded. “Well, I am not certified because I have yet to be accepted into a college for reasons I am sure you know.”

Newt nodded.

“However, I was able to apprentice a wonderful professor for six years. He’s a close family friend— I think of him as an uncle. Anyway, we would travel the world to rescue and study animals of all kinds. Africa, Asia, Australia— you name it, n’ we’ve seen it. I try not to get attached to the animals I protect, but it is far too hard. Part of me believes they are better off with me— that they need me.”

Newt watched your expression soften at the thought of your creatures. “Truthfully though, I think I need them more than they need me.”

Newt understood exactly what you meant. He too tended to hold on to some of the beasts he saves because he cannot bear to leave them.

“Sorry,” you collect yourself and tug your coat closer to your body for warmth. “Look at me, goin’ on and on about myself.”

“Don’t worry it’s quite alright,” Newt reassured you. “I understand.”

“Take a right here,” Tina announced as they reached the stoop of a townhouse. “Okay, uh... before we go in, I’m not supposed to have men on the premises.” 

Newt then grabbed a hold of Jacob’s arm and started to pull him back in the opposite direction. “Well, in that case, Mr. Kowalski, Ms. (l/n), and I can easily seek other accommodations—”

“Oh please,” Tina muttered, and pulled Jacob towards her and led him into the house. You could tell that Newt was annoyed by this, and it made you snicker, earning a harmless glare from him.

When inside, you and Newt helped get Jacob up the stairs, while Tina opened the front door. As you climbed up the steps a shrill voice called from the room below.

“Tina? Is that you?” Called Tina’s Landlady.

You all froze on the steps. Newt instinctively grabbed your wrist to stop you from walking. 

“Yes, Mrs. Espesito,” Tina answered. 

“Are you alone?”

“I’m always alone Mrs. Espesito,” she sighed.

Mrs. Espesito asked no further questions, content with Tina’s reply, and shut the door to her room. Newt then let go of your wrist and opened the door for you all to push through. 

You immediately shivered once you entered the warm, cozy apartment. You turned to the fireplace and saw clothes drying in mid-air. 

Your mouth fell agape. “Holy shit.” 

Newt and Tina quickly turned to you because of your sudden outburst. You gasped and covered your mouth with both hands, a faint blush forming on your cheeks. “’M sorry,” you mumbled through your hands. 

“Teenie,” A sweet voice came from the other side of the room. You all turned to see a tall, blonde woman standing by the door in a lacy pink slip. “You brought company.”

Tina closed the door and introduced the pretty woman. “Everyone, this is my sister."

You gave her a small wave.

“Wanna put something on Queenie?” Tina suggested. 

Queen perked up and looked down at her current attire, “Oh, sure.”

She then took the wooden stick in her hand and pointed it at the dress that hung on the mannequin. It lifted itself into the air and floated towards her. She stepped into the dress and slid it on with ease. You watched in awe. You couldn’t help but turn to Jacob who was just as mesmerized as you, but for a completely different reason. You couldn’t help the small smile that twitched on your lips from watching him gawk at Queenie so obviously.

“So,” Queenie looked at her sister. “Who are they?”

Tina gestured to Newt as she tidied up the room. “This is Mr. Scamander,” she said. “He’s committed a serious infraction of the National Statute of Secrecy—”

Queenie smirks. “He’s a criminal?”

“Uh-huh.” Tina then gestured to where you and Jacob stood. “This is Ms. (l/n) and Mr. Kowalski, they’re no-majs—”

“No-majs?” Queenie whispers worriedly. “Teenie, what are you...”

You couldn’t make out what the two were talking about because they were whispering between each other across the room, so you decided not to intrude. You turned around to see Newt looking out the window. You walked towards him.

“Mr. Scamander,” you called softly, not wanting to startle him. He snapped his head to face you and avoided your eyes again. You wondered why he kept doing that but concluded that he was probably shy. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin your train of thought,” you apologize to him. 

“Oh, it’s okay. Is there something you need?”

You shook your head. “Nothing specific. I am just confused is all.” 

“C...c-confused— confused about what?” He stuttered.

“Well,” you sigh. “What’s a no-n maj ‘n should I be offended bein’ called one?”

Newt smiled at you and shook his head. “No, of course not. A no-maj is what American wizards call people born without magic— of course where I’m from we call them muggles.”

“Wizards?” You repeated. “You’re a wizard? Like the ones I’ve read in fairytales?” 

“More or less.”

Suddenly it all made sense; what happened at the bank earlier that day, the niffler, the floating clothes— it all pieced together.

You noticed Jacob stumble in the corner of your eye and you gasped. Queenie had noticed too. 

“You need to sit down, honey,” she cooed as she rushed to his side and laid him on the sofa. “Hey— He hasn’t eaten all day! And... aw, that's rough. He didn’t get the money he wanted for his bakery. You bake, honey?”

Jacob nodded.

“I love to cook,” Queenie smiled. 

You were about to ask her how she knew all those things, but Newt answered for you. 

“You’re a Legilimens.” 

“Uh-Huh, yeah,” Queenie nodded. “But I always have trouble with your kind. Brits. It’s the accent.”

“You know how to read minds?” Jacob asked. 

“Aw, don’t worry, honey. Most guys think what you was thinking, first time they see me.”

You couldn’t help but giggle. 

“Now, you need food,” Queenie turns to cook in the kitchen. 

Tina motioned for you. “Want to help set the table?” 

You gave her a polite smile, “Of course.”

You walked to the dining table and Tina handed you some plates to put on the table. While you were placing the last plate down Queenie spoke up. 

“Hey, Mr. Scamander.” 

Everyone turned to face Newt, whose hand was reaching for the doorknob.  

“Do you prefer pie or strudel?”

Your heart sank a little bit. You didn’t know why, but for some reason, you were hurt that Newt was trying to sneak out. You thought you’d all gotten along so well. Newt saw the look in your eyes and bowed his head submissively, moving his hand away from the doorknob. 

“I really don’t have a preference.” He mumbled. 

Queenie turned to Jacob, who was sitting at the table with a napkin tucked in the collar of his shirt. “You prefer strudel, huh, honey?”

Jacob nodded. 

“Strudel it is.”

Queen flicks her wand in the air, which causes all the ingredients to soar around the room. The ingredients come together to form an apple strudel topped with edible roses. It bakes in the air, before floating to the center of the table. A dusting of powdered sugar was added for good measure. Jacob sighs in content as Tina lights the candles.

You take your place next to Jacob and place a napkin in your lap. You turn to Newt and notice a small leafy creature emerge from his pocket. You couldn’t help but smile warmly at the little guy. 

“Well, sit down, Mr. Scamander. We’re not going to poison you,” Tina teases. 

Newt hovers by the door, still not fully convinced he should stay. He looks at Jacob who was glaring at him to sit down. Then his doe eyes fixated on you. You gave him an entirely different look; a look that changed his mind completely. Newt mentally scoffed in frustration. 

‘How could I say no to that face?’ He thought, completely oblivious of Queenie, who had read his mind and smiled as she looked between you and Newt.

[leelee10898]

Batter up!

In light of Opening day, and riding on the high of my teams win! I decided to do a litttle one shot. I used the Prompt sent from @annekebbphotography for Leo x Alicia "What if we get caught?" "Even better."

This is from the CGW(cordonians gone wild) AU. A collaborative effort by @ao719 @speedyoperarascalparty @cocomaxley @riseandshinelittleblossom and myself. Read our other adventures HERE.

Pairings: cgw couples (Squad)

Warnings: Mature. Language and Sexual situations.

“I can't believe you guys are really not going to sit in the suite with us.” Anitah sighed as they pulled up to the private entrance of the ball field. “ah no way. Its opening day, we got killer seats and we're playing the Braves. I wanna be down in the crowd for that. ” Alicia beamed, practically jumping out of her seat. “You're lucky we're even here Rhys. If it wasn't your turn to choose I wouldn't be caught dead here.” Genevieve rolled her eyes. Anitah and Pam both agreeing with her.

“Well, I say a day of drinking, eating delicious food and hot baseball butts is a win in my book.” Stef spoke up. “hell yeah!” Alicia slapped her five. “Well, I think it will be fun.” Liam grinned as he kissed Anitah on the cheek. “Free whiskey is what im here for. I'd rather be on the lake fishing.” Drake groaned. “Do they really have a donut burger here?” Leo asked “Yeah, new this year.” Alicia squeezed his leg. “That sounds disgusting.” Pam gagged. “Speak for yourself Pammy. Were so trying that right Maverick?” leo nodded in agreement. “Looks like this is our stop.”Rashad motioned to the window.

The climbed out of the limousine, Liam, Anitah. Drake,Pam, Genevieve and rashad all heading towards the elevator to reach the suite.  Leo, Alicia, Stef and Max made their way towards the back stairwell to their seats. Before the elevator door closed Anitah shouted “Enjoy the beating your teams gonna get.” she winked.  

“Don't get beat up in that Yankees jersey, Queenie.” Alicia smirked.

The four climbed the stairs before finding their seats. Front row, 1st base right behind the dugout. “Baby these are great seats.” Leo smirked as he sat down. “yeah Tigerlily. We can practically touch the players.” Maxwell danced in his seat. “Pretty sure touching is a no no, but, just watch out for a giant green belly in your face.”

“A what?” Stephanie whipped her head around “I don't know much about baseball, but i'm pretty sure giant green bellies are not apart of it.”

Alicia laughed. “I'm talking about the Phanatic. Giant sized Green, ah, mascot. Hes wild, he's crazy, hes spunky. He's just A Lot of fun.”

“So he's basically Maxwell in Alien form?”

Stef could practically feel the giant sized grin forming on her husbands face, behind her back. “No. We can not take him home.”

“But red, hear me out.”

Meanwhile up in the suite. A killer buffet of laid out before them seafoods, chicken, steak, sides and desserts.  As far as a fully stocked bar, all inclusive with their suite. The view of the park below them. Drake, Liam and Rashad sat against the window watching the game below them. Genevieve,  Anitah and Pam all refusing to watch, sipped on their cocktails chatting about anything but the game. “Oh look, what's that green thing down there?” Rashad pressed his face to the glass.

“The fanatic.” the ladies said in unison

“Is he riding a ATV?” Rashad pressed his face closer to the glass, leaving a smudge mark. “Hes dancing, so is everyone else. They look like they're having fun.”

Genevieve arched her brow “Rashad, do you want to go down there and stand behind enemy lines?”

“N, no. Of course not sweetheart.”

The ladies went about their conversation and Drake and Liam continued watching the game. Drake got up to get a refill of scotch “Ahhh where did Rashad go?”

Maxwell watched as the Phanatic speed out onto the field on this 4 wheeler. Pumping his hand in the air. He hopped off shaking his but and dancing.  “Oh. My. God. Hes.. he's my spirit animal.”

“Yeah he is. Just wait til he stands on the dugout,  then the real fun beings.” Alicia shouted. “Ok so, these burgers are weird, but kind of good.” Leo took a careful bite of the donut burger. “Itf amafing weo. Weally gud.” Max spoke with his mouth full of food.  “Maxie, you look like evie when she eats spaghetti. That's where she gets the wear it not eat it from.” Stephanie giggled as maxwell gave her a sloppy, full mouth grin.

“You know, citizens bank park was built so you could see the field from anywhere. We don't have to stay in out seats the whole time.” Alicia mentioned as Leo gave her a wicked grin. The four decided to get up stretching their legs. Leo grabbed Alicia pulling her down into a gated area. “Where are we going?” Alicia questioned.  

“someplace quiet.” Leo whispered as he led her through the tunnel.  Alicia's eyes reading staff only. And then another for locker room.

“Leo, I don't think were allowed down her. That's the team's locker room.” He smirked as he kept pulling her farther down the hall, and into the room pushing her against the wall. His hands exploring every inch of her body,  his lips capturing hers in a feverish kiss.

"Maybe we should find someplace else." She suggested. He shook his head "No. Here's fine." His lips finding hers again.

“What if we get caught?” She breathed out.

“Even better.” He smirked as his fingers worked to unbutton her shorts.

“Where the fuck did he get off to? How the hell are we supposed to find him here?” Genevieve seethed as her, pam, Anitah, Drake and Liam maneuvered through the crowds.

“Damn, I know we ate upstairs but, that barbecue smells good.” Drake sniffed the air as the smoke filled his senses.

“Yeah, I would like to try one of those cheesesteaks too.” Liam salivated.

“Ok, while you guys eat again, we will keep looking for Rashad.” they searched high and low, but no sign of Rashad. “Didn't Alicia say  they were seated on the 1st base side?” Pam questioned. “Yeah, by the dugout, why?” Anitah replied, frustrated. “Well, maybe one of them have seen him.”

The ladies sent Drake and Liam a text telling them where they would be. And made their way over. They peered over the railing trying to get a glimpse of one of their friends when wham.  Someone ran right into Anitah. “Ouch, what the fu.” she stopped immediately cocking her head to the side. “shit, sorry. Oh.” Anitha looked over at Alicia and Leo and the restricted sign on the gate they had just come out of. “What are you two up to?”

“nothing.” Alicia avoided eye contact, her disheveled clothing and hair told her all she needed to know. “Really guys? At the game?”

“What? It was on our kinky bucket list.” Leo chuckled as Alicia playfully slapped him.

“God, enough of this. Hey horny and hornier, you seen my husband?” Genevieve snapped.  

“Nope, but maybe Stef and Max have.” Leo told her.

The three went back and forth, trying to figure out a location he could be.

“Ah guys.” Anitah said. Trying to get there attention, they continued to talk.

“Guys.” Anitah said a little louder. Still not able to get their attention.  

“GUYS!” She shouted as they turned to look at her.

“Found Rashad.” She pointed down to the Phillies dugout. There was Maxwell and rashad dancing with the Phanatic. Both of their faces painted red with a large white P smack dab in the middle of their face. Rashad had his shirt off, as he shook his butt to the music.  Maxwell also shirtless but donned a long red white and blue Phillies cape, as he pop and locked along with the green furry mascot.

Genevieve's hand flew over her mouth.  The others laughed hysterically. Stephanie stood in the aisle recording the whole thing. Laughing hysterically.  “Looks like Rashad made a new friend.” Alicia giggled. “This is going on YouTube.” Anitah busted out laughing.

“How much did he have to drink?” Pam giggled. Genevieve shot Alicia a look. “Never again Alicia.”

Just then the Phillies won the game. The crowd cheered and Genevieve collected an inebriated Rashad. Drake and Liam ate themselves into a food coma, pam and Anitah having to help them to the Limo. Stephanie had to buy Two Phanatic stuffed animals.  One for Evie, the other for Max. Alicia and Leo were the last to head to the limo.

“Did you have a good opening day love?”

“The best ever. We had sex in the Phillies locker room, maxwell and Rashad got drunk and danced with the Phanatic.  Liam and Drake love philly food. But the best part.. The Phillies beat the Braves.” Leo leaned in kissing her cheek. “Let's go get some cheese steaks.” Alicia suggested as they headed towards the exit. “Genos or pats? He arched his brow.

“Both!” They answered simultaneously.

Happy opening day! Pay ball!

Tag: @annekebbphotography @carabeth @moneyfordiamonds @give-me-ernest-sinclaire @3pawandme @indiacater @ooo-barff-ooo @ownworldresident @tornbetween2loves @perfectprofessorherokid @stopforamoment @editboutique @wannabemc2 @zaffrenotes @enmchoices @lauradowning29 @lodberg @smalltalk88 @gibbles82 @heatherfilliez @drakesensworld @nikkis1983 @sweetest-marbear @classylady1234 @daniv2278 @rainbowsinthestorm @jared2612 @liamxs-world @notoriouscs @blubutterflyy @captain-kingliamsqueen @whenyourheartskipsabeat @lynne1993 @coldcollectornight08 @be-still-my-aching-heart @dcbbw

@kennaxval @hopefulmoonobject

[malloryslourd]

Lovesick Idiot | 1/2

Request: hi! could you write like a love triangle situation with zoe, misty, and madison all like the reader but she had to end up choosing only one of them. anyone of your choice - Anonymous

—————

Pairing: Zoe Benson x Reader, Misty Day x Reader, Madison Montgomery x Reader

Warnings: Some Strong Language

Words: 1,588

A/N: made it a two parter bc i’m lazy hehehe, but school is like super stressful and i have so many unfinished drafts including day 197 part 3 and i need to write it

—————

To say tensions had been high in the academy was an understatement. Y/N had noticed that someone was always in a bad mood- not that that wasn’t totally uncommon it was just who was in a bad mood. She could walk in a room and there would be at least two witches mad at each other, most commonly being Zoe, Madison, or Misty.

She had went to some of the other girls for help, but they insisted they couldn’t tell her anything. So, she was kinda left in the dark compared to everyone else. If two, or all of them, were in a room as she entered they would immediately get quiet and just look at one another before all staring at Y/N. Nothing really seemed to add up but there wasn’t much Y/N could do about it.

Y/N also noticed that Zoe, Madison, and Misty were all being really nice to her. Almost so nice it seemed aggressive. She had also gotten a few gifts from the witches which made her just as confused as everything else. Especially when she received something from Madison. Of course she had asked the girls if maybe they just so happened to like her, but that idea was dumped when Coco cut her off and said it was a dumb idea. So really, she had about 0 idea what was happening and she really didn’t think she was going to get to the bottom of it.

Y/N had just finished with one of her classes when she came down stairs and entered the living room. As soon as everyone saw her, the faint arguing stopped and all that could be heard was the Fleetwood Mac record Misty had put on. "Hi... I guess," Y/N mumbled as she moved to sit next to Queenie on the couch.

"You look good today Y/N/N," Zoe smiled at the witch, sitting in the armchair next to the fireplace. She turned all her attention to Y/N, not paying attention to Misty or Madison anymore.

Y/N smiled at Zoe, shaking her head at the compliment. "She always looks good," Misty added. She leaned against the piano, gazing over at Zoe angrily. They stared at each other for a second before looking back at Y/N.

Y/N looked at Queenie, who only shrugged her shoulders as she avoided eye contact with the girl. The doorbell rang and Y/N immediately stood up, trying to avoid the awkwardness in the living room. "I’ll get that," she hurried to the front door, not looking back as she practically ran away from everyone else.

When she opened the door she was met with a flower delivery man, who obviously wasn’t to happy to be delivering flowers. "Y/N L/N?" he looked down at the clipboard in his hand. Y/N only nodded before he grabbed a flower arrangement off the ground and handed it to her, not saying anything else before he turned away.

Y/N kicked the door closed before walking to the kitchen, the girls following her. She placed the arrangement on the table, huffing at how heavy it was. It was definitely big... maybe too big to be honest. However, it was pretty.

Coco walked into the kitchen, talking to Mallory quietly. She stopped in her tracks as the flowers caught her eye. "That’s... a thing," Coco breathed, never looking away from the arrangement. "That’s for you?" she pointed at Y/N, getting a very slow nod. "From who?" she walked over to the table, Mallory following behind her.

Y/N shrugged as she looked for a card. "They’re cute, my favorites too. It’s a lot!" she laughed lightly as she picked up the card tucked inside of the flowers. "A flower can’t blossom without sunshine, and I can’t live without your love... a secret admirer," Y/N nodded as she put the card down. "That makes this so much easier, right?" she looked around the room, not noticing the smug look on Madison’s face.

"How did they know those were your favorite flowers though?" Mallory stood next to Y/N, grabbing a flower from the bouquet gently. "They’re your favorite colors too," she pointed out, smelling the flower before placing it back where it was before.

"Maybe they just really listen to what you have to say?" Madison suggested, leaning against the table. Misty and Zoe looked at the blonde quickly, arms crossed around their chest angrily. "They must really be the one if they pay that much attention."

Y/N sighed, pursing her lips at the thought. "Or they’re a total creep that knows way too much," Y/N joked, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Misty laughed, covering her mouth to try and be quiet as Madison looked at her angrily. "Who knows?" Y/N took a seat at the table.

"What’s this?" everyone looked at Cordelia as she stood in the entrance of the doorway.

"Y/N has a secret admirer," Queenie put air quotes around secret as she gestured to Madison. Cordelia looked at the three girls and then to Y/N, an ‘Oh’ sound very softly leaving her lips as moved closer to the table.

"Secret admirers are so boring!" Coco interjected, waving off the present. She thought the flower gift thing was a total cliche and she honestly didn’t care much for it. "Like, what’s the point if you’re not going to confess! If you’re going to buy something expensive just say it was you!"

Misty nodded, a comedic smile on her face. "I agree Coco," she looked over at the blonde.

"Me too," Zoe looked at Madison mockingly.

"I mean it’s nice! Don’t get me wrong," Y/N took in the flowers in front of her, almost overwhelmed by them. "I would’ve just liked to known who it was from," she shrugged her shoulders lightly. Of course she had her suspension, but in her mind she was totally wrong based off of what the others told her.

"I’ve seen nicer," Misty mumbled as she flicked one of the petals off of the flower. She rested her chin in her hand as she watched Madison get even more aggravated. "Could’ve been better," she smirked.

Madison turned to Misty. "Okay Swamp Rat-"

"-Madison, Misty, Zoe," Cordelia looked at the three witches, them all looking at her quickly. She motioned to the hall, them all following her as she walked out of the kitchen.

Y/N waited until they were gone before grabbing Mallory. "Spill, right now Mallory. I swear to God you better tell me everything," she looked at the short girl. Mallory looked at Queenie and Coco, who were shaking their heads furiously. "Mallory," Y/N said sternly. She knew Mallory knew if the girls really did have a crush on her and she was tired of just assuming they did.

"They all like you," Mallory whispered. Queenie and Coco groaned loudly, heads thrown back in disappointment. "But I didn’t tell you that! I’m not supposed to say anything!" she looked at Y/N worryingly, thinking about all the things the girls would do to her if they knew she snitched.

"Goddammit! Why didn’t you guys tell me?" Y/N turned to look at the other two witches in her room. She has talked to them about this maybe 100 times and they both heavily denied it. Of course they were lying. It was eating away at her for weeks, practically months, and they were just letting her suffer. She was tired of watching her friends argue and hate each other more and more with every passing day.

"Don’t say anything about it! We have bets on this!" Coco pointed at the witch. Y/N only groaned and stomped her foot like a child. She didn’t say anything before she left the kitchen, leaving her friends there by themselves.

—

Y/N had been thinking about Zoe, Madison, and Misty all day. How couldn’t she? Now that she knew she wasn’t just delusional and they had actually liked her she felt like an idiot. A lovesick idiot. Of course she had loved all the girls, but it might not have been romantically.

She laid on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. That’s all she had been doing, just thinking and staring. She thought back at everything. Zoe she knew the longest and before they were teachers Zoe had helped Y/N with most of her powers. Madison was a very close friend of hers, probably one of her closest surprisingly, and she helped Y/N explore the more adventurous side of herself which she was always thankful for. Misty was the sweetest person Y/N knew and she never failed to make her smile no matter just how shitty Y/N felt.

"I’ll just drop dead, that sounds easier," Y/N whispered, contemplating just running away. It seemed a lot easier on TV when someone had multiple people in love with them. Of course they end up with what everyone suspected, but if there were bets there probably wasn’t a leading person. If there was everyone would probably trying to set the two of them up.

At one point Coco had texted her ‘You could always start a polycule, don’t forget that.' That had made her laugh, relieving some of her stress, but it was definitely not an option for her.

She was stressed, quite obviously but she had an idea of who she really wanted. Maybe she would break a few hearts, but they could all still be friends. They had physically attacked each other a few times and were still friends, this couldn’t be that different. Right? Hopefully. Time would tell that was for certain.

[fallen-imagine-angel]

Unlikely Friendships and Great Adventures - Part 6 - Finale

Notes: As promised, here’s part 6, the finale, of Unlikely Friendships and Great Adventures! I’m so sad it’s over.... however, if it’s requested, I might continue the series by starting at the second movie.... :) Let me know if you want me to put you in any of my tag lists for any other characters, including Newt Scamander one-shots or other series. Thank you so much for all the love and support with this series, I love all of you guys so much! I’m truly blessed.

Summary: You’ve escaped from prison, but what about the obscurial that’s still roaming around New York?

Unlikely Friendships and Great Adventures - Part 6 - Finale

Newt Scamander x Reader

Word Count: 2,627

Warnings: blacking out, fight sequence, death, etc.

Here’s the rest of the series:

| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 |

You apparate in front of a department store.

“What’s this?” Jacob asks curiously.

“Department store, obviously. The Demiguise has to be around here somewhere.” You untangle yourself from a flustered Newt before looking the store up and down. Then you see Jacob approach the shop window, looking at a handbag that’s sliding down a mannequin.

“Demiguise.” You and Newt nod to each other. The whole group follows the Demiguise.

“So Demiguises are fundamentally peaceful, but they can give a nasty nip if provoked,” Newt explains to everyone. You nod in agreement. 

“(y/n) would know,” Newt adds under his breath, causing you to smack his shoulder. When you first met the Demiguise, you hadn’t done so good and had accidentally made him scared, causing him to bite you. It hurt.

Suddenly the Demiguise appears and starts to head up a display, grabbing sweets.

“You two...head that way.” Newt motions to Jacob and Queenie. They nod and start to move.

“And try not to be predictable.” You add. They exchange confused looks before shrugging and heading off again. You, Tina, and Newt all start to walk when you hear a small roar in the distance.

“Was that the Demiguise?” Tina gulps. You shake your head.

“No, I think it might be the reason the Demiguise is here,” Newt explains. You nod in agreement. Then, you three continue to follow the Demiguise until it comes to a stop in front of an attic-type area. You all hide behind a display.

“Its sight operates on probability, so it can foresee the most likely immediate future.” You explain to Tina as Newt creeps out from the display, closing in behind the Demiguise.

“What’s it doing now?” Tina asks Newt.

“It’s babysitting.” You and Newt answer at the same time, watching the Demiguise.

“What did you just say-?” Tina starts, but Newt cuts her off.

“This is my fault. I thought we had them all- but I must have miscounted.” Newt shakes his head, calmly.

“Our fault.” You pipe in. He nods. Then you turn your head to see Jacob and Queenie walk up quietly. You walk to Newt and kneel beside him, next to the Demiguise who has now made space for you two. Then the moonlight shines on occamy scales, and you see the beast that the Demiguise is babysitting.

“It was babysitting that?” Tina asks in horror. A large Occamy face appears in the moonlight.

“Yes. Yes, it was.” Newt nods, smiling brightly up at the creature. 

“But I saw one of thems guys in the case, didn’t I? He wasn’t this big.” Jacob says.

“Occamies are choranaptyxic. They grow to fill available space.” You whisper, and upon hearing your voice, the occamy shows its face to everyone. You smile widely at it.

“Mummy’s here!” Newt says, reaching his hand out slightly to the occamy. You glare at him.

“Mum’s here!” You repeat, slightly glaring at Newt as you reach your hand out as well.

“Sorry- I mean, dad’s here!” Newt corrects himself. You nod in content. You look over to see Dougal’s eyes flash blue, only meaning one thing. A premonition.

“Newt-” You start, but before you can get any further, Queenie walks forward and knocks a glass bauble across the floor, frightening the occamy.

“Whoa! Whoa!” Newt gasps, grabbing your arm to keep you next to him, but getting separated even so. Tina, Queenie, and Jacob are in a corner by themselves. Newt is thrown violently onto the Occamy’s back and he holds on, just barely.

“We need a teapot and an insect stat!” You yell at everyone. You see a cockroach out of the corner of your eye and dive for it, but it just narrowly escapes your grasp.

“Teapot!” Tina screams, and you nod. Suddenly, the Occamy is still. You follow its gaze to see Jacob holding a cockroach.

“Tina, hand me the teapot.” You whisper to her. 

“No way! I can handle this myself!” Tina says.

“Give her the teapot, Tina. She knows what she’s doing.” Newt pleads. Tina reluctantly hands over the teapot to you.

“Thank you, Newt. Now, Jacob put the cockroach in here.” You shakily walk over to Jacob. He throws it to you and you catch it in the teapot. The Occamy coils itself up on the ceiling of the warehouse and plunges down toward the teapot, making itself smaller and curling up into the teapot as it gulps down the cockroach.

Newt slams a lid on the teapot to keep the Occamy from escaping.

“Choranaptyxic. They also shrink to fit the available space.” Newt grins at you but is speaking to everyone else.

“You know, Scamander, we make a pretty great team.” You tease, only now noticing the close proximity of you two.

“Yes, we do. But we already knew that.” He says.

“I guess we did.” You smile.

“Tell me the truth, you two,” Tina snaps the two of you out of your staring contest, “was that everything that came out of the case?” She finishes.

“That’s everything.” Newt nods.

“And that’s the truth.” You add.

“Well, let’s get them back into the case, then.” Jacob beams, still staring warily at the teapot. You nod and the case is set down and opened. Newt heads in first, Tina following despite your protest, then you, then Jacob, then Queenie.

“Here she comes.” Newt lifts Dougal into his nest.

“Happy to be home? Bet you’re exhausted, buddy.” You smile at Dougal, patting him on the head. Together, you and Newt head over and start busying yourself with buckets of feed.

“Hey, Newt? Who’s she?” Queenie suddenly asks. You look over curiously, having no idea who Queenie is talking about.

“Ah...that’s no one.” Newt clears his throat, avoiding your questioning gaze.

“Leta Lestrange? I’ve heard of that family. Aren’t they kinda...you know?” Queenie asks, frowning.

“Please don’t read my mind.” Newt whispers. You drop the bucket of feed you’re holding.

“You...have a picture of Leta in our suitcase? You carry around a picture of Leta?” You ask Newt, trying not to let your tone get too out of hand.

“Yes,” Newt says, his voice low.

“And...you didn’t think to tell me, huh? After...years of our friendship? Were you just never going to tell me? Had to let the secret spill before you would?” You laugh, though more in disbelief and hurt than anything else.

“I was going to tell you, I just...didn’t know how.” Newt looks up at you, pain evident in his eyes.

“Oh, you didn’t know how to tell your best friend that you’re still in love with a girl from your past who probably never thinks about you anymore? Who maybe hates your guts now? Who broke up with you after she accused me of liking you, then dueled you so she could be right? Who got you expelled from Hogwarts? Who hurt you? Yeah, I wouldn’t know how to say that either….but at least I’d try.” You scowl, spinning on your heel and walking out.

“No, (y/n), please! It’s not like that!” He calls after you, but you ignore him and keep walking. You didn’t want to hear his excuses.

~~~

“(Y/n), I know you’re mad at me, but we have to go. Now. The obscurial is downtown and wreaking havoc. Please.” Newt lightly touches your shoulder, but you shrug off his hand.

“I’ll go. But...I’m not going for you, know that. I’m going to save lives.” You spit at him. He furrows his eyebrows in hurt, but nods and leads you out of the case.

Suddenly, you’re on a rooftop, the chaos of the city seen below. Everyone is already out there, including Tina.

“Jeez...is that the obscuria- thing?” Jacob asks, eyes wide in surprise.

“That’s more powerful than any Obscurial I have ever seen or heard of…” Newt gasps. Then, you hear a loud explosion. The city starts to burn and you grab your wand and hand the case to Newt.

“If I don’t come back, look after the creatures.” You tell him, disapparating before he can say anything.

~~~

You apparate onto the street below, seeing Mr. Graves and the Obscurial just down the street. You hear their conversation.

“To survive so long, with this inside you, Credence, is a miracle. You’re a miracle. Come with me! Think of what we could achieve together!” Graves tells the Obscurial, Credence.

“Newt!” You hear behind you, only to see Newt following you, and Tina following him. You ignore them.

“It’s the Second Salem boy. He’s the Obscurial.” Newt tells you as he reaches you.

“I know. I’m not stupid, Newt.” You growl at him.

“He’s not a child, though,” Tina says.

“I know. But I saw him...his power must be so strong that he’s somehow managed to survive. It’s incredible.” Newt admires the Obscurial.

“Newt, save him!” Tina yells, rushing toward Graves. Newt grabs your arm and disapparates.

~~~

Newt keeps a tight grip on your arm as he apparates from rooftop to rooftop, following Credence.

“Credence! Credence, we can help you!” Newt yells at him. Credence dives at the two of you, but Newt disapparates before he reaches you.

~~

The two of you apparate into a subway, where the Obscurus, Credence, gently swirls in the air above the train tracks.

“Credence...it is Credence, isn’t it? Look, we’re here to help you. We’re not here to hurt you.” You hide slightly behind a pillar, but talk to Credence and show him your face.

You hear footsteps in the distance, causing you to walk out onto the train tracks with Credence.

“(Y/n)!” Newt whisper-shouts your name. You look inside the Obscurus to see Credence curled up into a ball, scared.

“Credence, I’ve met someone like you. A girl...a young girl who’d been imprisoned, she had been locked away and punished for her magic…” You tell him, tearing up at the memory of her and her death.

“Credence, can we come over to you? Can we come over?” Newt asks, putting a hand on your lower back. You start to walk forward, but suddenly you’re thrown back by a light.

“(Y/n)!” Newt screams as you hit the pillar you were just hiding behind. You groan in pain as everything fades to black.

~~~

You wake up to see Tina staring into the Obscurus, and you notice the train station is getting in worse condition by the second.

“Don’t do this...please.” Tina pleads.

“Keep talking, Tina. Keep talking to him. He’s listening to you.” Newt tells Tina, and you notice that he’s still by your side. You groan and shift to look up at him. He looks down at you, worry in his eyes, as he grabs your hand and holds it tightly.

“I know what that woman did to you, Credence. I know that you’ve suffered. You need to stop this now, though. Newt and I will protect you.” Tina promises. 

“And me.” You cough out. Credence seems to hear you.

“Graves is using you, Credence,” Newt adds.

“Don’t listen to them, Credence. I want you to be free. It’s alright.” Graves tries to calm him.

“That’s it…” Tina calms him as he starts to turn more into Credence instead of the Obscurus. Suddenly, tons of Aurors are surrounding you. You gasp as you’re taken back to your memories, the day your sister died and all of the Aurors, including your mother, killing her.

“Please, don’t!” You scream, with as much of your voice as you can, at the Aurors. They brush you off.

“Shh, you’ll frighten him!” Tina says more to you than anyone else. The Obscurus starts to grow large again, and the tunnel starts to crumble.

“Wands down! Anyone harms him and they’ll answer to me!” Graves yells at the Aurors.

“Credence…” Tina trails off, trying to calm him. The Aurors begin to hit Credence with multiple spells.

“No!” Graves screams. You hear Credence’s screams from inside the Obscurus. You flashback to your sister. Instead of Credence, you hear your sister. You hear her screams as the Aurors torture Credence, killing him slowly. Then, the Obscurus, Credence, finally implodes and knocks everyone back off their feet.

“You fools! Do you realize what you’ve done?” Graves yells.

“The Obscurial was killed on my orders, Mr. Graves.” Madam Picquery tells him.

“Yes. And history will surely note that, Madam President.” Graves threatens.

“Aurors, I’d like you to relieve Mr. Graves of his wand and escort him back to-” Madam President starts, but she’s cut off by Graves turning around and sending spells flying at the Aurors. Newt lets out the Swooping Evil and blocks the spells from hitting the Aurors anymore.

He raises his wand and wraps a crackling rope of light around Graves.

“Accio,” Newt calls out, and Graves is dragged toward him.

“Revelio.” You mutter out with a flick of your wand. Graves’ black hair changes to blond and his eyes to blue. You gasp.

“Grindelwald.” Madam Picquery glares at him.

“Do you think you can hold me?” Grindelwald asks.

“We’ll do our best, Mr. Grindelwald.” Madam President hums, ordering for him to be sent away.

Queenie and Jacob push their way through the crowd, finding their way toward you and Newt.

“Hey...I figured somebody oughta keep an eye on this thing.” He sets the case down next to the two of you.

“Thank you.” You and Newt say in unison. Newt helps you up and holds an arm around your shoulders to keep you from falling over. You slip your arm around his waist, trying to keep from blushing.

“We owe you two an apology, Mr. and Mrs. Scamander. But the magical community is exposed! We cannot Obliviate an entire city.” Madam Picquery stresses.

“Actually...I think we can.” You and Newt share a smirking look.

~~~

A moment later, you’ve let Frank out of the case, and you’re stroking his head in order for him not to fly away.

“We were intending to wait until we got to Arizona, but it seems like now you’re our only hope, Frank.” Newt smiles at the Thunderbird.

You and Newt embrace the Thunderbird.

“You know what you’ve got to do.” You whisper to Frank, giving him one last affectionate pat on the head.

Newt throws a vial in the air and Frank lets out a sharp cry, catching it in his beak and flying out of the subway. You smile and feel Newt’s arm around your shoulders tighten as you stare up in the sky at Frank like two proud parents.

You and Newt turn to face Madam Picquery and her Aurors.

“They won’t remember a thing. That venom has incredibly powerful Obliviative properties.” Newt assures everyone.

“We owe you a great debt, Mr. and Mrs. Scamander. Now...get that case out of New York.” Madam Picquery smiles at the two of you.

“Actually it’s-” You’re about to correct her, that you’re not Scamander, but Newt squeezes your shoulder to cut you off.

“Yes, Madam President.” He nods politely.

“Is that No-Maj still here? Oh, he is. Well, Obliviate him. There can be no exceptions. I’m sorry...but even one witness...well, you know the law,” Madam Picquery frowns, “I’ll let you say goodbye.” She walks off awkwardly.

Jacob leads you all to the top of the subway steps.

“Hey. Hey, this is for the best. Yeah...I was never even supposed to be here.” Jacob smiles reluctantly, fighting back tears. Queenie holds onto his coat, almost a silent beg not to go.

“We’ll miss you.” Tina bites her lip.

“Well, I was never supposed to know any of this stuff, anyway. Everybody knows Newt and (y/n) only kept me around because...hey, guys...why did you keep me around?” Jacob asks.

“Because we like you. Because you’re our friend and we’ll never forget how you helped us, Jacob.” Newt smiles at him. 

“Oh!” Jacob seems happily surprised.

“I’ll come with you. We’ll go somewhere...we’ll go anywhere! See, I ain’t never gonna find anyone like-” Queenie starts, but Jacob cuts her off.

“There’s loads like me.” Jacob shakes his head.

“No...No, there’s only one like you.” Tina agrees with Queenie.

“I gotta go,” Jacob says after a tense few seconds. He faces the rain and wipes off the tears on his face.

“Jacob!” Newt starts after him, but you hold him back, tears forming in your eyes.

“It’s okay...It’s okay...It’s just like waking up, right?” He laughs absentmindedly, stepping out into the rain. Before it hits him, though, Queenie creates a magic umbrella with her wand and steps out after him. 

“What are you-” Jacob tries, but Queenie cuts him off with a soft kiss. Jacob eagerly kisses back but Queenie pulls away before she gets too emotional. Then, you all quickly leave before Jacob wakes up and wonders who you are. That would be too heartbreaking.

~~~

A day later, you and Newt are ready to leave New York. He’s got his Hufflepuff scarf, and you your Slytherin scarf. Tina walks with you guys to the dock.

“Well, it’s been…” Newt starts, but can’t finish his sentence.

“Hasn’t it!” Tina finishes, giggling. You sigh.

“Well, back to the Ministry for us...deliver our manuscript…” Newt awkwardly trails off.

“I’ll look out for it. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Tina hums. There’s a pause.

“Does Leta Lestrange like to read?” Tina asks. You tense up, and Newt notices.

“Uh...sorry, I don’t really know what Leta likes these days. People...change.” Newt clears his throat, trying to relieve some awkward tension. You two still hadn’t talked about that, and you were still kinda mad at him for it.

“Yes.” Tina nods.

“I’ve changed. I think. Maybe a little.” Newt tilts his head in thought.

“Hardly.” You snort. Newt gives you a playful glare.

“Well, we’d better get going...see you around, Tina.” Newt smiles and starts toward the boat. You follow. Then, he stops and turns back around.

“I’ll send you a copy of our book, if I may.” He tells her.

“I’d like that.” She grins. He nods and starts walking again, before turning around and going back to her once more.

“I’m so sorry….but how would you feel if I gave you your copy in person?” He asks.

“I’d like that very much.” Tina beams. Newt smiles and nods, turning around once more. But, before he can get too far, Tina stops him. He turns around, confused, but Tina wraps her arms around his neck and presses her lips to his firmly. He seems surprised but doesn’t protest. Your heart breaks a little and you look away. Then, he’s by your side and boarding the ship with you. You sigh once you get to your quarters.

“What’s wrong, (y/n/n)?” He hums, a playful smile still evident on his face.

“You love her, don’t you? Tina? Or Leta? Maybe both.” You give him a passive look. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Newt shakes his head.

“I saw you kiss her.” You sigh.

“She kissed me, (y/n/n). Plus, no...I don’t really see her that way. If you had watched after the kiss, you would’ve seen me tell her that.” He hums in amusement. Your mouth falls wide open.

“But what about all the romantic tension between you two the entire trip here?” Your eyes go wide.

“She’s just a good friend. I mean, she obviously liked me, but it was always one-sided. I’ve got my eyes on someone else.” He shrugs.

“Right. Leta.” You shrink in the chair you’re sitting on, sulking.

“No, not Leta. I mean...I got over her a while ago. I keep her picture because it reminds me of the good memories that she and I had before everything happened. She was my best friend for most of Hogwarts schooling, you know. Besides, I’ve got someone better now.” Newt gives you a charming smile.

“You’re right. I am better.” You grin.

“And…?” He waits for your realization.

“Wait, then...if you don’t like Leta, then who do you like?” You gasp.

“You’re so oblivious sometimes.” Newt grins and walks closer to you.

“I’m just playing. I know who it is. Me! And you know, you’re acting a little different right now. Not a shy, stuttering mess that you usually act like around girls you like. You’re...suave, for once.” You smirk.

“Maybe it’s because I want to impress you, ever think of that? I can be good with words.” He beams, trailing his fingers up and down your arms.

“Well, you already impress me with or without smooth talking. You’re incredible with animals, really. Oh, and...before I forget, I love you, too.” You grin at him.

“I never said love, (y/n/n). I said like.” He hums, raising one eyebrow at you.

“I know what you really mean.” You smile wider, wrapping your arms around his neck. He slowly leans in.

“You must because I do love you.” He kisses you softly and a bit shyly, but then gets a little more confident and wraps his arms around your waist.

And what do you know, you were right all those years ago. This did blossom into much more than just a wonderful friendship.

Tag List: @xbarrjallenx @witchyandkin  @zzeacat 

(Check out the author’s note above for a little fun fact in italics...)

[batgirl-87]

For the newer ask game: 7, 8, 9, 10, 26! :)

Thank you for asking! =)

Omg these are all good questions that made me really think - you’re putting me to work! =p Which also means this got long, sorry… But I think I should be writing this game’s storyline now after thinking about Olivia Green… =p Also would love to hear other’s opinions on Olivia as well because I am super curious about her! 

Talk About Your MC and Jacob Asks  

7. What memory or thought does MC/Jacob use when conjuring a patronus? What form does it take?

Jacob, being older has a better memory of their mom and time spent together with her than Keira. So memories like them building a fort in the living room in front of the fire to curl up in to listen to a story their mom would read to them on a rainy day or the time their mom unleashed some of her fiery Irish temper on another parent of some kids who were teasing him and his sister for being “freaks” since they’re part Undine, while their parents did nothing but confirm that yes they were freaks so stay away from them, are memories he holds dear. Their mom went off, partially in French - that family had no idea what was happening but knew they pissed off the wrong person! It was awesome! 

Memories with his ‘adopted’ parents are great too, he’s learned a lot from them and appreciates all they’ve done. He loved all the Quidditch practice and support, hiking in the woods and learning more about nature and Native traditions, but while those memories are fond to him I think memories of his birth mom would make for the strongest patronus. 

I have debated a lot about Jacob’s patronus (buffalo, bear, elk - trying to stay away from stag!) and while I thought I settled on buffalo now I’m thinking bear… Whether it’s a buffalo or brown bear both are big, strong, calm, grounded, and fiercely protective of their families.”The bear is indicative of someone with a great reserve of patience and inner strength. They are confident, stable people that others may gravitate to in trying times for stability and healing. Though their quiet nature and tendency to spend time away from the crowd can lead to others thinking they are stern or anti-social, bears are often friendly and curious, and can surprise even those that know them best with something they didn’t think of. Brown bears are known to be the “warriors” of the bear archetype, standing their ground and facing danger to protect others or do what they believe is right, not backing down no matter the danger.” ; “Few possess just the right strength of character for their patronus to take the form of a buffalo. Those that do are dedicated individuals who are fiercely protective of those close to them, and not in a general way, either. Anyone foolish enough to attempt to harm another under a buffalo’s care is unlikely to come out unscathed. They are fighters, and it’s not uncommon for a buffalo to have their own personal code or way of acting to which normal morality simply doesn’t apply, which can be dangerous even for the buffalo.” 

Unfortunately, Keira being the youngest and having her mom pass when she was about five years old means she doesn’t have as many vivid memories about her like Jacob does. But she does have a lot of memories of her brother Jacob, always being there for her especially after their mom passes, getting into random shenanigans together; and a lot of Quidditch related ones as well like watching his practices or games, accompanying their ‘adopted’ dad on jobs working with Quidditch players, making friends with other players. While it may be a memory about hanging with friends, Quidditch, or spending time with their ‘adopted’ parents Jacob is a constant presence in all her happiest memories. As she gets older I think some memories with her “Uncle Remus” would also be very meaningful to her and help her produce a patronus. And when they both get older I think the memory of winning the World Cup would be a great memory for both Jacob and Keira. 

Keira’s patronus is an arctic fox, although it could change as she grows up and has new experiences. (I was also under the impression that typically one’s animagus form was their patronus, or original one since a patronus can change?) “Cunning, stealth, persistence. The arctic fox is infinitely adaptable, living its life in one of the world’s most extreme climates. Arctic fox people tend to be sly, graceful, and have a near magic ability to make something out of nothing, utilizing even the most limited of resources. Arctic fox as a totem can teach us the ability to go with the flow of life, changing ourselves to suit our ever-evolving environments. They adapt to whatever comes their way. They are light on their feet, and very persistent. They are known to do the best with what they have and even in the hardest of times, they don’t give up. But they can also betray you in an instant. Most arctic fox people are known to be cunning even when they don’t mean it and they can lie and con their way out of everything. They do whatever it takes to survive, even if they have to do something they don’t agree with.But nevertheless they are great people to have around if you’re in a jam and need help with something.” 

*Spoiler* For the side quest I have yet to see, and therefore obviously do, I’m pretty sure her patronus is going to be some form of a cat because I don’t think a rabbit or horse suits her and her animagus is a cat - I’m not sure what the cat options are exactly but I’m pretty positive I’m choosing the cat option and then we’ll see what type of cat is for her. 

8. Would MC/Jacob use legilimency on anyone, anytime, or only when absolutely necessary? Does this change over time? Do they ever become as powerful as Snape/Dumbledore/Queenie (wandless and nonverbal)?

Why do I feel like my Jacob would legit forget about his legilimency ability and then randomly be reminded of it be like “Oh yeah!” =p 

I think for both Jacob and Keira they would resort to using legilimency only when necessary, however, I think Keira is more liberal about using it than Jacob but that could be because he forgets about it =p 

I believe at first Keira doesn’t want to use it at all when she first finds out at Hogwarts but I think the more difficult and dangerous the hunt for these Vaults and dealing with the Cabal is going to get she’s going to get some more practice with it and realize she needs to use it and it’s a beneficial and useful ability to have. Then when she becomes a Curse-Breaker and is dealing with dark wizards and witches and mercenaries she’ll find again that this ability proves to be very useful. And the more dangerous jobs she takes on the more she may rely on it and use it. Whereas for a professional Quidditch player legilimency isn’t really needed as much so… hence Jacob forgetting about it =p 

But neither of them would use it on anyone at any time unless they’re doing some fun party trick or something =p But they wouldn’t take advantage of it and misuse it or use it just because they’re bored or something. 

I am a big fan of nonverbal and wandless magic, personally =p So I think, even if they don’t plan on using it all the time both would work towards improving their skills so they could do it at least nonverbally. I think Keira would work harder to be able to do it nonverbally and wandlessly while Jacob would be find if he couldn’t do it nonverbally and wandless, hopefully at least one if possible, but he has to admit being able to do so without a wand and nonverbally would be cool and could prove useful sometimes (especially if the Cabal ever finds him or something because now he’s become paranoid about that) so he’d probably work on it but wouldn’t mind taking longer and be more lax about it than his sister. They’re bother hard working and determined people but his sister his more intense than him =p 

But Keira works hard to be able to cast any magic she can nonverbally and/or wandless so this wouldn’t be anything special compared to other spells and abilities. She wants to be a badass and feared opponent! 

9. Would MC/Jacob fight at the battle of Hogwarts or go into hiding/avoid the conflict? Would they survive?

Not only does Keira fight at the Battle of Hogwarts but she saves Remus, Tonks, and Fred (and Sirius beforehand) - FIGHT ME! 

I cannot allow them to die - CANNOT DO IT! Can’t save everyone BUT SHE WILL SAVE THEM EVEN IF SHE DIES DOING SO! 

Here’s what I’m thinking =p While visiting her beloved relative Tonks who is now a badass Auror, and getting a tour of the Ministry she maybe pockets a time-turner thinking ‘this is cool and can come in handy some time’ or she gets one from another country’s ministry or during her own adventures as a Curse-Breaker or doing some other jobs… (for another time =p) Point is, she’s getting her hands on some sort of time-turner because she thinks it could come in handy some time - right?! Who wouldn’t think that?

And then after what happens to Sirius in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries gives her a good reason to use it and she goes back to save him from getting killed by Bellatrix (after he punches Lucius of course because that moment is iconic =p) And then during the Battle of Hogwarts clearly she’s going to use it again to save Remus, Tonks, and Fred after they are found to have been killed during it. And she definitely goes through a whole reflection moment of all the ‘what ifs’ and consequences she may have to deal with if she does this - ‘Well what if it’s their time and doing this messes things up and someone else has to die to balance it out? Go back and try and save them too? But if it really is their time to go then me attempting to save them won’t make a difference and they’ll still die some other way because it’s just their time, right? And I have to accept that. But it really feels like it’s not their time….And if by saving them some dark wizard and witches end up living as well instead of dying we can just arrest them later or deal with that later because a couple of them living isn’t going to make that much of a difference (at least not to Keira) And highly doubt by saving them somehow that means Voldemort won’t be defeated, don’t see how that’s related…. And if I need to go back in time a few different times to get things right I will! And if I have to die in order to keep them alive and safe, fine.’ - there’s a whole lot she thinks about but ultimately she’s doing this. She’ll deal with the consequences as long as they are saved. 

But can she do it alone? Well guess it’s good she saved Sirius, right because he is probably the only one who knows about her time-turner and what she did to save him so they together go back in time to save Remus, Tonks, and Fred - you think Sirius is going to let Remus die?! Hahahaha no! 

Honestly, Remus is the driving force behind all of this. Keira loves Remus possibly more than anyone else and he deserves to be happy! He finally gets reunited with his best friend who was wrongfully imprisoned and has a bit of happiness back where he doesn’t feel so alone and is relieved that Sirius isn’t this horrible people everyone tried to make him out to be AND THEN HE DIES?! NOPE! (Plus Keira loves Sirius too and she doesn’t want him to die! He just got out of prison, again, after being wrongfully put in there, he doesn’t deserve to just die like that!) Remus finally finds someone who loves and accepts him beyond his Marauders who wants to marry him, they have a child, again he’s happy and not alone AND THEN THEY DIE AND LEAVE THEIR SON!? UMMMM NO! No no no no no, not happening. Remus is not going to die and leave her, Tonks isn’t going to die and leave him, and they’re going to be awesome, amazing parents and Remus deserves to have a happy life DAMNIT!

And then there’s Fred who has nothing really to do with Remus but… come on, she’s not going to be okay with Fred dying who’s like her own little brother - she had an instant connection to the Twins! And the Weasley family is one of the most warm, welcoming, caring family in the whole wizarding world AND twins being separated like this when they have such a close and special connection - No, she could not live with herself if she knew she could save Fred somehow and not do it. None of the Weasley’s deserve to lose Fred and he doesn’t deserve to die. If one has to die it can be Percy =p JUST KIDDING! 

Anyway, that’s my brief explanation of how Keira saves Sirius, Remus, Tonks, and Fred while also still sort of having it canon because they do die and then she just goes back in time and saves them =p Also I don’t care if it’s not canon because I refuse to accept their deaths and no one will ever make me and no one can make me feel bad about creating a way to save them. I know this wasn’t exactly the question so…

Yes, Keira and Jacob will fight in the Battle of Hogwarts. Both are fiercely protective of those close to them and have a strong sense of justice. And if Keira is going to fight to try and keep her friends and family safe then Jacob of course is going to be there to try and keep her safe! Plus they both like action and some danger. (Jacob is very much a typical Gryffindor in the sense that he’ll leap into action without really thinking about it or worrying about his safety and Keira… she sort of accepted her fate back when she was in Hogwarts that she wasn’t going to live to see graduation and then when she did every day after that is like a bonus day she didn’t think she’d get so she’s like ‘I already lived longer than I thought I would’ so she can be reckless. Plus they love being in the action and the thrill of battle! They like the adrenaline rush and may have too much fun with it =p Why she’s a Curse-Breaker and takes on other dangerous jobs and he plays Quidditch)

I feel like Keira would be there from the beginning while Jacob would show up later, sort of like Charlie, liking to make a dramatic entrance like taking out some dark wizard before they attacked his sister who would be like “so nice of you to show up!” (they’re Black’s, they like to make dramatic entrances and exits, okay?!)

10. What happened to Olivia Green? Is she an evil agent of R or as she wrongfully manipulated like Jacob?

What did happen to Olivia Green!?!? Isn’t that the question of the century….

So I am Year 5 Ch 14 I think, so I don’t know if there’s been any more information on Olivia Green than the little we know which is she worked with Duncan and Jacob on these Vaults and was a Gryffindor… right? Well if there is more please let me know because that’s pretty much all I know. But I will say, and I don’t know what it is, but learning about Olivia Green made me instantly suspicious and feel like she’s the evil one behind all of this despite having no evidence of that! 

Either, I feel, she’s sort of like the Peter Pettigrew of this story and betrayed Jacob and Duncan (or would have if he hadn’t died) to gain power and position in the Cabal and/or whatever is in the last Vault or she would have/tried to but the Cabal ultimately still chose Jacob over her and now she’s seeking revenge on his little sibling and using them to get to the last Vault before the Cabal to sort of show them they chose the wrong person (like I’ve said, I like the idea for my Jacob to have joined the Cabal as a sort of undercover mission), or she is a hermit somewhere living traumatized by everything they endured with the Vaults. (Idk why I like this idea of MC finding out she’s alive and living in some little cottage in the outskirts of Hogsmeade or something and they go to visit her and when they mention the Vaults it causes her to go off on MC and warn them to stay away and just triggers her, bringing her back to all this trauma she faced when she and Jacob and Duncan looked for the Vaults). But as fun as that idea is I for some reason instantly got an evil vibe from the mere mention of Olivia. Maybe I’m just looking for another candidate for R who isn’t Rakepick or Rowan? It’s freaking Peter isn’t it?! (If it’s Peter you all owe me $5 because I’ve been saying this! =p)

Anyways, I know nothing about Olivia but for some reason I don’t think she’s easily manipulated - maybe because I feel like my own MC is better at manipulating than being manipulated and I’m here for to smart, powerful witches to go at it, like two mini Rakepick’s or something =p And even if R is some male leader of the Cabal (is this considered a spoiler based on some things I’ve heard of/seen?…) and she could be some right hand like Bellatrix Lestrange - I’m sorry, but we all know Bellatrix Lestrange is way scarier and more powerful than Voldemort, at least I believe so and she’s the real one that should be feared than no nose. So I think even if Olivia is this sort of Bellatrix Lestrange she’s going to be more powerful and scarier to deal with. She’s probably just using the Cabal to get what she wants! Again, I probably just want some badass woman villain who is not Rakepick so I’m making Olivia that. Maybe I’m also over the kids vs adult thing too and while Olivia is older than MC they’re both still relatively young and it’s not like MC would be fighting against someone 15+ years older than them. But again she could be some traumatized hermit living in the woods! 

Maybe she is R and like Voldemort rearranged the letters in her name to give her a new one that starts with R (from Green)? Maybe she’s the reason Jacob and Duncan got involved with the Vaults in the first place and she’s the puppet master pulling all the strings here! Or maybe she’s a traumatized hermit in the woods who is devastated and heartbroken over the loss of her two best friends, maybe more than friends, who died and joined the Cabal or went missing or whatever… But I’d prefer Olivia to be the evil R or at least evil than Rowan because I am not here for a betrayal of a close friend - Please don’t make Rowan the Peter! I’ll be so disappointed (but not surprised because it’s a common trope, right? But still disappointed… Honestly, if any friend was to betray MC I still think Tulip is the most likely candidate.)

So I’m open to either of those options but I’m clearly hoping for a badass woman villain and an epic showdown between her and MC personally… Whether she’s a Peter, Bellatrix, or Voldemort type or a mix. I can easily see the puppet master behind all of this being a smart, manipulative woman using others and playing them to get what she wants and then easily getting rid of them once they’ve played their role and she no longer has a use for them. Give me a cold-hearted badass villain please! =p

Ooooo maybe she’s acting like some poor, traumatized, heartbroken witch in the woods but it’s all an act and she’s just trying to manipulate MC some more! Give me a reveal from her homely, tattered shawl she flings off to some cool, black armour or something! I SHOULD BE WRITING THIS STORY =P 

But please, I would love to hear other’s opinions on Olivia and what happened to her, what she’s doing now possibly, etc. and if you have any opinions on what I want to happen with her because this is something that I’ve been very curious about because so far for me (since again I’m behind most people!) she was mentioned once briefly and then never again and we go around asking about Duncan but not her and like - what is up with this bitch?!

26. How does MC’s hairstyle change as they get older?

I feel like my MC went in the opposite direction of other’s MC’s I’ve seen since those I’ve seen start off with short hair and grow theirs out but mine started with longer hair and cut hers shorter. Not that she cuts it very short but it starts out long to her shoulder blades and then by Year 5 it’s cut up to her shoulders. She likes to have her hair long enough to pull back into a ponytail or bun. I also think when she was younger she straightened her hair and was frustrated by it’s natural wave but as she grows older embraces the waviness of her hair (maybe it’s embracing her House of Black side and realizing we have awesome hair! =p) And that’s pretty much where she normally keeps her hair throughout her life, either to the tops of her shoulders or to her shoulder blades, maybe sometimes a bit longer even but nothing too drastic in terms of hair style/cut - she’s a Black and has to show off their awesome hair =p Also there are more important things going on than her hair style and she’s blessed with nice hair so she fortunately doesn’t have to worry much about it (Bill is probably super jealous =p)

Like I said she likes to be able to pull it up into a ponytail or bun (most likely a messy one) to get it out of her face, especially for Quidditch, but she doesn’t really know how to do hair (possibly because her mom died when she was so young) - she’s lucky she managed to put it up in a ponytail or bun! So whenever Penny or one of her friends offers to do her hair she gets a little excited because she has no idea how to do it =p She’s not a fan of pigtails at all. Fortunately with her House of Black genes she can wake up and have her hair already looking perfect or have that “messy-chic” style so she can be relatively low maintenance with it. Quite literally she woke up like this. =p  (Let me know if you all want to hear this dumb little idea I had about Sirius and James involving their hair =p)

It’s seriously like, boom, ready for the day =p

(This is more what I see her hair being, particularly the length, post-hogwarts and also for this current Year 5, it may grow out for Year 6 I’m not sure yet, and she still may grow it out to the above lengths as well throughout her life but these are pretty much her consistent lengths; honestly this is a very good reference for her hair, wavy, a little messy but still looks good - rolled out of bed looking like this - dark with a red tint [guess hers is more shades of brown but you get it], and I love this length - oh no now I’m thinking about cutting my hair - [although like I mentioned it fluctuates from this length to the above, longer ones]) 

(And this is a good reference for her hair when it’s longer - I had another gif but I can’t find it now so these will have to do but you get it. It’s Megan Fox hair, she’s essentially Megan Fox =p )

(And an obligatory biker moment =p)

[rwbyremnants]

WARNINGS: Neon/Weiss hints. Also Neptune in this chapter. Bumbleby. VERY harsh argument.

HAPPY BOXING DAY! And seriously we know that the argument was pretty rough but like, damn. Something had to break. Still no Freezerburn; it‘s coming eventually, we promise!

=Chapter 30

Neptune was persistent. That could be one way someone would describe him if they were to see him where he currently stood, outside one of the smaller sushi restaurants in the city. It took him a while to get there since Nashville wasn't his home town, but he'd made sure to schedule his day of album signings so he had time to spare for lunch. And even made sure to wear a hat and sunglasses to hide his identity.

And why? In the hopes of meeting Weiss Schnee once again to talk about the upcoming Beach Fest. At least, that's what he told people. There was really more motive than that, which was more obvious if anyone caught him holding the single rose he'd bought specially. White, of course, to match her whole “purity” theme. Nervously adjusting his jacket again, he anxiously looked down the street to try and catch a glimpse of her.

Unaware that she was approaching from behind.

"Who's this loser?" a voice said from over his shoulder. "Look at him, standing around outside in sunglasses. Almost like he thinks he's some kind of rock star."

The sudden voice made him almost leap out his skin, quickly spinning around to face her. But soon that nervous smile turned into a smug grin as he tilted his head. "And who's this pipsqueak? Gosh, she seems like a know-it-all, huh?"

"Maybe she does know it all." The pipsqueak in question was clad in a light, airy yellow sundress and a straw hat, with yellow purse and shoes to match; something that didn't really suit her usual aesthetic, but didn't look bad on her at all. Her hip was out to one side with her hand perched on it, a vague smirk on her lips. "Hi."

"We meet again, Snow Angel." He smirked right back at her. Although, that smirk didn't take long to turn into a softer smile when he brought out the hand he'd hastily hidden behind him, the one with the white rose. Time to put his plan into action. "I totally found this like, on my way here. And it reminded me of you, so I totally picked it myself. One hundred percent."

"Oh, totally," Weiss laughed, taking it from him. "And where's the pocketknife that perfectly clipped the bottom of it in this diagonal fashion?" Her other hand waved to demonstrate the remarkably clean cut, like a game show hostess revealing a prize.

"Are you crazy?! You can't carry a deadly weapon like that in public! A knife is so much more dangerous than a gun!" But he laughed regardless, handing it over to her eventually, before gesturing a hand toward the main door. "Shall we, my lovely assistant?"

One of her eyebrows raised. "Oh, you are definitely the assistant. I am the queen." However, she did take his arm for her to lead her into the establishment. Some niceties had to be observed.

The place seemed to be an average sushi restaurant. There were lots of stools situated around a long conveyor belt that led around the restaurant itself, along with a few booths for those who didn’t want to serve themselves in that style. Instinct told him to choose the booth since it was secluded; less chance of them being noticed. But Weiss knew the area better than him.

"Alright then, queeny. Where do we sit?"

"Gentleman's choice," she told him casually. But she looked very bemused at the entire situation. Inordinately bemused.

"Oh, I'm gentle, am I?" That was exaggerated with a sly wink and a smirk. Foolishly, however, he'd completely forgotten that would be invisible behind the glasses. But in the end, that instinct took over. "Let's go for a booth. Never been to a sushi place before, but it'll be less obvious, right?"

Weiss's steps hesitated as she approached the booth in the corner, and a woman nearly ran into her from thinking the way would be clear once Weiss had moved along. "You've… never had sushi before? Are you sure this is what you want? I mean, we could find somewhere else…"

"No! No no, god, no!" he quickly responded, sitting down on one side as he slid into the booth, holding his hand out and waving to dismiss those concerns. "Hell no, I mean, no I've never had it before but, that doesn't mean I don't wanna try! Y'know me, I love new experiences."

"Oh, yes," she laughed sarcastically as she dropped into the booth. "In our forty years of friendship, I've come to know that above all else, Neptune Vasilias is adventurous."

"Hey cut that out, I don't wanna feel old yet." But regardless, Neptune seemed to be enjoying the banter. First thing was first, he took one of the nearby menus, looking through the various categories and descriptions. If anything, it served as a needed distraction. Though he was normally so confident, he actually hadn't a clue where to start with Weiss.

"So… uh, I saw you on SNL." It was a better place than any. "I watched it. Was pretty awesome, you were really funny. That gag with you licking the donut! Man, you killed me."

"Glad you caught that," Weiss said, glancing down the menu. A knowing look swept over her whille watching his ill-concealed confusion at the menu, but she decided to keep to herself about that for now. "Always nice to have a fan - especially when it's a fan I'm a fan of."

That made his smile grow. So far, so good; he seemed to be doing rather well. "Why, I'm flattered. I'll have to let you know if I'm live on TV at some point, too – oh, I’ll be on Lisa Lavender like you were a few weeks back."

Nodding, she flipped the menu over, arched her eyebrows at some of the prices and options, and made a few mental notes. Then she pulled the glass of complimentary water closer.

"Did you see who the other guest was on that episode? Our fellow Beach Fest-er."

Tilting his head at first, it seemed to have slipped his memory. That was until he gave a small nod as he remembered. "Oh, yeah, Little Miss Laser Raver. Was she really that nuts backstage?"

"Oh, she's definitely… pretty intense," Weiss told him with a small, secret smile. Then she cleared her throat. "But not such a bad person, really. Just hyper and flirty."

"You're telling me! I swear I heard some rumor she was dating two guys from 'BRNZ' at the same time. Then a girl or something? I mean, make up your mind," he attempted to joke. Obviously Weiss had more reliable knowledge than his media speculation.

"Hey, perhaps she's just weighing her options.” Both of Weiss's arms folded over her chest. “She's pretty publicly open about how she doesn't mind flirting with anyone and everyone, so if some guy dated her expecting for her to be a one-man girl or something, they're the stupid one."

His smile started to vanish as he brought the menu back up – as if it were a shield. Now he felt like he’d really stepped in it, without meaning to, since she had corrected him so fast. Clearing his throat after a while, he seemed to want to change the subject.

"S-So… how's the new album coming?"

"Great. I mean, we're in the same business, so you have to know. But now you have me curious: what would you say if I dated two guys at the same time, and then a girl, and was now coming out to eat with you? Just for fun."

There was no pause between the answering of his question and her follow-up to the previous subject. Swallowing, Neptune really was caught off guard. He didn't expect to have something he thought was so trivial come back to bite him. Not this soon, at least. In the end, he lowered the menu.

"Okay, I get it, I was a jerk for assuming stuff. And she can date whoever she wants, obviously."

"Good. You can be taught; I like that quality in those with whom I associate myself." After looking at the menu for a moment, she glanced up at his put-out expression and sighed, dropping her frosty tone. "Most of Neon's flirting is an act the studio asks her to play up for the cameras. Not even kidding, she's a really sweet girl once you get to know her."

Tilting his head, he looked back at her, the smile seeming to crawl back into his face again. "Huh… I've seen some weird acts for the cameras, but that's a new one! But… actually it makes sense, her career's practically built on it. We have to sell the product, right?"

Taking a drink of water, she smiled and set the glass down. "Sorry I had to cut you off at the knees there. Just… when will the slut-shaming end, you know?"

"Well… Alright, that's a fair point. You taught me the error of my ways." Seemed Neptune could actually take a lesson in his stride rather than stress or argue against it. Once he'd finally decided on a meal choice, he waited for a waiter to take their order. But in that time, he thought it appropriate to as, "What about you? Are you dating two guys and a girl?"

"Maybe," she hedged, eyes narrowed slightly. "But I can't honestly tell what your reaction would be if that were true." She inhaled and exhaled deeply. "Are you going to get up and walk away from this table if I told you I've kissed a girl? Like, just don’t want to talk to me if you might not ‘get anywhere’? Honest question."

"Hey, whoa, didn’t know I was going to be on trial here," he chuckled. When there was no answer, he held his hands together instead, rolling his thumbs around one another idly. "I'd more be wondering if you're just quoting Katy Perry, but, nah. I'm not that stuck in the past."

Weiss dipped her index fingertip into her water, swirling the ice cubes around. Focusing her eyes on that as she asked, "What if I told you 'the past' was… a few days ago?"

That definitely made Neptune raise an eyebrow. Even he wasn't that oblivious. It all seemed far too specific for her to be talking in just hypotheticals. In fact …

"Are you trying to tell me you're bi, or something?"

"Don’t forget,” she began cautiously, “I never said this was an official date, just that I wanted to get dinner with you. Just dinner! And, um… maybe I took advantage of that social construct and didn't let you know that I'm probably not interested in anything beyond friendship with you…" Her voice got quieter, more introspective. "Maybe I just wanted to see how I felt when I got here. Hoping I would feel something for… for a guy. That's probably not very nice of me. Sorry."

"Uh-huh… so, gay then?" He tilted his head. But never once did he seem offended, nor move to walk away from the table. He was mostly contemplative. The only move he did make was to brush his hair off his face. "Well, I guess that's kind of a relief, then. Least I can stop worrying about why my flirting game has been so weak when it comes to you.”

"You were worried about that?" she asked with a cautious smile. "I mean, to be blunt, you did lay it on pretty heavy the last time we saw each other."

"Ugh, I know." His hand remained in his hair for a moment longer when he looked away in embarrassment. Seemed even the cool Neptune Vasilias was human sometimes. "Truth is, I haven’t really had to make the advances; before I got famous, I neer went on any dates, and afterward, girls thew themselves at me so hard I didn’t have to do the work myself. Which like, first world problem, am I right?”

“A little bit,” she chuckled. “And that’s why you were being such a douchebag?”

“Wow, ouch. But yeah, Sun more or less set me straight on that one, gave me a little guy-to-guy talk about how to pick up girls and told me, 'you don't'. Then I thought about it and realized what he meant, and figured I blew it." Then he looked back to her at last, lowering the shades a fraction. "But, I guess knowing we're still pals at least ain't so bad."

"You and Sun, or you and I?"

They both laughed, and she looked up to see the waitress arrive again. They proceeded to order their sushi, Weiss picking her nigiri like a pro and Neptune ending up asking for a California Roll, since he'd actually heard of that one before. She graciously offered to let him try one or two off her own plate by way of compromise.

"So yeah, I'm… I'd say 'lesbian' is probably the most accurate label, even though it's not one I chose myself," she confessed in a very quiet tone once they were alone again. Her face and neck were flushed, and her breath shallow and quick with fear. "Just kind of happened this way. And I'm sorry if that comes as a bit of a shock… wow. I was not expecting to come out to you or anyone at all today."

"Hey, that's cool! I don't mind at all." Neptune had been smiling all the way through, genuinely listening to what she had to say and taking it in. As much as a date would have had him making flirtatious advances at every chance, this was far laxer . He was acting himself, rather than what folk saw in the camera. "Like, sure it comes as a little bit of a shock, I guess? Because I'm so used to you singing about boys, and basically how the media makes things out; but I think it's pretty rad, actually."

Then he leant in toward the table, asking quietly. "So, this girl you kissed, huh?"

He was challenging slightly; in a playful way, more than a dirty or annoying way. She decided to rise to it, and leaned in. "This girl whose top I took off, huh?"

"Ooo la laaa! Did not expect that from the Weiss." He smirked a lot more playfully, tilting his head to one side again. "Sounded like you had fun, anyways."

"Yeah… yeah, that's the thing." Her smile slipped slightly. "I did have fun, but… okay, can I ask you about like, personal stuff? It's okay if you don't wanna get 'too real', like I'll totally understand; this was supposed to be a casual thing."

Leaning back again on his seat to relax fully, the smirk faded again. No more games; just a genuine chat with a friend over lunch. "Go ahead. I'm all ears."

"How… God, what am I asking you this for?" But she persisted anyway when he didn't stop her. "How long is long enough to wait after a breakup before you, like… date somebody new?"

That took him back slightly, making him wince while he thought about the question. "Well, if you kissed the girl a few days ago but are looking for someone new now, I'd say you were a bit of a player." Although, he then turned slightly more serious. "But I have a feeling this is a different girl, right?"

Weiss nodded, swallowing. "It's… been a month or so. And when you get down to it, we didn't date very long, but she… was my first serious relationship. I don't know, I feel ready, and then I don't, and the last thing I want is to lead this new girl on if I'm… still a mess."

"Breakups are always a bitch, right? Whether because the other person is a bitch, or because you had to be a bitch for yourself. Either way… I don’t think there's any real time limit." But before she could interrupt, he added, "Within reason, I mean. I'm not saying get with someone else just because you can, but… you shouldn't feel guilty about moving on, y'know?"

Weiss pulled the chopsticks toward herself, tore open the packet, divided them with a brutal snap! and began to slide each stick over the other, watching them carefully as she spoke. "I know I shouldn't. She moved on from me. Dumped me. She's gone, she's fine, she's… off doing her own thing. I should have no guilt at all about going out and living my life again."

Doing the same for himself, he resisted snapping the sticks apart just yet, simply holding them together a moment while Weiss seemed to release that pent-up anger on the pair of sticks she held. "Damn, that's rough… but, her loss, right? Who'd be dumb enough to dump The Weiss? That's like swapping a prime cut of steak for a one-dollar cheeseburger from McDonald's." Though straight away, he corrected himself. "Not that you're a slab of meat, I mean! It's purely a metaphor."

At that, she looked up with a shrewd little smirk. "You caught yourself that time. Good boy, Neptune; you get a biscuit." But her hand waved the whole issue aside in favour of the bigger topic. "She had every right. I mean, it's a relationship, not slavery; I didn't own her, and I didn't want to. Just… wish I knew why she left."

Of course, the bitterness crept back in as she spoke the last part, but she tried not to show it outwardly, and did not elaborate. Simply kept smoothing her chopsticks to get rid of imaginary splinters.

"And she never even gave a reason? Oh, this gets better and better…" He rolled his eyes. Of course, he was frustrated at who did this to his friend, not at his friend herself. Snapping his own sticks a lot more gently, he began to rub them together as well. "If she's not even willing to tell you what you did wrong, then what reason do you have to feel guilty about moving on? Why give a rat ’ s ass about her happiness if she clearly doesn't about yours?"

"Yeah… yeah, you're right!" Nodding to herself, her face turned distinctly more determined as she sharpened faster, the already high-pitched sound climbing higher and louder. "I've given her enough time to come around, to text me, to do something other than ignore me completely! Plenty of time! Well, no more waiting for no good reason! I’m moving on! Weiss Schnee is gonna go over there and make that glowstick-waving hottie scream that name out loud!"

That seemed to get the attention of a few of the customers, and even one or two of the waiters. Enough attention was drawn to them to make Neptune pull nervously at his collar, and laugh to himself. Before anyone could raise any question, he called out, "We're playing Truth or Dare, sorry!"

But as soon as they turned away, he cleared his throat, waiting for the area to calm down before he spoke again. "Fucking do it, girl. Go out there, relax, fuck around for a while. Do what you wanna do to be happy; that's the biggest 'fuck you' you can give an ex, right?"

"It is, and… and I will!" There was another snap! and Weiss looked down to see she had broken one of the chopsticks. "Oh… crap, I didn't mean to do that…"

There was just a snort from Neptune as he tried to contain his laughter, the cheesy grin doing very little to suppress it and keep it down however. But he handed his pair over the table to her, and stood. "Here, have mine. I'll go get some more."

"Thank you," she sighed wearily.

By the time Neptune returned from replacing her broken sticks, their sushi had arrived at last. They set to work, both trying one or two of their own, Neptune doing his best with the chopsticks despite being unfamiliar. Then Weiss picked up yet another piece.

"Want to try this one? It's only tomago. " When he didn't respond, she translated, "Egg. It's egg"

"All I could think of was that Big Hero Six chick," he commented once he'd swallowed some of his food, looking toward the piece in the sticks. Weiss’s expression showed no recognition at all. Shrugging his shoulders, he leant further forward, expecting her to put it in his mouth for him. "What the hell. We all gotta have new experiences, right?"

And she did. Despite the fact that it was a bit more "intimate" of an activity than friends normally would enjoy, she had offered, and didn't really think it mattered enough to plop it on his plate and make him pick it up himself with his mediocre skills.

"What do you think?" she asked once sitting back.

Taking a little longer than normal to chew his food, he seemed to look upward for a moment, as though he was really thinking about the taste and nothing else. After a while longer, he swallowed. "Not bad," he concluded before sitting back. "Rather have a whole omelette with cheese, though."

Laughing, Weiss responded, "That's fair," as she went back to her own plate. But her mind was primarily on something else - or some one else. She raised her small cup of green tea and cleared her throat. "So… to new experiences, right?"

Though he had only just managed to pick up another piece from his own plate, it was promptly dropped as soon as Weiss caught his attention again. Not that he was truly annoyed. He simply put the sticks back down again and picked up his own cup, tapping it lightly against hers.

"You bet'cha. To new experiences, and ‘ fuck you ’ to the past."

"Kanpai!" When he merely raised an eyebrow, she giggled and said, "That's 'cheers.' I have a lot to teach you!"

After a long, tedious day at work, the last thing Blake Belladonna wanted to see when she walked into her apartment was Yang sprawled across her couch, half-drunk and dozing. Especially not when she was supposed to be heading into work at that time. She pushed the door shut, not too quietly, and the girl barely stirred.

"Ugh… really?" Walking over to the blonde, she reached over and grabbed her legs, swinging them off the couch. "Wake up, you dumbass!"

There was a very quiet groan when her legs were pulled to one side, twisting her position to one that was half sliding off the sofa. Only then did she finally start to open her eyes. One after the other, blinking them out of sync. She was drunk. Again. If that wasn't obvious by the several empty cans scattered by her.

"You're supposed to be halfway to work right now. What is this?" Blake picked up a can and held it up. "Why are you still laying around?"

When her eyes were open — well, barely open, at least — she attempted to focus on what Blake was showing her. But it wasn't coming to much use. Anyone looking at her now would come to the same conclusion; Yang Xiao Long was a complete and utter mess.

"That…" She managed to slur on that word alone, head swaying as though it weighed a tonne. "Is a can…"

"Really? That's the best you have?" No immediate reaction. All the stress of her day, coupled with the stress of dealing with Yang turning into this shell of herself, boiled to the surface. She didn't snap; Blake never really snapped. But she did decide there was nothing to be gained by holding back.

"Get up, right now. Get in the shower. I'll put on some coffee while you're in there, and drive you into work. But you have to get moving."

Yang still didn't respond straight away. Only continued to blink out of sync as she looked around. She didn't have the strength to argue, nor any real words to respond with. She wasn't even thinking about work, or how people would react. Just about making herself ridiculously numb. That was the only thing she could do right. Finally nodding, she managed to slip her arms behind her, only just managing to use them to push herself up on her feet. But when she stood upright, her balance was completely off. She couldn't even stand still for a long period of time without stumbling.

"Nope!" Blake grunted, just managing to feint to the side and catch her before she went down. "No, no, you're going upstairs and into the shower, come on."

With that, she began to drag her toward the stairs. There was another strained groan that could easily be compared to a toddler having a tantrum. But at least when she was actually at the stairs, there was no excuse. She grabbed the railing to pull herself up and support herself, not needing Blake's help for the rest of it. At least a shower would probably snap her out of the initial daze.

While she trudged upstairs, Blake went about getting the coffee on, picking up the beer cans from the living room. Kicking off her sensible black flats and going upstairs after Yang; the nouveau-lush probably hadn ’ t even laid her clothes out before she hit the bathroom. It would be up to her to take care of that.

Walking into the spare bedroom was like walking into the remnants of a bombed city. Beer cans, a tray full of weed ash, clothes all over the floor … it wasn ’ t as bad as it could have been, but Blake still didn ’ t want her home looking like that. She quickly nipped things into the trash that belonged there, got the dirty clothes into a laundry basket. Straightened the bedclothes. Then she went into the closet to find some suitable work garb …

And saw the garment bag.

Amber eyes darted toward the doorway. She had been curious, why out of all the things Yang no longer seemed to care about, this whatever-it-was had the luxury of being perfectly preserved inside the slick plastic covering. Why had it meant so much to Yang? Why was it being hidden away like this?

Curiosity caught the cat up, and she had to find out. Suppressing her guilt with the excuse of “it’ s my apartment and she ’ s staying here ” , she reached out and drew the zipper down – and beheld a beautiful, traditional silk dress, in such gorgeous shades! White with purples and lilacs, and such long sleeves, furling pleats … the picture of femininity. The fact that Yang, of all people, should own something like that, boggled her mind.

Then another thought came to Blake, one she couldn ’ t shake despite knowing she should, needed to resist. What would it look like on her?

Not even ten meters away in the shower, the unsuspecting blonde was stood a little more stable as the water flowed through her hair and over her body. It was rather cold, but she seemed too numb to notice. But it did have an unintended side effect. It was snapping Yang out of her happier daze again.

And bringing back that empty shell which Blake was so used to. She shouldn't have to be, but it was just who Yang had become now. Cold, uncaring, blank. Like the very soul had gone from her. It wasn't getting better, even after she was apparently seeking help and going to counselling. Slowly blinking as she looked down at herself again, she could practically feel the sadness creeping in again. That wasn't going to vanish today; great.

After a full ten minutes in the shower, and not even bothering with conditioner, Yang had turned the water off and started to get out. Blake might have meant well, but Yang certainly didn't feel up to what was ahead. An evening of serving obnoxious couples and families, most of which treated her like filth for one reason or another. Then even getting yelled at in the kitchen for one reason or another. Probably being late again. Finally resigning and wrapping a towel around her body, she exited. Of course, she left the old pajamas on the ground for Blake to pick up. She just didn't care enough right then to get them herself; she could later, if Blake didn’t do it.

But as soon as she got back to her room, she was in for a shock. Eyes actually widening for once, she yelled loudly, louder than she had for weeks.

"What the fuck are you doing?!"

Whipping around to face the other way, Blake brought her hands up to press against her chest, nylon-covered toes scrunching up in vague embarrassment. A cautious smile hitched into her face as she spun in the hanfu , letting it spin out around her shins.

“ Sorry for being so impulsive, but … I mean, I found this, and I wondered if I ’ d look any good in it. What do you think? ”

Yang was speechless. But speechless in the worst possible way. She could feel her stomach churning, head spinning as though she was about to throw up. Whether that was because of the alcohol or not was up in the air right now. There was only one thing clear to her: she couldn't deal with it. Her hands curled into tight fists, she could almost feel her knuckles straining from holding them too hard. Blake wanted her to feel something for weeks, but now that was coming back to bite her. All Yang felt was pure rage.

"Take, that, off. Now ."

The smile vanished. It was true, as numb as Yang had been over the past few weeks, a few breakdowns notwithstanding, a display of anger was very sudden and very shocking to her. Dropping her voice to a whisper, she said, “ Yang, I- listen, I ’ m sorry, I didn ’ t mean to- ”

"Take it off!" she yelled even louder, exaggerating her words this time by stomping her foot. It was as though she was about to charge, what on earth had come over her?!

"Yang!" Blake burst out, stricken, face turning completely pale. She'd never seen Yang this angry with her before, and had no idea where it was coming from. And the stamp might not have been a real display of violence, but it was too close to one for her to feel safe. She held up her hands in front of her. "Alright! I'm… I'm taking it off, give me time to make sure I don't mess it up…"

While Blake did just that she paced back and forth, hands taking their place back into the blonde hair again. After a while, Blake had noticed it had become a habit when Yang was severely stressed out. But for something as simple as clothing to trigger it? There must be something more, some meaning to it. But while she tugged it and clenched her teeth, it would be very difficult to get that answer.

Even more so when Blake was about to lay it on the bed, and Yang moved herself forward, instead releasing her hair so she could snatch it from Blake's hands, hard. There were already tears welling up in her eyes when she yelled, "It's not yours! You're not allowed to touch this!"

"No, I get it now," Blake told her in a thunderstruck voice, backing off completely so she could put it back into the garment bag herself, if she so chose. "Y-you did tell me it was traditional – I mean, how was I supposed to know, though? I only saw it once when you got here, and you never told me you didn’t want it ever touched!"

Yang didn't even answer at first. She was too busy focusing on putting it away again as neatly as she possibly could. Since she snatched it, there were now creases that wouldn't come out by brushing her hand over the material. It wasn't anything major, an iron would easily solve the problem. But for Yang, it was enough to set off more of a reaction. Enough to make the lingering tears fall as she stared down at it in complete disdain.

"It's ruined… it's fucking ruined!" She only thanked God Blake couldn't see her face, especially when she pounded her fist against the mattress. Such a small thing was creating all this. "That was all I had left! All I fucking had!"

After a few seconds, Blake found her voice again. “Yang… I’ m sorry. That wasn ’ t- I honestly didn ’ t mean to hurt you, okay? I ’ ll pay to have it fixed, I ’ ll do whatever is needed, I promi- ”

"WHY?!" Yang yelled at the top of her voice, quickly spinning herself around to face Blake again. That question was coming up a lot recently between the both of them. Particularly for Yang's now terrified best friend. That was, if they were friends anymore. From how things were going, it seemed like there was nothing of the blonde she once knew left.

"I bought it for her, I kept it perfect for her! It reminds me of her, and it's ruined!" she screamed, tears freely flowing down her face. "Why can't I keep one, single, FUCKING PIECE OF HAPPINESS?!"

Blake's gaze dropped to the floor, her own eyes brimming with tears. The sheer volume, the implications… Yang's rage. She didn’t do well with open displays of anger or violence. Her system was shutting down, she couldn't process anything other than that she had really messed up this time and she was going to be feeling the pain of it for a while.

"I'll let you get dressed. I'm sorry, I… I'm sorry." Then she turned and stepped into the hallway, finding her way to her bedroom door, leaning against the doorjamb and trying not to break down or have a panic attack.

But Yang didn't get dressed. She merely brought the robe back out from the garment bag again, running a hand over one of the creases where she'd grabbed it. Rational thought was returning, but it'd returned too late – and only to give her a firm reminder that she was the one that snatched it. She did the damage, she ruined it. No one else. Just like everything else that had gone wrong. It was her fault.

And with that, she pulled it in toward herself, falling to her knees as she curled into a ball of her own, pressing it tightly against her as she cried again. Loudly sobbing, even straining her voice as she tried to breathe past the lump forming in her throat, hugging the material like it really was all she had left in the world.

"Why?" she repeated again, unaware that her friend was still in earshot. "Why am I still here?"

But hers were not the only tears in the apartment. The others were more silent, more private. Blake looked down at her body, at where the dress had touched her, and hated it. Yet another moment that proved to her that no matter how much Yang might not mind touching her, she would never quite be worth the same to her as Weiss Schnee. Not in the same way.

Proven yet more fully by the fact that Yang did not want to be there with her. Wished she were anywhere else. No matter how hard she tried to help, how kind she was, stern, forgiving, encouraging… she fell short. And this one mistake was enough to get Yang screaming at her like she was her worst enemy.

She wasn't quite sure where it came from, but she felt her emotions close off. She could cry later. Would; definitely would, it was inevitable. Turning back to the bedroom, she walked to the doorway and cleared her throat.

The sobs were brought to a stop when she heard. Sniffing deeply as she managed to turn and look toward Blake, she saw that stern expression again. A cold one, one she saw when Blake was making her stop drinking, or stop smoking more. She froze up, clueless as to what she was in for.

"You… can scream at me again when you get off your shift," she told her bluntly. "Right now you have to get dressed. NO," she cut her off immediately. "You're going to work. Period."

But the blonde only felt herself clutching the hanfu closer to her, and felt the tears returning to her eyes yet again. She tried to will herself to get up, well and truly. But no matter how loudly her brain was screaming at her to move …

"I can't."

Blake's voice didn't get louder. It got quieter. Even though it had been years since they had an argument like this, surely Yang couldn't forget that her voice worked the opposite way from other people; that was when she was really serious.

"Yang, you have to do something. If you don't make it to work today… then I'm sure as hell not paying for you to get drunk and high anymore. Support your own habits, or don't. That's all there is to it."

The gaze only fell to the ground instead. She didn't move, didn't even put up an argument anymore. All of that energy that had seemed to return, even if it was just to scream and then to cry; now it was gone. It would seem to Blake that Yang made her choice. Crying on the ground it was.

"Fine." Taking a deep breath, she let it out as slowly and smoothly as she could, though it did nothing to make her feel better. "I'm going over to Sun's. And I'm taking all the hash and beer and leaving it over there for now. You know where to reach me, my cell is charged. Just… do whatever you feel like doing, I guess."

There was so much Yang wanted to say to that. It shocked her, a lot more than she anticipated it would. She wanted to apologise for her behavior, even open up, explain possibly, let her in on the dark path that was becoming more and more tempting to walk down. But in the end, she did none of that. She simply appeared just as numb as she always was, even if she wasn’t on the inside.

"Whatever."

Blake's mouth opened. She made a wide gesture, opened it again, pressed a hand to her mouth. Turned to leave, was all the way to the top of the staircase before she stopped, turned back to her room, and fetched her weed stash. Might as well follow through.

On her way back, she paused just out of sight of the door frame, still just able to see a sliver of the room from where she stood. In a hollow voice, she said, "You know… I don't know what I'm doing wrong and what I'm doing right anymore. You're confusing the hell out of me. But at least I'm trying." Then she walked down the stairs.

There was nothing else. No further comments, no further sounds of Yang attempting to at least get up or move. Just painful silence. And even when she heard Blake walk down into the kitchen, there was still nothing. She was following through with the plan, leaving Yang with nothing but herself to rely on.

Even if she had some money to spare to get back what Blake had taken, it didn't matter. Not when she lacked the basic motivation to get out of bed some days. How on earth was she going to get out of this one now? She'd officially burnt the only bridge she had left toward some kind of free lifestyle. She'd pushed away a friend that tried to help her however she could, in every possible way. The smell of the freshly brewed coffee was a big reminder of that.

When she finally heard the front door close, it was like the final thud of the jail cell door. She realized deep down in her gut now: she was trapped. And she had built the trap herself.

[ironbellies-blog]

COG THOUGHTS Let me begin this with the fact I went in knowing every major spoiler. You would think this would hurt the watching process but it had the opposite effect-- I was actually pretty well prepared and was thus not caught off guard by certain reveals and could pay attention to scenes I would have otherwise been very ???? about (not to say I wasn’t still very ????? about them but I at least expected them). For me COG was... a mess. Not bad but not grand either. It took me ages to suss out why I felt kind of “meh” about the movie. I ranted for hours at @gigglewcter last night a bout it and eventually came to the conclusion with another friend my opinion is this: The adventures of Newt and friends and having heartache for Leta was great! Everything else was a total blur that I could live without. For quite a few reasons. So the rest of this will be behind the cut. SPOILERS WILL BE THERE DON'T CLICK UNLESS YOU WANT THEM.

We’ll talk about pacing first. There’s a few different storylines going on her: Newt vs the world, Jacob looking for Queenie, Queenie looking for Tina and subsequently her alliance with Grindelwald, Yusuf looking for Credence, Leta being confused about everyone’s talk, Theseus... well he’s just kinda confused and looking for Newt, Credence looking for who he is, and finally Tina just kinda doing her investigative work. Many of these stories eventually overlap and connect but it’s not until about the last 30-45 minutes of the film that they all come together. So there are points where we get scenes that are kind of good for the plot but could also be entirely written out for the audience to get the picture. At points it feels rushed and at other points it simply feels like there’s too much they’re trying to give at once. The only one who feels like they have a complete storyline to me in this film was Leta and even that was so minimal compared to Newt. And Newt, well, he’s Newt and the whole point for this film and him was finding Tina and eventually choosing a side (both of which he does). Acting was also, honestly, hit or miss for me. It was really difficult to watch Queenie scenes for me and I’m not entirely sure if it was just my feeings for the scene or the way things were done. But I also wasn’t thrilled with Callum either. For the most part everyone seemed to do a lot better, even Katherine who-- while I love-- had some hit or miss scenes in the first. No one will be calling her a “Wet actress” in this film (we don’t even see her tear up when Queenie ultimately goes to Grindelwald’s side). Now let’s talk characters and plot devices: The first one I’m going to hit up on is the Queenie storyline because I’m sorry but Jacob was on a fucking date rape drug and people who stan her need to back the fuck up. Like I get it we want her to be precious and lively but--- we do not know everything about this character. There were hints of her manipulative behavior in the first movie. She had a problem with not saying no before and not letting people speak for themselves. And I DO  get that she sometimes can’t control her powers but it does not make it acceptable what she did. JACOB should have been the one to be mad about this whole thing and should have been ALLOWED to be mad that she did it. This is an issue that’s never confronted but between Jacob and Queenie and it’s honestly-- It’s not a light topic. Jacob doesn’t even know he’s in London. No idea where he is, can’t hold a glass of water, anything. And just seems to stumble over this idea he’s engaged. And he is honestly angry when Newt breaks the enchantment. But Queenie runs off because he thinks that she’s crazy in the heat of the moment when she completely dismissed his consent on a matter and took him across sea. And then when they reunite acts sugary sweet and tries to convince him to go with Grindelwald whom HE JUST LISTENED TO talk about him as if he was some kind of lowly animal. She’s mad about it like-- I want to defend Queenie the best relationship-- not ship-- to me is Tina and Queenie. I really want to root for a good sisterly bond but if we’re being honest there was problems in that relationship from the beginning. And Queenie is creepily possessive over this idea of a perfect relationship with Jacob because it’s ~love~ and Jacob is trying to be realistic and protective and she’s not having any of it-- It’s. Honestly. It’s gross and cringy and the fact that Jacob is the one spending the film looking for her to make things right makes me upset. I honestly cannot feel bad for Queenie in this film-- She is absolutely playing the “sickenly sweet” card and it’s fake. Its’s just such an odd feeling when she’s on the screen. And the only time I felt any real empathy for her is when she’s on the streets with everyone’s voices in her head. As for her going for Grindelwald-- This was pretty much anticipated for me from the first promo. And it went down just like I expected it to in that Grindelwald convinces her because ~love~. What I’m most mad about here is that we don’t get a single sister scene in this film. We don’t even get Tina’s reaction to her sister just leaving Jacob’s side to join him. We get a rushed, “Queenie!” while she’s running but it’s Jacob who gets this look of desperation (if FB was Jacob’s bad day FB2 is basically Jacob’s very, very, bad no good day”). Grindelwald.... Is another character I’m kind of... I can’t really explain my feelings for him because it’s difficult to itterate. As a person who studied Hitler’s Regime extensively and the Holocaust and has close friends who are Jewish (and is a Jewish conversion student themselves the Hitler parallels are very, very real. Grindelwald has the same tactics that Hitler does in showing a public face and a private face and only unveiling half of his true meaning to the people. The fact we see brief clippings of the Atomic Bomb and concentration camps is very quick but it’s not seeing them that’s difficult-- It’s listening to Grindelwald spout words that Hitler used. The no-majs are an other, they’re problematic, and we need to stop them before the destroy everything for us (and behind doors it’s genocide). Telling people who are standing up against him if they don’t join they will die. It’s... It’s very hard to watch and does not make the movie enjoyable. There are moments in the film where I just felt like I stared kind of blankly and I know that it’s because for me I saw what was meant to be there... And that others will go in and think that Grindelwald is just another super bad villain. And he is, he kills without blinking and his followers know what to do without him saying anything to him. He has people under his thumb and it’s just so real and there it’s kind of heartbreaking. With Grindelwald and his subplot we begin to see the plot that I’ve always feared and it’s Rowling handling WWII and the Holocaust. And yes, I’m glad that as a historian I could see the monikerings but honestly I do not want her to touch this specific topic because it shouldn’t be romanticized for  a fantasy story. Full stop. Moving on to Tina. I’m neither displeased or pleased with her presence and I say this as a person who was REALLY just there for Tina/Newt/Jacob/Leta in the end and want more rompy adventures. I was incredibly leery on Tina in this movie because the Newtina angle was super pressed by all sides and Kath had a habit of talking about how much ~newt hurt her~ and the whole thing about the American papers writing Newt was engaged to Leta came out... And I kind of groaned because, well, I’m sorry not talking to Newt over jealousy is a really dumb shitty stupid thing and I was gonna be mad if that was the reason. It was a part of the reason they had a falling out but the more prominent one was that in their letters something heated happened and... Newt essentially called Aurors (and thus her) murderers and Tina took offense to that. Reasonably. And with letters taking a long time we know how that can be-- So they didn’t sort it out until they meet up again. Tina is very hard towards Newt because of this and I know for a lot of people this is gonna make her seem awful. And honestly even to me it’s kind of eye-rolly at times but it is what it is. She’s in the movie enough but her role feels, overall unimportant, because everyone is there for the same reason (Credence, except Newt who only came over for Tina).  But since we ‘re talking about Tina I will say that her moments with Newt are very nice. I speak from a shipper’s prospective but not the lens-- I see this because it’s very obvious they care about each other and Newt is more openly ready to spout his feelings for her (he calls her beautiful to Yusuf, shows her the picture and tries to express how he feels about her). Tina’s still hurt but she does soften around him when they actually talk and appear amused and understand him.  I think these moments are important because it’s about them reconnecting and for this pair that’s what the movie is about-- Finding each other and reconnecting. Neither one of them actually truly have an impact on the mainplot... Which is Credence finding who he is. LIKE DON’T GET ME WRONG. I  love Newt/Tina/Etc but if you cut out their subplot in it eventually everything that happened would have happened. Because this entire movie was staged by Grindelwald. He wanted Tina and Newt present at his rally, but they didn’t actually influence the main plot at all. Which is kind of honestly sad because frankly I’m not there for Credence. I know fandom loves Credence but honestly the sexualizing of him turned me off ages ago... I do think he has his importance and I honestly feel this movie was built to make him the main character in the next movies... But I’m not moved by him. Do I feel bad he’s abused? Absolutely. Do I think he deserved anything he got? No. But Credence is violent and yes we can go “it’s the Obscurus” but he openly abandons the one person who befriended him and tried to help him, who told him he was something more than he was born... And he  did it because “that man knows who I am”. He’s so focused on an identity that he ignores the people who genuinely care and what to look out for him. For me his reveal as a Dumbledore was as shocking to me as everyone else, but I’m not impressed with it. From what Dumbledore says early in the film it’s guaranteed Credence will eventually die so thee’s that. But it just feels like a plot that is rather unnecessary and honestly if Credence is gonna play a major role in this series it’s odd that he was outright ignored in HP in any historical context. But it’s... Whatever there to me, honestly, that storyline will continue and it will be what it will. I think these are most of my complaints with the movie and honestly the things I liked I really enjoyed-- Leta’s story was heart wrenching, Jacob being the wingman was great and fun as hell, Newt trying not to tell Tina she had salamander eyes made me giggle, and Newt telling Dumbledore off was the greatest thing since sliced butter but... I’m disappointed in how they treated Nagini. Kind of meh about the main plot. Absolutely hate Queenie Goldstein right now. While I respect the way in which Leta died I also just hate it? But I mean they killed a lot of nameless people in this film guess they had to balance it. Seraphina cutting off “Grindelwald”’s tongue was savage as fuck and I’m there for that. The tonal change was expected but definitey a ride... And mmm I just wanna go back to the campy adventures of Newt and co?

[cassercole]

oDDS FOR QUEVE!!!!!

1. How do they fall asleep? Wake up? Any daily rituals?

They usually fall asleep together -- Q’s always the little spoon, or they’ll be facing each other, or she’ll fall asleep on his chest, but sometimes Steve gets up in the middle of the night cause he’s always had trouble sleeping so she’ll find him in the living room, watching a documentary of some sort and just curl up on his lap to fall back asleep. If he manages to sleep through the night, Steve’s always the first one up. He’ll go on his run while Q is still sleeping and come back to find her star-fished out in the bed lol. 

Daily rituals def include breakfast sandwiches and that morning’s newspaper: her doing the crosswords, him catching up on the news. There’s usually hot chocolate and coffee involved too. 

3. Are they open about their relationship? How do they feel about public displays of affection?

answered!

5. Nicknames? Pet names? Any in-jokes?

Steve calls Q Queenie cause she’s his queen (don’t @ me) and Q likes to call him Steven when she’s being dramatic or faux-serious about things. Sometimes she calls him her old man, cause he is an old man tbh and he calls her baby or my girl cause he’s still got a lil 1930s in him lol

And they love inside jokes!! And inside things! Like the jar -- they continue it well into when they’re raising their family too and use it for vacations or super nice dinners

7. What annoys them the most about their partner? Would they change it if they could?

Oh Steve is so annoyed by Q’s lack of nutrition in her diet. He just wants her to eat a few fruits and veggies, is that too much to ask?? But she’s so stubborn, ugh it frustrates him so much.  

9. Do they discuss big issues? Religion? Marriage? Children? Death?

Of course! They talk about everything/anything. They started out in a relationship where they would normally talk about everything that it just felt so natural to continue to do so into their relationship -- in fact, it sort of made it easier to bring up the Big Stuff.  

11. Do they celebrate holidays? Anniversaries?

answered!

13. What do they do for fun? Do they have a favorite activity or do they like to switch things up?

They do plenty of things for fun! They go to a lot of museums together! They like to do puzzles together! They go on picnics! They stay in and order pizzas and play strip Scrabble! (that’s probably their favorite activity lol) 

15. How adventurous are they?

Ehhhh, I think depending on the adventure, they can be. Q’s very stubborn so as soon as someone says she won’t do something, she immediately has to do it. Steve just goes along with her so that she doesn’t die lol but they’ve done so much dangerous stuff that sometimes the most normal of things can be super adventurous to them lol 

17. What would make them break up? Would it be permanent?

Cheating, definitely an end-game for them (though neither of them would ever do it). They do break up at one point in the story, but I don’t really want to spoil the reason behind it -- but they do get back together! So not permanent 

19. What do they fight about? What are their arguments like? How do they make up?

Sometimes they fight about stupid things like if they’re both stressed out and frustrated, they’ll fight about the dishwasher (Steve) or clothes on the floor (Q), most times they’re Bigger Fights about lying or secret keeping (which is almost always Q). They yell at each other and just try to be louder than the other and more aggressive about it. If they’re really mad, it’ll be the calm, cool, collected anger which is soooooo much worse. 

Usually, they’ll make up with sex lol but sometimes they’ll just spend some time away from each other to be angry/cool down and then it’ll be fine in a few hours, like nothing ever happened. They have a rule that when they’re angry or fighting, nothing the other says is to be taken to heart cause it was just the heat of the moment. 

21. Do they share any interests or hobbies?

Some! Both of them enjoy puzzles, pizza, the History Channel, loving the other (lol), HGTV...a few other things that I can’t think of. But they have their own stuff too which is always good! 

23. How do they hug? Kiss? Tease? Flirt? Comfort?

They share the best kisses. They’ve practiced so much! Q thinks that Steve’s the best kisser ever lol. 

Hugs are a close second. They’re the same-ish height so they just fit perfectly together and she always rests her chin on his shoulder and he buries his face into her neck. 

When it comes to teasing....Q is the best at it which makes Steve suffer. He’s getting better though and he’s learning what really makes her tick which is the best/worst thing to ever happen to her. 

God these nerds are so terrible at flirting!!!!!! Q should be good at it since she’s had so many past sexual partners, but all that took was a few drinks and an invitation. Steve has had zero practice so he’s .....doing his best

Steve is so good at comforting Q. He knows exactly how to do it and just makes her feel okay and safe pretty much immediately. Q’s pretty good at comforting him too -- she’s had some practice with it.   

25. How much time do they spend together? Do they share their feelings, or hold things in?

They try to spend a lot of time together, but it’s hard since he’s Captain America/Nomad and she can’t very well go on these missions with him. But they do share their feelings! It’s super easy for them to cause they used to do it all the time before they were together (or at least Steve did, it takes Q a bit of practice) 

27. Do they have kids? Grow old together? Split up?

They will have kids! Bonnie and Tristan are their little Irish twins/miracle babies -- since Steve thought he couldn’t have kids thanks to the serum. They split up for a bit after TWS and Civil War, but they a hundred percent grow old together!!

29. How do the handle disasters or emergencies? Minor injuries? Sickness?

Together! They always face things together. They’ve learned how hard it is to be without the other and just feel better when the other is by their side, even in tragedy. They’ll take care of each other when they’re sick or hurt, no matter what.

31. Do they finish each other’s sentences? Pick up any phrases or habits from each other? Know when the other is hiding something?

Definitely! Their Brooklyn accents come out around each other much more than they ever have. They can finish each other’s sentences or even start them before the other does. They’ve spent so much time together even before they were together that they Know Each Other. 

33. What kind of presents do they get each other? Do they only do it on special occasions?

Sometimes funny, sometimes sweet, but there’s never a bad time for presents. Just whenever they’re thinking of the other or whatnot. Steve always brings back Q something from his missions as Nomad, just to let her know that he was thinking of her even though they weren’t together. They’re small things, but she loves them. 

35. Do they bring out the best in each other, or the worst? Do they have a fatal flaw?

I think they bring out the best in each other! Both become better versions of themselves thanks to the other -- Q’s job was basically to do as such lol so 

And as for fatal flaw? Steve’s is definitely his stubbornness to always do the right thing, even if it’s the most dangerous thing or everyone’s telling him not to. Q’s is her fear of falling back into the person she was before SHIELD.

37. How much would they be willing to sacrifice for the other? Any lines they refuse to cross?

Everything. Crossing any and every line if it meant the other was safe. 

39. Who initiated the relationship? Who kissed who first?  When did they realize they were in love?

Both of them sort of initiated it? I mean, Steve admitted his feelings first, but they didn’t do anything till later that night....Steve kissed Q first at the baseball game lol but then again in her apartment. 

Steve realizes he’s in love after the scene on the causeway in The Winter Soldier and Q realizes it after the explosions on the helicarrier with Steve still on them cause danger/almost dying makes you realize things

41. Are they party-goers? What are they like when they’re drunk? Does it happen often?

answered!

43. Do they talk often? What about?

They do! About anything/everything. Been that way before they even get together lol

45. Any special dreams or goals they have as a couple? Any heartbreaks? Regrets?

answered!

SEND ME A SHIP AND A NUMBER AND I’LL TELL YOU

[smokeybrand]

Smokey brand Movie Review: Strudel It Is

I absolutely adore the Harry Potter universe. If you haven’t guessed by my previous post on the subject of Fate and Transformers, i am  guy that merits lore and world building in my media. It’s why i have such an affinity for the likes of Star Wars or Blade Runner or Adventure time. J.K. Rowling created a world with her Potter series and it’s, for lack of a better term, fantastic. Now, i missed the initial Harry potter boat. I was too old for it to have all of that nostalgia armor that my younger brothers have for it. I’m an 80s baby so Transformers was my thing. However, after, i think the second movie dropped, i was hooked. Chamber of Secrets was ridiculous! The Basilisk, Tom Riddle, all of those petrifications: sh*t was wild, man! I eventually go into the series, started reading the books, and filling up on the lore through the powers of the interwebs! Rowling created a living, breathing, world and i was fascinated by it. Not just the whimsical adventures of her young protagonists, but the detail of her vision. So imagine my surprise when Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them was announced.

I slept on this flick in the theater because i didn’t think it could be anywhere near as good as the potter series. It was literally a movie built around a throw away reference of a textbook Harry used. I didn’t think there was a story to be told there but, boy, was i wrong. With the recent trailer of The Crimes Of Grindlewald being releases, i wanted to properly address it’s predecessor with a reviews. Actually, i just want to gush about how much i love Beasts because it’s f*cking outstanding and a lot better than people say it is!

The Best

Alison Sudol’s Queenie Goldstein is just absolutely adorable. I love her! She’s so sweet and kind but, at the very same time, alarmingly capable. Queenie is legitimately the most cunning and versatile character in Scarmander’s group. Sudol stole every scene she was in and i was left wanting. I’m so glad the ending happened the way it did because, oh my, dat smile, tho!

But dat reunion in Jacob’s bakery, tho!

Seriously, i tear up every time i see it. That’s love right there, man. I know how that feels and it feels like!

The Good

As far as origin stories go, this is a pretty good one. And that’s what this is, the origin story of Newt Scarmander. if you try to read into it any further, you’ll be disappointed, for sure. That bit with Grindlewald at the end sets up bigger things in the future, but this movie was specifically designed for us, as an audience, to endear ourselves to the unique idiosyncrasies of Mr. Scarmander. Speaking of...

Eddie Redmayne crafted a character, didn’t he? I understand why he won that Oscar. Newt is definitely on the spectrum and Redmayne portrays that with a delicate touch. It’s never offensive or overstated but you know that he is just a little bit not okay around people. He opens up as the film progresses but it’s obvious there’s a ton of room to grow there. I’m looking forward to see Newt grow into his heroism and how Eddie portrays that onscreen.

Speaking of heroes, my man Dan Fogler’s Jacob Kowalski is one of the best! my goodness, is her endearing! Rowling has a knack for writing great sidekicks and, like his red haired predecessor, Kowalski doesn’t disappoint. Being a No-Maj gives him an interesting perspective on all of the sights he has beholden and we, as the audience, are just as awestruck as he was. Dude is just so sweet and i loved him so much! Fogler gives a whimsical performance that both captivates and rivets but it’s the burgeoning romance between his Kowalski and Sudol’s Queenie that seals it up for me. They’re just so cute together, it hurts!

This movie is what made me become a fan of Katherine Waterston. She is fantastic as Tina Goldstein. I felt like her character was left a little bare in the development department, but that’s a complaint i have for most of these cats. I think thee was too much focus on spectacle rather than character development, but, being one of the main casts, i think Waterston had enough to work with. And what little she did have, she made her own. I went back and watched a few choice performances and i’m now a legit fan. I literally went and saw Logan Lucky specifically because she was in it! And it’s all because her Tina Goldstein was absolutely brilliant.

This movie is a goddamn beauty to watch. There is spectacle and awe in almost every other scene, to the films detriment overall, i think. That aside, it is a marvel to experience. The new beasts, the new villain, that climax; all of it was feast for the eyes. I just wish character development and plot didn’t suffer because of it.

The score is actually pretty good, too. this thing sounds like a potter film. There are swells and ebbs that match the admittedly erratic pacing. Also, the sound design, overall, was pretty legit. I think they compliment what was onscreen pretty swimmingly. I mean, how do you give voice to an amorphous blob of rage and energy? Somehow this movie made it happen.

The Meh

The direction is a little suspect. David Yates has a hard time kind of getting a handle on Rowling’s manic and expansive style of writing, which is odd because he director the last 4 potter films. I think that might have been easier because Rowling didn’t write those screenplays. Those were written by people who write those for a living. This was Rowling’s first attempt at writing an actual movie and Yates did his best to bring that vision to the screen but, i think, he fell just a wee bit short.

Ezra Miller was kind of underused. He was more a special effect than an actual character. His Credance Barbone was an interesting character who had a ton of potential but, again, and i think this was the weakest aspect of this film, there wasn’t enough time developing him. The spectacle of his Obsurus was more developed than the actual character which sucks. Ezra Miller is a fantastic actor and, hopefully, moving forward, he’ll have more to do. I’ve heard that Credance becomes a very important figure in the Potterverse so here’s hoping Ezra gets something he can really sink his teeth into.

The plot is kind of all over the place. Stuff that feels like it should be in the third act, happened in the second. Stuff that happened in third, feels completely out of place in this movie. Seriously, i can legitimately see two separate films here and they probably would have been the better for it. What we got isn’t bad but the overall story is just too messy for my tastes.

I think it took a little while for this flick to figure out what it wanted to be. I think that listless and meandering plot kind of derailed what Rowling wanted to do, where she wanted this story to go. It feels like she just sat down, started writing, and just let her imagination take her wherever she wanted to go. That works for a book because you can always make your tale as long as necessary. For a movie, not so much. This was her first time writing for a film and it shows. I think she’s gotten better based on the trailer for Grindlewald but we’ll see.

The pacing is kind of all over the place. You have Newt trying to recapture his animals, Tina trying to catch Newt, Queenie being just the most winsome cinnamon roll ever, and Percival being the most obvious red herring ever. There’s a lot going on but none of it focused. Rowling kind of narrowed everything to a point in the 3rd act but it was still mad ridiculous that SO much as going on.

I feel like the plight of No-Majs or, more to the point, their relationship with the American wizard world, was a missed opportunity. here seems to be a ton of strife there, on one side, and it’s never really elaborated on. I feel like Rowling wanted to focus more on spectacle, the beast captures, more than the simmering relations between the seen and unseen worlds. I mean, that was Grindlewald’s whole deal! And we never even got a sniff of that! Maybe in the future...

Bringing in Depp as Grindlewald was a little bit of stunt casting. And his look? Okay, bro. That needs to be toned down, several notches. Besides that, Colin Farrell was far more sinister. When he was cold busted after Credance got his, that little deliberation and then subtle acceptance? that sh*t was wild! I feel like he looked the part better as well. But, in Rowling we trust. She has her fingers all in this pie. Let’s see where this goes.

The Verdict

I love Fantastic Beast and Where To Find Them. It’s so quaint and endearing. Sure, there are issues with it but, for the first in a  new series of films, that are actual films and not based upon books, i think it laid solid groundwork moving forward. I was skeptical at first, but after watching this flick a few times, i can see how awesome it actually is. I can see how awesome this world they created can be. When it came out, i think it got kind of a raw deal because everyone was still pining for more Harry. This ain’t that. Beasts is a far darker, far more adult take on the Wizarding World and it should stand alone on it’s own merit. As time has passed, i think that has become clearer and clearer. I dig this movie. It has amazing performances, it’s beautifully shot, and the characters are crazy enchanting. It embellishes an already opulent world and i can’t wait for it’s inevitable sequels. There’s a reason why Harry Potter is one of the only three successful cinematic universe, after the MCU and, begrudgingly, The Fast franchise. Beasts is a great film, a wonderful addition to the Potter lore, and you should give it a second chance, if you haven’t already.

[metalandmagi]

February Media Madness!

Hello and welcome to “see how I wasted my time” the post where I keep track of all the media I consume in a month. If you’re new here, this is mainly just my excuse to shout into the void about my feelings on things I’ve watched or read in a month. And it’s almost been a year!

Movies!

Ocean’s 8: Sandra Bullock assembles a team of ladies to steal a super fancy diamond necklace. As someone who has never seen an Ocean’s movie before, I thought this was fun. I like heists, and I LOVE jewel heists. The characters are all great, not particularly deep, but they don’t have to be. And Anne Hathaway steals the show. However, there’s a glaring problem with this movie, and it’s the fact that everything seems ridiculously easy for them, taking away any sense of tension. There’s a lot of points where things should cause significant problems but...don’t. So if you stop asking questions and just go with it, it’s a good time. 7/10

Boku no Hero Academia- Two Heroes: It’s the BNHA version of Die Hard. Seriously, All Might and a bunch of other heroes and citizens are taken hostage by villains in a skyscraper, and the most popular characters from the UA class have to save them. And it’s good. Just like the show. I’ve never gotten hyped up for this series as much as everyone else seems to, but it’s enjoyable and the movie has more of the good action and fun characters! I did feel like it went on a little long, and I wish we had gotten more of the characters doing stuff on the island instead of mainly just the villain plot. I think it’s because it reminded me a lot of the vacation arc in Assassination Classroom. But whatever, it’s still fun and worth watching. 7/10

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Awkward magizoologist Newt Scamander accidentally releases a bunch of magical creatures into 1920s New York and must round them all up with the help of lovable muggle/no-maj Jacob Kowalski. And there’s some horror movie type stuff going on with a creepy kid and Grindelwald in disguise. It’s the spin-off/prequel to Harry Potter that we all know and...love? I know some people resent this movie just for existing, but I like it. I like the creatures. I like going to new places in the wizarding world. I like Newt. I like Tina. I LOVE Queenie and Jacob, both separately and together. The plot is a little...stretched, but I don’t mind that much. And no one had the good sense to keep Colin Farrell as Grindelwald. However, I haven’t seen the second movie yet, so I should probably have my Harry Potter super fan card revoked. I honestly think that this could have been a fine stand alone movie or maybe a duology, where the second movie focuses on the backstory between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, and Grindelwald’s rise to power. I certainly don’t need five movies of this though, and I think everyone would rather see a prequel of Harry Potter’s parents in the marauders era instead. Oh well, I still like this movie for what it is. I just don’t need five of them. 7.5/10

How to Train Your Dragon 2: Five years after the viking village of Berk has accepted dragons instead of fighting them, a mysterious villain with a dragon army wants to...idk take over the world or something, so naturally it’s up to a wiry 20 year old Hiccup to stop the seemingly inevitable war. I love this movie, both as a sequel and a solid story in a trilogy. It has its issues, mainly the fact that it glorifies/glosses over absentee parents and its final act seems like it was hastily rewritten as a merchandising opportunity...but dang other than that I can’t really say anything bad about it. I’m even one of the few people who like the side characters. The time jump feels natural, and I liked seeing everything come together after watching the TV series. It also of course has great music, stunning animation, and a lot of heart and effort put into every minute. I alsothink this sequel has an interesting message about how different people view peace and war and whether or not people are capable of change. So yeah, this is one of those series that I think has something for everyone. 9/10

The Lego Movie 2- The Second Part: Five years after the first Lego movie ends with “aliens” invading, the Lego universe has become a post-apocalyptic society where everything is not awesome. And after another invasion, all the important characters except Emmet get kidnapped, and he has to save everyone from an...evil(?) queen. But really it’s a story about getting along and seeing things from other people’s perspectives. It’s fun, and it has incredibly creative music (and please for the sake of all that is good, watch the credits song). But there are times when I wished it wouldn’t lean so heavily on the...fourth wall breaking from the first movie. I felt like I would have completely understood what must be happening outside the Lego world to drive the plot, and then they would just cut to the human characters to explain everything. But it’s still a great time and hilarious as expected. 8/10

Books!

(To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) P.S I Still Love You by Jenny Han: The second book in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. It serves to give you a glimpse into Lara Jean and Peter’s life as a couple. It’s like a sweet slice of life anime where some notable things occur, like the hot tub video plot that was in the movie happens AND JOHN AMBROSE MCCLAREN SHOWS UP..but there’s no real plot. And that’s fine! This was a super fun read, just like the first one, and John Mcclaren is amazing. There’s really only one major problem I have with this book, and it’s Gen’s and Lara Jean’s relationship. Throughout the book LJ knows something bad is happening with Gen’s family. We know that Peter is still Gen’s friend and promised her he wouldn’t say anything, which is justifiable as something friends do! I wish we could have seen Peter trying to convince Gen to apologize or explain the situation to LJ, but it is what it is. However, we also know Gen did something truly terrible in posting the hot tub video, and literally nothing going on in her personal life or her past justifies her being a life ruining bitch just because she feels bad. So what I really wanted to see was LJ marching up to her and saying “I know you’re going through something, but you ruined my fucking life for no apparent reason, so I demand an apology and an explanation” like the boss she is. And, as anyone who watched the movie knows, Gen tries to be the martyr and gain sympathy by placing the blame on LJ because of something that happened in FREAKING MIDDLE SCHOOL!  I cannot stress enough how out of line Gen’s character is, and no amount of hastily garnered sympathy or backstory reveals will make her better. But yeah other than that, it was very enjoyable. And if Lara Jean doesn’t want John Ambrose Mcclaren, then I’ll take him. 8/10

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo: It’s the start of a new series in Bardugo’s “Grishaverse”. And yes you absolutely need to read both the Grisha Trilogy and the Six of Crows duology to read this. KoS centers around the now King Nikolai Lanstov who has been possessed by a monster created by the Darkling. Also Ravka is once again on the brink of war, Nikolai must think about getting married, and there’s a cult that wants the Darkling to made a saint. But actually, this book is split into three different stories: one following Nikolai and Zoya trying to get rid of the monster, one following Nina on a secret mission in Fjerda, and one following what's happening in Ravka while Nikolai is away. So basically, one part Nina being a badass, one part eldritch horror story, and one part The Prince and The Pauper. And it was pretty good...except for the fact that I understood almost none of Nikolai and Zoya’s story after the second half of the book. I wasn’t into the...saint business because it seemed so out of place for this series. I also feel like she missed out on some great characters meeting each other. Oh well, it’s still a great study in world building and character interactions, the ending is buck wild, and Nina continues to be a bisexual disaster...so it’s worth it. 8/10

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis: Several decades before the Pevensies stepped through the wardrobe, young Digory Kirke (aka the Professor) and Polly Plummer are roped into a traumatizing adventure of their own. Only instead of saving Narnia, they accidentally release a younger but just as intimidating Jadis from her own dying world into London, and in an attempt to get her out of Earth, end up letting her loose in the newly created Narnia. This is probably the book with the most similarities to TLTWATW, with a truly terrifying villain, a winding but whimsical plot, and a lot of humor. Digory and Polly are the most well written children so far. They are both hilarious great characters in their own ways, and I love seeing them fight and make up like actual kids who are friends. While Digory has to go through his own redemption arc similarly to Edmund, Polly is always there as the voice of the audience telling him to not be a dumbass. Not to mention whenever he tries to get away with saying something sexist, she’s shuts him down like a badass. And there’s also a London cabby who literally tells Aslan that he’ll be king of Narnia if his awesome wife gets to come too...and there’s a horse named Strawberry that turns into a Pegasus. So what’s not to like? People may complain about all the religious metaphors and creationism, but come on lighten up. At least it’s not horribly racist, and you’ll long for the simple biblical similarities when you’re faced with the layers of religious offense in The Last Battle. 9/10

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis (mild spoilers): The final book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, in which the world ends because a talking ape convinces a donkey to dress up as Aslan to trick all the Narnians into giving them stuff. There’s a lot more to this plot, but those are the basics. There is a TON of stuff to unpack in this epic conclusion, and this isn’t even the half of it.

This book seems like the Last Jedi for this series, in that some people are incredibly moved by it and are very happy with the conclusion our main characters have been given, and some people think it’s a pile of crap. I think there is good in this book. But, putting aside my good feelings for a second, THE LAST BATTLE IS ONE OF THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLY RACIST THINGS I’VE EVER READ...voluntarily anyway. Seriously, if you thought The Horse and His Boy was bad, you ain't seen nothing yet. There are many layers of why this particular plot in the series is so offensive I could write essays on why this book should be thrown out the window. Not to mention the Susan problem. So I'll say, that even though there were good things in this book, it doesn't excuse...everything else. Also Eustace isn’t as snarky in this one...I miss my sarcastic sass boy.

HOWEVER, unlike some people, I think it was exactly the conclusion that the series has been leading up to since the beginning. I think the plot of an imposter Aslan and the effect it would have on Narnians is cool. And much like the book of Revelation, the end of the world is weird, confusing, and dark as fuck considering this is a children’s book. He invokes an amazing sense of fear and sadness, considering we just saw the birth of Narnia in the last book. And I am one of the people who loved the last few pages. It was an interesting take on heaven, theology, and the questions of “is Aslan also Tash? Is one religion better? Are all gods the same?” are dealt with very well considering that was one of the most problematic aspects of the book. I love literally all the characters you can think of reuniting in the end...except for Susan. I will say, Susan no longer being a friend of Narnia was led up to throughout the other books, and I think what Polly says about her wanting to be grown up rings true...in a sense. What we really need is a new series for Susan where she becomes a friend of Narnia again and gets her happy ending, rather than just “oh look makeup, guess I can’t be in Narnia anymore.” AND YET Lewis finally abandoned the idea of “girls shouldn’t be fighting” and made Jill a super secret ninja spy/badass archer warrior woman. So...I can’t even say it’s as sexist as the other books. There’s also a male talking unicorn who is best friends with the current king...and it kind of seems like they have a thing for each other...so there’s that.

Some people are angry that it is so religiously based and the allegories are so in your face, but at this point if you're reading the Chronicles of Narnia and are upset that there's religion in it, I don't know what to tell you. Truthfully, I thought he did the allegory for the church controlling the population very well, and the idea judgement based on whether you actively hate Aslan instead of being about how you’re either a good or bad person was so cool and different. But honestly, I just don't know what to feel. I'm happy for the characters in the end...I liked the overall idea of this final book...but man it can be super uncomfortable to the point that I don’t even want to rate it.

TV Shows!

Kitten Rescuers: Why yes, it is the incredibly wholesome British TV show about the RSPCA going around and rescuing cats from bizarre and/or dangerous situations, like being stuck up chimneys or drain pipes. And yes, it is the purest thing you will ever watch, even with My Roommate is a Cat in the running as the best cat themed show of the year. I don’t care if it seems like a big commercial for the RSPCA sometimes, I just want to see some cute kittens get their happy endings. My only complaint is that there’s only 8 episodes on Netflix, and I’m desperate for more. 100 adorable feline friends/10

Re: Zero Starting Life in Another World: You know, the anime everyone lost their shit over in 2016? The isekai where the main protagonist keeps re-spawning every time he dies in the fantasy world he is magically transported to and does nothing but suffer? But hey it has those two twin maids with the pink and blue hair in it so it’s all fine? That one. The English dub finally released the second half of the show, so I finished it. AND YES THE DUB IS ACTUALLY GOOD! And the show is fine too. But I feel like I sort of...lost the gist of why everything was happening in those last 12 episodes. However, there was a lot to like about this series overall, and yes Rem truly is best girl. I was just more invested in the first half of the series. 8/10

Honorable Mentions

I watched Christopher Robin again...and I still love it.

I read the first volume of the Tsurune light novel. It’s fine, but I liked the anime better.

Shadowhunters is back for its final...half season?

I’m currently watching The Umbrella Academy, and it’s AMAZING! I can’t wait to finish it!

The Masked Singer (U.S version) has finally ended. And now there’s a trashy hole in my heart.