#this takes presidence of its fresh in my mind still

[especiallythewomenandthechildren]

As If Destiny (part eight) 🌹

Part Seven 🌹

Warnings: Parent death, sibling death, death and brutality (it is the hunger games after all) characters may be ooc. Reader may not be your fav this part. I read the book a while ago but don't really remember much of Snows way of thinking (I mean I know its toxic and insane but yk the other things) so I will mostly be basing off the film and my own thoughts. Also I can't spell for the life of me so be prepared for bad spelling and grammar. Enjoy loves!

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The air of the station was stale, as if taking the simplest of breaths would cost a significant amount of energy. It felt as though even the bugs buzzing around in the spring weather were flying in slow motion. Maybe it really was the air, or more likely, the atmosphere of your mind.

You felt nauseous and dizzy at the arguments that split your soul. The tributes were to arrive today, naturally, Jessup with them. Were you here to give the best first impression or to size him up? A part of you wanted to save him from the horrors, but the lately very loud voice has been telling you that he deserved it. Especially a boy from District Twelve, around the age of those who murdered your brother in the dense woods of the small district.

Your long time waiting for the train arrival was spent trying to settle that internal struggle to no avail. You were staring straight ahead onto the empty tracks when something felt different. The peacekeepers were still stoic, tracks still echo-filled at even the slightest noise. But a slight breeze was felt behind you. When you turned around, that breeze of fresh air happened to be a certain blonde with irresistible eyes.

He was in the rouge academy uniform, as were you, and he held a pristine white rose in his hand. He had clearly expected the station to be empty, so the sight of your drained eyes made him suck in a breath.You let out a tired laugh at his appearance.

"So are we allowed to be here, or are we both going to receive whatever nightmare Highbottom has set up for us?"

Coryo walked to stand next to you as he retorted back with a sly grin.

"At least we will go through whatever the punishment is together."

"Ah, yes, nothing shakes the trouble duo!"

He took a sideways glance at you as he started chuckling.

"Trouble duo? That's really the best you thought of? I thought you were the poetic one."

He joked at you as you gasped in mock offense.

"I'm sorry, do you have any better names for us?"

Yes. Yes, he did. But none of them had to do with Highbottom or any mocking moniker. His personal favorite was "couple." The others were a bit ambitious and would be used in the far future, such as President and First Lady. Not a bad ring to it. But he wouldn't voice out his desires, even if he was on his death bed. Especially after what happened in that hallway yesterday.

However, you were too busy observing for the upcoming train to notice Coriolanus's gaze. When you turned around, he didn't shift away his gaze.

But you didn't question it. Maybe because it has become familiar and a comfort these past weeks. You had ammunition of reasons such as his hyperobservation to explain these glances. Not a single one of them hit the real reason.

The blonde was fidgeting with the rose slightly, which made a slight laugh creep past your lips. It took him a second to realize the cause, but when he did, he slightly blushed.

"I would have gotten you one too if-uhm, I knew you would be here."

Your lips curved into a shy grin at his flustered words.

"I'm not the one you need to charm, Coryo; you did that a long time ago."

You noticeably were avoiding his eyes, and he let it be because he was quite sure he was turning as red as his uniform.

"Can I ask why you are here, Coryo?"

He seemed a bit taken aback at your sudden question. Of course, he knew the reason he was there: to win the Plinth Prize. To do that, he needed Lucy Gray's trust, and this was just the way to do it. But he feared his reasoning was a bit too harsh. It was the last days of this girl's life, and he was just seeing her as a means to an end. Coriolanus didn't want you to think of him as heartless or worse, that he would be using your trust as a means to an end as well.

So he simply replied that he wished to gain the odd girl's trust, and this seemed like a good way to get a head start. You nodded along, agreeing that she seemed like the character who wouldn't do anything without trust.

Although, your eyes seemed to darken after his reasoning. He couldn't decipher the look completely, but it was clear guilt was a factor.

"Y/N?"

Your faraway eyes and mind locked into his at hearing his soft voice.

"Why are you here?"

You stared at him, slightly getting lost in the ever-shifting color in his eyes. You looked downwards as you breathed out.

"I don't know. I wish I did. Something told me I should come, see him for myself. Maybe it will help clear my thoughts on everything here. And I know a part of me wishes to find something in him to justify his murder."

You bitterly admitted. You were still glanced down when Coriolanus responded.

"This isn't your fault; you know this, right? You didn't choose him, and you didn't make the games."

He let it sink in for a moment, enough for it to visibly break through your guilt-made walls. Coriolanus waited for you to finally regain the will to look up at him.

"And if anyone has reason for the things you are thinking and feeling, it's you. They still want us dead. The Capitol says the war is over when it's far from done. I mean, come on, these kids are the next generation of rebels. It's either them or us."

His tone started out light and soft but quickly turned to stone. You wanted to argue with him, to shout at the top of your lungs that they are innocent and no part of the massacres you suffered. But how could you? How could you fight your exact sentiments?

You knew he was right, no matter how much it hurt your morals. They were old enough to feel fear. Old enough for that fear to become hate. Hate to violence.

And they were old enough to kill. The minimum age for the Reaping was twelve. You and your classmates had the ability to take a life at half that age.

After that, the long-awaited train began pulling into the station. You've only ever seen a train in person once. When you gave miniature hugs to your uncle Averic and freshly fourteen-year-old Octavious.

You were only five at the time, and the upcoming horror of the Dark Days were still a few months away. There were others there saying their goodbyes, but you weren't focusing on them. Or how they began filtering out as the time for departure came closer. You were still clinging onto your older brother's legs as your mother, aunt Fiora, and uncle Averic seemed to be in serious talks.

"Otto?"

The young boy seemed to be trying to listen in to their conversation, and it took a little slap to his leg to get his attention. When his eyes, which were the same shade of yours, landed on your own, they softened from his prior harden state of focus. He knelt down to your height as he turned all his attention on you.

"Why are you leaving?"

The boy had to take a shaky breath. He had slightly hoped you would just accept your mother's reasoning that he "just had to go." But, of course, you, being too attentive and curious for any kid your age, just couldn't let his absence go. In reality, he didn't have to leave. He had forced himself to be involved. It took every stretch of persuasion to convince his uncle to let him come along to what was being described as "a small rebellion."

He wasn't to do anything but take note and follow his uncle's lead. Otto dreamed that within a year, he would be given his own battalion, and the next, be his own commanding general. It was not extremely unusual for a young man of age sixteen or seventeen to be in command. Averic Emberidge was a living example. And like his maternal uncle, Octavious Vaun had great military promise. He had life promise.

He had promise.

And a promise given to his young sister. That he would come back.

Otto achieved his goals of military prowess. But the young man, no matter how skilled or trusted, broke his promise to the person he loved most.

But back then, the promise was fresh and believed to be easy to keep. The platform was empty save for one family by the time your own was forced to part. Your mother and aunt switched between the two members who would be off in District territory. You stood back and watched the goodbyes as a man approached.

He was tall, broad, and commanded the air of the room. As if even the rules of the universe had to bend to his will. He had two children and an older woman trailing behind him. All four had bright and magnetic blue eyes.

The Snows were not easy to miss, not even miles away, as though their powerful aura was felt in all areas of proximity.

He stopped right in front of your mother, who stood in a deep green fashioned vintage day dress. The beautiful woman still looked forward, slightly past her brother's shoulder.

"Cloria. Fiora."

He gave a nod after each name. The former turned to him with those still captivating eyes. The latter rolled her own pair at his presence. He acknowledged your uncle and brother as well, but they would have time for conversation later. They were all to be on campaign together after all.

Crassus and Cloria broke away for a very brief discussion while you still stood a bit away from the group. Your uncle noticed you and your lack of an official goodbye and smiled in invitation. You sprinted into his now-open arms as he spun you around, much to your oblivious enjoyment. When he set you down and grabbed your arms to make you focus on him, his prior smile dissolved into a grave thin line.

"Hey, kid."

Uncle Averic's voice wasn't the joyful one you were used to. You knew then that you needed to listen up and closely.

"I know you are a tough little girl. I saw how you beat up your brother, after all."

You smiled proudly while the aforementioned beaten boy scoffed. He was referring to the past few weeks in which Otto taught you how to fight. It was safe to say he wasn't expecting your level of skill and dedication. The fourteen-year-old just wanted you to have basic defense skills, but your speed of skill accelerated the lessons considerably.

"But y/n, things are going to be a little different now. I need you to watch out for your mom and aunt Fi, okay? I know Rhayen will be there, but you are responsible too. You are smart and strong, kid, just don't be reckless. Your mom doesn't need any more stress."

Your uncle struck his hand out, and you shook it in agreement. It didn't hit your young mind all that you would have to endure to keep this agreement.

Your mother and Crassus seemed to be finishing up talks, so you turned to Otto, who seemed to be holding back tears as the gravity of the situation hit him.

"Hey."

His still-changing voice broke. He scooped you up in his arms as he stared down at you.

"I will write all I can back home, and I'll make special letters just for you, okay? I'll draw out the words for you."

You could read, and at a very accelerated level for a girl your age, but Otto was already missing the days where you would draw out what you were feeling in situations you couldn't speak out loud.

"No! I want words, I can read Otto! I want hard words too!"

He laughed at your little pout of demand. Your determination to push yourself even in that small way was one of the many ways you motivated him throughout the war. Otto knew you were waiting for him, so he rushed to come back. But even his speed could not make him outrun fate.

Your mother had come back and had taken you - begrudgingly - out of her oldest child's arms. You watched them board the train and watched the adults' reactions. Each had a different expression.

The older woman who was with General Snow, who you would eventually call Grandma'am along with her grandchildren, looked proud; she looked overconfident and a bit arrogant. Fiora was on the brink of biting her finger off as she bit nervously at her nails.

And your mother. Her eyes were scanning the train, but they saw two worlds. One where the three men would come back, unscathed and victorious. The other was grim and the unfortunate reality of only the news of their death coming back.

You remember as you scanned the faces, all which were focused on the now-departing train, one was staring back at you. Even all those years ago, Coriolanus was always a face of comfort and reliability. Across the platform, you two bore into the soul of the other, trying to make sense of any of the chaos around them. Your family began walking towards the west exit while his the east.

The distance grew and grew, but so did the intensity of your connected gaze. Neither seemed to want to let go. As if you both knew this would be your last look for three years. The last look as unscathed children.

But those children grew up. And you were back on a train platform with those ever-searching blue eyes. Though, no longer did he search for sense or his father, but now for his ticket out of poverty. A ticket in the form of a fascinating brunette.

He walked towards the now-opening doors of the cattle train. The smell was foul, but you followed him. Some tributes got out, either by their own or forced out. A bat also flew out which you noted. The tributes looked at the Capitol duo with a range from curiosity to murderous intentions. You went down the near entirety of the vehicle the two from District Twelve appeared. Jessup got down first and helped Lucy Gray down by her waist.

You and Coryo sucked in a collective breath. Any last-minute nerves had to silence themselves because it was far too late now to back out.

Jessup immediately noticed you both and sent a glare. He stepped closer to Lucy Gray in protection while she was busy taking in her surroundings. The movement of Jessup and his noticeable stare past her made the girl turn.

She was quite beautiful; the screens didn't do her justice. She had coffee brown eyes, matching colored hair, and clear, tanned skin. But it was her expression that added to her beauty. She was clearly suspicious, to which no one could blame her, but as she raked over both you and Coriolanus's forms, she had a slight grin of curiosity.

It was quite a contrast to her fellow tribute, Jessup. His eyes were sharp, and he was clearly displeased at your presence.

But you cleared your throat anyway, although Coryo beat you to speaking.

"Welcome to the Capitol."

He held out the rose for the girl, who took a long good look at it before taking it.

"We are your mentors. It's nice to meet you both."

You said sweetly and had a small smile to which the girl returned but fell flat on Jessup. You put your hand out to Jessup, but not surprisingly, he left you hanging. You gulped down your embarrassment and bit your lip, signs of uncomfort ot unnoticed by Coryo. Lucy Gray looked you both up and down as she sized you up.

"When I was little, my mama used to bathe me in buttermilk and rose petals."

She took a petal off and stuck it right in her mouth. She gave it a good taste followed by a smile.

"Tastes like bedtime."

You turned to Coriolanus, who was still wide-eyed at his tribute's actions. You didn't know exactly what to expect when you came here, but it surely wasn't this.

"So what do our mentors do?"

It seemed like Lucy Gray was going to do all the talking as her friend stayed stone-faced besides her.

"We do our best to take care of you. Lucy Gray, Coriolanus is your mentor while Jessup, you are stuck with me."

Lucy Gray nodded along and examined her mentor once again. Jessup examined you as well but not in the pondering way his companion was. Rather, he looked like he was thinking venomous thoughts of you and as if your being was yet another punishment he had to endure.

Any further conversation was interrupted by several peacekeepers motioning for the two from twelve to get moving. Lucy Gray looked over her shoulder and wished you both luck on that front while she was being pushed towards a small vehicle along with the rest of the tributes.

Coriolanus already began asking the silent peacekeepers if we can escort them, but none were willing to answer. You followed him aimlessly, ready to start your exit and walk to the Academy. You both still had classes today, even though they were modified to center around your mentorship. But Snow wasn't willing to give up.

When a tall and lanky boy tried to make a run for it and distracted the peacekeepers, a certain look overtook Coriolanus. Everything seemed to be blocked out, just him and the door to the truck. You had a feeling what he was going to do and cursed him once you saw his legs start pumping.

I hate you so much, you idiot Coriolanus Snow.

Your chant of dislike was all you could think of as only a split second after him, you followed him into the abyss of the vehicle that held twenty-three (Wovey yet a year away) teenagers who wanted you both dead. A desire they might just get once the doors shut, trapping you in.

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As soon as Coriolanus landed on the truck, he went directly towards the back. Your legs weren't as tall as his, so it took enough effort from you to get on the truck that you fell onto the floor. That was when Coryo noticed you had joined him. His eyes widened in fright, and he moved to pick you up when another tribute shoved him against the back wall. He let out a painful groan as he tried to charm his way out of the situation.

The tribute holding onto him was even taller and considerably broader than the blonde boy.

"I'll kill you right now."

He snarled at Coriolanus and was backed up by a sick girl.

"He killed a peacekeeper back in eleven."

You learned that the peacekeeper killer was named Reaper, and the ill-looking girl was named Dill.

The threat on Coriolanus's life made you get up in a second and get ready to stop any further action. But as soon as you landed on your feet, your position mimicked Coriolanus's as you were being shoved by Coral, the girl from four. You knew she was Festus's assigned tribute and she seemed like a clear delight with her wicked smile.

"I call dibs on killing her."

Her breath, with the scent of fish still lingering, fanned all over your face. But unlike Coriolanus, your face didn't show any fear or desperation. You held her gaze with a glare of your own. You've fought off a lot more menacing figures than her.

While you had no fear, Coriolanus was taken over with terror.

"Don't you touch her!"

He made a move against Reaper, who shoved him back even harder against the wall. His struggle made the red head girl holding you laugh.

"Aw, how cute. Your boyfriend tryin to help you, princess."

Your hostile glare deepened at that. She had so much confidence in her ability and power over you. And while she was much stronger than you, she was sloppy. She didn't even hold back your hands or disarm your legs. You could easily throw her off if she made a move.

Lucy Gray watched the events unfold and glanced at Jessup who seemed okay with letting their mentors suffer fates similar to their inevitable ones. She didn't like not doing anything to help them. They were supposed to help her and Jessup, right? They would be at a clear disadvantage if something happened to them.

Plus, you and Coriolanus were interesting; nothing like what she imagined Capitol kids to be like.

As the rest of the group agreed on the murder of the academy students, Lucy Gray piped up.

"Y’all got family back home? They’ll kill them if you hurt them. Then you."

She made sure her message was clear. The thought of their families being hurt made them pause, as well as the instant death. In the Hunger Games, they at least had a shot at living. Reaper loosened his grip, and she continued.

"Besides, he’s my mentor. I might need his help."

She nodded her head towards the disgruntled mentor. She didn't mention who you were mentoring because she hoped Jessup would speak up. She knew Jessup didn't necessarily care for you, but he knew you might be some sort of help. The dark-skinned boy didn't get to speak up before Coral, however.

"And you a mender, princess?"

She shoved you again, which made Coriolanus flinch, but Lucy Gray motioned with her eyes for him to stay in place. His involvement would only make things worse.

"Better hope I'm not yours."

She didn't like your answer if her teeth-bearing snarl had anything to say about it. Something about it fueled your fury.

"Do you know why they call it the Hunger Games?"

You beckoned her with a slight smirk that angered the aggressive girl across from you.

"I'll still kill you."

She threatened you as she didn't know where you were going with this. The unknown was a disadvantage to her and fueled her fear.

You asked again, and the sweet-hearted Wovey answered instead.

"Because there is no food."

She answered confidently and in that sweet voice, which felt so wrong in this environment. You didn't want to go ahead with your plan of words, but when Coral turned back from looking at the little girl to you, the fire was back.

You stared straight into the angry eyes of Coral with a menacing smile.

"Oh no, there is plenty of food. I mean, look around. I see twenty-six bodies of food."

You could feel the girl's arms shudder, and you saw the rest of the faces go pale. But you weren't done.

"Hunger stands for the hunger in one's eyes. Once that bell rings, that hunger takes over. Hunger for blood, corpses. For survival and victory. And if you lose focus for just a second-"

You made quick work as you shoved Coral's arms off of you and placed them behind her back. You have now reversed places as she struggled against the wall and beneath your far more forceful and effective hold. Attention was still hooked onto as you finished your lesson.

"You're dead."

Your quick move shocked the entirety of the truck, including Coryo. He knew you could fight back from your younger days by the pestering of Festus, in which you gave him a solid black eye for days. Yet, he didn't know just how good you were, much of it still from your brother's teachings and occasional lessons from Rhayen.

You were ready to let the girl, who still wore her scowl but couldn't hide the fear behind her eyes, go. Although, you bent closely in front of her face to let her know your last message.

"You better thank your lucky stars I'm not in that arena with you. I already won my games."

You hissed out the now positively infuriated teenager. The other tributes ranged from absolute horror of you to confusion on your last statement and how you were so cutthroat. No one expected children of the Capitol to have this in them.

The entirety of the truck's eyes were on you, except Lucy Gray. She looked to Coriolanus to examine his expression. She wanted to know if this was all a front or your sweet nature on the station was. The best way would be to see what the boy, who clearly knew you, thought of the situation. His face was not expressing fear or confusion like the others, but rather a sad look of understanding.

All of the Capitol struggled most definitely during the Dark Days and still with its legacy and effect. But you were one of the few to suffer nearly all the horrors it brought during the war and the only one who still lost after it. The rest of your classmates seemed to move past the traumas, but not you. Maybe it was because of your mother, but it always seemed to play out on repeat behind your still-shining eyes.

Lucy Gray's eyes bounced from Coriolanus's face to yours again. She seemed satisfied and understood. You weren't bluffing. Though, as she looked again at you, she saw your eyes soften. You realized all you had done and said. You had felt threatened, and it had just become instinct to take control of a threatening situation. It hit you that you just became Coral. It was clear she was scared of being here, and her menacing demeanor was a defensive mechanism. And your haunting words were yours.

Lucy Gray took note. Maybe she and Jessup could trust you. But all of a sudden, the truck began shaking harshly and began tipping as the doors opened into the bright light. It shocked you, and due to being closer to the door, you were one of the few to fall. You fell silently but locked eyes with Coriolanus as you did, which was enough for him to let go as well. He was already slipping anyway as Lucy Gray hung onto him, and the truck began tipping.

The mentor was able to land without a scratch and checked on Lucy Gray, who was the same. She looked to her friend, who dusted himself off from where he landed a few meters away from her. Coriolanus watched her make it to Jessup when he began frantically looking for you.

You were more in the middle of the area, which he soon realized was the Capitol zoo. He scoffed at the insult to the districts as he rushed to your side. However, you weren't as lucky as those in the back. You had landed face first into some rocks, which busted a nasty cut above your eye. You had swatted away Coryo's helping hands and slipped off your academy blazer to dab at the blood.

"Huh, look at this. Capitol bleeds."

Your head snapped up to meet the mocking Coral. Coryo looked as if he was going to pounce on her, but you pulled his arm back. He helped you up as you looked past his shoulder.

"What in the world is the weather guy doing here?"

The quite loud presentation voice of the notorious Lucky Flickerman was heard as he tried to get your and Coriolanus's attention.

Lucy Gray and Jessup had moved towards you two while Coral walked off. When Coriolanus heard that he was live for all of the Capitol, he began to panic. His breath became rapid and shallow. You were quick to grab his cheeks to make him look down to you.

"Coryo. Look at me. It's nothing you haven't done before. I'm here with you, okay?"

You waited for his nod to smile back at him, which calmed his nerves considerably. Your tributes watched on, slightly amused. Lucy Gray felt charmed by your clear looks of affection, although it hurt her due to her own recent love troubles. Jessup felt amused that the girl who was just threatening Coral was so taken by a skinny, lanky, and pale boy such as Coriolanus.

You both turned to the other half of your makeshift group.

"Lucy Gray Baird, Jessup Diggs, let us introduce you to our neighbors."

You beckoned them forward, while you opened your hand for Lucy Gray, who took it with an amused tilt of her head. Jessup and Coriolanus shared a look, in which the latter looked at the former's hand and was swiftly met with a clear "no" at the thought of the two mirroring your actions.

When you reached the edge of the cage, you noticed two small children. Coriolanus moved to the other side of Lucy Gray while Jessup moved to you, still a bit back. However, your attention is quickly taken by the questions of Lucky Flickerman.

"Who are you two? What are you doing in the cage here?"

Coriolanus responds and explains the situation to Lucky while you and Lucy Gray focus on the children in front of you.

They seem very taken by Lucy Gray, and she is quite the charmer. She captures the attention of all around with her honey-like voice and witty answers. Soon enough, Lucky focuses on her, eager to learn all about the strange girl. She explains the Covey and the importance of her beautiful dress.

"This dress was my mama’s so it’s extra special to me."

You glanced at her with a shared sympathy as she informed the ignorant host of her mother's passing. She felt your stare shift and turned to you as you gave her the slightest of nods. You didn't know if she understood its meaning, but her knowing eyes crinkled with a smile that let you know your message was well received.

Lucy Gray had a good feeling she could trust you. Maybe if she somehow won, you two could be good friends. She was a charmer and well-liked in twelve, but she didn't really have friends besides the Covey; who were more family than friends.

"Do you know the wonderful mentors for me and Jessup? Seems we got the cream of the cake 'cause no one else even bothered to show up."

You took a gulp and forced a smile as the camera visibly moved to focus on you.

"Well, we've met Coriolanus Snow, yes?"

Flickerman paused to ensure he got the blonde's name right and was met with a nod.

"And who are you, young lady? And did you get that nasty cut from the other tributes when you jumped in the cage? Were you told to jump in?"

His questions flew a million miles a minute, but you responded with grace.

"Hello there. My name is Y/N Vaun and oh no, I fear I am quite clumsy."

You covered up the fact that you might have had your neck slit if not for Lucy Gray.

"And the game makers didn't tell us that we couldn't. They just said that it was a mentor’s job to introduce our tributes to the citizens of Panem. And we thought, well, if they were brave enough to be here, then why shouldn’t we be, too?"

You looked up to Coriolanus to assure your answer was sufficient enough, to which he agreed. Lucy Gray did have one adjustment though.

"For the record, I didn’t have a choice."

Which you couldn't help but tilt your head to the side in agreement to her statement while Flickerman opened up again.

"For the record, I think you both are about to be whisked away."

Suddenly, two strong peacekeepers began dragging you away with Coriolanus. You fought them off to freely walk on your own as you noticed Lucy Gray stop him and whisper urgently, to which he agreed.

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The walk to the academy wasn't too far, but your pace was set quite fast. You and Coryo were already going to attract a lot of attention; missing class for an assumed press event with the tributes was a big no. Your dash to the prestigious institution was a silent conversation between you and Coryo. There didn't feel like much to say as you both were too far in your heads.

Coriolanus turned to you slightly as the question that's been burning in his mind came out.

"Why did you jump in the truck with me?"

You didn't even hesitate as you answered him, still looking forward.

"Are you seriously asking me that, Coryo?"

When you were met with nothing but silence, you turned to him.

"You jump, I jump. You throw yourself in a cage filled with people who want to gut you? Expect to have a friend with you. Maybe it will make you think before you do something stupid next time."

Your answer and vow of companionship caused a satisfied smile to overtake the handsome boy's features. It stayed there for some time before your now dark voice piped up.

"Do you remember the station?"

Your sudden question broke the prior silence. The fair-skinned teen looked at you in question.

"The station we were just at?"

He felt as if he missed something. The thought of being out of the loop unnerved him. You motioned that the recent setting wasn't the point of your question as you elaborated.

"No, I meant right back when the rebellion started. That day when they shipped off."

The heir of Snow's face scrunched up as he thought of the memory; one of his first clear ones. Young Coryo was so confused with all happening around him. Crassus rarely acknowledged the five-year-old's confusion while grandma'am kept on repeating curses about the rebelling districts. Though, as always, Tigris tried to calm down and help her little cousin. She wasn't that much older but she was old enough to understand; her uncle, the sole provider of their family, was to be off across the country. It worried her beyond what her youthful face would show. A face constantly lit up with the warm smiles her young cousin elicited.

But there were moments, although few, where Tigris's attention was elsewhere besides Coryo. One of them being on that now demolished train station, where she watched Crassus Snow depart from the Capital and eventually, their lives. It was in that moment where Coriolanus didn't look to his cousin for comfort but rather the girl with curious and wandering eyes. He had seen you before, but that was the day you truly entered his life. The young man laughed sweetly at the memory.

"You refused to look away even as we were being pulled away."

"Hey, you didn't look away either!"

You retorted back to the reminiscing adolescent. His eyes were still glued forward as you neared your destination. Out of his peripheral vision, however, he noticed a solemn demeanor took you over.

"Funny how different my only two train experiences are."

You laughed without humor, a grim noise.

"The first time, I had the privilege of ignorance. Hands were clean. And the people. Nearly every person I loved in one place. Fast forward today. I'm all too aware of the blood dripping from my hands, and I keep on making it gush."

You paused to take a bitter breath while refocusing your eyes straight ahead. You both were nearly to the entrance of the academy campus.

"Not a single one of them made it out alive. The only one was you."

The boy in mention furrowed his brows at your statement. It didn't strike him until now that you were right. Every member of your family on the platform that fateful day is six feet under. And by the way you spoke, so was little five-year-old you. The thought of your absent family made him reflect. His life wasn't easy in the slightest, but he did have his loved ones, no matter how little the number was. Sure, his grandma'am was a bit eccentric and not whole in the head, but she was a reminder of the glory indebted to the Snows. She was, most of the time, a sweet grandmother and a constant pillar of support.

And of course, Tigris. His life was mostly filled with darkness, metaphorically and literally with the high cost of electricity. But Tigris was always a light shining bright. Guiding him when he was lost in the slightest bit. He left that station with nearly the same family he has today, excluding his cold father. And even though his absence was a painful reminder of their living situation, Tigris often reminded Coryo that was given a chance to be a better person without his father's controlling and cold nature. A chance she tried to make possible at every possible moment.

But you didn't have a single member of your beloved family anymore. It was true your father was alive, but Coriolanus knows he has all but officially stepped out of your life. A move that made the young man resent and hold a place of disrespect in regards to your father. Your feet had carried you through the vast academy doors and down the hallways leading to the class you should have been in half an hour ago.

It was when you were mere feet from the door when a realization hit him. You said everyone you loved was on that platform and he was the only one to live. wait. did you just- does that mean-

"Your little excursion was in violation of about five different Academy rules, Mr. Snow and Miss Vaun. Chief amongst them, endangering a Capitol student."

You had entered the domed classroom, and Coriolanus couldn't further question your prior statements. You had ascended up the stairs with Coryo following close behind. You turned to question Dean Highbottom, who didn't even look up at your presence.

"Neither of us forced the other to go. We went on our own accord."

You responded back to the dean still focused on his papers.

"I don't care how or why it happened. You both put yourselves in danger regardless. I’m moving for the Gamemakers to disqualify you as mentors immediately."

You scoffed at his actions in disgust. He really jumped at any chance to make Coriolanus suffer. Highbottom has now become a plague you now have to deal with as well. Young Snow didn't appreciate his operation against him and you as he questioned his validity.

"You said we had to get our tributes to perform, not that we had to stay away."

"I’ll add insubordination as well."

Coriolanus opened his mouth to retort back when he was cut off by a chilling voice.

"Snow and Vaun fell down in the cage."

The ever-infamous Volumina Gaul appeared with a devilish smile playing on her bright red lips. She crept closer as she continued.

"Snow fell down in the cage but it landed…"

Her riddle was quickly figured out by the pair who answered at the same time.

"On stage."

The quick and correct reply made her wicked smile grow impossibly more.

"You’re good at Games. Maybe one day, you two will be Gamemakers like me. You are quite the pair."

The decrepit Casca Highbottom turned to watch the interaction and grumbled at the head Gamemaker's implication.

"If the Games continue at all."

"Oh, they’ll continue. With performances like young Mr. Snow and Miss Vaun's in that zoo."

The eccentric woman made her way to the end of your row as she questioned.

"Which one of you had the idea to jump in the cage with the tributes?"

You and Coriolanus knew neither of you had an idea that you would end up there. That doesn't mean the brave (and stupid) idea to jump in the truck came from nowhere.

"Coriolanus was the one."

You were quick to respond that the boy couldn't cut you off to mention your own involvement. That doesn't mean he didn't have his own speed in answering.

"Y/N was the one who fended them off, though. She also was the one who thought of presenting Lucy Gray after gaining her trust."

To say Dr. Gaul’s already peaked interest didn't skyrocket would be an understatement. She remembered her surprise, an emotion that appears very little in the woman's life, at seeing the two academy students in the zoo. Their elegance and charisma in their performance were extraordinary. And to see how fast they are to jump to the other's defense and bolster made the peculiar woman ache for more. She may have found not only one but two promising students.

"Holding her hand, Y/N? Introducing her to people? You make it look as if we’re one and the same as those animals."

The disgust was clear in Clemensia's voice as she spoke. She was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt when it came to Sejanus, who lived most of his life in the Capital after all. But straight district? That was a whole different level of abhorrence.

Said district - not district boy had his own opinions to voice.

"Coriolanus and Y/N didn’t show those people anything they didn’t already know. That the tributes are human beings. Just like us."

He paused to let the idea sink in for the snobby children of the Capital. You and Coriolanus were not surprised at his little outburst, but that doesn't mean you were happy with it. You were very far from it. Sick and tired of constantly hearing the saintly nature of those in the districts. But the curly-haired boy continued.

"That’s why nobody wants to watch the Games. It’s because people know deep down that winning a war 10 years ago doesn’t justify starving people’s children, taking away their freedoms, their rights."

You stayed silent as your nostrils flared, and your teeth ground against each other. You weren't sure where all this anger came from, but you assumed part of it was all your memories of the war becoming so clear lately. The constant yapping of Sejanus that they are oh so innocent while you remember otherwise did not help the blood boiling. Your symptoms of rage did not go unnoticed by Dr. Gaul.

"And what do you think, Miss Vaun? Are the inhabitants of the districts human or animal?"

The entirety of the class focused on you as you took a second to compose yourself. You took a deep breath, and instead of looking at the woman who proposed the question, you locked eyes with Dean Highbottom.

"They are obviously humans."

The man's eyes seemed to have an odd look of relief at your response, but you weren't finished. Your eyes didn't blink nor flinch as you bore into the older man's eyes. "

Animals are incapable of reaching a man's level of sinister."

The recipient of your gaze flinched at your tone and words. It felt as if you stabbed a blade straight into his already shattered conscience. However, your answer sparked new levels of interest within Dr. Gaul. You seem to be more of a promise than you initially let on. Sejanus was far from impressed by your answer. You never spoke out against the districts before; what caused you to now?

"Some of those kids were two years old when the war ended. The oldest of them were only eight! They didn’t have enough to become sinister."

His tone implied the thought that your description of the districts' "humanity" was ridiculous. The people outside of the Capital were good. Far better than those within it, clearly. But Sejanus's blind opinion of them brought you to new levels of anger. You scoffed out a breath of pure disbelief as you turned to stare straight into the brown eyes of the boy.

"Too young? Eight is quite old enough to do sinister things. Look around, Sejanus. You think any of us, who, by the way, were those eight years old, survived by playing with our dolls?"

You paused, trying to compose yourself, while all pairs of eyes were on you. Well, all except Sejanus. You two have never had a quarrel. If there was anyone who the rest were certain would back up Sejanus, it would be you. But here you were, spitting words of venom and unfortunate truth.

"Death doesn't discriminate by age. War doesn't discriminate by age. Each and every one of us here had to become soldiers and survivors by age five." You paused, "Does that sound like humanity? Like the pure good you preach about the districts? They are just like us. Whether or not you want to see it. You claim us evil and we might be. But tell me who do you think caused us to be so harsh? If we were able to kill at six years old, I am quite sure those sixteen-year-olds wouldn't bat an eye. If you don't believe me, let me ask Otto."

The mention of your brother caused the already dead silent classroom to stiffen. Even Highbottom, who disliked yet another reminder of Cloria Vaun (or Emberidge, depends on what memories), had to throw back another shot of morphling. Sejanus was already uncomfortable with your sudden shift in demeanor and your public argument. His discomfort increased when you began using the words "we" and "us," but the mention of Octavius Vaun made him freeze. You rarely mentioned him and if you ever did, you couldn't bring yourself to say his name. You never gave the full details of his death, but you told him enough to know it was a subject never to be brought up. Now that you did, he, along with the rest of your class, knew you weren't going to be able to be controlled.

And you weren't. You didn't let up your hold on attention for a good while as you kept going.

"Hmm? Or how about we ask all of our classmates that should be here? All those people who should be our friends, lovers, siblings? What about those infants who died before they could take a breath because their mothers died of starvation? Let's go ask their corpses, huh! Oh wait, right. Just go around and ask the Capitol population. We didn't have a body clean-up system back in the war. What do you think we did with the bodies?"

The slow realization and remembrance of whispers of the war crept back to Sejanus's mind. Your voice was steady as you continued.

"We had to get whatever nutrition we could, no matter where it came from."

Clemensia had turned deep shades of green at the mention. At the memories.

"Y/N, please stop."

Her wobbly voice and discomfort did the exact opposite of her pleas. You took a look around the classroom to see your peers avoiding eye contact with you and looking one step away from barfing. The sight made you laugh in dark hysteria as you now addressed the room.

"Really?! That's all it took? Ten years? Ten years and you forgot everything! Now that you don't have to throw the last words of your loved ones in a fire to keep warm! These pristine uniforms and marble classrooms enough?! You forget when you had to survive for weeks off of a single rat carcass? When you had to fight deranged old men for a half-empty bag of moldy peaches for your entire family? When your only drink was your own blood? No memories!? No memories of the insanity causing people flinging themselves off of rooftops and others beating the vultures to cut up their corpses!"

Your voice was in a full, rage-fueled yell by the time you finished. You would have continued if a hand on your shoulder didn't signal to stop. You looked up, ready to fight whoever it was, until you realized it was Coryo. You expected him to be embarrassed of you, maybe angry. But he wasn't. His eyes seemed to be glowing with understanding and a shared irritation. After a minute of you calming down, a voice perked all too happily.

"My, my, what a declaration!"

Dr. Gaul was all too eager at your fury. Her blood was on fire with excitement at your sentiments. The question she initially came here to ask you and Coriolanus was finally ready to be asked.

"What are the Hunger Games for?"

The woman looked between you and Coriolanus, eager for an answer to which the latter responded.

"They’re to punish the districts for their uprising, to commemorate the end of the war."

Her smile was gone at the disappointing answer.

“Commemorate the… Dull, dull, dull. Punishment can take myriad forms. Why not drop bombs, cancel food shipments, stage executions? Why Games?"

Her question was not met by either of the two students she wished but rather the clear sympathizer in the form of Sejanus Plinth.

"Shouldn’t we be asking ourselves whether or not they’re right in the first place?"

"You have a problem with my Games?"

Any answer was intercepted by Dean Highbottom who has more than enough of this discussion and development.

"Perhaps the Capitol students are ill-suited to be mentoring tributes. Perhaps the Game’s time has passed."

It was then when you regained your voice.

"It clearly hasn't. The Games, whatever their ultimate purpose, is a reminder. To the districts, most definitely, but also the Capital. It is clear that most here wish to forget and hide away the horrors we've endured. Forget all you wish, but the districts won't. They have to suffer what we did and we have to remember why."

Dr. Gaul was taking in your answer. And it clearly pleased her, whether that be a good or bad thing. That curiosity and thrill continued as Coriolanus added in some suggestions.

"Maybe we should be viewing those tributes as human beings. I mean, you saw those kids in the zoo; they just… they just wanted to get to know Lucy Gray. If we need people to watch, we should be letting them get closer to the tributes before the Games. To make the stakes personal."

As your apparent partner continued, the gears in your mind started turning.

"Who will watch the Games if they care what happens to the tributes?" Arachne questioned. And you were the one to answer.

"Everyone."

When you answered, Coriolanus looked to you with a ghost of a smile on his lips as you understood.

"You wanted them to be spectacles? What's better than letting them share their characters? Their lives, dreams, regrets. Biggest loves and losses. If you want people to watch, they will when they have people to root for and against."

Young Snow was quick to pick up after you.

"And if we bend a few Capitol laws, we could even have them place bets. The winner of the arena may not be the same as the winner of the people."

You jumped back into the conversation with a slightly more chipper tone.

"Give them interviews to learn who they are. Maybe we can even do skill tests. If you use Coriolanus's betting system, it can give even the weakest of tributes more of a chance. People would not only be able to bet on who they like the most but who has more of a chance. Not to mention they would have the power to change those odds."

Dr. Gaul was at all-time levels of elation at the pair. She knows promise when she sees it.

"I’d like you to write up a proposal of these thoughts tonight, Mr. Snow and Miss Vaun. "

You turned to look at said Mr. Snow when a certain raven-haired girl stood up from her seat next to him.

"Wait. You mean you might actually use their ideas?"

Clemensia thought her two high-achieving friends' ideas would just be left floating and not actually implemented in one of the most important events of the country.

"If it’ll help the ratings, why not."

Dr. Gaul’s words made the realization hit you like that cursed cattle train. Your ideas were shared in a slight haze of excitement and lingering fury. If your suggestions really were implemented, you may have just subjected generations of children to death.

Your revelation was clear on your face as Sejanus looked up to who he called his closest friend. He felt slightly betrayed by your outburst, but more so confused. Though, his anger and confusion dissipated a good amount when he saw the horror of realization upon your face.

On the other side of the star pupils, Clemmie slightly shuddered as the outlandish Gamemaker turned her cold gaze upon her. The young woman put on her charming smile as she tried to weasel her way into success.

"Coriolanus and I are class partners, Dr. Gaul. We do all of our assignments together."

You shared eye contact with the girl's partner who seemed to be just as skeptical as you. You turned in Dr. Gaul's direction, which also happened to be Sejanus's. You looked down and saw his face look glossy and hurt. A pain that transferred over to you at the sight. But that would be for a later time. For now, you looked up and informed the Gamemaker that you would be doing your proposals on your own.

The classroom was filled with the manic laughter of the woman. Doubt started filling up your veins at working with the prominent figure. Her bright teeth shone bright as her diabolical smile grew.

"It’ll be an interesting test."

A test of intellect, character, and survival indeed.

  ⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆

You and Coriolanus sat at a small table on the edge of the cafeteria. You wished to be nowhere near the prying eyes and gossiping mouths of your peers. But apparently, Lucy Gray asked for food, and you couldn't let her or Jessup go hungry. Yet, you were now an active hand in their death.

That ever so active voice in your head kept on screaming against your heart. Your napkin was full of the food that used to reside on your plate, and now you were just waiting for Coryo, who came in a bit later than you. He was fast and smooth in his movements and was barely deterred from his actions when a voice rounded your table.

"You trying to fatten those kids up so you can finally start taking bets? Make sure they look lively enough to make good interviews?"

Sejanus spewed his remarks as he sat down on a chair at the head of the table. You glanced down in shame, but the words didn't bother Coriolanus.

"You think they’ll give those kids a scrap if we don’t give them a reason to do it? How do you think your tribute will have a chance if he can’t eat?"

You looked between the two. Sejanus seemed to concede at that point while Coryo kept on stuffing the napkin. The brown-eyed boy's voice seemed to soften in pain.

"He was my classmate. Back in two."

You sucked in a sharp breath. It was already hard enough for him to be a part of the game, especially being given a tribute from his home district. But his own classmate? If you were Marcus, you wouldn't spare Sejanus a glance or a word. And that was the worst part. Sejanus would try to help in any way he could, but the situation he was in, "the lucky one," wouldn't make it very easy to gain the trust of his former classmate. Coryo stopped his movements to look at the only boy he could call a solid friend.

"It’s not your fault it’s him."

You both knew that it would still sit on his conscience, no matter if he really was to blame or not. His scoff said it all.

"See, I know. I’m so blameless, I’m choking on it. My father bought him for me, you know, at the Reaping, just so he could show me that I could never go back to two."

You couldn't believe it. It was common information to you how much Starbo tried to change his son. That doesn't mean you expected him to go to such lengths.

"Maybe you could use that to your advantage."

Sejanus whipped his head to you as he squinted at you. The girl in front of him wasn't the same angry one in the classroom. No, this was the same one who he called his best friend for years, yet it just confused him even more as to why you would suggest that. You were quick to elaborate when it seemed that neither boy caught on.

"You want the Hunger Games to end, right? You can do something about it. No real change will happen unless it happens in the Capital. You are one of the few who can actually do something and one of the even fewer who wants to."

Sejanus seemed to be contemplating your words when Coriolanus added on.

"The best way to change it is to be subtle. Small little changes and actions cause enough damage over time."

Sejanus looked down at his two friends' laps and looked back up with a smirk starting to form.

"Like napkins of food. Make them strong enough to be remembered. Quite the rebels."

His smirk seemed to be contagious as it spread to Coryo. You had a smile as well that only grew as Coriolanus spoke again.

"Oh yeah. I’m bad news."

His eyes were on you the entire time as a blush crept on you. Your teeth couldn't help but show as the three of you got up and started your walk to the Capital Zoo.

Like your morning walk with Coriolanus, this walk was short but a bit more cheery as your little friend group conversed. You feared Sejanus would hold your prior actions against you, but he understood, as always. Well, that and Coryo's explanation on how you both expanded the odds for the weaker tributes instead of making it worse.

You and Coriolanus were recalling the earlier events of the morning that didn't appear on live television.

"Wait wait, you did what to her?"

You were holding back a laugh as Snow described how you switched up Coral and the overdramatization of it.

"Okay, first of all, I did not knock the life out of her. And she was getting on my nerves. Like if you are gonna threaten someone, at least do it right!"

The two boys shared a look and laughed a bit at you. A laugh that was swiftly met with a glare.

"Wanna see me execute my threat, Plinth?"

He was quickly grabbed by his sleeve by Coryo to ensure his friend's safety. You turned forward with a smug smile at their fear while they walked a good meter away from you. Soon enough, however, your little moment was met a swift end as you reached the zoo.

There were far more visitors than this morning, but many seemed to be a ways away; the tributes being watched from afar. You and Coryo spotted your two tributes on the far left side of the area, laying their backs on a large rock. Marcus was on the other side, so your trio split as Sejanus tried so hard to get him to take the food from his hands. A task that was unsuccessful.

You got closer and saw Lucy Gray smile at Coryo and the food he carried and promised he kept. She noticed the napkin of food in your hands as well, making her smile grow.

The singer walked to the bars while Jessup stood behind, still pensive at your presence.

"Is that for us?"

She took the two napkins out of the Capital students' hands, handing one of them to her friend. He didn't even give the food a glance as he bore into your eyes, displeasure evident.

"I’m not hungry."

You had a polite smile prior, hoping to get off on a better start this time. But his refusal made it slightly deplete. You understood why. You and the rest of the Capital students here, which now included Arachne, must have seemed like a cruel joke life played on him. You were willing to walk away, maybe try to focus on helping Coriolanus with Lucy Gray if Jessup refused you.

But Lucy Gray refused the boy who protected her to go hungry. She pushed the food into his hands like a mother would to her child.

"You think I can’t hear your stomach growling, Jessup Diggs?"

He looked between the food, his friend, and you a good number of times before he surrendered to his growling stomach.

Satisfied, Lucy Gray turned back to Coriolanus and seemed to settle in across from him. You doubted Jessup recreate the friendly posture, but you sat down a bit further down from Coryo. She wasn't much further from Arachne, who seemed to be playing a torturous game with her tribute, Brandy.

Your face contorted in disgust at her actions. The girl was going to already struggle, what is the need to play with her hunger?

"You sure you don't want to play with me first?" You turned your head from the perusing scene to the new voice. In front of you stood Jessup Diggs. He stood there, analyzing you as if you were a puzzle that had no connecting pieces. Your eyes moved down the concrete you sat on as you let out a soft, sad laugh.

"Already bad enough I'm not in there with you. Don't need to rub it in any further."

He squinted his eyes down at you. Every statement that has come out of your mouth has only served to confuse him more. From your very first meeting, the truck, earlier when you were in the cage, and now. Arachne's moves and character were what he expected when he was traveling to the Capital. But you and Coriolanus (and a recent brunette curly-haired boy on the far end of the zoo) were the anomalies. Lucy Gray told him to accept your help as she would her mentors, which was reasonable enough.

But why did it seem like she actually trusted you two? Sure, you jumped in with them, but it seemed for more personal gain than their tribute's benefit.

You looked back up to a questioning Jessup. He didn't understand what you meant that you should be in there with him.

"What's the difference between us? I happened to be born in the right place, I guess."

Your nonchalance intrigued him more than it brought fear. You may be just putting up a facade to make him trust you, but what would be the point? He was gonna die soon enough.

Jessup, much to your surprise, sat across from you as he gobbled down the food. He noticed you looking down and eyed you suspiciously. You just lightly smiled and promised to get him more if he would accept. He turned his head from side to side in thought, which caused the left side of his neck to be exposed. A dark and deep mark appeared against his skin, which caused you to have an instinct to reach out and help.

However, your sudden movement towards his neck caused him to back up rapidly. The action caused Lucy Gray and Coryo to look over in fright. But neither of you looked back as you stared at him apologetically while he eyed you again.

"Sorry, I just noticed and worried me."

You mumbled it quietly, which was oddly enough, reassuring to Jessup. He did see the worry appear in your facial features. The emotion was too deep and genuine to be faked. He slowly got back to his original position.

You kept your hands to your sides as you looked over his wound. Your eyes moved from his neck to his deep brown eyes.

"It looks new. Can I ask what it's from? I may be able to get some medication."

Jessup wondered how much was available to you at just a snap of a finger. Were you the type of person to do that? His assumption of the Capital made him believe so, but your personal actions proved otherwise. Especially your little stunt with Coral.

"Bat bite. Got it when covering for Lucy Gray. Rather me than her."

Your eyes went from warning to a softened glow. He didn't like the feeling of trust building

"I don't want medication though. I want to go out my way."

You couldn't help but smile at his conviction. If he didn't get medication, there was no way he would be able to survive. But that didn't seem to bother him.

"Jessup, if it's from a wild bat, there is a likely chance you can get rabies. Are you sure? It does wild things to those infected."

The effects of it bothered Jessup slightly. He didn't want to die as a deranged man he couldn't recognize, but he didn't want to give the people who took everything from him the satisfaction of his death. He shook his head in assurance, and you were ready to drop it when a thought sprang through your mind.

"I am willing to drop it, but please, be completely sure if this is what you want. Do you have family back home who need you?"

The mention of his family made him clench his teeth, and you were sure you messed up. You were quick to apologize, but that didn't erase the pounding thoughts of the boy's family.

"The only thing they need me for is to clean their gravestones."

Your gaze was sympathetic, but you turned it away. You knew what it felt to be looked at like a kicked puppy after people learned of your mother's passing. You were sure a man like Jessup wouldn't be very fond of pity.

"He looked a lot like you."

Your head went through whiplash due to the speed you turned to the boy. Your eyes were now the analyzing and questioning ones. You motioned for him to continue; to make sense of his statement.

"The boy who killed my family. He couldn't be any older than me, sixteenish. He had your eyes."

Your breath seemed to speed up as it dawned on you what he could be saying. That sweet little Otto was capable of murdering an entire family. Then again, what would he think of your actions in the war? Jessup took in your reaction as he cautiously continued.

"Don't think he don'it before. Kept looking back and forth between my pops and brother. Like he was begging them to change back time."

You were no longer looking at the talking boy, but it was clear you were hanging onto every word. Your eyes fluttered around as you tried to make sense of the new knowledge.

"He had reason if that makes you feel better. They were rebels and took out a good number of Capital forces. Just those two on their own."

He didn't hide his proud smile as he didn't even realize it appeared for a few moments. When he did, he was ready to see you storming off, glare knives into him, or plan ways to make him and his fellow tributes suffer. But you were just looking at him, a sad smile on your lips. You couldn't blame his smile. It was his family succeeding in their beliefs, no matter how it pained you. It wasn't as if you were sentenced to a bloodbath as your final moments.

The lack of aggression you presented allowed for Jessup to precede.

"They stood proudly as they were accused of their crimes. He gave them a chance, but they didn't say a peep. The boy with your eyes was shaky as he raised the gun. My momma couldn't hold back and ran into the gunfire. In just three seconds, my entire family erased. Glad they didn't shoot into the floor."

His face shifted from pride to bitterness to a hollowed smile.

"Always check the floorboards of twelve. Never know what you find."

You wanted to pipe up when you heard the disgruntled grunts of Brandy and the mocking laugh of Arachne. It had paused for the majority of your conversation with Jessup because Arachne was busy being interviewed by Lucky Flickerman. Though now she was back, her little game was resumed.

It burned your blood at seeing her cruel game. No one would ever describe Arachne as nice, but she would never stoop this low. Unless they were the district, apparently. You quickly muttered an apology to Jessup as you got up and walked unamusedly to the red-haired girl. Your hand swiftly snatched the glass bottle before it disappearedinto the bar to tease the starving girl again. Arachne looked up to the intruder, and a deep scowl appeared when she saw your face. Behind you, the sun was bright, as if casting a halo down on you. Oh, how fitting for little miss perfect, the sour girl thought.

You turned to Brandy and gave her a warm smile as you gently laid the bottle down next to her. Her eyes narrowed at your act and were glazed over in dehydration. The girl's hands were lightning as they snatched the drink and gulped it down as fast as was possible.

You left the tribute to her drink as you were met with the nasty stare of Arachne Crane.

"Feel proud of yourself for making her suffer even more? I mean, come on, Arachne!"

You huffed at her, irritated at her childlike behavior. Your back was turned as you began walking back to your own tribute when her voice sneered.

"Wonder what dear old Otto would think of you taking care of the same animals that chopped him up into tiny little—"

At the sound of your brother's name, you had turned back, and as she continued, so did your strides. But it was the sound of glass shattering that made you jump into action.

Physically jump as you pushed Arachne out of the way of the oncoming bottle. Brandy had a clear shot to the front of her mentor's throat but due to your speed and slightly turned position, it didn't hit her target. Instead, the broken bottle jammed itself within the side of your neck as your knees buckled on impact. You felt around the area as hot sticky blood poured all over your fingers.

Your hearing began getting muffled, but the gunshots were piercingly loud, as was the sound of your attacker's body hitting the ground. You saw red around you, unsure if it was one of your fellow students or even more blood.

Black dots began spotting your vision as you fought to keep them open upon the orders of someone. You weren't sure who, but whoever the saving angel was, they were doing everything to keep you conscious. No screams came out of your mouth, but warm salty streams across your cheeks, mixing in with the now pooling blood.

The lack of audible panic made your internal one settle slightly. Your mother surely screamed herself on the path of death as did your aunt Fiora. But then again, maybe your brother died without a squeak.

Your eyelids felt as if they were being welded shut against all your will power. You turned your head to the left, which was the side that hadn't been stabbed. The last thing you witnessed before you lost all reality was a head of pretty white hair with matching gorgeous blue orbs. His mouth kept on moving and forming words, but no sound pierced your ears.

You felt his hands around you, cradling your gushing neck. His hands looked as if permanently stained with red dye as he moved them around frantically. In such movements, his hands happened to fling your now apparent rings in front of your view. The two golden ones on the outside seemed mostly clear if the blood overtook her. That accursed silver of a thousand snowflakes glistened under the sunlight. As much as a ring being drowned in blood could.

Your eyes flickered from the bloody snowflakes up to the eyes of a bloodless Coriolanus Snow. A Coriolanus Snow who begged you to open up your eyes. Who attempted to will it into existence before he was pulled off by peacekeepers. Your body was hastily put on a stretcher and sent straight to the Capital hospital.

Not a single blink occurred from the blue frozen eyes of the Snow heir. How is it that it was only this morning when you were on the other side of the cage? Safer on that side.

Snow was on the verge of a breakdown. One of anger and of fear. He was only mere feet away. Only a few feet away and you still might lose your life because he wasn't careful. A promise was sworn internally within that calculated boy that day.

Never again will you be choking on your blood while he stood aside with nothing happening. You were not going to suffer the same bloody fate as your mother. You would not suffer. He swore the vow repeatedly as he rushed through the streets to meet your unconscious body. The world can take his money, parents, even the Plinth Prize. He would refuse to give it anymore.

He would not give up on you.

He would not give you up.

A/N: so sorry for it being so long! Not very carefully read I'm so sleepy I'm seeing things help. Pls lmk your thoughts. Much love !!

⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆

@notyourwildestdream 🌹@darktrashsoulbear🌹@fantasylovestoryme 🌹@nekee-lilac02 🌹@a-avengerparker 🌹 @queenofshinigamis 🌹@darlingisntit 🌹

[celestial-corner-of-desires]

Hello! Can I request Fukuzawa Yukichi (BSD) and reader having a date during Tanabata festival? (that includes wearing yukatas, trying festival food, playing festival games, etc.) Thank you!

Hello Darling! My apologies for my absence. I hope you wouldn't mind if I added some....extra spice to your request?

Following the events of the Cannibalism incident and the capture of Dostoevsky, the Armed Detective Agency seems to slowly regain its flow and antics. You can hear the loud noises coming from the office as you walk up to the door, fresh cut blouse and pencil skirt delicately hugging your body, but keeping all your inner beauty intact. As you open the door to the office, you are greeted by the chaos engulfing the room from Ranpo's and Dazai's poking fun, with Atsushi being the victim of their teasing.

"Oi, Atsushi! Have you gotten the sweets from the bakery I requested?" Ranpo demands, as a lollipop hangs from his mouth.

"Not yet Ranpo-san. There is a bit of paperwork I need to complete before I ca-"

"Nay~ Atsushi-kun! Can you please do my work as well? All these dealings with Fyodor and his little schemes have taken all my precious time from napping. Do you mind helping your senior, hm?" Dazai leans his head forward into his arm, giving Atsushi puppy eyes.

"Dazai-san, Kunikida-san specifically instructed you to tackle them. not m-"

"Yeah, yeah. But Kunikida is not here, so I am sure that he wouldn't mind this one time."

"But..."

Before either of the elder men continued their torture on Atsushi, two metal clips were thrown at them, one hitting Dazai on the temple, and the other hitting Ranpo on the forehead.

"Hey! What the hell is your prob-" Ranpo loudly rambled bitterly, before noticing you standing, annoyance plastered on your face. A way of fear covers Ranpo, as he quickly silents his mouth from speaking any further.

Shifting his attention from Ranpo to you, Dazai slips a pleasant smile on his face.

"Good morning Belladonna Y/N-san! You look as exquisite as always. What do we own the pleasure, hm~?"

"Good morning to you too, Dazai. Mind explaining why I am witnessing harassment from the two seniors towards our young member?"

"Harassment? Oh, what a scandalous accusation! Me and Ranpo-san were merely teasing him, right Atsushi-kun?" Dazai turned to Atsushi, expecting him to agree with him. Taking a glance at you, Atsushi muttered, "If you expect me to defend you now, then you need to raise my payment buddy."

A low chuckle escapes your lips at the slow shock that enters Dazai's eyes. Before Dazai could counter with a smart remark, a baritone voice came from behind you.

"I see everyone is being productive today."

Turning your head, you noticed your beloved one standing behind you, a solemn expression resting on his features. Despite going through so much stress in the past couple of weeks, Fukuzawa never failed to look dazzling in your eyes. In fact, you would argue that all this danger for the sake of the safety and survival of the Armed Detective Agency has brought back the youthful danger that captured your heart long ago.

"Good morning President. Still practicing your assassin skills, hm?" You fully turned to Fukuzawa, tracing your eyes from his lips to his eyes, trying to notice the change in his stern look.

"One must always be aware of upcoming dangers. As a matter of fact, the recent events have shown how far the enemy is willing to sick low to fulfill their corrupt plans." Everyone at the office looked at him with serious expressions, the previous light atmosphere turning dimmed. Bringing his hands out of his sleeves to cough into his fist, he continued. "If you have time, please follow me to my office, Miss Y/N-san."

He turned his heel towards the door, walking towards the exit. You peeked your head to the side towards the boys, before glaring at Dazai and Ranpo, whispering, "Please get back to work before I decide to take off my gloves." Both men straightened out before silently nodding. Making fun Kunikida is one thing. Steering the President's mood with pranks is a possibility, but not high. But making you mad?

......................

'Might as well let Yosano heal them for 12 hours or even be a victim of Mori's play dates with Elise.'

Giving all three a smile, you stroll behind Fukuzawa, leaving the office. As soon as you walk in through the President's office threshold and the door is closed, Fukuzawa wraps himself around you. Nuzzling his head into your neck, you can't help but smile. No matter how long you have been together, he continuously acts like a cat, but only to the one who holds his heart.

Though it is known that you and Fukuzawa have been together for a few years, the workplace doesn't allow for public displays of affection. Most people refer to you as big sister or Y/N-san, but to Fukuzawa, behind the closed doors and only under his gaze, his sunshine. With both of you being the "parents" of the Armed Detective Agency, finding moments of intimacy is rare, but they are cherished.

Pulling away his head from your neck, Fukuzawa brushes his hand through your hair, caressing the strands that fall off your side. The look he gives you reminds you of the lovesick look that Hades had toward Persephone, the blazing eyes that hold devotion for you and no one else.

"May I ask something, my sunshine?"

"Anything. You may share and ask anything on your mind."

A small grin grows on his lips at your sincerity.

"It would seem that I have neglected our time together, and with the recent attack from the demon Dostoevsky, I haven't taken time to show you my love for you properly." Taking a sigh, he follows with his speech. "There is a Tanabata festival happening tonight. Would you give me the honor to take you on a date, my sunshine?"

Deciding to tease a bit, you grinned, "You know it's not smart to ask rhetorical questions, right dear?"

Pulling a soft laughter, he spoke, "It would seem that Ranpo has been rubbing off on you."

"What could have possibly led you to such a conclusion Mr. Detective?"

Bringing your foreheads together, with your noses brushing slightly against one another, you can feel his warm breath on your lips, tugging you to close the space and letting your lips dance in a passionate kiss. Deciding to follow your instincts, you closed the gap, and let a smile form on your lips as what a small peck turned into a deep and ravishing kiss. Your hands tug on his yukata, as his brash and colossal hands squeeze your hips, as soft moans and groans escape both of your lips.

You quickly pull your lips before both of you do something unprofessional, letting the whole agency know what kind of beasts both you and Fukuzawa can be once both of you get turned on. You lift your hand to gently grasp his face, memorizing his facial features to your memory core.

"When and where is Tanabata festival going to be held?"

Trying to regain some composure, Fukuzawa answered, "On the outskirts of Yokohama, and 6:30 in the evening."

You lean forward, seemingly going for another kiss. However, only for you to bring your pointing finger up to his nose, "Boop." You whisper.

Taking a step back, you straightened your clothes, walking towards the door. There was so much work to complete and the promise of a date boosted your confidence to get it done quickly. As you pass through the door, you turn your head to your lover, smirking at him. "Can't wait for our date, my love." As soon as you say it, you close the door leaving Fukuzawa shocked and speechless. Only one thought flashes through his mind:

"This woman will be the death of me, I swear."

Getting ready for the festival, you decided to wear your light blue yukata, decorated with sakura petals, making it appear as if an image of flying petals was dancing on your skin. This was a present from Fukuzawa two years ago, as it reminded him of you, a fresh breath of spring that releases his soul from the gruesome past. You wrap a light pink Obi belt around your waist, smoothing out your outfit, and then finishing up with putting up your hair in a bun, with a hairpin holding it still.

Checking that everything looks good, you take your Kinchaku pouch, before taking a step out of your shared room, seeing Fukuzawa waiting for you at the hall entrance by the front door. He was wearing a dark grey yukata, in contrast to his usual green one, with a black Obi belt hugging his waist. As he hears you approach him, he lifts his gaze, only to have his eyes widen a fraction. You feel bashful under his gaze, lower your eyes to your feet, and blush creeping onto your cheeks. Suddenly, you feel him taking up your hand, only to bring it to his lips, placing a delicate kiss on it.

"You look astonishing, my sunshine."

"I should be saying it to you, my dear."

Gently moving your hand, Fukuzawa places your arm through his, locking it in a hook. "Shall we head out?"

"Lead the way!"

"Look, there is strawberry and mango dango milk! We got to try it!"

"Be careful, don't trip, my love."

As people were flooding the festival, laughter and joy began to radiate through every corner of the event. The vibrant decorations of the summer festival peaking in all directions. You can hear the shouts of vendors, excitedly selling their delicious snacks and drinks, children running through the crowd with toys in their hands, and couples taking pictures at the event.

Though you have only been here for 15 minutes, there was one main priority. Food. Get the best and fresh food before it sells out.

"So it seems that you were the one who taught Ranpo how to indulge in food more than activities in the event."

Turning your head back to Fukuzawa after paying for two dango milks - strawberry and mango, and matcha flavor - you returned to him, handing him one of the milks.

"C'mon as a detective, it best to get the freshest clues before they disappear." Fukuzawa took a sip of his dango milk as you continued, "I mean, how else would you explain how I got the best-looking assassin in all of Japan?" Fukuzawa almost choked on the beverage at your comment, with you giggling into your hand.

"You are saying some dangerous stuff, sunshine. You almost had me killed."

"Would that mean that I bested the best assassin?"

"I would gladly let you best me if it means I can see your radiant face first thing in the morning."

Blushing, you turned your head away, "Now I know who taught Dazai to smooth talk women."

Both of you laughed at your comment. You could feel how the world stopped as if only you and him existed in this vast world. The past couple of weeks have been hell for you, as you watched your lover being poisoned and injured, having to fight not only the leader of Port Mafia but also before that, deal with the Guild incident and protect Yokohama all at once. Yes, he may not played the key role in successfully stopping all those attacks, but to everyone in the Agency, he was the pillar that held everyone grounded. Without him, the Agency would crumble and lose hope.

Rather than lingering on sad memories, you grasped Fukuzawa's hand, leading him to gaming vendors, trying to piece the good memories into your mind. You spend the next couple of hours going from one vendor to another, checking out fun games, and trying out new food. Like Takoyaki with Pufferfish inside, which if you two are honest, was something.....unique and unforgettable, to say the least. Or blue cheese bubble tea that almost made you puke from the simple smell of it.

The sky darkened, and Fukuzawa decided to take your hand and lead you uphill, to a clear view of the sky away from the people. As you found the spot to settle down, Fukuzawa hugged your waist, leading your head onto his chest and placing his head on top of yours, as distant cheers could be heard beneath you. You let the silence befall you, enjoying every moment as the silver moon glooms above, lighting up the world in diamonds.

After some time passes, you break the silence, "Thank you for taking me for a wonderful date. I loved everything about it."

Fukuzawa hums in response, "I am glad I could make it up to you, sunshine. I know that times have been hard on us, but..." He raises his head, looking down at you with pure love in his orbs. "I am thankful that you are willing to stay with me despite everything that has been thrown at us. Please know that even though I put my years of assassination behind me, say the word and I will raise my sword for you in the blink of an eye." Feeling the seriousness covering his voice tone, you look up to him, a small smile gracing your lips.

"I know." You sighed. "Only you can keep my heart from losing its warmth because it's now your heart and I have yours."

Staring at each other, you let your bodies speak the words your mind can't capture properly. As your lips touched each other like ghosts, a booming sound came from in front of you, signaling the fireworks show starting up.

Truly a magical moment to end a good day and a great date.

From this point, NSFW material. Proceed with caution.

Just because you can see each other briefly every day, exchanging soft kisses here and there, doesn't mean that your bodies don't crave something more. Something primal. Something that blossoms the core of pure lust and desire in the human body.

Deeping the kiss, Fukuzawa trails his hands down to your supple breasts, grazing and massaging them in a rhythmic pattern. As you felt his hand pull on one of your breasts, you moaned, opening your mouth wider, only for Fukuzawa to let his tongue trail your mouth, licking every craving that he could. Slowly, he brings back his mouth, only sucking on your lower lip. Almost automatically, you raised your head giving him access to your neck, allowing Fukuzawa to lead a trail of wet kisses from your jaw to your collarbone. He licks a few spots on your neck, before pressing kisses on them. Each causes a moan to escape your lips.

Raising his lips, he whispers, "Such a silky skin, soft to the touch, and all mine. Would you mind if leave an essence on myself for every day I left you by yourself?"

You knew that this was his way of asking for your consent for him to continue. There was already throbbing hardness brushing against your thighs, such a veil creature should not exist, but your cunt is getting wet from upcoming sensations Fukuzawa's cock is going to send through your body. You whimper, stutter laced in your voice:

"Ye~...y-....ye~s"

"You have to be a bit louder, kitten. I can't hear you over the roaming of the fireworks."

You muster all the sanity in your being before saying, "Yes. Please make me feel every inch of you in my body. I-I... beg you to fuck me till I can't walk without feeling you every step I take for the rest of my li-"

Before you could finish, Fukuzawa plunges a finger into your warm bottom lips, and wetness coats his finger, as he moves it in and out. A gasp leaves your lips, shivers spreading across your spine.

"Oh, it seems my kitten has been aching for me to properly fuck her senses out."

Fukuzawa pushes you gently on the ground, making sure you are comfortable, before proceeding with his ministration. Adding a second finger, he digs in and out, slowly curling it inside, until scissoring your insides. Your body is shaking from the pure adrenaline, as you feel yourself reaching your peak. Sensing it, Fukuzawa leans forward to your ear, whispering, "Let your pussy cum with sweet juices. But..." He picks up his pace roughly, "Only when I tell you, kitten."

The pressure was beginning to build up, until the pool of tears began to leak from your eyes, silently begging for Fukuzawa to let you cum.

"Since it's been a while since we did this, I will let you release. Now," his rasp voice deeps with lust, "Cum for me like a little slut you are."

And on that cue, you let your pussy come. Gasping from the pressure that was there inside your cunt, your high slowly dissolving. Until, you felt Fukuzawa shift his position, with him stationed between your thighs. He let out his pained and hardened dick, as it twitched from the relief of no longer being constrained by his underwear.

No matter how much you have fucked together, you will never get used to his size. He pumps his length, letting some friction coarse through it, before looking into your eyes.

"Are you sure you can handle it, sunshine?"

Nodding your head, you brought one of your hands to his cheek, caressing it gently. "I trust you to take care of me. I am all yours."

Shaking his head in acknowledgment, Fukuzawa pushed himself slowly into your pussy, making sure that every inch of you isn't lasting in pain for long. He knew that at first, it would hurt, but as you slowly adjusted to him, he proceeded to push forward, until every inch was inside your pussy. Letting your walls properly wrap his length for thirty seconds to fully grasp him in your insides, you softly muttered:

"You can move now."

Fukuzawa began to move in and out of you in a slow rhythm, ensuring that your body was feeling more pleasure than pain. As your body began to crave more friction, you grasped his back, digging your nails into his back, signaling for him to speed up. Taking the cue, Fukuzawa let his hips rock into you with stronger force, pistoling your insides to the point of making you squirt from immense pleasure. Feeling him getting close to releasing, he repositions you onto your knees and hands, moving aside your yukata to the side so he could have a look at your juicy round ass.

Following your request to make you feel him with every step you take, Fukuzawa knew that in this position he could hit your G-spot at the perfect angle, increasing pleasure that would travel through your body.

"Yukuchi~ I am going to cum! Please, I need to deeply inside my hungry pussy!"

He fastens himself, smashing and rearranging all of you inside, making your whimper and moan, like cock lover you are.

He mutters under his breath, "On my count, kitten." You rapidly nod your head.

He starts, "Three."

You continue, "Two."

And as the peak was seconds from spilling you sync your loud moan, "One!"

Semen explodes inside your clit, creaming all of your warm and stretched walls, till not a single drop is spared.

As both of you try to catch your breath, you move your head up, leaning your lips to Fukuzawa's. With your lips parted, there is only one question that lingers in both of your minds:

Another round?

[nerdieforpedro]

Wednesday WIP

Hello! 👋🏽 Nerdie here, I am working on a few things:

1. A second entry for @undercoverpena ‘s April Showers Challenge (maybe featuring an agent I haven’t written for a bit). I had a burst of an idea which was different than the original one I had. Such is a Nerdie brain. Don't get lost in there, but there are cookies.

2. Finally progress of my “Wedding 101 with Dieter” fic! I had been having trouble with it. I’m happy to have more Maya, Dieter and Daisy. 🤭 I apologize to @angelofsmalldeath-codeine in advance for any undue stress I shall cause you.

3. Going to finish up my short Frankie body part series which sounds menacing but is the opposite. 😂 Very much so lol It’s called “Only Parts of you Mr. Morales.”

4. I’m working on a Javier Peña series because I feel like I need to give him something nice. Just one thing. 😆 It's very sweet, I have 2 chapters and no idea what to call it. Pfft, go figure. No idea how long it will be - sorry, won't be ready for a bit. Between Javier P and Joel recent. I need to be nice to them. They’re both very haunted. 😖

5. I'm still working on both Din fics and Benny. I'm redoing the outlines. Bullet points are friends and not our enemies. I think. Will there be more random Star Wars people? Is Obi Wan Kenobi a children’s author and Luke that old man who swings his lightsaber in the yard?! Both these things are true. 😌 Messing with Star Wars canon one character at a time. 😂😂😂 The sweet Din fic will remain so. My walking pile of nervous Beskar. 💚

And that's about it, I've cut back a bit on writing to do more school work (papers...ugh...writing about not Pedro. 👀 Eww...)

Previews under the cut:

Anyway, somehow, I went from being stuck in chapter five for 'Weddings 101 with Dieter' to now being in chapter six. I'd like to thank Hemmy for being so encouraging and @megamindsecretlair for discussing Pedro and Oscar with me the other night. I feel like I should make notes and keep both of those in mind for future fics because it's the right thing to do.🫡 Just thinking about it is… 🫠

This is a small excerpt from chapter six, we should all know Nerdie's humor by now 🤣:

“Who’s banging on my door this damn early?! You better get out of here!” “Dee at least ask who it is.” “I don’t care, it could be the president, pope or, no Beyonce could come in.” “I am not meeting Beyonce in my robe. My hair is a mess, my face is puffy, I haven’t showered yet…that’s not who it is!” “I mean, if she shows up on this door, she’s gonna have to be okay with my bare ass, balls and your robe with your cute puffy face. It’s just us. You don’t need one. I’m just going to take it back off to eat you for-” “MR. BRAVO IT’S ME ZACK! YOUR ASSISTANT!” He screamed, he didn’t need to hear Dieter removing anything off of Maya or eating her in any capacity, they can do that after he leaves later. Never any filter with this damn man, he just needs to remind himself of his loans. This job pays the loans.

Gotta love how....open Dieter is with everything. Even Sasha Fierce is not safe. 😭

Second is from my pending Javier Peña fic (I'll think of a good name, I swear!):

Meeting his gaze had her mouth run dry, the sandy tone to his skin contrasted with more papaya tones in his neck. Dark hair and kind eyes behind a gold pair of aviators perched on his curved nose. Tourmaline waves parted on the left side of his crown were matched by his bold eyebrows and thick mustache. His lips were a lace pink and plush. The sunlight made the sweat along his neck glimmer, accentuating its definition. The light blue shirt made the reds and browns in his skin stand out even more. ���Did you need to get some fresh air too?” She asked, he could be doing that, escaping someone like she was doing or something else entirely. Now she was curious too, about this man who’d chosen to sit next to her.

I very much enjoy my description of Javier, hehe 😉

That's it! Normally I have more, but it's either still in bullet form or in my head. 🤭

NPT: @maggiemayhemnj @604to647 @connectioneverywhere @morallyinept @rhoorl

@goodwithcheese @soft-persephone @djarinmuse @pedroshotwifey @magpiepills

@secretelephanttattoo @tinytinymenace @inept-the-magnificent @soft-girl-musings @mysterious-moonstruck-musings

@laurfilijames @grogusmum @alltheglitterandtheroar @jessthebaker @musings-of-a-rose

@julesonrecord @wannab-urs @schnarfer

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

The question on every Democrat’s mind this past week has been: how in the actual fuck did we manage to lose to that cognitively-impaired looney old guy spewing hate and lunacy?

Flailing for an answer led many to make wild accusations about what Democrats had and had not done, based on incomplete data.

I was one of them.

I have seen repeated headlines this past week about how the Democratic party and its political coalition have been “shattered” or are now in “shambles.” The complete results of the election that are now coming clear with the winners of closely-fought races being declared, does not in fact support these dire comments.

Top line: Donald Trump is being shown now to have beaten Kamala Harris by one to two percentage points.

The Blue Wall margins range from 2 points in Pennsylvania to slightly under 1 point in Wisconsin. We lost Georgia by 2.2 points and North Carolina by 3.3. The entire contest was won inside the margin of error that the polls had been showing since she entered the race. He did not exceed the projections. A win like he got was statistically probable four times out of five according to Nate Silver. It didn’t come from “nowhere.”

It was not a blowout like LBJ’s 44-state win over Goldwater in 1964, or Nixon’s 49-state-and-DC win over McGovern in 1972, or Reagan’s 49-state win over Mondale in 1984. We should also remember that after losing 44 states in 1984, the Republicans won in 1968; after losing 49 states and DC in 1972, the Democrats won in 1976; and after Reagan’s big win, the Democrats won a two-term presidency eight years later.

Nothing is forever in American politics.

“Deep dive” analytical pieces in the New York Times and Washington Post, and political-insider newsletters like Puck News, state as a given that the Democrats are in such disarray that it will take years - or more likely decades according to the more “serious” pieces - of rebuilding for the party to recover.

This is complete and total deep dark brown bullshit.

Any over-educated, under-intelligent, otherwise-unemployable low achieving upper-middle-class white boy masquerading as a “DC Democratic Consultant,” (or any grass roots lefty) who wants to accuse me of being in denial, or naive, or failing to recognize the gravity of the crisis, is merely continuing to prove he keeps his head securely up his ass, as he always has.

And yes, last week I was as guilty of this arrant crap as any other asshole who had convinced themselves that Kamala was going to win despite every problem the campaign faced.

In the immediate days after Election Day, I said that Trump’s win was “the most thorough defeat” of he Democrats since 1984.

Yes, I had my head up my ass. Fortunately, it’s not a locale I enjoy as much as others do, so when I pulled out for some fresh air over the long weekend, I managed to take a look at some factual news, and discovered that the sky had not fallen.

I was wrong.

None of that in any way diminishes the fact that we are in the middle of the greatest constitutional crisis sice the Civil War and that Donald Trump is the single greatest threat to democracy in the history of the country.

But bear in mind the fact that - unlike Hitler - Donald Trump is lazy, proudly ignorant, a lifelong incompetent who can’t manage anything as well as your average six year old, and a dumber than shit clownfucker. And since birds of a feather do indeed flock together, he is surrounded by clownfuckers.

But do remember what Billy Wilder told me 40 years ago: “When I returned to Germany twelve years later, all my friends who told me the Nazis were clowns, were dead. Killed by the clowns.”

As Charlie Sykes puts it so well, “Clowns with flamethrowers, still have flamethrowers.”

But we do not help ourselves prepare to face the greatest crisis of our lives by engaging in meltdown, spiraling into a demoralization that robs our energy to oppose Trump at every point and put this fuckwit on his enormous ass in 726 days.

These MAGAmorons are incredibly dangerous. But let’s remember a lesson an old friend no longer here once told me was the most important lesson he learned in boxing: when he climbedin the ring and look at his fearsome opponent, he would remind himself, “That guy puts his pants on one leg at a time, just like me.”

We just don’t have to beat up on ourselves in order to face them. Democrats are theoretically the smarter of the two species of hairless bipeds loose in America, so let’s start using the fact that Homo Sapiens is the evolutionary experiment in biological intelligence that can foresee the results of its actions, and modify its behavior accordingly. Theoretically.

If the “professional Democrats” had more self-respect, and a spine that was more solid than a single-strand overcooked Angel Hair pasta, they would be less likely to be nodding in agreement to Republican disinformation and claims from a press dedicated to portraying us in the most negative terms.

Remember: They’re Homo Sap. We’re Homo Sapiens. Act like it.

And also remember just how easy it is to fall off the path. I am going to discuss what we actually achieved, and the nature of the threat we face, in coming posts.

[TCinLA]

[irenethewoman]

Mrs. Shelby - Chapter 15 - Cozy

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London, March 1922 Tommy called me when he got back to Birmingham. He said that although he was beaten, it was nothing serious and I didn’t need to worry… I held the phone and rolled my eyes. Believe it or not, you are a big liar. I muttered in my mind. We two fools always like to hide our true situation in front of each other, report good things but not bad things, and then continue to talk in silence Pay for each other.

"I may have found Polly's son, Tommy." I looked at the piece of paper in my hand. This was the Senate President I sponsored to help me. Got it. "Unfortunately, I haven't found Polly's daughter yet, I guess, um…she…but I'll keep looking of. " I held Tommy's arm and walked down the country road. "We haven't walked together like this for a long time." I sighed. I'm feeling suffocated in London these days. "here It looks good. We can buy a house in the countryside to retire in the future. "

"I have to buy another manor. You don't know. Turner Manor is in Yorkshire. It's as cold as a ghost house in the winter. I'll watch the cows." The house in Jin is pretty good. Imagine that, Tommy! Living in the countryside, not far from the city, the air is fresh and life is comfortable. Has its own flower field and horse farm. In the spring we can ride horses through the flowers. Not only can I ride a horse, I can also ride a horse. As for hunting, I can take our children hunting…" Tommy just listened seriously as I chattered about my wonderful ideas for the future.

I just leaned against the fence in the back and watched Tommy negotiate with the boy's foster mother and listened to his nonsense. He is the person responsible for the agency in the Birdsley parish of Birmingham City Council. The adoptive mother, Mrs. Johnson, must have loved the child very much and treated him like her own son. If it weren't for Polly, I couldn't bear to separate the mother and son. But this kid at least has the right to know the truth, right? But I couldn't help but wince when I heard Mrs. Johnson say that Polly smoked opium and tortured and beat her son. eyebrow. I can understand her feelings, but if she really said that to this child, it would be really vicious.

Mothers love their children, and most of them spoil their children - my brother ended up being the one with De Xing and me. It cannot be said that his mother's doting on him in his early years was completely irrelevant. We had been discussing for too long outside the yard, and Mrs. Johnson’s panicked look also caught the boy’s attention, and he turned to me.

They come over. "Your real name is Michael Gray, and your biological mother wants to meet you. Her address is written on the back of this business card. She wants to talk to you. " The boy looked first at Tommy and then at me, with the look of a boy who had just graduated from Cambridge and entered the London social scene. My head is blue, just like the look in Tommy's eyes when they saw me for the first time. I have seen this kind of stunning look too many times. But it seems a little different…

His eyes slid from my face to my ordinary clothes, and finally landed on my hands. The rich and powerful in London know that Turner The baroness's favorite jewelry is the ocean blue diamond ring given to her by her fiancé Thomas Shelby, which she will never leave. 6 carats The aquamarine is dazzling and dazzling under the embellishment of diamonds. I think the kid has made plans. When I got home, I sat on the sofa in a daze. This boy will definitely identify his biological mother - because of Tommy's clothes today and the car and the diamond on my hand. Precepts can prove to him the wealth level of this new family. But what if he knows what we do? Can he still accept his biological mother? If you accept it again For what reason? If it was because of money, wouldn't it be even more terrifying… "I'm in a daze again." Tommy always liked to just wrap a towel around his waist after taking a shower. He stood behind me with his bare chest and kissed my neck son. This makes me feel very itchy, but he always said that my neck is as graceful as a swan - "It is a piece of art." Taste, dear. "He said while kissing me at the time. "I wanted him to accept Polly, but I didn't want him to." I looked up, trying to get support and recognition from Tommy's eyes. "It's human nature to yearn for better living conditions." Tommy tried to comfort me, but I always felt that Twist. But I don't want to speak anymore. While Tommy didn't draw any conclusions, we all knew Michael was going to return to Polly. The matter is settled. I didn't want my words to drive a wedge between Tommy and his new cousin. Big deal I'll just pay more attention in the future.

Maybe it’s because I’ve never had to worry about food and clothing since I was a child, but I couldn’t understand that boy’s straightforward and passionate desire for fancy cars and fancy clothes. he I have certainly never experienced hunger or abuse in this home. As long as the residents of Birmingham have his living conditions, they also Not going to be a prostitute, a gangster, or go on strike. Tommy sensed that I was feeling down and used himself to please me. I lay under him obediently, following his movements Breathing and emotional. "I miss you……" "Me too, Tommy…"

But actually he didn't have to do that. I will continue to support every decision he makes. He is my fiancé, the man I know I want to spend the rest of my life with. We will have quarrels and conflicts, but love binds us together and we will always be one. We want to meet Supporting each other throughout life. Afterwards, we lay together and talked about politics as usual. "I wrote to Mr. Churchill," he said, before There was a cigarette stuffed in his mouth. I took the cigarette away from his mouth and stared blankly at the thing in my hand.

To be honest, I kind of want to blame him for killing him first and telling him later. For the greater good, now I have to stay with Churchill A neutral attitude with Tommy won't help Tommy much, but at least it will allow me to maintain my current political status. This will prevent me from losing my right to speak in London in the future. "What's wrong?" He hugged me, turned over, and faced me. "Tommy, you can't trust anyone. Whether it's Mr. Campbell or Mr. Churchill, especially Churchill, he's a Politician, Tommy. I spent the first fifteen years of my life surrounded by politicians, I still support them, I care about them Too understanding. " I was a little incoherent and wanted to explain it to him as soon as possible, but the more I talked, the less I understood. "They're a bunch of people… You can't believe any of the promises and benefits they give, you know, you've got to be on your toes all the time.

You are nothing in their eyes, just a knife that can be replaced at any time. As long as they think you are disobedient, Or if you know too much about dealing with them, they will get rid of you without hesitation. Kill the donkey, you know? Borrow the knife, huh, huh…" Tommy silenced my chattering mouth with a kiss. "I know, honey." Our foreheads touched. Although I didn't say it explicitly, I felt that his blue eyes saw my concerns, and then he didn't blame me. Generous and gentle.

But his understanding only made me feel uncomfortable and blamed myself. I separated from him and returned to London in order to be able to help him more; now that I am a baroness, I can do nothing to help him. What he can do for him is not as much as Liz Stark. I could only stay in London, watching Tommy's shoulder The burden is getting heavier. I don’t know much about the mission Churchill assigned Tommy, but he did so for different reasons. They all clearly didn't want me to know. Arthur's emotions are in trouble again. How can such a person control the overall situation? return

There is Polly’s son and daughter, and I should have been the one to tell Polly about these things… But now, apart from my body, what else can I use to prove my love for him… "I love you, Tommy, I love you…" "You will never be dispensable, Diana. You will be Mrs. Shelby. I never love you because You are useful. "Half asleep and half awake, I heard Tommy whispering in my ear. My eyelids were so sleepy that I couldn't open them. Now, I fall asleep quickly only in his arms… I turned over and arched into his arms. "I love you, Tommy…"

"2050 guineas? What did you buy?" Thomas Shelby never bargained, and this time he didn’t bring enough money to the auction house, so he directly filled in my address for credit. he There is no need to tell me in this way, I am very useful… I took out 2,200 pounds directly from the drawer. "With the remaining money, I will buy some news. Is there anything else interesting today?" A mysterious lady bids for Tommy, and Sabi's men want to assassinate Tommy but are beaten to a bloody pulp by Arthur. I took out another 300 pounds and pushed it to the people at the auction together with the previous coins. "Please send someone to kill that assassin.

Send him to Scotland Yard, saying he attempted to assassinate Baroness Turner's fiancé. Well… remember to send him to Green Prison. One hundred pounds is the management fee, and the rest is your extra income. Please come to my house as compensation. " The child arranged by Tommy was brutally killed by Sabi's people in Green Prison, and then Tommy arranged to shave the child. The knife gang members went to jail. This happens to be a good opportunity for revenge. I am a very vengeful person. I still remember that

That night Sabi's men pointed their guns at me. I also remember that I seemed to have said that I would exchange Sabi's fingers for Tommy's. Ya… this time it was his subordinates, next time it will be his turn. "Cut off his little finger. Which hand? Cut off whichever hand he uses to hold a gun." "Why?" I sneered into the phone, "Sir, if this person ever broke into your house and pointed a gun at You, I'm afraid now it's not just as simple as cutting off your little finger. " Tommy's expansion plan is going very smoothly, his methods are clever and ruthless, and he can't find a single fault on the surface, but secretly he has me.

political umbrella. Sabiri could only send more people to monitor me, seeing me as a breakthrough to defeat Tommy. mouth. But whatever he did, Tommy came to London to spend more time with me, and sometimes he would bring John and the others to eat and drink. Drink, or entertain his other "friends." "Are you so eager to let them see Mrs. Shelby in advance?" I sat in front of the mirror, smiled and put on Jane's clothes. Bead earrings. "Who is our distinguished guest today, Mr. Shelby?" "Miss May Carleton." He played with my hair. "…Ha, another ignorant girl who was fascinated by Mr. Shelby?" I'm a little jealous. Good guy, Thomas actually invited people to his home.

Thomas accompanied me to a banquet half a month ago, and then Baroness Turner’s handsome fiancé became a Londoner. A celebrity in the social scene. Even if he is not a politician or a nobleman, those aristocratic ladies and young women think that He is just an ordinary young businessman, mysterious, handsome and generous. But these days, it smells like ink A bulging money bag is much more attractive than an old manor with a musty smell. Although the social season is over, the holidays If I break up with Tommy tonight, the lady who comes to sell her daughter to him early tomorrow morning will be able to break through his door. sa Billy should hire them. I felt like I had just eaten a big pot of freshly grown wild cherries. My heart felt sour and bitter, and I couldn't help but look at him sideways. Tommy came up behind me and put the diamond necklace around my neck. He pressed my shoulders and looked at me in the mirror I. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you in advance. Miss Carlton is very influential in the Jockey Club."

"No sex trade?" I looked back at him. "No sex trade, Mrs. Shelby." He leaned down and kissed me. Miss Carlton is not as beautiful as I thought. Even after being carefully combed, her hair is still as wooly as straw Rough, her bright brown eyes were as watery as a horse's. She looks like Tommy spent a fortune at auction The beautiful little mare I bought for the price—I don’t know why this metaphor came to me. But I have to say, even though it was only at first sight, I quite liked her. She is different from those shallow and squeamish noble ladies. At the same time, maybe it’s the temperament brought up by the old aristocrats, maybe it’s the gentle strong aura in her body, let me know

The son took a liking to her. When we meet our opponents in chess, we cherish each other. I haven't felt this way since I came back from Berlin when I was 10 years old. We were more communicating at the dinner table, talking about horses, hunting, men, how to manage industries, and the latest politics. policies and the politicians who make them. Tommy couldn't get a word in, and he just kept refilling our glasses from time to time. I drained my glass of rum before enjoying dessert. I think my face should be a little red, but who cares? I It’s been a long time since I’ve had this kind of joy of meeting a close friend.

I took a spoonful of the brownie and felt sick when I brought it to my mouth. I thought it was because of drinking. for Maintaining the Baroness's demeanor, I tried to remain calm, restrain my body's reaction, and stay away from the plate of delicate snacks. Tommy silently handed me his untouched plate. He never likes desserts, so he uses dark chocolate imported from Belgium The brownies made with strength were one of the rare things he could accept. I dug in another spoonful, which only made me feel worse.

"Sorry, I'm sorry." After saying that, I quickly covered my mouth and rushed to the toilet. I almost threw up my entire dinner. I feel dizzy and groggy, and I can only stand steady by holding on to the sink. "What's wrong?" Tommy opened the door, supported me, and let me lean against him. "I don't know…" Why does he smell so strange tonight…

[sunny-choi91]

Mini #Fanfic #YunAsta #AsYuno

❤️-> It’s You. <-❤️

-"Here it comes"-

-"What am I supposed to do?"-

- "Just say hello for God's sake Asta, you know almost everyone and you're embarrassed to say hello to him?"

-"It's not the same, the others don't look like prince out of a story"

Asta and Vanessa were standing hidden by a column, cautiously spying on the members of the “Golden Dawn” study club, its last member and his two friends were walking calmly down the hall.

This boy just got transferred, he has less than a month in the College, but Asta can't stop thinking about him.

Yuno Grinberryall, tall with white skin and golden eyes that have half the student community fascinated.

It's not like Yuno really cares, he's not very sociable as far as Asta can tell, nor very expressive. He always has a stoic face and goes quietly with Klaus and Mimosa who usually do the talking.

But Asta knows that under that mask of indifference he must be a sensitive person, he has cute little expressions when he sees something he likes (like strawberry shortcake) and grimaces when he doesn't like something (like injustice).

In this case, Asta is one more boy who longs to be able to talk to him but still doesn't know how, with the difference that Asta is the most popular boy in school.

Asta sighs in frustration. -“Let's go, they're getting closer and I don't want them to see us”-he begins to turn around, leaving his back to the group of friends who are approaching when Vanessa takes him by the shoulders and smiles slyly at him.

-"Thank me later"-And with a strong push he is thrown backwards.

He starts taking small steps to try to regain his balance, waving his arms funny and ends up bumping into someone taller. By inertia he holds him by the waist so that the other does not fall and he can also stabilize himself.

A fresh perfume with a hint of mint reaches his nose, he can't help but inhale and fill his lungs with that pleasant smell.

It is when a calm and somewhat doubtful baritone voice slips into his ears. -“S-Sorry”

Asta recognizes that voice.

That voice that's been in her dreams lately.

Without letting go, she looks up and sees Yuno look at him sideways with a slight blush. Both remain static and no one dares to break that expectant tension that is in the air. Nor Mimosa, who until a moment ago was laughing at the situation.

It's when Yuno puts a hand on Asta's that is on her waist and gives it a light squeeze that Asta reacts and jumps away nervously. -"F-Forgive me Yuno, I didn't mean what-what happened"-

The other nods -"Hmm"- adjusts his uniform -"It was my fault too, I didn't see where I was going, excuse me..." - He makes a sign that Asta doesn't understand, and his stupid face must be obvious because Asta's friend intervenes Yuno, the guy with the glasses.

-"What Yuno wants to say is that he doesn't know your name, let me introduce you, Yuno he is Asta, the President of the School Council, my name is Klaus and she is Mimosa, we are from Golden Dawn"-

-“Hi-Hi”-she hesitates embarrassingly, Yuno doesn't take her eyes off her. -I'm Asta, forgive me I didn't see where I was walking and I accidentally hit you.

-"You... know my name"-Yuno observes with curiosity, tilting her face towards him. Asta blushes furiously from being under the scrutiny of that powerful golden gaze.

-“Ah… yes, I… heard the girls talk about you. And they mentioned your name, I hope you don't mind." -Of course he didn't mention that the girls in question didn't exist and that he was the one who followed him in a creepy way for 3 weeks.

Yuno's look is sympathetic. -"Hmm, okay, I hope you'll excuse me for hitting you."

Asta was about to start apologizing again when an extra voice distracted everyone.

-"Come on, come on, it didn't happen much, but if you're really sorry to hit our president why don't you invite him to a breakfast date Yuno-kun?"- Vanessa approached smiling and put her arm around the shoulders of a stunned Asta - "I think it is the least that our Asta deserves"

-“Da-date?”-Mimosa stammered in complicity with Klaus, they both love Yuno but God knows he needs to have more than two friends in the world.

To the surprise of both Yuno accepts with great ease. -"Yes that's fine. I was going for some food to have breakfast in the class room, but if Asta likes we can have breakfast in other place, I'm free"

A very, very stunned Asta reacted to his friend's nudge and with hasty steps followed Yuno to the school dining room, leaving the other three in the corridor.

-"This is really new"- Klaus said adjusting his glasses.

-"I swear I was waiting for Yuno to complain like always!!"- Mimosa exclaimed, beginning to jump with excitement. -"You know, 'I don't like unknown people Mimosa'" - I imitate Yuno with a poor accent.

-"If I could be a goddess, I would be the goddess of love"-Vanessa pointed out smiling. – “How much do you bet that they will go out together?”

-"Go out?? Don't you think that's a lot? I've known Yuno for years, he's never been romantically interested ”-Klaus murmured.

-"Just look at his eyes, they shone with Asta, I'll give them a month"-Vanessa winked at them and advanced to the dining room well behind the couple. Asta stuttered, something she never did. And Yuno was talking meekly, with a slight blush on her cheeks.

Yes, Vanessa gave them a month.

P.S.: The photo is not mine all the credits to its respective author and creator, just take it as inspiration for the mini fanfic ✨

[sacredcynic]

Lincoln, Again

Now that the election is over there is a thought that keeps running through my mind. All over Washington there are dozens of people trying to become a speechwriter for our new president. This is true every 4 years. It was true 4 years ago. Each president hires a team of people to pool their talents in the vain hope that what they write will be half as good as what Abraham Lincoln wrote alone. Lincoln was widely panned for being a barely educated frontier hick. That hick writes circles around the best speech writers today. 

In 1865 the Civil War was quickly drawing to a close. The South was on its last legs, and in Washington Lincoln was ready to give his famous speech for his second inaugural address. The famous words of this address are now permanently carved into the walls of the Lincoln Memorial. These words are not only famous, but are great advice for where we are right now as a nation. “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations.”

We have forgotten these words that are laden with such great wisdom. In the aftermath of a great war Lincoln encouraged the nation to forgive the South and to consider them just as American as anyone in the victorious North. Lincoln did not encourage us to care for the wounds of the North, but the wounds of everyone. He instructed the nation to not take revenge on those who fought for the South. Today, in all of our so-called modern wisdom, we somehow know better than the people who suffered then, and are pulling down statues of Southern generals, and even Lincoln himself. Such impulses serve no purpose, and only deepen division. In the aftermath of this election, may the impulses of Lincoln rule the day. 

In the Spirit of Lincoln, it is time to chart a new course. Now that the election is over, maybe we should realize there are others who look at the landscape differently than we do, regardless of who you voted for. Let’s treat those who are politically different with a spirit of generosity, especially if our candidate won. We should realize that if we want people to see things our way, loving them is a far better tactic than calling them names. We don’t need to act in such a deplorable manner. This only hardens people and deepens any divide. We can do better. 

Lincoln’s challenge is still fresh today. For all of us who think we are in the right, Lincoln reminds us of what that means. We have the responsibility and the opportunity to try to heal the wounds of those on the other side and to care for all the people who are in the battle. That charge included the former Confederate soldiers then, so it surely include the crazy people who voted differently today. 

We revere Lincoln’s words today, or at least we should. We revered them enough to etch them into stone. They are worthy of that treatment. We did not etch them into stone because they are easy, but because they are difficult. The good thing to do and the right thing to do is seldom easy. We have been coasting on easy for a long time now, perhaps it is time to do the difficult again. 

[enreveriee]

♫︎ LILAC , P.JS

IN WHICH: you liked jay a lot, but your innocent crush soon spiraled into an obsession, blurring the line between fantasy and reality, as your thoughts twisted into something darker than you expected. GENRE: fluff, slightly dark (?). WARNING(S): obsession, stalking, mentions of accident, kissing, not proofread, lmk if I missed anything. WORD COUNT: 7.8k

LIKE THE FLOATING CLOUD — Changing schools wasn’t on your wishlist, but here you were. It had been a long time since you’d recovered from the accident, and life had thrown you yet another curveball—starting over in a new place. Just weeks ago, you'd woken up from a coma, expecting some form of respite from life’s relentless challenges. But the world doesn’t pause, does it? You were thrust into yet another whirlwind, this time, school. New faces, new halls, and new pressures to bear.

The morning sunlight gleamed off the freshly polished windows of the sprawling campus, casting reflections that danced across the pavement. The building loomed before you—its modern glass façade glimmering in stark contrast to the worn, familiar bricks of your old school. You stopped for a moment, taking in its sheer size. “Damn,” you muttered under your breath, barely aware of the words slipping from your mouth. “They have a better infrastructure than my previous school.”

Stepping inside, the scent of fresh paint and newly waxed floors hit you, a stark reminder of just how new everything was. The halls were alive with the buzz of students rushing to get to their first classes. Lockers slammed, sneakers squeaked against the tile floors, and the faint hum of conversation filled the air. You watched them—groups of friends laughing, others buried in their phones or textbooks, weaving through the maze of hallways like they’d been doing it forever.

It felt strange, seeing all this after months confined to the stillness of a hospital bed. A stark contrast to the sterile walls and cold, white lights you had grown so familiar with. The vibrant chaos of school was both overwhelming and comforting in a way. You stood there for a moment, just observing, soaking in the life you’d almost forgotten. The sight of students hurrying to their classes, backpacks bouncing against their shoulders, gave you a sense of normalcy. The halls were bright, lined with posters of school events, sports team victories, and upcoming dances—everything you’d missed out on for what felt like a lifetime.

You clutched the straps of your bag a little tighter, pulling it further up your shoulder, almost as if it would anchor you in this unfamiliar place. You could feel the faintest bit of nervous energy rising within you, the kind that makes your heart beat just a little faster. But you weren’t going to let it overwhelm you. Not today.

As you passed by a few students gathered in the corridor, you could hear bits of their conversation. “Did you finish the homework for Mr. Park's class?” one asked, flipping through her notebook. The other girl nodded, her head buried in a thick textbook. You glanced at them, envy prickling the edges of your mind. They belonged here, and you… well, you were still finding your place.

“Alright,” you whispered to yourself, straightening up and taking a deep breath. “New school, new start.” With one last glance at the crowded hallway, you made your way toward your first class, determined to make this day yours, no matter how alien everything felt.

HELLO, HELLO LIKE A PETAL — Not even a week into your new school, you saw him for the first time—the class president. You didn’t know his name yet, but something about him drew your attention. He moved with quiet confidence, guiding students through their doubts with ease, his voice calm, yet commanding. His presence was magnetic, the way he gestured with his hands as he explained a complex problem, or the soft smile he gave when someone finally understood.

“Do you like him?” Semi, the girl sitting next to you, nudged your arm gently, her teasing grin barely concealed behind her hand. You rolled your eyes but couldn’t fight the heat creeping up your neck. How could you like someone this early? It was ridiculous.

“I’ve never even seen him before today,” you muttered, pretending to focus on the scribbles in your notebook, though the lines blurred together as your thoughts wandered. “I don’t like him… not yet, at least.” You added a nervous chuckle, but your eyes refused to stray from him.

It wasn’t until he glanced back—straight at you—that your heart betrayed you, hammering against your chest as if it had been caught in the act. He walked over, each step deliberate, his posture straight and assured. You could feel Semi's gaze burning into the side of your face, her amusement at your sudden silence barely restrained.

“You haven’t submitted your assignment yet,” he said, his tone polite but firm, snapping you out of your daze. His eyes were kind, though, like he didn’t even notice the way your hands fumbled nervously with your pen as you nodded, barely able to form words.

“I’ll, uh, get that to you… soon,” you stammered, mentally kicking yourself. Of course, a guy like him wouldn’t even blink in your direction beyond official school matters. He was the class president, for crying out loud—probably too busy managing a thousand other things to even notice you.

As he turned to walk away, Semi was quick to jump in with a teasing whisper, “Girl, you’re down bad.” She let out a soft snicker as you glared at her, your heart still racing from the brief encounter.

Your eyes followed him despite yourself, as if they couldn’t tear away from the sight of him—his tall figure moving with that same effortless grace. It was just a simple conversation, nothing more than a sentence or two exchanged. But it left a mark, one that you knew would linger. Something about him seemed like a beacon, and you weren’t ready to look away.

“Well, that’s one way to make an impression,” you murmured to yourself, sighing quietly. It was ridiculous how so little could feel like so much.

LIKE THE SPRING BREEZE — You were still new at school, trying to adjust to the routine, but at least you had made one friend—Semi. She was your lifeline in this sea of unfamiliar faces, and with her by your side, school didn’t seem as daunting anymore. And then, there was Jay. You’d finally learned his name, not that it had been hard. He was popular, almost too popular.

One search of his Instagram, and you were greeted with hundreds of likes and comments from not just your school but people outside as well. He had that effortless charm, the kind that made people gravitate toward him. Maybe that was why you were crushing on him so hard—or maybe it was the way his smile seemed to light up the hallway whenever he passed by.

You found yourself scrolling through his feed late at night, learning everything you could without actually knowing him. You knew when his birthday was, how he liked his coffee, and what his favorite band was. And today, you decided to make a move, something small but hopefully memorable. You bought him a pastry, a cute little cupcake from the bakery down the street, wrapped it in a box with a neat little bow, and headed straight for his locker before school started.

Standing in front of his locker, you took a deep breath, placing the box inside. The nerves were eating you alive, but you didn’t want to back out now. Just as you turned around to leave, you froze. There he was. Jay, standing right behind you, his expression a mix of curiosity and confusion.

His voice broke the silence. “What are you doing?” He asked, his hand brushing against yours as he reached for the box. The contact sent a jolt up your spine, making your heart race even faster.

Your mouth went dry, but you managed to stammer out, “It’s your birthday, right? I, uh... got you these.” You held out the cupcake, your smile shaky as you tried to mask how flustered you were.

Jay blinked, glancing between you and the cupcake before offering a polite smile. “Thanks, but... do I know you?”

The words hit harder than they should have. You felt your heart drop into your stomach, the awkwardness thick in the air. He didn’t even know you? All this time, you’d been working up the courage to talk to him, and he didn’t even recognize you. Ouch. You forced a smile, trying to save face, but the sting of embarrassment was hard to shake off.

“We’re in the same class. I’m the new student,” you muttered, your voice a little quieter, hoping this wouldn’t be as humiliating as it felt.

Jay’s eyes widened slightly, realization dawning. “Oh, right. I must’ve forgotten. Sorry about that.” He gave you another smile, the kind that was polite but distant. “Thanks for this.” He held up the box, gave you a nod, and with that, he walked away, leaving you standing there with your pride in pieces.

You couldn’t help the frustrated sigh that escaped your lips as you watched him go. “Such a bastard,” you mumbled under your breath, though there wasn’t any real anger behind it. Just exasperation. Despite the awkwardness, you still found yourself drawn to him. How could you not? The way he walked, the way his shoulders moved with an effortless swagger—there was something about him that just pulled you in.

But then again, you weren’t the only one. You’d seen the way other girls looked at him, the way they’d flock to him like moths to a flame. You were just another admirer in a sea of them. And yet, here you were, feeling like this tiny interaction, awkward as it was, was something special. Maybe it was your first real conversation with him, but it was something.

LOVE RESEMBLES MISTY DREAMS — Love, for you, felt like one of those foggy dreams you have just before waking up—the kind where everything is hazy, but you can still remember the emotions. It was no longer just a feeling but a reality you crafted for yourself. Everything was deliberate, including the way you “accidentally” bumped into Jay in the hallways or “coincidentally” ended up in places where he usually went after school. Some might call it stalking, but you thought of it as strategic planning. After all, you just wanted to talk to him—get to know him.

And then, one day, you got your golden opportunity. How? You joined the History Club. You absolutely loathed history. Memorizing dates, names, and ancient events was the last thing you wanted to do, but none of that mattered when Jay was the club leader. You’d force yourself to endure it, just for a few moments with him.

Today was one of those long club meetings, the kind that dragged on forever as Jay led the discussion while you sat across the room, your eyes barely leaving him. The topic was something about ancient dynasties—honestly, you weren’t paying attention. Instead, you had focused on making your notes look as neat and perfect as possible, hoping to catch his eye with the colorful highlighters and meticulous doodles. When you finished, you slid over to where he was sitting, your heart hammering in your chest.

“Jay, how does this look?” you asked, handing over your notebook with a hopeful smile.

Jay barely glanced at the notes before his brows furrowed in confusion. “It’s... nice. But, um, you shouldn’t have used so many highlighters. It’s kinda hard to read with all the colors.” His tone was polite, but it still stung a little. Semi, who was sitting beside you, covered her mouth to hide her laughter, shaking her head as she continued working on her own notes.

“Oh... okay.” You tried not to let your disappointment show, but it was hard. Your enthusiasm had deflated like a balloon, and the frown tugging at your lips was a clear giveaway. Trying to keep your cool, you casually pulled out a small, wrapped box from your bag and slid it toward him, as if this were a completely normal thing to do.

Semi’s eyes widened, her shock evident. She was always amused by how bold you were when it came to Jay, but this—this was a new level. Jay blinked in confusion, his gaze flickering between you and the box now in front of him.

“What’s this for?” he asked, a small crease forming on his forehead. He picked up the box, turning it over in his hands as if trying to figure out why you’d given it to him.

You swallowed nervously. “I, uh, made some cookies for you.”

There. You said it. No going back now. You could practically hear Semi holding back her laugh, but you didn’t dare look at her. Your eyes were glued to Jay, waiting for his reaction. He stared at the box for a moment, looking almost... awkward. His smile was tight, as if he didn’t quite know how to handle the situation.

“Oh... thanks,” he said, his voice uncertain, like he was trying to be nice but wasn’t sure how to accept this gesture. He shifted his weight, glancing around the room as if searching for an escape route, and that small gesture hit you harder than you expected.

Your heart sank. The realization washed over you like a cold wave—he wasn’t interested. He probably had girls giving him gifts all the time, and you were just another admirer in the crowd. The worst part? He was too polite to brush you off outright, which only made you feel worse. The room began to clear out, and soon, it was just the two of you left, the silence hanging heavy between you.

You fiddled with the edge of your notebook, finally breaking the quiet with a question you dreaded asking but couldn’t keep inside any longer. “Do I... do I annoy you?”

Jay’s head snapped up at your words, his eyes wide with surprise. “What? No! Of course not.”

But you could tell from the way his smile didn’t reach his eyes that he wasn’t telling the whole truth. He was trying to be kind, but his discomfort was impossible to ignore. You forced a smile, but the hurt still crept into your voice.

“It’s fine,” you muttered, waving it off as if it didn’t matter. As if your heart wasn’t breaking a little.

Jay hesitated, his fingers tightening around the box of cookies you had given him. He looked almost guilty now, as if he knew how much his reaction had affected you. Without saying anything, he opened the box and took one of the heart-shaped cookies, biting into it quietly. You watched as he chewed slowly, his gaze drifting to the floor.

The silence that followed felt heavy, awkward, and filled with all the unsaid things that lingered in the air between you. It wasn’t much, but seeing him eat the cookies you made—even though you knew they weren’t going to change anything—was enough to make you feel a small flicker of hope again, even if just for a moment.

I LIKE THE SCENT OF TODAY — As if life had its own twisted way of pulling strings, you eventually grew closer to Jay—or at least, that’s what you told yourself. Bonding over history wasn’t something you ever anticipated, but somehow, there you were. It had been five months. Five months of stolen glances, hushed conversations, and countless moments where you felt your heart skip a beat just from being near him.

Five months of wondering why Jay didn’t push you away. Despite knowing your feelings, he had never told you to stop. Sure, you had followed him home once or twice—okay, maybe more than once. But the strange thing was, he noticed. He noticed and he never did anything to stop you. Instead, he fed your one-sided affection with smiles that lingered a bit too long and conversations that bordered on intimate. It confused you. Sometimes you wondered why he acted as if he was leading you on, yet at other times, it felt like he was just being kind out of some sort of obligation.

You remembered one afternoon clearly. It was just the two of you in the History Club room. The other members had gone out for a break, and the quiet settled between you like a soft, suffocating blanket. Jay was engrossed in some text about ancient civilizations, flipping through the pages with a look of calm concentration. You, on the other hand, couldn’t focus. Your eyes kept drifting toward him, your mind racing with the questions you had been holding in for weeks.

“Jay? Stop talking about historical monuments,” you muttered softly, breaking the silence. You’d lost track of how long he’d been going on about some ancient ruin. Normally, you’d let him talk—it was one of the things you liked about him. But today was different. There was something bubbling inside you, a feeling that couldn’t be ignored any longer.

Jay blinked, startled by your interruption. He looked up from his book, his dark eyes meeting yours with a curious glint. “Oh?” he asked, his voice tinged with confusion. He set the book aside, leaning back in his chair, and raised an eyebrow. “Then, what do you want to talk about?”

Before you could respond, he casually reached out, gripping the arm of your chair and pulling it closer to his. The sudden movement caught you off guard, and now your knees almost brushed his. You felt a blush creeping up your neck, your heart fluttering in your chest as you looked down, avoiding his gaze.

But you had to ask. You had to know. Swallowing your nerves, you looked back up at him, eyes searching his for some kind of answer. “Jay? Why are you doing this?”

He frowned, clearly not understanding what you meant. “Doing what?” he asked, his tone casual, but you could tell he was puzzled. His gaze flickered to the small, wrapped gift boxes and notes that littered his desk—tokens of affection from his admirers, yourself included. You watched his eyes settle on the trinkets, as if they might hold the answer.

You followed his gaze, feeling a knot of frustration tightening in your chest. “Accepting my gifts, I mean… and talking to me,” you clarified, your voice quieter now, but firm. You hated the way your heart felt heavy, as if you were bracing for a truth you didn’t want to hear. “Why do you talk to me like this? Why do you make me feel like there’s something between us?”

Jay seemed taken aback by your bluntness. He glanced back at you, a small, almost imperceptible sigh escaping his lips as he looked away again, his fingers tracing the edge of the nearest gift box. “Oh, that… they were nice,” he muttered after a moment, his tone flat.

Nice? That was it? You felt the sting of his words, the casual way he dismissed what meant so much to you. “That’s the only reason?” you asked, frowning as you leaned back slightly, feeling the weight of disappointment settle in.

“Yeah.” His response came without hesitation, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Your frustration simmered, but more than that, there was a growing ache in your chest. How could he be so oblivious? You stood up, pushing your chair back with a scrape that echoed through the empty room. “Jay, don’t you think someone might not give this kind of stuff to just a friend?” You didn’t care if you sounded angry now—hell, you were angry. Angry, hurt, and confused.

Jay met your gaze, his expression unreadable. He didn’t flinch. “I know.”

You blinked, your frown deepening. “You know?” The words felt like a punch, your hands balling into fists at your sides. “Then why are you leading me on?”

Jay lowered his head, his hair falling slightly over his eyes as he let out another sigh. His voice was quieter when he spoke, tinged with something that almost sounded like regret. “I know that you like me,” he admitted. “But… I don’t think I want to love anyone anytime soon.”

You froze, the air between you thick with unsaid words. The way he said it was like a door closing—a gentle but firm rejection. He wasn’t even trying to keep you there, to stop you from walking out. He just sat there, looking down, his hands resting on the table as if he didn’t know what to do with them.

Your heart squeezed painfully in your chest, but then curiosity took over. “Why not?” you asked, stepping closer. The hurt was still there, but now there was something else—an ache to understand. “Why don’t you want to love someone?”

Jay looked up, his eyes meeting yours for just a moment before they darted away again. He hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper when he finally spoke. “I’m afraid of loving someone… and getting hurt.”

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, you didn’t know what to say. There was a vulnerability in his tone that made you hesitate, but you pushed that aside. Instead, you took a deep breath, letting the silence stretch for a moment before you stepped even closer, a sudden idea forming in your mind.

“Then…” You paused, feeling the weight of your words. “How about you date me until graduation? And once the spring comes, we’ll part ways.” You smiled softly, the sadness lingering behind it as you met his eyes again. “Love me only until this spring.”

Jay’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by your proposal. You could see the conflict in his gaze, the way he wanted to say no but hesitated. He looked down at the pile of gifts again, his fingers brushing the edge of one of the boxes before he finally sighed, shaking his head softly.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he murmured, his voice unsure.

You bit your lip, stepping even closer. “Oh, c’mon! Please?” You knew how desperate you sounded, how much like a lovestruck fool you must’ve appeared. But you didn’t care. You couldn’t let this chance slip away—not when you were this close.

Jay looked up at you, really looked at you this time. His eyes searched yours for something, and after a long pause, he let out a resigned sigh. “Fine,” he muttered, his voice soft but clear. “I’ll love you… only until this spring.”

And as he spoke, he gazed at you, his expression unreadable as his eyes flickered to the gifts on his desk—reminders of the fleeting nature of the affection people offered him. You couldn’t help but wonder if, just maybe, this was the start of something that could last longer than a single season.

LOVE ME ONLY ‘TIL THIS SPRING — Spring had barely begun to unfurl its vibrant colors, but you already felt the weight of an unspoken clock ticking down. Two months remained until graduation, and with it, the end of your deal with Jay—no strings, no lasting attachments, just a fleeting experience of dating. But for you, it was never just that. You had been attached long before this "spring romance" ever started, yet here you were, clinging to his arm like a lifeline, trying to savor each moment despite the cold reality of an expiration date.

Walking down the crowded hallway, your grip on his arm tightened. The judgmental glances from other students followed you both, sharp and filled with disdain, as though they couldn't understand why Jay, the untouchable, mysterious boy, was with you. You knew the looks well—they stung, but they didn’t surprise you. This whole thing was supposed to be temporary, just a silly experiment. Yet, the knot in your chest told a different story. You were already in too deep.

Jay, on the other hand, remained indifferent. His usual stoic expression hadn't changed much since the two of you began this strange arrangement. He didn't stop you from holding his hand, from clinging to his arm, but he didn’t make any gestures that suggested anything deeper. He had agreed to this—dating until spring, no more, no less—but you couldn’t help but wonder: Was this all just a façade?

“Don’t you dare hurt her.” Semi, your friend, shot Jay a warning glance as the two of you passed by her near the lockers. The sharpness in her voice cut through the haze of your thoughts, bringing you back to reality. You almost winced at her words, remembering how you’d bragged about dating Jay. What would she say if she knew this was all temporary?

Jay glanced down at you, sensing your discomfort, and squeezed your hand gently. It was a small gesture, but one that momentarily eased your embarrassment. For a second, you allowed yourself to imagine that this wasn’t just for show, that maybe—just maybe—he felt something too.

The walk home after school was quiet, as usual. Jay walked beside you, his hands in his pockets, while you clutched your bag, the silence between you growing heavier with each step. Even though you had been dating for a month, it was nothing like the relationships you’d imagined. There were no sweet goodnight texts, no surprise visits, no real affection beyond holding hands. He never let you into his world—into his home or his heart.

Finally, when you reached the school gates, you couldn’t hold it in any longer. The words spilled out before you could stop them.

“Jay...” You called his name softly, biting your lip, your hand clutching your bag tighter.

He turned to you, his expression unreadable. “Mm?” was all he hummed in response, his voice low and casual.

You felt your heart race, unsure if you were being too bold or foolish, but you pressed on. “Can you kiss me?” The words came out rushed, your face heating up instantly. You almost couldn’t believe what you’d just said. “I mean—I'm your girlfriend, right... So, can you kiss me? A peck is fine too.”

Jay froze, blinking in surprise. His eyes widened slightly as if he hadn’t expected such a request from you. “Huh?” He coughed, nearly choking on his breath, clearly caught off guard by your sudden boldness. The corner of his lips twitched as though he wasn’t sure if he should laugh or be serious.

You immediately regretted it, feeling your face burn even more. The silence that followed felt agonizing. You could practically hear your own heart pounding in your chest. “Nevermind,” you mumbled, waving it off as you turned away, your shoulders slumping in defeat. Why did I say that? Embarrassment flooded through you, and you started to walk ahead, putting distance between the two of you.

But then, before you could take more than two steps, you felt a sudden tug on your wrist. Jay had grabbed you from behind, his hand firm yet gentle as he pulled you back toward him. You barely had time to turn around before he was there—his lips crashing onto yours.

The kiss was sudden, forceful, and filled with an intensity you hadn’t anticipated. His lips were soft, warm against yours, but there was something almost desperate in the way he kissed you, as if he was letting out something he had been holding back for too long. You were momentarily stunned, eyes wide in shock, but your body responded instinctively, your hands coming up to gently hold onto his shirt for support.

Jay's other hand slid to the back of your neck, his touch delicate but firm, pulling you closer as though he needed to feel your presence, to make the moment real. The world around you seemed to blur, the whispers of students, the hum of cars in the distance—all of it faded as the kiss deepened. You could feel your heartbeat hammering in your chest, but it wasn’t just because of the kiss—it was the realization that, in this brief moment, something shifted. This wasn’t the kiss of someone merely fulfilling a temporary deal.

After what felt like an eternity, Jay slowly pulled back, his breath warm against your lips. He gazed down at you, his usual calm demeanor replaced by something softer, more vulnerable. His hand lingered on your wrist for a second longer, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go.

“I... I didn’t expect that,” you breathed out, still dazed from the kiss, your cheeks flushed as you stared up at him.

Jay didn’t say anything for a moment, his eyes searching yours, as if debating whether to speak or to leave things unsaid. Finally, he muttered, “You asked for it.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. “I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”

He shrugged, his lips quirking up in a faint smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Maybe I wanted to.” His voice was low, almost as if he hadn’t meant for you to hear it.

For a moment, you stood there, staring at each other, the weight of the unspoken emotions between you heavy in the air. Maybe this spring wasn’t just a fleeting experience. Maybe, just maybe, something real was growing between the two of you. But neither of you dared to say it aloud.

THE DAY THE LILAC FLOWERS FALL — The weekend sun shone brightly, casting a golden hue over the bustling streets as you wandered aimlessly with Semi by your side. It was a rare day of freedom, a chance to escape from the chaos of school and simply relax. Laughter filled the air as the two of you shared stories and jokes, weaving through the crowd in search of the next spot to explore.

But then, everything shifted in an instant.

Distracted by Semi's teasing, you hadn’t noticed the tall figure walking toward you until it was too late. Your shoulder brushed against his, and before you knew it, the man was glaring down at you with a look that sent a shiver down your spine. “Sorry,” you muttered quickly, lowering your head in hopes that your apology would be enough to diffuse the situation.

It wasn’t.

“Girls like you always do this.” His voice was a low, menacing growl, filled with disdain. His eyes narrowed dangerously as he suddenly reached out, grabbing your wrists with a force that made you wince. The sudden, painful grip startled you, your breath catching in your throat as fear surged through your veins.

Semi, ever the protective friend, immediately rushed forward. “Hey, let go of her!” she demanded, her voice firm despite the obvious tension. But even she hesitated slightly, clearly aware of how much stronger the guy was.

You struggled against his hold, trying to pull away, but his grip only tightened, making you feel more trapped with each passing second. Panic set in, and just as you were about to call out for help, a blur of movement caught your eye.

A sharp, powerful punch connected with the man’s face, and the sound echoed in your ears, causing everyone around to freeze. You gasped as you realized who had thrown the punch—Jay.

Your eyes widened as you watched in stunned silence. Jay had appeared out of nowhere, and now, he was standing protectively in front of you, his fists clenched and his expression dark, far more intense than you’d ever seen before. The guy stumbled back, groaning in pain, but Jay wasn’t done. He lunged forward, landing another punch, and then another, each hit more brutal than the last.

“Jay, stop!” you cried out, rushing toward him, your heart pounding wildly in your chest. You had never seen him like this before, this fierce and angry. He was relentless, and the guy, now bleeding and terrified, tried to shield himself, but Jay didn’t let up.

You reached out, grabbing onto Jay’s arm from behind, desperately trying to pull him away. “Jay, please!” you pleaded, your voice shaky. “That’s enough. Please…”

At your touch, Jay finally froze. His body stiffened as if suddenly aware of what he had done. The guy on the receiving end of his punches scrambled to his feet and fled, not daring to look back, his face bloodied and bruised. You stood there, still gripping Jay’s arm, your breath shaky as you tried to process what had just happened.

Before you could say anything else, Jay turned toward you. In an instant, his arms wrapped around you, pulling you into his chest. The suddenness of it made your heart skip a beat. His embrace was tight, protective, almost as if he was trying to shield you from the world. One of his hands gently stroked your hair, his touch surprisingly tender considering the fury that had consumed him moments before.

“You could’ve gotten hurt,” he muttered, his voice low and filled with concern as he buried his face into your hair, breathing deeply as if needing to calm himself down.

You stood there in his arms, completely speechless. This wasn’t the Jay you were used to—the distant, indifferent guy who rarely showed emotion. This was different. The way he held you, the way he had rushed to your side without hesitation… it felt real, it felt genuine. For the first time, he felt like a real boyfriend, and the warmth that spread through you at that realization was almost overwhelming.

Your heart pounded in your chest, and you couldn’t help but smile as you wrapped your arms around him in return, hugging him tightly. His scent, the warmth of his body pressed against yours, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat—it all made you feel safe, like nothing in the world could hurt you as long as he was there. You wanted to stay in that moment forever.

But then, of course, Semi broke the silence with a loud, exaggerated cough. You could hear the barely-contained giggles bubbling up in her throat, and when you looked over, she was smirking, clearly enjoying the display of "live romance" that had unfolded before her eyes.

You felt a rush of embarrassment flood through you, your cheeks heating up as you quickly pulled away from Jay’s embrace, though part of you didn’t really want to let go. Jay cleared his throat, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck as he glanced between you and Semi.

“Um…” you started, but you weren’t even sure what to say. How could you even begin to explain all of this?

Semi, however, wasn’t going to let you off that easily. She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a mischievous grin. “Well, that was… something,” she teased, folding her arms across her chest. “Didn’t know Jay had it in him to be a knight in shining armor.”

Jay rolled his eyes, though there was a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I wasn’t trying to be anything,” he muttered under his breath, but his hand found its way to yours again, fingers intertwining with yours in a gesture that felt so natural, it made your heart flutter.

“You definitely looked the part,” Semi added, winking at you. “Seriously though, you okay? That guy was a creep.”

You nodded, still a little shaken but grateful. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks to Jay.” You glanced up at him, unable to hide the soft smile on your face. He looked down at you, his expression unreadable for a moment before he gave your hand a gentle squeeze.

“Good,” he said quietly, his eyes lingering on you for just a second longer. There was something in his gaze, something unspoken that made you wonder if this moment had changed things between you two—if maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t just for show anymore.

CLIMAX OF OUR WHITE SPRING DAYS — Graduation day had arrived like a ticking clock you couldn’t silence. The weight of finality pressed down on you, making it hard to breathe. You stood in the sea of students, watching the world pass by in slow motion as the sun bathed everything in warm light, but inside, you felt cold.

Your fingers fidgeted with the edge of your gown as you glanced over at him—Jay—standing with his friends, laughing about something that seemed distant and unreachable. The end of your three-month dating experiment loomed over you like a dark cloud. It wasn’t just the end of school. It was the end of him, of being close to him, even if it was just pretend.

“Go talk to him.” Semi’s voice broke through the haze as she nudged you, her eyes filled with that encouraging spark she always had. But you didn’t move. How could you? You weren’t his girlfriend anymore, not even in the superficial way you'd been for these past few months.

You had no right to approach him.

Your chest tightened as you tried to steady your breath, but your eyes betrayed you, drifting back to him once more. The laughter, the movement, the noise—it all blurred, dimming around the edges until it seemed like everyone was fading away, disappearing like smoke in the wind. And then there was just him.

Only him.

The background turned white, stark and empty. The vividness of the graduation, the bright colors of everyone’s robes and caps, the cheerful chaos—all of it vanished, leaving you standing in this surreal silence.

Jay stood alone now, the only one left in this strange world that suddenly felt more dream than reality. He started walking toward you, every step deliberate, but there was something different—something ethereal.

You blinked, unsure of what you were seeing. There was a faint shimmer behind him, something soft and luminous, like wings. Wings? You blinked again, and there they were, delicate and translucent, fluttering gently with each step he took. His face was calm, serene, almost unrecognizable from the boy you'd dated. He was... otherworldly.

Your heart pounded in your chest, confusion twisting through you. “What…?” you muttered to yourself, trying to make sense of it, but nothing made sense anymore.

Jay stopped in front of you, his gaze soft and yet so intense, locking onto yours with an emotion you couldn’t place. Slowly, as if afraid he might shatter the moment, he reached up and grazed his fingers across your cheek, his touch light as a feather.

“You need to wake up now,” he whispered, his voice deeper, gentler than you'd ever heard before. “It’s been too long since you’ve been in the dark.”

His words cut through you, leaving you more confused than ever. Wake up? What did that mean? What darkness was he talking about?

You flinched at his touch, stepping back as your breath hitched. “What are you saying?” The tremor in your voice betrayed your panic. You looked around, desperate to find something familiar, something to cling to. But all you could see was the white, stretching endlessly around you. You couldn’t make sense of anything. Nothing was real.

Your hands flew to your head as a sudden pain pulsed in your temples. Flashes of light blinked before your eyes—images you couldn’t fully grasp, memories or maybe dreams, flashing too fast for you to catch. You dropped to your knees, the weight of it all crashing down on you, confusion and frustration mixing until you couldn’t breathe.

“I don’t—” Your voice cracked as you clawed at the air, scratching your head as if trying to tear away the confusion. “What’s happening?”

The ground felt soft beneath you, like clouds, but the pressure in your chest grew tighter, heavier, as if the world itself was closing in.

Jay knelt down beside you, his movements slow and calm, his eyes filled with something deep, something almost tender. He reached for you again, but you flinched, not wanting to feel the foreignness of his touch.

“Shhh,” he whispered softly, his voice like a lullaby, as his hand hovered over your head. He didn't push. He simply waited, his presence both grounding and terrifying at once. You wanted to push him away, to demand answers, but at the same time, a strange comfort wrapped around you, like a blanket in the middle of a storm.

The world flickered around you, the white light growing brighter, almost blinding.

Jay leaned closer, his face inches from yours. “It’s time to say goodnight,” he murmured, his breath warm against your skin. Before you could protest, before you could even think, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss to your forehead, his lips gentle and reassuring.

And then, just as quickly as he had appeared, the world around you shifted. The soft white light began to darken, curling at the edges, growing darker and darker until it swallowed everything whole. The last thing you felt was Jay’s warmth before it, too, faded into the blackness. You were alone.

Your breath hitched, and you closed your eyes as the darkness wrapped around you like a heavy blanket, pulling you under.

THE END OF LILAC SPRING — The world felt like it was spinning, even though you were lying still. Blinding light from the overhead lamp above your hospital bed seeped into your barely-open eyes, burning your retinas. The persistent beep of a heart monitor echoed in the room, in time with the erratic pounding of your heart. But the voice that broke through it all— Semi's voice—was frantic, pulling you back to the surface.

“Wake up! Wake up!”

Your eyelids fluttered open fully, only to meet the concerned face of your best friend, Semi. Her hands hovered just above your blanket-covered arms, as if afraid to touch you. Her wide eyes, framed by disheveled strands of hair, looked both relieved and shaken. This wasn’t the Semi you’d known for years. There was something different about her—something less familiar, almost like she was a stranger. And that strange feeling twisted in your chest like a knife.

You blinked, trying to adjust to the light, to the sudden rush of sensations hitting you all at once—the smell of antiseptic, the sound of footsteps outside the door, the faint chatter of doctors and nurses.

But none of that mattered. Where was Jay?

“W-where’s Jay?” you gasped out, sitting up too quickly, causing a sharp tug on the tubes attached to your arms. You barely registered the IV drip dangling beside you or the oxygen clip on your finger. Your mind was racing, your heart thundering against your ribcage as you searched the sterile, white room. He had to be here. He always was.

Semi blinked, her brows knitting together in confusion. “Jay?” she echoed, her voice hesitant as she sat down on the chair beside your hospital bed, shifting uncomfortably. You could see the confusion written all over her face, like she was trying to solve a puzzle but missing the pieces.

Your heart lurched. Why wasn’t she answering? Why wasn’t he here?

“Jay!” you nearly shouted this time, the panic rising in your throat, making your voice crack. “The class leader! He was in the history club too—he was my boyfriend!” Your words tumbled out, desperate, almost pleading with her to remember.

But Semi’s expression only grew more puzzled, her lips parting slightly as if trying to find the right words. She didn’t know him.

“There’s no Jay,” she said, her voice flat, her eyes searching yours as if waiting for a reaction. “What are you even talking about? You’ve been in a coma for almost a year, and the first thing you ask about is some guy?”

Her words hit you like a punch to the gut. No Jay? No Jay?! You stared at her, wide-eyed, the room tilting dangerously around you. Your breath caught in your throat, and you glanced around again, your head pounding as if your brain couldn’t process what she was saying. You could barely hear the doctors' voices outside, your parents’ relieved murmurs from the corner of the room.

“I—I don’t understand.” Your voice trembled, and your fingers clutched the thin hospital blanket in a white-knuckled grip. How could Jay not exist? How could she not know him when every single day had been filled with him? “We were together, Semi. He was real. He was real!”

But Semi wasn’t budging. She leaned back, crossing her arms, frustration flickering in her eyes. “You were in a car accident. Do you remember that?” she asked, her voice softening slightly, though there was still a hint of disbelief. “A car crash. Blood everywhere. That’s why you’ve been in a coma.” Her voice dropped to a whisper as her eyes flickered to the tubes attached to your body. “That’s why you’re here.”

Your body went cold. A coma? Blood? The words bounced around in your head, but they didn’t stick. Your hands trembled as they reached for the bed’s railing, trying to anchor yourself. You could still feel Jay’s presence, still remember his smile, his touch, the way he’d whispered goodnight to you... before everything went dark.

A cold shiver ran down your spine, and your throat tightened as you managed to ask, “W-what date is it?”

“September 20, 2024,” Semi replied, her voice barely audible, but it hit you like a tidal wave. September.

Your eyes widened as the pieces began to fall apart in your mind, crumbling like ash in your hands. The school year, the three months with Jay, the spring—none of it had been real. None of it.

Tears welled up in your eyes as the weight of it all settled in your chest like a boulder, pressing down, squeezing the air from your lungs. A quiet tear slipped down your cheek, and you quickly wiped it away, turning to look out the window as if the outside world could give you some semblance of reality.

Beyond the glass, the sky was painted in soft shades of pink and orange, the setting sun casting a warm glow over everything. Lilac flowers fluttered from a nearby tree, caught in the gentle breeze. They swirled in the air, delicate and fleeting, just like the memories of Jay.

You watched them fall, your heart aching with a bittersweet pang. Was it all just a dream? Had Jay been nothing more than a figment of your comatose mind, created to fill the emptiness while you lay in the dark? The thought was unbearable, but the more you tried to hold onto him, the more he slipped away—like the lilac petals, fading from your reach.

But somewhere deep inside, beneath the confusion and pain, a small part of you hoped—hoped that he was real. That maybe, somewhere, in some other world, Jay existed, waiting with that final page of your story. And though you couldn’t be sure, you held onto that hope, because the goodbye—his goodnight—had been too sweet, too tender to be nothing at all.

With trembling hands, you let the last tear fall, watching as the petals danced in the wind, disappearing into the horizon. Even if it was just a dream, you wished for one more chapter—one more part in the story that had been left unfinished.

© enreveriee | tumblr

[stargazeraldroth]

A few things! About the AUs as Pokemon!!! Both questions and ideas :v

- Is it primarily Out!Codes that are Legendaries and Mythicals, or are others, like Nightmare’s Gang and Blue, also in that category? On the one hand, you could have a pixie trio of the Stars… On the other, long suffering, regular trainer Blue who wants these random Legends to stop stealing his food, thank you very much!

- For Ink’s eyes- Maybe they could be two different colors, like his skeleton design, and when he goes all Mega Danger Noodle they turn like, a blinding white? Sort of like when he’s emotionally blank as a skeleton? As in! Maybe one is a golden star and the other is a blue one when he’s smol, but they turn into Actual Stars in his big form!!!

- Are Error, PJ, and Gradient based on Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia here, or something else? I think you mentioned they’re dragons, so that’s where my mind went, but! I could be wrong! Either way, do you have any design ideas for them?

- I thiiink you said something about Ink also being Necrozma, but! Consider!!! Nim as Necrozma, perhaps? So she’s still connected to her kids… Maybe her absorbing them is just, like, her body on autopilot while she isn’t doing too well, and she’s instinctively looking to absorb them either in a weird attempt to protect them or to just regain her power? I’m not sure, just a thought!

- Would Core also be a Legend? What do you think they’d be based on???

- Is Fresh Hoopa. He feels like a Hoopa.

Oh boy, I don't know if I'm gonna have answers to ALL of these questions. But I'll try and give answers to them! Last night, I actually started considering making non-Legendary/Mythical versions for characters like Ink and the Twins, because I do have! Ideas!!

It's primarily Outcodes, but not every Outcode qualifies, you know? The Balance Guardians are Legendaries (Ink might be Mythical, idk) because they preside over forces in the universe. Ink's literally usurping Arceus, and Life & Reaper are basically Xerneas and Yveltal. CORE gets to be a Mythical because of their unique thing with their omnipresence and stuff. Eris (Reapertale!Chara) and Bete Noire would also be in these special categories, but characters such as Blueberror would not

From now on we're referring to Ink's larger form as Mega Danger Noodle. I'm actually a bit torn on how his larger form works because, while I want it to be this grand thing where people can barely look at it, I don't want it to be this thing where it's so unfathomable that it causes death. Like, a little eldritch horror and the feeling that what's standing before you is NOT something you should ever be seeing, but the real danger lies in its strength and power, you know?

Yes! Error's based on Giratina, PJ's based on Dialga, and Gradient's based on Palkia. I always give PJ and Gradient powers involving time and space respectively, so this parallel is perfect. Ah, a bit off-topic here, but I actually thought of a God AU based on the whole sequence in Legends: Arceus where Volo's fighting us at the Temple. Just a fun thing to imagine, not too important, though I guess it could also work here? Only, instead of wanting to tear down Ink or being banished to the Distortion World, Error's just anti-social as hell and doesn't like being around people, and his staying in the Distortion World got twisted over the ages. But back to the question at hand, I imagine they're similar to Ink in the sense that they're very eldritch-inspired, you know? We have the God of Time, the God of Space, and... whatever Giratina has authority over (I've seen people say it's antimatter but I've also seen people say it's gravity, so idk), I feel like they deserve to be these horrific beasts. Similarly to Ink's Mega Danger Noodle form, they take on forms that people can just manage to wrap their heads around, but they have this overwhelming aura to their presence. A way of saying you're standing before one of the oldest gods of this universe, and if you're there on bad terms... well, what else is there to do but pray?

When I said Ink took some inspiration from Necrozma, aside from his Mega Danger Noodle form, I meant it more like Ink's the one who generates light. It makes sense, I think, being the universe's sort of Creator Deity and all. The whole "Let there be light" thing. I actually haven't decided what I want to do with the Tree Guardians- Nim, Lanny, and Quetzalcoatl- because I have two main ideas for them: The Lake Trio and the Tapu Guardians. Part of the reason I don't have Nim immediately associated with the Dreamtale Twins is because, unlike them, I don't really associate her with any celestial bodies? Like the Twins have a very obvious sun-moon motif, and then there's Nim lmao. So what if the Twins aren't from this world, whether they come from outer space or through an Ultra Wormhole, and Nim just... happens to be the one who finds them first?

I think CORE would be more likely to be a Mythical than a Legendary. As for what they're based on... I'm not gonna lie, I'm getting Celebi vibes. CORE needs to be something elusive and mysterious, something incredibly rare to spot, but also willing to lend aid when needed. And I feel like the lore bit where Celebi's Pokedex entries says it primarily stays in peaceful times works perfectly for CORE, being a pacifist and all

I do not think Fresh would be a Legendary or Mythical, but I can see the similarities with Hoopa. However, a few days ago I evolved a Pokemon of mine, and consider...

[nickgerlich]

Clothes Encounters

What goes around, comes around. When I was a kid, we were still in the Spy v. Spy era, an artifact of the Cold War with the USSR. We didn’t trust them, and they didn’t trust us. You never really knew if your operatives had sold out to the other side. The story of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who killed President Kennedy, was fresh in our minds. Prior to his misdeed, he had defected to the USSR, and then defected back to the US. If ever a person were shrouded in mystery, it was LHO.

Today, while we aren’t exactly best buddies with Russia and its President, Vladimir Putin, it seems we are more concerned with China. Our relationship with them has always been tenuous at best, and whereas not long ago we simply outsourced much of our manufacturing to them, they have now developed to the point that they are a formidable economic foe, not to mention political.

Thus, we find ourselves concerned about companies like TikTok (banned by 34 state governments), Temu and its ridiculously cheap bargains, and Shein, the fast-fashion giant. All were founded in China and maintain ties there, but all have US operations as well. I suspect those US operations are more smokescreen than anything, designed to deflect criticisms and concerns.

Shein, the e-commerce darling during COVID, is now planning an IPO for the US. But before it does so, it must try to shake a slew of allegations centered on forced labor in its supply chains, labor violations, and stealing designs from independent creators. These are the kinds of things that will find Shein appearing in case studies and text book chapters for years to come. Ethics, anyone?

Fast fashion, by definition, is not just quick, but also cheap. Companies routinely introduce new items every week, not so much to follow a trend, but to create one instead. Items may have a shelf life of as few as six weeks. The implicit message to customers is that, if you want to stay on the bleeding edge of fashion, you have to buy in early, and be prepared to keep buying as new items come out.

What people do with those now-it’s-in-now-it’s-not clothes is up to the customer. Quality is usually suspect, given the price. And, given that the garments are designed to have such a limited run, they don’t have to hold up to dozens of washings. Thus, last month’s hot item may languish in the back of a closet, be sold or donated, or, in some cases, thrown in the dumpster because it is already falling apart.

A quick look at the Shein website as well as their Amazon store quickly reveals their target market: young and female. Yes, they have some men’s clothing, but it’s kind of like going to a Lush store in the mall. You know, the one with all those overly fragrant bath soaps and personal care items that draws in women by the score. There is a tiny men’s section with shaving butters and the like, but you have to look for it. I bet they have those for the poor guys being dragged along for a day of shopping.

Technically, Shein is a DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) firm, a purely online retailer of its own wares. It has, however, dabbled with pop-up shops in large US cities. I wouldn’t be surprised if it expands on these, just like eyeglass maker Warby Parker has done with its shops. But I have my doubts they would start distributing through other retailers, primarily because those cheap prices don’t carry very high margins to begin with. Prices would have to go up to give various channel members a piece of the action, which would then defeat Shein’s primary advantage.

But back to ethics. These allegations are huge, and China, like other Asian nations, is rumored far and wide to have some of the worst working conditions on the planet. Never mind the fact that Americans can’t just fly to Beijing, rent a car, and pay a visit to these factories.

Then there’s the issue of intellectual property. If you’re busy churning out new items on a weekly basis, there’s a need for fresh takes on style. I could see a creative team having to work 24/7 to keep up with this treadmill.

Lastly, there are lingering concerns about US data, which Shein swears is kept here under lock and key. TikTok owner Byte Dance swears the same thing, but that didn’t stop those states from banning them on government-owned devices.

It’s enough to make me compare the current situation to that of my youth. While the case against Mr. Oswald ultimately found him to be the lone assassin, there are still lingering unresolved issues even now. We may never know the details of his behaviors and actions leading up to that tragic day in Dallas.

Shein has its work cut out for them. I am pretty certain we may never truly know all the ins and outs of this firm. The opaque curtain behind which it operates shields them, but will probably also lead to investor skepticism. And that’s a style that no one looks good in.

Dr “Count Me Out” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[adamwatchesmovies]

Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002)

This second trip to the world of Spy Kids isn’t nearly as fresh or exciting as the first. Still, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams will appeal to its intended audience. While it’s disappointing to see it retread much of the same material as before, there are some new ideas and the sense of fun which won us over the first time is still present.

The Office of Strategic Services has developed an extensive child spy program. 13-year-old Carmen Cortez (Alexa Vega) and 10-year-old Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara) finish saving the president’s daughter (Taylor Momsen) when they are unexpectedly upstaged by their rivals, Gary and Gerty Giggles (Matt O'Leary and Emily Osment). To prove themselves top spies, Carmen and Juni set out to retrieve the Transmooker - a device which can shut off all electronics - from a group of magnet men seeking global domination.

Giving Juni and Carmen rivals is a good move. By now, they’re experienced spies. Giving them simply another mission wouldn’t be enough, particularly since they’ve worked out most of their brother/sister issues by now. They’re a fully-functional team… at least when Carmen isn’t fawning over Gary. On top of saving the world, they’ve got to beat those snooty Giggles children, and show the world their family is the top spy family. This last idea comes in when we focus on their parents (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) and grandparents (Ricardo Montalbán and Holland Taylor). Expect to see the same kind of zany gadgets and wild imagination as you did the first time. This adventure brings us to wild destinations and contains some unexpected (mostly unexpected) twists.

A noteworthy aspect of Spy Kids 2 are the special effects. They’re extensive and overall, haven't aged well. Over time, Rodriguez has become increasingly enamoured with green screens and CGI. Often, it works but just as frequently, you can feel the actors' desperation as they try to react to locations and creatures that weren't there on set. You miss the physical props and makeup from the first Spy Kids, which only resorted to the computer when it absolutely needed to. It’s clear the combination writer, director, editor is enthusiastic about this project. He takes a moment to showcase his love of Ray Harryhausen’s creations and the recreation of the old-school stop-motion effects are just about perfect. I want to tip my hat towards the Latino director for trying some new tools but this film tries to do too much.

This sequel isn’t as good as its predecessor. The big issue is the story's pacing and flow. When we finally get to the “Island of Lost Dreams”, we don’t get to explore it as much as we wish. Ultimately, the island has little to do with the Transmooker, which makes the script feel less polished or well thought-out as its optimal version. This could’ve probably been two movies if not for the young stars’ age. Unlike James Bond, the members of the”Spy Kids” can only be in their own movies so many times...

Spy Kids 2 shows this series has legs. Rodriguez could make many more of these as long as he puts in the time and effort to tighten the writing. It’s a sequel that isn’t as good as the first but most viewers won’t mind. Stick around for the end credits if you’re a kid and seeing Alexa Vega perform a pop song interests you. If you’re an adult, you won’t miss much by skipping it but there's other footage as the credits scroll that's fun. (June 12, 2020)

[gheysnakeredacted]

Dadschlatt Tommy AU Thoughts: Nov. 16 War Edition

Lore Context: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

HAHA you thought this AU would die like canon Schlatt?! Nah

Have some of my many thoughts on Dadschlatt Tommy AU with this new context n just general thoughts

So let’s get right into it!

The Deal

So, I think we can all agree that Dream is a chaotic evil bastard n only wants chaos right? At least, I’m making him fully the lil puppet master evil man in his AU

And, after the ban, Dream REALLY hates Schlatt, for he is the cause of all this L’manberg n government type stuff that had happened. Even if he let him back on, it was just suppose to be a short time and honestly he would rather be rid of him than anything else

So what could Schlatt offer to Dream that no one else can?

Perhaps. Schlatt could comply to Dream permakilling him :) (probably by a potion, in which everyone saw him “drinking” you know?

But mostly permadeath only happens when people are ‘too far gone’ or ‘chose not to’ come back (Wilbur) n other means (special potions, etc)

n Schlatt at this point is just so damn tired. He believes that nothing can connect him to his son again, that he knows of Wilbur’s plans to blow up Manberg but he just doesn’t CARE

He put so much pain onto others because of his disconnection to his own emotions, and he can only now see the damage done in the realization that he had found his son

And when he makes the deal, Schlatt feels like he has done too much damage to Tommy. That anything he would be willing to build up could never exist, and he just accepts it

Schlatt makes the deal with Dream to kill him permanently, and in return, to make sure the same fate does not befall onto Tommy 

(OR Dream threatens to permakill Tommy if Schlatt doesn’t take the deal lol)

SO, Schlatt goes into war knowing full well that he will die that day

Tommy’s POV

SO, in this ‘’canon’’ version of Dadschlatt Tommy AU, the meeting between Schlatt n Quackity is “reveal” that Tommy is Schlatt’s son

HOWEVER, it is only revealed to Quackity n Tommy, as Wilbur ran off for the button room and the others are nowhere to be found (but Dream knows ;0)

n Tommy of course is in full denial about it at first, but the way Schlatt is looking at him, with actual raw emotion? He knows it has to be true

n Quackity confirming it, (which results in a lil  argument after the whole ‘traitor meeting’ n how to proceed with all that)

And Tommy just tells him to fuck off, that even if it was true, he had abandoned him and left him with nightmares. n he will never TRULY be his Dad (thus why Schlatt slinks off n makes the deal with Dream, since Dream had been watching)

But after the fact, as Tommy gets betrayed by dream n told there is a traitor among them, he can’t find himself being extremely mad at Schlatt

Schlatt had done terrible, TERRIBLE things, but all of them had been done by others. Even himself. Even the festival, where Tubbo was shot, he would still respawn. To him, it was just a glorified exile (though of course it was still wrong n Schlatt was in the wrong for doing it)

n Tommy can’t miss the fact of how Schlatt’s face faltered when he did such terrible crimes, like he actually felt GUILTY doing them

(Schlatt be doing terrible things because he feels that is what people expect from him. n again, he is slowly diving into ‘i just dont care’ territory)

And Wilbur is losing it more and more everyday, so Tommy is always out of Pogtopia (even building more homes)

n sometimes, he wanders close to Manberg, just to check up on things n how nothing is progressing

Without Quackity n Fundy, its a ghost town, with only Schlatt wandering

n sometimes, Tommy watches him stumble, the way he walks like a dead man singing...something

A familiar Lullaby, that Tommy is becoming more and more aware, of the songs he remembers yet could never place

And one day Schlatt spots Tommy watching him, n just meekly tells him to get out of his country, that Tommy doesn’t listen to

It turns into them just sitting together, in secret, saying nothing

but then it turns into Schlatt actually asking how Tommy has been, small talk n its awkward but comforting at the same time

Then Schlatt going on, slowly, about his childhood, about how he met Wilbur n SMPLive and all the people he has met

and Tommy listens, he slowly gets into the crazy stories he tells n remembers how he had looked up to Schlatt whenever Wilbur brought up his crazy business man friend long lost

Until finally, Tommy asks about his childhood, n Schlatt tells him of what had happened. Of how he found him, how he was raised and...the explosion

It is only a day before the war, after his talk with Sapnap, that Tommy realizes that he DOES want to save his Dad. and of course, Schlatt would never replace Phil, n vise versa, but he does actually want to try.

n Schlatt is just happy he gets to spend these little moments with Tommy, something he never imagined happening, before the war takes his life :)

The Van Scene

Tommy refuses to kill Schlatt in the van, no matter how much everyone is goading him but that’s fine

Schlatt had already drank the potion before everyone got into the hut, n is just laying there, very still

The scene with Fundy/Schlatt doesn’t happen because, Dadschlatt Vibe

n Tommy comes in and he’s screaming, trying to get Schlatt on his feet n refusing to let people closer n try n kill him (even tho Wilbur REALLY wants Schlatt dead)

And in all this, Tommy takes off his helmet n hat to reveal all his features to everyone, everyone on the server gets to see Tommy

Even if respawn is on btw, Tommy knows deep down something is wrong about Schlatt this time

n Schlatt is smiling because there he is! That’s his son! At least, even if he is dying, he could see his son one last time

Of course, then Schlatt starts singing, very quietly so only Tommy could hear over all the chaos, his favorite lullaby

Until the darkness takes over his vision, n the warmth leaves his body.

:)

(Of course there is also the version Schlatt tricks Dream n drinks the wrong potion that kills him, probably regular harming, n goes off into exile w only Connor knowing where he is, n Tommy but u know, angst time)

Also after all this, the plot continues “””as normal””” but with more patronizing from Dream n everyone still being sus @ him especially with the horns but you know. But now Connor being a very important character of helping Tommy remember his past while Schlatt is dead (or is he? lmao)

[anaiswriterr]

The Dragon Kings Queen

Pairing: Dragon King!Bakugou x Queen!Reader

Rating: M

Warning: This is part four, I’d like to point out be aware: 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝗼𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝗺𝐞𝐬, 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞, 𝐠𝗼𝐫𝐞, 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐭𝐜. Please don’t read if you are not comfortable with it, and if you’re under the age of 18+ I will give a warning when it becomes NSFW but at the moment it’s SFW. This chapter has descriptions of blood, and nausea and vomit!

<masterlist>

Synopsis: ➪ When the word marriage crossed your mind, you believed you’d marry someone you loved. Not this brute of a King. So here you are standing at the end on an alter, pushing away the urge to run and fight. Possibly start a new life, instead of being dragged into a loveless marriage. But for the sake of your people.. They say he’s not what rumors make him out to be, but how can you believe that when his eyes burn into yours; just as fiery as before. How could you, ever love someone as barbaric as him…

- chapter six: the dragon queens ceremony -

•

•

•

•

The crowd cheers in entertainment, screaming and yelling to drench the Queen. You are passed out in the arms of the guards as villagers bang their drums even louder as you are lead, barley conscious into the plaza.

Fire torches light the room.

You are thrown onto a heavy stack of hay bales, roughly. You stir awake slightly at the sound of Kirishima's muttering. "Don't throw her like that unless you want to be my dinner for the night!" He scolds the guards, you hear a growl come from his throat. You try to open your eyes, but the headache you were facing with continued to beat at the sides of your temples. You whimper in pain as your hands are pulled harshly, you finally open your eyes when you realize it's another guard.

His hands carry heavy pales of blood, your vision sees two of each person. Blinded by the torches and startled by its heat.

You feel warmth quickly rush down your body, you cough. Choking on the red liquid, your hands quickly shoot up to wipe it away off your eyes, mouth and nose.

"Relax.. you're not going to choke." Kirishima says, holding onto you hand. "Bakugou should be here in a second.."

You struggle to stay up, "I don't want to see him."

Dots surround your line of vision but you can still manage to make out your surroundings, the plaza mainly looks like a barn from the inside. People are surrounded on the balcony and even on the first floor. Hay bales litter the floor and torches are set up on each pillar. Women and children cheer with their husbands, shouting as they watch the heart being drenched in blood. They yell, "Bring out the Queen!"

You are wet, and slightly cold but the warmth of the blood regulates your body temperature. The beating drums sound even louder, horns and bells play from the outside.

"He'll be the first you go to as soon as you're  finished," Kirishima states, as he pulls you lightly to the sidelines. He looks over you, pointing out the King. You nod your head in attempts to see straight again, their are two of him and you didn't know which was which.

"H-How do you know I'll go to him?" You ask, gulping down the vomit that taunted your throat. The nausea makes your knees weak, his two versions of himself smile softly.

"Trust me."

You can barley focus on his words so instead you nod your head, a guard clears their throat, gesturing to one of the politicians. "It's time." He said, reaching out to grab you by the arm you seethe at his roughness. His fingers press harshly into the sunburn skin. You whip your head around in search for the Dragon who was meant to watch over you, he grimaces to himself, nodding to you. You look back towards the guard, his stoic expression shows he doesn't care. But what's new?

You lick your chapped lips, nearly gagging at the metallic taste that latched onto your tongue.

Cheers and yells quiet down with the drums, you are pushed onto a small wooden stage.

An old man who you assumed was the Counsels President stands beside you, roaring the crowd as he hands you the heart. His blue eyes boar into your E/C ones, trembling you reach out with both hands to take it. The warmth of the pigs blood dribbles down your arms.

Hungry eyes all around you, watching in entertainment.

You stare down at the muscle in your hands, trembling, nauseated, you have no idea what to do. You weren't cut out for this, to be part of the dragons and their clan of fearful members. You look out into the crowd, who were you searching for? What were you trying to prove? You've gotten so far, and here you are, searching for the part that tells you it's worth it.

It dead silent in the plaza.

You don't know who you are searching for, but the pair of vermillion eyes that settled softly on yours prove to be worthy. He nods.

And you take that first bite.

***

You heave with each bite, gnawing at the tough, uncooked muscle. The scent.. the taste of blood is enough to pull you to your knees in front of everyone. You fight back the urge to vomit, still your teeth tear into the heart and blood rushes down the corners of your lips and onto your chest. Coating the now dried blood all over your neck and torso in a fresh layer of crimson, tears trail down your cheeks as you inhale through your nose.

Loud cheers drown out in your head.

You take another bite, keeping eye contact with the King as the only way to distract you from its  foul taste.

Choking on a combination of blood and the pieces that refused to go down you lean forward harshly, gaging up the remnants of heart. You sob quietly as the drums halt and the crowds buzzling stops. For a moment, you lean over, a hand clamped shut over your mouth. You can feel it right at the top, the heart, the blood, resurfacing, fighting to get between the cracks of you fingers. You look back up to Bakugou, his eyes glare into yours masking away the hint of worry that settled in them.

It was almost like he was telling you to swallow.

You gag again, this time fighting through and gulping down the rest while shoving the remaining piece into your mouth. You struggle to stand, chewing away at the last piece. It's tougher than the other bits and pieces. You can hear the rumbling of the drums start again from below your feet and the cheering begins.

You swallowed the last piece, sticking out your tongue to show off you had finished the last god forsaken piece. You feel the corners of your lips tug in a tired smile, people are hugging, and cheering and you could've sworn the Counsel President cursed beneath his breath. You sigh in relief and watch as Bakugou makes his way towards you with a proud smile, you walk towards the edge of the wooden platform and allow his strong muscular arms to wrap around your knees. Pulling you close to his chest with his chin buried into your stomach, the king never showed emotion.

But as his rightful Queen, he promised his mother to try.

You thought his affection was because they were in front of their people, which made more sense. You had earned his respect, your vision is slightly blurred but you hear his hushed voice tell Kirishima to ready the carriage.

"Ready the carriage, we're taking her back home."

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[pridepoisoned]

Lusamine outlines her points with a practiced, near-mechanical ease, and Eris Evans wastes little time scrawling the digestible bullets between the margins of her notepad, glasses glinting in the sunlight as she nods along.

There's already a silent understanding within this pristine chamber: details are everything. Information is valuable data. Information is power.

Behind her innocuous smile, Eris's eyes gleam, searching for an opening or crack while holding her own cards close. Lusamine--the impassive leader of this realm--is likely doing the same. And so, this guarded exchange--this courteous dance--continues on. Aether's apex exudes a suffocating, blinding aura, yet Eris soldiers on, daring to stare unflinchingly at the Foundation's proverbial sun.

(How many poor souls had floundered in front of this imagined throne? How many of them had been devoured on the spot?)

In the wake of her pitch, most organizations would have already thrown themselves at Eris's feet, begging for the smallest scraps from Devon's unwieldy domain. However, Aether is clearly not 'most organizations,' and the poised representative thrums with anticipation as Lusamine plants her on the back foot, a rare, unfamiliar position. How refreshing.

The president offers her Tentacool thesis--an impressive cavalcade of figures and findings--and Eris receives it with a graceful nod, flipping quietly through the pages, her eager gaze snapping up coastal maps and anatomical diagrams. Judging by this extensive work, it's quite clear that Lusamine is not just a figurehead (the media-proclaimed title of genius is seeming more and more accurate), and an internal growl--repressed and hungry--reverberates within Eris's psyche. The tempting thesis lays before her like fresh meat, an unopened treasure, and--god--she just wants to study, learn, and download everything about it.

Her inner curiosity screams to be sated, and--for a fraction of a second--Eris's poised mask slips, betraying an almost imperceptible twitch of her eye. She slowly clenches and unclenches her hand as Lusamine poses a question amidst the silence, composed as ever. Control.

"When I first joined Devon, the corporation was still reeling from the aftershocks of the Delta Incident. The board was not used to the outside attention, the intense public scrutiny...so they hid in shame, locking everyone and everything under strict confidentiality agreements while refusing any outside assistance. It seems like you and Aether were caught up in the crossfire of their hasty shutdown," Eris explains with a frown and apologetic nod. "Please allow me to apologize for the actions of my prior colleagues, President Delacroix. Personally, I believed the board's decision to be quite self-centered and spineless, but I was just a researcher back then. I lacked influence."

"However, as my profile within the Corporation has grown, I have worked tirelessly to reopen collaborative doors to the outside. Devon has so much untapped potential, and so much to learn from forward-thinking parties. Like Aether." Eris glances down at the thesis approvingly. "Like yourself."

"I agree that sustainability is a pressing issue in this resource-strapped world, so why not meld our collective minds to stave off the endgame together, to spread a wider net of influence across our collective regions?" Eris leans forward slightly, her gaze intense with passion. "Aether's innovations on this front are second to none, and Devon has sizable regional influence and decades of valuable research lining its archives. Unlike my predecessors, I believe that research should be shared, not squirreled away to rot."

"Within the next decade, my future vision for Devon involves fostering these outside relationships, building a collective web of influence, and an open exchange of information and findings," she summarizes, finally taking a breath. "This meeting is a big step towards achieving that vision, and yet...if I can be candid with you, President Delacroix, I still had to fight hard for the permission to schedule with you today. The Delta Incident fallout lingers, and the board still clutches to the status quo like a pacifier. It has been...challenging to work under them when they remain so petrified of drastic change, but I will continue to help them see reason. Devon must stride forward with the rest, and it cannot do so alone."

Eris leans back slightly, a rare, frustrated sigh leaking from behind her façade. She is tired. Impatient. Straining at the yoke.

"...You may be wondering why I am fighting so hard to change such a...stubborn entity." A light, airy laugh. "Ever since I aligned with Devon, I have continually shown my worth. Along the way, Devon has provided me with opportunity, security, and--most importantly--freedom. Autonomy."

Eris smiles wistfully, and a wild, hungry glint flickers across her vision. (Another fleeting break in the script, a slight crack in the mask. Easy to miss.)

"I will confess that I often find myself consumed by curiosity. The pursuit of progress. Despite the shortcomings of its board, Devon has done a satisfactory job whetting my appetite and meeting my needs thus far."

"So long as I remain satisfied, Devon will have my allegiance and retain my services. Pending better circumstances being offered elsewhere, of course..." Eris's smile widens. "As you mentioned previously, President Delacroix: self-preservation is everything."

♫♪

noun: aether

CHEMISTRY: a pleasant-smelling colorless volatile liquid that is highly flammable. It is used as an anesthetic and as a solvent or intermediate in industrial processes.

LITERARY: the clear sky; the upper regions of air beyond the clouds.

Lusamine had bathed the Aether Paradise in light purposefully. It caused the foundation to radiate with a brilliance that was incapable of being ignored. There wasn't a soul in the greater scientific community that did not know of President Delacroix's contributions, nor were they ignorant of the masterfully crafted sanctum that had been built at sea; the VLFS was a marvel to behold, and set Aether apart from its competitors.

But the light was artificial. Truly, does a creature in captivity understand the difference between the brightness of the sun, and the manufactured light from a UVB bulb?

Light is essential to living beings: it sustains, and it provides guidance.

Light assists predators just as much as prey, unfortunately, and those who worked under Lusamine's hand are well-aware of her penchant for preventing people from slipping into dark corners. Lusamine saw everything, and kept light in mind when designing the monochrome fortress.

It is difficult to hide from the precision of a Lurantis when there are no shadows to seek refuge in.

It is a privilege to be invited into the highest spire where Aether's pious leader spent her days working restlessly to provide guidance and structure to her associates. There she sits, hands resting on the top of her desk, fingers folded against one another as Devon's finest introduces herself, and speaks of her intentions. One leg is crossed over the other beneath her desk, the tips of her toes idly tapping to a silent crescendo playing in the back of her mind.

Conversations of this nature are always handled with a careful focus, so that Lusamine does not miss out on a single detail. Those eyes remain focused on Eris, taking in her body language-- or lack there of. Had she been made aware of Lusamine's disdain for over-animation? Or was this woman naturally this poised?

Occasionally, notes are written by a steady hand on Lusamine's notepad. Even though she sat atop a monument founded by scientific innovation, she still wrote notes by hand during business pitches.

"Branch Manager Sauvageau is a valuable asset to Aether. I will inform him of your compliment," Lusamine responds plainly once Eris Evans places punctuation at the end of her pitch. Despite of Faba's shortcomings, he had remained a moldable, workable association, one that Lusamine could not afford to let go of.

"Clean energy is a divisive subject, Ms. Evans. It is the singular most important achievement that humans must work towards in order to maintain the wellbeing of this planet, and extend its habitability. There are very few organisms that will be capable of surviving a world stripped of its resources-- countless, remarkable Pokémon are threatened by needless waste," Lusamine speaks.

"There are powerful men in the energy sectors that do not wish to hear reason. What is positive for the environment, is poison to their business. Because of this, there has been pushback on several legal fronts: regulations and laws that are severely outdated need to be changed in many regions, such as Unova. The Aether Foundation has been lobbying against these archaic laws for some time now," she turns in her office chair, and leans down. A manilla envelope is pulled out of a desk drawer, and placed between the two of them.

"When the Delta Incident occurred several years ago, Aether had attempted to contact the Mossdeep Space Station. I wanted to know exactly what had been spotted beyond our atmosphere-- purely to offer incite. We were denied information," she explains, opening the envelope, and retrieving what appeared to be a thesis paper.

"Since then, I have not made any attempts to collaborate with Devon. I have a personal interest in the Hoenn region, Ms. Evans. Its ecosystem is rich in diversity. I spent an extensive amount of time researching the currents and how they effected the local Tentacool population," Lusamine slides the paper over, showing it to her. It is clear that Lusamine's interest in Hoenn was legitimate.

"A competent agent from Devon has been lacking for years now. As I mentioned earlier, you come to me with a great deal of praise, but I have reasons to be cautious. As do you. Anybody with an iota of self-preservation should always tread this field carefully."

There is another pause, allowing the air to settle.

"Where do you see Devon, and yourself, standing in the next decade?"

[sukirichi]

Like, what happens to Mia? How does Gojo end up picking us? Naoya? How about Naoya? 😭😭😭🙏🏼😔

Omggg if you’re not going to continue reckless, can you please please please tell us how it ends? 😭😭😭 I don’t think I can bear living not knowing how it ends 😭 please? 😔😢🙏🏼😭

okay well here’s how it was gonna go, pls keep in mind my storytelling in asks and in writing are diff so this might be explained crappily HAHAHAHA but basically in reckless...

gojo gets shot in the head by his abusive dad bcos he finally stood up against him, but that backfired. his father is really adamant on control, and gojo loses his memories at the same time y/n gave birth. she decided to keep the baby after deciding that she wants a family after all, but when gojo woke up with mixed and lost memories, he only remembers mia and everything after her accident was gone. gojo becomes distorted and even becomes harsh sometimes, especially when y/n said they had a baby and she was his friend, bcos gojo’s mindset was from way back to six years ago, where he had lots of issues with his family and mia’s that he was wary who to trust.

so,,, they didn’t want gojo to hurt y/n bcos he’s such in an emotional mess that he has no control of himself. eventually, y/n decides to stay away but the baby is adopted by gojo and mia, who gets married for the sake of business and gojo’s current situation. truthfully, mia doesn’t want to marry him bcos it would hurt y/n and she’s not that awful. mia and y/n become friends after realizing they’re pretty similar and actually find genuine friendship with one another. she doesn’t have a choice tho and gojo, mia, along with gojo’s mom who divorced her husband for his abuse move to the states where they raised y/n and gojo’s daughter, sayori, leaving y/n all alone in tokyo who then becomes vice president of kamo enterprises. basically, it shows the repeated history of y/n’s father choosing to hide her from her real parents, and she begins to understand why he did that bcos she also has not really met her own daughter. y/n knows mia and gojo could take care of sayori better than she could, especially with the fact that gojo’s memories are mixed and transfixed on the timeline of him dating mia, mia giving birth to sayori, then them getting married. y/n is not present at all in his memories. gojo thinks he was the one in a car accident, not mia.

sayori is about four years old when gojo decides to come back to tokyo. now that he’s disowned and his mother has also left, gojo becomes a successful model in the states. he comes home bcos he remembers geto and wants to start their own agency (gojo as a model, geto as the photographer.) mia is wary at first for fear gojo might remember everything. she’s not being selfish; the doctors warned that anything that could potentially trigger gojo’s memories that his subconscious has erased could be detrimental to him. mia tries to hold it off but gojo insists, so the gojo/yamazaki family go back and that’s where gojo meets y/n, who he first thought was geto’s new wife.

in the reckless fanart, geto’s photo is like this.

geto’s ring is silver - it’s his dead wife’s ring. the hand caressing him is gold - it’s y/n wearing the ring of gojo’s mother, who by then has already apologized before they all left.

geto and y/n become best friends on the course of four years. missing her daughter, y/n becomes attached to mei (geto’s daughter) and acts more like a mom than an aunt. geto basks in this faux family they’ve built, though he makes sure mei is not too dependent or expecting that y/n would be her mom. he falls in love with y/n and he notices how after gojo left, she becomes softer and a lot sweeter. all the anger and hatred disappeared, all thanks to y/n finding peace with her new life and making up with her mother, Valeria, who once overdosed on drugs after it was exposed to the public that Y/N is a child she abandoned. y/n saved Valeria by rushing her to the hospital, which is also the same time that Y/N saw gojo being wheeled in the emergency room with a bullet in his head.

now that gojo is back, he can’t help but notice that y/n is avoiding him. she feels familiar but he plays it off over her being a close friend and possible lover of geto. meanwhile, y/n’s dedication to pretending he doesn’t exist breaks slowly when she sees sayori, a beautiful little girl who’s growing up, call mia as her “mommy.” it hurts her that she missed her first words, first steps, or that she’s being excluded in the family that is truly hers, but everyone is happy and doing great that she chooses to be the only who isn’t for the sake of everyone else.

in ch2, gojo goes to a carnival/amusement park and takes a polaroid photo with y/n. he finds them in one of the stuff he left behind in the penthouse he used to live in; shocked bcos y/n had been adamant they never met before. that’s when he begins to confront her on who she really is what they really used to be. he feels guilty that he can’t remember, but most of all, gojo is torn inside that y/n had been all alone the whole time when he promised he would be there.

its complicated for them since gojo x mia are already married, and sayori got her mom’s stubborness so its difficult for her to believe someone she never met before is her real mom and mia is...well, mia. mia actually helps sayori accept that she is not the real mom, apologizing to the child for lying to them and it ends up with sayori running away and getting lost for a few hours. sayori is scared since tokyo is alien to her and she doesn’t speak japanese, but when y/n finds her, she comes running to her arms and that is when she begins to soften up around her real mom.

this is where the slowburn with gojo and y/n begins. for them, getting to know each other once more on a clean slate is both refreshing yet scary, especially since one has erased the past in their mind and the other is desperately trying to forget it. the thing about the mia x gojo as a married couple and parents is that gojo deep down feels he does not love mia that way. he can’t explain why there’s just something missing or confusing in his life. he loves mia out of respect and friendship, but he would never admit that he is not in love with his wife. however, he plays it over the fact that its “just the broken memories” and lies to himself that he is very much in love with her. when he meets y/n again, however, it makes sense. he does love y/n and him forgetting her was a defense mechanism of his system to erase the most painful times of his life, and that included his guilt for hurting y/n with the abuse of his parents who controlled the way he acted around her. as for mia, she also does not love gojo and she probably never did, but for the sake of his well being and for sayori’s future (which was entrusted to her by y/n) she stayed with him. now though, mia knows its time to let go.

geto...it is not easy for geto. he loves y/n so much because of her tenacity and kindness, but he also loves her enough to know she is happier with someone else. to him, he’s content knowing that she felt less lonely when he was around and that he helped make her smile. in the end, geto has closure with y/n who apologizes for not returning his feelings.

NAOYAAAAA though...ofc i gave him a good ending 💕 after he was brutally rejected by Mia, y/n cheers him up by setting Naoya up with a law professor around his age, who is Ayame. Ayame is supposed to be named Suki tbh 😋 but I thought the self insert is a little too much so I changed it to Ayame. Ayame is pretty funny and even respects that Naoya is uncomfortable on the first date, telling him that it doesn’t have to be that kind of date and she doesn’t expect anything from him. Ayame’s bubbly yet blunt nature is a breath of fresh air from Mia’s secretive and perfectionist nature and the two become good friends. Naoya and Ayame end up hanging out a lot bcos “thats what friends do” but it doesn’t take long before they go out together. And ofc, Naoya is a little ashamed that Ayame was the first to confess and she beat him to it, but they get married and are happy nonetheless 💕 Mia ends up as a successful doctor who helps her family with the business, divorces Gojo, but she still has no plans to marry and is perfectly happy and content to focus on her career.

Eventually, Gojo and Y/N get married once everything is sorted out. Gojo becomes a well known model in Tokyo as well, and Gojo Group is absorbed by Y/N herself after proving Gojo’s father guilty of attempted murder. Gojo doesn’t want anything more to do with the corporate world though, but Y/N stays and kicks ass as a vice president to all the merged companies.

Y/N and Valeria also makes up after Valeria is indebted to Y/N who saved her life, and Valeria’s parents become more supportive and start to see Valeria more as a person than a child to inherit the business. Albeit being in her 40s, Valeria enjoys the youth she lost only now, but also enjoys being the grandmother to Sayori. Its a little awkward between Valeria and Y/N after everything that happened, but they’re trying and are even dubbed as the iconic motherly duo who is unbeatable in their games.

Gojo’s father is thrown into prison, and his main victim, his own wife, also shows recovery from the years of abuse. Although her obsessive control with Gojo and his sister (the eldest Gojo child) was not right, his mom was left with no choice but to keep them on close watch and control their lives because she was trying to keep them safe from their father’s wrath. In the end, Gojo’s mom makes up by being a better mother, and Gojo and his sister forgives her while also apologizing that both of them left home when they knew their mom always shouldered the abuse to protect her kids.

Overall, its a happy ending for most of the characters! the last chapter is Sayori’s wedding to Naoya and Ayame’s son, Naori, who is a few years younger than his bride. Gojo is grumbling to Y/N about how his little girl is all grown up now, and that their son, Shinichiro, who is 18 in that timeline is also maturing and would be leaving the nest soon. Y/N thinks its adorable and asks Gojo to just enjoy the union because its only one of the many great memories they would still have to make.

That’s how it would end! Gojo Best Dad and Gojo DILF. Everyone is happy!

Basically the theme of Reckless is that sometimes the most unexpected things we do out of character can end up as one of the greatest things to ever happen, which in their case was the suprise baby. They went through a lot and it has a lot of psychological themes, along with heavy family drama, but overall I wanted the series to be a heartwarming one by the end. I really would’ve loved to see it all happen but I am also happy to share it to you guys in this way.

So yeah, happy reading and thanks so much for supporting Reckless !! I was also thinking of doing maybe like a bonus chapter where the characters pretend it was all a movie and they’re actors that you can talk to, but that didn’t happen so :// anyways I hope you enjoyed this and thank you for reading up until here 💕

[artdev]

I’m probably gonna get attacked for this lol

Tommy Character Analysis

From a sane yet angry child

The character of Tommyinnit is one of the worst characters on the entirety of the Dream SMP. Yes, the other characters have their flaws, and they have all done some very horrible things, but Tommy has continuously made bad decisions. These decisions have done nothing good for himself and have caused suffering for the other members of the SMP. In this essay I will provide reason to the fact character Tommy fucking sucks and every other character, yes including Dream, are so much better and have redeeming qualities to their characters. I will give a disclaimer: this is about THE CHARACTERS not the CONTENT CREATORS

Tommy’s First Days on the SMP

Tommy’s first day on the SMP was the last day of peace that server would ever see. From the get-go Tommy did nothing but cause nothing but problems for the original people on the server (Dream, George, Sapnap, Bad, Sam, Ponk, Callahan, and Alyssa) which resulted in a ban from not only from Dream, after refusing to obey under his exile he was put in, himself but also from George. The bans were lifted but everything spiraled from that point on. Tommy was the spark that started the disc war. This was a war that spanned over a series of months because Tommy would not stop killing Dream, so in return Dream confiscated tommy’s discs as a punishment, it was Dreams server, so he was not going to let Tommy go around causing problems without consequence.

Quick history

L ’Manburg

L’ Manburg started out as nothing but a drug caravan, started by Wilbur and tommy, would grow into a large country separated by large black walls keeping everyone out and let only a select few in. After a war Tommy did the only selfless thing, he would ever do in his whole time on the SMP. He gave up one of his discs for L’Manburg’s independence, after losing a dule with Dream. In all this tommy keeps up his thieving and antagonizing ways.

The election

The election was Wilbur’s attempt to regain power and respect within his country, there were multiple parties, POG 2020 (Wilbur and Tommy), SWAG 2020 (Quackity), Schlatt 2020 (JSchlatt). POG 2020 was the overall winner but was beat out by 1% by Schlatt and Quackity who had formed a coalition. With Schlatt as the president and Quackity as the Vise President the country is changed to Manburg, the walls are torn down, and Tommy and Wilbur have their citizenship is revoked and are banned from Manburg.

Pogtopia and Manburg v Pogtopia

Pogtopia was the ravine that served as a base for Tommy and Wilbur after the election. This is when techno (my fuckin beloved) had joined and sided with Tommy and Wilbur with the promise of chaos and war. With techno on their side, they start to build up and prepare for war. The war between Pogtopia (with the old residents of Manburg) and Manburg (pretty much everyone else on the server). The war ended with Schlatt having a heart attack in the remains of the destroyed drug van, Tubbo becoming president of Manburg, followed by Wilbur blowing up the country, with assistance from techno, and his grand death at the hands of his father.

Exile

Tommy was sent into his third exile by Tubbo after Tommy once again was causing problems for Tubbo and the new L ’Manburg. Tommy was sent thousand and thousands of blocks away from the greater SMP and he was not allowed to return unless he wanted to die. After spending months in exile with Dream coming by every day and taking Tommy’s things, and tommy almost taking his last canon life, tommy had escaped exile and went to the closest place he could go. Tommy set up a base under Technoblades retirement home and was soon discovered by Techno. Despite Tommy stealing Techno’s items and just being a annoying ass bitch, Techno let Tommy stay. With the help of techno tommy was able to sneak in and out of L’ Manburg.

Final L’ Manburg War

After a confrontation in the remains of a now destroyed community house, Tommy had sided with Tommy, another declaration of war, with Dream and techno going to blow up L’ Manburg. Tommy planed with the other members to gather resources to face off the most powerful people on the server. In the end L’ Manburg lost and was destroyed with nothing left but a sizable crater in its place.

The end of the disc war and drams imprisonment

The end of season two of the SMP was the end of the disc war, after tommy and Tubbo meet up with Dream at the top of a large mountain, where the three fought to get the discs. Dream eventually leads the two brits to a bunker where Dream had been collecting the attachments on the server, like Tommy’s cow henry, Ghostbur’s sheep Friend, and open slots for other pets and Skeppy. While Dream was going to kill Tubbo he was stopped when the entirety of the SMP, lead by Punz, came through the nether portal that led into Dream’s base. They surrounded Dream and caused him to surrender, and landed him in pandoras vault, a large prison built by Sam under Dreams request. Whist Dream has been in prison Tommy has visited a few times and has done nothing but was nothing but an annoying child to an already suffering man. During what was supposed to be Tommy’s last visit he ended up being locked in the cell with Dream due to a potential security breach in the prison, meaning tommy was stuck with Dream for what was only supposed to be a week. Tommy was stuck with Dream for more than a week, like was stated in the terms and conditions of the prison, this extended time alone with Dream was bad for the both of them and it led to tommy losing his last canon life. Tommy was revived by Dream three days later and was freed from the prison shortly after, now out and full of fresh trauma.

Present events

After being revived and released back into the world tommy swore that he would kill Dream. As of tommy’s most recent lore stream there was an attempt. Tommy armed with invisibility and fire res pots, under the cover of Ghostbur paying Dream a visit, snuck into the prison to kill Dream. When tommy finally go to Dream’s cell, he got to trigger happy and took out the axe to soon which ended in tommy being caught by Sam and left Ghostbur stranded with Dream on the other side of the lava. Now that Dream had Ghostbur he would be able to bring Wilbur back and that exactly was happened, Wilbur is now back and as crazed as ever with 13 and a half years of isolation on top of that.

Tommy and His Trauma

I will not ignore Tommy’s trauma, nor will I downplay what he’s been through, cause truly been through a lot. That being said his trauma should not be used as an excuse to blow off what he’s done, if one is going to do that you better danm well not go around and ignore others trauma. Tommy has been through some horrible things, his exile, Dream’s manipulation, being beat to death in prison then being revived, losing not only a brother figure but also a place he called home, as well as the manipulation from Wilbur, these things can really do some damage to a kid or an adult. Tommy though uses his trauma to excuse any wrong thing he does. There are characters on the SMP with similar trauma, Jack Manifold was the first character to come lose all his canon lives but he came back out of spite, both Tommy and Jack went through something similar. Jack, however, doesn’t use this trauma to make excuses for being a massive prick. Jack uses what he’s been through as motivation, while it’s one of his motivations to do something bad, but he doesn’t use it as a hindrance. Now let’s look at someone has experienced the same things as Tommy, Tubbo, Tubbo went through almost everything Tommy went through plus more. Tubbo was manipulated by Dream, saw his country get blown up TWICE, hell he had to mourn the death of his best friend on TWO SEPREATE OCCASIONS, he was killed by someone he thought he could be trusted, was manipulated as well as verbally abused by Schlatt when working in his cabinet. Tubbo has gone on to build his own little town, start a family, he had run a country pretty danm well and created NUKES. Tubbo doesn’t let what happened to him hold him back from doing great things or keep him stuck in his old ways, Tubbo was able to break from what he originally was, a side kick, and has done wonders.

Tommy and His Relationships

Keep in mind this is not about whether Tommy cares about people it’s about how he acts and how that affects others. Tommy cares people so I cannot shame him for that, but despite that he still causes problems for said people.

Tommy and Dream

Tommy and Dream have never gotten along, anyone with fuckin eyes can see that from a mile away, they are always at each other’s throats and always butting heads. Dream is normally pretty levelheaded, until Tommy comes around. When Tommy was trapped in the cell with dream that was bad from the start, but the extended time was even worse. Tommy has always been an aggressor towards Dream, during the war for L ’Manburg when Dream was meeting with Wilbur, Tommy lashed out at Dream and put the independence of this new nation on the line to try and fight Dream. Now on to more recent examples, Tommy’s death. When Tommy was trapped with Dream in the cell Dream was pretty stand offish, if anything he was excited at first, being stuck in a cell with no one to talk to is pretty fuckin lonely. That excitement was sure to be short lived. Tommy is quick to start antagonizing Dream, hitting him, hurling insults at him, and just being all around unpleasant, Tommy would also take things like Dream’s clock and books and throw them into the lava just to upset him. Tommy also killed the one thing in prison that Dream had, a cat that he named hope, another thing Tommy took away just to show “what happens to things you care about”. All these things would build up over time which lead to Dreams burst of anger and caused Tommy’s death.

Tommy and Technoblade

Time to get absolutely PISSED. Techno was never a person to Tommy, he was just the Blade, a weapon to be used till he was not needed. Ever since Techno first logged on Tommy though he had scary dog privileges, getting mad at techno for when he went and assisted Wilbur in the destruction of L ’Manburg when techno had made it clear he was not a fan of government. After Tommy had fled from his exile he went to hide under Techno’s home without Techno’s knowledge, before he was discovered by Techno, he would steal from him and use them in useless ways, such as decorating his hidey hole with gold blocks or how he stole Techno’s gapples and ate them when he didn’t need to, practically wasting them. Once he was found by Techno, Techno let Tommy live with him despite being a leach, he let tommy eat the gapples, and even assisted in getting tommy in and out of L ’Manburg, he even hid Tommy from dream and lied to one of the most powerful people on the server to keep tommy safe. Techno was very patient with Tommy and what does Tommy do? He goes around and goes back to Tubbo, the man who exiled him in the first place, actively backstabbing Techno, and when him and Dream team up and destroy L ’Manburg for the second time he has THE GULL to get mad and shame Techno for it, it’s fucking awful.

Tommy and Tubbo

Tommy and Tubbo are great friends, I can’t lie about that, but he still manages to make shitty decisions that affect him. When Tubbo was president of the New L ’Manburg Tommy started causing trouble, all starting when he (and Ranboo) burned down George’s house, forcing Tubbo to put his vice president under a probation. Even after being put under the probation, he still caused problems. Tommy made Tubbo choose between the safety and freedom for his country or his best friend staying, in the end it was tommy’s fault for being casted into exile, he just wouldn’t behave and follow the rules. He also constantly pushed Tubbo’s trauma to the side to put a spotlight on his own, making him the center of attention, ignoring someone who’s supposed to be his best friend. Now, I will say, he did do something good for Tubbo, during the final disc confrontation he gave Dream the disc’s they were fighting so hard for in return for Tubbo’s safety, I have to give credit when credit is due.

To The C!Tommy Apologists

I know people are going to come after me for this, to any Tommy apologists reading this, please just can it /nm. In canon tommy is about 20 something? You can’t keep using “Oh HeS a ChILd!’ CC!Tommy is a child. Yes, I understand he’s traumatized, so is every other character on the SMP, he isn’t special. Also, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LEAVE US DREAM APOLOGISTS ALONE. All your arguments are so similar and you all thing dream, who is obviously mentally ill, deserves the everyday beating which is incredibly fucked up. Now I know not ALL Tommy apologists are like this but it is a lot of them, regardless of what dream did, he does not deserve to be rarely fed and he does not deserve the constant torture. Also please stop wit the whole ‘dream is obsessed with tommy’ shit, I can’t remember the tag for it at the time of writing this, but it is the creepiest thing I’ve seen and everyone portrays dream to be some yandere stalker and its just not poggers to be honest, and it comes off as very predatory which is ALSO not poggers. To any tommy apologists friends I know IRL this is not directed at you and just know I love y’all.