#to be fair? I think Genesis would love him for it. he's like that.

[derpylittlenico]

maybe it's the brainrot...idk, but?

all I want out of a CC era fic is for sassy Trooper Cloud to meet Gen, and for his immediate reaction to the redhead quoting Loveless to be like...

"...My ma could recite that back 'n forth in old Nibel while half gone on whiskey. In case I'm supposed to, ya know, be impressed that you can read out of a book. Sir."

Zack, is, of course, at risk of dying because he won't stop laughing (but mostly bc he's within strangling distance to Genesis).

...meanwhile

Genesis: who is this small, bitchy infant talking back to me?

Genesis: Nvm, I don't actually care, I've decided to adopt him, regardless.

[salmalin]

My sincerest apologies and warmest welcome to my rant about FF7: Crisis Core. Or, as I like to call it,

Propaganda: The Video Game

I say this with the utmost affection. Crisis Core ranks really high up there in my favorite Final Fantasy 7 installments. I played it when it first came out, borrowing it from a friend to play on a borrowed PSP. And, the more I learn about the game and the more I replay it, the more everything lines up.

This game is not about Zack Fair.

This game is about how Capitalistic Propaganda can sink into every aspect of life to the point where it is entirely indistinguishable from reality. And it’s very overt about it. So…

Here we go.

My treatise on Propaganda’s starring role in Crisis Core.

Part One: The Timeline

Something that a lot of people gloss over due to decades of Child Heroes in media—Japanese Shonen and Shoujo series in particular—is how young these protagonists are. We’ll hand-wave a lot of stuff in non-live-action series with just a little bit of suspension of disbelief. And that’s honestly just accepted these days. But here’s the thing about those hand-waves.

Final Fantasy 7 doesn’t do that.

Now, FF7 hand-waves a lot of stuff. For example, how far you can travel in a day by foot, the distance a man weighing approximately 165lbs can jump after being genetically fused with what might as well be a cocaine demon (Jenova), and how much hairspray one can reasonably carry on a cross-country journey while on the run from the feds.

Age is not one of them.

Exhibit A: Yuffie Kisaragi.

Do I really need to say more? She acts her age. So does Zack. And Aerith, even. Most of the characters in the original lineup were over twenty for a good reason. We see several kids in the series, and they all act their age, too—both the OG and the remake. Age is not a thing that FF7 really grapples with. It’s something they take relatively seriously.

Now, to the point.

Zack is 16 when Crisis Core starts…

… and he was 13 when he ran away from home without his parents’ knowledge to join the military.

Which accepted him.

At 13.

Without a parental permission slip.

Think about that for a second.

… Or for the next several parts of this breakdown.

Part Two: The Main Character

As I mentioned in the introduction, Zack is not the main character of the events of Crisis Core. Instead, he is the focal point of the second person POV. This is not the first time Square has done this. It was done most notably with FF9, FF10, and FF12. (I’m not going to go on an Akira Kurosawa rant right now, but please check out his film “The Hidden Fortress”. FF12 and Star Wars episodes 4-6 borrow heavily from this film.) The purpose and position of this character is such that they might best witness the effects the other characters make on the world as their stories unfold, usually in the role of a love interest. For Akira Kurosawa, it may have been told this way because these people are most effected by the decisions being made.

“Well, then, Sal,” you may be asking, “who would you say is the main character? Would that be Aerith, since she’s the love interest, like in the other games?”

No, actually.

It’s the antagonist.

And by that, I mean Genesis.

Hear me out. I used to hate Genesis, for I was once young, full of judgement for flamboyancy (thanks, internalized homophobia), and was led by the narrative to believe he was mean to his friends. Then I met my Lovely beta who loved him, so I wrote a fic for her as a gift. So for that I kinda just… read stuff. Because that’s the thing about Propaganda—you gotta read stuff to navigate it. I read the in-game emails. I re-watched all the scenes I could get my hands on with him. I read his wiki and tried to track down more information about him. Then I watched the scenes in Japanese and gained a better understanding of not just Genesis, but Sephiroth’s character. And I realized that Genesis was put on this road from the start. In fact, a big part of the fact that he’s seen the way he is in Canon—only at his most hostile and lowest points—is because the story is told through Zack’s point of view.

So before we get into the breakdown, here’s the hard facts about Genesis.

1. He was a test tube baby who may or may not technically be Angeal’s fraternal twin brother, which we are not going to unpack right now.

2. He was adopted by a relatively rich family.

3. He was a child genius (which requires not only resources, but drive to achieve), and at a tender young age of like… ten or something? He decided to mess around and literally invented pasteurization. Which is incredible, and really speaks to his knowledge of the world and ability to grasp complex concepts even at a young age. But, again, this is not the time or place to unpack that.

4. He was best friends with Angeal, who might as well have been the sweetest, kindest boy to ever walk the Planet. (I’m biased. I love him.)

5. As a teenager, he became fixated on Sephiroth, who had gained national acclaim as a SOLDIER despite them being the same age. (Please see part 1 and think about that for a second.) He then goes to join SOLDIER and brings Angeal with him. And Angeal brings his step-father’s puritanical “hard work is honorable” mindset with him. (On that note, Angeal and his father’s arc really are a wonderfully scathing letter to companies that overwork their employees and how toxic/unhealthy that line of thinking is. But. Again. We are not unpacking that right now.)

6. At one point he became consumed with LOVELESS, a series of poems with heavy prose and symbolism thicker than syrup. It got to the point where he was so well known for it that there was an entire fanclub dedicated to both him and analyzing the text.

7. While he was in SOLDIER, he repeatedly had his achievements publicly accredited… to Sephiroth.

Over and over and over again.

Everyone did, really. They mention it in the beginning of the game. Sephiroth even got public credit for Zack’s raid on the castle when he wasn’t even there. How much of his legacy is real? How much of it is made up? How much of it was faked? We don’t know. No one knows. But he keeps getting credit, anyways. And when Genesis confronts him about it, Sephiroth doesn’t care. In the Japanese version of their fight scene, you could even say he indirectly implies that he wants Genesis to take his place as the “hero”. In the English, Sephiroth’s line is, “Come and try.” But in the Japanese the line is closer to, “Wouldn’t that be nice?” Which, depending on how you take his tone, can mean wildly different things—from mocking, to earnest, or even admiration—which is especially to tell because he might be annoyed with Genesis at the moment.

Fun Fact: In Ever Crisis, Sephiroth explicitly says they are making up his achievements in the press to target boys his age for recruitment. (Thus why they accepted Zack at age 13.)

My theory on this line is that he is being cynical; that Genesis doesn't understand just how harrowing and even humiliating his experience has been. This only enforces my theory that the "come and try" translation in the English not only does a disservice to a line as wonderfully heavy as, "Wouldn't that be nice?", but fundamentally misunderstands Sephiroth as a character.

8. Genesis then took the fight to Shin-Ra. Inspiring a good chunk of their staff to leave the company, he then staged multiple attacks on facilities, staff, and the main building—which also spilled out into the city of Midgar. He murdered his parents, buried them, killed everyone in town, and… Yeah. It wasn’t pretty. A lot of innocent people died simply because they were vaguely associated with Shin-Ra. These are the actions of a villain. What’s more, this is clearly a sign that he has been acclimatized to death and violence by Shin-Ra to the point where he doesn’t even consider taking hostages.

Except.

Except the entire town was a Shin-Ra town.

Banora, canonically, was a Shin-Ra built town, which means everyone there was basically an employee of the company. No one was safe. Everyone was a threat. And that…

That was how he was raised. And he finally knew the truth—that every moment of his life was touched, controlled by Shin-Ra, all the way down to his very conception. He has never known freedom. He has never known his own identity. And now that very cage was killing him, slowly and painfully, and turning him into something that couldn’t even be recognized as human. He was watching himself rot in the mirror, and it was all because of Shin-Ra’s greed. And as he searched for salvation, he sunk into LOVELESS as he always had, hinging his entire life on Minerva’s Gift because he knew he was dying and that was all he had.

9. And then he died…

10. … but then it turned out LOVELESS was actually kind of a blueprint, and he did meet the Goddess, and he did get reborn without his degradation so he was rewarded for his journey in the end.

So why wasn’t Genesis the main character of the game?

Simple.

His actions challenge the status quo without being about the status quo. It’s a story about revenge. It’s a story about retribution. It’s a story about answering mass violence with mass violence and ultimately being rewarded by it. And while, yes, the series is an action-based violence simulator, the violence in the original FF7 was a guided, tactical effort. (For all that the characters aren’t the brightest bulbs in the sun lamps.) But the biggest, most obvious shift in the narrative happened when they realized their role as terrorists—bringing mass violence to the company via bombing and open aggression—was just resulting in increasing levels of retaliation against uninvolved people. They might as well have been a child beating the ankles of a giant. The goals and themes of the game fundamentally change when they realize that answering mass-scale societal violence with mass-scale physical violence was not only unsustainable, but also wasn’t going to solve their problem.

FF7 is about change and learning when violence—and what kind of violence—is appropriate in the face of different threats.

Genesis’ arc undermines all of that, and making him the main character would contradict the very heart of the OG game.

So, instead, we are positioned as Zack, connected to him through a mutual friend. From there we see all the damage and horror this vengeance brings to those living under the status quo.

But also, that plotline’s a major downer in a lot of ways, so they needed to lighten things up a bit to keep audience involved. And that’s why Zack is, well…

Part Three: Zack is a Himbo

Please, for the love of all that is holy, keep in mind that everything I say here is with the utmost affection.

Zack is dumb as a rock.

He is a charismatic, enthusiastic sixteen year old jock who ran away from home at thirteen years old to join the military. Which, please know, why I say “military” I mean “private security guard force with a standard-issue Death Baton and a license to kill”. The first scene in the game is him being excited that he gets to murder a bunch of people in a simulation, which he is immediately scolded for by his mentor. He is a glorified, souped up private security guard who is canonically only in it for the glory at first. He wants to be a “hero”, but doesn’t seem to fundamentally know what that means. And, over the course of the story, the definition of that clearly changes for him.

Which tracks, because the story takes place over a period of time with high stress.

Occasionally I see people saying they wish that Zack had more complexity to him, and honestly? The game. Would be. SO. BAD.

Full Disclosure: I am not the biggest fan of Zack specifically because he lacks a lot of nuance. I wish he was a bit more complex, too. But I also know that would break the game. What’s worse, if he was still on Shin-Ra’s side because he understood Shin-Ra’s mission… Well… That would make him a villain, or a cog at best. That’s not main character material. It would make the ending more messed up, though.

Anywho, Zack was thirteen when he left home. He had no formal education. He didn’t tell anyone what he was doing. He even joined without a permission slip from his parents. This means that Shin-Ra was accepting thirteen, possibly fourteen year olds into the military. (Some people will say this tracks because you can get a job at fourteen in many parts of Japan. But, and this is important, you aren’t allowed to be a security guard until you’re quite a bit older, and you need a specific license for it, much like in the US.) Clearly they didn’t teach this boy critical thinking skills. Not because he’s a himbo, but because having their Super-Powered Private Security Force With A License To Kill think independently would explicitly go against their interests. (EX: Genesis.)

Shin-Ra needs SOLDIERs to follow orders or the company would no longer be able to function. Seconds and Thirds aren’t even allowed to reject missions. (One could argue that sending certain someone on back-to-back missions would be a good way for them to eliminate undesirables within the ranks by sending them to their deaths, which… would make an incredible fic idea, actually.) We already know that First, Second, and Third Class rank assignments do not actually reflect the power of the SOLDIER. This is canon. I would instead argue that those who make the rank of First Class aren’t necessarily the most powerful, but are instead the most visible in the media, thus the easiest to market, and/or the easiest to manipulate and control. (For a great example of this, see The Umbrella Academy.)

The point is, Zack may have been elevated to his position as a first specifically because he is malleable and single-minded. Even after all he saw with Genesis, he stuck by the company to the very end, with the exception of the time Sephiroth was literally guiding him to fail a mission. Zack allowed himself to take Shin-Ra’s side every time, taking down their enemies and following their orders, preserving his “honor as SOLDIER” as he had been taught. The only thing that made him stop…

… was literally getting put in a jar.

It was when he was no longer a SOLDIER.

Part Four: Honor

There is no such thing as SOLDIER Honor.

I repeat: There is no such thing as SOLDIER Honor.

It is a fictional thing that is borne of an ideology based around hard work. It only has power because it is believed in. It is an intangible social construct similar to the law, mathematical order of operations, and gender roles. So why are Angeal and Zack obsessed with it?

Pretty simple.

Angeal’s step-father followed it.

Now, we know three things about Angeal’s step-father.

1. He was chill with the fact that Gillian was already pregnant when they started dating.

2. He was a very good father.

3. He worked himself to death trying to pay off the sword he bought Angeal.

This, of course, says a lot about Angeal considering he rarely uses the sword. He essentially sees that sword as the symbol of his step-father’s life. Everything he uses it for, he sees as more important than his step-father’s life. That thing is usually Zack.

Zack, who is the child who joined the military based on stories of heroes.

Zack, who rises against Angeal in the name of his own step-father’s ideology and tries to talk him down, even at the very end. But Zack fails because he fundamentally doesn’t understand what’s going on, partially because “Soldier Honor” is just one more aspect of this narrative he was given. It is a narrative that Angeal has had to step away from, even though he doesn’t want to leave the memory of his step-father behind. He was a good man. He was a good, hardworking man.

And that is why he died.

Corporations will use you up until there is nothing left, then honor your memory/sacrifice. Shin-Ra was doing the exact same thing the company his step-father worked for did; using up SOLDIERs until they outlived their usefulness. And Angeal was horrified to realize that his “SOLDIER Honor” wasn’t honor at all.

It was willingly submitting to control.

But, unlike Angeal, over time, this meaning changed for Zack. Partially because he didn't understand it fully in the first place. It became about acting with integrity. It became about helping people. It became about not lying down and watching the abuse Shin-Ra handed out in exchange for literal money; for maintaining the status quo.

At the very end, Zack understood what it meant to be a hero.

Part Five: The Conclusion

To sum up, Zack believed in and idolized the propaganda spread by Shin-Ra at such a young age, and was so convinced by it, that he ran away from home at thirteen to join the military.

He was their target demographic, so they happily took him into their ranks. What’s more, people think this is normal enough that we see no one opposing this, because the only people who oppose Shin-Ra are “extremists” or “violent terrorists”.

Zack then became their loyal puppy, groomed to fill his role as super-powered attack dog to sick on anyone they deemed appropriate, and he filled the role. He believed he was doing good. He didn’t think they were invading another country, because that’s not what he was told.

He went after Genesis, because that’s what he was told, and he wouldn’t let Genesis’ actions shake his faith in the company.

Then he went after Angeal, hoping to get answers, only to become more confused. Angeal taught him about SOLDIER honor. He taught him about a higher calling. He was the one who made Zack truly loyal to the company. This challenged everything Zack knew.

He went with Sephiroth, planning a small rebellion of their own (a white lie on paperwork) to get answers, only to find things he wasn’t ready for and couldn’t fully understand.

Zack is shaken by each of these events. Horribly. At times, we even watch him grieve. But time and time again, he doesn’t leave the company. He sees the damage they do first hand, and he doesn’t leave the company. The company isn’t the problem, to him. He reads their emails, does their dirty work, and “maintains his SOLDIER honor”.

Zack swallows what they give him right up until what they give him is torture.

Zack swallows what they give him until he becomes their victim.

Every step of the way, Zack is fed a story of how the world is. He was raised on it. He lived it. He became part of it. He was paid peanuts to enforce the status quo Shin-Ra installed in the world by force, and he was proud of it because it was, to him, something to be proud of.

Zack believes the propaganda whole-sale, and we get to watch, from the point of view of an outsider, as it slowly destroys his life before killing him.

Propaganda has the power to make suffering normal. Propaganda has the power to make murder righteous. Propaganda has the power to take a thirteen year old boy out of his home so they can give him a sword, and when they point him in the direction of their enemies he charges of his own volition, because they made him believe in their cause. And he believes in their cause because he believes that it makes life better for everyone.

But that’s not what’s actually happening.

That’s just what he was told.

Crisis Core is about propaganda, and the depths to which it can affect our lives. It changes our belief systems. It changes our perceptions of reality. And when it’s torn down around our eyes, it can make us go insane. It can make us violent and unreasonable as we realize just how much violence is being forced upon us—violence other people just plain do not see. It's just a a piece of paper. It's just a law. It's just a job.

It's just a war.

Final Fantasy 7 was about Fascism.

Crisis Core is about the propaganda that built it. It is told from the point of view of a boy, then a man, steeped in it. He watches until the people suffering around him—Sephiroth, Genesis, and Angeal—are twisted into villains by the truths and lies around them. Genesis and Angeal are tortured by truths, Sephiroth is transformed by lies, and Zack is subsequently hunted down to conceal them.

Crisis Core is Propaganda: The Video Game.

[silverflqmes]

໒⦂ 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐂𝐒.

synopsis. a compilation of headcanons that showcase the dating experience of the first class SOLDIER boys — along with a certain self proclaimed one..

genre. fluff + crack

ft. sephiroth, cloud strife, zack fair, genesis rhapsodos, angeal hewley

gender neutral! reader.

➫ 𝓢𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ what’s it like dating sephiroth? it’s along the lines of sneaking around to meet at your most favorite spots, learning how to love, delicate touches and kisses, elements of forbidden romance, healing and deep conversations involving lots of reassurance.

⌗ sephiroth isn’t very familiar with physical affection, it’s something he never had the luxury of experiencing all his life.. so he would be a bit awkward with it, confused even, but he’s willing to learn cuz he wants to bond with you more! that and he’s hella touch starved.. although he won’t say🙁

⌗ love language, let’s see.. he also seems like the acts of service kinda guy, but values words of affirmation — whether towards himself or towards you. he doesn’t want his unwarranted popularity to bring you doubt of your own worth, but he also wants to hear he’s enough for you, since he, um, doesn’t view himself in the best light.. sobs.

⌗ the first date.. well, i would think you guys would have been together during the crisis core era cuz like.. after nibelheim.. kinda hard. unless you have jenova cells😭 anyways- the first date! he was not sure on where to take you, given his schedule and just him not um being sure on where to take you.. somehow, though, you ended up at a beautiful library, straight out of a fairytale setting. how he found such a hidden gem in midgar of all places stayed unknown to you, but it was such a lovely outing together<3 he seemed so carefree and at ease ( im sobbing. )

⌗ if anybody dares talk shit about sephiroth or make him feel outcasted, inhuman — whatever they have made him feel — BEAT THEM UP!! although, not actually.. because he won’t let you😐 still, he finds it sweet that despite his power and capability of ending somebody’s career — you won’t hesitate for even a second to stand up for him. likewise, if people dare to hurt you in anyway, it’s on sight.

⌗ ah, the i love you.. he would take a minute to say it because he’s still trying to understand the concept of love and process that you actually feel that way about him. but you wouldn’t say it first — he would. because you want him to say it when he feels it’s right, cuz you don’t wanna pressure him or anything..

⌗ sephiroth became a father of a very, very adorable feline friend that you surprised him with one day to keep him company. he was confused at first — but has grown fond of the cat and it’s his best friend now. they have the same eye color too and the cat has silver fur!!

➫ 𝓒𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗗 𝓢𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗘 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ what’s it like dating cloud? it’s late nights underneath the stars, comforting words and squeezes, a rollercoaster of challenges that you will have to overcome in order to be with one another.. and emotional constipation on his end for sure, but he’s trying his best!

⌗ cloud isn’t exactly the easiest with pda, he gets embarassed easily and doesn’t seem like the type to uh.. want people watching him do something outside of his norm? not really the spotlight loving type despite the wall market arc.. but he is okay with handholding and locking pinkies even too<3

⌗ his love language, hm.. i think it would be acts of service on the giving end, and for the receiving end, i think words of affirmation would suit his wants. he just wants to make sure he’s doing okay for you, every now and again he needs to hear it. otherwise i do see physical affection behind curtains.. he’s not openly expressive on it — has a hard time asking for stuff🥹

⌗ first date, uhh.. i think he would’ve gotten with you by the advent children timeline, just because he wants to do some reflection and y’know get the angst out of his system.. but anyway, the date i think would be a drive on fenrir ( his motorcycle.. ) to the outskirts of edge, somewhere the stars can be seen. it’s simple, nothing complex, just to unwind and enjoy the other’s company.

⌗ cloud tends to get nightmares a lot, i mean, bro has unresolved trauma.. and doesn’t have all his memories back because of that. so i feel he would have developed insomnia or just fears going to sleep. when this happens, i imagine later down the line when you are comfy with each other, be there for him!! company helps, always<3

⌗ for the i love you.. well, i think you’ll probably be the one to say it first — but verbatim. cloud, however, would be the one to say it first.. but without actually saying those three words.

⌗ while cloud has a very idgaf attitude and demeanor, he won’t hesitate to kick ass if someone speaks bad on you or does anything harmful towards you. bro literally used to brawl with kids back in nibelheim😭 if he hears any shit spoken on you or sees you getting pushed around, the buster is coming tf out🫡 or well, i suppose first tsurugi if it’s ac..

➫ 𝓩𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝓕𝗔𝗜𝗥 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ what’s it like dating zack fair? a total fever dream that makes you feel like a school girl in love, surprise attack hugs, being dragged to all sorts of places for dates, phone calls when you are apart and can’t sleep, convenience store trips at super odd hours and avoiding your responsibilities at shinra!

⌗ bro is so about pda, he can’t keep his hands off you!! wants to hug and hold you as much as possible, truly a puppy🥸 in public he likes to hold hands and walks with a skip in his step cuz he’s just so happy to be around you, also likes to wrap an arm around you for close proximity<3 doesn’t shy away from physical touch basically!

⌗ love language.. definitely physical affection, bro is totally the clingy type.. but i also believe he would value it a lot tbh — giving as well as receiving! then there’s acts of service, cuz i think that would also be his thing based on him telling aerith to make a list of her wishes for him.. OH, OH AND QUALITY TIME!! can’t forget that🙃

⌗ the first date was at costa del sol!! cc era too cuz um.. well.. y’know.. zack needed a break away from SOLDIER activities and hitting the beach seemed like a good way to go! catch some rays, chase those waves, maybe some volleyball, bbq and smoothies!! if you think it���s gonna be a relaxing day.. it’s probably gonna be a shit load of different activities.. but don’t worry!! you’ll get the absolute best sleep EVER afterwards. guaranteed!!

⌗ zack is a pretty emotional person, he feels very easily so if you’re hurt or upset, he aches for you. he rlly wants you to be happy, doesn’t want to see your smile taken away, ever. so he does everything in his power to ensure your happiness and if it’s people who have brought you sadness, then oh boy, they have another thing coming..

⌗ he kinda blurts the i love you out first without thinking tbh, it just comes out and he has the widest grin on his face when he says it. he fr doesn’t know what he’s doing to you, no matter how flustered or warm your chest feels, he’s so nonchalant about it😭 like why should he wait when he knows how he feels??

⌗ angeal had to give him a long ass talk about dating, honor, treating you well — you name it, your average angeal lecture🫡 but romance edition.. featuring genesis ( and sephiroth in the background smiling apologetically )

➫ 𝓖𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗦 𝓡𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗗𝗢𝗦 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ what’s it like dating genesis? it’s like being in a fairytale or movie, having poetry recited to you on the daily to further emphasize his love, getting spoiled endlessly, touches that leave you wanting more and ending up with the prince of your dreams.. kinda.

⌗ he is very much about pda! likes to display that you are his, holds you in his arms at any chance he gets, peppers you with slow, yet lingering kisses that leaves you completely touch starved😪 angeal has to scold him sometimes when he takes too long saying goodbye, especially if they have to go on missions..

⌗ love language would be a mixture between gift giving and physical affection, but i could also see him wanting words of affirmation. i mean he feels like he’s the failed attempt at being sephiroth, believes that the top hero spot should be his and all.. but otherwise, giving gifts to you would definitely be smtn he’d wanna do, especially if his missions are outside of midgar.

⌗ ah, the first date.. well, once again your best chance at being with him would have to have been during the cc timeline cuz bro dips.. but anyway!! the date.. well, strap yourself in cuz you’re going to a living showing of genesis’ favorite, loveless. yes, yes he takes you to a play. how can he not? it’s his favorite work of literature, and he wants to share that love with you too!! he’ll dress you up fancy beforehand, bought you a whole outfit😵‍💫

⌗ circling back to the reassurance thing.. despite his arrogance, he feels like he’s not good enough a lot. feels like a failed project in a sense, and views himself as less because of his degradation — it’s just a slow burn for him. but a little bit of affirmation on your end and the promise of wanting him for him helps a lot<3

⌗ who said i love you first.. hm, he seems like the type to say it without actually saying those specific words. i think he would have said it several times via poetry before you fully register that this man fr said he loved you. awkward on your end. but when the pieces finally clicked together, butterflies swarmed your stomach hella but you adored every minute of it🫶

⌗ he shows off his relationship with you at any chance he gets to sephiroth and zack, angeal kinda but not really.. but he’s just super proud to have you as his and makes sure that it’s known among his colleagues at shinra😭 clown behavior fr but you love it anyway, it’s always nice to feel wanted — even if your man is flashy about it..

➫ 𝓐𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝓗𝗘𝗪𝗟𝗘𝗬 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ what’s it like dating angeal? being treated with lots of care and gentleness, bit of a mom for a boyfriend at times cuz he wants to make sure you’re taken care of, cradling your face in his hands like you’re his everything and saving you no matter the odds, like a guardian angel.

⌗ pda won’t um.. be so much, bro is very respectful of space and has to be proper or whatever because of honor!! that and he kinda has an image to upkeep, especially with zack around — gotta show the right example of having a significant other! but when you’re alone, he likes to hold you close and just enjoy your presence tbh

⌗ the love language.. let me see, i think he would be a mixture between acts of service and quality time. he enjoys being with you and any company he can get when he isn’t called on missions or babysitting training zack. when he can’t be present, he does things for you to express his love — genesis urges him to!!

⌗ okay let’s see.. the first date, well — again, cc timeline here too since he also, um, leaves.. ANYWAY. where was the location of the first date, you might ask, well.. the museum tbh! i think he would enjoy the calmness of it and just looking at different works of art.. except his most favorite work would fr distract him from any other scenes — that being you. so plan failed on his end, but you had enjoyed yourself lots, and that made him happy to witness🫶

⌗ the amount of panic he would feel if he saw you hurt, like bro is meant to protect you — he promised that he would.. so angeal would feel like he failed you in a sense for not being there to prevent your pain, but you remind him that he’s there now and that you feel safe again, grounded in spite of the hurt you earlier felt.

⌗ i think the first i love you would come from you cuz he just.. wouldn’t know the right time or chance to say it LMAO so you end up saying it which brings this look of shock to his face, but then a warm smile would stretch across his lips, knowing you felt the same as he did<3

⌗ can’t sleep? he’s got plenty of stories to tell about his childhood and some silly events during his missions. it feels foreign to hear this lighthearted, less mature side to him, but it’s also a breath of fresh air and makes you feel special that he allows you to see this more relaxed side to him that isn’t a stoic overly responsible SOLDIER🗣️

notes. whew oh boy uhh second time writing ffvii, i hope it turned out okay :’) i kinda wrote these out of order so some might seem longer or shorter but i hope you guys enjoy!! ik it’s different from the fandoms i write for, but welp this is where my brain has been🫡

↳ return to main masterlist . request rules . send an ask

[rottenpumpkin13]

I keep thinking about what would happen if the firsts+Turks had to take care of children/babies they had to rescue from a village while they wait on their parents to get them. I feel like it would be a nice mix of pure chaos and wholesomeness.

➜ Genesis gathers the kids around for storytime (don't ask him how he had a children's book readily available on hand), doing exaggerated tones, dramatic gestures, and silly voices that make the kids hang on to his every word. Hearing them beg for "just one more story" makes him feel all warm and gooey inside and he's definitely holding back tears. He also plays dolls with the little girls and teaches them a few swear words because he comes up with telenovela scenarios that are not fit for children but shh focus on the good (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

➜ Zack is like a giant kid himself, so he has no qualms about playing pretend (and taking it seriously, okay? the man will scream his head off if a kid says there's a dragon in front of him and will fight the air). The kids adore him because his energy is contagious. Definitely the most popular with the kiddos but shh don't tell Angeal. But Zack also encourages the kids to climb trees and play in the mud so perhaps he's not the best influence…

➜ Reno, surprisingly, turns out to be a natural with the kids. He’s quick to organize a makeshift sports team with Rude, splitting the children into teams and coaching them through impromptu games…He did pull a whistle out of nowhere and refers to the kids as "snot noses" but he's surprisingly patient as he explains the rules and makes sure everyone is playing fair…until one boy questions his authority and Rude has to hold him back from fighting a child.

➜ Sephiroth is visibly uncomfortable in the presence of so many tiny, inquisitive humans. He tries his best though, answering their endless questions with serious consideration, as if he's in briefing—he refers to the kids as 'sir' and 'ma'am' and they love that he treats them like tiny adults. And then the children start playing with sticks as makeshift swords. He steps in, adjusting their forms and offering practical tips while sharing stories of how he made good use of sticks as weapons when he was a boy…..Ignoring the fact that Sephiroth taught a bunch of kids how to wield stakes, he somehow ends up in a braid train with some older girls. Eventually one child falls asleep in his arms and he refuses to move a muscle. He feels fully responsible for this child now.

➜ Tseng is initially stiff and uncomfortable around the children, but then he encounters a little girl with wide green eyes and a brown hair who reminds him so much of Aerith at that age. He crumbles immediately. Tseng is now playing with dolls and enduring the pang of guilt, remembering how innocent Aerith was, and how much she’s endured since. He pushes the feeling down, focusing on making the little girl laugh, determined to protect her if only for a little while.

➜ Angeal and Cissnei are dealing with the aftermath of Sephiroth teaching the kids how to successfully use sticks to attack each other, and are actively running around confiscating the sticks.

*Zack sees Cissnei taking away a stick from a child* Zack: Aww, what are you? The fun police?? *Angeal is wrestling a stick out of a child's hands in the background—he's losing* Cissnei: Do you have any idea how dangerous this is? Someone could get seriously hurt! *Angeal is thwacked in the face with the stick* Zack: Don't be silly! Sticks are great toys for kids! *The child hits Angeal in the shins. He falls down* Cissnei: ….Hm…I guess you're right. Do you want to come help me gather more so we can assemble an army? Zack: Do I! *More children have appeared with sticks to gang up on Angeal. Sephiroth will pay for this dearly*

[ajalholland]

Sephiroth x wife reader

(A little suggestive but not anything too bad)

Sighing heavily, Sephiroth shifts uncomfortably in his chair at the long, drawn-out SOLDIER meeting. He glances at the clock again for what feels like the hundredth time today. It shouldn't take this long to go over training schedules and mission reports...or should it?

Just barely managing to stifle yet another yawn, Sephiroth discreetly allows his gaze to drift across the room to where one of his fellow SOLDIERs, Genesis, sits slouched back in his seat, chin tucked down against the collar of his uniform shirt - definitely seeming more than just a little bored by the proceedings.

Meanwhile, (Y/n) was lounging on the couch at their apartment, scrolling through her phone. She occasionally glanced at the clock, knowing that Sephiroth, her husband, was likely stuck in a meeting. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him, knowing how much he hates these types of things.

She decided to send him a quick text: Hey handsome, just thinking of you. Hope the meeting isn't too dull :)

Just as Sephiroth's eyes were starting to glaze over from boredom, he felt a vibration in his pocket. Fishing out his phone, he unlocks it to find a message from (Y/n). Reading it has him visibly perking up ever so slightly, a corner of his mouth turning up in a subtle smile. Silently grateful for the distraction, Sephiroth quickly taps out a response.

Ugh, these meetings are always so damn boring. Wish you were here to make things more interesting, sweetheart.

(Y/n) can't help but grin as she reads Sephiroth's response. She's glad to distract him from the tedium of the meeting, even if just for a moment.

Oh, I bet I could make things very interesting if I were there. Maybe a little game of footsies under the table to keep things spicy?

She replies with a smirk, knowing that it would likely frustrate Sephiroth in the best way possible.

Sephiroth almost chokes on the water he'd been sipping, quickly covering it up with a cough. He quickly glances around to make sure nobody noticed his momentary sputtering before responding.

Now that's just playing dirty, sweetheart. You know I can't resist your little games.

He glances down at the table, silently considering just how uncomfortable it would make him if she did try something naughty like that.

(Y/n) smirks as she reads Sephiroth's response, already imagining his reaction. She can just picturing the subtle flush on his cheeks, the way his eyes narrow ever so slightly, the twitch of his lip as he tries to keep his cool.

Mmm, but where's the fun in playing fair? And I think you'd find your self-control being tested in all sorts of fun ways if I were there. Maybe a strategically placed hand on your thigh? Or a whisper in your ear when no one's looking.

Sephiroth clenches his jaw tightly, silently cursing her for knowing exactly how to get to him. Even through text she has him so easily flustered and flustered is exactly how he does not need to be right now.

He glances around the room again, making sure there's still not a single person looking in his direction before replying.

You're a menace, you know that? I swear you're trying to get me all hot and bothered on purpose just to mess with me. It's working, by the way. So keep it up, sweetheart. I dare you.

(Y/n) can't help but laugh out loud at his response, imagining the frustrated pout on his face.

Mmm, maybe I am. Maybe I just love the way you get all flustered and frustrated when I tease you like this. It's just too damn cute. And you know I love a good challenge.

She smirked to herself, already planning how else she can make his life difficult from the safety of their apartment, miles away from the droning meeting.

Sephiroth can almost feel his resolve slipping further and further with each of her responses. He can practically picture that self-satisfied smirk on her face, like the cat who's caught the fish. It's infuriating and a total turn-on all in one.

He lets out a low, exasperated huff before replying. *You're going to be the death of me, you know that?*

Just then, Angeal, his other fellow SOLDIER, glances his way and raises an eyebrow curiously. "You okay over there, Sephiroth?"

Sephiroth quickly shakes his head, silently cursing himself for allowing his frustration to show. "Fine," he responds a little too quickly, clearing his throat before continuing. "Just... a bit tired and frustrated, that's all."

Angeal just hums thoughtfully, his gaze lingering for a few moments longer before returning to the meeting speaker. Sephiroth lets out a quiet sigh of relief, silently praying the rest of this damn meeting goes by quickly.

(Y/n) grins mischievously as she reads his response, loving the effect she's having on him. She can just picture him slouched in his chair, trying to keep a cool exterior while his mind races.

Oh but what a sweet, sweet death it would be, baby. And it's not my fault you make it so easy for me to tease you. You're just too damn cute when you're all flustered. Maybe I should up the ante a little..

Sephiroth grits his teeth, mentally cursing her and her effect on him. He can feel his cheeks growing warmer by the second, the thought of what she could be doing to him if she were here in person making his imagination run wild. He quickly types out his response.

Don't you dare. I have to stay focused on this damn meeting, babe. Don't distract me.

(Y/n) can practically hear the desperation in his voice as she reads his response. She can imagine the way he's probably shifting uncomfortably in his seat, trying to keep his composure. And it's all too easy to get him worked up like this.

Tsk tsk, aren't you supposed to be the model SOLDIER, all cool and in control? I'm just having a little fun with you, dear. Can't blame me for wanting to make this boring meeting a little more exciting.

(Y/n) can't help but laugh out loud again, her smirk growing wider. She's enjoying this little game they're playing way too much.

Oh, come on, baby. Don't tell me you're struggling to focus just because of a few naughty texts? I bet I could make it so much harder for you if I really tried. In fact, I might just have an idea...

Suddenly, Sephiroth's phone vibrates in his hand. He quickly glances down at the screen, silently praying it's not going to be anything too scandalous.

But then he sees exactly what she sent and his mind goes blank. All the blood in his body rushes straight to his face, turning his cheeks a deep shade of scarlet.

Sephiroth stands up a little too quickly, the scraping of his chair against the floor startling a few of the other SOLDIERs in the room. "Uh, Sephiroth, is everything okay?" Angeal asks with a puzzled look on his face.

Sephiroth clears his throat before responding. "Y-Yeah, I have an emergency. Uh goodbye." he mutters, his voice sounding strangled. He can feel Genesis's gaze boring into him, the other SOLDIER silently raising an eyebrow in suspicion. Sephiroth quickly turns and strides out of the room, phone still clutched in his hand.

Finally, he reaches their apartment complex and takes the stairs two at a time. He reaches her floor in what feels like record time, knocking on their door, too lost to just pull out his keys, with an urgency that borders on desperation.

(Y/n), who had been lounging on the couch waiting for his arrival, jumps up at the sound of the knock and hurries to the door. She can already feel a rush of excitement and anticipation, knowing that he must be riled up from their little game during the meeting.

She opens the door, a sly grin on her face as she sees him standing there. "Well, well, well. Look who's here, all puffed up and frustrated. Did I tease you a little too much, baby?"

Sephiroth practically growls as he barges into the apartment, shutting the door forcefully behind him. His entire body is taut and tense, his breathing labored from both his run here and the mounting frustration. His eyes darken as they land on her, the sight of her smug, satisfied expression only further fueling his irritation.

"You have no idea," he manages to mutter through clenched teeth, stalking towards her with a mix of frustration and desire.

(Y/n) quickly backs away from him as he approaches, her smirk faltering slightly as she realizes just how worked up he really is. Her mind races for a way to diffuse the situation, but his intense gaze and the raw frustration pouring off of him make her falter. For once, she realizes she may have gone a little too far.

"Alright, alright, maybe I took it a little far. I didn't really mean to get you *that* flustered, dear. Just thought it would be a bit of fun, you know?"

Sephiroth closes the distance between them, trapping her against the wall with one arm on either side of her head. He leans in close, his breath hot against her ear as he speaks, voice low and gravelly.

"A little fun, huh? Is that what you call making me practically lose my mind back at that meeting? I almost ruined my reputation because of you, sweetheart."

(Y/n) can feel her heart racing as he pins her against the wall, his voice sending a shiver down her spine. She swallows hard, trying to regain some semblance of control.

"Okay, okay, I admit it. Maybe I went a little overboard with the flirting. I didn't mean to make you lose your cool like that...though I can't say I didn't enjoy watching you squirm a bit," she admits, trying to soften the blow with a sheepish smile.

Sephiroth's eyes narrow, his body still pressed against hers against the wall. He's trying to keep his frustration in check but it's difficult given the state she's left him in.

"You think it's funny, do you? Sending me naughty texts? It's a wonder I didn't lose it in front of Angeal, too. I was already having a hard enough time when I got your last text. You want a baby, uh?"

(Y/n)'s cheeks flush a deep red as she realizes the true extent of what she's done. She had thought it would be just a bit of harmless fun, but now she sees the effect it's had on him.

"I... I didn't mean to make it so difficult for you, honey. Really, I didn't. I just thought it would be a bit of fun, but I guess I got carried away," she admits, her voice quiet.

She can feel the tension in the air between them, the mixture of his frustration and desire palpable.

Sephiroth takes a deep breath, forcing himself to regain some control. Even in his frustrated state, he can see the contrition on her face and his irritation softens.

"You really are a menace, you know that? You make it impossible to think straight, especially when we're miles apart."

He leans in closer, breath ghosting over her ear as he speaks.

"But I'm here now, and I think it's time you take responsibility for getting me all riled up like this."

(Y/n) can feel her pulse quicken at his words, his hot breath against her ear making her shiver. She knows she's in for it now, that Sephiroth is going to take his frustration out on her in the best way possible.

"Yeah? And how do you plan to do that, dear?" she manages to reply, her voice a little breathless.

Sephiroth grins, a dark, almost predatory look in his eyes. "Oh, I have a few ideas."

He leans in closer, his body pressing even tighter against hers, trapping her against the wall. His hands slide down to her hips, holding her in place.

"You're getting pregnant tonight," he murmurs, his lips brushing against her ear.

(Y/n)'s heart nearly skips a beat at the possessive tone in his voice, the way his hands grip her hips tightly. She can feel the heat radiating off of him, the tension between them building to a near boiling point.

"Okay" she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

 End

[foone]

So if Threshold happens to different Trek crews, who gets who pregnant? Voyager is one of the few shows where it makes heterosexual sense, (for lack of a better word, "sense" not being the word anyone would use to describe threshold)

So for Voyager, it being Paris (pilot) and Janeway (captain) makes sense through that lens. Paris, sure, because he is a pilot. We could pick a Science Guy to do it, but then it might be B'Elanna who does the flying fast, and then who is she going to kidnap for Lizard Sex? Harry? ... Yeah it'd be Harry. Anyway once you've picked Paris, you've got to figure out which woman is funniest to have him abduct into Lizardry. B'Elanna? No, not funny enough. She'd be a Klingon lizard and beat him up instead of mating, even if they did get married later. Besides, what if she evolves into a super-advanced Klingon, not a lizard? *claps* PUT TUVOK ON THE SHUTTLE. Kes? No, they already did a Tom v Neelix episode. Seven of Nine isn't on the show yet, so Janeway it is.

Ok so for other shows, we gotta pick a pilot or science guy (who might be screwing around with transwarp, and thus get Lizarded) and someone they could turn into a lizard to have babies with. The show is assuming heterosexual pairings here, but we know about things so we are not so limited.

The original series: as much as I'd love to say Sulu and Uhura ("I'll save you, fair maiden!" "sorry, neither"), I think TOS was much less of an ensemble than later Treks, so it'd need to be Spock. Spock is doing some science stuff, he gets hyper-evolved, and he picks someone else to hyper-evolve and turn into his lizard bride. As much as I want to say "Kirk", I think it's more likely that he runs off with Uhura and then Kirk has to rescue them. Kirk was always about being the one who rescues people, having the Enterprise come rescue Lizard!Spock (is that antisemitic?) and Lizard!Kirk and it's called commanded by McCoy? Nah.

TNG: the direct analogy to VOY would mean we have Wesley and... Picard? No, no, and no. Sorry. Frankly, we already had this plot on TNG (Genesis), and canonically the answer is Worf and Troi. The problem with it being a pilot thing is that Wesley is a child and Data (the official science guy) is an android, so he can't really be hyper-evolving. We could go with Geordi, the other Science Guy, but then we've got the image of a black man kidnapping a white woman. Uhhhh no. We already did that episode and it is an example of Deep Shame for the show. So Worf and Troi it is.

DS9: so this is what inspired me to make this post. We all agree Sisko would be a damn good father to his lizard babies, but would it be him? If so, with who? You could have it be Dax, and she lizards first and kidnaps him, which makes some sense given that she's a Science Guy. But you also have to consider Weird Guys. Every Trek series needs a Weird Guy so that whenever an ancient alien artifact turns the whole crew into Muppets or whatever, they can be the one who isn't affected and can thus solve it. This is all to say, Odo/Kira could be done. We've had a few episodes where he's been shown to do very extreme things out of his pining for her, so it makes some sense. Odo/Quark would be funnier but given how the DS9 writers handled Profit and Lace, I really don't want to see them do a gay mpreg episode.

ENT: the series with canon mpreg! Direct translation of would be Mayweather/Archer. Mmm. Probably not. I think it's gonna be a rarepair: Trip/Hoshi. Trip/T'Pol is too canon to be funny. The next best option is Archer/T'Pol and that's just kinda bleh. It makes sense but it's just the kind of thing they'd do and it'd be bland. We can do better. Honorary mention: Trip and Reed.

I've not watched enough of the New Treks to have an opinion there. Maybe SNW: Ortegas and La'an. Don't ask why.

[sephirthoughts]

1, 2, 13 and 49 for Genesis, please! 💜

Oooooh Genesis! Yayy I love him! Thank you for the ask!!

1. Canon I outright reject

That his actions in Crisis Core were insane, evil, or in any way made him a villain. Genesis may have been envious of Sephiroth, to a point, but he had hero-worshipped him since childhood. Some people seem to forget that context when they talk about the interactions between the three Firsts in Crisis Core (also the terrible English localization destroyed the plot of that game).

Genesis was a huge Sephiroth fangirl, as a kid. He wanted to be a hero too. He was told he would be. He spent his life up to that point training and working his ass off for Shinra, only to find out in the worst way possible that A: his entire existence was an intricately constructed web of lies, and B: he was going to die before he even got to start living. And it was all because of something the people he'd trusted and dedicated his life to did to him.

Of course he freaked out and ran away and started attacking Shinra, he was in a panic and doing everything he could to find a way to survive. Zack is the protagonist of Crisis Core, so Genesis is the antagonist, but Zack is working for the evil moustache-twirling villains, who are the real cause of all the conflict. Genesis never wanted world domination, he just wanted a fair goddamn chance.

2. A canon or headcanon hill I will die on

transmasc Genesis i will die on this hill come at me cowards

13. Dumbest thing they’ve ever done

Sephiroth

Ok real answer: The dumbest thing he ever did was that shitty way he approached Sephiroth in the reactor, when he wanted his cells. However, I don't see it as the nasty, bitter verbal attack people seem to translate it as. That would make ZERO sense in the context of their friendship and even just the rest of the conversation.

I actually get the strong impression that Genesis was trying to do a "shock him with the cold hard truth and he'll see the light" thing. Also I think he truly thought that if Sephiroth understood that Shinra did the same things to him, he'd rebel against them too, and come to his side. He wasn't saying "you're a monster" he was saying "you're a monster just like me."

Tragically, he didn't bet on how mentally and emotionally fragile the "big strong hero" Sephiroth really was, or how deeply it would shatter him to be told he wasn't human. Sephiroth's mind rejected it so hard he had a psychotic break, after all. Of course he reacted badly to the way Genesis approached him.

But I don't think what Genesis said was meant to be as horrible as it sounded. His delivery was flippant and bitter because he was fucking pissed off at the world, not because he was really trying to hurt Sephiroth. It was a case of two well-meaning people crashing headfirst into each other's deepest wounds and disaster ensuing. A perfect tragedy.

49. Favorite toy as a child

Genesis was given pretty much whatever he wanted, as a child, and subsequently, didn't place much value at all on things. His fancy toys and games gathered dust in his too-large bedroom, that was filled with all the gifts his parents gave him in place of love and attention. The only way to get approval was to earn it, by constantly being exceptional, and better than other kids.

However, he had a wooden sword (rough hewn and amateurish in design, hardly more than a stick) that he clung to like it was the most valuable and precious object in all the world. His parents had no idea where he got it wanted him to throw it out, but he was fiercely protective of it.

He left it in his bedroom when he left Banora to join SOLDIER, and it can be assumed that it burned with the rest of the town. There is absolutely no proof that he went up to his old room and carried that one worthless little thing away with him, that would become the symbol of both the childhood dreams and the childhood friend, that he could never get back.

Thank you so much for the ask!! I love talking about Genesis!! ♥️

[fuckyeahgoodomens]

David and Michael interview with Vanessa Armstrong and Valerie Ettenhofer for SlashFilm, 10.7.2023

Film's Vanessa Armstrong got the answers in an interview with Sheen and Tennant, which it should be noted took place before the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike began. When asked about how and when Gaiman, who created and showruns the series, pitched the second season, Tennant revealed that "it gradually came into focus over a couple of years, probably." The actor notes that "the initial idea that there might be more story to tell" might have actually "had its genesis way, way back as a sort of fantasy idea, really, where we were shooting [season] 1." Like many a TV show these days, the show was initially marketed as a limited series, but that didn't last; it was officially renewed in 2021, two years after it aired.

While it sounds like Gaiman and the cast perhaps daydreamed about keeping the fun going with another season during production on the first, Tennant says the pieces still didn't come together until after it aired. "Then [season] 1 came out, and I think from that point, there was a slow realization that actually there might be more to come," he told /Film. "Neil was clearly excited at the idea, and I think Amazon were keen to do it." Some limited series clearly have aspirations for a sophomore season, but Tennant insists that he and Sheen "always thought it was a one-off," having signed contracts for one season and only been pitched on one season. When they got the go-ahead for another, though, he explained, "Michael and I were thrilled that we would get to return to [these] characters."

"When we started off on that journey, there was never a sense to go further, but what a treat that it was going to," Tennant explained. It took a long time for the full season 2 picture to come into focus: "I think Neil would drop us little nuggets down the months and years, really," he told /Film. Sheen, meanwhile, says he has "no memory whatsoever' of how Gaiman told him about the plans for Aziraphale in season 2. He did, however, have an inkling based on conversations Gaiman had described having with Pratchett about a continuation of the story before the author's death in 2015. "I know what we wanted to explore," Sheen said, "and I always remember what he was aiming to get to by the end of the second series, because of ideas that he and Terry had talked about with where the story might go."

Sheen says he thinks the first thing Gaiman told him about season 2 involved "the idea of Gabriel coming into their lives again in a very unexpected way, and then that eventually building to the point that they get to at the end of this series." Tennant, meanwhile, remembers being in Romania on a shoot for "Around The World in 80 Days" when Gaiman shared the first scene of season 2 with him and Sheen over Zoom. "Neil read us the first scene, the opening scene, which is, if you've seen it, you'll know we meet a very youthful Crowley and Aziraphale, very much way back at the beginning of time." (fygo: NGK FUCKING NGK!!!) Tennant says Gaiman "then gave us a quick sketch of what the rest of the series was going to be." Though both actors are understandably trying to keep mum about the ending of season 2, they note that Gaiman told them what it would be early on.

"That was all worked out, and it just felt delicious, really," Tennant says after recalling the Zoom meeting. "I mean from that moment on, it just felt like it was always meant to be. It felt like it was such a perfectly formed idea. I think it's fair to say that Michael and I didn't need much persuading." That's great to hear, because we certainly didn't need persuading to sign up for a season 2, either. The new "Good Omens" adventure begins on Prime Video on July 28, 2023.

[denimbex1986]

'...In season 2, Gaiman and his co-writer John Finnemore takes us beyond the pages of the original book and focuses on the millennia-lasting connection between the book-loving angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and the demon Crowley (David Tennant), who cares more about saving humanity than he'd care to admit.

While fans are certainly eager to see more of Aziraphale and Crowley, actors Sheen and Tennant were also more than happy to reprise their roles. "It was very pleasing to slip back into those slightly too-tight trousers," Tennant joked to me about donning Crowley's wardrobe once more. I talked to him about "Good Omens 2" before the SAG-AFTRA strike, and we touched on how season 2 even came to be, what it was like to have Jon Hamm's amnesiac Gabriel throw a wrench into Crowley and Aziraphale's relationship, and — for a brief moment — about fan fiction.

With the first season, there was the source material from the book, but season 2 is new territory. How did Neil [Gaiman] pitch season 2 to you, and when did he pitch it to you in the process?

It gradually came into focus over a couple of years, probably. I mean, from the initial idea that there might be more story to tell, which probably had its genesis way, way back as a sort of fantasy idea, really, where we were shooting [season] 1.

And then [season] 1 came out, and I think from that point, there was a slow realization that actually there might be more to come. Neil was clearly excited at the idea, and I think Amazon were keen to do it. And Michael and I were thrilled that we would get to return to [these] characters. We always thought it was a one-off. That was how it was pitched. That's what we were contracted for. When we started off on that journey, there was never a sense to go further, but what a treat that it was going to. And I think Neil would drop us little nuggets down the months and years, really.

Then there was a point, now when would it have been? I was in Romania filming "Around the World in 80 Days." Michael was, I can't remember where he was, but we had a Zoom call together where Neil read us the first scene, the opening scene, which is, if you've seen it, you'll know we meet a very youthful Crowley and Aziraphale, very much way back at the beginning of time. And Neil read that out to us over a Zoom call and then gave us a quick sketch of what the rest of the series was going to be. He told us some of the other writers that he was working with, and some of the early ideas, and he told us how it ended. That was all worked out, and it just felt delicious, really. I mean from that moment on, it just felt like it was always meant to be. It felt like it was such a perfectly formed idea. I think it's fair to say that Michael and I didn't need much persuading.

One thing I love about both seasons is that Aziraphale and Crowley are definitely an odd couple, but in "Good Omens 2," they're an odd couple who gets a toddler — at least in the first few episodes with Gabriel.

Yes, yes. That's a very good logline. Yes. The odd couple with a toddler.

I have a toddler, and some of the lines, I was like, "Is Neil in my house taking audio of my child?" Because you had the established dynamic with Michael for Crowley and Aziraphale in the first season, how did the dynamic change in those scenes with the two of you and with Gabriel when he's in that toddler state?

Well, I suppose it's Gabriel's very presence that changes it, isn't it? I mean, he's the grit in the oyster there, because I think they've just about managed to figure out a way of existing separately and together without their head offices ruling their lives. They're living with existence in the shadows on Earth and actually having probably quite a reasonable time. I mean, Crowley's living in the back of his car, which isn't ideal, but they're bumping along, and they can spend time together with less of the threat of being told off for it.

The absence of heaven and hell has actually been quite a good thing for them on the whole. So to have Gabriel revisiting is a bit of a disaster. Especially — I mean, he did try to discorporate Aziraphale and that Aziraphale was actually Crowley at the time, and that's not something Crowley's wanting to forgive. So to have Gabriel back in their midst and inexplicably amnesiac at the same time, it's not really what they needed and it's not helping them to keep their heads down. So it's brilliant in terms of setting these characters off on a new story and taking them to places they didn't imagine they would ever have to go. It's a fantastic device and like you say, yes, it's a bit like the odd couple with a kid, or two supernaturals and a baby, something like that. And I think that's the joy, isn't it? If there's characters that you know and love, you just want to spin them into a situation that they've not been in before and sit back and enjoy it.

Another thing in season 2, and I'm going to keep this spoiler-free, but there are a lot of flashbacks to other points in time, which you got a little bit of in the first season. But I think we get more of it here, and one of the things with those flashbacks is that you, especially as Crowley, get to wear the most magnificent costumes. What was that like for you, to embody these clothes and portray Crowley through all those different points in time?

Who wouldn't get a kick out of being able to reimagine what that version of Crowley would've been? Because unlike Aziraphale, who tends to be a bit more conservative in the way that he addresses whatever period he's living through and in some ways sort of changes very little, Crowley leans into wherever he is and tries to find the zeitgeist of the moment and chew it up and spit it out a little bit. So from a design point of view, that's great fun. Obviously, Kate Carin, our costume designer, was allowed to run riot, because you get to design a period look and then add another 25% on top of it. And Stevie Smith, who designs my makeup on it, gets to find new ways of sticking facial hair on me. And it's hugely fun to play, and hugely fun for everyone to create.

And those little stories — the stories within the story — to get to see those characters at different points in their existence, it's a treat. It was always Michael and I's favorite bit of the first [season], that sequence — episode 3 where you saw them traipsing through history. And so it was delicious that there was more of that in season 2, and they're very much crafted at specific points in the story to illustrate an element of how Aziraphale and Crowley's relationship has developed over the millennia and why they are where they are now. So they're not just indulgences for us all. They're very specific plot points to tell.

I'm sure there's fanfic out there that's similar to what we see of Crowley and Aziraphale, and it's interesting to see the official version of it.

Yes. I mean, I've experienced some fanfic in my time. I think it's best, probably not for me [to read]. Sometimes you find yourself doing some very, very extraordinary things. So perhaps I'll leave that ....

No, I think that's wise on your part. And then for my last question, it just looks like you're having fun when you're playing Crowley —

I wouldn't want you to imagine anything other than very, very hard work. Very difficult, very dull, very boring. I'm never enjoying myself at all.

Yeah, no, of course not! But for Crowley, is there anything you do to get into that mindset?

It was interesting going back for series 2, because there's been quite a gap between filming 1 and 2, and I was a little bit concerned that the voice or the walk or whatever else it might be have slightly left me. But once I was staring at Michael Sheen's bleached white hair and his ... oh, I could be rude. I'm not going to be rude. So no, it all sort of seemed to come back fairly easily, to be honest. I felt, there's certainly, it's a very pleasing character to inhabit and all that full cynicism that he splashes around himself, which actually hides, I would say, a heart of gold, although Crowley would never admit that himself. It was very pleasing to slip back into those slightly too-tight trousers. It really was a pleasure. It was great fun.'

[rebouks]

Let's be nosy and see what a few folks have been up to recently and/or since Somnium ended, shall we..? 👀

Kaden/Joey are still around, somewhere.. Joey would probably tell you by accident, but Kaden keeps him on a tight leash. I very much doubt either of them have changed their ways, you can't teach an old dog new tricks and all that... I dunno if we'll really see em again properly, though I never say never!

Brynn, Ace and Robert may have left Del Sol, but Randy and Genesis are still stuck in their old ways. Sissy likes the attention and money from her "job" too much to leave. I think part of her still hopes someone's gonna whisk her away to a life of luxury and she'll live happily ever after, just like Brynn did.. assumedly 😩 Randy won't leave without her ofc, and he doesn't really like change anyway. He's lazy, what else is he gonna do?! The motel barely makes any money either, but he manages with a few odd jobs from the less savoury folks around town. They're doing swell 👍

Luckily, no one ever ratted on Darien and he was far too careful to end up under the microscope without being exposed - especially since Wyatt left the scene - so he moved back to San My eventually. Ever the workaholic, he found himself a job at the same accounting/law firm as Wade (props to anyone who remembers him lmaoo) he doesn't need the money but he'd probably go insane without a job ngl 😆 He doesn't really find it easy to make friends either, and Wade recently found himself behind bars for a lil tiny bit of tax evasion so he's pretty lonely-.. although he did meet a fellow asexual lady friend he's been on a couple dates with recently. They have fun n' get on well, but she thinks he's this straight laced/awkward accountant and it makes him feel weird, like he's lying about himself.. so idk how long that'll last. I think he kinda misses being part of a "family", however fucked up it was.. but most of all, he just misses Wyatt 😔

Alma and Mack have been hanging out more often recently, just casually tho u kno?? She likes her freedom too much to give it all up, and although he's a great lover, he's a terrible boyfriend lmaoo.. I think she's accepted that Mack is Mack so they're not making it serious or official this time. They're not exactly getting any younger either, may as well have some fun whilst they're still here, right?! Kobe's considering moving out 'cause eugh 😆

Brivan n' co are just kinda living life right now, working, hanging out with Jacob/Suzie/Miya a fair bit and tryna get used to the news of Jude n' such u kno? Pixie's hitting her milestones like a champ ofc, but she's a picky eater just like her pappy 😅 Bruno insists he's fine but he's been a lil quiet and weird recently. Part of him still struggles with his old self and his guilt, though he ain't exactly a talker, so he retreats into himself now and then instead. He's been thinking of proposing to Ivan occasionally as well, but he doesn't want to do it whilst he's in a funk AND he's a lil worried (aka majorly overthinking) the fact that Ivan might not take too well to being proposed to?? But wait, nah.. he'd love it, right? Maybe-.. unless he hated it, maybe he'd rather be the one to ask-.. should he? Yes-.. no, wait-.. maybe?!!? Probably-.. AGHHHHHFJSDK <- said Bruno's brain 🙈

Jessie and Ivan have been taking it slow, mostly since she's so damn busy all the time, but also 'cause they hardly know each other n' all. Ivan's kinda bummed she's slow to trust him, but he can't exactly blame her so he's being patient n' meeting them whenever he can. Jude is so smitten with his new pappy tho, he even wanted to grow his hair just like him 😭 Oscar n' Robin have tagged along a few times as well since the kiddos are practically the same age, but idk if Robin is too sure abt Jude just yet! He's very talkative and he's a big hugger.. I wonder where he gets that from?? 🤣 I think Jessie's finally warming up to the idea of sharing Jude 'cause she agreed to leave him alone with Ivan for a sleepover soon! They're gonna get dressed up n' head to Oscar's for a spooky party! Oh, and Oscar thinks Jessie has a nice rack....... boi plz 🙄

Not pictured/spied upon..

Tilda - she's just existing rn tbh! She hangs out with Brivan/Pixie now n' then which she enjoys more than she'll let on! She's tryna stay away from dating and focus on herself too.. but she's not all that keen on herself so that's hard work 😩 a few dates here n' there but nothing interesting! She's also still ignoring her family.

Noah n' co - Aspen started teaching a few mommy/toddler yoga classes in the upstairs portion of Noah's gallery since he barely uses it, Juni loves it! Juni started ballet recently too 🩰 Noah's still salty with Oscar for not hanging out more but the man's busy dammit! I think Oscar's glad he's on semi-decent terms with everyone but he'd rather keep them at arms length so it stays that way skdjskjd

Salton - Alton's still Alton lmao.. though Sid gives him more shit nowadays since she's mostly retired she's realised he's even lazier than she thought and I'm sure she regrets letting him get a TV! She's a bit bored/lost tbh, which is why she hasn't fully retired yet.. introspection doesn't suit her (so says she) and she doesn't like all this extra time to think n' shit.. ough 🙈

Rhys & Tommy - both finished uni wooooooo! They're staying with Rhys' parents for now tho, Tommy's not rlly sure what to do with his psychology degree yet but he still thinks he'd like to be a psychologist so maybe he'll get a job/save up n' do his masters or smth?! Rhys has been taking on jobs as a wedding/event photographer for now, but he'd like to veer more towards photography as an art form-.. tho he's not sure how to go about that just yet either 🤔 they're figuring it out and they're happy so it doesn't rlly matter toooo much for now

Uhhhhh idk I've probably missed some folk out but feel free to ask abt anyone else in the comments! 🧡

[miragee19]

THE NIBELHEIM INCIDENT

I would like to present a short essay on why I think Nibelheim was fully Jenova's making, and what was her intention with it.

I fully accept that fans strongly support the idea that it was hundred percently Sephiroth's own action and I'm honestly not trying to convert anyone to believe it was otherwise, I'm only offering a different perspective.

We don't know what species Jenova is or what kind of emotional capacities she has, but it's fair to assume that she knows - or at least with the time she'd spent among cetrans and humans she's already found out - that cetrans and humans build emotional bonds with each other and use it as their support system for their survival and general well-being.

Jenova - being an overmind - can influence other organisms' thoughts and actions that have her cells in them. In order to take full control over them, however, said individual must lose control of their mind and more importantly, must lose their will to fight to take it back.

As we see from Zack's example, a healthy human mind could resist submitting to Jenova's control, and even Cloud, who was severely mentally disturbed, could fight back against her each time pretty successfully.

I would like to make a point here by saying that the chances to fight back Jenova's domination on someone's mind are higher when said person has strong supportive emotional bonds with other people, or at least has peace with themselves. We could see it several times that soft touches, kind words from Tifa could snap Cloud back from submitting to mind control.

Sephiroth's psyche was very fragile by the time he arrived to Nibelheim. He lost his best friends not long ago, the only people he really loved and bonded with, and he was understandably severely depressed. He had no direction or much faith in anything and the only things that kept him going were routine and a sense of duty.

I'm not ruling out the possiblility that Jenova even messed with Angeal's and Genesis' mind in order to separate them from Sephiroth both physically and emotionally. Whether Genesis' reactor speech was respresented by Jenova's influence or simply by the result of his own degradation, he successfully made Sephiroth hit the rock bottom mentally.

By the time Sephiroth started reading the books in the basement, he was not only grieving Angeal but was deeply hurt by Genesis' words as well. The next days were spent reading, overthinking, feeling betrayed, feeling despatate, slowly dying inside.

However, Sephiroth was still Sephiroth, looked up by many, trusted and respected by many. He still had an imporant role and a well-earned place in human society. Although at that time not very close to him emotionally, there were still people who cared about him in one way or another, whom he could lean on, or bond with in the future.

Jenova - executing the Nibelheim incident - made sure that absolutely no one would look up to Sephiroth anymore. No one would trust or even care about him. She made him lose his last remaining hopes to build himself back from scratch, to be a strong and valuable human being in the future. And she secured it for him that there would be no turning back.

Cinematically speaking, when you look at the scenario where the village is burning, even his motions are kind of robotic.

Let's say if Cloud succesfully killed Tifa or Aerith - no matter under what kind of influence - would the party still trust him? The bare minimum is that they would abandon him, if not outright try to kill him.

I believe Jenova making Sephiroth burn down Nibelheim and making him kill many innocent people was her particular way to make sure he has no other option left than submitting to her will.

[strayheartless]

The wobble:

Flo copes? Flo copes…. *sigh* this can’t be how I get back into the writing game. It just can’t be.

CW for: apparent panic attacks that are actually mild serotonin syndrome.

+++++++++++

Angel face: sosmthandh wrong. Don no whdkt I’m doing orsn wfy.

Mr perfect: Angeal?

The Hero: my love, are you well?

Angeal face: Idntknw.

Mr perfect: do you need assistance?

Angel face: ??

Sephiroth placed his phone in his pocket and got out of his seat, cutting Heidegger off mid stride.

“I apologise gentlemen, there is an emergency that requires my attention. Lazard would you inform second Class Fair that his training mission has been cancelled?”

Lazard blinked a few times in confusion but nodded, looking down at his phone to see if he had gotten the same alert the general had.

“Yes alright,” he replied looking concerned. “Is everything alright?”

Sephiroth strode to the door, reaching for the handle. “I’ll tell you when I know director,” and with that he was out of the door and bypassing the elevator in favour of flinging himself over the emergency stairs banister. He catches himself at the forty-ninth floor and darts across the hall as quickly as possible.

Their offices have always been next to eachother, Sephiroth’s at the end of the hall, Genesis at the head. Angeals office sat snuggly between the two in a rather witty (on Lazards part) recreation of how their friendship often worked; Angeal being the buffer between he and Genesis’ more destructive behaviours. He had expected to walk in and find Genesis already there, but the dull click of heeled boots on marble flooring told him that Genesis must have been out.

Turning he caught sight of the red head looking harassed and slightly winded.

“Did you run here?” The general asked

Genesis huffed a stray hand out of his face, “I was in sector three.” He complained. “Since you were to busy to deal with the weapons factory infestation, I had to deal with it!”

Sephiroth stared at him. “You’ve been in my office again?”

To Genesis’ credit he didn’t so much as flinch at the accusation. “Get better locks. Now can we please check on Angeal?”

Sephiroth nodded curtly as they both headed for the door, nothing was likely to stop Genesis from searching through his files when he was bored. Given that it was one less thing of Sephiroth’s own mounting ‘to do list’, he wasn’t about to push the matter. Besides he doesn’t think it really matters given what he’s just opened the office door to.

Angeal is sat at his desk, hands hovering over the keyboard. He’s shaking badly and seems to be staring through, rather than at, his computer monitor. Sephiroth notes the palor to his skin and the fact that, as they round his desk, nothing totally life shattering seems to be displayed there.

“‘Geal?” Genesis calls, kneeling next to the man’s chair. “Love are you well?”

“I- I don’t-“ he can’t seem to finish a sentence so Sephiroth places a hand on his shoulder as the distress seems to speed his breathing up. He did not really know what else he could do. As Genesis reached to turn the monitor off and take Angeals hands he almost feels as if his presence is more of a hinderance than a help.

“Darling, I’m going to coach you through some breathing exercisesc can you look at me?” Genesis cooed, tilting his head to see Angeals face clearer. “Sephiroth dear, will you grab some water for us?” Sephiroth stumbled to do as he was told, feeling completely unprepared to deal with whatever this was.

While Gen coached Angeal, he grabbed the glass pitcher from atop the coffee table and filled a glass with water. Maybe Genesis thought he was better off out of the way during this, maybe he was right. However as he came back and handed the water to Angeal, the usually solid Commander slumped into his chest while Genesis rubbed his hands soothingly against his knees.

Sephiroth’s natural reaction was to place a hand on Angeal’s shoulder but he didn’t feel the urge to push him away like he usually would. Angeal seemed somewhat delicate and in reality Sephiroth felt a small amount of pride that he had leaned on him specifically. Genesis let his lips twitch up at the sight but didn’t point it out.

“What happened here Hm?” He said, not unkindly. His voice was still that soft coo that let Angeal know nobody was mad at him. Sephiroth imagined it was the voice mothers used when soothing their children… though how he knew that he was unsure of. He absently moved his hand to Angeal’s head and began to stroke his hair as he listened to it.

“I-“ Angeal sucked in a breath and leaned heavier on Sephiroth. “I was- I was working and all these emails started piling in an-“ Genesis placed a hand on his face and absently stroked his thumb across Angeal’s cheek.

“It overwhelmed you?” He prompted.

“N-no. I mean- I don’t know. I- how did you know to come here?” Angeal suddenly sat up away from Sephiroth who let his hand fall away. He looked between the two of them confused.

“You sent us a message?” Sephiroth said making his own confused face and looking across at Genesis who’s face was concerned.

“Did I?”

Genesis pulled his phone from his coat pocket and showed Angeal the text massage.

“I don’t remember sending it.” He blinked at the screen.

“That’s okay, it’s likely you were dissociating and have lost some time. We’ll figure it out.” Genesis looked at Sephiroth again and the worry was plain on his face.

“Angeal,” he said, keeping his tone as neutral as possible. “Are you functioning at optimum levels?”

Genesis rolled his eyes. “Nicely handled,” he deadpanned. He placed a hand on Angeal’s forehead and tsked when no fever became apparent.

“Well it could simply have been a panic attack.” He muttered. “But you’ve never had one before.”

Angeal blinked blearily. I looked as though he needed a lie down.

“You think I should go to Hollander?” He shudders a little making Sephiroth reach out and grip the back of his neck reassuringly. Angeal reached around to hold onto his wrist greatfully.

“I think it’s up to you dove.” Gen nudged his cheek with his knuckle.

“I think I just want to go to bed,” Angeal replied meekly.

Sephiroth gripped his neck again.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” He said.

[silverflqmes]

agszc and the WAY THEY SAY I LOVE YOU CAUSE I'M STILL SCREAMING OVER CLOUD'S DATING HCS YOU MADE SNSKDJKD

໒⦂ ( 𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 ) 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔.

notes. you might be confused with the use of parenthesis but it’s exactly what you think.. not all of them ACTUALLY say those words.. read and see🫡

genre. fluff + angst ( sephiroth’s )

for @melukonova <3

ft. sephiroth, cloud strife, zack fair, genesis rhapsodos, angeal hewley

disclaimer. ok, poetry IS NOT my strong suit, from time to time i experiment with it but i am not the best at it so keep criticism tame please..

gender neutral! reader.

➫ 𝓢𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ sephiroth’s confession would be something that requires patience. he doesn’t have much experience with love, as he wasn’t exposed to it much throughout his life.

⌗ it doesn’t mean he’s incapable of feeling it, rather, it’s a matter of him truly realizing those feelings he has and how deep they run. now the way those words come out.. would likely be influenced by heightened emotions.

a beat of silence passed before the the silver haired hero closed the door, turning to face you with an expression you weren’t certain his features were even capable of making. “what were you thinking??”

he was distressed, brows knitted together as you watched his chest rise and fall unevenly, each breath more irregular than the last. you assumed it was anxiety — something you’d never associated with sephiroth.. until now, that was. “i was doing my job, an injury or few is unavoidable at times, you know that.” came your mumble, feeling your own brows furrow.

of course he knew that, the top hero knew that better than anyone.. but this. “there are other ways to get things done, what you did today was completely reckless — as though you had no care whatsoever for your life.” he argued, moonlight bangs swishing from right to left when his head shook. “you could have died!”

now it was your turn to get frustrated as you stood up from your place despite your aching muscles, walking up to his broad frame. “and that’s suddenly an issue now? our line of work demands for us to risk our lives everyday no matter the mission! we both knew this going into our relationship, so why are you suddenly so worked up over this??” you matched his tone, not fond of the approach he’d taken in addressing you.

“because i nearly lost you!” he shouted, overcome with emotions so powerful, he couldn’t even stop the onyx, gloved hands that flew to your shoulders, clinging desperately to something.. something even he didn’t know of.

his breath stuttered as he lowered his head, trembling in his place. “i can’t.. i-i can’t have you leave me, too…” the first class SOLDIER whispered in a voice so broken, so defeated, you had to remind yourself that behind this towering, imposing powerhouse.. was a human being, with feelings of his own, no matter how well he hid them. a human that knew loss, and an unwelcomed amount of it.. and feared more of it.

unsure of what to do, you pulled him down into a hug, feeling your anger fade into nothingness as you allowed your eyes to close. “i won’t, not ever.”

➫ 𝓒𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗗 𝓢𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗘 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ he says get help but he’s the one that needs help.. bro just, he can’t say it — he’s too embarrassed and he just doesn’t rlly know how to bring it across properly..

⌗ in the end, he opts for a more subtle method that aerith had once told him about. it required minimal speech on his end, and called for actions to take the reigns — perfectly up his alley.. as long as you got the memo.

“cloud?” you called out in surprise, turning to find a familiar spiky haired blond with an ivory colored flower in between his gloved fingers.

his lightly tanned cheeks were dusted with a tint of pink, seemingly reddening as he held out his hand, averting his gaze. “you said you wanted me to bring you something back from my delivery in sector five.. figured i’d bring something you don’t find everyday here.”

your knowledge of flowers was minimal, as midgar.. wasn’t exactly filled with them. you only rarely saw them from a distance, and on the occasions that you had, normally they were too pricey to purchase.

somehow, however, the owner of strife delivery services seemed to have gotten his hands on one singular flower. when you’d ask for a small souvenir from his travels, it had been a joke, simply you joshing like you normally had with him.. though it appeared this time, that he had taken it seriously.

you cleared your throat, letting out a sheepish laugh. “you didn’t have to do that, but thank you — i’ve.. never received a flower before, much less held one..” you confessed in a soft tone, taking the bloom from his grasp as you brought it close to your face.

even without leaning in to take in its scent, the sweetness greeted your senses as a smile etched itself onto your lips. “aah~ it smells wonderful, what kind of flower is it??”

he rubbed his neck at the question, feeling himself grow more nervous by the second. “it’s um.. it’s called gardenia. aerith’s mom insisted i took one back with me, since they were the newest edition to her garden.. said something about it having a deeper meaning, too.” cloud spoke up, finally lifting his mako-azure eyes to meet yours.

you lowered the flower in your hands, tilting your head. “deeper meaning? i didn’t think flowers were so complex.” you snickered into your free hand before grinning brightly at him. “but, go on. i’m curious!”

the tips of his ears seemed to burn with red as his lips parted before he turned his back to you, folding his arms. “o-on second thought, i forgot..”

“WHAT?? no way, it must be good if you won’t say! come on cloud!” you urged him, moving in front of him to see his face, but all you caught was the faintest smile as he continued to turn away. so cryptic!

➫ 𝓩𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝓕𝗔𝗜𝗥 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ zack uh- as we can tell, he isn’t exactly the ‘think before you speak’ kinda guy — whatever comes out, comes out.. with no regard to how blunt or sudden it might end up sounding.

⌗ now how would that apply to a confession? well, i think he would just say it without even thinking of the impact behind his words. it would just come out naturally, casually.. and you would end up staring like- did he fr just say that??

a sigh left your lips as you turned the page of the newest issue you’d picked up of shinra’s very own magazine, because what didn’t the prestigious electric company have to their name?

meanwhile zack was busying himself with yet another set of squats, clearly antsy. missions had been quiet as of late, mundane even. at the moment, you were both occupying the second class floor, waiting for orders.. but nothing came.

a groan left the nicknamed puppy’s lips as he halted his movements before draping finally himself onto the spot on the couch you hadn’t occupied. “man i bet the firsts are out kicking ass! they really don’t have anything for us to do here??”

you licked your thumb to flip to the next spread, humming. “unless you feel like getting involved with professor hojo’s questionable ass tasks, i’d rather sit here in boredom.” you confessed, missing the grimace on his face since your eyes remained on the passage you had been reading.

“i guess you have a point.. but still.” he pouted, leaning into your face as a means of getting your attention. “can’t we go ask lazard?? he’s gotta have something by now for us, right?!”

a laugh seemed to leave your lips at his complaints as you lifted your eyes at last to meet his zircon ones, a smile stretching across your lips. “and, what? have him tell us no for the fifth time in the last two hours?”

his appendages seemed to part in protest before they jutted out once more. “w-well! for all we know a mission could have popped up on that computer of his right now! with angeal and them gone, they’re bound to ask us! i’m sure of it!” the second class SOLDIER insisted, clenching his fists in determination. “come on, y/n! it beats reading whatever propaganda you’re reading!”

it was partly true, shinra’s magazine went on and on about sephiroth’s feats if it wasn’t already in the daily paper or news. and one look at those puppy eyes had you crumbling. damn him for that effortlessly adorable face..

“fine, we’ll ask one last time.. but if he says no, you owe me a drink from the vending machine since i paid last time!” you huffed out, tossing your copy back on the the coffee table as you stood up with your hands on your hips.

as though sparkles had appeared in his eyes, zack hopped to his feet before engulfing you in a tight hug. “for real?? you’re the best, y/n!! i love you! i love you! i love you!!”

➫ 𝓖𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗦 𝓡𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗗𝗢𝗦 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ ah, the romantic and the one that does too much because everyone else ain’t doing enough ( his words ) — genesis. you can expect a very enigmatic brain scratching confession..

⌗ or in other words, the cheesiest kind of confession that involves poetry, some form of incorporation with loveless, and just some frivolous display of his affections for you in case you don’t pick up on the hints..

“y/n, my dear! won’t you hang back awhile? our work is done for today.. perhaps you’ll indulge me in a piece i worked on, hm?” the redhead spoke up, causing you to pause in your tracks as you blinked over at him.

a piece? “you mean.. poetry?” you inquired for certainty, surprised that he had the spare time to be writing something. “i’m not the best at deciphering metaphors and whatnot.. but i’d be willing to hear what you have.” you smiled, eager to see what he had been working on in his free time.

“not to worry!” he waved you off, pulling out a small notebook from his long coat. “even the foolish and emotionally unintelligent, like our beloved sephiroth could understand!” genesis laughed out, fearless of his friend — or in his eyes, rival — as usual.

you let out a nervous chuckle as you pulled up a chair to hear what he’d prepared, praying that your silver haired friend did not hear.. not that he would care, anyway. just genesis being genesis.. “well um, i’ll do my best to somewhat comprehend what you wrote.” you offered, anyway, placing your hands on your lap as a means of resting them.

the male dressed in crimson took it as a sign to commence, lifting his fist up to clear his throat before holding up his poem. “in a bed of asters, the tears of the goddess.. blossoms a favored one amidst a world or filth and endless disasters — a beauty that wears star formed petals for a bodice..and adorns droplet shaped blades of which its creator once wept.” genesis paused, trailing a finger down to the next line. “one day, a new flower would emerge — tall, scarlet, and proud.. tenderly well kept, and yet.. as sorrowed as a rain cloud.”

you almost wanted to question why, curiosity overtaking you despite the urge to giggle at a few.. choice of words he made. how couldn’t you when it was so reminiscent of the usual reciting he did of his most favorite work of literature.

compelled by your zealousness, you fed into your inquisitiveness. “why was it sorrowed?”

a soft chuckle tumbled past his lips at the awe in your voice as he closed the book with a low hum. “for it was loveless, without its starry accomplice.. that bloomed on a path far away enough to diverge.” he finished gently before sliding a hand to your cheek. “nevertheless, that is but fiction.. as our paths will remain entwined, and my heart shall not bleed with my beloved star around.”

➫ 𝓐𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝓗𝗘𝗪𝗟𝗘𝗬 ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

⌗ ah, yes, the confession of his love.. yet another unspoken way of proclaiming his feelings for you, although i believe his method may just be a little more meaningful.. but just a little.

⌗ however, what would call for the confession exactly, and the realization of his feelings? personally, i believe it’d have either been something in the heat of the moment — in other words, you being in danger, or perhaps.. an inquiry, in regards to the buster sword glued to his back.

“earlier..” your began, eyeing your lover with a curious gaze. “that was the first i’d ever seen you draw the buster sword.. for the longest time, i convinced myself it was decorative, or something.. but there’s more to it, isn’t there?”

the rag in angeal’s hand came to a pause at the question, a soft chuckle leaving his lips. “i remember zack asking me that several times before and i still haven’t presented him with a proper answer.” he mused, eyes softening as he gazed upon his weapon. “growing up, my family was not one for riches. we had enough to get by, thankfully, but making money was hard work on my parents — specifically my father.”

a breeze passed through the few strands of hair that frames his face as he gazed upon the sky. “still, he had wanted to gift me something for passing the SOLDIER exam, and had this forged for me.” he smiled gently, closing his eyes. “it took him a very long time to recover financially for his debts in having this buster made, so long that it cost him his very life in the end..” the first class SOLDIER spoke up, allowing his eyes to lower back down to the blade in his hands. “and so, i do my best to avoid bringing any wear, tear or rust upon it.. as it represents not only my dreams and honor, but the efforts and sacrifice for its creation.” he finished steadily, finally meeting your stare. “but for you, i would draw it without a second thought.”

your boyfriend was already impressive to begin with- the most humble and noble person you had come to know.. but this? it had left you in complete awe to know how sentimental he truly was, despite his stoic demeanor. and for him to have used his beloved weapon to shield you from harm — what did that mean? that he.. held you in higher regard than it..?

“you.. you would do that for me?” your inquiry was stupid, as he had done it once already, earlier in fact.. but angeal nodded, regardless, the small smile on his lips expanding, even if it was just a pinch wider.

“if it guarantees your safety.. in a heartbeat.” he answered with little delay, a fondness in his mako tinted eyes — one that he only ever really showed to you.

notes. zack being the only one who actually says i love you verbatim.. meanwhile the others are cryptic and expect you to guess ( cloud.. genesis.. ) or say it without needing to say those three words.. crazy tbh

↳ return to main masterlist . request rules . send an ask

[rottenpumpkin13]

Ok, Genesis is pulling a Valentine’s Day prank and writes fake love notes “sent” from different people around Shinra (the Turks, Rufus, Hojo, etc.) and addresses them to his friends without anyone knowing.

What happens when the ASZC squad finds these valentines in a basket on a table in the Shinra lounge? 💌

The Valentine's Day prank

*Sephiroth and Angeal walk into the lounge, where Zack and Cloud are already sitting down and looking over a basket of valentines*

Angeal: What are you guys looking at?

Zack: This random collection of valentines addressed to each one of us.

Sephiroth: Who are they from?

Cloud: We don't know yet, the cards don't say.

*Cloud hands Sephiroth a light blue card with his name on it*

Zack: Open it, maybe they're all from the same person.

*Sephiroth hesitates before ripping open the flap and fishing a glittery card out*

Sephiroth: It reads—to Sephiroth, my heart aches to hold you close in my arms..... signed, Tseng.

Everyone: WHAT!??

Sephiroth: It says his name right here on the card.

*Everyone looks at each other before rushing to rip open their cards*

Zack: Aw, man. I'm screwed! It says—Zack, I cannot hide my feelings for you any longer. My love for you will never change. Signed, LAZARD DEUSERICUS.

Cloud: I think I'm gonna pass out. Look at who mine's from.

*Zack leans over and reads Cloud's valentine*

Zack: PROFESSOR HOJO!???

Sephiroth: I wasn't aware we were all homosexual.

Angeal: That's strange. Mine's from Lazard too.

*Zack snatches it out if his hand and reads it over*

Zack: This can't be.

Angeal: Weird, right?

Zack: How dare he assume he can have us both.

Angeal: ......

Sephiroth: I must see Tseng immediately. This has got to be a mistake of some kind.

Cloud: And I'm gonna go.... somewhere else....

*Both of them run off, leaving Angeal and Zack alone*

Angeal: Zack, this is clearly a prank. Why would—

Zack: I'm ready to fight you for his affection. It's the fair way to settle this!

Angeal: What? You can't be serious.

*Zack angrily grabs his broadsword and lunges at Angeal, screaming*

Angeal: oh yoU'RE SERIOUS FUCK

*Zack chases Angeal down screaming*

*Sephiroth knocks on Tseng's office door before opening it*

Tseng: Sephiroth, how may I help you?

Sephiroth: I regret to say your love is unrequited. While I admire you as a colleague and as a professional, my feelings for you are purely platonic.

Tseng:

Sephiroth: I understand this may be painful for you to hear, which is why I'm allowing you a single hug before I walk away from this regretfully awkward situation.

Tseng:

*Sephiroth approaches*

Tseng: Sephiroth if you step any closer I will shave your head.

Sephiroth:

Tseng: Why in Shiva's name would you think I have feelings for you?

Sephiroth: Because of this.

*Tseng takes the valentine from him and skims over it*

Tseng: Rhapsodos wrote this. I can smell the mediocrity and feminine perfume on the parchment.

Sephiroth: It's okay, Tseng. You do not need to deny this.

Tseng: No, Sephiroth. This letter is fake. I didn't write this.

*Rufus Shinra appears at the door*

Rufus: What didn't Tseng write?

Sephiroth: He has given me a Valentine's day card detailing the extend of his feelings for me. I've come here to reject him.

Rufus: You two-timing bastard.

Tseng:

Rufus: Do you not care for our relationship Tseng? Do the nights we spent together mean nothing to you?

Sephiroth: I can't believe this. Tseng, why would you betray Rufus's trust like this? I expected better from you.

Tseng: Sir, I have no idea what relationship you're talking about. We are merely coworkers and—

Rufus: How dare you try to deny us. You know what? Screw you!

Sephiroth: You deserve better, Rufus.

Rufus: Agreed! Come on, Sephiroth. We don't need this.

*They leave, Tseng is left standing there with a raging headache*

Tseng: I wonder if the company therapist has a two-for-one deal.

*Lazard is peacefully working in his office when he hears a commotion outside. Screaming, glass breaking and swords clashing sound very familiar*

Lazard: Hm. Genesis must've provoked Sephiroth.

*He gets up and opens the door. Right outside his office are Angeal and Zack engaged in an avid fist fight, their swords completely discarded in favor of the childish display*

Lazard: What is the meaning of this!? What's gotten into you two!?

Zack: Director! Good! Tell Angeal that you like me more! Tell him that you only want me and not him!

Lazard: ZACK LET GO OF HIM ANGEAL IS TURNING BLUE.

Angeal: HELP.

*Lazard jumps in and forcibly separates the two*

Lazard: Can either of you explain what's going on?

Angeal: We both got these valentines from you that are clearly fake. But Zack seems to think otherwise.

*Lazard reads over the valentines*

Lazard: Zack, why would you ever think that I wrote this? I'm not interested in a relationship right now, let alone one with one of my Soldiers. That would be entirely inappropriate.

Angeal: Thank you.

Zack: Wha? So it was all a lie? Well, that sucks! You had me feeling special for a bit!

Lazard:

Lazard: Zack, where's YOUR GIRLFRIEND?

Zack: Oh yeah! I'm gonna go call Aerith. She's never going to believe this, haha!

*He bounces off excitedly*

Angeal: I'm gonna go lay down.

*Sephiroth, Angeal, Zack and Genesis are all sitting in the lounge. Genesis is laughing so hard, he's in tears*

Genesis: I cannot believe you all fell for it! This is my best prank yet!

Sephiroth: I can't believe Tseng refuses to acknowledge his relationship with Rufus.

Angeal: Sephiroth, for the last time, they're not dating. They never were dating. The only thing faker than their supposed relationship is Genesis's hair color.

*Genesis stops laughing immediately*

*Cloud walks into the lounge*

Cloud: Hey guys. What's going on?

Zack: It turns out the valentines were all a part of Genesis's prank.

Cloud: THEY WERE FAKE?

Sephiroth: Faker than Genesis's hair color.

Genesis: OKAY.

Cloud: Aw, man. I'm gonna get dishonorably discharged.

Sephiroth: Why?

*At that exact moment, the distant sound of an explosion reaches their ears. The floor beneath them shakes*

Cloud: Because I planted a pipe bomb in Hojo's office.

[final-fantasy-imagines]

The gift of the goddess - Genesis Rhapsodos x gn!reader

Synopsis: You live in a world where everyone is destined to meet their soulmate at some point during their life. The twist: You can only recognize them on Valentine’s Day, no matter how much time you spent with each other before. However, meeting your soulmate at a work party is the last thing you expected.

Pairing: Genesis Rhapsodos x gn!reader

A/N: This is the first drabble I've written for Genesis, so feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, it would mean the world to me if you could reblog this because I worked really hard on this fic. Thank you. <3 (This fic is part of my Valentine's Day Event.)

February 14th, the calendar on the wall says. Valentine’s Day is what’s printed beneath the date.

It’s not a secret that everyone who lives in this world has a soulmate. No one can say when they come into your life or when you’re destined to meet them but it’s a well-known fact that people can only recognize their soulmate on one particular day – Valentine’s Day, the day of lovers. 

Total nonsense, you think. If two people are truly meant for each other, why put unnecessary obstacles in their way? But it has always been like this. And if that’s the way of the world, well, who are you to question it?

With a sigh, you turn your attention back to your best friend who’s lounging around next to you, scrolling through his mails. 

“Shinra’s hosting a party this evening,” Zack tells you without looking up from his phone. “Should we go?”

You huff. “Why would I want to spend my spare time at the company?”

“It’s Valentine’s Day,” Zack says and wiggles his eyebrows. “There will be lots of people at this party – your soulmate could be there, too. As someone who has already found theirs, let me tell you that it’s the best feeling in the world to meet them. I’m almost tempted to call it magical.”

“No need to talk big, Fair,” you scold him and nudge him with your elbow. “I know very well that what happened with Aerith last year was just a chance meeting. If you had left a couple of minutes later you still wouldn’t know she exists.”

You have heard the story of their first meeting countless times, teasing Zack about it just as often. He had been on his way to buy a gift for another woman – Cissnei, member of the Turks – when he bumped into Aerith, on Valentine’s Day, as chance would have it. Of course, it only took them a split second to recognize each other, and the rest is history. They’re still so in love that sometimes, it makes you want to throw up. And you’re quite sure it’s only a matter of time until you’ll get the invitation to their wedding.

“Yeah, okay,” Zack says, interrupting your thoughts. “You have a point there. But who says that the same thing can’t happen to you, too? Wonders never cease, you know.”

“You’re just trying to convince me to accompany you and Aerith to this stupid party.”

“Yes.” He beams at you. “Is it working?”

With a deep sigh, you close your eyes and pinch the bridge of your nose. You’re going to regret this, you can sense it. But Zack is your best friend, and you have never been able to tell him No when he looks at you like this. “Unfortunately.”

----

The party itself is more of a formal get together than an actual party but you honestly haven’t expected anything else from a company like Shinra. But at least they offer drinks, and the Skyview Hall, usually a magnet for tourist, offers a great view over your hometown that’s still enough to take your breath away for a moment. But still, nothing can gloss over the fact that the atmosphere in the room is far from exuberant.

“I’ve seen funerals where people were more cheerful,” you whisper to Aerith who’s standing right next to you. She covers her mouth with her hand to hide her smile but her eyes give her away anyways. “You shouldn’t say that.”

“But it’s true.”

“We only got here,” Zack chimes in, optimistic as ever. “Stop naysaying.”

You have to resist the urge to stick out your tongue at him. (Not because he doesn’t deserve it but because this is your workplace and you don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your coworkers.) So, instead, you just roll your eyes and smile. “Not even you can pretend that this is not the saddest party you’ve ever seen.”

“Yeah, fine. Maybe it is.”

“See.”

Aerith laughs. “Stop it, both of you. We’re here to have fun, no?”

“You’re absolutely right. How about some drinks?” Zack replies, looking at his girlfriend (who nods), and then at you. “Do you want something, too?”

You shake your head. You’re not in the mood for a drink yet. “Perhaps later.”

“Okay. We’ll be right back.”

You watch as they make their way over to the bar before you let your eye wander. When you spot a familiar figure, your heart skips a beat. You haven’t expected Genesis to be here, too. He’s deep in conversation with Sephiroth, and so it seems safe to dart a glance at him, and then another because he looks ridiculously handsome in his casual outfit. 

Wait. You probably shouldn’t think stuff like that about your friend. But then again, you would be lying if you said you didn’t have a stupid little crush on him. But with this stupid soulmate thing, it’s foolish to fall for someone because there’s always the possibility that they’re not the one you’re meant to find. You’ve seen it countless times before and you’re not sure you want to experience that kind of heartbreak. So, instead of confessing your feelings to him you have learned to cherish your friendship because it’s honestly better than nothing – and it’s not like he has ever acted like you’re more than a friend to him. (Or maybe he has, and you just haven’t noticed.)

In that moment, his attention shifts away from the conversation, almost as if he senses that someone’s watching him, and you want to turn your head away, pretending like you haven’t stared at him like a lovestruck teenager for the past few minutes, but it’s already too late. He has figured you out.

Genesis’s gaze meets yours, and you freeze. It feels like time around you slows down to a point where everyone except you and Genesis seems to move in slow motion, the noise surrounding you fading into a distance. You want to look away, you really do, but no matter how hard you try, you just can’t. 

And then, you suddenly find yourself taking a step towards him, then another one, and another one. You’re pretty sure you haven’t consciously decided to do that – it’s like a supernatural force pulls you towards him until you’re suddenly standing right in front of him.

“Hi,” you say, nothing else. But you still can’t help but notice how breathless your voice sounds. Goodness. You’re making a fool of yourself, you know it, but it’s too late to get out of this situation now. “Um… I- I just wanted to say Hello. And…” You don’t finish your sentence because Genesis, that smug bastard, has the audacity to smile, and your thoughts go up in smoke. 

It’s only when Angeal and Sephiroth share a knowing look that the realization hits you like a brick. Genesis Rhapsodos, 1st Class SOLDIER and one of Shinra’s most valuable fighters, is your soulmate. And judging by the expression in his eyes and the way he’s still smiling at you, he has figured it out, too. 

But this is ridiculous. You have spent so much time with him over the past few years, talking and laughing and wondering if the legends were actually true and not just some pipe dreams people came up with to make them feel better about not finding love. So, how is it possible that you never noticed the bond that’s obviously connecting you? Why didn’t you recognize your soulmate sooner?

“Oh.” You let out a tiny, barely audible gasp when you understand. Yes, you have spent countless days with Genesis before – but never Valentine’s Day. 

“We should go somewhere else to talk,” Genesis suggests in that moment, snapping you out of your thoughts, and when you nod, he turns to his friends and adds, “please, excuse us for a second.”

“Sure,” Sephiroth says, not quite able to hide the smile that plays around the corners of his mouth. But at least, his amusement is subtler than Angeal’s who doesn’t even try to hide the grin that’s spreading on his face. Genesis rolls his eyes at him. “Not a word, Angeal.”

“I wouldn’t dare. See you later.”

Genesis’s hand rests on the small of your back as he guides you to the observation deck – another tourist magnet during the summer months but at this time of the year, the outside platform is still closed. You can see your reflection in the floor to ceiling windows, as well as the lights of Midgar, the city that never seems to sleep.

“So,” you say.

“So,” Genesis replies.

“We’re soulmates.”

He smiles, one of these rare genuine smiles that always make you a bit weak in the knees. “It truly is beyond me why we didn’t notice this sooner.”

“In our defense, there’s only one Valentine’s Day each year. 

“That much is true.”

There’s an awkward silence, then, until you clear your throat and ask, “Do… do you think that’s the reason why we’re friends?”

Genesis shakes his head. “No. We’re friends because I like you. I actually like you a lot, (Y/N).”

It sounds like a confession, and your stupid heart starts beating faster again, but maybe you’re imagining things. Maybe it’s wishful thinking that makes his words sound like a confession. 

A brief smile flashes over his face, almost as if he can read your thoughts. “I know I have never told you but you’re very dear to me,” he says softly and cups your cheeks. “And us being soulmates is just further proof that I fell for the right person.”

Your breath hitches in your throat. With him standing so close to you, cradling your face in his hands like this, you fear you’ll forget how to breathe. “Genesis, I- you – we-“

“Shh. I know.” His gaze travels from your eyes down to your lips before resuming eye contact. “… may I?”

You don’t know how you do it but you manage to nod, and that seems good enough for him. 

The kiss is nothing like you presumed. You have expected Genesis to kiss passionately, with a hint of impatience maybe, but instead, his lips press against yours in such a soft and sweet manner that you feel like you’re going to melt right into the floor. It’s the kind of kiss that leaves you wanting more, and you wrap your arms around his neck to pull him closer.

When the two of you inevitably pull away, you’re pretty sure you have hearts in your eyes, even more so when Genesis smiles at you again. And then he says “I love you.”, and you know this moment will be etched into your memory forever. 

Valentine’s Day has never been more perfect.

Thank you so much for reading! If you enjoyed it please consider liking, reblogging and/or leaving some feedback. I'd really appreciate the support! <3

Taglist: @sixdaysofsilverashes @theimaginaryheir @thevoidwriting

[cairavende]

Worm Arc 13 thoughts:

Everything is fine, everyone is doing great, but Brian might need to use some vacation days. Just, I dunno, something tells me the dude might benefit from a short break.

We start right off with Taylor refusing to admit she kicked Mannequin's ass, even though all of her allies and all of his allies both agree she did. Which is my daughter 101. I wish she could love herself a little more.

Lisa got her game. It might not be perfect but I think it was well done by her. It still gives them more structure to work with, and more ways to fight back. As this arc shows.

Aisha is way to fucking reckless. I mean I feel for her I really do, but god damn girl. Sometimes your teammates are right! Even if your brother can be a bit of a dick about it.

General note, I absolutely love how Wildbow wrote stuff around Aisha using her power. Just every bit of it. It is very good. I have legit multiple times during this went "Oh fuck I forgot about IMP!" and that is perfect.

Mannequin kills Lucy, so he goes from being on my shit list to being on my super shit list. I'm going to be sad if I never get to see him die.

If Bentley had died I would have burned the world down. So luckily that didn't happen.

Sucks that Mannequin also killed some of Skitter's people. And that he ended up living in the end. But it was fun to watch him get his ass kicked a second time and have to get saved by Burnscar.

I fucking LOVE Genesis. I'm so glad we get to see more of her. Her power is so much fun.

WOLFSPIDER! Taylor bonding with Bitch over trauma. Taylor basically thinking you want someone to tell you want to do. And then “You had me at no holds barred"! AHHHH! Murder lesbians. Go fuck them up girls.

Skitter had a pretty decent plan for attacking the Nine, all things considered. Very good use of their strengths and the abilities they had on hand. But she did make one major mistake. Well, to be fair everyone involved did. And that was having Trickster be the only sniper. They should have brought a few of Coil's troops. Even one more half competent sniper and they would have killed one of the Nine in that first attack. If they had brought Coil's Sniper? 2 of the Nine dead minimum, maybe 3.

Also, the mannequins for Trickster to swap people with were very clever. Though they could have prevented Brian getting captured if they had brought 1 more. And you don't even need a good sniper with those. Point a gun at the head of a mannequin. Swap and shoot at basically the same moment. Bullet hits them before they even know they've swapped and you can't miss. But still, they did pretty good.

I mean maybe not from Grue's PoV, but whatever. He didn't die! He's fine.

Cherish getting absolutely fucking DESTROYED by Tattletale! Oh god it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Cherish tries to get into Tattletales head and Tattletale is just constantly 10 steps ahead and just gaaahhh! Fuck I love it. I would read 100 chapters that was just Tattletale fucking with people like that.

The setup Skitter used to talk to the Protectorate was so fucking cool. Full blown mimicking human speech with only bugs?! She's amplified her words before, but never had the bugs speak entirely on their own. Just the most badass thing. The thing that makes everyone remember you! Swarm of bugs shows up at the superhero base, takes the shape of a person and starts talking with bug sounds, saying "oh hey we just kicked the fuck out of the Nine and captured two of them, wanna actually be heroes and help us finish this?" God damn.

Also Trickster getting through a locked door by teleporting the lock away was very neat.

Of course the heroes don't help. Miss Militia and her "We can handle that on our own, with more calculation and less recklessness." Really? Are you really going to have less recklessness? Cause I've read the interlude. But more on that later.

HOLY FUCK IT SUCKS TO BE BRIAN! I mean, he got better. But still!

I knew my daughter wasn't going to die. I knew her two girlfriends weren't going to die. I was pretty sure Imp and Grue weren't going to die (I wasn't sure how Grue was living but it seemed likely) but even with all that I was kinda panicking during the whole Bonesaw thing.

SECOND TRIGGER EVENT! SECOND TRIGGER EVENTS CONFIRMED! FUCK YES! I'M SO SORRY THAT HAD TO HAPPEN TO YOU BRIAN BUT THAT WAS SO COOL!

Fucking power thief! So much possibility here!

Siberian a projection confirmed. I mean basically confirmed. Confirmed enough for me. Like sure the details aren't revealed and such, but they are totally some form of projection. (I don't list my predictions on here usually so everyone will just have to trust me when I say I guessed Siberian was a projection in arc 11 or 12.)

Also saw some (I assume) other alternate earths in that trigger event, which is neat. I'm sure they'll never come up again.

Skitter sending a note to the Protectorate that was basically "We killed one and injured another, you are a bunch of cowards that suck, fuck you!" was wonderful.

I am very sad for Doll Lesbian and I hope someone can help her! She needs care in this trying time. Cause I love her and she is so cool and it isn't fair that shitty things are happening to her.

"It isn't fair that shitty things are happening to her" is like, 85% of Worm I'm pretty sure though, so I'll probably just have to deal.

Lisa put a blanket on Taylor when she fell asleep. GAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

Interlude 1 - Aisha's mother sucks. I'm so sorry for the poor girl. Aisha also makes very bad choices. She got so fucking lucky she got away from the Nine the first time and then just went and got herself caught anyway! The fact that her power is passive and she has to work to turn it off sure fucking sucks though.

Interlude 2 - Hey Miss Militia, remember how I said I was going to get back to the "more calculation and less recklessness"? Cause we're back to that. Piggot is planning on dropping WHITE PHOSPHOROUS on part of a city! And then dropping a bunch of bombs made by a dangerous supervillain! Bombs that no one knows exactly what they do! How is that "less recklessness"? Also the PRT is just horribly run. God damn Piggot shouldn't have to be requesting stuff from other offices directly, they should have a central admin that manages reallocation of resources in situations like this. And they should have a full system of teams setup that aren't attached to a city, but instead deploy where they are needed! The government already has systems like this for disaster response and stuff. And between Endbringers and the Nine and other stuff the PRT knows that sometimes certain locations need more support. Terribly managed, badly run, they need better admin staff. They need people that know how to use a god damn spreadsheet. I have a lot more to say about Piggot and her plan but I feel like I'll get some chances to comment on it in Arc 14.