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spawnofdeath · 1 year

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As promised, since the overwhelming majority voted for wanting to see it, here is my Empires AU main post with all my current notes and thoughts:

Two Sons of Rivendell

(Title borrowed from the poem written for the ending of Empires season 1 by the wonderful @fishy-strawberries on their art blog floweroflaurelin)

AKA me realizing there's two plot relevant reveals of two characters being siblings in Empires 1 and thinking what if I switched them, so Scott and Xornoth get "Hold on now, we're siblings? How did we forget that?" And Lizzie gets "Wait, the demon is my brother?"

Summary:

Scott and Xornoth, rulers of neighboring elven kingdoms Rivendell and Erewyn, rediscover the tales of their people's old gods, Aeor and Exor. What memories have they lost along with the connection to their past?

Meanwhile, in the nearby Grimlands, salmon loving engineer fWhip starts having troubles involving a demonic cod creature. Who is this malicious stranger, and is he connected to Ocean Queen Lizzie?

In no particular order, some notes:

There aren't really just straight forward role swaps exclusively between two characters each, it's all a bit all over the place

I only watched six out of twelve perspectives (Jimmy, Joel, Lizzie, Pearl, Scott and Sausage) so I don't know if I'm missing anything but also it's not meant to be canon-compliant (but also means I don't know how to write the other characters)

This AU is fully falling into the trend of making fanon Jimmy much cooler than he is in canon, but I just think he deserves a proper villain arc (not counting the one he thoroughly failed at in season 2)

Actual story notes:

Xornoth identifies and presents as broadly male-adjacent, and uses he/they

Because there's no possible pun on "siblings" that could work as well as "Seablings" for the purposes of this AU, Scott and Xornoth will be collectively known as "The Twin Kings"

Xornoth's Empire Erewyn (name might be subject to change) is slightly down the mountainside from Rivendell, where it's a bit warmer than on the snow covered peaks (even without their gods, Scott prefers the winter and Xornoth the summer), and has shared borders with Rivendell, Crystal Cliffs, and the Lost Empire (small parts taken off each of those three, but mostly extends into the spawn area, I looked up a map for this so hopefully you get what I mean)

Erewyn exports enchanted books and offers services of custom enchanting for armour and weapons

The Ocean Queen, of course, cherishes all Ocean dwellers, which certainly includes, for most of their life cycle, salmon

Featuring Scott both as one of the Lost Siblings pair and as the guy who falls in love with the demon

Those two plot lines actually might interfere with each other, I cannot imagine Xornoth would be very fond of the idea of his friend/brother trying to date a demon and Scott probably wouldn't take it very well if Xornoth tried to talk him out of it, so it might put a strain on their friendship, but I don't care, it can't be anyone but Scott, I can't make it work with anyone but Scott (the only other option I can think of would be Sausage, and he's already allied with the demon in canon, I don't want him to be in this AU as well)

I'm gonna say Jimmy is also at least somewhat interested in Scott, because, well, he is kind of cute, for someone without any fins or scales, and why not? Some fun on the side, why shouldn't he? There should be more to life than just terrorising people, even for a demon

Farmer (and Fighter) Queen Pearl is far too exited about her new demonic sparring partner and the powers he's willing to share (just to make their matches more interesting, right? This surely won't corrupt her, nooo, how would it?) (Unlike with Sausage, here I actually do like the idea of Pearl still being in a somewhat similar to canon role, except cranked up to eleven to become the role of demon protégé)

Pearl is also involved in this AU's equivalent of the hostage exchange, the other side being Xornoth (Pearl started it by stealing one of Xornoth's owls, but I cannot think of who or what they would have taken from her in return)

Pix as the assassin in that storyline, I think, because it's really funny to me to think that the person who in canon is tracking people's deaths in this AU is causing people's deaths

Lady Katherine of House Blossom, Flower Mage Queen of the Overgrown, tends to what is known as the Memorial Garden

Lord Sausage of Mythland really just wants to be friends with everyone and is always advocating for peace

Xornoth and Shrub have this AU's equivalent of the Cod War (what would that be though? I'd appreciate any ideas)

Joey and Xornoth are the happy couple who had the big royal wedding, with Scott as Xornoth's best man, and officiated by Pearl

Joey also gets the role of the one who's in complete denial of anything demonic going on. Joey cares about two things, his beautiful builds and his beautiful husband, and that's it. Demon? What demon? There's no demon, why would there be a demon? The sudden surplus of cod make good food for the raptors, as such their unusual aggression goes almost entirely unnoticed, piles of slime are buried under dirt to form nice rounded little hills. He can't even see Jimmy during the big arena fight, just Pearl going mad for no apparent reason, like, what's up with her then? (Keep in mind that I have never in my life watched any of Joey's videos, I have not the first clue how to write him)

Who did Pearl build the arena with, by the way? Probably Gem, who starts out being somewhat complacent about the whole demon issue ("Oh I'm sure he's not that dangerous, he's hardly managed to hurt me, and anyways, he's got some very interesting abilities I'd love to study"), but after the big massacre finally realizes it's actually quite serious and also Pearl is clearly not herself and definitely needs help

Random thought, you know how manta rays swim like they're flying through the water? Jimmy flies like he's swimming through the air

Jimmy is short for Jimahinjao, although he doesn't go by that name anymore, and definitely only Scott is allowed to call him Jimmy

Lizzie is short for Lizmoa, which is already one of the shortest merfolk names, but she's always gone by Lizzie, except in situations calling for truly formal adress

I don't know if "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" would necessarily apply to a gay wedding, but I kind of want it to in this case because:

I imagine Scott and Xornoth would have similar styles in terms of clothing and accessories, because it's a traditional elven style or because they're unknowingly brothers, who knows. The point here is Joey coming to Scott for 'something borrowed' and Scott going "Ohhh I can make your outfits match, that's gonna be so cute!"

Thus, the four items: an enchanted golden apple found with the help of Joel (because I didn't know what else he could provide), a pendant made of pixandrian copper (paralleling my interpretation of the amethyst Lizzie got from Gem as a necklace), an elven crown borrowed from Scott (matching Xornoth's), and a bouquet of blue orchids from the swamp outside of Mythland (paralleling the fact that in canon, the warped fungus came from the same place as the corruption)

Speaking of the swamp outside of Mythland, it is regarded as a dangerous and possibly haunted place and thus uninhabited (except for Jimmy, who is the reason people think it's haunted)

The crown Scott receives from Jimmy is a flower crown (as a nod to the for this AU rather unfitting official ship name of "Flower Husbands"). It's made from water lilies and has, beyond the mind control, two rather obvious magical properties. One: it doesn't wilt. Two: it's always slightly dripping. Mostly water, sometimes mud, rarely a bit of slime, but it's always dripping something. Scott still wears it anyways

Lizzie and Katherine get kidnapped by Pearl and Scott, and rescued by Joel, prompting that particular romance

As it will eventually turn out, Scott and Xornoth are twins (Xornoth being older by an hour, though there's no real way for them to find it out that exactly)

Xornoth reads in the library about an artifact he's pretty sure is related to the old religion he and Scott are continuing to learn about. The artifact in question is a black iron crown in the shape of a pair of antlers, to be worn by the royal representative of one of the two gods. They resolve to find this artifact.

Meanwhile, Lizzie, in a treasure chest she unearthed, finds what she thinks is probably an interestingly shaped piece of scrap metal. Maybe she can trade it to some fool for something else. Maybe for a channeling trident. She's been wanting one of those. Calling lightning at will sounds amazing.

The Crown™ is still forged by fWhip, and makes the rounds from Joel, who gets killed for it by Lizzie, who, while trying to give it to Shrub, gets it yoinked away by Joey, who gives it away via a treasure hunt which is then won by Xornoth, who gets it stolen by Gem, who creates a quiz for it that's won by fWhip, who gives it to Sausage, who puts on a contest in which Shrub then cheats and kills him to get it

The Ocean Queen gets storm powers that she needs to learn to control, she probably strikes Katherine with lightning by accident and subsequently flees to a deserted island to not hurt anyone else

While Lizzie is gone, fWhip steals the nautilus shell "Jimmy" has been sealed in, prompting her to return when one of her axolotls comes to tell her about it

More notes to possibly come in the future via reblogs

#empires smp #empires s1 #jimmy solidarity #ldshadowlady #scott smajor #joey graceffa #xornoth empires smp #two sons of rivendell au #two sons of rivendell au notes #tsorau #long post

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joanofarc · 1 year

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ten songs from shuffle vs. five i actually listen to

i was tagged by the wonderful @kodachromism to participate in this game, and while i usually struggle doing these, i turned off my mind and had fun writing. the rules are self-explanatory. songs i don’t get to choose and then songs i do get to choose (somewhat)!

i shuffled my 2021-2023 listening log spotify playlist, which is 10,000 songs tall and full of songs on albums i’ve only heard once. i’m not tagging anyone, but if you see this and want to do it, do it. here we go.

1. q quarters (the associates)

kind of a bad start, since i don’t have a lot to say about this one. there’s a lot of aesthetic brilliance to adore the associates for, but i’m too twee to be a goth outright. there’s nothing that really grabs me here, unlike the following track ‘tell me easter’s on friday’, which i love.

2. the fast one (tindersticks)

actually literally fast, and not very stand-out. i really don’t remember this song from my first listen. sounds like fucked up spy music, with wailing violin, melodica and groove. pretty gothic lyrics, here, too. did i have a phase or something and didn’t realize it?

3. quicksand (hatchie)

this is apparently the most-listened tune on hatchie’s debut, which is crazy, given ‘this enchanted’ is strictly better. but while the album is based on various pop modes (some from the 90′s), ‘quicksand’ is basically the most literal application of current radio pop trends. it’s not a bad song but it’s really boring when you get to the meat of it.

4. wings of heaven (rose mcdowall)

the third track on rose’s post-strawberry switchblade solo release is sincere, really. it emphasizes moving to a place of freedom, and i really love that from her. it’s not packing the same punch as ‘crystal days (/nights)’, but i’d rather have a full 80′s rose mcdowall pop album than just a single and scattered tracks, so.

5. giuseppina my dear (papiro)

i love this album but i’m also kind of a sucker for certain kinds of lounge-influenced indietronica. super schmaltzy stuff on this tune, with a sneaky bit of morricone hiding in the main synth line. so, another interlude, but a cute one.

6. i remember when (k. hand)

one from the late and great kelli hand. as the penultimate track (and at nine minutes), it leaves a bit to be desired, but i remember this coming on at work and it instantly put me in the zone.

7. summer holiday holocaust (kalle j)

oh, fuck, what a song. kalle j was never part of the sincerely yours / labrador rosters, but this song deserves to be in the annals of swedish balearic pop next to hits by the embassy, air france, the tough alliance, etc. good vibes throughout, chillwave adjacent, certainly fuzzy. i recommend this one.

8. apricots (the high llamas)

the final track on 1992′s santa barbara. i think a lot about microdisney -> the high llamas, and i see the lineage well-represented, here. it’s a bit too cynical to be brian wilson, you know? it’s got that irish flair! i’m observant. it’s an okay tune.

9. wandering (oranger)

oh, interesting. this is the final track on the very-new 2023 oranger album. i remember this album being fairly hit or miss, but listening again, i’ve got this fondness for mike drake’s vocals that’ll always make oranger accessible for shuffle. speaking of shuffle, the interplay of acoustic guitar and drums really works here for me.

10. panic (sophie rimheden)

i remember not liking this album at all, which sucks. i tried so hard to get into sophie rimheden because i love early aughts glitch pop. there’s hooks here, but no chops, which is something i really appreciate from contemporary barbara morgenstern. this song is just one idea stretched out for five minutes with no real payoff. just a whole lot of keyboard slap bass.

vs.

1. no way down (air france)

cool, i mentioned this group earlier. ‘no way down’ follows the immense ‘no excuses’ with no desire to cruise to similar heights. during its main refrain, it’s still subdued and chill. handclaps, whistling and vocal samples. a hipster’s dream, yeah? but you can’t end on an absolute banger, so this song and ‘windmill wedding’ are perfect balearic pop breezers to close out the minialbum.

2. love theme (from the world that never was) (the secret history)

michael grace, jr.’s creative direction and lyricism pairs perfectly with lisa ronson (daughter of legendary mick), creating 80′s pastiche with indie pop trends of the 2000′s. you’ll want to hear this if you’re a fan of 80′s romance movies. or if you’re a goth that wears too much pink. i was super grateful to do an interview with mgjr for my radio program, i just wish i asked more about the secret history!

3. probleme (the feelings)

hey you! you’ve got a problem. i know because i’ve got that problem, too. this CD is really for the sillyheads out there, because the feelings aren’t really that serious about things, blending pop rock with sloppy indie raps and beep boops. ‘probleme’ is probably one of the less cringy tunes on the album, so it’s safe to recommend to you.

4. delete it (mspaint, militarie gun)

ah, you remember when this came out? post-american was like a shock to the system. the hattiesburg band really upped the production and came into that rap-rock catchiness they sought to revive. the song ends without anything truly explosive, but i bet it makes yr head buzz live.

5. the face of youth today (squire)

DID I TELL YOU I’M THE FACE OF TODAY? this band singlehandedly convinced me of mod revival... i don’t know why i was so late to it, but jesus, it’s just so catchy. i still maintain i wanna’ cover this song and make ‘indie modtronica’... my band name will be the contraptions. keep that in mind.

#game

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praiseinchains · 1 month

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Gratitude Journal Entry (8/12/24) - LATE POST!

(I hate doing late posts, but I was SO exhausted from yesterday that I just didn't have the energy to put it up. I went to bed not long after we got home at 7)

Today I'm Grateful For:

*My eye doctor appointment! It has been SO long since I've enjoyed going to the eye doctor. When I was a kid, it used to be I was excited about going for my eye exercises or for the possibility that my doctor would decide I needed glasses (which I finally got at 14). Then it used to be that I was excited about the prospect of an eye doctor finally discovering what was wrong with my vision. Now that I KNOW what's wrong with it, I dread going because I'm always afraid she's going to tell me my vision has gotten worse. The scan itself took like 5 minutes and then we just waited for the eye doctor to come in. When she came in and just started asking how I was doing, if I was pleased at the speed I was getting help, asking me how my last neurologist appointment went/when I was scheduled to see him again, and then telling me she REALLY wanted me to go to Mayo, I was so sad and somewhat scared because I thought my scan must have been REALLY been bad. But she actually hadn't even looked at it, and to my incredible surprise, the scan actually showed slight improvement. It was like 2 points, but it was an IMPROVEMENT, which is basically unheard of for NMO when you're not on treatment. I've been taking flaxseed oil for the past couple months or so (a family emergency with my brother got me out of the habit of doing it religiously) but I attribute the improvement to that, and I'm DEFINITELY going to be taking it twice every day like I'm supposed to from now on :-)

*My eye doctor! She is quite possibly one of the best people I've ever met. Not only does she listen to me and take my concerns seriously (which has been unheard of with my 25 other doctors - not even kidding) but we have a very open relationship. I can tell she cares about me so much. She is like the only doctor I've ever allowed myself to cry in front of. She is so invested not only in my health but in my life as well. We always make it a point to update each other on our lives when we see each other, and we just joke around. She makes the seriousness of the situation easier to take and I just love her so much.

*My mom and I had like an hour to kill before we had to go to my appointment, so after we went to Hobby Lobby (I wanted to get a seasonal candle or something like that because I want it to be part of my nightly therapy time) we decided to drive around town and then she had the idea to go to this coffee shop truck that's associated with the hospital called Brewed Awakening. Almost all of their stuff has espresso in it, but I saw a blueberry pomegranate smoothie and decided to try that and OH.MY.GOSH! It was like the best smoothie I've ever had. I'm not a big fan of fruit (I really only like a few) but this was absolutely amazing, and I just find it so funny that I liked something to do with fruit more than my mom did. She prefers to eat her fruit, but I prefer to have it in a smoothie. Hopefully we can go back soon, and I can ask them what they put in it. I can't decide if it's pomegranate juice with strawberries blended in or if they use orange juice or milk as the main ingredient. Whatever it is, I'm in love!

Something I'm Proud Of:

When I was first diagnosed with NMO, I was completely devastated. I was terrified of sleeping because I was so afraid I'd just wake up blind. But you don't go through 25 doctors over 4 years without having SOME sort of plan always up your sleeve. I'm not one to just sit back and wait for things to happen, so after the first line of treatment only made my symptoms worse (I had constant palpitations over a two-week period that nearly made me pass out) I researched and researched before coming across information regarding flaxseed oil being a great source to counteract inflammation. Within a few weeks I could tell an improvement. I'm just really proud of myself for not sitting by and being proactive in my health and I really feel it's led to this slight improvement, and I can't wait to hopefully see more.

Tomorrow I'm Looking Forward To:

I have to get a disc that has my MRI of my back on it because my eye doctor wants to see if it shows any problems with my diaphragm (which would explain my inability to exercise, my shortness of breath, and even my tachycardia) so I'm going with my parents to the hospital and waiting for the disc to be made while my mom plays her harp there (she goes every other week and plays at the hospital). I'm looking forward to going and just sitting around for 2 hours and reading and doing some puzzles :-)

Daily Affirmation:

I am resilient and find joy in every small victory.

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soir-rouges-esprit · 4 months

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xxviii.b: The Viper, probably Trafficked straight from Vietnam like many others I knew that worked for her … He most likely never left the house, only to answer the door, deal with her package deliveries, etc, as I once did long ago. His eyes widened, jaw dropped a little, and said “Come In!!!” I walk through the door, down the little hallway, and into the small living room/kitchen “Please Sit! I will get Mrs.Van, she will want to see you immediately.” He sprinted out of the room back into the main hall and up the little stairs next to the front door, that lead up to the bedrooms (Also where Mrs.Van’s room/office was) I could hear his footsteps heavy against the wooded floors, that still creaked as they always have in the same exact spots as they always have. I walk down into the sunken dining room table area/booth … it was a lowered section in the living room/kitchen that had short one-step stairs all around it sectioning it off from the rest of the space, with a table fixed into the floor by a single center pole, that was accompanied by squared/connected booth like seats on three sides, with the center booth behind a big window with shades that lit the space with natural light almost heavenly … I step down, and seat myself in the right-most booth (As to have ease of access to bolt at any time things get hairy) my leg naturally starts to bounce as it does when my nerves are high, my left arm down at my side, my right strung across the table straight tapping my fingers in a frantic chaotic tempo. Then I hear two people start to walk from upstairs down towards the stairs … then down them … then … “Salem? It really is you.” I turn behind me over the booth, and there she is … looking no older than eighty, and just as I remembered her … The Viper. I shoot up from the booth and stand shocked facing her. Yeah … It’s me … how yah doin' Van?. She walked over to me slowly, shuffling a bit. She placed her hands on my jaw and cheeks and rubbed her thumbs around my cheekbones while smiling … tears started to form over her eyes and she said to me. “You really are alive … you did not die in that sewer, you lived … I heard the news … and was afraid that it was a lie, considering … that has yet to happen before.” I was shocked … she knew? What am I saying … of course, she knew, basically anytime anyone gets thrown down there, it’s like breaking news for the streets … I just didn’t expect my escape to actually get picked up … who saw me and reported that to her? She lowered her hands from my face. Yeah … I lived, part of the reason I’m here right now actually … I have some business to take care of, can’t really do it without your help. “Ohhhh … are you seeking revenge?” In a way … more so peace of mind. “I see … ” She went to the kitchen and started to brew some Nuoc Sam and make me, as she has always … a strawberry-banana Sinh To, with a cherry on top. She comes and sits down in the booth opposite the one I was at, I sit back down … we drink … and talk some more. “And who is it that tried to kill you my boy? Who is it that needs hell on earth … who … say their name(s).” *Sigh* I destress and sink into my booth. Well … you know him for sure, he’s that cholo gangster on the east side and partly downtown … names Alzon. Her eyes widen … she grabs her tea with both hands and pulls it to drink while keeping her eyes directly on me. “I see … that is more of a problem than I could have imagined … I see why you have returned home.” Yeahhhh … I wouldn't have involved you if I knew I could keep you out of the shit storm … but … I can't weather this storm alone V. “Yes … yes … I know, you have somewhat been defiant towards me with that over the years … ” I think to myself; shit that is not what I meant, all though … she wasn't really wrong. “So … you wish for my help then? Then I will offer it … give you everything you'll need to take down such a foe … I shall not hide either, you have brought me the reason I've been searching for to convince all the other council members to act on that … Mexican Cowboy … he has run a muck ... ”[To Be Continued]

#creative writing #writing #original story #smut

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live-love-laugh-lesbian · 6 months

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HIII this is probably gonna be the last ask i send as your swiftie exchange anon haha! also i dont know what timezone you are but ive scheduled it for 6am gmt for tomorrow if i remember correct skdkekdfk (but also you said quid which means pounds i think so im taking a wild guess that you are somewhat the same timezone as me haha)

yep im in uni! honestly kinda harsh kakdkekxfj ive got tests on the first week back but i suppose that's to ne expected haha! it is quite stressful but like c'est la vie yk? good luck on your exams!!

oh also im so glad youre feeling better!! i hope you feel awesome soon!

oh yeahh that makes complete sense! you dont have to show them to me if you dont want to btw but once i reveal myself and you are okay w it you can dm me! (only if you want tho no pressure at all!!)

yeahh thats so real actually! people always want what they dont have and that makes me kinda sad but also im one of those people so ajdeksjd i cant really say anything abt it akfkekdjf

yeahh hypocrisy is so linked like to everyday stuff!! and what you said makes more sense than what i ever couldve ajdjejsjfn and inflation is HORRIBLE ive witnessed price of stuff like cheese go up by so much and it appals me! and that is a ridiculous difference from your phone bill!

oohh i wish i was you id love to meet my online friends!!

yeah!! like the main problem with fast fashion isnt the cheap quality (i mean perhaps it is) but also the PEOPLEEEE WHO BARELY GET PAIDD!!

thats such a thought out and good answer!! climate change and the way politicians handle shit is so real like it NEEDSS to be addressed!! and i hope you get to see your doctors!!

and same im such a pushover like i wish i could not be but alas it is but a dreamm!! i think for me what you said is basically my answer and like people being assholes and thinking theyre funny? lile people who think its okay to make offensive jokes or say a slur bc they think theyre funny annoys me soo bad!!!!! and also people who manipulate other people like ewwww and just like horrible people in general. also thats horrible!! why does anyone think its okay to do that???

hmm... honestly rename strawberries fluffleberries and making bananas rainbow sounds like an awesome idea sjdjekdn hmm this is hard kakdkdskf maybe i would replace car honks with goose honks hehe i feel like thats such a silly answer but tbf i am but a silly goose!! what about you?

and my question to you: what are some things you are grateful for (see i say things not people bc i feel like people is a very general question ajfjrjdjf but you can tell me people too if you want!!)

thank youu!! i had an awesone time chatting with you you're lovely <3

have an awesome day!!!

-swiftie spring exchange anonnnnn

Hello! My country change timezones slightly I think based on clocks, but I think we're currently BST? I can never remember, a bit embarrassing imo XD It's cool that we might be close in time zones!!

Ah I have no exams cause I'm not in uni, but I am tutoring kids for exams so does that count? XD I hope your tests go well!!

Cheap quality sucks, but it'd improve if companies were willing to give up just a teeny tiny bit of their profits...I've become so increasingly anti company over the last like 5 years I think XD And thank you!! Honestly the "offensive is funny" type is SO annoying. I've met a few that were like "uhhh it's dark humour" and I've been like. You do not have dark humour, you just want to be rude.

I did however get a cookie once from a guy who realised that I had been upset by his stupid joke (I can't remember what exactly it was, but I think it was like...either homophobic or misogynistic. The apology was nice to get because it was unexpected. Alas at the time I was unable to eat gluten so the cookie part was awkward.) And manipulation just sucks?? I feel like people get away with it a lot because it's not obviously awful until you realise what's going on.

Silly answers are encouraged for that one!! (And always tbh) XD And honestly I would get rid of sparkling water. I feel like it's like marmite - people love it or hate it. And I hate sparkling water, I literally cannot handle the texture. And one time I accidentally got some instead of regular water. The memory haunts me. So yeah I'd wind up half the world by getting rid of it altogether and just watch the chaos XD

My final answer (also I know who you are now cause of when I logged on BUT I'm gonna answer this anyways on here) would be my cats (haha not people so they slip through...not things either but not people), the way life has turned out (it's not perfect, but I'm in a much better position than I ever expected even just like 2 years ago), and my art abilities (because I like that I can draw, and draw pretty decently, it's a fun and usually relaxing hobby!)

I had the time of my life answering questions with you, and I look forwards to hopefully talking more with you!!

#swift spring exchange anon

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jadelotusflower · 3 years

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Robin Hood Rewatch: 3x07 Too Hot To Handle

So the dvds from the library haven't come yet, but life finds a way. That is, some kind soul has uploaded the series to YouTube, which accounts for the potato quality of some of the screenshots, but hey.

This week is the inevitable Robin/Isabella rift, while Guy finally gets to be Sheriff for a total of five minutes (lol), Prince John continues to be entertaining, and Kate gets captured (again). The rest of the gang? Propping up the scenery.

It's (presumably) summer in Nottinghamshire, where they seem to be experiencing a drought. Not so in Locksley Manor, where the water flows freely and PJ and Isabella engage in some painful flirting, but Isabella's main intent seems to be currying PJ's favor to stick it to Guy.

Isabella goes outside where Robin is waiting for her with strawberries, something that pisses me off no end. The people are practically dying of thirst, Robin, and you take fruit to Isabella who absolutely does not need it. THERE'S FRUIT INSIDE. IT'S ON THE TABLE. RIGHT HERE.

I know Robin is meant to be seen as selfish here, since the narrative of this episode is the choice between a normal life and his life as Robin Hood, and he's got the blinkers on for Isabella instead of his people, but this is the only moment that actually is the case. It just seems too obliviously self-centred, even for Robin.

But he and Isabella make with the flirt, and while it is somewhat jarring as a viewer to see Robin move so quickly into a romance with Isabella, I don’t necessarily think it’s unexpected. Firstly, it’s not uncommon for widow/ers to marry again within a short period of time, and secondly, it harkens back to the Robin we meet in the first episode, who certainly wasn’t adverse to a flirtation - I don’t think at this point Robin is thinking much outside of that mindset, perhaps he’s even trying to recapture that carefree part of himself without the great weight of responsibility he feels in all other aspects.

I just want to take a sec to talk about Isabella's costuming. Generally I like the clothing upgrade for everyone this season (even Robin's has grown on me), but there's more going on here. Since her introduction, Isabella's gowns have been a very similar style - an off the shoulder/bateau neckline, often with the front laces partly undone and no shift or chemise in sight. Obviously this sexualises her, positioning Isabella as a temptress to both Robin and Prince John, but I think it's also intended to convey her vulnerability - how in fleeing an abusive marriage she's needed to rely on the whims of men - keeping them on side by seeking their attention and protection. IIRC, her style shifts once she becomes Sheriff and gains the power to protect herself.

Guy is annoyed PJ hasn't made him Sheriff yet, and PJ points out he he has everything but the title, the power, and the castle. LOL.

"Obviously [Robin] has to hang. The only problem is the people insist on adoring him still." A great line reading from Toby Stephens.

PJ has figured out that he needs to give the people what they need/want if he is to be loved like Robin, and that's water. I actually think this is a nice little contrast to last episode where he used fire to burn the Locksley Church, and now he's giving them water to figuratively put out the flames - that decision was spur of the moment (fire doing damage in seconds), this one is calculated (water trickling over time) - it's all very elemental and lets us into PJ's hot/cold psyche a bit.

However PJ looks out the window and sees Isabella provocatively eating a strawberry with Robin, figuring out in one scene (that his would-be paramour is playing both sides) what it took Guy two seasons to accept. Although to be fair, Robin and Marian were never so stupid as to flirt literally outside Locksley Manor while Guy was inside, and perhaps this is indicative of Robin's increased recklessness.

Robin tells Isabella goodnight - was this meant to have been shot day-for-night and they just forgot to to the colour correction? If Robin and Isabella were meeting in the dark they wouldn't seem so stupid, but in summer it doesn't get dark in England until like 10pm - so either way I guess.

When they get to the castle, however, it is dark. PJ explains that's he's blocked the underground spring to hoard Nottingham's water supply. I mean as plans go it's not bad? He then gets to position himself as benevolent overlord - able to give them what even Robin Hood cannot.

In Locksley, the well is dry. We meet Ellie and her baby, who is apparently Kate's godson. This won't have a bearing on the plot, we just need to know that Kate is also adored by the Locksley villagers. No sign of Rebecca or Maggie though - are they still around? Did they leave?

Robin is moody that what they do never seems to change anything. And I kid you not, Kate replies: "Well thank goodness for me then." That is an actual line in the script! She really stands there in the face of Robin's malaise and essentially says "but MEEEE!" She delivers the news that she's found out where PJ is hiding the water like she's cracked the Enigma code rather than just noticing a building being guarded, and everyone pats her on the back! Literally!

This episode was written by Chris Lang, in a one and done for the show. Were they given direction to make Kate as smug and self-satisfied as possible? Because she has been written so consistently terrible across several writers now and can’t be a coincidence.

Guy doesn't believe Isabella would be in league with Robin, and we're getting Marian parallels all over this episode, because PJ has set a trap for her. Remember when Guy set a trap to uncover the spy in the castle and almost caught Marian? I bet he does, even if he's in denial about Isabella as much as he was about Marian.

PJ tells Guy to kill them both if he finds them, and Guy has a twinge of conscience.

The gang liberate the water from PJ's hoard and deliver it to the people of Locksley. There's a cute little bit where Ellie says her son's name is Robin, and he is flattered but she teases him that it was after the bird. He's suitable chastised before Ellie's husband Jack explains that he was in fact named for Robin - because he was a sickly lad and they wanted to give him a name of strength. I really like these small moments showing the connection between Robin and his people.

Interesting tidbit: Jack is played by Matt Devere, who has popped up on the show several times, including as Henry of Lewes, several guards, and the tar seller earlier this season.

Robin broods, and Marian's Theme kicks in - he tells Much he envies Ellie and Jack because "they have each other". This is a happy couple with a young child - a family Robin will never have, and no matter how hard he's tried to sublimate his grief it rises to the fore every now and then.

Much tells Robin "well, we have each other" but agrees when Robin points out it's not the same. As nicely subtle as Much is in this moment - knowing there's nothing he can say, and can only be there as support - his character really has been shafted this season. Where is the progression from his rightful outburst in the barn, from Robin's confessions - where is Much coming into his own? Instead we have the stupid crush on Kate.

Speak of the devil, she arrives to say that Isabella told her offscreen she wants to meet Robin in the meadow. If we're to buy this great animosity/rivalry between Isabella and Kate, shouldn't we have seen this interaction? At least given Kate an actual reason to dislike Isabella other than petty jealousy, which is never a good look on anyone.

Robin has developed a new tick: winding a piece of cloth around his fist - he did the same thing last episode with Isabella's blindfold.

There’s also a continuity error - in the two shot coverage on Robin, he’s wearing the cloth around his neck, on the coverage of Kate, he isn’t.

Tuck is also in the anti-Isabella camp, for reasons I still can't fathom. To their credit, John and Much point out that she's helped them before (Allan says nothing, probably not wanting to have any aspersions cast on his own loyalties), but Tuck insinuates that Robin is thinking with this dick and that Robin's priority should be to stay in Locksley to help dole out the water.

And this is what I'm talking about - this false dichotomy presented that it's Isabella or being Robin Hood - Robin is absolutely right when he points out that she may have information that could help them solve the water crisis. Absolutely right! Because she does!

Later he'll be gaslit that he shouldn't have trusted her on the basis of Tuck and Kate's gut feelings, but in this scene Robin is 100% correct and they're being ridiculous about it.

But they succeed in getting inside his head - despite the heat, Robin puts on his doublet and takes his weapons to meet Isabella, and treats her with suspicion. At this point she's completely honest with him - she doesn't want to be on the losing side, seeks to undermine Guy, and wants Robin to like her. He calls it a "politically motivated act" but is flirty. They kiss while Guy is watching from the treeline.

PJ arrives in Locksley with the water grand gesture, but sees he's been usurped. He forces a villager to tell him it was Robin who gave them water, and then orders his guards to plunge the poor guy face first into the barrel.

PJ has snapped, and is back to fire - if the villagers want water they will have to pay him for it. The guards pour out the barrel, and I thought the villager would splutter and cough but no, he's dead.

And the gang? Watch and do nothing! No doubt the implication was "oh if only Robin were there to help like Tuck wanted instead of making out with Isabella..." But is the gang not capable of interceding? There are five of them and PJ only has a handful of guards - they've faced worse odds. Instead they stand there and let a man drown rather than doing anything to stop it. This is not the We Are Robin Hood spirit!

Guy chains Robin and Isabella together as he accuses them both of treason, Robin accuses Isabella of setting him up, and she tries to placate both of them.

"You made me believe that we may have a future together" Um...no? I find this line extremely strange based on Robin and Isabella's relationship so far - clearly Robin didn't believe anything of the sort given his earlier brooding and general distrust of Isabella. Now Robin obviously has an intense attraction to her, and he has at times shown attachment that beguiles the amount of time they'd actually spent together, but I don't believe for a second that Robin thought anything about the future, as most of their interaction has been based on the intensity of the moment - hot or cold again.

Isabella asks Guy to let her go, and he agrees if she will kill Robin.

"It's a shame you didn't show that compassion to Marian before you ran her through." Robin is a ball of simmering rage at this line.

Robin and Isabella feign disdain for each other, but it's unclear if the other knows it. There's a three way fight, Robin and Isabella still shackled together and it’s rather nicely choreographed.

Robin stops Isabella from killing Guy, but given he tries to kill Guy later on this episode it seems his objection is the slaughter of a man while unconscious, and not the murder itself. Noblesse Oblige.

Isabella says she's hated Guy for 17 years. We know she was 13 when she was sold in marriage to Thornton, which makes her 30. So...older than Robin? I don't think his age is ever mentioned on screen, but for some reason I though it was accepted wisdom he was 25 in season 1, which would have him no more than 28 as of this episode (although given the jumping around in the timeline/seasons, who knows). But I don't think this matches up with the ages of the kids in the flashback episode? 17 years is a long time to be in an abusive marriage, especially when that abuse started when Isabella was still a child.

Anyway it's a good scene, and Isabella and Robin bonding over their hatred of Guy makes sense. His actions have helped make them both who they are, stripped away a bit of their humanity - at the core of it, both Robin and Isabella are two broken people that could either find solace and solidarity in the other, or destroy each other. Of course it turns out to be the latter.

PJ sure knows how to sit in a chair.

We get a glimpse into his pathology - he's as ruthless as the Sheriff, but where Vaisey genuinely didn't care what the populace thought of him, and if anything thrived on their distaste for him because it gave him power, PJ desperately wants their love because he thinks he’s entitled to it, and doesn’t understand that it must be earned.

"Maybe they need to truly hate me, before they can understand how to truly love me." A great line, and Toby Stephens’ performance really is so compelling.

But take a look at the ring on PJ's finger - doesn't it look a lot like "Marian's" ring Robin buried in 3x01? Maybe that ring was meant to be the one King Richard gave to wed them, aka a royal signet. Or the props department just reused it (which is probably more likely).

Robin and Isabella argue over which way Clun is, which seems a foolish thing to have your characters fight over when one has lived in the forest for years and one moved into the area five minutes ago.

"Surely you can't be made at me for letting you have your own way?" The banter is silly, but this seems to hit home. It is the kind of playful back and forth that is reminiscent of Marian (although the banter with her was better written), and it endears Isabella to Robin again. I don’t think he realises at this point that he is partly drawn to Isabella because she reminds him of Marian - if he did, I think he would have come to the realisation later in the episode much sooner and backed off.

And I think a part of it - for both of them - is to really stick it to Guy. Robin by romancing his sister, and Isabella his greatest enemy.

They get de-shackled in Clun, and Isabella points out she has nowhere to go. Robin assures her that she has him, and this really makes his rejection of her at the end even worse.

She asks what Marian was like, and Robin immediately clamps up again - the tense way he deflects with “what was who like?” knowing full well what she’s asking.

"She was Marian" and "I just want to forget" makes sense from the perspective that Robin only remains functional by disassociating from his grief, and therefore cannot think/talk about her. But as a viewer, did I really wanted this to be a longer scene.

But it also serves to give Isabella the wrong idea - that he's moved on, that Marian's death wasn't so fundamentally devastating as it was - she doesn't see Robin as a man knowingly living on borrowed time, but someone who can love. It endears Robin to her again.

Also, much better shot of her costume here:

The gang leads the villagers to the River Trent. PJ has set up a patrol, and one of the guards recognises Tuck (the only black man in England this season, I guess). John knocks them both out, but they all run when reinforcements arrive.

And oh golly gee, Kate's been captured!

Robin and Isabella get under the castle to unblock the spring, but Guy has escaped and traps them in the chamber to drown.

Kate is brought before Prince John, and that makes two threats of sexual assault against her this season.

Much is going on about how he would do anything for Kate and no one is listening. Allan is helping a little old lady, which is very sweet. Tuck tries his hand at water divining.

PJ announces Guy as Sheriff, and the nobles in the room actually seem quite pleased. This is it, the culmination of Guy's ambition, and he doesn't seem like he knows how to feel about it.

Robin and Isabella hold each other to keep afloat, and Isabella tells him about her dream that they lived together in a farmhouse with animals and four children, but Robin is thinking of Marian (her Theme is back in case it wasn't absolutely clear) - even his comment "and the girls your brains" seems to be more about Marian than Isabella.

Does Isabella truly want this? Probably not. I think Isabella wants safety - and a humdrum rural life could be quite appealing in that context.

The staging of this scene is important too, because they can't see each other - Isabella hears Robin say the dream is "perfect" and so is happy, thinking they're on the same page, but if she'd seen his face she'd have known his heart wasn't in it.

Because that is exactly what Robin did want - to live in Locksley Manor and take care of his people and work his lands, he just can’t imagine that life with anyone but Marian.

Robin sees a way out (of the conversation as much as anything else), Isabella takes off her dress to use as a robe, and she is wearing a kirtle underneath after all.

Robin misses the first two shots - have we ever seen him miss like that before? Maybe that fall in 3x01 had long term effects.

I ask you, how did this fit under what she was wearing earlier? There’s no way it wouldn’t have been visible when the gown was so low in her shoulders.

Kate is being kept in the dungeon, and urges Robin not to trust Isabella, because she misinterpreted what PJ said earlier about Isabella giving Robin a message and assumed it meant she was in on it, rather than being played by PJ.

Isabella wants them to take the chance and leave, to run away and try and live the dream of a new life.

Robin tells her he likes her, but that he is Robin Hood and can't change that. Now, Isabella has much more reason to accuse him of making her believe they could have a future together at this point - and she seems to snap at his rejection. Because Robin wasn't thinking, that moment in the water was perhaps the first time he did really think about where the relationship with Isabella was going, and realised that he just wasn’t capable of giving her what she wanted.

Because I do believe that he likes Isabella - and that scares the hell out of him, because there could be something stronger between them than attraction/flirtation and he is too emotionally fragile to go down that path again.

It would have been much more diplomatic for Robin to park the conversation - to simply say he can’t leave anyone behind, but that he wants Isabella to come to the camp and join them, that they’ll keep her safe. Instead, he pushes Isabella away, because he realises that he can’t go in any deeper, and that perhaps he’d already gone too far.

I posited at the beginning of the season that following Marian's death and his fall off the cliff it was the symbolic death of Robin the man - leaving only the legend Robin Hood, pushing through playing a role until his time is done, and I think that's borne out here. There's no heart for Robin left to give, at least the way Isabella wants it.

Kate is watching all of this happen, and she misinterprets it too, thinking that Robin is rejecting Isabella herself, rather than rejecting the idea of a life outside being an outlaw.

PJ and Guy arrive, and what options does Isabella have left? Not with Robin, who has reneged on his promise, not with Guy, who won’t give her another chance. So she desperately pivots to PJ, doing what she has to do to survive.

It’s a really good swordfight - Robin vs Isabella, Guy vs PJ, then Guy vs Isabella, Robin vs PJ, then finally Guy vs Robin. his earlier wisdom about it being better to let Guy live in his misery evaporates; Robin really wants to kill him this time.

Kate escapes from her cell and stops him from going after Guy. But wait, before they run away, she needs to give him a kiss on the cheek first.

The water is back, and everyone in Locksley is happy (except the dead man and his family I guess). Robin reminds himself "this is what you do."

There's hugs all around. I love it when there’s hugs all around.

Allan asks what happened with Isabella, and Robin says she won't be joining them just yet, and winks at Kate, which was probably just meant to be a nod to a shared experience, but Kate clearly takes as validation. He then looks wistfully at Ellie, Jack, and baby Robin, and when he turns back around Kate smiles at him. Again, I don't see this as romantic on Robin's part, but him recommitting himself to his gang, and walking away from the dream of family life. But Kate has her own dreams, and they're fixated on Robin.

To be honest I think they could have made more out of Robin/Isabella before they turned on each other, and I wonder if Jonas Armstrong had stuck around for another season whether they would have.

As it is we’re just past the halfway point, and are soon going to start steamrolling towards the end of the season. But not next week. Next week, we have more filler.

#robin hood bbc #robin hood rewatch #3x07 #too hot to handle

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madzilla84 · 3 years

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one of @strawberry-sunflower’s anons said earlier, ‘dan’s three running jokes: being a hoe, commitment issues and existential crisis’, and that helped me crystallise what I’ve been thinking about all of last night and today (and a lot over the last couple of years, on and off).

The existential crisis stuff is fine; pretty understandable at any age and not something you necessarily grow out of, in fact you might be *more* likely to spiral about things as you get older, so I don’t have any particular issue with that part of his - branding? Humour? Whatever you want to call it, because I usually ‘get it’, even the machine-generated Relatable Tweets and stuff like that. I like it, you know, it’s fine. It’s funny. He’s funny.

But the other two have never sat right with me, and after last night’s show I finally have a (somewhat) better understanding of why, which I will now do a piss-poor job of explaining, probably.

The main thing, of course, is that I don’t actually *know* Dan, none of us do; while we identify with him in many ways and see much of ourselves in him we don’t actually know him, and he’s notoriously private about many aspects of his life (quite understandably so). So, when he makes jokes like that, I can’t genuinely *know* whether he means them or not, whether they’re true or not, but *either way* it doesn’t work for me, and here’s why.

If they aren’t true, if it’s hyperbole and Relatable Gay Guy Humour or just Dan’s Gonna Dan or whatever, then it feels like he’s saying one thing but actually living a different life, and I dunno, I don’t love that, especially from someone who has focussed so much on ‘living his truth’. It feels disingenuous and forced. And like, sure, ‘get a sense of humour’, but it feels a bit - patronising? Somehow? IF that’s the case.

And if it *is* true - and hey, I don’t know what’s going on in his life, it might be - then it feels even worse, as it just - doesn’t fit with the life he’s presented having, with the life he’s been living (maybe? maybe not?) for so long, with what’s been happening in his life. It makes me feel, like - who is this man? Do I actually know him at all? It just doesn’t *fit* with any version of him that I understand, and so the only option is - I don’t know him at all. And hey, maybe I don’t, after all. And that - creates distance, for me, it sticks in my craw and makes me feel like I’m stupid somehow, that he’s fooling me somehow, and I can’t even see it.

I understand misdirection for the sake of protection - LOOK OVER HERE, DON’T LOOK BEHIND THE CURTAIN - but I think if that *is* what’s going on - and it might not be - there are much better ways to go about it. I dunno. I didn’t enjoy it in BIG and I didn’t enjoy it last night, and it wasn’t just because of the inevitable “AHA! He’s single!” corners of the fandom (though I sighed when he said it because I hate it when he hands them ammo lol).

Maybe don’t reblog this; I don’t really feel like dealing with Dan Defense League especially as I’m, y’know, one of them. I’m just saying why those particular jokes/that branding doesn’t work *for me*, I know most of his fanbase love it and it’s not like he’s going to stop, lol, it’s a core part of his branding at this point. (Or is it a core part of *him*? I guess we’ll have to wait and see, or maybe we’ll never know, not really.)

#do not reblog #thinking out loud #dan #mad.txt #i do enjoy the vibe though after last night's show #which i loved by the way!#much nicer than the nervous breakdown i was having after big lol

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pbaintthetb · 3 years

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Watership Down Rant pt.2/ How Hazel (Arguably) Misinterprets Bigwig

“Bigwig would certainly be a useful rabbit in a tight corner, he would also be a difficult one to get on with. He certainly would not want to do what he was told- or even asked- by an Outskirter.”~ Chapter 3, Hazel’s Decision.

As I briefly mentioned before, Hazel is the POV character, and while there is a narrator, it can sometimes be difficult to separate the two. My first time reading the novel I was much more inclined to go along with Hazel’s interpretation of Bigwig, but after finishing, seeing Bigwig’s whole character journey, and on a reread I don’t entirely agree. There are two main characters who Bigwig gets very angry at in the novel, Fiver, and Strawberry. Strawberry who Bigwig blames for leading to Bigwig’s almost death (and he forgives it soon enough), and Fiver who is continuously (at least in Bigwig’s eyes) putting Hazel in danger- until the snare incident.

Hazel seems to imply that Bigwig is trying, whether maliciously or not, to create trouble. One of his fears when they leave Sandleford and Bigwig asks to join is that, Bigwig, as an Owsla and generally much larger and slightly short tempered rabbit is going to fight with him for position of leader. A position Hazel feels naturally falls to him. Hazel lets Bigwig come with them, mostly because he can’t really refuse him, but also because as much as Hazel doesn’t want a power struggle he’s aware that he needs strong fighters and someone who knows more about the wider world- aka, Bigwig. (More on Hazel’s pragmatism later.)

Bigwig’s two flaws that Hazel picks up on and I agree with are- he can be quite short tempered (though we’ll see, Bigwig is good at separating personal feelings from non-personal matters), and specifically doesn’t take uncertainty particularly well.

However, these aren’t traits that make a particularly good Chief Rabbit, Bigwig can think on his feet- but not as well as Hazel, Fiver, or even Blackberry. I feel like Bigwig is somewhat aware of this fact (his reaction to being told he’s not suited for a task later in the novel due to his temperament is one of someone who doesn’t disagree, but doesn’t like the fact). Therefore, my basic point is that I don’t think Bigwig is gunning for Chief Rabbit, and I particularly don’t think he is at any point trying to usurp Hazel. As to whether he truly believes Hazel is their true/great Chief Rabbit from the beginning… no. But, he does acknowledge him as leader of the group, he does seem to default to him, or at least treat him as equal, and his criticisms of Hazel seem to be more that he wants Hazel to be better than Bigwig thinking he, or anyone else, would make a better leader.

Bigwig has a basic level of respect for Hazel from the very beginning, seen when he allows Hazel to speak to the Threarah, even though Bigwig knows it will create trouble for him because he trusts Hazel has a decent reason. Who doesn’t Bigwig really respect? Five, at this point he’s entirely neutral, but he trusts Hazel to trust Fiver. There is still plenty of room for Bigwig’s respect of Hazel to grow- arguably culminating in Efrafa- but he never once treats Hazel as lesser or makes a bid for power. The closest he comes to a mutiny is actually against Fiver and specifically because he thinks Fiver is endangering Hazel and Hazel’s authority.

Now, Bigwig’s not perfect, he does feel he’s owed more respect than say, Blackberry or Dandelion (though he also respects their own skills and talents and gets pretty mad when Cowslip’s rabbits aren’t impressed by Dandelion’s story telling), but also like... eh, he’s not wrong. Bigwig is the most knowledgeable about the world (Blackberry is a mad genius, but he more theorises things than knows) and is often the one explaining crucial things- roads, snares, predators, and most importantly- how to stay safe. He and Silver (tldr Bigwig but calmer) often stay up to take watches- amd this, like most of the tasks Silver and Bigwig do together are clearly coordinated and arranged by Bigwig. Bigwig also takes charge of a lot that Hazel feels he should do as leader, but Hazel is not lazing about during these times, he’s taking care of other tasks that a leader needs. The most usurp thing Bigwig does is essentially take charge while Hazel is away, but he always hands it back. Bigwig works like a second in command- and Hazel doesn’t seem to see this. This is particularly funny but also a misunderstanding on Hazel’s part when considering some of the first things Hazel does is put Bigwig in this role. Additionally, Bigwig is more than happy to share is wider knowledge as a result of his experience, but mostly to Hazel- because teaching takes time and it’s not worth, for example, teaching Pipkin how to fight a cat. This is why I feel that Bigwig simply wants to improve Hazel, he’s very calm and polite when he teaches him about the road, and points out that as an Outskirter and not an Owsla there is no reason why Hazel should know these things when Hazel is embarrassed about the fact. Both the other two Chief rabbits we meet in the book are ex/current Owsla, Hazel is not, and thus it makes sense for Bigwig to catch him up to speed. Personally I think Hazel is paranoid about his own position and protecting that outwards.

Onto how Hazel views Bigwig and why I think he’s wrong- but with textual evidence.

Hazel seems to think Bigwig wants to usurp him because he was more powerful than him before they left their home. And in Hazel’s mind this is justified by Bigwig’s bluster and the fact that Hazel keeps stumbling across him taking charge of the rabbits... because Hazel has been away/busy/doing another important task and someone needs to hold down the fort- so Bigwig steps up, and then quite calmly steps down once Hazel is back, who doesn’t seem to quite see this at first because he’s paranoid. No Hazel hate, just truth.

However, for all of Hazel’s fears, there’s little truth to them. I’m going to quickly run through all the supposed challenges Bigwig offers upto their arrival at the Warren of the Shining Wires. (I’m deliberately not calling it Cowslip’s warren- because it’s not, he’s not Chief- the human is, the rabbits just live there.)

“If you’ll take my advice-” began Bigwig. “If we stay here any longer I shan’t be able to,” answered Hazel.~ Chapter 4, The Departure (after Bigwig has bested Holly, immediately before they leave Sandleford.) See how respectfully Bigwig brings up his potential criticism? And there is no note of Bigwig being resentful, rude, or sulky that he was shut down. He acknowledges that now is not a time for discussion/democracy, it’s a time to pack up and follow Hazel- whereas you’d expect some kind of grudge if Hazel was right. At the very least you’d expect something the next time Bigwig “criticises” Hazel in chapter 5. However, Bigwig simply states that the group needs to stop, he lists out the reasons why he knows Hazel won’t want to, but also lists why they need to- simply put that Fiver and Pipkin physically can’t. At this point Bigwig doesn’t even know Pipkin’s name (he refers to him as “this half-sized fellow”), but he’s one of Hazel’s squad and Bigwig’s protective instincts are coming out. Hazel is reluctant, but listens. Also of note is that Bigwig doesn’t demand this in front of the group as if it were some power-play, he walks off away from the group to quietly talk to Hazel, and it’s still Hazel who announces they’re stopping. Bigwig is not trying to convince Hazel of this after the fact.

Chapters 7-8. When the Badger finds them it’s Bigwig who leads them away, however, this most seemingly obvious element of insubordination is not remarked on by Hazel- internally or otherwise. This is because Bigwig is the only one who knows what it is, how dangerous it is (it’s of the “lets not invite trouble” variety). And yes, it’s because he’s Owsla, but Silver is Owsla too- this is how Bigwig seems to view himself, not as Chief, but Captain of the Owsla for their group and sharing power with Hazel. Now, Hazel has not given this role- but as we’ll see later he kind of defaults to putting Bigwig in it and Bigwig has already won a fight for Hazel, it’s not an unreasonable assumption. Bigwig is very annoyed when they arrive at the river and takes it out on Hazel- who notes that Bigwig is only steady if he’s certain of their options. Hazel uses some flattery to calm Bigwig down (honestly, a great talent of Hazel’s in many situations).

Bigwig gets angry. So, in chapter 8 Bigwig starts to actually shout and rage, but it’s interesting to note that this is prompted by Fiver. Bigwig is clearly irritated at being led to a dead end- but it’s more the exhaustion and confusion than anything about Hazel. However when Fiver says they need to swim the river (noted to be impossible for exhausted rabbits by the narrator) that Bigwig starts to get annoyed- remember that Bigwig was the one who got them to stop earlier. Especially considering there are other options. Still, Bigwig lets it go. And again, when he comes to talk to Hazel about a potentially sensitive situation he talks to Hazel aside from the group, and comes to ask what Bigwig should tell the group- Bigwig very much asks for permission not forgiveness. It’s when Hazel says they should stay- clearly for the Benefit of Fiver Bigwig gets annoyed- probably because of his slightly more worldly nature- they are in a very open and vulnerable position and he’s smart enough to know that Hazel just wants him to cross the river. However, some flattery, and Bigwig happily swims across, alone, to scout. This, again is very telling. Bigwig is clearly able to swim the river and not altogether unwilling. It also displays Bigwig’s protective instincts and why he’s such a good Captain. Bigwig’s issue is revealed- though Hazel doesn’t seem to realise- to not be crossing the river, but the fact that not all the rabbits are able to make it. This culminates in Bigwig screaming at Hazel, after BIgwig reveals there’s a dog in the woods. First, he gets all the other rabbits to swim across (Bigwig has returned) and then he shouts at Hazel to go over, and not to stay for Fiver and Pipkin saying they’ll all be killed. Even Hazel notes here, that he’s surprised, but admiring the fact that for all his talk, Bigwig isn’t running off to save himself. Bigwig is a captain and can’t leave his men to die, but Hazel is the leader and he can’t leave the survivors. Frankly I’m very interested to see if Bigwig would have stayed, fought Hazel, or dragged him had Blackberry not saved the day. The main point here is that Bigwig never challenges Hazel on the grounds of not trusting or respecting his authority, only occasionally his decisions, and primarily for the collective safety of the group. However Hazel is still viewing Bigwig as a fierce independent rabbit who is going to make trouble.

4. Hawkbit, Speedwell & Acorn challenging Hazel, Chapter 10, The Road and the Common.

Hawkbit, Acorn & Speedwell (HSA) start to challenge Hazel, first saying they’d like to stop (they’ve been having a very gruelling climb), and then it escalates to saying they’d like to go back because they believe Hazel is lying to them and full of it. Notably they bring up his lack of knowledge about the road- something Bigwig did talk to Hazel about in front of the whole group for once. Hazel starts trying to explain why this is stupid (if the rabbits go back they’ll be killed), and what they even expect him to do, likely in the hope that HSA will talk it out until they air their grievances until they realise they’re wrong. However HSA are cut off before this can happen by Fiver and Bigwig approaching, Fiver who wants to talk to Hazel, and Bigwig who- it’s not explained why he’s there- but he’s heard the whole thing (likely looking out for Hazel). Bigwig scowls and says he’s going to have a “few words” with HSA- which from the little we hear through Hazel’s POV is mostly insults with the purpose of reminding them their place. We hear what we’re told is likely the end of Bigwig’s speech though and-

“And now, you bunch of mole-snouted, muck-raking, hutch-hearted sheep ticks, get out of my sight sharp. Otherwise I’ll-” [then he’s cut off by the wind].

Once more evidence of Bigwig throwing his weight around doesn’t support him being a usurper, in fact he seems angry at the disrespect to Hazel, and is doing his best to make sure dissent and disorder doesn’t fester in the ranks. Whether Hazel or Bigwig’s approach is better is a different story and more to do with their different personalities and roles- Chief/Captain.

Hazel, upon returning asks Blackberry where HSA are and we’re told this:

"There's been a fearful row. Bigwig told Hawkbit and Speedwell that he'd scratch them to pieces if they didn't obey him. And when Hawkbit said he wanted to know who was Chief Rabbit, Bigwig bit him. It seems a nasty business. Who is Chief Rabbit,anyway--you or Bigwig?"

Bigwig, being Owsla manages discipline much firmer and through strength/power. Hazel notes that he doesn’t know who the Chief Rabbit is, merely that Bigwig’s stronger. But this is actually a very good example of Bigwig’s loyalty- he’s angry but sticks to physical discipline while they’re merely talking about not wanting to follow Hazel. However, once they start snarking and perhaps suggesting Bigwig lead a coup/suggesting he’s a usurper/Hazel isn’t a good leader you can see how the switch flips in Bigwig’s mind. He doesn’t take the insult well, Bigwig views himself quite clearly as a second in command, and a loyal one at that. (Loyalty, strength and protectiveness are some of Bigwig’s best features). The incident isn’t really focused on again, but safe to say there’s no more questioning who’s really the boss, just as there’s no questioning Bigwig’s tendency to lead in lieu of Hazel. This isn’t just because of Bigwig’s own presence, it’s a lot to do with how Hazel treats Bigwig, even if he doesn’t seem to quite consciously focus on it yet…

Lastly to note and really seal the deal, when they meat Cowslip several of the Sandleford Rabbits refer to Hazel as “Hazel-rah” (calling him chief), Bigwig… doesn’t, but he doesn’t seem to object in any way, and, in a scene that I will dissect, really does seem to view Hazel with incredible respect and as leader- to who Bigwig follows but offers meaningful criticism to allow him to be better.

#watership down i guess #PB's long rant on watership down #Bigwig Supremacy Agenda

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write-a-bad-romance · 4 years

Text

Two Hares Running Side by Side [Part I]

Characters: Jean d’Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte, Sebastian, Comte de Saint-Germain, minor characters adapted from historical figures

Pairings: Napoleon x MC, Napoleon x Jean, Sebastian x Saint-Germain (main)

Words: 2939

Their first encounter was twelve years ago, in a training and recruitment camp in the east.

It was a slow and uneventful afternoon. Leon yawned as he watched sons and young fathers line up at the administration table, each of them carrying a conscription letter with their respective names.

The prolonged war had taken too many of their older, more capable men. Leon snorted at the sight of snot-faced, butterfingered lads not even old enough to venture far from their parents' farm.

Nothing had been amiss until he heard his sergeant, Sebastian, arguing with some country boy.

The boy was about his height, clearly younger by a good four years and too ethereally pretty to join the army. His expression was nonchalant, and Leon noted the same lack of enthusiasm in his baritone voice.

"The letter clearly called for Jacques d'Arc, a veteran. You are clearly not him. What's your name, boy?" Sebastian inquired. The word "boy" did not suit his actual, affable demeanor in the slightest.

"Jean d'Arc, Sir. I've come in my elderly father's place as my brothers are unsuitable to partake on the journey to camp," The boy explained levelly. "I just turned seventeen this summer, Sir."

Leo stared at the pale boy. Broad shoulders, a sharp contrast to his ridiculously modest waist, and long legs leaner than an average man's.

If this was what a farm boy was supposed to look like, Leon wasn't impressed. They were drafting soldiers to fight off the goddamned Holy Roman Empire, not chevalier servants for a house of pleasures.

Napoleon's patience grew thin. He disappeared between the encampment's gates, not bothering to see the end of Sebastian's quarrel with the dispassionate recruit.

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The haughty farmboy turned out to be one of his cadets in the artillery.

He wasn't half-bad, Leon supposed. The boy was clearly a quick study and obedient, to boot. Somewhat distant from his fellow trainees, but still handy nonetheless.

D'Arc clearly preferred the company of horses, as Leon came to learn when he found the latter loitering around the stables. The unwitting boy was gingerly brushing Leon's beloved mare, Angé.

Napoleon cleared his throat. "You do know it's my horse you're brushing, don't you, soldier?"

Jean d'Arc started at the sound of Leon's voice. Even so, he didn't stutter. "Forgive me. I hadn't been aware."

But Napoleon signaled him to stay at ease, seeing how easily Angé leaned into his touch. No doubt a skill he brought from home.

"I couldn't resist approaching such a magnificent horse," d'Arc spoke to Leon's surprise. "Such a gentle steed."

“Tame” wasn't the right word Leon would use when describing Angé, especially not regarding how she'd usually react to new faces. "Did you bribe her with a carrot?"

Leon was joking, but Jean answered him like his entire month's salary depended on his answer. "No, sir. It was an apple I offered instead. Although this time, I had been meaning to give her a carrot." The dark-haired youth answered, holding out a spindly carrot for Leon to inspect.

Napoleon couldn't help but chuckle. "I hope you didn't steal that from the kitchen."

"No, sir. I procured this out of my own pocket." Jean replied earnestly as if the dark brown mare wasn't trying to chew on his uniform shoulder.

It was dangerous for Napoleon to allow himself to laugh. There was no stopping him once he laughed, Sebastian once said. In the end, Leon only smirked and turned to exit the stables. "If I had known you were this skillful at handling horses, I would have turned you over to Cavalry instead."

There was a solemn glint in d'Arc's eyes, one Napoleon couldn't find in himself to ridicule.

"I enjoy being in the artillery, sir." Sharp, once-glazed iolite eyes held Leon's gaze. "There is so much I have yet to learn."

And master, Leon wanted to add. Given time and the opportunity, it's intelligent men like d'Arc who were quick to advance in the military.

"Is that so? Good to hear." Leon replied, just as sincere. "We're glad to have you."

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True to Leon's word, d'Arc scaled the ranks in no time. He was promoted to Sergeant Major, just as Leon himself rose to Second Lieutenant.

It had been a snowy night when Leon and the now-Adjutant Sebastian were making their way to their temporary base, located not too far from the town’s business district. The streets were relatively quiet, save for the distant jeers and shouts of soldiers making merry in brightly lit taverns.

The lanterns reminded Leon of Paris, of home. Of the face of his mother and siblings.

And of his fiancé with strawberry blonde locks, who is no doubt currently enjoying the holidays with her family, waiting for him to arrive home.

"Everybody seems quite spirited, aren't they?" Sebastian smiled fondly. "I mean, literally.

Napoleon didn't answer. He was too absorbed watching black figures dance on the light pouring from the door of a tavern. They reminded him of a shadow play he watched once in Paris with his fiancé

Which meant he was caught off guard when a body was flung to his side from the open door. He struggled to maintain his footing as he propped the other man.

Only to be met by a familiar face, now flushed red from drinking.

"D'Arc!" Leon exclaimed, "You frightened me! Are you alright, man?"

Judging from the sweat clinging to his skin (despite it being midwinter) and his vehement groans, it became evident that d'Arc was far from alright.

They were soon joined by d'Arc's friends: fellow officers whom Leon quickly recognized as the three young nobles who constantly hung around the farm boy for some reason.

"Jean! Where are you— ack, Second Lieutenant Bonaparte! Forgive us! We didn't mean to—" One of the lads shrieked. What was his name? d'Alencon? "See, see? This is why we shouldn't have forced him to drink!"

Leon glared at his subordinates. "You made your friend overdrink?! Why?"

Sebastian glanced back-and-forth anxiously as a burly man with raven hair stepped forward. "We didn't mean to, sir. D'Arc's birthday is approaching, and we thought about celebrating since we may not be able to get off camp by then." He explained.

"D'arc birthday? Oof!" Leon grunted as he felt Jean slipping from his side and onto the cobblestones. "That is still no reason to make your friend this intoxicated. If this were the barracks, I'd have all of you thrown out and never mind your parents!" he barked.

D'Alencon piped up. "It was a small pint, sir. Jean went down immediately after that one shot."

Leon's bewilderment was cut short as he felt d'Arc's breath caressing the side of his exposed neck. The Second Lieutenant nearly yelped and threw d’Arc off if it wasn’t for the vice-like grip on his waist.

"If you'd allow us, sir." Another dark-haired youth approached to pry d'Arc off Leon. "We'll take him back inside."

But d'Arc's iron hold on Leon proved too much for both men (three, as Sebastian rushed to their aid). Napoleon let out a defeated laugh as d'Arc only clung tighter to his victim.

Sebastian eyed Napoleon with a look that said well, he's your problem now.

The unconscious d' Arc somehow managed to climb even higher and grunted audibly against Leon's ear. The sound sent shivers down Leon's spine.

"So, what do we do now?" d'Alencon asked.

"Get him to the base," Leon breathed laboriously. "Let Saint-Germain treat him."

It was overkill for a drunk soldier, but d'Arc was no ordinary drunk. Leon feared the inebriated youth might get himself into trouble if they let him loiter outside the base

And, God forbid, do something that will besmirch their corps' name.

Leon looped one of d'Arc's arms behind his neck as he held the sergeant-major's ridiculously thin waist close. "Leave this to us. We're taking him back to the Doctor. Don't try anything else and report to me in the morning." He informed the officers, all of whom reacted differently: d'Alencon with wide panicked eyes, the tall, dark man who stayed silent (he was clearly drunk), and the quiet one, who regarded the commotion with well, silence.

"We'll take it from here then," Sebastian hurriedly added. "If you'll excuse us, gentlemen."

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It didn't take long before the trio finally reached the base. By now, Leon had resorted to piggybacking d'Arc as the latter suddenly seemed to have lost every bone in his (surprisingly light body).

"Friends, they say." Leon heaved. "And they don't even accompany us back to base."

"There's not much to do at the base if they choose to return," Sebastian answered. "And they're still afraid of you."

"Me? Do I still come off as threatening?" Leon laughed. It felt like ages since he last barked orders on the field to the then-recruits. Now, they were officers with a third of his burden and responsibilities.

Someday, they'd be in his shoes too, growing older as the never ending war raged on. Ah, how time flew.

"Not as my long-time friend, no." Sebastian giggled. "You don't often show your friendlier side these days. Imagine your subordinate's shock if they found out you're a charismatic, passionate man who laughs, eats, and speaks as if every moment was a gift."

Napoleon smiled at the dove-haired man.

"So, like a normal man?" He chuckled. "You flatter me too much, Sebastian."

It was the increasing body count. It was the uncertainty one faced before heading off to battle, and not knowing whether it would be their remains that would be scattered across the fields the next minute.

"At least you're with me from the start, Sebastian. That's all I could ask,"

was all Napoleon could manage. It elicited a hearty laugh from his best friend.

"Save those words for your fiancé, Monsieur Bonaparte," Sebastian grinned. "You're making me fall for you all over again."

The Corsican grimaced, and both men continued their walk through the military complex, which was dead silent as a cemetery.

They managed to reach d'Arc's quarters, which he shared with d'Alencon after clambering through several corridors and a flight of stairs.

"You, get Saint-Germain or anybody else who's still around." Leon panted after he successfully hoisted d'Arc's body onto the bed. "Remember, time of the essence. No fooling around with the good doctor."

"Didn't expect you to say that," Sebastian grinned. "But you can count on me."

"Didn't expect you to say that," Sebastian grinned. "But you can count on me. I’ll be right back." And with that, he disappeared.

If he were shameless, Leon would have joined d'Arc on the bed beside him. But not even exhaustion could conquer the Corsican, and so Leon sat straight-legged by the foot of the bed.

D'Arc's side of the room was as bare as bones, Leon noticed. There was the Holy Book on the bedside drawer and a gold rosary, but not much else.

"I wonder what your family would think if they caught their good, Christian son drinking until he's plastered." Leon chuckled to himself. "You'd be in so much trouble."

Leon's idle hand groped around until he felt a piece of paper under his palm. Picking it up, he recognized it as a manual on newly produced cannon types, which he penned.

Around the illustrations and diagrams were d'Arc's chicken-foot scribbles, cramped next to each other until there was barely any space left on the paper.

Like his former fellow cadets, he too had grown.

Leon sighed and leaned against the bed, gazing at the ceiling. This year marked d'Arc's third New Year with the company. He was no longer the solitary boy hanging around the stables feeding Angé carrots. D'Arc was now a man with dozens of cannons under his command and his own soldiers to lead.

The war has yet to strip his innocence, Leon mused. There was a time when he wished farm boys like d'Arc remained boys, away from the dangers of shrapnels and enemy bayonets.

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt gloved hands coming to grope at the back of his head, the sides of his face. Was d'Arc awake?

"D'Arc." Leon turned. "You—"

He was cut off when he was suddenly knocked down towards the floor with full force. Leon's head was full of how and why he felt d'Arc's body slide down from the bed and cover his.

"D'Arc!" Leon shouted frantically. "Get off me! You're heavy, for heaven's sake!" But resistance was futile as d'Arc began to boldly crawl all over his prone form, the former's chest firmly pressing down on his back.

"K-keep still," The man on top of him slurred, his nose burrowing into Leon's hair. "Y-you're moving too much."

This idiot! Leon screamed internally. His energy had been wasted to the point where he couldn't just roll over and dislodge the other man. "You keep it together! You dared to tackle your Second Lieutenant, and now you're crushing him to death!"

Leon continued struggling against his predicament until he realized he had no more hope than a cockroach flipped on its back. In the end, he gave up and stopped thinking until slender fingers began to wander all over his neck and face.

Just like a banshee with her clawed hands. Leon sighed to himself.

Just when he thought nothing could surprise him anymore, d'Arc somehow had to whisper right next to his face, hot air grazing against the shell of Leon's ear.

"Pierre, 's that you?"

Leon's prior mortification faded. There was the smallest hint of a sob in d'Arc's otherwise unwavering voice.

"Pierre, 'm so sorry." D'Arc sniffled. "I went ahead without telling you."

Leon stilled. Who was Pierre? His brother? He remembered d'Arc mentioning male siblings who were unfit to enlist, so he went in their stead. Was this Pierre one of them?

"Dun want you to go," D'Arc continued. "Please...be happy with Émile."

Leon was an imaginative man, and he was convinced d'Arc had taken his brother's place as he had been newly married. It was easy to position himself in the situation. If he were d'Arc, he'd go in place of his brother too.

But his career in the military as a second was a given. What he didn't understand was why d'Arc would trade a peaceful life in the pastures for bloodshed.

It's not every day that a boy woke up and decided he was brave enough to kill a man. Or risk getting himself killed.

But none of it mattered as more words flowed out of the Sergeant Major's mouth.

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt gloved hands coming to grope at the back of his head, the sides of his face. Was d'Arc awake?

"D'Arc." Leon turned. "You—"

He was cut off when he was suddenly knocked down towards the floor with full force. Leon's head was full of how and why he felt d'Arc's body slide down from the bed and cover his.

"K-keep still," The man on top of him slurred, his nose burrowing into Leon's hair. "Y-you're moving too much."

Leon continued struggling against his predicament until he realized he had no more hope than a cockroach flipped on its back. In the end, he gave up and stopped to think until slender fingers began to wander all over his neck and face.

Just like a banshee with her clawed hands. Leon sighed.

Just when he thought nothing could surprise him anymore, d'Arc somehow had to whisper right next to his face, hot air grazing against the shell of Leon's ear.

"Pierre, 's that you?"

Leon's prior mortification faded. There was the smallest hint of a sob in d'Arc's otherwise unwavering voice.

"Pierre, 'm so sorry." D'Arc sniffled. "I went ahead without telling you."

Leon stilled. Who was Pierre? His brother? He remembered d'Arc mentioning male siblings who were unfit to enlist, so he went in their stead. Was this Pierre one of them?

"Dun want you to go," D'Arc continued. "Please...be happy with Émile."

But his career in the military as a second was a given. What he didn't understand was why d'Arc would trade a peaceful life in the pastures for bloodshed.

It's not every day that a boy woke up and decided he was brave enough to kill a man. Or risk getting himself killed.

In place of sobs spilling from his mouth, d'Arc's nose dug even deeper against the nape of Leon's neck. What worrying behavior, Leon thought. Other people will be sure to take this the wrong way.

"D'Arc? No, Jean?" Leon called softly, wondering if calling the soldier by his given name would work better. "Jean, I need you to—"

"Jehanne," d'Arc murmured.

"What?"

"It's Jehanne. Not Jean, not...d'Arc. Jehanne." D’Arc repeated as if his own name were a litany. The added syllable lent more personality to his unremarkable official name, given to a million men across the country.

And shaped a clearer image of Jean d'Arc as a whole, a person.

It wasn't much but enough to distinguish him from the lonely d'Arc who was no longer alone. And from the resigned beauty who seemed more at home on the distant moon than the lines of cannons and armed men.

God, Leon was starting to sound delirious. Even more than the actual drunk on his back.

"Excuse me, I believe someone requested medical help — oh dear, I didn't mean to interrupt!" a voice alerted Leon from his reflection. He noticed Saint-Germain by the door, followed by a disheveled Sebastian.

"Good evening, Doctor. You sure took your time coming here," Leon smirked. "Would you kindly free me from Sergeant Major d'Arc? Careful, he bites."

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Recommended BGM: (X)

Notes: yeaaa, so I changed the nature of Napo and Sebas’ relationship here because they’re supposed to be more or less equals (Sebas still thinks of him as his superior, but still).

Also, I kinda had to tone down Napoleon’s prince charming tendencies and up the arrogance somewhat. He’s supposed to be a military officer here and not just somebody’s boyfriend.

#ikevam fanfic #ikemen vampire #ikevam jean d'arc #ikevam napoleon bonaparte #jeanpoleon

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unbury-the-gays · 3 years

Note

(hello, zkretchy but on my main blog here to throw out a little, kinda even, package of those ask meme asks into here and simultaneously stopping myself from just asking all of them)So I politely ask for Numbers 2 (and 3 actually add that in), 13, 17 and uh 25 or 27 idk how far you all are with any possible future dealings - also congrats on 45kwords! Thats a lot of them holy shit and well done!

Hi, zkretchy, thanks for the ask! We had lots of fun brainstorming these.

2. If they could each describe each other in one sentence, what would it be?

So I know you said one sentence, but we'll do you one better: one word.

Kiyan about Adrien: Bastard. Adrien about Kiyan: Mine!

That about sums them up at the moment, really.

3. If they complimented each other, what would they say?

Kiyan would make a sour face and insist he saw nothing worth complimenting in the bastard, but if you made him be honest he'd admit he's attractive and smart and fun to argue with. But he would struggle to say it to Adrien directly, for a couple reasons. The first is that Adrien would be absolutely insufferable about it. He'd just be so incredibly happy about the slightest compliment from Kiyan and that much extrovert energy is just Too Much for Kiyan. Also, he has difficulty forming compliments because they're not really something he's familiar with, either giving or receiving.

Adrien is a bit cautious about giving Kiyan compliments directly at the moment, because he correctly identified that Kiyan does not know what to do with them. But he's getting bolder about it. He tells Kiyan he's beautiful when he finds him in the waterfall. And he's absolutely talking Titus's ear off about how awesome Kiyan is 😂.

Ultimately they both suffer from self-esteem issues that make compliments complicated, but they respond very differently.

Adrien needs to hear compliments. Knowing Kiyan finds him attractive, interesting, and smart would absolutely thrill him. Adrien wants to please him, wants to be wonderful to him, wants to be admired and take anything and everything, even the smallest praise.

On the other hand, accepting a compliment would make Kiyan uneasy, at least initially. That would be something he would have to learn. It's not that he finds receiving compliments unpleasant. It would just be strange and new to him and would require him to deal with his low self-esteem.

13. Name something they would never do for the other person.

This one was interesting! Considering that they both have a selective morality and don't hesitate to either kill or die (Adrien is almost looking for an opportunity to get himself into a dangerous situation, and Kiyan may not want to die, but he shielded Adrien with his body without hesitation, so), the usual limits don't really apply. They would burn the world for each other, and the people living there, because neither the world nor the people have offered them anything that they would consider valuable so far. So they would kill and die and do other bad things for each other. And it would be disturbingly easy for them. But what they wouldn't do for the other is change who they are.

Kiyan's instance of this is practically canon: Adrien offers him a position as his kept man and Kiyan runs away. That offer is what breaks the hold that his fascination and attraction to Adrien have, the bond they are forming. He wouldn't give up on going on the Path, he wouldn't give up being a witcher, because it's an integral part of who he is. Neither his pride nor his temperament would allow him.

Adrien is more complicated. Despite being overbearing and possessive, he is willing to make concessions for Kiyan. He is willing to change so that this relationship can work. Despite the fact that he doesn't understand many things and does many things wrong (and from wrong reasons), he is willing to cooperate as long as he sees that he can gain something from it. But submission is not in his nature. The more Kiyan tries to take control, the more he will fight for it. He understands relationships entirely as a play of dominance and control because those are the only relationships he's ever known. Adrien is afraid of being controlled, but the only way he knows is to control back. He can't really conceptualize a relationship that is equal and doesn't rely on control. So he understands that Kiyan doesn't want to be controlled, but he pushes because he doesn't know any other option and he needs to be in control more than he wants to be what Kiyan wants. The thing is, Kiyan doesn't actually want to dominate the relationship. He just wants Adrien to stop treating him as a possession and be his equal. But Adrien doesn't know how, and so he rebels against what he perceives as a threat to the one thing he won't change.

17. What senses (sights, smells, feelings, etc). remind them of each other?

For Kiyan it's definitely scent. Adrien wears a rich scent with a combination of Ofieri spices that reminds him of his mother, and Kiyan has definitely noticed. Also because witcher senses mean the scent is very strong and he's used to keeping track of scents like that. Adrien also smells of horse a lot, which is comforting.

Adrien likes to keep Kiyan's drawings, when he eventually is allowed to see them. And seeing drawings by other people always makes him think of Kiyan. Also he's a collector and has a gift-giving love language even once he gets over the whole possessiveness issue somewhat, so he does a lot of "oh, Kiyan would like that" type thinking, building a little Kiyan catalogue in his head and then gifting the things (slowly so Kiyan doesn't run off, he learned his lesson with the strawberries and courtesans offer 😂).

25. What moves do they know work on the other?

I know you said 25 or 27 but we answered both 😅. They were fun to think about because we hadn't thought about sex a lot with them since they have such a long way to go before they're in a place where they can do things like explore kink 😂.

In general, something that works on Adrien is when someone needs him. Not just sexually, but with everything. This applies not only to Kiyan, but also in a way with his relationship with Gisbert and also in a way with his guards - these people need him; without him they would have nowhere to go. So even if Adrien weren't in the mood for something (not just sex, though Adrien not in the mood for sex is hard to imagine) if Kiyan admitted he needed it, it would chang the mood. Kiyan doesn't know this yet, but it's not that hard to figure out. What Kiyan knows at the moment is that it is really enough for him to be alone in the same room with Adrien. But that's more of an action of unresolved sexual tension than of an actual thing that would work. Playing hard to get or making something into a challenge also seems to work. Right now it's because of the UST, but once they resolve it they could probably have some fun with playing with that deliberately.

With Kiyan, it annoys him how arrogant, possessive and pushy Adrien can be. So the more Adrien shows these traits, the more Kiyan will say no. But when Adrien shows more humility, as he sheds his arrogant asshole mask and shows his more vulnerable face, Kiyan doesn't quite know how to fight it. Kiyan has a hard time saying no to an actual vulnerable honest request because he genuinely does care for and desire Adrien. If Adrien can be vulnerable enough to say "please," Kiyan can't resist him. (Adrien noticed this but, being someone who sees everything as a power struggle, thought it was about humiliating him. It's an exhausting way to live. He needs so many whacks with the "be a better person" hammer.)

27. Do they have any kinks/fetishes that they share?

Ok so overall, they defintiely get kinky but don't go in much for the D/s side of things. They both need control of their own mental state too much to ever really give that over to each other. But Kiyan's witcher senses make sensation play very fun, and Adrien is totally down for being tied up. Adrien's active imagination also makes for some fun roleplay, which Kiyan indulges.

Also for Maximum Angst, Kiyan used to enjoy bondage and pain stuff, but after Ireneus he can't stand them 😭. Only soft gentle things for our witcher, which Adrien is more than happy to provide.

And then we got side tracked by a scenario and had two very different responses to it.

The scenario:

Kiyan tying Adrien to bed, gagging him, Adrien all horny, and instead of going into action, Kiyan takes this opportunity to finally go to meditate in peace.

Gav's thoughts (aka what Adrien is thinking):

Adrien tied and gagged and impossibly turned on and all he can do is lay there and watch Kiyan meditate, completely serene. Reminds them of all the times Kiyan kissed him and ran away at the beginning. Only now Kiyan is still there, Adrien can see him, and he can't touch or talk or do anything. It's not about Kiyan being in control of Adrien, it's about Adrien accepting that he has no control over Kiyan. He just has to wait and hope Kiyan will choose him

Advena's thoughts (aka what Kiyan is thinking):

Kiyan comes back from the Path tired, but Adrien missed him a lot and doesn't give him peace. So they have sex once, twice, three times, Adrien is generally insatiable and Kiyan is finally like: Hey you wanna try something different? And Adrien, all excited, of course he wants to. So Kiyan ties him up, gags him, and finally has a moment of peace.

So that was amusing. Basically, extrovert boyfriends are exhausting and like to read symbolism into your attempts to get some peace and quiet 😂.

Thanks again for the ask! These were fun to answer!

#asks answered #zkretchy #baekuras #kiyan #kiyan/adrien #lemon #n/sfw #headcanons #ask game

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crystalgirl259 · 3 years

Text

The Flame and the Dragon Chapter 30

Chapter 30: The Greenhouse

Kai gazed at the card in his hands, before shifting his neutral eyes back towards his opponents. His four competitors all held their cards close to their faces, leaving only their deceiving eyes visible. Though there was no pot between them, they played with the skill and secrecy as if they were competing for a fortune. Finally, in turns starting with the one to the left of the dealer. Echo, who had never played the game until Kai started teaching him earlier that week.

They threw down their hands.

Jay slammed the cards down, revealing three jacks. Ronin smirked and revealed three queens. Tox threw down five low, mismatched cards, all in diamonds. Kai flashed a bright smirk and elegantly laid out three Kings and two fives. His grin doubled in size as his competitors growled, and he crossed his hands proudly over his chest.

"What have you got, Echo?" Kai asked, triumphantly. The boy fidgeted a bit, nervously looking at his own hand, then everyone else's.

"Well, I think I got two pairs," He said uncertainly and began placing down cards. "One pair and another pair." He told them and just like that, it was like someone flipped a switch. Tox and the three boys gasped, screamed, and dropped their jaws when Echo color-coordinated his cards. He placed the ace of spades next to the ace of clubs in one pile and the aces of hearts and diamonds in a second.

"Awe man!" Ronin threw down his cards and leaned back on his hands. "Echo always wins!"

"Are you sure you've never played poker before?" Kai asked with suspicious eyes and Echo blushed. "Beginner's luck? Or maybe I just had a good teacher?" He guessed as he flashed a guilty smile. Kai melted under the boy's eyes, flashing the same pleading look Lloyd used to get out of trouble. At first glance, it looked purely innocent. However, he had grown up with Lloyd and he knew full well Echo was far more mature than he let others believe.

"Don't try and butter me up, I'm immune to that," Kai smirked as he ruffled Echo's hair.

"Honestly though, I really think it's just luck." Echo laughed

"Let's try a different game," Ronin suggested as he gathered up the cards and started shuffling the cards, performing an impressive bridge.

"No thanks, we've been playing cards all morning." Kai sighed, leaned back against his pillows, and unfurled his crossed legs from their uncomfortable position. As much as Kai loved spending time with his friends, his confinement to this room, even for the sake of his health was driving him to madness. At least when Cole locked him in this room a few months back he could actually walk around and go out on the balcony.

"We could do something else?" Jay suggested sympathetically and Kai gave him a small smile. He knew Jay took his job as the castle entertainer seriously, but at this point, there was little he could do.

"Honestly, Jay, I just can't wait to get the hell out of this bedroom, I feel like I've been stuck in here forever," Kai complained, loudly. As if on cue, the door to Kai's room opened followed by the sound of large, leathery wings.

"Perhaps I can change that?" Cole said as he swaggered inside, slightly irritated Kai wasn't alone but ignored it when he saw the surprise on Kai's face. The young man was propped broadly against his backrest donning only a pair of red pajamas and a thick, fuzzy robe and it was mid-afternoon.

"Are you here to make sure I stay in bed like a good little boy?" Kai teased, sarcastically. Cole snorted and called his bluff.

"Actually, I was going to say that you've been given a clean bill of health and if you wanted to get dressed, but if you insist." He smirked as he turned to leave but Kai was faster and jumped off the bed and grabbed the clothes out of Cole's arms in less than a second, not even acknowledging the flowers.

"Thank you!" Kai said sweetly before disappearing into the bathroom to change.

"He's happy," Ronin laughed and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"I'll bet, he's been stuck in here for almost two weeks and Winter's almost over." Tox hummed as she slithered off the bed and opened the curtains letting sunlight spill into the room.

"Speaking of that, I want your attention," Cole announced earning all of his servant's attention. "Echo, I've already given Zane an outline, but I'm planning a ball in a few weeks, and I need someone in charge of cleaning up the ballroom and making it spectacular, you up for it?" He smirked with a wink as he put the roses in a nearby vase. Echo looked flabbergasted then ecstatic.

"I'd love to!" He exclaimed, practically bursting from his seat, and grabbed Jay and Tox's hands. "I'll start right away! I make it look prettier than it did on your coronation!" He cheered and jumped with glee, dragging his two helpless captives behind him, his cheers echoing around the hallway. Ronin turned to his master with bewildered eyes.

"Aren't you going to join them? The ball is for the whole castle and it's going to take a lot of preparations." Cole chuckled. Ronin's eyes doubled in size before a wide grin of delight split his face and he bolted off after his friends, laughing giddily.

"Where did everyone go?" A familiar brunette suddenly asked. Cole turned around at the sound of Kai's voice and lost his breath. Griffin's latest outfit for Kai consisted of a long-sleeved shirt and matching pants made of dark crimson satin. Smooth, shiny cloth tightly hugged his arms, legs, and torso but flared at his wrists and ankles. Black lace adored the collar like black wings. The red of his sleeves stuck out at his wrists giving his outfit a flame-like appearance.

"You look ravishing," Cole purred as he licked his lips making Kai blush and grunt in annoyance.

"What's with all the lace?" He asked a bit put off by the feminine decoration. Cole shrugged, though his own clothing consisted of a simple green shirt and pants that bunched at the knees where his scales formed spikes and a simple black frock coat. Cole quickly leaned over, placed an arm behind Kai's shoulders and hooked his other arm under Kai's knees, and yanked him into a bridal carry.

"Cole! What are you doing?" Kai yelped and threw his arms around Cole's neck for support.

"What?" Cole asked in mock innocence. Kai growled and fidgeted fiercely in Cole's grip.

"I hate being carried, you know that! Besides, Echo and Neuro said I was fine, so let me walk on my own!"

"Correction, they said you were allowed to leave so long as you did not over-exert yourself, and you remained indoors."

"But I can still walk!" He complained, punching Cole's chest but became annoyed when Cole didn't even flinch.

"Now, come on, I have something very special I want to share with you." He grinned. Kai said nothing, preferring to crossing his arms and pout, but ceased his fighting.

"Alright, I suppose I can forgive you then, as long as I'm out of my room for the rest of the day."

"I guarantee it," Cole smirked. He held onto Kai when they came to the hallway and leaped onto the banister. Kai clung to him when they suddenly took to the air and screeched when Cole dropped. Cole glided on his wings until he landed on the main level, falling to one knee. Cole's breath suddenly caught in his chest and a pounding pain erupted right where Kai's elbow collided with his ribs. Cole growled at him then smirked wickedly. Before Kai could counter he was suddenly flung into the air and found his chest and chin whacking against Cole's hard, scaled spine, the tail of his coat flopped over his head.

A shiver raked his spine when he felt sharp, cold claws stroke his hips where the hems of his shirt exposed his skin.

"You never learn do you, Kai?" He said and Kai could just picture the smirk on Cole's face. Immediately realizing his position, Kai turned as red as his clothing, and his defenses erupted in a fit of anger and embarrassment.

"COLE!" Kai screamed and thrashed, flailing his limbs and pounding his fists as hard as he could against Cole's back, and pushed himself up so his body was somewhat straight. "Let go! I can tolerate your bridal carry obsession but I'll be damned if I'm carried like this!" He shouted and shrieked as Cole grabbed one of his ankles to keep the thrashing limb from striking him. He couldn't contain himself and burst out laughing at Kai's temper tantrum.

Finally, Cole took pity on him and wrapped his tail around Kai's waist then released his hold.

Kai released a combination of a yelp of surprise and a screech of fear when he was suddenly flipped over and found himself on his feet, Cole's tail securely wrapped around his waist. Cole hadn't stopped laughing.

"Don't get sick again, Kai, you're too amusing," Cole said as he choked out words between laughs. Kai growled like a caged animal. His balled fists, furious eyes, and twisted jaw were marred by his strawberry red face. He wanted to speak but his words turned to embarrassing snarls.

"Now don't be like that, I'm only teasing." Cole smiled and wrapped a wing about Kai's back in apology.

"At least I'm walking now." Kai snorted as he gave a small smile and let Cole led him down a familiar corridor. For a second Kai thought Cole was taking him back to the library. They stopped by the recognizable curved doors, however, he found Cole's attention on another part of the hallway. It was adjacent to the library entrance and opposite the enormous windows lining the hallway. At first glance, it looked like the rest of the wall. Kai could see the faint outline of ivory vines and stone flowers growing from the ground into a curved arch shape.

Cole shoved the doors open with a hard shove.

Light burst from inside and Kai could see that the ceiling was curved like a half-cylinder. It was made entirely of glass, flooding the room with sunlight. He covered his eyes with his arm and let Cole guide him inside. When he looked up, he found himself in the center of another world. His breath caught in this throat when he realized the world was actually a giant greenhouse. He quickly realized that the greenhouse was more than just an inside garden.

A field of grass was contoured by a sundry of hedges and bushes.

A fountain stood in the back right of the greenhouse, always tinkling with the sound of water. The flowers and plants were forming a miniature world of their own, full of mysteries and wonder. They were a delight for butterflies. There were some bird feeders scattered around and the sounds of many different birds echoed around. The hedges and bushes had recently been trimmed. A path of stepping stones curves around each bend in the garden, beckoning people to explore the garden and showing them the best sights at the same time.

Roots slightly disrupted the pristine look as they hungrily search for even more pieces of land to expand to.

The fountain eternally beckoned all visitors, drawing all attention toward it. The flowers and plants were surely a sight to behold, and the hedges and bushes looked fantastic. The focus was just simply on the fountain.

"This is the Queen's Greenhouse, a sacred place only those allowed by the Queen or someone invited by one whom she has personally granted permission may enter; even the staff isn't allowed inside," Cole explained and that hasn't surprised Kai. He could tell the room has been well cared for. None of the plants had lost their brilliance, the flowers hadn't lost their reality, and the little birds hadn't lost their beauty.

"I'm honored that you'd share this with me," Kai spoke graciously. Though the room was only the size of a tall living room, the walls and plants made it seem much smaller and worldly bigger all at once. Its oval shape blended everything without the disruption of corners. Kai was lost in the world the queen created until he felt firm hands grip his shoulders to steady him. In the corner of the room, he found a small stool in front of a shed and a stack of gardening supplies, jars of paint, and bowls of tools.

Next to the shed was a large statue of the couple he recognized from the portrait in Cole's room, lavished in beautiful wedding garbs.

The man held his bride in his arms. The bride held a beautiful bouquet of roses. Kai flinched when he felt Cole's wing wrap around his form. Kai turned to stare at him but Cole's gaze was in an unknown universe, a worldly smile set upon his face.

"I was a child when she first brought me here, I asked her if Dad ever saw it, and she laughed and said the first time she brought him here was to show him the statue she had made, the one of their wedding day." He smiled and Kai's eyes returned to the portrait. Just imagining the sheer joy the king must have felt when his wife showed him the statue their love inspired. "Then she finally told him the real reason why she'd brought him there, she'd wanted to tell him she was pregnant."

Kai's eyes widened, but Cole just smiled in an almost childlike way.

Cole wrapped his arms around the boy's shoulder, and met Kai's eyes with his own, glowing with something that made Kai's heart skip a beat. Kai tried to find his voice but found he could barely breathe. So much had happened, so much had yet to happen but somehow it all seemed less complex when he looked into Cole's eyes. Rationality and emotion warred against one another in a way that made Kai want to scream. For a brief moment, he despaired as to how such a glorious creature could find one such as him so special.

But just as quickly, he crushed those thoughts and relaxed his mind.

The hammering of his heart suddenly sounded quiet and the sudden wash of emotion made his eyes droop and his lips part. It took all of Cole's willpower not to simply kiss his captive senselessly and pin him against the floor. He knew Kai wouldn't stop him if he did, but the last nagging sliver of control had ruthlessly crushed those desires. It was getting harder and harder to control himself around him, but Cole promised himself he would wait.

He wouldn't take that step until they were both certain, but it didn't stop him from wanting to pull the smaller man into his arms.

Kai's half-lidded eyes and the slight parting of his lips made Cole lick his fangs. Fire and desire burned in his veins, sending his every nerve ending ablaze. His claws carefully danced up Kai's clothed arms before firmly taking hold of his tanned shoulders. The young man didn't flinch. Without warning, Cole broke his control and crashed their lips together in a rich, passionate kiss. Kai immediately parted his lips and gripped the collar of Cole's coat and shirt tightly.

He pulled the Dragon Lord closer against him, deepening the desire between them.

A fire burst between them, their limbs and lips moved and explored new territories, claiming whatever they could touch. The scorching touch between them made them both burn for more and more. They mutually broke away, their eyes never leaving the others. Cole's grip on Kai's shoulders tightened and he roughly pulled the teen forward until their foreheads touched.

"You make it so difficult to keep control, my flame." Cole panted each word.

"Then why not break your control?" Kai smirked as his eyes lit up at the challenge. Uncertainty flashed in Cole's eyes.

"You have no idea what you're asking." He warned as one of his hands reached for one of the objects near the gardening supplies. He held a thick metal container clearly in line with Kai's vision. With a simple clench of his wrists, his claws sliced it to ribbons of metal, his muscles crushing them together before Cole dropped to the ground. Kai rolled his eyes.

"That isn't what I meant, and you know it."

"Perhaps not, but the fact remains, I'm still a dragon, Kai." Cole frowned. "I have teeth and claws, scales and a tail and brute strength, if I'm not careful, I could kill you with my brutality."

"No, you wouldn't," Kai said confidently.

"How do you know?" Cole challenged, unconvinced.

"Because I know you," He said firmly, his gentle hands moving to cradle the dragon's face in his hands. "I know for a fact you would never hurt me, you might roar at me, but you've had to dodge a few of my punches too so I guess that makes us even." He winked playfully. Despite himself, Cole couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you sure? I'm not blind, Kai, I see the fear in your eyes." He smiled with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, you're right, I am scared, but not of you; I have taken your true form into consideration, and you can't fault me for finding the idea of losing my virginity to a dragon a bit intimidating, that and I'm not rushing into anything," Kai sighed as he flicked Cole's nose, but his stance assured him he was serious, despite the playful banter. "I mean it, I mean, technically, we haven't even been on a proper date yet." He winked.

"Then perhaps you'd like to?" Cole smirked. Kai blinked, making Cole grin wider. "I was thinking of hosting a ball soon since that ballroom hasn't been used in years and the staff has been dying to use it, so perhaps, having an event where the whole castle may enjoy the evening is the best idea."

"Really?" Kai blinked in surprise. He didn't think Cole was the party type and his only experience was the boring affairs Morro hosted. Then again, if Echo was designing the evening and Jay and Ronin were in charge under Zane's supervision, he had no doubt it would be an enjoyable night. Cole nodded with a smile as he leaned forward, wrapping his free arm possessively around Kai's waist.

"You would do me a grand honor by being my date for the evening?"

"I'd love to!" Kai burst, enthusiastically. Cole was taken aback by the suddenness but laughed at Kai's spryness.

"Are you sure, Kai?" Cole teased, releasing him slightly. "You wouldn't mind attending a romantic affair with someone old enough to be your ancestor? I am, after all, 121 years?"

"Nope, not unless you mind going out in public with an immature teenager who's not yet twenty, would you?" Kai countered, his eyes lighting up at the game.

"Not in the slightest," Cole responded. Neither of them broke eye contact until finally they couldn't contain themselves any longer and they broke into a fit of amusement. Their pearls of laughter could be heard all the way from the ballroom...

#The Flame and the Dragon #beauty and the beast #ninjago #ninjago jay #ninjago kai #ninjago cole #ninjago echo #ninjago ronin #ninjago tox #lavashipping

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blooddrop-palace · 4 years

Note

29 with Dante and Vergil?

(Ooooh alright! Let’s get cracking! )

29. You know when your phone buzzes, it means I’m trying to talk to you, right?

[Some Context: Post DMC5, no real continuity to anything else.]

Eventually, getting a smart phone became a necessity. Even if it weren’t for the convenience, then it would be for the fact that people treat you like you’re a little bit crazy if you didn’t have one.

At first, Vergil and Dante were in a rare agreement that it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. Eventually, under Morrison’s, Lady’s, and everyone else’s insistence, (especially Nero’s insistence,) they added “cell phone bill” to the list of bills that... admittingly, were a little easier to pay when Vergil could keep Dante “better motivated” to take on work. (There was also the matter of convenience for being able to make trips home quick with the Yamato, though Vergil will insist every time, in some manner, that he was not a taxi service.)

Now, to say that this was a big leap of technology for the Sons of Sparda would be an understatement. Though they were familiar with the existence of cell phones, neither of them owned one until now, and they have completely skipped past about three stages of the evolution of cell phones.

Figuring out the functions of the phone, however, was a different task in itself. Vergil hadn’t really had a need to touch anything keyboard based to begin with. While a touch screen was simple, figuring out where everything was on a keyboard took a bit of practice.

Still, the twins might be dense and stubborn on some things, but they weren’t entirely unable to adapt. At the very least, they understood how to use the messaging and call functions. Anything else, Nico made a big list of functions that, for the most part, the two men found no use for. (Well, for now.)

———————

Nero actually messaged them frequently. More than Nico. At least, as far as Nico was concerned, she has never messaged Vergil.

A few days after they managed to sort out the new phone situation, it was decided that the cell phones were more for the function of keeping in touch with family and friends. Business still had to come through the main line.

And while Vergil was going through some books, he froze when his phone vibrated.

He was still getting used to having this bothersome little contraption on his person. They fact that it made noise and moved (somewhat) while so close to his body made him skittish. He had considered keeping it out on the table but it became clear that he was then liable to forget it.

So his only option was to keep it in his inner coat pocket and learn to get used to it.

Fishing the phone out, he checked it, to find that it was a message from Nero:

> Hey. How are you holding up?

This was curiously cordial, though Vergil could imagine the awkward hesitance in his son’s demeanor. The anger over past transgressions had only been somewhat diffused, but if there was anything Vergil had learnt recently from Dante and Nero both, it’s that he was in a state of “forgiven but not forgotten.”

Because the kin of Sparda has had enough bullshit and would rather have something that resembled family, however long it took for them to become one.

This meant communication was part of it.

So Vergil responded:

Well. <

After a moment of thought, he realized he ought to… say something more.

And you? <

Nero’s response was considerably faster than his:

> Not bad. New phone treating you good? > Maybe I should ask if you’re treating your phone good. > Not broken yet it seems.

He felt a little insulted.

I happen to take good care of my possessions. Unlike my brother. <

> Right

Vergil found that there were both advantages and disadvantages to this type of communication. Though he himself wasn’t openly expressive, the lack of visual cues from the person he’s speaking to made conversation contain a sort of guessing game. But without being under scrutiny, there was no social disrespect for him putting his attention back in his book while there was a lack of immediate response.

A few minutes later, his phone buzzed again.

> The book you left behind is old isn’t it? > Guess there’s no doubt to your words. > Glad to know you’re doing well with the phone. But can you tell Dante to call me back? Or at least text me back? Been trying to get a hold of him for an hour now.

So, that was it. He’s playing second messenger because Dante wasn’t responding.

When he comes back. I will let him know. <

> Cool. Thanks. > Hey, let me know if you ever need anything, k?

By context, Vergil figured Nero meant to say “okay.”

And this was… okay. It was a start.

I will keep that in mind. <

————————

Though when in person, Nero and Vergil sometimes had abrasive encounters, Vergil realized that Nero wasn’t any less argumentative with Dante. Their interactions were simply different.

But often, Nero messaged him about small things, when they were apart. Such as:

Nero

> Nico and I are driving by DMC. You guys want anything?

If it’s food, don’t bring Dante any more pizza. <

> Okay. What about you? Beer or anything?

Dante said yes to beer. <

> Dante always says yes to pizza and beer. I’m asking YOU damnit. > Also tell the old man to text me back himself if he wants anything!

Out of sheer pettiness that day, Nero brought no beer, but a bottle of cheap wine for Vergil.

He was satisfied with it only because Dante whined over preferential treatment.

————————

Kyrie

> Good morning Mr. Vergil! > We were wondering if you and Dante would like to have dinner with us next weekend? > A gathering without impending work, something relaxing for everyone?

It took a long amount of thinking, and Vergil thought carefully about how he couldn’t keep avoiding it. He wasn’t the most comfortable around Nero’s considerably normal family. Even Dante often made excuses to not go, judging from what Vergil had heard about the number of holiday invitations sent to his brother that never received the response of his presence.

A part of Vergil thought that this was not only the time to face the music that came with having family, but also felt somewhat comforted by the fact that if he agreed to this, Dante still had to suffer through the social gathering with him.

I am grateful for your invitation. What time would you like for us to be there by? <

> Dinner will be ready by 6, but you are welcome to arrive earlier to help, or spend some time with Nero? > The children are also curious to meet you and Dante.

Ah, the orphans… well, he had already agreed.

> Of course, I’m not holding your promise as Dante’s agreement. Please let me know if he will be arriving, also? He hasn’t responded to our messages yesterday.

————————

Nero

> Hey uh > I know Dante likes his strawberry sundaes > But what do you like?

I’m partial to something chocolate. <

> Huh. I would have thought you’d say something like blueberry.

I do not believe blueberry is a common topping on a menu. Chocolate is fine. <

> Okay. > What if I’m stopping by a special creamery? Still want chocolate?

Please. <

About half an hour later, Vergil received another message:

> I don’t care if Dante’s predictable, but if he wants his sundae, he should at least RESPOND TO MY TEXTS.

On that day, Vergil learnt what a message in all caps was supposed to mean.

————————

Nico

> Yooooo V-man > hey is Dante alive? > I found something a-maze-ing this morning!! > he might wanna see this. > but like he’s totally bad about responding so like > tell him I’ll be swinging by in an hour. > you might like this, too.

This is a little short notice. <

> Don’t care! > be there soon! > ttyl!

Nico’s messages were a bit harder to understand. For her, Vergil had to learn how to navigate basic search engines.

————————

Lady

> Where’s Dante.

I am not my brother’s keeper. <

> Right. He’s your keeper. > Where is he. He owes me money.

I understand that he has owed you money for quite some time now. < Do not come to me about his debts. < I am not responsible for his lack of good finances. <

————————

It has come to Vergil’s attention that, many times, he was being contacted simply because Dante very rarely responded.

Nero actually used the phone as a means to carry some semblance of contact with Vergil, but ultimately, even he had come to Vergil for the sake of getting Dante on the phone. (Barring that, Nero would simply call the land line. But by that point, it defeated the purpose of a cell phone, didn’t it?)

Today, while Dante was languidly flipping through another one of his tasteless magazines, Vergil decided he had enough of playing messenger.

But he had to do the roundabout thing to prove a point to his brother.

So he opened up the messenger, and found Dante’s message thread. It wasn’t that Dante didn’t use his phone. He’s called a few times. In fact, he seemed to prefer calling over texting. But it was clear that, just like his tendency to leave the shop’s phone unanswered or even unplugged, he was just as terrible about being contacted via cell phone.

Dante

Dante <

After a few seconds, Vergil heard the soft vibration of the message being received. The phone in question appeared to be within Dante’s desk.

And his brother ignored it.

So, a few minutes later, Vergil sent again:

Dante <

Another vibration.

It went ignored again.

What is the point of having a phone if you don’t answer it you imbecile <

This time, not long after Vergil heard the phone vibrate, he said out loud: “Dante. You know when your phone buzzes, it means I’m trying to talk to you, right?”

His brother finally lowered his reading material, and said: “What? Aren’t we talking right now?”

“No. Stop ignoring your phone.”

“What is there you need to say that you can’t say yo my face?” The teasing retort on his face was anger-inducing.

“That’s not the point. It appears most everyone else has issues getting in contact with you, and I’m done playing messenger. Learn to respond to your messages, or I will not be responsible for the next time you miss something important.”

Dante waved his hand as if batting away an annoying moth. “Eh. If it’s important, it’ll get to me.”

“Because I have been making sure you found out. This ends here, Dante. At the very least, promise that you will answer your phone calls, if messaging is too much for you.”

————————

Nero

> Okay what did you do now > why is Dante messaging me suddenly about sibling abuse.

I have done nothing of that sort. Your uncle is simply being over dramatic after a few stabs from a few summoned swords, for not paying proper attention to his phone. < Next time he does not respond, I am no longer responsible for relaying a message. <

> ...okay > okay you know what sure > no one is dead and maybe this is for the better. > I’m surprised you didn’t go off on him way earlier.

I have suggested to him that if it’s his wont to ignore his messages, he ought to at least answer his phone calls. <

> Gotcha > Blow up his phone with his ringtone not his text tone. > He’d better start answering.

There is no need to blow up anything. But I make no promises on Dante’s ability to respond. <

> hell it’s a figure of speech, dad. > But thanks for trying

————————

Dante

> Hey > Hey Vergil > Hey

I’m upstairs. What seems to be the issue? <

> Holy shit you do respond.

How did you think the others were able to come to me when you didn’t respond to your phone? < Idiot. <

> Okay you know what > You win this round > I didn’t think you were getting so comfy with this phone thing

This wasn’t a competition. < That was meaningless. <

> Fine forget it > Come downstairs > We have a client.

#the only reason vergil's contact list #displays people with their names only #is because he hasn't figured out how to change it yet #otherwise dante would not be just dante in his phone #devil may cry #prompt request #vergil #dante #nero #nico #kyrie #lady #not proofread #wordborne

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sweet-sammy-kisses · 4 years

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You’re the Only Sweet I Want

Written for day 1 of JayTim week. Prompt: Chef/Bakery Summary: It has been five years since Jason Todd has laid eyes on Tim Drake since he walked away from the Bat-family and left Gotham behind. So imagine his surprise when he is talked into visiting a bakery by Lian.

Tim Drake put his life as Red Robin behind him. He moved on beyond his heartbreak of losing his family and found a new one, or that is what he tells himself. When Jason Todd comes back into his life everything comes rushing back including his feelings for Jason.

Now that Jason has finally found Tim he doesn't plan on letting him slip through his fingers again and he is finally going to get a taste of what he has been dreaming of. Notes: This is a chapter story it will be four chapters using the first four days prompts for the JayTim week. This is also my first time writing JayTim. Rating: it will be Mature It is also on AO3

"Hey, boss man we have another order for your mocha coffee cakes!" Owens announced as he entered the kitchen of the small bakery.

Tim Drake blinked at his friend and co-worker. "We have already sold out the ones I made this morning?" Tim knew that it was a hot seller but he didn't think they would sell out this early.

Owens grinned at Tim, taking delight in the flour that dusted his cheeks. "Yep," he made sure to pop the p in the way that he annoyed the other baker.

Pru glared at Owens, she knew he did that just because it made her eye twitch which it did. "If you bothered looking I just finished up another batch." She growled out.

Not at all effected by Pru's glare, Owens grinned at her, "Thanks, love." Picking up the new batch that had been off to the side cooling he exited through the swinging door and back out into the main part of the bakery.

Tim Drake shook his head if anyone told him five years ago that after saving Bruce from being lost in the timeline he had hung up his cape, left Gotham in the dust, and started over in San Francisco with his friends. It was completely Conner's fault that he opened up a bakery with three former assassins.

After saving Bruce Tim had found himself adrift from the those he once called family, his relationship with Dick had been torn to shreds by the actions before he left, Dick taking Robin from him, thinking he was crazy, suggesting that he go to Arkham and leading to his creditability being destroyed in the hero community. The only ones who believed him and stood by him where Conner, Bart, Cass, and Cassie after Conner talked to her.

Tim loved his brother, he truly did. Dick had been the first person to hug him and show him any kind of love to have it ripped away from him had left deep scars that still haven't healed. He thought Dick had truly thought of him as a brother but the moment Damian arrived it seemed that Dick had slowly begun replacing Tim with Damian. The fact that Dick never spoke up when Damian verbally and emotionally abused him, told him he wasn't wanted or part of the family and the fact that he stayed silent when Damian tried to kill him showed Tim how much he meant to Dick.

It hurt.

Tim had nothing left in Gotham and he had found a new family in Pru, Z, Owens and he had Conner, Cass, Cassie, Bart, Gar, and Raven. Tim might have lost the Bat-family but he had created a new family from those who cared for him, he was happy.

+*****+

Jason Todd grumbled under his breath, he couldn't believe that Kory had talked him into this. "It was a dirty trick using Lian like that." The famous and feared Red Hood brought down by a pair of doe-eyes and a sweet "Please Uncle Jay?"

Kory smiled sweetly as she turned her head to look at Jason from where she was walking ahead with Lian holding her hand and skipping along beside her. "You know I play to win, Jason."

Roy, Jason traitor of a best friend, just grinned as he flung his arm around Jason's shoulders. "Cheer up Jaybird. I heard this place is the bomb. It is like eating ambrosia itself."

Jason, who had learned to cook at the hands of Alfred Pennyworth very much doubted that. "I guess we'll see when we get there."

Roy could only shake his head, "Don't be such a food snob. Not everyone can compete with the great Alfred."

Jason had to admit that Roy had a point, "Fine I'll give this place a shot."

"I knew you would see it our way. If you didn't Lian was prepared to unleash her puppy eyes." Roy happily informed Jason who snarled at his friend smile.

So wrapped up no one noticed two sets of eyes watching them and widening when they realized where they were heading.

+*****+

Tim had just finished up his raspberry and chocolate scones that were sitting beside his chocolate-dipped strawberries ready to be taken out when a breeze blew his hair to one side. Tim let out a deep breath, he was used to Bart and Conner using their super speed to arrive at his shop. "Your stuff is its usual place."

"RedHoodStarfireRoyandLianareontheirwayhere," Bart informed Tim as he vibed in and out of his spot.

It took a second for Tim to understand Bart's words and when he did he turned a worrying shade of white.

It had been five years since he left and not one of the Bat-family but Cass had looked for him or reached out to him and now Jason Todd, Tim's Robin, his first crush was on his way here. "There has to be a mistake."

Conner, well aware of Tim's feelings for Jason shook his head. "Sorry man but we saw them with our own eyes. You don't have to see them just let Owens or Z deal with them."

Tim knew that his friends would do it without question but no he didn't want that. "No. This is my place and I am tired of hiding from them. It has been five years and while I doubt that Jason has come here actually looking for me, I want him and the others to know that I have moved on from them and they no longer have any power over me."

Conner couldn't help but grin, this was the Tim he remembers, his best friend who wouldn't let anyone walk over him. "You go! We have got your back!" Conner reassured him.

Bart nodded, "I mean I doubt we can take Red Hood but we will try." He promised.

Tim felt a smile appear on his face, he loves his friends, his family.

+*****+

"Robin's Sweets? Really?" Jason rolled his eyes, he did find it odd that the store colors were more in replacement's colors when he changed his suit to reflect on when he lost Conner.

Jason shoved the feeling of longing deep down, it had been five years since Tim disappeared from the family and Gotham after he saved Bruce. It took six months before anyone did anything. Dick had reached out to Gar and Raven of the Titans if they had seen Tim only for them to tell him that while they had Tim wanted nothing to do with them. Jason couldn't blame Tim, not after the way they treated him. Now that he was free of the pit madness he wanted nothing more to make amends with Tim. Only he couldn't find him. The only one in the family who had any clue as to where Tim was is Cass and she wasn't talking, everyone knew that Tim was her favorite.

"Brother hurt. Reach out when he wants to. Not push him."

Cass's words haunted Jason as he knew they did Dick and Bruce, he wasn't sure about Damian but the demon spawn had mellowed somewhat under Dick's teachings and he seemed to understand how he treated Tim was wrong.

All of them realized how they treated Tim was wrong. Dick carried a lot of guilt about what had happened when Bruce had been lost in the time stream. For the first year, Dick had swung from rage at himself to weepy over the fact that he lost Tim. He had gotten better but Jason knew that he still blamed himself for how he treated Tim.

Bruce, well he had shut down. Jason hadn't understood it until Alfred explained it to him.

"Master Tim was a light when Master Bruce needed it the most. Losing you sent him into a dark place and it was only Master Tim's arrival that pulled him out of it. Master Tim has done so much for this family and when he needed us the most we let him down. I let him down. I should have talked to Master Dick more when took Robin from him. I should have made sure he knew that he had my support."

Jason had never seen Alfred look so broken. It wasn't just Bruce who had lost his light so had Alfred, "Don't worry we will find baby bird and let him know how much we care about him."

Jason was pulled out of his thoughts when he was pulled into the bakery by Roy and he came to a complete stop.

The last thing Jason expected to see was three of Ra's elite assassins working the fucking counter. "What the hell are you three doing here?" Jason hissed, wishing that he had his guns and grateful that no one else was currently in the shop, he didn't want anyone to get hurt.

Kory recognizing Jason's tone gently pushed Lian behind her, ready to get her to safety if the need calls for it.

"What are you doing here Todd?" Z asked with a raised eyebrow.

"None of your freaking business." Jason made it his goal not to swear when Lian was around him.

Tensions began to rise but before anyone could do anything the long lost bird, the young man who haunted his dreams exited the kitchen with his two best friends behind him.

"Hold it! There will be no fighting in my shop!" Tim Drake growled out in his best Batman voice, one that demanded you listen to him and obey or he will kick your ass.

"Tim." Jason couldn't believe it after five long years Timothy Drake-Wayne was standing before him. Jason didn't care if Tim had dropped the Wayne from his last name he was still a Wayne and a part of the family.

"Hello, Jason." Tim could feel his heart pounding at the sight of his first love standing before him, the man he had never been able not to stop loving. "Z, you are in charge make sure that there is no fighting. Bart, get Lian the coloring books and crayons. Jason, you come with me." Tim turned on his heel and headed back into the kitchen.

Before Jason could move to follow him Conner appeared in front of him. "Hurt Tim and I will end you," Conner growled out.

Jason would admit, not out loud of course, that he was pretty impressed with Conner's guts. "I won't." He would do his best not to hurt Tim, not again.

Conner studied Jason for a few more seconds before he nodded and let Jason pass him.

Tim had his arms crossed his chest as Jason entered the kitchen. "So when can I expect the rest of the Bats to arrive?" Tim demanded to know, he wasn't sure if he was ready to see them again.

Despite the brave act he put on Jason could see a hint of fear in Tim's eyes. "They don't know you're here. Lian heard about this place and she used her doe-eyes to convince us to come here. I won't tell them you are here baby bird, that isn't my place." Jason promised and he felt his eyebrow raise when he saw a faint blush appear on Tim's face at the nickname. 'Interesting.' Jason would file that way for future use.

Letting out a sigh Tim ran his fingers through his hair, Jason never thought that he would be jealous of fingers. "I don't know why but I believe you. Come on let's join them before Lian has my employees wrapped around her little finger."

Jason let Tim go first and he found his eyes drawn to a certain part of Tim's body, he felt his mouth go dry at the way those tight jeans clung to Tim's body and highlight his ass, leaving little to the imagination and Jason had a very good imagination.

Exiting the kitchen Tim and Jason both smiled at the sight of Lian having taken command had everyone sitting around the table coloring.

Lian's face lit up at the sight of them, "Uncle Jason! Uncle Tim! Come join us!"

"You don't want to disappoint her, no do you baby bird?" Jason purred in Tim's ear as he passed him.

Tim hadn't even noticed when Jason had gotten that close to him and shivered as Jason's body brushed against his. Tim found his eyes drawn to Jason's thighs and licked his suddenly dry lips as he recalled his fantasies of riding those strong things. 'Nope now is not the time.' Tim firmly told himself as he moved to join them.

+*****+

Jason had to admit that Tim certainly knew what he was doing, "Alfred would be proud." He told Tim as he finished off the last of the caramel nut muffin he had ordered.

"Thank you." That was high praise to Tim.

"It was so good Uncle Tim," Lian added from where she was finishing up her warm brownie with ice cream, smears on chocolate on her face.

"Thank you, Lian." Tim could see why Lian had everyone wrapped around her little finger, she was adorable.

"Dude so good," Roy added as he finished off his blueberry scone.

Kory let out a moan of bliss as she finished off the last of her chocolate cheesecake, a sound that had almost everyone feeling envious of that cake.

"Yeah baby bird, we will be stopping by quite a bit while we are in the city," Jason vowed.

Tim could only stare at him, "You're staying for a while?"

Jason grin was pure sin as he leaned in closing the distance between them, "Oh yeah, there is something special I want to try but I plan on working my way up to it." Jason purred out.

Tim didn't know what to say as he watched Jason and his friends pay and then leave, he could feel the worried eyes of his friends on him. "I'm sure Jason didn't mean it. I bet they will be gone tomorrow." Tim ignored the pang in his heart at the thought of not seeing Jason again. 'No, it is for the best. Jason is part of my past that I have moved on from. It would be better if he left.'

+******+

Tim knew he was in trouble when he arrived at his bakery first thing in the morning to find Jason leaning against the wall, two cups of coffee in his hands, and a smirk on his handsome face.

"Hey baby bird, I told you I would be back." Jason wasn't leaving until he made amends with Tim and maybe got a taste of what he had been longing for.

#jaytimweek #jaytimweek2020 #jaytim #otp: be my robin #sherri writes #my ficlets

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tera-91 · 5 years

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It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas

Hey everyone! This has been stuck in my head since Christmas day. It originally started as a short (Maybe 1000 or less fluff fic) but turned into …. well quiet a bit more than that 😂 Hope you like it and as always feel free to comment 💜 I love feedback

Summary: Everyone has been busy and the holiday season snuck up on everyone, especially Virgil who feels guilty and wants to do something speical for his boyfriend

Pairings: Virgil/Patton (Moxiety) Roman/Logan (Logince)

Word count: 3780

Virgil woke up at 5 am like usual. This time though he wasn’t brought back to the land of the conscious by the sound of his blaring alarm clock. Patton had made sure that had been turned off before the pair had gone to bed the night before. A shifting figure beside him made him look down at the mop of strawberry blond hair. Patton always made sure the alarms were only turned on when the alarms owner had to be up the next morning. He took a deep breath and sighed at the smell of sweet pea and magnolia, the smell had always relaxed him. He didn’t know what he would do without Patton. He gently hugged the smaller figure closer to him.

Virgil was almost back to sleep when he heard an alarm clock break through the silence of the house. He reached over and clicked the light button for Patton’s clock to make a soft blue light display the time. 6 am. Huh, it had to be Logan’s clock but the genius didn’t have to go to work. None of them did.

Reluctantly, Virgil gently pulled away from Patton as to not wake him. Once out of bed Virgil couldn’t stop the small heart palpitation as he watched Patton grab his pillow and turn over, but a smile soon followed as Patton simply snuggled into the pillow and back to a restful sleep. Virgil walked over to his desk chair where Patton had a habit of throwing Virgil’s hoody when he pulled it off in his sleep. He slipped on the, slightly ragged, article of clothing and made his way into the common area of the three-bedroom home.

As he thought, Logan was there, although slightly more disheveled than he was used to seeing the other man. He actually had on pajamas, that he was sure Roman bought him, for once. The main clue was that the pants had the Andromeda galaxy and Logan rarely bought anything that had the stars on it as it seemed nothing was ever accurate enough for him to buy on his own accord. He had on a Beauty and the Beast night shirt, that was definitely Roman’s as it was at least 2 sizes too big for him. He stood at the counter, half asleep with his hair sticking up in various places and glasses slightly askew, while he waited for the coffee to finish.

“Sorry Logan, Patton turned off the alarm clocks and I forgot to set the coffee pot. Although, I didn’t expect any of us to be up this early either.” Virgil said as he reached up into the cabinet and pulled out their coffee mugs. “Go ahead and sit down, Ill bring you yours as soon as it’s done.” Virgil was somewhat surprised when Logan did just that. While he waited Virgil reached for the sugar and grabbed the milk from the refrigerator as took just a few moments for the coffee machine to stop with a beep to signal it was done. Sugar and milk with a splash of coffee for him, while Logan’s was mostly coffee with just a little milk. He was careful not to spill any as he made his way to the living room where Logan sat. Logan still seemed out of it as he handed him the mug, which was understandable as he had been told multiple times of Logan’s poor sleeping habits by Roman.

Virgil sighed as he sat down next to the bespectacled man. It would be an hour or so before either Roman or Patton would wake up, so for the time being it was quiet, but peacefully so. As they both drank their coffee Virgil jarringly realized it was Christmas Eve as he took in the state of the living room. They had all been so busy with work yet Roman or Patton or both had found some time to find some vaguely Christmas colored fairy lights and string them along the edge of the ceiling. He felt somewhat sad. He knew how much both loved the holiday, probably as much as he loved Halloween. Since it was Christmas Eve there wouldn’t be enough time to order anything for anyone and he doubted they would be able to find even a small tree to decorate. Virgil sighed, his anxiety had begun to build up. He didn’t like it when Patton was sad or disappointed and he was almost certain he would be.

“Contemplating current state of events?” Logan asked suddenly which caused Virgil to jump. Before he could say anything, Logan continued “We have all been busy, more so than last year and the lack of decoration reflects that.” He gestured towards the general area of the room a tree would sit.

Virgil took another sip of his coffee. “Yeah, something like that” he said as he ran his fingers along the edge of his hoodie. “I haven’t had the time to get my brothers anything let alone Patton.” He reluctantly admitted.

“I don’t suppose many of us have had time to find anything.” Logan began. “Roman has been booked with back to back shows between the two theaters and Re-re” a sigh escaped both of them at the thought of the chaotic twin. “Re has been in his forge every time Roman looks for him, working on commissions for the holidays.”

“Patton has been making a lot of trips to and from the bakery” Virgil ran his hand through his hair. “I lost count of how many dozens of cookies and cupcakes he has made for all the shelters and homes.” a small chuckle escaped him “You know Patton, even the animal shelters get a batch of handmade treats.”

Logan hummed in agreement. “Unless one has gathered gifts during the year, I’m sure we all will understand if we just get to spend tomorrow together, sans boxes wrapped in colorful paper or bags and bows.”

Virgil shifted, somewhat uncomfortable at the thought that Patton may have found him something but nothing had ever caught his eye as a Christmas present for his boyfriend. Roman and Re, well they were easy. All he had to do was call Joan, they would go to the metal store for him and probably stop by one of the supermarkets and grab something Disney related for him since they knew he didn’t do well in crowds.

That’s just what he was going to do he quickly decided.

Virgil got up from the couch and quietly made his way back to his bedroom. As he walked up to the bedside table, he was glad he had decided to put carpet in over the summer. He couldn’t help but take a little time to admire Patton. It always amazed him, the contrast of a sleeping Patton vs awake Patton. He looked peaceful and not at all like once he woke up, he would be full of energy that he would practically be bouncing off the walls.

Virgil sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled his phone off the charger to text Joan.

V: Hey Joan would u mind going by the stores for me and grabbing Ro and Re presents for me?

J: What’cha thinking? V: Just about 10 pieces each of 15n20 and 1080 for Re, I’ll call Tyler and he can have it ready. For Ro, you no him basically anything Disney that catches ur eye. Especially anything Hercules.

J: Ah, got it! Ill get em and bring it by tonite when I come get Tals present from your place. Prewrapped ;)

V: Thanks Joan

J: NP V!

Virgil let out a quiet huff. He had his brothers taken care of now, well he still had to call Tyler but for the most part it was done. He just had to wait and make sure Re was out at his forge before he called. He turned and looked at the still sleeping Patton. It took everything in him not to just lay down next to him and card his fingers through the red tipped strawberry blond hair, the slight curls already making it stick up in hilariously weird angles. A moderately loud crash, which meant Roman was awake, caught his attention. Luckily it didn’t even phase Patton. He stood up with a huff, he still had to figure out what he was going to get Patton for tomorrow morning. He placed his phone in his hoodie pocket and made his way back out towards the living room. Maybe Roman could help him.

Virgil almost immediately turned around once he reached the end of the hallway. From were he stood he could clearly see the kitchen. A few eggs cracked and splattered on the tile floor while a bowl with pancake mix was tilted over on its side and mostly all over the counter with some of it on the floor. His eyes soon landed on Roman, or more accurately Roman’s mostly bare back which was only barely covered by a tank top that partially obscured the colorful tattoo located there, he wore the matching pants to the shirt he had seen Logan wearing earlier.

“I don’t know how you two always end up making a mess when you flirt.” Virgil said, startling Roman enough for him to step away from the counter revealing Logan up on the quarts top, his glasses pushed up onto the top of his head.

“Ah dear brother, you are just jealous.” Roman said with a confident smile as he turned and leaned back against the counter between Logan’s legs. Logan immediately leaned forward and draped himself over Roman’s shoulders, fixing his glasses in the process. “Besides you and Patton are just as guilty.” He said as he tilted his head back to look up at Logan

Virgil just rolled his eyes at the older man. “Uh huh, I am so jealous that you two make a mess. Yet the mess is usually preexisting as I find it adorable when Patton is baking not simply about to start making breakfast.” He said as he gestured to the floor.

“He is not wrong Roman. Patton is usually already covered in flour. I had yet to make any sort of mess prior to your appearance.” Logan said, smirk half hidden in Roman’s hair. The twin to pouted and tilted his head back. This caused the shorter one to laugh and give him a kiss.

Virgil shook his head before he made his way around the mess to refill his coffee. “Just clean up the mess when you’re done.” He said with a chuckle and made his way back to the living room.

“Will do bro!” he heard Roman call out.

He shook his head as he sat down on the couch. As different Ro and Re were there were still quite a few similarities between their actions that neither wanted to admit. Then it hit him, what he could do for Patton. He would wait until later when Patton would go with Logan to go see Roman’s Christmas eve performance. He’d make him his favorite treats.

Patton was next to wake up. He padded his way into the living room as he rubbed his eyes. Virgil could tell from the look on his face when he glanced into the kitchen that Logan and Roman were either still in there making out or they had left it a mess. Either way Patton’s face became red and he immediately dived for Virgil’s side. Virgil simply chuckled, placed his empty coffee cup down on the table and scooped Patton up. He shifted himself so that he was laying down on the couch with Patton’s head resting on his chest and he began to run his fingers through his hair. Patton wordlessly snuggled further into Virgil, both glad to have some time to themselves.

However, the peace didn’t last very long. “I am off to the forge my lovies and Merry B*%&^$mas too all and to all a good day!” Remus’s boisterous voice boomed through the house followed by the slamming of the front door.

Neither was sure if it was the loud voice or the slamming front door but both jumped. Virgil instinctively hugged Patton closer to him in an attempt to shield him from the nonexistent danger while Patton could feel Virgil’s fast heartbeat through his shirt. The taller one groaned and he placed his hand on his face. “I am not related to that one in the slightest.” Virgil sighed which caused Patton to giggle. Virgil waited a few moments to ensure Remus hadn’t forgotten anything before he reached into his pocket to get his phone to call Tyler.

“You’re such a thoughtful little brother.” Patton said as he reached under the hoodie once Virgil hung up the call. A large smile spread across his face at the deep red blush that appeared on Virgil’s pale skin. He loved it when his boyfriend became a blushing, cuddly mess.

“I-i just know how much he enjoys making things, though how someone that is a-all over the place like that ended up taking up blacksmithing which requires quite a bit of con-concentration.” Virgil slightly stammered.

“It’s simple my dear brother. I am the prince and he is the pauper that wants to be close to the palace, so he makes all the royal guards gear from armor to swords.” Roman appeared leaning over the couch looking at the two. Now both of them were red in the face with embarrassment at the position they were in.

“Roman that makes no sense whatsoever, that is not even how the story went, the pauper was not conically a black smith by trade. Also, you two are in fact related unlike the two boys in the book.” Logan made his presence known.

“Details, details my adorable calculator watch.” Roman said as he swept Logan up in his arms.

“Did you clean up the kitchen yet?” Patton asked as he struggled to keep from laughing as the two nearly ran to the kitchen.

The day went by rather lazily as no work needed to be done. Both Virgil and Patton enjoyed laying on the couch, the tv had been turned on at some point. Roman and Logan had joined them not long after they ran back to the kitchen, this time the pancakes had actually been made. They brought Virgil and Patton a plate and the four of them ate, bickering between Roman and Virgil being the main form of entertainment. 2 pm finally came, simultaneously too soon and not soon enough for Virgil. The three left and Vigil got to work.

He couldn’t remember exactly which was Patton’s favorite but luckily, he had enough ingredients to make both, since Patton kept the pantry stocked almost as if the home was a medium volume bakery. Which as much as Patton experimented it probably could be.

After looking through every drawer and every cabinet Virgil was able to gather most of the ingredients he needed. “Let’s see. Sugar, salt, vanilla, flour, chocolate chips, powdered sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, oil, water, milk. What am I missing?” Virgil asked himself as he looked over the items he had scattered across the counter. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the large butter dish. Of course! Patton always had room temperature butter for when he did his baking, Virgil had to stop himself from smacking himself in the head.

Virgil got to work making the cookies. It was a tedious process. He started out with the filling by mixing powdered sugar and soft cream cheese. He made the first batch of dough and portioned them out. He broke the portions in half as equally as possible before he rolled them out, placed some of the filling on one before he placed the other half on top, sealed the edges of the stuffed cookies and placed them on a sheet before storing them in the refrigerator they had out in the garage.

He returned to the kitchen, mixed together a small bowl of equal parts cinnamon and sugar, and turned the oven to preheat for the next set of cookies. He began mixing the butter and sugar, some of it went flying out as he turned on the mixer. He hoped that enough stayed in the bowl as he added the vanilla and water. Having learned his lesson, he turned the mixer down low as he added in the flour. Unfortunately, when the light ingredient hit the bowl it looked like a cloud with some landing in his hair. Virgil silently cursed under his breath. No wonder Patton always ended up covered in flour or something else when he baked.

The oven beeped, an indication that the over was up to temperature. Virgil quickly tore the chocolate chip bag open, sending about a third of the bag flying in the process. He poured the rest of the chips into the dough, shakily he mixed it up and portioned them out before putting them on a sheet and in the oven.

As he waited for the cookies to bake Virgil set to cleaning the giant mess he made in the kitchen. He had just barely finished when the timer beeped. “Ugh how does Patton do this? I haven’t even gotten the powdered sugar out yet.” Virgil said as his anxiety began to increase. He took a deep breath, grabbed the potholders and took the cookies out of the oven. He carefully lowered the ovens temperature for the first batch of cookies before he turned around and grabbed a large shallow bowl, cooling rack and the bag of powdered sugar.

With shaky hands Virgil re-opened the powdered sugar, which of course had to explode out of the bag and dust the previously clean stone countertop, then poured some into the shallow bowl. He groaned; this was just impossible. Quickly, so not to burn his fingers, Virgil picked up a few of the cookies and rolled them in the powdered sugar before placing them on the cooling rack. Once he was done with that batch of cookies Virgil went to the garage for the first batch of cookies. He took each cookie and rolled them in the cinnamon sugar he made earlier before he placed them back on the sheet and slid it into the cooler oven.

As he set to work once again cleaning the kitchen, he didn’t hear the garage door open. “Virge?” Patton’s voice made Virgil stand ramrod straight. ‘No Patton can’t be home already’ Virgil thought. A hand on his shoulder and the timer going off simultaneously, made Virgil jump almost out of his skin.

“Pat? Babe what are you doing here?” Virgil asked practically losing control of his breathing as he quickly spun around and pulled the last batch of cookies and set them on top of the counter before he turned the oven off. He didn’t want to burn the cookies, after all they were for Patton. He knew he couldn’t hide what they were from him but that didn’t stop him from trying to block Patton’s view of them.

Patton simply giggled and pulled Virgil away from the hot appliance. “Well Remus showed up with you know who. Once the performance was over the four of them wanted to go and get something to eat to celebrate a wonderful performance.” Patton reached up and to shake the mixture of flour and powdered sugar from Virgil’s hair. “I took Roman’s car while they all piled in Remus’ I knew you had already been alone for a while. Also, I was hoping to get some alone time with you.” Patton said with a rare, somewhat smug, look before he pushed the taller one up against the wooded cabinets and cool stone counter before he pulled Virgil down for a kiss.

Virgil almost, almost, whined when the other pulled away. He couldn’t help the blush that spread across his face, neither of them was particularly forward when it came to affection, but Virgil couldn’t help how much he liked it when Patton would become bolder when the two of them were alone.

“What are you up to Virge? I come home and you look like an absolute ghost with all the flour and powdered sugar on you.” Patton smiled as he rubbed Virgil’s cheek that was also smudged with powdered sugar.

“Well, I um – I hadn’t been able to find you anything for Christmas tomorrow, so I thought.” Virgil said as he glanced over at the sheet full of cookies. “I thought I would make you some of your favorites, but it seems that I can’t do any of it right.” Virgil sighed as he ran his thumbs along Pattons hips. “I couldn’t hide them from you, and I don’t think I did it right. The first batch doesn’t look right and this one looks under done.”

Patton couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled up, he quickly covered his mouth with his hand. “Oh Virge.” He started as he pulled back to peak around him. “Silly you did just fine.”

“Babe those don’t look anything like yours and the ones I just pulled out look like they’d fall apart as soon as you picked them up.” Virgil protested as the other pulled away slightly. “Pat? You ok? Your hand was kind of cold.” Virgil said as he reached up and grabbed one of Patton’s still chilled hands.

Patton quickly intertwined his fingers with Virgil’s and stuck their hands in the hoodie pocket so he could steal some of the warmth the oversize hoodie provided. “I’m fine Virgil, it was just cold outside and I forgot my gloves.” He said as he buried his face in his boyfriend’s chest. “You did great, the first ones just need another coat of powdered sugar and the others just need a few minutes to firm up as they cool down. You did just fine.” Patton said as he used his other hand and once again pulled Vigil down for a comforting kiss. Patton was always mesmerized how his lips were always so soft. Patton pulled back slightly “What made you do this?” Patton asked softly, afraid to break the moment.

Virgil leaned down so their foreheads touched. “I didn’t want you to be disappointed if it doesn’t feel like Christmas tomorrow.” Virgil practically whispered.

“How could I possibly be disappointed when I’m with you, everyday feels like Christmas.” Patton said. At his words it felt like a wave washed over Virgil. He leaned down and tenderly kissed the shorter one. Tomorrow would certainly feel like Christmas even if it was just filled with fairy lights and cookies.

@tinkslittlebelle @teacupfulofstarshine @random-name-here @kindly-falling @xx-fandom-potato-xx @sylveon-lover-crazyfangirl1415 @sandersfander1820 @downrightdanny @i-do-not-dislike-fudge @not-so-innocent-bi-sander @princeanxious @sammys-ghostz @nope-not-more @moltengoldenstardust @coolerthan-a-vintagecassette @j-d-lightful @could-always-be-gayer-2 @altruistic-skittles @c4t1l1n4 @dutifullystrangequeerdom @i-read-by-lamp @thatcacidork @bigfirecreator @badluckkaren @eternal-optimists-world

#sanders sides fic #human au #Patton #Roman #Logan #Virgil #Remus #tera-91

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wolfpawn · 4 years

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I Hate You, I Love You, Chapter 141

Chapter Summary - Tom is less than pleased when he is asked to go to lunch with Danielle and Lucas, he has no particular fondness for the man. For a moment, the pair argue but work through things. He cannot say the same for Waters.

Previous Chapter

Rating - Mature (some chapters contain smut)

Triggers - references to Tom Hiddleston’s work with the #MeToo Movement. That chapter will be tagged accordingly.

authors Note - I have been working on this for the last 3 years, it is currently 180+ chapters long. This will be updated daily, so long as I can get time to do so, obviously.

tags: @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog @jessibelle-nerdy-mum @nonsensicalobsessions @damalseer @hiddlesbitch1 @winterisakiller @fairlightswiftly @salempoe @wolfsmom1 @black-ninja-blade

Tom looked at Danielle unsure. ‘Please?’

‘I cannot guarantee that I would be nice.’ Tom commented.

‘Tom, please.’ Danielle pleaded.

‘I cannot be nice to that man.’

‘Fine, okay.’ Danielle rose from her seat and walked out of the room.

‘Elle.’

‘No, I am not going to force you and you don’t want to, so we will just leave it.’

‘I am annoyed because of their treatment of you, my concern is for you and you are getting annoyed at me?’

‘No, I am not annoyed because of that, that I respect.’

‘Then what is it, because I can see the annoyance in your face?’

‘I want to involve you in my work life, I want to have you there, but you don’t want to be involved and that hurts. I went to Early Man with you, I did it willingly because I wanted to support you, even though I was fucking terrified and had to put myself in front of the media, but I did it because partners are supposed to involve one another.’ She stated, heading for the stairs. ‘I am going for a shower.’

Tom contemplated her words for a minute. He knew there was truth in both of their statements. Danielle supported him, no matter what, but to sit across the table from Lucas Waters, with everything that he had seen being thrown at Danielle since her getting involved with Safeguard, he may be an actor, he may even be a good actor, but to play polite would more than likely be too much for him. He didn’t know what to do.

When Danielle came down the stairs again, she walked passed him and into the kitchen. ‘Elle?’ She did not look at him. ‘Elle?’ She turned around the second time. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘So am I.’ She admitted. ‘I just really wanted you there, I want you for support. I know Lucas is an asshole, I do and I find it hard on occasion dealing with him, especially when I am the one he seems to focus on to clean messes, but that is part of the reason I want you there.’

Tom swallowed, feeling bad for not talking more with her. ‘If you want me there, then I will be there.’ He walked over and wrapped his arms around her. ‘If only to assist you to hide the body if he gets too bad.’

Danielle snorted into his chest at his words. ‘I love you.’

‘Likewise, Ms Hughes.’ He smiled. ‘I know you pushed through a lot for Early Man and I know you were terrified, I know it was hard for you.’

‘I am sorry I used that as a stick to beat you with, that was wrong.’ She looked him in the eye as she spoke. ‘I chose to do that, I cannot throw it at you after for anything I want you to do, I’m sorry.’ Tom pulled her in against him again. ‘You smell so good.’

‘You smell of strawberries, I smell of the day.’

‘And it smells so good.’ She moaned against him.

‘Elle, I want to go to this with you, to be there for you. I will try to remain polite, but if he starts, I may not be polite.’

‘When have I ever been like that to him?’ she challenged. ‘I call him out on bullshit no matter what or where.’

‘Of course you do, my feisty Irish Lass.’

Tom walked beside Danielle as they entered the restaurant, opening the door for her as they did so. Danielle guided him to where they needed to go, since he did not know what exactly Lucas looked like, though he had a fairly good idea which was Lucas as he rose from his chair and looked as Danielle had stated somewhat very Australian surfer-esque and was looking at them both, walking a step towards them as Danielle and he came closer.

‘Danielle, how are you?’

‘Lucas, I’m grand sure, you know yourself, this, as I am sure you can tell, is Tom. Tom, this is Lucas, the man I will probably go to prison for murdering.’

‘Good to see you too.’ Lucas grumbled. ‘Tom, a pleasure to finally meet you.’ He extended his hand.

Tom gave a polite smile and shook the other man’s hand. ‘Hello.’

‘I am sure that you are sick of hearing my name followed by some disaster.’

‘It is more frequent an occurrence than I am happy with, that is for certain.’ Tom stated diplomatically.

Lucas chuckled, knowing full well from the look on Tom’s face how he felt. ‘Well, that is part of why I am here. I was talking with the others, and we have an offer for you.’ Danielle and Tom looked at him sceptically, ‘But first, something to eat.’

The meal was pleasant enough, Lucas was polite and both Danielle and Tom kept the mood light. When finally, the food was finished and the waitress removed his plate, Lucas leant forward, his hands together and his elbows on the table, Danielle leant back and folded her arms. ‘Right, I am curious as to what you have to say, and don’t think I am not after noticing that you are having meetings with the other partners without my being involved.’

‘It is not the norm, you know that.’ Lucas stated. Danielle licked her teeth, recalling the four in the morning video call she was involved in before. ‘It was regarding how to make things easier in a bind for you mostly.’

‘And not one of you thought to ask me what I felt would be a good idea at such times?’ She challenged with a raised brow.

‘We should have.’ Lucas acknowledged. 'We want to expand the European office.’

‘Okay?’

‘But we are concerned, Brexit, as it is called, is a concern.’

‘Yes, understandable.’

‘With Britain leaving Europe.’

‘Well, no, leaving the EU, not Europe, it does not stop being in Europe, simply the European Union, it’s market and other such things.’ Danielle corrected.

‘Yes, sorry, I am not overly knowledgeable in such areas.’

‘I know the feeling, I can’t say I am overly aware of US policies or Australian things myself.’

‘And, from what I am told, Irish is not British, correct?’

Tom looked at Danielle as she pursed her lips, knowing she was always the first to correct anyone who claimed Ireland as being in any way British. ‘Correct.’ She stated warily.

‘Come...when is this happening?’

‘March of next year.’ She informed him.

‘Will you be alright to stay here? If Ireland is not part of this, then surely, like with most European countries, you’re right to be here is not guaranteed?’

‘I am not sure yet, it depends on a few factors, but overall, my understanding is, because I am here so long, I should be fine.’

‘Okay, we were talking about having an Irish office in Dublin if required, should you need to leave, make it easier on you, we were also thinking of having one regardless because of the whole Brexit anyway.’

‘Understandable. If there is no issue with my being in Britain, you cannot possibly think me the person to run both, I am balls to the wall here as it is.’

‘No, no of course not, though we were hoping you could think of someone who would run it?’

‘I have a few names I can think of, one that is actually hoping to move to Ireland anyway.’

‘Perfect.’ Lucas stated, pleased to hear such. ‘But regarding when there is an issue with some one of the offices. I took what you stated to heart, how you shoulder most of the responsibility and how the day will come you will be the one who will need the assistance and how we will have to take some of the slack.’ Danielle looked at him expectantly. ‘We couldn’t, not to the same extent as you do. We have more staff but they are always busy and you’re the one who does it best, so we need to take that into account. We want to start something of a new department, that takes the overflow and the emergencies, leaving the main offices free to continue.’

‘A sort of Internal Affairs office?’

‘Something to that effect, but not as...dare I say it, anal.’

‘So everything that goes wrong, goes to them and we all continue on?’

‘They would have a more legal trained crew and would also take the overflow.’

‘Okay? At what cost?’

‘No extra.’

‘Lucas, people need to be paid, don’t be stupid.’

‘Your salary and that those of those that work with you remain the same. With the added office here, profits, as you saw at the last meeting, are up.’

‘So we use the profits?’

‘Yes.’

‘The profits that pay the bonuses for my staff?’

‘We will have enough for both, we had the accountant look at it, but it will mean no expansion in New York as we planned.’

‘I dare say that is going down a treat?’

‘Well, there were a few objections, but overall, we think it worth it.’

‘Why?’

‘Because we are not stupid, Danielle, come the end of your contract, if we kept piling shitstorm after shitstorm on you, you would leave without a moment’s hesitation, and no one could blame you and any competitor to hear it would offer you stupid sums of money in a heartbeat.’

‘There’s nothing to say I wouldn’t just leave anyway.’ She stated.

‘No, there isn’t, but that does not stop us from trying our best to hold onto you, does it?’

‘I suppose not. I am not going to say no to a department such as that. But I mean it Waters, holding a meeting behind my back is not going to have me stay either.’

‘Well, we also were talking about how much to give you as a bonus for everything. You took on more than double the workload and your own, I am surprised you even convinced this fellow to bring you on your holiday.’ He indicated to Tom. ‘So we wanted to give you something extra as a thank you.’ He handed her an envelope, inside was a cheque for the equivalent of three months salary. ‘I am sure you would do something sensible with that. You don’t strike me as the type to go on a shopping spree.’

‘Well, we are looking to move house at the moment, so who knows.’ Danielle smiled, placing the envelope in her bag. ‘Thank you, Lucas.’

‘Anytime, you are as stubborn as a mule but Christ are you good at your job.’

‘I do what needs doing and get on with it.’ She shrugged before her phone rang. ‘Excuse me a moment, this is Branagh about the reshoot.’ She gave Tom a small glance that was the embodiment of “behave” before leaving the table.

‘You really don’t like me, do you?’ Lucas asked as soon as Danielle was out of sight.

‘I don’t know three things about you, bar your name and country of origin.’ Tom stated in return.

‘Well, I know it was you that convinced her to listen to me that time in LA, so thank you for that.’

‘I find myself regretting it and wishing I told her to come to me on set when it is two in the morning and she has, for a week straight, been working the round of the clock to deal with the messes you all throw at her.’

‘That is why we decided on this, we don’t want anyone, much less our best, doing that anymore.’

‘Good.’ Tom nodded. ‘My concern is and always will be Elle first, your business is nothing to me without her.’

‘I gather.’ Lucas commented. ‘So what will you do if she has to move to Ireland next year? I was talking to Alicia Vidanker on Tomb Raider and she stated she and her Irish husband moved out of Britain because of it all.’

‘I don’t think it will force those already here to leave, I hope not anyway, but in that scenario, I guess I would be moving to Ireland.’

‘You’d leave your home for her?’

‘She is my partner, of course I would stay with her. What of your wife, I hear she is Australian too, if she said she was moving back to Oz, would you go? The US is getting very aggressive with its immigrant policies also.’

‘True.’ Lucas conceded. ‘And regarding your question, yes, I would go home with her, but she is my wife, we have kids together, you and Danielle are not exactly on that page.’

‘No, we’re not, but it doesn’t change that I love her dearly and wish to be with her.’ Tom answered. ‘I had not thought about how Brexit will affect her, I did not want the blasted thing to begin with but seeing how it is affecting many people I work with, I dislike it all the more. If it causes an issue for myself and Danielle, it will quite literally cost me my home because between Britain and Danielle, it is Danielle, without a shadow of a doubt.’

‘And your family?’

‘My sister moved to India for a time for her husband, both of them are married with their own lives and I think my mother would disown me if I were to no longer be with Danielle for something so utterly ridiculous.’ Tom smirked.

‘She is one terrifying woman.’

‘She is not a passive person, no. She is very much strong-willed and assertive in character, something that makes her all the more incredible.’

‘It sounds like you are a glutton for punishment.’ Lucas joked.

Tom shook his head. ‘I don’t like women who let men have the idea they can walk over them. Danielle is no such woman.��

‘That is something of an understatement.’ Lucas noticed her returning.

‘Right, so. I am in Ireland next week again.’ She stated as she rejoined the table. ‘I will organise the office and I hope you mean it when you say no more of your madness coming to me.’ Danielle stated to Lucas before looking at Tom. ‘What will we do with the dogs?’

‘Kennels? I am in Southampton for a lot of the next week or so.’

‘I’ll drive and take them with me. It’s easy enough, get the ferry from Wales and arrive in Wexford, where we are shooting.’

‘Okay.’ Tom smiled.

‘I’ll join you there on the way back then.’

‘Sounds like a plan.’

Lucas looked between the pair. ‘I could not imagine if Dione worked too, trying to juggle everything. The stress would kill me.’

‘If you can coordinate an office of twenty plus people and not your home, you need to reassess yourself.’ Danielle commented, startling him somewhat. ‘I could not imagine not coordinating everything, it would actually upset me on a personal level.’

Tom put his hands around Danielle’s waist and kissed the side of her neck. ‘What is this for?’

‘To say I love you.’

‘I love you too.’ Danielle smiled. ‘And I am really grateful for today. See, he’s not a total shitebag.’

Tom chuckled. ‘He’s a bit of one though.’

‘Oh, yeah. No dispute there.’

‘How do you feel about it all?’

‘You mean the new way they will run things? If they stick to it, great, if not, I watch profit fall as I work my arse off more.’

‘They want to keep you.’

‘I am making no plans yet to stay or go. I still have a while left with the contract.’

‘If they said all in or all out tomorrow?’

‘Out.’ She shrugged. ‘I want to work to live, not live to work. I want to like my job and I want to be happy there, recently, I know the only reason my love of my job is waning is because I am tired and that scares me because tired means I might overlook something, which leads to accidents, and it is because my workload is beyond my personal capacity and that is not my doing.’

‘Would you stay in such a role?’

‘I would try and set myself up, but I rather a few more years there first.’

‘So that’s the overall plan?’

‘I want it, that in a few years time, if we want a family, I can actually be a mother and work, because I will dictate the office, because it will be my office.’ She smiled.

‘I can see you, a child in your arms and a headset in telling some poor misfortunate that they are the ones that need to be to the site at stupid o’clock in the morning and to fax you the paperwork, or signing said paperwork with a baby bouncer next to you.’ Tom admitted.

‘And telling you to get changing a nappy?’ She jested.

‘If it happens, I am not shying away from my fair share.’

‘We’ll see, let’s not start trying to scare ourselves too much yet. If we get too fond of the idea, we can steal our soon to be niece or nephew for a few hours.’

‘I am scared for her to get the scan where you find out the gender. Not them find out the gender, I am excited for them, but when you find out, the shopping madness will start again.’ Tom chuckled. When there was no sound from Danielle, he turned her slightly to see a particularly guilty look on her face. ‘Really?’

‘They were on sale and were really cute.’

‘Elle?’

‘Only a few things.’

‘How few?’

‘About ten, or more.’

‘You really need to look up the definition of “a few”.’

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fic #chapter 141 #wolfpawn #i hate you i love you

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