#where did she get that fire extinguisher? we don’t talk about that

[thetrialsandtribulationsofeb]

it still blows my mind how many times buck and eddie’s relationship is paralleled to the relationships of canonical couples in this show, sometimes even in the same episode

the writers could’ve easily come up with some significant others for buck and eddie and written these storylines for them to show their love

(i feel like they tried to do it with taylor, but she and buck still gave off more of a friends-with-benefits vibe than an actual meant-to-be couple. plus, buck fucked it up when he reverted to buck 1.0 after eddie left the 118 anyway (still think they should’ve broken them up after buck cheated instead of making her the “villain”))

but the truth is, it only works with buck and eddie. like, it’s always been them - because their characters’ stories are so interconnected. they just work together. they heal each other’s inner children

and it’s exactly how it works in real life

sometimes best friends end up together because they realize the person they want most in their life IS their best friend, and there’s no point in trying to find other partners anymore

and it’s kind of the same case with bathena and madney, where they “trauma bonded” and their coupling just makes sense for their characters (though it’s thanks to jennifer love hewitt, because she was the one who wanted maddie to get together with chimney - she had the vision, and she is the queen)

so buck and eddie’s characters really are just accidentally in love

and it’s mind-blowing and beautiful

this show just scratches my brain in all the right parts with how soulmate-coded it is

also, it’s so interesting for me to compare henchim with buddie, ‘cause hen and chimney are great best friends too - they’re partners in crime, they’re soulmates in a platonic sense, they share a lot of cool moments together

but with buddie, there’s always this underlying energy of: “i kind of wouldn’t mind sharing my whole life with you and raising a child together”, “i kind of can’t stop looking at you with hearts in my eyes”, “i kind of treat you like my romantic partner even though i’m officially in a relationship with someone else, because no other person fits into my life as perfectly as you do”, “i kind of hated you when we first met because your body is too beautiful for my taste”

i mean, they explained it themselves when they talked about christopher:

“well, it wasn’t too much different than when he hangs out with one of his guy friends”

“except only in one case is there underlying sexual tension” (and then he does that thing with the fire extinguisher, like, i’m sorry, what??)

like, that’s exactly how relationships work. sometimes you meet people and end up in a platonic relationship with them because there’s no romantic chemistry. and sometimes you meet people and end up in a romantic relationship with them because there is. it’s not really rocket science

but these two idiots are so oblivious and repressed and so close to each other that they don’t see and don’t understand that their case falls under the “underlying sexual tension” category, from the very beginning

they were never ever “just” friends, ‘cause this is the weirdest friendship i’ve ever seen

and i like how they called each other “bros” only two times on screen - ‘cause i guess then they just decided to stop using that word for each other ‘cause it felt weird. like, he’s not my “brother”. he’s my bud. my man. my pal. definitely not “bro”. that feels weird, ew (but this is a completely normal straight platonic companionship between us, yeah. no weird under-the-surface feelings that we can’t describe or define)

it’s like: buddie becomes canon, but they do the same things they did before they officially started dating, except now they also kiss and fuck each other

like, seriously, why would anything change in their dynamic, when they’ve always been like this?

[the-winter-spider]

The View Between Villages: Part Six

Word Count: 4.1k

Pairings: Bucky x reader, TASM!Peter x reader

Warnings: Mentions of su!cide

Masterlist

—

“Y/N, I know you’re in there. Open up, doll, please.” Bucky’s voice was soft, laced with desperation as he rested his forehead against the door. It had been almost a month since he last saw you. He’d walked by your apartment countless times, even though it was nowhere near his place or his therapist’s office. It was the only way he could feel close to you anymore.

Especially when you wouldn’t answer his calls or respond to his texts. The only reason he figured out how to use his phone remotely was to reach out to you, but he’d settled for listening to your voicemail. The familiar message played over and over in his mind: “Hi, you’ve reached Y/N. If you have this number, odds are you’re probably in the compound with me and are too lazy to come find me.” A pause, and then Natasha’s voice in the background, “It was one time… okay, maybe more than 10.” Steve and your laughter followed before you continued, “But if not, I guess leave a message.” Tony’s voice cut in at the end, “She won’t get back to you, bye!” before the beep sounded.

But four weeks was far too long. He had to know you were alright. Sam had told him that he stopped by two weeks ago, heard the TV on, and saw your shadow under the door, but you weren’t answering him either. Bucky was hoping this wasn’t about him telling you he needed time. He felt so stupid doing that. He’d talked about it with Steve after you left, the night Steve told the two of you he was going to stay.

Steve had told him he was being stupid, that it wasn’t by chance all three of you were alive—just like it wasn’t by chance when he went to collect the Infinity Stones with Tony, he just so happened to hide in Peggy’s office. It was fate. Bucky knew he was being stupid, knew everything Steve and you had done for him, to get him back, to save him. All the sacrifices you made. But it was just so easy for Steve to toss him—and you—aside. He was scared that once you realised he wasn’t the same Bucky anymore, you’d do the same. But you also weren’t the same Y/N he fell in love with anymore, and nothing scared him more than falling out of love with you.

What was a little more time, he thought?

You stood there, staring at the door, your heart pounding in your chest. You could see his shadow from under the doorframe. You felt like you were on fire—quite literally possible for you to set yourself on fire too—and you would if it meant Bucky was here to beg for you back with a ring in hand.

“Please, it’s about the shield, about Steve. We need to get it back, back to where it belongs.”

Burning.

“I’m done, Buck.” Your voice was hoarse, your throat scratchy. You were positive he wouldn’t have even heard it if it wasn’t for the serum.

“What do you mean you’re done?” His voice grew louder as he banged on the door a little harder. “Open the door, let’s talk, please.”

“Go away, James. I don’t want you here.”

Wincing at his name coming out of your mouth, made something in him churn, he scoffed, the sound cutting through the silence like a knife. “You’re really going to do this? After everything Steve did for you?”

You winced, the glass cup in your hand shattering to the ground, water pooling around your feet. The fire within you momentarily extinguished, replaced by a cold, empty feeling that seeped into your bones.

Silence stretched between you, the only sound was the drip of water from the broken cup. You stood there, unmoving, surrounded by shards of glass.

“Y/N, I didn’t—I’m sorry.” His voice was softer now, filled with regret. He lingered for a moment longer, and you heard the floor creak as he slowly walked away.

The echo of his footsteps faded, leaving you alone in the quiet, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. You looked down at the shattered glass, the water still seeping into the cracks of the floorboards. The fire was gone, replaced by an overwhelming numbness that you weren’t sure would ever leave.

You sank to the floor, your back against the door, knees drawn to your chest. The water soaked through your clothes, but you didn’t care. The silence was suffocating, pressing down on you, making it hard to breathe. You rested your head on your knees, closing your eyes as a single tear slipped down your cheek.

You didn’t know how long you sat there, the weight of your grief pressing you further into the ground. But as the hours passed, the numbness began to fade, replaced by a dull ache deep in your chest. You weren’t sure what hurt more—Bucky’s words or the fact that he was right.

Steve was gone. Tony was gone. Natasha was gone. And now, it felt like Bucky was gone too.

But what did it matter? You were done. Done fighting, done caring, done with everything. You were so tired—tired of being strong, of holding on to something that had slipped through your fingers long ago.

But as much as you wanted to give up, you couldn’t shake the feeling that Bucky was still out there, still hoping you’d open that door. And a part of you wanted to—wanted to reach out, to hold onto the one person who understood what you were going through.

But that part of you was buried deep, smothered by the pain and the grief and the endless darkness that surrounded you. So you stayed there, on the cold, wet floor, alone with your thoughts and the broken pieces of your heart.

—-

Louisiana 2024

Sam stood on his front porch, his phone clutched tightly in his hand as he stared at the call log. The screen dimmed, reflecting his own frustrated expression back at him. He exhaled sharply, his thumb hovering over your name before he pressed it and brought the phone to his ear. When it went straight to voicemail, he let out a groan, squeezing the phone so hard that, if he had the serum running through his veins, it would have shattered.

A whirlwind of emotions churned inside him—frustration at how vague you’d been, anger at Bucky for keeping him in the dark, and an overwhelming sense of dread. He’d seen the headlines, the video footage of you walking away from Bucky with lightning cracking the sky behind you. At first, he thought it was just another argument, a clash of wills. He knew how stubborn Bucky could be, but you—you were supposed to be the glue that held everything together. Steve had always said that about you. Sam had hoped it would hold true, that you and Bucky could find common ground, that the three of you could weather this storm together.

But everything had changed. Six months was a long time, too long. Sam had given you space, knowing you needed time to process everything, but the silence was unbearable. Every day he checked his phone for any sign that you were okay, scoured the news for anything that might hint at your whereabouts. When he heard about the lightning strike that split a 100-year-old tree in half, part of him was relieved—at least it was a sign that you were still out there. But it was clearly intentional, and that worried him more. He tried talking to Bucky, but all he got was the same dismissive response: “None of your business.”

But now, as he replayed your last conversation over and over in his mind, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just a “see you later.” It felt like a real goodbye, the kind you don’t come back from. His heart pounded in his chest as he thought about one of the last conversations he’d ever had with Steve, the one where they’d talked about you. Steve had been so sure that you’d be okay, that you’d find your way. But now… Sam wasn’t so sure.

He paced the porch, the old wood creaking under his boots, trying to figure out what to do next. Should he try to find you? Track you down? Or was that just pushing you further away? The more he thought about it, the more his mind raced, caught between his loyalty to you and the promise he made to Steve—to keep the team, the family, together.

Sam ran a hand over his face, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on him. He was Captain America now, but he felt more lost than ever. “Damn it, Y/N,” he muttered under his breath, glancing out at the horizon, where the last light of the day was fading into darkness. “I can’t lose you too.”

—

2023 - A Little Before Steve Rogers’ Passing

“Hey Sam?”

“Yeah, Cap?”

A small smile tugged at Steve’s lips. “You know you can stop calling me that. The shield’s yours now.”

Sam rolled his eyes, but there was a warmth in his voice. “You’re always gonna be my Captain.”

Nostalgia washed over Steve’s face before his expression grew serious. “Y/N hasn’t come by, I haven't seen her since the stones. I haven’t heard from her. I’m worried, Sam.”

“I’ve stopped by multiple times, called, texted… She’s just not answering. I don’t know what’s going on.”

“Bucky won’t tell me anything,” Steve paused, sensing a lie in his own words before continuing, “They must be fighting again.” A small, bittersweet smile played on his lips as he thought of the countless, trivial arguments between you and Bucky.

Sam snorted. “Makes two of us. I think she’s just not handling all this…” He gestured toward Steve, who was lying in the hospital bed. “Well.”

Steve nodded, his expression conflicted. He opened his mouth, then closed it, weighing whether to say what he was thinking. Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with hesitation. “I know this is asking a lot of you, Sam, but you need to look after her.”

“You know I will, Cap. Always. She’s family to me too.”

Steve’s face softened, but there was a deep sadness in his eyes. “I’m gonna tell you something that only Y/N, Tony, Fury, and I knew. You can’t tell Bucky. It’ll just make things worse.”

Sam’s demeanour shifted as he leaned in, sensing the gravity of what Steve was about to reveal. “Yeah, of course. My lips are sealed.”

Steve took a deep breath. “Y/N… she didn’t just go for a walk, fall asleep, and wake up here,” he said. “She died, Sam.”

Sam’s mouth dropped open in shock. “What? That wasn’t in any file…”

“I know. We decided it was best kept a secret. But a little bit after she woke up, she couldn’t remember much. When it all came back to her, she was hysterical. We had to sedate her. It was like everything she felt before hit her all at once. But we got her to talk. It wasn’t uncommon after the war for people to…” Steve hesitated, the weight of the truth heavy on his shoulders.

Sam’s eyes widened, his discomfort evident as he anticipated where Steve was headed.

“She lost us, Sam. She didn’t have anyone left. She attended not one, but two funerals where there was no body. I couldn’t imagine what she felt,” Steve continued, his voice growing softer. He looked directly at Sam, his expression grave. “She did it, Sam. She went to… and she did.”

“Steve, that’s… a lot,” Sam stammered, standing up to pace near the foot of the bed. “That changes everything. I gotta—”

Steve cut him off gently. “I know it’s a lot. But as long as you know she’s still in there, alive… that’s all that matters, Sam.”

“Why didn’t you tell Bucky? That’s his girl,” Sam pressed, clearly struggling to process the information.

“He was going through a lot. He was healing. She was healing. She promised me everything was fine,” Steve replied, though his voice was tinged with doubt.

“He’d kick down that door if he knew,” Sam muttered, almost to himself.

Steve managed a small smile. “Yeah, I know he would. He wouldn’t let her out of his sight. She’s his everything.”

“Any idea why they’d be fighting?” Sam asked, his tone tinged with frustration.

Steve shrugged, though the gesture seemed forced. “Can’t say I do, Sam.”

But of course, Steve knew. Bucky had come to him two weeks ago, asking for advice about you. He’d admitted he didn’t know who he was anymore, and by extension, he didn’t know who you were either. He was afraid of dragging you through the dark tunnel of his self-discovery. Steve had told him that was a stupid notion—that you’d be more hurt by him saying he needed space, that he needed time. After all, the two of you were already on borrowed time.

Steve had promised Bucky he wouldn’t say anything, no matter how badly he wanted to, because he’d hoped that the two of you would sort things out before it was too late. But by the looks of it, that wasn’t the case. It was a secret that Steve would take to the grave, trusting that Bucky would confide in Sam when he was ready, when the trust between them was strong enough. He just hoped it wouldn’t be too late.

As Sam paced the room, his mind raced with the implications of what Steve had just revealed. He couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out, not just for Steve, but for all of them. He stopped and turned to face his old friend, his expression hardening with resolve.

“I won’t let her slip away, Steve,” Sam said, his voice steady. “I promise you that.”

Steve nodded, a faint smile on his lips. “I know you won’t, Sam. I trust you.”

The two men shared a moment of silence, the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future hanging heavily between them. Sam could see that Steve was tired, but there was a peace in his eyes, a quiet acceptance of what was to come.

“Steve… I need to know. Do you think she’ll be okay? Really okay?” Sam asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Steve’s gaze softened as he looked up at Sam. “She’s strong, Sam. Stronger than she knows. But she’s been through so much… too much. She’ll need you. She’ll need both of you.”

Sam nodded, feeling the enormity of the responsibility settle on his shoulders. He knew that he couldn’t let Steve down—not now, not ever.

As he turned to leave, Steve’s voice stopped him at the door. “Sam… thank you.”

Sam looked back, his hand resting on the doorframe. “For what?”

“For being the man you are, for taking the shield. For everything, for looking after my family” Steve said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Sam nodded, unable to find the right words to respond. He simply gave Steve a small, respectful salute before walking out of the room, his mind already racing with what he needed to do next.

Outside, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden light over the compound. Sam took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He knew what he had to do. He had to find you, had to make sure you were okay, and most importantly, he had to keep Steve’s promise.

—

The front door swung open.

“What the hell, Sam? Was that Y/N?! Don’t even lie to me—I heard you say her name,” Bucky’s brows were creased in frustration, his finger pointing accusingly at Sam.

Sam hesitated, knowing that Bucky was already on edge. He had promised Steve, but he also knew that Bucky needed to know the truth. There was no way around it anymore. “We should go inside,” Sam finally said, his voice calm but firm.

As Sam turned to walk inside, Bucky grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks. The two men locked eyes, and Sam could see the worry, panic, and heartache in Bucky’s gaze. He could also see the deep love Bucky had for you, and it only made what he had to say harder. Sam nodded toward the table inside, motioning for Bucky to follow. He could hear Bucky’s heavy footsteps behind him, each step filled with a mix of dread and anticipation.

Sam pulled out a chair and sat down, while Bucky remained standing with his arms crossed, a stubborn look on his face. “Sit down, Buck.”

“No,” Bucky replied, his voice flat.

“Bucky, sit down,” Sam insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Bucky lingered for a moment longer, his jaw clenched, before finally giving in and pulling out the chair across from Sam. “You better start talking, Sam,” he demanded, his voice low and tense.

Sam took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “I will, under one condition: you don’t interrupt me. And know that the only reason I didn’t tell you earlier is because Steve made me promise.”

Bucky’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded. “Fine. Just talk.”

“One of the last times I went to visit Steve, he told me something that only he, Fury, Stark, and Y/N knew. It wasn’t in any of her files for good reason—it was need-to-know information, and Steve didn’t want to burden you with it while you were recovering. He believed Y/N would tell you when she was ready.” Sam paused, watching Bucky’s reaction carefully. “What do you know about the night she disappeared?”

Bucky’s scowl deepened. “Peggy told her about Steve…” he cleared his throat “And me, after the funerals, she just disappeared. Steve told me she fell asleep by our spot and woke up in 2012. The ground absorbed her or something, right?”

Sam shook his head, his expression somber. “She didn’t fall asleep, Buck.”

Bucky’s eyes flashed with confusion and anger. “What do you mean she didn’t fall asleep? So Steve lied to me?”

“Bucky… she died.”

Bucky shot out of his chair, the force sending it flying back. “What do you mean, she died? So she’s a ghost?! That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!” He started pacing, his mind racing as he tried to process Sam’s words. “Why’d they lie to me?” He slammed his fist down on the table, making Sarah jump in the kitchen.

“She committed suicide,” Sam said quietly, the words heavy in the air. He wanted to break eye contact with Bucky, but he couldn’t. Now, he understood what you meant when you said Bucky’s ocean eyes could suck you in like a whirlpool. Sam felt like he was drowning as he saw them fill with water.

Bucky shook his head in disbelief. “No, no, no… Why would she do that, Sam? Did he say why she would do that? My girl wouldn’t do that. She—she—”

“She lost both of you, Buck. She lost you, then she lost Steve. You two were all she had. There were no bodies to bury—no closure. I can’t imagine what she was feeling.”

Bucky slumped onto the couch, the weight of Sam’s words pressing down on him. He had millions of questions, but he was scared to ask them. The answer to this one was already too heavy, and he wasn’t sure he could carry any more.

“Steve said they ran tests and they were never able to find out how she was resurrected, but they assumed it had to do with her powers. There was no other logical explanation,” Sam continued, his voice softening.

Bucky nodded slowly, the silence in the room thick and suffocating. It hung between them until Bucky suddenly jumped up from the couch. “She lost Steve.”

“We all lost Steve,” Sam replied, confused by Bucky’s sudden outburst.

“No, you don’t get it,” Bucky said, running his hands down his face in frustration. “She lost Steve, and I—fuck, I’m so stupid. I wasn’t thinking. I gotta call her Sam. This is bad. Do you think she—do you think she would do it again?”

“Whoa, Buck, slow down,” Sam said, standing up. “What are you talking about?”

“I told her I needed time, Sam. She gave me the ring back. We broke up. She lost me, then she lost Steve.”

“Did Steve know?”

“Of course he knew. He told me I was stupid. I am stupid.”

Sam’s eyes widened as he connected the dots. “That was her on the phone… She told me she was proud of me. She was saying goodbye, Buck.”

“Well, call her back!” Bucky shouted, panic rising in his voice.

“I tried. It goes straight to voicemail,” Sam replied, frustration evident in his tone.

“She called me,” Bucky whispered, his voice breaking. “A day ago. She didn’t say anything, but I could hear her. Then she just hung up.” He paused, the realisation hitting him like a punch to the gut. “What if she already…”

“Don’t say it, Buck. She’s not… She can’t be,” Sam said, trying to keep his own fear in check.

“We gotta go now. We gotta go to her place and kick her door down!” Bucky was already heading toward the door, determined in every step.

“Wait, Buck,” Sam blurted out, stopping Bucky in his tracks. “48 hours ago, a single lightning strike hit a 100-year-old tree in the park.”

Bucky froze, understanding immediately. He knew what you were doing. “She let me go,” he whispered, his voice trembling as he wiped away a tear. “She was letting me—us go.”

Sam looked at Bucky, his heart sinking. “Do you know where else she could have gone?”

Before Bucky could answer, Sarah’s voice called out from the kitchen. “Hey, guys? I hate to interrupt, but you might wanna see this.”

Both men rushed into the kitchen, their eyes locking onto the TV screen. Spider-Man was on a video call with a news reporter, but this time, his mask was off.

“Just the truth,” Spider-Man spoke.

“Oh, sure,” Jameson replied, rolling his eyes.

“I thought he wore a mask for a reason?” Bucky questioned, confused by what he was seeing.

Sarah’s eyes widened. “You two missed a lot while you were fixing that damn boat. They revealed his identity—just some kid named Peter Parker from Queens,” she shrugged, still watching the screen.

“The truth is, that this is all my fault. I accidentally brought those dangerous people here,” Peter admitted.

“Well, he admits it!” Jameson exclaimed.

“And if those people are watching, just know that I really did try to help you. I mean, I could have killed you at any given moment. But I didn’t, because my Aunt May taught me that everyone deserves a second chance. And that’s why I’m here.”

“And where is ‘here’ exactly?” Jameson pressed.

Peter turned the camera slightly, revealing his location. “A place that represents second chances.”

As the camera panned, both Bucky and Sam caught a glimpse of you standing on the Statue of Liberty before the camera turned back to Peter.

“Did you see that?” Bucky asked, his heart racing.

Sam nodded, his mind racing as well. “She did promise Stark she’d watch out for Spider-Man, and if Peter is Spider-Man, she’s gonna watch out for him too.”

“The Statue of Liberty?! Good God, folks, he’s about to destroy another national landmark!” Jameson continued to rant.

“But world, if you’re watching—”

“Believe me, the world is watching—” Jameson cut in.

“Wish me luck. Your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man could really use some,” Peter’s video ended, leaving the room in stunned silence.

Bucky turned to Sam, urgency in his voice. “Do you have his phone number?”

“When I became Captain America, they auto-synced phone numbers in my phone, but I’m not sure,” Sam said, reaching into his pocket.

“Well, check!” Bucky urged, his anxiety rising.

“What the hell do you think I’m doing?!” Sam shot back, scrolling through his contacts. “At least we know she’s alive.”

“Yeah, but not safe. What ‘bad guys’—plural, might I add—is he talking about?”

“I got it! I found it,” Sam said, turning his phone around to show Bucky the contact labelled ‘Spider-Man.’

Without hesitation, Bucky ripped the phone out of Sam’s hand and hit the call button, pressing it to his ear.

“What the hell, man? That’s my—”

Bucky put a finger to his lips, signalling Sam to be quiet as he waited for the call to connect. “Put Y/N on the phone,” Bucky demanded as soon as someone picked up on the other end.

[freshbakedbreadstick]

No. 1 Party Anthem - Mikey Berzatto x F!Reader - Chapter Nine

Past!Mikey Berzatto x F!Reader

Carmy Berzatto x F!Platonic!Reader

Richie Jerimovich x F!Platonic!Reader

Summary: Don’t light yourself on fire to keep others warm.

Warnings:  All my fics are 18+ regardless of the content. Heavy spoilers. Mentions of grief, angst, strained relationships, bad coping mechanisms, mental health issues.  

Word Count: 1.4k

A/N: Apologies for the shorter chapter , we are rapidly approaching the end to this series and tbh im both excited and sad ! Im so so so happy i am back to writing and not dying over assignments , but i dont want this series to end ! Ive enjoyed the journey to get here and im so excited to continue with more ! Happy pride month besties !

Taglist: @marysucks-blog @shinebright2000 @jadeittic @eternallyvenus @jackierose902109

Masterlist

Carmy stood in front of the stove as it caught on fire, frozen. 

When this happened, you were chopping vegetables to take the slack off of Tina and Ebraheim as they worked the other stations. It was only when you heard Tina yell that you turned around and saw the fire. 

“Shit!!” she yelled, rushing around to try and grab something to put it out. 

You rushed around, throwing down the knife onto the metal table with a loud clang, before running over. 

“Carmen!” you screeched across the kitchen, yelping as you stumbled into a metal table and felt the corner dig into your body.

Someone grabbed the fire extinguisher and blew it onto the fire, surrounding the kitchen and your vision with large white clouds as Richie walked over to Carmy. 

You watched with bated breath as Richie smacked him, finally getting him back down to earth. 

“Sorry…” Carmy murmured, blinking rapidly before walking away.

You turned to Tina and Richie, mouth open in confusion. They both shrugged and shook their heads, moving away from the burnt and smoking stove. 

With a sigh, you went back to your station, wiping your hands on the apron that you had put on earlier. You took a deep breath, about to turn to go talk to Carmy when you felt someone approach you from behind.

“Come here real quick,” Richie murmured into your ear, gently grasping your hand to lead you out of the kitchen and to the lockers, where Carmy was sitting on the bench.

He led you to stand in front of Carmy before he grabbed a piece of paper from behind a locker. He then sat down next to him, handing him the piece of paper and murmuring softly to him, something that was too low for you to hear.

Your eyebrows wrinkled, watching Richie get up and leave, not even glancing at you as he did so. As you turned around, your eyes locked with Carmy’s bright blue ones, the bags under them enunciating the blue in his iris. 

Carmy then glanced down at the piece of paper, his fingers near shaking as he held onto it. He then looked up at you again, almost as if asking for permission to open it. You swallowed the lump in your throat, swiftly moving to sit down where Richie was. 

The two of you exchanged looks at one another, mouths opening to breathe raggedly. Carmy’s hand twitched, before it slid across his lap and over onto yours. The roughness of his hand slid up against yours, slotting into a tight grip as he held the card on his lap for the two of you to see. 

You could feel your leg bouncing, eyes locked on the wrinkled envelope. Beside you, Carmy’s almost dissociating as he stares at it, making you jump when he suddenly flipped it over to reveal some scratchy writing you instantly recognized… and that made your heart drop to the floor. 

‘To Carmy

From Mikey’

You took in a loud, haggard breath, making yourself wince as it came out much louder than anticipated. But Carmy didn’t react, just continuing squeezing your hand in his as he continued to stare at the writing. The same writing you would trace at night, trying desperately to read between the love letters Mikey wrote you, to see if some hidden cry for help was there you didn’t see. 

But the letters in front of you two spelled out nothing in code or in secret. 

Carmy rose, letting your hand slide from his grip and fall limply onto your lap. Your head whipped up as you watched him walk away, quick strides moving toward the back of the kitchen.

You scrambled to your feet, eyes already burning with tears as you tried to follow after Carmy. The words were caught in your throat, desperately wanting him to stay and let you be there for him while he opened it but a warm grip on your arm stopped you right as Carmy let the door shut behind him. 

With a grunt, you were swiveled around and yanked into someone’s body. You collided with them, groaning softly before softening at the smell of cologne and cigarettes, with a hint of fruity perfume that you could probably only get from a claire’s. 

Richie wrapped his arms around you, pressing a kiss to your head before ushering you into the office. 

With the door closed and privacy secured, you leaned into the desk, arms holding you up from the edge of the wood. Richie sighed, turning to look at you with his head hung down. 

He reached forward, gently cupping your cheek to guide you to look up at him. 

“I know you want nothing more than to just… run to him and make sure he stays but… but he will be okay. You will be okay. He will come back…” he murmurs, voice hoarse but with a softness to it as he spoke to you. 

You would only weakly nod and swallow the growing knot in your throat. 

As Richie began to turn away, you found your voice. 

“...How do I know?”

He paused, one hand on the door handle. 

You stood up, moving to sit down on the chair and stare at the messy desk in front of you. 

“How do I know he will return?”

You stared at some of the familiar scratching writing on the papers pinned and taped onto the wall. Some invoices, some notes, some showing urgency, others saying to not worry about it. 

It was both a rhetorical question and one you were asking yourself. How do you know Carmy would return? How do you know he wouldn’t disappear from your life in a matter of seconds and carefully planned actions?

Richie just sighed, shoulders slumping as he moved to look at you. His steel blue eyes scanned your face, watching as your teeth chewed into your already bruised bottom lip. 

You began swaying in the chair, twisting from side to side as you traced along scribbles on the papers forgotten on the desk. Your hands gripped the seat beside you, your knuckles almost turning white as you did so. 

Richie reached out, grabbing the back of the chair to stop you from moving, making your head snap up to look at him as he stood beside you. 

He crouched down at eye level, taking a deep breath. You took a deep breath too. He took another one. You took another one too. He took a third. You followed suit. After the fifth one, he slowly said your name.

“...yes?” you responded, voice barely above a whisper. 

“No one is going to leave you anymore.”

All you could do was blink. 

He grabbed your face in his hands once again and pressed another kiss to your forehead, resting his own on there. You both closed your eyes, listening to each other take slow breaths at the same time. 

“Don’t panic, we’re here together, okay?”

“Okay.”

With that, the two of you fixed your aprons and walked out, glancing at each other as you walked out and headed towards your respective stations. 

Fak’s voice echoed in the front, triggering a reaction from Richie as he stomped over to see what he was going on about. You just giggled to yourself, finding a small smile making its way onto your previously frowning face as you heard the echoing voices of the two men beginning to bicker. 

Someone moved beside you, their hands deftly moving to gather your already chopped vegetables into the bin in front of you. They gently bumped their hip into you, a smile greeting you as you looked over at them. 

“Thank you, mami.” Tina’s warm voice whispered to you as she took the bin to her station. 

You watched her organize, feeling a warmth bloom in your chest as she moved artfully around the kitchen, not once taking her focus off her work even as Ebraheim began talking to her or as Richie and Fak’s voices got a bit louder. 

You turned back to your station, stretching your head from side to side with a renewed sense of focus, before grasping your knife to continue dicing once again. 

You only got about halfway through filling a second bin when the backdoor swung open and shut, making you instinctively freeze and whip your head around to look at the racing body that came back inside. 

You jolted a bit when he glanced around, pausing when he saw you staring. He just stared for a second, before jerking his head and moving toward the fridge. 

Instantly, you followed. 

The fridge door clicked behind you as you watched Carmy weave around, hands guiding him along the shelves as he reached to grab something. 

“Pop quiz for you, chef… what’s the recipe for family meal spaghetti?”

The first ingredient was already on your lips right as he finished his sentence.

[henke-penke]

After the Slaughter.

*Rambles incoherently while pointing at them*

(If there are any spelling mistakes in this no there aren't)

Content Warning: Talks about murder as a fun silly pastime. References to violence and murder.

March 7th, 1943.

There was a corpse in their basement, brutalized beyond recognition, and hanging from the ceiling with its hands bound. Heather regarded it like one would a trophy— even if three against one was hardly a fair fight.

Either way, the adrenaline from it was slowly ebbing into a familiar serenity; where their house fell quiet and peaceful. As if a murder hadn’t just occurred. 

Heather glanced down at the concrete floor, at the puddle of blood forming under the hanging body. And the many splatterers all around. She was covered in it too, and could feel the blood starting to dry against her skin. 

She turned back to where her partners were putting away the tools they’d used. They were stained with blood just like she was; their white dress shirts soaked. The red suited them ridiculously well. Alas, no one besides them shared in that sentiment. But, however disappointing it was, that just meant Heather got to keep them all to herself.

Once Alejandro had gotten his axe back on its rack, and Noah had closed the drawer where they stored their pliers, Heather walked up to them. She took their hands and led them to the stairs leading up to their home. 

During the nights, their home lay untouchable; an impenetrable fortress of guts and viscera that, come morning, would look as mundane as ever once again. Heather found it thrilling. To know the truth of their home’s beating heart hidden beneath the floorboards. Especially when said truth was still in the basement.

Would it be a missing person or a murder victim this time? They’d decide its fate later.

Upstairs, the fire crackled faintly in the hearth— almost extinguished from being left without care. Alejandro walked over to it, removing his gloves before grabbing the poker to resuscitate the fire. 

Heather and Noah made for the bathroom. They filled the sink with water and got out the softest towels they owned— used only for times like these. Noah soaked one of them in water. He squeezed off the excess, then stepped closer to Heather. With gentle strokes, he washed away the blood stains from her face; working as though she were the injured one.

Heather sighed softly.

“I liked it when you broke their fingers,” she said after a moment of silence, “Didn’t think you had it in you.”

Noah laughed lightly, “Neither did I. Thinking of someone you can’t stand does wonders, it would seem.”

“McLean?”

“McLean.”

“If he keeps giving you trouble, we could always return the favor.”

“It’s alright, eṉ aṉpē.” Noah said, “He’ll get what’s coming eventually. Besides, I’m getting paid.”

“If you say so.”

He eyes melted to pure adoration, “I do love your spite and vengefulness.”

‘When everyone else tells me to calm down.’

Heather smiled, “I know.”

“Are you two plotting without me?” Alejandro asked, having appeared in the doorway without either of the other two noticing. 

“We wouldn’t dare.” Noah replied and motioned for the other man to step closer so he could wash his face, too. 

As he did, Heather began to think. It had been a while since they’d done anything premeditated. 

“How far do you think a person can run with strychnine poisoning?”

“Can’t be too far, depending on the dosage.” Noah said. 

“Why don’t we do a little test sometime?”

“We certainly can, mi ángel morbosa.” Alejandro hummed. He reached his hand out to brush her hair back behind her ear. It then settled by her jaw, cupping her face. 

Heather leaned into his touch, mesmerized by how such a tender and affectionate act came from the same man who had cut out a person’s tongue not even an hour prior. It made her feel more precious than words could describe. 

More precious than she’d felt anywhere else.

It was true; they were violent, horrible people, and the lack of concern they had for their indulgence would surely alarm most. Yet no love compared to theirs.  Nothing could ever match the sanctity of being seen at her most vile and still being wholly loved— not despite her acts, but because of them.

[zweetpea]

Tea for Babygirl

happy birthday my Baby girl scaramouche/wanderer/Kunikuzushi

k so it gets a bit spicy at the end. You have been warned. Also, wife is used like three times but it’s mostly gender neutral, like you can be a male wife.

— Scaramouche/Wanderer doesn’t like sweets.

— You can respect that, but it’s his birthday.

— You and Nahida set to work making a delicious pound cake to go with his favorite tea.

— It was admittedly a bit messy, and maybe you’d spilt a bit of egg on the floor when mixing but you thought that you’d clean up before you Boyfriend Scara came home.

— It was all going well, you thought, until Nahida slipped on the Egg, hit the ground and, on impact created Dendro particles that fell into the wood-burn style oven.

— EVERYTHING IS ON FIRE!!

— “Ah! I’m so sorry!” She cries.

— “Please just get me more water!” You say as you try to extinguish it with a bucket.

— “But… don’t you have a hydro vision?”

— “…there’s a reason why you never gave me a Dendro vision.”

— You two put the fire out as Scara came running in.

— “What the hell happened in here?”

— “Happy birthday?” You and Nahida shrug timidly.

— You gave him the tea and explained what happened.

— “Great, just another reason to hate sweets.”

— “Cmon! They’re not that bad!”

— He smirks wolfishly. “Are you kidding? A stupid pound cake nearly killed my wife and daughter.”

— “Huh?” You and Nahida ask. You blush as she looks on in bewilderment.

— Scara laughs. “You didn’t think I’d let you go now that I have you, did you?” He grabs you by your waist and kisses you passionately.

— “So why am I your kid?” Nahida pouts.

— “You’re too small to be my mom, or aunt. And you rely too much on my wife to feed you to be a little sister.”

— “I’m older than you!” She pouts again.

— “Now sweetie, that’s no way to talk to your father. Go and play with your mutt Alhaitham and let me be alone with my wife.” He teases as her shoo’s her away.

— “But-” he slams the door on her face.

— “Scara!” He kisses you again beg you can berate him. He picks you up and brings you to your shared bedroom, where he tosses you onto the bed.

— “Now how about we give her a little brother or sister.” He whispered seductive as he crawled on top of you.

— He kisses you deeply as if trying to devour you. “I love you.” He pants between kisses.

— “I love you too. Happy birthday Babygirl.”

[cosmicgrapevine]

“This is ridiculous,” Durkin snapped. “Commander, why are you letting that bitch drag you around by the balls?”

            “The Kitzes have done more for this city than you’ll ever know, son. They get to call in a favor now and then,” McCormack said. “So, didja talk to Coyle? Did he leave?”

            “Jay Coyle was here? Huh?”

            “…Yeah? Didn’t he talk to you?”

            “He’s still suspended from the force. He shouldn’t even have a key to the building.”

            The wind picked up and the windows rattled. McCormack fumbled for his radio. “Hey, Fred, we got a little hair in the soup here. Watch out for Coyle, he’s—”

            A strange noise came out the speaker. The ‘organ music’ from the Ward, but in a distorted, squealing minor key. “Shit,” McCormack said, switching it off. “Both of you, don’t move. I’ll be right back.” He hurried toward the saferoom.

            Durkin sighed, got up and stretched. “What a weird fuckin’ night,” he muttered.

            “Tell me about it.”

            “So, why are you here? I mean the real reason.”

            “None of your business, that’s why,” she said, ignoring the fact that, in his situation, she’d also be begging for answers.

            “I’m making it my business.” He paused. “How’s my sister?”

            “Still a bitch. Did you expect anything else?”

            “Heh. Not really.” He moved closer. “Between you and me, Jessie ain’t exactly leaving room for Jesus either. Probably why she yaps about you so much. Keeps the focus off her. And she’s gonna love this one: you and some dirty-ass illiterate street kid both get arrested, and you needed his dick so bad you fucked in the broom closet.”

            Tabby, heart beating quickly, noticed with dismay there was nothing to throw at him and run. The chairs were bolted to the floor, and the fire extinguisher was on the opposite wall. He’d cornered her without her realizing it. “That’s not what happened, you fucking creep,” she growled.

            “Hey, who’s gonna know otherwise? And maybe I don’t tell her.”

            “Go away.” His cigarette breath hit her face.

            “Maybe you could do something nice for me instead.” He put a hand down her sweater. She pulled away, but his other arm caught her torso and forced her against the wall.

            “Fuck you!” She tried to knee him in the crotch, but he blocked it with his own leg. “Someone help!”

            “What’s wrong, you slut? You do this all the time at school, what’s the—agh! Fuck!”

            A stapler, thrown from behind, collided with the back of Durkin’s skull. He whipped around to see his assailant. A stream of blood stained his collar. His grasp loosened. Tabby bolted from his reach, to where her mother stood, her arm still extended. Mrs. Kitz and McCormack were there too now, running down from the stairwell.

            Rita pointed at him. “Sir, this man just sexually assaulted my daughter. I caught him in the act. I want him off your goddamn force and I want it now.” Tabby, clinging to her for the first time in who knew how long, nodded fiercely, not quite able to speak.

            Mrs. Kitz recoiled, her face a mix of anguish and fury. McCormack’s jaw dropped. He wordlessly motioned Durkin over, moving like a man in a dream. One weak “You son of a bitch,” when their eyes met was all he said.

            “And you! Your story was fake!” She looked at Mrs. Kitz. “There’s no boy here. Tabitha Katherine, we are leaving now, and you will all be hearing from my lawyer.”

            “Lockdown…we’re on lockdown.” McCormack said, shaking himself out of his stupor as he cuffed Durkin to a chair. “Nobody’s leaving. And there was a boy here, I saw him myself. Now he’s missing, Fred’s not responding, we’ve got a suspended officer going rogue…” he was pale and sweating. “Just…stay here, all of you.” Durkin rolled his eyes and jangled his handcuffs.

            Tabby wanted to ask him about Melanie, but he left too quickly. Mel was fine, surely. Mel wasn’t Tabby. Mel didn’t make stupid, reckless decisions.

            She looked at Rita. At Mom. It had been a while since Tabby thought of her that way. But Mom had just protected her. Saved her from something terrible. Tabby didn’t want to hate her mother, or the reverse. She wanted to have a normal, functional family, like everyone else she knew.

            And this could have, she would think later, it could really have been the start of something beautiful. If not for the next words out of Rita’s mouth:

            “So, high school boys aren’t enough anymore, huh? You’re going after grown men now?”

[ivymarquis]

WIP Wednesday

A bit of a character study/me skipping ahead/dynamic fun stuff etc?

This is so far down the line for the price x single!mom verse it's not even funny, but I wanted to write it out and see how I feel about it when we actually get to this point in the fic. John goes a wee bit off the fucking deep end :)

Y'all know the drill! No pressure, feel free to post a snippet of something you're working on.

“You won’t always be around, you know.” Michael has apparently decided he’s not partial to being above ground anymore.

The smoke from John’s cigar coils in him before he exhales slowly. Realistically he knows that Love is a sore spot for him and he’s willing to do anything for her, and yet he’s still caught off guard by the depth of the rage that washes over him in an all consuming fire.

“Would you like to clarify that for me?” Wouldn’t want to go flying off the handle after all if this is simply a misunderstanding.

“You talk a lot of shit for a guy who fucks off the second your phone rings. That clarify things for you? I don’t know what you or the blonde did to fuck with those results, but I know Sam is my fucking kid and I’ll be damned if you twats are going to get in my way.”

As Michael throws down his inane gauntlet, John exhales his now-final drag on the cigar, eyes flicking across his surroundings to gauge who is looking.

The man sure has a knack for picking the worst fucking spot to threaten the family of a man whose job is to work outside the constraints of red tape. They’re just secluded enough that Kate can see them if she looks but no one else can. And Kate certainly won’t give a fuck about what John’s about to do.

Without doubt, John knows that Michael expects to buffalo his way through this conversation and stalk off feeling he’s done something. Because the average citizen cannot do what John is about to- wouldn’t even consider it.

It’s the sheer confidence that John won’t put his hands on Michael that lets him snatch the other man up by his collar and shove him further out of sight from any prying eyes.

He opens his mouth to protest John’s grip on him, the perfect opportunity for him to shove the smoldering end of his cigar into the man’s mouth.

John has just enough impulse control to not extinguish the damn thing on the back of his throat, settling for the knowledge that the flurry of movement has knocked the ash loose into the other man’s throat.

“I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page before we have this little talk,” John snarls. “I can be on the other side of the world and it doesn’t fucking matter, am I clear? If I catch wind of you sniffing around when you think I’m distracted, you’re going to find out exactly what I am capable of for a guy who fucks off the second his phone rings.”

John pulls out the cigar and shoves the other man away from him. “If we have to have this conversation again, I’ll be shoving the barrel of my service weapon in your mouth next and painting the fucking walls, understood? There will be a point where I decide you’re more hassle alive than dead.”

He’s not mollified in the slightest by the way Michael’s legs shake and he suddenly can’t look John in the eye- all the bravado sucked out of him with the realization that John is not beholden to the same rules he is.

“You’re fucking insane,” he sputters, hunching over and trying to cough up the ash.

“If you’ve got any sense to you, you’ll stay off my shit list.” John advises before tossing the remains of the cigar in the bin.

“Now if you’ll excuse me- I’m taking the missus and the rugrat out for lunch.”

@direwombat @gaqalesqua @strangefable @glossysoap @kneelingshadowsalome @deadbranch @bunnyreaper @mortuarywriting @391780 @divine--serenity @la-grosse-patate @g0dspeeed @luminousbeings-crudematter @ceilidho

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers LOST EDEN ー Kino Maniac [Epilogue]

Monologue

Ever since that day,

the treatment I received,

improved by quite a bit.

While Yuuri-san was still there,

to take care of everything I needed,

it no longer felt like I was being watched,

around the clock.

That being said, 

I wouldn’t go as far as to say I was free to go wherever I wanted.

However, I could not help but worry,

about how Ayato-kun was doing. 

So while Yuuri-san was not around,

I quietly snuck towards the dungeon. 

ー The scene starts in the dungeon

Yui: Ayato-kun!

Ayato: ...Chichinashi! You made it out alive!

Yui: ...Yeah. I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble. 

Ayato: Ahー I’m glad. I thought you had been burnt to a crisp. 

Right after I stopped hearin’ your voice, that Yuuri dude showed up to extinguished the fire. 

It’s just...I had no idea what was goin’ on inside your cell because the wall was in the way.

The fuck happened to you? 

Yui: Well...

Apparently Kino-kun ultimately gave Yuuri-san the order to come save me. 

Ayato: Hm. Kino did, huh...? 

Yui: I honestly don’t understand why he suddenly decided to save me when he’s the one who started the fire...

( I honestly have no clue what goes on in that guy’s head... )

Ayato: ...And? Did you talk to Kino afterwards? 

Yui: No, we haven’t. I haven’t even seen him ever since. 

Kino-kun...He won’t leave his own room at all after all. 

( He’s been cooped up in there the whole time... )

Ayato: ...Then why don’t you go see him? 

Yui: Eh? That’s...

( Why would I...? )

Ayato: God. I noticed this before as well but...

I just can’t help but feel that when it comes to Kino...you just become more stubborn than usual, or somethin’... 

Yui: ...

Ayato: And Kino as well, he’ll use every opportunity given to him to bother you. You should just ignore it.

Yui: Right. I know that myself too but...

Ayato: See? There you go again. 

Yui: Eh...?

Ayato: In other words, you can’t help but want to look out for him, don’t you?

Yui: Eh!?

Ayato: You know what the two of you remind me of? A married couple having a fight.

Yui: A-A married couple...

( Is that how it came across...? )

( I mean, it’s true that I have a hard time letting it go. )

( But that’s only because I fear what he might do if he’s given free reign... ) 

Ayato: Haah...Why aren’t you saying anything? I guess you weren’t aware of yourself at all, huh? 

Well, that’s fine. But try to put yourself in my position having all of that rubbed in my face. 

Yui: ...We’re not rubbing it into anyone’s faces!

ー Kino approaces them

Kino: ...Hm. Seems like you two are having a great time? 

Yui: ...Kino-kun...

Kino: Sure, I told Yuuri that he can let you roam around the house freely...

But while you are out here talking with this guy, isn’t there something you should tell me instead?

*Rustle rustle*

Kino: ...Come with me.

*Thud* 

Yui: Kyah...

Kino: Come, I said!

ー Kino drags her away

Ayato: ...

Monologue

The only reason why I saved her from the dungeon,

is for those powers.

Because she is Eve.

So I might need her in the near future. 

This whole time,

I’ve convinced myself of that again and again.

I thought it was case closed. 

Yet, before I know it,

I realize that once again,

my mind has been occupied with thoughts of her. 

When I saw her,

talking with Ayato,

I could feel terribly dark feelings,

boil up inside of me. 

However, I did not feel the urge,

to kill her.

Instead, 

I wanted to get her away from Ayato,

as soon as possible. 

Lately, I feel as if I am becoming more and more of a mystery,

to myself. 

ー The scene shifts to Kino’s room

Yui: ...

Kino: Hm. Look who seems to be in a bad mood again...

( Even though she looked so happy talking to Ayato earlier... )

I went out of my way to save you when you were on the verge of death, you know? Isn’t there something you want to tell me?

Yui: ...Not really. I have nothing to say to you. 

Kino: ...

Yui: Besides...I don’t remember asking you to save me.

Kino: ...You really are a natural at making me upset, aren’t you? 

Yui: That isn’t my intention. 

I’m simply pointing out where I think you are wrong. 

Kino: ...And that’s exactly what pisses me off...ーー 

Yui: Yuuri-san told me about your childhood. 

Kino: ...Yuuri did? Che, he really shouldn’t have...

Who cares about the past? That no longer matters, does it? 

Yui: ...

Kino: Haah...Anyway, I’ll have to punish Yuuri for this later. Fufu...

Yui: ...Stop! Like I told you before, doing such things is pointless...

Kino: No. It does have a purpose. It only makes sense to get back at those who have done something which upset you, right?

Yui: ...But! Then you’ll be stuck in that vicious circle forever!

Kino: And what’s the problem with that? If you don’t want people getting back at you, then get strong.

Yui: ...

Kino-kun. You should know this better than anyone else, you know...?

That revenge only gives birth to more hatred...

What you are doing is no different from when the Ghouls used to take out their anger towards Demons on yーー

Kino: Silence!

...Then, let me ask you. Deep down, you want to get revenge as well, don’t you?

Yui: ...Me?

Kino: I mean, you’ve been at the mercy of those Vampires this whole time, haven’t you? 

They unreasonably drank your blood, regardless of whether you consented or not...

The reason why you haven’t gotten back at them for that, is because you lack the power to do so. 

I’m convinced that if you were to somehow get strong enough to be able to fight back against them, you would seek revenge as well!

Yui: Well...

Kino: ( ...Exactly. You want to get revenge as well, don’t you? )

( There isn’t anyone in this World who would be okay with always getting shit on. )

( If you don’t want to get the short end of the stick, you have to get stronger and work your way to the top. )

( Overwhelming powers, so nobody will be able to stand against you... )

Yui: I wouldn’t do that.

Kino: ...

Yui: Not once have I felt the need to get revenge on Ayato-kun or the others.

I’ll admit that I am powerless. Perhaps that is why the thought has never crossed my mind. 

However...Even if were to get stronger somehow, I don’t believe I would use those powers in such a way. 

Because I know just how meaningless that would be...

Kino: There’s just no way!

*Thud*

Yui: ...!

Kino: I’m sick and tired of hearing about your idealistic morals. I know you don’t actually feel that way deep down...

Yui: ...

Kino: Even right now, you’d love to get back at me, wouldn’t you? That’s why...

( You glare at me like that. )

...

*Rustle rustle* 

Yui: ...Kino-kun...?

Kino: ...Honestly, there’s no talking to you. I’m kind of exhausted.

There’s just no way you could ever understand what I’m trying to say...

Yui: ...

Kino: There isn’t a single person in this World who understands me. 

...Of course, I’ve known that since forever. 

Yui: ...

Kino: No matter what you say, I shall get my revenge...

I will grow even stronger, and have the whole World bow down at my feet.

I won’t let anyone get in my way...Never...

ー He walks towards the door

Yui: Wait!

*Rustle*

Monologue

Before I knew it,

I had latched onto Kino-kun’s back. 

Because I had noticed,

that even though his words,

were even more aggressive than usual,

on the flip side, his voice quivered ever so slightly.

I felt that he was lonely. 

Ever since the day he was abandoned on this land,

he has been all by himself,

living off the hatred he felt,

towards the Ghouls, towards his Father...

as well as everything and everyone else in this world. 

I am sure that I have absolutely no idea,

how painful that must have been. 

Perhaps he is right,

and there truly is nobody in this world,

who can understand him.

However...Even so,

I simply could not turn my back to him. 

I did not want for him,

to have to feel lonely any longer.

Kino: ...What are you playing at? Let me go...

*Rustle* 

Yui: ...Hey, Kino-kun. 

I...don’t want to give up. 

If possible, I’d like to get to know you better.

Because I believe that you’ll never understand what I’m trying to tell you otherwise... 

Kino: ...

Yui: That’s why I won’t back down.

Until I get you understand...what is right and what is wrong. 

Kino: ...You really are one hell of an annoying woman...

Yui: ( ...Perhaps I am. )

( Maybe Ayato-kun was right...and I worry about him too much. )

( But can you blame me? ) 

( I mean, it’s stronger than myself... )

Kino: ...Be my guest?

ー The scene shifts to black

Yuuri: ...

Kino, he...accepted her...

...Then, I’m sure now...

...

ー The scene shifts to the Church

???: Kino, that fiend...He got rid of the Familiar we sent to him, huh...?

Fufu, I see...I suppose he has finally declared war upon us...

Well, I knew this would happen sooner rather than later. In the end, he is a Vampire as well...

It was obvious he only wanted to join forces temporarily. From the very beginning, I never trusted him. 

Male Clergyman A: However...Sakamaki Ayato is currently on his side. 

???: Well, you do have a point. I believe he assumed that he would be able to manipulate us by using that man as bait... 

...However, I will not fall for his schemes that easily. 

Kino...I believe it would be best to turn him into one of our loyal watchdogs as soon as possible. 

...Right? Don’t you agree with me as well?

Richter?: ...

Even as a watchdog, his descent is a definite plus.

In that regard, I feel sorry for Kino for being related to Karlheinz. If we can get our hands on Ayato and his brothers as well, then... 

The Demon World will be ours at last...Fufu...Fufufufu... 

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

[junosjunkjournalpt2]

Life update

I ended up getting terribly sick, so I had to postpone the launch of the A03 Account. I also didn't get around to writing the Challengers headcanons for the account. I also missed a movie review yesterday, and ended up having to catch up today, head over to (@junoshottakes-directorscut) and check it out. But to make up for it, inbetween catching up on my missed study work, I wrote a little one shot type thing with Lee and Maren. Count this as a apology, and let me know if I should post this on the A03 when it's up!

Writing under the cut.

"You want to be people? Let's be people"

Maren and Lee had driven for miles, the landscape changing from cityscapes to endless stretches of farmland. They found a small town nestled between rolling hills, a place that seemed untouched by the world’s chaos. It felt like the perfect place to start over, quiet, peaceful, where no one would look twice at a couple like them.

They rented a small, cozy apartment above a bakery. The smell of fresh bread and pastries drifted through the windows each morning, making the place feel warmer than it had any right to. Maren found a job at a local diner, waiting tables, and Lee took up work at a mechanic’s shop, his hands always busy with engines and grease. It was ordinary, simple, and for the first time in a long time, it felt like they could blend in.

Most days, they were just two people, doing what people did: waking up, working, eating dinner together, and talking about things that didn’t matter. Things like the weather or the latest movie on TV. It was surreal, how normal it all felt.

But there were moments when the weight of what they were—the hunger that pulled at Maren. Late at night, when the apartment was quiet, Maren would lie awake, staring at the ceiling, her body aching for something she couldn’t have. She could feel the hunger twisting in her gut, like a flame she couldn’t extinguish. It scared her. Sometimes, she wasn’t sure if she could control it.

Lee would always be there, though, his presence like an anchor. He would roll over and pull her into his arms, as if he could keep the darkness at bay just by holding her. He never said anything, but the way he held her spoke volumes.

“I don’t want to be a monster,” she whispered one night, her voice muffled against his chest.

“You’re not a monster,” he said softly, his fingers running through her hair.

One evening, after work, Maren and Lee went for a walk around the small town. It was a warm spring night, and the streets were quiet. They walked side by side, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the stillness.

Maren stopped in front of a small flower shop, the soft glow of the lights inside spilling onto the sidewalk. She peered through the window at the delicate blooms in neat rows.

“You know,” she said, “I’ve never really had a normal life. Not like this. I thought maybe we could… we could try. But sometimes, I feel like we’re always just one step away from being caught.”

Lee stopped beside her, his eyes studying the flowers. He didn’t answer right away. After a moment, he reached out and took her hand, threading his fingers through hers.

“We’re here now,” he said quietly. “We’re trying, and that’s enough. We can’t control everything, but we can control this. We’re living right now, even if it’s not perfect. It’s real.”

Maren glanced at him, her chest tightening with the weight of his words. There was truth in them. There was truth in him. Maybe it was enough that they were here, in this moment, together.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever feel normal,” Maren admitted, her voice soft.

Lee turned to face her, his expression steady. “Normal doesn’t exist. Not for anyone. But we can make our own version of it, one day at a time."

She smiled then, a small, hesitant thing, but it was there. The hunger, the fear, the darkness—they didn’t go away, not entirely. Maren wasn't sure she could ever ignore the hunger that burned inside her like a fire. But in this moment, Lee's arm around her, the fire was only a spark

[bright-tatters]

Tatters #47

The Lamps-side exit to the tunnel lay in the shadow of Mount Atavan. The wind was cold and stiff. Audrey looked up the winding gray path to the clearing where the Observatory sat in its comfy stone squareness. It was weirdly soothing architecture, no matter what she thought of the interior. It felt like it knew what it was doing.

“So I’ve got a sniper on me now?” she said brightly.

Her companion, Fortune, formal, shot her a look as he was extinguishing his little hooded lamp. “I could arrange that. My current one is just watching for interlopers. Or your attempt to assault me, I suppose, but if you try that you can consider our Gruppguide relationship dissolved.”

“It’s so crazy that you agreed to that.”

“Not many people ask,” he said.

“Does the word ‘grooming’ mean anything to you?”

The hesitation was fractional but telling. “Absolutely.” Oh. Well, that candor was unexpected. “Suitable allies don’t make themselves, you know. But my motives are not about my gratification. Everything I do is for my city. Does that matter to you?”

They neared the outer walls of the Observatory. He stayed quiet, almost vanishing into his own tracks. The stars above were bright, brighter than Tatters ever got. Nudged only by the drift of his steps Audrey walked across the white stone plaza, not to the door, but to a second staircase that brought her to a white stone platform. Over the bumpy wall Audrey could see the south side of the city: Forge’s fires, Underglow’s faint blue-green glimmer, the Docks’ gaudy electric outline against the studded blackness of the Ghilt, Tatters’ murk.

He came up beside her.

“I do care,” she said. “About you deciding to whatever at me. I don’t think your expectations are magically better than other people’s expectations just because you’re my Gruppguide.”

“Fair. Could you be happy protecting parts of this Ward? Making your own hours, making your own friends. It’s a strenuous job but if you care about this place, care about earning its place in this city…I’d be honored to have you.”

She stared at him. “Can I turn fifteen first?”

“Certainly. I’m not asking for any particular behavior. I’m not even asking you to commit today, nor any time soon. Possibly ever. Your only job is being yourself. Tatters can be secured by coercion but it can’t grow with it.”

“You talked about a scholarship. I would have to go to University.”

“A dangerous career path. You might decide not to come back.”

“Heh. She said that ‘education is your only way out.’”

“Who did?”

“Lady Reinaldo. When I met her at the Parthenon.”

“That woman gets everywhere.” He sucked in a breath and Audrey watched him, ready for the breakout of anger, whatever it might be.

But the breath passed slowly out. “Since we have established,” he said, “that I want your talents for my own use, I want to ask you about something. Nothing to do with her, or grand questions. Your parents shared at your Grupping that you have a very good memory.”

“Oh. Yeah. I guess.”

“Do you remember your fifth birthday?”

“Sure.” Weird, but okay. “I had a green cake shrub because I was on a gardening kick and I couldn't grow an actual tree. I wore this dark red dress with a round collar. I had seven kids over. Norman Gottlieb tried to faceplant on every fruit frosting until we wrestled him down.”

“You have unusual clarity.”

Yeah, a lot of people thought so. “I guess. Doesn't make me better at anything.”

“Maybe you just have to use it differently. My entire life is a memory palace. I had to learn to organize it before it did me any good. I made the observatory one of my memory units. I can walk around it—” he pointed to his temple “—any time I want.”

Audrey frowned. “You have to explain that.”

“It takes a while, and might be better done with reference material. I can’t take you on another excursion after this,” said Fortune. “Your parents won’t like it, my enemies will make assumptions…there are vanishingly few good reasons for a grown man to be leading a fourteen-year-old girl around town.”

“You can’t just tease the memory thing and send me home.”

“I’ll send you a book I found helpful. I see that look on your face, it’s a very good book. It changed my life. Made my memory a skill instead of a quirk. That’s saved my life on multiple occasions. But you can read that anywhere, anywhen. Right now...look out there, Audrey. Do you see Tatters’ place in things?”

A yellow smudge, a series of squat smokestacks. The inner docks were darker and yellower than the bright outline across the river. It looked small and dirty.

“It’s better than it looks,” she blurted. It was her home. The only one she wanted.

Fortune smiled. “I think so. That’s really all I was going to establish. I should walk you home.”

“You and your sniper?”

“Now, now, it could be a good sprinter with a crowbar.”

Audrey stared.

Fortune looked completely serious.

Audrey laughed. “Fine, we’re going.”

He walked beside her. “I know this is a lot. People pin their hopes onto you because you are beginning. Everyone sees potential, and that shakes dreams loose, even dreams that have nothing to do with you. It's your job to cultivate your fulfillment and no one else's. That is the only thing I expect you to work on.”

“Oh.”

They walked into the tunnel together. Fortune struck a match on his heel and lit the little black lamp that lit a bright reddish circle.

“Are you all right?” he said at last.

“I had this idea you were going to bury my mangled remains in the riverbank. You do that.”

Rather than denying it like any normal human being, he said, “I’ve heard of such incidents.”

Heard of, right. “You do that.”

“I won’t tell you anything you’ll wish you hadn’t heard. I’m not a complete monster.”

Well, that was just false. She was honest about his reputation and he, in turn, was conspicuously failing to deny it. People just didn’t act like this. They told her to quiet down and not ask so many questions. “You know if you were taller, or younger, or smiled more, I don’t think I would like this conversation.”

“But I am short, old, and only inclined to smile at intervals.”

“You know what I meant.”

“I’m not sure I do.” The smile did come only at intervals. “But I am glad you don’t feel threatened. I want you to feel that you can reach out to me if you run out of options.”

“Kind of the firebomb option there.”

“You will have a last resort.” His good cheer drained. “So few people do.”

“You could help everyone else, too.”

“I pick and choose, Audrey. It’s the only way to keep going. That...is a miserable lesson to leave you with. I’ll think of a happier one.”

But he didn’t. He walked her through the back streets of Tatters, watching every street corner with a silent intensity that peeled away some of her fresh trust. He was expecting trouble and she didn’t like his change in energy when he looked for it. But he brought her by a circuitous route to the Quarts, and left her at her door with a courteous nod.

He hadn’t even tried to touch her.

“Audrey?” It was her mother. “Audrey, honey, I got a very mysterious telegram saying you would be home late, is everything all right?”

“Yeah, Mom. Just had a little field trip.” That much was true.

She thought, a lot, curled up in bed, and wondered what the book would be like.

[rebeccasteventaylor]

Bless me, for I am going into my indepth, rambling analytic rewatch of Episode 6..:

Rather nice to see Gabriel being Aziraphale’s assistant as he very competently sets up a trap, explains things to Nina and Maggie and faces down Shax. It’s rather sexy.

Shop is full of electric candles and fire extinguishers. I don’t know if this is down to Crowley or Aziraphale but between them they’re doing everything to make sure this bookshop never burns again.

Considering how traumatic Crowley’s last visit to heaven was, he’s enjoying this rather too much!

You go Maggie! Argue with the demon! That you don’t seem that surprised about for some reason…

Maggie had brothers? Not has? Had? Past tense?

Aziraphale is very good at this coolly heroic thing. It’s very sexy. I wish Crowley could see this.

Did Aziraphale, by opening that portal, make it possible for the Metatron to come to Earth?

Muriel is so lonely. No wonder she’s imprinted on Aziraphale and Crowley.

So Crowley, when an Angel, was high enough to get access to confidential records. What else did he learn? When Aziraphale told him about the 6000 year thing, did he go and look?

There’s so much pain on Aziraphale’s face when he talks about the book shop fire. But he wasn’t there when it happened, so all that pain comes from his memory of Crowley’s pain when telling him. Imagine a late night conversation when it’s all over. And Aziraphale asks exactly what happened to the bookshop. And Crowley tells him everything - including running into a burning bookshop to find Aziraphale. And the next morning the shop is full of electric candles and fire extinguishers (sorry, quick digression into fanfic thoughts there)

Aziraphale doesn’t really seem bothered about being described as Crowley’s emotional support Angel. But the irony of Gabriel/Jim being puzzled by Shax shaming Aziraphale over eating and sushi when the last person to do that was Gabriel.

Well now it makes sense that Gabriel is quite happy to be cast down to hell.

Aw, Crowley giving Muriel a little companionable shoulder punch!

Isn’t that halo thing from the film script?

What damage did Aziraphale do to himself when he removed the halo?

Crowley just assumes that Muriel is coming back with him. He has to invite Saraqael specifically.

Ok, in Gabriel’s box is stored two lost Shakespeare plays (Goldiggers 1589 and Robin Hoode) mentioned in the novel Good Omens. Also some kind of loan agreement in 1913 with the postmaster of New Cumnock, or rather his late estate. New Cumnock is a town in Scotland and there really was a postmaster called John Gibson. I’ve no idea why Aziraphale has a loan agreement with his estate though.

The fly going into Gabriel’s eye is disgusting.

So it seems the whole Ineffable Bureaucracy thing does start in canon as it started in fanon - the little conversation about how difficult Aziraphale and Crowley just made their jobs at the airfield.

The more Gabriel talks to Beelzebub, the less of a dickhead he is. And he didn’t know what music was until Beelzebub told him.

The songs on the jukebox are Mull of Kintyre, Dignity from Deacon Blue, Daddy’s Gone by Glasvegas, Letter from America by the Proclaimers, Shang a Lang by Bay City Rollers, News from Heaven by Runrig and Obladi Oblada. The film in the background is Spirit of St Louis. The song chosen (before it changes) is Letter from America - where Warlock is now, i presume.

Right, if you be been following my ‘S3 is based on Powell/Pressburger film A Matter of Life and Death’ theory, there’s more proof here - in The Resurrections pub in their last meeting, there are ‘Pressburger’ advertisements on the wall all around.

Oh god, Gabriel’s face when he sees Beelzebub - such love. (I can’t believe we got canon Ineffable Bureaucracy!)

Gabriel and Beelzebub finding something that mattered more than choosing sides, in Aziraphale’s bookshop, in front of Aziraphale! And he grasps Crowley’s shoulder and yet in ten minutes he’s talking about sides again and WHAT THE HELL DID THE METATRON DO TO HIM.

Oh, Crowley grinning at his Angel taking charge.

Muriel has been absorbed in a book all this time. She hasn’t noticed a things

Oh, the way Aziraphale looks at Crowley when he mentions Alpha Centauri. There’s guilt there.

Aziraphale watching Beelzebub and Gabriel in love and clearly thinking that angels and demons can be in love, and then looking lovingly at Crowley and if Crowley had kissed him then he would have melted into his arms.

Aziraphale resits the Metratron at first. I’m not sure if there’s anything in the coffee but buying it for him is an act of kindness. It’s classic coercive control - when they expect cruelty, lead with kindness. I bet Nina’s Lindsay was just like that at first.

And the Metatron glares at Crowley as the one person who could possibly break his control of Aziraphale.

Oh, Crowley planning is time and breakfast at the Ritz.

Crowley given Muriel Crow Road and tidying up the bookshop and the romantic music is playing and he’s expecting a happy ending to all this!

Oh. Nina calls Maggie Angel! And it’s Nina and Maggie pointing out that Aziraphale and Crowley don’t ever talk about they really think.

Aziraphale acts excited but deep in his heart of hearts he knows Crowley won’t like this.

The Metatron is recruiting Aziraphale because he knows if he left Aziraphale on Earth with Crowley they’d fight whatever plans he has. And he tempts Aziraphale with the one thing that would work - redemption for Crowley. He’d never have to see Crowley dragged down to hell for punishment. He’d never have to see the angels erase Crowley from the book of life. The Metatron is offering the one thing Aziraphale wants - Crowley’s safety. Even if it costs Aziraphale everything.

And Aziraphale still cannot get rid of the idea that Heaven is the good guys. He didn’t see Gabriel’s trial. He didn’t see his own trial. He hasn’t seen all the things Crowley has, and what he did see, they’ve convinced him is his own fault, not theres. Think about those people who keep going back to an abusive home, because they think home is where they should be and if it’s wrong, it’s their fault, not home’s.

I can’t bear Crowley’s crying! It breaks my heart.

‘Nothing lasts forever’ I bet thats what the Metatron said to Aziraphale. This all feels like the abusive family dragging him back with the ‘it’ll be different this time’ and ‘we’ll listen to you this time’ and ‘you don’t want to break up the family do you?’ line. Poor, abused Aziraphale. He was so close to getting away.

‘No nightingales’ No happy ending. No ‘us’.

Aziraphale does sink into the kiss for a moment. There’s a moment where he grasps Crowley. Crowley almost breaks the Metatron’s programming.

But that ‘I forgive you’ is nasty. He spits it out as if Crowley is vile. I don’t think Aziraphale means it; but he’s so torn between the life he thought he wanted and the life with Crowley and he’s taking it out on the only person he’s allowed to be angry with - Crowley.

You know the fact that there is a kiss, that Crowley wanted to kiss and Aziraphale responded for a moment, makes me think we’ll get a more loving, gentler kiss inS3

Aziraphale touching the lips still tingling with Crowley’s kiss, taking in the last touch from him, and then deciding that’s it,he’s made his choice and if Crowley has rejected him, he’ll go back to heaven where they want him and be a good Angel. (I still can’t believe we got a kiss)

‘Anything you need to take with you’ and he looks out of the window to Crowley.

The Bentley plays ‘A Nightingale Sang’ because the Bentley ships and wants to remind Crowley he loves Aziraphale. There can be nightingales again.

The closer Aziraphale gets to heaven the less human he is, the more like the other angels he is.

Fuck me me that’s heartbreaking

[zero-insignificance]

DND Recap: From Zero To One Hundred

Cast Includes: Rose the DM and Liana, Yours truly (Bob and Alfie), Cream (Cassiandris), Rascal (Zara and Sue) and Brick (Truk and Bragar)

Bob uses his multi person tent and everyone rests up.

Patrick gets up and goes to a campsite they were heading to while everyone is asleep. Zara: I have heard any intolerable noises. Where’s Patrick?

Bragar wakes up screaming, panting and holding his chest gripping onto the hand crocheted dragon blanket Alfie made him.

“WHere AM i?” Zara: What happened, are you okay? Alfie: *making chicken and waffles* PTSD NIGHTMARE? Bragar: YEAH! Alfie: *is the party therapist* HUG THE PLUSHIE

Zara is in a colorful suit and tie. She’s wearing a Saul Goodman outfit Cass: What the hell are you wearing Bob: Why did you steal my mentor’s suit? Cass: Where’s the loud one? Truk: *stumbles out of tent* Cass: Wrong loud one. Truk: Ow my head Rose: That’s what happens when you inhale a bunch of plant spores Alfie: *tosses ibuprofen* Truk: *chews up ibuprofen* Liana and Zara: *pure disgust*

Zara: The silence is making me think which is not a good thing. Truk: Zara thinking? That’s bad. Zara: I’m going to sue you- Me: Cut to ace attorney

It was snowing and people are look for Patrick. Bob and Alfie don’t notice shit but there are footsteps. (Alfie and Bob rolled the same thing. 19. Alfie got a natural 1. The cut off was a 20.) Bragar goes to look for a clearing for a campsite. He sees one.

Zara sees the footsteps. They’re heading deeper into the forest to the clearing Everyone is following. Bob and Alfie have a weird tension between them cuz they're gay.

The leaves are thick, and we see an old rundown campsite. In front of the extinguished fire, we see two familiar faces with spears in them. Patrick and Severa. They were impaled Vlad the Impaler style. Laid out as if they were falling.

The spears of Emere.

There is a piece of paper attached to Severa’s chest

Zara reaches out to touch the note and the spears disappear into red mist and the bodies fall to the ground

It reads “For Truk” It’s Thozall’s handwriting.

“You’ve been taking quite some time on this pointless journey Brother. Come and face me.” And written in red dripping writing “I don’t like waiting.”

Alfie and Zara make them both a grave.

Alfie was making them tombstones and Zara’s like “Maybe we should leave the grave unmarked. Chaos would happen if they’re found.” And Alfie snaps his fingers and they burst into flames Lanwel: That's my thing! Alfie: Well I was in this campaign from the start so *flips off Lanwel*

Bob’s capitalism senses are tingling. Someone has taken Bob’s spot in rosepeak (YOU LITERALLY DON’T STEAL FROM THE FAE-) Bob: *pissed* Zara: What’s wrong? Bob: SOMEONE IS OPERATING A BUSINESS ON MY LAND- I AM GOING TO CURSE THEIR ASS-

Zara comforts Truk.

And Truk sends out a magical message to Thozall. Truk: What do you want? Thozall: I just want to talk. Truk: Then let’s talk. Thozall: First. Let me show you something. And Truk’s eyes light up. And he sees a vision of Russia falling again with Thozall on the throne with Zariel’s head in his hand. “dammit.”

Poor Sea Biscuit. He lost his girlfriend and is probably being used as Thozall's stead.

And everyone softly hears war drums in their heads and blue magic pulses and when he turns around, he speaks.

Thozall has taken Russia once again. Zariel is dead Zara: FUCK Alfie is shaking and his eye twitches. And he picks up a rock and throws it at a tree. There’s a hole in the tree and it crumbles into splinters.

The party sends out messages to their allies. Truk sends messages to all of the other gods. Alfie messages Mark about gathering the reinforcements of Philidelphia. And Bob contacts his court in the fey wilds. The Unseelie Court.

They make it out of the forest and there is a homeless encampment in Bob's spot. There is a dwarf lady who seems to be in charge and an Elf woman that Cassiandris notices.

Elf lady: Cassiandris is that you? What have you been up to? Cassiandris: *talking in their regular voice* omigosh- I haven’t seen you in forever Me: Your voice is a little high. Alfie slaps you on the back. Cassiandris: *actually using their Cass voice* You know fighting gods. Giving Severa what for.

Bob and the woman strike a deal. It will function as a coffee shop and a place that benefits the homeless. It gives them jobs and gives them a temporary place to live.

The Tardis shows up. Bob scoops up Templeton the Copperhopper who is a medium construct. He's a big boi. All the pets rush out and Alfie hugs the Doctor and gives Paul a pat on the head. And Patrick's psuedodragon looks around for Patrick and can't find them so they fly away.

Sue leaves the Tardis and Zara brightens up a bit and starts running to her, but Sue pushes her away and says “What are you all?!” Looking at the party in confusion and anger “I CAN SEE ALL OF YOU FOR WHAT YOU REALLY ARE” Alfie starts rambling and Sue stammers saying “SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP” Sue continues “I went to the past how long did you know? Is that why you saved us?” Zara replies “No No not-“ Sue then points at Bragar “YOU KNEW TOO, DIDNT YOU!?” And Bragar scratches his head and looks upset as well “What is happening why why why?!” Sue begins to fully cry and Zara holds her tightly as Sue cries “Why am I here??? I don’t know what I’m supposed to do- Did you save us because you knew or did you actually save us?” “I saved you. That’s all that matters”

And Truk gets a distinct memory from something in his past. Something that he remembers but didn’t process. Sue tells him “Keep on being strong please. Because there are people who are going to need you. I need you little brother.”

There’s nothing we love more than tying up loose ends with a little bow.

THOZALL SENT BABY CRUNCHER BACK. Return to sender. Mail man: Special delivery for Alfie! *holding a swaddled Cruncher in a Hannibal Lecter mask* Alfie: BOB OUR CHILD IS BACK! Bob: OUR BABY! Alethea: Nice digs! Cass: You get privileges when working with the right people

Alethea: It’s been a long time. We won. Cass: We lost- I died in that battle! Alethea starts backing away slowly Alfie: *mutters* Some people aren’t cut out for being with people in the military. Cass: It’s really not that bad. Alethea: We’re on the opposite side. Cass: Yep. Alethea: It’s really not that bad! We could always use more recruits. Please don’t do this. He’s going to kill all of you! Cass: And that’s bad! Alethea: He’s only trying to kill you because you’re against him. Cass: I’m only alive because of the gods! And Cassiandris rolls up her sleeves revealing the black veins. Zara rolls an arcana check. No illusion. No nothing. Alethea is just a regular elf. But she is saying the same things Emere was saying.

Cass: Please. It’s not too late to turn the other way! Some of them are really nice! Alfie: I literally made those display boards for your bread. Alethea throws a bunch of smoke bombs and runs away. She pulled a Bob. She got a cease and desist. Bragar is in pursuit. He cuts her off Sue is behind her and Bragar is staring down at Alethea and grabs her. She is tied up and taken to the camp. And Truk asks her why she works for him. Because the guards are vile, and she spurs in his face. And Sue asks how Russia falls. Thozall opened the gates. 

And Sue confesses what happened in the past. “I helped Russia fall.” Truk: Even when you have all the power you need balance. You can’t always intervene. But Alethea can't be reasoned with. Sue ponders for a second pressing a blade to Alethea’s neck. “You want the throne to yourself.” “I want that throne for someone deserving” “I’ve delt with people like you for so long-” and Sue slits her throat. And in a dull splatter Alethea ends.

“It would be funny if Alethea haunted Sue” Me: Sue drinks one of Bob’s enchanted beverages and immediately rolls “The last person you killed tells you things about their life no one wants to hear.” Alethea: Cassiandris is a horrible kisser-

Alfie drops Cruncher off at his parent’s house and is introducing them to everyone making sure that Cruncher won't try to turn anyone into Chicken wings. They're all getting along very well.

Alfie leaves the house, promising that everything will be okay. And Lanwel is waiting for him looking like the dwarf woman. Alfie: Hey Lanwel. Lanwel: I knew you'd see through it. Alfie: I see therapy with my double is helping. Lanwel: Yes, but I didn't have much of a choice. Alfie: My double is good at what he does. I'm actually my own therapist. Me: It takes an Alfie to mentally dissect and Alfie. He uses an illusion of himself as an impartial therapist.

Alfie asks what's on her mind and Lanwel is thinking of letting go of all of their forms.

“I've had my champions. But I can never reach her. This world doesn’t need someone to hold the sun. It needs someone to be the sun. Someone to watch over them.” Alfie promises that one day he will find a way to let them embrace. And they stand over the cosmos and we see Lanwel holding the sun and it glows bright, and she says “Tell Truk I’m sorry for being an asshole” And Alfie heads back and gives everyone the news “Lanwel is sorry for being a dick.”

Cassiandris: SHE CAN SAY THAT TO MY FACE. Alfie: She can’t, she became the sun. She never was the best at saying sorry. Liana: She said nothing to me? And the amulet around her neck glows and she feels a warmth. 

And the sun gets brighter and the snow melts away. Lanwel speaks into Truk’s mind “Thozall has stolen something of mine. Bring it back to me, king.”

Zara is helping sue take a bath “I’m sorry” “For?” “Everything. I never felt anything killing someone. But that first time it felt like someone.” Zara is cleaning up the blood splatters “It’s okay” “I- I was filled with… something. It had never been easy, but it felt good in a satisfying way.” “You were in your head doing something that felt right. Actually right. You were soldiers, right?” “Yeah, I was always pushed to do something. I know what to do but I don’t know if I can. Do I deserve that?” “I don’t know if I deserve this either. I’ve done bad things. I’ve killed people and wasted over 3000 years of my life doing bad things” “So, we’re not that different?" “I suppose not.” “So, what do we do?” “We try to be better. Take that pain and do something with it. I’m going to protect you all the best I can. And if it’s any consultation. I know when I die so I’m going to make it worth it.” “How long do you have?” “100 years. Maybe less. But I know it’s happening, and I can’t stop it.”

Everyone attempts to teleport, and Alfie attempts to bend that piece of space and time like he always does, and it snaps. He can feel out to location. And Russia is a massive blind spot. For Zara she reaches out and feels it roll over her hands and it shoots back.

Alfie: GOD DAMMIT YOU ASSHOLE- Zara: THAT GUY RENAMED RUSSIA- Rose: It’s actually name Thozall land-

This is one of the best sessions we've had in a while. Everyone got their part.

[self-loathing-angel-of-thursday2]

Beautiful Spouse’s Rewatch Thoughts SPN 08x18 Freaks and Geeks

“Shaggin’ wagon. Fogged up too” “yup. Called it” “I recognize her face. Have we seen her more than once?” “well shit” “oh damn. I wasn’t expecting that” grooving to the music

“Yeah maybe” laughter

“Are they still in Kansas? This guy aint from Kansas” “we’re watching them make out for safety purposes” we’ve seen her before

“Don’t bother calling anybody” “Yup” “that guy looks like a total fkn tool” “That’s a good plan. The throat punching obviously” “they’re going to get laptop girl” “Yup” “we heard that glass break three times. Solid editing right there” “We even went to the mall. Just once though” “You’re one to talk Dean” laughter

“May ham - is that the pig you get in the month of May? A May Ham?” “Dean’s turning into an Old Man complaining about teenagers and shit” “Not what I would call a compound” “Doesn’t this guy turn bad? I can’t remember” “I remember them killing him or something” “That was a very not sure sure” “which means they’re not doing very well in school” “not a very good salesman” “Ok Old Man” “it’s a terrible idea. They’ll hate you forever” “Oh yeah split up again. Solid plan. Something something fuck the buddy system” “I think the music was trying to tell me that he’s a bad dude” “He’s got Sam hair. So of course since they have a similar hair cut, they’re going to agree” “it’s another Sam haircut. A little shorter though. To be fair, I like her hair better” “Who’s Jimmy?” “It’s a set up. Probably” “hair cut men. They both need hair cuts” “At least they’re safe. They have a fire extinguisher” “gotta solve the fkn mystery” “Just walking around downtown with your guns and machetes out. No big deal” “You’ll at least blend in with all the crazy people with a haircut like that” “God dammit” “why do they have to give it away like that?” It’s called telling a story

“That kid will fuck you up” “Why are they all pointing the guns at Dean and not the vampire?” “because we’re not dicks” “very vampire-y thing to say ‘take this one to go’” “That was a very Sam mood though. Sam would usually save the monster and Dean would kill it” “So he’s not a vampire?” They’re working together

“I guess I should have known; he’s not wearing enough eyeliner. He could use some” “Aren’t they all armed?” “Dean’s getting the red mist” “His blood pressure is probably low so he wouldn’t have problems with that” “Is she going to blast him?” “That’s pretty awesome” Right in the eyeball

“That’s a badass speech” “That’s some really watered down blood. Where did they get it from? Oh wait they shot him with the dead mans blood” “What happened to the vampire?” “They cut the part where they killed him or something” “dead mans blood to the brain probably isn’t good for anyone” “Does Jensen have kids?” Yeah he’s got a few.

“Her eyebrows looks purple” laughter

“I wasn’t expecting that. It’s good” “They made this out to be evening time, but I’m pretty certain it’s morning”

[castle-dominion]

4x9 kill shot OOH A PLOT HEAVY ONE DJFHKJSDHFKJASD HEE HEE HEE

Or you should only get married once- or that! Ok! Girl YOU help, you're the one there!

This scene made my mom do her resistance band physiotherapy while we were watching lol Oof poor beckett. trauma or smth. Like hamantha except it doesn't actually work that way, right? Mythbusters did that

Oh that's so tragic Is that pattern or blood on him? Pattern. it is the weave of his shirt.

not a good joke XD Beckett looks nice today but also like that shirt is pyjamas. Castle looks normal, good as always, ryan is wearing that suit style he does, love the vest as always. & let's check my laundry to make sure it doesn't flood. Wait I had a dream about chicken stock last night. It was intense. At least, for me, a chef.

When I first watched this I didn't get it but now that it's the second time I can hear the "It’s a common ammunition favored by… ...........long range shooters." LMAO INTERNET EXPLORER do adults actually say "I'm a big girl" in a serious way? I thought it was lighthearted, like it seems here. "haha I'm a big girl now, you don't need to avoid the word, silly you silly me" See after this point it became seamless, shooter sniper whatever. Bro what's so special about "my unit" of special forces. (tho yeah it really is skill to be able to do that) Oof she asked if she felt it Why would you say that castle?

Ok so exit wounds are so so much worse than entrance wounds, but we only get a glimpse of her back so yk maybe we can't see it. But as someone else pointed out, She Had Surgery. She should have not only a Bullet Scar, but also the Surgical Scar.

Ooh now that's a sexy gun. & I'm an anti-gun person. (doesn't mean I can't find guns intriguing.)

The way the shooter was looking made it seem random. I also did not see a flag.

Poor beckett & the car door. Someone needs to write that fanfic at the diner under the table & I think it is going to have to be me. The captions wrote nada THIS time. The what now? I'm not american idk any dc shooter Ooh good scenes, the overwhelm overstim sounds doppler shiny it tickles my neurodivergence (adhd) as it prods at hers (ptsd) yo I LOVE hearing him talk smart like that. Lanie looks soo so cute when she's concerned Nobody's going to offer her a hand up? why was the /siren/ the trigger tho? btw nice jean jacket

wait I was looking on the wrong side of the sign! I went back & I did see the corner of the flag I think.

Ryan has a nice jacket, light grey with a faint square pattern on it, plus a lapel pin as always, blue dhirt, tie, & looks like the pants match the jacket. Esposito has a collared t-shirt, grey/black, only three buttons or so, badge around his neck. Yeah castle shut it Uh gates, you should have identified that you were asking about links first. close to a thousand qualified shooters just from this country tho. You have more than that. Ryan asks if she is ok when she just doesn't respond & like bro of effing course she is not ok but he is expressing concern & I love it

KB: I don’t have PTSD. me: you literally do??? You know, paranoia sucks but sometimes it can be useful. I always try to sit facing so I can see the room or the door but that's mostly paranoia. I NEVER go through a door I don't know I can open again but this one is actually useful & important. Yeah it is a bit paranoid to check the door every time I take a break at work but at school I went to take a break & check the door & I was right that it didn't open. In fact: right after I checked, someone came through a door on the other side & I had to let them in. Mum used to work in an airport. I grew up post 9/11, there are school/mass shooting crises, so the airport would host active shooter training. Heck, I was at a religious event & we got a bomb threat! So yeah, I care about this stuff. Always know the exits & muster points in case of fire or shooter. Always know where the fire extinguishers are. Yeah maybe some anti anxieties would help take the edge off until you deal with the trauma, then you can go off the meds once you've dealt with it. But lots of anti anxieties & SSRIs take a couple weeks to work hun "you don't have to" ugh so so good She's got to be able to do something to take the edge off while she refuses to deal with it for real...

RC: How worried should I be about Beckett? She’s never snapped at me like that before. JE: ... ??/ . RC: And meant it. JE: Hell, it was bad for me when I came back and I never took a bullet. Except then in s5 they retcon that, espt says to his bud that he took a bullet for him & the bud owes him info on this burner laptop. RC: Well, at least she doesn’t remember it. JE: Or she doesn’t want to remember. RC: JE: A thing like that? It’s easier to just keep in a box. [& yk what? Good for her if that was the case.] This case might bust that box open. RC: So, what can we do? KR: Catch the shooter. ["I will be once jerry tyson is in cuffs"] JE: He’s right. Best thing for everyone, Beckett included. In the meantime, just give her space and don’t take it personally. They all love her sm lmao freaking windows media player he is either taunting you, or he is asking for help, same with the little things he leaves at every scene dna? really? ig it is just a figure of speech

cool ass telescope wow I hate the imperial system sm why would a worker's kid be up here with a paper doll? on top of the sandbag/cement bag, castle. That's how you shoot babe. Adjusting for wind is so technical, it's so smart & difficult. Ooh! Another shooting victim? At the same time that espt is explaining it? So cool! hats off to the writer/director/editor/everyone. Or wait, it is not a NEW shooting, it is the one we already saw. Regardless, I love the audio too.

People are GOING Love how castle makes it sound like it's his idea Loud clap of the elevator doors

HOLY CRAP 92 IS A HECK OF A LOT. Seriously, if you want to get into a fight, get two lines of people, & make em hash it out in a good old fashioned brawl, no weapons, & see who wins. woah kate maybe it is time you step off the case. Ask gates to force her off the case. Beckett would hate you even more, gates, but the rest of the team would thank you.

Hun becks is not the one to ask for his help after accusing him like that. kinda wish we got to see more of espt's interview with the fellow

castle coffee is not a good idea, it makes you shakey & anxious. Wait it's decaf. Decaf is just the grossness of the coffee without the caffeine... I think that castle gave her that magnifying glass oh nvm little point viewing espt's interview with marcus

KB: >:( KR, softly: Hey. We’ll figure it out, okay? ugh so soft & caring wait u can get dna from sweat? Also how do you get the sweat dna without the moleskin dna? wow I just noticed beckett has small ears KB: You know he saw her face when he killed her? People always think that snipers are so removed from their targets. But he wasn’t. He was as close as we are right now, looking through that scope. Wow that's something.

mum didn't even recognize becks here bc she looked so out-of-it tbh I thought this was a dream. esp with where her gun was. fun story (with sui tw): mum got into a car accident on the way to school. The car flipped upside down & she had to push herself against the roof of the car to be able to unbuckle herself & get out. When she was ou ttho, she realized she had to go back in & remove the heavy metal music from the CD player so the media couldn't blame it for the accident. As she was going back in, she cut her hands by crawling on the glass. There was blood dripping down her hands onto her wrists. Mum looked at the car & said "my parents are going to kill me." So rumour got around. Nowtransparent had blood on her wrists! Ntp was bleeding from her wrists, she got cut on her wrists! She said her parents would kill her! Ntp cut her wrists! Ntp cut her wrists on purpose! Ntp killed herself because her parents were going to kill her! Ntp's parents were so mad that she killed herself! & then mum showed up to school & everyone was like "I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD" (reminds me, she apparently cut herself when she was younger maybe 13, to see how much it would hurt if she killed herself, because she was an undiagnosed ADHD girl in the 80s.)

You know what, some ppl complain that alexis should not have been the one to figure it out bc there is a team of cops but seriously? I think it doesn't matter & is better for the story & possibly more accurate in some ways too. Tho it just so happens that alexis knows this painter? that part is far fetched. along with the pronunciation. But heck yeah let her live her life it's fine!

Yeah ppl are going to think it is self inflicted. She should really be wearing a more skintight type of sweater, I know she has them, & she should not have bled thru at least not that far. as a SHer I say she could do so much better ryan's so pretty! I'm not a fan of striped shirts but he wears them so often & this one is so pretty. & he has a tie & vest of course. lmao love how beckett is "new york city street name" but ryan is like "church" it warms my folk-catholic heart why are So Many phones ringing & why is nobody answering...? this is the entire homicide department

Well that was scary she was just there on the stretcher... When she took off her jacket I thought for sure she'd have a vest on. she takes off all the stuff to get out of cop mode! that's it! Like how you are only allowed to play with your service dog after you take of their jacket & they clock out. Where is castle tho? He surely would have followed her

This episode is way more esposito involving than I thought it would be. [21:59, INT. PRECINCT, BULLPEN - DAY] RC: She’s spinning out of control. She’s losing her ability to cope. [Esposito blinks at Castle solemnly. The elevator dings & Castle nods to it. The door opens and Beckett hesitates & then steps out, her hands are deep in her pockets.] RC, lowering his voice & stepping closer to Esposito: She should not be on this case. JE: Well, she’s not just going to walk away. [is this man wearing eyeliner btw? bc if he is I love it] RC: No, she’s going to drive herself into the ground. And you’re the only one [Esposito breaks eyecontact] who has any clue as to what she’s going through. So, what helped you? [Esposito looks over to Beckett. Castle follows. Beckett walks to her desk, seemingly shaken. Esposito looks back at Castle & nods.] I'm sure more of them have been shot at some point or another but ig beckett's experience was probs more intense since she almost died. I mean remember when esposito said that ryan was waiting for the other shoe to drop in 4x4 in reference to 3x6?

[22:28, INT. PRECINCT, EVIDENCE ROOM - DAY] KB, hands still deep in her pockets: Espo, what are we doing back here? [I like the nickname espo just fine but the emphasis is on the sito half of it & most nicknames are the emphasized part.] JE: I want to show you something. [Esposito takes out a sniper rifle from under the table.] KB: What is that? JE: The rifle…that shot you. KB, soft & strained: You are way out of line. JE, lifting his fingers to gesture while he holds it: Just look at it. KB: [backs away a bit] No, what the hell are you doing? JE: I’ve been where you are. I know what you’re going through. KB, looking a bit mad now even tho she's on the verge of tears: Javi, I’m fine. [ooh first names] JE, walking slowly closer to her around the table: You’re not fine. You’re just trying to act like you are. [fake it until you make it?] This is just a tool. [Beckett stands with her arms down & out, most fingers are holding her jacket sleeves down but one on each hand is sort of pointing to her.] It’s a hunk of steel. It has no magical powers and the person that fired it is not some all-powerful god. He’s just a guy with a gun. [Beckett either nods or kind of sobs/shakes I can't tell.] Just like the guy we’re hunting now. And like every other bad guy, ["bad guy"] he’s damaged goods. KB: [Blinks, then swallows.] So am I. JE: [eyes flick down to where she was shot for a split second.] That’s right. [Beckett watches him with hurt in her face.] And that’s okay. You think it’s a weakness? [with a firm, almost angry face] Make it a strength. [some things you can do that with but idk abt this... I do like how he does not argue that she is not damaged tho. he says yes you are, we are, & it is not going to break us, it is not going to hold us back. He also says that somehow one can make it into a strength but yk I'm sure he knows what he's talking about.] It’s a part of you. [Beckett cries a single tear. Esposito holds the rifle out for Beckett to take it.] JE: So use it. [The music is solemn. Beckett slowly approaches Esposito who has the rifle extended & she takes the rifle slowly, hands shaking. She sniffs & is crying. Esposito watches her. Beckett makes eye contact & nods. Esposito nods back. He glances down, probably to make sure she has it, then walks away.] Ok so wtf just happened? is THAT what helped u espt? You're just going to leave her now? I'm kind of confused. It was a great great scene tho. Maybe I'll record it for the internet

The nods between castito Man is definitely flashing the camera that coffee cup on purpose

Oh I thought esposito was covering for her, she's actually out here running down a lead. Or not a lead but she's out here with that gun. She just has it & is walking around with it She pulled something? She has a cell phone...

Man just counting money at the table The faces that caspocketto share when becks comes back in <3 Hey mom said she thought the guy had a limp!

Was there some sort of identity switch? He's still my brother

Yeah people are very good at not noticing homeless people

Oh dang that's not an it. Those are many.

Different lighting. The bullets sound like a pack of pencil crayons. Ryan has not changed, is it the same day?

Castle CARES. He is not just in it for the story, he is more useful helping ryan figure out the victims.

I know I'm anti gun with pronouns but dang that is a nice gun. hold on where did they find his car? Was it near where he is rn, getting into position?

lmao high schoolers. I like how the bus driver just smiles back at them too.

I like how the one pedestrian starts running when they see the cops. Esposito goes the other way... Also he gets the big gun lol. Ryan whispering "Come on, come on." & then yelling "Answer your phone, damn it!"

he is NOT going to be there. Or he is & is going to target beckett on purpose. wait this was ONE open suite? It's huge! he isn't going to be in this room either or nvm there's just a random photo of a schoolbus there or wait no he's not here or ok he is then! Wow that was a lot ooh, you see how he kicked her gun off to the side but he has a prosthetic leg? Love it when they have characters with speech impediments & it is not the butt of a joke Just like Mike Royce said, flash your tits! See? He was leaving those dolls there for a reason u r still the enemy kate... Frame rate. They sell highspeed cameras you know. Tho idk how much one would cost for movies. It might have a better frame rate but it might be more pixelated or the colours might be off idk. THAT'S why esposito went to the other roof. He looks stressed af there, see the way he's breathing out?

RC: Just waiting for my partner. Maybe you’ve seen her. Pretty girl, thinks she can leap tall buildings in a single bound, carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, yet still manages to laugh at some of my jokes. [xd some of my jokes] well castle did push, but he pushed esposito. always <3

girl back in s1 maybe s2 you said it took a year of therapy to get over the fact that your mom was killed & you spent your life then being normal so why can't you go back to that? CB & me: she's dead, u can't let her down I hope he doesn't turn out to be evil.

[peakanss]

saving the enviorment or whatever

[sumeru-academy]

Puppy love.

synopsis: they get jealous over a kid that has a crush on you.

character(s): ganyu, shenhe, eula. (separate)

warning(s): mild jealousy, cuteness, fluffiness, they love you so much <3

note(s): female reader (salmon are such respectable animals. they swim about 900 miles and climb nearly 7,000 feet upstream just so they could lay their eggs! isn’t that amazing?? i sure think so).

⎯⎯mod angel 🎐

GANYU

“Ganyu! My wife! My beautiful wife! I missed you!”

You grinned up at the building that your beloved Ganyu worked at for most of her days, and watched as her face exploded into a fiery crimson that rivaled even the strongest of pyro users. She smiled bashfully and timidly made her way down the stairs whilst covering her face in embarrassment. Taking slow, leisurely steps before inevitably failing to conceal her excitement and rushing down the last few in order to fly into your arms. 

“Y/N!”

Although not one for PDA, Ganyu was more than happy to indulge in your touch after a long day from work. Smothering her face into the crook of your neck while sighing, “I missed you too...” in a whisper that was quieter than a summer breeze itself.

“Let’s go home now, hm? It’s getting late and I don’t want you falling asleep mid-walk again...like last time.” Teasing her lightly with the flick of a finger, you watched your wife’s face burn pyro again before fizzling out like a fire extinguisher. “I...I am still sorry about that.” Your wife mumbled before turning away in embarrassment. “I don’t know what came over me that night.”

Chuckling at how shy your wife had gotten even after all these years of being together, you held onto her arm and nudged her shoulder. “Don’t be. I still love you no matter what. Even if I have to carry you on my back all the way home.”

She went quiet after this and the two of you enjoyed a comfortable walk home together in the atmosphere of chirping crickets and dimly lit lanterns. The night being a peaceful way to spend time with your beloved, only for something --or rather, someone-- to collide into your stomach with a force compared to that of a tiny child. 

Maybe...because it was a tiny child. 

“Ah!”

“Woah--” the little girl before you nearly stumbled back in surprise if you hadn’t caught her in time. The two of you now kneeling on the floor as your wife gasped in surprise at the sudden situation. “Are you two alright?” she asked, kneeling down with the two of you and watching as you gently checked the girl for injuries. Her eyes slowly blinking open and adjusting to her surroundings. 

“Uh...yeah...I think I’m alri...” when she finally opened her eyes fully and caught glimpse of you worriedly staring back at her, she paused and sat there with wide, unblinking eyes in a mixture of awe and amazement. “I...wow. You’re pretty ma’am!”

She suddenly grinned whilst the two of you were caught off guard. 

“Oh, why thank you! I moisturize daily,” you smiled, helping the little girl to her feet and dusting off any dirt on her dress. “Where are your parents little one?”

“At home. Can I take you with me?”

“Uh--”

Both you and Ganyu were both confused as to what this little girl was talking about. Take you home? Like a pet?

“Ah...I’m afraid she can’t do that--” your wife was interrupted when the girl suddenly grabbed your hand, her face showing that she definitely did not anticipate that. “I...what’re you--!”

“Please come home with me misses! You’re really pretty and I’d really like to keep you!” the girl started tugging you away by the sleeve towards what you assumed was the direction of her house, but wasn’t really doing anything considering that well, you were an adult and she was just a child. “We can have tea parties, play with my dolls, and we can even get married in my princess castle!”

“M-Married?!”

You suddenly felt another tug on your other arm. Ganyu now pulling on you too and basically making you into a human tug-of-war rope. 

“G-Ganyu?!”

“You can’t take her!”

Her cheeks puffed up in frustration as if she were a toddler refusing to share a toy. You had never seen such childish jealousy coming from your wife before, and it was cute, but you could see that it was taking a toll on her energy as she was starting to get tired just from getting so worked up. 

“Ah, Ganyu, let me handle this, okay? I promise she won’t take me away. I promise.”

“...Alright.”

Reluctantly letting you go, you were pulled to the side of the little girl’s, and kneeled down in front of her calmly. “Hey, little one...I’m afraid I can’t go home with you right now. You see, I belong with someone else.”

“Huh?”

You smiled and gestured to your wife behind you, who was still puffing red and fizzling with jealousy. “That’s the person I belong to. She’s already taken me a while ago, so I belong to her and will go home to her. You are a very beautiful young girl however, and I’m sure you will be able to find someone when you’re older.”

Patting the top of her head, the girl huffed and nodded reluctantly. “Okay...” she mumbled, backing up before bowing in apologies. “I’m sorry miss, and I’m sorry miss’s taker. I...I hope you have a nice night.”

Bowing once more, the child scurried off and after a few more seconds, didn’t seem too bothered by the rejection. Relieving both you and Ganyu as you didn’t want to deal with a crying child this late into the hour. 

“Ah, phew, are you alright now Gany--” you stumbled to catch your wife as she fell over onto you in drowsiness. The woman murmuring with sleep-deprived eyes while trying to keep her wobbling legs upright. 

“Yes...I am alright now, but...” she huffed shyly and struggled to stand up, “It seems that I have exhausted all of my energy into anger. I am sorry, my love...”

You only giggled into her hair and pressed a soft kiss to her temple, turning over so that she could effectively slouch herself onto your back. “That’s okay, because like I said before,”

Ganyu sighed and murmured the rest of the sentence against the skin of your neck. A smile planted on her sleepy lips. 

“You love me no matter what.”

SHENHE

“Y/N. It appears that someone is at the door.”

“Oh I’ll go get it. That must be Qianfan!”

“Qianfan? The guest?”

You suddenly opened the door to you and Shenhe’s shared residential space to reveal a young boy that appeared to be around 6-7 years old. His --what Shenhe assumed to be-- mother standing right beside him with her hands squared upon his shoulders. “Thank you for agreeing to take care of him, Miss Y/N, I’ll be back in the afternoon.”

“No problem! Your son is in great hands, ma’am!”

With the two women shaking their hands at the door and discussing all the proper essentials to taking care of the young boy, Qianfan wandered about inside the house. Looking at all the various weapons and knick knacks the couple had scattered about their home, before eventually locking eyes with the adepti student herself. 

“Who are you?”

The question cut through Shenhe like a knife through butter. Caught off guard by the sudden questioning of this young child, and having no experience in dealing with such fragile and innocent youth. 

“I...I am--”

“Shenhe!” her head snapped towards the voice of her beautiful partner, “I’ve already told you about this yesterday, but this is Qianfan! He is the son of a family friend and I agreed to babysit him for the morning while his mother went out for work.”

“Babysit? I’m not a baby!” Qianfan frowned, crossing his arms as if that’d help his case. 

“Oh but Qianfan you’d always be a baby in my eyes,” you teasingly pinched both his cheeks and laughed when he started fussing over how embarrassing it was. “Miss Y/N! I’m a man now! A whole six and a half year old man!”

Shenhe tilted her head at this statement as she did not think a six and a half year old boy would classify as a man. 

“Ah alright, then you’re a little man Qianfan,” you teased, ruffling his hair. “Shenhe, I’m going to go start preparing breakfast now. Why don’t you and Qianfan get to know one another while you wait.”

You blew her a kiss causing the adepti prodigy to smile, only to stop once she felt Qianfan start to play with her weapon from behind. “Is this a sword?” he asked curiously, poking at the handle like it were some kind of bug. “Polearm.” She responded, casually shifting the dangerous weapon away for fear that the child might injure himself. 

“Polearm? Your arm isn’t a pole!” Qianfan then prodded at your girlfriend’s arm as she looked somewhat confused as to what this young child was doing. 

“That is not what I mean--”

“Oh!” 

Suddenly distracted by something else, Qianfan rushed over to a little jewelry box you had in the corner of the living room and popped it open to see all the pretty jewels inside. 

“I don’t think Y/N would like you touching--”

“Ooh a ring! Hey, do you know if Miss Y/N is married yet?”

The abrupt question caused Shenhe to freeze in place. The young boy suddenly pulling out a Ring Pop from his sweater pocket and raising it in the air as if it were some sort of blessed object. “Because I plan to ask for Miss Y/N’s hand today! She’s so pretty and kind and and--”

The rest of his words blurred out as all Shenhe could think was...

Someone else wanted to marry you.

‘No, I will not lose Y/N to a mere child.’ she rushed over to Qianfan and stood tall over him. Bitter jealousy overcoming her and showing in her glossed over eyes. ‘I will gladly fight to the death for Y/N’s hand. You will not stand in my way.’

“I want to marry Y/N too!” she suddenly blurted out, now blushing since she was overcome with emotion. “If you want her hand in marriage, you’d have to fight me to the death!”

“The death?!” Qianfan gasped. 

“What’s going on in here? I heard shouting...” you suddenly hurried into the room and saw Shenhe standing over Qianfan like an aggressive giraffe. “Shenhe?”

“Qianfan has revealed that he intends to marry you but I refuse. I want to marry you as well.” Shenhe rushed over and grasped your hands. “Please marry me.”

“Right now?!” this was not how you expected she’d propose. “Ah...he’s just a child, Shenhe. I would never accept a proposal from someone so young.”

“I’m a man!” Qianfan called from across the room. 

“Ignore him,” you spoke softly, intertwining your fingers with Shenhe’s. “If you are jealous, my love, then just say so. I will not be upset.”

“Jealous? Over a child?” Shenhe frowned. “I could never be.”

“Oh but you do sound like it,” you giggled, “But for clarification, there is no one I’d rather be with than you.”

“So...is that a yes then?” Shenhe’s eyes sparkled with hope, causing you to chuckle. 

“Despite catching me quite off guard, yes. I will always be with you, Shenhe.”

EULA LAWRENCE

Eula sneezed when the two of you passed by a particular pot of Mondstadt flowers being sold near a flower stall. The aristocratic woman looking bashful for a moment after doing something so “unladylike” in front of her prized lover. 

“Bless you, darling.” You smiled gently. 

“Thank you dearest,” Eula looked away for a moment in shame, “I apologize. It seems that there is some pollen in the air which triggered some springtime allergies.”

“Don’t worry too much about it Eula, your sneeze is cute.”

“Wh-What--”

“Excuse me!” you suddenly felt a small tug on your sleeve and looked down to see a young child. “I bought these for you, pretty lady!”

They shoved a small bouquet of flowers from that particular flower stall, and Eula started sneezing like no tomorrow. “P-Pardon me-- a-achoo!” she covered her mouth in embarrassment and turned away to try and keep the noise to a minimum. “Excus-- achoo!”

“Eula--!”

“Do you like them miss?” the child tugged on your sleeve again and you had no choice but to accept the flowers. “Ah, yes, they are very beautiful. Thank you.”

“Hehe, I’m glad! Our wedding will have these everywhere then!”

...whAt.

Eula’s eyes snapped open and she whirled her head towards the direction of the kid. “I beg your pardon?” She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. “I said our wedding will have these everywhere then! But...you seem to be allergic to them miss...hm...” the child hummed in thought as Eula tried her very best to repress her sneezing, “Oh! I know! You can wear a mask to our wedding! I’ll allow it.”

“Your wedding?” Uh oh. Eula sounded annoyed. 

“Well...who else would this beautiful woman be wedded to? You?”

“You don’t even know her name!”

Eula’s voice was getting higher and higher, attracting the attention of ongoing bystanders. “E-Eula!” you gently wrapped your arms around hers and pulled her away from the child for a moment. Handing them the bouquet so that Eula could stop sneezing for a few precious moments. “It’s not worth getting riled up over. They’re just a child, they don’t know any better.”

“I...” Eula paused for a moment before realizing what she had just done. “Oh...oh dear. Please pardon my childishness Y/N, I was a fool to get so worked up.”

“It’s alright darling, as long as it doesn’t escalate--”

“Are you her wife?” the child pointed to Eula in a sudden yet blunt manner. The two of you caught off guard as you had assumed that they would’ve left by now. “Er...no. Not yet...” Eula blushed at the accusation and seemed to be regretting not putting a ring on you sooner.  

“Not yet? So Miss...Y/N was it?” Oh no. They’ve figured out your name. “Your hand is till open for marriage?”

“I--”

“Yes, and it is mine for the taking,” Eula interrupted, trying to keep her irritation under control. 

“Not for long!” The child suddenly whipped out a stick from nowhere! “I challenge you, Miss Eula! To a duel for Miss Y/N’s hand in marriage!”

WHAT.

“I accept.”

W H A T .

Suddenly, Eula produced her own stick from nowhere and brandished it as if it were a sword. “You stake your claim and I wish to defend my lady from it. A duel to the death for this maiden’s hand!”

“Eula this really isn’t necessary--”

And then the two rushed at each other with raised sticks. Batting at each other like untrained knights since the child was well, a child, and Eula was trying to hold back on accidentally stabbing the kid. 

“I shall protect my lady from any and all suitors who wish for her hand! Only I shall have that hand!”

Now having attracted a small crowd, everyone watched as one of the Knights of Favonius dueled with a young child with nothing more than pairs of sticks found on the ground. It was, so, so ridiculously cute, and you couldn’t help but let out a laugh at how dorky Eula was being. 

“Haha! I’ve made the maiden laugh! She clearly favors me then!” Eula smirked confidently at your sound of laughter and put her hands on her hips. Leaving an open opportunity for the young child to run around Eula and strike her in the back with their stick. 

“Gotcha!”

“Gah! I’ve been hit!” Falling to her knees in front of you, she smiled and watched as the child whooped around in victory. “My lady...I am dying...please revive me with a kiss of true love!”

“Okayyy Eula, you’re overdoing it.” You giggled and kneeled down in front of your lover, kissing her temple for her brave efforts, “But, for my brave knight. I shall indulge in your victories as a reward.”

“I lost on purpose in case you couldn’t tell.”

“Yes darling, I could tell,” you chuckled and helped her up to her feet, “Even though you lost, my heart will still belong to you.”

“Good.” Eula turned around to catch a glimpse of the child still whooping and hollering, chuckling to herself before bringing you close to her chest. 

“Though, perhaps I should marry you soon before the others get to it.”