#where we shall see them struggle with yet another year

[the-coffee-fandom]

WHOS EXCITED? IM EXCITED

HELLO EVERYONE!

For those who have been here a while, hope you have been doing well and excited to see this blog slowly coming back to life after my supposed retirement.

For those of you who are new, hi! Name's Anju and I was running this blog for the Maribat Bio Dad Bruce Wayne Month event from 2020-2023. I made an announcement back on October 2nd 2023 saying I was no longer going to be running this event hence beginning my "retirement."

I lied XD

I came back December 11, as in almost two and a half weeks ago announcing my return and now I'm here to give some updates!

THIS BLOG WILL NO LONGER BE MARIBAT - BIO DAD BRUCE WAYNE MONTH.

Starting from this post onwards, this blog will be known as Maribat Bio Parent Month.

That's right... WE'RE CHANGING NAMES!

So in case you see a different name, that's why.

Again, thanks again for stilling following this small blog and can't wait to give you guys more details about this upcoming event!

Any questions, suggestions or just comments, feel free to ask!

Until next year,

Anju.

[harrywavycurly]

Sarah I just really would love some Harry fluff of any kind I’m not picky I’m just needy😩

Hiii babes!!! Ask and you shall receive! It’s holiday themed fluff if that’s okay? This is honestly just the first thing that popped into my mind so I hope you like this short little blurb!💖

Summary: You and Harry have some last minute gifts to wrap✨

“Did you wrap this gift in the dark?” Harry lets out a huff as he looks up from his current position on the floor of the master bedroom near his side of the bed where he’s surrounded by things still needing to be wrapped as well as a small pile of things he’s done wrapping or placing in gift bags. When he looks up he finds you sitting on the floor near your side of the bed holding something he wrapped last night in a hurry, needing to get it done before you got home. “Why is there so much tape? And is that a-”

“I beg your pardon? That’s a perfect wrapping job considering who the gift is for.” He says in his own defense making you raise a brow as you look at the tag on the poorly wrapped box. He nervously chews on his bottom lip as he waits for your reaction once he sees your eyes scan the name on the tag.

“Harry we said no more gifts for her.” You say with a sigh as you look at the pile of wrapped presents that are along the wall your bedroom door is on. “She’s going to need a second playroom for all this stuff.” Harry follows your gaze and smiles at the thought of your little girl’s face as she opens all her gifts.

“That’s the last thing.” He promises with a smile making you roll your eyes because you heard him say the same thing just last week and yet here you are with another gift in your hands for the two year old little girl who’s currently asleep down the hall. “Besides half of those are clothes so they’ll just go in her closet.” He justifies with a shrug before reaching over to the pile of unwrapped gifts so he can grab one, gently placing it on top of the red and white polka dotted wrapping paper he’s using at the moment.

“Are you wrapping your own gift?” You ask as you slide Harry’s sadly wrapped box towards the wall so it can join the others that are ready to be placed under the tree in the living room.

“My own-oh is this for me?” He holds up the mug that’s in the middle of his wrapping paper and turns it around so he can read what it says but before he can actually get a good look he feels something hit his forehead and land in his lap. “Did you just throw a bow at me?”

“You were about to look at your gift what else was I supposed to do from all the way over here?” Harry lets out a laugh as he picks the bow up and tosses it back over to your side of the room making you giggle when he misses you completely and it lands a good foot away from you. “Be a good husband and bring it to me please? So I can wrap it for you.” You poke out your bottom lip in a playful pout as you look at him from across the room.

Harry looks at you as you wiggle around on the floor with your pillow so you can put it behind your back once you get close enough to the footboard of the bed so you can lean against it. You let out a deep sigh of relief and he can’t help the grin that takes over when he sees you place a hand on your fully formed bump, having hit the “due any day” mark a few days ago he knows getting comfortable is often times a struggle. He gets up after grabbing the mug, making sure he doesn’t look at what it says and after a few careful steps he’s standing next to you.

“The pout wasn’t necessary love.” He teases as you reach up and grab the mug from his hands and place it in the gift bag that’s between your spread legs. You smile when you look up and see he’s still looking down at you, he places a hand on top of the bed so he can lean down and place a quick kiss to your lips. “I love you.” He mumbles against your lips before giving them one last peck.

“I love you too.” He smiles as he stands up and turns to go back to his designated wrapping spot. “But if you get her one more gift I’m telling your mom how you really felt about her fruitcake.” You threaten making Harry chuckle as he shakes his head at your choice of a threat.

“Fine fine no more gifts for her.” You narrow your eyes as he sits down and grabs a pack of customized golf balls to wrap for Niall. He can feel your eyes on him as the corners of his mouth twitch as he fights off a smirk. “But I may have a few more things for him in this pile.” He explains as he tosses a quick look over his shoulder to the pile of gifts he has left in need of wrapping, his eyes landing on a little pair of sneakers he got that might or might not match a pair he has in his own closet.

“You think he’ll show up in time for Christmas? Or will he wait for New Year’s Eve?” You ask as you rub your stomach with one hand and place some tissue paper into the bag with Harry’s mug in it, smiling when you remember that it says “Daddy is a state of mind” in bright pink font, having been obsessed with that quote ever since you heard Pedro Pascal say it during an interview and figuring it fit Harry’s personality perfectly.

“Oh he’s going to make quite the entrance so I’m betting on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.” He answers as he begins to wrap Niall’s gift with some green and white paper.

“He’s going to make an entrance huh? Wonder who he gets that from.” You joke making Harry shoot you a playful glare before both of you go back to wrapping gifts, trying to finish most of it so the next few days you can relax and enjoy the holiday festivities as well as the final days of the Styles household being a little family of three before your son decides to make his arrival.

[redfoxwritesstuff]

Ancient Kisses

Summary: After harboring a crush on Zestial for a few years, you finally gather the courage to tell him at the Carmine New Years Party.

“Zestial?” The ancient overlord had always intrigued you. The fact that Alastor seemed to not have challenged him during his own rise to power put you at ease, though you supposed judging the ethical or moral standing of the rulers of Pentagram City based on the actions of a serial killer was likely not the wisest move. 

“What assistance dost thou desire? Speak, and I shall do my utmost to aid thee.” Zestial’s voice was rhythmic, the old English sounding so much like poetry no matter what he said. 

It was surprising to see him at the Carmine’s New Year’s party and yet you knew it shouldn’t have. He and the weapons dealing overlord were close, so close that many suspected they were a thing, a couple. 

That sucked for you and your delicate one sided crush on the tall overlord that seemed to exist in an inky coating of nothing but black, accented by bright neon green. His dark gray face was cast in a green glow that came from inside. The spider like bowtie he wore creeped you out at first, as did the inside of his cloak, lime green and spider webbed. 

He had terrified you and that terror resulted in a toxic attraction to a man you were sure belonged to another. Yet he sat at the back of the party, alone, while he sipped tea from a delicate cup. 

“What was New Year’s like when you were alive?” It was bad form to ask after the times and life of others in hell, but your curiosity could not be helped. 

“We did purge the vile, that we might usher only the goodly into the coming year.” His many glowing eyes peered at you. Though he was sitting and you standing, you were at eye level with him as you simply looked at his eyes and bright smile, mental wheels turning as you translated that to something that made sense.

“You didn’t do a new year’s kiss?” You asked after the uncomfortable long pause to process his words. 

“Nay, we did not.” Zestial laughed, a sound that was always warm and merry. “‘tis a newly fashioned rite, this exchanging of kisses as the year turneth anew.”

“Have you…” Your heart pounded in your chest, face growing hot as you glanced up at the large clock on the wall. “Have you ever… Um, participated?” 

“Nay, prithee, dost thou desire to partake in such a custom?” The teacup clattered softly against the saucer as he carefully set it down. 

You blinked, mind struggling once again to process what he said in modern speech. You tried and failed to convince yourself that you somehow translated it wrong, wishful thinking as he stood. 

“What?” you breathed the question. 

“Pray tell, as the hour of midnight draweth nigh, dost thou desire a kiss to herald the new year?” Zestial held out his hand to you, palm up in offering. 

“Please?” You slipped your hand into his as those around you started eagerly counting down. Shouted numbers filled your ears as Zestial pulled you close, leaning over you as the lime green light from his bright eyes reflected off your skin. “Zestial… I- I like you.” 

“I did greatly dread that thou hadst no fondness for me.” Zestial said, pulling you tighter into him. His bright green cloak draped around you, hiding the way he pressed your body against his from the others in the room. 

“What-” Emotions swirled inside you as his long thin fingers pressed into you. 

“The passage of time hath oft left such matters unspoken, yet now thou hast broken the silence.” 

The striking of midnight and Zestial’s lips sealing over yours put an end to the conversation. Instead, you timidly ran your hands over his chest, wrapping them around his neck and shoulders to hold him as the old year was left behind and the new began. 

Join us at VoxTek for a Vox themed Hazbin Discord where we talk Vox, Hazbin, writing, reading, art and who knows what else. You may even catch some exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming fics from some of your favorite writers including the first page of the next chapter of MisD a day early!!

[miss-tc-nova]

With Reckless Choices - Leona Kingscholar x Reader Pt 13

On Nova's blog, everyone suffers.

Premise: The married couple find themselves entangled in chains

Words: 1,490

Music Inspirations: She Used To Be Mine - Annapantsu Cover

~~~Your Chains and Mine~~~

               It’s been a few months since the birthday incident with Leona. Thankfully, it had been secluded and everything was kept private, so none other than the three of us involved are aware of what really happened that night. Though I did have to ask Silver to inform Leona’s family that he decided to head home early.

               I honestly thought that he would move on. Sure, I hoped that it might take him a while to get over the love we had, but I was so certain he’d be out there with a new fling in no time. Seeing him so broken at my birthday almost made me take back my decision. I almost dared to defy the Draconias. But I’m afraid. Even imagining a world that exists without my lion in it brings me to tears. He may not be in my life and he may be struggling to walk without me, but he’s alive. That’s all that matters and, with all my heart, I pray he’ll find happiness.

               “Your Highness.” From the tome lifts my gaze, finding Silver. Sympathetic concern crosses his face. “Are you alright?”

               Another drop traces my cheek. Hastily, I reach to clear my eyes. “Oh, yes. I’m alright.” The book closes. “It’s just quite a sad tale.”

               “I see…” He doesn’t believe me. “If you’re…able, I’ve been informed that His Majesty is looking for you.”

               I set aside the book of economic trade. “Is that so.”

               “He’s waiting for you in the study.”

               “I see. Thank you.”

               “Would you like to visit your chambers first?”

               Taking care to clean my face, I stand. “No, I shouldn’t keep him waiting. Shall we?”

               Silver leads me through the halls of the castle. Heels click, mirroring the empty echoing inside. All the stiff, suffocating air of this place seems particularly demanding today. Yet I keep my placid demeanor, as is proper for the spouse of the future king.

               Sebek stands wait at the door to the study. He nods to his colleague who returns the gesture before he knocks and steps inside to announce my arrival. A deep breath allows me to ensure my composure, which will be my highest priority before my husband. The door closes behind me, leaving the two of us in intimate privacy.

               Behind the daunting desk, the prince sits. Hands mask a portion of his face, clasped together with his elbows resting on the wooden surface.

               “Your Majesty,” I greet.

               Those draconian eyes open and, for the first time, they show not disdain. In fact, there’s a softness about them, as if he pities me. This is new.

               “I suppose that adds somewhat to my decision.” Even his voice holds defeat in it.

               My brow furrows. “Is everything alright?”

               He stands, slowly trailing around his desk. “No, I don’t think it is. And for that I should atone.”

               I’m not sure I like where this is going. “What do you mean?”

               The dragon king opens his mouth, but rethinks his words. “When I see couples out in the streets, I see emotion. Sometimes it’s ire and sometimes sorrow, but mostly, it’s joy and adoration. Yet for all the years we’ve known each other, for not a single second of it have you ever loved me, have you?” When I stammer, he adds, “Be honest.”

               Still I hesitate, but I’m sure he knows the answer as well as I do.

               “No.”

               This might be the first genuine smile he’s ever shown me, even so, it’s sad. “I never cared that we were engaged or that you even existed. For me, our betrothal was simply part of growing up as the heir to Briar Valley. Then I met someone who saw right through me. My flaws, my darkness, my pain: in spite of those things, I was still accepted. For once I knew what it was like to be truly happy—until it dawned on me that we could never be together.”

               A flash of that innocent face comes to mind. “That student from Night Raven College…”

               The mournful prince nods. “The prefect went home and I didn’t know what to do with these feelings. Bitterness crept its way into my heart, made worse each time I saw you. Then I received the first letter.”

               The dragon places a handful of envelopes, all with broken wax seals of blue adorned with a bird. Atop them rest various pictures of my illicit endeavors. Palpable jealousy rolls off him.

               “You were happy, more than I’d ever noticed before and seeing you so infatuated while I was left behind…I hated it. And I hated you and hated Kingscholar. And I wanted you to suffer just as I was.”

               I wouldn’t expect any less from anyone. It’s human nature to feel envy and to desire retribution. Then his resentment melts to shame.

               “But then I saw what became of Kingscholar—miserable and broken. He always used to be so proud and I’m ashamed to know that I had a hand in what happened. Which led me to take a closer look at you. You already had been suffering, refined into a person you had no say in becoming for the sake of a man who never acknowledged your efforts. I realized we were far from what we should be as a married couple. I wanted to fix our problems. You deserve to be cherished and cared for and loved like you are the only person in the world that matters. I thought maybe some time together might cultivate even the smallest affection that we could work with. But the more I thought about our issues, the more I came to understand that there is no fixing our marriage. We were never in love and I’m not the one you deserve.”

               “Malleus…” Water wells in my eyes.

               As another smile finds his lips, a tear drips down his face. “How odd, that as I offer an end to our union, you finally use my name.”

               My heart shakes, not just for me, but for him.

               “I’m sorry.”

               His head shakes. “None of this was our decision. And as I said, for all the neglect and sorrow I’ve caused, it’s I who should apologize.”

               Those things are true, though it’s not as if I made any effort to ease our troubles either. We had always been doomed.

               “I…I’m also to blame. The issues I had, I never intended to confront you with them. Instead of reaching out to foster any sort of relationship, I chose to let them fester and build until…” The words catch. “…Until I found someone else to drown with me. The attention he gave me was all I ever wanted and I ended up falling for him. But I think, somewhere in this mess, I wanted to rebel. I wanted to go against you and your grandmother and the choice that was made for me. I was miserable, but I never told you that. And I should have.”

               Silence binds our tongues, soaking us in the honesty and openness we’ve never achieved in the many years we’ve spent entangled in these chains. Though we stand, bruised and battered, there’s the relief of knowing this torture is at its end.

               A gloved hand rubs at his eyes and his posture straightens. “While my grandmother will likely insist on your immediate evisceration, I would like our separation to be amicable.” To my surprise, a wry smile crosses his lips. “Provided you don’t intend to take half my kingdom.”

               I wave my hands in denial. “Noooo! No, Briar Valley is clearly devoted to the Draconias and I wouldn’t wish to incur its wrath. Besides, once this becomes public, the second I’m found with anyone else, I may not be welcome in Briar Valley anymore.”

               “Nonsense.” His gentle touch lifts my hand. For once, an aura of affection wafts between us as he kisses my hand. “You will always be welcome here. You need only call and I’ll have a room ready. Though we may not have worked together in marriage, I would be honored if we could be friends instead.”

               Unable to keep my composure from cracking, I step forward, bringing the fae prince into an embrace.

               “Thank you,” I breathe, unable to bring my voice any higher.

               His return doesn’t come immediately. In fact, it’s hesitant and stiff, yet as his hands meet my back, the man begins to melt and his grip becomes tight.

               Into my shoulder, I hear him mumble. “There’s no need for us both to suffer.”

               I hold strong. “You’ll find your happiness. I swear you will.” Stepping back, I look him in the eyes. “Even if I have to help you find it.”

               A breathy laugh escapes the condemned man. “Perhaps I’m letting you go too soon.” His softness catches air in my lungs. “I jest. But I do appreciate the offer.”

               “If there’s anything I can do, just ask, okay?”

               “I’ll remember that.”

~~~~~

Part 14

Nova’s Twisted Wonderland Masterlist

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

Adrien is Marinette's Therapist, NOT her Boyfriend and it's Gross

Mental health struggles are no joke and, if you have those struggles, then you absolutely need a partner who will support you through them. That's why, at face value, Adrien supporting Marinette with her PTSD and anxiety is very sweet. It's what a good boyfriend should do. The problem is that Adrien is being written like her therapist, not her boyfriend.

Adrien has his own struggles with depression, loss, and paternal neglect. Yet none of these struggles are brought up once Adrien and Marinette get together. Instead, the relationship is all about her needs and struggles even though this season ends with Gabriel's take down, meaning that focusing on Adrien's issues would have made more sense from a narrative perspective. How much more powerful would the final have been if Marinette really understood Adrien, Emilie, and Gabriel's relationship?

But why do that when we can make everything about Adrienette instead? Why bother to mention Emilie when Marinette is a much better point of conflict between Adrien and Gabriel? After all, if we did that, then Adrien would have a life outside of Marinette and that would be, well, sigh, let's get into it, shall we?

In Derision, we learn that Marinette apparently doesn't have some form of anxiety or ADHD or any of the other things that people have theorized over the years. No, vanilla-Marinette is a totally relaxed, go-with-the-flow non-planner who only started planning after Chloe, Sabrina, and Kim gave her PTSD. Does this insult her character and make no sense? Yes, but let's not get into that. Let's just accept the retcon and look at the fallout of Adrien knowing that his new girlfriend has massive trauma that's mainly focused on romance and controlling situations.

The very next episode is Intuition. In it we see Marinette calling Adrien to show off her ability to do things without planning (or, at least, with less planning) and it's clear from context that this is an exercise that they're doing:

Adrien: Well... (his phone rings) Fancy that! Marinette! I like spending time with Marinette. (picks up his phone) Marinette: (on-call) Guess what I'm calling for: nothing! Can you believe it? I'm calling you randomly, totally out of the blue, for no reason at all! Adrien: So you didn't write down everything you might need to say to me based on everything I might say to you? Marinette: Not at all! Well... I did. I really tried not to, you know, but it was too hard! Anyhow, I limited myself to fourteen possible conversations, including this one! Adrien: Congratulations! Marinette: (on-call) Thank you! Adrien: And did you prepare questions for science class? Marinette: (on-call) Not-a-one! Not even for the live video conference we're doing with Max's mom on the super awesome Tsurugi space jet! I, Marinette, will improvise questions, unpredictably, without planning anything!

In the context of the show, this conversation is deeply concerning and I don't know wtf the writers think they're doing. There is no way in hell that a 14-year-old should be guiding his girlfriend through a therapy session or therapy exercise unless he has the guidance and approval of a trained mental health professional.

Seriously look at what Adrien is doing in this dialogue: Marinette tells him that she's called him without planning and he doesn't just say "that's great!" Instead, he asks if that's true, congratulates her for her mild improvement, and then prompts her to talk about another situation where she would plan things out. In other words, he's asking about the therapy homework that he's clearly given her or that they've decided on together. It's also clear that this isn't their first discussion on the topic because he's very comfortable knowing what to ask about to see if she's done her homework right.

Why was this homework chosen? Who knows! It certainly wasn't picked by someone with training! A therapist wouldn't tell you to avoid planning for a school assignment (something that we've never seen Marinette overplan before, but once again, we're ignoring the retcon). This scene would arguably be inappropriate for an established adult relationship, but a nascent teenage one? Absolutely not.

My SO and I have both done therapy and seen wildly unbalanced relationships. This conversation threw massive red flags for us on both fronts. This is not what a healthy relationship looks like. This is not a give and take. This is why you need a therapist to at least guide you through this type of situation or you will set yourself up in roles where person A is not getting their needs met because the relationship has an established dynamic where person A is the giver and person B is the taker.

This is especially true for a young relationship that's just getting its feet off of the ground. They're supposed to be in the honeymoon phase! More established relationships are better able to handle phases where one person needs more support than the other which absolutely happens and is totally normal. However, when those things happen, it's vital for the supporting partner to have their own support since they can't get it from their partner.

Miraculous denies Adrien this suport. In the very next episode, we get this:

Adrien: I've always seen Marinette acting funny in my presence. I thought that was just the way she was. I thought it was sweet. I thought it was just her charm. But now that I know it's because she loves me and she freaks out about telling me, I feel bad. Because it means that this whole time she's been uncomfortable around me, and I haven't done anything to help her. Kagami: But you didn't know. Adrien: It doesn't take away from her suffering. I just wish she could feel more at ease when she's with me. Otherwise, one day, it'll be too late and she'll give up. Kagami: What can I do to help, Adrien? Adrien: Thanks, but it's not up to you or anyone else to help. I'm the one who's gotta do something.

No! Adrien, you are not equipped to deal with this solo. Ask Kagami to help! Ask Alya to help! Ask Marinette's parents to help! There are times when it's okay to involve others in your relationship and this is one of those times! This isn't even a relationship issue! It's a mental health issue! I know we're flipping gender roles here, but it's not somehow cute or healthy just because a guy is trying to "fix" the girl for once. No one should try to take on that task. This is what therapy is for.

If therapy is not an option for financial or other reasons, then yes, sometimes you have to struggle through and loved ones can help, but in TV land? Especially aimed-at-kids TV land? Show the ideal scenario! At the very least, show a support network! And I mean actual support, not Kagami asking to help and Adrien shooting her down! Writers, you are making Gabriel's dislike of Marinette valid! You are making it so that she is dragging Adrien down! Stop doing that!

Adrien deserves love and support, too. Adrien deserves to be romanced. Adrien deserves more than a kiss and an "I love you" that he had to fight to hear! He never even gets one of the presents from Marinette's chest. She did more to woo him before they got together and it's such pathetic writing.

The fun of getting these two together is letting them do all the stuff they've always wanted to do! Let Marinette bring him macrons! Let him bring her roses! Let her enhance his wardrobe! Let him write her poems! Let them be a healthy, balanced, sickeningly-cute couple! It's fine if she's nervous at the start and takes a while to act normal, but this show takes it to a level beyond teenage jitters and it's not funny or cute. It's concerning.

All of these issues start with Derision's romance-based-PTSD retcon and it was the worst thing they could have done for the Love Square. It poisons the rest of the season and is why I just can't ship these two in canon even though I love what they could have been. They have established such a horrifically unhealthy dynamic that I can't see this ending well unless they get couple's therapy in the very near future and that's not even touching on the baggage that will come from the lies and still unresolved Ladynoir trauma.

As soon as Marinette has romance-based PTSD, she was incapable of being in a relationship until after she'd learned to manage her PTSD. (PTSD cannot be cured, btw, you just learn how to manage it and the symptoms can lessen.) The writers apparently knew that. It's why they gave her a therapist to support her as she worked through her issues and got to the point where she can say "I love you". His name is Adrien. Isn't he cute?

[smittenroses]

— The Unthinkable

Art credits: boneworms (18+ artist) on twitter (I commissioned the piece, will show below)

Carrd | Ko-fi | Patreon | Archive of Our Own

Fandom — Genshin Impact Pairing — Il Capitano/reader Summary — He was cursed with immortality but yet his body shall forget, they were cursed with immortality but their mind fades away Content Warnings — body rot, angst, PTSD, memory loss Word Count — 684 words Author's note — Happy Halloween. Unlike last time where we had cuteness, I got inspired by the recent Archon Quests and decided to base this year's Halloween special on the corpse himself.

Five hundred years felt like five hundred seconds, and five hundred seconds still felt like a lifetime in the eyes of the Il Capitano. The hours ticked by more slowly than the last, his skin rotting, pulling away from bone and darkening as his body betrayed his immortality. Unlike Dainslief, the man cursed with more immortality and not to age, the captain found himself staring at his hand every time he undressed, staring at his fingers that struggled to hold his flesh together as he felt it separating from his bones. It was his curse, his to bear even as he would return to the earth and yet remain on this land, Teyvat would change around him as all he could do was watch.

Rotting, decaying, and yet he could still feel it all as he listened to the howling of the wind outside.

Since he came under the Archon of Love’s land, he had been given a bit more than what the other Harbingers had been given; he needed medical staff, he got it, he wanted to consult with the best doctors, he was able to call them at a snap of his fingers. His home was within the palace’s walls when he was here, under the watchful eye of the Archon who had given him hope that his curse would one day be reversed. Maybe it was guilt at what he had experienced, maybe she was far enough removed to find his descent into a fleshy blob fascinating, but he grunted as he slowly began to wrap his hand again, ridding the thought from his mind.

She was at least far enough removed from the Harbinger’s affairs that when the time came for her plan to come into play, she didn’t ask that they drop everything to return to her. He appreciated it, but he didn’t see it as beyond an Archon doing her duties.

And if he wanted another immortal with whom he could converse, he got it.

Raising his eyes towards the door as it opened, they did not flinch at his melting mouth or his yellowed teeth, nor did they scream at his hollowed eyes. He had rarely come across other people who had survived the curse of his homeland, but they had their own curse, too; mind so warped with time, unable to keep up with their body as it withered, Capitano had watched as they regained and lost their self of sense over and over again.

“Come,” he grunted, feeling the cold, bitter air sting at his lungs, knowing that one day his ability to speak would be taken, reduced to only his hands, “I can tell something is bothering you.”

In their moments of clarity, Capitano saw the person he had once called a lover. He dressed them, made sure they were fed, and even when in the darkest pits of their mind, they always came back to him. They learned to not fear his decay, nor did they fear the power that came from his bones, instead seeking solace in his embrace as they melted into him.

“I remember our home again…”

From where they traced patterns against the bottom of their spine, Capitano was able to feel the shudder of their body as they struggled to not cry; on days like this, where the snow ran especially thick, Capitano knew that their memories came back a bit too clear, ones that he couldn’t affirm away.

He had long since forgotten what comfort had been until he had found them, but he did his best to do so, knowing that their heart thundered against their chest, that their eyes moistened with tears that stained the very bandages that kept him together. Like the blood that had been spilt of their kin, their tears splashed in a way that would never dry.

He would never forget Khaenri'ah.

But they would, and then they would forget themselves. Savouring this moment of clarity, where his heart could bleed for what he had lost, yet his eyes remained dry.

A corpse, even as warm as his, could not cry.

Full artwork:

[lukaherehelp]

Okey, Detectiva Luka on the case!

I'll be cracking this plot open in order on how things will go so, sit down and relax, grab a coffee and something to munch.

This post will briefly attached things from this post by @syrena-del-mar alongside my post here on the movies,as well as the ones about Tan and Phee being the killers and Tan using poison on the guys, as well as my theory of why I think each mask is different and I think I know whom is behind each one (thanks again to @blmpff for the screenshots). All these theories have being a collective effort between the multiple minds in the bl/gl server so also a big thanks to them for being as unhinged about these as me djslkajdlkjass with that being said...

Let's jump right in, shall we?

So yesterday we discovered that the movie posters in Non's room are fake mock-ups of real life horror movies, right? and there's a fourth poster that can be found in Jin's room in the trailer that we haven't seeing yet in the series, but I'm going to talk about it as well. They go in these order:

Rivarium, Whisper and La Madre

and Jin's:

Devil

Imagine Jin's is where the bookshelf is in Non's and we get this order:

Rivarium -> Whisper -> Devil -> La Madre

or may I say:

Vivarium, 2019 -> The Whisper, 2007 -> Devil, 2012 -> Mamá, 2012

the order they are in is really important because it actually shows us how the plot is moving. The movie posters give away the plot. Let's go in order:

What is important to us from Vivarium (2019) are two things: the looping element of its plot (not a timeloop) and the brood parasitism example they show at the beginning of the film and feeds into with the plot later on with the loop element.

Vivarium shows as at the beginning the brood parasitism of cuckoos, birds that don't nest their eggs and instead, sneak them into other birds' nest for them to raise them. The gang, quote "Non's Friends" are the cuckoo, leaching out of a bird to raise their babies. Or, in their case, draining Non (the bird) out of his ideas and kindness (the nest) for their own good. The loop element comes into these with two new cuckoos, Tan and Phee, infiltrating the group (the birds), but instead of using it to rip the benefits (getting their eggs in the nest), their true intention here is being full parasites. They are a virus contaminating the body that is the friend group. They are "The Boy", ready to kill.

And how do they do this? Here is where The Whisper (2007) comes into play. David as a concept, to be more specific, comes into play.

David is an eight-year-old boy that is not really what it seems. He's the son of a wealthy woman, so kidnapping him should be easy, but this provokes many deaths in the movie amongs his captors. Why? 'cause David, in reality, is a demon. A demon that can "suggest" and "influence" the people around him to do whatever he wants. Only Max survives and is able to kill David, but not after the later has taken with him the lifes of everyone else without moving a finger. Phee and Tan haven't moved a single finger against the group (yet), but "the killer" has being doing it ever so slightly. And even like this, the only death among the boys that has happend wasn't even by the hands of "the killer". No, Por dies because Top kills him. "The Killer" (Phee and Tan) are pitting the boys against one another without them even knowing. The only thing they have done truly is poison them (going again with the loop thing as the gang drugged Non in the past) so they allucinate. And one specific allucination brings me to the next movie:

@syrena-del-mar gave a really good synopsis:

Devil (2010) revolves around five strangers that become trapped in an elevator. As they struggle to escape, it becomes apparent that one among them is the Devil incarnated, manipulating events and tormenting the others with a series of disturbing manifestations. Meanwhile, outside the elevator, a detective investigates the strange occurrences, gradually piecing together the connection between the trapped individuals and the sinister presence haunting the building. As the situation inside the elevator becomes increasingly dire, the characters are forced to confront their darkest secrets and sins, each suspecting the others of being the Devil in disguise. Once they deny their sins, the devil is able to claim their soul. The Devil is unable to claim the last survivor's soul, because these one confesses and repents for having killed a family in a car accident and fleeing the scene. "

Y'all can see why Jin is the one to own this poster, right? But I think there's two reasons for this:

the first one is the obvious, which is that Jin, amongs all the boys, is the one that probably regrets the treatment towards Non the most. He really cared about him, and he harmed him as badly as the other did. But he is repenting, and he might have already done half of the work no so long after the release of the video...

Because the second reason Jin has these poster is the fact that he shares the same sin as Tony, the survivor, in Devil: a hit and run. In Jin's case, Keng's hit and run.

Jin's only allucination speaks for itself, so I don't think I need to add anything else to this point.

but Devil also begins with a bible verse:

"Be sober, be vigilant: Because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

The devil, the lion here, are Tan and Phee... or in Jin's case, Phee specifically. Both boys are playing the long game dragging these revenge for three long years, but Phee has make it upon himself to get the closest to Jin. And I think is because he knows, he knows Jin was involved with what happen to Non, he knows about the video, and he wants Jin to pay as well. But avenging Non by killing Keng might be what could keep Jin alive at the end... or at least to not be killed by the hands of Phee and Tan.

Talking about killing! A little side track to point out that I definetly believe that White will survive yes or yes and as I said this morning, I need him to be like the main character in the book Final Girls by Riley Sager and kill Tee himself. Period.

getting back on track, LET'S BEGIN WITH @blmpff BLORBO, THIS SILLY GUY, or well, these three silly guys:

But there's four! - it looks like we have four masks but upon closer inspection I think is just three. Not only the eyes are different but also the face structure of each changes a litte bit and the last two here look identical, so I just think is a matter of actual production of the series and them having that same mask duplicated but because it has more "dripping blood" on the eyes, it doesn't look the same in both. In any way, I'm about to tell you whom is whom.

Our first Killer, "Clear Sight", is Tan.

Tan, in this theory, is New, Non's older brother.

So yes, I know, this whole plan is a revenge for what happend to his little brother, so you'll think that he would be a little bit more "passion" driven when it comes to revenge, but taking in account the other two killers... well, makes sense that the older one is the one being more focus and calculating about what they do. A "Clear Sight" amongs them. He's also the one that has poisoned the friend group, as I explain here. So yeah, cold blooded and with a plan in mind.

Which he has really well tight up with the second Killer, "Bloody Tears", since they flawlessly were able to fool us all when CS stole the motorbike from Tee but then BT pulled up with it.

So, whom is "Bloody Tears"? Say it with me class: is Phee. Yes.

His eyes are bloodshot and he's crying blood because hiswhole purpose with all of this is to avenge Non. He feels guilty over his last words to Non:

"You want me to forgive you? Just get lost and die."

He's the one being more driven by passion, by rage, by wrath. These absolute fuckers destroyed the Non he loved so dearly and he will destroy them.

So if "Clear Sight" is Tan, and "Bloody Tears" is Phee... Then whom is "Fresh Blood", our third Killer?

For the sake of this these "timeline" theory, we will go with the idea that "Fresh Blood", the masked killer with the fresh blood on its eyes and the cruch, is Non.

The obvious reason: the crutch. FB is the only one holding it, both when he appears in front of Top and when he's in the woods.

And we saw what Non was capable of three years ago when he finally snapped in front of the others, so I don't need to explain why the blood of his eyes is till fresh. He's a goner, he's fully commited to the bit, he will take all this fuckers to hell with him... including Jin.

Because Phee could spare Jin, but Non will not. And so we are down to four people by the end of these tale: White, Tan, Phee and Non.

Here is where the last movie comes into play: Mamá (2012)

Mamá is about two sisters, Victoria (f8) and Lily (f6), whom were living as feral children for five years in a remote cabin in the woods after their parents' death. They are put under the care of their uncle Lucas and his girlfriend Annabel, but when the two girls start to build a bond with Annabel, what kept them alive in the woods, Mamá, wants to take them back with her. And by the end, she almost does. On a cliff, both sisters make a choice: Victoria chooses Lucas and Annabel, and starts a new life with them; but Lily, whom loves Mamá dearly, decides to stay with her. Mamá after this, jumps off the cliff with Lily on her arms, activily killing her and turning them both into moths.

Tan is Victoria, Phee is Lily and Non is Mamá.

Phee, like Lily with Mamá, will choose Non. After all the blood they have spilled, is better to get lost in the woods than to comfront the police, honestly. They can just get lost and enjoy nature like they did when they used to visit the lake. They will just count Phee as one of the many victims these cabin has taken.

And so is Tan because he, like Victoria, will choose to live his life. But he was never Tan. He's New, and he can just let Tan die at these cabin and go back overseas as himself, leaving all of these behind...

And leaving only White as our final boy.

so yeah, those are my theories and how I think the series is going to play out, this post has taken me 3h and a half to right down, I can't feel my brain any longer dljsaldjalkjsd

[giuliettagaltieri]

Be Careful Not to Spill

Pairing: Eren Jaeger x Marleyan! reader

Synopsis: Eren does not agree with the euthanasia plan and he will show them, with a little help from you.

Warnings: AOT S4 spoilers, violence, misogyny, dubcon, noncon, forced pregnancy.

Word Count: 2149

As a Marleyan you know three things as a fact.

One, the Eldians are monsters and they deserve every hate this world has to offer.

Two, to keep the balance from tipping, violence is necessary.

Three, the island beyond the sea is where the enemies are.  

Or at least, that was what you were told.

When you find your ship being lifted off the waters, you start to consider if everything that was instilled in your brain is true.

You wanted to come to the island with clear judgement, free of prejudice, but it was difficult to do so when your ship is thrown to the ground, sending you to your knees, and breaking your skin.

They held Niccolo hostage apparently.

He is afraid, you can see in the way he shakes and how he screams in desperation as he asks for the Eldians to be shot despite the fact that it would cost him his life.

An honorable deed.

But then again, who would want to be taken alive by these devils?

The captain aims his gun but you walk over to him and place your delicate hand on the barrel to lower it down.

"What are you doing, Miss Y/N?"  The captain demands.

You smile at him sardonically.  "Are you that desperate to have your comrades die or can you not see that titan behind us?"

He glanced at the looming titan and he wobble on his feet.  Yet the panic in his eyes was quick to turn into madness and he pushes you hard and aimed at the Eldian.

"Say hello to this!"

A gunshot rings on your ears and pieces of what should be inside his skull splattered on the deck.

A hand was offered for you to take.  You thank Yelena and you stand by the taffrail and you try to put on a polite smile.

Negotiation is the only option you have.

"We'll gladly take up your offer."  You announce, ignoring the commotion of the other soldiers around you as your comrades spring to action.  "Shall we have a cup of tea?"

You are quick to establish rapport and gain their confidence, after years and years of being Marley's military strategist taught you how to bargain with people.  Apparently, the same principles still apply in this corner of the world.

It was all falling into place.

The pieces start to fit together.

But you miscalculated.

You let yourself get too immersed of being a part of the people of the island.

And you notice how your eyes always seek him in crowds.

How your heart pounds when he is close.

How he can win an argument, with you not even trying to defend yourself as your brain struggles to keep up.

Eren clicks his tongue at another easily won conversation with you.

He wanted to hold a longer conversation, to rile you up and get you to tell him about your true intentions.  But all he ever got from you were nods, it infuriated him how you always avoided his eyes.

He leaves you in your previously shared table.

And you wanted nothing more but to curl up and curse yourself for acting as you did.

It unnerved Eren, how tame you were.  He understood that there is a something that is being kept from him but you had no business offering him your hanky when he transforms back into human form after a quick test supervised by you, the highly regarded strategist of their enemy country.

He takes the sickeningly sweet-smelling piece of the softest fabric that he has ever had the chance of touching, his eyes never leaving your face, which erupted in a flush, mumbling a quick excuse and scurrying away.

There was nothing smart about you.

There was nothing cunning about you.

You were just a lovesick fool.

And Eren knew it.

It would be a shame to not make the most out of it.

How does the Marleyan military function?

Suddenly, he was holding doors open for you.

What happens if soldiers receive injuries from a war?

He's constantly bumping into you and offering to carry your papers filled with your intricate plans to bring this country to the ground.

“Carefull, you’re spilling.”  Eren carries the bowl of water that you were struggling not to slosh around and placed it in front of your stallion.

Your horse mysteriously collapses to the ground even though you made sure that it was well rested and well fed, making you have to ride on Eren's horse as he was quick to offer.

Eren hops off and clasps his large hands round your plump waist.  He easily lifts you back to the ground.  You flinch when he drags his hands to your hips but you try to think none of it, he was just steadying you.

Of course, he meant nothing by it.

Especially when you see him in Mikasa's embrace and seeing Eren kissing Mikasa's forehead brought you back to your senses.

It was difficult.

You were sent there to see the plan through.

But now, you were too occupied in thinking if your presence was ever significant to him, even just for a while.

It was gnawing on you.

Perhaps it was for the best.  

Eliminating any traces of your affection for him would make the execution of the plan go smoothly.

It was not like it was supposed to go anywhere in the first place.

Naturally, anywhere where Eren is not, surprisingly becomes disorderly, and in need of your exceptional wisdom.

They needed you there, you don't care if you've checked their progress twice within that hour already.  They're in need of your help and you are required to stay there.

Traveling from one base to another was the best possible option.

That way, you could monitor your people more closely.

And you will not have to worry about certain individuals who will make you question your value in their lives again.

Especially not one of these devils.

"Eren just arrived at camp."

You sit straighter as if a rod of steel materializes on your back.  Your eyes snap to Floch.

"That is not possible, he was supposed to be in-"

"Don't assume that we are telling you everything, Marleyan."  He spat.

Your brows furrow.

You witnessed racism more times than you can count but you have never been on the receiving side of it.

Until now.

Of course.

You are a fool.

You just gave yourself to them as hostage now, haven’t you?

The answers came to when you could no longer be permitted to go out of your tent.

Meals were served to you and the only times that sunlight touched you was when you have to go to bathrooms.

"I admired how well you could make everyone, including yourself, believe your lies."

You look up from the crackling fire when you hear the voice and you are quick to slip your bookmark between the pages of your book.

"How have you been?"

He scoffs.  “Let’s skip the formalities.  I know about Zeke’s plan.”

You stand up, sighing.  Eyes flashing to the letter opener, knowing how futile it was against Eren but its presence brings you a false sense of reassurance. 

“Tea?”  You ignore him as you pour yourself a cup of the golden-brown liquid.

It was difficult not to spill when you feel him step behind you, his warm breath making the hair on your nape stand on end.  You feel his fingers supporting your elbow when you accidentally pour a good amount on the saucer.

“Careful.  You’re spilling.”

You gently place the tea pot on the table, swallowing the lump on your throat.  “I need to meet with Yelena.  Could you arrange a trip for me?  Your people are adamant on having me remain here but frankly I do not see the need to-”

You gasp when Eren’s firm hands grasp your jaw, squishing your cheeks together as he lifts your chin up to make you meet his eyes.

“What makes you think you have the right to decide for our race to die out?”

His voice made your blood freeze up, your fingers turning cold and numb as you feel your knees buckle, and you would have long collapsed if Eren was not holding you too tightly.

Eren found it pathetic how tears were quick to erupt in your eyes, making your lashes clump together.

“It is necessary.” 

His grip tightens.

“Eren, please.  You’re hurting me.”

He almost did not hear you from how small and quivery your voice has become, losing its natural serene yet commanding tone.

One corner of his lip rises, a flash of his teeth made him look more menacing.  “Did you honestly think you could come to the Island of the devils and leave unscathed?”

Before you could process his words, you feel the world tip and your impact against the table sent a sharp blow to your rib which made you suffocate on your own breath, the pain making it difficult for you to take in air.  You could only slam your fist on Eren’s chest when he flips you on your back.

Your blood red dress decorated with the finest lace was ripped.

It had you realizing despite the panic that previously scrambled your thoughts.

“Unhand me!”  You screamed.

The cold blunt edge of the letter opener dug on your hips when Eren held you down by placing his large hand on your abdomen.

“You’ll be coming back to Marley with a little souvenir.”

You choked up, eyes begging as pleas spill from your delicate mouth.

Eren was getting drunk on your fear.

He was quick to undo the strings holding his clothing and he leans down to press his body against yours, smothering you with his heat as he skims his nose along your cheeks that has gone streaked with tears.

“You’re so pathetic, you know that?”  He catches your bloated lip between his teeth as his deep green eyes stare intently in your eyes that are blurred with tears.  “You are not meant to be in a war.”

You are so beautiful it almost physically hurt him.

And he hated it.

Rough fingers glide on your hips and thighs.

“Women like you should be staying at home.”  You hold your breath and squeeze your eyes close when he spreads your delicate petals.  “Nursing a child.”  He gathers your sweet nectar and taints your lips with it.  “All the while, heavy with another one on the way.”

You cry out when his thumb traces your sweet pearl.

He lifts your arms to place them on his well-built shoulders as he rests himself against your flower that is slowly blooming just for him.

Eren’s eyes land on your bosom and he is quick to notice the buds becoming perky.

His lips part to take them in his mouth and your legs kick up in surprise, his name dripping from your tongue like the sweetest honey.

In contrast to all that he is, Eren nibbled on your bud so gently it had you clenching your thighs on both sides of his hips and you accidentally call his name so dearly, startling the two of you.

You come to your senses and try your hardest to push him away when he lifts your hips to place his tip on your untouched flower.

“Eren, please stop!”  You cry out.

It falls on deaf ears as Eren sheaths himself between your quivering legs.  He groans against your neck as he feels your juices sliding on his heavy balls, slowly dripping on his hulking thighs.

He breathes against your shoulder and snapped his hips. 

You scream, feeling your dignity being peeled away.  Every thrust sends your breath hitching.  He was unforgiving, bruising your shoulder with his grip as he used it for leverage to sink deeper into you as if wanting to sear this fragment of time in your head, to keep him immortalized in your memory.

He can’t let his brother’s plan be fulfilled.  He won’t allow it.

Marley’s name would be shamed with the result of this union.

Their esteemed strategist all rounded up because of Eren Jaeger, a devil from Paradis.

You let out the most beautiful song as you seized up against him and he captured your lips as you gush around him.

He can’t lose this.

Eren growled as he pulled you closer to him, you fear your bodies might mold as one.  He kisses your cervix and showered your velvet walls with his thick seed.

You cover your face with your hands, not wanting to face the monster that defiled you.

He pulls your hands by your wrists and cups your face to kiss your jaw.  He straightens up and pulls himself out of your warmth, sending his milky seed trickling out of you.

Eren clicks his tongue and presses your thighs close.

 “Carefull, you’re spilling.”

[wonpous]

👟 MAKE IT WORK . 석매튜 matthew — ONESHOT

SEOK MATTHEW as your workout trainer . ( established relationship )

pairings : matthew x fem!reader

warnings : slightly suggestive .

matthew has always been convincing you to workout with him , but you were too lazy to even go on daily walks . it has been so long since the last time you went to the gym , but today , you wanted to give it another shot — with your boyfriend this time . you knew stamina decreased ever since you stopped your routines , but you want to try again — for matthew . your boyfriend’s pastime activity is working out . every afternoon , he’d always come home with a towel on his shoulder , a water bottle on his hands , and drenched in sweat .

“so , what made you want to start working out again? it’s been like — what? one and a half years ?” matthew speaks , putting the towels on top of the table as he removes his sweater , he was just in a sleeveless shirt now , his biceps getting exposed . and god , it turned you on incredibly . “nothing , just wanted to stay fit again .” you replied ,shrugging your shoulders as you tied your hair up . you see a wide smile forming on matthew’s lips , his eyes locked on yours “i'm glad , honey . don't worry , i’ll help you .” he assures you , lightly pinching your cheeks while laughing .

“ so ,” he cracked his knuckles, “ shall we get started? ” he asked , you indicated a nod . matthew caressed your hair as he gave you a peck on the cheek . “i don't wanna startle your body , honey , especially because it's been so long since you last worked out,” he paused , sitting down momentarily , “let’s get you warmed up first , alright?” he explained .

“ what’s the first thing i’m supposed to do?” you asked matthew , slightly tilting your head , you saw him bring out a stopwatch timer . he stood up once again , he grabbed your wrists and led you to where the treadmills are . “do it for a minute , my y/n , begin .” he says as you start walking on the treadmill . when it comes to things like this , matthew is serious , he’s domineering about it and you find that so attractive of him .

TIME SKIP . .

it has been 20 minutes and sweat is already dripping from your forehead . you let out an exhale , looking at matthew — who nodded multiple times “you’re doing great ,” he beamed , and that's where he rolled out a yoga mat on the floor . “get down , baby , you’re about to do planks now,” you looked at him with your eyes widened, you hated doing planks , you’ve always struggled doing them alone , and now that you’re with him , you wonder how he’s gonna guide you through it “wait , matt , i have to tell you though— im so terrible at planking .” you complained , he threw fits of chuckles as he said

“you’re so cute , honey , but that’s why im here.” matthew smiled , he held your hand and kissed it “on your elbows , y/n . c’mon , honey , don’t waste time.” he commanded in a dominant yet sweet tone . you did what you were told , hearing him start the timer . you closed your eyes and exhaled , trying to endure it .

planks felt like forever , your arms started to burn as you let out a soft groan , “fuck , matt , it hurts wait—” you whine, trying your best to maintain the position you are in right now . “hold on , baby , just a little longer,” he whispered , showing the stopwatch “30 more seconds,” he inserted , crossing his arms as he watched you . you sucked in a long breath and exhaled , your arms and legs were trembling as you kept your eyes on the mat , hoping that it would end soon . “anddddd— time’s up!” matthew declared , you immediately dropped to the mat , slowly panting.

matthew sat down beside you, you looked at him as he leaned closer “not bad, honey , you did well!” he beamed as you rolled your eyes jokingly , still panting “that was like torture , matt !” you kicked a fuss , just to receive a soft chortle from him “but you liked the pain , hmm ? didn’t you ?” he teased , raising an eyebrow. you were caught off guard with his sudden words , not knowing how to respond “i— um…”

“forget it ,” he says “anyway , let’s move onto sit-ups , but with a twist !” he uttered

“what twist ?” you popped the question , looking at matthew in confusion “with each time you sit up , you’ll kiss me . how about that?” he elaborated , wiping the sweat dripping on your neck . “unless you want to stop , tired already ?” he whispers , making sure you’re okay . you shook your head , implying that you can take more . matthew moved to your feet , holding them still “put your hands behind your head , baby . now , start .” you struggled sitting up the first time , but you did successfully . you felt matthew’s lips against yours , soft and delicate .

you constantly did the same process for nine more times . during the tenth one , he put his hands on the back of your neck , suddenly pulling you into a long kiss . you were stunned , but you closed your eyes , enjoying the sensation . he broke the kiss , tucking back the hair that was on your face “im so proud of you , honey , i told you we’d make it work !” he smiled coyly as you laughed “it’s all because of you , matt , thank you!”

matthew helped you stand up , grabbing a water bottle and a towel, giving it to you soon after . “let’s go home , baby , i have other activities in mind .” he smirked , pulling you by the waist .

NOTE : HELP WTF DID I JUST WRITE but i cant lie writing this was so fun . God matthew is so hot i literally got this idea from that video where matthew was guiding hanbin with dumbells . ANYWAY I HOPE YALL ENJOYED THIS .

[wickedlysecret]

Something I’ve been lowkey obsessing over for the past few years has been The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), which is quite possibly my favorite Christmas movie ever. It’s fun, it’s funny, it has cute moments, Michael Caine is absolutely the best Scrooge to ever Scrooge… I can’t sing this movie’s praises enough. I was so excited when it was included on Disney+, so I could watch it pretty much whenever the desire struck.

The thing is, there’s another Christmas Carol adaptation that I loved to watch as a child that’s also on Disney+: Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983). It’s another retelling of the same story, and yet… it doesn’t really hit in the same way that the Muppet one does. And I can’t stop thinking about why that would be the case. What do the Muppets do in their adaptation that Mickey and his friends don’t do in theirs?

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m going to sit here and compare and contrast these adaptations, with pictures and quotes. This is gonna be one of those “In this essay I will” posts, except the essay actually follows under a cut. After all, I’m nothing if not a former English major with weird hyperfixations.

I broke down the places where the differences are strongest into four parts: The Spirits/Ghosts of Christmas Whatever; the inclusion of a comedic Narrator character; the simple fact that the Muppets are Actors in their own right; and the entire “Christmas Future” part of the story.

1. The Spirits. 

For the Muppets, new characters have been created for the roles. These characters were only ever used for these roles, and we never see them again in other Muppet productions, save for Jacob (and Robert) Marley, as played by Statler and Waldorf, whom I’ll talk about at another point.

These new characters make much of the dialogue work, as well, with much of their exchanges with Scrooge at least sounding, if not actually being exactly as written in the original Christmas Carol. The supernatural look of the little ghosty Spirit of Christmas Past helps to sell the whole picture when they say lines like, “A touch of my hand, and you shall fly.” The jolly, bumbly, ginger-haired-Santa lookalike Spirit of Christmas Present is personable and friendly, even able to make a mean and grumpy man like Scrooge joke and laugh with joy. And the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come is faceless, imposing, and silent. They communicate through pointing, or a guiding hand, and they chill both Scrooge and the audience without saying a single word, merely showing Scrooge the future that awaits him.

Disney, perhaps understandably, made use of some of their existing Intellectual Properties (IPs) instead of creating new characters to serve as the Spirits. Jiminy Cricket is our Ghost of Christmas Past; The Giant (from Mickey and the Beanstalk) makes a surprising return to the screen as the Ghost of Christmas Present; and finally, in a jarring reveal which I could argue was made only for the purpose of having yet another IP make an appearance, Pete fills the role of the Ghost of Christmas Future. These are characters with personalities that the audience already presumably knows, and while they are able to fill their roles to a degree, they also come with baggage, for lack of a better term. They struggle to keep a balance of their original personalities, while also donning the personalities of their Christmas Carol roles.

Jiminy attempts to give sage advice to Ebenezer Scrooge (McDuck), in the same manner as he had with Pinnochio, but a stern little cricket lecturing an old man duck just doesn’t feel right. And the giant is also bumbling, sure, but more than that, he’s just… stupider than the Muppet Spirit. Caine’s Scrooge even remarks “You’re a little absentminded, spirit,” to which the Muppet Spirit of Christmas Present replies, “No, I’m a large absentminded spirit!” The giant’s version of the Spirit is just your run-of-the-mill comedic relief idiot. As for Pete’s ghost, he’s silent and somewhat imposing for almost the entire Christmas Future segment, until he removes his hood and scares Scrooge into his empty grave with some mean remark. And the mean remark is truly what ruins Pete as the Spirit of Christmas Future; this Spirit isn’t mean, but rather delivering harsh truths. The purpose of the Spirit of Christmas Future is to really drive home to Scrooge that, if he doesn’t change his ways, this is the unfortunate future that awaits him. It’s the future itself that’s supposed to scare Scrooge, not the Spirit delivering the message.

In essence, by not only using existing IPs for the Spirits in the story, but miscasting the Spirits with IPs that don’t work for their roles, Mickey’s Christmas Carol confuses the whole message that A Christmas Carol is supposed to convey.

Finally, as I mentioned, I want to talk about our Marleys. In The Muppet Christmas Carol, Marley is the only spirit for whom they’ve used an existing character–or, rather, characters. They’ve cast the grumpy old men, Statler and Waldorf, as Jacob and Robert Marley. They have a silly song they sing to Scrooge, which still manages to terrorize the man, and to be fair, the spirits of Scrooge’s old business partners are warning him of something terrible coming for him: more ghosts. We’re still early in the story at this point, so the Muppets wouldn’t be taking their big guns out yet, so imparting a scary warning in the form of a light and fun musical number is… well, it’s very on brand.

Meanwhile in Mickey’s, we have Goofy as Jacob Marley. I’ll talk more about this casting choice later, but the short of it is: why? Goofy’s not a mean OR selfish guy at all, and I can’t understand this role placement for him. He’s very stern with Scrooge, and it’s hard to take him seriously at all, and to top it all off he falls down the stairs at the end of his scene, with his trademark “Yaaaaah-hoo-hoo-hoo-eeeeeeee” shout and all. It doesn’t fit the character they’re trying to have him portray.

2. The comedic benefits of a Narrator Character. 

In the beginning of The Muppet Christmas Carol, the audience is introduced to Gonzo and Rizzo on the streets of the British Muppet City.

“Welcome to the Muppet Christmas Carol! I am here to tell the story!” “And I am here for the food!” “My name is Charles Dickens.” “And my name is Rizzo the Rat! Hey, wait a second…”

Gonzo and Rizzo, from this point forward, are the audience’s guide throughout the story of A Christmas Carol, there to explain, buffer, and offer comedic relief. They break the fourth wall, talking about and to the audience, and referring to any children who might be watching.

“Whoa, that’s scary stuff. Hey, should we be worried about the kids in the audience?” “Nah, that’s alright, this is culture.”

Gonzo and Rizzo carry a lot, and I mean a lot of the comedic moments within The Muppet Christmas Carol, leaving the story’s characters to portray the story, without strange interruptions from within. Well, for the most part. There are moments where comedy comes from within the story.

“If you please, Mr. Scrooge? It’s gotten colder… and the bookkeeping staff would like to have an extra shovelful of coal for the fire.” “We can’t do the bookkeeping.” “Yeah, all of our pens have turned to ink-cicles!” “Our assets are frozen!” “How would the bookkeepers like to be suddenly… UNEMPLOYED?!” “HEAT WAVE! This is my island in the sun!”

There are also moments where Gonzo Dickens and Rizzo interact with characters in the story, breaking the fourth wall further for more comedy.

“It is the American way!” “Sam! [Unintelligible whispering]” “Ah. It is the British way!” “Good.”

And of course there are moments where the characters’ existing personalities do come forward through their acting, such as when Miss Piggy, as Emily Crachit, calls Kermit (Bob Crachit) “Crachie”, in a play on her nickname for Kermit, “Kermie”.

The thing to note about all of these moments of comedy, is that none of them interrupt the story for the sake of a joke, or a catchphrase. The story continues without a hitch.

It also means that, when Gonzo Dickens and Rizzo leave at the beginning of Scrooge’s time with the Ghost of Christmas Future, they take just about every chance at joyful comedy with them. The audience knows their absence means things are about to get serious.

Without a similar character to bear some of the comedic weight, it all rests on the shoulders of the characters in Mickey’s Christmas Carol’s story. There’s plenty of jokes and humor, of course, but most of it is slapstick-ish, and typical of a cartoon; for example, Scrooge asking about Crachit’s daily pay, recalling it to be two shillings, only for Crachit to interrupt that it’s two shillings and a ha'penny–a raise that originated three years ago, when Crachit started doing Scrooge’s laundry. The jump into Christmas Future doesn’t have a smooth transition, leaving the audience rather jarred at the sudden change in tone; in particular, when Pete’s embodiment of the Spirit suddenly starts speaking, where previously he’d been silent.

3. The Muppets Are Actors. 

In every Muppet production, one of the things that makes the entire experience work is that nobody in the canon recognizes the Muppets as anything other than the characters they’re portraying. Nobody looks at Kermit and goes, ‘Why is there a talking frog made of felt here?’ That’s exactly the way someone should act with the Muppets, and, according to an interview with Brian Henson, that was Michael Caine’s intention from the very beginning when he was asked to play Scrooge.

"When I met Michael Caine to talk about playing Scrooge, one of the first things he said was: “I’m going to play this movie like I’m working with the Royal Shakespeare Company. I will never wink, I will never do anything Muppety. I am going to play Scrooge as if it is an utterly dramatic role and there are no puppets around me.”

The fact that the illustrious actor understood the assignment from the beginning, without even being told, works wonders for this movie. Caine said in an interview with GQ that, before The Muppet Christmas Carol, he’d never done a movie that a child, like his then-seven-year-old daughter, could see; this was his motivation in choosing the role. He then went on to discuss how one is meant to act with the Muppets.

Interviewer: When you’re talking to Kermit, where do you look? Do you look him in the eye? Caine: Yes. You look him straight in the eye. It’s like talking to a real actor. And the guy is just down below, buried in the floor.

This is a man with a great respect for and understanding of the Muppets, their work, and of course their puppeteers. When asked who is more famous, himself or Kermit, Caine replies that of course Kermit is the more famous, as he should be.

Caine: Oh Kermit is much more famous, because he’s known by children as well as all adults. And I’m known by many, many, many adults, but he’s known by all adults. And then I’m known by few children, but he’s known by every child.

(As a side note, this is a delightful interview with Michael Caine, and he’s just as pleased with and delighted by The Muppet Christmas Carol as the rest of us.)

In contrast with Mickey’s Christmas Carol, the casting for the Mickey Mouse & Friends characters into their Christmas Carol roles feels like it was done without much consideration or thought, beyond the logic of ‘Mickey Should Be Bob Crachit, Donald Should Be Scrooge’s Nephew, Of Course Scrooge McDuck Should Be Ebenezer Scrooge’, and so on.

For example, the part of Jacob Marley is played by Goofy. Marley’s character, or rather his ghost, is one that exists as Scrooge’s warning, both of his night to come and what awaits him if he doesn’t change his ways. Marley was just about as bad as Scrooge in life, hence all his chains weighing his spirit down, formed from his wicked deeds against his fellow man. He even warns Scrooge that he also wears such a chain.

The problem here is that Goofy Goof doesn’t have a single mean bone in his tall, lanky body. He’s a dogman that would never covet money like a miser, would never be cruel to others because he doesn’t deem them worth his time. So, why was he cast as Marley? It’s a confusing decision.

Another example lies with Mickey Mouse as Bob Crachit. Logically, I can understand the casting choice; Mickey is to Disney as Kermit is to the Muppets. Both made the same decision to cast their Big Name Character as the second lead in A Christmas Carol. However, the two portrayals go in very different directions, particularly in the Christmas Future segment. I’ll dig into this particular example in more detail in a bit, but in essence, it feels more like the Disney characters were plugged into their roles for the story, without much consideration for how their personalities would work with that of the characters they’d be portraying. The Muppets were matched with characters to portray, but it feels like careful thought was put into how each character would act and work as their Christmas Carol role.

4. The Entire “Ghost of Christmas Future” Chapter. 

I’ve referred to this part of the story, and the ways in which the Muppets and Disney handled it, several times so far, and this is because I believe that this is where the biggest differences lie, and where the Muppet adaptation truly outshines Disney’s.

First, the Spirit themselves. The Muppets created an entirely new, imposing, shadowy-cloaked Muppet specifically for this role, rather than casting a known Muppet as the Spirit. This Muppet never speaks, and has no face, and only communicates in gestures. It looms over the third act of the story, showing Ebenezer Scrooge what awaits him in this future, without words, instead letting the scenes speak for themselves. The Spirit is silent, but Scrooge understands what it’s telling him, asking questions and paraphrasing the messages he receives as the Spirit guides him through the scenes. And although the Spirit’s appearance is terrifying, that’s not the part that ultimately chills Scrooge to the core; instead, the future that awaits Scrooge (and Tiny Tim), should he continue down his path of cruelty and greed, is what prompts Scrooge to tearfully beg for forgiveness and a chance to prove that he can make things right.

Then, in Mickey’s Christmas Carol, the basic bones of the tale are there: an imposing, silent, hooded figure shows Scrooge glimpses of his possible future. But before this third act is over, the Spirit reveals its face and speaks: it’s not just a Spirit, but Pete. Nasty, mean, cigar-smoking Peg-Leg Pete. And he dumps Scrooge into his own grave to be consumed by flames until he awakens from his dream. Certainly, Scrooge has been shaken by the visions of an awful future, but he’s also been sent to hell by a mean, angry cat. Ultimately, this takes away from the big message of the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come’s chapter: that we should change because we choose to, not because we’ve been scared into it.

Second, the sharing of Tiny Tim’s fate. In both the Muppet version and in Disney’s version, the audience and Scrooge have both been told that, if things don’t change, Tiny Tim’s going to die. Now that we’re being shown the future, Scrooge needs to go and check on the Crachit family, to see if this loss has come to pass.

In the Muppet Version, Scrooge approaches the home with relieved excitement, remembering the home of his employee as the warm and happy one he’d caught a glimpse of thanks to the Spirit of Christmas Present. However, Scrooge notices the silence of the house, and instantly knows something has changed. He peeks into the window and watches as Mrs. Crachit cries as she cooks Christmas dinner. Then, he learns that indeed, Tim has passed away. We watch the grieving family convene for dinner, and talk of loss; although they try to encourage each other, it’s clear that the loss of Tim has cut them so deep, they might never truly recover.

The fact that someone can watch this entire emotional scene performed by the Muppets and, somehow, not lose any suspension of disbelief, speaks of the incredible talent involved in the making of this scene; the puppeteers, the voice actors, the editors, the filmographers. 

In comparison, the scene we get in Disney’s version is short, and stiff. What we get is a panning view of a graveyard, and a closeup of Mickey Mouse crying while holding onto Tiny Tim’s crutch, before he sets it against the boy’s gravestone. The audience watches Mickey Mouse cry over his dead son before the movie continues.

It sounds sad when said aloud, but watching it happen doesn’t carry much emotion. It just feels awkward, almost forced. It feels like the people who decided that Mickey Mouse should be Bob Crachit finally had the consequences of their actions catch up to them, and they suddenly realized what they were going to have to put the company’s mascot through… and then they had no idea how to do it. The entire scene feels haphazard and strange; it’s upsetting to watch, but not in the way it should be. Instead of being sad about Tiny Tim, I’m just bummed they made me watch Mickey Mouse cry like that.

And here’s the thing: neither of these scenes have been performed by human actors. One has been played by puppets, the other has been animated. The fact that the Muppets, who, in order to show emotion have to move their head a certain way or have the felt of their faces scrunched, do a better job performing the scene than the one that is animated, in which people could make the characters make any face they wanted, speaks volumes.

Perhaps it’s because, while Kermit will always be Kermit, and Mickey will always be Mickey, it all draws back to the fact that the Muppets are actors. Kermit has played so many other roles in other Muppet movies. But Mickey Mouse? He’s almost always Mickey Mouse. Using him in a different role is difficult when he’s never been anything other than himself.

...

I’ve spent some time trying to think how to wrap up this ridiculous essay I chose to write for fun, because while this isn’t an assignment and doesn’t require a conclusion, it also feels wrong to just end it there. I suppose I can say again, that the Muppet Christmas Carol is my very favorite Christmas movie, and I love watching it over and over again. I love it so much that I’ve literally written an essay explaining why it’s good. And it’s not like I hate Mickey’s Christmas Carol; I grew up watching that movie just as much as the Muppet one. It’s just that… the Muppet version hits different, you feel me? The story moves in a different way, treats humor differently, and even treats the audience differently. I’m by no means an expert on film, and I certainly don’t expect everyone to agree with my opinions about this movie. In the end, these are just two child-targeted adaptations of a classic Christmas tale, and I’m just an ADHD girl who got way too invested in a passing thought. The different feelings evoked in me by the two different movies about the same story fascinated me, and I decided I’d try to analyze them and share my thoughts. If you made it this far, thanks for reading!

[jeweled-blue-eyes]

Why did you drop i shall master this family and how to get my husband by my side

I just didn't find it engaging. I Shall Master This Family started out interesting but then everything went too easy for Tia. I got bored how everyone thought she was amazing and trusted her and everyone who didn't was evil. In How to get my Husband on my Side, I grew frustrated with her husband and his sister. I couldn't forgive him his treatment of her. I didn't like any other characters. The romance was unbelievable to me. I also found the despiction of abuse kind of cookie-cutter? In stories where the abusive family is not redeemed the authors seem to forget that such families still have moments where they show kindness to their victims and this is exactly why the abuse victims take so long to realize they are being abused or struggle to escape and then relapse and return to their families before escaping again, because there exists emotional attachment to their abuser that can't be easily severed. I wish there were OI stories where the heroine realizes their family loved them and only wanted the best for them but that this love does not excuse the abuse they went through and they won't forgive their family for this. Abuse stories are either "oh they loved me after all and only had a twisted way of showing it/were brainwashed/it was all a misunderstanding, now I have to forgive them" or the family is cartoonishly evil and the victim wants to gtfo from the start. There wasn't an interesting internal conflict.

Another thing I don't understand is how Cesare didn't force himself on Ruby after her first marriage was dissolved. Not that I would have liked to see it (he's too one-dimensional and too brutal for my liking), but it just didn't make sense for his character to hold back with the sexual assault for so many years. He could have just groomed her and we could have gotten a subplot about the church and the scandal of sexual abuse + Ruby connecting with fellow survivors. Additionally it didn't make sense to me how their father tolerated Cesare's attraction towards his sister (for instance when they ate dinner and he had her sitting on his lap). Their father should have discouraged his son's inappropriate actions, even if he did not care about Ruby as a person he cared about her worth as a pawn, which means he should have separated Cesare from Ruby, if only to make sure she doesn't lose her virginity and becomes worthless before she's to be married off.

Furthermore I found Ruby as a character terribly passive. Ruby's plan was just to pretend to be stupid and harmless, so that her husband wouldn't perceive her as a threat and kill her. It was frustrating. She didn't have any information about the future that she was planning to use and was just depending on another man in her life. Makes sense for her to act that way at the beginning of the story since she's an abusive victim in a patriarchial world, but her knowledge about the modern world is completely glossed over, she knows it doesn't have to be that way, she's been a good student in an elite school in modern day Korea. She's an extremely well educated modern day person AND an extremely well educated noblewoman, yet the smartest thing she can think of is to latch on her presumed future murderer. She doesn't even seem to have an understanding of poisons and antidotes even though she grew up in THE crime family of fantasy Rome. If she knew she would be likely gonna get accused of someone's poisoning she'd better learn everything there is to know to detect poison and treat a poisoning victim. I didn't saw any promise in her for significant character development.

I also didn't understand why she wasn't trying to use her nicer brother instead of her husband who she knew was destined to kill her according to the novel. I found her relationship to her second brother to be wasted potential. Keeping in mind that they were the only normal siblings in a family of psychopaths there should have been a close and unhealthy attachment. She didn't miss him, write him letters or took her servants with her when she left. It's as if she didn't have any connections and no joy in life, which begs the question why she never attempted to kill herself. What is her relationship to her religion? Does she find comfort in it or does she only see it as her source of pain and suffering? Was religion merely something tedious she had to practice to keep up appearances? Did she have ever dreams of becoming an abbess for example and reforming some things? Why did they have to go with the least feminist narrative?

I also felt kinda wronged as a Cesare/Lucrezia shipper and The Borgias watcher. Why base the characters on a historical noble family and then do zero research? The author just continued the trend of overly villainizing the Borgia family. They were powerhungry but so were other aristocrats of their time. If you are going to play into the incest rumors (which weren't even true) make it compelling. Otherwise don't bother and make up a fantasy last name for your mc.

[spacecasewriter13]

When The Lights Go On Again by @spacecasewriter13

summary: It is May of 1946, over a year after his fall from the Hydra train and losing his left arm, and James "Bucky" Barnes is struggling to adjust. Working as an analyst at the New York City SSR branch, Bucky tries to put the war and all of its sorted memories behind him. However, try as he might he is plagued by thoughts of Magdalene "Maggie" Ramirez, a Women's Army Corps (WAC) Corporal he met in London and hasn't spoken to since before his fall in January of 1945. Little does he know that Maggie, in her struggle to put the war behind her, has moved to the city and looking for a job with the New York Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. Now, by sheer dumb luck, they are reunited as they both fight come to terms with what they were to one another during the war, and work to figure out how to move forward in a world that was unprepared to deal with the consequences of war in the unsteady peace.

Chapter 31: Another Step Forward

Summary: Bucky and Maggie go to Breakfast at the Falcon. However both feel uneasy as the world around them is shifting as they try to figure out what stepping out really means and how best to navigate new and uncharted territory for their relationship.

Excerpt:

Cold, lung-crushing cold engulfed him, his whole body immobilized, so tense that he couldn't move, couldn't breathe. He was suffocating, drowning like he'd jumped into deep water and was swimming, swimming, swimming frantically toward a surface that didn't exist.

Then he breached, gasping for air, blinking in the bright lights of an operating room, nearly blind, drenched in sweat, disoriented, ears ringing. 

Bucky was tied to an operating table, thick leather straps across his body. His arm was off, and pain radiated from the fresh, bloody stump. He was dizzy with pain and blood loss and thought he might vomit when a voice pulled him back.

"Sergeant Barnes, welcome back." Zola sneered as he walked up beside the operating table

Bucky strained against the straps, hatred mixing with sheer terror. He wasn't going to let Zola touch him, and by God, when he got out of these straps, he'd make him pay.

"Oh no. You won't be leaving any time soon. You have so much work still left to do," Zola continued, poking at his left shoulder. "The procedure is about to begin." 

He tried to jerk away, a scream welling in his throat, pain and the cold and the bright lights of the operation room making his eyes water. Then he saw it, the metal arm, lying inert on a tool table next to saws, scalpels, and other cruel implements of a brutal surgeon's trade.

They were going to use him as a weapon, a tool, their own twisted version of Captain America. He wouldn't allow it, couldn't allow it. He'd die before he let that happen. 

As if seeing the look in his eyes, Zola smiled and said, "You will cooperate, or measures will be taken."

He grit his jaw, glowering.

Then, far away, as though through water and at a great distance, he heard someone scream—a woman. 

Mags.

"You son of a—" But he was mute, his vocal cords paralyzed.

"So. We understand one another. Sacrifices will be made, and your behavior will determine who, what, and when." Zola said. "Don't worry.

We won't kill her. Not yet. But the more you resist us, the more we take of her flesh."

"Where is she? Let me see her! If you hurt her, I will kill you." Bucky rasped, fighting for each word as it passed his lips, a mere croak.

"We shall see." 

Then, the sound of an electric saw filled the echoing space, and Bucky screamed as it was applied to his left arm.

With a jolt, Bucky jerked awake, sitting straight up in bed, his heart in his throat, his skin clammy as the sensation of sharp metal lingered on his skin. 

Continue Reading on Ao3

[diosama27]

Satoru Gojo

Yn's Mom: Hey, Gojo-san!! My, my, look at you, standing here like our very own Adonis. Come on in, you absolute heartthrob!

Satoru: laughs Thank you, Mrs. LN(Your last name). I must say, you look absolutely radiant today. You're like a timeless beauty, defying age itself.

Yn's Mom: blushes Oh, you smooth talker! Flattery will get you everywhere.

Satoru: Well, I can't help but admire someone who looks so much younger than their age. You must have discovered the fountain of youth, Mrs.LN.

Yn's Mom: Oh, stop it, you! You really know how to charm a lady. Maybe I should introduce you to my friends. They'd be thrilled to meet someone who appreciates their youthful spirits.

Satoru: winks I'd be honored to meet them, Mrs. LN. But let's enjoy this gathering for now, shall we?

Yn's Mom: Agreed, Gojo-san. And don't forget to call me "Mom" from now on.

Satoru: bows Yes, Mom.

AN: I know you all are utterly flabbergasted as to why yn's mom is welcoming the most annoying, irritating asshole into her house.

I mean, seriously, this guy who hovers over your front door suddenly transforms into Mr. Charm when faced with mom. Hold up, let me spill the tea on how yn ended up in this wild situation.

So, picture this: it's the start of the week, and you're running late for work, rushing to your cabin with your coat and coffee, trying to keep your sanity intact. And there he is, Satoru, your colleague, strutting in with his fresh baby blue and black fit like he's walking a runway.

As if that's not enough, the dude spots you and decides to sashay over, grinning like a fool, as if he's auditioning for the role of "The Annoying Casanova"

It's has become his routine. He always slides in, all flirty and starts boasting about his weekend conquests, like he had all the "different types" of girls. But you, being the unbothered queen, just brush off his narcissistic crap. Like, who gives a damn?

You dive into your work while he keeps yapping about how he could make you see stars. And you hit him with, "Oh, please! I see stars every damn night, so thanks but no thanks."

People y'all need to get this straight: you ain't got no beef with him. You just aren't into the romance stuff at the moment. You prefer your solo time, you feel me? You're in that "me time" phase, and it's all good.

No denying, the dude is hot as hell. That's spitting facts. If someone bet you $50 to jump on him, you'd do it free, even toss in some extra cash without batting an eye.

But it ain't about that and never could be more than that. It just didn't click with him. Now, let's be real, he's the one you could fully adore, no doubt, without holding back.

He's been low-key hinting about his feelings all this time, but you've been straight-up ignoring them.

Y'all know him, he's the king of players, always flexing his charm, cracking jokes, and hopping from one hookup to the next.

So yeah, we ain't falling for that game and specifically no getting played by his smooth talk, he's an expert at leading hearts on with zero intentions of commitment. We're standing our ground, staying wise to his tricks.

Your phone buzzes, and it's your mom. You let out an irritated huff because you know another 25 minutes are about to go down the drain, just like that.

Mom: "Hey, honey."

You: "Yeah, mom, morning."

Mom: "Good morning, my precious. How's your day kickin' off?"

You: "I don't know, just started, nothing crazy yet."

Mom: "Well, let's infuse some positive vibes into it, shall we?"

You: "Sure, but I'm at work, so make it snappy."

Mom: "I understand life's a struggle, but sweetheart, don't you think it's time to come back home, settle down, and start a family? You know, before you hit that dreaded age of no return where all the eligible bachelors disappear into thin air!"

You: "Mom, seriously? We've had this talk a countless times. Please, just stop. I can't throw away four years of grind just because you want a grandchild! This is beyond ridiculous!"

Mom: "Oh, my poor heart! Will my beautiful daughter be left behind, watching the sands of time slip through her fingers, forever destined to be an old maid? Oh, the tragedy! Is this why I carried you for 10 months and..."

You: "Alright, enough. I know exactly where this is headed. But didn't I mention the flight reservation for the weekend?"

Mom: "Well, I just yearn to behold your lovely face as soon as humanly possible."

Your brother, causing chaos in the background, chimes in: "Yo, Mom's schemin' to set you up on a blind date right after you land."

You: "What the actual heck? Are you serious? Mom?!!"

Mom: "Oh, no, darling, it's not a date. We're just going to mingle with some influential folks, ya know? It's all about networking!"

You can hear your brother shrieking as your mom unleashes something on him, probably her flip flops.

While you're knee-deep in a heated argument with your mom, completely oblivious to your surroundings, Satoru slyly sneaks into your cabin, popping up with a silly grin. "Heyyy yn sannn!!" he cheerfully exclaims, his flirty game in full swing. "What's shakin', baby??" He puckers up for a cute face and inches closer.

To your utter astonishment, the other side of the conversation suddenly falls into a bizarre silence, like someone hit the mute button on a chaotic war movie scene. All you can hear now are faint murmurs.

In the midst of the madness, your brother snatches the phone from your mom's hands.

Brother: "Yo, yn! You better not be getting tangled up with guys, are you?!"

You can hear the satisfying sound of your mom delivering a few extra smacks to your brother before regaining control of the phone.

Mom: "Wait just a minute!!! You're dating someone? Oh, my dear heavens! Who is he? How does he look? What's his name? Send me a picture, pronto! Hold on, you're at work, sooo, is it someone from work??? No wait, this is not happening!

You're in LOVE????!!!!"

At this point, you feel a strong urge to grab a sledgehammer, break through those wide glass windows, and escape into the sweet embrace of peace and serenity.

Instead of dealing with two hyperactive, intentionally overdramatic adults and a loudmouthed teenager (your mom, Satoru, and your brother respectively) is just too much to handle.

That's when the brilliant idea of fake dating pops into your mind like a light bulb moment. "Well, couldn't I just pull off this epic move?!" you think to yourself.

You: "Oh yeah, Mom, I'm actually dating someone, so sorry, but I won't be able to make it to that date!"

You can practically see Satoru's heart shattering into a million nano particles in his eyes, scattered across the room. But now that he's within earshot, he overhears the conversation and finally grasps what's going on.

Mom: "Well, if you're really dating someone, let me talk to him! I need to see if he's good enough for my precious baby!"

Satoru, being the quick thinker that he is, jumps into action, matching the vibe effortlessly.

They both start engaging in a lively conversation, with all his charm and sweet talk meanwhile you are a sweating mess trying to predict what on earth the outcome of this stupidity will be.

Their chemistry is so convincing that even you start to question if it's all just an act. They just hit it off soo effortlessly.

Mom: "Oh my, you two seem just perfect together! I can't believe my luck! You will, without a doubt, make the cutest couple ever. I can't wait to meet my son-in-law"

As they continue, Satoru plays his role flawlessly, you can't help but admire his ability to spin this fake dating scenario into a believable tale.

It's like watching a masterclass in deception, and you can't help but feel a mix of awe and amusement at the absurdity of it all.

"Wait a damn minute! Now she wants to meet him? Uhhhhhhh?" You swore internally, feeling the chaos about to unfold sinking in like a sinking ship in a stormy sea.

Lost in your own thoughts, trying to come up with a diversion to steer the attention away from your mom meeting "Satoru Gojo," you completely missed the part where they finalized the full master plan for your trip back home together, both you and him.

"Hey?? Ynnnn! What should I pack? When are we leaving? Hmm?" He asks innocently, his face now a picture of cluelessness.

"Eh? Ehh? Ehhhhhhhhh???!!" You were left utterly bewildered, your mind racing to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

"No way. Nooo, I can't believe this is happening." It's like a mission fucking impossible, no, scratch that, it's a mission that should not be fucking possible under any circumstances.

Satoru on the other hand "Shoot! I have to go book those tickets, before they're out." He struts out of your cabin, shooting you a playful flying kiss, and quips, "I'll be here waiting for ya babe!" before sauntering off.

"What the actual freak have I gotten myself into?!!" you exclaim, overwhelmed with a sense of despair and disbelief.

[xplrvibes]

Hello!! I have a few topics i want to get into today but first i hope you’ve been having a happy and safe holiday season! Also in response to your response to my anon where you said about the voice lady of new jersey boardwalk suing them… i love hearing stuff like that and i thought that was so interesting. okay now onto my other thoughts:

Ever since the doll video dropped I’ve been thinking about how prior to that video there were a lot of people begging snc to upload more (I’m assuming this has been a problem for awhile I just very rarely dip into the snc fandom outside of tumblr) and how it’s probably a good thing they haven’t uploaded more videos. At the rate Sam has been going with this demonic stuff he and the fans should be grateful he hasn’t been sent to superhell yet. I guess he would have to profess his love to Colby for that to happen though… 🤷‍♀️

The react channel video gave me nothing. Your response on it about it being exactly what you expected is very real. i watched it last night before bed and i should have just went to sleep (holiday shopping is left me exhausted i could have used that extra 20 minutes today.) I guess it’s all water under the bridge between the two of them which is fine because i wanted them to save their friendship (obviously) but i just really hope sam sticks to what he says and starts being more careful. i’m curious to see what this next year of content is going to look like for them because this years videos were okay enough but most of them wouldn’t rank very high in my favorites of their videos. I think their tfil videos were what really got me into them because those videos were so fun (i say as i haven’t watched them in years, they could have aged badly to be fair) and i love travel content anyway. it would help break up the monotony which i think is good for everyone right now.

Nothing makes me angry quite like fandoms who hate a guy’s girlfriend. this is why i’m mostly involved in fandoms for women/women fronted stuff because then i can avoid most of that drama. 🤷‍♀️ i agree though colby’s instagram is soooo much tamer than it used to be. (i think there’s a deeper conversation to be had about that considering i know he was struggling with his body image due to his cancer but that’s for another time). I remember he used to post shirtless photos in the pool at the og trap house all the time and the one standout image i remember that felt like a jump scare when it was posted was during the second trap house era and they posted that picture with their bare asses out. 💀

on that note i bid you good night! (i say as i’m going to be up for a few more hours)

-broccoli 🥦 anon

Howdy! Happy holidays to you, too!

Ok, first of all, hats off to you for the Destiel/Solby comparison. 🤣

But yes, honestly, I don't think they have it in them to be making more content - not just the amount of time it takes to edit this (and considering Colby is still doing all of the cutting of footage on top of everything else he has going on, there is no way they can get that shit finished any quicker than they are), but the time spent traveling to these places to film and then the time they have to spend decompressing afterwards.

Add into the mix Sam's increasingly unhinged need to prove the paranormal and you've got a recipe for disaster if they started trying to do more than they're already doing.

And for the record - I don't believe for a second that he's changing his ways, which is probably why it's safer for them to distance themselves from the paranormal for a bit lol.

TFIL was what got me into them too, which is kind of a bummer because now I just can't deal with Elton or Corey anymore so it's just so hard to go back and watch that stuff now (and you're right, it probably aged like spoiled milk lol) but I would love to see a return to travel content, or docu-series like Chernobyl. But, we shall see!

Everytime people start clutching their pearls about Colby and Malia's posts, I fondly remember the time the boys all posted their entire asses on the gram, or the time snc streaked completely naked through their alleyway to celebrate hitting 6 million (?) and I just wonder: did everyone get more prudish in general, or is it just a woman's body they have a problem with?

Cause I've definitely seen more of Colby's skin than I've seen of Malia's lol.

Anyway, it's a shame that everu fandom has that one guy that nobody will accept being in a relationship because the fans think they collectively own that man...but Colby is clearly over worrying or caring whatsoever about any of that and his "give no fucks" attitude has given me quite a bit of entertainment this year, so we've got that going for us 🤣.

Have a great night!

[whomst-art-thou-whomst-whomst]

Tale of the Nine-Tailed Meta: Roleplay Therapy in Episode 11, or, What Am I To You?

Intro:

Okay sure it’s an elaborate act to trick Evil Baddie #2 but in episode 11, when Rang and Yeon switch places, pretending to be each other to lure the Imoogi in and get Rang out of his deal with the Evil Baddie #2?? They need to sell the family drama, right? They could have done it a lot of ways but they chose this way. Why? Maybe because it's easier to sell a lie that contains truth in it?

So I rewatched. And rewatched. And have come to the conclusion (again) that the writers are geniuses. Because this is fucking family therapy disguised as baiting psychopaths. Please note that I have not done family therapy, this is just my take.

I shall explain *starts powerpoint* So:

The latter half of this season has been about these two siblings coming back to each other, and while key actions have taken place that show they care (the forest rescue, the underworld guy confirming that Yeon is Rang's most important person), they are still lacking on communication.

This comes up twice with Yeon--first, when he's numbly enraged that Rang has shown Ji Ah her past life, and is preparing to give him a verbal (and boardgames) beatdown. He asks what Rang would want to be in another life, making the kind of idle conversation that makes Rang uncomfy because wait, what's the catch? And Yeon admits that he's realized they haven't talked, actually talked about something other than schemes or hostile banter in so long.

Later, after Rang's near death experience, Yeon takes him out to his ice cream spot and lets him steal some ice cream--again, Rang is jarred by this surprising indulgence. We don't see any of their interactions in the 600 years or so interim between The Execution That Wasn't and the present day, but we have to assume that things have been, uh, tense.

And Yeon admits it again--the thing we are all thinking, why didn't you just reach out to him? I mean this for both of them, but especially Yeon because hello, you STABBED YOUR TEENAGE BROTHER and waited 600 years to clarify that you weren't trying to kill him. All this time, you could have reached out, and so much pain and time and miscommunication could have been prevented?? How awful, on top of your existing guilt, to recognize that that was all it would have taken, and that you almost lost the chance to fix it. And yes, it's more complicated than that, but still--these two struggle a lot with communication.

The scene in question:

Which brings us to the scene where they are pretending to be each other, and act the way they believe the other one would act. It's a good cover, and yet. And yet. It’s also actually the only way they can be honest about their insecurities in their relationship.

It's not really an accurate representation of "this is how you think," because they don't know how the other really thinks about so many important things. “This is how you would act” becomes “This is what I believe you think of me, or what I think you SHOULD think of me” 

I don't think it's a coincidence that this whole arc removes the final barrier between them as siblings: after this, they speak about their feelings a lot more openly and honestly, Rang gets onboard with the squad planning to fight the Imoogi, and all it took was Yeon reaching out, Rang deciding not to betray his brother, and the two of them sitting at a table revealing what they believe the other thinks of them after 600 years of poor communication.

It's fitting that the Evil Baddie #2 is there for it--Yeon hates the guy for what he did to Ji Ah and his involvement with the Imoogi but in this context, this guy also represents Yeon's failure to protect Rang. If he hadn't stabbed his brother...if he hadn't stabbed him and then walked away...this guy wouldn't have had the chance to coerce Rang into a fox debt...

The brothers have to face each other and themselves at the same time. And if they want to sell it, they have to show the discord that is real between them, they have to use real material.

Essentially, it's an almost therapeutic exercise: here’s what you look like through my eyes.

For Rang:

Rang thinks his brother is disgusted and uncaring about the trauma he’s been through. He (acting as Yeon) brings up Ji Ah as an example of someone who "doesn't complain even though her history is as tragic as yours."

This honestly hits home--Yeon has a bad tendency, I think, to compare them as some guilty sort of avoidance, a claim that Rang should just get over it all; while Rang and Ji Ah both lost parent figures, their life experiences have been dramatically different, suffering and resilience are not competitions, and I like that Rang calls out how unfair this is (to both him and Ji Ah).

Similar to Ji Ah, Rang has likely spent the evening wondering whether to sacrifice Yeon. His life is at stake here.

(I’m still not sure how Yeon figured that part out?? Please someone explain how Yeon figured out Rang was on a deadline???)

But like Ji Ah, we will never really know what decision Rang would have made on his own. My headcanon is that one of the reasons Rang and Ji Ah are so antagonistic toward each other are because they are incredibly similar in how they love--almost feral, and ruthless if they’re desperate.

For Yeon:

Yeon (pretending to be Rang) complains about things he thinks Rang is angry about, which really reveals more about things Yeon is upset about.

It's clear during his act as "Rang" that Yeon knows he has let down Rang’s trust in him, and feels guilt for not openly acknowledging that Rang was in as much danger as Ji Ah: “If you worried about me half as much as her, I wouldn’t have done this. I couldn’t have.”

I think this also goes back to Yeon's guilt for leaving Rang and the mountains burning in his single minded focus to rescue Ji Ah. Like he’s saying he blames himself for Rang’s actions all these years.  There are so many subtle moments highlighting Yeon’s guilt. Mainly in his efforts to pretend Rang is fine or downplay Rang’s feelings. But here, Yeon expresses it the only way he can, removed from himself.

And I think Rang (as Yeon) finally releases him from the weight of that guilt by just responding, “You idiot,” you are an idiot for carrying this weight and thinking you are totally responsible.

Because Rang was influenced horribly by the things that happened to him, but he also made his choices.

“I wouldn’t say we made up, I just let him off,” he tells Yu-Ri later. Obviously they made up, but I think that’s more accurate wording. He lets go of his anger because he finally sees himself as Yeon sees him, and finally hears Yeon’s most honest expression of guilt.

Yeon still doesn’t think he "abandoned" Rang (Yeon and I still need to discuss that) but he more tellingly admits that he knows his brother looked up to him and totally trusted his brother would protect him--his heroic love sacrifice for Ji Ah was also, ultimately, a betrayal of trust for his brother.

UGH this script. UGH these characters.

I love that the writers finally got them into some therapy for five minutes. They didn't have to do the whole song and dance, because sure the Evil Baddie #2 is watching remotely but they could have had a quick "well it's shitty to see you, drink your coffee you dumb bitch" chat or sit in tense silence like the rest of us do with estranged family members and it might have been convincing enough, but they took the opportunity to talk, really talk, through a safe medium of the other.

Love this show.

[coughdontfeelwellcough]

For The First Time (L/ockwood and Co)

Summery: An easy job goes wrong when Lockwood fails to mention he’s sick, luckily Lucy is always there to pick up the pieces. 

Words: 3459

Author’s Note: Hi guys, so I’m abolutley obsessed with L/ockwood and Co, and if you’ve not watched it on netflix yet, please do!! Its about ghosts, ghouls, it’s found family, there’s plently of whump and one of the best slow burn romances I’ve seen in years! I’d like to add this is based off of the tv show where all the characters are in their early twenties. 

TW: Mentions of death and suicide. (mentions only in the terms of the ghosts) 

I hope you enjoy!! 

Lockwood had promised it would be an easy job, only a couple of type-ones in an old hotel, currently undergoing construction. It should have been open and shut, so why in the taxi back to Portland Road was Lockwood all but unconscious in the passenger seat and Lucy sat clutching an injured arm? 

Stupid, stubborn Lockwood, that’s why. 

“Are you sure we shouldn’t have brought George?” Lucy asked, struggling with the extra bags. 

“Yes, because if I had to listen to him sniffling for another minute I would not be responsible for my actions,” Lockwood replied. 

George had been suffering with a particularly noisy cold for the last few days and though finally on the mend it was nice to get a bit of a break from his complaining about not being able to breathe through his nose. Even if it meant the added bags were giving her back ache.

They entered the hotel through a back door, a key having been left for them. It was clearly having work done, the walls were bare, the kitchen had been half ripped out and there were various bits of building equipment everywhere. They made camp at the reception desk, the front doors had been bordered up and sofas covered in dust sheets. Still they managed to find some chairs to sit on to drink their tea. 

“Do you think this was a nice hotel once?” Lucy asked. 

She’d never been in a hotel before, her family never went on nice holidays. They’d be lucky to get a caravan on Skegness beach.

“Hm? I don’t know… Maybe,” Lockwood replied. 

Lucy looked over to see Lockwood facing away from her, his tea half undrunk. 

“Are you okay?” she asked, thinking about it Lockwood had seemed a bit distracted all day. He’d nearly forgotten to pack the chains and they’d gotten lost on their way from the tube station. 

“Absolutely fine Luce,” he said, giving her one of his charming smiles. Though Lucy couldn’t help but notice it didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

“Shall we begin?” he said, checking his watch. It was past six and the dusk had crept in making the shadows on the walls tower over them. Lucy nodded and started gathering up their things, though she couldn’t help but notice his tea stayed unfinished.

“Where are we going?” Lucy asked, pulling the chains over her shoulder. 

“The third floor, the reports sai…” Lockwood paused, stifling two sneezes into his coat 

sleeve. “HI’TWX… HIT’SSX.” 

“Bless you!” 

“Sorry, dust,” he said, rubbing his nose with his fist. 

“You’re sure you haven’t caught George’s cold?” 

“What? Of course not,” he said smiling, his nose a little pink. 

Lucy wasn’t convinced but didn’t say anything and just started up the stairs. The third floor was a mess, ceiling tiles were missing, wallpaper peeling and various doors hanging by their hinges. 

“Looks like no ones been up here in a very long time,” Lucy said. 

“It was abandoned not long after The Problem started, not many people felt safe staying in the city,” Lockwood replied. 

Lucy nodded and started laying the chains in a circle in the largest part of the hallway. She’d not long finished when the temperature started to drop. 

“Are you feeling that?” Lucy asked. 

Lockwood nodded. “10 degrees and dropping,” 

“How many are we dealing with?” 

“Should be no more than three, two suicides and an heart attack,” Lockwood replied, coughing lightly. Lucy looked over at him as he ran a hand over his face, he looked tired. Even more so than usual.  

“Do you want to sit down or something? You look knackered,” Lucy said. 

“Luce, I keep telling you I’m fined.” She didn’t miss the stuffiness in his voice but didn’t have time to say anything as she heard a ghostly voice call out. 

“I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry…” 

“Can you see anything? I’ve got a voice, it keeps saying sorry.” 

“I’m sorry… I couldn’t do it anymore….” 

“Lockwood?” 

A ghostly figure had appeared at the far end of the hallway and was slowly making its way toward her. 

“Lockwood?!” Lucy yelled, looking around he wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Then she heard another voice, closer and more desperate. 

“Help me! Oh god… Please help me…” 

Lucy drew her rapier and moved to the centre of the circle, where was Lockwood? He was behind her just a second ago. 

“I’m so sorry….. Help me!” The voices were so close they were blurring together, Lucy reached into her belt for a salt bomb. 

“Lockwood!!” she screamed one last time and then she saw movement to her left in one of the rooms and there was another noise, it sounded like someone coughing? 

Lucy edged out of the circle and toward the room, rapier raised and ready. The door was already off its hinges and she entered slowly, keeping the creeping ghost in sight for as long as possible. She found Lockwood hunched over and hacking up a lung in the corner, he sounded awful. 

“Lockwood!” she snapped. 

He finally looked up to see her and even in the low light she could see how sickly pale he was. 

“Lucy, what’s wrong?” he rasped, choking back another cough. 

“I’m being cornered by two ghosts and my backup is too busy dying to help!” 

“I’m not dying,” he sniffed. 

“Then get over here! I’ve got one coming down the hallway and another approaching from the right.” 

They edged back out of the room together, Lockwood sticking to Lucy’s left. Up close she could hear the congestion in his breathing, how’d he managed to get so sick so quickly? He’d seemed fine only a little while ago. 

The visitor in the hallway had reached the iron circle, it was a wispy thing in the vague shape of a man. It was still repeating how sorry it was and something seemed to drip from it like it might have been bleeding. Lockwood threw a salt bomb at it and it disappeared as Lucy went after the one in the right hand room. It was larger than the other one, more fully formed in the shape of a rather large man. It hoovered near the floor like it might have been kneeling. 

“Help me… Help me please…” It continued to beg, Lucy honestly felt bad for it. It must have been an unpleasant death. Keeping her rapier steady in one hand she got a salt bomb but before she could throw it there was a noise from the hallway. 

“Lockwood?” 

When he didn’t reply she swore and backed out of the room, salt bomb still in hand. Lockwood stood outside the iron circle, rapier raised to ward off a third visitor. This one had come from behind them and was creeping at a quicker pace than the others. The noise she’d heard was Lockwood, he was sneezing. 

“HITT’SSHWW…. HIISSHH’TEWW…. HISSHHHH’EWWW….” 

The ghost was getting far too close and Lockwood’s hand was shaking as he tried to hold his rapier steady. Lucy barely had time to react; she ran to Lockwood, wrapped her arm around his waist and threw them both into the circle, landing painfully on her right arm. 

“Shit��” Lucy laid on her back, her toes touching the chains and sore arm across her chest. 

“Thanks Luce, I thought I was a goner…” Lockwood said, breathing heavily. 

“What happened? You were fine one minute,” she said, pushing herself up with her good arm. 

“It snuck up on me, I didn’t see it until it was on top of me.” His voice was getting congested, his words stuffy. 

“Because you’re sick and were too busy sneezing to notice,” Lucy replied, she’d just about had enough and was ready for a large mug of tea and a bath. 

“I am not sick…” Lockwood tried to argue but it sounded more like “I amb dot sick.” 

Lucy opened her mouth to argue but was stopped when the ghost she’d been previously dealing with joined them in the hallway. It seemed larger than before but still appeared to be kneeling, floating barely above the floor. 

“I thought you’d got that one,” Lockwood sniffed, running his wrist under his nose. 

“Sorry, I was a bit busy saving your life!” she snapped. Getting to her feet, Lucy picked up her rapier from where it had fallen, it felt wrong in her left hand but her right still felt pretty useless. 

“On the count of three, throw a salt bomb at it,” she said. 

“I’m out.” 

Lucy cursed, she was going to kill him. She’d dropped hers and couldn’t use her hand to get into her bag. 

“What do you have?” 

“Magnesium flare,” he replied. 

Lucy groaned, they’d been trying to avoid the use of magnesium flares after the events of Sheen Road unless desperately needed and it seemed injured and ill seemed desperate enough. 

“Use it, just be ready to run!” 

Lockwood stood beside her, his hair was everywhere and there was an unnatural brightness to his eyes. 

“Ready?” he asked, putting his hand on her good arm. 

Lucy nodded and he threw the flare, it exploded in a rain of iron, salt and fire. They ran down all three flights of stairs and out the door, only coming to a stop once they were outside in the glow of the ghost lamp. Lockwood was coughing again, so hard he was shaking. Lucy put her arm around him and guided him over to a low wall and forced him to sit. He finally regained control of his breathing though she could hear congested rattling about in his chest. 

“You’re an idiot,” she said. 

“Why?” 

“You’re ill! And you didn’t bother to tell me! You nearly got us both ghost touched in there, what were you thinking?” Lucy snapped, running a hand over her face. 

Now it was over she could feel how much her body ached, her skin burning from where the magnesium had touched it and her right arm was still throbbing painfully.

“I’m fine,” he sniffed, pulling a well used tissue from his pocket. 

He looked awful, a good few shades paler than he usually was, his nose was already bright red and his cheeks had an unhealthy feverish tint. Lucy was quite tempted to yell at him some more but decided against it, she just wanted to get back to Portland Road, plus she knew George would have a few choice words when they got in. 

The taxi was surprisingly quiet, Lockwood was curled up against the window, the only noise being his coughing and sniffling. Lucy sat on the other side, her injured arm on her lap. It was probably only a sprain from the fall but it definitely hurt. She was still mad at Lockwood but looking at him, looking the picture of illness, half asleep against the window it was hard to stay mad at him. 

It had just gone 2am when they pulled up outside No.35. Lucy had to help Lockwood to the door as he was shaking so badly, luckily George must have seen them approach and opened the door before they’d even reached the first step. 

“What the hell happened to you?” He said. 

“Just help me get him will you?” Lucy asked. 

Between the pair of them they got Lockwood onto the sofa and under a blanket as he was still shivering so hard his teeth were chattering. 

“Is he ghost touched?” George asked, looking over his friend for signs of injury. 

“No,” Lucy replied, collapsing on the sofa beside him. “He’s got your cold and didn’t tell me, nearly got us both killed.” 

“Jesus Lockwood, what were you thinking?” George asked. 

“I dob’t have your cold,” Lockwood replied, though his point was nearly lost on how stuffy his voice was. 

Lucy rolled her eyes and reached her good hand up his forehead, pressing her cool fingers to his overheated skin. 

“No, but you do have the flu apparently! You’re burning up Lockwood…” 

Lockwood groaned and leant back against the sofa, seeming to accept for the first time that he was indeed ill. 

“Good god, I miss one case and it all goes to hell..” George muttered. 

“Can you make some tea please George? And get the first aid kit? I’ve done something to my wrist.” 

George nodded and they heard him descend the stairs into the kitchen. 

“You’re hurt?” Lockwood asked, his voice barely a whisper. 

“It’s nothing, just a sprain. I landed on it when we fell.” 

George returned with two of their largest mugs of tea, the first aid kit and a whole pack of tissues. 

“I’m not sure we’ve got any flu meds, I’ll have to go in the morning and get some,” he said. 

“I keep telling you, I’m fin’d,” Lockwood argued, though he was clinging onto his tea like it was the only thing keeping him alive. 

Lucy just sighed and opened up the kit, looking for something she could bandage her wrist with. 

“Here, let me.” 

Lockwood put down his tea and took the kit from her. He laid her wrist in his lap and began carefully wrapping it up until his breath starting hitching. 

“HHHh…. hhHH…Hhh… HHHITISS’EEWW… HIST’SSHHewww…. HI…HIS…HISTT’SSHHEWWww…” 

He sneezed into his shoulder, his whole body shaking with the force of them. 

“Bless you!” said both George and Lucy. 

“ No…Not… Done….HISSHH’Ewww…. HITTSH’EEWwww….” 

“Jeez Lockwood, you sound awful,” George said. 

“I’m f…”

“If you say fine I am going to kill you,” Lucy said. 

Lockwood sighed, coughing into his fist. “You guys are such bullies.” 

“Only when you’re being an idiot.. Which is all the time,” Lucy smiled as Lockwood tried to scowl at her but he just looked like a sick puppy. They stayed until they’d drunk their tea and eaten a sufficient amount of biscuits then slowly they made their ways to bed. A good night's rest was in desperate need for everyone at Lockwood and Co. 

So when Lucy was woken at 7am, a mere 4 hours after going to bed she was not best pleased. At first she wasn’t sure what had woken her but then she heard it again, a sound was coming from downstairs and it sounded a lot like coughing. Lockwood. Lucy got up, her legs wobbly after the long night and made her way toward Lockwood’s room. The door was closed but she could still hear him, desperate, hacking coughs that sounded like they were tearing at his chest. She knocked at the door. 

“Lockwood? Are you okay?” 

“Luce?” His voice cracked and he coughed again. 

Lucy pushed up the door and found him sat up in bed, wearing one of his oversized grey hoodies and looking like death. 

“Are you alright? I’ve seen type twos that look better than you,” she said. 

“I think you and George were right, I feel like hell,” he said, leaning back against the headboard. Lucy did really feel bad for him, he sounded and looked awful. 

Whatever bug he’d picked up had taken him down hard and fast. 

“Can I get you anything?” she asked. 

“Some tea would be amazing,” he croaked, his voice nearly gone. 

“Okay, tea is coming up.” 

Lucy went down to the kitchen and put the kettle on, she was surprised George hadn’t woken up at the sound of Lockwood’s coughing or the sound of the kettle but it was probably better if at least one of them got a decent sleep. Lucy finished making two large mugs of tea and was about to head back to Lockwood’s room when she saw him on the sofa instead. 

“What are you doing out of bed?” 

“Thought I’d be comfier here,” he said, pulling the thick blanket around his shoulders. 

Lucy just shrugged and gave him his tea before joining him on the sofa. 

“Is it me or does this tea kind of taste like snot?” he asked. 

Lucy laughed. “It’s you, you’re so congested you probably can’t taste anything.” 

Lockwood gave a stuffy groan. “What kind of illness makes tea taste bad? That’s just evil.” 

“You’re obviously just that lucky,” Lucy laughed. 

Lockwood frowned and pulled his legs up to his chest, he was shivering again. 

“Are you cold?” 

He nodded, coughing roughly into his fist. 

“Do you mind?” she asked, holding out her hand. She’d never asked to touch him before but this seemed different, they were alone and he was vulnerable. More vulnerable than she’d ever seen him and it felt weird, like they’d crossed into unknown territory. 

“Go ahead.” 

Lucy leant across and placed her hand on his forehead then she trailed down to his cheeks and neck. 

“Your fever’s risen…” She went to remove her hand but he stopped her, putting her hand back against his cheek. 

“That feels nice,” he mumbled, eyes closed. 

“I should really find a thermometer…. And something cool for your head…” 

“Don’t go..” His voice was so weak, so small. It was unlike him to ask for anything, how could she deny him? 

“I’m not going anywhere.” she ran her hand through his hair, detangling the sweaty strains. He leant into her touch until his head rested on her shoulder.

 It doesn’t take them long before they’re both asleep again, curled up together on the sofa. And that’s how George found them a few hours later, Lockwood snoring through his congestion with Lucy’s arms around him. 

“Great, now you’re both going to get sick. Then what am I going to do?” 

“What’s George complaining about?” Lockwood asked, his face pressed against Lucy’s shoulder. 

“Don’t know, don’t really care,” Lucy mumbled, still half asleep. 

“I said, what am I going to do when you’re both sick? I’m not going out there by myself,” George said, vaguely gesturing to the outside world. 

“Maybe Lockwood and Co is going to have a little break, can’t kill us right?” Lucy said. 

“As long as we don’t lose any customers. George I need you t…. HIST’WX… HIS’TWX….” Lockwood stifled two sneezes into his wrist with a wince, no doubt they were hell on his throat. 

“Bless you, you’ve got to stop doing that, you’ll burst an eardrum,” Lucy said. 

Lockwood groaned and blew his nose into a tatty tissue “I just need George to ring Mr Morgan on Thames Street and tell him we’ll be there next week and…” 

“Lockwood stop it, we’ve got it. The agency isn’t going to fall apart because you take a sick day,” George said. 

“Yeah… Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry,” Lockwood sniffed. 

“Did Lockwood just say sorry? Quick Lucy, check his fever. He must be dying!” 

Lucy laughed and Lockwood tried but only ended up coughing, hand on his chest as the coughs tore through his lungs. 

“Breathe, breathe, you’re okay,” Lucy patted his back and forced him to drink sips of water until the fit ended, leaving him drained and shaky. 

“I think you need to go back to bed,” Lucy said. 

Lockwood nodded, looking exhausted. The dark marks under his eyes were worse than usual, especially against his pale pallor. 

“And I’m going to go out and get you some medicine, is there anything you’d like?” George asked. 

“Ice lollies? Mum always gave us ice lollies when we were sick as kids,” Lockwood said. He so rarely mentioned his family that it was a testament to how awful he was feeling, to be in need of such comfort. 

“Of course, anything else?” 

“Get him some cough stuff, I don’t want to have to drag his butt to hospital with pneumonia,” Lucy said. 

George nodded. “Okay, I’ll be back soon.” 

Lucy had to help Lockwood back up the stairs, he was so weak and feverish that just standing up was a great effort. He curled back up under his pile of blankets with a sigh, his shivers finally starting to ease.

“Try and get some sleep, I’ll wake you when George gets back with the meds,” Lucy said. 

“Hey… I didn’t say you could go.” 

Lucy smiled and sat on the side of the bed, her hand finding his. 

“Go to sleep,” she said. 

“I’d sleep better with you here,” 

Lucy chuckled, she couldn’t deny him that either. He’d made sure to leave enough room for her to climb in beside him. He curled up to her, his head on her chest and her arms around him. It wasn’t the first time they’d touched or even fallen asleep side by side but it was the first time one of them had asked for it, and maybe it was the first time they’d both start to think there was something more there. But in that moment it didn’t matter, he needed her and she would always be there to help pick up the pieces. 

“Feel better Antony.”