#you know what I’ll commit to going and not force myself to try to talk to anybody

[tiredf-o-u-r]

Hm. And what about when I go outside and have to be me? That fucking sucks I don’t wanna do that. I don’t see that working out as far as attracting friends but maybe I’ll at least get used to seeing people my age again

[prefer-to-be-vilified]

Hi! What are your favorite Wenclair fics?👀

I’m so glad you asked and I’m about to be so extra.

This fandom is beyond talented and I have many favourites. So I might as well make this an official Prefer-to-be-vilified Wenclair Fic Rec Masterlist… post (name could use some work but you get the idea).

I’m going to try to remember/link all my favourites but I’ll probably (definitely) forget some. And also I obviously haven’t read every Wenclair fic out there, my ‘to-read’ list is intimidatingly long and personal preferences are going to play a part in the fics I have included. But if I’ve missed some hidden gems please let me know!

Under the cut because this got long…

One-Shots/Short Chapter Fics:

the Witch & the Wyld by ohHOLYmoves - Long one-shot, Wednesday’s a witch who lives in the woods, Enid’s a werewolf stuck in her wolf form, need I say more?

Reset by Eggplant_Crusader - The OG. Probably the first fic read by a good portion of this fandom. Short, sweet, what the miscommunication trope is supposed to be.

her heart is a bird on a spit in her chest by lensbian_dykely - Long one-shot, Wednesday tells her parents that her and Enid are together without informing Enid.

What does he have that I don’t? by kofeew_milkk - Jealous Enid meets Werewolf instincts.

hello there, it’s me, the bull in the china shop by bogteats - Established Wenclair, 5+1 fic leading up to their first time.

I Think I Love You by tawen - Enid gets dosed with truth serum, Enid’s in love with Wednesday…

I Can Hear Your Heartbeat by LesbihonestGuys - Wednesday is a simp coming to terms with being in love and she’s real mad about it.

sandbox love by hanjisgirlfriend - Childhood friends falling in love.

gifts from a cat by Rennajade - Wednesday being a weirdo.

She’s my mate, Yoko! by lovely_shadow_minx - Enid realises Wednesday’s her mate and freaks out about it.

i tend to handle things usually by myself and i can’t ever seem to try and ask for help by Charlie_Balle - Wednesday’s actually allergic to colour.

The Art of Courting by Athems - Wednesday tries to court Enid but Enid thinks she’s threatening her.

Please (Just This Once) by whitebeltwriter - Wednesday trying to prevent a vision and the very emotional aftermath.

Wednesday Finds a Puppy by whitebeltwriter - Wednesday finds a random puppy in the woods and thinks it’s Enid… it’s not Enid.

Are You Going To Claim Your Prize? by wintersdume - The furs make a bet over who can get Wednesday’s number, Enid gets jealous.

It’s the Uniform, Isn’t it? by wintersdume - Enid plays baseballs, Wednesday gay panics.

Mobile Etiquette by Axinite25 - Wednesday not understanding the nuisances of teenage dating/friendship.

fuel the pyre of your enemies by heliamphoria - Wenclair meet cute while committing crimes.

Scrapped Scenes by MomochiZoey - Enid’s nosy and discovers that Wednesday’s self insert Viper now has a blonde love interest.

Premonition’s Embrace by whitebeltwriter - Wednesday has a vision that forces her to admit her feelings for Enid.

if she grabs for your hand (she might want a kiss) by ipretendtobesane - Short love confession, adorable.

Stormy Weather by SspiltDecision - Wednesday’s scared of thunder, Enid helps her.

don’t talk to me or my scary goth gf ever again by Kybee1497 - Protective (slightly feral) Enid and Xavier not taking a hint.

Complete Long Fics:

Terms of Endearment by Calchexxis - AU future fic/they didn’t meet at Nevermore, Enid goes to the Addams family for help after being kicked out of her pack for not being able to wolf-out but Wednesday’s the only one home, Wednesday has visions every time they touch about different versions of them/their ancestors throughout history, SIMPING, the worlds gayest mystery, I’ve read it several times and it always hits.

Forged in Blood by RiseAboveTheAshes_203 - Post season 1, I don’t know how to describe it other than angsty devotion, if for some insane reason you haven’t read this fic do it now.

The San Francisco Incident by Apeoflight - AU future fic/they don’t meet at Nevermore, Omegaverse, Werewolf mates, falling in love, real smutty, what’s not to love?

the nature of idiosyncrasies by bogteats - One of the fics I managed to catch early on and I was OBSESSED, AU, future fic, they weren’t friends at Nevermore but Enid had a crush, Omegaverse, their dynamic in this is to die for, angsty, smutty, a real and honest portrayal of not only Wenclair but people and love in general, read it, that was a threat, if you already have read it again.

raven in the den, wolf in the nest by Barbara_Lazuli - Canon divergence, fake dating to annoy Esther Sinclair, full honesty I read this awhile ago so I’m not 100% certain what happens but I remember enjoying it, might need to do a re-read.

black marked sun by chasinghours - AU college/university, Wednesday’s Yoko and Bianca’s roommate and Enid becomes infatuated, very cute, a little angsty but nothing crazy, shy Wednesday??? if I remember correctly, gay pining, we love to see it.

Purgatory Would Be Beautiful With You by EmilyWritesStuff - In universe, WEREWOLF MATES (aka the best Wenclair trope), fun and easy read, each chapter is like a slice of their life as mates.

Dance With Wolves by wolfwars - Fake dating BUT Wednesday doesn’t realise that it’s fake (because Enid was vague af), Enid’s pining, Wednesday’s confused, great idea and really well executed.

You Are my Moon by Bee-nut - Fake dating except Wednesday commits to the bit so hard she ends up facing off against Enid’s family aka a pack of werewolves in various dangerous challenges in order to win Enid’s hand, great idea, loved every minute of it.

Old Wounds by Sharpen_your_hatchet - Wenclair reunite years after graduation, less falling in love more realising they were always in love and coming to terms with that, sweet and easy read.

So This Is Love by LoriLoud - Unhinged Murderous Wenclair… no further explanation needed.

La Petite Mort by Apeoflight AND Wednesday’s Pet by Apeoflight - Smut, they’re both smut fics, I cannot remember which was which plot wise, but same author, they’re both really good and with a good helping of falling in love, yearning, denial of feelings, miscommunication, angst… all the good stuff.

Vortex by ALotOfConfusion - Need a refresher but childhood friends to lovers, little Wednesday wants to study werewolves and I remember enjoying it.

Puppy Love by Vaniloqu3nce - Enid’s wolf starts talking to her after recognising Wednesday as their mate, havoc follows, great read.

yours, eurydice by hanjisgirlfriend - AU, future fic, they never met at Nevermore, Wednesday’s a writer, Enid’s an actress, they live across the hall from each other, they write each other love letters and fall in love, cute af, a little angsty but not too heavy, definitely a must read.

It’s hard to espresso my feelings for you by SquishiestRose - Coffee shop AU, Wednesday works at the Weathervane and she has it BAD, the platonic Wyler this world needs, a little angsty but nothing crazy, cute, fun read.

Spell It Out by forgot_my_art - A spell gone wrong leads to both a misunderstanding and an accidental proposal… I mean it’s Wenclair, of course it did, fun read.

A raven’s dream of wolf by tokyocorgi - AU future fic/they never met at Nevermore, Wednesday’s sex dreams are also prophecy’s of her future, we love to see it.

All That’s Best of Dark and Bright by Porcie - Wednesday runs from her feelings post season 1, they reunite years later, Wednesday has a vision that forces her to stay in Enid’s life and by extension forces her to confront her feelings, they’re in love the entire time while pretending they aren’t, almost soulmate-ish, a bit angsty, but a fun read.

On-Going Long Fics:

[friendly reminder to read in-progress fic as a way to encourage and support our talented writers]

I’d Eat the Sun Just to Feel Your Warmth in my Bones by MsMio - AU college/university, I still need to catch up but ANGST, childhood friends, a very interesting take on the Addams family curse, Wednesday suffers from chronic pain, a good sad read but a hopeful one.

our immeasurable ties that bind by bogteats - Fantasy type AU, some very interesting world building, Enid wakes up pregnant with no idea who she is, where she is, or how she got there, super excited to see where this goes.

Blood and Shadows by DarkVisitors - Historical AU, western vibes, angst, horny gay yearning, a vague line in the summary that alludes to them being forced to marry at gun point but it hasn’t happened yet, I am beyond invested.

A Kidnapping By Any Other Name by RavenMoon33 - Wednesday “kidnaps” Enid to spend the break with her at the Addams Estate, I’m still catching up but Wenclair antics meets Addams Family antics, Wednesday’s having visions, there’s a mystery afoot and it’s linked to Wednesday’s ancestors. I might try to squeeze in another chapter later today actually 👀 (I didn’t read the OG so no spoilers!)

Whatever This Is… by CautiouslyPessimistic - A NEW FAKE DATING AU! In universe, takes place at Nevermore, only 2 chapters so far, but well written and I’m excited to see more.

Well… That’s Knew by Chaos_of_the_valkyries - Post season 1, Enid presents as a werewolf alpha and your honour they’re mates, protective Enid, Wednesday going soft, apparently I’ve missed the last two updates??? A crime, I will be rectifying that asap.

The Bite that Binds, the Gift that Gives by TieDyeKing - Historical Fantasy-ish AU, Wenclair arranged marriage, immediate connection but they’re being cautious/don’t trust each other, beautiful imagery/world building, an intriguing plot, Esther Sinclair being Esther Sinclair (aka causing problems), only a few chapters but one of my favourites since forever ago, in love with this fic and you should be too.

Symbiotic Relationship by SquishiestRose - AU future fic/they don’t meet at Nevermore, Enid gets kicked out of her pack and ends up desperate enough that she accepts a job working as the live in servant of a woman she’s pretty sure is going to kill her (hint: it’s just Wednesday being her normal off putting self), I’m a sucker for future fics with a very isolated and lonely Wednesday learning to fall in love and this is that.

[one-idea]

Part three of shanks raising ASL

First - Previous - Next

This time with some Mishanks.

Going back in time a little, while Shanks was away looking for the Gomu Gomu no Mi. Mihawk made his way to the East Blue to visit his old rival turned…something more.

It’s been a while since Mihawk had seen Shanks. He knows that Shanks went to the East Blue to look for something and wouldn’t return to the grandline until he found it. But going from seeing Shanks once a week (at least) to not seeing him at all for a few months has been…trying. In short he misses him. Though he’d never admit it to the younger man. So he sets off. He’s been bored and needs a good duel. (And to kiss his boyfriend but that’s neither here nor there)

He meets up with Shanks as he’s looking for the Gomu Gomu no Mi. Just after Shanks vowed to come back for Luffy. Mihawk is shocked to see his lover without his treasured hat. He knows how much that hat means to his lover and he is more than willing to go slaughter whoever took it from him.

Shanks has to quickly explain to him that, no the hat hasn’t been destroyed, he just gave it to someone. And Mihawk is shook because Shanks would rather die then separate from his captain’s beloved hat. Who could possible be important enough that Shanks would part with his hat?

So Shanks tells him about the precious little boy on Dawn island. The little boy he’s adopting. And it didn’t occur to him until this very moment that Mihawk might not want to be involved in this. He loves Mihawk and doesn’t want to lose what they have. But he won’t break his promise to Luffy. So if this is a deal breaker he’ll understand. Mihawk didn’t sign up to have a kid with him. Shanks made a decision that will effect both of their lives without consulting Mihawk at all, and while he feels bad about it he doesn’t regret his promise to Luffy. “That kids going to change the world. I just know it”

Mihawk is shocked. He never thought about kids. He knew Shanks never wanted a kid running around the Red Force. His own childhood on the Oro Jackson might have been filled with love but was also so dangerous and chaotic and he knew Shanks didn’t want to give his own children such an upbringing. This Luffy had to be something amazing to make Shanks change his mind in that stance.

“I’ll have to meet this Luffy. See for myself if he’s as special as you say.”

Mihawk isn’t agreeing to raise Luffy (not yet) but he’s not saying no. Honestly Shanks couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome. Mihawk isn’t walking away. In fact it’s as close to a yes and he knows Mihawk is willing to give him. And now he gets to introduce his two favorite people. And Mihawk’s going to stay with them until they go see Luffy! This is great.

It takes a few months before they find the Gomu Gomu no Mi. It was great for their relationship, giving them the time to reaffirm their commitments to each other and strengthen their bond. While also giving Mihawk the chance to process that he might have a son soon. There’s no debating that Luffy is Shanks’ son. Not with the way the man talks about his baby, nor the fond way the crew talks about him. But Mihawk has time to learn about Luffy from the crew and search his own heart on what sort of role he’d be comfortable having in this child’s life. He doesn’t want to lose Shanks but a kid is a lot. It changes everything and he deserves time to process that.

He’s excited to meet the kid (though he’s not showing it on the outside) as they approach Dawn Island. But Shanks can’t sense the kid and puts himself into a panic. A panic that only worsens when they arrive at Party Bar and Makino has no idea where Luffy is. That Garp the Fist, hero of the marines, took the boy and is apparently his grandfather? (Shanks sure knows how to get them into trouble)

They start searching the island for the little boy and Mihawk hopes that they find him. He doesn’t want to think about how Shanks will react if they can’t.

Everyone regroups at Party Bar empty handed. Everyone but Shanks, who has yet to arrive. Mihawk can feel Shanks approaching the bar, but he’s not alone and Mihawk can only hope that one of the three strange presence with Shanks is Luffy.

Little did he know that Shanks would be walking up to this bar with not one, not two, but three little boys. He can safely assume that the littlest boy, who is being carried in Shanks’ arms and talking a mile a minute is Luffy. It helps that he is proudly wearing Shanks’ old straw hat. But the other two boys who are trailing close behind are a mystery. The blond one has his eyes on Shanks and Luffy, watching them with the same intensity Mihawk watches marines, a prey object that is one mistake away from losing its life. The third little boy is trailing behind, his head on a constant swivel. One moment he’s watching Shanks, the next the trail behind them, in front, to the sides, and back to Shanks. A protector is Mihawk had ever seen one, however scrawny the boy maybe.

Mihawk and Benn approach them quickly. With a quick glance at each other Mihawk can tell that Benn does not recognize the other two boys either. But that doesn’t matter once they reach them.

All three boys have been roughed up. Shanks calling for Hongo as soon as he is in range. Mihawk is quick to look the boys over. The blond seems the least injured, but the little protector and Luffy have obviously suffered a beating. A bad one. And one look at Shanks tells him his lover is about to lose it.

Hongo arrives quickly and goes to grab Luffy. Shanks instinctually pulls the little boy closer making the little protector and the blond behind him tense up.

“Let Hongo do his job.” Mihawk is quick to step in. Luffy and the other boys need care and Shanks needs to calm down. All three boys are reading and responding to Shanks emotions. If he doesn’t trust his doctor in this moment the boys won’t either.

Shanks locks in to Mihawk and calms. He knows he’s being ridiculous but in his defense he just found out Luffy has been kidnapped and beaten TWICE since he was away. It’s hard to let go, but he trusts Hongo. He lets the doctor take Luffy from him and introduces the other two boys, Ace and Sabo, telling them to go with Hongo and get checked out.

Once the boys are gone Mihawk and Benn are ready for answers. Although they are asking different questions.

“Who did this?” Benn asks wanting to know who hurt their boy.

“And are they dead?” Mihawk has spent less then five minutes in the boys presence but he can see the way the boy effects his lover. How much Shanks loves Luffy. Anything or anyone who thought they could hurt Mihawk’s loved would die for their insolence. (And isn’t it terrifying to think that that small circle is about to grow by not one but three people. Mihawk knows Shanks. Knows that the other two little boys are likely to get swept up by him as well. And what does it say about Mihawk that he’s already making room in his heart form them? What has Shanks done to him?)

Shanks explains the situation to them. That a pirate crew had attacked Luffy twice for stealing treasure from them. He doesn’t know the whole situation (At this point he doesn’t know that Sabo’s father was involved) just knows that some noble was involved and was trying to take Sabo while beating Ace and Luffy.

The crew is furious. Yasopp and Lucky Roux had come over to join them at some point and they are furious.

The two pirates are staring to shout plans for revenge and Benn is on board but wanting to hear what Shanks has planned. But Mihawk cuts them all off. “You didn’t answer my question.” He levels Shanks with a hard look, “Are they dead?”

“No.” Shanks sounds angry, he is. “I knocked them out with conquers haki.” Mihawk makes a noise that sounds unimpressed but Shanks knows he’s questioning why that was all he had done. It’s been a point of contention between them before with Shanks avoiding bloodshed when he can and Mihawk cut first and if its strong enough to survive, then ask questions later mentality. “I wasn’t about to traumatize those kids by slaughtering those men in front of them.” Shanks defends his decision but Mihawk has already turned his attention to the path Shanks had come down.

“They’re up this path?” Is all he asks. He agrees with Shanks’ decision to not traumatize the kids more. But he’s not going to say that out loud. Shanks knows. Knows from the way Mihawk is moving on with the conversation that he agrees with Shanks’ decision. 

“Ya head up the hill and take a left when the path splits can’t miss them.” Shanks responds easily enough.

“Then let’s go handle this.” Yasopp is ready to go when Mihawk starts walking.

“That won’t be necessary.” He’s already making his way up the path.

“Hey it’s our kid they hurt.” Yasopp argues. He knows Mihawk cares for the captain, and the crew to an extent but he’s never been good at reading Mihawk. No one really is except for Shanks and Benn. But Mihawk doesn’t have the same relationship they do to Luffy. This isn’t his fight.

Mihawk doesn’t even break his stride. “Which is why he will be far more comfortable with all of you around. I’ll go deal with the rift raft. You stay here and take care of the kids.” He’s right. Luffy will be far more comfortable and more importantly Save with their crew around. The boy doesn’t know Mihawk, yet, so he would be less likely to stick around in the swordsman’s care.

Plus Mihawk has been feeling the need to slice something in half since this morning, when they arrived to this island and Shanks had entered panic mode. He hadn’t been able to calm Shanks (nothing would until Luffy was found) he is not the one who found the boy, and he’s more than a little over feeling useless. This he can do. He can remove anyone who dares to harm what’s his. Plus Shanks can stay with his boy and crew and relax in the knowledge that Mihawk will take care of it. (And isn’t it nice to know that Shanks trusts him with this. As his lover isn’t calling out or trying to stop him)

Later the island shakes from his attacks. It’s over quickly but he’s quite happy with the fear he struck into these low lives hearts before he cuts them down. The noble might lead to future problems but for now his corpse brings Mihawk joy. If the Navy asks he can always deny his involvement. A noble wondered to the wrong side of the island and got cut down but pirates. How sad.

He starts to make his way back to Party Bar content that the danger is gone and he can now meet the boy Shanks adores without interference. And they can figure out the other two little boys and their parental situations. (He’s not already thinking about adoption that’s Shanks thing okay)

What he is not expecting is the pandemonium he walks into of

One very distressed red head

One cursing little boy saying things that would make marines blush

One little blond trying to not have a panic attack

And one stretchy boy sobbing on the floor about never being able to swim again

Mihawk will never know peace again.

[lionheartapothecaryx]

PROTECT YOUR NECK ! Lyonessa’s Speedy Tutorial for Sharp Shootin

Protection, Uncrossing & Curse Freezin in a Traditional Hoodoo style.

A good practitioner eventually has the good common sense to be diplomatic and avoid a witch war. Avoiding drama, means avoiding headaches. It’s easy until it isn’t. Smoothing sailing isn’t always a guarantee in this world. Stay vigilant and well prepared.

Knowing how to protect, defend, uncross and cleanse yourself is a basic but crucial part of the Hoodoo practitioners spiritual hygiene.

Now this is a quick basic tutorial, to set you straight and keep you right.

⚔️ - KEEP YOUR HEAD SHARP & CULTIVATE COMMON SENSE

Hot heads, I’m talking to you. Emotional self control can save you from the stress of unnecessary witch battles with other practitioners. Be respectful, be mindful but take no shit. Try your best to avoid witch wars with other practitioners. I’ve seen these things be drawn out for years and it’s a huge colossal drain of energy and finances, usually over something very petty. Usually the person with most financial backing and resources wins but I’ve also seen clever maneuvering outweigh more powerful players.

It’s so easy to get caught up in drama in the spiritual community and have it spiral out of control. As your developing relationships, try to avoid warring and argumentative personality types so you don’t get caught in their crossfire. Committing all of your energy to constantly defending yourself from petty attacks is a waste of your energy. Cultivate social discernment & wisdom. This is not an invitation to live fearfully but smart. This is also something that takes time and practice.

On the other side of the spectrum, as you gain experience do your best to not become mad with power & trigger happy.

Constantly throwing jinxes, hexes or curses takes it’s toll mentally, energetically & physically, in some cases it can cause serious physical health problems further down the line. Don’t develop a god-complex. Stay grounded. Now I can’t tell you where to draw the line in the sand when it comes to certain situations, because every practitioner has their own code of ethics.

I’ll use myself as an example. On my spiritual journey I’ve acquired and invested in vast amounts knowledge and other resources which have made my defensive and offensive skills pretty extensive. Some of the things, rituals, and spirits that I have access to would be overkill depending on the circumstances. Coming into a massive powerful spiritual inheritance so early was hard.

I had to learn by trial and error to be more respectful of my own power. I was an overpowered baby witch shooting lightning bolts, while burning my own hands. Learning to practice emotional regulation allowed me to hone my skills better. I had to do shadow work and confront my traumas.

Cultivating a respectful working relationship between yourself, your own power and your emotions can save your life.

⚔️ - PRACTICE GOOD OFFENSE

A good practitioner will use various methods of divination to spiritually strategize before moving to attack. Attacking blindly without any knowledge, can cause all sorts of problems, especially if you’re dealing with someone who has strong spiritual or ancestral protections or a higher rank then you, worst case scenario you’re going up against a coven.

Excellent offense means doing recon. Good Reconnaisance skills means gathering information about your target, through various means of surveillance. Gather as much information about your enemies or targets resources, spiritual force or power, protection and activities. You should approach this like a military operation. Once you’ve got enough information, then you can strategize, prepare and do divination on what your next move should be.

This isn’t always easy either, depending on the skill of your target. People can cloak, shape-shift, even have guardian or monitoring spirits or ancestors to alert them. When in doubt, always use stealth. Always make sure to cloak and protect yourself when surveilling your target. It’s the most practical form of offensive protection. I’ve seen practitioners attack folks just for doing surveillance. Don’t get caught out here lacking, put on your damn armor.

All Power is intoxicating and life altering. Without self control you can seriously injure yourself and others. Ego often makes many people in this community think they are invincible, until they get humbled, tale as old as time. Respect your powers & yourself. Cultivate self control & discipline. Resist wild impulse. Build habits that protect you in the future.

Our plant allies are crucial to our practice and connection to spirit and the earth.

ASSORTED TOOLS & HERBARIUM

🌿 Mint- protection, cleansing, mental clarity refreshing, brings vitality and a fresh start. This herb is perfect for regular cleansing or removing negative energy, hexes, evil or crossed conditions

🌿 Angelica Root - strength, protection, warding off evil, safety, creates a happy home. This incredible ally is associated with Archangel Michael and said to be blessed by him in angelic lore.

🌿 Lemon Grass - clears out negative stagnant energy, breaks blockages, rejuvenates and brings positive vitality, breaks curses, uncrossing.

🌿 King Solomon’s Root - Protection, Wisdom, Wards off All Evil & Negativity

🌿 Red Brick Dust - creates an protective energetic shield around your spiritual and physical being.

🌿 White, Black, Sea or Kosher Salt - Cleansing, Purifying, Protective

🌿Rosemary - Cleansing, Purifying, Stabilizing, Protective

🌿 Camphor - Cleansing, Purifying, Protective, Wards off Chaos, Negativity, Evil Spirits, Hex Breaking

🌿 Cayenne Pepper - Speedy, Fiery Protection, Cursing, Hexing, Jinxing

Redbrick dust, Solomon & Angelica Root can be sprinkled along your widows or the four corners of the house to create a protective house space. This same blend can be mixed with holy water, an a petition and frozen as a defensive protective ward to temporarily freeze the effects of a curse, until you can remove it. This same mix can be used in a bowl, outside the freezer as regular defensive ward from any potential threats.

Lemongrass and mint can be used to make a cleansing spiritual bath to remove jinxes, crossed conditions and break blockages, while rejuvenating your spiritual energy. Angelica Root can be added to this bath for extra protective effect.

These herbs can also be used in candle magick, mojos, poppets and more.

Traditionally our Elders used beeswax, oil lamps, bonfires or cookpits, utilizing whatever the resources available, to conduct pyromancy. Color correspondence was utilized in other ways, with herbs, scarves & many other things but can also be used with candles etc

COLOR MAGICK

🕯White & Blue - cleansing, healing, purification, innocence

🕯Purple - increased power, strength, protective, the mind, wisdom, spirit

🕯Red - increased energy, protective, offensive attacks

🕯Black - energy removal, protection, reversals, hex breaking

It’s important when practicing candle magick to practice fire safety.

Place all glass & tin candles on plates, pans, aluminum foil or fire safe surfaces to prevent damage, burn marks or wax on surfaces, like wood and linoleum.

Never leave candles unattended for long periods of time or overnight without attendance, remove nearby flammable hazards, hanging debris + keep a wick & fire extinguisher on standby.

⚔️ - PROTECTION, UNCROSSING & CURSE FREEZING TIPS

- Salt & Lemongrass, on a black candle can assist with uncrossing and cleansing yourself from negativity or hexes

- Cayenne, Angelica & Brick Dust on a black candle can create a decent protection spell.

- Cayenne, Rosemary, Mint & Angelica Root on a blue candle can assist with protected healing, quick recovery and rejuvenation especially when one is under attack, or restoring their energy.

- Holy Water, King Solomon Root & Red Brick Dust Boiled and prayed over, bottled & frozen in the refrigerator can freeze or slow down the effects of a hex or curse, without alerting the magician, it’s also an effective ward against curses and hexes.

- Bathing in Solomon Root, Rosemary & Mint regularly assists with good spiritual hygiene cultivating a protected aura and promoting spiritual health & wisdom, cleansing out negativity or gunk, purifying and stabilizing your soul.

- Solomon Root, Mint & Rosemary on a purple candle, cleanse and protect your mind from chaos psychosis & confusion, an give you protected mental clarity and inner stability. This is handy for curses, jinxes that are designed to make you go crazy.

- Four Red Bricks, with Psalms 91:3-4 written in sharpie, washed in holy water, placed in the four corners of your property creates a spiritual hedge of protection for you & your home against violence, evil and chaos.

- Rosemary Plants Potted are natural spiritual wards of protection, stability and purification and are great herbal ally, to have planted in your garden or keep in your home. You can tag lock these plant to alert you of any curses or hexes, sent your way & they will naturally filter and cleanse the energy of your space.

- A mirror washed in holy water & smoked cleansed with solomon root, angelica, mint and rosemary, can be commanded to be spiritually locked & sealed with Psalms 147: 13.

⚔️⚔️⚔️

Hopefully this speedy guide, has been ultra helpful for y’all. This is just a quick guide to wet your whistle and provide a good foundation of protective magical knowledge. As you grow in experience and power, your skill set and knowledge, about protective magic will grow even more.

Be smart. Be strategic. Don’t be a dumbass

xxx

Lyonessa Hart.

[definitelynotafurinasimp]

Kafka with a tsundere reader (I love Kafka SO MUCH…)

Kafka with a tsundere reader

characters: Kafka x gn!reader

warnings: none

a/n: GET YOUR WISHES READY. IT'S HAPPENING. Less than 24 hours until Kafka releases. So I decided now would be a great opportunity to write something for her, as something of an offering to the Gacha gods...

I'm so down bad for this woman. I swear...

I wish everyone pulling for her the best of luck and I’ll see you on the other side!

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Kafka

While the Stellaron Hunters were composed of all different kinds of personalities, the ones Kafka kept around herself the most weren’t the most jovial of creatures. Silverwolf ironically preferred to ignore the tendencies of the animal in her name and rather work alone, while Bladie never was all too talkative in the first place.

And then there was you, someone trying so hard to match the stone-faced attitudes of your co-workers, that it was almost a crime not to try and get you to show your real feelings. A crime Kafka for once in her life didn’t intend to commit.

Kafka’s teasing was a misfortune every Stellaron Hunter working with her at least once had to endure. One you begrudgingly had to admit was fun to watch whenever you weren’t her target, the urge to join in whenever the purple-haired woman broke through Silverwolfs stoic facade forcing you to bundle up all of your self-control on more than one occasion.

Today however, was not your lucky day, as it quickly became clear who today’s victim would be.

“Come on, finish what you just wanted to say”, Kafka urged you to continue with a smile so devilish even Nanook would have felt creeped out. It had been foolish enough of you to let your compliment slip out in the first place, especially when Blade and Silverwolf were in the room, but all hopes of not drawing a giant Target on yourself were lost when you cut yourself off in the middle of your sentence, making the fact that it was a slip up as clear as day.

“There is nothing to finish, I was just talking to myself”, you lied as naturally as you breathed, hoping it would be enough to get Kafka to stop. Only for your hopes to be crushed in front of your very eyes as you saw her face light up in a familiar way, one signaling that giving up was the last thing on her mind right now.

“You’re lying.” While being called out on your obvious lie already was enough to make you lose your composure, her teasing tone sent blood flooding directly into your cheeks, causing them to turn red in almost an instant

With one swift turn of your head towards Blade you silently begged him for help, only for your fellow Stellaron Hunter to face away, putting all of his attention onto his weapon. And while you ought to have felt betrayed by his action, knowing how you did the same whenever it was someone else’s turn made you unable to hold a grudge against him.

Silverwolf however was a different story. As when you glanced towards her, you weren’t just brushed off, but instead were greeted by an amused smile, one radiating enough Schadenfreude to feed an entire planet of sadists. Before you knew it however, your attention was once again drawn to Kafka as you tried your best to find the right words to say.

“...I said the new coat suits you”, you murmured out just loud enough for her to hear you, nevertheless she gave you one more teasing smile, one wider than all of the previous.

“That’s interesting, I could have sworn I’ve heard a ‘B’ somewhere. Something along the lines of ‘You look beau-’”, she continued, dragging the last word out in anticipation of what you would say while forcing you to look her in the eyes.

“You look beautiful today”, you finally whispered in defeat, her ears immediately picking up on your words. For a moment you expected her to pretend she didn’t hear you, forcing you to say it once again, just louder. However, it seemed as if getting you to spit it out was enough for her as she showed you a satisfied grin before letting you finally go. Sparring you the embarrassment of having your fellow crewmates hear what exactly you had said that caused you to get this stand-offish.

Or at least that’s what she let you think for a few seconds.

“Oh you think I look beautiful today? Thank you, you’ve got quite the looks yourself.” The big smile on Kafka’s face was hard to miss, although you were far too embarrassed to look back up at her, your red face glued to your shoes for at least the next hour.

No matter how hard you tried to match your colleagues' blank expressions, there was always one person for whom you were as easy to read as an open book.

[rocketrouquine]

So I watched the 2 last episodes of Loki (including the finale) and well I have thoughts.

All in all, except for the beginning and the last two episodes, I really thought it was not as good as the first one. (Probably because Majors as Timely was excruciating, I hate when actors are trying stuff like this, it feels forced, it doesn’t work, I wanted to punch him every time he was opening his mouth) BUT …lokius. Yeah let’s talk about it.

It’s crazy to me how in the first season I was all for sylki because I thought their relationship and feelings were really well done and realised (whereas I saw what the mobius shippers saw but thought that it wasn’t really there there) BUT in the second season, I felt absolutely nothing between Loki and Sylvie. There was no more chemistry at all (it was like it never existed in the first place, it was bizarre) and even the actress playing Sylvie played it like a sibling or a good friend kind of fed up, just want to be left alone, not missing him for a second. And Loki pining for her but like a nerd is pining for a cheerleader in a bad teen movie (like boy, you’re not obligated to love her, you know), like you don’t even understand why except for the fact that it was here (emphasis on the was)

NOW Mobius and Loki in the second season ??? BAM 💥 Like sheesh everything : chemistry, banter, touch, exchanged looks,protectiveness, an ease like they are really soulmates. You could feel it all in every single one of their exchanges, it really was like watching a romcom where the protagonist fails to see what is in front of him and I was getting frustrated each time he was going all misty eyes for her, I was like « come on man let her go, we don’t fucking care about her anymore !! » Then, the finale…. The scene with Loki coming to see Don at his place with all the tension of a « is he here for this or ? What should I do? » gay panic, with Loki fucking putting his hair back and taking a breath before going to see him, like WHAT ?! That’s not what a friend does before seeing one other !!! You know what you are doing, so commit for fuck’s sake. But well… then they did (sort of) with the end of the finale. And it gutted me.

The moment with Sylvie and Mobius looking at him through the window… we know you put her there because it would have been impossible to brush it off if it was just Mobius juxtaposed with Loki’s « for you » but we know. I mean the last exchange with Sylvie at Don’s place before Mobius is saying « let time pass » (gu-tted I tell you). You can see that Sylvie is like « whatever » and Mobius is devastated. Also the shot of him in the dialogue was just all Loki’s colors green and yellow (hers was in a normal sunlight, his backlit) That is not an accident, to have these colors you have to plan it the day of the shoot and enhance it in color grading during post. This was a choice.

Anyway, I am not a sylki shipper anymore (and I even question why I ever was, after seeing the second season : I’ll probably cut myself some slack if I do a rewatch of season 1 because it was well executed at the time) and I’m diving in the pits of despair of Lokius. These fuckers.

[igotanidea]

Still waters run deep: Dick Grayson x f!readear

Summary: Here are some things I heard about myself: Kind of a girl that looks young, innocent and harmless. Kind of a girl you know is the weakest link in direct combat. Kind of a girl you tend to ignore beacuse she is no threat. The girl you feel the need to protect. (ironically, completely different than the previous one). A sensitive one. A shy one. Well, tonight I'm going out in sole purpose to have some fucking fun, cause life has been a mess lately. So, let's see if I'm going to act like shy and sensitive one after a couple of drinks. Oh, Dick's not going to like it.......

Warnings: cursing, a bit of smut (minors DNI!), mentions of illegal activities,

First person POV

This has been a hell of a week.

Between fighting with titans and keeping my secret identity a secret I also had to deal with day-to-day regular job and it made it twice as much energy consuming than for everyone else.

Of course, my thoughtful (and a bit too possessive) boyfriend tried to convince me to give one it up and commit to the Titans fully, but  much to his disappointment (to say the least) I refused , trying to balance it all.

So, can you blame for being stressed and drained?

Given all that I had two options – lay down, getting all my emotions suppress me or quite literally shake it off. A little party was just what I needed. But going out alone was not something I enjoyed, so the plan was to somehow convince Donna and Dawn to have a girl’s night out.

“I’m out” Donna muttered, not even raising eyes from the book she was reading

“Oh, come on” I whined “all work and no play…..”

“Don’t.” she cut me off, warning in her voice and instinctively I looked down moved by her harsh tone “Sorry Y/N. You know I don’t mean in in a bad way, but seriously. I really need some time alone, all right? I’ll join you next time.”

“Fine. I won’t push you. Hopefully Dawn will be up for the party.”

“Sorry, Y/N, I’m staying too. Hank has been going through something and I need to get him to talk before it gets out of hand.” Dawn chimed in

“Right. Can’t risk the big guy losing control.” I muttered getting her point but still disappointed

“No hard feelings though, right?” the blonde asked putting a hand on my shoulder, reassuringly

“No, no, of course not. I guess I will just go alone than.”

“Is your boyfriend not up to some dance with you?” Donna smirked knowing well enough how Dick felt about any and every party. Bruce had him discouraged during the years when he was forced to attend Wayne’s yearly galas. Therefore, I was not even going to ask him.

“Such a surprise, right?” I rolled my eyes ironically

“You know, maybe you should give him a chance.” Dawn suggested “I’m pretty sure he will go anywhere with you.”

“The point is, I want to party, not watch him eye everyone in search of a potential threat, so…. yeah, I’m going alone.”

“Stay safe than” Donna muttered, back into lecture

“She knows how to handle herself.  Have fun Y/N.

It took my quite a while to get all dolled up, wearing the dress that surely drew attention and was far more revealing than the hero suit I was used to, and putting a bit more makeup than on a daily basis. Truly, even with all my self-doubts and modesty, I had to admit I looked hot as hell. This is going to be a good night. I though as I sneaked out the tower.

***

Dawn was only partially right. I knew how to handle myself, but still all I heard from people was that H/N was the weakest link in combat. That Y/N was that kind of girl that pose no threat and the one you don’t really give attention to. It always made me …. sad and a bit angry for being seen like this. There was so much more to me they never seen. But tonight, tonight I was going to let it all go and just let loose. Knowing well enough, Dick would never approve of my plan for the night. Well, I was not his possession, was I?

***

Third person POV

Dick was working out, not surprising to anyone. He needed a good training after the whole week of stress, anxiety and fast action not that it was going to change anytime soon. He was truly hoping this will clear his mind, but clearly it did not.  So the other option was to find his girlfriend and let her soothing presence and her soft touches calm him down. He truly had no idea how she ended up with him. He was rage, she was clear thinking, he was impulsive and a bit reckless, she was always the one with the plan and clear vision. He missed her. For the last days they didn’t really spend much time together and when they did it was usually just sleeping together, tangled with other, trying to get as close as possible without disrupting the rest they both so desperately needed. Passing by was not good for the relationship and she pointed it out once, when instead of spending time with her he was up late, but he never listened. Until now. With the best intention to make up for his negligence he started searching the tower for her, but the girl was nowhere to be found.

“Has anyone seen Y/N? I can’t find her anywhere.”

“Seems to me like she finally broke.” Hank muttered with mouth full of some crazy dish he made “got to admit, she was pretty resistant in ditching you.”

“I’m serious. Did she left the tower?”

“Do you think you can keep her a prisoner here? She’s a free spirit, a fierce woman with ……”

Since Hank was not helping, Dick decided to ask Donna and Dawn if they knew anything. At first, they kept their mouth shout, not revealing the plan their friend made, but seeing his sad puppy eyes and real worry on the boy’s face they gave in.

“She went to a party” he repeated a bit confused. Why? Why would she go without him? Why wouldn’t she tell him a thing? Was she going for a one night stand? “Where?”

“She wasn’t specific about that, but knowing Y/N she joined the first club on the way.”

“I need to find her.”

“No, you don’t. She deserves fun.” Dawn objected

“It’s not like I’m going to destroy it” he stated, crossing arms on his chest “what?” his face dropped a bit upon seeing girls’ mocking expressions

“Not at all, Dick. You’re just a party animal.”

“I….” he tried to say something, but at the same time his phone rang and he was fast to pick it up seeing it was Y/N calling. “Y/N? Baby, where are you? are you all right? Did something happen? I will pick you up just tell me….”

“Dickie….” She slurred “I’m having so much fun! All those boys are just so friendly, you know. Wish you were here, boyfriend. TIME OF MY LIFE!” and then she just hanged up on him.

“Was she drunk? She never gets drunk.” Dawn was now a bit concerned about her friend safety

“Are you sure that she knows how to handle herself now?” Donna was obviously sarcastic on the outside but quite as much worried inside “she has no real fighting skills and if some creeps are all over her…..”

“Stop it!” Dick felt his blood boil at the mere thought of any other dude touching or even getting close to his girlfriend. If anyone were to cross the line and to hurt her,  he would have no mercy and no hesitation in permanently hurting all of the perpetrators “We’re getting her home. I’ll track her phone. “ he rushed to the elevator grabbing his jacket on the way, ready to fulfill his knight in shining armor duties.

“Do you think we should go after him?” Dawn looked at Donna. Dick was really in the state of mind in which he was capable of everything.

“I’m not his babysitter” Donna scoffed “And neither are you.”

 “But maybe we should make an exception and just this once follow him?” Dawn insisted

“What about Hank?” Wondergirl asked

“What about me?” said boy came through the door, a bowl full of food still in his hands.

“He can join.” Dawn shrugged, not really giving the boy any liberty to decide for himself

“What exactly are you girls getting me into?”

“A party, apparently. Main stars being very drunk Y/N and very angry Dick.”

“Well if that’s the show I’m all in.” Hank was already halfway to the door. “Are you coming or what?”

***

First person POV

I made a really, really good decision to come here. After a couple of drinks all of my inhibitions dissolved  and I wasn’t the quiet member of the team anymore. Oh no! Now I was the star of my own show! Dancing like there was no tomorrow, moving my body, showing my best moves. Old, quiet Y/N was long gone, the sex queen raised. Apparently I was not solitary in that opinion as a couple of guys, I was eyeing for some time now, came closer to me, following my dance moves. One of them grabbed my hips from behind as the other put his on my waist. Shit, they were both so hot and I giggled seductively trying to imagine how surprised Dick would be right now if he saw me. Not a good girl anymore! Not the one he could omit and neglect and left high and dry, unfinished . This was not a revenge or a payback, this was my way of getting what I needed, what I wanted, what I deserved. If my boyfriend wasn’t up to the job I needed some other forms of entertainment.

The song changed into something far more sexual and  the guy moving behind me started to pull me closer as his friend leaned in, his faces inches from mine. I did not stop him as his lips crashed on mine, his hands started roaming my body, caressing my skin pulling me off the dance floor. I let him fully take control of me. After all, like I said I was eyeing him all night, giving signals to come closer and have his fun.

“come with me, baby. Let’s go somewhere private and quiet, shall we. I’ll make you feel good, you look like you need it”.

“Less talking, more action” I whispered in his ear “I want to get you all alone, loverboy.”

The last sentence finally made him grab my hand tighter and get me out, downstairs. Apparently the club was situated above some old bunker, not that I cared when I picked it as my nightly destination.

Third person POV

  ***

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?

Getting the signal from her phone took Dick just  a few seconds and getting to the place where it came from, mere minutes. He was quite relieved to realize she wasn’t far but the view before his eyes made him regret getting here so fast. His love, his sunshine, his girlfriend was practically making out with some dude, that wasn’t him. In the middle of the club! What happened to the girl reluctant to any form of PDA!?

FUCK!

This fucking guy was touching her in the way no one else but him was supposed to! Getting his dirty hands on her perfect hips, trying to sneak them under her dress to feel her soft, smooth skin. For a while his mind was blurred with the memory of her naked body underneath him, whining and squirming in pleasure only he was capable of giving her. The flashback of her begging him for more, more…. Of her hands all over him, pulling him in, her soft moans as he was getting her high, her quiet words assuring him that she loved him so, so much and that he was doing so, so good…..

I need more, Dick…… please…. I need you so bad…..

I love you baby, I love you so much. Tell me you’re mine.

I’m yours, Dickie. Only yours…..

And I’m yours, baby. Let me show you…..

FUCK! FUCK! He was going to kill him for even looking in her direction! His poor baby girl. Seduced, probably drugged and used! The sudden movement, coming from the direction where she was, made him come back to reality and as he saw that lapdog drug her out into more secluded part of the building, the Robin with his ruthlessness took over his mind and action. Oh, this was going to be a bloodbath. 

Just a couple minutes later, the rest of the Titans team entered the club. At first glance everything was fine, but Dawn was quick to pick up on Dick’s figure disappearing behind the back. It took her  a second to figure out his posture was now different, more stiff, more grim, all his muscles tensed and fist clenched. The only things he was missing were mask and cape, but besides that, he wasn’t Dick Grayson anymore.

“Fuck!” Donna hissed realizing the same thing.

“What? What is going on?” Hank wasn’t even half as fast in recognition as girls, confused and lost in the situation.

“Just shut up and hurry or someone will end up hurt!”

***

First person Pov

“Where are you taking me? “ I giggled almost tripping over my legs, letting the stranger guide me

“Patience, baby, we’re almost there.

“I need you now” I whined, not being patient.

“I now, sweetie, I know. But trust me, once we’re in the safe place you won’t get rid of me….” He trailed, something dark in his voice

“I surely hope so…..” I started but didn’t get a chance to finish the sentence as something dark and stinking covered my head, my face included cutting off the oxygen supply and making me black out.

Oh, fuck….

***

I have no idea how long I was unconscious but I woke up to the sound of a few male voices, three or four most probably, but the extreme headache I was now experiencing did nothing to my evaluative skills. Oh, and I was also tied up, not able to move, my hands above my head, facing all the capturers.

“how many pills did you give her?” one of the man said

“One as planned.” The other replied

“Well, if it was one she would be up by now, you idiot! I’m serious, how many!?”

“One or two additional may have slipped in.”

“You dumbass! We need her aware of what’s happening! It makes everything far more funny.”

“I agree with him. The screams and attempted fight just spice the whole act” Ok, that was the third

“All of you shut up now!” the last one. So my calculations were right. There were four of them. Despite the situation, I congratulated myself in the back of my head. I groaned a bit and it got their attention “Oh, the princess is finally waking up. Welcome back to the land of the living, sweetie.”

“Where….. where am I?” I muttered narrowing my eyes. Gods, why all of the kidnappers always had to use the brightest light available.

“Well, it really depends from the point of view. From mine, you are on the verge of heaven, from yours probably first step of hell.”

“Are you the boss?” I looked him straight into the eyes

“ Are you always so eloquent?” he crouched next to me and grabbed my face painfully “and here I was thinking you were only  a pretty face and a nice ass” he slap my back and I flinched. What did I got myself into?

“What are you going to do to me?” I sobbed, tears falling down my cheeks now.

“Oh, there it is. You are finally realizing what is going to happen to you, don’t you?  Such a pathetic little bitch. Probably forgotten by a busy boyfriend, am I right? Desperate for entertainment and attention. Those are the easiest catch.”

I shook my head abruptly, the mascara smudged all over my face, vision blurry.

“Don’t cry princess. Where we are sending you, you’re going to have plenty of boys ready to thoroughly devour your attributes” the man laughed viciously. “Am I right boys?”

“So what is it? Some sort of trafficking ring? You sell girls to the brothels?” I gasped in terror, my eyes growing wide and mouth falling open in awe.

 “You little pinhead” he cooed “you’re lucky you’re pretty, because sensibleness is not your strongest suit. Yes, we will send you to one of our massage parlors. The clients will love you. And hey, another good thing. You will get to meet with some other bitchy hoses like you. After all, you were asking for it, weren’t you, you little slutty whoredog?” he leaned across, his face inches from mine.

“Ok, I think that’s enough.” I stated, becoming calm and sober in a blink of an eye. Before any of the guys wrapped their heads around the situations I did a flip, kicking their boss straight into the jaw, probably causing the ostectopy and sending him flying back. One out, three to go. The second one came right at me but I used my strength to hoist up and wrap my legs around his neck.

“Here’s a taste of your own medicine” I spat, now causing him to black out due to the lack of oxygen. “Not so nice is it?”

Two to go.

The third man came from behind me with some stick in his hands, his gaze fixed solely on my face. Oh, poor one, he thought he got himself some crazy weapon. Fool. It was way too easy to just trip him up, causing the guy to make friends with the floor.

“You bitch!” right, there was the last one. Probably the smartest (irony of course) observing my moves and trying to get the best strategy to get me.

“Please, tell me you are at least a bit better in fighting than those scumbags” I sighed in desperation. Honestly, my hands was becoming  a bit sore and I wanted to get over this situation.

“You bitch!” he yelled again. Definitely wasn’t the one with wide stock of words, but what can you expect in his profession. Taking cue from his friend, he tried to gather himself some gear, settling on a rusty chain laying nearby, spinning it over, almost hitting me. I just moved a bit to the right and then to the left and then a bit more to the wall, the man following me closely still playing with the chain. In the final moment I ducked and the weapon bounded off the wall hitting him right in the face, knocking him out. So, all four hurt, unconscious and defeated. The only problem for now was getting out of the rope that hamstringed my wrists.

“Do you need help with that?” a familiar voice and a familiar face egressed from the shadows.

“Nah, not really. I can handle myself” I smirked casually. In some other circumstances I would probably add a shrug but it was a bit impossible now.

“Mhm, I see” Dick came closer, stopping just a foot away from me. All of a sudden the closeness made me away of my vulnerable position. Ironically, I was not scared standing with my hands up in front of four dangerous men, but became paralyzed in front of my boyfriend. And shit if he didn’t; know that.

“Did you follow me? How much did you see? Wait, how long were you creeping there?” I tried to take control of the situation.

“Long enough to see you to do some improper things with someone that wasn’t me.”

“I bet he learned his lesson by now” I pointed my head towards said man lying on the floor, stepping from one foot to another. The position was getting more and more uncomfortable with every second.

“Oh, not even close. It’s me who will give him a lesson. When I’m done there will be nothing to pick.”

“Dick….” I whined, now really in pain.

“You got some moves baby” oh, this jerk really enjoyed having me on his mercy “why did you never show it in the tower?”

“You know, I’m really living by the still waters run deep rule. I…..” I groaned a bit and his eyes darkened at the sound “I like the element of surprise.”

“Do you? Well, this really was a surprise to me. In more than one way.” His face was now inches away from mine and I felt my cheeks (and not only them) growing hot.

“Dickie…..” I whined again

“By the way, are those the guys who were engaged in human trafficking? The one who sell girls to brothels?  The ones we were trying to track for the last month?”

“Yes…. I…..”

“So this was your plan all along?! Did you know how much danger you were in!?” his voice grew a bit more angry now. He was probably imagining all the things that could have happened to me. It served him right! “What if they were stronger than you? What if you weren’t able to defeat yourself? What if…..?”

“Grayson!” I yelled in frustration cutting him off.

“What is it babygirl?” he faked innocence.

“Can you… can you get me out of this ropes? Please? It hurts now. ”

“Don’t know. I saw you doing some things I didn’t like tonight. I think you deserve a bit of punishment for that” he smirked.

“Dickie….. please, please…” I moaned in that special way and it turned him on at once as he crashed his lips on mine, one of his hands lifting me up motioning to wrap my legs around his waist, the other untying the rope finally setting my arms free. As soon as he did both of his hands circled around my waist pulling me closer to his chest, squeezing me against his body while his lips and the kiss became faster, hungrier, more passionate and predatory. Not that I complained as my own fingers ghosted over his arms and chest, going down to the hem of his shirt, slowly peeling it of him. He groaned and pushed me to the wall to enable himself to pull that useless piece of material over his head. God, he was so well built it took my breath every time I saw him shirtless. He was so warm and strong I instantly felt safe, craving his touch, his attention and affection tossing my own shirt away.

“What happened to you?” he muttered against my skin, his lips moved to my neck and shoulder covering it with kisses and hickeys.

“What…. What do you mean?” I gasped as he found one particularly sensitive spot.

“We are practically in a public place. Everyone can nail us going so physical” his lips ghosted over my half-exposed breast “you were always so private, babe…..”

“I missed you” I confessed “and I honestly don’t care anymore. I need you. I want you. I don’t care who can see us…. Make love to me…..” I whispered and felt his pulse raise.

“I missed you too…..” his hands reached towards the clasp of my bra, letting my breast free “I’m gonna make you feel so good babe….”

***

“I don’t want to see anymore of this. I’m gonna be sick” dark haired girl standing in the corner turned on her heel and rushed out.

“Well, I am quite enjoying the show” the muscular boy let out a laugh but being hit through the head by his blonde girlfriend crouched and they both left the room as well. The only people present were two very longing for each other young adults, too busy with themselves to care about the rest of the world.

@somest1 @pinksirensong - I'm sorry to drag you through this ..... 🙈

[ashwithane]

happy 5th anniversary, fire emblem three houses!

i didn’t have time to do anything super elaborate, but i’m glad i could at least make some simple drawings of how i looked when the game released vs how i look now. i tried to give them a similar vibe to the in-game portraits haha

rant below about my feelings right now because there’s a Lot to say! content warning for mental illness and childhood trauma 🫠🤙

as you can see in the drawings, i’ve come a long way in the past five years. when three houses first released, i was a deeply insecure high schooler who never dared to speak up or express themself. i struggled with self worth issues and had long since begun developing ocd symptoms as a result of the fear i had that there was something wrong with me, something i couldn’t possibly know or change but that everyone would see if i made a single wrong move.

throughout high school, and my adolescence as a whole, i had a hard time connecting with people. but when i played three houses, i connected with the story, the characters, the ability to replay it again and again and always try something new, change characters’ classes and find new paired endings and discover the little details i hadn’t noticed before. i was playing three houses the weekend after covid lockdown was announced, and i remember talking to one of my friends about this cool game i’d just started my second playthrough of. we laughed and talked about the game, figuring that lockdown would only last a few weeks, and then things would be back to normal.

lockdown was difficult for me, as it was for most people. but at the same time, not going to school in person meant i could afford to let my guard down. i could afford to unmask, and discover who i was when i didn’t spend every moment in fear of what others would think. and so when lockdown ended, i started college still timid, but somewhat more familiar with who i was inside.

and then, one day, a thought hit me out of nowhere.

“am i trans???”

and thus began the journey of self-discovery that was my first summer after college. i started using the name ashe, started using any pronouns and later switched to just they/them. i also finally got up the courage to tell my parents i wanted to get tested for autism, and came back with that diagnosis to explain almost everything i hadn’t had the words to understand before.

recently, my mental health has gotten worse. i got diagnosed with anxiety at the same time i got my autism diagnosis, but nobody told me i have ocd as well until earlier this year. things took a nosedive for me over this past school year—i stopped taking risks, barely left my college campus, barely allowed myself to put effort into social connections out of fear that i’d be forcing people to put up with me. but through therapy and medication, i’ve been working through those feelings, and the fears my brain internalized as a result of the way i grew up: feeling like something was wrong with me, but not knowing what. today, i feel pretty good! i’ve been having more and more good days, so i’m overall optimistic about what my future holds.

to bring this back on topic, fire emblem: three houses has gotten me through countless tough times, and has been immensely helpful in figuring out who i am. so in honor of the anniversary, i’d like to give a special thank you to the characters who have been the most important to me over the past five years.

ashe: i’ll start with the obvious. ashe is the character i stole my name from, so of course he will always hold a special place in my heart. in addition to that though, ashe’s earnest personality and commitment to doing the right thing is immensely inspiring to me. he proves that it’s possible to make mistakes and grow from them, that your life isn’t over after one misstep. ashe has taught me to never give up on doing the right thing, and being the best version of myself i can be.

felix: this list would not be complete without the scrunkly of all time! obviously i find felix to be a very compelling character and fun to write, but his significance to me goes beyond being a writing muse. i’ve often thought that i wish i’d had a friend like felix when i was younger, and even now—someone who would drag me into situations i found stressful and encourage me (in his own rude way) to have confidence in myself. someone who would have stood up for me against the people who treated me like i was lesser. felix inspires me to fight for what i want, his shield symbolizing the ability to make your own choices for what and who you defend. he reminds me that there’s no glory in being a martyr, and so i shouldn’t make my well being a second priority. i love you felix and i’m sorry i put you through the horrors regularly (but not sorry enough to stop).

marianne: it’s probably concerning to say i see a lot of myself in marianne. her journey is incredibly inspiring to me, especially now as i see that the past five years have taken me along a similar path to hers. marianne starts out thinking she’s too different from everyone else to deserve a life like theirs, and condemns herself to crushing loneliness all to avoid the possibility of her hurting the people she loves. and yet she learns to live for herself, realizes that her mere existence doesn’t cause any harm, and learns to embrace her right to enjoy life. i hope to have the same strength she does, so that one day i can reach that point as well.

linhardt: no joke, i realized i was neurodivergent because of linhardt. so many of his lines and support conversations made me go “ha, he’s so autistic/adhd coded!” i made these comments repeatedly, but i also kept noticing all the little ways in which i related to him. linhardt was one of many autistic people who made me go “huh, i do that too! what do you mean that’s not normal???” his character also serves as a reminder that it’s okay to take a break once and a while, and that looking after myself doesn’t mean i don’t care about others.

if there’s one thing left to say, it’s thank you. thank you to ashe, felix, marianne, linhardt, mercedes, sylvain, ignatz, hapi, yuri, hell—my oc rowan, all the characters i’ve connected with and loved so deeply over the past five years. thank you fire emblem three houses, not for being the only reason i am where i am today, but being a major part of it nonetheless. and if anyone’s still reading, thank you for making it this far, and happy timeskip! 🎉

[nknoxe-n]

I saw your matchup post and l've never done one so l'm not sure if I'll try my best to be detailed

I'm an infp-t! A virgo (September Virgo if that matters). My favorite colours of all time are definitely blue and pink! And my fav animals are dinosaurs and owls! I grew up in a Southern California so l absolutely cannot do the cold (despite loving snow) I love the beach and my favorite "sport" to do myself is swim! I play a bit of tennis and used to ice skate. I'm actually like I'm pretty laid back with everything and calm, until everything that annoys me kind of accumulates and I get really angry . It's the same with sad emotions too, I hate crying or anything like that because it makes me feel dumb but I definitely do it in private.

I'm pretty bad at talking to new people, I'm polite enough but usually won't start a conversation if I don't have too. Most of my now friends talked to me first, kind of the opposite of I was younger. I definitely had a habit of talking to everyone. Now, it just turned into a bad habit of overexplaining everything.

My favorite musical artists include Enhypen, Jaehyun, Cigarettes After Sex, The Weekend!

But honestly it changes a lot, I'm pretty indecisive like my music taste and often have

"phases" of hyper fixations.

I like art, but I'm not very good at it, and only paint (my favorite) when I get the urge to (every couple weeks. I also really love to cook and bake, I like to think I’m pretty decent at it and it’s my favorite thing to do for people I care about. And of course reading! I love books and manga!

My style of dressing varies day by day (I love fashion!), but my makeup stays pretty consistent, usually softer looks inspired by igari, douyin, and korean makeup styles and i looove manhua lashes!

I love going out, trying new restaurants, attractions, shopping, book stores! My sleep schedule is honestly horrible, on weekends I won’t fall asleep until 2-3, I just get so distracted by different things I’ll totally forget about sleeping.

sometimes I can be a bit of a do-it-my-way kind of person, and I like telling people what to do instead of being told what to do. sometimes it’s a problem.

A few fun facts to end!

- I’m planning to study international relations (to hopefully be a diplomat!)

- I speak 3 languages

- I’m super short (imo), 5’3!

- I have one younger brother

- dream is to own a bakery/bookstore when o retire!

- I was valedictorian for my middle and high school

- (☀️)

p.s. Srry if it’s a little much I wasn’t sure how much was enough! and I’m not sure if you have anon emojis but if you do I’d love to be the sun!

Your Blue Lock Matchup: Nagi Seishiro

Nagi Seishiro would be your match, you’re very good at taking the initiative and Nagi would thrive in your presence. He’s lazy we all know that, but as we’ve seen with his interactions with Reo he can be productive-ish, and if he’s already put in the effort of being in a committed relationship with you, he’ll most likely listen to whatever you tell him to do.

Nagi thrives in his own world and doesn't particularly enjoy being forced into a box, and that independence would work well with you, especially as someone who loves having the freedom to do things your way.

Your love of food and baking would create an excellent foundation for a relationship with Nagi. He's the type who loves being pampered just a little, and he cannot cook himself, I have no faith he ever bothered to learn. The fact you could cook and bake, while also enjoying it could go two ways, one he’ll beg you to cook for him in exchange for doing cleaning chores or he’d beg you to teach him.

As someone who is not fond of being overly emotional, Nagi would understand your need for space when emotions build up. He's emotionally reserved himself, though he's far less outwardly expressive than others. His way of handling emotions is often to retreat into himself, and this would create an unspoken understanding between the two of you. When you get overwhelmed, you could rely on Nagi to give you the space you need without making things awkward or forcing conversation. In fact, he'd prefer silence and calm moments over long emotional talks.

Nagi would likely leave the choice of where to go for dates or outings up to you, showing his laid-back approach to life. He’s not the type to get worked up over decisions, so he’d allow you to indulge your interests and preferences, especially when it comes to the food and fashion scenes you enjoy.

However, Nagi’s lack of drive at times might be a challenge for you. Your ambition and goal of becoming a diplomat and your dream of owning a bakery/bookstore could clash with his more “live for the moment” mindset. You might find his lack of forward momentum frustrating at times, especially considering your own energetic pursuit of your dreams.

At his core, Nagi values simple pleasures overcomplicated emotions, he might not always be as quick to engage with new people as you, but he’d be supportive of your desire to engage with different cultures and languages, especially as you pursue a career in international relations. His “chill” nature would help balance out your more intense, indecisive moments, providing you with a sense of stability and comfort.

[hopefull-mindset]

Hello this is my main for @/dazai-on-my-mind I was going through your abuse post (have yet to finish it so forgive me if you've discussed this already) what are your theories for what lies under Dazai's bandages? The main fan theories that I've seen so far is that they're either covering self inflicted injuries or Mori experimented on Dazai at times during his Port Mafia days but again coming from your abuse post this theory seems highly unlikely. So I was wondering if you had any thoughts about that.

Hello! Sorry this took a bit. I saw your other ask, so I'll try to get to that. It's absolutely fine you haven't finished it. I'm personally surprised at how long it is myself. I actually haven't talked about what is under Dazai’s bandages, so sure! I also have some brief thoughts on the bandages itself.

(Edit: that was not brief, it turns out I had a lot of thoughts)

It's an average topic with this fandom, so I don't know how much I can add really!

We do know he has scars from what Oda said in Dark Era:

And we also get this tidbit from Harukawa talking about designing Dazai:

The special thing about this series was that apart from the settings from Asagiri, the characters probably should have certain aspects of the authors they were based on, but I tried to draw them based on the character settings first when doing up the initial drafts. […] For Dazai, I wrapped him up in bandages because of his suicide mania, and took note with other items.

—Harukawa35, Behind The Scenes of The Character Design!

Of course, the intent behind what the bandages are and what is behind them can change over time when they get to know their own characters better! They look like they're implying two different things, but I'd argue it's the exact same thing, even if they come from different places.

Out of all the assumptions, what's under there is probably scars he gained while throwing his life away in the face of danger, even when he doesn't need to. It's no different than the average suicide attempt by him. I wonder if he has a scar from the Old Boss’s scythe, that'd be sick. This is what sounds most likely to me, but I’ll entertain other ideas for the sake of it being too short of a note to end on.

You can obviously tell I don’t dig the idea of Mori committing medical malpractice. Not only is that an insane idea to come by, how does he even benefit from that thought process? The only type of stuff happening is Mori forcing him to take his vaccinations and taking drugs Dazai got from his medicine cabinet out of his young hands. I also think people think this way because of what he said about Mori telling him the shots won't hurt in The Day I Picked Up Dazai Side A.

A doctor is telling a child his shots won't hurt… ??? Sounds pretty normal.

I know people won't like it when I say this, but that was typical teenage Dazai childishness. He does genuinely not like pain of course, so it could be that he's overexaggerating because that's what it felt like to him haha. That scene is meant to be comedic, so this sentiment shouldn't be that serious in context. It's not like this is idk Black Butler.

I remember in Side B that Dazai says pain is what reminds you that you're alive. Maybe that's why he doesn't like it, even if he was a torture specialist. To understand death, you have to understand what it is to be alive because life is both of those things. Dazai prefers the state of being dead rather than the process, but also thinks the attempt is easier than actually committing. Dear god, your commitment issues don't need to go this far.

As for self-harm, it's pretty 50/50 with enough arguments on both sides to make a case. Dazai doesn’t like pain, but people don't usually do it because they like the feeling of the pain itself. They could do it to punish themselves, the feeling of it afterward, etc. I think Dazai putting himself in those situations like I mentioned earlier counts enough as self-harm (you can even count his implicit drinking habits too if you'd like), but this specifically on what I know you mean just depends on whether you think Dazai would do so.

I can't imagine it from Dazai, but if people think so, there's nothing stopping them from it. There's nothing implying he wouldn't, suicidal people don't always resort to this. I’m personally just tired of people using it for their whump narratives, in all fandoms actually.

I don’t care much for it if that’s what they’d like to do because I understand, but it’s not something I like being depicted in weirdly graphic detail for no reason other than the character to suffer. Besides that, there no harm in it. I don’t want to get all “you shouldn’t write this stuff because I said so”, that’s stupid.

(-150 points if it’s for white knighting ship content)

Now I hope you don’t mind me rambling off a bit! It’s been on my mind since last week to talk about the bandages.

Symbolically, the bandages can mean a couple things. All very similar things haha. It’s like what Chuuya’s gloves are to him and how personal it is to take them off outside of Corruption, or how he said he used to put his hands in his pockets because he wanted to protect his humanity while fighting.

Core things they can mean are:

A thin barrier to separate and hide himself from others (including from himself)

To minimize skin contact from his ability aka himself (not as literal as it sounds)

Abilities in Bungou Stray Dogs are apart of the user. No matter if you move your ability on to your child (Kyouka and her Mother), have it be mutilated into something unrecognizable (Verlaine, Chuuya), or to naturally be imbedded into you, you cannot separate it from your humanity. It’s still you, as Atsushi had to eventually accept this fact.

You can say a lot about the nature of abilities and 55 Minutes made some worrying discussion points about Abilities that I wish were touched on more by others, but let’s go with first thought process because it’s the one Asagiri let’s us off easy with.

No Longer Human, as Asagiri told us, is based off of the feeling he got when reading Dazai Osamu’s writing. Functionally, his ability is a bit horrifying to me as something born from himself. Maybe I just overreact, but when you translate what his ability mean functionally against every ability user we know, you can come up with interesting conclusions.

It’s not like how Atsushi can cut through abilities as a Tiger as I’m sure that was meant to imply something about his psychological breakthrough and combating other’s soul born abilities with his own. Dazai just straight up takes away other’s abilities. As long as he’s touching you, you have become a victim to his soul’s vacuum of searching for humanity or lack there of.

That’s not to say others who don’t have abilities aren’t human, I think the difference is that ability users are forced to put a part of their humanity up for show and scrutiny, which makes them appear inhuman to the average human being. Dazai is as paradoxical as his own ability. He’s functionally the average human being, but he also lacks something… human when you put him up against another ability user.

Sorta this middle ground in what to think and how he also tends to be. When I read No Longer Human, it popped out to me too often that Yozo Oba was incredibly human while putting himself in this position of inhumanity.

When Dazai’s ability is in effect, he takes away a piece of your humanity, making your less than who you were before. So when Dazai covers skin with his bandages, he’s covering up the metaphorical cavity that is his ability and inhumanity. When the bandages starts going everything when he’s using his ability, he’s swallowing that piece whole and embracing you falling to his level.

Am I overanalyzing a stylistic choice that usually only appears in official art? Yes, but it’s fun.

You can tell I skipped the first one, but that’s because it has to do with an example that’s been the reason I keep thinking about this and it sounded more fun to talk about. In the Onsen CD Drama, there’s two scenes I want to put emphasis one.

The first one being when Dazai says that they’re all getting closer because of them being in the hot spring, but Kunikida calls out the fact he’s still wearing his bandages. I could’ve passed it off as being not that significant because it’s a joke scene if it weren’t for the next one.

Atsushi wanted to wash Dazai’s back since Kunikida had been occupied and he wanted to help them like they did for him, but Dazai had already walked away. Later when they’re still awake while the others had slept, Atsushi tries again and actually gets the opportunity to do it. Only problem, Dazai still has his bandages on. Dazai just tells him it’s okay and to scrub anyway.

This made me feel… how do I say this… speechless? Not because Dazai was entirely insistent on them being apart of his body like the troll he is, but because of the simultaneous intimacy of the act and abruption of it with the bandages. You can pass it off as a running joke, but we both know Dazai absolutely heard Atsushi thank him and avoided that confrontation by playing it off as being sleepy.

I’ve said this a couple times to people I’ve talked to before, but Dazai is the type of guy who you would talk to every day, invite you everywhere, and always go out with a lot of people, but if you were to be asked what you personally know about him, you’d be able to say nothing but surface level stuff everyone knows.

With anyone and everyone, there’s always this level of personal separation between them and Dazai, and they know it. Even if you are closer to him like Oda and Chuuya are and Dazai had willing shared stuff usually wouldn’t (mind you, it took Mimic for Dazai to share more about himself to Oda and Ango), he doesn’t let himself be that vulnerable or let himself go.

I’m arguing that the bandage are a more literal barrier between him and the world. Either to protect himself or to protect others from what they’ll realize about him. He hides himself because of what he is…or something like that at least, I don’t know what goes though his head. Im still trying to figure out his perception on things thoroughly and if he really cares about it.

The eye bandage has been talked to death by now. Yes yes, Dazai left his eye covered for depth perception in the dark and Oda uncovering it for him to see the light as well. We all know it. Still, I think it’s quite meaningful that when he’s finally having an heart-to-heart with Odasaku, he’s the one to open up that bandage. It doesn’t fix everything, but he’s been opened up to that possibility.

For Beast, Dazai having a bandage on the other eye can be seen as a misguided attempt of seeing everything with Oda in mind by seeing it all in the eye he uncovered, but still needing to cover the other to guide himself in the dark. He’s also a mirror image of the original Dazai if you’d like to see it like that.

In Side B, Dazai covers his whole face up. Ironically, while I called the bandages on his body a cover up for his inhumanity, the face bandages cover up his emotions, suppressant of himself. Dazai is not typically that emotional, but Side B Dazai is going through a lot when it comes to Odasaku… so while he’s covering his face to hide it from Oda, he is also hiding the overwhelming feelings he has.

In the ending of Side B where he takes off the dirty bandages, he’s so wracked with emotion he almost fails himself in his plans, and presumably forces himself to cover up his one eye again. When he falls to his death in the ending of Beast, bandages fall when he’s able to let himself go.

In the manga, Hoshikawa was evil and drew the bandages falling into Oda’s hands. Let’s say… they’re a symbol of his protect of Oda and remembrance of the scene where Oda pulls them off. You can even say they where still taken off with Oda’s influence!

OKAY ENOUGH, I’m talking you ears off. It seems I like the sound of my own voice and wanted to share as much as I could.

[reddeadreference]

Horseshoe Overlook: Who Is Not Without Sin

Full Transcript below ([...] placed where a gap of silence is  for the same person speaking or when there’s a long period of silence  and distance traveled.)  

Arthur: Swanson, you in here? [...] Reverend, where are you? [...] you here, Reverend?

Stranger: Come on…

[Arthur enters the building where Swanson and two men are playing poker]

Swanson: Mr. Morgan. I took your advice, sir, I took your advice.

Arthur: Then your god has finally deserted you. What you talking about?

Swanson: I took your advice, sir. I have removed myself from morpheus’ embrace. No more shall I sink, sir. I am free, I am free!

Arthur: You don’t seem free, friend. You seem drunk.

Stranger: Sit down, Reverend. We ain’t finished.

Arthur: You ain’t finished? Look at him, he’s finished.

Stranger: None of us forced liquor down his throat, friend. I-I just want him to play.

Arthur: Now firstly, we ain’t friends. Don’t make no mistake on that subject. Now secondly, he can’t hardly see, let alone reason. Now reasoning ain’t never been one of my strong points neither but seeing I do just fine. You wanna step outside, or deal with business here?

Stranger: I just want him to finish the game.

Swanson: Why can’t we all just get along? These are good men, Arthur. They’re children of God… they are children of God

[Swanson collapses]

Stranger: Oh… well. How’s about you play in his place, huh? That seems fair.

Arthur: Fair?

Stranger: Sure. You wanna game?

=Play=

Arthur: Sure, I’ll play a few hands.

Stranger: Well, sit yourself down then. [Arthur sits] I’m Luther, this is Marvin.

Marvin: Fortunate for you both we’re being gentlemen about this.

Arthur: Same goes for you.

Luther: So… how you two know each other anyway? Don’t seem like the likeliest of friends, if you don’t mind me saying.

Arthur: We go a long way back. 

Luther: And now you’re his chaperone?

Arthur: I guess it’s something like that… can we play?

Marvin: He can’t be no real clergyman, he committed about five cardinal sins just in that chair you’re sitting in.

Arthur: I think he used to be. He’s… drifted a little in recent years. Life is a challenge… to all of us.

Luther: Call.

Marvin: Can you imagine him at the pulpit? If he could stand up (in a drunken voice) “On the fourth day, he turned water into whiskey and I don’t remember much after that”.

Arthur: Just a little wager… He’s a decent feller going through a bad time. Disrespect him again, and you’ll find yourself in a bad time too.

Marvin:  Alright, alright… just trying to have a little fun here. It is a game after all, mister.

[They continue and Arthur wins the pot.]

Arthur: Gentlemen, this is getting too rich for me.

Luther: Sit down.

Arthur: Oh, I’m done, friend. It’s been a real education. Come on, Rev- (he doesn’t see Swanson) Where is he? Where’d he go?

Luther: Who?

Arthur: The reverend, where is… (he lets out a frustrated sigh as he heads to leave) Excuse me, gentlemen.

=Don’t Play=

Arthur: I can’t partners. I don’t mean to spoil your fun. I got things to do.

Stranger: You sure?

Arthur: Quite sure. I gotta get him outta here. C’mon, Reverend. Let’s get you… (he goes to kick where Swanson had been laying and looks down when his foot hits nothing.) home. (he sees that Swanson isn’t there.) Where’d he go?

Stranger: I don’t know. I was talking to you.

Arthur: (he lets out a frustrated sigh as he heads to leave) Gentlemen…

|

Arthur: Reverend! Reverend Swanson! Where’d you go?

=Question=

Arthur: ‘Scuse me, I’m sorry… y-you see a drunken idiot, a priest, wandering about?

Civilian: Sure, we saw him… smelt him… and avoided him. He went that way I think.

Arthur: Thanks…

Civilian: Guy looked kinda crazy, mister.

Arthur: Oh you have no idea.

=Demand=

Arthur: Hey, you… have you seen a priest?

Civilian: What’s your problem?

Arthur: Have you seen a priest, all… drunk and crazy?

Civilian: Leave me alone.

Arthur: Don’t make me shoot you.

Civilian: Shoot me? Why would you shoot me?

Arthur: Have you seen a priest?

Civilian: Yes, he went that way… angry jackass…

|

Arthur: Reverend! [...] Hey,, Reverend! [...] Reverend!

Swanson: Mr. Morgan! A hand here, please!

Stranger 3: What the hell did you just say to me?

Arthur: Hey! Get your hands off him!

Swanson: I didn’t say a word.

Stranger 3: You’ll keep! (to Arthur) You stay out of it!

Arthur: Get your hands off him now, you son of a bitch.

Stranger 3: I’ll kill you both. [...] Pair of damn fools.

[Arthur knocks the man out]

Witness: Oh, my God. You killed him. I’m gonna get the law on you.

[The man runs away and Arthur gives chase, cue sheep noises as Arthur runs through them]

Arthur: Hey, you! Get back here. You better stop right there.

Witness: Stay away from me!

Arthur: Stop, you son of a bitch! [...] Stop, or I’ll kill you. I swear. [...] I said stop, dammit.

Witness: Okay, okay… please don’t hurt me.

=Beat + Rob=

[Arthur pushes the man to the ground]

Arthur: (unsubtitled) You hear me now?

Witness: Yep! I… I won’t tell a soul, I promise.

Arthur: (unsubtitled) I presume that means yes. [Rob] On second thoughts, you can give me all your money too.

Witness: (unsubtitled) Okay, here, just take it. Just-just please let me go.

[Arthur punches and knocks out the man]

Arthur: (unsubtitled) What is wrong with you? (Seeing Swanson up on the tracks) Reverend! Get off the damn tracks!

=Threaten=

Arthur: I said stop, dammit.

Witness: Okay, okay… please don’t hurt me.

Arthur: You tell anyone what you saw back there, you’re a dead man. You understand me?

Witness: Yep! I… I won’t tell a soul, I promise.

Arthur: Good, get the hell outta here.

Witness: (unsubtitled)  S’last thing I need.

[Arthur heads up the hill and spots Swanson walking along the tracks.]

Arthur: Reverend! Get off the damn tracks! [Call out] What are you doing? [Call out] Reverend! 

[Arthur, having made it up the hill, runs down the tracks to where Swanson has gotten his leg stuck. In the distance he can see the train coming.]

Arthur: Come on, my friend… It’s just a simple mistake… You can… still be… s-saved. [...] What have you done with your foot?

Swanson: It appears to like this place and wants to stay.

Arthur: Get your foot outta here, twist your leg, you drunken bastard! [He pulls Swanson free and pushes him to the side] Got it, come on!

[The train rushes past. Arthur helps Swanson off the tracks.]

Swanson: Thank you, sir.

Arthur: Ah-ah-ah, oh no you don’t!

[Arthur pushes Swanson who falls to the ground.]

Arthur: What the hell is wrong with you?

Swanson: What the hell is wrong with you? Throwing me off a bridge like that.

Arthur: There was a goddamn train you crazy bastard!

Swanson: Have I been bad again, Mr. Morgan? I’m sorry. [...] I wish I was different.

[Swanson cries and Arthur awkwardly pats him on the back]

Arthur: Let’s get you home.

Swanson: Home… Yeah, that’s a wonderful idea. I could have tea with Margaret.

Arthur: Margaret? Who’s Margaret?

Swanson: My…

[He falls backwards. Arthur sighs then puts him on his horse]

Swanson: (slurring) Where am I? [...] Kippers, please..

Arthur: What are you mumbling about now?

Swanson: Tea, please. [...] One for the road? [...] Close the drapes…

[Arthur carries Swanson through camp]

Molly: I was wondering when he’d show up.

[Arthur drops Swanson off in a tent]

Arthur: You better sleep your way to salvation, my friend.

Susan: Oh, what happened?

Arthur: Just… the usual.

Susan: Poor bastard.

Arthur: Exactly

Susan: Well, thank you, Mr. Morgan. I’ll keep an eye on him.

[butchkaramazov]

A Shade Darker Than Red: Chapter 11

Chapter 10

“Renu?”

I looked up from my book. “Hm?”

“Do you ever think about dying?” 

I put the book down, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Paro, this is extremely random.”

Paro, whose head rested on my shoulder, snuggled closer to me. “Dying is random,” she sniffled with a pout. “And you’re going away tomorrow.” She paused, looking up at me. “Now who will I talk to about dying?”

“A grave concern indeed,” I laughed, smacking myself internally when she stiffened. “I mean—we’ll video call each other, won’t we?”

Paro hummed.

A comfortable silence followed, broken only by Paro’s sudden question. “Renu, can you promise me something?”

I frowned. “Sure?”

“Renu—” she shifted on the bed, pulling me closer— “are you sure you won’t go to Delhi and fall in love with some other girl?”

I felt something tug at my heartstrings as I looked at her, her sharp nose and cold eyes, warm only when with me. Parvati Sinha was all icy glares and stiff greetings, cutting remarks and the looming force towering behind you. 

Now? She was simply Paro, the girl I had loved since I was five. The girl who looked at me with wide, pleading eyes and a possible lump in her throat. My fingers found their way to her wrists, her pulse throbbing violently.

“Renu?” she asked, her voice cracking. 

I kissed her forehead. “I would be a fool to ever stop loving you, Paro.”

“So that means you won’t fall for someone else, na?” she asked, her voice soft. 

“No, but I may fall on someone else,” I chuckled. “Or maybe trip over a cart while shopping. Or you know, maybe just fall and crack the Statue of Liberty. Maybe even fall and somehow set fire to the India Gate. Or the top of a building while trying to commit arson—”

I was cut off by Paro’s lips on mine—soft, cruelly so, and unsure. Before I could process what had happened, she pulled away. “I take that back,” she sighed into the slight dip of my shoulder. “I’m more worried about you falling in general.”

I grinned, placing my chin on top of her head. She still smelled of incense and alta, and delightfully so. “So no, Paro, I think I’d trip and fall from the top of a building before falling for someone else,” I murmured. “See how we ended in a full-circle, right back at death?”

Paro grumbled from somewhere in my shirt. “Mention your death once more and I’ll ruin you.”

I considered it. “I mean, I’m not complaining,” I said, tilting my head thoughtfully. “I think I would quite like that. Being ruined by you.”

“Uffo,” Paro grumbled, and I was briefly reminded of Sudha auntie. “Why must you be so poetic?”

I brought her hand up to my face, briefly kissing her knuckles. “Says poetry herself,” I murmured, low enough to not be heard by her. Paro snuggled back under the covers.

“So without any of your little innuendos or puns,” she clarified, her voice muffled from under the blanket, “I take it you’re going to come home to me one day?”

I knew she meant when I came home from Delhi and visited her, but the faint glimmer of hope in my mind made something tingle in the pit of my stomach. Coming home to her would certainly be nice, yes.

I hummed. 

Paro peeked out of the covers, holding up her little finger. “Pinky promise?”

I smiled, holding up my little finger to hers. “Pinky promise.”

@sarayu-sunrays @manujanolavu @lavanya-lakshmi @whenhanafallsinlove @arachneofthoughts @sonilaalbindi @desi-yearning @alhad-si-simran @thatpagalchokri @trashmeowcan @waitingforthesunrise @vellibandi @thesunandstarss @chanda-chamke-cham-cham @damnn-dorothea @the-unhinged-fanwinggg @watchingblsnowandforever @disproportionatelysculpting @bundle-of-glitter @bibliophile-dendrophile please let me know if you want to be added or removed from the taglist <3

renu has to leaveee :D

[kaitheking0x]

TW:VENTING ABOUT MY MENTAL DISABILITIES

Shout out to those blogs that are able to commit to a consistent theme or idea. I sadly can never do that and just talk about all the things that I like at random times. My brain follows the dopamine and jumps from one topic to another on an almost daily basis.

It can be tiring having your brain go at what feels like 1000 RPMs and never settle down to let your self live in a moment. I constantly get confused as to what is going on around me because I either loose focus on it or focus to hard on one specific detail. Some days I feel so exhausted I can’t even focus at all and have to force myself to even get out of bed and go to classes.

I hate that when I wake up I don’t know if I’ll be able to actually have a good day or not. I hate the fact that my brain makes me so angry and upset without being able to let it go. I hate that sometimes I’ll be so happy or feel in the best mood because I can’t think right. I hate that after days of feeling like my best self I feel hollow and empty.

My feeling and emotions feel like a constant twisting of knots in ropes that I can never fully untangle. Some days it gets so bad it feels like I’m just a passenger in my own body, locked away while it moves on autopilot. I know I’m not the only one who suffers like this but it feel so isolating because the SECOND I try and talk about how I feel to people I trust and ask they look at me like I’m wrong, broken, or that I’m just over reacting.

Well I’m sorry that you can’t see the shadows I have to keep at bay every day just to stay sane. Or you don’t notice how much of my emotions I have to keep from flooding out like a river. Or how you don’t notice when I put on a fake smile because I just don’t have the energy to care but still have to make you happy. I do this every day and it never gets any easier.

But I just keep telling myself to keep moving forward don’t stop. Run and keep running till you come out the other side. If you can’t run jog, if you can’t jog walk and if you can’t walk crawl and push with all you can. And once you reach then end you can stop and look up at the beauty and wonder if the world and see how worth it it is to keep moving.

[londonrih]

Chenford + Discuss UC school and the Bradford comment!

Lucy ran her hand through her hair as she entered her bedroom, she smiled widely as she saw Tim, sitting on the bed, his hands were covering his face. Lucy noticed that he hadn’t been himself almost the entire day, and she wanted to get to the bottom of what was truly bothering him.

She crawled over to his side of the bed, and when she wrapped her arms around his neck, she muttered against his shoulder, “Hey you.”

Tim removed his hands from his face, he sighed as he grabbed her hand, he used the pad of his thumb to caress her hand, “Hey Luce,” he greeted her. He placed a kiss on her hand.

She smiled as she rested her chin on his shoulder, “Oh, so you’re back to normal now? I’ve been trying to talk to you all day, and you were…kinda distancing yourself. At first, I thought it was probably because you didn’t get enough sleep, but you ended up leaving my place before, and without me. So, then I started to assume that it was because of the case. I mean—a lot of stress to carry, so I kinda understood, but then even when we were having dinner together you were being a bit distant.”

“What’re you getting at, Luce?”

“I was kind of starting to think that your distance had something to do with Noah. I mean—it would make the most sense, right? You didn’t even say anything half the time, and when you did, it was just a hum with a bit of sass. You always sigh a certain way when you’re irritated, you did it a lot with Noah and I’s inside jokes. Plus, you didn’t think I didn’t notice the way you were looking at me when we were talking about UC work, right? So…are you jealous of Noah? I mean I don’t even see him as anything more than a colleague, I promise. We just went to UC school together, nothing more than that.”

He shook his head as he looked down at the floor, “No, it’s…not about your overly touchy friend, Luce—”

“—Doesn’t really sound like it,” she muttered, causing him to glare at her, she whispered, “Sorry…Well then, if it isn’t about him, then what is it?”

He kissed her hand again, “Look, Luce—I love you, and I don’t want to lose what we have, because we have something really special. But, I can’t go through another relationship knowing that the woman I love is always in danger, or that you’re always away for days, weeks, hell even months! I can’t keep keeping myself awake every night, worrying that something happened to you, or I’ll never get to see you again.” He sighed, his voice began to trail off, “Or you slip up one night…get caught up with drugs, and you get addicted.”

Her smile faded, and she hung her mouth agape, “Tim, why didn’t you tell me that you were feeling this way about me going undercover?”

“Because, I didn’t want to turn it into an entire debacle.”

“Well, it was gonna happen eventually, Tim.”

He shook his head as he looked down at the floor, “Yeah…I know.”

“Hey, look at me,” she demanded softly. She placed her hand on his cheek, forcing him to look at her, “Look at me—what happened between you and your ex is never gonna happen between us, okay? And, if it makes you feel somewhat better, for the last couple of months I’ve been thinking…and I’m not that committed to UC work anymore, I’m more committed to you, and focused on a career that’s closer to home, that doesn’t keep me away longer than two days. I don’t want us to be apart, I miss you too easily.”

Lucy pressed her forehead against his, Tim smiled as he caressed her cheek with the pad of her thumb, “Look—I know that saying ‘nobody’s perfect,’ and all—but, god you’re so perfect.”

“Yeah, but I am amazing in bed too,” she said winking at him.

Tim raised an eyebrow as he looked at her, he peppered kisses on her face, causing a giggle to escape her lips. His lips smacked against her cheek as he pulled away, “So, are we gonna ignore your friend’s comment? He was pretty surprised to meet me since I’m that Bradford. Care to explain what that was about?”

She scratched her head as she looked away from him, “I don’t—I don’t know what you’re talking about, Tim,” He glared at her, causing her to scoff, “It’s really nothing, Tim! I mean all I did was gush over you a bit while I was at UC school, that’s it.”

“You sure that’s it?”

She nodded, “Yeah, plus—instead of talking about that, we should really be talking about how hard-ass Sergeant Tim Bradford confessed that he loves me.”

They nudged their noses together as Tim gently pushed Lucy onto the bed, “Yeah, and that’s only because I do love you.”

“I know you do,” she giggled, she moaned as she pressed her lips against his. Tim grabbed her legs and wrapped them around his waist.

[freemase]

❛ instead of parting ways, what would you say to remaining together as an actual married couple for both our sakes? ❜ (dont mind my sobbing)

Isaac dropped the datapad to the surface of his desk with a clatter. He looked tired, the top buttons of his uniform undone and his hair messed from running his hands through it. Mason wished he could have been the reason for it, instead they were back on the Berlin, once again taking orders from the top brass and none of them good.

Mason didn’t know where this left them.

“I was thinking,” Isaac started, leaning back against the edge of his desk. “Instead of parting ways, what would you say to remaining together. As… as an actual married couple for both our sakes?”

Mason’s hearing was better than good but for a brief moment, he wondered if he needed to see the team about a diagnostic.

Isaac couldn’t be saying what he thought he was saying… was he?

“What? Was that a proposal?”

Isaac regarded him calmly, his tone measured. Unflappable. “I told you from the start, Mason. I’m not interested in just… a fling.”

Mason’s eyes narrowed. “And I told you I wasn’t either. I was playing for keeps, Zac.”

“Then keep me. Marry me, Mason. Fuck, this… So wasn’t exactly how I had planned to ask you.”

Mason was acutely aware of the room they were in, back on the Berlin, surrounded by the weight of Isaac’s Alliance commitments. Their planet side interlude had been sheer magic and Mason had thrown himself head first over the cliff only to land securely in Isaac’s arms. They’d built on whatever simmering attraction had been there from the beginning – and Mason could admit that now, that it had always been there, masquerading as respect and admiration for the Captain’s capable leadership but in reality so much more. But now, called back to duty, the cold touch of the Alliance had left him frozen in time and unsure of his place.

The war was over, Isaac had been promoted for Admiral and the phoenix rehabilitation program to be scaled back and disbanded.

Mason wasn’t sure where that left him.  He was a relic now, of the world before, and while the Alliance had been willing to overlook his past affiliations with the Cerberus organization, he was expecting them to call in their chips now.

In all likelihood, they would rip him far away from Isaac and he’d been trying to prepare himself for that.

“Marry you,” Mason breathed, closing his eyes to savour the thought – just for a moment. The possibility hadn’t been one he could let himself think about. His last marriage had been a shambles. “Isaac…”

Isaac glanced away, as though knowing where mason’s thoughts had gone. His mouth pursed but then he turned back and offered Mason the smallest, saddest smile.

“I’ve only ever asked one other person this question, Mase. I meant it then but she died. And for a long time, for a really long time, I didn’t let myself think I could ever ask it again. But with you… I want it. I want you to marry me and stay beside me. Make all the things we talked about on the farm a reality.”

“But the Alliance-“

“I’ll protect you. They want to make me an Admiral? Fine, but that means they’re not going to fucking touch my husband- phoenix or not.”

Mason’s breath hitched in spite of himself. “Say that again.”

The curve of Isaac’s mouth was beautiful as he straightened. His hand found Mason’s jaw. He held him in place and tilted Mason’s chin up, forcing their eyes to meet and Mason… Mason saw their future there in those brown eyes.

“Husband,” Isaac said firmly. “If you’ll have me.”

Mason curled his fingers around Isaac’s wrist, squeezing gently. He felt dampness prick at the corners of his eyes and he wondered how he could be so lucky. How did he deserve this? Isaac was everything. “I love you,” he said hoarsely. “I love you, Isaac. I love you with every fibre of my being. I’m saying yes because I want a life with you. Not because I’m afraid to face anything the Alliance wants to throw at me.”

Isaac’s thumb brushed over his cheek, smiling. There were galaxies in his eyes Mason wanted to lose himself in. “I know. And whatever happens, we’ll face it together. I’m not letting you go.”

Mason slid his hands around Isaac’s hips and drew him in close. He breathed Isaac in, the scent of his aftershave and the hint of his hair gel he only bothered with on duty familiar and comforting now that he knew they would be together. The Alliance could try taking Isaac on, but they would lose.

“You and me?”

“You and me,” Isaac murmured. Then he kissed him.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 228: Confessional

(WARNING: This chapter contains Suicide.)

Saturday night, and director Ono closed the book he was reading. “Hmph. Well, I’m glad I was able to finish that book. Now my only regret will be not being able to finish off Sae and those Phantom Thieves. Unless everything goes off without a hitch. But those Thieves have been more clever than we give them credit for.” He smirked. “Still, whether I win or lose, we’ve got them right where we want them.” He looked over at a cup of tea he had next to him, and grabbed it. “Bottom’s up!” He chugged it. “Ah! Death has never tasted so sweet.” There was a knock at the door. “Who is it?”

“It’s me sir!” Sae shouted.

“Come in,” Ono instructed. Sae walked in, coming face to face with the director. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“Cut the crap!” Sae demanded. She held up her calling card. “What do you know about this?”

The director looked over it. “I can honestly say ‘nothing’.” Sae glared at him. “I don’t control The Phantom Thieves.”

“Of course,” Sae said. She put the calling card away. “But I believe you know something.I think you were trying to force The Phantom Thieves’ hand.”

Ono smirked. “Guilty as charged.” Sae was stunned. “I’m amazed you’re still standing. When people with a palace usually get their treasure taken from them, they keel over in a matter of minutes. Although, you always have been resilient.”

“Palace?” Sae asked.

“It’s complicated,” Ono explained. “I don’t even understand it myself. Apparently, I had one until 2 years ago. But then I handed the keys over to someone who, while sharing my ideals, is younger, more viral, and willing to do what it takes to change this country for the better.”

“May I ask who that is?” Sae inquired.

“I’ll explain in due time,” Ono said. “Maybe you should call your assistant Riko in here. You might collapse at any second.”

Sae glanced off. “Riko…tried to betray me…”

“I see,” Ono said. “Well, no skin off my back. Whether or not you're standing, or a pile on the floor, we’re going to take you in.”

Sae was alarmed. “Take me in? For what?!”

Ono smiled. “For killing me, of course!”

Sae was confused. “WHAT?!”

Ono bared his teeth. “Remember that drink I gave you a few weeks back?” Sae was unsure. Ono shrugged. “Well, it was a while ago. A lot’s happened. I slipped a cognitive being into it. Once you drank it, it was able to manifest in your palace.”

“Again, what are you talking about?” Sae demanded.

“I’m referring to Wakaba Ishiki’s research,” Ono explained. “We stole it, killed her, and have been using it to help transform Japan.”

Sae was stunned. “By killing people, left, right, and center?!”

“Necessary sacrifices,” Ono explained. “Once our cause gains power, we will change Japan into a country that will rule the world!”

“You can’t be serious!” Sae said.

“As a heart attack,” Ono said. “Or maybe I should say ‘as serious as a mental shutdown.’ Ah ha ha ha ha ha! Ha. Forgive me.”

“No,” Sae denied. “What does that have to do with me murdering you?”

“Ah right,” Ono said. “Well, the apparition I sent in you could alarm me when those Thieves sent you a calling card. I knew you’d come here once you got it to get some answers. And it is here that the police will find you with my dead body.”

“I won’t kill you though,” Sae said.

“You don’t have to,” Ono said. “I’ve already taken that step.”

Sae was shocked. “You’re committing suicide?”

“I’m becoming a martyr,” Ono clarified.

“What’s the difference?” Sae asked, indignant.

“Press coverage,” Ono explained. “You see, once the police get here, they’ll arrest you for giving me a mental shutdown.”

“What?!” Sae exclaimed.

“It is then going to be revealed that you orchestrated this whole mental shutdown-Phantom Thieves business to propel yourself to glory,” Ono continued. “But we stopped you in the knick of time. Once you’re arrested, the nation will be in a fervor trying to catch your accomplices, The Phantom Thieves. And it will only be a matter of time before those cretins get what they deserve for coming after us!”

“That’s absurd!” Sae declared. “Who would believe it?!”

“The officers arresting you, for starters,” Ono said. “They’ve already been briefed on it.” Sae looked at him, puzzled. “Heh. You really think the operation is small? No. We have plenty of people on our team. We’ve spent the past two years or so building up our network so that we can rise to power! Of course, I wanted to be the one to do it. I’ve spent my whole life persecuting the scum of the Earth. But no one these days respects power like they should.”

“You should have tried persecuting yourself, you heartless scum!” Sae declared.

“Heh,” Ono said. “Do you really think the law should be applied equally? What a joke! In truth, power rests with those who have it, and if anyone should deny someone power, they should have the right to take them out!”

“A world can’t function that way!” Sae told him.

“The world SHOULD function that way!” Ono retorted. “And it will! Once Shido comes into power, nothing will stop him! I may not live to see it, but I will revel in every second of it from the afterlife!”

“Shido, you say?” Sae said.

Ono nodded. “The man I am becoming a martyr for!” he declared.

“Hm,” Sae smirked. “I must admit, this was a good plan. You’ve accounted for almost everything.”

Ono was confused. “‘Almost’?”

“There’s just one thing you got wrong,” Sae said. She took off her wig, revealing herself to be Riko this entire time. “I’m not Sae.” The director was stunned.

Flashing back to outside the director’s house, with Sae saying “Are you ready?” Riko didn’t answer. “Riko?”

“Sae?” Riko said. “Do you trust me?”

Sae looked at her. “Of course! What is it?”

Riko sighed. “I’m sorry. I…went behind your back on something.”

“What?” Sae wondered.

“I…I’ve been working with The Phantom Thieves,” Riko said.

Sae was shocked. “How…How could you?!”

“I was worried!” Riko pleaded. “I…I left a bug at the director's house. I didn’t trust him. He…he confessed everything, but he also knew I planted a bug, and destroyed it. I was going to tell you, but I met up with that Eris person.”

Sae was shocked, and more willing to believe her. “Eris…?”

Riko nodded. “She offered me an apple. But I refused. She wanted me to join you against The Phantom Thieves, but after what I heard from the director, I was more worried about him than them. In a panic, I called Makoto-”

“Wait!” Sae said. “You called my sister? She’s not a Phantom Thief!”

“I didn’t think so when I called her either,” Riko said. “I was just worried about you. I was hoping we could come up with something, but she told me she was a Phantom Thief.”

“What?” Sae reacted.

“I know,” Riko said. “I know this is a lot, but…I did this for you.” Sae looked at her, unsure. “No one has been kinder, gentler, more appreciative of me than you. I don't want to lose you. Not to The Phantom Thieves. Not to the director. Not to Eris. I would have done this no matter what because you are worth saving to me.”

Sae turned pink. “I…I don’t know what to say…”

“I don’t know either…” Riko said. “I promised them I’d help get you to safety, but I couldn’t trick you into that. I had to be honest at this point. Otherwise I couldn’t look you in the face again. So I just decided to tell you the truth and hope you’d listen.”

Sae wasn’t sure what to think at this point. Her top priority for a while now had been capturing The Phantom Thieves. And yet, the general public seemed to like them. Naoko vouched for them. They even offered an olive branch via Akechi.

And now, her assistant has been working with them to save her. She was flummoxed. She looked over at Riko. Her disposition seemed to say that this was the truth, and also a bit of a mess. Yet, if it were any other person, Sae might have been convinced that this was an act.

However, Riko wasn’t just any other person. In the short time she’s known her, she has become a close confidant; a trusted ally. Sae never felt as relaxed as she was around her. She felt happier, more confident, and better at her job with her by her side. But most importantly, she felt like she could be herself.

With all that in mind, Sae decided that it was time to do something she hadn’t done since her father’s funeral: Trust someone else completely. She sighed. “Very well. What’s the game plan from here?”

Riko was stunned. “Really?”

Sae nodded and smiled. “Really really.”

Riko smiled. “OK, so the plan for here is that someone is going to come pick you up, while I go in there, pretending to be you to see what information I can get.”

“Who’s picking me up?” Sae asked.

A car came over. Sojiro leaned his head out the window. “Hello.”

“Him,” Riko pointed out.

Sae was still confused. “How are you going to pretend to be me?” She asked.

“You, um, left one of your suits behind,” Riko said. “I’ll change into that, put on some make-up to match yours, and then I just got a wig.”

“I see,” Sae said.

“Are you ready?” Sojiro said.

“As ready as I can be,” Sae said.

“Just remember,” Sojio said. “We’re all a little in the dark here.”

Sae started entering Sojiro’s car. Riko grabbed her. “Sae.” Sae looked back. “I’m sorry…”

Sae looked at her, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and told her “It’s OK. I know you wouldn’t do something malicious.” She entered the car, and Sojiro sped off.

Riko was still dazed. She shook herself out of it. “Focus!” She got back in Sae’s car, and began changing.

Meanwhile, as Sojiro was driving back to Leblanc, Sae noticed some paper bags by her. “What are these?”

“It’s my understanding that you might start throwing up,” Sojiro said. “Those are so you don’t do it in the car.”

“I see…” Sae said. “This is turning out to be a strange night.”

“You’re telling me,” Sojiro said. They continued onward.

Back in the present at the director’s house, the director was stunned. He began laughing. “Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Whew! I gotta say, you really surprised me there. Then again, I shouldn’t be too surprised. After all, you’ve been pretending to be a woman for quite some time.”

A fury entered Riko’s eyes. She walked up and slapped him across the face. She then took out her phone. “And I’m recording this time!”

“Pah!” Ono replied, dismissively. “No one you send it to will believe you!”

“I bet The Phantom Thieves will beg to differ,” Riko said, smugly

“The…The Phantom Thieves?” Ono said, starting to worry. “Well, no matter.” He got out his phone. “I just…” He dropped his phone. “What? UGH! Not-NOT NOW!” He fell to the floor, dying.

Riko glared at him. “How does it feel like to lose?”

“Grrrr,” Ono said. “I may have lost the battle! But we won’t lose the WAR! If The Phantom Thieves target Shido! They won’t…make it out…alive…” And just like that, Ono passed on.

Riko checked for a pulse, finding nothing. She shrugged. “Well. Can’t say I was expecting that.” She heard sirens in the distance. “I guess that’s my que.” She left the house, got back in Sae’s car, and changed back into her clothes.

Once she was situated, she began walking. As she was just about to leave the area, a police officer approached her. “Excuse me ma’am!” Riko looked up. “Have you seen a silver-haired woman wearing a gray pantsuit around here just now?”

“No, I can’t say that I have,” Riko said.

Another officer called out. “Her car’s still here! She has to be around here somewhere!”

The first officer nodded. “You may go.”

“Thanks,” Riko replied. She continued walking. One she was far enough away, she got out her phone.

Riko: I’m on my way to Leblanc.

Ren: Us too!

Futaba: We’ll see you soon!

Makoto: DId everything go alright with sis?

Riko reflected on the slight kiss she got.

Riko: Yeah.

Makoto: That’s good to hear.

Riko: She should already be there.

Ren: Once we’re all there, we’ll figure out what comes next.

Riko: I got a lot of detail from the director.

Riko: But it came at a cost.

Futaba: What cost?

Riko: He…killed himself.

Futaba: WHAT?!

Riko: It’s complicated.

Riko: I’ll explain everything once I get there.

Ren: Very well.

Riko put her phone away, and took a deep breath. She continued into the night to Leblanc