#youre so classy telling me to kill myself and then blocking me before i can reply. very mature of you

[mbat]

dude it is way too early for this, someone just told me to kill myself over something i literally dont know anything about

[yaboigamerghost]

Imperfection Is Beautiful: An Analysis of Hordak From Netflix’s She-Ra

       Before I start I’d like to preface this by saying that I’m normally not the kind of person who really becomes attached to the villains in the media I consume (Zuko from ATLA being an obvious exception). However, leading into She-Ra’s final season I found myself asking one question “Why do I care about what happens to Hordak?” In the back of my head while watching the final I was constantly wondering where he currently was, and was even more invested than I already was during scenes featuring him, during his reunion with Entrapta, and later when he turned on Horde Prime to save her I was cheering the whole time. While I still completely agree with those takes I had while watching, this made me decide to try and take a deep dive into why I and many other fans felt that way. Specifically, what did lead writer Josie Campbell, her team, and the rest of the staff do to turn a character once presented as likely being the shows final boss into a sympathetic and understandable one, and how did they turn Entrapdak, which was once and still partly is viewed as a crackship into one of the stronger presentations of the shows themes of love, and the power of friendship. My hope is that by the end of this essay people who are fans of Hordak’s character can understand better the possible reasons as to WHY they feel that way, and maybe try to explain to those who really don’t like him why so many people do. Now without further ado, let’s get analyzing.

         To begin, let me talk about how he’s used in the first season, and how the writers chose to position him in the viewers’ heads. For those who haven’t taken a marketing class before, positioning typically refers to how companies try to position their brand in comparison to other brands in the minds of consumers, and the same concept can be somewhat applied to how storytellers position their characters in regards to each other in the minds of their audience.With that out of the way how is Hordak positioned in the audience’s head during season 1? By the first time he appears on screen Adora has been established as the show's protagonist, her and Catra were friends who have went their separate ways in a tragic scene where Adora pleads for Catra to join her, and Shadow Weaver has been established as a uh… well a giant asshole. So by the time Shadow Weaver brings Catra to Hordak for judgement on not bringing Adora back we are already inclined to sympathize with Catra and likely already dislike Shadow Weaver, Hordak himself has been mentioned in passing but never really anything specific about him, so when we see him for the first time drenched in shadows with red eyes and teeth we’re likely expecting the worst for Catra, a character we probably are sympathetic to at this point in the story. However something interesting happens here, Hordak essentially sides with Catra in this scene. He makes Shadow Weaver promote her, and tells her to stop focusing on finding Adora. So while the show had to this point presented the idea that the endgame for the show is defeating the Horde, and Hordak being the assumed leader of the Horde… he’s still not presented as the character that’s the most hated based on his interactions with other characters. Throughout season 1 the basis of his screen time is telling Shadow Weaver to stop wasting resources trying to bring Adora back, and then at the end of the season assisting Catra’s plan to use the Black Garnet. Essentially every time Shadow Weaver tries to make a move against Adora and Catra; the characters we’re sympathetic towards; he tells her off on it and when she makes an open act of defiance against Catra's plan he throws her in prison. What all of these acts do to the audience is kind of present him as not being as bad as Shadow Weaver. Let me frame it this way. The character who at this point is thought to eventually be the final boss is not the most hated of the antagonists. To me that seems fairly telling, and retrospectively to kind of foreshadow the direction his character would eventually go.

Season 2 I would say is the most he’s ever played as a straight up villain. He’s patronizing to his subordinates and he uses intimidation tactics and light forms of torture on Catra which I think might be the biggest reasons as to why some fans of the show despise him even now. However, this is also the season where the most important relationship he has throughout the show starts to form. One of the scenes Entrapdak fans bring up a lot is when he catches her in his Sanctum (classy) working on the portal machine and he yells “Get out!” in what is pretty obviously somewhat a callback to Beauty and the Beast when you think about it. It’s what I’d call being subtle by throwing subtlety out the window. Sure it is a line from BatB but it’s also just something an angry person says to someone trespassing and considering at this point we know nothing about their relationship and we likely aren’t thinking that these two characters would have an arc together. What I’m basically saying is that while on multiple viewings this scene pretty obviously foreshadows them as part of a beauty/beast narrative, someone watching the show for the first time may not notice that during this scene. At the end of the day however season 2 Hordak is the most purely villainous he ever is during the show, he suffocates Catra in one of his contraptions as intimidation, he starts off disparaging all of Etheria to Entrapta in their initial conversation about portals, he plans to send Shadow Weaver to Beast Island (although the viewer may not care about this one), and if not for Entrapta convincing him otherwise he probably would have had Catra executed. Again, this season is him at his worst and at his most high and mighty. The way the insecure clone of Horde Prime WANTS to be seen, a façade that gets broken down in front of the audience for the rest of the series, in fact it partly gets broken down in this season during the scenes of him without his armor.

The way Season 3 chooses to frame Hordak actually starts in an episode in which he’s not present. During the season’s first episode Adora has a conversation with Bow and Glimmer after Shadow Weaver is found in Bright Moon. During this conversation she talks about how she changed for the better after having been in the Horde all her life, and she says she chooses to believe that if she can then maybe everyone can, even Shadow Weaver. Subconsciously many of us probably thought during this scene “Even Hordak?”. Essentially what this scene does is have the show’s protagonist make a case for not demonizing the show’s current antagonist like many would, it plants the idea that in the viewer’s head that maybe he isn’t too far gone. The previous season showed him growing to trust Entrapta enough to spare Catra because of her advising, which could be enough to show that to be true. While always rough around the edges and teeming with anger he’s never presented as someone incapable of seeing reason, and with Adora’s monologue about believing in the ability of anyone to change that makes us think that maybe he could be given reason to turn away from his presumed history of villainy. Additionally, when Shadow Weaver talked about her motivations for defecting she said “I want to destroy Hordak”, Shadow Weaver being a character that most viewers of the show likely already hate from seeing how abusive and power hungry she behaves seemingly on instinct. The fact that she’s the one bringing up the concept of killing him coinciding with Adora’s monologue may make the viewer sit back and try to reframe how they view Hordak as a character. This idea is what gets played with in his screen time for the rest of the season.

The very next episode is the big one (the holy grail for Entrapdak shippers). During this episode he blocks Entrapta from the blast of a failed portal experiment, she discovers his physical condition, he tells her about his past with Horde Prime and why he’s doing what he’s doing, she builds him new armor while saying one of the most inspirational quotes of all time (Imperfection is beautiful), and he awkwardly tries to properly thank her while getting help from his clone son Imp… Okay so let me just get to the biggest thing I want to talk about for this particular episode. The reveal of Horde Prime as the leader of a Galactic Horde has a huge impact on how Hordak himself is presented as a character. Firstly it presents the idea that Hordak himself won’t be the final boss of the series, thus opening up the audience to be more inclined to sympathize with him going forward. Secondly him literally being a clone brings forth the idea that he never really had a choice in how he turned out, and in a show that to this point has largely been about characters feeling trapped in terms of who they’re supposed to be by their familial figures in itself is likely to make the audience start to sympathize with him in realizing that war and being part of dictatorship is all he knows. Finally, we have him calling himself a failure and a defect in this scene. I feel as though this was done to draw forth parallels between Hordak’s relationship to Prime and Catra’s to Shadow Weaver. Prime called Hordak defective, Shadow Weaver called Catra worthless. Most people watching the show to this point will sympathize with Catra in one way or another and by having another villain in your show be paralleled to her is a way to invoke the audience to sympathize with them as well.

Now, for his interactions with Entrapta this particular episode. First we see him; a man with what seems to be muscular deterioration; using his body to shield her from an explosion. This would seem to show him as someone capable of putting others before himself, which as we learn in season 5 is something completely separating him from being like Horde Prime. After this we have him opening up to her about being a clone, having a defect, his feelings of being a failure, and him awkwardly trying to thank her. This whole sequence of scenes in part reveals a deeper truth about his character, namely the fact that he was for the most part programmed. All of his awfulness of season 2 and from presumed acts from before the show was pretty much what he was made for. He is someone who was literally engineered by an intergalactic dictator and essentially was born into a cult environment. When the only way he can thank her is by awkwardly saying “I acknowledge your work here, it’s very… technologically sound” and after some coaxing from Imp continuing with “No matter what you say, you are not a failure. And any who underestimate you are utter fools” we can gather one kind of tragic fact. Hordak before this point had never felt a positive emotion from anything not related to conquering and technological advancement, in all his time he had never before this felt love or companionship. While the line itself is funny and kind of endearing, it also reveals the underlying tragedy of his backstory. That tragedy being that realistically there was no alternative way for him to turn out up to this point, the fact that this comes from being born in the Horde and the indoctrination and abuse from a familial figure adds another parallel to Catra, and how the abuse cycle of what Prime did to Hordak set him in a place to start up his own empire, bring Shadow Weaver into it, and then she does the same thing to Catra that Prime did to Hordak. Essentially the source of Hordak’s stress and likely trauma is the first domino to fall in causing the events of the show to happen, Prime’s own ego and perfectionism is what eventually caused his downfall.

But I’m getting ahead of myself here, as I still have more to say about this episode. I haven’t even really gotten into specifics on his defect, or his physical disability. Hordak would seem to have extreme muscular deterioration, he seems to have no tissue on his forearms leaving the bone exposed. The reveal is that his armor and technology are holding his physical body together. Most of the time a reveal like this regarding our presumed main villain would be a “The villain is more machine than man” type of trope like Darth Vader in A New Hope, however that’s not what’s done here. The armor and later pseudo-cybernetics aren’t so much to make him truly powerful and intimidate others as they are to cover up a vulnerability, and vulnerability is a very humanizing trait. The way this show chooses to completely subvert a trope here is interesting to me and says something about the series as a whole that I’ll probably extrapolate on later. What this decision says to me is that this show is one that cares about its characters, all of them, even in its villains they will ask you to look at and consider any vulnerability or redeemable quality in your judgement of them.

The next major scene involving him is the conversation between him and Entrapta having the portal machine almost ready. During the conversation they both seem sad about the prospect of being separated when Hordak rejoins Prime and they ultimately decide that they’ll wait to try it until the portal is absolutely perfect. This plan being ended by Catra coming back with the sword of protection. The reason for all he had done up to this point was rejoin with Horde Prime and he was now willing to slow down with trying to return to his brother, perhaps at this point if Catra hadn’t returned he might have scaled back the war efforts and settled for just continuing scientific pursuits with Entrapta, this isn’t guaranteed but it’s something that left open enough in the text of the show to where it can read as an aspect of his character.

The next major scene is when Catra lies about Entrapta betraying him and letting the princesses into the Fright Zone. This scene sets forth where his emotional state is during season 4, he falls to believe that; in spite of their work together and her telling him to not worry so much about being a failure and telling him that imperfection is beautiful; she never really cared about him and was just using him for his own destruction. The end of this season is probably Catra at her absolute worst. Entrapta outright told her that the portal would destroy the planet and then sent her to Beast Island after she used the words “Adora was right”. Having Hordak be another character hurt by some of Catra’s actions at a time when he may or may not have been on a trajectory to become a better person is an interesting interpretation of this scene to me (especially in light of her continuing by pulling the lever of the portal machine) because I feel like it was a great way to show Catra’s continued fall deeper and deeper into desperation and lashing out in anger and her potentially having at this point outgrown Hordak in terms of villainy (expressed in her Azula moment early in season 4). This idea kind of more puts Hordak on a similar level as the other characters, he’s no longer the untouchable ruler of the Etherian Horde if this bad kitty can come in and cause him to have what boils down to a broken heart. This scene is the final piece that to the audience completely breaks down the façade he had been putting on for so long.

Season 4 Hordak is a bit hard to explain. This season is when we see him committing the most on-screen villainous acts of the entire series, however largely he was being manipulated by Catra into actually setting foot on the battlefield. While this season has him being his most morally wrong, we also see this at a time when we’re somewhat newly aware of his vulnerabilities and insecurities and while he’s doing this we also see characters like Catra and Glimmer also falling further and further into behaving immorally or unethically. This kind of puts the audience in a really unique seat where we’re seeing the characters that we’ve grown to care about since the beginning of the series start to fall into something resembling tyrannical behavior like we’ve assumed from Hordak for so long. So while he’s at his worst at this time so is everyone else and in his case many of his actions here stem from believing that Entrapta betrayed him so there’s an extra layer of folly to what’s going on since it all stems from a lie. When Catra is trying to get him to step up the war effort to conquer all of Etheria she succeeds by pulling out the crystal that powers his armor that Entrapta gave him. When it’s removed he essentially collapses powerless. The crystal says LUVD (not that he or Entrapta knew, but the audience can learn it). Essentially this says that he is weak without love, when Entrapta was there, and she made him the armor he was made strong, when she’s gone and the crystal is removed he’s weak. 

There’s a scene where Hordak is talking to Catra about how their success would mean that he’d return to Prime’s side triumphant and worthy. When she hears him talk about this she kind of gives a look that shows just how much she actually understands the motivations. The audience knows this as well, we all saw the times when Shadow Weaver called her unworthy. This scene is the show itself basically telling us that any similarities between Hordak and Catra we gleaned from the reveal of his backstory wasn’t just us seeing something that wasn’t there. This scene essentially asks the audience to look at these two characters through similar lenses. It doesn’t tell you exactly HOW to view them, but asks for you to take a step back and measure any hypocrisy regarding how you view their various actions and then leave it at the door. The show asks you to sympathize with Hordak based on similarities with Catra;a character whom the audience probably sympathizes with from the very beginning; and having them both commit similar actions for similar motivations. 

Skipping ahead we have this sequence late in the season where Double Trouble cleverly tells Hordak that Catra sent Entrapta to Beast Island and the subsequent battle he has with the cat. The absolute rage and sadness in his eyes as the background completely fades out and we’re just focused on his face with tears starting to come out of his big red eyes while drenched in blackness, and then he just fires off his arm cannon around the room in anger. There’s just… so much to be said about this little sequence right here, it was beautifully done. What this scene expressed more than anything is that even if he didn’t know it, he was totally in love with Entrapta. He heard she was sent to beast Island, a place where he has sent people to DIE. He likely thinks she’s dead, and his first reaction was tears and to destroy part of his lab and then try to kill his second in command in revenge. I don’t know about you but this is something one would pretty much only do if they were in love with someone. Additionally I think the stylization of having the whole background fade to black during this scene is an interesting one. I think one meaning that could be taken from it is that with him believing she was dead he was sinking deeper into the darkness, that his ability to see the lighter side of the world was gone, the one person who could understand him was gone forever and he had spent all that time angry with her while working with her killer. A man who already was prone to self loathing and feeling like a failure now had nothing to lose. I think this is probably why early in season 5 after seeing Catra he goes to get his mind wiped again. Seeing Catra and her calling him by his name brought back some memories, memories that at this point only bring him pain. 

Speaking of Hordak and mindwipes though, the next major scene in my reading is the first time we truly see Horde Prime in his full glory. I’m going to focus less on Hordak saying that he did all his conquering for Prime, but more how Prime winds up seeing through him, and the horror that being part of the cultish Galactic Horde actually is. Prime is able to see into Hordak’s thoughts, he brushes his hands against the slot where the LUVD crystal once was and says “There was a time when you wished I wouldn’t come for you” confirming what everyone knew about his feelings towards Entrapta. After that Hordak seems to get basically reset to factory settings so to speak. Horde Prime immediately turns to Glimmer and apologises for his defective brother, she asks if this means he’d leave them alone to which he expresses that he’d have to destroy the planet to cover up the failures, he would have done it if Catra hadn’t brought up knowledge of the Heart of Etheria. What Horde Prime’s introduction does most of all is tell the audience that if they thought Hordak was evil then they really hadn’t seen anything yet. Hordak was but a child lashing out compared to the insane cult of planetary destruction and forced hegemony that is Horde Prime. If the brutality of the mindwipe of Hordak was anything to go off of it probably isn’t pleasant to be a clone either, but it’s their purpose for creation. “All beings must suffer to become pure” after all. 

This helps me segue into talking more about the rest of season 5 and get into detail about the Galactic Horde itself. Based on everything from the language used by Horde Prime and his clones, the fanaticism of most of said clones, the obsession with the color white, and the ideology it would seem as though the Galactic Horde is one thing. A cult. Horde Prime is a souped-up version of Shoko Asahara. He presents himself very charismatically and uses that as a way to mask the constant manipulation he does to everyone from his own clones, to any “Honored guests” he may have, and even his adversaries. He does all of this in a self serving effort to further his own perceived greatness. He is something that no other antagonist in this series ever was, a being of pure ego. Shadow Weaver, Hordak, and Catra even at their very worst were always shown to be affected by the histories and relationships they formed with other people. Even when they committed evil acts there was something recognizable about it, you still knew that this was a PERSON. Horde Prime, while being in the body of a man is surprisingly more reminiscent of something Lovecraftian than your typical supervillain. He’s ancient, his origin is never even hinted at, as though he’s been around forever and no one really knows. He can transfer his consciousness into any being within his hivemind, he has presumably hundreds or even thousands of his former bodies around for him to be able to check their memories, that means he has entire parts of his life he doesn’t remember. Horde Prime may have a humanoid figure, but as a character he’s much more like Cthulhu than Palpatine…. This is the being that created and essentially raised Hordak. A Lovecraftian style cult leader who either conquers planets, assimilates them into his hivemind, or destroys them all for shits and giggles. Hordak never stood a chance of being a good, well rounded person out of that environment. It all puts the Hordak of seasons 1-4 in a different context, shows just how deeply rooted indoctrination was for him.

After the second “purification” he undergoes one might wonder one thing regarding Hordak. Where could he possibly go from here? He’s had his mind wiped twice, he’s on Horde Prime’s ship, even if he did have his memories he believes that the one being who ever cared about him is dead, it really seems like he has nowhere to go… and then he sees the LUVD crystal lying on the floor near some rubble after Entrapta helped with rescuing Catra. He picks it up and looks into it for a second before letting out a somewhat surprised “Entrapta?” he may not fully remember who that is at the moment but they definitely mean something to him. There may be hope for Hordak after all. The audience knows this, especially since earlier in this same episode it’s revealed that Entrapta is keeping a list of clones that could be Hordak, she’s still looking for him.

Later he has another few scenes where he starts to remember some of his past. The cloning tanks with Prime’s former vessels reminding him of Entrapta and when he revealed who he was to her, he doesn’t have it all yet but the pieces are coming back slowly. They come back faster during Failsafe. When he finally sees Entrapta again he’s confused. “Why do I know your face?” She knows that it’s him. He’s not entirely sure he wants to remember, he considers his memories imperfections. As Swift Wind drags her away from the encounter like an idiot she reminds him “Your imperfections are beautiful”. Later in the episode we see her looking him up in the chip network and show a sweet smile on knowing that it really was him. At the beginning of the season the LUVD Crystal was tiny, but now it covers almost the entirety of the palm of his large clawed hands. His love has grown, and grown him as a person, this sets what happens next. 

During the two part finale he makes the most important decision of his life. Entrapta gets teleported up to Prime’s ship, directly in front of Hordak. As the rebels start making ground in the battle she starts making noise, telling Prime how he can’t win, he doesn’t know what makes them strong. Prime orders Hordak to kill her. He has a blank, confused, scared expression as he points the arm cannon at her at his brother’s command, tears start to form in her eyes. Is this because she’s afraid to die or because possibly the only person to truly understand her was lost and would be the one to make it happen? Hordak makes a split second decision to turn on his brother. He’s finally able to break through the abuse and indoctrination of Prime’s borderline Lovecraftian cult, throwing Prime’s body down a pit in the ship… Until Prime takes over Hordak’s body temporarily to once again try to intimidate the Etherians. 

There is one final scene involving Hordak that is important, that happens right after Adora purges out Horde Prime. We’re given a flashback of Hordak out in a meadow where he’s holding a baby Adora. He likely detected portal activity thinking perhaps Prime had come for him. Instead it was this helpless child, lost from her home and now on this strange world. Perhaps in a quick decision this man starting his own empire saw a piece of himself within her and would take her in. A small piece he forgot about in the many years later, but in this moment of her purging his creator from his mind now remembers. Adora looks at him with no derision or spite, but a soft smile, as though after all these years she finally is starting to understand who he is on a deeper level.

She-Ra and The Princesses of Power is a show that started airing on Netflix in 2018 and finished its run in 2020, and it is a show that is ostensibly about the connections we form with other people and how those affect us moving forward. On top of that it goes out of its way to say that in the end those connections are a positive that we’re better off for experiencing. Horde Prime is the show’s main antagonist and he is a being of pure ego, he views the connections the Etherians form with each other to be a weakness. Meanwhile, time and time again in season 5 those are exactly why he gets defeated. Adora can get through to Catra to break her from the chip, Netossa does the same with Spinnerella, Seahawk and Perfuma slightly do that with Mermista and Scorpia respectively… But where does Hordak fit into this? In s5e3 Corridors Hordak goes to Prime to be “Purified'' after seeing Catra and she calls him by his name, a name being something clones of Lord Prime shouldn’t have. After the painful ritual Prime refers to him as “The purest among you” to the other clones surrounding the ritual. But in the end the connection he had formed with Entrapta led to even him turning on Prime anyway, that purity meant nothing because the bonds we form with other people supersedes all of that. If Hordak doesn’t turn on Prime like he did, for the reason he did then the messaging and themes of the show would have a place where they didn’t follow through as strongly. We’d have a victim of abuse that wasn’t able to get past their abuser, and a flawed person who didn’t wind up doing the right thing because they wanted to do right by the person they love. Without a positive ending for Hordak it makes the rest of the show’s positive endings weaker because it has a blatant exception to those victories, and while that could be poignant in some shows, I don’t think SPOP is that kind of show.  So you might be wondering… Why write all this? What made me think that writing a wall of text about Hordak of all fictional characters would be worth it? Part of it is because I wanted to explore why I care so much about this character and look into how his arc worked from a storytelling standpoint. I think the other part of it is simply seeing a lot of people not really seem to understand him as a character. There seems to be a very vocal group of people who hate him, or the Entrapdak ship for one reason or another and use that to kind of call those of us who do enjoy it bad people, so part of writing this is to maybe help some of those people who just flat out don’t understand how we could possibly be fans of the character get to know a bit of the reasoning behind it, and maybe show that the show specifically wrote him to be sympathetic. And maybe if you can see how it would be possible for us to love this character, maybe you can learn to appreciate him too. I can't force you to, but hopefully I can at least help you see where I’m coming from, and if you made it this far all I can say is thank you for reading. 

TLDR; Hordak is a very deeply complicated character who’s arc is more important to the themes of SPOP than you might think. 

[stratus-skye07]

Suga Craze [Eight] | Suga

[Seven] [Masterlist]

The past few days have been boring and just sad. Yoongi has yet to let me leave the house. He told Jin to make sure that I was excused from work. On top of being stuck in my room, I had a babysitter watching my every move. At first, Jungkook kept watch, then J-Hope and so on as they began to take shifts. Going to the bathroom alone wasn’t even allowed. They had to call Yoongi to watch me use the bathroom and if he wasn’t available then I had to hold it in.

“Here’s your food, noona.” Jimin slides the tray of food towards me on the coffee table.

If I weren’t pregnant, I wouldn’t be eating at all but with the baby in mind I think twice about being on a hunger strike.

He lifts up a plastic bag. “I also brought some cookies and stuff if you get any cravings.”

“How’s Suga?” I ask him.

Since locking me away from the outside world, I haven’t seen him around much other than to watch me shower and use the bathroom. Each time he never said a word to me. I was too upset over the current situation that I didn’t bother to talk to him either just to see if he would eventually crack but we’re both too stubborn.

“He’s working really hard to find out what’s going on with EXO. Soon enough he’ll let you off of house arrest.” He reassures me.

I scoff, “House arrest? Don’t you mean suicide watch?”

Jimin looks at his hands, “He doesn’t think you’ll hurt yourself but he doesn’t want to be wrong. He’s even asked for CL’s help and he hasn’t done that in years.”

“Yeah, they seem to understand each other really well.” I say sarcastically.

“It’s not like that, noona. Suga loves you. You were his goal ever since I met him. It may not seem like it but he’s hurting too.”

I sigh, “I could help him if he would just let me. Instead, he locks me away in the tower like Repunzel.”

“What would you do?” He asks.

“I’d go straight to the source myself and confront them. End it once and for all.”

“Do you really think EXO is behind it?”

I shrug my shoulder, “I don’t know how they’re involved but they know something about Hyung-Sik. I intend to find out with or without Suga’s help.”

I stand to leave but Jimin blocks my way out, “Y/N, you can’t leave. You’re carrying my little niece or nephew and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Jimin, don’t make me fight you. You can either step aside or help me.” He looks skeptical but if he truly wants to help me then he should follow my lead. “You helped me once before and I trusted you to take the shot, now I’m asking you to trust me to find out who is behind all this.”

He sighs before nodding, “Okay, I trust you.”

It wasn’t as difficult to sneak out of the penthouse this time around since everyone was out conducting their own investigations to who was plotting against us. Jimin and I drove to EXO’s mansion. I can certainly see why Suho was a runner up in becoming my husband. He’s smart in all aspects of international exports. Hence the extra traveling he’s been doing all round Japan and China.

“Are you sure about this?” Jimin asks before exiting the car.

I nod, “Just follow my lead and everything will go accordingly.”

After going over the plan with Jimin, we approach the gates of EXO’s mansion. It takes but a few seconds for them to open and we’re met with two men at the front door. Two of the same men that came with Suho to my dad’s funeral. They were both fairly tall, wearing black and had numbers etched into their jackets, one looked more alluring and had the number 88 and the other looks serious with the number 94.

“Mrs. Min, please state your business.” Number 88 asks in a kind tone but between the lines it sounded more hostile.

I place my arms on my hips to show some amount of confidence in my presence, “I came to speak with Suho over some private matters. I think he’d be interested to see me about.”

The taller one nods and walks off leaving us with the other. It doesn’t take long for two more members to come out and greet us. “Mrs. Min, my name is Chanyeol and this is Baekhyun.” The tallest member says.

Baekhyun signals for us to enter, “We will take you to see Suho.”

We walk through the grand house past a giant stairway that’s in the center and splits in two different directions. Jimin stayed close behind me keeping his eyes open to the surroundings.

Entering Suho’s office, he was seated at his desk with four of the other members in the room with him. Once I enter, Suho rises to his feet to welcome me into his home.

“Y/N, I have to say that this is a pleasant surprise. Please have a seat.” I take a seat in one of the chairs across from his desk. Jimin stays standing over my shoulder. Suho had his own men stay in the room with him which is going to be a problem so I have to get them out of here in order for my plan to work. “Sehun tells me that you have something important to talk to me about.”

I nod, “I have business to discuss with you but it’s a bit crowded in here to talk to you about it. You see, I’m a little shy.” I point at the four men staring at me.

He smirks, “To be honest Y/N, I’m not only surprised that you would come to me about business but that you’d come without your husband. Why is that?” He tilts his head in curiosity.

I bite my lip, “I can understand. All I can say is that my business with you has nothing to do with Suga if you’re catching my meaning.”

Suho stares at me intently until a smirk appears on his face, “Leave us to talk.”

“Suho.” The one with the cat-like eyes objects.

The other with the cheshire mouth adds, “Excuse us for objecting but we don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone with these two.”

I quickly interject, “If your members truly feel threatened by us then how about just the two of us talk then. That is if you promise to treat Jimin well.” 

Suho nods, “Of course, you’re both guests in my home. Lay, please treat Jimin with respect while you keep him company.”

“Noona,” Jimin objects.

“Jimin,” I stare at him, “I’ll be fine. Please go and wait for me.” I have a much greater chance of doing this alone but I still have to be careful with how I choose to go about this, for Jimin’s sake as well as my baby’s.

The room clears out until it’s just me and Suho left alone in the big office. I stand from my seat and approach his desk. “The room is all ours. You can speak freely now.” He says.

“I have to say I’m in love with your house. So much more classy than ours. It’s almost like kings live here.” I place my hands on the front of his desk and lean forwards to show a little cleavage that has grown to surprise me as well. 

Suho sits up from his seat, “I’m sure you didn’t come all this way just to have a tour of my house. Why don’t you get to the real reason why you’re here.”

“Tell me something, is it true that you wanted to marry me?” I ask.

Suho keeps a straight face, “Yes, I offered to have you as my wife but your father had decided that it wouldn’t be the best idea since I travel a lot. He wanted someone that was going to always be there for you.”

I nod slowly making my way around his desk and take a seat on the edge, “Things have been getting a little rocky between Suga and I. He got mad at me recently and locked me away as punishment. I was so bored. It wasn’t until I started thinking about you and our dance together at the party.” I begin to stroke my fingertips down my chest towards my thighs. Suho’s eyes follow my movement just as I planned.

“Really?” Suho stands from his chair and slowly approaches me, “What about it?”

I take his hand and graze my nails against his palms, “The feeling of your hands on me helped me get through the lonely nights.” I place his hand on my thigh as I open my knees wider to lure him in. “I usually never go against my dad’s judgement but I started thinking maybe he chose the wrong husband for me.”

My seduction was beginning to work as Suho slowly walked into the space between my legs. Once he got close enough I could spot the pistol he had in his waistband. If I could get him just a little closer.

“Believe me when I tell you that I’m not all it’s cracked up to be.” He says through a chuckle.

“Let’s say you’d have a wife. Would you take her with you on your travels?”

He smirks, “If that’s what she wanted, of course I would.”

“Where would you take her?” I lean in to brush my lips against his.

“I’d take her someplace where she can make all the noises from her orgasms and no one would hear it.” He says through a hoarse tone.

“Your wife is gonna be one lucky woman.” Just as swiftly as I got him close to me, I raised the pistol to his jaw. “If you tell me what I want to know, you’ll have a chance in finding her.”

Suho chuckles in disbelief, “I should’ve known it was too good to be true. I have to say you’re the first woman to ever give me blue balls.”

I push the gun deeper into his skin, “You make any sudden movements and I’ll make them red balls just as quick.” I threaten.

“Okay,” he raises his hands. “You have my attention.”

I start asking the questions I want to know, “Hyung-Sik, where is he? How did he survive?”

He looks at me in confusion, “Park Hyung-Sik? Even if he was alive, why would I know where he is?”

“Cut the bullshit! I know that you're behind all this. You killed my dad and you’re trying to take over. You ambushed me and CL the other night. You can’t lie about it. I saw the tattoos that only EXO wears. How did you plan it?”

He shrugs, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I pull on his collar to shake him, “Quit playing your games! I caught you.”

“I’m being honest. Whatever has been happening to you has nothing to do with me or EXO. I already told you that I have nothing against Bangtan. You say the men that attacked you had the markings of EXO? Which arm did they have it on?”

“What difference does it make?”

He lifts up his left sleeve to show the tattoo, “All of us have it on our left wrists. People often mistake that little fact.” The more I think about it, I realize that it was on the guy’s right arm. That can’t be the only proof he has.

“Let me tell you a little secret. I owed your father my life.” He looks me in the eyes with the most sincerest look. “When EXO arrived on the scene we were treated like shit. No one gave us an ounce of respect to the point where we were hunted for fun along with bounties placed on each of our heads. Three of our own members left when things started to get worse.”

“What does my dad have to do with that?” I ask.

“One night we were surrounded. We were lined up for execution but I offered to give my life in exchange for the rest of the members. They obviously didn’t care to let any of us live so they had me go first. Just when my life was flashing before my eyes, your father came to our aid. He offered to pay them to let us go and when they didn’t, he killed them. Your father took us in and gave us work in order to grow. I meant what I said at his funeral. I have all the respect for him. That’s why I offered to marry you.” Slowly I lowered the pistol away from his face but I still keep it pointed at him.

“Besides,” He adds on, “I’m not the only one you should be interrogating.”

“What are you talking about?”

He shakes his head, “Your best friend, CL, isn’t what she seems.”

“CL? She and Suga have been close for years. Why would she come after me and hurt Suga in the process?”

He shrugs, “I don’t know the details but that day at the party she came to me to talk. She started talking about you to me but in reality she was trying to stir something up between us. She tried to convince me that I was the right choice for a husband.”

“She was instigating you to come after me?” The confusion grew deeper, “Why didn’t you fall for it?”

He nods, “Like I said, I respected your dad’s choice. As much of an honor it would’ve been to marry you, I know that I couldn’t give you the attention you deserve as my wife.”

I begin to take in all this new information he’s giving me but how can I actually believe him?

He smirks, “I can see that you’re still skeptical.” He points at the pistol in my hand, “Would it help if I told you that the gun has been empty this whole time?”

Backing up a few steps, I empty out the gun to find there’s not even a clip inside it. This whole time he knew and he could’ve killed me at any moment but didn’t.

“You’re not the first woman to reach for my gun.” He says jokingly.

I scoff giving his gun back, “Fine, I believe you.”

Suho takes the pistol and places it back into his waistband, “You wanna tell me what’s been going on?”

After clearing the air with Suho, I tell him about all the things that have been happening to me. It feels nice to actually have someone listen to what I’ve been trying to explain to Yoongi. Now that I have the culprit in my sights I have to warn Yoongi about her.

Thinking back on the events, CL was the only one that was with me during the time I was attacked. She saw Hyung-Sik that day but acted like there was no one there to have me believe that I was losing my mind. She continued the charade when we were attacked by, who I thought was EXO, but she once again acted like nothing happened to make everyone turn against me. I was already talking about what I was seeing like a crazy person that she was the only witness to put my information down. Obviously, Yoongi would believe her especially with their history of trust together. I just need to know what she wants from me.

Jimin and I return to the penthouse to find it quiet. Usually if Yoongi has found out that I left while under house arrest he would be turning the city upside down to find me.

“Do you think Suga will believe you?” Jimin asks as we wait in the elevator.

“I don’t but I have to try. CL could be plotting to get rid of both of us by separating us.”

He scoffs, “I would’ve never thought CL would do something like this to Suga. They've been friends for years.”

I nod, “Yeah, well you know that saying. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

Once the elevator doors open, we enter the penthouse door to find Yoongi standing there with his arms crossed. He rushes to approach us but passes me completely and strikes Jimin in the face.

“Yoongi!” I rush to look at Jimin. His lip is bleeding. 

“I trusted you to keep her here and you disobey my order!” He basically roars his anger on Jimin.

I stand between the two, “No, it was my doing. If you wanna blame someone then blame me. Hit me instead. Jimin was only trying to help me.”

“Help you?!” He asks sarcastically.

“Listen to me first, I know who’s been coming after me. I went to talk to Suho and-”

Yoongi’s voice overpowers mine, “Suho! You went to EXO’s mansion? Did you have fun while I was worried to fucking death about you?!”

I wave my hands trying to get my point across before he continues to lecture me, “You’re not listening?! It’s not him that’s been terrorizing me.”

Just as I’m about to tell him everything I spot the members of Bangtan coming from Yoongi’s office along with the woman I’ve been meaning to see.

Storming past Yoongi, I stand face-to-face with CL and my fist also gets to meet her face. Before I could do any more, Namjoon and Jungkook grab me by the arms to pull me away from her. She stands there looking shocked with her hand on her jaw. Jin rushes to her side to take a look at the damage which wasn’t as much as I wanted to cause. She continues the innocent facade.

“Y/N, what are you doing?” Namjoon asks.

“It’s her. She’s the one that’s after us.” I try to fight out of their grip but it’s no use.

Jimin jumps in to help but J-Hope intercepts him and holds him back. “Suga, she’s telling the truth. She’s your wife, you have to at least listen to what she has to say.”

“That’s enough! You’re a part of the problem, Jimin. You’ve been egging her on about everything. I’m making sure you two stay away from each other.” Just then J-Hope manages to drag Jimin back into the elevator and separate the only person that knows the truth.

“Yoongi!” I yell at his back, “Yoongi, look at me.” He doesn’t but I can see that he has a pained look on his face seeing me in this state.

CL approaches to pat Yoongi on the back which enrages me, “Suga, I think the issue is only getting worse. My offer still stands to take her to my safe house until she gets a better hold of herself.”

“Yoongi, don’t listen to her. That’s what she wants. To separate us. She’s trying to get rid of me. She’s helping Hyung-Sik get back at us.”

Yoongi finally turns to look at me, “Jin, sedate her.”

My heart drops into my stomach as Jin reaches into his pocket to pull out a needle. He draws closer to me with it. He looks conflicted on it but shakes it away. I start fighting Jungkook and Namjoon’s hold.

I use the hold on my arms to kick the syringe out of Jin’s hands and kick him away. It’s not until I headbutt Jungkook and swipe Namjoon’s feet from under him that I get free. I have the option to run towards the elevator and get out of here but I can’t leave Yoongi alone with CL, knowing that she could hurt him at any moment. I try once more to convince him by running towards him and embracing him. I hold him tight until he reaches to embrace me back.

I whisper in his ear, “Yoongi, please don’t do this. I love you so much and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

I can hear him trying so hard to hold his sobs back. I look over his shoulder to see CL standing there with a smug look on her face as if she’s won but I know that Yoongi will choose me over her any day.

“I love you too,” a burst of hope rising in me but that’s quickly extinguished when I feel a pinch on my thigh, “I don’t want you to get hurt either.”

I look at my thigh where a syringe is poking out of my skin. Yoongi pulls the needle out as he keeps his eyes on me. I let a tear fall down my cheek as my eyes begin to fog and my motor skills become like jelly. Yoongi catches me once my legs stop responding and the heavy feeling of sleep begins to overpower me.

The last thing I see is Yoongi’s face and then nothing at all.

[Nine]

[limenysnocket]

I Despise The Way You Make Me Love You

Summary: If you piss off your friends and they don't forgive you, can they really be called your friends? Now, what happens when your closest friend pisses you off and makes you fall deeper in love with him each time he does?

Warnings: Smut, language, lots of sexual innuendos

Word count: 3,483

Request: @honorarytenenbaum

Authors note: You have no idea how excited I am to fufil my first request. If any of y'all have any more, drop it in my asks for anonymity, DM me to give me more details, or whatever the heck. I want your requests. Give them to me.

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What's a fantastic morning without the first cup of coffee that you're almost positively sure has been pumped full of laxatives and stress relief pills?

Well, it's not the morning you had planned, and it wasn't the coffee you wanted. You were at work, on your day off. Who dragged you here? Mr. Hollywood hot shot himself, Taika Waititi that absolute jackass. He came to your door at 6 a.m., invited himself inside, crashed into your bedroom, made you and partially helped you get dressed, and threw you into his car, taking you God knows where.

You were on the set of The Mandalorian where they were in the process of filming season two. You had a very cold cup of coffee in your hand and you were about to take a nice sip to hopefully get you sick enough to send you to the hospital for the day, but the cup was snatched away quickly before anything could happen. "I'll drink anything you give me, but I absolutely will not drink that, and I'm putting my ass on the line to make sure you don't drink it either," Taika said, dropping the cup in a nearby trashcan.

"Fuck you, Waititi," you growled, pinching the bridge of your nose. "Love you too, doll," Taika made a kissy face and put his hand on your lower back to guide you deeper into the film set. You swatted his hand away like it was a pesky mosquito.

"Why the hell did you bring me here?" You whisper shouted between your teeth as both of you swerved through staff. "You don't have to work or anything. I just miss you each time you take off on us," Taika pouted. Whatever, missed you my ass. He just wanted you there so you could cover for him every time he took a nap on the job.

"Taika!" You spun towards him, your hands in the air and nails out like an animal, you wanted to maul his God damn, terribly handsome face. "I was going to close my blinds, lock my doors, eat frozen pizzas, binge Superstore and wear sweatpants and a comfortable bra, God damn it! It's my fucking day off, can you take a break for, I don't know, one fucking minute!?" You looked spastic and quite angry. Even a few people stopped and stared for a few seconds. Taika wasn't phased, however. All he gave you was a shrug. "Sounds like a fun afternoon, you should invite me sometime."

Both of you were quiet, and you felt your skin bubbling. You flipped your shit. "I'm going home, alright! I'm calling myself an uber, and you better fucking not call me or come break down my door again, Waititi! I'm not doing this again!" You huffed, twirled around and went straight for the exit. This time, it managed to get the desperate Kiwi's attention.

"(Y/N), now hang on a minute, I can take you out to lunch if you stay!" He called out desperately. "Frozen Italian food sounds so much better, thank you," you snorted and shook your head. You could hear his heavy footsteps behind you, trying to catch up to you.

You couldn't bear to stand another minute with that man, so you pushed out of the small exit, just barely brushing shoulders with David as you went. As the door closed, you heard him say your name and question what you were doing here, but that stopped mid-sentence whenever he probably saw Taika riding your tail.

You yanked your phone from your pocket and started clicking onto the uber app, but your phone was snatched away as you reached the parking lot. "Give me one chance, (Y/N)! I promise to make it worth your while!" He said, trying to talk his offer up for a lunch date. "What is with you and grabbing my things, Waititi?" You growl, snapping your hand out to grab your phone back, only to have it be yanked away again.

"Call me Taika," He said, that dastardly smile still spread across his features. "I'll call you Taika whenever you've earned my actual respect and you can call me (L/N) until then, too!" You grabbed at your phone again. No dice. This was very unfair. He had quiet a few inches on you. "You heffer! Give me that back now!"

"You seem stressed. How long has it been since you've had sex?" Taika struck you with a question that covered your cheeks with a deep blush. "None of your business! Hand it over, Waititi!"

"Taika--," he corrected you without hesitation, "Tell me how long it's been and I'll give you your phone back."

You took a deep breath and folded your arms, you hated to admit such personal things, especially to the likes of him. "Three months," you let out an exasperated sigh. Taika put his hand to his chest in shock. "Really? A classy gal like you, I'd think, would be having sex at least once or twice a week! That's not even the maximum!"

You scoffed, "Stop talking it up, Waititi, it's never gonna work." You grabbed your phone from him and brushed past him, bumping shoulders a bit aggressively. He rolled his eyes and continued to follow you out further into the parking lot, carefully dodging heavy equipment that rolled by. "(Y/N), wait up! C'mon, please?" He frowned and got in front of you again. You were one click away from getting an uber.

Your jaw shifted from side to side in thought. He pissed you off today multiple times already, but you would kill to spend an afternoon alone with him. You knew, whenever he wasn't under the influence of his multiple companions, he was an extremely nice guy. I mean, he was whenever his friends were around sure. Maybe it was just your need for his undivided attention that drove you crazy over him.

You sighed, "Where the hell would you be taking me when all I'm wearing is jeans and a t-shirt? Don't you have this sort of reputation to uphold?" He was shining brightly now, the grin on his face couldn't be any wider. "Oh, darling, I would trash it all to be with you," he purred, "and, how does pizza sound?"

You cocked a brow, lips pinching together and your shoulders rolling. "Fine." He lit up brighter than a Christmas tree. "Amazing! How about we head back inside, we'll finish up this shoot, and after that, we'll see where the streets of LA take us~," he purred with a cocky wink that made you roll your eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, let's just hurry up," you sighed, speeding up your walk walk until you had your hand on the handle and had pulled open the door just by a smidge. To your surprise, the handle was yanked out of your hand as the door slammed shut in front of you. You looked up, a bit ticked off, but your inner self calmed when you saw Taika standing there, directly in front of you, blocking the door completely with his body and his eyes holding a provocative stare within them. "Three months, huh?" His voice was low and deep, just how you imagined it before bed quite a few times. "I can... You know... always take care of that for you~." He leaned down towards you, his face becoming dangerously close to yours.

"T-Taika, this isn't exactly the r-right place for that--," you stuttered then gasped softly as his lips brushed against yours. He was so close, you could smell the intoxicating scent of his cologne mixing with the soft smell of his fabric softener that wafted blissfully from his clothes. You started to lean in too, now, taking a large gulp as you did.

"Waititi, stop doing whatever the hell you're doing out there and move your fat ass away from the door!" You heard the executive producer yell from the other side of the door, before Taika was launched forward by the propelling force of the door behind him. His head jeered off to the side and all that was left in contact between you two was the rough clash of his shoulder hitting yours. He stumbled for a minute while you laughed a little, shaking your head. You slipped in, just before a rack full of heavy equipment got close to the door, and that's where you parted from the kiwi, a massive grin on your face.

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Okay, he woke you up and ruined your perfectly planned day, so you were pissed just a little bit. Now, he was keeping you longer than he should have, at work and now you were really pissed. Both of you were the very last ones in the studio and he still hasn't finished up yet. Your stomach growled, your fingers twitched and your anger was bubbling.

You were sitting on one of the sets, a main, small room that split off towards the back. It was dark, greasy, and sewer-like. It had grates everywhere that were decaying with painted on rust and fake laser holes dotted along the fake metal every once in awhile.

You sat on a convenient crate prop that was sturdy enough to withstand three people at the most. You were rubbing your temples, the overwhelming and heady stench of expensive perfume, spray paint and spray tanning solution only fueled your distress. That cocky little bastard! He knew you never wanted to be here in the first place, but here he is, keeping you locked up here by his own hand. You were two moments away from storming out, calling that uber, and forgetting about this whole catastrophe whenever there was the rapping of knuckles against tin. Your head shot up and you glared. It was Taika. You said nothing.

He seemed awkward at first, his head tilting to the side and an apologetic smile on his lips, "Well, on the brighter side, at least we won't have to worry about the lunch rush!" He laughed softly, trying to lighten the mood, but your angry aura seemed to snuff out every attempt like a candle in the wind. "Look, doll, you know I'm sorry about keeping you here! It was never my intention..." He tried to explain, his hand motions really getting to work until they paused all together, right in front of him, palms facing upwards and his fingers lightly curling in, out of stress or carpal tunnel from holding on to a keyboard mouse all day long.

"Then what was your intention, Taika? Huh!?" You shot up from your seat and just stood there, your body nearly shaking with rage. "You wake me up, you drag me out of my house, and you force me to come to work! I thought you were my colleague, not my God damn boss!" You were frustrated. You wanted an answer. His eyebrows were furrowed and he seemed to be focused on a different topic on a new level. For the first time ever, you saw him look at the floor, embarrassed.

"Answer me, Taika!" You shouted, the sound of your voice echoing along the walls. He seemed shaken up whenever he looked up. He was confused, like he hadn't even listened to you the entire time. "What?" He said a little breathily, his eyes desperately searching yours for any tiny morsel that you had the compassion to forgive him.

"What were your intentions with this whole fucking thing?" You repeated through your bared teeth. Things were intense now. Both of you just stared in complete silence while Taika contemplated his, apparently, very complex answer.

"Well?" You flinched your arm muscles up once, in a shrugging motion. His eyes were closed and he took a deep breath. Suddenly, he charged forward at you, in a fast walk, without a word, a serious expression on his face. It made you take a few steps back out of shock, and you were close to pulling out your emergency bottle of pepper spray whenever he grabbed both sides of your face with his rough hands and brought you close to him. "This," he whispered before smashing his lips on yours. Your eyes widened, your hands went to his clothes and started clawing harshly, almost begging for him to stop before you became too attached, but as the kiss went on, it became more passionate and your clawing slowed, your eyes fluttered closed and your hands went up, into his hair. Taika let the pure bliss of your acceptance sink into his memory for a few moments longer before he pulled away, his hands dropping from your head and down to his sides.

He took a few steps back, wiping the drool off of his lips with the sleeve of his shirt. "That," he muttered again, bobbing his head to truly acknowledge what he had done. "My intention was to make that happen."

You were stunned, eyes wide when they flew back open and fluttered wildly. Your hands didn't know what to do with themselves anymore, now that they weren't buried in Taika's soft locks, so they went into yours, gripping on tightly and slightly pulsing the tug. Your lips craved more, your heart thrummed madly in your chest, so hard, you thought that it was beating, like a drum, up against your ribcage.

"Taika," you manage to whisper, catching his attention, you could tell, as he looked up at you again. "Yeah?" He muttered back.

You couldn't take it anymore. Your lips needed to connect with his again, you needed to touch him once more, to feel him in any way. You just knew you wanted him. You wanted him bad. You walked right up to him, curled your fingers back into his hair and brought his lips back down on yours, desperate and needy, unlike the last kiss the two of you shared. He kissed you right back, his hands having enough consciousness to slick right down and grip onto your waist.

It was unexpected, it was needed, your friends bet it was going to happen, it was... it was.... hot.

The kiss went on much longer than the last one, and eventually got more heated as well. His tongue slid across your bottom lip and there was no hesitation to open up for him. It was like opening the pearly gates of heaven, in his eyes. He gave your lip a cheeky little nip with his teeth anyway, making you whine softly, before tangling his tongue up with yours, almost like tying a cherry stem into a knot between the two of you.

He started pushing you back. You stumbled a bit, but you got the hint and started walking backwards. His body eagerly followed yours, not willing to break the kiss unless it was for a brief moment of air. Your back was eventually pushed up against one of the orange tinted walls and that wasn't the only thing being pushed up. Your shirt was carrying a steady pace up your abdomen and getting closer to exposing your chest. You were impatient, so you suddenly broke the kiss, leaving Taika momentarily distraught, and lifted your shirt completely off so you could toss it away like trash. Taika was smirking now and continued to kiss you, this time, more hunger was induced into it.

The next time you two broke contact, it was Taika's doings. You didn't have time to really react before you were no longer facing Taika, but the grated wall, and your breasts were pushed up tightly against it as well. Little words were spoken between you two, and it was easy to tell what position he wanted you in, so you stuck your ass out there a little more. You could practically feel his smirk getting wider. He reached around your waist and found the button to your pants. While one hand focused on getting that down and away, the other worked on getting your bra unclipped. It was easy with his skilled fingers. Once your bra was gone, so we're your pants. They dropped to be around your ankles and you hastily kicked them off, as well with your shoes.

A single one of his digits hooked around the hem of your panties and started bringing them down your thighs. His eyes could practically bore holes into your body with how intensely he stared with the newfound flesh.

Your body tingled with the sound of his belt unbuckling and hitting the floor, even more so when his pants were unzipped and dropped around his ankles, well, after he had rustled his wallet from his back pocket first and picked a condom out of it. You wanted him to completely undress, like you, but you weren't in the mood to complain. If anything, this round was possibly doomed to be a quickie anyway.

His boxers were the last item to hit the floor, then it was all over. His stiff member, once the rubber condom had been swiftly applied, prodded at your soaked walls before making its quick and long past due entrance. It nearly made you scream, but before any of that could happen, Taika had one hand slapped firmly across your mouth and the other one grabbed a fist-full of one's of your boobs.

Here's the thing that Taika had completely forgotten to mention whenever this whole fiasco started. He wasn't completely sure that you both were alone in the studio. With his explanation being whispered hotly into your ear with his sensual kiwi accent, you didn't seem to care. If anything, the higher risk of being caught only made the sexual intensity even more intense. So, you were going to be fucked like that, quietly, dirtily, and somewhat publicly. He had this power of domination over you... and you loved it.

He started thrusting, slow and hard. Each time his hips would connect with your ass, your stomach would lightly slam against the grate in front of you and made it wobble out a sound that could possibly notify anyone around you about where you were. Okay, maybe the two of you were that fed up about being discrete with your actions. You both just knew that you needed this and no one was going to tell you otherwise.

He let out soft grunts and pants of your name, occasionally burying his face into your shoulder whenever he started going faster, so he wouldn't get too loud while he pummeled you mercilessly. You could feel him nipping at your skin, whenever you weren't so focused on the feeling of his stiff cock rubbing along your walls. He bit you, sucked on your neck and shoulders, covering you with his love. Well, his claim of you and your body, at least.

The rocking of his hips started getting more rough, irrational and sporadic. He was close and so were you, but he was determined to hold on until you had released all over him. Your hands held on to the grate for dear life, and it rolled along with your movements, shaking when your body pushed forcefully against it by Taika's will, and it wobbled back whenever you lurched backwards to prepare for the next world rocking thrust. This was so much better than sweatpants and The Office episodes.

It didn't take you long before you jumped over the edge and your vision blurred white. He had done it, he had given you one of the worst/best days of your life and you didn't want it to be over, but everything comes to an end eventually, even Taika himself. His thrusts slowed and he gave three, stout, powerful ruts against your ass before he released and his body pushed against yours. His hand fell from your mouth so he could hear your pants and praises that he had been missing out on the entire time the two of you went at it like mad dogs. He pulled out and almost immediately pulled off the gross condom.

You busied yourself with picking up your clothes and quietly putting them on while Taika disposed of the used rubber and pulled up his pants from around his ankles. Both of your faces were red and the lust still sparkled dimly within his and your eyes.

You both met in the middle of the room, once the two of you were collected and ready to leave like nothing had happened in that room you were standing in.

"So, am I invited to come over and crash your days off any time I like, now?" Taika cocked a brow and broke the comfortable silence with a grin and a chuckle. You laughed with him, leaning up and wrapping your arms around his neck.

"You know what?" You said, tilting your head and having a cheeky smile write itself all over your lips, "I'd love that... same time, tomorrow?"

[iamvegorott]

Hidden Romance Ch. 23 (End)

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Life Goes On

Jackie walked down the sidewalk with his head down, hood up, and headphones on. He stopped when he reached the crosswalk, seeing that other people were waiting as well. Jackie glanced up and for the first time in a long while, he could look at the library without it hurting. He missed going there, he missed the librarians, the shelves of books, the peace, and quiet. He missed it and being able to go back told him that he was going to be okay. 

Police sirens took Jackie out of his thought and he slipped away. Knowing that he was fine but it was better to not be seen by the police when they’re out. Jackie went into a nearby alleyway, seeing that it was a dead-end, but he should be fine here and he could get out if needed. The walls had enough sticking out of them for Jackie to climb up and get over the wall blocking him from the other street. 

Jackie leaned back against a wall and turned his music off and slipped the headphones off as well. He waited and listened to the sirens. Jackie could hear them getting closer and he hoped they would fly past the alley and not come down. He wasn’t in the mood for a run just yet. 

“Shit, shit shit.” Jackie watched as someone sprinted down the alley, stopping when they reached the wall. “Shit!” The stranger, a man about Jackie’s age, turned and looked at Jackie, jumping back and holding up his fists. Jackie raised a brow at the man. His hair was slicked down, tattoos on his neck, arms, and fingers and he wore the attire of the cities’ prisoners. “I…” The man looked over his shoulder and down the alley. “Don’t tell them I’m here, please.” The man quickly hid behind one of the dumpsters. 

“He went down here!” An officer shouted before he and two others rushed down, stopping when they saw Jackie. 

“Evening, officers.” Jackie greeted with a large, fake smile. “What can I do for you?” 

“We’re looking for an escaped convict. Have you seen anyone suspicious about?” The officer asked. 

“No sir, I’m just waiting for my mom.” Jackie pointed with a thumb towards the door that was next to him. He kept his other hand in his hoodie pocket and he pressed a hidden button inside of it, hoping the officers were too busy looking at the door to notice the movement. 

“Have you been-”

“St-Station-” The walkie talkie on the officer’s shoulder went off. 

“Hello?” The officer spoke into it.

“St-Station...back...Station…” 

“Damn thing must be breaking.” The officer scoffed. “You go back in and stay there with your mother, alright?” 

“Yes, sir.” Jackie watched as the officer tried talking into his walkie some more and he walked away with his other officers. As soon as they were gone, Jackie dropped his smile and ran his tongue over his teeth as is he had something distasteful in his mouth. 

“‘Ey, man. Thanks.” The stranger popped out, patting the cobwebs off of himself. Jackie held up a finger towards him when his phone went off. 

“I’m okay,” Jackie said to a worried Chase. “They weren’t looking for me.” Jackie flashed a grin at the stranger who just rubbed his neck. “Can you see if Wilford’s busy, I might need him soon...awesome.” Jackie hung up the phone. 

“Uh...thanks...again.” The stranger softly chuckled. “Jimmy woulda kick my ass if I got sent back after all the talkin’ he did to convince me to go.” 

“What did you do?” Jackie asked, setting up a text as he spoke. 

“What’da mean?” 

“Why were you arrested in the first place?” 

“Oh…” The man chewed on his lip before sighing. “I killed…” He waited for a reaction from Jackie and continued when he got none. “My parents.” That got Jackie to make a face. 

“Your parents?” 

“Theys weren’t good people. I had to protect myself. I was only thirteen when it happened and...yeah.” 

“You were just a kid.” Jackie sent the text. “Do you have anywhere to live?” 

“I don’t, I was just gonna figure it out as I go.” The man shrugged. 

“How well do you know the jail system?” Jackie asked, slipping off his hood. 

“Pretty damn well.” The man chuckled. 

“Any allergies?”

“Uh, no?” 

“Name’s Jackie.” 

“I’m Yancy.” 

“Heyo!” Wilford greeted loudly when he appeared. Yancy jumped away and had the same fighting pose from before. “Who’s this fellow?” 

“He’s Yancy and I think he’s fit in with us,” Jackie said. 

“Oh, fun!” Wilford clapped his hands and within the next blink, they were all at the headquarters.

Yancy swiped away the pink smoke and was not ready to be in a new area surrounded by a bunch of people moving about. 

“There’s my JJ, it’s been so long.” Wilford went straight to JJ, laughing as he scooped him up into a hug. 

“It wasn’t even a minute.” JJ signed with a silent giggle, being placed back down. 

“It’s always too long being away from you.” Wilford ruffled JJ’s hair. 

“I still think we need extra rooms,” Mad said as he and Mare sat on a couch with Bing and Google, all of them looking at a laptop screen. “With how we all are, it’s better to be prepared.” 

“More like you want to make sure there’s extra space between your room and everyone else’s,” Bing said in a teasing tone while Google rolled his eyes. 

“You’re not funny.” Mad scrunched his nose towards Bing. 

“But he’s not wrong.” Mare’s chuckle became a full laugh when Mad slapped his arm. 

“CJ! Don’t put that in your mouth!” Dark ran across the room after the twins, the two carrying a collection of rocks and sticks they had found. “RJ!” 

“I should probably help him,” Anti said, watching the scene with Marvin.

“Are you?” Marvin asked.

“Nah, watching’s more fun.” 

“Fly!” Robbie squealed before he and Blank threw paper airplanes towards Bim and Yandere. 

“Good job, you guys!” Yandere said as the planes barely traveled a foot from where Blank and Robbie where. 

“You’re going to get an eye poked out,” Edward said with a sigh and Henrik turned him away with a chuckle. 

“I should only be gone for a week,” Illinois said as he entered the room, making sure his whip was on his belt properly. 

“Last time you said that it was almost a month.” Phantom followed Illinois. “I’m coming with you this time.” 

“You can’t!” Illinois spun on his heel, voice thick with fear. “I mean...I…”

“Why not?” Phantom crossed his arms. “Something you’re not telling me?”

“I...uh…” Illinois scratched his jaw. “I don’t...I don’t want you to get hurt.” 

“What?” Phantom dropped his arms.

“Whenever someone joins me...they don’t make it and I…I don’t want to risk that happening to you.” Illinois waited to be scolded and wasn’t expecting for Phantom to grab him and pull him into a kiss. 

“Who’s this, Jackie?” Chase asked, coming up to him and Yancy with a plate of lemon squares. 

“This is Yancy.” Jackie tapped at Yancy’s arm to get his attention. “Yancy, this is Chase, or mom as we call him.” 

“Mom?” Yancy took the offered lemon square. 

“It’s complicated.” Chase chuckled. “So, what brings him here?”

“I think he’d fit right in.” Jackie took a lemon square for himself. 

“Host agrees.” Host stated, his sudden appearance making Yancy yelp and bounce away. “Host also says that Yancy will be an interesting addition to the group and there’s going to some...joy that comes it.” Host chuckled and went to Chase, whispering something to him that got Chase to perk up and smile at Jackie.

“He’s-his eyes-blood?” Yancy gestured towards his own face after Host fully left.

“It’s better not to question that.” Chase patted Yancy’s back. “Welcome to the family, Yancy.” 

——————————-

Thank you to everyone that’s read/reblogged/liked this series!!!

Tag List: @thesinginggal @ninazappy @takethepainawaybae @classy-birb @madallice329 @m0th-goo @always-in-a-fandom @such-a-dumbass @mirrored-calamity @thelonelycreature @grnpurplgrmln @shamelesscollectorpiratesstuff @antibeaneverybody @constantgaycrisis @nightwillow14

[rainandhotchocolate]

About Last Night - P2

A/N So i know I have a million other requests but I’m a sucker for this story sooooo here’s part 2222 lel enjoy!!

Mon 12:00pm

Sirius ~ So before I read the weekend news, should I be worried about seeing any murders I was supposed to be involved in? ~

Y/N ~ Don’t worry I planted your fingertips everywhere so they’ll know you were involved as well ~

Sirius ~ Oh thank god, I needed something to destroy my reputation ~

Y/N ~ And what reputation is that? ~

Sirius ~ Oh you know, cool edgy creative writing major with a soft side ™ ~

Y/N ~ Dear god you’re one of them :O ~

Sirius ~ Ur DiffEReNT thAN OthER giRlS ~

Y/N ~ **Blocked**

Sirius ~ I sincerely hope you know I was joking ~

Y/N ~ I guess I’ll have to find out :P What are you up to today? ~

Sirius ~ Well apart from giving my alibi to police, I have about 3 hours of classes today and an essay due ~

Y/N ~ Wow, that sounds like a super fun day – any good classes? ~

Sirius ~ Yeah I’m enjoying my lit class at the moment, we are doing genre fiction at the moment so looking into how writers create worlds, even within our own world, and why genre fiction is so looked down upon in literature society ~

~ and now that I’ve typed that out I am realising that it probably doesn’t sound wildly interesting ~

Y/N ~ Hahaha nah it does! That would be cool to learn about, I’m a sucker for genre fiction tbh, could never read the classics ~

Sirius ~ That just means you never found a good classic 😉 – What kinda stuff do you read? ~

Y/N ~ look I want no judgement here… I honestly mostly read fantasy/ sci-fi ~

Sirius ~ Have you read Dune?? ~

Y/N ~ Yes !!! Holy shit such a good series !! ~

Sirius ~ I’ve been trying to get my mates to read it for a LIFETIME its so good ~

Y/N ~ I would have thought Remus would have read them? He’s always got a new book with him ~

Sirius ~ I didn’t know you knew Remus as well? But yeah, he in theory would but he also has a long list of to reads and wants to go through them one after another ~

Y/N ~ Yeah, he studies with Lily a lot and I sometimes join them 😊. Also jesus that’s commitment, I’m usually picking up another book whilst I’m halfway through another ~

Sirius ~ I have no idea how he does it, if I’m being honest, if I hate a book I just don’t finish it (please don’t tell my literary friends I told you that, I would be killed in my sleep) ~

Y/N ~ Haha your secret is safe with me – imo I reckon that’s the best way to read, like why force yourself through something just because it’s a classic or whatever, I feel like that’s why so many people don’t read a lot you know? ~

Sirius ~ Completely! I actually just realised I have no idea what you study? ~

Y/N ~ Ahh that’s because I’ve been avoiding the question ~

Sirius ~ It can’t be worse than creative writing – I won’t even get a job after uni ~

Y/N ~ Oh believe me, it is. I study communications ~

Sirius ~ Oh dear lord you are every white girl who ever existed ~

Y/N ~ I know, I’m perpetuating the stereotype its very disappointing tbh ~

Sirius ~ So is that where you work then? ~

Y/N ~ Wow you remember a lot haha yeah, I’m doing an internship in social media management, it’s surprisingly soul-sucking ~

Sirius ~ Is that surprising… 😉 ~

Y/N ~ I mean, that was thinly veiled sarcasm haha but it’s actually not all bad, the strategy behind content etc is actually pretty interesting, and I’m working for an eco-friendly company so at least I get to come up with cool environmental memes ~

Sirius ~ Ahh yes, hit the youth with the memes ~

Y/N ~ See, you’re learning the comms ways already ~

 Thurs 11:28pm

Y/N ~ Whats ya facebook? ~

Sirius ~ Uhhh… Sirius Black? It’s not wildly hard to find, why? ~

Y/N ~ I’m gonna be real, I would like to stalk you ~

Sirius ~ Is this Y/N? ~

Y/N ~ :O ok you’ve known Y/N like 2 days how did you guess that ~

Sirius ~ Cause this message felt like one of those old school msn ‘my friend hacked me !!!’ ~

Y/N ~ You’re a smart boi, Black ~

Sirius ~ thank you kindly stranger ~

 Fri 6:45 am

Y/N ~ I AM SO SORRY ~

~ MARLENE STOLE MY PHONE ~

~ I PROMISE I’M NOT A STALKER ~

Sirius ~ Why on earth are you awake right now ~

Y/N ~ Because my body never allows me to sleep in ~

Sirius ~ how rude, also don’t worry I accepted your Facebook request so you can stalk all you want 😉 ~

Y/N ~ Literally am going to stab Marlene ~

Sirius ~ At least she’s up front ~

Y/N ~ Wait why are you awake rn? ~

Sirius ~ James wants to make the firsts soccer team at uni and has decided I must train with him ~

Y/N ~ Well that’s gross ~

Sirius ~ Couldn’t have said that better myself ~

Y/N ~ so what does this training consist of ~

Sirius ~ Mainly James trying to shoot balls at my head as I attempt to goal keep ~

Y/N ~ Can’t see that ending well ~

Sirius ~ Excuse you, I happen to be VERY athletic. I am a multisided human being thanks ~

Y/N ~ I am so sorry to have placed my predisposed ideas on you ☹ pls forgive ~

Sirius ~ I will have to think about it – right now James wanted me to do suicides and I must go into hiding ~

Y/N ~ Godspeed ~

Sun 2:58pm

Y/N ~ Ok I know I promised not to stalk, but what the fuck is going on in this picture ~

~ file ~

Sirius ~ oh no no no no no no no no ~

Y/N ~ ehheheheheheheheh ~

Sirius ~ I really thought my privacy settings were better than this ~

Y/N ~ Yeah this was very easy to find ~

Sirius ~ I’m going to kill James ~

Y/N ~ You can’t blame james for this beauty ~

Sirius ~ Oh I really can, he decided it would be hilarious for us to have a photoshoot when I was completely trashed one night. And then proceeded to post everything and tag me ~

Y/N ~ James sounds like a fun night out ~

Sirius ~ I wouldn’t say that to lily ~

Y/N ~ What she doesn’t know won’t kill her 😉 ~

Sirius ~ You are slyer than I thought ~

Y/N ~ I think I’m going to frame this photo and place it all over your uni ~

Sirius ~ You wouldn’t ~

Y/N ~ You may need to convince me otherwise ~

Sirius ~ Anything to avoid that embarrassment in my life ~

Y/N ~ Perhaps you’ll just have to owe me for sparing you ~

Sirius ~ I think that’s a fair deal – what about a coffee? ~

Y/N ~ I think a coffee or two would be a fair trade off :P ~

Sirius ~ Well I have the most disgusting week of midterms but perhaps on the weekend? ~

Y/N ~ Sounds LIT ~

Sirius ~ You’ve just made me regret inviting you anywhere ~

Y/N ~ That’s what I’m here for 😉 ~

 Wed 3:07pm

Sirius ~ Bit of a creepy question, but did I see you at uni today? Navy Skirt, Black Jumper, & tights?

Y/N ~ Wow you really observe an outfit don’t you ~

Sirius ~ I mean I noticed the outfit cause I thought it looked good and then I realised it was you and so it stuck in my head ~

~ in a less creepy way ~

~ in fact let me just completely start over – were you at uni today? I think I saw you! ~

Y/N ~ Maybe, what was I wearing? ~

Sirius ~ I hate you ~

Y/N ~ 😉 Well to answer your question, yes I was at uni – it was Lily and I’s weekly cheap lunch date ~

Sirius ~ Classy ladies you two are ~

Y/N ~ Couldn’t describe us better myself ~

Sirius ~ Oh by the way, are you going to Remus’ party this Friday? ~

Y/N ~ Mmmm I was thinking about it, why? ~

Sirius ~ No reason, I just knew Lily was invited and he mentioned inviting some of her friends ~

Y/N ~ Mmmm, yeah he told Lily to bring Marlene and me along, unsure though as Lily is particularly annoyed at James this week and he will of course be there and be annoying ~

Sirius ~ What if I can promise he won’t annoy her? ~

Y/N ~ I really don’t think you should make a promise you can’t keep :P ~

Sirius ~ Ah, you underestimate me! James has to go home this weekend to see his parents so he won’t actually be there ~

Y/N ~ This is a very interesting development – we may reconsider ~

Sirius ~ Well Remus does throw a great party ~

Y/N ~ DO you actually know what James did anyway? She usually likes to rant about it but she’s been shut in her room the past 2 days ~

Sirius ~ Honestly I’m not sure, James has been unprecedently quiet as well ~

Y/N ~ Hmmm how odd ~

Sirius ~ Indeed it is ~

 Friday 4:42pm

Y/N ~ What are you guys wearing tonight? ~

Marlene ~ Not sure, I’m torn between a velour tracksuit or the classic Canadian tuxedo ~

Lily ~ Both very classy options ~

Marlene ~ You know me, go hard or go hard ~

Y/N ~ You’re both incredibly unhelpful ~

Marlene ~ Worried about meeting a certain dark haired texter? ~

Y/N ~ Am I not allowed to want my best friends’ help on my outfits?? ~

Marlene ~ I mean I can’t help you look hot if I don’t know who its for 😉 ~

Lily ~ God forbid she looks hot for herself ~

Marlene ~ Hey, you’ve gotta play to your audience ~

Y/N ~ How would you even know what he likes ~

Lily ~ She stalked him around campus yesterday ~

Y/N ~ um MARLENE ~

Marlene ~ I just wanted to know his style, habits, if he was a psycho killer ~

Lily ~ She has a point, if he’s as annoying as James we have to protect you at all costs ~

Marlene ~ We need to make sure she isn’t sucked in by his serial killer prowess ~

Y/N ~ You’re making me sound like prey ~

Marlene ~ 😉 ~

Y/N ~ How did you even stalk him, Lily has no classes with him ~

Marlene ~ I have my ways ~

Lily ~ She flirted with the office assistant until she gave her Sirius’ schedule ~

Y/N ~ You minx ~

Marlene ~ No one can resist my charms ~

Lily ~ That is yet to be determined actually ~

Y/N ~ very true Lils, we’ve never met anyone you’ve dated yet ~

Marlene ~ Sooooo not the point, and we’ve gone off topic! How are you going to wow Mr Black ~

Y/N ~ That is 100% not what I asked ~

Lily ~ you may as well have ~

Y/N ~ You both suck ~

Lily ~ Wear that flowy black dress you refuse to ever wear!! ~

Marlene ~ YES YOU LOOK BANGING IN THAT ~

Y/N ~ ugh but it’s a casual party ~

Marlene ~ Who gives a shit, stand out ~

Lily ~ He’ll be drooling ~

Y/N ~ I don’t need him to drool I just want to make a good first impression ~

Marlene ~ Aha the truth finally comes out ~

Y/N ~ if you were actually in your dorm I’d be hitting the roof with a broomstick rn ~

Lily ~ Where are you?? ~

Marlene ~ Where do you think 😉 ~

Lily ~ Not the office assistant ~

Marlene ~ 😉 ~

Lily ~ How!? I was with you the whole time, you never exchanged numbers ~

Marlene ~ Exchanging numbers doesn’t have to be an oral task… unlike other things 😉 ~

Y/N ~ We get it, your sexual prowess is above all of us ~

Lily ~ I’m honestly impressed, she was cute ~

Marlene ~ I’m offended you’d be impressed tbh ~

Y/N ~ Ok so you are both coming over to my house in an hour to dress and intoxicate me ~

Lily ~ Deal ~

Marlene ~ Maybe give me an extra 30 mins 😊 ~

Taglist:  @averytruerayofsunshine @siriuslyjanhvi @blushingskywalker @blackpinkdolan @thebabblingbookworm @cherrie511 @imlukesnirvana @avengersassemblee @maraudersandco @sly-vixen-up2nogood @katbernoulli @sirius-lysad @evyiione @minerva26love @aikeia @gollyderek @greatwombatblaze  @songforhema  @your-typical-giggle

[ms-demeanor]

Thanks for answering my ask, but I wasn’t really asking about the actions of the black bloc/violent protestors at a given protest. What I want to know is if this actually works in any larger sense - cause it seems mostly like it’s just a weird kind of performance, gesturing at full armed rebellion but never going there and never actually effecting change. And like, I accept that I’m a fool for wanting nonviolent change, but I’m not sure the presented alternative does much better?

Now, it’s not really discussed in that article (only vaguely touched on when they mention that the anarchists showed up early for the counterprotest) but based on the timing of certain tweets and calls to action it’s pretty clear that the march fizzled because Andrew Aglin couldn’t get people to show up when there was already a large group of counterprotesters who had made it clear they were not going to respond to violence with nonviolence.

Alt-right protests and marches before Charlottesville didn’t have such clear uniforms and tactics - the khakis-and-polos along with sticks and shields are a fairly clear (to me) indication that the white supremacist organizers saw black bloc as a tactic worth preparing against.

The KKK didn’t fear the hippies. They feared the Black Panthers.

In 2017 20 states saw bills to limit protesting put before their legislatures. Thankfully not many of them passed, but a few did.

These bills varied in their terms, a few naming masks and facial coverings as being a problem but most of them focused on something else: blocking roads.

THAT’S the tactic that these states think is too extreme - blocking the road.

You know, that thing those protestors in Hong Kong were doing. That thing that a bunch of folks online are praising for being “polite” and “classy” and that Hong Kong’s police commissioner is calling a riot.

Here’s the thing, if you’re asking “does black bloc” work you’ve kind of got to ask “does any protest work?”

What does protest accomplish?

About six million people marched at the Women’s Marches in January of 2017. Did they accomplish their goals?

I’m going to say, just from the rollbacks on trans protections and widespread bills that erode abortion protections, “no.”

Now, that doesn’t mean that their mission is complete and that they didn’t hit the mark and decided that “eh, one day of pussy hats was good enough.” They’re still working.

But is it doing anything?

That’s really hard to say.

Also, I’d like to point out that while the Women’s March was praised for its nonviolence commentators were quick to point out how rude and lewd their signs were and how much trash was left behind.

Which is why a lot of anarchists react to the question of “does black bloc accomplish anything” as a form of tone policing that’s almost meaningless.

Black bloc forms up and protects nonviolent protesters and carries injured people away from riot cops. Someone punches a white supremacist and it becomes a meme. All antifa are violent thugs, they’re the real fascists because they want to limit speech through violence.

Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street and Labor Day marches block freeways to protest violence and inequality. They part for ambulances, someone breaks a window. These leftists don’t have any respect for people who are just trying to live their lives and get to work; they care more about burning trashcans and breaking windows than they do about the workers they claim to protect - what if it was a black woman who owned that starbucks that they damaged in their riot, did they ever think of that?

The women’s march is full of speakers telling deeply personal stories, individuals reaching out and offering care and comfort to one another, and even a few stories about how well these protestors can get along with the police; we’re not so different after all! But wow, a lot of their posters had genitals or sexual slogans on them, and they left behind a lot of trash. This isn’t appropriate for children, and if they care about the environment so much why are they littering? What a bunch of nasty, shrewish women. They’re just mad that Hillary lost.

You say:

it seems mostly like it’s just a weird kind of performance, gesturing at full armed rebellion but never going there and never actually effecting change

and I’m going to have to say that all protest is performance. Protests aren’t about *doing things* they’re about showing up and being seen in support of an idea. And I do think that protest accomplishes some things; it lets people know they aren’t alone, it raises awareness of issues. Those are fine things.

As to the armed insurrection bit - well, have a tremendously ironic image:

That sign, being held by a navy veteran, says “if you need violence to enforce your ideas then your ideas are worthless.”

I don’t think you could have a clearer image of the concept of “the state monopoly on violence” than a military veteran chiding protesters for throwing rocks at cops and breaking windows.

The article that featured that photo shows a fascinating tension. You’ve got people at a peaceful protest saying “we’ve got to make sure the nazis know they can’t just show up and spew their hate” who don’t seem to realize that the nazis showed up in spite of the peaceful protest and were chased away by a black bloc. You’ve got the alt-right protest organizer failing to do her paperwork (typical; if your protest fizzles you can always say “the city would’t give us a permit” or “there were logistical problems” instead of “I couldn’t get more than twenty guys to commit to showing up”). My favorite bit of the article is where they admit that police were overwhelmed by antifa and that thirteen arrests were made and there were 6 people injured, two of whom were taken to the hospital. Man, for an out-of control bunch of thugs hellbent on punching nazis that’s some admirable restraint.

So there’s this conflict I’ve got. On the one hand a pretty goddamned big part of me *wants* armed insurrection against, for instance, the police. The police kill people with impunity and I think it’s a gigantic problem, especially considering the issues that we have in the US with white supremacists “infiltrating” the police and military and such.

On the other hand if you’re driving your reinforced bulldozer into an old lady’s house because she used to be married to the mayor who wouldn’t grant you a permit for your muffler shop you’re not exactly part of the solution.

Getting back to insurrection:

One of the things that I DO think black blocs accomplish is to get people to question the legitimacy of the state’s monopoly on violence. The nonviolent clergy could have been badly beaten while the cops looked on impassively except that a bunch of ballsy motherfuckers decided not to let that happen. And some of them got arrested for it. People went to protest Donald Trump’s inauguration and a bunch of protesters got injured after there was some property damage - but there was also video of police targeting people who were helping street medics and of of people protecting injured people from the police. THAT I think is valuable, the illustration that you can do the right thing even if it is illegal. I think that’s effective and I think it’s heroic.

Anarchists have been debating the value of violence as a mover for social change for, like, a hundred years. You’ll note that we’re not dealing with assassinations or bombings in this discussion, but punching a few guys. Like, seriously, this is something that is very contested among anarchists and that individuals feel conflicted about even within themselves.

But, like, black bloc isn’t generally an “armed” insurrection unless you count baseball bats.

Here’s the deal: in my ideal world every time the alt right showed up with twenty dipshits talking about a white homeland there would be ten thousand peaceful protesters there with kazoos buzzing their nonsense away. (Credit where credit’s due; I think I saw this concept articulated this way by tumblr users argumate and pervocracy before I started using that phrasing myself) Actually one of my favorite kind of protests is simply drowning out the bullshit or making it appear ridiculous. Wanna see one of my heroes?

GOOD JOB. DIRECT ACTION. FUCK YEAH.

Making nazis look ridiculous is almost as memeworthy as punching them in the face and much more palatable to the wider public. Also the nazis FUCKING HATE IT. Hard to be taken seriously with your talk about white genocide when you’re backgrounded by the baby elephant walk.

(god, seriously, everyone go get electric kazoos and mini amps and practice bagpipes, you don’t have to be good at it you just have to be loud)

If you want nonviolent change over time I recommend looking into Food Not Bombs; they’re doing good, nonviolent work that they still get arrested for and that hasn’t really made a dent in policy since they were founded in 1980.

I don’t think you’re a fool for wanting nonviolent change. That’s what I want too. But honestly all of the alternatives look kind of shit right now. You’ll get just as arrested for throwing a milkshake at someone as you will for nonviolently blockading a courthouse. Six million people peacefully marched to support reproductive rights and we’re still looking at the possibility of seeing Roe V. Wade overturned. Journalists covering the J20 protests were charged with felonies (until charges were dropped), maybe a simple assault charge for decking some asshole isn’t that bad.

But until we do figure out something that works I’m not gonna shit too hard on the only tactic that has been proven to suck the fun out of being a nazi.

Because remember - it’s not really the government that black bloc is deployed against; it’s the fascists for whom that the government provides no impediment.

(oh also a general reminder that most direct action is criminalized: be a good anarchist and feed hungry people in your community today)

[deviant3lover]

Hopeless Garou is my fave Garou. Imagine Badd (or whoever you ship him with) flirt with him, but with terrible cheesy line. Other people around will be like rolling their eyes or pitying them internally 'coz nobody will fall for such a trick these days, ESPECIALLY NOT the ex Hero Hunter himself. But then Garou is totally flustered and people just go "WTF?!".

Continuation from previous ask. Sorry had to make it two parts. Alternate scenario where Garou is still totally flustered but try to flirt back with even more terrible line. If he manage to make a sentence that is.HAHA YESSS. I LOVE IT WHEN PEOPLE DESCRIBE GOOD VISUALS. THIS IS GREAT, ANON!!

And don’t be sorry! I have the bad habit of sending long, long asks myself. Just see some of the old asks I sent to Raya and you’ll see. Especially the soulmate one. Whew. Sorry about that, @rayadraws!

Thanks for waiting for this one to be answered, Anon! I worked a little too hard on it, and I’m not sure if I’m all too happy with how the fic turned out, but here you go!

(Putting this under Read More because again, I have the tendency to go on a tangent lmao-)

Garou can recover from basic corny pick up lines with relative ease once he gets used to them. But it’s the real intimate AND corny ones that get him to be the flustered wolfboy that ties his tongue together, his wittiness coming to a halt.

“I’m fighting the urge to make you the happiest man on earth tonight.”

The low, breathy, intimate lilt to their voice as they say that to him? Whispering it into his ear to make sure nobody knows what they’re saying? To make sure that their words are meant for him and no one else? That they mean it, and that this isn’t a prank?

Imagine that when they’re in private. Garou would try and bark out a laugh and taunting remark to cover up how flustered he is. But if they kept going, kept smooth talking him, tell him how much they loved him…

God knows how red Garou’s face would be. That bravado would slowly break apart until you have Garou hesitantly, but not unwillingly, be quietly more submissive. You order him to cuddle you? He’ll let out a half hearted huff, eyebrows furrowed down, eyes not looking at you, and nuzzles into your hand. Praise normally feeds into his ego, but heartfelt whispers about how sweet he is, how handsome he is, how he’s such a good boy?

Garou pretends that they’re cheesy lines that makes him groan in exasperation and tells them to stop, just like any other guy who hates corny stuff. But only part of it is true. One of the reasons he hated them was because they reminded him how alone and alienated he was from the status quo- he never particularly wanted a relationship himself, but with the way that the people around him kept cooing over their loved ones, a part of him knew that he was never particularly liked enough to have a sweetheart if he wanted a relationship. It’s just one of those things that made him bitter about what the popular can have but the hated cannot.

He’s witty enough to respond to cheesy lines over time, but the ones that really get him are intimate ones whispered only to him. Those ones aren’t challenges or playful teasing, but ones that cherish him.

Garou can act like the tough guy all he wants, but he’ll turn away so they don’t see his face. Way too embarrassing. ;3

(Audio CD’s are his guilty pleasure huehuehue-)

“Hey baby, I lost my number, can I get yours?”

Garou freezes, whirls around and sees a cute teen around his age asking for his number. Garou has a bit of a blush on his face, but it’s only a bit. Hell, no one hit on him before, so that must mean the lovesick sap meant that for someone else.

Garou turns around and keeps walking, scoffing to himself. Probably for one of the people in front of him.

“You don’t want my number, hero hunter?”

Garou chokes on his words and turns around again, the same guy/girl looking at him with a bit of a mischievous glint in their eyes, laced with a bit of confusion at him leaving.

Garou furrows his brow and slowly walks over to them, the visual not unlike a wary stray dog coming over to greet a human offering food.He stops right in front of them, glowering. “Look, you. I don’t know who put you up to this, but you’re messing with the wrong guy. Do you know who I am, dumbass?”

The offender just smiles, and takes a step forward. Garou’s glare intensified as a result of him not wanting to take a step back in response, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a little wary of the look that they’re giving him. Scowls, glares, empty looks hiding disgust or rage, fear stricken eyes, he’s seen them all in his hero hunting career.

There’s no trace of it here. He can’t bargain to get them to leave him alone when they aren’t afraid of him or when they don’t want to capture him for some sweet, sweet cash.

He’s out of his element, but he’s survived worse, didn’t he? He can take out a squad of heroes while severely injured- he sure as hell can adapt and learn from a new threat.

The teen laces their hands together behind their back, and Garou’s eyes flick to them. Their clothing didn’t exactly have any pockets, and on this warm day, the material was pretty thin. The weapon they’d be hiding would be thin and all too easy to block or dodge. If they knew who he was, odds are that it’s going to be poisoned. Something powerful enough to kill him.

But they didn’t pull out a weapon. Nothing up their sleeves or from their pants.Their hands just laced together and their posture relaxed into a more coy demeanor. Garou’s eyes flicked back to their face, and holy-

“Everyone knows your name, Garou. But I want to be the only one who knows how you scream mine in bed.”

“WHA-“

Garou hisses in shocked mortification and bolts from them for a good foot or two. They were in a public space god damn it! There were only a few people around, but even they were starting to stare and whisper to each other. That little outburst got him more than a gasp from their ‘audience.’

Wait a fucking second.

Garou’s shock twisted into a hatred. No wonder they were acting so cutesy.“Real fucking classy, amateur. You think you’d have the balls and the wits to humiliate me in front of your fans?”

The teen’s eyebrows shot up to their forehead. Suddenly, the recognition sets in as they look to their sides, a few housewives whispering to each other in their doorways, quickly looking away when they catch them.

But none of it registers to Garou. The hatred- the self hatred- boils under his skin and wrenches his heart as an ugly feeling washes over him.

—

Memories of being torn down and humiliated as a kid- a girl who was the leader of her group laughing after revealing that her confession was a lie, her friends capturing it all on video. Memories of angry tears running down his face when they mock him for being such a sissy for blushing and smiling the way he did, and giving a heartfelt thanks for the beautiful bouquet of flowers she gave him.

The same one that was snatched from him and given to her boyfriend, who walked into the room upon her giving the cue. Taller, older, and playing for the school’s football team. A smug smile was the last thing Garou saw from her before a swift punch to his face from her boyfriend knocked his gaze to the floor, the aching, bruising feeling, the iron taste on his tongue, the loose tooth waggling from its place- it was all too much. He ran away from the little birthday ‘party’ he was invited to, the video and its views online acting as her sick present.

He didn’t bother coming to school that day. Tacchan would’ve seen it too.

—

But the H.A. was after his ass, and they’d do anything to pin any blame on his name for any sort of crime- misdemeanor or not.

He spat at the person’s feet and stalked away into the crowd, not noticing the apology on the tip of their tongue, the sorry look on their face, as he bit out some sweet, parting words:

“Piss off.”

——

Oh god, I really went into a tangent there didn’t I? And on an unhappy ending at that! I could’ve kept on going, but then I would have never finished it. ^^;; Anyway, hope you enjoyed~ :3

[steebrogurz]

Blind Date Ch. 2

chapter 1 | chapter 3 | masterlist

Halfway through the day, I checked my phone to see only one text. From Bucky.

Hi Y/N, this is Bucky.

I got your number from Steve. I’m sure he’s already told you about me. Anyway, if you’re interested I’d love to take you out for dinner. Let me know so we can arrange something. :)

I huffed out a laugh at his text, it sounded like he was setting up a job interview or something. I looked at the time I got the message and saw that he had sent it about three hours ago. I figured that was enough time to make him wait for a reply so quickly typed out a response:

Hey Bucky, yeah Steve’s already told me about you. Dinner sounds great! I’m free on Friday. You choose the time and place but nothing too fancy. See you then!

I pressed send then opened my conversation with Steve. You didn’t trust me to text your buddy first?

His response was almost immediate. Why? Did he text you already? :D

I sighed and texted back: We might have a date this Friday but I don't know if anything will come from it. Anyway, I'll see you tonight at the center. I put my phone away after that and went back to work. The rest of the day went by pretty quickly and despite what I told Steve I found myself smiling at the thought of going on a date and thinking about what I was going to wear.

That night I sat in my car outside of the pride center lost in thought. I didn't know how long I was sitting there when a knock on my passenger side window startled me back to reality. I looked over to see Steve smiling at me through the window. I got out of the car and smiled back.

“Jesus Steve! You scared the crap out of me!” I laughed and followed him into the building.

—————————

The days leading up to Friday were pretty uneventful. Steve came over Thursday night and we watched a movie while we drank a bottle of wine.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table. I leaned over to grab it but Steve beat me to it and held my phone away from me as I reached for it. “Hey! What the fuck dude?”

“Oooooohh, it's Bucky!” Steve teased. “Should I text him back and get him to come over?”

“You'd like that wouldn't you?” I retorted as I clambered over him to snatch my phone away. Steve laughed as I fell back onto the couch and opened the text.

Hi Y/N, I made a reservation at Churchill's for 8

I fired off a quick reply before setting my phone back down on the coffee table. I looked over at Steve and laughed at his expression. He was staring at me as if he was trying to ready mind. “I’m meeting him at Churchill's tomorrow.”

“So are you excited about your date?” He asked nudging me with his foot.

“Yeah. I guess,” My unenthusiastic answer was a bit of a lie. Every time I thought about the date my stomach would twist.

“Do you want help choosing an outfit?” Steve offered before pushing a handful of popcorn in his mouth.

“Thanks but no, I have an idea.” I kept my eyes on the TV hoping Steve wouldn't see the blush that was blooming on my cheeks. In reality I had spent the two hours before Steve got to my apartment putting together an outfit. It was classy but didn’t look like I was trying too hard to look nice.

------------------

The next day at work all I could think about was my date later that night. And the same questions kept running through my head. What did he look like? Is he really like Steve described? Would he like me? I didn't know if I'd be able to handle a rejection so soon after my breakup.

Once I was home I still had 2 hours before I had to leave for the date, I poured a glass of wine in an attempt to calm my nerves. I showered, applied my make up and got dressed, which left me with half an hour before my date so I decided to kill that time with another glass of wine. After that second glass I was feeling pretty relaxed and figured I shouldn't drink anymore until I got to the restaurant. Nothing sets a bad first impression like showing up to a date drunk.

I hugged my jacket tighter around me as I walked to the train station. The weather had gotten much colder during these past few days and was now cold enough that I could see my breath each time I exhaled. Thankfully the restaurant wasn't too far and before long I was being greeted by the hostess. I looked at the clock by the entrance and found I was still 10 minutes early.

“Hey, I'm a bit early so he's probably not here yet but I'm meeting a guy named Bucky. He said he made a reservation.” I looked around nervously as she checked her list and motioned for me to follow her.

“He actually got here a few minutes before you did. Right this way.” I scanned each table looking trying to guess which one was for me as she led me through the dining area. With each step my heart pounded harder and harder until I saw which table she was taking me to.

My stomach dropped through the floor as my brain tried to process what was happening. There, sitting at the table was the guy from the fucking elevator the night I broke up with Sarah. Why is he here? Is he my date? This had to be a mistake. The universe truly hates me. A million thoughts flashed through my head and yet I couldn't focus on a single one.

He hadn't seen me yet, he was looking down at his phone. I could just turn around and walk away. If I did that, though, Steve would never let me live that down or forgive me. Would it be so bad to endure a couple hours of awkward silences and never see him again? At least I could tell Steve that I tried and he couldn't hate me for that.

“Ma’am? Is everything ok?” The look of concern on her face told me that she could see my panic so I composed myself as best I could and smiled.

“Yeah, I'm great.” The look of relief on her face was almost comical I guess she thought I was going to bolt too.

My eyes never left Bucky as I approached him. He looked up from his phone and I watched as his expression went from cheerful to recognition to confusion to realization. His smile faltered but never left his face as he stood up from his seat to greet me. “Y/N?” He rounded the table to give me a hug. “Wow you look beautiful.” He took a step back and looked at me.

“Oh! Thank you.” I smiled as I sat down opposite him and ordered a drink. I opened the menu and peered over the top at him, he was doing the same until he looked up at me and I raised the menu higher to block him from view. How was I going to get through this date? He definitely still remembers me.

“So how do you know Steve?” His voice shook me from my thoughts and I lowered the menu again.

“We, uh, we both volunteered at a fundraiser when I moved here about a year ago.” I was reluctant to reveal sexuality until I knew more about him. Not that he wouldn't be able to figure it out seeing as I already yelled at him about my ex-girlfriend. My mind went back to that night and I couldn't help what I said next. “Look, I'm really sorry about what happened in the elevator. I'm not normally like that I was having a bitch of a bad day.”

Bucky chuckled and took a sip of his drink. “Don't worry about it. It happens, I've been there.” He paused before correcting himself. “Not crying and yelling at strangers in an elevator but I've been cheated on before.”

“Really? You don't seem like the type of guy who would get cheated on.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “And why's that?”

“Um, well-” I stumbled over my words but before I could say anything else the waitress came to take our orders. As soon as she left Bucky was pressing me for an answer and I shrugged trying to be as calm and collected as he was. “Because you're handsome, tall, you seem like a nice guy.”

Bucky smiled. “Thanks, but for some people that’s not always enough.” His smile faded for a moment and I could see the hot, brooding side that Steve told me about.

“So what about you? Steve tells me you two have been friends since you were kids.” I said quickly trying to change the subject. “What was he like?”

A smile spread across his face again. “Steve was the scrawniest kid in our class but he was always getting into fights on the playground. He was always sporting a fat lip or something. It wasn't until he joined the army that he bulked up.”

I blinked in surprise. “I didn't know Steve was in the army.”

“We joined together, he doesn't really like to talk about.”

“That's understandable.” I nodded. “I would've loved to see Steve when he was younger. He doesn't have any pictures.”

“I might have some back at my place I can show you.”

“Why Bucky. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to get me to come home with you.” I raised an eyebrow at him and he laughed.

“I guess we’ll see where the night takes us.”

To my surprise I was having a good time. Bucky was easy to talk to and he made me laugh. Our conversation flowed and I didn’t want the date to end.

TAGS

@darkphoenixrisingwrites @thefandomplace 

[fandomlife-giver]

Toxic Veins (Alucard x OC): Ch.11

Warnings: Language, Abuse, Violence, Child Abuse (Emotional)

Pairings: Alucard x OC

@redryderdesigns

Word Count: 4336

Integra was in that mood again. By 'that mood', I mean she was acting pretty bitchy again. The second Alucard and I separated, she grabbed me by the arm and dragged me out of the room and down the hall towards her office.

So, even though you're probably not even thinking about this because you don't really care, the reason I'm just letting this happen is that frankly, when she gets like this the wise choice is to not do anything that would piss her off more because that...that could be bad.

At the moment we reached her office, she didn't even bother being classy about opening the door. Nope, she decided to kick the damn thing open and I will admit just once that it kind of made me straighten up. She was all business right now.

Deciding to yank me inside to emphasize how annoyed she was, I stumbled to stand still as she closed the door and locked it. When she turned around, my eyes were as wide as a deer's in headlights. Crossing her arms, her sharp glare hit me and it felt like she was practically stabbing it through me.

"Would you care to explain why I walked in on you in Alucard's arms?"

Wow, she would make a pretty intimidating mother. Or even a school principal. 'Cause she's doing a damn good job as a boss.

"Integra, calm down. It was a hug. You're always lecturing me about talking out my issues, that was all we did and it's all good now, okay?"

I held my hands up in defense with the great hope she would drop the entire thing as I began moving over to the door.

Yeah, you should know by now that she most definitely did not drop it.

I was caught by surprise when she snatched the back of my hair and believe it or not, this bitch pulled me back to look at her face...By. My. Hair.

Her lips curled up to sneer in anger now.

"Don't you even try me with your crap today, Phyre. I don't want you and him ever becoming that close again. He's a damn monster, Phyre."

I...I couldn't even tell what she was really saying around this time because she had unintentionally triggered something in me the moment she grabbed my hair.

Flashback…

Yelping at the top of my lungs from the quick pain inflicting on me at the hard way he pulled my hair, I kept my eyes wide open, knowing how much he hated it when I tried to keep them closed.

"Stay still, you damn brat. Let me work my art on you."

Then the tears rolled down my cheeks as he managed to use his other free hand to snip the ends of my hair.

"Looking better...but it's not enough."

"Phyre! Are you even listening to me? I'm serious right now, don't try me."

A short gasp left me as my eyes once again focused on Integra, but she could see the expression on my face, because the second she did, she let go of my hair and stepped back.

"Phyre...I didn't mean to do that."

I knew I was on the verge of crying and it took everything to hold the tears back and not cry like a baby in front of her.

"It's all right."

Putting on the best smile I could at the time, I sniffed in an attempt to clear my head and turned towards the door.

"I'm sorry to upset you, Integra. I won't do it again."

"Phy-"

I didn't give her a chance to respond and I took the time to open the door and get out of the room as fast as I can.

She stared at me as I left the room and I could make out the sound of frustration as she slammed the door shut.

Walking down that hallway was about as fun as walking down a path on broken glass barefoot. So, it wasn't unless you're a weirdo. Not that there's anything wrong with that…

I was so close to just screaming at every step because that heaviness inside your chest and throat when you know you're about to cry was building up the further away I got from that office.

Lucky for me, though, my room wasn't too far down from her office. In fact, I was there in less than a minute, but at the second my hand touched the doorknob and opened the door, my body froze.

"Miss Laurifer, there you are. I had Alucard return to his room in the basement. I'd like a word if that's alright."

I managed to give him a glance over the shoulder.

"Of course. What is it, Walter?"

He had a very serious expression.

"Well, I'm sure Sir Integra already gave you the lecture, but I'll simply state my opinion. I believe it would actually be wise to grow closer with Alucard."

My grip on the doorknob loosened.

"Unfortunately, that isn't why I'm here."

He outstretched his arm and gestured to my attire.

"You may want to get dressed. We've been summoned by the Vatican."

I felt my brows furrow as I fully turned around to see the slightly annoyed look on his face.

Oh no. Don't tell me it's...

°°°

Enrico fucking Maxwell.

My arms were folded over my chest as I glared at the stupid painting in front of me. The damn Vatican was making us wait and to pass the time, for some unknown reason, Integra, Walter and I stood intently staring at this pointless painting until he bothered to show up.

It's not that I have anything personally against Maxwell...actually, it is. Purely because he had a sick liking to use me like a prized possession. Could care less about me, though. So definitely was not looking forward to that ass again.

Beside me, I heard Integra sigh out of irritating boredom.

"What time is it, Walter?"

From the corner of my eye, I saw Walter check his watch.

"It's just passed three, ma'am."

Bringing her hands behind her back, she scoffed. "They arranged this meeting and still manage to be late."

Tilting her head, she turned her gaze to me. "Phyre, you've worked with them before. Do you think it's a trap?"

I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows as I shrugged my shoulders. "Well, I can't say for sure, but I doubt they'd try anything during the day. Especially in public."

Closing her eyes, she exhaled through her nose, meanwhile, I had to adjust my shorts and pull them down because damn, it was cold enough to freeze a tit off.

"I mean it is the heart of an enemy’s territory, after all."

In the middle of my sentence, the faint sounds of people talking came to our ears, making Integra and I turn and see Maxwell and one of his priests coming down the hallway towards us. However, the second Maxwell caught us in his vision, they stopped talking and he chuckled.

"I think we're a little late."

The priest grunted in agreement. "It appears so, sir."

He laughed again and stepped closer to us with an apologetic smile. "Oh dear, so sorry to keep you waiti-"

"That's close enough!"

The command laced in Integra's voice gave even me the chills and I unintentionally stepped back from her.

"What business does the Vatican have here? And why send the Iscariots, the dirtiest of their dirty little secrets?"

He put on that stupid fake smile as he slowly removed his glasses.

"How unfortunate. It seems our reputation has proceeded us. Allow me to introduce myself." The hidden smirk on his face was enough to make my teeth grind.

"That won't be necessary."

Instantly his eyes snapped to me and slightly narrowed as I pressed my lips into a thin line.

"We already know who you are."

He took a second to close his glasses, then cock his head to the side.

"Miss Phyronela Manchester. A true surprise to see you here. With them of all people." All amusement that was present in his expression quickly disappeared. "You still have much to learn about holding your tongue. Honestly, I don't know how many times I've told you that it would be in your best interest to keep that pretty mouth of yours shut."

This cheeky bastard seriously made my blood boil, but I still didn't dare say another word. Why? Because despite how badly I wanted to get in his face, I was raised in a church to show respect to those above me.

"And what is with that attire? No one gave you permission to flaunt around in such disrespect. I should make a reminder to send another agent to fetch you, the Lord knows you will never put any effort into anyone besides yourself."

I unknowingly lowered my head and bit my bottom lip, keeping back the words I wanted to share with him and trying to block out any thoughts of doubting myself. That was one thing Enrico Maxwell was good at doing to you.

Glaring sharply at him, Integra turned her body towards him. "That's enough of the harassment towards my agent. If there's anyone here who needs to keep their mouth shut it's you because I for one don't care who you are. Just tell us what you want."

The dick actually laughed again and waved his hands in defense. "There's no need to be so rude. We didn't come all the way here to pick a fight with you, Sir Integra."

She took a step forward to him. "I don't believe you. You've done nothing but show contempt for our treaties. This latest incident with Anderson in Northern Ireland was inexcusable. He killed two of my best men in Badrick. He nearly killed your precious church jewel here due to his own recklessness while I barely made it out with my head still attached. And you have the--"

"Would you shut up!"

My eyes went wide when he first had the balls to interrupt her and second, crushed his own glasses with one hand as he shouted.

"You really expect us to just let you do as you please? Two men? If I would kill a million of you present scum, I would not have shed a tear. I'm here under direct orders from his holiness. Otherwise, I would not bother with you, filthy creatures."

That was a breaking point for me. "You may be the head of Iscariot, but being a spoiled child of a man with an accent doesn't give you the right to disrespect anyone you come across--"

"Coming from a mouthy, selfish crybaby who destroys everything she touches, I wouldn’t talk."

My breath hitched in my throat and that line alone was enough to shut me up for the rest of the day.

A large grin crept over his face. "So just shut up and pay attention, you annoying boor."

"A boor...?"

I momentarily flinched when a figure emerged from the wall directly in front of me and stepped through to where he stood right beside me with his head down, his hat and glasses covering his eyes.

"Nothing like Iscariot to inspire the fear of God. Such fearsome insults. Two thousand years of your same prattle. Truly, some things never do seem to change."

Raising his hand up in a graceful manner, he instantly returned to his princely appearance. "Ah, the great vampire Alucard. The Hellsing family's pet creature. I don't believe I've ever seen you in person before."

He placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head. "It's a great pleasure to make your acquaintance."

I felt the pressure of a hand reassuringly squeezing my shoulder which made me look up. It only took a second to realize it was Alucard's but his eyes were moved on to Maxwell from what I could tell.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well. And now, I must say goodbye."

And like that, my eyebrow shot up when he pulled out one of his guns and aimed it directly at Maxwell.

Maxwell was pretty surprised at the sudden gesture as well.

"You dare to call Phyre a boor and expect me to allow you to continue living? I'm afraid I'm going to have to put a bullet in you, you foolish little man."

There was a lot of things from his words I know I should've focused on, but all I could was the fact that this was the first time he referred to me as my name when talking to others. And I won't lie, I was very glad he appeared at that moment because it made me feel special inside.

Meanwhile, Maxwell wasn't shaken from the weapon being pointed at him in the least. In fact, he grinned.

"Oh, how absolutely terrifying. How is a man supposed to deal with people who point a gun in his face?"

His attention moved on to Integra. "I think you'll agree on the turnabout this fair play." Bending over, he stared Alucard directly in the eye. "So why don't we make this fight interesting?"

Snapping his fingers, he turned and let out a summoning shout.

"Andersoooon!!"

A strangled sound erupted from my throat when I actually let the name process in my head. Oh, come on. Not this guy again.

All eyes snapped to the figure who began strolling down the hallway, directly towards us.

"Ask of thee and I shall give thy of their inheritance."

Hell, you've gotta be kidding me here!

"Serve the Lord with fear. And rejoice with trend. Kiss the son lest he be angry--"

As he approached with growing speed, Maxwell realized his little bluff was about to go too far and immediately stepped in front of the bloodthirsty priest in an attempt to stop him.

"No! Anderson, stop!"

Yeah, of course, he didn't stop. Dammit, this is a public place, a civilian could come anywhere at any--oh shit!

Face stretching in a very unattractive way I'm sure, I yelped as Anderson grabbed my arm and pulled me forward to him, keeping me on the side of Iscariot with a very strong grip on me.

Again, I could try to struggle, but I think we all know it would be pointless. The guy's a freaking Irish mountain.

"That which belongs to us stays with us. A cherished possession to handle shall stay within our hands."

Oh, boy. And now Alucard was beginning to step up. He walked passed Integra and Walter, his eyes focused on me as that sadistic grin stretched across his face.

As I stood with his stomach to my back, Anderson collided his two bayonets together as if shielding me off from him. "This can be over with one swing of my sword. Iscariot doth not shook when the enemy presents itself."

Reaching inside his jacket, Alucard whipped out both guns, the force enough that it knocked his hat and glasses off his head. And he let out a deep laugh.

"Neither of us could ever back down from a fight. Touching her would soil her beauty. Lay another hand on her, I dare you. Come on now, Judas Priest!"

Woah, woah, woah! I know it's the thought that counts, but I would like to not be in the middle of it!

"You won't be so lucky this time, you monster."

*Whistle*

Huh?

I instantly leaned back and further into Anderson when out of nowhere, Seras came skipping in with an entire crowd of old Japanese tourists.

Well, that was rando--shit!

For the second time, I was yanked, this time by Seras and pulled over to the Hellsing side of the battlefield. As she continued blowing her whistle and guiding the oblivious foreign elderly crowd, I stumbled and ended up falling into a hard chest.

Can you guess who's? Yep, it was Walter's.

He managed to catch me before I could fall and we watched as Alucard and Anderson lowered their weapons. Alucard was the first to speak.

"This isn't the time or place, so for now, I won't engage this battle. But if you try taking Phyre away one more time, I promise I won't hold back."

Anderson snickered at his words. "You may have a point."

Turning around, Alucard made one final statement. "I'm going back to sleep."

That was the most relatable sentence I've heard all day.

Quickly leaving Walter's hold, I ran to catch up with Count Chocula. "God, wait up, I could so use a nap right now."

He deeply sighed as we walked side by side towards the wall. "Waking up in the middle of the day is exhausting."

I could hear the tiredness in his voice and automatically agreed as a yawn made it's way past my lips. "I hear that."

I gripped onto his coat as we neared the wall and I'm pretty sure he could sense the mixture of fear and excitement that swelled up inside me because he laughed as we went through it.

Oh boy!

I couldn't help the reflex of closing my eyes when we made contact and the second they opened back up, we were in the hallway of our rooms and...I was wrapped around his arm and waist like a monkey. I automatically let go of him.

"Uh, sorry."

He grunted a tired "No problem," and he turned away, moving down the hall towards the basement.

I turned away also, but I stopped myself before I actually started walking. It took a few seconds of contemplation, but I spun back around and blurted out what I wanted to say.

"Thanks for standing up for me back there."

He went on pause for a moment and there was a long moment of silence. He wasn't saying anything, so I kept talking like an idiot.

"It's just, nobody's really done that for me before and the fact you did, I just feel really grateful and also kind of like an ass because of the way I treated you and stuff, so at the same time I'm sorry and--"

"Phyre."

I looked back up to him. "Uh, y-yeah?"

Da fuq, did I just stutter?

He was smiling widely over his shoulder. "I always have stood up for you and I always will, no matter what."

My eyes widened as my hand shot out and I menacingly pointed at him. "Hey, don't go thinking this changes anything about what we talked about, got it?"

Letting out a chuckle, he continued down the hallway. "Sleep well, Phyre."

"You’re damn right I will!"

Oh my God, I need to learn how to shut up.

°°°

"Phyre, I need to discuss something with you."

"Mah, crom on!"

I swallowed the last bit of cookie that I happened to shove into my mouth right when Integra decided to walk in my room and I sat up to look at her.

"What is it?"

She paused to enter the room and throw down a few small boxes on the bed. That immediately caught my attention.

"Remember the stories my father told us as children about what really happened in WWII?"

Sighing, I rested my chin in my palm. "About Alucard and Walter fighting the Nazis who were trying to make a vampire army, right?"

"Yes. Actually, Maxwell revealed to me information regarding Millennium. We have a lock on a base of theirs, so you, Seras, Bernadotte, and Alucard are going to Brazil. You leave in one hour. So hurry up and get dressed in this."

As she finished speaking her last word, I placed a finger over her lips. "Hold on a second. You didn't say who was behind the attacks."

She stayed silent and only crossed her arms. I felt a grin creep across my face.

"It's the Nazis, isn't it?"

She snapped her head in my direction. "No! We don't know who it could actually be yet."

"Ha!" Letting out a laugh, I moved my attention to the boxes and lifted my arm up to open one of them.

"So what kind of clothes are..."

I had to stand up and hold up the very short and what looked to be skin tight black dress, then the matching black heels with red soles.

No way…

"Your job on this trip is simple. Search and destroy. Your cover will be the rich, gold digger wife of J. H. Brenner, who is Alucard's cover. That was not my choice--"

Of course.

"The reason for this is that you may have some seducing to do should you become too suspicious."

I became very quiet when she said that word. She didn't seem to notice as she turned and walked out of the room.

"Don't waste any time and please put on some makeup, put your hair up real nice, you need to look the part of a pretty girl after all. I'll see you off in an hour."

And with that, she shut the door and the room was so silent her footsteps walking away could be heard. My hands suddenly began to shake uncontrollably.

A pretty girl…

Flashback…

"Oh, Phyre~"

My body automatically tensed up by habit at the sound of him calling my name. Slowly, I rose my head up from where I sat at the age-old table, the wood that built it slowly rotting away as the cheap paint covering it was chipping.

Almost every time he called my name like that, I had found myself sitting at this table, probably because I related to that table as to how I always felt when he did call it. I died inside when he said my name and walked over to the table.

He leaned against it and turned his head to me, that evil look that made up his entire face was there as always.

"How would you like to be a pretty girl?"

I audibly gasped and looked up into his eyes, catching what I thought was a sincere look in them. He knew how I always talked to myself about being pretty. All the other girls did things like wear makeup and put their hair up in fancy styles that always made them pretty. I couldn't help but desperately want to be like them.

"W-Would you be able to make me one?"

He let out a laugh which, looking back at now, had hidden darkness in it. "Of course I can. But I'm gonna need you to be good and not try anything, all right?"

I nodded vigorously like the naive little girl I was. "O-Okay, whatever you say, Lucan."

He gestured for me to stand up and I shot up from my seat. He then turned and walked out of the room towards the basement. "Follow me and don't wander off."

When we got down there, it didn't resonate with me how sketchy everything was like why the hell he would want to do something nice for me.

There was only one bulb lighting the room, the rest was in darkness and...basically everything escalated and it happened in no way I would imagine.

When I sat down in the only chair in the room, he turned on the rest of the lights and I soon realized it was all a trap when the faces of all his equally sadistic friends came into view and they were eagerly waiting for what was about to happen. Trying to escape was pointless because Lucan actually had back-up now.

And what he did was wrong, and scarring for a naive little girl like me.

He cut my hair, he sloppily put on makeup on my face, he dressed me up in a short dress, and he threw me to the wolves by leaving me in that room to put on a show for his friends. Nothing happened except me being forced to dance for them, but it was enough to forever scar a 10-year-old.

Staring down at that dress was enough to make the tears form in my eyes. My vision went blurry fairly quickly and before I knew it, I was actually tearing apart the boxes to see what else I had to wear. What included was just a bracelet that just so happened to have flowers printed all over it.

That was the worst thing I could've found, considering the physical scar that was seared into my shoulder.

And just like that, I lost it. I lost everything. The tears fell, the gross sobbing, the screaming, and that feeling of pain overwhelmed me. I hated every second of it. As much as I tried to hold it in, the pain came out like an uproar from my throat in the form of a silent scream. The beads of water started falling down one after another, without a sign of stopping.

It got worse from my view when I heard the faint sound of boots hitting the floorboard. I knew who it was. I just didn't have it in me to yell at him to get out.

There were no words spoken as he knelt down on the floor with me and wrapped his arms around me. At first, I was so protestant, I wanted the bastard to let go of me so bad that I pounded on his chest but it did nothing as much as he did nothing. Eventually, I lost all fight I had and I aggressively held on to him, now desperate for someone to hold.

I sobbed into his chest unceasingly, hands clutching at his jacket. He held me in silence, rocking me slowly as my tears soaked his chest. A tiny lapse let me pull away, blinking lashes heavy with tears, before I collapsed again, my howls of misery worsening. The pain came in waves, minutes of sobbing broken apart by short pauses for recovering breaths, before hurling me back into the outstretched arms of my grief.

And for the first time in forever, I had a shoulder to cry on.

[thegreen1969pontiac]

L’appel Du Vide Chapter 4- Midnight Coffee

                                          Eventual Dean x OC

Summary: When Hope’s sister is killed in a less than a normal house fire, and Sam, her sister’s boyfriend, disappears with his brother after her death they’re her number one suspects. When the cops declare the case cold she begins her hunt for the Winchester boys. She follows them in hope for some evidence pointing to the death of her sister, but will she find more than just the cause and the killer? Will she find out more than she wanted to?

Warning: creepy guy, very minor sexual themes, language, crappy writing

Word Count: 2434

I've got to admit, the Winchester boys seem to be the hardest to track men in the USA, well, besides my uncle. They seem like ghosts. Sam showed up to Stanford about four years ago, he came on an almost full-ride scholarship and no family to help him move in on moving day.  He was a smart guy, he was top of his class in almost all the schools he was forced to move around to. His dad, John, was a marine. They originated from Lawrence, Kansas, Dean was born January 24, 1979, which seemed to just rip me apart even more seeing as Jess was born the same day in 1984. But John Winchester seemed to disappear the date his wife, Mary died, November 2, 1983, just a year after my sister was born, and to the date the day she died.  Two November 2nd both involving the Winchester boys. What was this some family cult that killed the women of the family? What the hell? After asking the professors at the university, it seems that Sam was pretty normal. Quiet, courteous, polite and intelligent, but nothing out of the ordinary.

After all of this, there was only the date of the deaths that pointed to murder. I needed to find someone that my sister knew, someone who would know what kind of man Sam was. My sister mentioned this guy, he brought them together. This guy named Brady, Jess mentioned him once or twice he wasn't a close friend of hers just someone she met at a college party at one point. If you can imagine there was a shit ton of Brady's at Stanford University, after about 12 hours of driving Theo from frat house to apartment, it wasn't until maybe the 23rd Brady that I finally found the one that knew her. Brady was a successful kid it seemed that he had a job all lined up for him at Niveus Pharmaceuticals, a company that seemed to profit off the sickness of others. But I guess in his mind it would get the bills of Stanford University paid, he was a charismatic young man I could see why Jess let him set her up with Sam. He asked me to come in,

"Are you Brady? Did you know my sister Jessica Moore?" I ask already feeling tried from asking the same question over and over again.

"I'm Brady, yeah. I knew her, I heard what happened. Who are you?" He asked in almost an accusatory manner.

"I'm her sister, I go by Moore. May I sit?" I say already losing patience with the rich and snotty Stanford kid.

"Oh, yeah, yeah of course. Sorry for your loss."  He rushes out.

"I'd just like to ask some questions if you wouldn't mind, just for some closure." I come up with my excuse, it's not for closure though it is for knowledge.

"Yeah, yeah, what do you want to know?" He asks he gestures for me to sit down on the Italian leather coach that he probably paid way too much for.

"My sister, she had a boyfriend, What was his name again? Was it Smitty?" I ask playing stupid, I need to confirm his name, get some information on this sick son of a bitch.

"No, his name was Sam, Sam Winchester. I actually introduced the two." He smiled to himself almost proud that he introduced the two to each other.

"Yeah, good for you. Did you know Sam well? I didn't see him at the funeral, I just wanted to check up on him you know, help me understand how he is dealing with all of this," I stated, "I mean do you know where he is, I couldn't find a single record of where he could've gone after the fire." I smile, playing the victim wasn't ever my role.

"I don't know where he is now but I heard that he went on a road trip with his brother right before the house went down," He says, "I think I might someone who does though, her name is Becky Warren, she and her brother were friends with Sam when he was here. I really hope you find him though, but hey, I gotta get to lacrosse practice so..." He leads off, how did I know this douche would play lacrosse.

"No, I totally get it. Thank you for your time." I say and stand up, I walk out of the house and head to the address. I finally get to the house that is owned by the Warren family. There are only two cars parked in the driveway. I walk up the driveway and am at the door when the door swings open an I'm met with a frazzled looking girl.

"Are you Becky?" I ask blocking her exit from the house.

"Yeah, look, I have to get going I have class in like 10 minutes." She tries to move around me but I move in front of her again,

"Look, I need to know where Sam Winchester is and I was told you could help me if you could just give me a general idea I will be out of your hair," I say,

"I don't give out my friend's locations to strangers so why don't you piss off." She said and made a move to go around me but this time a grab her jacket and push her against the door frame.

"Yeah, well I don't usually arrange funerals for dead family members but it seems like we are all having a bad year," I growl at her,

"So I am going to ask you one more god damn time, you are going to tell me where my dead sister's boyfriend is or I swear to God I will make you and your brother's life the most miserable they can be, so you can know how I have felt every god damn day since I heard my baby sister was killed in that fire." I hiss out at her.

"I don't know okay, he only texts me so often." She whimpers, "The last I heard he was in Ohio." I smile and let her off the doorstep.

"See, that's all I needed we didn't need to get all nasty. Now lets hope we don't see each other again shall we?" Yeah, we can only hope, right? I turn on my heel and walk to Theo.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A suburban Ohio town has been dealing with the murder of one of their own Steven Shoemaker died in a strange way, the obituary said it was a stroke. But his eyes basically burst out of his skull. Death although seems to follow these boys so why not take a look. Toledo, Ohio was quite the apple pie life town, it was full of high school sweethearts and minivans, but under all of that sticky sweetness, I could tell that there were some underlying skeletons in the closet of the gingerbread house town. Driving there wasn't much of an issue after running on only alcohol and granola bars for about three weeks, it is nice to have a change to coffee and diner food. The food that was eaten along the way to Ohio made me feel like crap but the coffee was always warm and the diners mainly stayed open for 24 hours. That's where I am now, sitting at a 24-hour diner with checkered tiles and bright red seats. The coffee on the table no matter how much I want to say it was black and sound like the badass, it had two creamers and three sugars in it. I was researching the town on my lab top, when the sun peeks its way from behind the family houses I'm heading down to the coroners to get a closer look at the body of the victim. Its been around two days since I had a decent shower so I decided to pack up early and make myself not look like the sleep deprived, alcohol smelling, mess that I am.

The hotel life had been abandoned, motels were now my realm. I can't tell if it is because I don't trust myself to be in high places anymore or if I just don't believe in the normal life anymore and I'm punishing myself to shitty, never cleaned motels that look like they could also be pimping out prostitutes to each room. After the shower, I dress in some of my best clothes that I packed, a black pencil skirt and a white button up that I tucked into the skirt letting my collar bones show, I put my hair up in a professional up-do and grabbed the brown leather jacket that kept me warm in the cold weather. The only new things I needed were shoes and I ended up going to one of the many stores at Toledo's main street and just as the store was opening managed to grab a pair of classy black heels. The coroner's office would no doubt be open now and I just needed to complete the facade with a small pen and notebook. Instead of putting in my contacts this morning I left my glasses on, the blood shotness of my eyes were slightly hidden by the glass.

As I parked Theo in the parking lot of the office I see a black 67' impala sitting across the street. The license plates reading Kansas. I hold my breath, there is no possible way that I would find the boys in the first place I stopped. As I put on the heels from inside my car I saw two tall men walking out of the hospital, the stairs looked old and white, One of the men was no doubt, Sam Winchester, I quickly walked up to the boys ready to walk right up to the evil son of a bitch that murdered my sister and start beating the living hell out of the tall man. But the man next to the puppy dog man was intimidating, he was tall and wore a dark brown leather jacket over his blue flannel, he stared me down like a piece of meat and I knew that I could barely take down one of the two Winchester's and if this was Dean there would be no way in hell I would be able to take down either of them. As I walked closer to them and as they passed me I tried to identify every possible feature so I would be able to know who they were the next time I saw them. As I went up the stairs and they walked down I paid careful attention to which car they got into, and not at all to my surprise I see they get in the Impala with the Kansas license plates, I make careful note of those as well. KAZ-2Y5. God, that won't be hard to forget.

As I get inside the hospital building I walk quickly down to the coroner's office and although I hate wearing heels I like the way they make the clicking noise on the tile floor. The office does look like its open but I can't imagine that the sleazeball looking nurse that sits at the desk seemingly counting cash is the doctor I'm looking for. I tap on the door,

"I'm sorry are you Dr. Feiklowicz? I'm doing an article for the paper about death and I was wondering if I could get some details." I say smiling, I see him rush to put some bills in his pocket, I put it together in my mind and guess that it was the boys that gave the money to him. Why the hell would they pay to see their own murder victim, what kind of sickos are these freaks?

"I'm sorry, he won't be back for an hour, is there something I could help you with?" He says smirking. I can feel him looking me up and down and I can feel my inner head just retching at even the thought. "Oh, that's too bad, is there any way that I could see the body on my own maybe, I just am going to be taking notes." I hum out,

"I'm sorry I will have to ask for some identification before I can let you in, you said you were with the press?" I curse myself, I smile and nod,

"Of course, let me just get out my-- Oh, shoot I think I left my key card at the office, can I just give you my ID?" I ask falsely reaching for the key card that I did not own.

"Well-- I really do nee--" I smile and begin to take off my jacket leaving me in my skirt and blouse that although classy, seems to work on the idiot in front of me, I hold it in my hand arms crossed and stare innocently at him.

"Please, I really need to get some notes, I have to get these back before my boss gets back, he is so mean to me and I might lose my job," I say making myself tear up, I guess playing Ophelia in middle school paid off well.

"Well, I guess. Can I see your ID?" I hand it to him, he takes it and I see him try and make an effort to brush my hand with his own the action almost makes me sick to my stomach.

"Hope Moore, that's a real’ pretty name. A pretty name for a pretty girl," He says trying to woo me with his horrible pick up line.

"Actually I go by Moore." I let my sickly sweet facade drop that time letting him know that I do not want him to call me that again.

"Yeah, sure."

He leads me back into the room and he pulls the sheet off, after seeing my sister I don't think I will be so upset with dead bodies anymore. I ask him about the death and it's said that something bizarre happened that his eyes burst inside his skull, the creep nurse said that there has never been something like that to happen during a stoke. I thank him for his time and he seems to be wanting to ask me something but I rush out of the morgue and get back to finding the Winchester boys.

 I drive around town hoping to see the same black car and when I finally find it I notice that there are many other cars parked outside the house as well.

I grimace, funerals suck.

[xfirechickx]

Arrow Rewrite

So I’ve (finally) caught up with the latest seasons of all the DCTV shows on Netflix, and to the utter surprise of no one, including myself, Arrow has definitely not gotten any better since the first two seasons, and the only good thing that’s come out of this train wreck of a show since killing off the Black Canary, is bringing Katie Cassidy back as the Black Siren. But still, to say that this show is a huge disappointment is a gross understatement, so much so, that the only reason I still watch is for Katie and for the annual crossovers. But, to actually make keeping up with the show tolerable, I had to pretty much mentally rewrite most of the show and headcanon the shit out of it, and make my way through with all the denial I can manage. So, this is how I like to pretend that the show actually went. And even though I doubt anyone will read this - this is more for my getting my thoughts down -  bear in mind, this is super anti F*licity with all the nolicity feelings I have. Also, after reading a whole bunch of posts with the same feelings as me, this became a sort of mashed clusterfuck of ideas that came together from everywhere.

SO first of all, Laurel is a metahuman, you know, like she should have been. What the fuck was the idea behind not giving her actual powers? That’s just stupid. So yeah, either Laurel was in Central City when the particle accelerator exploded, or some other freak accident gave her the canary cry. I don’t care how it happened, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that Laurel is the team’s meta, and it caused her to want to don a mask even before Sara was killed.

Next, I’d like to think that she got the hang of street fighting a lot faster. Like, I appreciate that it took her awhile to be able to handle herself on the streets, but this “Oliver is the best fighter” mindset is absolute bullshit. Ik we’ve all been thinking of the Arrow as a bargain-bin Batman (and the horrendous bullet we dodged that was the mere suggestion that F*licity could ever be anything close to Oracle didn’t help), but I am so sick of Oliver’s fighting abilities being thought of as if he was the freaking Batman. Bullshit. I’ll admit, Oliver can fight and hold his own; he’d have to to be a vigilante facing down supervillains on a constant basis, that’s fine. But the Black Canary is one of the best fighters in the DC universe, and I will be damned if that was never acknowledged here. 

So the way I see it, Laurel not only kept up with Oliver and Roy while on patrol, but after he came back from his new life in Ivy Town, Oliver comes to realize that she’s actually better than him. Like, I want them to be out on the field, and she’s literally outdoing him at every turn. And at first, he’s all, “Damn, I must be a bit rusty,” but it becomes clear after a couple more episodes, when he no longer has that excuse, that she’s actually running circles around him, whether it’s on patrol or while they’re sparring. In fact, I want an entire scene of them sparring in the bunker, and as distracted as everyone else is doing their own thing, everyone can clearly see that she’s holding back, and Oliver thinks that her head’s just not in it.

Oliver: Come on, I know you can do better than that!

Laurel: Nah, it’s okay. This is a good pace.

Oliver: Come on, you’ll never get better if you don’t give it your all. Let me have it!

And then she brutally knocks him on his ass.

“Lucky shot,” he grumbles as he gets up and gets ready for another round, and Laurel has a look on her face that’s almost annoyed, but honestly, she’s been waiting for forever to knock him down a peg. Diggle, Thea, and Roy are trying not to laugh in the background.

And speaking of Thea and Roy, holy shit, Roy doesn’t leave! Whoever came up with that idea needs a good smack. Team Arrow comes up with literally any other plan and Roy fucking stays! Thea, is instead given the mantle Artemis with her own outfit. Yeah, ik it still wouldn’t give us the Artemis Crock storyline, but it’s still better than the Evelyn Sharp bullshit that we ended up with. We currently have two tech geniuses on the team, what’s wrong with three archers? They could continue having their relationship ups and downs as subplots as the show goes on. I would even like that at some point, they decide to get their own place together, and Thea decides to sell her old apartment (you know, the one she was brutally stabbed in) to afford a nice one with Roy. And I would like F*licity try in vain to hide how much of an asshole she is by getting all indignant about it. Like, Thea offers to sell it to F*licity first, but she tries to spin it like, “You didn’t want it anymore, so I took it, so it’s mine now?” And everyone’s like, “What? No, that’s literally her apartment, which she bought with her father’s money? Idk how the hell it came to be thought of as yours anyway?” And she eventually has to break down and either buy it or move out because Thea and Roy have their hearts set on getting their own place.

As far as nolicity goes, I always thought that they would at some point have a brief relationship (a ship that I originally didn’t care for, but quickly became my ultimate notp) which would be doomed from the start due to having little to no romantic chemistry, and even though F*licity definitely had a strong sexual attraction to Oliver, she mostly seemed to view him as an older brother; or at least, Oliver viewed her as a slightly annoying younger sister.

But because of Guggenheim’s constant interference, the will-they-won’t-they crap just kept dragging on and on and on until holy fuck I have negative five care points to spend on these two assholes, just give me more BC! Their relationship has to be the most boring aspect of the show, something that’s definitely not helped by the fact that F*licity is an emotionally abusive and manipulative piece of shit Mary Sue. Seriously, for the amount of times that she’s been really vocal about how hypocritical and controlling she is, it just boggles the mind how few times anyone has called her out for it. I say few, because it has happened before, twice I believe, once by Oliver, who calmly insisted, “Enough,” and once by Ray Palmer after she threw his dead fiance in his face. Classy lady, isn’t she? But the farther this show goes on, the more she gets away with and the more infuriating it is that Oliver becomes the bad guy in her place. And holy shit the fact that literally everyone needs to assure Oliver - and the audience - that they are, in Guggenheim’s world, the perfect couple. I honestly can’t tell anymore if he actually believes this, and is just trying to shove his own weird obsession with EBR down everyone else’s throats, or if he’s just trying to get those of us who don’t like the ship to come to the dark side. Either way, I’m not buying any of this shit. SO, for every time that there’s a character to remind everyone how “good” Oliver and F*licity are together, take a shot, and then block out their words and then replace them with various observances and reassurances on Oliver’s behalf. I’d like to think that those closest to him, like Diggle, Laurel, and Thea were totally ready to call F*licity out on her shit whenever she started taking things out on Oliver, but he would subtly shake his head and calmly assure them later on that “F*licity’s right, I’m wrong. But no really guys, we’re totally happy together, I’d just appreciate it if you guys not confront her because she’s the queen of right on every subject ever and I’m just lucky to be with her.” 

And the rest of Team Arrow just reluctantly agrees not to say anything unless Oliver is the one to bring up that he has a problem with her, but are totally ready to throw down at moment’s notice. Even people outside of Team Arrow notice it and tend to comment, with characters like Mick and Constantine on the crass side of the spectrum with phrases like “Does she occasionally let you take your balls out of her purse?” and more sensitive words from people like Barry and Sara, who actually try to get it through his head that, despite what F*licity says, not everything is his fault, and he does not deserve to be kicked around by her over situations that he had little to no control over (Samantha and William, anyone?)

And then there’s Damien Darhk. Hoo boy, my hate towards him killing Laurel burns with the fury of a thousand suns. There was literally no reason for it, you know, besides eliminating her as a threat to Nolicity. Except, she wasn’t even a threat?? It was pretty clear that Laurel and Oliver weren’t even considering a romantic relationship, and even I, as a hardcore GA/BC shipper, didn’t even want them to get back together at this point. Despite the unintentional victimization of Oliver, Laurel absolutely did not deserve any of his shit. So, as much as I wished that F*licity was the one who died, Laurel was still targeted by Darhk in order to get back at Lance, but she doesn’t just die and that’s it! She gets to be critically injured - getting intentionally stabbed by a former member of the League of Assassins tends to be pretty life-threatening - but she does get to heal while in the hospital and make it back out onto the field to continue as BC.

Hell, I’d even be okay with her actually dying that night if, and only if, they brought her back. For a universe based on superhero comic books, Guggenheim and company seemed to have totally forgotten (or just outright ignored) how often characters get brought back from the dead, at times in pretty nonsensical ways. But here, there was a way to conceivably bring her back; there were three in fact: In Arrow, the Lazarus pits would have been available; Flash could have brought her back with the introduction of Flashpoint, or you know, Sara, who happens to captain a fucking timeship could have brought her back, either by manipulating the timeline, or by pulling a Kingsmen II and had just shown up right after Darhk stabbed Laurel to revive her. I would’ve happily gone along with Team Arrow believing that Laurel was dead if the plot twist was that the Legends brought her aboard the Waverider so that Gideon could heal her.

Sidenote: ik that this would have never have happened simply because all of the Arrowverse shows have to check in with each other to some degree so that they’re all on the same page, but wouldn’t it have been absolutely fan-fucking-tastic if, after Arrow had confirmed that BC was for sure dead and wasn’t coming back, that Flash and LoT just totally undermined it. Like, if Laurel was brought back with either Flashpoint or the Waverider, and KC’s just hanging out on a different set while Arrow just tries its damnedest to discredit them?

Arrow: She’s dead.

Flash/LoT: Well she was, but she got better.

Arrow: She’s def not coming back.

Flash/LoT: Not until you learn to be nice to her anyway.

Arrow: She’s not the real Laurel. Our Laurel is D E A D

Flash/LoT: Nope, this is definitely her, and she’s going on cool adventures with us because SHE’S A DAMN GOOD CHARACTER AND YOU DICKBAGS NEVER DESERVED HER

All the while more of Arrow’s fans flock to every show except Arrow until the assholes in charge of the decision to kill Laurel finally have to (publicly) beg to have her back because literally no one will watch their shitty show anymore without BC, and then they’re forced to respect her character and give her a fair amount of screen time. That would just be poetic justice in my book.

So as season 5 kicks off, Oliver, Roy, AND Laurel take in and train the new recruits to join Team Arrow. I don’t have much to change about this season except that since Laurel isn’t dead, and as much as I like Juliana Harkavy, there’s literally no reason to bring in Dinah Drake. Also the shared hallucination in the Invasion! crossover partially rekindles the romance between Laurel and Oliver, which actually feels pretty heartfelt and like it could possibly lead to them getting back together for real. 

And then F*licity ruins it because that’s what she does.

F*licity and Oliver get back together and things progress normally, with the rest of Team Arrow quietly building up a resentment towards the abusiveness of their relationship. I’d also like to think that since Curtis had progressed as a team member, that there’s a slight undertone of “what is she even here for anymore?” among them. Like, whenever she butts in with her hypocritical opinions, someone else will actually step in like, “Hey, you’ve had a long day, so why don’t you go ahead and go home. Don’t worry, Curtis knows what he’s doing, so we’ve got this. Yes, we’ll call you if we need something, but don’t worry. You’ve worked hard today! You deserve a break!” Meanwhile, the rest of the team is literally patching themselves back together with bandages and whatnot, blood and sweat everywhere, all giving each other The Look™ when she nods like, “Yeah, you’re right, I could use a hot meal and a shower. Plus, this tracking system is so simple an idiot could use it, just try not to fuck it up while I’m gone.” Still, no one says anything because Oliver is back to trying to make it work between them, and she occasionally helps William with his homework, so he can’t complain.

William btw, while appreciating the fact that F*licity brings intelligent conversation with her, has not forgotten how much of a bitch she was when trying to save him. Sure, he wasn’t present while all the shit-talking was going down, but there was no way that Samantha didn’t mention it at least in passing later on. “I’m amazed at how much Oliver has grown as a person. He was a real jackass when I knew him before, but he was genuinely worried about you and how we’d get you back. I just wish that the blonde chick he was working with wasn’t being such a pain about it. Like she had any right to any of our business, or any right to be a bitch about the rescue mission.” At this point, nolicity’s domestic life is pretty much out of some crappy fanfiction, and I will be damned if William doesn’t get to bring up F*licity’s pettiness at least once.

And since F*licity apparently feels threatened when Oliver’s past love life gets brought up, William tends to go to his Aunt Thea whenever he feels the need to talk about his mom without having to feel as if he’s the one bringing up a touchy subject. She’s also the one to get him out of the house whenever Nolicity gets especially nauseating at home, and he ends up growing a bond with the rest of Team Arrow in the process. While he still doesn’t want Oliver to be the Arrow anymore, he grows to respect the rest of the team, and ends up with all of their numbers in case he needs any of them to kidnap him for the day. He gets to spend some time in the bunker while they’re out on missions (with Diggle under the hood, of course). Funnily enough, after one mission without F*licity or Oliver, he asks Thea, “So what exactly do you need F*licity for anyway?” And Thea explains that she’s usually down in the bunker handling all the tech stuff while they’re all out in the field, but then he says, “Yeah, but Curtis was handling all that and working in the field??” And Thea and Roy exchange The Look™ again and change the subject.

Things finally come to a head during the Crisis on Earth-X crossover. Oliver, totally taken by the magic that is WestAllen still proposes during the rehearsal dinner, and F*licity, still very publicly says no. Classy. Naz*s invade and everything goes to shit, and Oliver and F*licity still try to make things about them while shit is literally falling apart around them, and to the people whose wedding actually got ruined for some reason. To her credit, Iris doesn’t outright tell F*licity that she’s being a self-obsessed drama queen at what is literally the worst possible time, but she does put out a few comments that both remind F*licity that it was in fact Iris’s day that was ruined, and gets her to shut the fuck up.

F*licity: Oh, wah! Oliver and I had a fight and then naz*s ruined any chance of makeup sex! Wah!

Iris: They literally ruined my wedding and abducted my groom.

F*licity: *internally* oh fuck I forgot about that

Meanwhile on Earth-X:

Oliver: Oh, wah! F*licity said she wouldn’t marry me after I proposed at your rehearsal dinner! Wah!

Barry: Yeah, what the fuck was that about anyway?

Oliver: Ikr? She wouldn’t say yes even after all the beautiful things that were said during the speech! If that doesn’t scream romance, idk what will!

Barry: I actually meant, why the fuck would you propose at the rehearsal when you can do it at literally any other time that isn’t supposed to be about Iris and I getting married?

Oliver: There was magic in the air!

Barry: *facepalm*

No, but the conversation between Barry and Oliver would go on to a touching, if not repetitive explanation about how Oliver was so taken, not just with Barry and Iris’s union, but the idea that Barry has been able to balance his life as a hero and his personal life. Oliver had once told him, “Guys like us don’t get the girl,” but Barry actually did it. And Oliver was envious, because his own life was one clusterfuck after another, with an on-again-off-again relationship that he’s only sort of making it work, and after the Dominator’s simulator, he realized how much he wanted his life as Oliver Queen to be fulfilling and filled with love, and how much he wants a partner in both halves of his life, like Barry and what he has with Iris. And throughout all this, Barry listens and quickly notices that throughout his whole explanation, Oliver never once uses F*licity’s name; he doesn’t even bring her up specifically. Barry probably means to point this out, but Oliver brushes him off thinking that he’s just going to tell him off some more, because that’s what he’s come to expect from having F*licity around all the time, and that’s what people who love you do, right?

It’s actually Snart’s doppelganger who points this out (after eavesdropping on their entire conversation) and suggests that maybe Oliver just hasn’t found the right person to be his partner the way he wants. “Just look at Barry and Iris, or me and Ray.” Oliver shrugs him off too, and just resigns himself to the loneliness of either being without F*licity, or being with her in all the wrong ways.

They get back to Earth-1, Supergirl is saved, yadda yadda yadda. I would like to change Stein’s death into him also making a miraculous recovery and leaving the show still intact. Just, using naz*s to kill off a Jewish character? REALLY?? Fuck all of that. Anyway, Barry and Iris still decide on an impromptu wedding right after *insert literally any event that doesn’t involve killing off Martin so disrespectfully* and Barry still brings Diggle to perform the ceremony, and Joe, Cecile and Wally are present because of course they fucking are. You could even argue for Cisco and Caitlin, but it doesn’t matter to me as much if they’re there. So Barry and Iris exchange vows, say their I do’s, and-

Fucking F*licity interrupts. Because of course she fucking does. “Would you marry us, too? Would you marry me?” A moment of silence and then everyone just explodes.

Barry: Seriously, though? After waiting my entire life for this, two more seconds is literally all I could have asked for

Wally: I’m a speedster, and I could have waited a couple more seconds

Iris: Really? Can I not just have one (1) wedding go uninterrupted?

Joe: In retrospect, we probably should have waited until these assholes left and done this at STAR Labs or something

And F*licity just gets overwhelmed because she’s literally never had so many people tell her she was wrong in her entire fucking life and Diggle tries to mediate (no matter how much he agrees with the rest of Team Flash).

Diggle: F*licity, you don’t even have a marriage license.

F*licity: Oh, no, it’s okay, John! We could just share the moment with Barry and Iris, and then go get a marriage license when we get back to Star City and have our own wedding there.

And then everyone explodes again because, seriously what the FUCK? “So I have to share my second interrupted wedding, and you’re just going home to have another one of your own?” And literally everyone is so fucking frustrated and angry, even more so because they all knew they should have been celebrating at that very moment but F*licity seems to think her awkwardness is still cute when it might just be the most infuriating thing ever. Finally she turns back to Oliver, who hasn’t said anything since she proposed like, “Hey?! A little help here?!” And Oliver is busy with finally seeing her without the rose-colored glasses and seeing her as the selfish and problematic person she is and it’s fucking glorious because he’s just so calm but everyone hears him when he just says, “No.”

F*licity: What? NO? What do you mean, NO?

Oliver: No, F*licity, as in, no, I’m not gonna help you ruin their second wedding, no I’m not going to defend you after fucking this up, and NO I won’t marry you. Not here and definitely not now.

Everyone else is pretty taken aback because up until now, no one’s ever told Queen Fefe off and they’re all doing an internal happy dance at how, for once, Oliver isn’t backing her up. Oliver and F*licity have a staring contest, F*licity waiting for him to back down, and Oliver holding his ground, until F*licity, finally realizing that she’s been unanimously outvoted, just storms off without saying anything, probably expecting Oliver to come running after her to apologize. But he doesn’t. He actually just quietly apologizes to Barry and Iris, and stays in his place as a groomsman (best man, my ass) and stands and waits for Cecile to take up her new place as matron of honor (how the fuck Fefe got that position is beyond me) all the while having this look on his face that says “It had to be done, but I’m gonna catch serious hell when I get home.” Diggle repeats himself in pronouncing Barry and Iris as husband and wife, they kiss, and the crossover ends with an UNBLOCKED shot of them two while their remaining wedding party claps it out.

I would keep everything in the gift scene in next episode of The Flash exactly the same except for Iris’s line is changed to, “Okay, not on the registry, but I guess trying to get married during our wedding wasn’t on the registry either. I’m not bitter.”

The whole wedding reception scene in Arrow is also completely done away with, and replaced with a long-awaited breakup scene, the one to end all breakup scenes (between nolicity anyway). Down in the bunker, it starts off with (what else?) F*licity trying to blame everything on Oliver. “Shit like this is why I didn’t wanna marry you. And then I put MYSELF out there and what do I get? Rejected, that’s what! I get rejected and humiliated in front of everyone!” And then she rambles on and throws in a couple references of the island and how he hasn’t changed since his frat boy days for good measure. Some guilt tripping and a few hypocritical statements later, and then she ends it. Or, at least, that’s what it’s supposed to be, but it really comes off as more of a threat to end it. Her closing statement sounds a lot like “You better straighten up because you’re damn lucky to have me.”

And Oliver just kind of silently stews until she finishes and he immediately jumps into how far he’d obviously come since his five years on the island, and how unfair it was for her to throw that in his face, and even worse how she tried so hard to justify butting her way into Barry and Iris’s special moment to further put herself in the spotlight. She tries to butt in a couple times (like she does) but gets immediately shut down because hell to the fucking no that was not okay. It ends with them trying to yell over each other, and F*licity yelling, “Well maybe I shouldn’t even be on this team anymore since you’ve made it pretty clear that you don’t need me!” right as the rest of the team walk in. They immediately try to backtrack, but F*licity, being her usual dramatic self yells, “No! No, you stay! I’ll go! He obviously doesn’t need me anyway!” and just leaves.

The rest of the team is just so shell shocked and embarrassed at having walked in at that exact moment (they’d all secretly been hoping to be there at that exact moment because that’d mean they’d officially have permission to drag F*licity the way she should have been several seasons ago) but the moment turned out to be more awkward than anyone could have hoped, so no one really knows what to do. “You alright, Hoss?” Oliver pretends that the past minute never happened and redirects everyone’s attention to the latest update on Cayden James. Meanwhile, Laurel, recognizing that Oliver is going to opt out of dealing with the problem, quietly excuses herself and leaves the bunker after F*licity. And Laurel finds her just outside the bunker, pacing because was she was actually expecting Oliver to run up after her after causing that big scene.

Laurel: That was some fight you guys just had.

F*licity: What, oh that? Nah, Oliver’s just being a jerk. Don’t worry about me, we’ll be-

Laurel: Where the hell do you get off talking to him like that?

F*licity: Wait, what?

Laurel then unleashes the mother of all lectures, bringing up every single problematic thing F*licity has ever said or done, which is pretty much anything and everything anyone has ever had to complain about the Mary Sue-ish nature of her character, every time she’s been an asshole, every time that she and the rest of the team has wanted nothing more than to tell her to shut the fuck up but how Oliver had asked them not to because of how much he wanted their shitty relationship to work, whether they were together or broken up at the time. F*licity tries to keep a stoic facial expression, but it’s pretty clear that she’s embarrassed and angry and incredibly surprised because damn, first Oliver and Team Flash, and now Laurel is calling her out on her shit and she was so far from expecting it. Laurel, to her credit, never even raises her voice, because she doesn’t want the rest of the team to hear and get involved, and she makes it clear that no one is kicking her off the team (if she wanted to leave, then that was her own prerogative) but she’s just so glad that she finally gets to unload everything she’d been holding back since Oliver and F*licity had gotten together and the bitch was not going to worm her way out of it this time. Her rant ends with the sentence, “Don’t think for even a second that you’re in the right about any of this,” and she turns on her heel and heads back down to the bunker while F*licity stays frozen where she stands, still trying to absorb that she’d just been told off, and how no one was going to apologize for it.

In the upcoming days, it seems like F*licity is gone for good; she hasn’t come back down to the bunker or contacted anyone on the team, and the team slowly adjusts to not having her around (and encouraging Oliver in that he did the right thing by breaking it off). Curtis pretty much takes over her role on the team (he’s the third smartest person in the DC universe, dammit! Why in the fuck has he been reduced to Fefe’s sidekick?!) and makes time to go out on patrol with the others and besides not having anyone back in the bunker, the team dynamic really doesn’t change. But just as things escalate with Cayden James, F*licity comes back; she shows up unannounced at the bunker after the team comes back from the field, and insists that she’s ready to resume her role as Overwatch. The rest of the team is pretty iffy considering all the drama that she’d left in her wake, but they agree to take her back because they’d probably need all the help they could get against Cayden. So the show goes on, with some tension still between Oliver and F*licity, but Laurel quickly shuts her up with a look every time it looks like she’s about to start some shit.

Team Arrow obtains the list of people on Diaz’s payroll, and after some celebrating on taking down the bad guy, F*licity announces that she was officially leaving the team. There’s a lot of confusion, since she made such a big deal about wanting to come back, but she explains how she only wanted to finish what she started with Cayden James, and now that the mission is over, she’s ready to go back to a normal life, like what she had originally planned when joining the team back in the first season. This scene is actually a bittersweet one; no matter any of our opinions on how badly this character was fucked up, she was a part of the original team, and her departure from it should be treated like the end of an era. She leaves, but not before assuring them that she would help out if they ever need it.

Idk what the future holds for the plot, but as far as GA/BC being endgame (because they were, dammit) I actually wouldn’t want it to happen in the next season. Now with F*licity gone, Oliver got bumped up from the second to the biggest asshole in the Arrowverse, and like I said before, Laurel absolutely does not deserve his shit. So I don’t want there to be any romantic relationship between them at all, for at least one whole season. Hell, I want them to date other people during this season. At this point, I’d just really like to see their friendship to become more solid. I want them both to come to terms with what happened between them in the past, and decide to extend their partnership. I want Oliver (and the rest of the team) to see Laurel as his equal, not as his potential love interest, and definitely not his sidekick. I want Oliver to start resembling his comic book counterpart at this point. I want him to more frequently crack jokes and become less like a Batman wannabe. It felt like that’s the Oliver we were supposed to get when this show started, after he’d had a chance to deal with some of his trauma.

The eighth season is when Oliver and Laurel start showing romantic interest in each other again. They maybe start flirting while on the field, and eventually they go out on dates without the masks. And at first it’s weird, because of all the history they share, and a running gag where every time they sit down, they’re immediately summoned on a mission (original, ik). But they not only find the time to be together, but they actually realize that the life actually works for them, because there are no more secrets between them anymore. I want them to start calling each other Pretty Bird and Robin Hood and pretty much all the fluffy (and probably smutty) scenes that it would take for their relationship to better resemble their comic book counterparts. And their chemistry is just as good as it was in the first season, when you could just look at Oliver and see just how in love he was with Laurel, only better now that they both share the vigilante lifestyle.

This all eventually leads to them getting married; it doesn’t matter if it happens in the eighth season or the ninth, but the proposal is similar to the 2010 Green Arrow short, where he proposes while in full costume after completing a mission together.

Their wedding could be the premise for the annual crossover, but I wouldn’t mind if it was purely an episode of Arrow. If it’s not a crossover, then I would at least like a brief cameo of Barry and Iris, probably calling or video chatting them before the wedding, wishing them luck because they sadly can’t make it due to having to deal with this season’s villain. But Sara has to be there, for sure; with or without the rest of her team, she needs to be present as the maid of honor.

And their wedding gets interrupted, because of course it does (probs by Orm leading the Atlanteans or some shit) so they break up the wedding party to suit up and join the fight. This is actually the first time we see F*licity since she left. They need her tech skills yet again because Curtis was either incapacitated during the fight, or he’s off on a trip somewhere with the hot police officer from this past season. Anyway, they’re at whatever office/genius bar she’s working at, hovering while she does her thing, and she’s rambling on as per usual until she says something like, “I expected to hear from you like everyday, tbh. I’m honestly surprised everything didn’t fall apart the moment I left.” And everyone just kinda rolls their eyes like, damn, what a bitch. And then she makes it more awkward when it comes out that Oliver and Laurel’s wedding was supposed to take place earlier that day, and it’s like, “Oh, so I guess you are willing to get married, just not to me!” And Oliver has to physically hold Laurel back from cussing her out because, “We need her, okay?”

The episode/crossover ends with the team (and William and F*licity because reasons) back in whatever location they’re using as the Arrow Cave at this point, everyone in full costume, patching up their injuries, and it overall looking like the shawarma scene from the first Avengers movie. And despite having just won the day, everyone’s still sorry that they couldn’t finish the wedding. So, just like how Barry and Iris should’ve had their second wedding in STAR Labs, they decide to hold their wedding in the Arrow Cave. So, everyone still tired and dirty from their recent fight, but it still makes for an interesting ceremony. But it’s mostly because I want Oliver to lift Laurel’s mask the way he would’ve lifted her veil. And not only do they actually have vows, they’re actually pretty fucking beautiful. Like, Oliver’s are about how he’s loved her for most of his life, but how this is the first time where he feels like he’s finally worthy of her, and how he sees her as an equal, and as his partner in both halves of his life. Laurel’s reflect on how they went from friends to lovers, to strained acquaintances, back to friends, to actual partners, and eventually back to lovers. And no matter how many times their paths lead away from each other, they were forever intertwined. And then Diggle pronounces them husband and wife and everyone cheers.

F*licity hangs back from the rest of the crowd that’s hugging and kissing and congratulating, because she really can’t stop herself from thinking “That should have been me,” but she manages to keep it (mostly) classy and only hints towards the thought twice in her rambling congratulations. In the end, she hugs the both of them, and makes her exit right after Oliver and Laurel stroll out to catch their plane to their honeymoon.

[steviemae]

not your boyfriend anymore // sp

requested by anonymous: Imagine request: Sweet pea proposes to you in a really romantic way?

At the mall, Toni dragged you into every store possible making you try on dresses and rompers and anything she thought you would look cute in.

“This is taking forever. Nothing i pick is working. We need reinforcements.” she said pulling out her phone from her bag.

“What is all of this about, T? I thought we were casually shopping. You’re making it seem like i’m shopping for a special occasion.” you also pulled out your phone to check the date, making sure you weren’t forgetting something. Low and behold, it was yours and Sweet Pea’s anniversary.

“Oh my god!” you exclaimed, “I forgot it’s our anniversary. Sweet Pea’s going to kill me. Quick i need to get him something.” you rushed around grabbing Toni’s hand and pulling her towards the men section of the store you were in.

“Calm down, girlie. Sweet Pea isn’t going to kill you because you never really pay any attention to dates. Just send him a cute text, he’s working anyway.” she said. You nodded, opening yours and Pea’s text thread sending an i love you, happy anniversary, sorry i forgot text. You knew he wasn’t going to be able to reply for a while, still doing whatever business for the Serpents but he’d see it. Seconds later, you phone dinged. Sweet Pea’s name popped up telling you that he sent you a text, i love you. Pick out whatever dress and shoes you want. It’s on me today. (preferably blue, you know i love you in blue). See you tonight, baby.  

You smiled at the text you received, “what’d he say?” Toni asked peering over your shoulder to read the message.

“Aww, how cute. Cheryl is on her way to help us find you a dress. In blue per Sweet Pea’s request.” she nudged your arm making you blush a little.

When Cheryl showed up, the three of you looked around grabbing blue dresses for you to try on when finally, you found one. It was a simple blue tank dress that hugged your curves in all the right places and stopped right at your knee. The swooped neck allowed just enough cleavage to have Pea’s eyes wondering but not enough that you didn’t look classy. The color was a royal blue that complimented your skin tone. You looked yourself over once more in the mirror before walking out to show Toni and Cheryl. When you stepped out from behind the door of the dressing room, both their eyes popped out of their heads.

“That’s the one.” Cheryl said.

“I wanna bang you so if Sweet Pea sees you in that and his first reaction isn’t to rip it off you, then get rid of him.” Toni said making Cheryl agree. You smiled and went back into the dressing room to put your original clothes back on before heading to the check out to buy the dress. While you were changing back, Cheryl and Toni found a pair of strappy black heels, handing them to you to buy with the dress. You pulled out your card when the cashier told you your total, only to be stopped by Toni, “What are you doing? Sweet Pea said it was on him and if he finds out you didn’t buy this stuff with his card, he’ll flip. Take advantage of your man's generosity.” She said taking your card out of your hand and switching it with Sweet Pea’s card.

--

Toni and Cheryl helped you do your makeup and hair, you were still confused on what the occasion was. You knew it was your and Sweet Pea’s anniversary, but he wasn’t coming back until super late. Or at least, that’s what he told you. He said he had business with the Serpents the night before, but wouldn’t be back until late the next day.

“What’s this all about, guys?” you asked as Cheryl blended out your eyeshadow and Toni brushed out a curl.

“You’ll see. Patience is virtue, y/n.” Cheryl said tapping your nose. You rolled your eyes, though they were closed so neither of the girls saw and let them finish whatever they were doing.

“And done. Now you can open your eyes.” Toni said after she fluffed your hair one last time. You took a deep breath before opening your eyes and taking in your appearance. You looked like you were about to walk the red carpet for some crazy event.

“You guys, oh my gosh.” you said moving closer to the mirror to really look at yourself.

“Now put that dress on and those shoes and let’s go. He’ll be pissed if we’re late.” Toni said nudging you off the stool you sat on.

Once you were finally dressed and ready, Toni and Cheryl ushered you out the door and to Cheryl’s car. You sat in the back seat while Toni took the passenger and Cheryl drove. You watched as the buildings that flew passed your window turned into trees as Cheryl drove further into Fox Forrest stopping at one of the parking lots for the trails. Toni got out and opened your door, helping you get out so you wouldn’t roll your ankle on the gravel and helped you walk to the trails.

“Did you guys make me buy this dress so you could bring me to Fox Forrest and kill me?” you jokingly asked. Both girls replying with a blunt but humorous yes as they continued to lead you down the trail. Soon lights hanging from the branches that hung over the trail glowed as you got closer to wherever they were taking you. You spotted Fangs and Jughead standing their with bouquets of your favorite flowers, handing them to you when you got close. Veronica and Betty stood not far down the trail from them holding boxes of your favorite chocolates and balloons that read happy anniversary and i love you. Your smile never left but grew wider when you saw Sweet Pea standing under a canopy of hanging lights next to a table with two places set, silver covers blocking the food from leaves falling onto it.

“What is all of this?” you asked taking his hand when you stood in front of him. Toni and Cheryl disappeared and left the two of you alone.

“I know we never really do anything on our anniversary because we don’t like going all out, but i wanted to make this one special.” he said bending down to kiss your lips gently.

“And i see you took my request into consideration. You look amazing, as always.” he said holding your hand in the air and twirling you around to take in your full appearance.

“You hungry?” he asked motioning to the table earning a nod from you. He walked you over to your seat, letting go of your hand to pull your chair out for you and push it back in when you sat down. He bent down and kissed your cheek before walking over and taking a seat at his place on the other side of the table.

“Don’t be fooled by all the fancy lights and cutlery, the food is from Pop’s because i know you’re a picky eater and you don’t like all that fancy stuff.” he said taking the covers off both of your plates. You smiled warmly when you saw your usual order from Pop’s; chicken tenders and extra fries, complete with a double chocolate milkshake. You and Sweet Pea chatted as you ate, talking about everything. You asked him how work was and if everything went smoothly.

“I have something i need to admit.” you cocked your head to the side and furrowed your eyebrows.

“I didn’t actually have business with the Serpents. I asked them to help me set this up. I didn’t actually have a job and when i said i was going to be home late the next day, i meant that Toni and Cheryl were going to bring you here and we would both go home later tonight. I’ve had this planned for weeks.” He said.

“You ass. I was worried about you all night at Toni’s. And that little shit went along with it and told me i had nothing to worry about.” you said throwing a fry at him.

“Sorry, baby. I knew you wouldn’t just let me leave for two days without an actual excuse so i made something up. But was it not worth it?” he asked taking your hand in his on top of the table.

“Yeah, i guess it was.” you said squeezing his hand.

“Good, now before desert. I have something i want to do.” he said standing up. He walked over to you holding out his hand for you to take and helping you stand up without tripping over anything knowing you weren’t the best at walking in heels. He brought you to the middle of the light canopy and turned to face you, grabbing both of your hands in his.

“I can’t put into words how much i love you and how i don’t know what i’d do if you weren’t mine. You’ve made these last eight years the best eight years of my life and i couldn’t picture myself spending them with anyone else. But, i don’t want to be your boyfriend anymore.” the last sentence made your heart drop. Your jaw dropped and you let out a gasp. How was he going to break up with you on your anniversary? After such an amazing dinner? Your eyes started filling with tears as you looked at Sweet Pea. Scanning his eyes for any ounce of humor in them. Sweet Pea took a step back, still holding both of your hands and dropped down to one knee. He let go of one of your hands to reach into his pocket, pulling out a blue velvet box.

“I don’t want to be your boyfriend anymore because i want people everywhere to know how much i love you even if i’m not there. I want people to know that you’re taken when i’m not around and i want to see you in the most extravagant white dress walking down the aisle to me, showcasing our love for each other to any and everyone. I don’t want to be your boyfriend anymore, i want to be your husband. So y/f/n, will you please make me the happiest man alive, and marry me?” he asked looking up at you. His own tears filling his eyes. You reached out and wiped a tear that fell, giving him a small nod. Not managing to say anything because of the lump that had formed in your throat. He smiled widely opening the box and taking the ring out to slip it onto your finger. He pick you up and spun you around before putting you back down and kissing you passionately.

You heard cheers from all around, pulling away from the kiss to find your family and friends and all of the Serpents standing around. Some with tears in their own eyes.  

“You scared the shit out of me. I thought you were breaking up with me.” you whispered as Sweet Pea brushed your tears away.

“I would never. You can’t get rid of me that easily. But would it be a proposal form me if i didn’t do something reckless?” he joked making you laugh and kiss him again before the both of you walked over to your friends and family, receiving congratulatory hugs and high fives.

[officialleehadan]

Opportunity for Advancement

“Members of the Board, we have a rather unique opportunity before us.”

I watch, my hands curled around my cane, as Summoner takes the floor with practiced ease. He holds the attention of his board as he walks them through my proposal, and it is interesting to read the crowd.

My presence has been noted, but my habit of keeping my face out of the media means that very few recognize me on sight.

After all, I do not do this for the attention.

Summoner has been good enough to keep my name out of it for the moment, but I believe it is more to his finely-tuned sense of drama and tactics than it is for any other reason. The revelation of precisely who his gentleman guest truly is will stifle most of their more offensive protests.

Who would protest a business contract with the fabled Doctor Rimehart, after all?

I laugh to myself at the absurdity of it all, and draw a few interested, concerned glances.

One woman sees my cane and blanches white.

Ah, I have been spotted, and by one of the people who has my interest.

“Doctor? I have your coffee.”

Summoner’s personal assistant is a beautiful young lady with a sweet smile and perfectly coiffed blonde hair. Where most men would have hired her for her beauty and her measurements, I feel certain that Summoner hired her for her truly ruthless efficiency.

Sadly, I do not believe I can poach her into my own service. Summoner pays her a small fortune for her loyalty.

I suppose I ought to approve. It speaks well of his business practices.

Ah, the presentation is winding down. They would be wise to accept, and not simply because of my name on the contract. The business opportunity will be very profitable for all, if it goes well, and not unreasonable if it fails.

“Thank you, Karen,” I murmur and take the tea. I am presently surprised when I discover that, rather than using the quintessential office coffee pot, she ran down to Sara’s café a block down. The now-familiar scent of fine coffee and vanilla wraps around me and I take an appreciative sip. “Oh, do close the door behind you. This meeting may be loud in a moment.”

I am delighted that my favorite barista is not Powered, although I do wonder where her remarkable ability with coffee comes from. There is nothing unusual in her blood. I had it tested after the Bloodmaster incident.

”Doctor, the floor is yours. Members of the board, Doctor Jonathan Rimehart. Our new business partner.”

Ah, the young drama queen. My supposition was correct, and there is dead silence as I rise. My face may not bring much recognition, but my name certainly does. Also, they know who their CEO is, and anyone who knows Summoner will also know of me.

Fortunately, I am used to such a response, and take advantage.

“Ladies, gentlemen,” I say politely, my eyes already finding the three who Summoner and I have agreed to eliminate. They are difficult, albeit for three different reasons. Before my interest in the company, they were manageable, but they cannot be allowed to continue as they are. There is too much at stake. “I look forward to this partnership. This business and my own are highly profitable. With our innovations in the realms of biological science and microelectronics, we offer impressive new opportunities for success far beyond our previous expectations.

Money. It may not buy happiness, but success often feels like the same thing, and money has quite the influence on that. Of course, it will be interesting to see if these successful people are capable of looking past their own apprehension and seeing the greater rewards beyond.

Not that their votes truly matter. Both Summoner and I know well that they will not challenge him. I am aware of how he took over his company in the first place.

Summoner politely waits for me to finish, before producing a folder for each of his traitorous board members, and then pulls their crimes, captured by camera and video, and carefully-collected documentation.

“Frank,” he says darkly, taking my silence for the permission it is. “It’s a shame you decided to give our financial information to OpenSky Incorporated. Really, selling us out to the heroes? I might be able to understand if it was moral, but you got nearly ten million for it. Shame.”

Summoner’s preferred method of killing is classy. Even I can admit that, although I am not fond of death. A wash of inky black rips open behind the unfortunate man, and a wall of tiny scavengers pour out onto him.

His screams are contained by the soundproofing that lines the walls. The rest of the board stares around at each other.

Summoner turns to his next traitor. “Garth. You think I didn’t know what you are?”

A low-grade Power. One I was unaware of, in fact. Aiden discovered him during the inquiry into his board members. He might have been allowed to live, if not for his… questionable leisure activities.

“She was twelve, Garth,” Aiden continues, and gets a smile that could cut a lesser man to the bone. “I promised her footage of this.”

The scavengers have eaten the first man completely without so much as a belt-buckle left to tell the tale.

The second man tries to run. I casually trip him with my cane and step out of the way. The scavengers swarm him as he tries to crawl away.

“Shameful,” I comment when he finally stops screaming. “Abusers, particularly child abusers, deserve death. Summoner?”

“I agree,” he replies, and I am again pleased that he decided to work for me, rather than die. He will be a very valuable aid to my Work. “And Grace. Grace, Grace, Grace.”

I watch the woman in question straighten proudly. In general, I like women more than men. They so rarely have the same sort of inherent authority issues, and are more inclined to work well in a team. Also, many are so hungry for opportunity that they work harder than their male counterparts.

“You know who I am,” she says, steady, although she must be afraid. “The Hero Consortium needed someone on the inside of your business. I’ve reported to them, sure, but if it wasn’t Hero business, I didn’t say a damn word. And that includes large orders from private citizens, even when I knew who they really were.”

I step in, because her integrity is intriguing. Aiden would kill her, and not without reason, but I have a hunch, that niggling feeling at the back of my mind, that suggests she may be useful.

“Your name is Mirage,” I say as I take Summoner’s chair. My hips ache in the cool autumn weather, and even on the best days, I cannot stand well. “Your abilities include invisibility and minor hard-substance phasing. On occasion, that ability goes from minor to major, but generally only when lives besides your own are in danger. Why is that?”

“I became a hero to help people,” Mirage says defiantly, and looks between me and Summoner. She still might die, but she made her peace with it already. “Good people. Powered humans usually display greater abilities in times of stress and I’m stressed when good people are in danger.”

Very interesting. This one may yet be redeemable, after a fashion. Summoner  reads her, and me, and I see the moment when he comes to the same conclusion.

“Everyone out,” he commands abruptly. “Grace, you stay.”

“Thought you were going to make me an example?” she says, and it’s not really a question. Still, we have her attention, and that might well be valuable. ”I’m a hero, after all.”

“So is Tradewind,” Summer points out, and takes a seat beside me. He nods to the chair across the table from us, and Mirage takes it. “And she and I have a longstanding agreement. What if we were to offer you an opportunity?”

“I don’t want to be a villain,” she tells us flatly. “That’s not what I’m about.”

“No,” I correct her before either of them can argue over trivial details. “You do not wish to hurt people. Tell me, what if you had the option to protect yourself, and do greater good at the same time?”

“I’m not about killing Powered people either,” she says and ah, there’s the hatred I expected. She hides it well. “Or killing anyone.”

Summoner snaps his fingers and his wave of little scavengers vanishes back into a rift.

 “How about working with Tradewind,” he suggests slyly when they’re gone. “She teaches at the university. I sponsor her more gifted students, particularly the ones from… difficult backgrounds, and ensure that they are well-equipped to move on in their chosen fields.”

“Where do I come in?” Mirage asks, but I can see the longing to help people boiling under her skin, more powerful than the hate. Not a surprise. Like Tradewind, Mirage is a child of the slums, and her dark skin does her no favors in the white-dominated Hero Consortium. The systematic bias there is rarely addressed, but deeply prevalent. “I’m not training future villains.”

“The other part of the agreement,” Summoner continues, still with that sly smile, “Is that I explicitly keep them out of the Powered community. Hero, Villain, any of it. If they happen to be Powered, I find an industry-appropriate use for their Power and encourage them to it.”

“And me?”

“You, my dear,” I cut in, because this is where my name and reputation will be valuable, “Would be a mentor. A counterpoint. Someone who is Powered, knowledgeable, and wants the best for them.”

She is tempted. I see it shifting her mind down the scale. Right and Wrong are not so simple as most Heroes like to believe, and I do take personal pleasure in proving that over and over.

Besides, my goals ad hers are not so differed, and I enjoy young people. Some of the greatest minds come from backgrounds that have not handed them everything.

“No villainy?”

“If you have moral qualms with anything you are asked to do, I encourage you to bring it to me personally,” I tell her, and know that she has taken the bait. Good I am always pleased when death can be avoided in favor of progress. “For your cooperation, your compensation will go up…”

I trail off. This is a two-person play, and she does technically work for Summoner, not me.

“Oh, I think double is fair,” he follows me effortlessly. His sly smile finally goes away, and it’s for the best. No need to scare her now that she is cooperating. “And a generous budget for any cause you feel is contributing meaningfully to society. We are always interested in new charities and causes that would benefit from a little more attention.”

“There’s gotta be a catch,” Mirage says. I nod pleasantly and she seems relieved that I am prepared to simply admit it. “Okay, let’s hear it.”

“You leave the Hero Consortium,” I lay out the requirements with unvarnished truth. “Step off the Powered stage completely, save only for when UnPowered lives are at stake, or there is a threat to global safety, and allow any offspring you might produce to have their potential Powers neutralized while they are young enough to undergo the process safely.”

A high price, but with high payout. Her Power is not suited to most Hero work, and neither is her personality.

Generally, the sticking point is the removal of Powers from their offspring, but I doubt it will be a problem with this one. She is a lesbian, and has long stated that she does not want children. I approve, and if she choses to adopt or foster those in need, I will ensure her access to the best resources possible.

But that is a carrot for later. A reward for loyalty to be discovered when she is dedicated to the cause.

“The Consortium will have questions,” she says, and leans forward. “They may cause me problems.”

“Problems that will be handled with appropriate severity,” I tell her with a shrug. “Threatening, or attacking, a private citizen Is not very heroic, is it?”

She wavers, and thinks on it, and finally makes the decision I expected in the beginning.

“Get me the paperwork,” she agrees at last. “I want to read the contract, and you better believe I’m having a lawyer look it over too. A third-party lawyer who doesn’t like you.”

“Of course,” Summoner agrees, and rises to shake her hand. “Take the rest of the week off. Paid, of course, to consider it. Talk with Tradewind if you can. She will tell you more about our work.”

Mirage shakes both our hands, and I think she realizes when the shadow of death finally leaves her shoulders.

“Thanks for not killing me,” she tells us both, and leaves with her head held high.

 We watch her go, and Summoner waits until the door closes behind her before speaking.

“Bets that she goes to ground or sells us out?”

“No bet,” I murmur thoughtfully, because I have a good feeling about Mirage, and will kill her if that feeling proves misplaced. “But today has been far more interesting than I expected. Shall we attend down to Sara’s café? I find myself ready for lunch.”

+++

Doctor Rimeheart (Supervillain Coffee Shop)

Handicapped

Power Rests in the Eye

Nuclear Option

Incidental Villain

Cut a Deal

First Summon

Even Supervillains run from Fangirls

The Blackest Coffee

Deal with the Devil

Opportunity for Advancement

Fear and Coffeegrounds

Personal Space

Broken Countertops

Christmas Cookies

Revealed

Wannabe Wannabes

Home Life

Shadows Unleashed

+++

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[iamvegorott]

Hidden Romance Ch. 17

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No Regrets

Mad was conscious but he wasn’t awake. At first, he wasn’t sure where he was or why he couldn’t move. 

“Really? Mare’s bed?” Alice scoffed as she sat on the edge of the bed, Mad barely able to see her. “Both are you are too stupid to be smart.”

“Why can’t I move?” Mad asked.

“You’re asleep and you’re emotional breakdown has paralyzed you,” Alice answered with a shrug. 

“What are you doing?” 

“Waiting for the show to finish.” Alice swung her legs. “Got a couple of hearts to shatter.” 

“Why are you doing this?” 

“Does it really matter? Do you really care? Clearly you don’t care since you were more than willing to get with my ex.” Alice flashed a glare at Mad

“I-” Mad stopped when Alice started laughing, the glare instantly going away.

“Nah, it’s fine. I didn’t really like him anyway. But, you have to admit, he’s pretty handsome.” Alice giggled. “Strong, caring, smart but a dumbass, sound familiar?” 

“Sounds like everyone in this building,” Mare said, knowing there wasn’t anything he could do. 

“Don’t beat around the bush like that.” Alice puffed out a breath. “You two are so aware of everyone else that you’re oblivious to your own feelings.” 

“I don’t need relationship advice from you.” Mad grumbled.

“I’m just saying that you should get a quick round of fun in before I kill all of you.” Alice was giggling again. “Do you want to know something fun about what happened between you and Jackie?” 

“No,” Mad said with a straight-face. 

“It was all lies.” Alice turned towards Mad to watch his face drop. “You know how you work, how other people’s emotions can sometimes affect you. You kept feeling nothing but love and affection in here. And poor Jackie still has feelings for my trapped inside of that heart of his and when you went in there, he got confused.”

“Stop it.” Mad tried to find a way to block out Alice’s voice.

“You find it hard to believe anyone could like you like that and you thought those feelings for Jackie were for him, but they weren’t.” Alice was practically singing. “Mare likes you and you never realized. You like Mare and you never accepted it.” 

“Shut up!” Mad shouted. 

“If only you were smarter or faster or braver or anything that would have gotten you out of your head and into Mare’s arms.” Alice grinned when Mad tried to move, tried to do anything. “Go ahead and try. Go ahead and try to get some love before you die.” Alice slowly faded away.

Mad woke with a gasp, coughing when the air fought back. He heard the door close and was alone in the room. Everything felt heavy and Mad had to breathe several times before willing himself to his feet. His program had to be done, the code had to be solved now. He needed to find Alice and make her pay. 

x~x~x

Marvin reached out and felt nothing on the bed. He and chase had laid down for a quick nap. Marvin sniffed and groaned, fully waking up when he heard rummaging and cursing. 

“Chase?” Marvin rubbed his eyes.

“I can’t fucking do this anymore.” Chase was packing a suitcase, rushing around and trying to get as much as he could to fit. 

“What?” Marvin moved so he was on his knees. “What are you doing?” 

“I’m getting out of here,” Chase stated. 

“That’s not funny.” 

“I’m not joking.” 

“What?” Marvin’s voice cracked. 

“All of this is too much. I can’t do this, I can’t handle this.” Chase shut the suitcase.

“Stop that.” Marvin placed his hands on top of it. “You’re not doing that. You’re not abandoning your family, you’re not abandoning me.” 

“I have to.” Chase yanked the suitcase out from under Marvin. Marvin stared at the bed, something was wrong. Something about Chase was...off. 

“Camera settings,” Marvin said softly. He looked at Chase and swallowed thickly when Chase just looked at him with confusion. “Camera settings,” Marvin said again, in case Chase didn’t hear him. 

“What the hell are you going off about?” Chase said. “Marv-Marvin, the fuck!? Chase shouted when Marvin was suddenly pointing a gun at him. “What are you doing!?”

“Camera settings!” Marvin tried one more time. 

“Stop-” Chase didn’t finish before Marvin screamed and shot him in the head. Marvin couldn’t stop himself from crying at that action, even when he saw the ink come from the wound and the fake Chase become a puddle. 

“Chase! Chase, where are you!? Chase!” Marvin cried out. 

“Marv!” Chase fumbled out of the closet and went to Marvin wrapping his arms around him at the bedroom door was thrown open. “I got you, I got you.” Anti rushed into the room and got on the bed as well, squeezing into Chase’s arms with Marvin, Robbie following suite.

“I can guess what happened,” Dark said, seeing the ink. “Did she get you too, Chase?” 

“I...I think.” Chase rubbed Marvin’s back. “I’m used to nightmares about my kids...but that one was too real.” 

“That’s six at once.” Dark sighed.

“Seven.” Mare corrected, having rushed over from the other room. “She got me too.” 

“Who does that all leave?” 

“Myself, Phantom, technically Jackie and Mad.” Dark listed. “And speaking of Mad. Mad, where are you going?” Dark watched Mad, who was walking with his head down. 

“Wait.” Mad held a finger and went away. 

“He can’t go alone-” Mare went to go after him. 

“I think Alice already got him.” Dark caught Mare. “There was ink on his leg.” 

“That could be leftover from me.” 

“Something tells me it wasn’t.” 

“Eight, she attacked eight people at once.” Mare groaned. “How? How could she do that many?” 

“The figures weren’t strong, it was more emotional than physical,” Dark said. “Did you try to kill you or did she try to break your heart?” Mare didn’t say anything. “And I can only assume she did the same to Mad,” Dark said, knowing what the answer the silence gave. 

“She wants us to find her,” Mare said. “She says it’s either she kills us or we kill her. She wants to scare us...and it worked.” 

——————————-

Tag List: @thesinginggal @ninazappy @takethepainawaybae @classy-birb @madallice329 @m0th-goo @always-in-a-fandom @such-a-dumbass @mirrored-calamity @thelonelycreature @grnpurplgrmln @shamelesscollectorpiratesstuff @antibeaneverybody @constantgaycrisis @nightwillow14

[xukunstellation]

Perfect || Li Quanzhe

Title: Perfect Pairing: Reader x Quanzhe Genre: fluff Word Count: 1848 words Summary: Seeing how insecure your boyfriend is breaks your heart, so you have every intent in telling him how amazing he actually is.

A/N: You guys have no idea how soooooft Quanzhe makes me. This little hamster is literally one of the cutest beings I’ve ever laid eyes on. This request had a loooot of specific details to it, so I did my best to try and do him justice in this fic. I also tweaked the request just a little bit in order to make the fic more realistic. This ended up becoming super long, so I’m putting this under the cut. Please love and support this baby!

help

the gif for him for this fic makes me so :(((

how can someone be so cute ??

he looks so squishy i cry

so you and quanzhe have only recently started dating

you both were relatively new to the whole relationship thing

which means lots of awkward and shy moments between you two

but you both really like each other and make each other happy so it was worth it

if anything, it made you like him even more

it was a bit of a surprise that the two of you were dating to begin with due to the fact that it seemed like you and quanzhe came from two different worlds

quanzhe attended yuehua academy with his six childhood friends, who all varied in grade levels

at his school, he was what people called the “nerdy” type 

which honestly meant he excelled in his studies, usually placing at the top of his class

we love a smart boy

he was more on the quiet side and preferred to be in the shadows unlike his more exuberant friends such as justin and chengcheng

who are always teasing and pulling pranks on him jfc zhengting control your kids

not many people pay attention to quanzhe since he was literally just another face in the crowd (unless they knew him as the really smart kid from class)

but that was perfectly fine with him since all he needed was his own close knit of hooligans friends

meanwhile you attended oaca academy where you were relatively popular since you were an absolute social butterfly

in short, you were a complete ray of sunshine and positivity so people naturally flocked to you

your best friend was zuo ye who eagerly introduced you to his own group of friends (peiyao, zimo, mubo, and qin fen)

with you and zuo ye being the babies of the group, they’re always teasing the hell out of you two

but if anyone else tried to do the same, you’d better be ready to catch these hands watch out

they’re so overprotective of you

it’s all out of love tho

they were also the ones that helped get you and quanzhe together

but that’s a story for another time (hint hint) 

since you and quanzhe went to different schools, you had to find other ways to see each other

no one outside of your friend groups knew the two of you were dating, mainly because you always met up during times when not many other outsiders were around

you always showed up with food and drinks for him during his vocal and dance practices after school

his group of friends literally adore you as much as they adore himself since you’re always taking care of him

zhengting basically adopts you

congrats you earned yourself a boyfriend plus a mom and five brothers for free

quanzhe does his best to return the favor by walking you to and from school since you lived relatively close to each other

sometimes he comes over to your place to hang out or help you with your school work

the oaca boys have a tendency to show up at your house during these times no matter how hard qin fen and mubo try to stop them smh

you had to stop zuo ye and zimo from continuously pinching your boyfriend’s cheeks bc it’s lowkey annoying to him

but he lets only you get away with it bc he likes you so much

however, sometimes it was really difficult to see each other whenever your schedules didn’t line up

although texts and calls made up for some of it, you wished you got to see more of your little hamster

as luck would have it, you ended up moving to your aunt’s place in order to help her run her shop 

guess what was down the block? 

yuehua academy

so as a surprise, you decided to transfer over to yuehua academy in hopes that you were able to share some classes with your boyfriend (which you did luckily)

you peeked into your new homeroom that you knew you shared with quanzhe, scanning the room for his figure

his back was turned away from you, so you slowly crept your way to him and put a finger to your lips to hush chengcheng, justin and xinchun from shouting and giving you away

placing your hands gently over his eyes, you whispered in his ear “guess who”

quanzhe jumped in fear from the surprise attack before spinning around and staring at you with wide eyes, unable to comprehend that you were standing right in front of him

“surprise!” 

“(y-y/n)? oh my god, what are you doing here?”

“it just so happens that i go here now. are you not excited to see your girlfriend?” you pouted playfully just to tease him

activate panic mode

“no! i mean, yes! uh, i mean, i’m just really shocked that you’re here and ah-”

poor boy was about to cry omg 

you immediately hug him, wrapping your arms around his torso lovingly, “i know i know, i’m just teasing you, sweetie.”

you leaned up and kissed his cheek causing quanzhe to flush red in an instant at the pda

the three other boys were making kissy noises and hugging each other like the immature children they were smh

although you transferred in the middle of the school year, your reputation as a social butterfly at oaca continued at yuehua where you were easily able to fit in with the crowd

although you were able to make new friends, you preferred staying near the comfort of your boyfriend and his friends (who has already accepted you into the group long before)

now that you got to see him more often every day, you took the chance to be more openly affectionate with him since he was so shy and innocent-like

you knew that quanzhe wasn’t the best at showing his affection

he was always worrying about whether or not he was pushing himself onto you or if you would think he was weird for initiating something

was his hand too sweaty in yours? was it okay for him to hug you before you entered class? oh gOD YOU CAUGHT HIM STARING AND NOW YOU PROBABLY THINK HE’S CREEPY ASDSHJD

being the good significant other you were, you knew all of this so you never pressured him into acting a certain way just because you were dating

you learned to read when he was too scared to ask to hold your hand or even hug you, so you didn’t mind taking initiative

he nearly faints whenever you kiss him, even if it’s a simple peck on the cheek

you have zhengting on speed dial in case quanzhe does faint but he doesn’t know that

bc you learned to read him so well, it didn’t take long for you to notice him start to act differently around you

you noticed how his hand would falter or even pull away from yours whenever someone attractive merely glanced your way in the hallways

he would grow really quiet whenever you’re talking to zeren, wenjun or any of the other guys

you could tell his smile was forced every time someone made an off-hand comment about your relationship, usually people wondering how the “nerd” was able to date the popular chick (he always held you back from throwing hands at those people tho)

all of this worried you so you confronted him about it as you walked back home from school

“sweetie, can we talk?”

you saw him become uneasy with your words but nodded, “sure. what’s up?”

“you’ve been acting really strange lately. you’re not acting like yourself and i’m really worried. you know you can tell me whenever something is bothering you, right?”

“i’m fine, you don’t need to worry about me”

“i worry about you because i care for you, quanzhe”

those words seemed to resonate with him bc you watched as his face fell and his resolve snap in a second

“it’s just... i feel like i’m not good enough for you. you could literally have anyone in the entire school. i look at you and see how amazing you are. then i look at myself and i’m just... me. i’m not strong. i’m not assertive. i’m not very good at expressing my feelings even though i really really like you. i wish i was different so i could be enough for you. i don’t understand why you’re with me”

he looked completely heartbroken and wounded as he relayed this all to you

if you listen carefully, you could hear the sound of your heart shattering to a million pieces

“quanzhe... i didn’t realize that you had been holding this on your shoulders this entire time. i’m so sorry. i’m sorry for ever making you doubt that i don’t want to be with you or that i’ll leave you for someone better”

“but honestly, there isn’t anyone better bc you are the best. it doesn’t matter to me that you aren’t any of the things you mentioned. you care about me and i care about you, so that’s all that matters. i love every single amazing thing about you from your strengths to your flaws. you’re more than enough to me. you’re everything i need and want”

that was all it took for quanzhe to realize that you were quite possibly the best thing that has ever happened to him

the following day, quanzhe asked you to help give him a little make over

although you assured him that he didn’t need to change how he looked because he was already stunning as he is, he said that the change would be good for him and his self-esteem since he’s looked the same for the longest time and he wanted something new

after agreeing, you did your best to merely enhance the handsome looks he already had rather than change anything about him

all you did was tousle his usual rounded bob into a more casual yet classy hairstyle and added a few fashionable items such as new shoes and a new jacket to add to his attire 

which you may have stolen from the oaca boys’ closets but what they don’t know won’t kill them

before you walked through the school building to get to class, you were pleasantly surprised when quanzhe confidently slipped his hand into yours and pressed his lips to your forehead sweetly

the “nerd” of the school was shy no longer

despite the differences you two had, you worked well with each other

you taught quanzhe how to be more confident in himself, constantly reminding him of all of the good he has in him

on the other hand, he never failed to make you feel loved and appreciated 

to you, quanzhe was perfect

sorry i didn’t know how to end that

it’s almost 4am and i’ve spent hours writing this

lowkey delirious rn

i apologize for any mistakes i missed

also

pls give this little hamster lots of love and support

stan li quanzhe