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onesheeptwosheepandachicken · 3 years

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26 Reasons why Qrow is not Ruby’s father and why Taiyang is Ruby’s father

In response to the toxic aspect of the fandom attacking CRWBY and demanding that their desires for Qrow be chosen over canon, or how they feel their theory is more valid than the show itself? I have researched RWBY to make this 26-point Discussion as to why Canon is valid, and fancanon is not when it comes to Qrow Branwen, Ruby Rose, Taiyang Xiao Long, and Summer Rose.

1. “Monty said NO” Most obviously. Monty Oum.

He said in this tweet that ruby and yang are half-sisters…half-sisters, which means they share the same mom or dad…in this case Taiyang….

https://twitter.com/montyoum/status/492070189731565568

Now people have claimed “he obviously meant step-sisters or cousins” Why is it that every time we show the English dictionary to you people or ask you to read it, that you claim you are being attacked or that you claim Monty was misleading us?

2. The writers said NO

Miles Luna debunked this theory on Reddit…

He pointed out that Ruby sees Qrow as a Role model, so she adapts her colors to be similar to his.

And you don’t need somebody to be blood to be your role model.

https://www.reddit.com/r/RWBY/comments/7x3w4s/crwby_ama_w_miles_luna_kerry_shawcross_and_paula/du5d67g/?

3. “Rooster Teeth said NO” Rooster Teeth even said that Qrow is "Ruby and Yang's Uncle" They also said “Ladies, he’s not your man”

https://twitter.com/RoosterTeeth/status/1067205612331782144

4. “But what if Summer had feelings for Qrow? Why does Qrow Serve Ozpin?” Qrow said in Volume 6 " No one wanted me... I was cursed... I gave my life to you because you gave me a place in this world... I thought I was finally doing some good... " So he was saying he wasn't wanted, so no relationship with Summer. SUMMER DID NOT WANT HIM. And he was literally saying he served Ozpin because Ozpin gave him purpose. It’s pretty sad how people think Qrow can only be a complex character if he obsesses over another person’s wife and child. What , you wanna make him Severus Snape, the Lilly Potter stalker who insulted a girl’s face and tried to poison a boy’s pet and publicly outed a teacher?

https://rwby.fandom.com/wiki/Qrow_Branwen/Quotes#So_That.27s_How_It_Is

5, "But Qrow could be lying" Except in volume 6 Qrow literally said "Don't lie...we're better than that"

And in volume 7?

" Long time ago. I just found working alone tends to be for the best "

" Gotta say, I’m still not really used to working with other Huntsmen in the field. "

And finally World Of Remnant on Patch.

" Nice place to raise a family, if you're into that sort of thing. "

https://rwby.fandom.com/wiki/Qrow_Branwen/Quotes#So_That.27s_How_It_Is

6. “Qrow fans claim that Ruby and Summer form a core part of Qrow’s character and backstory.” WRONG! The main accusation for demanding Rooster Teeth / CRWBY change the backstory for Qrow would accomplish nothing.

Raven already pushed Yang onto Taiyang to raise on his own.

Qrow forcing Tai to Raise Ruby alongside Yang while Qrow could regularly visit, and while Summer lived with Taiyang, Yang, and Ruby?

It would cheapen Qrow’s character….blood isn’t everything. Neither are cliches.

7. “But what if Qrow gave Ruby to Tai to raise after Summer’s death?” Volume Chapter 6, Burning the Candle.

Yang tells Blake that she (yang) and Ruby were raised together by Summer and Taiyang…not by Taiyang on his own, but by Summer and Taiyang.

Yang clearly had memories of being raised by Summer and Tai both, which meant that Summer and Taiyang lived together raising Ruby and Yang for Several Years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZkN-53h5Os

8. “Does Taiyang care about Summer or Ruby?” Taiyang was noted to have shut down when Summer didn’t come back…. Yang noted this in Volume 2 Chapter 6, and Ruby mentioned in the first episode of Volume 3 that Taiyang missed Summer. Qrow also said that Ruby is Taiyang’s “Special Angel”…. Ruby has also pointed out numerous times that Taiyang is Overprotective of Ruby. In fact, Ruby's conversation with Penny about overprotective fathers.

9. “Qrow knows Taiyang is Ruby’s Father. Taiyang knows Ruby is Taiyang’s daughter. Qrow has referred to Taiyang as Ruby’s father during volume 3 and 7. Taiyang referred to Ruby as his daughter in volume 3.

10. “Why didn’t Taiyang train Ruby in Martial Arts?” Taiyang is a martial arts fighter. Ruby has neither the build nor the personality for ruthless hand to hand combat like her sister… Taiyang would trust Qrow, despite his semblance. Remember how bad Ruby was in v5?

11. “Qrow’s semblance is not what his fans exaggerate it to be”

Speaking of Qrow’s semblance? He was playing video games with his nieces, taught at Signal Academy, and could train Ruby… Clearly, his semblance is not what theorists make it out to be.

12. “Why doesn’t Qrow treat Yang the same way he treats Ruby?”

Yang is the daughter of Qrow’s sister,who abandoned the team.

During a one on one interaction between Qrow and Yang after yang vs mercury, Qrow called his own niece crazy, after she had been framed.

Qrow was not empathetic to Yang.

Qrow may not like Yang’s resemblance to Raven.

Ruby is the daughter of his two closest friends, so of course he’d prefer Ruby over Yang.

13. “Examples of Taiyang caring for Ruby.”

Volume 2 Ruby was excited when Taiyang sent a package in the mail, not even knowing it was Zwei.

Taiyang was at Ruby’s bedside in V3, and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

He also tried to bring her breakfast in bed.

Taiyang said he wanted to chase after Ruby, but had to nurse Yang back to health.

During the V8 broadcast, Taiyang was upset when the broadcast was cut.

14. “Genetics research”

Black hair is the subtype of the pigment for blonde hair…

Also, Ruby’s got the same hair strand that Yang and Taiyang have.

Finally, black hair is more dominant.

So Ruby doesn’t need blonde hair to be Taiyang’s kid.

https://askinglot.com/is-black-hair-a-dominant-or-recessive-gene

https://www.quora.com/If-a-jet-black-haired-parent-and-a-blonde-parent-have-children-what-color-hair-would-the-children-likely-have

15. “The STRQ Photo”

The photo....Qrow was with STRQ for four years...do you really think Qrow is not allowed to cry on the photo unless he was romantically involved? Can't a man grieve over the death of a female friend that he was NOT in a relationship with? Or are men not allowed to have female friends? Ichigo and Rukia from Bleach for example...friendship. They were his friends, his family. People seem obsessed with the idea that Qrow cannot care about a woman unless he was romantically involved or unless he's their bastard father.

16. “Men and Women…as friends, platonic” Harry Potter as a book showed that a boy and a girl can interact and still be friends…

Why can’t Qrow be Summer’s friend?

Why does he have to be her lover?

We’ve seen Qrow talk about Innkeeper’s skirt lengths and leer at Barmaids who flirted with him.

Also, he’s shown to be bonding with both Clover and Robyn.

People act like he doesn't flirt with anyone , and yet he does.

17. “Bad Luck Charm” Qrow has spent his whole life with his semblance, named after a Crow.

Raised by the Branwen bandit tribe.

“You and I are not the same, you don’t want the burden of my name” Both Branwen and Qrow are names that Qrow hates due to his semblance and past…

People may think of him as cool, but Qrow suffers from self-loathing.

So NO, the Bad Luck Charm song does NOT in fact allude to Qrow being Ruby’s father, but that Qrow hates himself, hence a major part of why he’s alcoholic.

Proof of which is his volume 6 exchange with Ozpin about being useful, which Qrow disagrees with, leading him to drink further. Yang literally said that she had never seen qrow so drunk before in v6.

And Ruby encourages his self-worth leading him to try giving up alcohol….

His alcoholism is tied to low-self-esteem, not relationships.

18. Manga Anthology

Taiyang was shown in the Manga Anthology to have shut down upon Summer’s Death. That impacted his relationship with Ruby and Yang. Qrow? Is relatively unaffected. The good Uncle helping around the house. Taiyang haters and Qrow stans took this to demand that Qrow is entitled to Ruby, despite Taiyang recovering and doing his best to be a father. Anything Qrow does is worshipped like Mother Teresa, while anything Taiyang does, good or bad, is downplayed and smashed. Taiyang loved Summer so much he was devastated by her death. Qrow was unaffected. Think about that.

19. “I like Brats” Why does Qrow spend time with kids he’s not related to? Because he likes kids. You know how there are adults who enjoy being around brats? That’s Qrow. He didn’t have romantic feelings for Summer, he liked being around her because she was like a kid. Similar to how Blake likes Ruby’s idealism? And trusts her leadership?

20. “Taiyang the 2-timer accusation”

A woman on youtube claimed that Taiyang was a 2-timer who cheated on raven with summer, as there was, in her and her friends’ minds, “no way that taiyang could be with half his team” When asked about TaiQrow as a joke, she was angered that people even ship TaiQrow.

But let me ask you this. Are you the same person you are now that you were 10 years ago? People claim that Qrow was somehow cool in beacon…because he’s cool now. But Taiyang, who raises two kids, and holds a job and a house…cannot be ruby’s father…because he’s not cool? And that somehow he was never cool? I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had to be cool to be a parent. I also had no idea people were only allowed to be in one relationship per lifetime. Raven freaking abandoned Tai for the tribe. Summer chose Taiyang over Qrow. People literally make Qrow out to be either an OC in a shipping fanfic, or a Naruto fanfic where Naruto is written to be fawned over by a girl whose canonical spouse, boyfriend, or male friend is somehow rewritten as evil.

1 year…..in 1 year since Raven abandoned Taiyang and Yang, Summer Rose the friend of Taiyang’s who he had known for 4 years, became more than a friend.

So no….Taiyang is not a two-timer…he moved on from Raven.

22. “Why can’t Taiyang talk about Summer?” To WHO? He’s barely got 15 minutes of screentime, and the writers did NOT do him any favors when they had Qrow demand he leave so Qrow could tell Ruby a secret Ozpin trusted him with, before telling Ruby to run away from home leaving only a freaking note. Terrible daughter. Even Yang was prepared to do the same! To a man whose first wife abandoned him! At least Weiss has a legit reason for acting as she does against Jacques, several at least. Ruby? No. Now why would Taiyang talk about Summer’s fighting style to Yang when trying to get her to stop acting like Raven in her fighting style and semblance? Sure if there was more time…but RT at the end of the day isn’t some money-hungry political entity, it’s a startup at the end of the day, they don’t have the ability to do a full anime episode. Also, Taiyang cannot go out on these active missions…he was a schoolteacher who did not do missions until only recently…he was retired, remember.

23. “These fanworks make more sense to me”

Qrow fans have tried using fanworks to justify their theory or ship, the same way Blacksun fans or Adam apologists make similar claims, and even Raven fans try to claim Raven is somehow a good mother. What do these fanworks do? Hate on Taiyang. Dismiss Ruby and Yang being half-blood siblings. Ignore multiple elements of the show or scenes. Occasionally shit-talk the writers.

Every time somebody tries to make a “rwby rewrite” or “rwby alt” or “Qrow is ruby’s father au” they cannot do it without completely rewriting the characters in so many forms and even the show, till Qrow, Raven, Taiyang, and Summer are NOTHING like they are in the show…And ONLY how a shipper wants qrow to be.

Or rewriting qrow to be nothing like he is in the show.

Most Alt or Rewrite consists of making Taiyang abusive, a cheater, or refusing to allow him to interact with Summer, while regularly pushing qrowxsummer at each other.

So no…it’s not that it makes sense to them through some fanart….a headcanon that has been debunked is no longer headcanon. A theory that is shut down is no longer a theory. There’s a reason anti-vaxxers and flat-earthers still exist. Because to them, their theories make more sense than reality. Which is why people still believe Qrow is Ruby’s father the same way people believe vaccines cause autism. Neither are true, and no amount of facts will shut them down, but they’re both popular theories.

24. “Qrow Rings and Cross”

People claim that Qrow was married to Summer or that his cross represents him mourning Summer. Did the STRQ photo, in v3, the same volume as his appearance, not show Qrow with his rings, his cross, and angrily scowling, while Summer was right next to Taiyang?

25. “What about Summer Rose’s choice?”

Remember how I said making Qrow’s character based on solely Ruby and Summer, ignoring everything regarding the tribe and ozpin giving him hope, and the grimm reaper…was bad writing? There’s a reason people hated v5. Raven was proven to be the deadbeat, Qrow was shown to have friends, and that Taiyang knew about Salem, and of course it was confirmed that Yang and Ruby again were sisters by Raven.

Now how about Summer? Team leader….took a man and a daughter who were abandoned by her friend…and made them her own. Yang calls Summer Rose “Supermom” and “Her Hero”…was literally willing to storm a bandit camp so Raven could use her portal to take Yang to Qrow, so she could get to Ruby. And yeah, I know the RWBY critics scream “why didn’t Yang just look for Ruby in Mistral?” It’s a bloody kingdom, and Yang was pursuing a lead, that Tai had given her, and Qrow told Yang he’d look after her sister. Remember that? Oh wait, RWBY Critics forget, my bad. Anyway, she’s more of a sister to Qrow than his blood sister Raven, she’s more of a mother to Yang than Raven, and she’s more of a spouse to Tai than Raven. Good Stepmother. Non-married couple. Relationship built on trust. Blood is not the same as family. (Example Weiss’s remark to her father) (Or Dom Toretto)

So making Summer into a throw-away character who dies so that a brooding jerk of an alcoholic can claim character development? Making a woman nothing except a throw-away for a man to get development is BAD WRITING. For God’s Sakes, even Pyrrha was written better than that! She interacted with team rwby, nora was always helping her out, and so was Ren (though those shakes are a crime against humanity” But when Qrow fans try to demand he’s ruby’s father? Their fanworks make Summer as much of a flat character as Preston Harvey from Fallout 4, where they make Summer unable to do anything but be obsessed with Qrow and having his child, similar to how Preston cannot think of anything other than “Another settlement needs your help, I’ll mark it on your pip-boy”

26. Finally, the accusations that CRWBY are lying.

“You have to be ****** if you believe CRWBY when they say Qrow isn’t Ruby’s father” “CRWBY is lying, it’s what writers do” “It’s okay for writers to lie, it’s good for plot” “I’d prefer it if CRWBY was lying to us” “Monty is dead, the writers should change it now” “Monty is dead, nothing else in the writing matters” “Monty was hiding the truth from us” “CRWBY is hiding the truth about Qrow being Ruby’s father” “It makes sense for CRWBY to lie to us” Look at this…Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, Tumblr, Reddit, instagram…. The first quote? Was a woman who was using an anti-autism anti-disability slur defending the theory. Never have I ever seen people so obsessed with a theory that they would deny reality and be rude to the very writers and original creator. But the QrowxSummer and Qrow is Ruby’s Father fandom group has made countless cases of this. THIS is how they defend their theory? And people upvote, like and support these remarks? SHAME SHAME SHAME

Conclusion:

I get how people desire qrow to be Ruby’s father for ships or fanfics.

Even to where they make Taiyang a hated character just for the sake of making sure nobody disagrees with them.

But the attacking of RWBY and CRWBY, claiming that “this needs to be fixed”, or getting angry at RT for not giving you the non-canon ship you want? Claiming that just because you want it to be so, that somehow your ship/theory has “validity?”

That reflects poorly on the fandom and critics.

But then again…. It’s easy to ignore what’s real and what’s a fact that when theorists and ship-pushers and CRWBY Haters on youtube tells you to stop listening to monty and the writers, and instead believe whatever you want and claim whatever you want, Because surely you know what’s better for the show than the people who worked on it, right? Ha ha ha, no. THAT is the ULTIMATE disrespect somebody calling themselves a fan could ever give. And if you think or agree with that type of logic, you should look in the mirror.

I looked for backup sources to defend CRWBY and RWBY, you’ll find them below.

Backup sources include:

https://aminoapps.com/c/rwby/page/blog/qrow-is-not-rubys-dad/422o_0rbCYuoXj36VoB7obK3MXPZRbPKkz5

https://aminoapps.com/c/rwby/page/blog/why-the-qrow-is-rubys-father-theory-is-wrong/z668_nQlIxu0dmRdRpEPxqE3qlWlZEmoE2

https://aminoapps.com/c/rwby/page/blog/qrow-cant-possibly-be-rubys-and-heres-why/8BB5_LPVCmu2bonkw8eEP3Yokg8m8zJlgNV

https://aminoapps.com/c/rwby/page/blog/why-qrow-isnt-rubys-father/lXXx_5QoUQuPVGo3Wgko3wJ52mMBl7644P

https://aminoapps.com/c/rwby/page/blog/is-qrow-rubys-father-short-answer-no/422o_0rbCYupDKezxPxpdje7dRn3nB8YvZ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPbft3KJd6o

https://aminoapps.com/c/rwby/page/blog/qrow-is-rubys-dad-theory-debunk/d33g_pQEcbu1NKQoMEv0kmDpP6N8bmowkkq

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things-happens · 3 years

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In Memory

Levi Ackerman x gn! Reader

Armin Arlert x gn! Reader

Erwin Smith x gn! Reader

Mikasa Ackerman x gn! Reader

hola 😎 i have a request for ya! which i do hope you like cause I literally spent hALF aN hoUR thinking of how it should go... anyWAYS, i’m gonna request it rn cause why not? .. anyways—maybe a hc for Levi, Armin, Erwin, Mikasa, and Pieck; their S/O’s favorite memories with them are playing in their mind. They wished it happened again. people thought they (they = pieck, levi, armin - yk)—people thought they went crazy. out of their mind insane. They do often smile, when they hear their S/O’s laugh. They cry when they hear their S/O’s screams. They couldn’t save them in time. they were now dead. // now do keep in mind, that this all happened weeks after their S/O’s death. they felt so useless at the fact that they couldn’t save them in time. the one they loved the most...

Note: I DELETED THIS AND HAD TO MADE THE POST so... please like and share thank you. Also I'm not caught up on season 4 but I know what has happened so I don't know Pieck's personality, I didn't want to get her wrong.

Prompt List

Mastlister

Summary: their s/o passed, they blame themselves and other and sadly cannot cope.

Warnings: Death, Blood, Feels and Fluff Words: a lot just a lot

Levi Ackerman (Sadderdaze)

Somethings never change for Levi losing the ones he loves left and right but why did he think that would change with y/n.

During the Battle of Shiganshina, Y/n was by Levi’s side the whole time.

They always was anyways, the lone survivor of Levi’s Squad after the 57th Expansion. Years ago, they vowed the loyalty for him then again 3 years later, till death did them part.

They both lead the group of soldiers to eliminate the Beast Titan.

As the Beast began to throw rocks everyone took covered in an abandoned town, after the first-round y/n and Levi resurfaced on the roofs.

They both noticed the beast was readying for another throw, yelling for the other to go bad into cover.

“GO BACK!” Y/N yelled into their cupped hands; they still couldn’t hear them.

Levi started to run to help them, only to be held back, y/n telling him there isn’t enough time.

Levi protested only for Y/n starting to push him back down to between the houses.

Suddenly, Y/n gave him a hard push on his back making him lad down on the ground. Looking back up to his love, their leg of in a now, missing part of the roof.

Levi quickly shot back up to help them out, grabbing their hands pulling as hard as he could.

“Levi… LEVI! Please take cover, you’ll die.”

“I’m not leaving you behind… not again.”

Levi had left Y/n in charge of his squad as he joined Erwin in the 57th Expansion. Nearly dying because of the Female Titan and protecting Eren.

Y/n pulled their arm away from him, giving him one final hard push in the chest right before the rock came pass them.

“I love you” they whispered.

As Levi flew back to the ground, he held eye contact with them all of his memories going through his head, knowing that this was the last time he would see of them, forever.

As for y/n, all their memories flew through them.

Late nights with Hanjie, mornings drinking tea with Erwin and Levi.

Levi… the night of their wedding, cake, slow dancing together, then stargazing. Oh, what they’d give to do that one more time with him.

Then they were gone.

Days later, everyone was concerned about the Captain. They could hear his cries and sobs when they’d pass his room. If you’d knocked, his cries would stop, and he’d stay silent till he watched your feet leave.

Every time Hanjie would open his door to bring breakfast or dinner, they could see the hopefulness in his eyes only for them to fall. Not like he ate till he was starving and knew he had too.

Years later, as Levi slept at night, he could still hear the whisper and cries of his love. That’s all he could hear ever, yet now he hid it well.

The nights he couldn’t sleep he’d walk through the halls of the fallen soldiers. In the middle of all the paintings, was Erwin. A gold frame shining in the moon light. Next to him was y/n.

They also had a golden frame and at the top were their favorite floor in their favorite color. Whomever painted it, Levi thought they did an amazing job.

The captured the brightness of their eyes, their gloss on their hair and the perfection on their hands.

Levi sat on his knees, lightly placing his hand on theirs. Wishing he could feel them just one more time.

BONUS:

“I bet you’re not popular with the ladies…” Zeke sighed.

Levi looked down thinking about y/n for the first time since the battle. “I was popular enough…”

Armin Arlert (When Will I See You Again)

Most people admired Y/n relationship with Armin, never put a title on side thing but the two and others knew they loved each other.

And when y/n died… well it was hard on everyone.

Since Armin inherited the Colossal Titian he saw and heard y/n die with his own eyes or really with Bertholdt eyes.

They stood by Armin till the very end or what they thought was the end.

The two stood in front of the giant titan, directing him. The plan… they knew they were going to die but it was with Armin and that’s all y/n would ever want.

Bertholdt let out the burning steam, burning them alive. y/n’s eyes looked at Armin, they screamed and cried till nothing… black.

Armin on the other head was giving the Titan Serum, eating Bertholdt and becoming the monsters he hated.

From the second he woke from the shift, all he could thing of was Y/n.

Where are they?

Are they okay?

Then and dare he say naturally, the memories caved in.

Seeing through his predecessor’s eyes, he remembered his love burn to death. Hearing their caries and he saw them always looking at him.

He cried and blamed himself for their death, y/n thought they were dying together but Eren couldn’t let him live in peace.

“they died thinking they were with me.” He whispered.

He always tired to keep his resentment in around Eren and Mikasa, but everyone could here him scream in pain in the forest next to the HQ.

He used Bertholdt’s memories to see them together all the time, Sasha and Mikasa would become worried he wasn’t grieving well but soon like screams every night stop.

Instead, it was quite crying at night, which wasn’t any better for anyone.

Then they left to find the Sea, one thing that could make Armin come to peace with himself.

Reaching the ocean everyone would play and have fun their but looking down in the water, Armin could’ve sworn he saw his love looking back at him but alas he lost the sight as fast as he saw it.

He knew Y/n would and still is by his side everyday till death brought them back to each other.

Erwin Smith (My Kind of Woman)

Everyone knew Erwin as a very stoic man, a calm gentle giant but with a heart and will of Iron.

And that was true, but that was after someone not one would talk about.

Their name is Y/n, Erwin Smith’s great love.

In 845, the Survey Corps returned from an expiation, but most do not know what happened.

“Four abnormals on the right wing!” some one shouted

Erwin looked at y/n who was smiling but still looking out for themselves and others. They looked over at Erwin and smiled even wilder.

Ever since training, Y/n saw bright side of things. It was their idea to recruit the Underground rebels.

In all most a flash of lighting, rain pored down soldiers dying all around.

10 abnormals flailing around, killing and eating people.

Erwin stared behind him, watching his comrades die under his orders. Then he locked eyes with y/n as they jumped off their horse as a Titan waved its arm at her.

“Erwin!”

Y/n yelled hoping he would turn and help them, and he did, yet despite the connection they had…

It was too late, they were harshly picked and swished, screams reaching everyone’s ears. Held above the Titan’s mouth their blood poured into then as the life quickly left their eyes they were dropped into its mouth.

If it wasn’t for Levi, Erwin would’ve been died too.

Ever second since then he blamed himself, knowing if he was just a little faster.

He paid someone to make a painting of her for his office, they were his right-hand person, but others knew it was more than that.

He would cry as quite as he could for years till it was small smiles or few tears while in his office or drinking tea with Levi or Hanji.

They both learned not to question it as it was a normal thing for the man after five years.

The new recruits would ask about the painting of a random person in his office, he would say someone special.

Yet it’s been years he would still become choked up that night.

Mikasa Ackerman (i wanna be your girlfriend)

Mikasa and Y/n met in training, two people how just sat not needing to say anything to enjoy each other’s company.

Eating dinner, they’d just sit and watch everyone else bicker and talk, nothing needed to be said. Despite being Sasha’s sibling, the older one seem to get all the personality then again there was nothing wrong with the way they were.

Although being close to death of a many of times, they lived and slightly loved Mikasa and watched her grow into a beautiful women she was.

Over the years, y/n become more vocal not wanting to miss out on the moments they had left with everyone. They and Jean would bicker and laugh about dumb things, Connie and they would just sitting and reminisce on old times.

Then Sasha met Nicolo and well y/n had never more vocal about anything before.

“Oooooh the cook, he’s perfect for you.”

y/n would tease Sasha along with Jean and Connie, although Nicolo didn’t seem to mind, Sasha would turn redder than a beet!

Then the war came, Y/n didn’t leave Mikasa side unless it was to save their ether extremely brave or stupid sister.

As y/n and Mikasa run to Eren’s ad after killing the War Hammer Titan, Mikasa yells at Eren.

Y/n watches the two argue, as the War Hammer Titan stands tall and definitely not dead.

Y/n watches as it starts to shoot a crystal goop at them, Y/n wipps around slamming themselves into Mikasa, holding onto her and they both flay away from the now hardened crystal.

“thank you, y/n.”

Y/n only nodded, looking back at the crystal. Again, they themselves in danger for Mikasa but they knew if it came down to it, they would die for their family.

After the battle, everyone was on the air ship, Mikasa had left y/n with Jean, Connie and Sasha. They talked happy to see each other alive.

“You guys are really special to me.”

Next thing anyone knew, both Jean and Y/n heard rumbling from the entrance. Turning around they saw a little girl with a rifle.

y/n quickly realized she was aiming for everyone of the ship, mainly their sister. Running in front of the fire, trying to do the same thing they once saw Hanjie do years ago still the girl shot.

The bullet went straight threw y/n’s stomach; push through the pain they grabbed the gun from the girl. They butted it into the little girl’s head, knocking her out.

The adrenaline wore off, y/n put their hand on their stomach. Their hand covered in blood, they turned around to see their sister on the floor surrounded by their friends.

“Guys…” they dropped the rifle on the floor.

The word came out their mouth, everyone with tears in their eyes slowly turned to look at them.

Jean watched as the blood dripped from their suit on to the light brown flooring.

Y/n began to walk to them, waddling side to side.

Mikasa entered the room watching Y/n fall over into what was now a pool of blood. She quickly ran over, flipping them over sobbing.

Jean quickly applied pressure into the wound, but it was too late. Y/n looked up at Mikasa, their bloodied hand lightly touching her face.

Mikasa sat head on her knees, in between both Blouse graves. She could still here the raspy breaths, the yells of Jean telling them to stay awake and the laugh Eren let out seeing the dead bodies.

She’d cry at nights realizing she loved them more than a friend, she felt like a piece of her was now gone.

During dinners Mikasa would push her food around till she couldn’t sit and not laugh or sob. Armin had become worried of her, but he knew she just needed time.

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anunvalidcritic · 3 years

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Justice League: Snyder Cut

(DISCLAIMER: MY OPINION IS MY OWN AND CAN BE DEEMED INVALID TO THOSE WHO DON’T CARE FOR IT.)

Oh, the time has come my friends! Now, I originally did a review on Batman V.S. Superman and I didn’t care for it, so I deleted it. But before I start, I would like y’all to read this statement made by @verified-villain-fxcker - You can click HERE to read it. As I stated in my repost, I couldn’t have said it better. May Autumn Snyder continue to rest in peace. Let’s get started!

It’s been so long since I’ve made a post I can’t even remember how I do this LOL.

CLARK is outta there to say the least...

WONDER WOMAN and LOIS look flabbergasted, as they should... BRUCE as well.

Talk about a shock-wave scream

All jokes aside, the hate that LEX has towards SUPERMAN is just to much energy to be giving to another person..

THESE BITCHIES ARE READY

why are they letting a minority approach the fucking the cube?!?!

*insert travel montage scene here*

Part 1 - “Don’t count on it, Batman.”

BRUCE knows damn well he’s talking to AQUAMAN. Let’s move this shit along lol

“Oh Gotham? How’s that shit hole?” - AQUAMAN

Ik these bitchies aren’t singing rofl

I’d sniff anything wore by Jason Momoa too.

“Maybe a man who broods in a cave isn’t cut out to be a recruiter.” - ALFRED

TALK YO SHIT ALFRED!!!!

AMY ADAMS can literally take my heart, step on it, throw it in a river and I still wouldn’t be mad.

Here comes the lovely WONDER WOMAN!

broooo her hands were moving like Donnie Yen in Ip Man!

Fucked that entire ceiling up

Ofc the one who tried to touch it would make the stupid statement.

STEPPENWOLF is really wildin’ out

Don’t look back! I hate it when they look back!!

These are some strong as women!

PART 2 - “The Age of Heroes”

“It’s toxic, that’s good.” - STEPPENWOLF

I can only imagine that this is how toxic people think.

this dude really just threw that lil demon fella like it was nothin’ lmao

You know you're working at a job for too long when you say this is the first time in a while that they're going home early smdh

Now that shit was pretty lit....

SILAS thinkin’ shit I better check on my son.

“You know a lot about monsters, don’t you? Especially how to make them.” - CYBORG

If that isn’t teen angst, then I don’t know wtf is lmao

Seeing Gal in this tomb makes me want to re-watch Wonder Woman 1 all over again!

DARKSEID ol’ trifflin’ ass

plopped him down like he was dirty laundry

God bless Willem Dafoe, this man is a fuckin’ legend!

“This world is divided. They’re a primitive species. Unevolved and at war with one another. Too separate to be one.” - STEPPENWOLF

DeSaad kinda looks like Doctor Doom in the Fantasic Four reboot lmao

GREEN LATERNS!!!!!!!!!!!! OH SHIT!!!!!!!!

we really need a Green Lantern Corps moving...

ZEUS + ARES = A Dynamic Duo When They Aren’t Being Dicks To Each Other

You know I feel bad for man because all they did was bury that shit in the ground rofl

Part 3 - “Beloved Mother, Beloved Son”

BARRY + IRIS = Love at First Sight

The burger can’t be that good like damn.

Bro the detail on his fucking shoes and the glass!!

ROFL PLEASE TELL ME HE TOOK THE HOTDOG FOR HIS DOG!?!?

damn did the car really need to explode...

lol BARRY must really need the job lol

... I would’ve just played dead after he threw me against that rock...

Man of Steel probably has one of the best soundtracks not just for a superhero movie but just in general

Americans love their football!

I have this love-hate relationship with CYBORG being in the JL and not with the TITANS you know since he’s a kid, but he’s a college student in this one.

Thank God DIANA spoke with VICTOR instead of BRUCE because I honestly don’t think he would’ve gotten him on board.

Everyone can literally zigzag zoom across this planet at undeniable speed except for BATMAN lol

Come on, VIC, help the lady out.

You know honestly, BARRY has a pretty cool pad for someone who's trying to get by paying for a Criminal Justice Degree.

“A very attractive Jewish boy. Who drinks milk, I don’t drink milk.” - BARRY

“Fuck the World.” - CYBORG

dang Ik DIANA has every right to grieve over STEVE, but damn that man has her whipped!

“You’re looking at the hottest thing on Earth. The exact same thing I said to my prom date. She dumped me anyway.” - RYAN CHOI

Why does MERA have an accent in this but not in AQUAMAN?? (ik the answer)

DAAAYYUUUMMMN MERA TURNED INTO A WHOLE BLOOD BENDER!

PART 4 - “Change Machine”

CYBORG just glided over silently

STEPPENWOLF + WONDER WOMAN = EPIC FIGHT SCENE

Seeing BARRY move like that to stop the debris and to ping DIANA’S sword really is amazing..

But he should not be screaming like that LOL

How do you not remember the planet that’s habitants almost killed you?? Because if that was me, I wouldn’t have forgotten that shit at all!

Would've held a big ass grudge until I could go back.

“I know we’re all thinking the same thing right now. Who’s gonna say it? I’m not gonna say it.” - BARRY

WOOOAAHHH J’ONN JONES?! (forgot about that)

“There are six, not five. There is no us without him.” - BRUCE

Damn, no faith at all

PART 5 - “ALL The King’s Horses”

ICONIC DIALOGUE

BARRY - “Wonder Woman. What do you think, man? You think she’d go for a younger guy?”

VICTOR - “She’s 5,000 years old, Barry. Every guy is a younger guy.”

I would’ve kept swippin’ that ID like a cashier at Wal-Mart swippin’ a debit card.

They're movin’ a little too slow for me. Ik they’ve never been on the ship before, but I would’ve been zoomin’ through that entire ship just to hurry and get the job done.

NOT THE PREGNANCY TEST

Damn, they couldn’t have at least picked up the photo??

The foreshadowing was spectacular! It will always amaze me.

I’m sure Allstate will cover that person’s car...

Just when LOIS was about to move on.

CLARK grabbed DIANA like miss me with that Rafiki shit.

I would’ve come back to my senses too after looking at Amy Adams.

AQUAMAN + THE FLASH = A CONUNDRUM

DR. SILAS takin’ one for the team

PART 6 - “Something Darker”

As crazy as radiation is, it’s quite an amazing spectacle.

I wish this Justice League movie could’ve held off until we got some other heroes such as the Green Lanterns, Hawkgirl, and many others.

Our generation was truly blessed to have an incredible actor as SUPERMAN, and we are not putting him to use!

JONATHAN sounds like President Biden lol

Alright, team?! Break!

AQUAMAN is totally enjoying this fight. He rode that Parademon like a surfboard.

AQUAMAN + CYBORG + FLASH = *THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN*

I swear every scene that WONDER WOMAN enters into does not fail to include the “Ancient Lamentation Music”.

VICTOR hurry up and say “one” god damnnit!!

SUPERMAN COLD!!!!

Somebody needs to put this fight on WorldStar

BARRY = HE’S A RUNNA HE’S A TRACK STAHHHHARRR!!!

THAT WAS FUCKING IMMACULATE

The Unity = The Three Bitchies

I bet DARKSEID will remember that shit now

EPILOGUE - “A Father Twice Over”

VICTOR = A Final Requiem

LOL VULKO and MERA look stressed tf out!

“Uh, I have too much to live for. And more important things to do.” - LEX

A cocky motherfucker LMAO

Alright, we’re back in this type of dream sequence.

“Who have you ever loved?” - MERA

Uh, bitch his parents, Robin tf?!

Thank you, JOKER, for stating the facts for Ms. Fish-stick

Oh shit, they let LOIS die, goddamn it!

HARLEY’S DEAD TOO?!?!?!

BRUCE LOOK SICK AF!!!

Well, the dream is over once again...

I just don’t see how people can live with all those fuckin’ windows.

“Oh, and some have called me The Martian Manhunter.” - J’ONN

Alright...

________

Yes, the movie was long but what needed to be expressed was. As we already the Snyder Cut wasn’t supposed to be seen because a father simply wanted to grieve the death of his child. I’ll once again reiterate what @verified-villain-fxcker you don't have to like the film but at least give it the benefit of the doubt from its predecessor. For me, I did enjoy watching his version, but let’s be honest what he who shall not be named did was just fucked up.

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gustafsnightangel · 3 years

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Shattered Lives Ch 36 Pt 1

The days between moving in with Gustaf and New Year’s Eve were filled with never ending chores, because despite Gustaf wanting her to relax and take it easy, Sildie wanted her apartment done. Boxing up the remaining things she put them in storage, still not at ease with getting rid of anything just yet. The hard reality of what if they split still plagued her mind, once bitten twice shy. She had to keep it real, had to think of the long term back up plan in case it all went to hell in a hand basket, especially with four children in the mix. Even more of a chore was deciding on whether to keep the furniture or sell it, what to do with the apartment, did she leave it all as it was or rent it out, sell it, renovate it? Then there was the unpacking of all her stuff in Gustaf’s apartment, their apartment, cleaning, trash pick up, the list never ended. She’d come to the realization moving just sucked.

“Ok stop.” He said one night as they sat for tea and pulled her into his lap. “You haven’t stopped all day. Let it be.” He grabbed and kissed her fingers as she went to tidy up the stack of papers on the table and secured her body to his by wrapping those outrageously long limbs around her and kissing her neck.

“Sorry, I just wanted to get it all done so we can enjoy the New Year’s Eve party.” She huffed.

“You keep running around like this you won’t make it to the party because you’ll be exhausted and asleep by seven.” He kissed her neck and bit down gently. “Let it be.” He growled as she struggled against him to free her arms so she could just tidy up those papers and be done. “We can deal with the rest after January second.” He would stipulate a time as well if required.

“Fine.” She sighed and gave up, relaxing into him. “I just wanted it clean.” She mumbled taking a sip of her tea when he finally let her go, pushing those papers further away from her, she wasn’t going to budge him on it. He was right of course, she’d been hell bent on getting everything squared away before the end of the year. “I just want to start fresh next year.”

“I get it love, I do, but I also want to see you relax.” He kissed that one spot below her ear that made her weak for him.

“That’s not playing fair.” She sighed, that clever mouth bringing her undone.

“Didn’t say anything about playing fair.” He chuckled. “Ready for the party?”

“I guess, just nervous. It’s your family and we’re leaving the kids there overnight.” She was terrified, first night away with grandpa and she had all sorts of horror stories running through her head.

“The kids will just be upstairs with dad, they’re close and with someone I trust emplicitly.” Stellan and Megan had jumped at the chance to have the kids stay over. “I think Valter is staying as well so Brendan will have someone older to hang with and Oona is staying over to hang out with Lily.” He sipped his tea and squeezed her to him.

“I know I just worry.” She mumbled, feeling a little stupid.

“It’s your job, but don’t, they’ll be fine. It’s not like they have far to come if they need us.” It was handy that his dad lived in the same building a few floors up.

“What time’s the party?”

“Starts at six and goes all night, we can disappear whenever.” He kissed her neck and sucked on her pulse. “You and I are going to have an adult New Years.” He growled, her sinful giggle made his cock twitch, he had a plan, an erotic one.

“Are we now?” She leaned back into him and snaked a hand up the back of his neck and onto his scalp, toying with the soft dusting of hair, he’d let it grow out over the holidays.

“Mmm hmmm. We’re taking this year out with a bang.” He smirked against her skin.

“Oh god Gustaf that was terrible.” She scoffed and laughed at his pun.

“Yeah, but accurate.” He kissed her temple and sipped his tea. “I also booked the cabin for January 4 through 15. A little longer than planned but the few extra days were free with the deal.”

“That sounds so good. The kids will love it. Anything we need to take care of first?” She turned so she was sitting sideways on his lap. The kids weren’t the only one looking forward to some time away. She wanted to decompress with just the six of them, giving the kids time to bond with Gustaf. It was important, for all of them.

“Just clothes and maybe some snacks, board games. There’s lots for them to do outside, but it might be good to have some indoor activities in case we get a storm. We’ll need something for them to do that’s not TV and video games.”

“It’ll be a good break. Give you boys some bonding time.” She kissed him sweetly.

“Yeah.” He smiled and hung his head thinking.

“It bothers you doesn’t it? The dad thing.” Her fingers trailed his scruff and he looked at her, those eyes of perfect blue, she drowned in them every time.

“Not bother, more, different, I just need to get used to the idea.” Her kiss was tender. “It sounds so weird to my ears.” He chuckled. “If that makes any sense at all.”

“I’ll talk to them.” She said gently.

“No.” He shook his head and kissed her hard. “No. Leave it alone. They need to do what feels right for them too love. It’s just not something I ever expected from the boys. Lily I can understand, she never knew Quinn, but the boys, it was a shock, still is.” He tangled his fingers into her hair and kissed her, long and slow. “We need time, that’s all.”

“Just know I’ll talk to them if it’s too much.” She wouldn’t see him wrecked over it, hurt over it.

“No.” He smiled at her. “That’s something we need to figure out for ourselves. The four of us need to be comfortable with it and work through the awkwardness of it.” He kissed her softly. “You can’t bail me out of this one love, and I don’t want you too, not if we’re going to be a family. It’s important to them and to me that we work through it no matter how much it terrifies the hell out of me.”

She studied that handsome face, her finger playing with his scruff. “You’re a good man.” He dropped his head and her hand cupped his cheek. “You are. Look at me.” She kissed him sweetly. “Not many would do what you’ve done for them. It makes you so special.”

“I love you, I love the kids. It’s pretty simple really.”

“Sweet man I know you do, and I hope you also know that we love you too, so much.” He kissed her, the slow devastating kiss of the only man that could render her incoherent.

“My goddess, you and the kids are my world.” He rested his head against hers. “It’s been a good year. Sure there’s been some shitty bits in there, but I met you. You’re one of the best things that’s ever happened to me love.”

“A crazy woman who blubbers in your lap after sex, with four kids in tow.” She chuckled. “Yeah, the best.” Her tone thick with sarcasm.

“Wouldn’t change it for anything.” He grinned. “And I blubber, you fall apart.” He flicked her nose playfully.

“Me either.” Her chuckle light. “I think we make a pretty good team.”

“We do.”

“So confident.” She giggled.

“Just calling it how I see it. You make one kick ass mum you realize that right?” He said softly.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” She scoffed.

“Don’t sell yourself short. Four happy kids after what they’ve been through, that’s pretty fucking phenomenal.” Yes he knew he’d been a part of it, but she needed to hear it. Their lives had turned to shit in a blink, she had brought them to a place where they were thriving. He tried to keep the nudge out of his tone, the one that told her he wanted kids with her. Not your choice mother fucker, he cautioned silently, leave it there. He would not manipulate her no matter how much he wanted it. “Come on.” He said tapping her thigh and squeezing. “Bed, sleep. We’ve done enough for the day and I have a need to hold you close.”

“You don’t give yourself enough credit either.” She said softly as she stood and took the teapot to the sink.

“You did all the hard yards love. Take a moment here and there to look at them, really look at them, they’re happy. Sure they’re still grieving and will continue to, but they’re happy.” He tucked a wave of copper over her ear. “You did that, you should be proud of it. Especially as there are so many other ways it could have turned out. Take the win love, you deserve it.” He kissed her sweetly.

“But you’ve helped where I couldn’t, you give them the missing pieces.” She kissed him tenderly. “Remember that ok?”

“I’ll remember. Bed. Come on.” He took her hand in his and tugged it to get her moving.

They snuggled in bed, Sildie almost passing out as her head hit the pillow. Sleep always took her hard, or maybe that was because she didn’t stop during the day, he thought with a wry smile. He let his mind wander as his fingers stroked her head, lips kissing her brow, breathing in her scent soothed him.

The last few days had settled him once he realized Lily was safe and Ana wasn’t going to get through the front door. His nightmare had scared him to the deepest parts of his soul, the thought of losing Lily, any of the kids had him rethinking his life. It wasn’t just him now, he had a family, responsibilities, that if he fucked up, they would feel the repercussions. He would be better, work at being a better man for them.

Next year would be busy, twelve week shoot starting in February, a premier, and hopefully more work. Maybe he’d take something closer to home, he thought, it caused him physical pain to think about being away from them for so long. They’d figure it out, they’d make it work, it was just going to tear at him.

He was hoping Sildie took the partner offer, she’d worked hard for it and wasn’t going to let anything get in her way if she decided to take it. A nanny, a housekeeper, something to take the load off when he wasn’t here. His mind chewed it over, flitting from one idea to the next until he drifted. His last conscious thought before joining Sildie in the sleep world was of a brood of kids of their own, it was often on his mind. The heart wants what the heart wants.

“Ok Lily, I’m coming. Good grief.” Sildie groaned as Lily screamed her head off through the monitor.

“Uk?” Gustaf mumbled as she pulled away from him.

“Yeah I’ll get her I’m awake now anyway.” She grumbled.

He watched her pull her robe on, the silk hiding all those delicious curves, and grinned into the pillow. The things he was going to do to her tonight, he mused as he listened to Sildie soothe Lily through the monitor.

“Lily bear, my goodness.” She cooed picking up the screaming child.

“Mum mum mum.” She sobbed as she snuggled in and hiccuped, the tiny girl was well beyond it. “Let’s get you cleaned up huh? Then some snuggles?”

“Mum mum mum.” She was a hot mess, tears and snot, that little flushed face.

“Yeah yeah, I’m here.” She sighed as she cleaned her up and dressed her in some warmer pajamas. “Were you cold little lady? Hmmm? Is that what it was? Cold and needed a snuggle?” She sat in the rocker and tucked the blanket in around her as she curled her in.

He hugged his pillow and smiled at the softness in her voice. There was no doubt in his mind she’d be a good mother, if she could only hear herself with Lily, with the boys. Getting her to see it for herself without pushing was another story.

“And you’re not going to drop any hints either asshole. Her body, her decision.” He mumbled to himself. “God I want kids with you.” He whispered into the dark as Sildie started to hum to Lily.

Pulling the covers back he climbed out of bed and found some clean sweats. It was ridiculous to be up at 4 am when they had nowhere to be until 6 that night. Padding out to the kitchen he put the kettle onto boil and dumped the tea leaves in the teapot. After the tea had steeped he poured Sildie a cup and took it in with him to Lily’s room. He smiled at the sight, his heart melting and constricting all at the same time. His two best girls fast asleep in the rocking chair. Placing the tea down he took a throw from the bed and covered Sildie up, propping her head up with a pillow so she wouldn’t get a crick in her neck. He took her tea back to the kitchen, closing the door behind him.

Drinking his tea alone he had something to eat before heading into his workout room to burn off some energy, hopefully he’d be able to nap later in the day. Slipping on the gloves he started out light, letting his body warm up before going a full hour until his muscles screamed at him.

There was no anxiety, no anger, just the ebb and flow of thoughts and ideas. Things he needed to do next year in his career, with the kids, Sildie, his life had changed, dramatically, from single to father of four. He stopped suddenly and tapped the bag lightly with a fist thinking as it swayed.

“I guess this is how you feel my lovely lady.” He murmured to the bag as he thought on that epiphany some more. “Drowning doesn’t seem to cover it.” He muttered. “Single to father of four.” Maybe that was why the whole dad thing was brutally overwhelming him, he thought, maybe it had been too much, too soon. “Single to father of four.” He repeated and continued with his workout.

His thoughts drifted to their future, what he wanted, what he wanted to give them, provide for them. Sure, he wanted kids of their own, and that decision was out of his hands, at least for the moment. The punch landed softly when marriage fluttered into his mind, he still wasn’t sure if she’d want to be married, or if he was even ready to take that plunge again.

His first marriage wasn’t bad, it wasn’t a picnic either with his addiction hanging over them both like a consistent third partner in the relationship. That was half the problem, their relationship was already on shaky ground before it had even had the chance to grow, to flourish. “I’m a different person now.” He muttered, and he was, he was clean and sober for a start. He’d disassociated himself with toxic people, mainly Ana, but there were more. Greedy, lecherous people only interested in him for what he was, his fame, or money, or his family connections. That’s where Sildie was different, she saw him for who he was, fucked up bits and all. Yes, he was different, he’d changed, and had the most incredible woman in his life. “Next year.” He said softly. “Sometime next year I’ll be asking you.” He grinned. He just had to figure out if it was something she wanted. “That’ll give me something to plan while I’m on set.” He chuckled.

Ripping the gloves off he sat for meditation and let his body relax, inviting the calm in. His breathing leveled out from the exertion and the peace flooded into him. This was a peace he’d fought hard for and a peace he was only able to obtain because of Sildie. She hadn’t given it to him directly, she’d given him understanding, support, and compassion. She’d given him a reason to be a better person, a reason to fight his demons after Ana, because if he was being honest, that fucking bitch had almost put him in the bottom of a bottle again. He’d been teetering on the edge when he’d save a few wayward oranges on Sildie’s threshold.

This year had taught him a lot and given him much more. He’d had his bad days, but the good ones had outweighed those dramatically. Most of all he’d stayed sober, he’d stayed clean, and his state of mind was clearer than it had ever been. Calm and peace settled in his mind, and he’d not been at peace with himself like this for a long time, if ever.

Getting to his feet he wiped down the bag and stowed his gloves before heading for a shower. By the time he surfaced in clean sweats and a t shirt, the boys were at the kitchen island for breakfast.

“Where mum?” Brendan asked as he started making pancakes, Gustaf’s lips twitching a smile at his endearment for Sildie.

“She’s curled up with Lily in the rocker. Lily woke up screaming at four this morning.” He yawned, putting the kettle on to heat up for a fresh pot of tea.

“Ouch.” The teen winced.

“Yeah. It was a little rough.” Gustaf chuckled. “Let them sleep, we’ll stick to quiet time this morning ok?” He looked at the twins and they nodded.

“Can we play Harry?” Finn asked as he snatched a hot pancake from the plate.

“Volume down low and we might go for a walk later, get out for a bit if the weather is good, so no grumbles when we do ok?” Both boys nodded, they knew the rules, grumbles meant shortened game time. “What about you B? What are you up to today?”

“Chokladbiskvier, I thought we could take them to grandpa’s tonight.” He said flipping a pancake.

“Only if you want to, there’s no need to. My dad has the party catered.” Gustaf saw the kids eyes light up. “Christmas is for family, New Years is a little more of a party.”

“I want to.” The teen grinned.

“Then have at it. And. Yum.” He elbowed the kid playfully before pouring the water over the tea leaves.

“If I have time I might even make Kladdkaka.” Brendan said on the sly.

“Shit kid you’re killing me.” He groaned.

Once the boys had eaten and off to do their designated quiet time activity, Gustaf settled into the one seat with his book, content to have some down time of his own while his girls slept.

“Mum mum mum.” Lily said softly, tapping Sildie’s face with her tiny hand.

“I’m up.” Sildie said, inhaling sharply. “Hey there little lady.” Lily crashed into her and hugged her tight. Sildie smiled as she kissed the toddlers head. “Shall we get cleaned up and go have some breakfast?” She laughed as Lily bounced, happy and content on her lap with her usual chatter for her dad dad. Her ass was asleep and she smiled at the throw and pillow tucked in around her. Gustaf had obviously come to check on her at some point. With a clean Lily she shuffled out to the kitchen and a wonderful smell of warm cookies. Brendan had been cooking up a storm again and she was so thrilled for the boy, something that brought him so much happiness in a year where things had gone to shit in more ways than one. They’d all come a long way since their parents passed. Maybe Gustaf was right, maybe I am good at this mum thing, she thought and then snorted before kissing Lily’s head. It was only better because of Gustaf, she was drowning before he came along and swept her off her feet, cleaning pasta sauce from her floor.

He loved that look on her face, her body, she’d slept and slept hard, total relaxation. Saving his page he got up and wrapped his arms around her waist as she sat Lily in her high chair with a pancake.

“Morning lovely lady.”

“Morning.” She yawned. “Did you get some more sleep after this one made a ruckus?”

“No, but I’ll take a nap later.” He kissed her temple and let his hand wander under her robe out of the line of sight of the boys. He growled and palmed a breast gently. “Fuck I love the feel of you.” He nipped her ear as her soft moan escaped, that spot below her ear betraying her as he kissed it. “You might want to nap today, you’re gonna need every ounce of energy for what I have planned for you tonight kitten.” He murmured, turning her so she faced him. He gently gripped her chin and kissed her slowly, patiently devouring every inch of her mouth. She was breathless and struck mute by the time he let her up for air.

“I love it when you kiss me like that.” Her chest heaved, pussy throbbed, god she wanted him to bend her over the table and fuck her.

“I know.” He kissed her again tenderly. “Sit down I’ll get you some un mangled pancakes.” He chuckled at seeing Lily’s shredded breakfast on her high chair table, the child quite content making an absolute mess of herself and offering crumbs to Sildie.

The man certainly knew how to kiss a woman, she thought as she sat near Lily and watched Gustaf walk to the kitchen. How was it he made her tummy flip just by looking at those thighs, that ass, the roped muscle of his arms, those hands? Because you know what’s under all those clothes, the little devil on her shoulder whispered, and you like what he does to you, all of it. “Yes I do.” She muttered and smiled as Lily tried to feed her some squished pancake.

After Sildie had eaten Gustaf forced her into the one seat with her book. With his hands braced on the arms of the chair he leaned down and kissed her. “I don’t want to see you get out of that chair unless it’s for the bathroom.” He murmured and kissed her again. “Rest love, please. You’ve been burning the candle at both ends these past few days and I don’t want you burning out or getting sick.”

“Only if you rest too.” She trailed a finger down his jaw, over his scruff, along the column of his throat, before fanning out her fingers over his chest. That chest, she thought, all hers and damn it if she didn’t love curling into it, the safety and security she felt when she did.

“I’m going to entertain Lily, which is rest enough.” He kissed her again and left her to read.

She watched him stretch out on the floor, his body caging Lily against the corner of the room, she’d have to climb over him to get out. Looking around the apartment she smiled, the twins quietly figuring out the next puzzle on Harry Potter, Brendan in the kitchen baking, experimenting with whatever flavors he desired, happy. On the last day of the year, there was this surreal calm that had enveloped the apartment and the people in it, and she couldn’t deny that it felt really good. Gustaf was right, the kids were happy, she’d brought them to a place where they could be settled and start their life again. It wasn’t just her though, she thought, as she watched Gustaf. They were happy because of this gorgeous man laying on their floor playing with a child that wasn’t his by blood, but his in every way that mattered. He’d given them a home, a family unit.

I want more days like this, she thought, that was her goal for the coming year, more time with the kids, more time with Gustaf, more peace in their lives. What about making partner, the little voice in her head said softly, what about your dreams, your hopes? If Dana could manage her own firm and three kids with another on the way, I sure as shit can manage the four she handed me, she thought with an indignant huff. She’d thought about what Gustaf had said, get a housekeeper, a nanny, she didn’t have to do it on her own anymore so why make it harder on herself? A housekeeper would be helpful, laundry, pick the kids up, get dinner on, especially if she was working late, and especially when Gustaf was away. The only issue was cost, because she wasn’t going to expect Gustaf to pay for it all. Quinn and Dana had used one but they had dual income, maybe she could get Alice to come work full time? Do the half and half payments with Gustaf? “Now there’s a thought.” She mumbled and kept reading.

She was so engrossed in her book she didn’t notice Gustaf had fallen asleep until Lily started to get upset that dad dad wasn’t playing with her anymore. Sildie climbed out of the chair and lifted the child out from her makeshift compound. She took her to get changed and had Brendan watch her for a moment. Kneeling beside Gustaf she gently lifted his head and placed a pillow under it, grabbing the throw from the couch she covered him enough to keep his torso warm, he was out cold and she couldn’t bring herself to wake him.

“Sleep love.” She murmured, before collecting Lily from Brendan and sitting with the child to read to her.

He woke up with a tiny child using him as a jungle gym. The place was quiet apart from Lily chattering dad dad, how long had he been out? Those lips he craved pressed against his temple and he snaked an arm around Lily so she didn’t fall as she flopped over his hip with a giggle.

“Time to wake up sleepy head.” Sildie murmured, kissing his temple.

“Wow I bombed.” He yawned rolling to his back.

“You did. It’s nearly four.” Her chuckle was humorous.

“What! Shit!” He huffed. “Didn’t mean to sleep that much.” Scrubbing a hand over his face he sat up and pulled Lily into his arms, the child hugging her dad dad. “Did you get a nap?”

“Sort of, this one crashed out for about two hours. We snuggled.” She helped him to his feet and went to make tea as he wandered into the kitchen, Lily curled in, that wonderful cookie smell still lingering on the air.

“Damn those look good.” He said to Brendan at the sight of the chocolate coated Chokladbiskvier.

“These are for us, I packed up the rest for the party already.” Brendan said quietly.

“I can have one?” Gustaf grinned at him like the big kid he was at heart.

“Yeah.” B chuckled shyly, the teen was still getting used to having free reign of the kitchen.

“Yeah?” His eyes sparkled as Brendan pushed the plate over to him. Instead of taking one or two, Gustaf grabbed the entire plate and took it to the table.

“I meant one cookie.” Brendan laughed.

“Ahhh but you didn’t stipulate. I’m taking one. One plate, that just happens to have all the cookies on it.” He bundled the kid into him for a hug. “They look and smell divine. I won’t eat them all I promise.” He chuckled.

“You have to watch this one.” Sildie said to Brendan as she brought the teapot to the table.

“Apparently.” The kid laughed and hugged Gustaf tightly.

“Go take a shower and get cleaned up, make sure you’re packed for tonight.” Sildie said gently. “Finn, Liam, you too. Finish up your game, go pack and get cleaned up.”

“Mum mums cracking the whip.” Gustaf mumbled to Lily, kissing the girls head as he snagged a cookie.

“I heard that.” She scoffed and stared at him, the cheeky twinkle in his eyes made her smirk as she poured the tea.

“Keykey.” Lily chattered to Gustaf, her little hand squeezing in and out of a fist at the cookies.

“You want one?” Gustaf handed her half a cookie and she demolished it. “Chocolate fiend.”

“You good with her while I go shower?” Sildie said sipping her tea.

“Sure.”

“No more cookies.” She chuckled as that little hand reached out for another.

“I don’t blame her they’re really good.” He kissed Lily’s head and pushed the cookies away from her. He needed to stop eating them too or he’d end up the size of a house.

Sildie showered and dressed, hiding a new set of black lace under her dress. It was a simple figure hugging black wrap dress with a plunging neckline and knee high skirt, enough to have her man drooling before she set foot out the door. She topped it off with a string of moonstone beads.

“I’m going to take Lily’s por...” His sentence stopped there as he laid eyes on her, all wrapped up in black velvet.

“Going to take Lily’s what? Where?” She smirked biting her bottom lip wickedly.

He stalked across the floor, those long powerful legs eating up the hardwood flooring. Gripping her chin gently he looked at her, those ice blue eyes finding his from under her lashes. “That’s a very dangerous game to play kitten.” He growled, that low rumble making her pussy ache for him. His kiss was slow and sensual, yet demanding, his thumb gently prying her lip free from between her teeth. “One day you’ll tease me once too often.” He warned. Oh how he wanted it to be tonight, he thought, silently begging her to do it again.

She felt the power ripple off him, his presence unmistakable raw domination and she loved playing this game with him. Would he spank her tonight if she pushed him, she wondered? Her body betrayed her as a shiver skittered over her.

His low chuckle against her lips told her it hadn’t gone unnoticed. “Finish getting ready kitten, I need to take Lily’s portable crib upstairs.” He murmured, lips ghosting hers seductively before he devoured her mouth, leaving her breathless. “I can’t wait to taste you.” He purred as he pulled away from her.

He left her dazed as he walked out of the room chuckling. Collecting Lily’s crib and the boys overnight bags he headed to his fathers. This would be a New Years she wouldn’t forget in a hurry, he’d make damn sure of it. A night to leave all the shitty bits of the past twelve months behind them and start fresh tomorrow.

By the time Gustaf came back for a shower the boys were dressed, and Lily had her sunflower dress on. It was a favorite of his, something he’d found on sale before Christmas and bought it on a whim. Simple yellow gingham with embroidered sunflowers along the hem, perfect for his little ray of sunshine.

She couldn’t help it. Biting down on her bottom lip she groaned softly as Gustaf came out of the bedroom a while later in black thigh hugging denim and a crisp white shirt. His eyes met her across the tops of the boys heads and she saw the smirk twitch at his lips, he knew what that shirt did to her. Moving over to her he pocketed his phone and keys before brushing her blood red stained lips with his thumb, prying it from her teeth again. “I’m not beyond putting you over my knee tonight kitten.” He growled before kissing her, slow and erotic as her system trembled. “Mmmm, you like the sound of that don’t you.” It wasn’t a question, because he knew damn well what the thought of it did to her.

“We need to go.” She choked, breathless and wanting.

“Yes we do.” He kissed her sweetly. “Were not done.” He growled as her finger trailed the patch of chest peeking out of his dress shirt. “Nowhere near done.”

“You’re not playing fair.” She murmured.

“All bets are off tonight kitten.” He nipped her ear playfully. “Nothing I do to you tonight will be fair, but you’ll be begging me to do it over and over again.” He added before stepping away and picking Lily up. “Well don’t you look like the little ray of sunshine you are.” He said kissing the girl until she giggled while Sildie attempted to get her hormones under control. Damn he knew how to get her going, and that shirt, she wasn’t going to be able to keep her hands off him.

They locked up the apartment and climbed in the elevator, Liam pushing the button to Stellan’s floor. “I like this dress.” Gustaf whispered, his hand cupping her ass giving it a squeeze.

“Then you’ll love what’s under it.” She purred, those eyes so seductive as he chuckled before kissing her.

“Fuck I love you.” He grinned, kissing her hard as the doors opened, that wicked smile of hers making his cock throb.

The front door was wide open, Megan greeting them and getting the kids settled, Lily was determined to stay with Gustaf for the moment and snuggled into his neck. Sweet girl I know how you feel, Sildie thought, that’s where I want to be snuggled right now too. Truth be told she wanted to get her hands on him and under that shirt, and he smelled so damn good, pure freshly showered male. With a squeeze of Gustaf’s hand she ventured into the kitchen with Brendan and the cookies, Eija wrapping the kid in an excited hug. Here we go, she thought, jump in the deep end, sink or swim with his family, because she couldn’t stay glued to Gustaf every time she was around them.

“You and I need to talk Kladdkaka.” She said lifting the lid of the container holding the cookies, snagging one and biting down. “God yes, and these.”

“About what?” Brendan asked looking slightly puzzled.

“If it’s ok with your mum I want to hire you to bake for my Sunday brunches.” She said digging out another cookie.

“For real?” Brendan’s eyes went wide as dinner plates.

“For reals kid. My brother told me you were good so I took a full Kladdkaka home with me from Christmas Day and fed it to my staff just to be sure. They asked when your first shift was.” Eija chuckled.

“But what about school and hockey?” He looked at Sildie for some help, way out of his depth, but not wanting to blow this chance.

“I think we can work something out.” Eija said gently. “We can do just the Sunday brunches for the moment, get your feet wet, see how you like it, how you go when school starts up. I can send you the order Monday, you send me the list of ingredients I’ll have them delivered. Don’t change anything from what you use now, that’s what makes it yours and special. Same brands, same everything, don’t change a thing. I was thinking you could cook Saturday and then let me know when they’re done and I’ll pick them up.”

“Every Saturday?” Brendan asked and felt his heart sink.

“No, we can do one weekend a month to start. I don’t want it to be too much. And the bonus is I’ll pay you.”

“Like a job?”

“Like a job dude.” She chuckled.

“Sick.” Brendan looked at Sildie. “Can I? Please?” Sildie could see him holding his breath, the excitement at the offer, his body vibrating.

“A few conditions. School comes first, your grades drop, you’re done. Just like hockey.” She said bluntly.

“No argument from me on that one.” Eija said honestly. “Your grades drop kid, I’ll kick your ass myself.”

“Ok, I figured that was a given.” Brendan chuckled.

“Eija’s the boss. You don’t get to tell her what you’re baking, she tells you.” Brendan nodded. “Half your pay goes into the bank, no exceptions. The other half you can save and spend on whatever you like, within reason.” She smiled at him. “Other than that if you want to give it a try, then do it. If you want to think about it, then take some time to think on it. It’s a huge deal, be sure it’s what you want before committing to it. That makes it fair for Eija as well.” She watched him chew on it. The kid wasn’t impulsive to start with, but she wanted to be sure he was thinking about things before making a decision.

“Can I think about it Aunty Eija?” He asked quietly.

“Of course.” She elbowed him playfully. “And it’s just Eija, the Aunty thing makes me feel old.” She chuckled.

“Oh, sorry.” He cringed, feeling he fucked up his chances right off the mark.

“It’s fine kid.” She hugged him tightly. “You weren’t to know.”

“I should have asked first.” He mumbled and Sildie ran her fingers through his hair to soothe.

“It’s ok love she’s not angry.” Sildie said softly.

“Live and learn slick. I don’t hate it, it just makes me feel old, like my brother.” She chuckled. “Alex is a dinosaur.” She said loudly, knowing her brother on the other side of the room heard it as his head snapped to her grinning, Brendan couldn’t stop the snort. “That’s just between you and me by the way.” She chuckled and smiled as the kid lightened up.

Valter came past and hijacked their conversation, stealing the teen away so he could help kick Finns ass.

“He’s a good kid.” Eija said when it was just the two of them, handing Sildie some champagne.

“Not for me, I don’t drink.” At least not anymore and especially when there was a gorgeous man in a white dress shirt just across the room making eyes with her. She wanted to be stone cold sober when he fucked her tonight, she wanted to remember it all. “He is. Brendan’s been through a lot, took a lot on when Quinn passed. They’ve never had aunts and uncles, grandparents. It’s all new for them. Your brother gave him back his childhood, and a family.” She said quietly and cracked the seal on a bottle of water, emotions bubbling up.

“Goose is a special guy.” Eija’s honesty struck a chord in Sildie’s heart.

“He sure is.” Sildie said wistfully as she watched Gustaf, that lean body moving so gracefully. His gaze eventually caught hers from across the room, probably sensing she was watching him. Biting down gently on her bottom lip she smirked as the fire lit in his eyes, could feel the growl ripple from him silently, her finger twirling the string of beads around her neck.

He had to check the audible growl, the overwhelming urge to storm over there, strip her down to the black lace he knew was under that plush velvet dress, and spank her until she screamed, begged him to take her.

“I’m glad he met you.” Eija said softly.

“He makes me ridiculously happy, makes the kids happy.” Sildie smiled.

“He deserves someone like you, Sildie. Someone that loves him for who he is, not what his occupation is, or who he can connect them with.” Eija’s voice caught with emotion. She knew her brother had struggled, with addiction, with Ana, with anxiety and anger. He’d finally met someone that loved him for everything he was and more.

“He’s a very sweet soul.”

“I heard about your work party.” Eija said carefully. “Gustaf talked to me, in case anything gets dragged up in the media.” She added seeing the anger flare in Sildie’s eyes, nervous fingers tapping the island countertop.

“Fair enough.” She banked the fury, this whole Ana thing was bigger than her and Gustaf, it touched this entire family, she thought as she looked at Alex. She had to remember that.

“For what it’s worth I’m sorry.” Eija said quietly.

“Eija you have absolutely nothing to apologize to me for. Or like Gustaf likes to tell me, you don’t get to apologize for her. Ever.”

“Well if you need a hand burying the body let me know, I’ll grab the shovel.”

Sildie snorted. “Gustaf was right, we are so alike.”

“Nobody fucks with my brothers, especially Goose. He’s been through too much.” Eija was scrappy, and that’s what Sildie liked about her. She spoke her mind, told it to you straight, no bullshit, and no fucks given if it hurt your feelings. And she was fiercely protecting of her brothers, especially Gustaf. “Is your friend going to be ok?” She asked. Sensitive and emotional under it all, but fierce. “The lawyer?”

“I don’t know, the last I heard from Lucas she was out on bail, I don’t know when or if a court date has been set yet with all the holidays. I’m hoping it’s just a quick hearing and he can move on.”

“Will you keep me in the loop?” She asked.

“Sure, as much as I can. Lucas can’t tell me much as it’s an ongoing investigation, but if I hear anything I can text you.” She studied Eija. “You want to see her go down in court don’t you?”

“You bet your fine ass I do.” Her tone full of fire. “I want to see her fucking face when karma pays that bitch a visit.”

“No outbursts, no contact, no disruptions. If you do it could hurt Lucas and potentially drag Gustaf and yourself into the middle of it.”

“You’re right. You’re absolutely fucking right.” She sighed. “Damn it.”

“That’s what she’ll be trying to do. She wants a reaction, don’t give her one. Promise me Eija, or you’ll get no updates from me.” Eija could see she wasn’t fucking around. “It can get much worse from here, for you, Gustaf, me, my kids, I’m trying to stop that from happening.” Sildie needed to reign Eija in, if not things could get complicated.

“I promise. I want to know what’s going on but yeah, I get what you’re saying.” She looked at Sildie and saw the fear her brother had mentioned. “She won’t get near your kids Sildie. Goose won’t allow it.”

“I know, I’m more worried about what it’ll do to him.” She said softly, the terrified look in his eyes that morning he’d had the nightmare haunted her. “I can’t watch her shit storm take that peace he’s fought so hard for from him too.” Sildie looked at her and had to say it, just to be absolutely clear. “Don’t make me lawyer you. Because I’ll do it to protect those I love Eija, including you, especially your brother. He’s gone through too much to carve that bitch out of his soul, I don’t want this thrown in his face more than it has to be.” Memories of Gustaf burning the notebook flittered into her mind, the baby bootie.

“I don’t want this to hurt my brother either. You have my word, I’ll behave. I just want to see her go down.” Eija promised.

“I’ll see what I can do when or if it goes to trial. At the moment it’s just between Ana and Lucas. With a bit of luck we’ll be left out of it.” Wishful thinking, Sildie thought, but she had to hold onto something.

“Sounds good to me. Goose was right, you’re scary as fuck when the lawyer comes out.” Eija grinned.

“Oh, I can be scarier.” Sildie stated bluntly. “Gustaf knows just how scary.” She added thinking back to the night in his workout room where he’d spiraled and she’d let him have it.

“No doubt.” The muttered reply making Sildie smirk.

He watched her as she spoke to his sister, happy that they seemed to get along, admired Sildie for having the balls to clear the air with Eija on Christmas Day, that hadn’t been easy. His woman in black velvet, curves on full display, the way her fingers toyed with that damn necklace. She caught him staring, the shy smile with a hint of the erotic goddess he knew was under it all.

“You’re so fucking gone over her.” Bill snorted, playfully punching him in the shoulder.

“Yeah.” His goofy grin said it all, totally smitten. “And this one.” He added, as he picked Lily up when she wandered over to grab him by the leg. “My Lily bear.”

“She’s the cutest thing.” Alex said, coming over to stand with them. Lily eyed him and snuggled into her dad dad, she still wasn’t too sure of the oldest brother. She would be with time, Alex was just never home long enough for her to get used to him.

Sildie watched as Gustaf put Lily down, Oona waddling over and grabbing his leg, the two girls dancing and bopping at his feet. Her heart melted as he took a hold of Sam’s three month old, his hands dwarfing the baby, but it was his face that sucker punched her. Gustaf sat and cradled the baby, joy and adoration pouring from him. Did she want that with him, could she give that to him, she wondered, as the all familiar questions kept repeating in her mind like a cracked record?

They spent the early part of the evening apart, Sildie was determined not to hang on Gustaf like a lost puppy. She was a lawyer damnit and this was just his family. She had to get used to being around them, with them, and without Gustaf as a safety net. There would be times he would be away and they would visit, and she wanted to be comfortable visiting them, with or without the kids.

She smiled as Alex walked over and put Eija in a loving headlock, she missed that playfulness you could only get with a sibling. The both of them keeping her entertained and helping her to relax. Alex was reliving an exceptionally funny story when Gustaf caught her eye, that smoldering look that had her almost crossing her legs as her pussy throbbed. His gaze raked over her body, undressing her as it went, the heat rising in her. How did he do that, she wondered? Not to be outdone she nibbled on her bottom lip and saw the desire flash in his stare. Running her tongue over her lips she swore she heard his groan before he whipped out his phone. A moment later her text tone went off.

You’re playing a dangerous game kitten, unless you’re begging me to put you over my knee and spank you with an audience you need to stop.

She could practically hear the growl as the words leapt off her screen. Looking at him from under her lashes she bit her lip again and twirled a finger around the moonstone beads.

Promise?

She texted back and grinned wickedly.

He had to check the groan at her words, his cock twitching, he wasn’t going to make it until midnight if she kept up with her current sinful teasing, he was uncomfortably hard in his jeans as it was. Trying to have a conversation with his family while hiding a massive boner was difficult. Sitting on the arm chair he half tuned into the conversation, half watched his seductive goddess move through the room. Those curves, that mane of silk copper, those cherry red lips he wanted around his cock. The sight of her was seduction enough.

He watched her talk with his father, the slight shift in her emotions clear to him, but not anyone else. She was trying so hard to put her grief behind her and have a good night, making the effort to get to know his family where most others hadn’t bothered to take the time. First rule of the new year, he thought, love this woman with every part of my soul, every second of every day, show her how incredible she is.

“I’m sorry I upset you the other day.” Stellan said gently as he grabbed Sildie another water.

“You didn’t. I’m still processing a lot of grief, it gets in the way sometimes. If anything I’m the one that should be apologizing for running out of there so quickly, it was rude.” She’d felt bad after he’d helped them move the display cabinet that day.

“No need. You’re still finding your feet after the rug was ripped out from under you. It couldn’t have been easy with four kids on top of it.” Stellan watched her carefully, he didn’t want to dive into it too much and have her freak out.

“It’s no picnic.” She said softly.

“It’ll settle, give it time, lean on Gustaf, on us. We’ll do everything we can to make things easier on you and the kids, especially when Gustaf’s away. Anytime, day or night, Megan and I are just a short elevator ride away and she works from home most of the time.”

“Thank you.”

“I know Gustaf’s said it and I’ll say it too, you’re not alone anymore Sildie. This family sticks together, we help each other out. Sure we bicker and fight, but when we need to we rally, no questions, no judgement.” Stellan pulled Megan over for a kiss before they settled into a conversation about safer topics, his statement resonating with her, family, support, love.

She could see the pride Stellan had for his kids, what they’d accomplished, the lives each one of them had carved out for themselves. In the short time she’d been with his family, Gustaf resembled Stellan the most. That same warmth and kindness she felt with Gustaf she felt from Stellan, the apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree. As they talked and each sibling drifted in and out of the conversation she realized how much she’d missed out on growing up, how much she missed her brother, her parents. The slow seduction from across the room throughout the night was tantalizing. Those subtle suggestive looks, the nibble of her bottom lip, the flirtatious knowing smirk he’d give her as he blatantly undressed her with his eyes. It wasn’t until 11:30 and the younger kids had gone to bed, that Gustaf stole her away from talking to his father to dance, Stellan grinning as Gustaf waltzed her around the room.

“It’s a promise kitten.” He growled at her ear as he pulled her close and swayed, the soft jazz filling the apartment. “The things I’m going to do to you.” He dipped her slowly and kissed her throat. “I should punish you for tormenting me from across the room too.” His tone was that seductive timbre that made her pussy throb. “My sex kitten in black velvet.”

She bit down on her bottom lip to push the issue and he gripped it hard, borderline painful. It always amazed her at how he managed to skate that line between pleasure and pain so deftly. Still dancing he kissed her, slow, sensual, devouring. “Don’t push me kitten.” He purred, his lips ghosting hers as he let her chin go, fingers trailing her body to wrap around hers. “You may get more than you bargained for tonight.”

“God I hope so.” She purred, those ruby red painted lips kissing that one spot on his neck that turned him to mush. “I want to feel you daddy.” She whispered.

“We’re leaving the minute after the new year.” He dipped her again. “Because I can’t wait much longer to have you. Dancing and teasing is one thing, but I want you bound and begging.” He kissed her, tongue teasing hers. “And you will be begging.”

“You keep kissing me like that and we’re not going to make it home.” She muttered as he held her close. His low chuckle rumbled from deep within his chest.

“You’ll make it home, I don’t want an audience when I fuck you slowly until you scream my name.” He felt the shiver ripple through her body, now doubt in his mind she’d be wet for him. “I’m going to take my time with you, tie you up, take you apart an orgasm at a time.” His kiss was slow and sinful and if he kept talking to her like this she was going to orgasm right in the middle of the party. “Mmm you like the sound of that don’t you kitten?”

“You know I do.” Her gaze found his, the seductive blue looking back.

“Just say the word and we’ll go.” He smirked, knowing she’d want to dance some more and see midnight, time was it’s own seduction. He twirled her around the room, content to feel her let go and have fun. This was the happiest and most carefree he’d ever seen her.

“I see where you get your jazz gene from.” She chuckled, she had to change the topic or she’d embarrass herself. “Your dad has good taste in music, that’s what we’re were talking about before you whisked me away.” She laughed as he dipped her low.

“Fuck me I love that laugh.” He murmured, his lips grazing her temple as he grinned like a fool. “Dad and I are a lot alike.”

“You are. You have the same smile.” She said softly and kissed those lips she craved. “The same kindhearted soul.” He looked at her, eyes drowning in hers.

“It takes like souls to see each other.” He tucked a wave of copper behind her ear. “I love you.”

“I love you too sweet man.”

Gustaf closed his eyes and swayed with her, the joy and happiness on her face as he held her close, the tender touches as they talked and got lost in each other. He was, as Bill had put it, gone over her, so completely. This was what he wanted of for her, the happy bubble, he’d see she got more of it.

“My Sildie.” He murmured as the countdown to midnight started. “You’re the best thing to come into my life.” He rested his forehead against hers.

“Thank you for walking into mine, into ours, you are my everything love.” She felt so at peace with him, the world on the cusp of a new year, new beginnings, a fresh start. As the clock chimed midnight he kissed her, slow and long, a silent promise that he would take care of her, take care of the kids, become the family he so desperately wanted with her, and they so desperately needed from him.

“Sweet man, I love you.” She whispered, before deepening the kiss. She wanted him, this, family, the feeling of being loved for who she was, baggage and all.

“I love you too.” He squeezed her tightly and danced her around the room. “Now those are the best first words of the new year.” He chuckled and dipped her, that laugh making him deliriously happy.

“There’s so much love in this room.” She said softly as they swayed, the slower song drifting them along with it.

“As family should be love.” He smiled kissing her head and breathing in her scent.

“Thank you.” She murmured.

“What for?”

“For giving me a family.” She whispered and closed her eyes, the stray tears falling as he danced with her cheek to cheek.

“Don’t cry love.” He kissed each cheek, the saltiness of her tears making his heart break.

“Sorry, they’re mostly happy tears.” She chuckled.

“It’s ok to miss them love.” He murmured kissing her tenderly. She was happy, yes, but the undercurrent of grief made things more difficult for her.

“I just hate when it bubbles up like this.”

“Better it bubbling up than holding it in.” He said gently, which he knew she did on a daily basis. She held so much of it in it was a wonder she could hold it together at all, he’d be a wreck. “Talk to me love.” He leaned back slightly as they continued to dance so he could see her face. “It’s New Year’s Eve, air out the mental laundry.” Her laugh was more a snort.

“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” She scoffed

“Try.” He whispered before dipping her low.

“It sounds silly.” And she wasn’t sure of what his reaction would be.

“So let it sound silly.”

@hausofobsession @ill-skillsgard @grandpa-sweaters @authentic90skidd @tuckersgirl @fairlyfallacy @flowers-in-your-hayr @raewritesfiction @stinkerbelle007 @kamie-b @mrsaugustwalker @skrsgardspam @loliwrites @trippedmetaldetector @lihikainanea @fay-walden @nandadb

#gustaf skarsgard #shattered lives #gustaf skarsgard fanfiction

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oswildin · 4 years

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Chaos ~ Dhawan!Master x F!Reader

~ This is officially my first request! Yay! Thank you for requesting and I hope you enjoy. We all love a bit of a chaotic ship, it turned a bit sadder than intended but I hope you enjoy! ~

Summary: You’d lost everything. Your whole world changed. You’d lost hope. When one broken soul meets another, mix in a little chaos, and it’s one hell of a ride.

Request - Hi! I've never requested something from anyone before but I just finished reading your Dhawan!Master x Reader stories and I fell in love! Could I request one where Dhawan!Master's companion is the reader and they're both crazy and having a grand old time ruining the world together? It could also be cool if you throw in Thirteen and/or the fam trying to reason with the reader and it just not working out. Thank you, I can't wait to see what amazing things you write next!😊 ( @yourlocalspacebisexual )

Warnings: None except maybe some sadness.

(Y/N) had lost everything.

What was the point anymore?

The one person she adored. Loved. Craved... Gone.

It was during an accident at work... But she didn’t believe it. He worked in an office, for gods sake, what accident could possibly happen there except maybe accidentally stapling your hand?

It was the same day there were reports of sightings of strange creatures... Big metal robots...

It was no coincidence. (Y/N) wasn’t stupid, she remembered the attack a few years back with similar creatures. She was one of the few that didn’t believe the cover stories. None of them made sense.

It wasn’t fair.

(Y/N) sat at her dining room table, her eyes focused on the piping hot cup of tea in front of her. Nothing felt real anymore. Everything moved slow.

It had been 4 months. And it seemed like everyone had forgotten about him. Everyone except her.

Suddenly she was brought back to reality as she heard a crash from her back garden. She didn’t even react instantly. She slowly got up, heading through the kitchen to the back door. It was dark out, just passing 7pm on the clock as she reached for the handle, hesitantly opening the door.

(Y/N) switched on the garden light, as it illuminated the area. She peered our, her eyes scanning around as she saw nothing. She shrugged to herself before going to close the door, when she heard it again.

She reached back behind her, grabbing whatever was closest, which was an umbrella she’d left on the kitchen side. She held it up in defence as she stepped out.

“I’m giving you 5 seconds to leave, or I’m calling the police.” (Y/N) called out, her heart beginning to race. She could feel her blood pumping as she awaited whatever was outside to get her.

Her breath caught in her throat as she was suddenly faced with what she could only describe as a large green monster. She gasped as she fell back, tripping over her own foot as she jumped in surprise. She hit the cold hard floor as she looked up at the creature. It had a long neck, large black eyes with a small mouth and nose and giant claws.

It went to reach for her, lifting it’s arm in the air as there was another sound. Almost... electronic? Laser sounding. The creature turned to dust right before her eyes as she felt her chest rise and fall quickly. She looked down at the pile of ash in front of her as she quickly pushed herself off the floor, once again grabbing the umbrella holding it up as she finally saw who had killed the being.

“I just saved your life, and you’re threatening me?”

(Y/N)‘s wide eyes saw a man, with tanned skin, dark hair and beard, wearing a purple over coat as he held a device in his hand. His expression was smug as she stared at him.

“With an umbrella at that?” He shook his head. “No wonder you humans don’t live very long.”

“Who are you?!” She exclaimed, her voice strong.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He smirked, taking a step forward as he put the device in his inner coat pocket. “I know who you are. (Y/N) (L/N).” She felt her heart stop for a moment as he named her. “Tragic what happened to your little boyfriend.” He tutted to himself. (Y/N) narrowed her eyes, biting her inner cheek as she took a deep breath. “What would you say, if I told you, I knew why he died?”

“Who are you?” She repeated, her tone angry.

“I’m someone who wants someone dead.” He sneered, causing (Y/N) to furrow her brows. “That same someone who didn’t save your precious boyfriend.”

Quickly after that, The Master formally introduced himself, showing (Y/N) his TARDIS and what it could do. She couldn’t help but be in awe. It was the first time in a long time she’d felt something other than despair. He’d shown her space, planets, alien life. She knew he was no saint. But who was? He was almost intoxicating. She couldn’t explain it. It was like it was just the two of them, against the universe.

“I’m ready.”

(Y/N) declared, as the Master raised a brow, pushing himself away from the console as he put his hands in his trouser pockets.

“I want to meet the Doctor.” She told him, her voice monotone as he began to smile.

“I’m already a step ahead of you.” He smirked, moving back to the console as he set in the coordinates. (Y/N) took a deep breath as she joined him at the console, her face blank of expression.

She’d been wanting... revenge wasn’t the right word... but justice. She wanted justice for what happened to her loved one. And for herself. The months she spent locked away, grieving, hating the world. She wanted to release the anger that was buried deep within.

Maybe her and the Master weren’t so different. Of course, they had their spats, he was a difficult person to get along with. He was cocky, arrogant, unpredictable... but for some reason she couldn’t say no. She couldn’t bring herself to go back... to being alone.

In a strange way, he’d been there for her. Her rock. Causing chaos... was kind of fun. She’d became someone who she never thought she would. But she didn’t know if she liked it.

“I’ve sent the distress signal. Our plan is in motion!” The Master clapped his hands together, laughing to himself. “This is going to be... wonderful.” He grinned as (Y/N) stood, holding the same weapon the Master had used on the alien when she’d first met him. “And you...” He walked over to her as she stared up at him. He placed his hands on either side of her face, cupping it. “Are going to be... magnificent.” He smiled darkly, before kissing her forehead gently. She felt her heart skip a beat, something she hadn’t felt in ages. Was she attaching herself? Was she beginning to let herself move on? Was killing the Doctor the last step?

The pair landed on Gallifrey, the Doctor and Master’s home planet. The Master gritted his teeth as he stepped back onto the planet that made him. He despised it. He despised them. As if on cue, a wheezing noise could be heard, as a blue box appeared a few metres ahead of them.

“What- so your people may not be dead?!”

(Y/N) heard a girls voice ask as the door to the box opened. A blonde woman ran out, holding a device in her hand as it scanned the area. The Master had hidden behind his ship, waiting for the right moment to appear. He had managed to disguise it as some rubble that was left over after he had destroyed his home.

“I don’t know!” The blonde woman cried as she searched widely with her eyes. (Y/N) stood, watching as the woman finally noticed her in the distance. The woman paused before rushing towards the girl. However, when she got closer, her device beeped.

“Hang on, you’re human...” The woman said, sadness in her voice. “How are you here? How did you even get here?” She questioned, her brows furrowing.

“Wait, so she’s not one of you? Time kings or whatever you’re called?” An older man asked, gesturing to the girl.

“Timelord. And no. She’s not.” The woman, sensed something was wrong.

“You’re the Doctor, I presume.” (Y/N) stated, as the four newcomers to the planet exchanged glances.

“Yes, I am. Hello.” The Doctor replied cautiously.

“And you must be her companions.” (Y/N) looked at the people behind her as they looked confused. “It’s a shame we had to meet like this.” (Y/N) moved her arm from behind her back, revealing the device the Master had given her. The four backed up instantly, as the Doctor moved in front of her friends, blocking them from harm.

“Whatever you want, whatever you need, I can help!” The Doctor exclaimed, her eyes wide.

“Can you?” (Y/N) shook her head. “Really?” She laughed lightly, tears forming in her eyes. “Because in my books, you don’t have a good track record with that.”

“What?” The Doctor gave her a confused, concerned stare. “How did you get here?”

“Oh, that would’ve been me.”

The Masters voice appeared from behind (Y/N) as he revealed himself, giving the four a finger wave. The Doctor shook her head.

“I always come back.” The Master smirked.

“But how? How can he be there? He got taken by those light aliens with Barton!” Ryan exclaimed, trying to find an answer.

“And yet here I am.” He grinned. “You can’t get rid of me that easy, Doctor.”

“What’s he promised you?” The Doctor ignored the Master, keeping her eyes on (Y/N).

“Peace.” She answered truthfully as the Doctor snorted.

“Peace?!” She repeated.

“Yes, Doctor.” The Master confirmed. “Peace. Closure. Justice.” The Doctor sent him a confused glance.

“You were there.” (Y/N) began to explain. “You were there as my boyfriend died!” She exclaimed. “You let him die. You let them take him! Turn him into a heartless machine.” She let a tear fall, her hand shaking. “He would still be here if you had saved him. Saved all of them.” The Doctor stayed silent as her companions watched in worry.

“It got me thinking... what’s the point?” (Y/N) laughed lightly. The Doctor tried to take a step forward as (Y/N) reacted, letting the laser go off by the woman’s feet. “Do not move!” The Master clapped his hands, laughing manically. The human companions eyes widened as they realised how unhinged (Y/N) was getting.

“That’s my girl.” The Master commented, a proud look in his eyes as (Y/N) breathed in deeply.

“You don’t have to do this.” Yaz chimed in, trying to reason with the fellow girl. “Whatever he’s told you, it’s a lie. The Doctor is a good person.”

“Is she?!” (Y/N) cried. “I know there’s two sides to every story, but from where I’m standing it’s hard to understand the other side.” The Master grew closer to (Y/N) as he leant forward, leaning into her ear.

“Do it.” He said quietly. “Think of your boy. Think of his pain. His agony.” He taunted her as the Doctor shook her head.

“Would he want this?” She asked. “Would he want you to become this?”

“It doesn’t matter what he would want, because he is dead!” (Y/N) exclaimed, the laser still aimed at the Doctor.

“I’m sorry!” The Doctor raised her hands. “I’m so, so sorry.” She said more quietly, her tone sincere, sad. (Y/N) looked into the woman’s eyes as she saw the pain in them. She let more tears fall as she felt her heart break.

What was she doing?

What had she become?

(Y/N) slowly lowered her arm, as the Master furrowed his brows.

“What are you doing?” He hissed at her, his anger rising.

“I can’t.” She whispered. “Causing chaos with you is one thing... but killing is another.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

The Doctor sighed in relief as her companions did the same. Yaz watched as the girl crumbled, her heart aching for her as she hesitantly approached the younger girl. She tried to calm her down as the Master bit his tongue.

“Humans. So much sentiment.” He spat.

“Is this what you’ve resorted to!?” The Doctor shook her head. “Look at what you’ve done!” She gestured around her. “You destroyed our home! Isn’t that enough?!” She laughed bitterly. “You prayed on a vulnerable human... Using her as a weapon!”

“Don’t lecture me, Doctor!” The Master hissed, snapping viciously. “Like you’re so innocent!” He narrowed his eyes. “I could say the same to you...” he paused. “You call these humans your friends... but they’re just an accessory. You fashion them into weapons and release them into the world!” The Doctor looked taken back by the Masters words, remembering Davros saying the same thing to her in her tenth regeneration.

“Well then perhaps you and me aren’t so different.” She replied quietly.

BONUS:

“I got it!”

(Y/N) cried, a smile on her face as she held the rare jewel from a far away alien planet. The Master looked at her in shock.

“How?!” He raised a brow.

“I have my ways.” She smirked as she tucked it in her pocket.

“Over there!” They heard a distant voice as they both began to run.

“You have to admit, I’m giving you a run for your money.” She commented as they ran along, heading back to the Masters’ TARDIS.

“Yeah, but you did learn from the best.” He smugly replied, setting a few paintings on fire with his laser as the aliens that inhabited the gallery began to run in fright. As they arrived at the TARDIS door, the Master turned to the guards who were holding up guns towards him.

“Oh, and one last thing before we go.” He paused. “I may or may not have detonated a bomb on the ground floor.” He grinned like a child as the guards instantly began to panic. “It’s ok, I’ll pay for any damages.” He waved his hand. “Just send the bill my way.” He quickly closed the door as they began to open fire, (Y/N) yelping as one shot through the door of the ship.

“Oh I do love to leave a lasting impression.” The Master commented dramatically as he ran to the console.

“You forgot the shields again!” She complained as the Master ignored her. She tossed him the jewel as he caught it, smirking.

“Time to get that favour we are owed.”

There was a ringing through the ship as (Y/N) gave the Master a knowing look.

“It’s her.” She commented, raising a brow. The Master rolled his eyes dramatically as he answered the old style phone that was lying on the console.

“Can I remind you we don’t need a babysitter?” The Master raised a brow as he spoke. (Y/N) laughed lightly as she knew they were going to get a telling off.

“Did you just blow up the Gallery of Callisto and steal the jewel of Vanth?!”

She could hear the Doctor shout from the other end of the phone. The Master sent (Y/N) a knowing look as she snickered to herself.

“I don’t know, I’ve blown up a lot of places and stolen a lot of things recently.” He shrugged.

“Master! I swear-“

“Sorry, you’re- you’re breaking up! Damn time vortex-“

(Y/N) laughed as the Master grinned at her, knowing that they were spending their time trying to cause as much chaos as possible, to the universe and most importantly the Doctor.

Taglist: @blamerogertaylor

#the master #dhawan master #dr who #doctor who imagine #doctor who #thirteenth doctor #13th doctor x reader #dhawan!master x reader #dhawan!master #the master x reader #master x reader #doctor x reader #request #reader insert #fanfic

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stylesharrys · 5 years

Text

She’ll Be Okay

A/N: this literally sucks so much but it’s inspired by what happens in Toy Story 4, so there’s somewhat spoilers but nothing that’ll actually ruin anything for you.

WC: 2,573

“You didn’t come home,” he mutters out, tears welling in his eyes and you purse your lips, bowing your head slightly.

“I know,” you breath.

“Why didn’t you come home?”

You take a deep breath and smile sadly at him, just want to hold him in your arms. “It was never home for me, Shawn,” you tell him, and you know it hurts him, can see the pain in his eyes.

You leave the pack and Shawn thinks he should follow.

It’s the dead of night. The wind is howling as it rustles through the tree’s leaves and cooling raindrops begin to flood the bayou. You’re standing on the wooden porch of the cabin, duffle bag slung over your shoulder and you’re barely conserving your warmth with the oversized hoodie you’ve got on, but the scent of Shawn on it comforts you, reminds you of all the reasons you’re doing this for.

It doesn’t matter that Shawn’s promised to protect you from that, that he’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. You know he means it… he means everything he says and you can’t let him disregard his responsibilities as an alpha to protect you. You can’t let him throw everything away just on the off chance that you’ll be okay.

You have to remind yourself that. Remind yourself that what you’re doing is on the best interest of everyone around you, even if it’ll kill you to leave them. To leave him. You’re about to take the first step down from the porch, to let the storm embark you and you close your eyes, preparing for impact but the front door swings open and you can hear his panicked breathing.

“Baby…” he whispers out softly and you spin on your heels, brows pinched and heart thumping. Those fucking curls are a mess on his head and you’re starting to realise you weren’t all that slick when you snuck out.

The nickname makes your heart skip a beat and you wonder if he’s finally about to make the move. The move you both should’ve made a long time ago, but never got the chance. Never got the chance because something always came up. They were onto you. Brian got attacked. Luna went missing. Shawn fell in love.

You just shake your head, remind yourself that he only cares because he has to, because it’s who he is and you’re his beta… or rather, omega. “Don’t,” you say. “You know this is for the best… for everyone,” you tell him, but it doesn’t stop the tears that well in his honey eyes.

Shawn takes a step closer, hand reaching out for you but you take a step back, the heels of your feet sitting at the edge of the step. “I can’t stay here. You know I can't. I put everyone else in danger by being here,” you remind him, but Shawn’s insistent and shakes his head.

“I’ve told you, I’ll protect you, no matter wh—”

“And that’s the problem, Shawn!” you raise your voice, “I can’t stay here, knowing that you’ll put everyone else at risk to protect me.” He’s silent, eyes downcast as he stares at the wooden ground and you have to swallow back the lump in your throat.

You’re not scared of him, not worried that he’s going to bite your head off for speaking to him like that. Shawn could never, even if you were his beta and disrespected him. “Shawn, I have to go,” you croak out, tears in your eyes and he nods his head.

You stare at each other for a moment, try to catch a breath but it’s damn near impossible. Shawn walks closer to you, needs to feel your touch one last time as he takes your hand in his. He knows he shouldn’t, knows his girl is probably watching from the bedroom window but he can’t stop himself.

“I wish you could run away with me,” you sniffle, guiding his hand to your cheek and he caresses your skin in his palm as you coddle into him. “But I know you can’t,” you quietly whisper, lips chapped and parted and he wants to hold you, wants to run with you, but he has to think logically, has to think of the pack.

“Goodbye, Shawn,” you mutter, kissing the palm of his hand and stepping out into the rain. Shawn stands on the porch as he watches you run through the storm, your legs guiding you to the new home that you’re yet to find and he waits until he can’t see you anymore, can’t feel you.

And when you’re gone, everything feels numb to him, his lungs feel like their trapped in a narrow hall and he can’t breathe, he can’t think. He doesn’t feel anything but pain when Brian walks up behind him and pats him on the shoulder.

“She’ll be okay,” Brian tells him softly, but all Shawn can really hear is white noise. He knows you’re strong, so fucking strong and smart, but he’s worried, he’s scared. Shawn shakes his head and sniffles back a tear, turns on his heels and walks back into the house.

He ignores his beta’s blatant stares and jumps up the stairs two at a time. He ignores your old bedroom as he walks past it and pushes himself into his own. She’s standing by the window, a scowl on her lips and he knows he’s about to get an earful, but he just doesn't care.

He blocks out the cries and yells that tumble from her lips, ignores the harsh slap she delivers to the side of her face and the second she leaves, he falls to the floor, fingers in his hair and he wonders if he’ll ever fucking see you again, if you’ll even live long enough for the off chance of meeting another day to even happen.

He spirals from there, loses his entire will to go on. He skips out on training, leaves it to Brian to train up the betas and he locks himself away most days. His grandma came to visit once, told him it was normal to grieve like that when you lose a mate, but Shawn didn’t lose a mate… did he?

He tried to correct her but she laughed in his face, told him she wasn’t born yesterday, that she knows what a love written in the stars looks like. He’s tried to forget about it ever since, forget about you, but it’s proven to be impossible.

It was barely four months after and he resigned his position as alpha. He was weak, lost in his mind all the time and he couldn’t protect the pack they way he knows he should. Brian took over, just like Shawn had asked, took the responsibilities and was blessed by the elders on the night of the bonfire at the bayou.

Shawn thinks back to that night often, wonders if you’ve heard about him, about what happened. Neither of you have called, he doesn’t know what to say and you… well, you’re not exactly ever in one place for too long.

A girl was bitten, a young girl. Brian found her a few days ago, cowering behind a dumpster truck outside of Helena’s Boutique on Fifth Ave and took her back to the cabin. She’s rabid and can’t control her shifting. Her emotions are heightened beyond belief, and Shawn’s never seen an eleven-year-old wolf struggle so much.

They’re in New York, can’t figure out what the fuck to do after they tried everything they’ve ever known and nothing changed. They caught word of a woman that’s passing through, somehow knows a way to condition newly bitten wolves to easier train them. Shawn thinks it’s bullshit but he’s not the alpha anymore.

Amelia is clutching to Shawn’s side, had trusted him immediately after he’d been the one to smother her in blankets and keep her calm. It frustrated Brian, to say the least. It didn’t matter that he was a new alpha, beta’s still cowered to Shawn, no matter that he dropped his position long ago.

“You’re okay, if this doesn’t work out, we’ll find another way,” he whispers softly to her. He hasn’t shaved in a week and he’s got a delicious stubble of facial hair that coats his jaw and chin. His curls are still godly and eyes a little darker than before.

It’s been four years since he’s last slept properly… since you left. He thought after he tracked down and killed the pack that's chased you all your life, you’d come home. But you didn’t… you haven’t.

They walk through the groggy alley, stepping over the trash that’s been littered all over the floor and there’s a back entrance that leads to the back of an old abandoned warehouse. They hastily make their way inside, Cez waiting outside to keep watch as he closes the door behind them.

Cez has his arms folded over his chest, feet kicking at the gravel and he’s admiring the sweet sunshine that beams down on him. He finds peace for a few seconds, a soft smile on his lips… then he smells something familiar and his entire demeanour shifts.

He drops his arms and spins around. You’re wandering past the alley with your head buried in your purse as you look for something. He knows it’s you. He knows your scent from a mile off, could remember even after four years considering it somehow still lingered on Shawn.

“Y/N…” he breathes out, watches the way your head snaps up and all colour pales from your face. Your eyes are wide, caught in headlights. You cut all your hair, dress a little differently and despite the perfume, you’re wearing to mask your scent, Cez fucking knows it’s you.

He gapes at you for a moment before spinning around to open the door, to scream at the other’s that you’re here. The second he does, Shawn bursts out of it. They both look into the alley but you’re gone.

“I swear, she was here, Shawn. I saw her.”

“I know,” Shawn whispers breathlessly, can still smell your scent and his eyes water. You’re alive, and that’s all Shawn can focus on. You’re alive and you’re okay.

He sits on the bed of his motel with his arms leaning on his knees, fingers intertwined. You’re here. He takes a deep breath and stands up, paces his room a little and tries to figure out what to do with the new information.

He doesn’t have time to process his thoughts before Brian is hurtling himself into the room and panicking like crazy. Shawn doesn’t get a chance to ask what’s going on before Brian’s blurting out, “Amelia’s gone!”

Everyone’s out searching, can’t seem to catch her scent, especially not Shawn, when you’re still all he can smell. It’s been about an hour now and they’ve all met back at Shawn’s room. They’ve got a map on the table and one of Amelia’s cardigans beside it. They’re going over their paths for the day when there’s a calm knock at the door.

All eyes look to each other and Brian slowly reaches for the door and opens it. Amelia rushes inside, hugs Brian like her life depends on it and everyone lets out a breath of relief. She pulls away just as quickly and races for Shawn, crashes into him and he holds onto her so tightly.

He’s cradling the back of her head when a collection of gasps filter through the room and Shawn freezes at the scent he picks up again. “She got lost and almost turned with how much she was freaking out. You should try her with chamomile, really helped me,” you tried to joke but it’s silent.

Shawn stares at you, can’t fucking believe you’re right here after four whole years and he’s trying not to collapse or kiss you. “Hi,” you mutter out breathlessly, nose tingling and Shawn’s all that you can feel, despite him being on the opposite side of the room.

They take it in turns to hug you and greet you quickly before they’re all leaving the room for you and Shawn. He’s still staring at you, can’t believe how you’ve grown even more gorgeous than the last time he saw you and he wants to cry.

“You didn’t come home,” he mutters out, tears welling in his eyes and you purse your lips, bowing your head slightly.

“I know,” you breath.

“Why didn’t you come home?”

You take a deep breath and smile sadly at him, just want to hold him in your arms. “It was never home for me, Shawn,” you tell him, and you know it hurts him, can see the pain in his eyes.

“What about now? We can try this, now… me and you… us,” he breathes and it’s so fucking tempting but you shake your head and bite back the need to say okay.

“I want to, I want to so badly,” you cry, shaking your head and Shawn takes a step closer as you take a step back, and it’s like you’re back on that porch all over again.

“But I can’t. I don’t… I don’t belong in a pack, Shawn. Not right now,” you tell him and he nods his head. You don’t have to explain, he already understands.

“Shawn, I have to go.” It’s happening all over again, saying goodbye in the same painful way as you did four years ago. Shawn doesn’t try to stop his tears or hide his fucking heartbreak. He’s having to say goodbye to what could have been but never was.

“I wish you could run away with me,” you laugh ironically, like the universe has scripted the same thing all over again. “But I know you can’t,” and he wants to fucking scream. Of course, he can’t, not when Amelia needs him and he can’t ask for you to wait.

This isn’t fair. This isn’t fair. This isn’t fair.

“I love you, so much,” you tell him.

You’re both sobbing, howling in complete and utter heartbreak and Shawn can’t even speak, can’t even tell you he feels the same, but you know he does and you understand.

“Goodbye, Shawn.”

He closes his eyes, can’t bear to watch you walk away again and when he hears the door click shut, he spins around and clutches on to the table to stablise himself. He takes a deep breath and wipes his tears, tries to compose himself as he hears the rest of the pack wander into the room solemnly.

Then he feels a familiar hand on his shoulder and Brian’s by his side again. “She’ll be okay,” he speaks gruffly and Shawn bites back a bark of sad laughter. “Amelia, I mean,” he adds and Shawn’s head snaps up in shock.

Brians got a grin on his face, as do the rest of the pack. They know Shawn’s unhappy, that he’s meant to be with you and they aren’t about to let him make the same mistake twice. He looks to Amelia for confirmation and she nods her head frantically.

He doesn’t let another second pass before he’s running out of the motel room and chasing after you. You hear him coming and the second you spin around with wide eyes, he’s holding your face in his palms and his lips are on yours.

The kiss is everything either of you has ever needed and you never want it to stop. Your fingers are tugging on his curls and his sharp stubble is scratching at your cheek but you can’t get enough. It’s like you’re finally complete, like the coldness you once felt is no longer there.

Shawn pulls away and pecks your plump lips again, resting his forehead on yours and he’s grinning so fucking wide. “I love you, too,” he tells you and you can’t stop the smile on your lips or pulling him in for another searing kiss.

“And I’m not letting go of you again.”

If you enjoyed it, please give it a reblog and leave some feedback, it really means a lot when you do!

#shawn mendes #shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes fluff #shawn mendes fic #shawn mendes angst #imagine shawn mendes #shawn mendes imagines #shawn mendes smut #shawn mendes x you #shawn mendes x reader

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choicesfanatic86 · 4 years

Text

If Only: Chapter 18

DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except characters unique to my story. Those belong to me. ;)

PAIRINGS: Liam x Riley (MC)

SUMMARY: And they're off to Cordonia! Riley and Liam have a heart to heart about what to expect when they arrive in Cordonia.

TAGS - If you would like to be tagged for If Only, please message me. I am reworking all of my fan fiction, and I know that a lot of people may no longer be in the fandom, or maybe they no longer want to follow If Only. If that is the case, I didn't want to unnecessarily tag someone. So please, let me know if you would like to be tagged for future updates of this piece.

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11/25/2019 - It has been over a year since I updated If Only, and I feel absolutely sick about it. I apologize for not updating as regularly as I should have. I came back in May with the intent to keep writing and bring new stories to the fandom, but my world got rocked with a horrible family situation. I went MIA initially because I had a family emergency come up in September of 2018. My father was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. He became stable at the beginning of May which prompted me to feel a bit reinvigorated to write again. We were thrown for a loop when he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the end of May after a brief period of stabilization. His kidneys shut down and he went into respiratory failure. Ironically, the cancer may have weakened him, but it wasn't his cause of death. I was a wreck. I've slowly gone through the grieving process and wanted to try my hand at writing again. I can't promise you I'll be consistent, but I'm going to try. Thank you all for the amazing support and thoughts. Thank you for your sweet reviews. I will be going through all of them. <3

Chapter 18

Riley was certain of one thing – she would always find herself awestruck at being able to fly on a private airplane. She hadn’t traveled all that much before, but when she did, it was a pain. The astronomical cost of airline tickets, the long lines, the long list of TSA security no-nos that she could never seem to grasp . . . all of it made the whole prospect of travelling more of a nuisance than anything else. Traveling with Liam, on the other hand, had been nothing but a dream since the moment they got to the airport. Liam once again took charge guiding her to where they needed to check in. Things at the airport had gone just as smoothly as they had when they left Las Vegas. Actually, it had gone even smoother than Las Vegas since they were flying out internationally and that terminal had not been nearly as crowded as the domestic terminals. Liam once again breezed by as Riley trailed behind him, still unaccustomed to the life of private jet-setting. She still found the entire thing to be a bit surreal. What normally would have been a two hour process had only taken them twenty minutes. Apparently, the life of royalty had some major perks.

A little over an hour later, Riley found herself sitting on the private plane that was scheduled to take them to Cordonia. She stared absently out of the plane’s window as she contemplated how differently her life had ended up than what she had planned out over the years. For one, she never, ever saw herself sitting on a private plane as they waited for the all clear for takeoff. For another, she never thought she’d get married to a complete stranger on a whim – in Vegas, no less. Then again, she also never thought she’d ever meet someone like Liam. She bit her lip lightly as she watched him joke around with the flight crew. Apparently, he knew all of them quite well. They weren’t treating him like a prince, but rather an old friend who they were excited to see. But that was the thing about Liam – despite his royal roots, he seemed like such an average, ordinary, everyday guy. He was genuinely a good guy - somebody you could sit around and have hours of conversation with and never got bored. She smiled and watched as he fawned over pictures of one of the flight attendant’s newborn grand-daughter. He never fell short of amazing her. She had always pictured herself winding up with some sort of science geek, who, like her, had spent years focusing on his education to land the perfect job. Liam was completely different. The connection they shared was one in a million. The time they spent together alone in her apartment had further solidified that fact. She’d have been foolish to let him slip away from her in Vegas, and if she had, she’d likely never find that sort of connection with someone else ever again. Their relationship wasn’t something that you could just dismiss as being a spur of the moment, one-time fling. He made her feel alive again, and she loved how he had forced her to reevaluate the life she was living, and helped her to see that none of it was what she wanted. It felt as if they had known each other for years instead of only a few days. There was just something about Liam that brought out her desire for an exciting new adventure. For the first time in years, she didn’t have a plan, and it scared the shit out of her. There was no denying the fact that she felt like she was swimming in the deep end of the pool without any sort of lifejacket. But, for some reason, she was okay with that, because she knew she’d have Liam by her side to help keep her afloat.

Riley’s smile grew as he chatted with a different flight attendant about their travel plans when they got to Cordonia. He was going on and on about how he wanted to take her to their country house to show her the orchards of apple trees. She looked around the bustling plane – apart from the three flight attendants she had seen, she had counted four more flight attendants and two pilots on their flight. She shook her head in disbelief. It was crazy to think that all nine members of the flight crew were aboard just for them. It was hard to believe that this was her life now.

Liam grasped one of the male attendants on the shoulder as he headed back over to where she was sitting. “You look rather deep in thought,” he murmured as he sidled into the seat next to her.

She smiled softly. “Just thinking about what a whirlwind this has all been. I guess it’s just hard to believe that we won’t have to listen to crying babies or fighting for space for our carry-ons in the overhead compartment.”

“I admit, those are things I have never had to worry about when I traveled,” he smirked. “But I can imagine those sorts of things would be rather inconvenient.”

“Exceptionally so,” she chuckled. “You’re so amazing with people, Liam. The way you talk to them and treat them with the utmost respect regardless of your status,” Riley looked at him in admiration. “You’re just a genuine, sweet man,” she said, clasping her hand in his.

He looked at her adoration. “I’ve known all of them for years – since I was old enough to travel with my father,” he smiled. “They’re like another set of family members. The older woman I was talking to? Dolores? She just welcomed her first granddaughter. My father gave her some time off to spend with the new baby,” he explained. “Being royal doesn’t make you any less human. Having compassion and being respectful are just decent things to do,” he explained as he squeezed her hand back.

“Well, you don’t see a lot of that in New York,” Riley mused. “And I’ll be honest, people can become a bit snooty when power goes to their head. Trust me.” She thought of the many rude people she encountered as she walked along the streets of New York City. There was always some guy in a total rush with a cell phone pressed against his ear and a briefcase swinging from his hand pushing his way down the sidewalk trying to get the next available cab. New York people were savage.

Liam chuckled at her observation. “Quite true, love. I assure you, that is just how I was raised. I just couldn’t live with myself if I treated anyone with anything but the respect that they deserve.”

“You are one in a million, Liam Rys.” She smiled broadly, squeezing his hand tightly.

“As are you, Riley Rys,” he winked at her.

She blushed as she changed the subject. “So, do we have any layovers or are we landing straight in Cordonia?”

He shook his head. “No stopovers, that’s not how private jets work, love. The flight should take about eight hours tops,” he explained. “We’ll be arriving in Cordonia at around 7:30 in the morning.”

“Wow, that early?” Riley asked.

“The time difference will take a bit getting used to, especially since you’ve lived in New York your whole life,” he explained. “The early arrival will be beneficial to us, I’m sure. I doubt the press will have caught wind that we’re arriving that early. It might give us enough time to get you to the palace without the mad rush of press on our tails,” he reasoned.

“The press?” She asked, her eyes widening.

Just as Liam was about to explain further, the pilot came over the loudspeaker announcing that they would be preparing for takeoff. Riley inhaled deeply as she felt the power and speed of the plane push forward as it readied itself for take off. She was momentarily distracted from the idea of the press and what exactly he meant about them being on their tails.

When they reached a comfortable elevation, the captain came over the loudspeaker again.

“Your Majesties, thank you for joining us this afternoon. We expect the flight to take roughly eight hours, and we are expecting clear skies and smooth travel. Should you need anything, please let any one of our staff attendants know and they will be glad to assist you with whatever you may need,” the voice boomed.

“Was he talking to me, too?” She asked, her eyes widening once more.

“Well, yes, love. You are the future Queen of Cordonia. It is only right that he address you as such,” he explained.

Riley knew that marrying Liam automatically meant that she was royalty, too, but having someone actually refer to her as one was crazy.

“Your Majesties, would you like a beverage? Wine? Or champagne perhaps?” Dolores, the attendant Liam had been talking to earlier asked.

“Love?” Liam asked.

“Um, maybe just some water?” She asked quietly.

“Of course, Your Majesty. Prince Liam?”

“I’m fine, Dolores,” he smiled brightly at the older woman. “Maybe when we have our meals I’ll have a bit of scotch,” he added.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” she acquiesced as she poured Riley a glass of water.

“This is surreal,” she murmured, mostly to herself.

“Love, this is what you have to look forward to each time you travel,” he laughed. “With our busy schedules, it only seems right that we travel as comfortable as possible. After all, we don’t know when we’ll have a spare moment to ourselves again,” he said knowingly.

She nodded nervously, her hands fiddling about in her lap. That’s actually what was worrying her. What was life going to be like now that they were heading out of their Las Vegas and New York bubbles?

Liam leaned over, clasping his hands around hers and smiled. “You’re fine, love,” he murmured encouragingly. “Now that I have you held captive in an airplane . . . ” he trailed off, eyeing her a bit nervously.

“What?” She asked; worry once again coursed through her body.

“Are you ready to talk about what you’ve signed up for?” He shot her a nervous smile. He looked as if he were waiting for her to jump ship . . . or in this case, plane . . . any second.

She eyed him suspiciously, taking a large gulp of her cold water. “You act as if I just signed up to go to war or something,” she chuckled anxiously. “I know you don’t want to scare me, Liam, but I think I can handle whatever they’re going to throw my way,” she said. Think being the operative word. She talked a good game and tried her best to calm the quaking nerves inside of her, but in truth, she was absolutely petrified. She had no clue how to be a princess . . . let alone a queen when that time inevitably arrived. How on earth was she going to manage it all while still getting to know her new husband?

“I don’t mean to sound so cryptic,” he explained apologetically. “I suppose I just wanted to prepare you for what might happen when we arrive,” he said vaguely.

“Are you expecting a grand welcome?” She arched an eyebrow.

“Well, possibly,” he admitted.

Her eyebrow arched a bit higher. “Oh,” she said nervously.

“To be quite honest, I’m not sure what to expect.” He ran his hand nervously over the back of his neck, and looked at her bashfully. “Our early arrival does buy us some time as I mentioned, but I’m honestly not too sure what the Cordonian people have been told. I’m not sure if they’ve publically announced the end of my engagement to Olivia,” he said uncertainly. “In fact, I’m not sure if they even announced that we’ve gotten married.”

“And if they have?” Riley asked.

“If they have, then you can expect the press to be hounding us until they get a printable story,” he sighed. “It’s the nature of the press, love. They have a hunger for a scandal . . . the more prominent the person, the more desirable the story,” he said glumly.

“And being the heir to the Cordonian throne, any story about you would be explosive,” Riley said, understanding where he was going with his explanation. The press wouldn’t let the story rest until they had every single detail about the end of his engagement to Olivia and their subsequent marriage in Vegas. They were in for one hell of a welcome if that were the case. She shook her head hesitantly. The idea of being hounded by the press wasn’t something she was particularly looking forward to. She had never paid attention to those sordid, trashy tabloids back home. She had always thought that it was grossly negligent to publish half-facts and over-exaggerations. This was the conversation that she had been worried about. Up to this point, everything had been a vague and distant idea that she had formulated inside of her head, but as Cordonia loomed closer and closer in front of them, at some point they’d have to discuss the elephant in the room, and apparently, Liam had decided that “some point” was right then and there.

“I wish I could say that this will be easy, love . . . but it won’t. I wish I could take the burden of the scrutiny of the press and the people and my family away so that you would never have to endure a single unpleasant moment. But having lived this life in the limelight for as long as I have . . . I know that many will have . . . reservations,” he explained hesitantly.

“Reservations?” She asked, slightly confused.

“They may publish some untrue things about you . . . they may suspect we got pregnant out of wedlock, hence the quickie marriage . . . they may even publish some nasty, untrue remarks about your friends and family . . .” he trailed off.

She winced a little. She had never really had a thick skin growing up. She had always been sensitive, and she didn’t like to be teased or taunted. The idea of having a whole nation scrutinize her every move, made her physically ill. The idea of having someone critique how she acted, what she wore, who she spent time with . . . it all felt too much. But to have that extend to her family and friends? She couldn’t imagine dealing with that on top of everything else.

Liam continued. “Olivia was a well-liked Duchess, and although the marriage was arranged, I’d imagine that many may not take kindly to the broken engagement . . . and our subsequent union,” he reasoned.

“Like Bertrand,” she arched a questioning eyebrow.

“Yes, like Bertrand. Some of the people of Cordonia are traditionalists. They may not be so welcoming to the fact that I have married someone not of the country. Not of Europe for that matter,” he explained. “But I have no doubt that once they get to know you . . . the you I fell in love with . . . all of their reservations will disappear,” he said optimistically.

“I hope so,” she said meekly. “I know it’s going to be tough . . . I just don’t want people to hate me, you know?”

“They won’t hate you, love,” he chuckled. “How would they hate the most amazing girl I’ve ever met?”

Riley sighed, leaning closer into him. “You were engaged, Liam. To a woman you have had a friendship with for most of your life. Are you telling me that she’ll warmly open her arms and welcome me to the palace?”

Liam grimaced in reply. “Well, obviously not. Olivia will prove to be a difficulty. Of that, I’m quite sure.”

“And your parents?” Riley added. “You got into quite the tiff with your father before we left.”

“As did you,” he reminded her. “My father and stepmother will come around. Once they realize that Cordonia’s future will not be in any jeopardy and that the monarchy will continue, they will warm to the idea of our marriage. It will take time, love.”

She nodded. She sucked in a long breath. She needed to be strong. As long as she had Liam by her side, she knew they’d be able to overcome whatever difficulties that were headed their way.

“We’re going to get through all of this together, Riley. I will never forget how much you’re giving up for me . . . for us,” he said passionately.

She leaned in for a soft kiss. Liam deepened the kiss before pulling himself away. “I have such a hard time controlling myself around you,” he said breathily.

“Let me distract you. Tell me about Cordonia. Not about the press or the bad stuff we might encounter,” she shook her head. “If I’m moving to a brand new country, I should know everything there is about it. The internet wasn’t too helpful. I guess it’s so small that not a lot of people actually know a whole lot about it,” she frowned.

He nodded. “It is small, but I assure you it has a rich history. A history that you and I are now a part of,” he smiled. “I’ll happily answer any questions you’d like about Cordonia, but I think that the best way to get to know our beautiful country is to experience it first hand in person,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everything,” she agreed. After a brief moment, she asked another question. “So, can I get a job when we get there? Or is that sort of not allowed. I just don’t want people thinking I’m some sort of gold-digger. Your friends already accused me of being a crown-chaser, and I don’t want people thinking that I don’t want to work . . . because I kind of do? I mean, I don’t really know what I could do considering I have a degree in Biology . . . and I’m a medical school drop out . . . but there has to be something right?” she rambled out

Liam stared at her as if she had three heads. She supposed it was a silly question. Did royalty work? She tried to think back on the lives of various royal figures - did Princess Diana have a job? What about Princess Eugenie? How about Duchess Kate? Surely an independent woman such as Duchess Megan Markle kept a job? She frowned, she was being ridiculous. Of course they didn’t have jobs. They were too busy jet setting alongside their husbands. She frowned at the thought. She had never seen herself as being a woman who relied on a man to do all of the hard work. She hadn’t liked when Liam’s friends had thought of her as being a crown-chaser, and she certainly didn’t want the rest of the public thinking the same thing. Shouldn’t she be able to prove that she’s way more than just some woman that Liam met in Las Vegas? She wanted to contribute in someway . . . even if she didn’t know exactly how she could contribute.

“You don’t have to work, love. I told you that. You will want for nothing the moment you set foot inside the palace,” he assured her.

“That’s such a strange concept,” she frowned. “Not working . . .I mean, I went to college, got my degree, held quite a few jobs over the years, and now I just . . . do nothing?” she pursed her lips. “I don’t want people to think that I married you for anything other than love,” she said softly.

“Being Queen is a job in itself Riley,” he explained. “You’ll be expected to plan social functions, attend political meetings, coordinate various social programs, meet with different international figures . . . although the compensation process might be quite different than what you’re used to, you will very much have a job in Cordonia,” He rationalized.

She nodded, although she still had a hard time wrapping her head around the whole concept. “So the whole social functions thing . . . is that like party planning?”

“Oh, love. It is far more than just a party. Why don’t I give you a brief history of Cordonia and some perspective on the monarchy and perhaps then you’ll understand a bit more about how important the social season is to the Cordonian people?”

She nodded eagerly, sitting up in her chair. “I’d like that a lot actually. I feel like I’m jumping out of a plane without a parachute when it comes to knowing anything about Cordonia. I really don’t want my first impression with your family to be me clueless about the country I’m now a resident of,” she gave a nervous chuckle.

A few hours later, Liam had recounted a not-so-brief history of everything about Cordonia. Riley had no idea how Liam was able to remember all of it. She guessed having grown up there gave him an upper hand, but still. He was able to recount every single monarch and every single duchy that. He could even rattle off population stats that all sounded like a bunch of mumble jumble to her.

“Lords and Ladies . . . palaces . . . waltzes . . . balls . . . court . . . my head is spinning, Liam,” she frowned. She needed some aspirin, or maybe a stiff drink. She hadn’t expected her Cordonia 101 class with Liam to be easy, but she had hoped that she’d be able to at least glean some information to help her survive her first few days there. Instead, she felt like she had nothing but information overload. She couldn’t tell you who anyone was or what city was what because all of the names and places started to merge with one another after a while.

“I know it’s a lot to take in, but you’re doing remarkably well,” he said encouragingly. “Hopefully some of the notes you took will help,” he smiled.

Yes, she had taken notes, but she had no clue what was important and what wasn’t. She hadn’t even known Cordonia even existed before meeting Liam. Now, she suddenly needed to know everything there was to know about the tiny country. How on earth was she going to remember everything?

“Trust me, love. In time, all of this information will become second nature,” Liam beamed at her.

She snorted. She didn’t want to tell him that she was more of a math and sciences sort of girl as opposed to being a history buff. She couldn’t imagine a time when all of these Cordonian factoids would become second nature.

“Here. Let’s test some of your knowledge now. I’ll give you an easy one,” he said excitedly. “What is the capital of Cordonia?” Liam asked expectedly.

Riley licked her lips nervously. Her eyes scanned the notes in front of her, but she could barely make out half of her short hand. She paused, uncertainly. “Valtoria,” she half-asked.

“Correct,” he smiled at her proudly as he rubbed his thumb back and forth over her hand. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’ll have Cordonian culture down in no time.”

She smiled tightly in response. She hoped he was right. She had been taking notes off and on during their discussion, but she didn’t really know how it would help her if she got ambushed by the press. It’s not like she could pull out a set of flash cards when she was getting interviewed. She didn’t think that’d earn her any brownie points with the Cordonian public.

Liam continued to quiz her on questions during the last few hours of the flight, and Riley admittedly was starting to remember some of the major things that Liam had taught her, but she still felt that all of the information she had just gained were whirling inside of her head like a tornado. She had never wanted to excel at something so much in her life. She felt like she was back in school, trying to cram in as much information as possible. She just hoped it stuck.

“What if I mess up?” She asked worriedly. “It took me years to even learn all the capitols of the fifty states,” she frowned. “And even then I still managed to goof up every now and then,” she said, her voice laced with a bit of panic.

“Riley, love, you’re a natural at this. You may not be Cordonian by birth, but we will have you be a star pupil on Cordonian history in no time,” he said encouragingly. “Like I said, you’re already doing so well.”

“I don’t know how I’ll remember all of this,” she said faintly. “There’s a reason why I went to medical school. Liberal arts wasn’t exactly my strong suit,” she joked.

“I’ll be there to guide you, and my friends, once they get to know you, will be more than happy to provide you with some help along the way. I happen to know that Bertrand majored in history at our university,” he said. “I’d be happy to talk to him about perhaps giving you some private lessons on Cordonian culture,” he offered. “He’d actually be well-suited to help you adjust to court life.”

“Bertrand . . . yeah, I don’t think he’ll be very much inclined to help me considering he wanted to have our marriage annulled,” she sighed. “He also seemed to think that I would be the demise of Cordonia.”

“Well, yes, remember, Bertrand is a traditionalist. His duty to country comes before all else. But regardless, he’s still my friend, and as such, he’ll want me to be happy. If I ask him to help you adjust to court life, he will do it. Begrudgingly at first, but after he sees how well suited you are as my wife, he’ll come around.”

Riley sighed. What an optimist. As much as she wanted to believe that Bertrand would help her, she believed that he’d probably eagerly wait for the moment for her to fall flat on her face. She was about to ask Liam a few more questions about Cordonia when she felt a slight rumble under her feet. She felt the plane begin to descend, and looked at Liam a bit concerned. “What was that?” She asked in alarm.

“We’re getting closer,” he explained as his eyes peered out the window. “It looks like we’re descending a bit to prepare for landing,” he reasoned. His eyes grew a bit brighter as he stared out the window. “Well, Mrs. Rys . . . if you look out to your left you’ll catch your first glimpse of your new home,” Liam beamed proudly.

Riley leaned against the window, her eyes gazing out into the distance below her. She could just make out the aerial view of the country. A million thoughts ran through her mind. They were here. They were finally here. Riley gazed out at the shimmering blue ocean below her. Cordonia’s coastline was breathtaking. The little information she found on Google did nothing to prepare her for the sheer beauty of the country below her.

She turned to Liam in awe, and he greeted her gaze with a beaming smile. All it took for her worries to wane was a single look at Liam. She knew this move would be hard, and she knew that she would be faced with a lot of scrutiny, and although she still had reservations about what would be like as an outsider, she knew that as long as Liam stood by her side, she’d somehow manage to pull through all of this.

“That’s our country,” he said, leaning over her, pressing a soft kiss on the temple of her forehead.

“Our?” She whispered, still a bit overwhelmed about the reality of finally being in Cordonia. She turned to face him, his eyes fixed on her in admiration.

“Yes, love. The moment you said yes . . . the moment you signed those papers . . . this became all of yours,” he said proudly.

#liam x mc #liam x riley #king liam #trr #trr fanfic #trr fic #choices trr #choices fanfiction #fanfic #the royal romance #theroyalromance #the royal romance fan fic

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itsreallylaterightnow · 4 years

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Itsreallylaterightnow Master List

AO3 Page: https://archiveofourown.org/users/itsreallylaterightnow/pseuds/itsreallylaterightnow

Order: Newest to Oldest

19. Love, Michelle

Peter Parker and Michelle Jones have been friends since meeting at Midtown. Their relationship has had many up's and down's, the universe seemingly cursing them to never cross paths no matter how desperately the two want each other.

The Love, Rosie AU that I didn't know I needed until I saw @seek-rest post about it

18. Irreplaceable You

Then she learned that she didn’t have to worry about that anymore. Because her story was going to end. She didn’t need to worry about what she was going to wear next, or her payments, or her assignments. It didn’t matter anymore because she was going to die. And she never knew that she was living her life for the next moment until she realized that the only moment, she was waiting for was her death. But the one thing that she would always worry about, was Peter Parker.

The Irreplaceable You AU that took over my life and is going to make me cry a whole lot

17. There's No Shelter From the Storm

With the Accords having fallen to pieces, Secretary Ross will do anything to take out enhanced individuals. Even if that means paying scientists to create a biological weapon carried by non-enhanced individuals that only effects those with mutated genes. Tony pulls Peter out of school, quarantining him into the tower, but how hard is it going to be to keep a teenaged ball of energy from getting himself infected?

Peter Parker is really bad at quarantining himself when there are still people that need Spider-Man's help and Secretary Ross sucks.

Author's Note: This is a fic obviously inspired by the crazy events happening outside our doors, but this fic is in no way meant to be insensitive to those affected. Stay home, stay safe. My prayers are with those infected, families who have loved ones infected, those who are quarantined with abusive families, first responders, medical professionals, and those who have lost jobs.

16. To Look Down Upon You is Enough For Me

“A wise man told me once that fathers weren’t always born to you. That-that sometimes the best fathers are the ones that step up to the plate when no one else is there. I didn’t truly know what having a father was like. But now I know what having a father should be. And I’ll miss him every day.”

Peter went on the mission thinking that he and Mr. Stark would be back in time for him to apologize to Michelle about being late for supper again.

He never would have imagined the outcome that happened, or how much it would affect who he was as a father.

15. Now All Our Memories (They're Haunted)

“I want to stay.” Peter stated indignantly, ignoring the blood that dripped from his nose, a waterfall of pain and dread. His head pounded like a river breaking on the shore over and over and over again. He could feel it. The energy that was racing through his bloodstream. His mind was a supernova. Flashes of lights and stars and images of things he had never seen – things he could never understand. Time warping around his consciousness, bending his thoughts into an everlasting loop. He felt the world at his finger-tips and he wanted it to go away. Like a black hole coming to wrap around him as he tried to claw his way back to the surface. Peter took a ground shattering breath – the earth’s plate shifting every time he inhaled. “I was going to be with you… forever.”

14. Let's Just Order Take Out From Now On?

Peter always knew that May's cooking was bad... he just never expected to almost die from it

Peter gets botulinum poisoning and stress ensues

13. Nothing is As it Has Been (and I Miss Your Face Like Hell)

Pete is grieving. And he just needed to say goodbye. Needed the chance to say goodbye. When he gets the oppurtunity, of course he won't pass it up.

The author is grieving and just really needed to live vicariously through a fic so she wrote this.

12. 5 Times Tony Got Peter Out + the One Time He Couldn't

Tony is always there for Peter. Always. But God, it can be exhausting when the kid has the worst self-preservation skills in the world. But, that's why he has Tony.

5 times Tony got Peter out + the one time he couldn't

11. My Bones Have Found A Place (To Lie Down & Sleep)

Prompt from Irondad-Fic-Recs on Tumblr: Prompt: So I just saw little women and I’m just thinking about the scene where one of the sisters dies. Like the older sister Jo, fall asleep by her bedside only to wake up to see her younger sister is gone. So how about peter and tony in this situation. Tony dozes off by Peter’s bedside while he’s hurt or sick and wakes up to find he passed away while was sleeping

Why you got to hurt me like this? What if it’s like an IW AU where people die, and the body is left behind after Thanos snapped? and Peter clings on to life long enough to get back to earth and the compound where they hook him up to machines to try to save him (his heart is failing or something idk) but then that happens.

so basically that, just check it out.

10. It's Just Medicine

Peter has an old injury that flares up once in a while, he thought for certain that he would be able to keep it a secret from Tony, until it flares in the middle of them testing out a new suit.

Tony Stark is a worried dad, and hates to see when Peter is in pain.

9. So Leave Me In The Cold (Wait Until The Snow Covers Me Up)

Peter has been missing for three weeks. Tony just needs to get his kid back. Just needs to hold him again.

Whatever it takes.

Another rescue fic because we could always use some protective Irondad

8. Run Into My Arms Again (walk with me into the light) - Febuwhump

Tragedy strikes Peter Parker’s life again. He wasn’t ready for it, and he knows that he will never be the same, but after four months of college, he is beginning to think that he will learn to be whole again. He has his family; May and Happy, and the support of the Starks to help bring him happiness again.

Then, the unthinkable happens. When Peter finds himself in the clutches of someone that wants nothing but to see Tony Stark burn to the ground, how will he find the strength to hold on until help arrives? And will he be able to protect his newfound family in the process?

7. Sometimes I Feel Like I'm Being Pulled in So Many Directions

Peter knows he did poorly on his final, and he feels bad enough. Then May finds out. Peter doesn't know how to handle all the pressure of being a normal high-school teenager on top of trying to balance the responsibility that comes with being spider-man.

Thank fully he has Tony Stark and May Parker to keep him in check- and comfort the stressed teen along the way.

6. When I Was Older

Peter Parker never thought that something like this would be a problem, he always imagined with the spider-bite came a sort of overall health and wellness... well besides being shot at constantly. So when this terrible illness bites down on him suddenly, how will it effect the few days he has left?

Peter Parker contracts an illness that he has never heard of then learns that it has no known cure... will he lose his mind before getting the chance to say goodbye to the ones he loves?

5. Whumptober 2019

spooky season=whumpy season! Here is whumptober 2019 from the prompts I created on my Tumblr itsreallylaterightnow! Please enjoy!

WARNING: this is whumpy stuff- so violence, graphic violence is to be expected. There will be blood and injuries and sadness, but it should mostly have a happy ending to each chapter!

4. Diamond of the Day

Peter couldn't let Mr. Stark die. He wouldn't let him die. He had lost Ben, he wouldn't stand by and not do anything.

The Avengers Endgame/Merlin crossover that no one asked for and made me sad

3. Saturn

Penny Parker lost May a year ago, and as she is coping with what happened, her life just seems to be one trial at a time. Within seconds her life changes forever. Will the knowledge that she still has a family, not by blood but by love, be enough to get her through the challenges that come her way?

Penny lives in the tower with the Avengers, but Ross has a plan for revenge. He knows that Tony would never show fear or pain, but in order to hurt Tony Stark, you hurt what he cares about. (I suck at summaries I'm so sorry)

2. Tumblr Drabble/One Shots

Archives from my tumblr - itsreallylaterightnow

Remember that I take requests over there! If it’s irondad whump/fluff odds of me accepting it are like... %100!!! Love you all!

Enjoy the fluffy whumpy goodness :)

1. Use Somebody

Peter Parker lives the average life... school, being an intern to the biggest company like-ever and fighting criminals while wearing spandex. Who knew that being close to Tony Stark would hold such deadly consequences

#itsreallylaterightnow #fanfiction #masterlist

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wifeofkimtaehyungofbts · 4 years

Text

Chapter 1

>> Pairing: Jungkook x Y/N, Jungkook x reader

>> Genre: supernatural, fantasy, vampire, fluff, smut

>> Words: 2003

>> Notes: This is my first time writing on tumblr so I hope you can go easy on me

Synopsis: You are the chosen sacrifice to the King of the Vampires and his son this year. You decide to be fair to the people that have given their lives before you by going ahead with the God’s decision. You arrive at the Vampire castle ready to be munched on by wolves after having your blood drunk dead out of you but instead you are faced with a strange yet compelling adventure with none other than the beast son of the Vampire King.

“And this fateful year, the chosen one by the Gods we worship of the skies, the oceans and the land is” he cleared his dry throat and continued in his raspy voice, “Y/N”.

Whispers became murmurs becoming loud conversations as everyone discussed the plight of the next sacrifice. Isn’t her father the best blacksmith in the city? I heard his emblem has been carved into the shields that defend the King of Vampires himself! Oh, what a pity! Yet another young one to be lost and grieved!

The conversations continued to be blown all over the small city by the winds that sent a shiver down my spine every time it touched my pretty pecan brown skin. The big and leading kingdom of Vrykolakas is North of our small city of Psari. All the four cities of this island, Psari the city of fish, Pouli the city of birds, Skylos the city of the dog and Vatrachos the city of the frog, are ruled by the kingdom of Vrykolakas. The kingdom gained power after its third king, King Alaric, won the Great Agrios War, also known as the fierce war, defeating all kings, of the South who ruled Psari, of the East who ruled Vatrachos, of the West who ruled Pouli and of the North who ruled Skylos together with King Alaric himself. This betrayal remained in the hearts of the people of Skylos and they refused to accept King Alaric as their ruler hence they were all executed. Their bodies were fed to King Alaric’s wolves and he feasted on their blood for his celebration feast. Upon consuming far too much human blood, he became fond of the taste and smell and soon sought out innocents whose blood his tongue could savor.

Rumors spread fast through the other cities of the human-turned-vampire king, but not as fast as King Alaric’s horses. He consumed almost everyone at Pouli and soon his descendants, born with their father’s tongue, consumed anyone and everyone that crossed their way. Population dropped as fast as a man falling from a roof top and soon everyone came to fear the sound of horses. Whoever managed to escape built underground bunkers or moved to our city. Our city avoided all the bloody chaos thanks to the fast-flowing river 10 feet deep that separates us from the main land on which all the other cities and the kingdom are built on.

Three generations down the line, 300 years later, King Cassius, now ruler of Vatrachos, is said to have fallen in love with a human lady who changed his evolutionary habits of consuming human blood. However, story has it that he killed her with his own hands 4 years after the birth of their second son. His oldest son, Prince Athan ran away from home after witnessing the death of his mother leaving his little brother behind. Prince Athan was never to be found again.

After the death of his wife, King Cassius, established a new rule; every year a sacrifice from the city of Psari was to be offered to the King and his kin. The sacrifice will have no age limits or selected gender. They will be brought to the castle by the King’s knights and guards and shall never see the Sun again.

There was utter chaos in our city following this new rule and people turned against one another, lovers turned enemies and families torn apart to select a sacrifice. Soon the council members of our city decided after the age of 8, all individuals must submit their name and family name to the council who will then carve it on a black stone and place inside a clay pot. This pot will be positioned under the Sun facing the direction of the kingdom and will soak in the waters of the rain until the day of decision arrives. The day of decision falls annually on the 27th of August and everyone gathers around the pot as a council senior pulls out a stone while reciting prayers and reads the name on it. Countless children, pregnant mothers and sick fathers have been sent as sacrifices who never returned. And this year, the Gods have selected me.

*******************************************************************************************

I was seated in front of my mirror on a dainty stool looking at myself as if I was seeing myself for the first time. My dark brown eyes looked almost black underneath the thick lashes and my locks fell in a frizzy mess past my shoulders. So, this is it, huh? I smiled at myself in the mirror.

My mother walks in with a cup of my favorite tea, looking like she has been crying for hours. I didn’t want to leave without giving her the smile she loves, the smile of the girl she birthed and raised for 20 years. I took the warm cup of tea and smiled. “Mother, don’t you worry. I am going to meet my cousins up in the skies and talk till we fall asleep like we always used to”

�� My mother fell on her knees with a thud and cried like she was in immense pain. I knelt in front of her and placed the tea cup between us. “See mother,” I said pointing at the tea. “You have made me my favorite cup of tea. You usually make this before I sleep, so I can sleep more peacefully” I held her shuddering shoulders. “Think of this as me going to sleep. You made me tea and now I shall sleep peacefully... forever” I smiled my brightest smile since the announcement of my father’s liver cancer. My mother holds my face between her calloused hands and touches her forehead to mine. “I love you so much y/n. Don’t you ever forget that. Come back to me my dear. Please” I held onto her as my tears spilled into the cup of tea making it salty like the seas of empty space between life and death.

There was a sudden rumble and then we heard it. Horse steps. Approaching fast.

It all happened too fast. Knights broke down my closed room door and grabbed my shrieking mother from behind. Someone struck me on the head with something that shone in the sunlight pouring through my windows. I fell to the ground and felt myself being dragged disgracefully out of my house. I could still hear my mother shrieking and I wanted to ask her to shut up and go inside. I didn’t want my last memory of hers to be one where she looks ugly with sorrow.

My father.

I wanted to see him. I wanted to hold his big hands and allow him to envelope me in his bear hug one last time. I wanted to hear him before I left. Just one more time.

But I could barely move. I felt weak at my joints and my head was spinning. I was put on a horse back and soon fell asleep to the rhythm of the galloping horse.

*******************************************************************************************

All I remember is being thrown on to cold, hard ground. I could spell blood in the air and it made me want to throw up my last lunch. My hair was stuck to my face with sweat and I was finding it hard to breathe. My hands had somehow been tied behind my back and I couldn’t move my head without an intolerable pain shooting through the sides my head. I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

*******************************************************************************************

Someone kicked me awake. I woke up sputtering saliva. I tried to look up to see the giant man looming over me but my eyes couldn’t focus with the sweat clung to my lashes. The man pulled me by my hair and threw me out of the cell I’ve been in. My knees scrapped against the hard, stone floor and I was pulled up by each arm by two equally big knights. Just how big are these men? I wondered to myself.

I was dragged carelessly and my skirt tore at the bottom. I squirmed in their hard grasps and managed to free my arms. I stood on shaky legs that wobbled like crazy. “I can walk on my own. Allow me my last walk”

The men looked at me like I was crazy, but I could only see their piercing blue eyes through the masks they were wearing. “Let the girl walk. We don’t always get someone so foolishly brave” a voice came from behind me.

I turned around to find a man with broad shoulders and plump lips approach me. I recognized him as the man who pulled me up by my hair. He wasn’t wearing a mask like the other two so I assumed he must be someone of higher rank in the castle. “Follow me” he commanded and for some reason, I obeyed. I followed him through dimly lit, stone hallways and it got much warmer as we walked into the castle. I looked out a single window on my right to see a dead garden with over grown weeds spilling from the broken-down fountain in its centre.

I wonder if anyone is even bothered to care for this garden?

Growing up, I loved nature. Trees were my first best friends. It saddened me to see them so carelessly left to die. If I was granted one last wish, I’d ask to tend to the garden before they ate me.

I was busy thinking about last wishes when the man in front of me suddenly stopped walking and I bumped into his enormous back. I peeked from his side to see a man twice as large as the man that brought me in with a crown of gold, sapphire, diamond and ruby sitting pretty on his long dark hair. His eyes gleamed red and upon eye contact I immediately hid behind the knight with no mask.

“Why is this sacrifice using you as a cover, Seokjin?” King Cassius asked.

“My Lord, she almost put up a fight with base level knights 78 and 86 demanding to walk alone. I myself am surprised to see her bravery suddenly gone upon seeing you” knight Seokjin answered. Knights 78 and 86? Wow. They don’t even have names for their people?! I thought to myself in disbelief.

“Appear before I, the King and my son, pathetic being” King Cassius demanded, his voice booming against the stone walls, making them shake. I sighed at what my mind was asking me to do next. I moved from behind Seokjin and took 20 steps forward. I was awfully too close to the throne now. “I only got to live 20 years of my life Lord. Therefore, I took 20 steps forward. Kindly do whatever you please with me as I stand on this spot” I said bravely staring the king square in the eyes.

The king laughed. “You are telling me what to do? You, a pathetic fool who is about to be devoured by my son and myself? YOU?!” he shouted in mock at my face. That’s when I noticed the tall guy seated next to the king on a throne as luxurious but a step lower than the king. What a strange man, I thought to myself at first glance at the man cloaked in black from head to toe.

#jungkook x y/n #jungkook x reader #jungkook fluff #jungkook smut #jungkook #bts #vampire jungkook #beast jungkook

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darriness · 5 years

Text

Fic A Day - July 2019 Edition - Day 4

Title: Adult

Author: darriness

Word Count: 820

Summary: Blaine can’t breathe

Author’s Note: Follow up to last year’s fic Chapter 165 - Estate

AO3 Link

Blaine feels like he’s suffocating. He may be in his own house but the walls feel like they are closing in on him. If one more person asks him how he’s doing he’s going to scream. He can’t breathe. The tie around his neck is literally cutting off his airways. He needs to get out of here. He needs air.

He hates to leave Kurt in the lion’s den with all of Blaine’s extended family but he knows Kurt can handle himself. Blaine needs to breath.

He stumbles onto the back deck of their house. The sun is almost completely gone beneath the horizon but it’s still around enough to cast a strange glow on everything, including two figures leaning against the railing with their backs to Blaine.

He’s about to yell in frustration that his escape to solitude has been thwarted, no one should be out here anyway, when he suddenly recognizes the figures.

“What are you guys doing out here?” Blaine croaks. He doesn’t really recognize his own voice.

Lizzy and Matty both startle slightly and turn around with wide eyes before sighing when they see who has spoken. Blaine makes his way over to them and leans on the railing in between them as they settle back into their original positions. A quick glance at his children show that they both have red-rimmed eyes and Blaine’s heart clenches.

“Just talking.” Lizzy sighs, looking out over the backyard. Blaine does the same, looking out at the old tire swing they never took down still hanging from the tree.

“It was getting to be...a lot in there.” Matty adds.

Blaine nods, “Yeah, I get that.” He says.

The trio is silent for a few moments before Matty lets out a harsh breath, “We don’t know what to do!” He exclaims. Blaine turns to him with a questioning look, “We don’t know how to act or what to say or who even half those people are!”

“Matty!” Lizzy scolds her brother with a stern look.

“No, it’s okay.” Blaine says, laying a hand on Lizzy’s arm, “I totally understand.”

Matty sighs again, “We’d just prefer if it was just, you know, us.” He mutters.

Blaine nods, thoughtfully, “There is nothing I would love more than to just be with the three of you. Snuggle up and watch movies on the couch and eat junk food and remember all the good times with your grandfather.” He can see Lizzy’s eyes pinch and reaches out again to grab her hand, “But these people love your grandfather very much as well, and they want a chance to grieve and remember him.”

“Can’t they grieve in their own houses?” Matty mumbles.

Blaine sighs. If it were up to him they would not have had all these people back to their house after the funeral. He finds this custom strange and invasive but he also knows that it isn’t fair to deny all of the people inside a chance to grieve together.

“It’s just something you do.” Blaine says for lack of anything better to say.

“There you all are!” Blaine, Lizzy, and Matty turn to see Kurt making his way through the back door, his arms out to the sides and an incredulous look on his face, “I just spent half an hour trying to get away from your aunt, Blaine, and you guys are hiding out here without me?”

Blaine stretches a hand out toward his husband who takes it and moves to stand between Lizzy and Blaine, “Sorry, love.” Blaine whispers and Kurt just shrugs, rubbing Blaine’s arm.

The quartet is quiet for a few seconds before Matty’s voice once again breaks the silence, “So...if all four of us are hiding, can’t we just kick everyone out?”

Blaine knows he should probably scold his son for his insensitive words but he can’t help but laugh softly at them. He thinks he’s going crazy but then he can hear Kurt and Lizzy chuckling as well. Maybe they’re all crazy.

“I told you, this is just what you do.” Blaine says when they’ve quieted.

“I don’t get it.” Matty says with a shake of his head.

“You will when you’re an adult.” Blaine says, softly.

“I’m nineteen, Dad.” Matty says.

“Don’t talk back to your father.” Blaine says but there’s no heat to his words and Matty just smiles before leaning his head on Blaine’s shoulder. Blaine smiles softly and looks over at Kurt and Lizzy to find his husband and daughter in a similar position.

Blaine came out here so he could find some air - so he could stop feeling like he was suffocating - and while he’s not alone like he thought he’d be, he feels like he can breathe for the first time all day.

He squeezes Kurt’s hand in his and feels an answering squeeze back before he takes a deep breath and continues to watch the sun set with his family.

#klaine #klaine fanfiction #klaine fanfic #my loves #my stuff #fic a day july 2019 #fic a day july 2019: adult

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thefinalcinderella · 5 years

Text

Tsurune Book 2 Chapter 3-Bow-Crazy (Part 1)

In this chapter: Everyone gets to touch Masa-san’s belly (except Minato) and we get a random genetics lesson

Since it’s Motomura’s birthday today, it’s only fitting that I release this chapter where he is a Very Good Boy

The twins may be obnoxious and rude, but their concern for Shuu is really adorable

Glossary here

Full list of translations here

Translation Notes

1. The word for dance here is “buyou (舞踊)”, used to refer to traditional Japanese theatrical dances like in kabuki. There’s a pun here where Masa-san says the “bu (武)” of “budo (武道)” leads to the “bu (舞)” in “buyou (舞踊) ”.

2. Monoecious trees are trees that have both male and female reproductive organs

3. Seiya refers to dojo yaburi, which was a thing in martial arts like kendo where someone would go to another school and challenge everyone there

4. The abdominal rectus muscles or the rectus abdominal muscles are the abs basically

5. Yuuzen is a dyeing technique for fabrics. It is now mainly used for kimonos.

Previous | Next

Afternoon classes during the rainy season. Standing next to the students who were reading their textbooks aloud, even the teacher was yawning. Minato watched the raindrops running down the window.

He loved the sound of rain. The falling drops drew ripples, the transparent living creatures jumping and dancing. A gentle melody enveloped the town, but if one was listening carefully to the sounds of the rain beating down on the ground like rage itself, one would feel like it was erasing a great number of words in one's head.

He could hardly wait until after school, but there was no helping it. I want to shoot. I want to face the targets much, much more.

I have to get better quickly——.

After they lost at the regional tournament, Tommy-sensei spoke to them.

"Well, I'd like to say how unfortunate it was, but even if everyone hit at this competition, I might not be able to praise you."

They had never heard Tommy-sensei's candid thoughts even once, and Minato and the others kept silent at those unexpected words.

Ryouhei asked him straightforwardly.

"Why, sir?"

"The answer to that is what you all need to find out. Everyone, think about it."

After Tommy-sensei left his seat, the five boys sat on the floor. Masa-san still hadn't shown up.

Ryouhei smiled bitterly.

"It's all because I missed… Saying that he couldn't praise us even if we all hit, is he saying that we don't have enough skill?"

"No, we had seventeen hits out of twenty shots, so as a competition result it wasn't so bad. There's also random chance involved in quickly facing a strong team in the tournament matchups, so I think there's some things that just can't be helped."

Seiya answered, and next to him, Minato also nodded.

As it got gloomy, Nanao spoke as brightly as he could.

"Well, first of all, we shouldn't be dwelling on our defeat, so let's focus our energies on the national tournament in the summer. Anyways, we're still first years, so we can challenge it again next year."

"That's right, there's nothing we can do about our loss this time. Anyways, all we can do is practice."

Kaito backed Nanao up.

However, Hanazawa, Shiragiku, and Seo, who were listening from nearby, joined the circle, and then Seo spoke.

"Sorry, but I was listening to you guys, and I understood the reason why Tommy-sensei is grieving. What is it? You're all responsible. But you're still archers? So uncool."

"What are you talking about? Don't talk like you know something we don't. What do you think, Seo?"

"Didn't Tommy-sensei say that you guys are the ones who have to come up with the answer?"

"Aah, good grief."

Kaito was frowning and pondering on it, but Minato wanted to get to practice soon rather than think about a competition that had already ended. It seemed that there were competition matters that Tommy-sensei couldn't accept, but he hadn't missed in any case. Even if they didn't get perfect scores, it shouldn't have been bad.

Minato spoke.

"Let's leave checking answers with each other later and get to practicing. We're wasting time."

"Right. Let's go through with shooting a hitote in zasha."

At Seiya's voice, the five boys rose with heavy feelings and began to practice.

Masa-san showed up when the five had finished exiting, and called Minato to a waiting room. Minato wanted to continue practicing as he was, but he reluctantly took off his yugake.

"Minato, you're banned from practice for a while. That includes entering the kyudojo."

Distant thunder sounded.

He was so shocked that he couldn't say anything.

The rain was intensifying. The sound of the rain drowned out voices, so he couldn't make out the continuation of the conversation very well. Minato moved his ear closer to Masa-san's mouth once more.

"This is based on a discussion with Tommy-sensei."

He finally opened his mouth.

"How long is a while?"

"One week, or more."

"No way. We won't be able to defeat Kirisaki or Tsujimine if I take a break for that long. Wasn't Shuu first place and Nikaidou second place in the individual competition?"

"Are you yourself aware that your shooting lately wasn't good?"

He knew that he was shooting like he was ignoring his teachings. He didn't stretch his left elbow when he was protecting his hurting wrist. Because of that, he had to shorten his kai, minutely adjust his right fingertips and release his arrow. The shooting method that made him rely on his intuition could go amiss at even a little break in between, but this time he should have survived it.

"But, didn't I fulfill my duties as ochi properly?"

"Is it the duty of an ochi to get a four-arrow kaichuu? So, as long as you hit, it doesn't how unsightly your form is, and your shooting quality is inconsequential?"

"I didn't say that!"

"Minato, at that time you were a slave to hitting. Kyudo is tainted by your heart in that state, and you won't be able to make a beautiful tsurune once more. I'm not telling you a metaphor, but the facts as they are now. If you shoot badly, your bow will show deformations, and if it's a bamboo bow, you won't even be able to use it. Warning you against 'uchikiri'—not doing yugaeri on purpose—is because that way of shooting will crush the futures of the bow and the archer."

Yugaeri was the act of the bow turning in the hand when the arrow is released, and the string rotates to the back of the hand. It would not turn when one was gripping too hard.

"I know that, you don't have to tell me. Don't treat me like a beginner!"

Minato shouted. He felt that the issue at hand was quickly getting off-point, but he did not know how to return to the main issue.

Masa-san suddenly grabbed Minato's left wrist.

"Tch…."

"Does it hurt? It hurts this much, and you're making light of me?"

"Let, let me go!"

Minato shook free of Masa-san's hand and backed up to the wall behind him.

I don't know this high-handed Masa-san.

"So that you won't secretly shoot at another dojo, I will hold on to your bow and arrows. I actually wanted to keep your yugake too, but it is your tranquilizer after all."

"…That's cruel!"

"This is the 'Kazemai High School Kyudo Club.' For many people, high school kyudo is their gateway to kyudo, and the 'martial' in martial arts leads to 'dancing.' (1) If you are not a beginner, you have to refrain even more from dances that makes the people watching uncomfortable."

Minato clenched his left hand hidden behind his back.

Don't take the bow away from me.

Of all people, why is it Masa-san who…

"What's wrong with you, you shitty, perverted old geezer!"

Minato flew out under the pouring sky. Noticing that, Seiya and Ryouhei looked between Minato's back and Masa-san.

"He'll get soaked again. What would he do if he caught a cold…"

The man with an iron-plate smile hid his eyes.

A severe earthquake ran through Kirisaki High School as well.

"Shuu will be absent from club for a week!? Why!?"

Senichi's and Manji's voices overlapped. The students walking in the hallway were turning their heads at the high synchronicity rate of the two.

Before going to club activities, Motomura and Sase invited Senichi and Manji to the terrace in the back yard. The school building after the rain was dyed in amber, and four long shadows grew. It was slightly late for afternoon tea, but on the table there was a teapot and cups, snacks served on the cake stand, and so on.

Motomura spoke.

"As the regional tournament is over, he would like to recharge alone in preparation for the national tournament. That is the official explanation."

"You said 'official explanation,' so what's really going on?"

"Fujiwara-kun is going to Kazemai High School."

"…Huh?"

Senichi's and Manji's mouth hung open.

"Eh, eh, what does that mean? Why is Shuu going to Kazemai? Isn't this weird?"

"Right, right! It's exactly as Sen-nii said!"

"Motomura-senpai, was it alright to let Shuu go? No, no way, does he plan on transferring to Kazemai High School… Were we abandoned by Shuu——?"

Sase flicked Senichi's and Manji's foreheads one after the other, as they were having stage-actor-worthy reactions by clutching their heads.

"Owww… What are you doing, senpai!"

"You guys are overimagining things. Nope, nope, it's not that at all."

"Then, why is Shuu going to Kazemai?" Senichi asked.

"It seems that he is going there to meet their coach for some reason. The coach over there is close to Fujiwara in physique, and apparently he's the grandson of Yasaka-hanshi, so he probably thought he could learn something? Besides, his two former teammates are there, after all."

"That's why, I hate this! It isn't like Shuu to hang out with old friends who never know when to let him go!"

I—we—want to support Shuu. I thought that Shuu responded to our feelings. Even though we should have become one at that moment in the regional tournament…

I knew that we lack ability. But, I didn't that he had so little confidence in us that he had to go to another school. After all is said and done, Shuu didn't even speak a word of it to us.

So frustrating. I'm so frustrated that I want to cry.

What's up with you, Shuu. What was that huddle with our shoulders joined together? Even though I was so happy that even Shuu could do such an enthusiastic, fervent thing.

I want to hit him.

Senichi bit his lip.

Motomura poured black tea into the teacups while everyone else was talking. The rich scent tickling their noses, the four brought their cups to their mouths before uttering another word.

Senichi and Manji also reached out for the sandwiches on the bottom of the cake stand. Feeling that they could not have this conversation unless they were eating something, they also stuffed their mouths with the scones on the second layer. Choosing to do it when the cookies and fruits on the top layer disappeared, Motomura spoke.

"Fujiwara-kun's master is still Saionji-sensei. However, when it comes to Fujiwara-kun's level, his master no longer makes any comments on his shooting technique. He would not tell him even if he asked. Furthermore, as it seems that Saionji-sensei currently cannot hold a bow, he cannot acquire new skills by watching anymore. He can search for a new teacher, but basically, people who are attempting to master something can only study it by themselves. They can only open up a path by——"

The fallen leaves scattered with the lukewarm wind, carrying the fragrance of the trees and flowers. Senichi covered his mouth at the grassy scent that was characteristic of monoecious trees. (2)

"What an outrageous thing to say… I feel like there's nothing at all we can do for Shuu."

"Is that so? Fujiwara-kun needs a place where he can return to with ease. We can watch over him and wait for him to return. Are those not things which only comrades can do?"

"I…might not be able to wait. I'm not that patient."

"I think that's fine the way it is. You may act according to your judgement."

"I will do so."

Motomura smiled gently at Senichi's words.

He had the same way-seeker's face as Shuu.

It was after school of the next day.

There was an unusual crowd seen around the Kazemai High School Kyudo Club. Female students filled up the area around the fence that surrounded the range, scrambling with the Nanao Fan Club for spots. As the Nanao Fan Club had rules such as not making any noise during their viewing tour of kyudo practice, and for how many minutes each day, so it was a scene that would be impossible normally.

Nanao whispered into Kaito's ear.

"Hey, hey, Kacchan. How did this happen?"

"No idea. But I feel kinda irritated when I see Masa-san teaching him."

Shuu was there.

He went before the targets along with Ryouhei, and Masa-san was coaching them. Thanks to the considerable dignity and curiousness of three men using yobisun-nobi—two-hundred-and-thirty-three centimeter—bows, even Hanazawa, Shiragiku, and Seo were watching in fascination. Since the sounds of the arrows flying were loud and the time it took for them to reach the targets was short, it was impressive to see.

Ryouhei turned to Shuu with a smile.

"Shuu-kun, your shots are so majestic, they're super cool! I can't believe that we're both high schoolers. I'll practice a lot too, since I want to catch up to everyone soon."

"There's no need to rush. Although you can't improve in one bound, if you do practice that fits your current level and do your very best at it, you will be surprisingly successful at kyudo."

"Really?"

"Yes. It's easy for taller people's upper bodies to go off-center, so the open width between your feet is important. Ryouhei, you often correct your stepping at ashibumi, but it looks nicer if you do it in one go. Since you can't look at your feet in reishakei, I marked the length of my arrow (yajaku) on the floor at home and practice that way."

"I'll try doing that too! Tommy-sensei and Nanao also talked to me about ashibumi."

Through Ryouhei, Shuu was reminded of when he himself began kyudo. He was happy just being able to shoot a bow, he had fun, and he was impatient for the seemingly distant days of practice. When shooting became an everyday routine, he had forgotten the elation of those days.

After Ryouhei left the targets, Kaito drew closer to Shuu.

"Oi, Fujiwara. I'm only gonna say this. Masa-san is our coach."

"It seems that Kazemai's coach is good at shooting through the hearts of archers, since he's adored by even you."

"I didn't say anything like that!"

At almost the same time as the ban on entering kyudojos was handed down to Minato, Shuu appeared, as though to replace him. The club members, who had no way of knowing the promise between him and Tommy-sensei, were constantly tilting their heads in confusion at the student from another school who was called the Young Prince.

Seiya put his elbow on Kaito's shoulder.

"I also want to ask you about what you came here to do. Did you come here to challenge us or something like that?" (3)

"I've never heard of challenging other dojos in kyudo, but I did not come here to do such an anachronistic thing. My advisor just had me come to join your practice, as there was an introduction from him. But it's a shame that Minato is taking a break."

"His wrist will get better faster if he doesn't use it. My dad wrapped a bandage around it. I asked him to walk Bear in the meantime, but it seems like he didn't go for some reason. Aah, he's really sulking a lot."

"…Could he be nearby?"

Outside the fence, in a corner of the group of female students, there was a male student crouching down to hide in the shrubbery.

Even though Minato was ordered to not attend club and that there was absolutely no use arguing about it, far from walking Bear, he did not feel like going out with his classmates or relaxing at home either, he ended up coming to the kyudojo.

He got emotional and called his master a shitty old geezer. He might not teach me anymore. On the contrary, he might not even speak to me… To begin with, why is Shuu at Kazemai in the first place? Could it be that I was in the way of Masa-san teaching Shuu?

His head was in a state of going around in circles with speculations and delusions. If he watched for a while, he then stood up and walked back and forth in front of the kyudojo entrance, so from an outside point of view he looked like nothing but suspiciously behaving person.

Just beside Minato, there was a shady duo who were also crouching down. They were dressed in uniforms that could be recognized as belonging to another school, and they were creating a perfect symmetry.

Senichi and Manji were whispering.

"Oi, Narumiya. Why are you here?"

"That's supposed to be my line. Since Kirisaki has a semester system, now the club activities are being stopped before the tests, right? I'm banned from entering the dojo, though."

"What's up with that? So laaaame."

The two said at the same time.

Senichi and Manji were not able to wait patiently for Shuu's return. They investigated the advisor for the Kazemai High School Kyudo Club, snatched permission for entering the school, and started off by scoping out the lay of the land.

"So, Sen-nii, what are we going to do now? March into the kyudojo and bring Shuu back?"

"It'd be better to not do such aggressive things." Right when they were having their strategy conference, the two's shoulders were suddenly joined from behind.

"Gyaaah, let me go! Don't touch Sen-nii either! Oh, aren't you Ryouhei?"

"You remembered my first name."

Behind an astonished Minato, there was another boy.

"Kyaaaa, Nanao-kun!"

The Nanao Fan Club simultaneously clasped their hands together, as though praying.

"Sorry, everyone. We're doing combined practice with a student from another school for about a week, so could I have you all refrain from visiting? If there's so many cute girls here, I feel like I'd get too nervous."

"Alright! Everyone, disperse, disperse!"

At the words of the leader of the groupies, the girls dispersed. Nanao then winked at the three who are left.

"Gentlemen, come. Tommy-sensei said to come learn by watching the practice. Come on, you too, Minato."

Nanao forcibly made Minato stand up and pushed his back. Senichi and Manji also passed through the entrance of the kyudojo while being held from behind by Ryouhei, and they greeted everyone inside.

Masa-san appeared in Minato's field of vision. Normally, it would have been a situation where Masa-san would grin at him, but he felt a little sad at his weary expression.

Shuu and Seiya held back a laugh at seeing Senichi and Manji with Ryouhei hanging from their backs.

After Minato, Senichi, and Manji sat on the raised seating area in the judge's area, Masa-san turned his back to Minato.

"Since Fujiwara and Nanao asked me to teach about 'breathing method (ikiai)', let's talk about that today. Let's start with you, Nanao. What are your questions?"

"The Kyudo Textbook says that 'ikiai is respiration that results from the stimulation of bodily activities along with the activation of the consciousness, not physical breathing, and it becomes the driving force of the invocation of fighting spirit, especially in regards to kai and hanare,' but could you elaborate on that?"

"There are two kinds of breathing. The normal, physical breathing we do unconsciously, and the breathing in which we consciously stop and take deep breaths. The latter is called 'ikiai.' I think those who do yoga know this, but when we exhale, our muscles relax. To prevent the collapse of our postures, in archery we begin all our movements with breathing in."

"Hmm, I see."

"Although you can move your lungs consciously, there is no force to move the lungs themselves, and it is the external intercostal muscles and diaphragm that move them. Abdominal breathing, where you breathe using the abdomen, is done by lowering the diaphragm and taking in air."

"Oh, I saw the mechanism of that breathing in a science experiment at cram school!"

Ryouhei exclaimed excitedly.

"In order for your arrows to fly where you are aiming them at, first make sure your feet and your torso, which become the main axis, do not deviate. Kyudo emphasizes that vertical line, and one of the most important parts for maintaining that upright posture is the abdominal rectus muscle. (4) For 'holding your breath in your abdomen' and 'putting your sentiments into your dantian,' it is important to not relax the abdominal rectus muscle, or in other words, to exhale so that your abdomen will not cave in. At that moment, clench your butthole tightly."

Masa-san turned his gaze to Shuu.

"What did you want to ask about, Fujiwara?"

"It's not that there is an organ called dantian, but it is to create a 'place' or 'state' by breathing, correct? I seem to lack the feeling of having this dantian. How much breath are the senseis actually holding in their abdomens?"

"Well then, let's try it a little. Fujiwara, put your hand in the front sash of my hakama, and feel my abdomen."

"Huh?"

"There's no way you can touch the abdomen of a hanshi-rank master, right? Put your hand slightly below my belly button."

Masa-san started with douzukuri without holding anything, then performed the movements of raising a bow. In that way, he did daisan, hikiwake, and kai, following the Shahou Hassetsu.

Normally, the belly rose and sunk with respiration, with breathing in causing the belly to swell and breathing out caused it to sink in, but Masa-san's belly did not move. For that reason, Shuu's hand stayed inserted in the front sash of the hakama and also did not move.

Senichi and Manji leaned against Minato from both sides, and whispered in his ears.

"Does your coach always teach like that?"

Minato vigorously shook his head. It certainly might be easier to understand it than to explain it in words, but it wasn't done in a relationship that wasn't very familiar. It was a coaching that was equivalent to selling something way below cost at a giant discount.

Masa-san questioned Shuu.

"How did that feel?"

"I felt that you were holding a proper amount of breath, or rather, your abdomen that was filled up with one breath stayed very firm."

"Puff, puff, puff, like how a fish exhales, you exhale thin and long breaths."

"Is that what is called underwater breathing?"

"The breathing at kai is called 'underwater breathing.' In order to not release the tension of the abdominal rectus muscle, it is necessary to gently breathe out. Even among high-ranked archers, there are differences between them for where to inhale and where to exhale during shooting, and I believe each are correct, but I think that 'quiet and long breathing' is probably common for all of them."

"So, now I just have to use ikiai in conjunction with movements like kai and hanare, and practice it until I can even do it unconsciously."

Seeing Shuu convinced, Ryouhei and Nanao jumped up and down.

"I wanna touch Masa-san's belly too!"

"Me too, me too!"

"Really. Hey, wait, take turns. Only touch where I do dantian breathing."

It was somewhat ridiculous to see people lining up to touch Masa-san's abdomen. Even though they had gotten completely off track, Kaito shrewdly lined up.

Minato clenched his fists on top of his knees. It was irritating to be treated as a "visitor" along with the twins. The content of what he was talking about was completely different between Shuu and himself. Above all else, Shuu learned from him in only a few hours.

Minato quietly left the kyudojo.

When practice ended, Shuu was about to get into the car that greeted him, but Senichi and Manji called out to him.

"Shuu, you can go to Kazemai if you want, so just please tell us properly as well."

"That's right. Even if it's not me, can't you say a few words to Sen-nii at least? We're worried, you know."

"…Worried? Sen and Man about me?"

"We are! We're comrades, after all."

"I see, I'm sorry. Since I don't have a habit of reporting things to people or discussing with them, I never realized."

Shuu had always considered things by himself and acted by himself. He never learned to rely on or depend on anyone in the same generation as him.

"It's a week-long warrior training journey. Sen, Man, will you wait for me?"

"Yeah, we'll wait for you."

The corners of Senichi's and Manji's mouths lifted.

Afterwards, the car Shuu was riding in passed through a large front gate.

In the modern Japanese-style building which made heavy use of solid wood, the open ceiling spread out over the entrance hall. For the walls, decorations arranged with wooden panelling in a chic colour, Japanese paper and yuuzen-dyed (5) woven fabrics were done, and the combination of varying materials was beautiful.

Shuu looked up at the night sky. The shining moon with a blurred blue outline was gentle. Just thinking about his rival being beneath that sky made the depths of his body grow hot.

"Young master Shuu, welcome home."

"I'm back, Toujou-san."

Prompted by the butler Toujou, Shuu received his bow and quiver and walked on. The maids who waited at the entrance also bowed their heads.

"As it was unusual for the young master to request a car, I, Toujou, am deeply moved. Better yet, we shall have a car will drop you off and pick you up at Kirisaki High School henceforth as well."

"No, Father was said to also move with his own feet while he was young, so only when I go to Kazemai High School. For this time, I was only thinking about reducing time."

"I understand. I said something too impertinent."

"No, there's no problem. Where is Mother and Sae?"

"In the Skylark Room."

He pushed the door open, stepped on the carpet, and he saw a woman and a young girl who looked like life-sized Japanese dolls.

"Shuu-niisama! Welcome home."

"Mother, Sae, I have returned."

"Today, Sae had violin practice. Next time, I shall let Shuu-niisama listen to me."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it."

Shuu held his younger sister Sae up in his arms.

Their mother smiled at Shuu without exchanging a word with him.

The Fujiwara family had the blood of a former nobleman flowing through their veins, and Shuu was the great-great-great-grandson. The viscount was a businessman who managed a real estate business in various places, and even now the Fujiwaras were prominent figures in the region. He should have been the target of respect and envy, but people always looked puzzled before Shuu, inferred something on their own, and shut their mouths.

That was because Shuu didn't resemble anyone in his family.

Contrary to Shuu's exotic-seeming looks, his family was Oriental with his single-lidded-father, and his mother and sister with black hair and dark eyes.

Shuu was a quarter-blood. His grandfather was British, and his blood skipped over his mother and were displayed prominently in his grandson Shuu only. That phenomenon was called Mendelian inheritance, and traits such as hair colour were determined by the genes inherited from parents, but the ones that were expressed were called dominant, and the ones that were hidden were called recessive. Those hidden genes were suddenly expressed in only one person in the grandchild's generation.

However, he was never abused or ostracized by his family because he didn't look like them. However, ever since Sae was born, the fact that he was different was thrusted before him.

Truthfully, the one who was the most bewildered was his mother.

For her, there was Shuu's appearance of course, as well as having no idea what to do with a son who had very little emotional ups and downs. Even though he is my child, he acts so reserved, like a stranger. To be honest, she didn't like children very much. Shuu was brought up a wet nurse, and he spent long breaks such as summer vacations at his grandparents' house.

Jealousy and envy were possessed by not a little amount of people, probably. Shuu learned the technique of turning those negative feelings into mental nourishment from elderly people.

On a certain day in fifth grade, his father spoke.

He said, "I found someone who is willing to teach Shuu in kyudo."

His busy father remembered Shuu saying that he wanted to learn kyudo. He took pains for his sake. Even now, he vividly remembered thanking his father with trembling lips.

Shuu, who shut his eyes at memories of his mother.

Minato, who treasured his memories of his mother.

The one who never had it from the beginning, and the one who had it but lost it. He didn't know which one of them was more misfortunate, but they were probably the exact opposite in everything. That was why he could not help but turn his eyes away.

Jet black hair and depthless eyes.

Even though his instincts had told him that he must not look into them, he committed that taboo. He harboured an impossible wish.

I might have wanted to become Minato——.

Sae was cute. Although that feeling wasn't a lie, he thought it was forbidden for him stay too long by Sae's side in front of his mother.

"Mother, Sae, I will be taking dinner now."

"Okay, Shuu-niisama. Farewell!"

After he finished eating, Shuu returned to his room.

When he took out his phone, Ryouhei's name was displayed on the screen. Shuu usually only replied with the bare minimum. Almost ignoring it.

(I was able to do ashibumi in one go)

(Tomorrow I'll try it with a bow)

(Shuu-kun look look)

(I'll bring the sweets my sister recommended tomorrow)

(Shuu-kun eat them eat them)

…What is this.

Minato and his friend were both somewhat ditsy. They were also similar in that they did not hold themselves back.

Shuu smiled, then replied with only "Got it."

The moon was still shining.

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#tsurune #tsurune translation

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porchwood · 6 years

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THG Reread: A ramble about Rory, tesserae, and the Hawthornes in general

Disclaimer: I’ve never taken part in any official THG reread/discussion and I essentially read the book in isolation, so anything I say in these posts may well have been discussed and dismissed years ago.

I know we’re not quite on Catching Fire at present but the quote pictured above fits neatly into something I wanted to remark on in Ch 1 of THG, and this way I can preempt the forthcoming discussion about something that drives me crazy: Rory Hawthorne’s age.

(Minor rant may ensue. Apologies in advance.)

I’ve had fandom folk tell me that Rory and Prim have the same age gap as Gale and Katniss, and my best guess is that this comes from the THG Wiki (screenshot above). To be fair, we get almost no details about Gale’s family in THG and then CF kicks off and BOOM, they have names and ages. In particular, we find out that Rory is twelve at the time of the Victory Tour (i.e., midway between the 74th and 75th Games but before January, because Posy is still four and she’ll turn five shortly after the anniversary of the mine explosion).

Unpopular opinion: I firmly believe that Rory is - at the very least - a few months younger than Prim, in part because of the age reference in CF and also because of the complete lack of mention of Rory in the reaping lead-up of THG. If Rory is twelve sixish months after the reaping, then either the 74th Games was his first reaping (and he’s going to turn 13 in the next sixish months, making him the same age as Prim) or the 75th/Quarter Quell was supposed to be his first reaping. And while I know that this is effectively argument from ignorance, I have a hard time believing that the 74th was Rory’s first reaping when there wasn’t one speck of mention, not in all that tesserae narrative from Katniss nor at any point from Gale. In fact, Gale’s pretty darned focused on Katniss come reaping day, and there’s no shared anxiety or anger about their siblings going into the pool for the first time. Yes, in CF Katniss imagines Gale volunteering for Rory as she did for Prim (in that awful post-whipping Galeniss time We Do Not Talk About), but based on the absence of references to Rory in the reaping from THG, I don’t believe he was eligible for those Games.

Speaking of the Hawthorne children: while working on Six Months to Strawberry Time (my parallel Gadge fic to WtM), my interest was piqued by the gaps in the lineup. At the time of that age reference from CF, Gale is somewhere between 18-19, Rory is 12, Vick is 10, and Posy is 4. Were there miscarriages/stillbirths/children who simply didn’t survive during those 6-7 years between Gale and Rory (prime childbearing years for Hazelle, one imagines) and the 5-6 years between Vick and Posy? (For that matter, was Posy a longed-for girl after a line-up of boys - or a surprise pregnancy?) I think it’s likely there were/were supposed to be more Hawthorne children (in fact, I might have a related headcanon simmering...), but as in all of this speculation, I could be entirely wrong.

Further: are the Hawthornes a good representative sample of a Seam family, with children born over 14-15 years (resulting in TWENTY reapings for Hazelle to endure, if my math is correct, with another child going into the bowl right around the time their predecessor ages out), and does this say something about family planning and/or birth control in Twelve - or the lack thereof? (I suspect that fertility awareness practices like cervical mucus checks were likely a part of the process - not foolproof, of course, but the price is right, and it’s a method accessible to the population with a little education from the local apothecary.)

And here’s something I find particularly interesting: Gale took tesserae for every member of his family when he was twelve, at which point his father was still alive and Posy hadn’t yet been born. Now, Katniss points out that her mother received “a small amount of money as compensation for [Mr. Everdeen’s] death, enough to cover one month of grieving at which time [Mrs. Everdeen] would be expected to get a job,” and presumably the same was true for Hazelle, who “was out hunting the streets for work” “less than a week after she gave birth” (a subject for a future post!). So I’m wondering: just how much did a miner earn, and was it unusual for a Seam wife to work outside the home, unless her husband had died? (I know the presence of too-small-for-school children would certainly be a factor, as it was with baby Posy.) With Katniss, tesserae was a matter of survival after her father died, especially as her mother wasn’t bringing in any income, but Gale signed up for tesserae as soon as he was eligible, and his family was only one child larger than the Everdeens’ (and his father was still alive and working). Would Hazelle have been out working if not for Vick (who would’ve been somewhere around 3-4 at the time of Gale’s first reaping) and that’s why they needed the resource stream of tesserae? And do you think Katniss would have signed up for tesserae at twelve if her father was still alive, or were the Everdeens minutely better off than the Hawthornes in some way (ex. Mrs. Everdeen’s apothecary business)?

#tl;dr #the hawthornes #rory hawthorne #hazelle hawthorne #mrs hawthorne #gale's mother #this is as good a place as any to mention that i've never been a fan of rory/prim #certain authors can do it well #but i hate that rory's the automatic pairing for prim #especially considering how un-hawthorne she is #and i know marko/prim is practically a rarepair #but i (personally) can see her with a mellark far easier than a hawthorne #everlarkreadalong #backtopanem #catch-up week #hawthorne children

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justgotham · 6 years

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SPOILER ALERT: Do not read until if you have not yet watched the season four finale of “Gotham” on Fox.

The final moments of the season four finale of Fox’s “Gotham” essentially rebooted the series, with some characters leaving town, multiple villains rising from the underground and one series regular signing off for good.

In the episode, Solomon Grundy (Drew Powell) was shot but then healed and seemingly returned to his normal Butch state, only to be murdered by Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor).

Powell tells Variety after first learning he was going to be shot again, he wasn’t that worried. “This is the fourth time I’ve been shot on the show,” he notes. “Clearly I can survive a bullet wound.” But what made this one different was the fact that he got shot in the heart.

“[That] would probably take another dip in the Slaughter Swamp to recover from,” he admits.

Here, Powell shares with Variety the emotional moments while filming his final scene, what he will miss about playing the character, and if he would ever join the DC Universe again.

How did you learn that Butch aka Grundy wouldn’t make it to the end of the season finale?

I kind of found out by accident, if I’m being honest. I was at work. The process of Grundy is always a couple hours of make-up coming on and a good 45 minutes to take it off. So, I’m usually there before people and there after people. I was in the makeup room, and I read an outline, which sometimes you do. I don’t know if we’re supposed to do that, but any actor that says they don’t is lying. I glanced at it and I kind of got to the end and it said, “Blah, blah, blah and then Penguin shoots Butch in the heart.” I’m like, “Ooh, that doesn’t sound good.” …I called up [executive producer] John Stephens and he said, “Ah, well. I was just about to get on a plane to come tell you tomorrow,” which he did — I saw him the next day.

How did it feel to know you wouldn’t survive the season?

It was a mix of a lot of emotions. Obviously I’m so close to this group. This show has really been an important show in my career. I moved my family from one coast to the other. I’m now kind of forever linked in this really cool world of DC and Batman lore. It’s really special for me. But the cool part was that the overwhelming feeling I had was not anger or resentment or sadness — although there was some of sadness — but it was gratitude. I just felt so grateful that I’ve had four great years of this. Look, who knows what’s to come, but I can feel like I’ve done good work and had a great experience.

How do you think you’ll feel after the episode airs?

It will be very interesting to feel the catharsis of this coming to life and how people will react. It’s been very interesting the last couple of weeks. “Gotham” did a poll of which character they liked better: Butch or Grundy. I didn’t see the final results but with a day left it was 50/50. It was absolutely down the middle. That warms my heart. It was risky on the same level to take this. I believe what people love about Butch was that he was kind of the every man in the scenario. You have crazy Penguin, nutty Riddler, and all this craziness going on. Then, you’ve got the cops that are stern and hard. Then you’ve got Butch who has managed to survive in this crazy town. He ducks and weaves and survives and does it with a little bit of humor and a wink and smile. I think that was really important to have in this show. I think when Bruno [Heller] wrote this character, he told me at the beginning, “People are going to underestimate Butch until it’s too late for them.” It was really true. Even the fans were like, “Oh, he’s just some henchmen for Fish.” Then by the end of season one, they were like, “Oh my gosh. No, he’s way more than that!” It’s going to be really interesting to see the fan reaction. It’s very shocking. I would love to have a camera on fans watching that scene. I do think the reaction will be physical for a lot of people.

How far in advance did you know before you shot the episode?

That was the other tricky part. I was in the middle of shooting 4.20 (episode “A Dark Knight: That Old Corpse”) so we still had two more episodes to go which equals about a month. So I had three, four weeks of dealing with [it]. I think a lot of actors will tell you when you end a long-term job that you really like –particularly, because people feel like we’re a tight group, especially as actors but also crew — you have to go through the five stages of grief. By the time we actually got to that scene, I had been living with it for almost a month. I have to be honest when I say it’s been really tricky. It’s been a long haul to have a month before we shot it. Then we shot it — that was the beginning or middle of March. So I’ve been sitting on it to most of the people outside of my close circle for the last few months, so it’s been a long haul. There’s a part of me that will be very relieved as this comes out.

When did the rest of the cast find out? Did you tell them?

That was kind of a weird thing. Some of them, yeah. There were a couple people I saw the next day that were working the next day so we talked and grieved together a little bit. I don’t mean for it to sound so dramatic. It was definitely a bond that formed so you have to deal with that. But I think people found out through word of mouth. I told some folks, but it was kind of awkward. There’s no real easy way to do that. It’s been true for the other characters that have passed on from our show. It’s all a little bit awkward. But that was the good thing about having time. By the time we got to the end, we had all talked about it. There was a sense of closure on that last day.

How was it filming the final scene and having Penguin be the one who offs your character?

I’ll never forget it. I don’t think any of us will. It’s a beautiful scene. The one thing I said to John Stephens when we talked was what was most important to me was that we need to give Butch a proper death. I think [the] words actually were a “noble death,” and he agreed. Not some cliffhanger. I think the fans, who’ve really grown to love Butch as I have — and Grundy — [would want] a proper send off for him. I think they did that. I was kind of dreading it. We finally got there. The director was Nathan Hope, who’s just a great guy and one of our favorites on “Gotham.” …I don’t think we ever did it without crying, even Jessica [Lucas], who is way tougher than Robin and me. It was just so emotional and so hard. Robin and I are very good friends and have been since the very beginning. So, it was hard for him. It was hard for me. Jessica, as well — those are the guys I’ve spent the most time with over the course of the show with the exception of Jada [Pinkett Smith]. It was really powerful. It was a moment where we had a culmination of this incredible life experience. As an actor, it’s hard to separate [from] that because it changed my life. That’s true. I think it’s true for any actor that has a job that like that moves you from one place to another and you have over a period of years. But also the relationships and the emotion of the scene. I think Robin and I have always had this chemistry that was really special and it really made the Butch and Oswald scenes work. I was really glad to have a few more of those toward the end of season four. By the time we got to that [scene], he was crying and snotting, as he will admit. Jessica had some tears. Then, I’m dead on the ground with tears streaming down my eyes. We got through it. I haven’t seen it, but I’m hoping it cut together OK. We felt like we got it in the end.

Penguin apologizes before he shoots Grundy. Do you think he was being sincere?

I think the wonderful paradox about Oswald, particularly as Robin has brought him to life in this iteration, is that he is at once an emotional character, a passionate character, but also calculating and smart. He’s always three steps ahead of the game. I think after losing so many people that have been close to him and then I think his experience with [Edward] Nygma, the one thing he won’t let happen anymore is to let his emotions get in the way of what’s important to him which is revenge and power. It’s funny. We’ve talked about this. The fact that Tabitha [killed] Ms. Cobblepot was never going to sit well with him. He wanted to get back at Tabby for killing his mother, the most important thing to him. I always assumed that she would be the one to get it and not me, but I guess I had to be the proxy in this one.

What was the hardest part about saying goodbye to Butch?

It’s funny because I’ve said goodbye to him once. That took me by surprise. There was a moment after we did the Grundy scene — in episode five of the season, they dump Butch in the swamp and Grundy rises out of the Slaughter Slump. The way we shot that out in a pool in the middle of nowhere in Staten Island, we did the rising out of the swamp scene and then hobo scene, and then the last scene we shot was Butch getting into the swamp and then they kind of pulled me out of the water. So that was like the very end of Butch, at least at that point. I was surprised. [For] three years I’ve really grown to appreciate this character. Not often do you get that opportunity as an actor. One of the things I love about TV is that you can live with the character for a while and kind of inhabit him or her. I really did that with Butch. We’ve had a lot of different paths on this particular show. I surprisingly felt a sadness of losing Butch. Then, Grundy presented his own challenges. The makeup alone was something that really took some getting used to. There’s part of me that thinks another season of Grundy with all of that makeup and that wig and the whole thing would’ve been pretty tough. But I loved him too! The death of both characters at once [in the season four finale] was really emotional. It was emotional for all of us.

What is one thing you’ve learned since the start of “Gotham” that has helped you grow as an actor?

I think the experience has taught me to prepare. Not that I didn’t before, but the importance of thinking about what you’re doing [and] understanding that there’s an arc here. That there will be an evolution throughout time. It took me a while to kind of get the knack of who Butch was. To spend time in thought and contemplation and study of who this character is so that you can really bring him to life. I learned how cool it is to be a part of the world of comic book characters — the DC world, the whole general genre. I hadn’t had that experience before and getting to do some of these comic-cons and meeting fans that are so passionate and being a part of something that’s 75 years old — this American mythology — is really cool. That’s one of the things I loved about being Grundy, too, was to be a part of the canon, which was a creation by the brilliant Bruno Heller. It was great to be able to create that role. I secretly hope someday, somewhere there’ll be a Butch Gilzean in a comic somewhere. Being able to be this iconic villain, or anti-hero as I like to think of him, who started in 1944, boy that’s a legacy that it’s so neat to be a part of. That was really special. Also, you get to practice with incredible people. You get to do it over and over with really talented crew members and directors and writers and cast. I think that last part is the thing I’ll miss the most — the camaraderie we had. We’re like a family. I think about our trips to comic-con in the last couple of years in this plane together flying out and the laughter and the stories that we’ll have forever. That doesn’t happen on every show. I’ve been on a lot of different shows and you have sometimes different personalities that just don’t click. But for whatever reason, this group of people really did, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.

Would you take on the role of Butch again or another character for a DC film?

In the blink of an eye. Absolutely. Having said that, the last three months, I did the pilot for “L.A. Confidential” which was amazing. I did a couple of movies — the movie I’m doing now is about Ted Kaczynski. So it’s been fun to kind of explore other things. That’s something I feel very lucky to have got to do right away to kind of help clear my head a little bit and know there is life after “Gotham.” But of course, I’d be a fool to say no to getting back into the DC Universe. Every time I see Geoff Johns I’m like, “I’m in, for my career! Whatever you need, I’m in!” Not the least of which is I’m the father of a 7-year-old boy, so I get to be the coolest dad in the world since I get to work with Batman.

The finale ends in a way that could reboot the series. What were your thoughts when you first heard about the decision to potentially switch-up the show?

It was never really made clear to us that that’s what was happening. Not having seen the episode yet, I’m still unclear, other than what I’ve read, about what that really means. A good friend of mine, John Rogers, a writer and producer who I’m very fond of, tweeted that we’re getting to a point where we’re going to have to accept the fact that series are basically going to be five years and that’s what you’re going to get. I think he’s right about that with a few exceptions. You get to a point in storytelling in our society today which expands looking for the next shiny object or light button. Even something serialized like a comic book show which you feel like could go on forever. It’s also hard to shoot that show. There’s a lot that goes into it. This isn’t your procedural point and shoot and talk about whatever cop lingo is it — there’s a lot going on there. So, I understand the need to kind of give it a little jolt and see what happens.

#Butch Gilzean #Drew Powell #Solomon Grundy #Oswald Cobblepot #Robin Lord Taylor #Tabitha Galavan #Jessica Lucas

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donheisenberg · 6 years

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Top 20 TV Shows of 2017:

So this is the bit where I talk about how difficult it is to write a top 20 list because of peak TV, yada, yada, yada. If you are into TV criticism you have read it all before several over the last few years, the thing is while it might feel like a cliche it is totally true and with every year it become more true. Trying to watch everything out there is impossible and trying to then narrow down what you have watched to a list of 20 is almost as difficult. Every show on this list had an outstanding year as shown by some of the shows I left off of the list. In any other year the likes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Americans would be givens even if they just had middling seasons but not this year. It was truly a great year for TV and here are my top 20 shows of 2017.

Shows I Did Not Get Around to Watching/Completing That May Have Made My List: The Deuce The Handmaid’s Tail (to watch) Legion (to watch) Better Things Search Party Difficult People

Honorable Mention: Rick and Morty (season 3): Shout out to Review as well, which was excellent but just had to few episodes for me to really count it. In terms of Rick and Morty it was often in the news (or at least the twitter news) for the wrong reasons this year as a group of its fans decided to act like complete dickheads for a period of time. All of which deflected from the fact it had its best season ever. I’ve always had issues with the show and basically how pro-Rick and his asshole behavior Harmon and co seem to be and this year didn’t necessarily dissuade me of that but on a week to week basis it was crafting, ambitious and well thought out stories, at a rate the show had never before.

No 20: Fargo (season 3): As many observed this was not Fargo’s finest year and it maybe took a while to get going. It is also the case that 3 seasons in it is tougher for a show as idiosyncratic as this one to surprise us. When a seemingly major character dies in episode 1 it is less of a shock than it should be because that is what happened in season 1. Yet at the same time I so enjoyed this season and the performances by the likes of Carrie Coon (more on her later), Ewan MacGregor and David Thewlis and you still had episodes as excellent as The Law of Non-Contradiction.

No 19) Veep (season 6): Similar to Fargo this was a just slightly below average year for Veep, but even then the quality of the ensemble is so far above any other comedy out there and the quality of the writing/jokes/insults is again just of the highest order. There are few shows I enjoy more than Veep.

No 18) Master of None (Season 2): In my review I did write about how aspects of MON did frustrate me. For it’s social awareness, it is a show that wants me to desperately feel sorry for the man with seemingly the nicest/most privileged life in the world. The extent to which the show is essentially lifestyle porn at times can be a problem and the extent to which the show never questions Dev’s actions can also be a little off-putting. Yet having said that the good outweighs the bad and then some. The show crafts so many beautiful fully realized episodes and months after watching it is episodes like Thanksgiving that stick with me, more than the show’s flaws.

No 17) The Young Pope (Season 1): I’m not sure I get The Young Pope. I love it but I’m not sure I get it. Even in this age of weird TV there is something truly odd about this show. So difficult to write about because it does not conform to any conventions or labels and that’s why it makes this list. Having said all of this I’m not quite sure the show ever hit the heights of its pilot (even if it remained excellent throughout) and that’s why it is not a little bit higher.

No 16) Brockmire (Season 1): Brockmire is exactly the sort of gem that can get lost in this golden age, but for those few of us who did see it we know that it was one of the most raucous, hilarious and endearing comedies out there. I don’t know or care about baseball at all but I do love Brockmire and can’t wait til it comes back.

No 15) Brooklyn Nine Nine (season 4/5): Just as Brockmire can get lost in a sea of amazing shows, B99 is the sort of show that you can take for granted so easily but 5 seasons in and it is still full of heart and brilliant gags. More than that though this year on a couple of occasions we saw the show break-out of its comfort zone with episodes about Terry being racially profiled and more recently Rosa coming out to her less than progressive parents. Those episodes showcased a different side of the show and demonstrated how B99 is not just a great sitcom but an important one. Nine Nine!

No 14) Preacher (Season 2): Parts of season 2 of Preacher were as good as anything on TV. The opening scenes of the first two episodes, as well as standout episode Sokosha plus a whole host of other moments, showed how Preacher could execute some of the most ambitious TV out there to near perfection. It was not all perfect and the season might have benefited from being 10 episode long rather than 12 but nonetheless I love this show and it seems to only go in one direction. Bring on season 3.

No 13) GLOW (Season 1): GLOW was sort of the perfect summer show. It was funny and likable and so binge-able. Netflix makes a lot of deeply serialized shows, designed to be consumed in one sitting so as you find out what happens next. Glow was not that. What GLOW was, was a show that quickly established an ensemble of distinct and interesting characters who you wanted to spend time with and for that it was a standout show.

No 12) Better Call Saul (Season 3): It pains me to put BCS at number 12, in any other year this could be a contender for my number 1 spot but here it does quite make the top ten. Part of the reason why it is a little lower than you might have excepted is that at this stage I don’t have to tell anyone how good this show is. Into it’s third season and BCS was possibly better than ever. Certainly episodes like the chilling Lantern and in particular Chicanery mark series high points and some of the finest TV I’ve seen all year.

No 11) American Vandal (Season 1): American Vandal is a curious show. It is ostensibly a parody, yet by the time you finish it you look back and think that was funny but not funny enough to be making this list necessarily. What it was though was the most engrossing show of the year. And it all centred on the question “who drew the dicks?” Yet for the silliness of the premise I could not have been more intrigued. AV found new ground for the most tired of sub-genres, the mockumentary and in the process delivered an absurd but in many ways tragic story of a stupid but well meaning kid in high school whose life goes array for reasons that have little to do with him. Defining the pleasures of the show may not be straight, but boy was it insanely watchable-the Netflix model at its best.

No 10 )Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Season 3): Similar to B99, UKS is the sort of consistent joke machine that you can take for granted, and that many have, but for me this year there were few shows enjoyed nearly as much as it. I thought the show delivered its best season. The work of Ellie Kemper and in particular Titus Burgess can match any comedic performers on TV. Again though amidst all the laughs is a very human character study piece of an abuse victim and maybe where the show’s genius thoroughly lies is in the way the show balances these two sides of itself.

No 9) Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (Seasons 2/3): Rachel Bloom’s musical comedy/drama goes from strength to strength. Like many shows of this list it perfectly balances cartoonish sensibilities with discussions on mental health and never more so than in the first half of season 3. In addition to that though are the musical numbers. At times I’m just in awe of how spot on and clever their parodies, my favorite this year being “Let’s Generalize About Men” and for that it had to make my top ten.

No 8) Bojack Horseman (Season 4): In its 2nd and particularly 3rd seasons Bojack became a show that delivered some of the most outstanding individual episodes of television, possibly ever. Escape From LA, Fish Under Water and That’s Too Much Man are just incomparable half hours of TV. Season 4 did not deliver a single episode of quite that standard. What season 4 did do though is deliver quite possibly the show’s most consistent, revealing and hopefully season. Something we all needed at the end of the show’s previous season.

No 7) Catastrophe (Season 3): Okay it was only 6 episodes along, but I ask this question every year, is there a better written show on TV? There might be snappier dialogue out there, there might be more profound existential musings on some other show, but there is no show with more wonderfully naturalistic dialogue on now or possibly ever. Also there is not really a couple of TV I root for quite as much as Sharon and Rob and I really just want to watch the two of them on screen together as much as possible.Plus the final episode of season 3 was just the perfect send-off for Carrie Fisher and for that alone it deserves it place on my list.

No 6) Jane The Virgin (Season 3/4): Now four seasons in Jane the Virgin still has the power to surprise and hit me emotionally as much as just about any show on this list. I would go as far as to stay no episode of television this year hit me as hard as (spoilers) Michael’s death which was absolutely devestating. But when it comes to Jane the Virgin it is not just the big gut-punches that count, it is the smaller moments as well. The other scene that sticks with me most from its episodes this year is when Rogelio (often the show’s most comic presence) opens up to Xo about how he hasn’t been able to grieve properly for Michael, who was his best friend, because he knew he had to be strong for Jane while she was grieving. It is a comparatively small moment but every bit as resonant. I can take or leave all the intrigue concerning the Marbella but week after week the show delivers moments that really effect me, which even in this golden age can’t be said of too many show.

No 5) Twin Peaks (Season 3): It seems to me that Twin Peaks has either been number 1 or completely absent from every critics list. And I can understand both positions. Twin Peaks was fascinating in a way that television and art more generally rarely is. It was also incredibly and deliberately frustrating at times. I’m almost reluctant to point out how obviously frustrating parts of the revival were because I feel like I might be missing something. On the other hand because its Lynch and because he is a widely and rightly acknowledge genius I think some critics have been too forgiving of some pretty blatant narrative issues, that on another show they would have lambasted. Ultimately though it was the TV event of the year and nothing quite engaged me on a week to week basis like it did. More than anything though there were certain moments, particularly toward the end of the season, that were greater than anything else on TV this year. Moments I completely lost myself in, in ways that are quite difficult to explain and for that I won’t be forgetting the revival for a very long time.

No 4) Mr Robot (Season 3): If season 1 was clinically perfect, in a way no show since Breaking Bad has been, season 2 was an over-ambitious, definitely fascinating, mess. I was a bit of an apologist for the largely disliked second season-but even I was somewhat disappointed after the heights of season 1. Season 3 not only got the show back on track but it found a balance in the ensemble that neither season 1 (which was almost all Elliot) or season 2 (which felt like very little Elliot) had. It also starting making sense again and the show successfully battled the urge to be overly opaque or to have unnecessary twists. All of which meant that we got some of the show’s finest hours yet specifically the thrilling fifth and sixth episodes as well as the surprising and heart-warming eight hour, not to mention the finale which had a bit of everything. And for all its pessimism few shows made me happier this year, because I was so delighted to see this great show prove all the doubters wrong.

No 3) The Good Place (season 1/2): Michael Schur has secured himself a place in TV history with The Office, B99 and in particular Parks and Rec, already but with The Good Place he has gone one further. We all knew he could craft wonderfully funny and likable sitcoms, but here he has delivered a show as twisty and as engaged in huge philosophical issues as any prestige serialized drama. The Good Place is not necessarily a sad-com like many of the show’s on this list but it is possibly the most plot driven network sitcom ever. The thing is the plot has real stakes and is completely unpredictable as well. The huge twist at the end of season 1 showed that even in the age of Reddit you could pull out the rug from underneath your audience and I did not think that was possible. I don’t know how much longer they can continue it but as of now The Good Place is just about a perfect piece of television.

No 2) Halt and Catch Fire (Season 4): Without spoiling what is number 1 on my list, when it aired I thought nothing would come near it but Halt and Catch Fire came very very close. Back in its much derided first season Halt was a jukebox spitting one antihero cliche after another. In some ways it never strayed too far from the conventions of the antihero drama but what made it different was that at a certain point it just wasn’t about antiheroes. Sure all the characters were deeply flawed, none more so than Joe, but their constant strive for something more, for some kind of connection felt so human you could not help but love them. The final four episodes were TV drama at its best and when it ended I really struggled with the notion that I would not be spending more time with these characters, but if anything made it okay it was how well they stuck the landing. Speaking of which..

No 1) The Leftovers (Season 3): No show has ever made quite the impact in such a short space of time. The Leftovers conclude its mere 28 episode run this year, just 28 episodes yet about half of them are nothing short of masterpieces. That includes just about every episode in this final run. It’s tough in just a paragraph to breakdown what made The Leftovers such a transcendent piece of television-so to be glib I’ll say it took the ambition and phantasmagoria of Twin Peaks and combined it with the heart and focus on character of Halt and Catch Fire. LOST-one of my absolute favorite shows of all time-will define Lindelof’s career but The Leftovers is ultimately a more complete and mature piece of work. The writing, performances and direction coalesced to give us something often hilarious and surprising and always deeply powerful. There may never be a show like The Leftovers again and for those reasons it was always going to be my number 1.

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ddaddsprompts · 6 years

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The dads reacting to Dadsona wanting to adopt a child with them , after a long time together of curse ( like three or four years)

What would be the dads reactions to hearing that dadsona wants to adop another child a time after amanda Leaves ?

Hugo: You two have had an amazing 4 years together. It’s gone by all too fast. Ernest is a senior, about to go off to college and Amanda was now a professional photographer. You watched Ernest go through highschool. That was a… experience. Thankfully, Ernest had really matured. He still had his problems but he’s greatly improved. Hugo says it was all you. Yet, you knew that he played a part as well. Sadly, you didn’t see Amanda often. She was still in college, plus working a photographer career. She was always busy. You found yourself one day looking over old pictures. Of you and Alex. It had been a long time but you still let yourself grieve over him every now and then. There was one in particular that you stared at for awhile. Amanda the day you adopted her. You sighed, remembering the feeling you had when you adopted her. For some reason, these thoughts filled your mind for a long time. You thought about walking out into the living room and seeing Hugo holding a baby in his arms. Your heart melted as you created domestic situations in your head. You wanted to tell Hugo. But you were scared. You didn’t want him to think you wanted to replace Ernest. That wasn’t the case at all. You loved Ernest! You just wanted that experience again. You wanted it with Hugo.

“What’s on your mind?” Hugo said, making you jump and look up from the couch. “Oh..it’s nothing” You say and smile at him. He raised an eyebrow. This was something you hated about dating a teacher. He was… surprisingly good at knowing your mind. It’s like he’s studied your behavior. Which you wouldn’t be surprised by but that meant he could see through your stubborn stubborn ways. You sighed and told him to sit. Then you began to ramble.

"I…I know we both have kids and both of them are or are about to be out of the house. I wasn’t there for most of Ernest's life and you were only a teacher in Amanda’s.“ You took a breath to compose yourself. "Sorry, this has just been on my mind for awhile so I’m over thinking. Hugo…I've been thinking about us adopting a child together. I’m not trying to replace our kids. I just want that experience with you.” You bit your lip, scared for the response but when you looked up he was smiling and was slightly blushing.

"Y/N. You shouldn’t have hidden this from me. I understand you aren't trying to replace anyone. I’m not going to say yes right away, but I’m not opposed to the idea. Raising a child with you sounds wonderful, we’ll talk more about it" His words made you smile widely and you threw yourself into him. He laughed and his strong arms wrapped around you.

"I love you, Hugo"

“I love you too, Y/N.”

Craig: The idea had been in your head for a bit. It wasn’t really eating away at you. Since you already had 3 to deal with. The twins were in highschool now and River was 5. Let’s just say you had your hands full. You’d be lying if you said it wasn’t worth it. You and Craig were always very family oriented and loved kids.

The idea was thrown out casually. Smashley had the kids and you two were just finishing a run. You decided to just throw a ball around to catch your breath. After awhile of this, the conversation went to family.

"I've always had an image of a huge family” you hummed. Craig laughed. “Bro, I know. You drunk rambled about wanting 11 kids one time in college” You rolled your eyes. “not that big smartass.” He chuckled

“Well you definitely got that dream. 2 highschoolers and a toddler. It’s rough” you chuckled and responded “yeah, times just flew by. It feels like yesterday I went to Briar and Hazel’s first softball game. Well first time I saw them I mean"

Craig hummed in agreement and you continued. "Recently I think I’ve caught baby fever. Getting another kids been on my mind.” Craig hummed, thinking for a moment.

"I’ll think about that," he said send grinned “having another kid wouldn’t be too bad. I’ve done it 3 times already” He said and you chuckled. You went to speak again but suddenly the ball hit your head. “Craig!"

Mat: Time flew by with Mat but they were the best years. It wasn’t crazy and wild. Quiet the opposite it was calm and warm. Mat was amazing in so many ways. Him and Carminsita brought you so much joy. Yet, Carminsita was 17 now. It was so weird. It felt like yesterday she was being mentored by Amanda. Her lighthearted spirit still burst through her. She was always smiling and bouncing. She just had a sense of maturity that wasn’t there before. You and her had grown close. You’d both catch each other walking around the house in the middle of the night and eventually ended up watching s movie on the couch together. One conversation brought up the idea of kids. Carminsita started gushing about how she’s always wanted a little sister or brother. You could see her eyes shine as she spoke about it. You loved the childlike wonder she still held onto to. After that night you thought about what it would be like to get another kid. You smiled as you thought about raising a child with Mat. It warmed your heart. You needed to tell him but thinking about his possible reactions made you a hit nervous. Simply because you didn’t know what he would say.

One night as you lied in bed with Mat, your head on his bare chest. You hummed before saying "c-can I ask you something?” You say. Mat jumps a bit, a little startled by you breaking the silence. He hummed and nodded his head. You took a deep breath and spoke “how would you feel about…about adopting another kid…I completely understand if you don’t want to. I just really want to raise a kid with you. It’s not like I’m trying to replace Carminsita I just-” you were cut off by a tired chuckle.

“Breathe, Y/N,” he said. You realized how fast you were talking and sighed out an apology. He ran his hands through your hair. “That actually sounds lovely…I-I’ve been thinking about raising a kid with you for awhile…plus Carminsita has been begging for a sibling for years” He said before chuckling. You smiled and pressed a kiss to his chest. He kissed your head in return. “We’ll talk more in the morning. Goodnight, Y/N"

"Goodnight” You sighed happily.

Damien: The thought first came to you as you lied next to a sleeping Damien, his long hair laying messily over his face. You smiled as he slept. He looked so peaceful. You sighed and let your thoughts wander. You thought about Lucien, who moved out and graduated a year ago. You and Lucien grew close but the two years with him felt like a blur. You grew sad over it. You missed having a kid around the house. You also really want to see Damien with a baby or toddler. It was so cute to think about. Soon enough you fell asleep, dreaming of Damien holding a child on his hip as they walked through the garden.

“Darling?” Damien said, pulling you from your zone out. You looked up and smiled. “Morning love” You said and kissed his cheek. “Tea?” He smiled and nodded. You nuzzled up to him as you two drank tea. “Dear, are you alright. You’ve seemed to be acting off lately. Like something is resting in your thoughts. It’s completely okay if you don’t want to share. I just want to make sure you’re alright” You smiled at his words. Damien really cared about you and it was great knowing that. You turned to him.

“I’ve just…hm how do I say this?… I’ve been thinking. I..I really miss having a kid around and I would love to experience raising a kid with you. Thinking about adopting a child with you…has been chewing at my thoughts” you admitted. Damien hummed and thought for a moment.

"I think we’ll need to think about it and look into it more. Seeing what age is best for us and things of that nature. I think the idea is lovely.“ He smiled and kissed your cheek "you don’t have to hide these things from me. Especially something like that. I have no problem with raising a kid with you."

You smiled and hugged him tightly, thankful you had such an amazing husband.

Joseph: Why do you want more kids? You ask yourself. You have 5 If you added your kid to the mix. It was definitely exhausting. When you started thinking about getting another kid you almost slapped yourself. But it was eating at you. Maybe it was because you wanted to fully raise a kid with Joseph? No idea. Either way, you should probably tell Joseph. Since it was quite literally eating at your thoughts.

You brought it up very randomly, catching Joseph off guard. Well. You kinda brought it up. You suddenly asked him if he’d ever want another kid. He said maybe. After that, you brought up children a lot. One day Joseph sighs.

"Y/N, something is telling me you want another kid” Your cheeks heat up and you stutter before sighing “ I do…I know 6 kids is a lot. I just…I dunno. I think I want to raise a kid fully with you.” Josephs cheeks heated and it was silent for a moment. He soon smiled and wrapped his arms around you. “That sounds amazing. I would love nothing more than to raise another kid with you” You felt joy run through you. You threw yourself on him, hugging him tightly. He laughed and hugged you back.

Brain: 4 years. It doesn’t feel like 4 years. It’s been so quick. You’ve seen Daisy grow up into the mature teenager she is. She’s the most mature 14 year old you’ve ever seen. It made you smile. Daisy had really gotten close to you. You were happy you had her for awhile longer. You still have time to watch her grow. One day, it was just you and Daisy. Those days were always nice. Your talks together always amazed you. She was so mature. Daisy hummed and started talking about siblings. How’s she always wanted a little sibling. You hummed and asked her how’d she feel if they adopted another kid. The look in her eyes showed it all and you chuckled. You both began to discuss names and how the two of you would love and spoil the kid to death. After that day you realized how much you wanted another kid. You and Brian we’re financially stable so money wouldn’t be an issue and Brian is definitely a family person. Daisy could babysit when needed. It all seemed to fall together. You decided you were going to talk to Brian about it. You hadn’t figured out when but the conversation ended up being started by Brian. “Y/N!” He called. “Yes?” You called back. You looked up and saw Brian walking into the room. He looked at you for a bit before saying “do you want more kids?”

“You’re just gonna throw that out at 9 in the morning?” You said and chuckled. You shuffled on the couch so Brian could sit. You nuzzled into his chest when he got sat down. “I’m not opposed to having more kids. That sounds lovely actually. Why do you ask?” “Cause Daisy keeps talking about wanting a baby brother.” He chuckled “Her saying that made me realize, having another kid might be nice” You started laughing.

“Oh. It’s nothing. It’s just. Me and Daisy talked about that. She made me realize that too.” Brian chuckled.

“Well, seems like the whole family wants a new member"

"Guess so.” You smile and kissed his cheek. He kissed your head and you lied there for awhile. Thinking about all that the future holds now.

Robert: So much has happened the past few years. After about a year after the party, he came to your door and 2 in the morning and asked if you still had feelings for him because he felt ready for something. In which you responded “Robert, from the bottom of my heart, I love hearing that you’re ready for this and I’d love to take that step but it’s 2 in the morning.” You said with a tired voice “I’m still not sure if I’m awake” That was s fun night once you woke up s bit more. Robert had really really improved. He was 2 years sober now and you were beyond proud of him. You also lived together now. Which didn’t change much since before the move one of you was always at the others house anyway. The past two years things had gotten more… domestic. Since Robert was going sober and you were going sober with him. You didn’t have a problem but you knew having someone do something hard with you eases the stress. There was no more late night bar hopping. Cryptid hunting lasted but the two of you had more lazy mornings, less really late nights. You cooked the two of you breakfast once. Robert teased you about being cheesy but soon realized he made an accidental pun and couldn’t stop laughing. Robert was a lot happier. Looking physically better as well. You weren’t sure when the thought came up but you thought about having a kid with him a lot. With Robert doing better and life being more domestic, the thought of children seemed… really nice.

“Robert” you said as the two if you were in the kitchen, sipping coffee. You on the counter, him pouring another mug of coffee for himself. He made a noise. “Can I ask you something"

"Shoot, kid” You took a sip before speaking. “This might seem out of the blue. Well it is. And I understand if you don’t like the idea. But. I’ve been thinking. I’m wondering..how do you feel about the idea of… adopting a kid with me"

Silence. You felt instant regret. His face was unreadable as he processed what you said.

"Y/N…I…look. I like…I want to raise s kid with you. But I just…I don’t know if I’m ready for that. And I’m…I don’t to make the same mistakes again. I don’t want to disappoint you…I….” He sighed and bit his lip. You hoped off the counter and kissed him gently before hugging him.

"I understand if you’re not ready. I didn’t expect you to immediately want to. Just remember, you’re doing amazing. I love you and you could never disappoint me.“

His arms weakly wrapped around you.

"Thank you…"

"No problem” you smiled and kissed his cheek.

- Mod Tristan

#Anonymous #ddadds imagine #ddadds #dream daddy #dream daddy: a dad dating simulator #robert small #damien bloodmarch #brian harding #joseph christiansen #mat sella #craig cahn #hugo vega #mod tristan

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