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badgersprite · 1 year

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My 2023 Eurovision Top 37!

It's that time again! That time where I give my thoughts on the Eurovision songs of the year ahead of the contest.

Lowkey I think this has turned into a way stronger year than people expected. I don't think there are any ~objectively~ bad songs honestly, even the songs I don't care for this year it's mostly not because they're bad so much as it's because they're just OK, and this has been the hardest top 10 I can remember having to pick since I started ranking Eurovision. This is my favourite top 10 I've had in a while. I literally cannot split my Top 4 songs in terms of how much I love them, it's basically a four-way tie that fluctuates with my mood.

OK, with that said, I'm going to do something different than I usually do and countdown my Top 37 in REVERSE order!

37. POLAND - BLANKA - Solo

Yeah, OK, this just isn't for me. This is an entirely personal thing but it's got that, like, white-people reggae beat that irks me? You know like how in the same way that Meghan Trainor does a really milquetoast soulless version of doo-wop? This sounds like reggae as interpreted by Meghan Trainor

And yes I mean that as an insult.

36. ROMANIA - THEODOR ANDREI - D.G.T (Off and On)

It starts as it means to go on and never really goes anywhere. If you don't like it in the first three seconds you're not going to like the next three minutes.

35. CYPRUS - ANDREW LAMBROU - Break a Broken Heart

Generic Eurovision sad boy song. Does nothing for me.

34. LITHUANA - MONIKA LINKYTĖ - Stay

I cannot stand this chorus. Gets some points for doing a bit more than the generic Eurovision ballad with the gospel choir.

33. SWITZERLAND - REMO FORRER - Watergun

Oof. Yeah, no. Points for good production and the great voice but to me the attempt at a serious anti-war message using lyrics like "I don't want to play with real blood" is jarring in a bad way.

32. ALBANIA - ALBINA & FAMILJA KELMENDI - Duje

I normally like Albania's Eurovision entries but this year is a break from tradition. To me the song comes across as kind of messy and structurally weird, I can never really get into it. There is also A LOT of Eurovision that basically sounds exactly like this to me. I feel like I heard this exact song multiple times in the 2000s.

31. SAN MARINO - PIQUED JACKS - Like An Animal

Don't like the song or the guy's voice but the guitar sounds alright, I guess? It's honestly kind of hard to rank the entries that you don't particularly care for lol. I have no strong feelings about this song at all, I don't even remember it as I'm writing this.

30. ARMENIA - BRUNETTE - Future Lover

OK, ballads aren't really my thing. It takes a lot for me to connect with a ballad. There's things about this song that I like, but I can't change that I don't connect with it. And if it doesn't evoke any particular feeling from me and I'm not super here for it musically because it's not my kind of song/genre to start, then I can't exactly pretend that I like it more than other songs I've put higher than this.

29. ESTONIA - ALIKA - Bridges

I like this a lot more now than I did the first time I heard it where I was literally rolling my eyes at it, but even with me recognising the quality in this song and connecting with it more than Future Lover, it doesn't finish any higher than this unfortunately.

28. AZERBAIJAN - TURALTURANX - Tell Me More

Kiss me, out of the bearded barley, nightly, beside the green green grass--oh wait that's not the song? Yeah, this is a very forgettable, kind of meh song, nothing that stands out about it, but sonically it sounds very pleasant, I like the chords that remind me of Sixpence None The Richer and in that regard I like it more than the songs below it on this list.

27. ITALY - MARCO MENGONI - Due Vite

Yeah, again, this is another Eurovision ballad I don't particularly care for, but that piano riff is very nice. I like that about it. I like it more now than I did the first time I heard it. It's perfectly fine.

26. GERMANY - LORD OF THE LOST - Blood and Glitter

Oh, OK, now we're out of the ballad zone and into the fun and interesting stuff. I'm glad that stuff like this is here in the contest this year (even though I wanted Melodies of Hope to represent Germany lol), the problem is that even as someone who isn't really into this kind of music, it's just kind of an OK example of its genre.

25. CROATIA - LET 3 - Mama ŠČ

Hahaha, OK, I might enjoy this more than most people, but I'm glad these guys are here, they're a laugh. And I don't think the song is that bad at all, I actually quite enjoy the chorus.

24. NETHERLANDS - MIA NICOLAI & DION COOPER - Burning Daylight

I connected with this ballad a little. The ending is particularly good. But it doesn't really hold up for me on repeat listens. It's not a song I expect to ever listen to again after the contest. Until maybe one day I do listen to it when I'm sad and suddenly I'm crying my eyes out, and on that day I'll love it. But until then it's perfectly fine.

23. IRELAND - WILD YOUTH - We Are One

This sounds like the final song from a Disney Channel movie about a plucky high school rock band and their wacky adventures. Like you know the main guy almost left the band but then he comes back at the end and he sings this song when they reunite. That being said even though this is very annoyingly facile and I am totally aware of that, I like the way it sounds. And I should like the way it sounds because it's so inoffensive that it was probably designed in a lab to use the chord progressions that appeal to the most people.

22. ICELAND - DILJÁ - Power

Again, kind of a generic pop song that sounds like it could be from any point in the past 30 years, but I enjoy her vocal and the breakbeat. I do keep forgetting what this song sounds like though. That's not a great sign for it.

21. GREECE - VICTOR VERNICOS - What They Say

I'm kind of surprised that this is this high, but I just find myself liking the way it sounds more than the songs below it, even though it doesn't evoke any real feelings from me at all. This is almost certainly going to be a song I don't remember a year from now.

20. LATVIA - SUDDEN LIGHTS - Aijã

OK we're now at the point where I straight up like every song from here down. Love the complex rhythms and time signature changes. Is this the first Eurovision song to be in 5/8? I don't know, but I think it's definitely the first Eurovision song to switch from 5/8 to 6/8.

19. UKRAINE - TVORCHI - Heart of Steel

This song came out so early in Eurovision season that I almost kind of took for granted how good this is. This song really has a presence. It feels big and makes you pay attention, and it's not a genre we really get at Eurovision much so it stands out a lot, for the right reasons.

18. MOLDOVA - PASHA PARFENY - Soarele Şi Luna

I'm really enjoying the trend in Eurovision to have traditional folk music elements mixed with electronic music. It's always a vibe.

17. UNITED KINGDOM - MAE MULLER - I Wrote A Song

Yeah, this is a super fun song. I like it. I like it a lot. I might just be a tiny bit too old to vibe with this song as much as some people, it has a little bit of TikTok about it, but this is the kind of music the UK should have been sending for years.

16. AUSTRALIA - VOYAGER - Promise

I don't like this as much as Dreamer but I think people are underselling how good this song actually is. I enjoy Voyager. They sound a bit like The Presets and The Potbelleez. They take me back to when I was still in high school lol.

15. ISRAEL - NOA KIREL - Unicorn

OK sure the unicorn lyric is fucking stupid, but it knows it's stupid. This song is not above being stupid. And I'm not above loving it.

14. SERBIA - LUKE BLACK - Samo Mi Se Spava

This speaks to teenage me on a deep level. Like it's got a lot of Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle vibes about it. And I've never really stopped liking this kind of music. The synth riff in this song makes it.

13. NORWAY - ALESSANDRA - Queen of Kings

Yeah that's right I said it, Queen of Kings isn't in my top 10. I told you this is a good year. This song is an event. It's like an EDM sea shanty. It's extremely catchy. It does lose its lustre a bit after repeat listens. But, like, live? It's going to be amazing.

12. AUSTRIA - TEYA & SALENA - Who the Hell is Edgar?

Oh we're going FULL Eurovision this year, huh? Wow we've got like multiple meme songs and most of them are great. This song has no business being as good as it is.

11. PORTUGAL - MIMICAT - Ai Coração

I did not expect to love this song as much as I do. But it's great. It makes me feel extremely happy every time I listen to it. I think I feel about this song the way a lot of people felt about Moldova last year.

10. SLOVENIA - JOKER OUT - Carpe Diem

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We got ourselves an indie rock banger at Eurovision. This song is just pure quality. It's catchy as hell and you can dance to it. You know you'd think it's not easy to get songs stuck in your head when you don't speak the language, but this is the type of song that shows how universal and transcendent music really is.

9. BELGIUM - GUSTAPH - Because of You

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Girlies. Listen. I am a homosexual. 90s Eurodance defines who I am. As a person. I will never abandon 90s Eurodance. I have a spiritual connection with this kind of music. There is absolutely nothing objective about me putting this here, but it makes me happy and speaks to my little gay soul in a way nothing else can do. Highkey, I love that this song is so self-aware about how 90s it is that it's in early 90s MTV black and white with the old 90s TV aspect ratio.

8. FINLAND - KÄÄRIJÄ - Cha Cha Cha

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And the award for most Eurovision song of Eurovision 2023 goes to...

Seriously though where else but in Eurovision could this song exist? Describing it doesn't really do it justice, it's just something you need to experience. And this belongs in the annals of songs you show people to capture the essence of what Eurovision is along with stuff like Verka Serduchka.

7. GEORGIA - IRU - Echo

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Georgia was the last country to release their song, this only just came out, and HOLY CRAP. I have barely had time to process my thoughts but this is so up my alley. I think this is also the first time I've liked a song from Georgia since like 2015/2016? So, honestly, slay. Georgia have had the worst qualification record in recent years. This song should break that. It deserves to. It's amazing. And the STYLING in this video makes me incredibly excited to see it staged live.

6. MALTA - THE BUSKER - Dance (Our Own Party)

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Listen, Eurovision + Saxophone = $$$. I don't make the rules I just live by them. This song is a straight up good vibe and I dig an epic sax. I don't have very complex thoughts about this song as its appeal to me is entirely unintellectual and coming directly from some base id lizard brain inside me, but like it's a fun party song you can dance to. What's not to like? And what else do you really need at Eurovision?

5. DENMARK - REILEY - Breaking My Heart

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This is pure pop perfection. I'm surprised that this isn't as popular with Eurofans as I think it should be. But this is the most like the music I listen to outside the contest. Electronic pop with a summery, almost 80s esque synth bass rhythm. I'm so here for it. This is the kind of contemporary music I love to hear on the radio. People are sleeping on this song, but I'm not.

OK for real before I get into my Top 4, all these remaining songs are my actual babies. I have never had four songs in the same Eurovision that I've loved this much. On any given day any one of these four songs could be my top. I want all of them to win, if any one of them does I'm thrilled. But this is how I feel about them today, in this order.

4. SPAIN - BLANCA PALOMA - EAEA

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This right here. This is why I love Eurovision. I have literally never heard anything like this in my life before, and I adore it. This isn't just music, babes, this is art. The modern production mixed with traditional flamenco rhythm speaks to the culturally Spanish heart of this song, evoking the traditional Spanish lullaby sounds sung to babies when they are crying.

The lyrics are beautiful too. A sample translated to English:

Oh, come to me, child of mine

Sleep by my side

Because in my chest there’s a shelter

A little shelter for your grief

My child, when I die

May they bury me in the Moon

So that I’ll see you every night

Every night but one

3. FRANCE - LA ZARRA - Évidemment

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I love how unapologetically French France always is at Eurovision. I hope they never change. Honestly, this is just a total serve and a total slay. The biggest "Yaas Queen" moment of Eurovision 2023, and she owns it. La Zarra exudes boundless charisma as she mixes classic chanson with a Dua Lipa-esque disco revival beat and bassline. Seriously, she's got stage presence other artists can only dream of. They don't need to change the staging at all for Eurovision from what they did in the music video. I wouldn't be shocked if this is even better live than it already is and unexpectedly snatches the crown.

2. CZECHIA - VESNA - My Sister's Crown

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How to say 'fuck you' to Putin in four languages. This was SO, SOOO close to being my top song. It's been in my head ever since it came out. I love everything about it. Once again, music like this is why I love Eurovision. The voices of Vesna combine together to sound like an epic traditional Slavic folk women's choir, but then they mix that with in-your-face modern production and rap. When's the last time you heard Bulgarian rap? This whole song is just straight fire.

1. SWEDEN - LOREEN - Tattoo

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Listen. This is a Loreen stan account. I have always been a Loreen stan account. I refuse to apologise for it. I embrace what I am. Loreen is my favourite Eurovision artist of all time. Not just in Eurovision, but for her work outside of Eurovision. Yes, more than ABBA. Hell, she's possibly my favourite pop artist full stop. Heal is one of the greatest underrated pop albums of all time. I love everything about her as an artist. She has one of my favourite voices I've ever heard. And I adore how she uses every inch of her body as a canvas for performance art to tell a story. I just adore Loreen, and I love this song. Even with me trying to keep my Loreen bias out of it, I can't not put this song first. That second verse, bridge and chorus are just a cosmic event that eclipses everything else for me, even before it gets to the end.

So will this be the year that Sweden ties Ireland not only in having 7 wins at the contest, but having the first two-time winner since Johnny Logan? Bitch it might be. Catch me in Gothenburg next year

That's it, go home now :P

#eurovision #esc #eurovision song contest #Youtube

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goosewhisker · 3 years

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this crooked posture (is all you’ve ever known)

read this on ao3 || read this on fanfiction.net

i wrote this whole thing in a span of about 5 days :pensive: as u can maybe tell i have a lot of feelings abt that one conversation btwn scourge and jules...there is so much potential here and im sad we never got to see it

as far as timeline goes- this would probably take place in the pre-boot universe about six months or so after scourge & co escape from zone jail. the destructix are camping out on mobius for the time being to avoid drawing zonic's attention and knothole has wrapped up the ixis naugus/metal sally arcs.

Summary: Fiona heads off with a wave, and he's left where he started - staring through a window into a nearly-empty kitchen, looking in on a life was never his and never will be. Inside, the robian sets bacon on the stovetop to fry and starts making toast, blissfully unaware of the hedgehog just outside. It's hard to tell on a robot, obviously, but he looks perfectly content with his life. Happy, even.

Pathetic.

Or: Scourge avoids his problems, Fiona is exasperated, and Jules is mostly oblivious.

It's the early hours of the morning. So early, in fact, that it shouldn't even technically be called morning because it's still basically nighttime and no one sane is up right now.

Which is probably why the idiotic robian is up at five o'clock in the morning, puttering around in the kitchen and making breakfast. There's literally no reason for it. It's not like he can eat anything, after all, and his stupid son lives off chilidogs, so he's not going to eat it. And his stupid wife isn't getting up for like two hours, so she's not eating it either. See? Idiocy.

Yet another thing that their universes seem to have in common.

"What are you doing?"

Scourge almost shrieks - key word is almost, 'cause he's too cool to scream like a dork - and tackles Fiona into the bushes. "Shhh!"

Fiona splutters indignantly and a second later her fist bounces off his jaw, which, ow. "Are you nuts? Get off me!"

"Shhhut up!" Scourge throws a quick glance over his shoulder at the window. No one's come outside to investigate, so hopefully no one's heard. He rolls off her a second later. "You wanna get us arrested, woman?"

"Hey, I'm a legal citizen of this universe!" Fiona protests. "If anything, it's you who's getting arrested, Mr.-Snooping-Through-Other-People's-Windows. That's so creepy."

"We're both wanted criminals here; if we get caught, we're going down together," Scourge points out, graciously ignoring her last comment. "And anyway, I'm... gathering intel."

Fiona snorts. "Pull the other one, Scourge. That's not gonna work on me." Crossing her arms, she adds, "You've been gathering intel every night for the past week. And I know you're technically the same person, but watching Sonic sleep is really weird."

"I'm not watching him," Scourge snaps before he can help himself.

"Oh?" Fiona's eyes glint and it's then that Scourge realizes he's slipped. "Then who are you watching?"

"Uhhh..." Scourge fidgets while trying not to look like he's fidgeting. "No one. I'm just passing through, not watching anything. Why'd I want to do that anyway?" He forces a laugh. "So lame."

Fiona regards him with a flat stare. "Your fingerprints are smudged all over the window."

"What?" Scourge whips around to check the window. He'd been so careful not to leave any traces of his visits, but-

Waitaminute.

"Very funny," Scourge growls into his gloved hands. Fiona snickers.

"Look, if you don't want to tell me, I won't make you," she says, standing up and brushing the dirt off her pants. "But I'll find out eventually. And if this new obsession of yours endangers yourself or the team, I'm going to put a stop to it."

"Yeah, yeah," Scourge mutters, waving her off. "Get lost."

"Mhm. We still on for that movie night?"

"'course. See you there, babe."

Fiona heads off with a wave, and he's left where he started - staring through a window into a nearly-empty kitchen, looking in on a life was never his and never will be. Inside, the robian sets bacon on the stovetop to fry and starts making toast, blissfully unaware of the hedgehog just outside. It's hard to tell on a robot, obviously, but he looks perfectly content with his life. Happy, even.

Pathetic.

Scourge kicks the side of the house, suddenly incandescently furious with everything. Inside, Jules looks up in surprise, but Scourge is already gone.

"I need to stop," Scourge says later. The movie is over - some samurai flick that Simian had picked out and Lightning had ruined with his constant nitpicking - and they'd gone out for ice cream afterwards (read: robbed that nice gelato place downtown). Getting used to having teammates again is... something, Scourge supposes. But it's not completely terrible.

"You need to stop," Fiona agrees. She's texting furiously, slouched into the ratty couch in their current hideout with Scourge's head on her lap.

"It's just weird seeing him alive, is all," Scourge tells the ceiling. "That's all it is. Like, when you see something weird, and you just gotta look at it. It doesn't mean anything."

"Are you trying to convince yourself or me?"

"Not tryin' to convince anyone. I'm just saying what it is."

Fiona sets down her phone with a sigh. "Look, you gotta stop hurting yourself like this."

Scourge sits up a little too fast. "Hurting myself? What? Babe, have you forgotten who you're talking to? I'm Scourge the Hedgehog, I don't hurt."

Fiona gives that all the acknowledgment it deserves, which is none. "I told you about the... the prison, when I was a kid," she says. Scourge falls silent. "I went back there a few times, after I was big enough to handle myself. There wasn't a reason, really. I just thought I had to see it. And it sort of helped the first time - I cleaned out all the bots and made sure that place couldn't hold anyone ever again - but after that, I just went back again and again because it made me hurt and that felt good. Because I was hurting anyway, and being able to make it worse when I wanted to made me feel like I could control it."

Scourge doesn't say anything.

"But that wasn't true," Fiona says. Her voice shakes just a little, and without thinking Scourge takes her hand. It's stupid (sentimental) but she smiles faintly. "I wasn't healing or in control or anything. I was just hurting myself. And I can't stand watching you do the same."

"Babe," Scourge begins hoarsely.

"Tell me it's not the same," Fiona says flatly. "Or tell me- tell me that if I went back to that prison and crawl through that tunnel I dug with my own hands and relive every moment of the hell I went through, that you wouldn't stop me. That you would watch me do it."

He can't tell her that. He can't tell her that and she knows it.

Scourge looks away.

Fiona sighs and runs her hand along his spines. "He's not your dad, Scourge," she says quietly. "He's an entirely different person. Hurting yourself isn't going to make anything better."

"Okay," Scourge agrees. "Okay." Then, after a moment, "Thanks, babe."

Fiona smiles again, and there's something so sad about it he squeezes her hand again (uncool, but it's not like there's anyone else to see it). "No problem, hun."

He goes back again the next day.

This time, the wife is there too.

Scourge crouches in the massive oak tree beside the window, pretending he doesn't feel like a massive creep. His green fur blends neatly with the leaves, rendering him all but invisible to any casual observers, particularly when it's not-quite-light. With luck, it'll fool robian eyes as well.

Anyway.

Scourge doesn't remember his mother. She was simply never in the picture; whether because of death or divorce he never knew. Generally, he suspects the latter - months upon months of neglect, of being constantly passed over and ignored for the more important burdens of the state and the good of the people - yeah, he can see how a divorce would happen. Not that he'll ever know now.

The hedgehog in the kitchen doesn't look neglected. She throws her arms around the robian, not seeming to mind the cold metal, and dances around him as they prepare breakfast. The robian, in turn, leans into her touches and takes advantage of a moment of distraction to dab pancake batter on her nose. It's disgusting. Scourge gags.

Part of him wonders what he's gaining out of this. Hiding in a tree, spying on some losers and their dumb domestic life - not exactly fitting behavior for the former king of Moebius, after all.

It's not... It's not that Fiona's right. It's not like he's hurting himself - like he told Fiona, he's Scourge the Hedgehog. He doesn't do that emotions garbage. That kind of wimpiness is more Sonic's thing.

(Let alone that Fiona had said it happened to her. Let alone that she's usually right, and that she's one of the strongest people he knows.)

He's just curious. That's all. Nothing more, nothing less.

(The voice in his head sounding suspiciously like Fiona whispers, Yeah, right.)

Inside the kitchen, the robian starts flipping pancakes. For a second, Scourge tries to imagine his own father like that: Jules the Hedgehog, king of Moebius, flipping pancakes in a frilly pink apron and laughing with his wife. Arguing over who gets to wake up their son. Talking and hugging and laughing and living -

- and the illusion dissipates. Jules wouldn't set foot in a kitchen. He had servants to do that kind of thing, just like he had servants to take care of his son.

Scourge drops down from the tree branch and lands lightly on his feet. He's done here. He slinks off into the streets, hiding his face from the strengthening sunlight as synthetic laughter rings out behind him.

"Hey, Simian," Scourge says a few days later.

Simian continues lifting weights without slowing. "Yes?"

Scourge likes Simian, as much as he likes anyone. The ape is steady and has a solid head on his shoulders, and while it's kind of a drag most times, he does occasionally have helpful bits of advice. And when he goes loose on the battlefield, he can be really fun to fight alongside.

So that, plus the fact that Hawk doesn't care and Lightning would probably make fun of him and he'd rather eat his own shoes than talk to Fly, makes him Scourge's best option.

Scourge swings his legs back and forth as they dangle off the chair and tries to think of a way to broach it. He just needs to be subtle, right? "When was the last time you saw your parents?"

And maybe that wasn't super subtle after all, because Simian stops in the middle of his workout session (he never stops in the middle of a workout session) to stare at him. It feels... extremely uncomfortable, actually, wow. Scourge hops up and starts his stretches (anything to avoid looking back).

"When I last left my village, I was eighteen," Simian says at last. He sounds thoughtful, which is never a good sign. "That was several years ago... six years, I believe."

"That long, huh?" Scourge moves to quad stretches. "You're pretty old, man. Slowing down anytime soon?"

He's rewarded with a sharp grin. "I'm not that old. Though I suppose most people look slow next to you."

"Damn straight!"

"Why do you ask?"

And that's the issue - when even Scourge isn't sure why he's asking. He takes his time answering. "Oh, you know... just curious. Ever think about 'em?"

There's another ponderous silence, which mostly just succeeds in making Scourge antsy. Well, antsier.

"Sometimes," Simian says. "But I am a dedicated member of this team. You can rest assured of that."

And that's nice, but it's not what he's asking-

"...but that's not what you're asking, is it?"

Scourge freezes. Is he just that transparent? Why can everyone suddenly read his mind now? "What're you on about, man?" he deflects.

Simian shakes his head. "I do miss them, sometimes. It is natural for children to miss their parents."

"Not me!" Scourge laughs, and if it comes out a little too sharp, well, who's to blame him?

"Of course," Simian says, sounding vaguely indulgent. "Does that satisfy your curiosity?"

"Uh, sure," Scourge lies. "A little heavy on the oversharing, but it's cool." And then he scarpers, because if super speed's good for anything it's for escaping uncomfortable conversations. Simian doesn't say anything about it later, and thank Chaos because he doesn't think he'd be able to face Fiona if she ever got wind of that little talk.

The next time he's in town, Scourge picks up a new set of woodworking knives and leaves it on Simian's equipment. It's not like he's gone soft, buying presents for his friends or whatever, Scourge tells himself. He's just... buying Simian's silence. It's a bribe, is all.

(Simian saves him some extra ice cream the night after and that's that.)

It is natural for children to miss their parents, Simian had said. Ha! As if. Scourge hasn't missed his old man a day of his life and he's not about to start now.

... that'd carry more weight if he wasn't spending two or three mornings a week moping outside their kitchen.

Scourge sips his frappe and pretends he's not sulking. Right now, he's outside some random diner in Knothole in full disguise, complete with a trenchcoat, fedora, and sunglasses. He was honestly expecting someone to stop him before now - this kind of garb is about as suspicious as it gets - but no one seemed to even notice anything out of the ordinary. Idiots.

Fiona would kill him if she knew the kind of risks he's taking - which, of course, is why she doesn't need to know.

Scourge checks the time. Seven o'clock, meaning the wife is just getting up and they're having breakfast right now - Chaos, he has their entire morning schedule memorized, doesn't he? Fiona was right, he is obsessed. Scourge slumps over the table and buries his head in his arms.

He can still turn this around. Knowing their schedule is useful, from a strategic standpoint; he could threaten them, take them hostage... even kill them. Sonic would be taken completely offguard. It would be simple. Easy. The smart thing to do.

Scourge's groan is only partially muffled by the table.

"...you alright, son?"

What-

Something electric shoots up his spine. Scourge's claws dig into the edges of the table with a crunch as he bolts upright. And there, before him, with a look so familiar but so foreign in his eyes is-

He's not the same.

His skin is metallic where it should be flesh, plated where it should be furred. His eyes burn a bright pixelated red when they should be brown. That stupid tuft of fur on his head is shining chrome that glints under the bright sun.

But the way he stands - colored though it is with a hint of a soldier's posture - that proud tilt of his chin, the gentleness in his hands as they reach out to him -

It's Jules.

It's different from seeing him in that dim, lamp-lit room. In the daylight, the differences are exaggerated - and so are the similarities.

For a second, Scourge can only see his dad standing there.

He reacts on instinct. Scourge rears back and smacks Jules' outstretched hand away. "Don't touch me!"

Jules straightens up, virtual eyes widening with shock. "I'm- I'm sorry, it looked like you were unhappy. I only meant to-"

"Well, don't," Scourge spits. "Get lost."

Jules looks at him longer and then, for some Chaos-forsaken reason, doesn't leave. Why isn't he leaving, Scourge thinks furiously, and only realizes he's breathing heavy when his breaths start coming too fast and harsh in his ears. Jules says something, but the words don't make sense and he can't tear his gaze away from the polished metal. Beneath his fingertips, the table starts to splinter.

And then there's warm hands on his shoulders, and a steady voice in his ears, saying, "Listen to me. Do you want me to leave?"

Nothing comes out of his throat. Scourge shakes helplessly. He wants him to leave, he wants him stay, he wants to never see him again. He wants his dad.

Jules must take it as permission to stay, because he doesn't leave. The grip on his shoulders is a solid, unmoving presence, and Scourge can't help but lean into it. "I'm going to count slowly. Try to match your breathing to my voice - it's alright if you can't. Starting now. One, two..."

For some completely batty reason, he tries, and it helps some. His breathing is a little too fast and a lot shaky, still, but it settles into a more even pace instead of the uncontrollable rush. Sense comes back slowly, and with it, an acute, uncomfortable awareness of what just happened.

Well. At least he's not crying.

Scourge stands abruptly, tearing himself from Jules' arms. The robian raises a brow but doesn't protest. "Are you feeling better?" he asks instead. It's entirely casual, with no hint of pity, and Scourge hates himself a little for being pathetically grateful.

"Peachy," Scourge snaps and whirls around, hiking up his collar. Jules isn't screaming yet, so he clearly hasn't realized who he is, and Scourge is in no hurry to correct him. Honestly, this hedgehog's stupidity knows no bounds.

"Well." The robian stands up, reaches for a grocery bag that Scourge only just realized was there, and adds, "Stay safe, son."

Scourge's vision briefly whites out from fury. "Don't call me that," he snarls and takes off running before Jules can reply.

He finds a secluded place in a lonely corner, throws his warp ring, and promises himself that he'll never go back.

Scourge does some research.

It's called a panic attack, apparently. Common among soldiers, which is probably why Jules knew what to do - he said he'd been on the front lines, hadn't he? Common among victims of PTSD, the website says, and Scourge scoffs and closes the tab. Trauma - ridiculous. Scourge doesn't do trauma. If anything, he gives it to other people.

He's still snickering at his joke when Hawk comes in to tell him that Finitevus called in with another job. Normally, Scourge would tell him to screw off, but he's offering a massive stack of Anarchy beryl in return - something they've been in short supply of since they ditched Moebius.

Scourge's body itches at the thought of going super again. He accepts.

Thirty minutes later, they're waist-deep in smashed Eggman bots and struggling to fend off a fresh wave while Fiona and Hawk bicker over the terminal.

"I'm telling you, if we do that, we'll get locked out of the system entirely!" Fiona snaps.

Hawk throws up his hands. "Fine! Ignore me! It's not like you literally just have to enter the code or anything!"

Scourge spindashes down the line of Eggpawns, smashing through them like paper. He hits the wall at the right angle to bounce right off and uncurls in midair to land on his feet.

"Wrap it up, guys!" he yells and ducks beneath a stray kunai. "Watch it, Lightning!"

"Thought you were supposed to be the fast one," Lightning calls back.

"And I thought you were supposed to be able to aim!"

"I can." Lightning flicks a wrist and Scourge drops backward into a roll to avoid the next kunai that comes his way. When he springs back onto his feet, ready to chew out the idiotic trigger-happy lynx, there's a Badnik pinned to the wall right where he'd been standing. Lightning shoots him a smug grin.

"Right back atcha," Scourge mutters and barrels through the cluster taking potshots at Hawk and Fi.

"Ugh, fine!" Fiona shoves Hawk away and starts typing furiously.

Scourge drops another five Badniks and skids to a stop as an Egg Launcher smashes through the wall directly in front of him. "Fiona!"

"Give us a minute," Hawk snarls back.

The Launcher brings its arms down to eye level and Scourge leaps into the air as its targeting system locks on - and then Fly drops out of nowhere onto on its shoulders. "Need help?" the frog giggles (sweet Chaos Scourge hates him) and rips the thing's head off. Scourge blitzes right through its chest.

As its body slumps bonelessly to the floor, another Launcher steps through the wall behind it... and another one. And another. Chaos.

"If those things unload all those missiles in here, we're going to have a problem," Lightning says, echoing Scourge's own thoughts.

"Out of the way," Simian grunts, swinging the first bot's disembodied missile launcher-slash-arm onto his shoulder and taking aim.

"Are you nuts, man?" Scourge yells. "Didn't you hear Lightning? You fire that thing and this whole building's going down!"

"Better have the exit ready, then," Simian returns evenly.

"Got it!" Fiona announces, jumping up from the terminal with a chip in hand. Hawk follows, looking severely disgruntled. "Turns out we really did just have to enter the code. Hah."

"I told you," Hawk begins, but Fiona waves him off.

"You were right once, don't go getting a big head. You got the ring ready, sweetie?"

"Everyone over here! You miss the ring, we're leavin' you behind!" Scourge doesn't wait for a response and throws the warp ring. The portal spins into existence, glistening faintly in the electric light, and they all pile in. Simian fires off a final missile salvo before the ring vanishes and they tumble haphazardly into the Doc's lair to the sound of the entire base going up.

For a second, no one moves, too tired and bruised and tangled together to bother getting up. Lightning sighs heavily from the bottom of the heap. Scourge laughs.

"I trust you have what I asked for?" Finitevus asks from literally two feet away, and Scourge isn't even going to question how he knew where they'd end up. After all, they are at his mercy inside his weird evil lair, and Scourge knows how to be tactful.

Scourge props himself up on an elbow. "So do you like, practice being creepy, or is it natural?"

Without looking, Fiona smacks him in the back of the head.

"Ow!"

"We have it," Fiona says, extricating herself from the tangle. Scourge considers tripping her as she walks past, decides against it, and settles for hooking his ankle around Hawk's heel as he stands up. The bird goes down with a satisfying squawk right on top of Lightning and the ensuing chaos lets Scourge hop up onto his own feet.

Fiona ignores it.

"All the files relating to the roboticization process are on this USB," she says, holding it out. Finitevus takes it and, after a moment's inspection, slips it into his robes.

"So why'd you want that, Doc?" Scourge asks, adjusting his sunglasses. "Woulda thought that robot stuff wasn't quite your style."

"It is true that roboticization is a perversion of the natural order and representative of that which I seek to destroy," Finitevus concedes. "But I am not opposed to much that will give me the advantage against my nemeses. And I must admit the idea of enslaving your opponent's will to your own has a certain... charm."

Scourge and Fiona exchange a look - of the literally why is he like this and the why do we talk to him again variety - and Scourge shoves his hands in his pockets and steps up. "Uh... yeah, man. Totally. Anyway, if we're done here, can we have the beryl now?"

"Of course. But first, I have one more task for you."

Scourge scoffs disbelievingly. "Are you kidding? The deal was we break into Eggman's lab, steal your stupid information, and hand it over. We've done that. It took like forever and it was a massive pain in the butt the whole time, we are not adding anything else onto that and that's final."

"...I'll double the amount of beryl."

Scourge hesitates.

... which is how they ended up here. Scourge crouches on the windy rooftop, tugging his dumb fancy suit jacket closer and hoping idly that something happens soon. "Can we go in yet?" he asks.

Hawk, who's busy adjusting his own disguise, shakes his head. "You really have no patience at all, do you?"

"Nope!" Scourge tugs on his overly-tight tie and mostly just makes it worse. "How 'bout now?"

"If you were any good at infiltration, Fiona would've let you go in already," Hawk says. He's typing on his communicator, syncing all their devices into something they can actually use. It's not that Hawk's particularly adept at technology, or anything; it's just that all the rest of them are so abysmal at anything electric that tech duty usually falls to him or Fiona. "Unless Plan C falls through, you're not headed in 'till the last minute."

Scourge sighs loudly, letting his feet dangle off the edge of the building. "I could just walk in and grab him. They wouldn't even see me coming. Then we wouldn't have to spend a million years sitting out in the cold."

Hawk doesn't look up. "And then Sonic would pursue, and then we'd have to fight him off while trying to kidnap a geriatric former soldier without killing him. Which, given our previous track record..."

The bird trails off and Scourge grimaces. Yeah. They'd given up on kidnappings for a reason. They wouldn't have even considered this one if not for the offer of Anarchy beryl - which has been in extremely short supply recently, given they can't hop dimensions without instantly snagging Zonic's individual attention. And it's not like Scourge isn't flattered that the self-important dimensional cop will drop everything for a chance at catching him, but he's not planning on seeing the inside of Zone Jail ever again.

Anyway. It's a small blessing that Zonic hasn't come looking for them personally, or sent Sonic after them, but it's one Scourge isn't willing to throw away just for a power-up. Thus the kidnapping mission.

Scourge swings his legs contemplatively and longs for Fiona to hurry up so he can bash some heads.

Right on cue, their communicators ring. "Alright, boys," Fiona's voice comes through a little tinnily. "You ready?"

"Heck yeah," Scourge says immediately.

"Ready to go whenever," Hawk confirms.

"Roger. Meet me where we agreed." The comms unit crackles and goes silent. Scourge hops up and starts stretching quickly, trying to limber up his half-frozen muscles. Hawk sets his communicator down and picks the lock on the trapdoor they'd been sitting next to. Once it's open, they slip down a small flight of stairs and through an empty hallway. At the end, they take a right through another hall and stop outside a janitor's closet.

Scourge raps on the door. "Knock, knock," he says.

There's a moment of silence. Then Lightning opens the door. "Hurry up," he whispers, peering over their shoulders.

Scourge clicks his tongue in disappointment. "Dude, you're supposed to say 'who's there.'"

"Yeah, Lightning," Fiona says from inside. "You're ruining the script."

"I- what?" Lightning sputters. "You people are so immature. Simian, can you tell them to shut up?"

There's a good fifteen seconds of judgemental silence. "...you should've said 'who's there.'"

Lightning rolls his eyes and Scourge pushes past him into the room. Simian nods as he enters and Fly, who's doing something he can't quite make out, cackles in a corner. Scourge spreads his arms wide. "Alright, I'm here now, the party can start!"

"Good to have you," Fiona says. She's sitting on an overturned bucket, one ankle folded over her knee and eyes glued to her phone. "Alright, so Plan A failed."

"Yes!" Scourge cheers, pumping a fist in the air.

Fiona shoots him a glare. "We weren't able to get him away from his bodyguards and the speech is about to start soon. I didn't want to do this in front of a crowd, but we may not have a choice. Right now, we only have to deal with the normal security and Sonic. After the ceremony, they're going to meet up with a bunch of Sonic's friends before going back home to Knothole."

"Wouldn't it be better to wait, then?" Simian asks, folding his arms.

Fiona shakes her head. "No for two reasons. We can handle the normal security easily, especially if we use the crowd for meatshields while Scourge is distracting Sonic. Sonic's friends are, frankly, a much greater threat than the security, and they will not be holding back. And if we wait until they go back to Knothole, we have that... woman to deal with."

Everyone shudders at the mention of Nicole. Their last attempt on Knothole is not a memory anyone wants to relive.

"So if we use the crowd for cover and Scourge's able to distract Sonic for long enough, this is doable," Fiona resumes. "We'll just have to time it right. And we can not let Sonic know our target at all costs. If he realizes we're trying to kidnap his uncle, he won't let the old man out of his sight, and our job will get a lot harder. Got that?"

A quick briefing on everyone's roles later and it's time to go. Scourge starts to follow the guys out the door and is caught short by Fiona's hand on his wrist. "Sweetie, can I talk to you for a second?" she asks and drags him back inside before he can answer.

She turns him loose and Scourge spins around, rubbing his wrist. "Alright, if this is about what I think it's about-"

"Don't worry, I'm not yelling at you. Just..." she trails off to stare at him.

Scourge tries not to fidget and goes for a confident smile, propped up against the wall. "Babe, don't worry about me. This'll be a lark."

"It's... you know." Fiona shrugs and apparently decides to just go for it. "You've been having issues about your dad. I need to know if that'll affect your performance here."

"What?" Scourge is almost kind of offended. If it was anyone but Fi asking, he would be offended. "Babe, my uncle was a total nutjob. Like, worse than my old man. No issues here."

Fiona looks at him a second longer. "Alright," she says at last. "If you say so. I'm counting on you."

She brushes past him on her way out, squeezing his hand on the way, which is nice since she's weird about stuff like that. Scourge follows a minute later.

I require one more thing for my research, Finitevus had said. Charles the Hedgehog. Inventor of the roboticization process. He is receiving an award for his technological advancements in Central City in two days. Bring him to me alive and you will have your full reward.

Scourge scans the crowd for Charles now, leaning on the fancy railing of the fancy indoors balcony overlooking the fancy banquet hall. There's a name for a balcony like this - a mezzasomething - but he can't remember what it is. Maybe Fiona would know.

Scourge tugs at the collar of his unbearably fancy suit jacket and longs for his sunglasses.

He'd told Fiona the truth earlier - his uncle was a wackjob. Paranoid, jittery, simultaneously ravenous for power and terrified of it - no one had liked him, least of all his nephew.

Jules had liked him, probably. Enough to give him a home and a laboratory for his crazy experiments and to turn a blind eye when they started getting darker and more deadly. That had gone on up until Charles had invented a machine that turned moebians to robots, and its first (unwilling) test subject had been Jules.

Yeah. After Ivo managed to save Jules' life, they'd put a stop to that real quick.

They'd told Scourge that Charles had gone far away to someplace he could be happy. He still remembers that scene - Jules crouching down before him with mournful eyes, one arm cold and stiff where the roboticization process had gotten it before Ivo had pulled him out. His flesh hand had been warm and comforting on his shoulder, and Scourge had been so distracted by the touch that he hadn't even cared that his uncle was gone. He'd faked tears just to get Jules to stay with him a little longer.

Scourge shakes his head wildly, dissipating the memories. Anyway, it was painfully obvious in hindsight that Charles had either been jailed or executed for treason. Not that Scourge would have cared either way. Mostly, he's just vaguely curious to see what Charles is like in this world. Still a mad scientist, or something more benevolent?

A mass of whispering erupts at the main entryway of the hall. Scourge straightens up.

A bunch of bodyguards in black enter, followed by a few people who could be family or friends. Sonic's there, obviously, and next to him can only be Uncle Charles.

Scourge doesn't really remember his uncle; he was, after all, a kid when the guy vanished, and he avoided him whenever possible. But the face before him is undeniably like his own. He has the same sloping forehead, the same pointed muzzle. Honestly, he looks exactly like Sonic with a mustache.

Scourge leans forward, intrigued, as the old guy says something that has Sonic pitching forward in laughter. It's weird, seeing him. Not like seeing Jules, or even like seeing the mom. Just... weird.

Not the kind of weird that Fiona's worried about, thank Chaos. No, he'll have no problems handing this schmuck over to the Doc.

Charles and his little squad sit down in the front row while the bodyguards split up to cover the exits. Scourge tracks their positions automatically, mostly focused on the target. Charles claps his nephew on the back and leans over to whisper something in his ear. Scourge looks away with a sneer.

The ceremony starts. A bunch of people Scourge doesn't know talk about a bunch of things he doesn't understand, blah blah blah. Scourge yawns and taps a tattoo on the railing with his claws. Luckily, all the civilians seem to have gone down to the seating area, so he's alone on the balcony. As long as the security doesn't notice him, he should have no problem staying under the radar until it's time to make his move. Until then, he amuses himself trying to find the rest of the Destructix hidden in the crowd.

Down below, the speeches start wrapping up. Charles ruffles his nephew's quills one last time and heads up to the stage. Scourge straightens up as he accepts his award and takes the mic.

"First, I'd like to thank you all for being here today," the hedgehog says. Scourge taps his foot impatiently. "I know it's a bit of a long way for a lot of you - we've got some visitors from Holoska, even! - and it means a lot to me that you'd take the time to make it here today. So thank you."

Ugh, so boring. Can't Fiona hurry up? At this rate, they'll be doing the audience a favor by sparing them all this drivel.

"- of the University of Spagonia for funding my research and going out of his way to help me whenever I needed it. Thank you, old friend."

Scourge taps his communicator and almost jumps when it crackles to life.

"Alright, everyone's in position," Fiona says. "On my mark, Scourge, you're going to distract Sonic. Jump down there, challenge him to a fight, anything. His sole concern needs to be beating you up."

"All he has to do is be himself and Sonic'll be jumping at the chance to tear him a new one," Lightning interjects. "Works on me."

"Oh, shut up," Scourge says. "Fiona, tell him to shut up."

"...well, he has a point."

Lightning's amused huff is audible over the comm. Scourge rolls his eyes. Traitors, all of them.

Fiona's voice goes serious. "But for real. Get him mad and get him out of here. Make him chase you 'till I call you back, and don't give him a second to realize there's more going on. If he comes back here before we're done, it's over. Okay?"

"I got it handled, babe," Scourge says. "Worry about yourself."

"Believe me, I am." The comms go silent a second later. Scourge stands up, shakes the stiffness from his limbs, and hops up to crouch on the railing. It's showtime.

On stage, Charles is still talking. Does the hedgehog not know how to shut up? "And finally, I'd like to thank my family, who loved and supported me every step of the way, up to and including being here with me today as I accept this award. Sonic, my amazing nephew - you've grown so much and, while I wasn't there for all of it-"

Well, that's enough of that. Scourge leaps into the air, curls up, and lands a perfectly executed homing attack on the podium. Splinters, chunks of wood, and a massive dust cloud fly everywhere. Someone in the audience screams, and behind him he can hear Charles stumbling back and coughing furiously.

"Uncle Chuck!" In the front row, Sonic rockets to his feet and dashes forward, only to come skidding to a stop. As the dust dissipates, Scourge grins. He can feel the light glinting off his fangs.

"Long time no see, faker," Scourge spits. He pulls his sunglasses out of the stupid suit jacket's pocket and slides them on with a flourish. "Can't exactly say it's a pleasure seeing you... then again, I always look forward to a chance to kick your butt."

"Wh- Scourge?" the blue idiot sputters. The shock only lasts a matter of seconds before fading, as the flabbergasted expression turns into something more like a smirk. "Well, well. I haven't heard from you since I demolished you and left Zonic to drag your sorry carcass away. Did they let you out on good behavior?"

Good behavior. Hah. As if Sonic knows anything about what goes on in Zone Jail. "Please. I smashed my way out of there the first week. The Zone Jail's in shambles; just ask Zonic! Oh wait - you can't." He laughs.

Sonic's smile slips a notch and the quills on his back bristle. "What happened to Zonic?"

Scourge keeps laughing.

"Alright, pincushion. Maybe you'll tell me when I beat it out of you!" Apparently done talking, Sonic curls up into a spindash. Scourge, still laughing, topples off the wrecked podium and leaves Sonic to smash into the stage where he'd been standing. People are screaming, someone's escorting Charles off the stage, and Scourge is reveling in the chaos.

"Slowing down, blue boy?" he mocks him. "You'll never find out about your stupid friend if you can't even touch me." Zonic's perfectly fine, actually, unless you count the truckload of paperwork Scourge saddled him with after his escape from Zone Jail. Not that Sonic needs to know that, 'cause if anything ticks him off, it's a threat to one of his friends.

And, true to form, Sonic snarls wordlessly and Scourge knows he's got him.

"You're looking kind of slow today - let's see if those legs of yours still work," Scourge calls over his shoulder and takes off. The world blurs around him as he taps into his speed, rockets between panicked partygoers and confused waiters and angry bodyguards. Out of the corner of his eye, he briefly spots Fiona crouching behind a pillar before she's blown away in his wake. Like this, outside sounds, sights, everything drops away, leaving him alone with himself and the wind.

It's nice. Peaceful, even.

And then the only other being who can keep up with him barrels into his side, sending them tumbling over each other right through the big open doors outside. Scourge lands a kick to Sonic's chest, sending him spinning away, and sprints down a sidestreet towards the marketplace. A moment later, the sound of footsteps running at 300 mph picks up behind him.

Scourge grins. The plan's working, then - Sonic's so ticked that he hasn't even stopped to wonder why Scourge isn't stopping to fight, or why he crashed the party in the first place. Now he just has to play this out 'till Fiona's done.

"Been slacking your exercise regimen lately? 'Cause I thought you were faster than this!" Scourge calls out.

"That so?" Sonic returns. The sound is unexpectedly close and Scourge looks back to see Sonic running only a few paces behind him. "I could say the same for you."

Scourge growls and vaults a fruit cart, sending it flying with a back kick. Sonic dodges the cart and dives through the onslaught of flying fruit, coming up without a scratch. Scourge's gained a precious few seconds, but in a contest of speed, those seconds mean everything. He blocks Sonic's path - kicking over trash cans, dodging in front of moving cars, knocking a baby out of its mother's arms with a well placed swipe. Sonic dodges the trash cans, goes over or around the vehicles, and loses a good fifteen seconds saving the baby. By the time they've cleared the marketplace, Scourge is about thirty feet ahead and gaining.

"What's wrong?" Sonic yells. "Scared of a little fight?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Scourge yells back. "Dunno 'bout you, but I'm not wasting my time fighting someone too slow to keep up!" Up ahead, a pile of trash bags is stacked against a sloping wall, reaching up to the edge of the roof. Scourge leaps up in a single bound and sprints along the rooftop. Behind, the trash bags crinkle as Sonic races up, and tiles creak as the hedgehog fights for balance. Scourge snorts and picks up speed.

The rooftop run is fraught with near-misses and almost-falls. This area of town has a mixture of buildings; some are modern and boxy, with flat tops, but there's a number of older structures with pointed tile roofs. Scourge skids down the sloping ridge of one of these, slips off the building, snags a flagpole on the way down and turns his fall into a launch point. He lands upright on the narrow ledge of a skyscraper and darts along the line of windows, flashing a mock salute at some goggle-eyed kid in its bedroom.

Sneakered feet hit the concrete behind him as Sonic pursues, grinning despite his ferocious eyes.

Scourge hooks a fast right as the ledge ends and drops down to the top level of the parking garage nestled against the 'scraper. Mostly he's planning on going back down to street level, but Sonic puts on a burst of speed and tackles him right there.

They roll head over heels across the concrete, colliding with a dusty pickup truck hard enough to dent in the side. Scourge throws himself out of the way and rolls onto his feet just as Sonic picks himself up. The blaring car alarm is the only sound as they stare each other down.

Sonic moves first. He doesn't bother curling up, just lunges fist first at Scourge's face. Scourge ducks the punch and goes in low for Sonic's solar plexus, narrowly dodging a knee to his face. Sonic slams his heel down on Scourge's foot and drives an elbow into his neck. Scourge stumbles back, falling into a roll to avoid Sonic's left hook, and comes up on his feet with room to spare.

There's another moment of staring and circling as they pant heavily and pretend they're not.

And then Sonic steps something that crunches and looks down.

Scourge lunges. Sonic sidesteps him easily and snatches it up - and wait, Chaosdammit that's his communicator-

"Is this a mic?" Sonic asks disbelievingly and then the pieces click.

He stares at Scourge blankly, and Scourge can practically see his train of thought - comms means accomplices, accomplices means there's a plan, a plan means Sonic was intentionally drawn out here away from the ceremony, and if Sonic's out here then -

Then -

Scourge swears and moves to tackle Sonic but the idiot's already gone. Instinctively, his hand goes to his ear - "Fiona, he's coming your way, I-" No, wait, Sonic's got the communicator and it's broken anyway, dammit. The plan's falling apart and it's entirely his fault.

Well. It hasn't fallen apart yet.

Scourge takes off, running full-tilt after Sonic. The irony of the situation isn't lost on him, not that he appreciates it. Sonic's trail is a direct beeline back to the hall. It should be easy to follow, but for some reason Scourge can't catch up those last few feet.

"I thought you wanted to fight, you dingus!" Scourge snaps. "Make up your mind already, sheesh!"

"You tricked me," Sonic growls.

"Uh, yeah? I'm the bad guy. It's kinda what I do."

"What's your actual plan?"

"Thought you were gonna beat me up and find out?"

Sonic snarls and, impossibly, picks up speed. Scourge has to drop the conversation entirely to focus on just keeping up.

They hit the convention hall scarce minutes later. There's clearly a fight going on inside; explosions and the faint sound of screaming accompany the flood of people battering down the doors in their desperation to escape. The Destructix are clearly having fun... and more importantly, haven't escaped yet. What on Moebius are they doing?!

Sonic zips through the crowd, dodging panicking mobians with practiced ease. Scourge doesn't bother; he kicks one middle-aged cat into the heart of the rush and vaults over the resulting pileup without missing a step. "Babe! Hope you're wrapping it up in there!" he yells as they burst into the ceremony hall.

The Destructix are more than holding their own. The security has been almost entirely cleared out; fallen guards litter the area while none of their own are even scratched. Fiona, wielding a G.U.N. issue stun pistol, jerks up in surprise as Sonic skids into the room. "Scourge, you had one job!" she screeches.

"So did you!" Scourge rams into Sonic from behind, sending them both flying into a row of seating. Scourge comes out on top. "What happened to Ch- the target?" he asks, pinning Sonic down with an elbow to his throat.

"Escaped," Fiona says grimly. "We've already informed the Doc... and, uh, we have a new objective now."

Sonic makes a choked-off sound and Scourge leans down harder. Something shifts behind him but he ignores it. "Alright, what is it?"

Fiona hesitates.

And then cold metal claws clamp down around his shoulder and tear him off Sonic, lifting him bodily into the air. The hedgehog wheezes for breath on the ground, but Scourge isn't paying attention. He's not paying attention to anything anymore, because in front of him-

"What the hell are you doing here," Scourge breathes.

Artificial red eyes burn into his own. "Don't touch my son," says Jules, and the anger in his voice causes every limb in Scourge's body to lock up with instinctive fear.

Of course Jules is here, Charles is his brother, why wouldn't he attend the ceremony - hadn't the blasted hedgehog said as much during his speech? Scourge should've realized it then. This was a bad idea, they need to get out of here, why did Scourge even come here in the first place-

Something in Jules' mechanical expression thaws.

The clawhold on his shoulder eases as he's lowered to his feet, but Scourge's brain is still spinning in circles. He's gone completely unresponsive, some part of him knows, but he can't think.

"Get away from him!" Fiona yells and plants a high kick right in the center of Jules' chest. The robian goes flying, pursued by Simian, and Hawk swoops down behind them to tackle Sonic away. "Babe," Fiona says, kneeling down beside Scourge, feeling frantically at his shoulder. "Did he get you?"

The world shifts a little bit back into place. "No," Scourge mutters. "Fiona, I don't-"

"Save it." Fiona's eyes are full of worry as she grabs his wrist and hauls him to his feet. "I think you need to sit this one out, sweetie."

"What? No." Scourge grips her hand like a lifeline. "I can fight. I can still fight."

"Scourge... the new target is Jules."

Something in his chest catches. Scourge stares at her, and around them, the noise of the battle seems to fade. "...what? Why?"

Fiona grimaces. "We lost the inventor of roboticization. Next best thing is its last survivor."

"No. We're not doing that." Scourge has no idea what he's doing, only that they cannot hand his- hand Jules over to Finitevus. He catches both her hands in his own and squeezes them tight. "Call off the mission, we're going home."

Fiona stares at him. "What? Scourge, you can't be serious! After all the work we've put into this? And what about the beryl?"

"We already got the beryl from the first mission. We'll be careful and save it until we can restock. We've gotten this far without any beryl at all, we don't need it that badly!" Scourge hesitates. "...Fiona, please."

It's the last word that breaks her. She knows how bad he hates saying it, knows how much this means to him that he's saying it now. Her shoulders slump in defeat. "...fine. But you get to explain this to the Doc - and please, let's try to avoid burning that bridge again."

Scourge squeezes her hand one last time before letting go. "Thanks, Fi. And don't worry about the Doc; I'll take care of him."

"That's what I'm worried about," Fiona grumbles, but she's smiling. "Alright, team," she calls out, pulling out her warp ring. "Mission's off. We're going home."

"Wait, what?" Hawk asks and nearly gets clobbered by Sonic for his trouble. "Why?"

"Ask questions when we get home," Fiona says and throws the ring. As the portal whooshes open, Scourge turns to survey the troops. Lightning and Simian are slowly retreating back to the portal, fighting Jules every step of the way, while Hawk and Fly are trying without much success to fend off Sonic long enough to run.

Scourge spindashes into Sonic, knocking him off-balance. "Get to the portal, idiots!" To Sonic, he adds, "Sorry, but it looks like we're cutting this date short." If Chaos has even a drop of mercy in its unforgiving soul, Sonic will have been too thoroughly distracted by the fight to have overheard his exchange with Fiona.

And it looks like for once, his prayers are answered, because Sonic's grin, strained with exhaustion though it is, hints at nothing off. "I'm not letting you get away this time," he says and launches into another spindash. "I still have some questions for you to answer!"

"Then they'll have to wait for next time." Scourge ducks the attack and slams his heel into Sonic as he passes, boosting his momentum to slam into the opposite wall. "Alright, time to go!" he yells, scrambling for the portal. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the rest of the Destructix doing the same.

Fiona's already waiting at the portal, with one leg halfway through, and-

"-aaaaaAAAUGH, WHAT THE HELL," she screams and falls back, pinwheeling wildly.

"Fiona!" Scourge yells and then the world blurs briefly and he's at her side, hauling her to her feet. "Fi, what's-" and then he screams too, because Finitevus is literally right there, climbing through the ring like a monster in a horror movie.

The battle cuts off. A few feet away, a newly recovered Sonic skids to a stop, staring incredulously. The Destructix are sort of ranged out behind him, looking to Scourge and Fiona for the next move. And who knows where Jules is.

"Dude," Scourge says emphatically, putting a hand to his chest. "Don't do that."

"What are you doing," Finitevus hisses.

Scourge makes a show of looking around. "Uh, escaping? I mean, what does it look like?"

"I should have known better than expect you lot to pull through," Finitevus mutters, and hey, that's actually kind of offensive.

"Hey! Screw you, man!" Scourge yells, shaking his fist. "We're leaving 'cause we want to, not 'cause we're losing!" Fiona slaps a palm to her face.

"Oh? And what possible reason could you have to do that?" Finitevus asks, but he doesn't seem very interested in an answer, because his hands flare with dark energy a second later, and Scourge knows what that means.

"Scatter!" he yells and hits the ground with Fiona as a bolt of Chaos energy goes right over their heads. Fiona rolls out from under him as he leaps to his feet.

Sonic seems to have switched targets. Currently, he's hammering away at Finitevus' defenses, running his mouth the whole time. The ring portal is still open behind Finitevus, but they need to get the crazy echidna out of the way first.

Fiona, as usual, is two steps ahead. "You're going to need to team up with Sonic."

"What, seriously? Can't we just let Sonic take care of the Doc and ditch?"

She gives him a flat look. "I don't know how he did it, but Finitevus must have hijacked the ring's signal and keyed it to his lair. I need time to reset it before we can leave. Just, you know-" she waves a hand vaguely. "Move the fight away. Whale on Finitevus. Keep them both off my back long enough for me to work."

"Ugh. Fine." Scourge turns around on his heel. "Hey, loser!" he calls out, cupping his hands around his mouth. "Five minute truce?"

Sonic uncurls in midair long enough to yell, "Make it two!"

Fiona had better work fast, because this isn't going to take long. "Destructix, watch Fiona's back," he orders and throws himself into the fight.

Finitevus was clearly anticipating something like this, because he moves smoothly into defending against the both of them without hesitation. And it's - frustrating. Whenever Scourge throws a punch, a ring portal swirls into being in just the right place to take his hit. If he tries a kick, the same thing. And Chaos forbid he spindashes, or he'll wind up on the opposite side of the room (or, more accurately, slamming into Sonic).

Between the ring portals and the constant misdirection, the two minute mark passes and they haven't landed a single hit. The guy isn't on their level, exactly, but he's unpredictable with enough tricks that he could probably take either of them on their own. Against both of them, he doesn't stand a chance - or he wouldn't if Sonic would get out of his way.

"Dude, we're supposed to be working together!" Sonic snaps.

Scourge flicks his ear (it's been ringing since Finitevus dropped a portal that sent a spindashing Sonic on a collision course with Scourge's face) and ducks beneath a Chaos-infused punch. "Not my fault you can't keep up."

He sidesteps a second punch and follows up with a roundhouse kick that comes inches from the Doc's face before another ring portal intercepts. Dammit.

Sonic, of course, chooses that moment to go for a homing attack, which takes him right into the portal as Finitevus dodges. From somewhere on the other side of the room, the moron makes a faint oomph sound as the portal spits him out.

Scourge rolls his eyes and sweeps his legs under Finitevus' ankles, forcing the echidna to stumble back. "You make a remarkably disloyal minion," Finitevus says and drops into a portal.

On a hunch, Scourge spins around and slams a haymaker into Finitevus' face when the echidna reappears behind him. "Calling me a minion was your first mistake, Doc," Scourge says. "I'm the king, baby."

Finitevus snarls and vanishes again. "I must wonder at the cause of this particular instance," his voice says. Scourge whirls around, fists up before him, but the scientist is nowhere to be seen. "You were, after all, so eager to serve at first. What changed your mind?"

"You really gotta learn the difference between serving and making a deal, bud," Scourge says. "This why your friends always leave you?"

Finitevus ignores him. "Nothing changed between then and now. Nothing... except the target." Something flickers in the corner of Scourge's eye and he starts to turn, but he's met with a blow to the jaw followed by one to the shin. Scourge crumples to his knee with a cry of pain and looks up to see Finitevus' Chaos-powered boot swing for his face-

And then someone's hand snags his wrist and they're moving.

The world blurs just a little as Sonic hauls him across the room at lightning speed to drag him behind an overturned table. Scourge clutches the lapels of his jacket and tries to force his racing heartbeat to settle. For a second, they just breathe.

"Okay, we need to coordinate," Sonic says belatedly.

"Don't tell me what to do," Scourge says, mostly on reflex.

Sonic rolls his eyes. "If you draw his fire, I'll go behind to take him offguard. Think you can do that?"

"What? No. You draw his fire and I'll sneak up behind him."

"Yeah, maybe I'd do that if I had any faith at all in your stealth. You aren't exactly subtle, bud."

Scourge thinks back to every mission that involved some level of sabotage/stealth/general sneakery and their inevitably disastrous ends and winces. Unfortunately, he has a point. "Fine, whatever. Don't mess this up, dweeb." A blast of chaos energy rocks the floor beneath their feet - time's up. Finitevus is here.

Scourge breaks for the left.

"Hey old man, having trouble keeping up?" He leaps into the air as Finitevus goes for a sweeping kick and curls into a spindash, aimed at the scientist's head. Predictably, he sails right into a ring portal and falls out several feet away. In midair, he uncurls and kicks off the ground to rebound towards Finietvus.

The Doc raises his hands coated in Chaos energy and actually catches the spindash. For a moment, they war against each other - dark energy to living buzzsaw - before Finitevus shoves back and they break apart.

Scourge hits the ground in a crouch and lunges again. This time, he feints an uppercut followed up with a knee strike to the gut. The echidna stumbles back, but recovers almost instantly. As Scourge goes in for another strike, Finitevus snags his collar and yanks him off-balance, slamming him into the dirt. Scourge tries to wriggle out of his grip, but the Doc pins him to the ground with a hand on his throat and a knee on his chest.

"I can't say I haven't been waiting for this," the mad scientist breathes, and raises a handful of swirling black energy.

Scourge scrabbles helplessly at his wrist and wonders, briefly, if this is it.

And then a blue ball of spikes rockets out of nowhere, smacking into the back of Finitevus' head so hard the floor creaks when he faceplants. Scourge kicks him off and rolls back onto his feet, smacking away Sonic's outstretched hand. The echidna staggers upright, but his shield is broken and Sonic and Scourge poised on either side of him. The echidna eyes them warily, rings at the ready, and for a second no one moves.

"Got it!" Fiona's voice breaks the spell.

Sonic's concentration slips. Scourge can see it; the way his posture straightens slightly, the way he half-turns to face her. Finitevus sees it too.

And then Finitevus' hands are up, radiating dark energy, and Scourge drops into a defensive stance 'cause the blue buffoon can get himself killed if he wants but Scourge is going down fighting- but Finitevus isn't looking at either of them.

He's looking behind them.

At Jules.

Jules, who has no Chaos abilities, can't break the sound barrier on a whim, can't dodge bullets point-blank.

Jules, who both is his father and isn't, who's a machine but still alive, who stood across from Scourge in a dark room and didn't flinch though Scourge held his life in his hands, who loves his wife and child and wouldn't hesitate to die for either of them.

Jules, who would walk a random stranger through a panic attack on the street but can't dodge a Chaos spear if it's pointed at his chest.

Time slows down to a crawl. Scourge doesn't think.

He just moves.

The last thing he sees, as pain erupts from his chest like lightning and the world is drowned out by the black of corrupted Chaos energy, is the bright red of Jules' horrified eyes.

There's a beeping noise somewhere near his ear. Fiona's phone, probably (even though it sounds nothing like her alarm). Scourge reaches up to shut it off and is stopped halfway by the clink of cold metal.

...huh?

He opens his eyes to dim electric light and a pounding headache. There's a hard surface beneath his back, thin sheets around him, and a metallic chill around his wrists, ankles, and throat.

Through the haze, something about the last one feels familiar.

Beside him, something rustles, and a soft voice says, "Awake, then?"

"Dad?" Scourge mumbles foggily. For a moment he's eight again, in the hospital after a near-drowning, and his dad took a whole day off from work to rush to his bedside and hold his hand. It was the first time he'd seen him in a week.

Then reality catches up and reminds him that no, his dad is dead and whatever's going on here is something to worry about. The fog is gone in an instant.

Scourge's eyes snap open and he throws himself as much he can to the far side of the bed from the figure standing there now. Jules is there - a little scratched and dinged up but very much alive.

There's a flicker of something like relief inside him before Scourge stuffs it down and crushes it very firmly. Chaos, Fiona was right. He let his stupid hangups about this robian get out of hand, and now look what's happened - the mission went south, Scourge is chained to a hospital bed, the rest of the Destructix are nowhere to be seen, and worst of all, he made a heroic sacrifice like he's Sonic or something.

Chaos, Scourge is never living this one down.

"It's good to see you're moving around already," Da- Jules says in that same too-soft tone. "Some of the doctors were convinced you wouldn't live another day. I suppose any son of mine, even from another dimension, is just too durned stubborn to go out like that..."

"Don't," Scourge rasps.

Jules blinks at him. "Pardon?"

"That." Scourge lets go of the bed's railing just long enough to gesture irritably. "I'm not your son. Don't call me that."

Instead of rearing back in offense or dropping the nice act altogether, Jules tilts his head slightly, as though in recognition. "Ah," he says after a moment. "So that was you."

Scourge freezes and tries to play it off. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"That day in front of Chuck's diner," Jules says. "That was you. I wasn't sure, since you were still supposed to be in Zone Jail then."

"Chuck's diner? What?" Scourge forces a laugh. It comes out entirely fake and just a little unhinged.

"You had a panic attack," Jules continues, unperturbed. "I walked you through it. Honestly, at the time, I thought it was because of me."

It was because of you, Scourge wants to say. Instead, he asks, "Whaddya mean?"

Jules gestures vaguely to himself. "I'm a robian," he says. "Robotnik put Knothole through a lot when the roboticizor was still functioning. Plenty of people have had... adverse reactions to my body in the past. It's unfortunate but can't really be helped, except through time and patience."

...for some reason, that stings. Scourge pushes the thought away and snorts. "Sucks to be you. Don't see what that has to do with me."

"You did ask," Jules reminds him, which is fair. He supposes. They lapse into silence.

Scourge slumps against the bed, a little more relaxed with no attack evidently imminent, and holds up a hand to the light. The dangling cuff glints coldly. He can't reach the collar on his neck, but he suspects it shines the same way - like the inhibitors back at Zone Jail. "You guys already talked to Zonic, then?" he guesses.

He's not really expecting an answer, but Jules gives one anyway. "We did. He gave us that inhibitor collar you're wearing right now." Nailed it. "He wanted to take you back with him to Zone Jail right away, but with the condition you were in, we didn't want to risk moving you until you were stable."

Scourge flexes his fingers, watching the muscles move. He'd suspected already, given how drained he feels right now, but knowing that he's wearing the collar is... disheartening. That level of powerlessness is something he'd never wanted to feel again. "I'm stable now. So when will you be moving me?"

Jules hesitates. "Now that you're awake, we'll probably call Zonic to pick you up sometime tomorrow. It's nighttime right now."

"What? How long was I out?"

"Two days."

Two days, and he's still here? Either the Destructix got nabbed too (possible), are planning a rescue mission (unlikely), or ditched (most likely). That... also stings. A lot. He'd liked Fiona, and he was getting used to the rest of the idiots, too.

"What about my team?" he asks.

"Vanished. They tried to retrieve you but retreated when reinforcements arrived."

It doesn't mean much - he is, after all, their strongest fighter and tactically it makes sense to avoid losing him if possible - but it makes Scourge feel better to know they'd at least tried. He lets his hand fall back to the bed with a metallic jingle.

"I still don't understand," Jules says, and Chaos, why won't he shut up? Is this something inherent to Sonic's family? "Why did you save me?"

Scourge inspects the patterns of cracks on the ceiling. That one looks like Sleuth Dog's face. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he mumbles.

"You took an attack meant for me. That much concentrated Chaos energy would've killed me - it's likely the only reason you survived is because you're a very adept controller."

"Sounds like you already have an answer to me."

There's a brief pause. Scourge continues avoiding eye contact. "I do have an idea," Jules says softly. "But I'd like to hear a confirmation from your own mouth."

Scourge doesn't say anything.

What's he supposed to say - that every time he sees Jules some stupid, long-dead part of him longs for his approval? That Jules is dredging up memories better left buried? That when he saw his dad - any version of him - in danger, that his first instinct was to protect him, despite everything he'd done?

Ha. Yeah, right.

"Think what you want, old man." Scourge bares his teeth. "It doesn't mean anything. It was an accident."

Jules doesn't waver. "I think we both know that's not true."

Can't this guy take no for an answer? Scourge huffs and rolls over as much as he can so his back is toward Jules. "Leave," he says. It's what you're best at, after all.

"Sonic heard that you attacked the ceremony to kidnap Chuck."

Scourge has a sudden, sinking feeling he knows where this is going. "I don't care. Go away."

Jules marches on, implacable. "He said that halfway through, after Chuck escaped, Finitevus told you to switch targets. That the new target was me."

"Shut up!"

"And that when you heard I was in danger, you-"

"So I called it off, alright?" Scourge bolts upright. The handcuffs snap back against his wrists painfully and his ankles scream as the cuffs cut into his skin, but he's too furious and aching and raw to care. "Yeah, I called off the mission. Yeah, I took that stupid attack. It doesn't change anything! I'm still your enemy, I'm still going to kill Sonic, I'm still going to tear apart your world and everything you love! So what if I- if I..."

"Risked all that to save one broken-down, tactically unimportant robian?" Jules finishes quietly.

"Yes! No!" Scourge tries to bury his face in his hands and can't even do that, damn this tiny range of motion. "Will you leave me alone?" Metal glints in the corner of his eye as Jules reaches out a hand. Scourge growls deep in his throat until the hand is slowly drawn back.

Mercifully, the robian is silent while Scourge desperately tries to keep himself from falling apart. Chaos, what is wrong with him?

"What do you want from me," he mutters.

This time, it's Jules who looks away. "There's not much time before I have to call Zonic in," he says. "Before he left the first time, there was talk of... life in solitary confinement. Or execution."

Breathe. It's fine. Scourge has been in worse scrapes before. "I can see where the similarities between you and my dad come in," he says softly. Venomously. "He never hesitated to lock me away, either." Sure, it hadn't exactly been tossing him in a prison cell and throwing away the key, but the perpetual grounding to an empty mansion, the total abandonment of him to an endless stream of nannies... and then, of course, that fiasco right before he died.

Dads. So eager to foist their screwups on other people, wash their hands and move on.

"Doesn't any of this setup seem odd to you?" Jules asks abruptly.

Scourge blinks, thrown. "What? You hit your head somewhere, old man?"

"Think about it. You're a top-priority prisoner. You've broken out of Zone Jail. And yet your only security here is an inhibitor collar, some handcuffs, and a broken-down old robian."

...there's a trap here somewhere, Scourge knows it. "Yesss?" He eyes Jules warily. Is this some kinda reverse-psychology thing?

Jules laughs wearily. "You're not the only one with emotional ties he can't quite cut, son."

"Don't call me that," Scourge says reflexively before the weight of Jules' words catch up to him. "Wait, what? Are you saying-" and then he cuts off, because that's so ridiculous it shouldn't be said out loud.

"Yes," Jules confirms. "I volunteered for guard duty because I had to ask, first. To make sure for myself that something of my son is in there."

"I am not your son," Scourge snaps. Distantly, some part of him recognizes that he's being actively detrimental - that if he plays his cards right he could actually walk out of this free - but he's past that kind of rational behavior now. "You're chasing ghosts, old man! Stop looking for stuff that isn't gonna happen!"

"You're not my son," Jules agrees. "You're not my Sonic. But you're a Sonic, and somewhere... that potential for great good is inside you."

And isn't that exactly what Sonic had said on their last birthday - the day he'd finally ditched that lame Anti-Sonic moniker, had finally stepped out of Sonic's shadow into his own light - that all it'd take is a bit of decency, and Scourge would be just like him? The echo stills him.

"You're making a mistake," he says hoarsely. He's not going back to Zone Jail, he'll die before he goes back to that hellhole, but he needs Jules to understand this. "I'm not Sonic. I'm no hero. If you let me go, I'm just gonna go right back to doing what I did before. People will die because of you."

"No, they won't," Jules says, half-smiling. "I've done my research. The Destructix don't kill. You wreak havoc and destroy things, but... no bodies. I understand it's to avoid trouble with G.U.N.," he adds, holding up a hand to forestall Scourge's protests, "But you don't have a body count. That's important."

Shows what he knows - but Scourge can't bring himself to point out the obvious. "I still ruin lives," Scourge says instead. "There's other ways to kill people without holding a gun to their heads."

"I know. And that's where I'm being selfish." The half-smile turns into a full smile, but it's so sad and wracked with exhaustion and bitterness that Scourge has to look away. "I... I lost my son once. I can't help it... I can't watch a son of mine - from any universe - be destroyed while I can do anything to stop it. I'm not a good person, Scourge. I've lost too much to try. So I'm going to be selfish, just this once, and hope you don't make me regret it."

Scourge is silent. He's silent when Jules stands up and unlocks the cuffs, one by one. He's silent when Jules reaches up to his throat to unlock the inhibitor, and he's silent when it falls away and power rushes freely beneath his skin once more.

His boots are on the floor, suit jacket draped over a chair. He pulls on the shoes and digs through the pockets until he finds his sunglasses, but leaves the jacket behind.

"Scourge," Jules says quietly, as Scourge pushes the window open. He hesitates over the window sill, half inside and half out.

If Jules asks him to stay, he doesn't know what he'll do.

But he doesn't. In the end, Jules looks down and whispers, "If you ever need somewhere to rest, my home is always open. Till then... be safe, son."

The words catch in Scourge's throat. He nods, wordlessly, and drops out of the window to land lightly on his feet on the ground below. For a moment, he dallies beneath the window, waiting for-

For...

He doesn't know. Scourge shivers in the cool night air and starts running.

...thanks, Dad.

He finds the base a few hours later, jogging to the next town over and hopping a train the rest of the way. When he walks in, the base goes dead silent.

Fiona leaps up from the circle of Destructix - planning a rescue mission, he later finds out - and tackles him, hugging and pounding him in equal measure. She cries a little too, which he only discovers when she points out he's tearing up himself. The Destructix surround them, yelling over each other and clapping him on the back until Simian picks them all up in a group hug. It's at that point that Scourge declares he's done with all this mushy stuff and if they don't knock it off he won't bother coming back next time. Fiona announces that if there is a next time he won't have to worry about coming back because she'll kill him first, and Simian gives them all one last squeeze before turning them loose.

Scourge retrieves his leather jacket with a sense of great relief and they all end up watching another trashy samurai movie, which Lightning ruins again. Fiona holds him tight the whole time and doesn't chew him out like he deserves, for which Scourge is unendingly grateful.

He doesn't go back to the house. He pulls jobs with the Destructix, they beat up on Sonic and his lackeys, they have one run-in which Finitevus that they come off much worse for. And they watch crappy movies, eat ridiculous amounts of junk food, and get personally banned from every arcade and amusement park across the continent. He's... not gonna lie, it's actually pretty fun.

But in the back of his head, the house is always there. The robian bustling around the empty kitchen in a pink apron. The scent of pancakes frying. Till then... be safe, son.

It takes a long time - months of denial, of wondering and longing and furious self-restraint - but he caves eventually.

He shows up on a morning he knows Sonic and his mom won't be there. He doesn't knock on the door, or ring the bell. Mostly, he just hovers outside, unable to work up his nerve to do anything.

He's about to leave when the door swings open. Jules stands there, looking exactly the same as he did that night by the hospital bed, with eyes too soft for his wayward not-son. Scourge, half-frozen on the sidewalk, searches for something to say and comes up empty. They stare at each other silently.

Scourge shoves his hands in his pockets and forces back the lump in his throat. "I was in the area, so I dropped by," he mutters. "Don't think this means anything."

Jules looks at him for a long moment and Scourge forgets to breathe. Slowly, softly, his dad smiles. "Welcome home, son."

#sth #sonic #sonic the hedgehog #scourge the hedgehog #fiona fox #jules the hedgehog #destructix #fanfiction #sonic fanfiction #sonic fanfic #i cant look at it anymore take it

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whenallelsefails-eatpie · 3 years

Text

Finally Answering Questions for y’all

Q1: How tall or short do you wish you were?

I used to wish I was taller because I already am tall for an (AGAB)female (5′8 1/2) but then I learned about platforms so.

4: What was your favorite video game growing up?

Monkey Ball or Sonic Adventure Escape the City...I only had a Gamecube.

6: If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Warning: Uses humor as a defense mechanism but will quickly become extremely invested in you and give you immense amounts of unending love if they vibe w you

8: What is your Greek personality type? [Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric, or Melancholic]

Melancholic

9: Are you ticklish?

extremely, on my back and sides (use this information wisely. I take no responsibility for involuntarily punching anyone who tickles me)

10: Are you allergic to anything?

absolutely nothing, allergies are to weed out the weak. (jkjk no eugenics here sis you slay that epipen)

11: What’s your sexuality?

~ pansexual ~ (prefer agab [not cis, those are two different things] females)

12: Do you prefer tea, coffee, or cocoa?

tea, then coffee with cocoa. I don’t enjoy cocoa or coffee as much separately.

37: What is your eye color?

hazel/green

38: Introvert or extrovert?

I’m ambiverted but lean toward introversion.

44: Do you like tattoos and piercings?

oh yeah absolutely, I personally just prefer that the tattoos aren’t on your face. Or with piercings that they don’t take up so much of your face that I can’t see what you really look like.

54: What color would you like your hair to be right now?

pink, red, or platinum 56: Something that calms you down?

reading, playing instruments, taking a bath, cooking or baking

57: Have any mental disorders?

yessir. ADD, anxiety. and I used to have really bad depression. Now my depression is simply manageable lol.

73: What is your MBTI type?

INFP (enneagram 4)

86: Can you run a mile within ten minutes?

surprisingly yes, will I come close to passing out? Maybe. But I can.

87: Do your socks always match?

never, I hate matching my socks unless the socks are funky and need to match to give them the biggest bang for their buck.

92: A store you hate?

Dick’s sporting goods. I have been dragged around that place for hours and absolutely nothing there interests me. (edit: I found a beanie that I liked but my previous opinion still stands)

93: How many cups of coffee can you drink in one day?

start counting and never stop. If you mean in terms of actual measurements like cups/ounces, I can drink 20. What can I say I’m from New England.

94: Would you rather be able to fly or read minds?

Definitely fly because that might help lessen my fear of heights

95: Do you like to wear camo?

literally shoot me if you ever see me wearing camo. please, I beg you. that will be me at my lowest point

96: Winter or summer?

Autumn. Next question.

97: How long can you hold your breath for?

3-4 minutes. It’s all that breath control from musical theatre.

99: Someone you look up to:

Jughead Jones. Yes I said that, fight me. He is completely himself and he allows the different facets of his personality to shine through to people that he loves and cares about. He is loyal and caring but also unique and resilient. Plus his fave food is burgers which is an instant win for me.

100: A store you love?

Hot Topic, Barnes and Nobles, Savers or any thriftstore

102: Where do you live?

New England bb (; gettin that dark academia aesthetic straight from the source

104: What is your favorite mineral or gem?

Amber

105: Do you drink milk?

You mean out of the glass? Like a psychopath? Like a serial killer? Absolutely not

106: Do you like bugs?

I do! Except for spiders and mosquitoes (although I’m warming up to spiders)

109: Can you draw:

Eh yeah ig, well enough. I draw realistically but I’m not great at animated style.

111: A question you hate being asked?

“Are you a boy or a girl?” (like why? does it personally affect you? are you planning on boning me? if not then buzz off)

113: Do you like the sound of waves at the beach?

Yes, but only at night when the beach is quiet. I’m not a huge fan of the beach during the day

114: Do you prefer cloudy or sunny days?

Rainy or sunny. Don’t go givin me the clouds with none of the drizzle.

119: Favorite thing about a person:

Personality first and foremost. Humor and kindness. But physically; their smile and mannerisms.

120: Fruits or vegetables?

Veggies (or berries i like berries)

121: Something you want to do right now:

Run away... ahah. But in all honesty I would love to go mushroom foraging rn, or possibly go on an adventure. Maybe go put on clothing meant for an entirely different time period and run around Target idk.

123: Sweet or sour foods?

Definitely not sour I hate sour. Spoonfeed me wasabi, that I can handle. But if you make me eat a Warheads I will cry.

129: What would you want written on your tombstone?

I personally have a lot of problems with the funeral industry, so I would rather not take up space and rot preservation chemicals into the earth. But if I had an interim tombstone with no body underneath, it would read “Live Laugh Love” bc ~irony~

131: What is something you love but also hate about yourself?

that I’m very individualistic and stubborn

132: Do you smile with your teeth showing for pictures?

Yes absolutely, that’s what they’re there for.

134: Do you like roller coasters?

Do I like feeling like I’m about to full send through the crust of the earth and die? No. No I do not. (I am a simple person, I go to carnivals for the food and to feed off terror.) 139: What nicknames do you have/have had?

141: Have you ever seen a therapist/shrink?

OH YEAH absolutely, I am a repressed gen z homosexual raised in a homophobic religious atmosphere, I am practically born with a therapist assigned to me.

142: Would you say you are a good or bad influence to others?

Definitely good -_- unfortunately. Catch me bein the mom friend.

143: Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts/help?

I prefer giving, but I am learning how to recieve.

144: What makes you angry

People who live their lives in willful ignorance despite the endless resources available to them and let that ignorance hurt others.

146: Do you prefer boys, girls, and/or non-binaries?

All of em. Gimme em all. I don’t like boys as much currently but I would still probably lay my life on the line for some.

147: Are you androgynous?

Yes. It’s more fluid than it is being in consistent limbo between masc and femme. Usually I’m androgynous but I often swing wildly between both ends of that socially perceived spectrum. 148: Favorite thing about yourself physically?

My hands or smile(product of bracesTM). But I have been told I have nice hands.

149: Favorite thing about your personality:

I am a very strong blend of wise and class clown. I can do em both, I can do em well, and I can do em whenever. I also care a lot about others but I don’t change myself to be accepted by them.

150: Name three people you would like to talk to right now in person.

MLK Jr. --> I want to gain perspective on some of the current global issues. Jesus --> I’ve got a lot of questions for that dude. JRR Tolkien bc he’s incredible or Joan of Arc for the same reason

151: If you could go back into time and live in one era, which would you choose?

Ooh well, as a woman not many eras are desirable. But um probably either the 70s or Ancient Greece

154: Do you like to kiss others’ foreheads or hands for platonic reasons?

YES. GIMME UR FINGERS > i meant that to sound much less threatening than it did but my statement still stands. 155: Do you like to play with others’ hair?

Yes it’s literally one of my favorite things to do. I hab empty lap. *pat pat* U may lay your head on it and watch Rilakkuma and Kaoru with me while I play with your hair. pls. 157: Something that makes you nervous/anxious:

Women..... That’s it. That’s the tweet.

158: Biggest lie you have ever told:

That I am not a member of the alphabet mafia. (It’s not currently safe for me to come out) Now tell me *shines light in your face* who are your contacts?

164: Do you have long or short hair?

I have medium hair. It’s around the length of a bisexual bob or a good mullet.

165: Shortest/Longest your hair has ever been:

Shortest was a pixie cut, almost buzzed, amazing. Longest was to my butt and was literally the worst experience in existence. I shall to this day actively rebel against having hair like that again.

166: Why do you like, dislike, or have neutral feelings about religion?

Organized religion can suck it. You can’t organize your relationship with God, nor can you stick it into a little manmade box and pretend that you have the ability to create a perfect faith which others have to either follow or perish. It’s arrogant and damaging and hurtful and not at all what Christianity is supposed to mean.

167: Do you really care how the universe and world was created?

I do. I think it’s important and something we need to think about. I do believe there is something after death, and I like to believe that my life has meaning. I think that questions of creation are important questions to ask and we can’t just ignore them.

168: Do you like to wear makeup?

Yes! It’s fun! Pretty colors!

170: Did you answer the questions you were asked truthfully?

Absolutely. And the ones I didn’t feel like answering I simply omitted.

#chaotic good #Q&A #I learned more about myself writing this #than you probably did reading it #pls feel free to continue asking questions #i probably have too many answers #i heard oversharing on the internet is #cool

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burclay · 5 years

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Heartbeats: Chapter 11

AO3 Chapter 1

They wound up all sitting in a little restaurant just by where the TARDIS had materialized.

“Wonder if being on a rift in time gets this place better business,” Rose said. She was crammed into the corner of a booth with the others, the Doctor’s arm around her shoulders as they looked over menus.

“More interesting business, maybe,” Ryan said.

“Just more of my business, presumably,” the Doctor said. “There aren’t exactly that many active TARDIS-users. And I haven’t really been here before, either. But we’re good business, don’t you think?”

“I’ll take it,” Graham said.

“Anyway,” Rose said, “I want to hear about what happened on your end while we were human.”

“Mostly a lot of texting about you two,” Ryan said. “Pretty boring, really.”

“Speak for yourself,” Cleis said. “I’ve learned languages that don’t even exist in my time.”

“I figured out how to turn off her translator,” Yaz said, almost apologetic. “And on again, obviously. And learned some ancient Greek besides. What was it, Aeolic?”

“I think so,” Cleis said. “I mean, I just call it regular. And your machine is translating for me now anyway.”

“And what happened between you two?” Rose asked, nodding across the booth at Yaz and Cleis.

“Nothing you didn’t see, really,” Yaz said.

“I asked Yaz to teach me English,” Cleis explained. “And then I was showing her Greek. We saw all of Sheffield together. It was lovely. Although I really think you could use more ocean.”

“You can say that again,” Graham said. Cleis grinned at him.

“Plus,” Ryan added, “both of them were texting me about each other non-stop. Between the four of you I’ve been playing wingman like it’s a full-time job.”

“We appreciate your efforts,” Yaz assured him.

“Everyone’s been very nice,” Cleis added. She had the same wide-eyed expression as Yaz, Rose decided-- a similar sort of wonder when approached with new things. She hadn’t noticed it so much when she’d been Rosie, when Yaz was just a near-neighbor who was learning Greek from her roommate, or even when they’d all been on Lesbos and Cleis was still at home, but now they were both out of their comfort zones again (even if it was just Cardiff), Rose could see that they were interacting with the unfamiliarity in the same way. It reminded Rose a little bit of how she’d felt way back at the beginning of it all, when every new planet had been a miracle.

“So what do we do now?” Yaz asked.

“Can’t let any grass grow under your feet, can you?” Graham asked. “We’re stuck here, yeah? For three days?”

“It’s a valid question,” the Doctor said. “Could go back to the TARDIS. But if we’re here we might as well have some fun.”

“We could always pretend to be proper tourists,” Ryan said. “Do a whole hotel-and-museum thing.”

“I’ve never been to Cardiff before,” Yaz chimed in. “And it’s relaxed enough for the grandads among us.”

“Brilliant!” the Doctor exclaimed. “Love having a plan. Almost as much as I love not having a plan. Really, can go either way, on plans.”

“You just like adventures,” Rose said with a playful nudge.

“Absolutely correct,” the Doctor said. “A million points to Rose Tyler.”

“Oi, that puts Rose ahead of me now!” Yaz protested. “You can’t give out a million at once, it’s not fair.”

“Oh, yeah, because the points system is known for its fairness,” Graham said.

“Fine,” the Doctor said. “A million points to all the rest of you, too.”

“And I’m removing myself from the competition anyway,” Rose added. “Don’t need points. I’m all secure in my worth and everything.”

“Oi, I’m secure!” Yaz said. “Just competitive.”

“There’s a points system?” Cleis asked.

“Not really,” the Doctor said. “I just need something to say when I’m excited.”

“As if you’re ever at a loss for words,” Rose teased.

“Fair enough,” the Doctor agreed around a mouthful of chips. She swallowed with a grin. “Anyway, brilliant! Vacation with the fam. Gang? Team? Did we decide on fam?”

“Think we did, yeah,” Graham said.

“Brilliant,” the Doctor said again.

A few hours later, all six of them were checked into a Cardiff hotel, with a little help from the Doctor’s mysterious ability to get large amounts of cash out of ATM’s (which Rose pointed out might be a violation of their agreement to pretend to be “regular tourists,” at which point the Doctor said regular tourists would’ve brought some spending money with them, and she wasn’t about to put that responsibility on the hapless humans she liked to bring on adventures). It wasn’t quite nighttime yet, but Graham said he was all right with a rest, and everyone else was either tired or incredibly susceptible to the power of suggestion, and so everyone retreated into their respective rooms.

Which left Rose in a hotel room with the Doctor, who seemed in danger of literally bouncing off the walls. One moment she was examining the television with her sonic screwdriver, the next she was jumping on the bed to see if it was soft enough, and still the next she was tinkering with the lamps.

“Don’t break anything,” said Rose, who was leaning against the headboard, flipping through one of the what-to-do guides she’d grabbed from the front desk.

“I’m not going to break anything,” the Doctor said, a lampshade in one hand. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Sure you do,” Rose said.

“Anyway,” the Doctor added, “I’ve got all this weird energy after being Jane. She slept far more than I ever would.”

“Maybe we should go for a walk, then,” Rose said, eyeing the half-dissected lamp. “Find something else to dismantle, yeah?”

The Doctor slammed the lampshade back on the lamp, and Rose cringed, sure the lamp had somehow broken. The Doctor, unbothered, said, “Brilliant! Love a walk,” and immediately began running around the room, picking up her jacket, three pens, and a couple of screws that Rose was sure had come from the television. Rose slipped her shoes on and texted the others to let them know where she and the Doctor were going, and moments later, they were in the elevator to the hotel lobby, both grinning at the prospect of exploring even a relatively familiar city.

The Doctor took Rose’s hand as they left the hotel, emerging onto a somewhat busy street.

“Are you sure we should hold hands?” Rose asked. “I mean, is it safe?”

“What do you mean?” the Doctor asked.

“I mean we’re both women,” Rose said, “or we both look like women, anyway, and this century isn’t always kind to two women holding hands.”

“Anyone gives us trouble, I’ll fight ‘em off,” the Doctor said. Her grip on Rose’s hand only tightened.

“I’d like to see that,” Rose said, smiling. “Pacifist Doctor, trying to fight off some bloke on the street.”

“Yeah, I suppose that’d violate some policies,” the Doctor said. “Still. Rules change all the time. First sign of trouble, I promise.”

Rose laughed, and they walked in silence for a block or two.

“It’s weird, being back in this body,” Rose said finally. “I forgot what being human was like.”

“Me too,” the Doctor said. “Not that I have quite the same relationship with it as you have.”

“I feel so old,” Rose said. “Compared to Rosie, I mean. She was all-- all nervous all the time. I forgot that part of being human.”

“Think that’s just being young,” the Doctor said. “Even I was young once.”

“What qualifies as young for you?” Rose asked, only half teasing. “Hundred years? Two hundred?”

“Pretty much,” the Doctor admitted. “Although, give it a few thousand more years and I’ll say this version of me was young. It’s all relative.”

“Fair enough,” Rose said. She thought about that for a minute, her hand swinging with the Doctor’s. She remembered meeting the Doctor for the first time, feeling like a complete failure until she got in the TARDIS and figured out what she was good for (running, it turned out, and talking to aliens, and solving puzzles lightyears away from home). She had been young then, and her body hadn’t aged, but her mind had. Rosie had been somewhere in the middle-- she had inherited some of Rose’s self-assurance and self-knowledge, but she had still been uncertain of herself, constantly bored, afraid she was wasting her life. The near-immortality of a Time Lord still scared Rose, but she was a much better person than she would have been if she had stayed alone and human, plodding through life not knowing what it was she wanted but knowing her life was not enough.

“Penny for your thoughts?” the Doctor said, and Rose realized she would have just walked right into traffic if the Doctor hadn’t pulled her back.

“Sorry,” she said. “Just thinking about not being human anymore.”

“Good thinking?” the Doctor asked. “Or bad thinking?”

“Good, I think,” Rose said. “I told you years ago, didn’t I? I love this life.”

The Doctor squeezed her hand. The light in front of them turned green, and they started crossing the street.

“Where are we going?” Rose asked.

“No idea,” the Doctor said. “Sorry. Sort of thought if I was directionless enough you’d lead the way.”

“Doesn’t Jack live around here somewhere?” Rose asked. “We could visit him.”

“Somewhere around here, yeah,” the Doctor said. “He still won’t tell me exactly where. After years of prodding. Well, years for me. Not sure how long it’s been for him. Probably years.”

Rose laughed.

“I suppose if I were him I wouldn’t want my alien friend with a habit of unannounced visits to have my exact address,” she said.

“As if he’s never dropped in on me unannounced!” the Doctor exclaimed. “He rode on the outside of the TARDIS to the end of the entire universe one time. Least he can do is let me drop in when I’m in town and bored.”

Rose laughed.

“Do Time Lords have a concept of manners?” she asked.

“Everyone has a concept of manners,” the Doctor said. “Different manners, maybe. And I’m rubbish at all of them.”

“Should’ve known,” Rose said. “Suppose there’s not much use for real manners when you’re saving every planet you come across.”

“Precisely,” the Doctor said. “That’s my excuse, at any rate.”

Rose laughed. She couldn’t get the grin off her face, just walking down the street with the Doctor, making the same jokes they’d always made. Then again, she had never, even at the beginning, been able to suppress a smile with the Doctor around.

A moment later, Rose felt the Doctor freeze next to her. She looked around for the source of concern and realized there was a beeping noise of some sort coming from the nearest alley, and a few of her time senses felt a bit off-- she didn’t even have to look at the Doctor to know that was where they were going next. Together, they sprinted for the alley, stopping short when they got to its mouth and saw an unfamiliar woman standing there, poking with frustration at what Rose thought might be a vortex manipulator.

She was about to say something to the woman, but a quick glance at the Doctor gave her pause-- the Doctor had dropped Rose’s hand and was staring at the woman like she’d seen a ghost, her eyes wide, her mouth open. Rose turned back to the woman, who was looking at them both with an open curiosity and just a little bit of surprise.

“What’s going on?” Rose asked. She tugged the Doctor’s arm. “Doctor? Do you know her?”

The Doctor didn’t respond. She just kept staring at the woman.

“River?” she exhaled, and suddenly understanding crashed onto Rose-- this was River, then. The Doctor’s wife. It had been one thing to accept the Doctor’s marriage when it was a hypothetical, something that had happened in the past and was no longer a concern, but it was another thing to look the woman in the eyes and know that she was at least as important to the Doctor as Rose was.

“Oh, don’t tell me you never thought you’d see me again,” the woman-- River-- said, effortlessly shaking off her surprise and replacing it with seduction. “Who’s your friend? Or, no, don’t tell me, I’m sure I can guess.” She looked Rose up and down with raised eyebrows. “Rose, is it?”

Rose glanced back at the Doctor, who seemed to slowly be regaining her mind.

“That’s me,” she said to River.

“Weren’t you stuck in a parallel universe?” River asked, curiosity back on her face.

“For a bit, yeah,” Rose said. “Got pretty good at dimensional physics, came back here. But-- you’re the Doctor’s wife, yeah?”

“That’s one of my many titles,” River said. She looked back at the Doctor. “This one’s grown no less awkward, then?”

“This one might be more awkward than the ones I traveled with,” Rose said.

“I didn’t know the Doctor back then,” River said. “After all, I like older men.”

The Doctor seemed to have regained her composure. At least, she was together enough to say, “Oi, I’m a woman now!”

“So I noticed,” River said. “How delicious.”

Rose stifled a laugh.

“Oh, no, you can laugh if you want,” River told her. “I take no offense. You’re handling this quite well, by the way, for someone who’s just met the wife of someone I can only assume is very dear to you.”

Rose opened and closed her mouth a few times, trying to figure out how to answer that. The accurate answer, of course, would be that she knew the Doctor had a lot of love to give, or perhaps that she’d thought River was dead, but the former felt too personal and the latter could have caused some sort of paradox.

“Oh, I know,” River said. “This is the oldest I’ve seen you, Doctor. How long has it been?”

“Few years,” the Doctor said. “I really wasn’t expecting to see you again.”

“You know me,” River said. “I’m like a bad penny. Always turning up.”

“Why turn up here?” the Doctor asked. “Didn’t expect to find you in 21st century Cardiff.”

“It was only supposed to be a quick stop,” River said. “I was going to see if the rift here could recharge my vortex manipulator, but it seems to have completely broken it instead.”

“I can’t imagine you’ve been using that thing responsibly,” the Doctor said. “Might’ve overwhelmed it. You know, I have a friend in the area who might be able to fix it. Has a whole secret lab sort of setup around here somewhere.”

“That would be wonderful,” River said.

“Only thing is,” the Doctor said, “he won’t tell me where.”

“Even better,” River said, her smile of a sort that Rose had long since associated with the beginning of an adventure. “Care to help me find him?”

“‘Course,” the Doctor said. “Rose, you coming?”

Rose looked from the Doctor to River, shifting uncomfortably.

“Suppose I am,” she said. “Always good to see Jack, yeah?”

“Brilliant,” the Doctor said. “All right. We should probably start over by where we parked the TARDIS, after last time.”

“What happened last time?” River asked.

“He heard the TARDIS and jumped on,” the Doctor said. “Not on the inside, mind. Rode the outside of the TARDIS all the way to the end of the universe.”

“And he won’t tell you where his secret lab is?” River asked. “How rude.”

“That’s what I said!” the Doctor exclaimed.

It didn’t take them long to get back to the TARDIS. In her recent adventures, Rose had almost forgotten that the sign on the outside of the box was different from how it had been before, but River picked up on it immediately.

“Oh, you’ve redecorated,” she said, already halfway between the Doctor and the TARDIS. “Can I take a look?”

“If you want,” the Doctor said. “I think you’ll like this one.”

River bounded ahead. She didn’t have a key, but the door creaked open almost the minute her hand grazed the wood. It was that, more than anything else, that made Rose realize exactly how important River must have been to the Doctor-- if the TARDIS still opened for her, no questions asked, she must be special.

“Doctor,” she said, before the Doctor could follow. “Do you want me to go so you can be alone?”

The Doctor turned to her with a quizzical expression.

“What do you mean?”

“If you want to catch up with River,” Rose said.

“Oh, no, is this awkward?” the Doctor asked. “I’m sorry, Rose. I try so hard not to make things awkward, and then I do, every time.”

“No, I just mean-- she’s clearly important to you,” Rose said.

The Doctor hesitated for a moment.

“She is,” she said, “but she’s-- she’s not in my life anymore. My time with her is over, for the most part. We fix her vortex manipulator, and she goes on to more and more adventures with me. And I go on, and I never see her again. She doesn’t know it, but I was there when she regenerated into herself, and I uploaded her when she died. I can’t linger with the past. Not when there’s all this future to be getting on with. But you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”

Rose reached for the Doctor’s hand, tangling their fingers together. Their eyes met, and Rose saw that deep sadness in the Doctor’s expression, the echoes of so many lost loves. Rose had been one of those, once, and there was always the chance she would be again someday. She remembered her Doctor, in the parallel world, watching him grow old. He had counseled her through that, in a lot of ways, having gone through the reverse so many times before-- she had often seen the same sad look in his eyes.

“I’m with you,” Rose said.

The door to the TARDIS banged open.

“Are you two coming?” River’s voice called.

The Doctor’s expression bounced back to excited, and she dropped Rose’s hand as she ran to the TARDIS, coat flapping. Rose followed more slowly.

Ten minutes later, the three of them in frenetic collaboration had rigged up a cobbled-together machine that would hopefully detect nearby traces of Artron energy, thereby directing them to Jack, who was surely absolutely bathed in Artron energy at this point. And sure enough, the minute they stepped out of the TARDIS, the machine began to glow and vibrate in River’s hands, more intense if she stepped in one direction, less intense if she stepped in another.

“Suppose we’ll have our answer soon, then,” the Doctor said.

River began following the machine, the Doctor and Rose tagging along more out of a vague sense of obligation than anything else. (Well, and they had used one of the Doctor’s earrings in the machine, and she was intent on getting it back when they were done.) They went up and down the darkening streets until the machine was practically jumping out of River’s hands, and then Rose lost track of what was happening for a moment as River bumped into a pedestrian, sending the machine to the ground, where it shattered, its parts skittering across the pavement.

The Doctor immediately dove for the bits of metal on the sidewalk, shouting, “My earring!” River was in the process of standing up. Rose, however, was fully upright, and therefore in a position to notice that it was, indeed, Captain Jack Harkness who River had just run into.

“Rose,” he said, eyebrows raised. “And the Doctor. What brings you here?”

“Just passing through,” Rose said. “Recharging the TARDIS.”

The Doctor had found her earring and was trying to put it in one-handed as she said, “We weren’t even going to look you up until we ran into River.”

“River?” Jack asked. He turned to River, who was far more composed than anyone who had just fallen to the ground had the right to be. “I suppose that’s you.” Jack held out a hand. “Captain Jack Harkness.”

“Pleasure,” River said, extending her own hand in a delicate handshake. “I hear you’re good at fixing things.”

“I’ve been known to do a little repair, on occasion,” Jack said.

“I think Jack’s finally met his match,” Rose whispered to the Doctor.

“This is brilliant,” the Doctor agreed. “Come on, let’s go before they notice.”

Rose took the Doctor’s hand again, and they ducked into a side street, both suppressing laughter. As they got further away, Rose said, still giggling, “I can’t believe your wife flirts the same way as Jack.”

“To be fair,” the Doctor said, “I was very attracted to Jack, back in the day.”

“Ha!” Rose exclaimed. “I knew it! You didn’t hide your feelings well, you know. Even then.”

“Nah,” the Doctor said. “You just know me better than anyone should.”

Rose grinned.

“Good thing you love me,” she teased.

“Good thing indeed,” the Doctor answered.

They walked back to the hotel in comfortable silence. They passed Yaz, Cleis, and Ryan in the lobby doing some sort of puzzle together, and then they rode up in the elevator, which the Doctor was positively delighted about-- “I love elevators,” she told Rose. “Taking us up and down so we don’t have to walk. Absolutely brilliant.”

As they walked in, Rose realized how unexpectedly tired she was. She, or she-as-Rosie, had had a good night’s sleep the night before, and usually Rose with her new Time Lord constitution wouldn’t be tired yet, but now all she wanted was to get into pajamas and curl up underneath some blankets.

Fortunately, the Doctor seemed to be on the same schedule-- “Chameleon Arch,” she explained, after changing into a fluffy dinosaur onesie. “It’s exhausting, turning back from human. Even we’ve got to sleep after.”

“Or use sleeping as an excuse for a dinosaur costume,” Rose observed, already sitting up in bed.

“Oi, don’t mock the dinosaur!” the Doctor exclaimed. “He’s friendly!”

Rose just smiled, looking at the Doctor’s indignant face and messy hair above the green fleece of the onesie. Even like this, she was beautiful, Rose thought, and then she said it out loud, because she hadn’t lived a hundred years and jumped from universe to universe not to say what she thought.

“Thanks,” the Doctor said. “You are, too, for the record. Beautiful, I mean.” She was rocking on the balls of her feet, and Rose rolled her eyes.

“Come on, Doctor,” she said. “Get in bed.”

“It’s not weird to share?” the Doctor asked.

“We’ve shared before,” Rose said.

“You met my wife,” the Doctor said.

“And she knows what I am to you,” Rose said, “and I know what she is to you, and we’ve all come to terms with that.”

“I’m no good at relationships,” the Doctor said. “I don’t know what you’re expecting. Humans are all-- different. And I wasn’t good with dating even when the Time Lords existed properly.”

“Good thing none of us involved are human, then,” Rose said. “Come on, Doctor. You said yourself you won’t even see her anymore, remember?”

“I suppose so,” the Doctor said.

“So stop being such an idiot and come sleep,” Rose said.

“Fine,” the Doctor said, and she made a show of getting in bed. Once there, though, she immediately cuddled up to Rose, and Rose smiled, running a hand through the Doctor’s hair. Some part of her was perfectly content, in that moment, surrounded by soft bedding, the Doctor’s warmth against her, the sweet smell of the Doctor’s hair coming towards her as she tangled her fingers in it.

“Are we girlfriends now?” the Doctor asked suddenly, her voice muffled against Rose’s pajama shirt.

Rose’s hand stilled in the Doctor’s hair.

“How do you mean?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” the Doctor said, lifting her head a bit. “Must be a bit of Jane still in me. I keep thinking about human relationships.”

“We can be girlfriends,” Rose said. “I don’t know if it’s really the sort of word that works for us. Very human.”

“Suppose so,” the Doctor said. “Don’t really need a name, anyway, I suppose. Girlfriend is as good as anything, though.”

“Fair enough,” Rose said. “We can say that. If people ask. I don’t think they will.”

“Never know,” the Doctor said, letting her head drop back down. Rose kissed the top of her head, and then reached over and turned off the lamp with a smile. This was a nice way to fall asleep, she thought to herself. Maybe the only nice way to fall asleep, with the Doctor in her arms, snoring softly in dinosaur pajamas.

It didn’t take her long to drift off, a faint smile on her face. She dreamed of nothing.

#doctor who #dw #writing #fic #thirteen x rose #heartbeats

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chaosbcrne · 6 years

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@blucpincushicn (x):

🌀 The speedster chases away his lingering nerves and the old but fond memories of exploring haunted mansions and castles with his team as he comes back to reality. How young then, he’d felt. Eyes wide and full of rebellious spirit, so much has changed since then. The last of his nostalgic thoughts slip away when Sonic’s focus returns back to the screen, ears raising back up at attention.

Ah yes. Jack’s Lament had begun, Sonic noted with a tiny smile. He knew all these songs by heart, although this one was always one of his favorites. It was certainly quite the performance, even after all these years. It was simultaneously bouncy and dramatic, with a tune that was ever so catchy even if the mood was somber. Once again the blue blur was reminded by how much he enjoyed musical numbers.

He has to resist the urge to hum along, in fact. Shoulders tremble a bit again while Sonic watches the animated character dance across the screen, the glow from the movie casting an otherwise gloomy wash on his azure painted fur. For a moment he even forgets his previously fluttering thoughts over his companion. The hero silently follows along to the song, easily reciting the lyrics from memory alone.

…But who here would ever understand? ♫ That the Pumpkin King with the skeleton grin, ♫ Would tire of his crown, if they only understood… ♫ He’d give it all up if he only could~ ♫

…Oh, there’s an empty place in my bones, ♫ That calls out for something unknown~ ♫ The fame and praise come year after year, ♫ Does nothing for these empty tears… ♫

The music softened as the song came to a close, signaling that it was moving onto the next stretch of plot points. Sonic lets out a small sigh with a puff of visible fog, ears drooping slightly, gaze somewhat glossy and distant. What a classic.

And of course, with the lament coming to an end, so did his focus on the movie. green eyes silently wander over back to Shadow, his train of thought once again delving back into sap territory.

Sonic wouldn’t of anticipated the sudden shift in Shadow’s own attention as he’s suddenly met with that piercing ruby gaze and- oH

Crap. CRAP. Look away, look away!!

Sonic reacts a bit too slow, ears folding backwards and his fur all but poofing out on every inch of his azure coat as he tears his attention away from the agent. Oh no. Ohhh no. Shadow definitely saw that. Eye contact was made. Gaia damn it this is bad this is baaad-

❝ Huh? ❞ Is all he can respond with, the pitch in his tone a little higher than he intended. Glancing back, he watches Shadow rid himself of his jacket and lean over- what was he doing?!

It takes Sonic a second to register the cozy fabric being draped over his form, leaving him blinking several times before he realized what was happening. He unlocks his arms from around his knees and grabs onto the hems of the coat, staring in awe at the article of clothing he’d just acquired.

Shadow gave me his coat??

Oh. Oh dear. Sonic hadn’t even realized how chilly it’d gotten out. His body had been responding to it- come to think of the slight trembles of his shoulders, but he’d been so distracted by thoughts he hadn’t even picked up on the signals his body had been sending him. Was this why he was feeling so jumpy?? Surely his emotions had contributed to some of it, but…

And clearly Shadow noticed. He’d noticed before Sonic even noticed. Gee… he really was just a mess tonight, wasn’t he? Still, it certainly didn’t stop the bloom of warmth and butterflies that took off in his chest as the faint scent of coffee hits his nose. Okay… Rein it in, Sonic. Keep it cool. Act normal. Pretend like you totally didn’t just get caught staring.

❝ H-heh… Y’know I’ve survived sub-zero temperatures way outside the stratosphere, right? ❞ The hedgehog teases quietly, shooting the agent an amused look as he stretches up and wriggles his arms into the sleeves of the coat so he could comfortably hug his knees again. It a good humored jab, certainly not one Sonic made intending to start anything. He further solidifies that point by continuing before Shadow can get a word in.

❝ …Thanks tho’. I appreciate it, I really do. Not a huge fan of the cold, if’m honest. ❞

It really was… kind of the agent. Not something Sonic would have expected, yet somehow he didn’t feel as surprised as he should be. After everything he’s witnessed from his companion tonight, the speedster honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Shadow leaned over and put his arm around Sonic and maybe tilted the hero’s face up with a hand, leaned down and-

……..Yeah okay, we’re not finishing that thought. Whatever happened to platonic?? Sonic was trying to be a good friend, not get caught up in…whatever that train of thought was leading to. He really needed to get a rein on his feelings tonight or he wasn’t gonna make any actual headway. Sonic didn’t wanna just be a sitting, stuttering duck the entire time.

So, he thinks of a diversion, if only from his own stupid feelings as the movie led up to it’s next musical act.

❝ Hey… what’d you end up getting from the convenient store? ❞ Sonic whispers, completely pretending like he wasn’t using this as an excuse to glance at Shadow again. Not at all.

Yeah, I was there for some of it, in case you forgot. The words never left his mouth for there were too many implications tied to them to consider in a moment’s notice. For one thing, he knew all too well the speedster had had countless adventures without him, and far be it from him to exaggerate his importance in those he did take part in. For another, none of the ones that applied here were among those Shadow was particularly proud of.

The first time, the two of them were enemies, and the second, well - he didn’t remember. Not who Sonic was, not what had led up to that moment, not the last time he’d been there. And now that he did, it was even more conflicting to think back on.

They hadn’t exactly been on the same side, that second time around - it had really been more of a... temporary partnership, along-for-the-ride kind of deal. Yet Sonic had never stopped being nice and encouraging, and most of all, he had tried to get him to remember. And he’d been the only one, out of everyone Shadow knew.

Why ?

The question died on his lips though, as Sonic quickly moved on to thank him for the coat, effectively pushing him off that specific train of thought. “Yeah...” he uttered slowly, forcing his mind to get back to the present time and place. “There’s a notable difference between living and surviving though, wouldn’t you say ?” The semi-rhetorical question was punctuated with a scoff - as if proving his point before Shadow had even voiced it, the speedster hadn’t wasted any time properly putting on the garment. It seemed it was even more welcome than the agent had guessed.

“I can imagine,” he said with a widening grin, as an actual response to Sonic’s confided sensitivity to cold. “What with how little fur you’ve got growing there.” He just had to get a little jab in there, however objective. It made things feel a bit... less strange, and more like they usually were between them, he thought as he let his gaze linger maybe one too many second on the bundled up hedgehog. It was a pretty cute image...

Chaos, stop being so weird, Shadow urged himself, snapping his attention away from Sonic and back to the screen a tad too suddenly to look natural. His heart had leaped a minute earlier when they’d unexpectedly made eye contact, and it still felt out of sorts now, after he thought he’d figured out such a perfect distraction. He leaned back some, planting his hands against the ground to try and quell this odd trembling that had overtaken them. And it wasn’t from the cold, that much he could tell.

Maybe he was getting a little too friendly. Not by anyone else’s standards, for sure, but by his own - this was likely further than he had been planning on letting it go. Far out enough of his comfort zone that his own body was responding where his mind couldn’t, sending him signals that he was overdoing it. But then, why did this behavior come to him to naturally ?

“Hm ?” Ears and head both turned to his companion as a reflex when he spoke up again. So much for paying attention, Shadow thought to himself, almost rolling his eyes. He’d been so caught up in his reflections he’d completely lost track of what was going on for a minute - both in the movie and right by his side. “Same as you,” he said after a brief delay, shifting his weight onto one hand so he could reach into his bag and pick out the snack in question with the other.

Of course, it being a discount plastic bag, it just had to get hung up on the ring of his wrist and tumble over when he pulled his hand back, effectively revealing his other pick that he’d more or less forgotten about already. “Oh, and this,” he added, dropping the first item to pick up the bag of salted dried meat and bringing it up the other’s attention. “Some coworker got me addicted to this stuff. It’s not junk food enough to be forbidden on duty.”

He let out another quiet laugh. It was the excuse he’d heard when no one made a fuss when said coworker had shown up with the snack in question, but he’d come to know better as time went by. It was just awful food all around for most people, too salty for some, too chewy for others, or too odd of a taste. It didn’t distract people like most other junk food did because no one wanted it. It was no surprise, in hindsight, that Shadow would develop a certain affection for it.

Which led to an interesting question...

“Wanna try ?” he offered in turn, ripping the bag open and handing it out to his rival with a weirdly curious expression on his face.

#heroquills #✮ ☾ bow your heads low ☽ ↳ ic #✮ ☾ farewell to the shadow ☽ ↳ dash verse #dude i am #so sorry for the wait #theres so much thats been going on i basically forgot it was my turn over here i am so sorry

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graphicallysam · 7 years

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Para: A Saturday with the Twins

Who: Sam and Mercedes

When: Saturday, 13 Nov 2010

Where: Evans' Home

What: Samcedes babysit the twins

Mercedes had gotten the text earlier in the day that Sam was in need of backup with his twin siblings. Two against one were not fair odds when it came to tiny people that could team up on you, so she was more than happy to help. She had met Stevie & Stacy at the football games when his family came to watch Sam play. She thought they were adorable, and Stevie was practically a carbon copy of Sam. It also didn’t hurt that she liked kids.

Her mom let her drive to Sam’s house since she had her permit. She could get her license in another few weeks after her birthday, so every last bit of practice would do her good. Once there, she grabbed her purple backpack out of the trunk and headed up to the door, ringing the doorbell. She had packed her brother’s old Sega Genesis system that had a bunch of fun games the twins could try like Sonic and The Lion King.

Normally, Sam didn’t mind babysitting his siblings, but at five-years-old, they were like The Rugrats on crack. They pretended to be all innocent and sweet with their parents and around Quinn and stuff, but when it was just Sam by himself, they were The Kindergartners from Recess. Quinn was busy with a church thing or maybe a thing with her mom, Sam wasn’t entirely sure. So he sent out an SOS to Mercedes, hoping that she could save him, and when she agreed, he thanked God for taking mercy on him.

Since he’d started at McKinley, five months before, he’d made a lot of good friends. Finn had kind of invited him to be a part of his crew, which brought the unexpected but welcomed presence of Mercedes all of the time. Sam really liked Mercedes. She was one of his best friends at school, and they hung out all of the time when he wasn’t hanging with the guys or spending time with his girlfriend, Quinn. It was nice to have a friend that was into comics and video games and movies as much as he was. Not that Finn and Puck weren’t good for that kind of stuff, but it wasn’t quite the same. Mercedes just got it in a way no one else did. Quinn just wasn’t into the same things as him. She loved to read and spent most of her time with Rachel. They liked art museums and things he had no clue about. Sam liked art, but not that kind, and he hated reading because it didn’t come easily for him. Mercedes was just different than most of the people he’d met in Ohio. She didn’t think he was weird for speaking Na’vi, and she laughed at him impressions. Plus, she was really pretty, not that that mattered. He did have a girlfriend after all. It was just kind of a bonus.

The doorbell rang, breaking him from his thoughts and offering him salvation. He practically tripped over Stevie as they both rushed for the door. Luckily, height and gravity were on his side. So he got to the knob first and pulled it open as he shoved his brother out of the way. “Hey, Mercedes,” he said with an exhausted grin. “Ignore the mess. The twins promised they’d clean up like thirty minutes ago.”

“We’re still playing,” Stevie explained. He glanced at Mercedes, smiling shyly. “Hi, ‘Cedes!” He waved and then took off running.

“Hey, stop running in the house,” Sam called to him and sighed when his brother was out of sight. “Sorry...come in.” He stepped aside and let her in. Sam’s house was generally neat, but it always looked lived in. Both of his parents grew up on ranches in Tennessee and believe a house should look homely. But they were strict about chores, and the twins had toys scattered everywhere that would need to be cleaned up before they got home.

“Hey Sam,” she smiled brightly as he opened the door, his always adorable face saying more than he needed too in regards to the mayhem his siblings were putting him through today. Sam had become one of her closest guy friends in lightning speed it seemed. He was so much fun to be around, he always made her smile. Whether he was doing impressions or talking with passion about his fave comic, he was just a really endearing person to be around, and she was happy that he and Quinn had started dating. She knew he’d get a gorgeous girlfriend because he was fine as heck!

When she saw Stevie peek around Sam, she waved at him, laughing softly as he took off running. “If there weren’t toys around all over the place I’d be concerned honestly. Worried the twins got abducted by pod people or something.” She loved the Evans home, it was the perfect mix of comfy, inviting, and decorative. She loved looking at the pictures of Tennessee they had on the wall, and of course the family pictures as well. “So, you ready to make a bet? I bet I can get them to clean up their things in the next 10 minutes. If I win, you have to let me and Stacey braid your hair. If I lose...well, what do you want if I lose?”

Chuckling at the pod people comment because honestly, he’d probably think they were pod people too. They walked towards the family room, and he nearly tripped over a toy truck. “Yeah, we can make that bet...I don’t know how you’re gonna do it without mind control.” He stopped when the reached the room and looked at her. “You have to show me how to beat that one part of Asura’s Wrath.”

“A girl never tells her secrets, but I suppose I can help you out with the game,” she replied as she sat her backpack over by the entertainment center, out of the way of the twin tornadoes. “Now watch me work my magic,” She gave him a wink before she scrolled through her song list and found “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5. The beat would get the kiddies moving, and she could make up lyrics that would cover up any suggestive stuff. “Whoever gets finished picking up the toys first gets to pick something awesome out of my magic backpack.” She sang.

Sam rolled his eyes playfully. One day, he’d get her to show him even if he lost this bet. He wondered what she was up to when she went into her bag and was a little confused when she pulled out her iPod. He watched her curiously as the twins came running into the room to see what she was doing. She promised them a treat, and he was pretty sure that he’d never seen them so eager to clean up.

Mercedes was pretty good with kids. She babysat to earn extra money and had a nice clientele list. The majority of them were people in her church, and a few in her neighborhood. She sang along to the music, dancing with the twins in between their battle to get the toys put away the fastest. “The key to cleaning up is to make it fun, or to make it a competition. If you can do both, you can do almost anything.” She said with a soft chuckle.

Once the twins had completed the tasks, she took out the Sega Genesis and the games, and then she handed them both coloring books with the special markers that would only work in the coloring books. “I also brought some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, but I’m pretty sure you can’t have any until after dinner.” Last thing the twins needed was sugar in them right now, the hyper little cuties.

It wasn’t that the twins were bad, but it was almost impressive that she could get them to do what they were supposed to with a song and promise of a treat. His mom did similar things, but it didn’t work when he tired. He nodded at the advice and gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks...you’re gonna be a great mom someday,” he commented before realizing what he’d said. “I mean...when we grow up,” he added lamely. Luckily, Stevie distracted him with a question so he had something else to focus on.

“Can’t we just have a half a cookie?” Stevie questioned, tilting his head to the side like a curious puppy as he spoke.

Stacy’s green eyes widened. “Mommy said no dessert before dinner!”

“Stacy,” Stevie whined, glaring at his sister.

Sam tried to hide his amused grin before he sobered a little. “Hey, hey...she’s right. No dessert before dinner, bud. You know that,” he said gently, hoping to kill the fight before it started. “Mercedes already gave you a nice treat. You should say thank you again and enjoy it.”

“Thank you,” the twins said in unison before going back to coloring.

She smiled, shaking her head slightly. “I’m not having kids until I’m at least 30. I’ve got so much I want to try and do, so when I finally settle down, I’ll be able to be a really good mommy. Maybe. I’ll have to get a husband and all that first, but yeah.” She ducked her head slightly, feeling a little silly talking about something that far off.

She sat down on the couch, thinking of a way to change the subject. “Oh, are you going to enter the art contest?” There was a contest to come up with a new school logo for tshirts and other school merchandise. “I bet you’d do awesome at that.” She knew it wasn’t exactly his style of art, but he was good at a lot of styles.

Sam loved his art. He loved drawing and creating things in Photoshop. He even had his own Deviantart account, but he was still kind of shy about it. He’d only ever shared his stuff with a few people. She was one of them. “I don’t know. I don’t think I want to…” he said, ducking his head.

“That’s okay,” she smiled encouragingly. “I just want you to know that I think you’re good enough to win. Sometimes it’s nice to know that other people think you’re good at something you really love, you know?” She hoped that made sense. “Do you still want to go to Wizard Con with me and Royce in the summer?”

“Thanks, Mercedes, that means a lot.” It wasn’t that Quinn wasn’t supportive of him and his art. She was, a lot, but it still felt nice to hear Mercedes say it. He really believed she believed he could win. Maybe he’d submit something secretly just in case it didn’t get picked. Then no one would know. “Yeah, I totally still wanna go.”

“Sweet! Start talking to your parents now, that way you have time to negotiate a deal if necessary.” She grinned. “Royce is very responsible and trustworthy so hopefully they’ll be okay with it. Do you think you’re going to dress up or anything? Royce wants to go as Jax from Mortal Kombat.” She peered over the back of the couch, checking on the twins who were still engrossed in their coloring books.

Sam was suddenly really stoked. He couldn’t wait for the summer to get there. “I don’t think they’ll be too strict. It’s just like a day or two right? I think since you’re brother’s going too then they know I’m not sneaking away with you,” he joked, but his mind immediately went to what it might be like to sneak away before he pushed the thought away. He had a girlfriend. He shouldn’t be thinking like that. “Oohhhh maybe I should go a Sub Zero.”

She nodded her head. “Yep. We can get two day passes and drive both days, but my dad might let us use his points for a free hotel room, maybe. We’ll have to work out all the details to see. Plus I don’t want Quinn to feel weird about that, so...yeah, definitely would have to get 2 hotel rooms, just so the parents and girlfriends don’t think we’re acting inappropriately.” She felt her cheeks get super warm. “Not that that is remotely a concern, but parents are weird about things like that.” A subject change was very much in order right now. “Oh that would be cool! All the pictures will be taken.”

“Yeah, my parents would definitely think that's weird. Not Quinn though, you don't have to worry about that. She knows we’re just friends,” he said as a reassurance, but he didn't add that Quinn didn't know he was attracted to Mercedes or that he would've asked her out if he hadn’t ended up with her first. He’d never cheat on her or anything, but Mercedes was hot. And Sam really liked her.

“Quinn never has to worry about things like that, she’s easily one of the top prettiest girls in school.” She smiled as Stacy showed her the picture she had finished. “That’s amazing! You’re going to be as good as your big brother if you keep that up.” She turned her attention back to Sam, amused at how much of a baby face he had. His parents made very attractive kids. “But Santana is the hottest, I’m under best friend contract to say that.” She chuckled.

“True, she’s beautiful, but she’s not the only beautiful girl at school,” Sam replied looking at her as she looked at his siblings. She really had no idea how beautiful she was, he thought. Her compliment to his sister really made the little girl happy, and he was grateful he'd called her over. “Santana's hot, but she's not really my type.”

“Santana is a lot to handle, but she’s a really nice person. I went through this phase where I wanted her to marry my brother when she got older so she would be my sister. I was a little kid, so don’t judge.” She smiled. “You have a type? Well, I mean it’s obviously Quinn. So that means you like smart, sophisticated, and beautiful girls. Which makes sense, I can totally see that.” She jumped slightly. “Oh, I forgot that I brought you something too!” She got up and headed over to her backpack. “Stevie and Stacy, has Sam been a good big brother today?”

Sam mouth bowed into a wide grin as she told him the story about wanting Santana to marry her brother, but when she asked if he had a type, she was talking so fast that she didn't give him a chance to respond. He couldn't really say that Quinn wasn't the only kind of girl that fit into that category. He just ended up nodding and biting back a sigh. Then she walked over to her bag again, saying she had a surprise for him, and he waited in his spot to see what she had.

“I guess so,” Stevie replied after tilting his head in thought at the question.

Stacy, on the other hand, was always Sam’s biggest cheerleader. She nodded emphatically. “Sammy’s the bestest big brother.”

Mercedes adored Sam, but she did not want to hear him wax poetic on all the ways Quinn was the epitome of perfection. She knew it was silly, but the only person she could deal with the whole I love my boyfriend/girlfriend stuff from was Tana, and she never did that anyway. She probably wouldn’t feel that way when she got her own boyfriend, but that was probably never going to happen before she graduated high school. She chuckled softly at Stevie’s response, shaking her head a little. Stacy’s response didn’t surprise her at all. “Well then, I suppose I can give him these since he’s the bestest.” She pulled out an Avengers comic book and handed it to him. “I hope you don’t have this one. I saw it and thought you’d like it.” She knew he wasn’t a fan of reading regular books, but he really liked comics.

He wasn’t sure what she was handing him until he could see the cover properly. He looked down at the colorfully drawn graphics before him, and he expression changed from amused to amazed and surprised. “Whoa...I didn’t get this one! Holy-” He cut himself off when he remembered his siblings were in the room. “-heck! You didn’t have to do that!” He reached out and pulled her into a tight hug, careful not to crush his new prized possession, then stepped back again.

“What is it?” Stevie asked as he hurried to his brother’s side. Stacy was right behind him, and he leaned down to show them.

Sam’s expression was so freaking adorable that she wished she had thought to take a picture of him. She was usually pretty good at picking out gifts for her friends, so she was very happy she had gotten Sam’s right. When he hugged her, Mercedes felt like the room had just jumped up a million degrees in temperature and she was super thankful that he stepped back so she could actually take a breath to get her senses in order. Why did she feel like couldn't breath when he got that close?

While the Evans kids were busy checking out the comic, she busied herself with connecting the Sega Genesis to the tv.

Eventually, Sam took the comic to his room to read later and headed back into the family room where Mercedes was hooking up her Sega. The twins had moved into the room and were now coloring at the coffee table. So he sat down on the floor closer to the tv and picked up a controller. “What are we playing today?”

“Only the classics of course,” she had brought all the Sonic games, ToeJam & Earl, Golden Axe, Street Fighter 2, and Lion King for the kids. “I figure I can kick your butt at Street Fighter for a bit.” She was a pro at trash talking over video games, she had learned that from Royce. She sat down next to him, but not too close.

Sam’s grin grew. He was impressed by her trash talking skills. She was seriously one of the fiercest gaming competitors he’d ever met. So he was ready to try his hardest to beat her in Street Fighter 2. “You’re on. I hope I don’t send you home crying.” He said before settling in to play.

#char: mj #para #para 002 #samcedes rp

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jbuffyangel · 7 years

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The Shift Begins: Arrow 5x10 Review (Who Are You?)

Wow. I mean... WOW. "Who Are You" was an amazing episode.

Probably my favorite of the season. I liked it even more than 5x08 and I LOVED 5x08. It had unbelievably tight pacing, great action, strong (and necessary) character development, wall to wall Olicity and fabulous subtle LL shade. It integrated the new characters almost seamlessly too.

Y'all... I even liked Wild Dog.

But best of all? The shift has started for Oliver and Felicity.

Let's dig in...

Olicity (and Bl*ck S*ren)

Storytelling is never an easy journey, especially in television. It is a long, arduous, sometimes infuriating, and at times boring, process. It can also be exhilarating and heart wrenching. Our emotions fluctuate as does our investment. Watching a television show as it airs, with a 23 episode season, is full of ups and down. There will be good episodes. There will be bad episodes. It's a roller coaster ride.

But every once and awhile there's that fantastic episode. The one that shines above all the rest. The loopty loop. The diamond in the rough so to speak. The episode that makes all the patience worth it.

"Who Are You" is that kind of episode. There's a significant amount of pay off from the set up of the beginning of Season 5, but also for those of us who've been religiously watching for five years. The shift in Oliver and Felicity's dynamic started tonight and it's launching them in an entirely new trajectory. And it's exactly where we need to go.

"Laurel's" return isn't really all that much about Laurel. I mean... it IS, but I've always said that as long as they bring KC back for specific ways, this guest contract can be extremely effective. As irritated as I was at how quickly Arrow brought KC back after we JUST said goodbye to Laurel, this was an effective use. It highlighted the emotional shift between Oliver and Felicity, by examining their vastly different perspectives on what Laurel's return means. It's not even about Laurel. This is about world view.

For Oliver, it's a miracle. Listen, as cover stories go, Bl*ck S*ren's was a spectacularly bad one. Sure the "time travel" excuse works, especially when you throw in Sara and the Wave Rider, but once you dig into the details a bit it makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE.

Details Felicity rapidly picked up on and Oliver was blind to.

For Felicity, it was too good to be true, so she was suspicious. It was too good to be true for Oliver, but rather than be his pessimistic, distrustful self, he just embraced it full on. It wasn't just that Oliver believed Laurel was a miracle. He needed her to be one.

Whereas for Felicity, we can finally see the events of the last four years finally taking a toll on her. She's sees the darker underbelly of this supposed "miracle" because history has taught her that when something is too good to be true on Arrow... it normally is.

Felicity: After the past four years it's hard for me to accept good news.

But the fact that Oliver is essentially throwing caution to the wind, ignoring all signs, and embracing the freaking rainbows, is such a freaking massive character shift, it's almost mind boggling. This is the Oliver Queen version of Rainbow Brite.

It's also a massive character shift for Felicity to be the one who is not hopeful. To be the one who is suspicious and distrustful.

So, it's strange when it's Felicity who wants to throw the party celebrating Laurel's return. Have you ever seen a less enthusiastic party? Nobody wants to celebrate Laurel's return.

Of course, Felicity isn't celebrating Laurel's return. She's getting her Nancy Drew on with an elaborate ruse in the form of a “Welcome home Laurel” party.

She's using the party to analyze "Laurel" more and then, literally analyze her, by using her glass for a DNA analysis. Did you notice that "Laurel" almost reached for the glass of champagne instead of the glass of water? Somebody forgot to do their homework! Tsk tsk.

To Bl*ck S*ren’s credit, she figures out Felicity’s on to her almost as as quickly as Felicity figures it out.

You pretended to be Laurel for a hot minute Bl*ck S*ren. Slow your roll. Although, maybe a minute was long enough.

Of course, Oliver shows up just as Bl*ck S*ren is attacking Felicity and Rory.

HE RUNS TO FELICITY'S SIDE.

Oliver needs to know she's safe; to know that she's not hurt. He uses his special “hey.”

Like he’s done so many times before...

Felicity reassures Oliver, but

He can't even take his eyes off of her. Felicity is his only concern.

Words are never enough for Oliver in these situations. He needs to touch Felicity. He needs to feel her. The physical connection is the only way Oliver can reassure himself. Oliver has done this again

and again

This is no different. As much as some things change... some things never do.

They grip each other's forearms, as Oliver holds Felicity steady, but he doesn't help her stand up. In point of fact, there's absolutely no reason for the two of them to be holding onto each other so tightly and for so long other than ALL THE FEELINGS. And, once again, Olicity is surrounded in green light. The ever present, unbreakable connection. For Oliver to feel, in her bones, that she is safe. It's his tether. The same tether Oliver needs. The same tether he will always need.

These two wreck me.

After a nasty run in with Prometheus, Bl*ck S*ren reaches out to Oliver and the team arranges a meet by that god awful statue.

Don't worry, it's on its last legs.

This when we see the shift in Oliver and Felicity clash.

Honestly, his crabby voice is even hotter when he’s crabby with Felicity.

Oliver is trusting Bl*ck S*ren. He believes she can offer intel and he tells the team NOT to move on her. Felicity argues with him, but Oliver holds firm. Felicity pretends to agree, but then she switches "the boys" (there's no limit to how much I love that Felicity called them that) to a separate channel. In one of the best lines of the episode, Felicity tells the boys to "light her up."

Commence the fist pumping.

My parents have had similar arguments, with my mother issuing orders that differ from my father's to me and my two sisters. So, Oliver and Felicity are Mom and Dad of Team Arrow, and "the boys" are trial run triplets. Come fight me.

But you know what my sisters and I did? We listened to our mom. And that's exactly what Curts, Rene and Rory are going to do. Where Mama goes so goes your nation.

Of course, the team jumps the literal gun and spooks Bl*ck S*ren, prompting her to unleash her sonic scream and, in the process, DESTROYS LAUREL'S STATUE. This calls for the Numfar Dance of Joy.

Goodbye statue. We knew thee for a short time and yet we shall not miss thee.

Loyal little children that they are, Curtis, Rory and Rene try to cover for Felicity, but she comes clean with Oliver. She gave them the order to go. What I love about this is Felicity's isn't sorry about what she did. She firmly believes she was right.

QUEEN.

This is the start of that split in tactics we've been hearing about. Felicity liked that the team listened to HER. They followed HER orders. They used HER tactics. When Oliver wouldn't listen and do things Felicity's way, she ploughed right through him. This is very S1-S3 Oliver Queen esque behavior. It strongly points to Felicity setting up her own team to go after Prometheus once she grows tired of Oliver's opposition to her tactics and his approach.

And this is all about approach. Felicity doesn't trust Bl*ck S*ren and, while Oliver recognizes there's good reason not to trust her, he can't let go of the hope that there's a piece of goodness in Bl*ck S*ren. That there's a piece of Laurel in her.

Felicity believes Oliver has blinders on. Is Felicity right? Yes. But oh... isn't it wonderful to see him so doggedly optimistic? So blindly and stupidly hopeful. That's what heroes do. That's who heroes are. And that's the question Arrow is really asking.

It's the question Oliver asked Bl*ck S*ren, but it's really the question he is asking himself. It's the question Diggle and Felicity are asking themselves as well. We decide, every day, who we are, with every choice we make. Our souls, are simply a reflection of the circumstances we are presented, the choices we make and the consequences of those choices. Which then lead to more circumstances and more choices. And so on and so on and so on and before you know it, you've built a lifetime of choices. And in their wake is the legacy you leave.

Oliver believes if you change the circumstances, you are giving someone the chance to choose again. He wants to give Bl*ck S*ren love, trust, compassion and hope because maybe she hasn't been given those things before. Maybe that's the shift that will make all the difference for Bl*ck S*ren to choose again, and be someone else. It's certainly something Oliver has felt in his own life. It's the gift Diggle and Felicity gave him and Oliver is trying to pay it forward. It's the question that haunts him, especially in light of Prometheus and Billy, because it is Oliver's choices that led to the creation of Prometheus. He believes it led to Billy's death. If Oliver could just change the circumstances... would he do it all differently? He's offering Bl*ck S*ren the redemption he so desperately craves. Not just for Laurel's death, but for every mistake he's ever made.

Oliver, Felicity and Diggle have all chosen to be heroes, but now it's about choosing what kind of hero they are going to be. Every season, Oliver misses a piece to his evolution to the Green Arrow. This time, this season, he's finally starting to see the whole picture.

And for Felicity as well. This is not just about Billy. He was just the last straw in a house made of straw. She has suffered so much. She has endured so much pain and loss. Felicity has always taken the higher road. She's always been the believer, but she's really asking herself, "Where has all that belief gotten me?" Felicity is tired of losing. She is tired of hurting. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. So, Felicity is adapting. She's going to fight fire with fire this time and maybe it'll yield a different result. Maybe this will make the pain go away.

Felicity works out some major rage, by beating the crap out of punching bag. Oliver comes in and ever so softly, in that gentle voice reserved only for her, tells her to extend her wrist. Y'all he just gave her a training tip. And that sweet little smile he gives, scrunching up his nose, when Felicity says “Ow” because he can’t handle her adorableness? Fabulous. IS THIS REAL LIFE?

Felicity can't even stand to hear Oliver use "Laurel's" name. Bl*ck S*ren isn't Laurel. She's a bad guy and she's thrown in with the Big Bad. Felicity isn't interested second chances. She doesn't want to hear about how Oliver is trying to save Bl*ck S*ren . She's using Oliver just like Prometheus did. Felicity wants Oliver to stop Bl*ck S*ren before anyone else gets hurt... before he gets hurt.

But Oliver pushes back just as hard. If there's anything the past five years has taught Oliver, there is so much in this world he doesn't understand. Instead of closing himself off to that, Oliver is trying to expand his world view. He's trying to be more accepting, more understanding, more compassionate. He needs to reach Bl*ck S*ren because once upon a time, not so long ago, someone came along and reached for Oliver.

Someone changed Oliver's circumstances.

Someone gave Oliver a second chance at life.

Felicity.

(And Diggle too). But what's so heartbreaking about this scene, is that Oliver is still Oliver. He can be obtuse, oblivious to the what's right in front of him. As he waxes poetic about changing Bl*ck S*ren's circumstances, he fails to recognize that Felicity's circumstances have changed to. And those circumstances are changing Felicity.

Felicity: You think you can save her?

Bl*ck S*ren is just a symptom of a much larger problem that is brewing between Oliver and Felicity. This shift in dynamic has a purpose.

This line is an important callback to the same line Helena said to LL in Season 2 when she was facing her island. Eventually, every character on Arrow goes to the Island. Every character lets the darkness in, because we all have a dark side. That’s just being human. Felicity is the last to go to her island because of who she is. She’s the strongest among them and because of that strength was able to hold onto her light. But everyone has a breaking point and Felicity has found hers. The darkness is setting up shop. There will come a time when it will be Felicity who needs to be saved. Only, she won't want to be. Felicity won't want Oliver to reach her, or anyone else who loves her. Yet, Oliver remains doggedly determined about Bl*ck S*ren. Imagine the determination he will have for Felicity. Oliver will reach her. There won't be a choice. Not when it comes to Felicity.

But the darkness never comes out. It always stays. It will always be something Felicity has to face, understand, and overcome. Just like every character on Arrow, but most especially Oliver. The key is that she has the person who brings out the best in her. The person who harnesses her light - OLIVER. This brings another level of connection to their relationship. It’s equal emotional support... and that is one area Felicity has always done the heavy lifting. This shift is necessary.

Whooo! Both are bringing their zinger A game.

But first, we have to allow Felicity to go down this darker path. We have to allow Felicity to get lost, so she can be found. This season is all about Oliver and Felicity walking in each other's shoes. Oliver is being the light, the source of hope and belief. And Felicity... is taking matters into her own hands. She's going to protect those she loves, especially when they cannot protect themselves. Felicity lost Billy to Prometheus' deception. That deception caused Oliver incalculable guilt and pain. Felicity can't save Billy, but she will save Oliver. She will protect him, especially when Oliver cannot protect himself. Felicity will protect Oliver even though she knows he will disagree with her methods.

It's a very Oliver Queen like move. Why is it so important we walk in our partner's shoes? Why is it so important we understand their perspective on a deeper level. Because it's the catalyst to change. It ignites our compassion, our understanding... and our forgiveness.

Felicity faces off with Bl*ck S*ren, and I have to say, it's an exceptional scene. Emily Bett Rickards is bringing this unflinching, uncompromising, darkened steel to Felicity Smoak. It's fantastic and Emily is chewing up this meaty storyline. They are only going to give her more and it's only going to get better. I feel it in my gut.

Honestly, this scene with Bl*ck S*ren is straight out of fanfiction.

Although, that "taller" remark fell a little flat. Is LL taller than Felicity? Does Oliver have a height preference I was unaware of? I was so confused.

Maybe some fanfiction authors should send the Arrow writers some better zingers. They did pull their ace though, a line I am sure they have been waiting a loooong time to say.

I cackled. Arrow having the balls to make fun of their exceptionally horrible romantic backstory with L*uriver will never get old with me.

Felicity knows what's really going on with Oliver. He feels guilty over Laurel's death and Bl*ck S*ren is a shot at redemption for him. Felicity Smoak knows Oliver Queen in his bones. Yes, I know what I did there.

Bl*ck S*ren escapes and Oliver is basically WTF because they followed Cisco's specs and no one ever escapes from The Flash! Felicity levels with Oliver. Bl*ck S*ren didn't escape. She let her go.

Oliver uses his angry voice. It's super hot. The exchange goes something like this:

Felicity: Don't worry. I put nano tech in Bl*ck S*ren's water. We'll be able to track her.

Oliver: (in his hot angry voice) That's a horrible idea. WORST IDEA EVER.

Felicity: Hey buddy, you taught me how. You did the same thing with Anarky!

Oliver: Oh. (whispers) Damn it.

Awkward pause...

Oliver: (in his deep angry voice that keeps getting hotter) Can we have the room please?

It would be at this time I shouted at my television, "For hot, angry sex! SAY FOR HOT ANGRY SEX!"

He didn't say it. Damn it! The boys have to leave and Wild Dog is bummed. He wants to watch Mom and Dad fight.

HA! Sucker!!! We get to stay. Muhahaha.

But hot angry Oliver doesn't yell. He immediately softens.

Felicity does not soften, however. In fact, the gloves are off.

It is the first time Oliver is really realizing how far Felicity is willing to go to get to Prometheus.

Felicity risked her life and not only is it worrying to Oliver... it's scaring the crap out of him.

SHOTS FIRED! I didn't take this as Felicity blaming Oliver for Billy's death. It's clear that she doesn't. It is, however, a condemnation on Oliver's attempt at the moral high ground. He's killing again. Morally justified? Perhaps. Goodness knows Felicity has advocated for Oliver killing the Big Bads before and she certainly has no problem putting Prometheus in the ground now. However, Felicity doesn't believe Oliver has the right to argue the moral high ground. He's taken the darker path too. He's doing whatever is necessary and so is she.

And yes, maybe, there was a little dig in there. If Oliver was holding to his "don't kill" code then he would have never tried to kill Prometheus... and Billy would be alive. Change the circumstances... change the choice... change the result. She's uses his Bl*ck S*ren argument against him, and twists the knife a little as she does it. This is an angry, frustrated, grieving Felicity. This is Felicity in pain.

Oliver promises justice for Billy, but Felicity jumps in with yet another zinger. Felicity NEVER refers to LL as Oliver’s ex, so she is really angry. And maybe Bl*ck S*ren’s digs got to her a little.

Honest to God, I thought he was going to kiss her. The way she's inches away from Oliver, challenging him. Remember, Oliver has a thing for strong women!

Yes, they are fighting but it's been so long since she stood this close to him. It's almost like Felicity is daring him to. Oliver glances down at her lips and hesitates. Then, he takes a deep breath, almost like he's holding it, willing himself not to just lean in and...

Is it warm in here? Wowza.

This one of the reasons I didn't mind the more subtle touch with Oliver and Felicity's scenes in 5A. Sometimes, when you pull back on characters it's almost like recharging a battery. Then, when you let them loose again the chemistry is electric. It's shooting sparks on steroids.

That was this scene. This is the push/pull dynamic we've been waiting for between Oliver and Felicity. Neither of them is backing down and it is so hot. As they say, opposites attract, but what's so interesting is that they've role reversed. The believer versus the cynic. The hopeful versus the disillusioned. The light versus the dark. Yet, the role reversal still maintains their opposite corners. This is a fight Oliver and Felicity have had before... many times. Only this time they are walking in the other's shoes.

Felicity and Oliver both take a step back, retreating to their separate corners, if not to just break the physical temptation, but allow themselves a moment to regroup.

Oliver watches the video between Felicity and Bl*ck S*ren and acknowledges what we all know... Felicity Smoak knows him best.

He comes towards her again, only this isn't a confrontation. Oliver has softened. He extends an olive branch. Oliver acknowledges that Bl*ck S*ren isn't their Laurel. Their Laurel is gone and they are never going to get her back. (This is yet another big blazing sign to the LL fandom that she is gone forever). But that's why Bl*ck S*ren is so important to Oliver. He's acknowledging that Felicity is right. He failed Laurel. This is a shot at redemption for Oliver. Without Bl*ck S*ren there's no chance of that. Or is there? We'll get to that later, but right now, Oliver feels like he's failed so many he's lost without the chance to fix it. Felicity is arguing it's an illusion, but Oliver argues back it's an illusion he needs right now.

And then he just says, "Okay?"

It's soft, gentle and pleading. This isn't Oliver demanding. This is Oliver asking. This is Oliver asking Felicity to please do this... for him.

That goes both ways. If it's Oliver asking... Felicity will do it.

This is an exceptionally beautiful, heart wrenching scene, because at the core of this is Oliver and Felicity's relationship. Oliver failed Felicity on a massive level. All he wanted to do was fix it, but he couldn't. She shut the door on them forever. Oliver feels he's lost any chance of redemption with Felicity as well. Oliver needs to reach for Bl*ck S*ren because he can't with Laurel, Moira, Robert, Tommy, Shado, Billy (even Prometheus in a way)... and most especially Felicity.

OR CAN HE? The whole point of this Dark Felicity story line is to offer Oliver that chance at redemption. It will open the door both Oliver and Felicity feel is long closed. Oliver will reach for Felicity the same way he's reaching for Bl*ck S*ren, only this time it will not be an illusion of what he lost, but the real thing. When Oliver reaches for Felicity she will eventually reach back.

Oliver puts Felicity in the field because Curtis needs help with the tech that'll stop Bl*ck S*ren's scream. Felicity is helping Curtis. The world makes sense again. Also, Felicity in the field so ...

Oliver and Prometheus face off.

Prometheus informs Oliver he can either stop him or save Felicity. It's 100% ridiculous that Prometheus thinks there's a choice. Dude, you need to watch Arrow.

Take it away Damon Salvatore.

Bl*ck S*ren goes after Felicity.

Can't you hear all those horrid anti Felicity fans cheering? This line is the writers thumbing their nose at that incessant request however.

See, this is why I love Arrow. Never have I seen a show so unabashedly play favorites. Bl*ck S*ren is the bad guy. Arrow won't let the bad guy win. Hell will freeze over before Arrow lets Bl*ck S*ren, or any version of LL, kill Felicity. Hell will freeze over before Arrow ever chooses LL over Felicity. There's no choice to make with them either.

Oliver chooses Felicity because DUH. Once again, they are enveloped in green light. The tether, the connection, the impossible dream, the minute and far away, is always there.

Oliver gives Bl*ck S*ren the hard sell. Yet, even when presented with love and compassion, Bl*ck S*ren still chooses evil.

Thus, cementing her as a real and true bad guy. The force of her sonic scream blows Oliver and Felicity backwards.

Oliver grabs Felicity and she holds on for dear life.

Once they hit the ground, Oliver shields Felicity with his ENTIRE BODY.

He even covers her ears with his arms, giving absolutely no thought to his own life. He couldn't protect her from the bullets.

He couldn't protect her from Havenrock

or Billy's death.

But he will protect her from this.

THIS is the kind of Olicity stunt we know and love. Welcome back old friend.

Curtis saves the day with his tech (more on that in a bit) and no truer statement was ever made...

And because Arrow is unabashedly Team Felicity, they give us this glorious gif:

There will be no end to the reblogging of this gif. This gif gives us life.

And if you think Arrow doesn't know the underlining meaning behind this scene, trust me, they know. That's why they put it there. It's the proverbial "shove it" to all the anti Felicity fans. Also, I may only refer to Bl*ck S*ren as pumpkin from now on.

And of course, because she is a total cupcake with extra frosting, Felicity excitedly tells Oliver she listened to his training tip and kept her wrist straight.

But Arrow is not done. No sir! Oliver can't hide the pride and heart eyes. Doesn't even bother trying.

OLIVER IS US Y'ALL! I mean, we always knew he was Team Felicity, on account of him choosing Felicity over Laurel every chance he got, but I thoroughly enjoy a little anti Bl*ck S*ren shade coming from him after we've heard him wax poetic about her for the last 40 minutes.

And then... Felicity and Oliver find a peaceful truce. They haven't resolved their issues at all. In fact, they are just ramping up. However, Felicity concedes that what she did was reckless and put the guards' life at risk. Oliver acknowledges that her plan worked. They almost got Prometheus.

See, this is why when Arrow finally pulls the trigger on an Olicity that stays together it will work wonderfully. There is enough "drama" between these two characters just based on their personalities and approaches to life. The push/pull dynamic is where the heat comes from. You can have Olicity fight and face drama without constantly keeping them apart. What's beautiful about them is even when they disagree, they have each other's backs. They are a team. And they will always find their way back to one another.

Felicity is sorry about Laurel.

Oliver is sorry about Billy.

The love in her voice fills the bunker. We can actually see Oliver’s heart stop.

Just stop fighting it y’all.

Oliver tells Felicity that "Laurel" isn't back in Central City. He's moved her to ARGUS lock up. He's keeping her close, because he still hasn't given up hope that he can reach her.

Between The Wars by Allman Brown

Between the wars we dance

Between the wars we left

Don't wake me yet

We're still what's left

Hasn't happened, hasn't happened yet

Between the wars we stay

Fading echoes spin away

Lost in memories, in memories

We're still what's left

Hasn't happened, hasn't happened yet

It's important that Felicity asked specifically about "Laurel." Note, she doesn't use the name Bl*ck S*ren. It's a tiny little acknowledgment that Oliver's hope is worth something.

In fact, it's worth everything.

And this is the line. The line that tells us exactly where Arrow is headed with Olicity. This is the line that we will hold on to when times get darker between them... and they will. We are just beginning this dark arc for Felicity. But this line already signals the door is already opening in Felicity. It will be Oliver's optimism, his light, that will help lead Felicity out of the dark and back to him. And when she does, Oliver will be ready for her. He will be the man she's always deserved.

And thus... the shift begins.

Flashbacks

We're back in Russia! Remember Russia? Honestly, I totally forgot what was happening in Russia, so it was good Flashback Ollie did a little recap for me.

Basically, Oliver is getting the crap beat out of him by Pakhan, who's upset that he failed at blowing up Kovar's casino. Instead, Oliver put his own interests (killing Kovar) above the Bratva. Oliver thinks Pakhan is a two faced, lying, SOB, because Kovar is a government agent and the deal he made with Pakhan also betrays the Bratva.

Pahkan argues that Oliver fails to see the bigger picture. For all Oliver knows, Pakhan could be double crossing Kovar that in serves the Bratva.

Arrow has struggled with tying in the flashbacks fluidly with present day, but they did a little better in this outing. Pahkan does a nice little psychoanalysis on Oliver, post ass kicking. The photo of Laurel falls out of Oliver's pocket, and Pahkan mistakes Laurel for Whatshername. It's important to note that Oliver didn't bother telling Pahkan Whatshername's real name because I'm pretty sure, like me, Oliver has forgotten what it is. When Oliver explains that she's not the woman he's here to avenge, Pahkan is a little, "Dude. How many do you have a thing with" and thus becomes my flashback spirit animal.

Oliver explains he couldn't return to Laurel because he's become a monster she wouldn't recognize. Well... that and you were the douchebag that cheated on Laurel with her sister and then her sister died, but that's just details.

Pakhan has an interesting take on things. He believes Oliver is blaming himself for the darkness inside of him, when really, it is just a product of his time on Lian Yu. It's the circumstances that created the darkness... not Oliver. Pakhan believes that ultimately, Lian Yu, made Oliver who he is today. Otherwise he'd still be a total asshat.

This feels accurate. It's the Bratva way of looking at the road not traveled, similar to what Oliver did in 5x08. Pakhan is pushing Oliver to view his darkness as a positive, to turn it into nectar, by committing himself fully to the Bratva. It's a slightly messed up version of unconditional love and acceptance. It's an illusion of family, but one Oliver needs. Just like he needs the illusion that Bl*ck S*ren is Laurel.

Here's the problem with Pahkan's take. Yes, in many ways Oliver's darkness is a byproduct of his circumstances. However, that eliminates any responsibility on Oliver's part. He still had choices to make. Just like Bl*ck S*ren made choices. Just like Felicity made choices. Oliver shouldn't be hating himself as much as he does for his darkness, but he doesn't get off scot free either - which is what Pahkan is selling him right now.

There is a happy medium here and Oliver will find it in present day. He'll let go of the guilt, but understand that he is still responsible for the choices he makes regardless of circumstance. Which is why, in the end, he will toe the moral line no matter what happens.

Tina Boland: The New Black Canary

Arrow removes the god awful statue of Laurel and Felicity wonders if they are doing the right thing. Perhaps they should rebuild it.

It is absolutely the right thing to remove that eye sore and you should absolutely not rebuild it.

Oliver has a much more poetic response than my, "Sweet Mother of Moses NO!" He's starting to realize legacy isn't about statues. A legacy is a living and breathing thing. He hasn't done enough to honor his promise to Laurel. He's determined to find a woman worthy of the BC title. That's how Oliver finds redemption in her loss. That's how she never truly dies. Laurel's legacy lives on in the people who loved her and those who continue to her fight.

Are they making Laurel more important in her death than she ever was on the show? Yes, absolutely. This is not going to change my friends. This is why they killed her. Her death served more purpose than her life. The good news is we're moving on from the LL piece of the BC chapter. Even better, Olicity is going to find the new BC. Arrow is ready to shift the story to somewhere new.

As we predicted, and as it was spoiled, the new character Tina was introduced at the end of the episode. She has the sonic scream just like Bl*ck S*ren did. So, obviously she's a meta human. It's possible Arrow has another origin planned. Her sonic scream sounded different than either LL's or Bl*ck S*ren’s. But Tina could be connected to Central City and the particle explosion. I'm wondering if Wild Dog is from Central City. Granted, I can’t tell if Wild Dog knows Tina in the promo, but if he does then maybe he’s hiding from her for a reason.

I'm wondering because the amazing @callistawolf was quick to point out to me the scene where Wild Dog remarks about everyone's blasé reaction to Laurel's return. Oliver tells him the Lance sisters have a habit of coming back to life and Wild Dog is floored this has happened before.

This is a thinly veiled reference to the Canaries coming back to life. I believe there's a Wild Dog connection with Tina. Perhaps they were in a relationship or she’s a family member. It's possible Wild Dog believes Tina died in the explosion. It could explain his angry reaction to the metas in the crossover (Thanks Sara!) In any event, I believe Oliver's "warning," for lack of a better word, to Wild Dog, about Lance women coming back to life, is that tradition will continue with the new BC. Wild Dog's BC.

I thought it was a great introduction to Tina. Her desire to protect women is a call back to Sara's crusade, the one who started it all... The Original Canary. So this isn't just about Laurel. It's about honoring the history of the Canaries on Arrow.

I enjoyed Juliana Harkavy's delivery and her physicality. It was just a brief glimpse, but I liked what I saw so far. The promo looked awesome. Wouldn't it be wonderful to love Arrow's BC? Fingers crossed!

John Diggle

Diggle wasn't in the episode a ton. "Who Are You" was mostly set up for his bigger storyline coming up. Diggle isn't running this time, but he's not giving up like last time either. He's ready to fight the charges. Again, this is about the kind of man, the kind of hero, John Diggle wants to be. And he doesn't want to be the kind of man who lets his demons get the better of him. John Diggle is a man who stands up and fights and he's finding that piece of himself again.

Adrian Chase

Oliver was able to bring in Adrian Chase and I have to say the gelling of this new character was seamless. Arrow did an excellent job of explaining away that pesky detail about Adrian not being a military attorney. The scene in which he instructs Diggle to punch him to delay his transfer and transfer him to civilian court was GENIUS.

There was a moment, between Adrian and Oliver that's worth noting as well. Adrian told Oliver it was important to keep what happened with Billy and Prometheus a secret. He essentially said secrets are the only way to justice. This could be a veiled reference to Adrian Chases' comic book history. SPOILERS.

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

Adrian Chase is Vigilante in the comics. However, in the comics his identity is revealed and Adrian commits suicide. It's an incredibly dark resolution to this character. Since this season is all about legacy, and Oliver deciding who he is and what kind of hero he wants to be, I think this line is very important. It points the direction where Adrian is going. The amazing @callistawolf, has long believed Oliver will reveal himself as The Green Arrow, Tony Stark style. If Adrian Chase, The Vigilante, believes secrets are the only way to justice, and is ultimately destroyed by that belief, then he represents a lesson Oliver has to learn. The point is to push Oliver towards a new way of doing things. Oliver can no longer find justice through secrets either. I'm going to meta on this more later because there's a lot there. Stay tuned.

Curtis Holt and Wild Dog

Y'all... I liked Wild Dog this episode. I was agreeing with Wild Dog. I assure you it was a disquieting feeling.

But then he called Felicity "blondie," infuriated me

and all was right with the world again.

I appreciate Arrow’s references to Rene being an acquired taste. That’s the writers acknowledging many of us can’t stand him. The reason Wild Dog was easier to take this episode is because he stopped being a dick for the majority of the episode.

In fact, it was Curtis calling Rene on his general asshatness that triggered the shift in character. So, lets keep that up Arrow. Less dick-douche and more compassionate friend. That’s a taste more to my liking.

Curtis lost his husband and is generally tired of getting his assed kicked. He's tired of failing at being a vigilante. He feels he's lost everything with nothing to show for it.

Arrow used the newbies extremely effectively this episode. Now that they've set the characters up, and we've gotten to know them, they can shift focus back to the main characters and the newbies can become solid B storylines. This is an excellent example of that.

Curtis is the new LL when it comes to fighting. Arrow isn't doing that great of a job at showing his progression. We sort of jumped to kicking ass in about an episode, complete with parkour moves, but at least they've settled on this "Mr. Terrific gets beat up" theme with every fight. It's an acknowledgment that he has the longest way to go training wise.

Curtis worked amazingly well last season on Arrow because they played to the character's strengths: his humor and chemistry with Emily Bett Rickards, and his technical abilities. My biggest frustration with the evolution into Mr. Terrific is that Arrow seemed to abandoned his technical abilities. Instead of being the Cisco of Arrow, like I hoped, he was taking over areas of Felicity's expertise. Forcing her to act out of character to make it work sometimes.

That was all fixed in "Who Are You" and played heavily into Curtis' arc. Wild Dog wisely told him that instead of focusing on what he can't do (fighting), focus on what he can do (genius inventor).

So, it's Curtis who comes up with the tech to stop Bl*ck S*ren and he ultimately saves the day. Let's stay on this road with him Arrow. Make a clear division of duties between Curtis and Felicity. Let Curtis be Arrow's Cisco and slowly move him along on the Mr. Terrific training. I don't think they'll stop Curtis from becoming Mr. Terrific, but I'll be happy if this slows the train down and refocuses his character like they did in this episode.

Stray Thoughts

Where you lookin’ Oliver? Felicity’s eyes are higher up.

I almost didn't notice Thea wasn't in the episode. That is how bad it's gotten with her lack of storyline. Let's fix that Arrow.

Flashback Ollie actually referring to LL's photograph is something new and different.

Don't try to understand The Flash Wild Dog.

Best Curtis line of the night. Close secod was "Heard what? Just kidding. Pretty sure people in Florida heard that.”

Bl*ck S*ren's black lipstick is so distracting. I dislike it very much.

Oliver should have explained his friendship with Diggle to Adrian this way, "John Diggle is my Yoda. We have the bromance to end all bromances. Save my lobster."

Anti crime unit is still a thing? Billy was part of the anti crime unit? Ugh. I'm trying to remember Billy's 10 minutes on screen, but it's hard.

John Diggle... why is your voice so handsome? Also your face? I ask the important questions.

"I'm use to it." Has anything more accurately summed up Olicity? I think not.

Wig is still worse than Oliver's bloody face.

Felicity has a hard time swearing. Because she's a cupcake

"More tinkering. Less fighting." STOP MAKING SENSE WILD DOG. YOU ARE FREAKING ME OUT.

Talia Al Ghul has arrived! She's pretty. She looks like Nyssa. I am jazzed. My Batman roots demand it

514 notes · View notes

chasingthecosmos · 4 years

Text

Call Me But Love

Fandom: Doctor Who Rating: T Pairing: The Doctor/Rose Tyler, Twelfth Doctor/Rose Tyler (The Doctor/Clara Oswald, Twelfth Doctor/Clara Oswald) Chapters: 16/40 Read on AO3 here.

“‘Oh, dear. Looks like we might have picked up an extra passenger,’ the Doctor grumbled to himself. His gaze raised to Rose’s once more and she was struck by the sheer intensity of it and the way that he managed to look at once so familiar, and yet so different from what she was used to. ‘Best find something to hold on to,’ he warned her ominously.”

A Season 8 & 9 AU centering around Rose Tyler and her newly-regenerated Doctor as they both struggle to maintain their relationship in the face of some unknown force that seems to be drawing them together. Will they be able to solve the mystery of who is pulling the strings before it’s too late?

This is a direct sequel to “By Any Other Name” and might be a bit confusing if you haven’t read that first. Tags will be updated as I go.

With Rose and the Doctor both attempting to avoid their inevitable return to Coal Hill School and the many issues and questions still surrounding the mundane place, they slipped easily back into their routine of distracting themselves from the glaringly pressing matters at hand.

Still, they stayed close to Earth in an attempt to at least appear as though they weren't running from their problems, and they ended up in the middle of Bristol, where they were forced to hunt down a group of aliens from another dimension that were slowly picking people off of a council estate. The aliens' dimensional meddling also meant that the Doctor and Rose had lost the function of their time ship, and the Doctor was regrettably trapped inside of a rapidly-shrinking TARDIS.

"This is weird," Rose stated definitively as the Doctor carefully passed her his sonic screwdriver and psychic paper through the small opening that was left between them. "Wait, does this mean I'm you now?"

"No, it does not," the Doctor insisted vehemently. "So don't get any ideas!"

But it had been a while since Rose had been forced to face an alien threat alone, and with her bondmate tucked tight against her side and his thoughts humming just inside of her mind, it was difficult not to get a little into character.

You're enjoying this way too much, the Doctor reminded her pointedly as she led her new companion, Rigsy, on a search through the missing peoples' apartments.

And he is not your new companion, by the way, the Doctor continued insistently. You are not bringing him back on the TARDIS with you.

So you're going to be giving me marks, now, are you? Rose asked irritatedly. It's not the first time we've worked apart, you know. I know what I'm doing.

Just ... be careful, the Doctor replied nervously. I don't like not being able to be there with you.

Rose wordlessly reassured him that everything was going to be fine while at the same time expressing her own remorse at not being able to have the Doctor's comforting presence constantly at her side.

However, her confidence at being able to handle the situation faltered somewhat when the TARDIS's song faded into silence on a weak, defeated whimper, and she could feel the Doctor's desperation as reality began to collapse all around him. After that, it was simply a matter of Rose using their enemies' powers against them - a trick that she was proud to admit that she had learned from the Doctor over the years.

When they were finally reunited at long last, Rose could feel the dark turn to the Doctor's thoughts as he glared after the three remaining people who they had managed to save and silently counted all of the ones that they hadn't.

"You saved the whole world, Doctor," Rose reminded him quietly. "Again. It wasn't just them - it was all of us."

"I didn't do anything," the Doctor insisted begrudgingly, flashing Rose a small, humorless smile as he turned back to face her. "You did." You were brilliant, he added silently as he slowly met her gaze.

Learned from the best, Rose reminded him with a wide, satisfied smile.

No, the Doctor admonished her stubbornly. No, Rose Tyler - no one has ever had to teach you that. You've always been brilliant.

Rose could feel her heart fluttering at his words, but she rolled her eyes teasingly in his direction as she muttered wryly, Flatterer.

The Doctor responded with one of her favorite wide, boyish grins that did nothing at all to help regulate Rose's erratic pulse as he took her hand in his and led them both back into the TARDIS once more.

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

When the Doctor and Rose landed again, it soon became quite clear that the TARDIS was refusing to allow them to outrun their problems any longer as a young girl in a Coal Hill uniform promptly greeted them and welcomed them into an impossibly thickly-forested Trafalgar Square.

"Are you the Doctor and Miss. Oswald? I came here looking for Miss. Oswald and her Doctor. Mr. Pink told me to," the young girl declared resolutely.

"Mr. Pink?" the Doctor repeated incredulously, his eyes immediately narrowing into a suspicious glare as he glanced from the girl, to the surrounding trees, and back again.

"Are you lost, dear?" Rose asked, bending down close to the child and attempting a slightly softer approach. "Could you tell us your name?"

"I'm Maebh," the young girl replied brightly. "You are Miss. Oswald, aren't you? I thought that Mr. Pink was looking for you, but it wasn't him. It was just in my head."

"Maebh!" They all glanced up in unison when Mr. Pink himself suddenly burst through the foliage just ahead of them, a small group of children following in his wake and staring up at the TARDIS with wide, curious eyes.

"Clara?" Danny suddenly added in quiet disbelief as he immediately seemed to forget about his lost pupil and narrowed his eyes instead on Rose and the Doctor.

"Danny!" Rose greeted him as brightly as she could, though her smile felt strained as she straightened once more to face him. "What are you doing out here?"

"I could ask the same of you! Where have you been?" Danny hissed in retaliation. Rose's smile suddenly felt even more forced as she nervously noted the group of children around them whispering scandalously and the Doctor's deep, poisonous glare that he was leveling on the two of them as Danny stepped closer to her and continued agitatedly, "What happened to you, Clara? You said you'd be right back to explain, and then you just ... disappeared for weeks! We all thought that something had happened to you!"

"Sorry, Danny - really I am. Time just ... got away from me," Rose muttered lamely, unable to directly meet his eye as she awkwardly lied to him. Even if she could properly explain where she and the Doctor had disappeared to, she wasn't about to divulge any information about the date that she had shared with her husband in private, and she was too ashamed to admit that the two of them had been avoiding Danny and Coal Hill ever since.

"When are you going to stop lying to me?" Danny demanded, rolling his eyes at her and throwing his hands in the air in frustration. "Clara, we were really, really worried! We called the police and everything, but they weren't any help."

"Danny, I'm sorry," Rose repeated earnestly, meeting his gaze evenly so that he would know that she wasn't lying this time. "That's the truth. But right now, we need to figure out what's going on here, don't you think?"

She had spent over a century with the Doctor, but all of a sudden Rose was nineteen again and having to explain to her mum why she had mysteriously disappeared for an entire year with no phone call or explanation as to where she had gotten off to. Rose had thought that when she left her remaining family behind in the parallel universe that she was done with having to constantly come up with these silly explanations and excuses, but it seemed that they simply came hand-in-hand with being a part of the Doctor's life.

Danny glanced warily over Rose's shoulder and his expression darkened as his gaze landed on the Doctor, who was still glaring at the two of them from beneath those severe brows of his with a menacing scowl twisting his features. "Don't know what you two think you can do about all of this," Danny murmured under his breath, his gaze rising to glance pointedly at the thick foliage that was currently creating a thick green canopy over their heads.

"Luckily, I've got something for that," Rose replied, grinning widely as she slowly backed up towards where the Doctor was still glowering at Danny with his arms crossed tight across his chest. "Everyone, this is the Doctor," Rose announced loudly, quickly attracting the attention of the small group of children who were hovering loosely around them, "and he's going to sort everything out. Isn't that right, Doctor? It's what he does."

The Doctor finally seemed to shake himself out of his dark mood as he warily eyed the trees growing up all around them and replied matter-of-factly, "Well, having looked at things, I think, probably, the answer to that is no."

"He always says that," Rose assured the children confidently. "He's really clever."

"Doesn't look very clever, Miss ..." one of the children muttered suspiciously as they watched the Doctor begin to dart from tree to tree and start carefully inspecting the bark and branches, sometimes even reaching out and tasting them with his tongue when his hands and eyes simply weren't good enough.

"Yes, I agree," Danny piped up pointedly. "I think we should leave all of this for the professionals to deal with. Meanwhile, we need to focus on getting all of these kids home."

"Don't worry. It's a thing he does," Rose assured them all breezily, "he pretends he's not interested, and then he has an idea. He's playing for time."

"'Time' ..." the Doctor repeated thoughtfully, turning back to Rose with a wide, unfocused gaze as his thoughts ran off ahead of him and skirted across the many dangerous possibilities that lay before them. "Interesting."

"See?" Rose insisted brightly, flashing the entire group a bright, winning smile. "Clever kicking in."

However, the realization that the Doctor quickly landed on did nothing at all to reassure any of them, and they quickly discovered that they were in for far more than they had bargained for in their fight against the trees.

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

The Doctor and Rose stood high above her home planet and watched in silent awe as a giant ball of fire consumed the great, green orb below, harmlessly engulfing it for a few moments before it burned up and quickly dissipated back into nothingness once more.

I'm so sorry, Rose, the Doctor muttered bitterly as they watched the oceans and land masses on the planet below slowly begin to resurface through the green haze as the protective layer of foliage began to dissolve and fade away. How many times have I made you watch your planet burn?

Rose stepped forward and took his nearest hand firmly in both of her own, her fingers clenching his tightly as she quietly reminded him, "It's your planet too, Doctor." And as long as it needs saving, I plan to be there to help you.

She could feel the Doctor's thoughts flicker for just the barest fraction of a second back to Gallifrey, but he forcefully cut the thought off as he drew her close and buried his nose in her hair, drowning his concerns in the soft familiarity of her scent. He pressed a light kiss to the skin of her temple and silently filled her mind to overflowing with a deep sensation of love and gratitude.

"Do you think you'll ever try and go back?" Rose asked curiously as she continued to stare down at the tiny world that she had once called home. She didn't need to speak the name of Gallifrey out loud for the Doctor to immediately understand the point to her question. He had mentioned an interest in attempting to find his time-locked planet back before he had regenerated, but Rose had never been certain as to his true thoughts on the matter. Did he even want to go back? Could he go back? Would he ever be able to face all of the people and problems that he had buried and left behind there?

"Nah, there's a reason that I left, you know," the Doctor reminded her off-handedly, "it's terribly boring."

But their two minds were one through their telepathic bond, and Rose felt the Doctor's pain as her own as he thought back to the many terrifying possibilities that surrounded his home planet. Not only was he too ashamed of his own cowardice to attempt to return and face his problems head-on, but he was also reluctant to drag Rose back into that war and conflict that surrounded his home once more. In fact, he quite intent on keeping her as far away from Gallifrey as possible, and no amount of nostalgia or homesickness would ever be enough to make him change his mind about that.

Besides, the Doctor reminded her, pointedly steering their combined, steadily-darkening thoughts into a more cheerful direction, I already have all the home I'll ever need.

He squeezed her fingers to emphasize his point as they both took one last look at planet earth below and Rose leaned her head affectionately against his shoulder.

"We still have to go back down there, you know," Rose reminded him quietly. "We're not done yet."

"What do you mean?" the Doctor asked, confused. "Trees gone, solar flares over, Earth saved. Did I forget something?"

"Danny," Rose explained simply. "I think he's owed a few explanations, Doctor. I mean, we did just ditch him the last time. We can't do that again."

"No?" the Doctor grumbled petulantly.

"No," Rose insisted stubbornly. "Don't worry, you don't have to come. Not unless you want to, anyway. But I need to tell him goodbye, at least. I owe him that much."

I'll take you back and drop you off, the Doctor replied, sighing heavily in resignation as he led her back into the TARDIS and closed the doors behind him. But I am not going to try and explain myself to that pudding brain.

Ah, Doctor - just as humble and forgiving as ever, Rose muttered wryly as he finally dropped her hand and circled around the console before her. "Pudding brain" isn't any better than "ape", by the way, she added pointedly. Aren't we past these silly little nicknames?

Well, you certainly know how to pick them ... the Doctor responded moodily as he began flipping levers and pushing buttons to program their return journey to the earth below.

Well, I picked you didn't I? Rose reminded him pointedly.

"Oi!" the Doctor protested irritatedly, his gaze rising to glare at her from across the console. I picked you, he insisted silently.

"Whatever you say, dear," Rose murmured appeasingly. "Whatever you say."

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