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floral-poisons · 2 years

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poisonous decay

a glimpse into the former friendship between two of twisted wonderland’s biggest celebrities: vil schoenheit and neige leblanche. they weren’t always rivals. they were even friends.

disclaimer: none of this is canon. most of this is pure speculation based upon book 5′s exploration of vil schoenheit as a character. it is also based on my own head canons.

word count: 2,956

ao3 link: poisonous decay by vanagloriah

“Is he home?”

“No sir. He will be home later this week.”

A frown crossed the young boy’s face. “He…He said he’d be home by today.”

“I know Master Vil.” The older man smiles sadly.

The boy lets out a sigh. “Fine.”

“Have a nice day at school.” He hands the child his lunch bag.

“Yeah. Thanks Alfred.” His voice sounded defeated as he walked out.

The young blonde boy made sure to look both ways before crossing the street to take the train. He sat silently, staring at the delicate purple fabric of his wrapped lunch. His amethyst eyes glanced up, seeing the poster stuck to the wall of the train. Erik Venue stars as SIR BLOODWORTH in the gut churning prequel by Marcus Aurelia. The villain again except with a prequel. He would be able to stay on stage throughout the whole movie. How long did it take though? 10 years? It took 10 years and 7 movies to finally get his solo movie. He started before he was even born. “How bothersome.” He mumbles underneath his breath.

Sudden whispers filled his ears. He could feel eyes on him and even cameras. The dreadful shuttering of cameras. “Is that Erik Venue’s kid?”

“What’s his name again?”

“Vil I think.”

“He’s like the spitting image of his father!”

“Hey kid!” He yelped upon seeing how close the camera was. Why? Why? Why? Why? “Are you Erik Venue’s kid?”

His eyes glanced up and saw the familiar text on the screen. “This is my stop.” His voice was meek as he got up, clutching onto his lunch bag and running off the train. He glanced behind him as his legs speedwalked, hoping no one would follow him. He was all too familiar with the intense feeling. A sigh of relief left his lips when he exited the station and saw that no one had followed him. He cleared his throat, regaining his composure, and walked towards school.

— — —

“What are you eating?” A much taller boy asks.

“That disc thing is a ghastly yellow color.” A girl snides.

Vil scoffs. “It’s called a bento box. You come to this school and yet have the audacity to act ignorant about the food of different cultures while you eat plain mashed potatoes every day?”

The boy looks stung. He mutters something to the girl and they leave, glaring at him. He could pick up a few words though. Mean. Snobby. Rude. Brat. He was used to it by now. And yet, Vil can’t help but feel his heart sink at how he was sitting at the small table alone. He was used to this by now though. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat, sitting in silence. Until he heard a cheery voice speak up. “Is this seat taken?”

Vil looked up to see big brown eyes staring at him. He had fair skin and jet black hair. His lips were a natural pink color. “No.” He says, looking back down at his food. He could hear the sound of the scraping chair as the child sat in and placed his own lunch on the table.

“Why are you sitting here all alone?”

“Because no one wants to sit with me.” Vil scoffs. “They say I look mean. So they don’t sit with me.”

“Do you have any friends?”

“No. I transferred here in the middle of the year.”

“Well then I’ll be your friend!”

Vil looked up at the boy. He was smiling brightly. “And who are you…exactly?”

“Neige. Neige Leblanche!”

Vil scratched at a spot on his thigh. Leblanche. Like of the Leblanche fame? “I see.” He continues to eat his food. Neige begins to talk, even chewing with his mouth open a little bit. Vil didn’t say anything. He mostly listened. He was content to listen.

— — —

Vil was content to walk alone. He would head back home so he could do his homework then attend his fencing lessons. Afterwards, he would eat a snack, cram, and then eat dinner. To finish the night, he would read a book, practice his own acting in the mirror while brushing his teeth, and then fall asleep. A normal Monday after all- “Vi-kun!”

“Huh?” He turns around to see Neige running towards him. “My name’s Vil.”

“I know. But I think Vi-kun is a nice nickname!”

“Hmm…It is.” He smiled slightly.

“So where are you going?” Neige began walking with Vil.

“Home. I have stuff to do.”

“When do you have to be home?”

“In twenty minutes.”

“So you don’t have to go home right away?”

“I…I guess you can say that.” He raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Well I was wondering if you wanted to go to the playground with me!”

Vil opened his mouth to immediately say no but stopped. No one had invited him to play with them. Ever. It only took about ten minutes to get home anyway. There wasn’t too much of a rush. His schedule was pretty flexible so he could move things around to get his homework done. Maybe today he didn’t need to cram. “I guess I can go.”

“Great!” Neige took Vil’s hand. “Come on! It’s not far.”

Vil followed along with the boy. He was happy. He was excited to meet him. And he didn’t ask him about his dad or anything. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

The boy was quiet about opening the door. Even when his father wasn’t visiting, he still wanted to be back home on time for his schedule. He gently closed the door behind him before removing your shoes. “Master Vil. You’re home.” Alfred smiles.

“Alfred…Ummm…” He felt his body seize up with nervousness. “I…I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize sir. We’ll make it to your fencing lessons on time.”

“I…I was at the playground. With a friend.”

“Did you have fun?” Alfred asks.

Vil feels a small smile cross his face. “Yeah. I did.”

“Maybe your friend can come visit. I’m sure your father wouldn’t mind.”

“Really?” His smile grew larger. “Okay then.” He began to walk to his room to get ready, a skip in his step. He was looking forward to seeing Neige again.

— — —

The paper crinkled underneath his fingers as he flipped through the script. He didn’t know why he was looking through it again. The roles were to be posted by today anyways. They would be there on the big, shiny bulletin board. But of course he was nervous. Those highlighted lines on his version of the script were of the hero’s. He wanted to play the hero. He watched his father play the villain all his life. Why not try something different? His heels clicked along the floorboards as he approached the board, students huddled around. People were whispering to themselves. He could make out his own name and Neige’s as well. They did audition together. Wouldn’t it be ironic if he got the role and Neige was his understudy? Or even the other way around? His eyes scanned for his name and the name connected to his own. His shoulders fell. The villain. “Like father, like son I guess.” He scoffs.

“Vi-kun!” A voice exclaims. Vil turns his head to see Neige. “Can you believe it? We got the main roles! The hero and the villain!”

“Um, yeah.” He smiles. “Congratulations.” He pats his friend on the back.

“Do you think I would make a good hero? Personally I think I would make a lovely villain!” He bats his eyelashes. “With an innocent face like this, you would never expect me to be quite twisted!”

Vil let out a small laugh. “Oh Neige. I think you’ll do amazing as the hero. You’ll bring that amazing charm that will have people’s butts in their seats when the announcement reaches the parents.”

“Haha, I guess so. Aren’t you tired of playing the villain though?”

“Me? Haha. It runs in my blood I guess.” He shrugs. “I’m used to it. My father plays the villain a lot. So naturally I’ve taken on a lot of his tricks and ques. And it doesn’t help that I look like him.”

“Maybe you could do something to separate yourself from your father.”

“Oh really? Like what?” He raises his eyebrow.

Neige rubbed his chin for a bit. “You could always dye your hair! I think a shade of purple would work nice. It would match your eyes. Color coordination is key after all.”

“Hm. Not a bad idea. I’ll give it some thought.” Vil checks his watch.

“Oh Vil. Did you check Magicam yet? We’re trending again!” Neige smiles.

“For the video we did where we switched styles for the day?”

“Yeah! Pretty cool right?”

“I mean I’m one for a traditional celebrity route. But the idea of social media celebrities isn’t so bad.”

“And the way we can interact with our fans! It’s so cool.”

Vil smiles. “It really is. I’ll see you later, okay?”

“Okay!” Neige waved, watching his friend disappear out of his line of sight.

— — —

“So you got signed already?” Vil nods as he sips his drink. “No way! I wish I could get signed. But I don’t know where to start!”

“It’s a process. Besides, getting signed is a very old school way of doing things. You don’t have to if you don’t want to Neige.”

“But I should. My father recommended I go with the company that’s managed my family for decades. But I don’t want to, you know?” Neige huffs, using his fork to play with his food. “It’s predictable. And I want to make a name for myself outside of the Leblanche name. I want people to hear Neige instead of Leblanche. Just Neige. Leblanche not necessary.”

“I get it. My father also recommended the same company he uses. I went for an independent company instead. And also why I don’t use the same surname as him.”

“Like it’s fun to play the hero. But my uncles and aunts have all played the heroes and sidekicks beforehand. I want something different.”

Vil frowned. He knew that feeling all too well. “Well one day, they’ll pick you. For now, I think we should try to figure out this whole thing with Magicam.”

“It’s quite the unique platform isn’t it? Exciting times!”

“Exciting times!”

— — —

Vil is evil! Pure evil!

Man isn’t even worthy of breathing the same air as Neige.

He will never be Neige! He’s a Neige wannabe!

I hope he gets botched plastic surgery so he can be deformed for the rest of his life.

He’s so cold to his fans. So unnecessary.

The world would be better if Vil Schoenheit didn’t exist.

If I could go back in time, I’d kill baby Vil.

No wonder why he always plays the villain. He’s a villain in real life!

He placed the phone down, screen side, onto the bed. His amethyst eyes couldn’t help but stare into the darkness of his room. His heart was pounding. Don’t let it get to you! Said Neige. They don’t know you! Except they thought they did and that was enough to incentivize them to spam his comments. He just posted a picture of himself at a red carpet premiere. Nothing more, nothing less. He even took pictures with Neige. At this point though, he was beginning to despise spending time with him. Why was he always smiling? Always cheery? His voice never went below a certain pitch. It was grating on his ears. And those doe eyes. What was so special about them? He was definitely hiding some sort of secret. Vil’s phone vibrated and he picked it up, looking at the text message. He put some thought before sending a response.

Neige — 20:57

Vi-kun!! Do you wanna go get smoothies tomorrow?

Me — 20:59

Sorry, I’m busy. I’m booked for the next few months.

Neige — 21:00

That’s okay! Hope to see you soon before we start school.

Vil sighed and plugged his phone in before placing it on his nightstand. He turned onto his back, looking up at the ceiling. “Am I…really the bad guy?”

— — —

“What do you mean you couldn’t get me the role?” He scoffed.

“I’m sorry, Vil. Your reputation precedes you though. Critics love your villainous performances!” His manager said from the other side. “They really do want you though. You don’t mind playing the villain again, do you?”

Always the villain, even in the eyes of fans. “Who is playing the hero, if you don’t mind me asking?” Vil takes a sip of water.

“Oh. The role went to Neige Leblanche.”

Vil felt his grip tighten on his glass. And for a second, he saw white. Pure, white rage. He didn’t know how long he saw white because by the time it was over, there was shattered glass all over the floor and a shard in his hand. “Vil?”

“Sure, fine. I’ll take it.” He hung up before his manager could object to anything. His breathing was heavy as he stared at his hand. There was blood coming from the cuts. “No one’s going to know.”

— — —

“Took you long enough.” Leona uncrosses his arms from his chest. “You ready to go into town?”

“Yes. And it didn’t take me that long.” Vil crosses his arms as he starts walking with Leona. “I’m on time.”

“And this is one of the rare few times where I came early.” The older student rolled his eyes.

The two of them chatted amicably on their way into town. Vil was, after all, a first year. He had been chosen to be a part of Night Raven College and his status as a celebrity attracted a lot of attention. Leona had his bet that he would become the prefect of Pomefiore. He was looking forward to getting paid when that was fulfilled. Vil visited some of the shops Leona suggested, which weren’t for him but he didn’t mind. After shopping for a bit, the two were busy walking. He was engrossed in the conversation until…

“Vi-kun!”

That familiar, grating voice.

“Hm? You know this twerp?” Leona asks.

Vil grits his teeth. “Yeah.” He turns around with a smile that doesn’t reach his ears. “Neige.”

“Vi-kun! I didn’t think I’d see you again! How long has it been?”

“Three years.” He says, disinterested. He opened his mouth to say something only to be interrupted.

“Do you want to get a drink? Catch up and all?”

Vil purses his lips. “Sure.” He turns to Leona. “You can continue on without me. I’ll text you when I’m done.”

Leona raised an eyebrow. “Sure, sure.”

“I’ll take you to this great place! It’s pretty amazing!” Neige gestures for Vil to follow him, so he does. He hopes no cameras catch them together.

The two sit down and have a drink before catching up. Neige is doing all the talking. Makes sense. He was always a chatterbox. Vil didn’t mind not opening his mouth. He was content to listen to Neige about how amazing his life was going, his career, his fans. He loved his fans in particular. Vil didn’t understand what was so great about his fans. They were like any other fans. Supportive and vicious, willing to go to extreme lengths to show their support. “So I haven’t seen you around campus.” Neige says. “Are you…Are you busy?”

“Oh. Yeah, I am. But I’m not at Royal Sword. I’m at Night Raven College actually.” Vil takes a sip of his coffee.

“Oh wow! Really? That’s amazing!” Neige laughs. “In a weird way, it kind of fits right?”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Well, in the way that the schools claim to continue the mantles of their respective figures. Royal Sword Academy is so focused on the heroes and heroines of the stories of the Great Seven you know.”

A school for heroes and a school for villains. It just so happened that Vil got placed in the one for the Great Seven. It had to mean he was superior in some sense, right? “Well, it makes sense. I’m always the villain.” Vil takes another sip of his coffee.

“You’re far from a villain Vi-kun!” Neige gives him a reassuring smile. Part of him wanted to say that he was never the villain. But something caught his tongue.

“I think every new role I get says otherwise.”

“Well you’re very talented! Besides, I don’t doubt you’ll get the role in no time-”

Vil glanced at his phone. “Oh, pity. Looks like I have to go.”

Neige felt his face fall slightly. “Ah that’s okay! It was good to catch up.”

“Thanks.” He stands up and is quick to leave, answering the phone. “Yes! Yes! I’m coming! How are you a prefect again, Leona?”

Neige feels his entire face fall and he lets out an exhausted sigh. He wanted to say something. He wanted to apologize. But every time he wants to, his tongue feels numb. Suddenly he can’t speak. He takes a sip of his strawberry milkshake and watches the people walk by. It was the first weekend since school started. Every student was out. It was easy to tell who was a first year and who wasn’t based on the way they looked around with excitement in their eyes (and also using their phones for directions). “Oh my! Are you Neige Leblanche?” Someone exclaims from behind him.

His shoulders seized up. He felt tense, as if every muscle in his body was frozen. His heart was pounding against his chest. And within a second, his body returned to normal, feeling like his own. He was quick to put on his signature smile as he turned around. “Yes! I am!”

#twisted wonderland #twst #disney twst #disney twisted wonderland #pomefiore #royal sword academy #vil schoenheit #neige leblanche

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phantominsertsandmore · 3 years

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Modern Pregnancy Series 10/

Something happens

Erik-

It happened to be the middle of winter and it was rather snowy out, the roads were rather icy as well. You knew that Erik would rather you wait until he got home so he could drive you to the grocery store- but you couldn't bring yourself to burden him anymore than you already were. Besides, you thought you'd be fine. You were correct for the most part, but on your way home someone behind you lost control of their car. They rammed into you and you accidentally bumped into the car in front of you, the abruptness throwing you against the seatbelt and hitting your stomach against the steering wheel.

This caused you to panic slightly, tears running down your cheeks and your mouth parted in a silent sob. You were assured that you were at no fault and the paramedics on scene insisted upon transporting you as you happened to be a pregnant woman. You were just worried enough to go with them. You called Christine who immediately agreed to call Erik for you. You weren't thinking straight at the moment and you were scared to call him yourself.

You'd been able to calm down for the most part at the hospital, especially when they assured you that your baby was perfectly fine after a quick ultrasound. You were still nervous, jumping slightly when Erik rushed into the hospital room. Your usually put together boyfriend looked a mess, even his mask was slightly off angle. "You were in a damn car accident?" He demanded, and though he sounded angry you knew he was mostly worried. His concern sometimes presented itself as anger

"I-It's alright, Erik... The baby is fine-." You murmured, toying with a loose thread on the hospital blanket. Erik made his way to the side of the bed, causing you to squeak slightly in concern when he dropped to his knees. He grasped your smaller hand in his tightly, kissing it repeatedly while he rested his free hand on your stomach. It took you a moment to realize he was trembling and crying. It took you a moment to realize he was worried about both of you. You gently covered the hand on your stomach with your own and murmured apology after apology.

Raoul-

You'd been more than eager to go to the pool party with Raoul, figuring that you might as well get some normality before your son came. After all, you'd be busy taking care of a baby at that point, and though you were excited you were also apprehensive. So, you'd figured that living it up would help. Perhaps you were also just eager to show off your baby bump, as Raoul jokingly pointed out while you were leaving. But there was nothing wrong with that, either.

As soon as you reached the party, you and Raoul went your separate ways. You'd seen one of your old friends by the pool and decided to go sit beside her. The two of you chatted and caught up for around thirty or so minutes. She had to go home early as her day was going to get busier in the evening. She congratulated you on your pregnancy and exchanged numbers with you before leaving.

You didn't see one Raoul's exes- mostly because you never really paid them any attention. You got along with Christine, but that was only because she was such a sweetheart and they'd remained friends. Alaina, however, was not one of his nicer exes. She'd grown more jealous the longer she watched you and she decided to do something about it. You sitting on the edge of the pool only made it easier. She walked past you and pretended to stumble, knocking into you hard enough to send you into the pool with a startled yelp. She immediately rushed off, her senses returning to her.

Fortunately, Raoul had been only a handful of feet away from you, having come to check up on you and seen everything. He got in the pool with you and realized that you were already struggling to push yourself up. He offered you his hand and you took it gratefully. He pulled you to your feet and immediately into his arms. You clung to him, both you and the baby were fine, you were just shaken.

Meg-

Sometimes you could become quite tired easily- it seemed that the more babies one carried, the more affected that person was by simple symptoms. Meg had been gone for the last week, visiting her mother and extended family. You'd overworked yourself this morning, waiting for her return. Even though you knew you were at your limit for the day, you kept pushing yourself, wanting to surprise your lovely girlfriend. You'd prepared a special dinner and everything.

Meg entered the house and you rushed towards her, hugging her as well as you could manage with how large you had gotten. Meg had giggled and returned the embrace, leaning in to kiss you. You returned the kiss eagerly, letting it linger. She slowly pulled away and her smile faded, noticing how exhausted you looked. "Y/N? Are you feeling alright? Should I get you to a sea-" Her sentence was cut off with a scream as you went limp in her arms, seemingly have fainted.

The poor girl was hysterical, working herself up. She managed to transport you to the couch with some struggle. She considered calling an ambulance when you stirred and woke up, gazing at her. You frowned when you realized that Meg was in a complete panic, forcing yourself into a sitting position. You grabbed her hand. "Gorgeous, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just over did it today, that's all. I promise." You soothed her, your voice somewhat raspy.

Meg looked at you wide-eyed for a moment before she burst into another round of tears, lunging at you to hold you as close to her as she can get. "Don't do this again, Please. I don't like it." She implored carefully and you promised her you wouldn't, wrapping your arms around her and stroking her hair.

Christine-

You and Christine had been invited to this year's family reunion and both of you'd been eager to go. You wanted to see your little sister, Maya again as well as you parents. It'd also be good to share the news with the extended family that either didn't use social media or were too young to. Unfortunately, you'd forgotten about your homophobic uncle, Craig.

Almost everyone had been pleased by the news and seeing you again. Especially Maya, she'd been glued to both of your sides for the most part. A couple hours later, the two of you bid goodbye to everyone else. Craig hadn't said anything at all, and aside from his numerous dirty looks you hadn't noticed anything to indicate he was going to do anything stupid, that was until you tried to follow after your girlfriend. He stuck his foot out at the last moment and you went sprawling to your hands and knees with a small yelp. You pushed yourself to your knees, cradling your wrist to your chest.

"Oh my god! Are you alright, Mon amour?" Christine exclaimed, coming over to help you up. Once you were up on your feet, she kept her arms around your waist and pulled you closer against her side. She was already guiding you away as your family got into a shouting match with Craig, your father making threats that most definitely wouldn't be empty if he was still in his youth.

"Yes, I think I just sprained my wrist in the fall." You answered softly and she gave your hip a gentle squeeze, kissing your cheek. She was relieved that nothing too bad had happened. She already had a splint at your place that you'd be able to use for a while. Christine knew one thing for sure, she wouldn't be allowing you and Craig to be anywhere near each other ever again.

#Phantom of the opera imagine #Phantom of the opera preferences #POTO imagines #POTO preferences #Christine Daae x reader #Erik/Phantom x Reader #Meg Giry x Reader #Raoul de chagny x reader

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drama-pop · 3 years

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Dramas I Watched in 2020

I watched a lot of dramas this year, y’all. Here’s what I watched and what I thought of them!

Boys Over Flowers (10/10)

3rd watch – I cannot explain the love that I have for this show. It is absolutely wacky and farfetched, but so, so fun. This was my introduction into K-Dramas (well, re-introduction…more on that later) and it will always have a special place in my heart. This watch was with my sister as she was recovering from surgery. Even though I’d already seen it twice, it was addictive as always.

Dream High (9.5/10)

1st watch - This was one of the cutest and most feel-good shows I watched this year. Part of me wishes I hadn’t discovered it until quarantine because nearly every episode left me grinning and with a song in my heart. It was also my introduction to K-Pop (2PM, which eventually led me to BTS aka the best thing that happened to me this year). I loved the characters and their pursuit of their dreams. The drama turns 10 in a few days, so I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that I loved when the kids finally came together as a team near the end of the show. My one regret is that I fell for the wrong lead guy, so I would have liked to have avoided that second lead syndrome. It’s one of the most compelling love triangles I’ve watched, though!

Cinderella and the Four Knights (7.5/10)

1st watch - Regrettably, I don’t remember much about this drama. I know that I enjoyed the relationships between Ha-Won and the “Four Knights.” I enjoyed Ahn Jae-Hyun’s character at the beginning, but didn’t like him as much as his tear-filled relationship with the seamstress progressed. The singer was my favorite of the cousins and am I the only one who wanted more screen time for the bodyguard? Anyway, it was cute and my mom really enjoyed it. Plus, seeing Park So-Dam is what eventually got me to watch Parasite!

The King: Eternal Monarch (9.5/10)

1st watch – I know it’s controversial for me to give this one such a high score, but it was really special to me. My whole family (minus my dad) and our neighbor watched this show together and debriefed after each episode (from a safe social distance) during early quarantine. It was the first drama I watched as it was airing, so I experienced the stress of waiting for the next week’s episodes. I love Lee Min-Ho, so I was really looking forward to his comeback drama. Woo Do Hwan was an unexpected favorite from this show and I just enjoyed the characters, story, and mystery so much. I know this drama wasn’t everyone’s favorite, but it holds a lot of special memories for me.

Bring It On, Ghost (7/10)

1st watch - This was a pretty cute drama, but it was spooky too. I watched it for Taecyeon, but stayed for the ghost fighting squad. Kang Ki-Young and Lee David were a treat to watch. Although I liked Dream High more as a show, I absolutely loved Taecyeon’s Bong Pal. I didn’t like the ghost at first, but she grew on me as the show went on and ended up enjoying Kim So-Hyun as an actress. The mystery in this one was compelling too and kept me watching!

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? (9/10)

1st watch - I’m SO glad I watched this drama! It had the fun energy of Boys Over Flowers, but was more realistic and grown-up. If you haven’t gathered yet, I’m a sucker for fun ensembles and the office staff totally fit the bill! I also live for vacation episodes and this show did not disappoint. This was my first time to see Park Seo-Joon and Park Min-Young and I will definitely continue to follow their careers. The mysterious past of the characters slowed the plot and felt a little out of place in my opinion, but I loved the show as a whole and will likely watch it again someday.

Save Me (6/10)

1st watch - This drama was unlike anything I’ve ever seen and left me feeling a little uneasy after every episode. That’s not to say that it wasn’t good…on the contrary! This was so well acted and had a unique plot. I started it because of Taecyeon, Woo Do-Hwan, and Lee David, but was absolutely blown away by Seo Ye-Ji’s acting. My brother developed a huge crush on her, which is what led us to our next drama, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (10/10)

1st watch - Hands down the best drama I watched this year! I don’t often cry when I watch things, but this had me in tears several times. It was such a loving portrayal of people with mental illness and difficult family relations. It also had quite a bit of mystery, which is always fun. The characters were well written and beautifully portrayed.

She Was Pretty (6/10)

1st watch – Okay, so I tricked my mom into watching this with me because I’ve had a crush on Siwon since my English professor in college showed the class the music video for “Hoot” by Girls’ Generation (so random…ask me about it sometime). He was THE highlight of this drama for me. I might be biased, of course, but I loved his character way more than the lead (and don’t get me wrong, I love Park Seo-Joon). Second lead syndrome aside, I enjoyed the drama and it made me want to work for a fashion magazine!

Just Between Lovers (9/10)

1st watch – Another highlight from this year. Another thing I enjoy besides fun ensembles is melancholy. This show is a lot heavier than most drama’s I’ve watched, but it was so good. It explores survivor’s guilt and how grief doesn’t follow a clean timeline. Won Jin-Ah and Junho were absolutely lovely as the leads.

The Sound of Your Heart (8/10)

2nd watch – I watched this for the first time back in 2016 before I knew anything about Korean media. My siblings just found it on Netflix and we decided to watch it together. This time, we watched it with our mom. If you haven’t seen it, it’s more skit than continuous storyline, but each episode had me laughing! I’m glad that I watched it again now that I have so many dramas under my belt.

Hello My Twenties (6.5/10)

1st /2nd watch – I started this in 2016 but didn’t finish until this year. I am still in love with the first episode, but didn’t like the direction the show ended up going. I think it’s still worth a watch and I’m glad that I eventually finished it. The girls were written and portrayed well.

Cheese in the Trap (6.5/10)

1st watch - I still haven’t really decided how I feel about this drama. I liked it, but something felt off about it. I couldn’t keep track of how characters felt about each other and the end was disappointing. It was overall fun, though and was my cute introduction to Nam Joo Hyuk! It also gave me a new song to listen to when I want to feel sad (Je te veux by Erik Satie).

When the Camellia Blooms (7/10)

1st watch – Oh, When the Camellia Blooms, I had such high hopes for you. I loved the first several episodes and I came around again by the end, but I was not loving the screen time devoted to the Joker plot. I guess it’s my fault for not thoroughly looking into the story beforehand. I will say that I am so smitten with Yong-Sik and soft for his relationship with Dongbaek.

Heirs (6/10)

2nd watch – I watched this alone a few years ago and referenced it so often that I made my mom watch it. I actually didn’t like it the first time I watched it, but ended up enjoying it this time around. I was able to keep track of the characters this time, which was a plus! Kim Tan is still kind of a loser and I still have a soft spot in my heart for Young Do, but he’s also a loser. Surely there are better men out there, Eun-Sang!

Start Up (8.5/10)

1st watch – I really enjoyed this drama, but I think it helps that I fell for the “right” guy (controversial, I know. What I mean is that I fell for the one that does end up getting the girl, so I didn’t suffer like I did in “She Was Pretty”). The Samsan Tech squad was so cute. My favorite episodes were early on when the plot felt similar to Cyrano de Bergerac and the lead guys weren’t hateful toward one another. Overall a fun watch!

Goblin (7.5/10)

1st watch – What a show to end 2020 with! The bromance between the Goblin and Grim Reaper was the highlight for me, but I also really enjoyed Sunny and her relationship with the characters. I think it’s because I watched TKEM and Cheese first, but I didn’t like Kim Go Eun’s character as much as I should have. I’m finding that I do enjoy fantasy dramas, so I’ll be watching more of those in the new year.

Whew! If you stuck with me to the end, thanks! I’m always open to drama recommendations. Happy New Year!

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gregorygrim · 3 years

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Dragon Prince Hot Takes

!!! Full Spoiler For “The Dragon Prince” Seasons 1-3!!!

So I finally got around to watching The Dragon Prince. Timely, I know, but better late than never i guess. I’m not completely caught up yet as I only got as far as S3E7 “Hearts of Cinder” in this first sitting. Considering I haven’t binged any series in almost two years, I think that’s pretty respectable. This means I won’t discuss the last few episodes here, except for a couple of things I was unfortunately spoiled for already, hence full spoilers.

These are basically my first thoughts and opinions after the binge and a good night’s sleep. It’s gonna be a lot so if you don’t care or don’t want spoilers…

TL;DR: 7½/10. Generally enjoyable, there are some aspects I’m not exactly fan of, but no dealbreakers

Firstly to everyone who told me that this was the new ATLA: you all need to rewatch Avatar stat! Like seriously. There are definitely parallels and given the cast and crew I think that’s what they were going for too (which is why I think it’s fair to compare the two), but still, no.

Secondly I love most of the worldbuilding and love that the series at least tries to give it to us in a bit of a non-linear fashion, even if it is kind of clumsy at times. I know some people are put off by expository dialogue and flashbacks, but I’m an epic fantasy nerd, I need that sweet, sweet lore to live as much as you mortals need food.

I like that there was clearly an effort made to integrate the worldbuilding in more subtle ways. For example you may initially find it kind of weird that all these different human ethnicities are existing perfectly integrated in what looks like a medieval society, until you remember from the opening monologue that the Human Kingdoms are the result of a massive diaspora following the human exodus from Xadia, so obviously people got all mixed up everywhere. It’s representation with an excellent in-world reason and that just brings me joy.

I also love the magic system(s) even though we haven’t really gone into that just yet. it really feels like there was a genuine effort made to create underlying mechanics for the magic rather than just making each spell a vaguely elemental themed ability. I really hope we’ll dive deeper into that in coming seasons.

I also like the little nods to other works of fantasy: Ezran’s ability to talk with animals is a reference to Tolkien’s world where some royal bloodlines had the ability to speak with animals, specifically birds; Primal Magic and its spells being cast with Ancient Draconic runes and words might be reminiscent of the Ancient Language from the Inheritance Cycle etc.

Thirdly the main cast is great. Callum, Ezran and Rayla are all interesting and relatable characters in their own right and as a group. I’m not going into each of them individually here, but while I think the series as a whole falls short of ATLA, as protagonist parties go I dare say this one is nearly on nearly on par with the gAang.¹

And yes, I love Bait, which I really did not expect following the first few episodes. I love his weird pug-toad-chameleon design, I love that he works like a flashbang whenever somebody says a quote from Scarface (I wish they hadn’t dropped that later on) and I love how done he is with everything and everyone at all times. I’ve only had him for 25 episodes, but if anything happened to him I would kill all of my followers and then myself.

On top of that, and speaking as someone who god knows is really not into shipping, I love Rayla and Callum’s relationship. It’s believable, it’s refreshing and it brings out the best in both characters without changing basically anything about them. Just two good friends who fell in love. A++, maybe even S tier.

Unfortunately though I can’t sing the same kind of praises about the villains. None of them are terrible (as in terribly written, most of them are pretty awful people), but with one exception they just don’t stand up to the protagonists in quality.

I could simply not take Viren seriously. Even now that is probably the single most powerful magic user in the world, he just has such strong Karen energy, every time he finishes a speech I am overcome with the urge to say “Sir, this is a Wendy’s” and it does not help the mood. I’m not even sure why. It might’ve been the voice because the guy who did Viren (Jason Simpson) also does a lot of kinda slimy characters in various anime dubs, it might be that over-the-top walking stick, idk.

What I’m saying is that as a primary antagonist he simply did not work for me. Which is doubly a shame because this kind of tarnishes the real “Big Bad” of this story by proxy. Aaravos, even as an invisible ghost, with his voice coming out of a caterpillar and next to no info on his backstory, has more style and gravity than all the human antagonists combined. It helps that he is by far the best designed character and Erik Dellums has the voice of a young god, but I’d argue even without that unfair advantage he has the potential to be a top tier villain. While he is stuck as Viren’s “little bug-pal” though he is just being dragged down.

(I’m aware that as of the final episode the caterpillar familiar is undergoing metamorphosis, probably to create a new body for Aaravos’ spirit to inhabit outside of the magic mirror, so I’m definitely hyped for more of him in the coming seasons.)

As for Soren and Claudia, I’ve got mixed feelings. This was one more aspect of the show that a lot of people compared to Avatar and while I see the parallels to Zuko & Azula, they are still very different, at least where Claudia is concerned. I’d also just like to mention that a lot of people told me that they thought the direction in which their storylines went were really surprising and I can’t disagree more. I predicted that Soren would defect to the protagonists on episode 5 right after Viren told him to kill the princes and I knew Claudia was going to stick with her father from episode 12 onward. My point is, it didn’t feel like some kind of plot twist, the way some people made it out to be, and which I don’t think was the intent.

I definitely got the sense that Soren was at least a Zuko-type character, though still not a Zuko clone, and as with Zuko I was consistently able to empathise and sympathise with him and his predicaments. I also appreciated that his dilemma is the result of his convictions and not him being kind of dense, which would’ve been all to easy and probably would’ve ruined his character for me. As it stands he is extremely milktoast, but perfectly functional for his purpose in the story and I can definitely see him evolving further and getting more interesting as we go on.

Claudia is where it gets complicated. Again, I can see the Azula parallels. But unlike that character, who is her father’s animal 110%, Claudia doesn’t strike me as a victim of Viren’s manipulation the way Soren undoubtably is. The way she talks about and uses Dark Magic, how she talks down to Soren and how even Viren finds it difficult to communicate with her, tells me as an audience member that she is an independent person. Which tells me that the cruelty and enthusiasm for causing harm she regularly displays is her own will. And that was before she straight up leads Callum on to manipulate him.

On the other hand I can absolutely relate to her devotion to her family, her big sister role (even though she is younger than Soren) and the way both the separation of her parents before the story and Soren’s injury in episode 16 must’ve affected her because of this. I know that, if my brother had become paralysed from the neck down and I knew a way to heal him, I would not have hesitated to kill that fawn either. Then again her relationship with her father is very different from parental relationships I am familiar with, so I can’t really say I see why she is so devoted to him, other than she promised her mother to stay with him years ago? ¯\(o_Ō)/¯

So basically Claudia falls into an emotional grey space for me. I can’t really tell how to feel about her either way and I’ll just have to see where she goes from here, which, while fine, isn’t necessarily great for an end of season cliffhanger imo.

Seeing as I’ve already talked about some of the show’s shortcomings, I think it’s time to dive into some of the what I would consider flaws.

Firstly this show needed at least 12 episode seasons. I have never made a secret out of my dislike for the modern short seasons and while I recognise that in the current climate in the industry giving everything full 25 episode seasons isn’t really doable, the pacing of this show, especially for the first season is just outright bad at times. It works as of the second season, but the first season alternately feels like it’s either rushing through or crawling along the whole way through.

The believability of Rayla’s and the princes’ relationship really suffers from this the most. It comes a bit out of nowhere on the boat ride and is then taken for granted way to quickly. Like Callum, seriously, this girl tried to kill you and your brother not even a day ago and you are currently cut off from all allies you have ever had until now. A little skepticism isn’t misplaced here. I also wold’ve liked if we’d just gotten a bit more of a sense of movement with the characters. I get that this is not the kind of show where we can just make an entire episode about the characters travelling and camping, intercut with plots centred around a more expansive supporting cast, but still I really would’ve preferred if Xadia didn’t feel quite so around the corner.

Another issue is with setup and payoff, which I think is partially a consequence of the pacing as well. A lot of smaller plot points are set up within the same episode as the payoff just wreak havoc on the narrative structure. A good example is the episode where they ride down the river in a boat and Bait tires to go into the water, but is saved by Ezran, who then explains the story behind Glowtoads and how they are pefect bait for large water predators. Then Bait falls into the water and is attacked by a massive water monster. This happens within five minutes of one episode and never comes up again. To me that looks like sign of rushed editing, which is probably not entirely the crew’s fault, given that they are on a schedule from Netflix, but it’s still a point of critique.

It unfortunately also manifests in the occasional line of horribly forced dialogue, often for things we can literally see happening on screen. Again, this is mostly the case in the earlier episodes, but it never completely goes away.

Finally, and this is where i get into serious issues that made me want to write this, we gotta talk about representation in this show.

First: disabled representation, meaning Amaya. Why is Amaya deaf? Because it’s good to have disabled representation.

Why is Amaya deaf and a high-ranking military officer? Because they didn’t think it through.

I know this may be a contentious opinion, but it is my belief that the purpose of representation, particularly of disabilities characters may suffer from, in fiction is to, y’know, represent people as they are in life. That includes especially the struggles they face and have to overcome, sometimes their whole life. This is not just me talking out of my ass either. A couple years ago I discussed this with several people that are disabled, specifically blind or otherwise severely visually impaired, in a different context obviously, and the general consensus was that it’s better to have representation that shows their life and their abilities as they are, rather than how they might wish they could be.

A mute or deaf person cannot be a medieval fantasy army general, no matter how good they might be in melee combat or who’s sister they are, because at the end of the day, they’re not able to give commands while they are holding a sword and shield. That such a massive logical oversight, especially in comparison to the extremely well done example of representation I mentioned above, and has so little impact on the plot that it leads me to believe, this aspect of Amaya’s character was tacked on in the last minute without being given any thought for the sole reason of the story having a disabled person in it. All this does is necessitate the existence of two otherwise entirely unnecessary characters, Gren and Kazi, both of which achieve nothing, aside from sometimes being literal set dressing.

That is where representation ends and tokenism begins.

And unfortunately this generally lacklustre attitude also extends to the LGBT+ representation on the show.

As of S3E7 “Hearts of Cinder” we have had two onscreen gay couples on the show (onscreen in the sense that both partners were onscreen and they were somehow confirmed to be in a relationship on the show). One of these, the queens of Duren, literally die in the same flashback they are introduced in, which incidentally also features them invading a foreign nation to poach a rare animal and subsequently starting the conflict at the series’ core. Not a great look.

Aside from serving as a tragic backstory for their daughter, the most impact they had on my viewing experience was that they made wonder how the fuck royal succession works in Duren. (People who know me are rolling their eyes right now because I’m bringing anarchism into this Dragon Prince review, but I’m telling you, this why fantasy monarchies aren’t compatible with LGBT+ politics in the same setting. Dynastic governments are inherently bigoted, you can’t have it both ways.)

The other couple are Runaan and Ethari, Rayla’s caretakers, although if I’m being honest you wouldn’t be able tell based on Runaan’s treatment of Rayla in the first episode. By the time we actually meet Ethari and find out about their relationship with Rayla, Runaan is suffering “a fate worse than death” (direct quote from the show) trapped in a gold coin.

I mean come on. That’s about as “technically not ‘bury your gays’” as it gets.

I think I need to reiterate here that my point is not that this show or its creators are somehow malicious. As i stated in the TL;DR: I don’t think this is a dealbreaker for liking this show. But it does demonstrate that they are prone to slipping to some potentially harmful tropes and this needs to be criticised and pointed out to them.

In conclusion, I really love this show. It’s not ATLA, it never will be, nothing else will ever be ATLA no matter how badly (and terribly) Netflix tries. But it does and should not have to be.

What it has to do though is improve. A lot of the building blocks are already there, such as Aaravos or Claudia’s development, Callum’s father, the origin of Ezran’s ability, the purpose of the “Key of Aaravos”, the true fate of King Harrow (we all know his soul is in the bird, right?) etc. Some things like the treatment of Amaya’s disability unfortunately won’t be fixable as far as I can tell, but if they at least manage to fix the gay representation I can make my peace with that.

¹ I know I said I wouldn’t go into each of the characters individually, but a) you should never trust a stranger on the internet and b) I really want to talk a bit about Callum. Specifically the “mystery” of why the hell he is connected to the Sky Primal. I write “mystery” because I think it’s fairly obvious from whence this talent came: there is only one humanoid species we know of with innate access to the Sky Arcanum and one of Callum’s parent’s is unidentified, presumed dead. 2+2=4. Callum’s father was a Skywing Elf. That’s why he recognised Nyx’s boomerang weapon. He remembered one like it either from his very early childhood (remember that he has photographic memory) or Sarai kept one and he found it at some point.

On top of that the name “Callum” or at least the pronunciation is clearly derived from Latin “caelum” meaning “sky” or “weather” and I already mentioned that Ancient Draconic is just bad Latin. It’s not very subtle. Unless they pull a complete 180 concerning the lore about Primal Magic he’s definitely going to be a half-elf, which would also just so happen to make him the perfect mediator between the Human Kingdoms and Xadia. Hmm, it’s almost as if they are planning ahead.

My question: How the fuck did that happen? Or rather: how did that fuck happen? I don’t think even Harrow knew or he probably would’ve a) paid more attention when Sarai advised against poaching the Magma Titan, because obviously she’s gotten around Xadia more than him, if y’know what i’m sayin’ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) or at least b) put it in his final letter to Callum. Unfortunately we know basically nothing about Sarai except that she was a soldier alongside Amaya and already had Callum before marrying Harrow. So does Amaya know? This is probably the most interesting plot thread in the whole story and as far as my friends told me it’s not going to be touched on anymore in the last two episodes than it already has thus far, which is basically not at all.

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mavspeed · 3 years

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First Line Meme

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line, then tag 10 of your favorite authors!

Hey @applesfallingfromblondehair, thanks for the tag love!! likewise i dont usually do this but this feels interesting so lets see if my ass has improved over the last few stories lmfkjgjk

also this will prob be a mix of xmcu fic + kingsman fic bc i think i have a more or less equal number of fics written for both

The first time Charles meets Lucifer Morningstar, actual devil from hell, ruler of the underworld, fallen son of the lord above and god knows what else, it had been after Erik had been sentenced to life imprisonment in the highest security cell in the Pentagon.

- this is from a professor and a devil walk into a bar, which is kinda a crossover rarepair fic that rose out of me and mutuals on twitter discussing tom ellis and james mcavoy being roommates and kinda... devolved from there. i am proud of this one lmfnjgkj

“Are you okay, Professor?” Hank asks quietly.

Charles blinks. He supposes it’s a valid question. He’s been in a bit of a funk the past few days- scratch that actually, the past few years. He’s just lost so much- his father, and then his mother’s love, and then Raven and Erik and Sean and countless others. Building a school, gaining students he loved to teach and nurture hadn’t helped him in the slightest, and he’s as lost as he ever was, wandering the halls of a drafty mansion alone, feeling like he’s been stranded at sea even whilst surrounded by people.

- from in the belly of the beast, which again came out of me wondering what would have happened if fox had gone w their original plan and charles had been that last horseman instead of erik. this story will prob gain a sequel... sometime in the near future when im not too bogged down by current wips

The Xavier family hall of the deceased- because of course they’re weird enough to have a cemetery- is full of rows upon rows of holograms. Charles is four and gets bored of his father crying over his mother’s hologram, so he toddles over to the other rows. Unfamiliar names, all of them- Charles is young, and he doesn’t understand death. He doesn’t even know who his mother is, who’d died at childbirth and left him with a father still at a loss when it came to bringing up a kid.

- from tequila on a spaceship, the sequel to a fic that still has some people angry at me i think. this fic never did gain as much traction as the first one but im still proud of it esp since it discusses certain themes of reincarnation that ive always wanted to see explored for myself in reincarnation aus (and i only ever saw it in danveresque’s reincarnation au)

There are cork boards covering every inch of the wall. Red strings, photographs, conspiracy threads, everything. Raven takes it in, swallowing, noticing the picture in the middle.

It’s one of Charles, when he’d been in university. His final year- he'd just been done presenting his year- end project, his fringe a tumbled mess and a bright smile on his lips. Erik had taken the picture, Charles scurrying to his side once he’d been done and demanding to look at the image, his tongue poking out the corner of his mouth. He looks like how Raven had always imagined him to be.

“He wouldn’t want this,” she finally says, turning to look at Erik.

- from tequila on a beach, the first fic to the fic above. this fic is v special to me because i actually wrote this on a spiral after having a very tough visit with one of my parents in the hospital after a surgery for organ removal to prevent the onset of cancer. its simpler than my other fics yet i think more powerful because of what happens. also i think the first time i killed charles off lol (spoiler alert). also idk if ppl were aware of this but this is called tequila on a beach precisely bc charles and erik were tipsy from tequila at a frat party and then went to a beach. its the way they first met (and will continue to meet for all their next lives)

Erik doesn’t know how it all started. Maybe it was when his insane sergeant had started rambling about imaginary cities, treasures of gold and cursed incantations. Maybe it was when trickles of rumours had started pouring down about the higher ups wanting to investigate unfound territory, disregard the Egyptian government’s feelings on the matter, and put a previously unfound myth on the map for all the world to see. Or maybe, Erik thinks, it was when archaeologist Klaus Schmidt put a bullet through his mother’s head and he ended up going to America armed with dual citizenship and the sole intent of wanting to drive a coin directly between Schmidt’s eyes, joining a division of the American military focused solely on guarding archaeological digs- more importantly, in Egypt, where Schmidt’s interest had shifted.

- from courting the end of the world, another one i’m just insanely proud of! this is the first time i’ve ever attempted a multichapter movie au and it actually managed to work pretty well, i at least haven’t run out of inspiration for it yet lmfjgjg. also erik as himbo rick connell... very rent free in my head

The day after they murder Shaw and leave his house of horrors, Erik crosses the Canadian border with Charles across his back. Charles had started getting tired while they’d been walking, stumbling and nearly tripping until Erik had forced him to get on his back, ignoring Charles’ protests.

The blood’s seeping out steadily from Charles’ nose, staining his shirt and soaking it through. It’s been leaking on and off, and the effects are already obvious in the dark circles beneath Charles’ eyes. Any more, and Erik knows they’ll have to find him a doctor. He hopes the nearest town in Canada has one that would be willing to treat them.

- from a world built for two. i actually dk where the inspiration for this came from, i think i was once again on a depressive spiral and wanted to break my comfort characters into pieces and put them together again. this also deals with codependency and unhealthy coping mechanisms as a result of trauma which i showed as sweet in the fic but i would def not recommend in real life. pls if u relate to either charles or erik in this go see a therapist

The call comes in the afternoon, an hour before Charles is supposed to teach his Intro to Genetics class. Frowning, Charles abandons the game of Candy Crush he’d admittedly been playing rather badly and picks it up. “Charles sp-”

“We need you, Prof,” Kitty says desperately into the phone. “He’s been in a temper all morning, and then Alex’s reports missed out a whole subsection, so he’s fired the entire marketing team! Please, Professor, you have to come immediately!”

- from and we can be pirates. i wrote this in like 4 seconds for my friend who wanted professor charles and ceo erik and actually did not expect this to gain the attention it did... its always the fics u write in like 4 seconds lmfjggj. a sequel for this Is coming too probably at some point in the very far future

Charles Xavier can admit as he sits across from Essex, hands cuffed to the desk, that in hindsight, this had perhaps not been one of his better ideas.

He refuses to admit it as he controls Erik’s mind, preventing him from lashing out and making him close his eyes to the nightmare unfolding in front of him. He refuses to admit it as he gets shoved into the back of a black pickup truck, and the butt of a gun is smashed across his forehead hard enough to knock him out cold for a few hours. He refuses to admit it when he wakes up what appears to be hours later in a cold interrogation room, hands cuffed to the table in front of him, with a suppression collar rendering his mind dark and almost achingly silent.

- from from the land of gods (bring me home). i’ve been struggling w this fic a lot (it didnt come as easily to me as the first one did) but its getting there. also i put charles through hell in this rip sorry mister xavier

In the aftermath, both of them stand at the border of the mansion. The air feels frigid, slicing into Raven’s lungs like a thousand paper cuts. “Charles, please,” she begs, heart in her throat and voice hoarse. “He wouldn’t want you to be like this. He wouldn’t want you to do this. It’s not too late, you can come back.”

Charles gazes back, a brick wall. He hasn’t even cleaned up, still in that damnable yellow and blue suit with blood drying in the corners of his mouth, the bridge of his nose. There’s nothing in his eyes- blank, almost see through. He looks as if he’s a mere shade, a ghost lounging about where he once was. Raven knows better.

“I will raze the world to the ground,” he finally says, his voice free of any inflection, “and when I’m done, no one will be left standing. Not you, and certainly not me.”

- from where all the poets went to die, a dark fic based on what would have happened if moira had killed erik with the bullets. its the first time ive written dark charles and it was v fun if im being honest

10.

Charles is a light sleeper. It’s a trait that stays with him- all the way from his father and the tests to taking care of his mother to Cain Marko and his fists to Cuba and then now, the dust of Washington settling over him and making the waking world lie an inch beyond his eyelids. It therefore stands to reason that the second the windowsill creaks he’s up in a shot, hoisting himself up and lashing out with his telepathy instantly.

That’s not a trait that had stayed with him. That’s a newly formed trait, bitter and bold, carved into existence by Cuba by his students disappearing one by one in Vietnam by the letters that announce Sean’s death in black unfriendly print by-

The tendrils of his telepathy forged cold and distant meet a barrier and recoil, stunned. He focuses his eyes and then widens them, staring at Erik who stares back, hidden beneath that infernal muddied magenta helmet of his. They stare at each other for a moment before Erik clears his throat.

- from in the valley of kings (you will come home). my first ever cherik fic! im actually also proud of this one even if i ended it horribly and half my mutuals refuse to read it bc of how it ended LMFJGJGJ. i cant believe this was supposed to be a funny and cute kid fic and then i turned it into an angst ridden mess. also leo is actually an oc whose adult version is fancasted as charlie rowe by me and another mutual on twitter and im v proud that readers are willing to die for the baby

11.

Mike has to google it, finding a crafts shop nestled into the corner of the street right smack in the middle of Louisiana, past a long and winding dirt road and the crumbling farmhouses relics of a time long past. The air is hot, humid, sticking to the back of his neck like an unwieldy parasite as he pushes the door of the shop open to the sound of the bell tinkling above.

He finds the origami paper quickly enough and has a momentary breakdown about what Bill’s favourite colour even is- he had never thought to ask him. Twenty seven years of following every single footstep of his like a dedicated, most definitely creepy stalker, three months of more than a few states traversed with Bill’s laughter now echoing in his ears like a shadow that trails after him, and this is what stumps him. It takes ten minutes, but he finally settles on light green.

- my first and last entry into the IT fandom bc i love these two but to be very fair there isn’t much content out there for him (and twitter content actually intimidates me lmfjgjjg) a thousand paper cranes never got much traction either but i suspect its bc i was horrible at promoting it. also i very much love this fic even if it never did that well bc ive always wanted to write a fic like this after watching the movie in cinemas in 2019

12.

ok nsfw i guess

Mornings start like this- Eggsy snuffling into David’s neck, attempting to work his way back up to wakefulness as David sleeps the sleep of the dead, the streams of morning sunlight gradually lightening up the room. It’s a while before he gets the energy to sit up, pushing an eager V off the bed- V for Vendetta, a kitten named after one of David’s favourite movies that they’d adopted about a month after moving in together- before stumbling to the loo. He’s already in the shower when David comes in, naked as the day he’s born with his arms entwining themselves around Eggsy’s waist as he murmurs a sleep-soft, “Good morning, love,” as he presses a kiss into the two-days-old hickey on Eggsy’s shoulder. His breath smells of toothpaste, the minty fresh kind he insists on buying from Target no matter how much Eggsy insists that the other brand is much better. Without fail, Eggsy always has a split second thought of thinking that he must truly be in heaven because no way can this be his reality, every single day, before sinking to his knees and allowing David’s cock to hit the back of his throat.

- from that’s the kind of love i’ve been dreaming of. i genuinely wish i had an opinion for this but i don’t remember writing this its been way too long

13.

The first time Eggsy sees her is in Trafalgar Square.

Trafalgar Square is uncomfortably packed on any normal day, but on New Year’s it is quite the hothouse. Sweating armpits and hot bodies plastered against each other, the twinkling lights overhead providing a flash of blue and green and yellow and red, screaming children and giggling teenagers shoving their way through- it’s a recipe for disaster. Eggsy doesn’t know how he ends up there. It happens sometimes- one second he blinks, sequestered in the comfort of his living room, and the next he’s somewhere else, as if he’s been teleported. “Life goes past you,” Tilde had said once, “and you don’t even notice.” Tilde would be right.

- this is a roxy and eggsy friendship centric fic that i abandoned bc i lost my ardor for this world about the same time i got into xmen lmfjgjg. all the king’s horses also had some great fancasts in it with dev patel fancasted too... rip ig

14.

once again, nsfw

Eggsy, truth be told, doesn’t actually like having sex in bathrooms. First of all, bathrooms generally have an unsanitary air about them. Besides that, the granite of the sinks always feel cold against his hips, there is the ever present fear of being walked in on and unlike what people might say, he actually really isn’t that much of an exhibitionist- and truth be told, he’s never liked the look of himself in the mirror mid coitus.

For David Budd, however, he suspects he might be up for anything.

- from do you ever dream of me. im actually proud of this fic and this series, i never usually write straight up porn or friends w benefits and i think it worked well in here. once again didnt get much traction but that was very of the norm for my kingsman fics lmfjgj

15.

It is on his fifth meeting with the therapist on site that she brings the issue up. The elephant in the room- or the bomb , David thinks morbidly. If asked, he can’t remember specifics about that day now. All he remembers is this- the burn of Julia’s picture in his wallet against his thigh, the Botticelli painting on the far wall and Miss Paulson’s face, severe and unsmiling.

“When you couldn’t reach Julia,” she says, after he finishes describing the feeling of running to Julia, the panic searing his chest as he’d prayed for his legs to work faster so he could do something, anything to reach her hand. “How did that make you feel?”

- from your haunted social scene. i genuinely... do not remember anything about this either helpfkjgjg,,, this has 55 comments tho which. Nice

16.

David brings her home on- in a move far too cliche for it to be reality- a stormy night. It’s in fact storming so hard the windowpanes shudder like leaves in the wind, droplets crashing against the glass in a cacophony so loud Eggsy more than once considers turning the radio all the way up to drown it out. He’d gone scrounging for David’s sweatshirts instead of his own halfway through, wincing intermittently at the flashes of thunder. At a particularly loud one JB had jumped up, squeaked in a very undoglike manner and skidded across the floor to cower beneath the sofa, only coming out when coaxed by Eggsy to do so. Officer Oatmeal had watched the proceedings from her regal place by the armchair, dozy eyed and blinking heavily.

- from a cat named lavender. from what i remember this was also my first try at bringing up trans eggsy

17.

He first appears at the black prince on a cold Monday evening, eyes like Frank Sinatra and lips arresting anyone’s gaze if they weren’t careful enough. He stood out too, clad in a respectable bomber jacket and boots that clicked against the tile rhythmically and loudly, a sort of organised, measured cacophony.

“Go and serve him,” Andrew said, fat and disinterested, seated behind the counter and idly flicking through bills, less than ten percent of which he pays Eggsy. “I’m busy.”

- from trust is left in lovers after all. i never continued this which is sad bc this did get a lot of attention... it was just v hard to keep the story going

18.

It usually rains cats and dogs in London but for some reason, the rain is heavier than usual today. The droplets splatter against the windows in a constant buzzing rhythm, the sound meshing together in a melody not altogether pleasant to the ears. It’s half past five and yet the light has to be kept on because that’s how dark the sky has gotten- thunder rolls like a loud crack, abrupt and deafening, causing Daisy to jump in her seat.

“Just a thunderstorm, flower,” Eggsy says. They’re seated at the dinner table, Eggsy going over her homework while David sits opposite them, hunched over his laptop as he attempts to finish a post mission report. Eggsy is half convinced he gave up ten minutes ago- he’s got his earbuds in and he hasn’t really typed anything in a while, eyes focused on the screen. His eyebrows are scrunched up in a glare that’s too adorable for his own good- and for Eggsy’s.

- from could feel like kryptonite. a lot of my kingsman fics are actually so much happier than my cherik ones... i should prob look into that rip

19.

“When you’re done lazing around you can come in, you dozy dog,” he tells Officer Oatmeal, who butts her nose into his knee. She’s the only one not on a diet in the house, Eggsy deeming her far too healthy and skinny to need one anyway. In fact, she’s under strict instructions by Eggsy to fatten up instead.

Once the animals are done feeding- Eggsy sporting a suspicious scratch on his left forearm- they settle down to eat their scrambled eggs and toast. David’s taken a large gulp of his scalding coffee when Eggsy says, all of a sudden, “So, I have a school reunion.”

- from gonna set this dance alight. don’t remember much about this either tbh

20. (the last one FINALLY)

It isn’t a big event or explosion that makes David realise he wants to see his father’s ring sitting pretty on Eggsy’s index finger. No teary confessions in the rain like in the rom coms Eggsy loves to rent out and sniffle his way through, or a fight that makes David see sense. In the end, it’s breakfast that cinches the deal for him.

The day had started out normally enough. David wakes up at eight like clockwork, the soft downy hair at the base of Eggsy’s neck tickling his nose with his arm locked tight around his waist. He’d yawned, exhausted- mostly because they’d stayed up very late into the night making good use of the bed- before standing up and shucking his shirt off to head for the shower. Eggsy had shifted in his sleep, mumbling something unintelligible, and the sight had been too endearing to resist so he’d bent down, pressing a kiss to his forehead and smiling when Eggsy groaned out loud.

- from lover boy rules. i actually started a lot of my kingsman fics in the same way which is rather awful of me. im glad thats changed with my xmen fics lmfjgjk. also this has 15 comments???? i dont even get that much attention with my xmcu fics these days... which is arguably a more active fandom... Hello

anyway that’s the end of it needless to say i do not know 10 other authors so im just gonna tag whoever i know rn: @hellfre , @queerneto, @ikeracity, @drinkingstars, @zebraljb

#whew this is super long i apologise #u can pinpoint the exact time i replaced taron with james as my number one boy #fic tag #fic meme

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sareyen · 4 years

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A Machine Without Feelings: A Jane Eyre AU (Part 10/11)

Read on ao3

Chapter 10

Charles kissed Jean and Ororo’s cheeks in that sequence, the women both squeezing his hands for good luck. Jean murmured that they would be waiting here for good news – because, they refused to believe that things would go badly. Charles was grateful for their positivity in a time when his stomach was tying itself up in knots.

Charles left Jean and Ororo at their hotel in the town just outside of Ironfield, the same town that Charles had been walking to when he met Erik for the first time.

It was now almost a year later that Charles has returned, and the day was bright and sunny, unlike the day he ran away. Many things had changed in that time; Charles was older and wearier, even if he did not look it. His soul, a soul that was as much Erik’s as it was his, was tired and withered. The string tied beneath his left ribs tugged painfully, but as the carriage had neared, he could feel it knotting itself back together.

People that loved each other would only part if one of them wished it. Charles had always been the one who, naively, thought that Heathcliff’s words had been beautiful. It was funny how he was the one to have caused the pain those words warned him about.

Charles had heard nothing from Erik, not that he had tried to contact him recently. Part of Charles held a fear that Erik had moved on. Unlike Charles, Erik had been in relationships with women before, and many more than one. What if Charles was just another one? One of his mistresses that he fleetingly loved because he abhorred his mad wife?

But Charles couldn’t bring himself to believe that, not when he knew Erik. Erik had withheld things from Charles, yes, but the parts of himself that he did let Charles see, they were real. Erik had shown Charles that he loved him, even when he hadn’t told him everything. While Charles still loved Erik, he was sure that Erik still loved him.

‘He’s still calling my name, I can hear it,’ Charles thought to himself, heart hammering as he hobbled out of the hotel with the aid of the walking stick Logan had made for him on his nineteenth birthday.

The dirt roads leading up to Ironfield were impossible to traverse on his wheelchair, and Charles was resolved to get there on his own. Charles limped his way to hail a carriage from the front of the hotel, which soon dropped him off at the closest stop along the road to Ironfield. Charles paid them, before beginning the trek up to the grand house.

Charles had always enjoyed this walk, and remembered how he felt when he and Erik would walk it together in the light of dusk. Erik would sometimes tug him behind a stocky tree and press him up against its trunk, sealing Charles’s red lips with his own and kissing him until he couldn’t breathe.

Now, the walk was laborious, a little sweat building on Charles’s brow as he hobbled down the familiar road.

It was when he drew close enough to break through the veil of overlying trees that Charles stopped dead in his tracks, walking stick clattering to the ground.

Ironfield Hall, his home, was a ruin.

What had used to be battlements that stood tall and proud against the horizon were charred black and crumbled, revealing burnt exposed rafters that splintered into jagged pieces. Ironfield no longer had a roof, its walls now mere slabs of broken stone on the ground.

It looked like fire had razed Ironfield to the ground, and Charles suddenly couldn’t breathe.

Charles fumbled to pick up his discarded walking stick before hopping and dragging his maimed leg forwards and forwards, numb to the pain as he stared with wide eyes at the remains of the once-grand mansion.

Crows squawked around the caved-in roof, Charles pushing his way through the non-existent door, which had been reduced to black coal.

The inside was as bad as the exterior, if not worse. It looked like no furniture had been spared from the inferno, the wooden banisters of the staircase mere twigs on the ground. Charles wobbled forwards, heart growing more and more frantic as he realised that the estate, the estate where he had fallen in love and had his heart filled and broken, was a wasteland.

“Oh, God,” Charles choked out, falling into Erik’s downstairs study. It had also been touched by the fire, and was devoid of its books and souvenirs from abroad, his desk black and empty. It seemed like, apart from the fire, looters had ravaged the place bare.

‘Where is Erik? Moira? Alex? Where is everyone? What happened? Oh God, I’m toolatetoolatetoolate.’

“Who goes there?!” a sharp voice called out, Charles whirling around at the sound of the voice. Footsteps rushed forwards, before bursting into the study. The man who tore through the room skidded to a stop when he saw Charles, stumbling back with a double take that would have been comical in any other situation.

“Charles?!” Scott yelled, rubbing his eyes like he had seen a ghost. It was indeed Scott Summers, looking different but the same. While before he had always worn a coachman’s garb, he now donned a fine suit and spectacles. His hair was neatly styled, longer than it used to be – he no longer looked like a young coachman, but a wealthy lord. Like someone who finally married a wealthy woman like Emma Frost.

Charles was speechless and in shock, Scott recovering first and rushing towards him.

“Charles, is that really you?” Scott asked frantically, pulling at Charles’s cheeks, like he expected his hands to go right through him. When Charles yelped at the pain of having his cheeks pulled so harshly, Scott jumped, apologising profusely. “Charles, what are you- Why are you here? When did you return? We thought we would never see you again, we thought you had perished, we didn’t know…”

“Scott, what happened here?” Charles asked, hand holding his walking stick shaking desperately. “Scott, where is Erik? Is he… He can’t be…”

Charles’s mind reeled back to the night he had saved Erik from being consumed by flames in his bed. Erik had left that incident unscathed, healthy, safe and whole, but this time… If this time Erik had died in a fire, when Charles had left him…

Charles felt sick, and swayed on his feet.

Scott saw him begin to topple over, quickly rushing and catching the former tutor, snagging his arm before he fell to the ground.

“Charles! What happened… oh, your leg,” Scott said, noticing the walking stick and the way Charles didn’t put any weight on his left leg. “Never mind. Here, let’s go to another room. The drawing room is one of the only rooms that is still functional. Let’s sit there, and I will explain what happened.”

Charles weakly nodded, letting Scott help him down familiar yet broken halls to the drawing room he and Erik had shared many chess games together. When Scott led him through the doors, he could hear the clink of their glasses, the scrape of wood against wood as someone moved a chess piece, an occasional laugh, an impassioned voice as they argued, the soft press of Erik’s lips against his.

Scott lowered Charles into his old seat, which appeared to have remained in the same spot beside the chess set. There was no chess set in sight, though – it had been taken by looters some time ago as well.

Scott was about to take the seat opposite Charles – Erik’s seat – but he must have seen the pain cross Charles’s face, and stopped part way. Scott coughed, standing up to lean against a shelf instead.

“Where do you want me to start?” Scott asked, Charles licking his lips. He wanted to know if Erik was alive, but he was afraid to ask the question. If he asked, and Scott said that he had died…

“The beginning. From when I left,” Charles said, voice shaking. Scott nodded, rubbing his face and taking in a deep breath.

“We found out that you had left when we heard Erik scream out your name. He had gone to your rooms at around ten that morning, wanting to talk to you again, to try and explain himself. He had knocked on your door for a long time, until he felt like something was truly wrong, and that you weren’t just ignoring him. He burst down the door, and that was it. You were gone. He had screamed out name over and over, we could hear it from the other side of the mansion.”

‘He had been calling for me, and I had heard him.’

“Erik… Erik was beside himself, of course,” Scott said, Charles growing pale. “He ordered us to look for you, and took off on his horse himself – but by then, you were long gone. He locked himself in your chambers then, for two weeks straight. Moira had to bring him all his meals, and even then, he seemed to have no appetite. He began to eat more when we all… well, at that point, we weren’t afraid of losing our jobs anymore.”

“He recovered physically after that, and on the outside, he was the same Mr Lehnsherr. Maybe more bitter and snappy, but his mood had always been changeable. Inside… inside he wasn’t the same. We all know why you left, Charles. The master did, too. Before you ask, no, he never blamed you for leaving. He knew he had done you wrong, and he believed that he was paying for his mistake. He never stopped loving you or waiting for you, though. Moira caught him praying, every night – and you know that the master was no Christian.”

‘He never stopped loving you,’ Charles repeated, stomach twisting. Why does that make it sound like he…

“It was about a month after that. His wife… Creed’s sister, she escaped one night and took a candle from a sleeping Anna-Marie. She set fire to all the curtains, to the beds, to everything. She burnt Ironfield Hall down, Charles, but before it was completely destroyed she climbed onto the tallest battlement and threw herself off it.”

Charles gasped, somehow able to picture it clearly. The ghost – Clara Creed – with her long blonde hair and white night dress, bare footed and wild. He could see her leap through the air, thinking that she was a dove, and falling until she hit the hard stone below. She would have died instantly.

Scott paused, letting Charles stomach the news, only continuing when Charles nodded slowly.

“Moira and the other girls escaped in time, but…” Scott’s voice grew thick then, and Charles knew what was about to come. “Peter was trapped in his room, terrified. Alex and the master looked for him, and the master found him and got him out. But Alex… Alex became trapped when the rafters collapsed. He… my brother. He passed that night,” Scott coughed, overcome with emotion. “We held the funeral for him the week after.”

“I’m so sorry, Scott,” Charles said, voice shaking as he closed his eyes. Apart from Moira, Alex was the person Charles was closest with amongst the staff. Alex, the first person he had met when he arrived at Ironfield Hall. Alex, who had smiled at him and made him feel welcome, who had told him that ‘so you love a man? What is so wrong with that? Someone people never love at all in their life, and is that not worse?’

“Thank you. It was six months ago now, Charles,” Scott said, trying to give Charles a reassuring, thankful smile. “We have begun to heal. Alex… Alex considered you a close friend. Everyone did. After you left, we all missed you, and talked about you often. We all prayed for you to be safe, but we never knew where you had gone, even when Erik had hired investigators. It was like Charles Xavier had vanished off the face of the Earth. Where did you go, Charles?”

“Past the Moors, to a small parish there. I… I was taken in by the inhabitants at Eden House,” Charles said softly. “Two of them came here with me today.”

“We’d all be glad to know that you weren’t alone,” Scott said, stepping forward now to gently place his hand on Charles’s shoulder.

Charles had to ask the question now, unable to take it any longer.

“Scott, is he alive?” Charles asked, the man blinking.

“He? Oh. The master. Yes, Charles. Yes, he’s alive. I should have told you that from the start, I’m sorry,” Scott said quickly, Charles releasing a breath he did not know he had been holding, letting out a choked laugh.

“Oh, thank God,” Charles shook, folding over on himself, dropping his head into his hands and wiping his wet eyes before turning to Scott again. “Where is he then, Scott? I came back for him. I… I heard him calling for me.”

“When Ironfield burned down, we could no longer live here. He relocated to his second, smaller residence a little further into the country. It is called Genosha Manor,” Scott explained, and Charles’s legs, even maimed as one was, itched to run there immediately.

“It is small, and didn’t need many people to maintain it. Only Moira and Lorna went with him and Peter. Moira has written to me recently, though, and it appears that the master has sent Peter to school. Now, only Moira is there to tend to him. Angel found a new situation, and Anna-Marie… Anna felt guilty about not being able to stop Clara, and couldn’t bear to work for the master any more. She found new work a few shires over, for a family that lives at a place called Westchester.”

Scott jumped when Charles let out a shocked, incredulous laugh. Coincidence, or fate?

“How far is it to Genosha?” Charles asked, Scott beginning to smile now.

“Only a few hours by carriage. If you leave now, you can get there in the afternoon,” Scott said, Charles nodding, gripping his walking stick tightly with newfound determination.

“Thank you, Scott. For everything,” Charles said, Scott nodding and helping Charles to stand.

“I have to tell you though, Charles. The master, he is not the same man. When he went to save Peter from the fire, he did not come out unscathed,” Scott said, and Charles just shook his head, patting Scott’s arm.

“Neither am I. Neither of us are the same, now – and maybe, that’s why we will be fine this time.”

***

Scott did not accompany Charles to Genosha, since he had to return to his and Emma’s own home. Emma was currently with child, and Charles did not want to take him away from her side during such a critical time. He had only been at Ironfield to try and salvage what the looters missed, but found that he was too late. Scott had been too kind, still offering to escort Charles to Genosha when he saw how poorly his leg was. Scott only gave in when he met Jean and Ororo when he dropped Charles off at the hotel. Charles doubted that Scott would have left him in anyone else’s hands.

Charles told Jean and Ororo about what had happened, and they had held Charles’s hands the entire coach ride. When they arrived at Genosha Manor, within the boundaries of the afternoon as Scott had said, Charles was suddenly frozen in fear as he took in the unfamiliar building.

It was no Ironfield Hall, and was a simpler country house, though Charles knew that it would have costed a hefty price because of the sprawling lands that came with it. The manor itself, however, was small compared to the extravagant Ironfield.

The manor was made of a warm-toned stone, in contrast to the dark greys of Ironfield. Rustic glass windows spanned the walls covered with climbing ivy. The manor was not imposing compared to Ironfield, and in fact looked inviting and warm from the orange glow the early sunset was beginning to cast upon it.

Charles breathed in and out with every step Jean took as she wheeled him across the gravel walk way to the manor.

Ororo knocked on the door, before stepping to stand beside Charles, clutching his hand.

Charles’s breath quickened when he heard footsteps reach the door, the sound of a lock unlatching loud in Charles’s ears. The door soon swung open inwardly, revealing Moira, who was dressed in a dark black dress. Her hands froze mid-motion, the door only half open as she stared at Charles, like he was a phantom.

“Hello, Moira,” Charles said, Moira’s eyes immediately filling with tears as she opened the door fully, cupping Charles’s face with her hands and letting out a sob.

Moira opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off by an achingly familiar, cold and brusque voice.

“MacTaggert! Send whoever they are away! I don’t want to be disturbed!”

“Erik,” Charles whispered, Moira letting out a quiet laugh, wiping her eyes.

“Charles, you’ve come back,” Moira said, taking all of him in. “I knew you were alive. Others thought that you maybe… But no, no. That doesn’t matter anymore. You’re here now.”

“Yes,” Charles said, Moira looking away from him then, finally noticing that he was not alone. “Moira, these are two of the people that cared for me while I was away. They are like sisters to me. This is Ororo, and behind me is Jean. And this is Mrs Moira MacTaggert, my dearest friend.”

Moira beamed, eyes a little wet again, and she smoothly curtseyed at Ororo and Jean.

“Charles’s family is considered my family,” Moira said, smiling at them warmly. “Come in. Charles, as you probably heard, Mr Lehnsherr is…”

“In one of his moods, like always?” Charles supplied, Moira letting out a laugh, a wondrous sound, like she still couldn’t quite believe what was happening.

“Yes, exactly. And I suspect, like always, you have a remedy to temper such a mood?” Moira said, eyes twinkling.

Charles nodded, mouth curving upwards.

“Of course, Moira. Now, where is Erik?”

***

Erik sat outside beneath a shaded tree with Magneto lying at his feet. He couldn’t see what the tree looked like, and didn’t know whether its leaves were whole and green or yellow and sparse. He could hear the wind run its threads through its branches, though, and the rustling was loud.

Whole and green then, he pictured in his mind’s eye.

It had been months since Charles had left; almost a year, now. Erik didn’t know exactly how long it had been, because the loss was still as raw as it was that first day. Erik could still feel the gaping hole in his chest when he had kicked down Charles’s locked door and seen the wide-open window and billowing curtains. The room had been so cold and so empty, so devoid of everything that was bright.

It was also hard to count the days when every day was cast in darkness. After his wife had burnt down Ironfield, Erik had gone blind. He no longer witnessed sunrises and sunsets, and simply spent his days sitting in the library or outside under this tree that he had never seen before.

Erik did not know why he spent so much time in a library full of books he could not see. Maybe it was because the room smelled like Charles, like ink and parchment, or books and dreams. Sometimes when he closed his eyes, his vision not changing at all, he could imagine that Charles was sitting next to him.

But Charles was not. If Charles was here, he would have let Erik rest his head on his thighs, gently brushing a hand across Erik’s eyelids, comforting his broken eyes. If he were here, he would clear his throat gently and read Erik passages from Brontë, or poems by Donne. He would read about Heathcliff, and Erik would have made a sarcastic comment about it. About how Heathcliff pined, and how Catherine left him.

Erik had never liked Heathcliff, but he could maybe understand him a bit more now.

Charles felt the breeze change, growing chilly. It would be around now that Moira would come to fetch him for supper, even though he was not hungry. She would offer him her arm, to guide him through thicket and the shrubbery, and he would snap at her for belittling him. She wouldn’t say anything, but would make sure her footsteps were loud enough so Erik could follow.

So, Erik sat there beneath a tree that he could not see, waiting for a person that he wished was someone else.

***

Charles saw Erik from afar, and his breath caught in his throat. Scott and Moira had told him – warned him – that he was not the same man that Charles remembered. That he was blind and hurting, much like Charles was.

But, when Charles saw him, he did not see a broken man. No, Erik was still beautiful to him, in every way. His hair was overgrown, falling over his eyes that could not see any way, and his beard was thick and messy. He did not bother wearing a neck tie these days, frustrated that it was difficult to tie without eyes, and he apparently always wore the same brown pants and the same white shirt. What did it matter, now that he couldn’t see it? What did it matter, when Moira was the only person to ever see Mr Lehnsherr, the fallen former master of Ironfield Hall?

Erik may have looked different, but the way he made Charles’s heart quicken and squeeze was very much the same. Charles still loved him, that had not changed.

Jean wheeled him as close as she could take the wheelchair, the contraption unable to weave between the bushes and thicket. Charles thanked her softly, and she gave Charles a smile, before retreating with his chair back into the manor with Moira and Ororo.

Charles gripped his walking stick, and began stumbling back to the man that he still loved, even when they were worlds apart. Even when the string between their left ribs was stretched, making their hearts bleed, it had not snapped.

No, it was still there, drawing the two closer and closer together, until Charles was standing before him.

Magneto smelled Charles before he saw him, and immediately recognised the man. Magneto rose to his feet immediately, letting out a happy bark, racing over. Charles smiled quietly, bending down to rub the dog’s head, the creature barking again.

Erik’s head snapped towards the noise, hearing his companion bark and the snapping of twigs under a human’s feet.

“Magneto, down. It’s just Moira, Christ,�� Erik snapped, his dog’s barking too loud. Magneto listened to his master, but licked Charles’s hand once more, trotting with glee back to Erik’s side, sitting there with his tail wagging while looking at Charles.

Charles smiled a little at Erik’s snappish tone, glad that the man had not lost all of his fire and passion. Charles just hoped that, somewhere buried under all of that pain and hurt, there was still a man that could smile in that singular way of his that showed too many teeth.

Charles grew closer, and Erik’s unseeing pale eyes looked in his general direction. While his eyesight was no longer with him, his other senses had heightened. He heard the crunching of twigs and fallen leaves, but the steps were too heavy, the rhythm unlike Moira whom he heard every day. There was no swish of a skirt against the ground, and Erik tensed his muscles at the intruder.

“Who’s there?” Erik asked, Charles’s heart fluttering. When he didn’t answer, Erik’s eyes narrowed, the man shifting where he sat. “Who is that?”

Charles sucked in a breath, taking in the man in front of him, before finally speaking.

“Magneto knows me, Sir.”

Erik’s hand immediately flew out and grabbed at the phantom-like being, unseeing eyes widening. Erik’s hand slapped Charles’s wrist, making the man laugh a little, before reaching out to meet Erik’s touch half-way. Erik’s hands sought Charles’s, wrapping around his palm and his digits, running his fingers through them with an unmistakeable tremor.

“I know this hand,” Erik breathed out, pulling at Charles’s hand until it was close enough for him to press his mouth against, breath shuddering against Charles’s skin.

“I would hope so, Herr Lehnsherr.”

Erik let out a choked noise, kissing the hand in his before dropping his forehead to it, breathing heavily.

“Charles,” Erik whispered, the owner of the name letting out a sob-like laugh, falling to his knees, his legs unable to keep him upright any longer. Charles let his walking stick fall to the floor, using his free hand now to cup Erik’s cheek, feeling the unfamiliar beard beneath his fingers. Erik’s cheeks were wet.

“I am come back to you, Erik,” Charles murmured, craning his neck upwards to press his mouth against Erik’s. The kiss was not perfect, not in the slightest; Erik’s lips were shaking, and Charles couldn’t breathe. But, it was a kiss that was real, as real as it could be.

“Are you really here, Charles?” Erik demanded to know, letting go of Charles’s hand to grip his face, thumb smoothing over the familiar slope of his cheeks, nose, lips. These were Charles’s features, real and warm under his fingers. “I’ve imagined you like this so many times, but…”

“I am here, Erik. I’ve come back to you,” Charles assured him, kissing him again, and Erik finally kissed him back after loosing a wrecked sob.

“I thought I lost you,” Erik choked against his Charles’s mouth, Charles letting out a noise from the back of his throat. Charles shook his head, their noses bumping.

“Never, Erik,” Charles said, pressing his forehead against Erik’s. “I heard you calling for me. You never lost me. I’m here, and I’m not going to leave.”

Erik was too overcome with emotion to speak, his body, heart and soul filled to the brim with relief, thankfulness, disbelief, love, passion, everything.

So, Charles just kissed him again and again, before pulling back only a touch, to whisper;

“And don’t forget, my love – you still owe me wages.”

Erik laughed, for the first time in a long time.

And, for the first time in a new forever.

Next chapter (11/11 epilogue) →

#cherik #charles xavier #erik lehnsherr #charles x erik #xmen #xmen fic #x-men #marvel #jane eyre #jane eyre au #james mcavoy #michael fassbender #i just love cherik and jane eyre ok

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lucasasicelanticlitblog · 4 years

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10 FASCINATING ICELANDIC NOVELS

1.I remember you-yrsa sigurðardóttir

“In this terrifying tale, three friends set to work renovating a rundown house in a remote, totally isolated location. But they soon realize they are not as alone as they thought. Something wants them to leave. Meanwhile, in a nearby town, a young doctor investigating the suicide of an elderly woman discovers that she was obsessed with his vanished son.”(goodreads)

2.Miss Iceland -Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir

“Iceland in the 1960s. Hekla is a budding female novelist who was born in the remote district of Dalir. After packing her few belongings, including James Joyces's Ulysses and a Remington typewriter, she heads for Reykjavik with a manuscript buried in her bags. There, she intends to become a writer. Sharing an apartment with her childhood and queer friend Jón John, Hekla comes to learn that she will have to stand alone in a small male dominated community that would rather see her win a pageant than be a professional artist. As the two friends find themselves increasingly on the outside, their bond shapes and strengthens them artistically in the most moving of ways.”(goodreads)

3.A Land of Impossible Sorrow: An Icelandic Revenge Thriller-Gígur Hrafnsson

“Iceland, a small village in the remote West Fjords. Daniel Fearsson was never a good man. After an angry outburst he is left with no choice but to leave his home and country. He takes his three young daughters and flees to America for a chance to start afresh.

It takes fifteen years for his old life to catch up to him, and when it does it ends in bloodshed and the kidnapping of one of his daughters. The two surviving sisters have only one option, they have to cross treacherous country and get their sister back no matter the cost. Alone in the world, all they have is each other and the desire for revenge.”(Amazon)

4.Independent people-Halldor Laxness

“Set in the early twentieth century, Independent People recalls both Iceland's medieval epics and such classics as Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter. If Bjartur of Summerhouses, the book's protagonist, is an ordinary sheep farmer, his flinty determination to achieve independence is genuinely heroic and, at the same time, terrifying and bleakly comic.”(Amazon)

5.Strange Shores: An Inspector Erlendur Novel-Arnaldur Indridason

“Erlendur has captured the imaginations of suspense fiction readers all over the globe. Published now in 26 countries around the world, Inspector Erlendur joins Maigret, Morse, Wallander, and a handful of other world-famous policemen who provide must-reading for suspense fans everywhere.

In this latest puzzle Inspector Erlendur learns of the baffling story of Matthildur, a local woman who went missing years earlier on the night of a violent storm. A frequent visitor to his birthplace, Erlendur has spent his whole life searching for his brother Beggi who was lost in a snowstorm when they were both children. As he begins to ask questions about the fateful evening when Matthildur disappeared, Erlendur begins to suspect what may have also befallen his long-lost brother.” (Amazon)

6.God's hammer-Eric Schumacher

“It is 935 A.D. and the North is in turmoil. King Harald Fairhair has died, leaving the High Seat of the realm to his murderous son, Erik Bloodaxe. To solidify his claim, Erik ruthlessly disposes of all claimants to his throne, save one: his youngest brother Hakon.

Erik's surviving enemies send a ship to Wessex, where the Christian King Athelstan is raising Hakon. Unable to avoid his fate, he returns to the Viking North to face his brother and claim his birthright, only to discover that victory will demand sacrifices beyond his wildest nightmares.” (Amazon)

7.Under the glacier-Halldor Laxness

“At its outset, the Bishop of Iceland dispatches a young emissary to investigate certain charges against the pastor at Snæfells Glacier, who, among other things, appears to have given up burying the dead. But once he arrives, the emissary finds that this dereliction counts only as a mild eccentricity in a community that regards itself as the center of the world and where Creation itself is a work in progress.

What is the emissary to make, for example, of the boarded-up church? What about the mysterious building that has sprung up alongside it? Or the fact that Pastor Primus spends most of his time shoeing horses? Or that his wife, Ua, is rumored never to have bathed, eaten, or slept?”(Amazon)

8.Into Oblivion: An Icelandic Thriller- Arnaldur Indridason

“It's 1979. A woman swims in a remote, milky-blue lagoon. Steam rises from the water and as it clears, a body is revealed in the ghostly light. Miles away, a vast aircraft hangar rises behind the perimeter fence of the US military base. A sickening thud is heard as a man's body falls from a high platform.

Many years before, a schoolgirl went missing. The world has forgotten her. But Erlendur has not. Erlendur is a newly promoted detective. He is only starting out, but he is already deeply involved in his work.”(Amazon)

9.double blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders-Sara Winokur

“A young boy disappears in the chill of North Iceland. Twenty years later, a mysterious poem lands on the desk of his twin sister Brynja, a forensic geneticist, and rekindles her hopes that her brother might be alive. As Brynja unravels the clues, more poems arrive, each bearing dire consequences for those who receive them: the guard of the medieval manuscript of Icelandic sagas that possibly has the answer to her burning question, the prime minister’s secretary, the local pastor.

Is the poet out to stop Brynja from finding her brother and shut down her access to the DNA database? Or is the verse maker simply a psychopath copycat killer?”(Amazon)

10.The Language of Cherries-Jen Marie Hawkins

“When Evie Perez is cut off from everything she loves and forced to move to Iceland for the summer, she takes her canvas and paintbrushes into the picturesque cherry orchard behind her guesthouse. She stains her lips with stolen cherries in the midnight sun and paints a boy she’s never met. Oskar is startled to discover Evie in his family’s orchard, and even more surprised to see himself on her canvas. Too ashamed to reveal his stutter, he remains quiet as Evie returns day after day to paint, spilling confessions she wouldn’t even tell her priest.When the magic intensifies and their connection deepens, everything they share is at stake, forcing Oskar to decide how long to maintain his silence”

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shakethispeare · 4 years

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DARK : S1 - EP1 [ GEHEIMNISSE | SECRETS ]

NOTE: I'm only pouring my thoughts into this post. I'm taking notes every time I watch Dark since I heard the story-line is complicated. Also, my memories suck. It's not spoiler-free, of course. So, only read if you have seen this episode.

So, I have finally started watching this TV series. I was shocked to find that it had aired since 2017 because I've never heard of it before. It should have deserved the hype. What the fuck was I doing in 2017? Oh right, binging Game of Thrones.

Anyway, I've only watched the first episode, and I have to say, I am hooked, like a fish-getting-pulled-with-a-hook kind of hooked. The plot already nudges me in the head to start thinking and memorizing every single detail that will show up on the screen (although, I'm confident to say that I will most likely still miss some stuff). I'm sure that the makers of this series will drop valuable clues (subtle or not). Not to mention, a bunch of characters were introduced only in the first ten minutes and that’s when I feel like I have to start doing the connecting.

So, the episode starts with a grim quote:

Alright, in here, I can guess this is going to involve a series of flashbacks, probably one that is too many to count.

The date is 21st of June, 2019, and a man named Michael has a detailed mind-map filled with photos of, what I assume at first, would be the rest of the characters in the series (in other words, his neighbours). He had photos of them when they were young children and as adults. There were cuts of newspapers on a few of them too. And then, without saying anything, Michael commits suicide by hanging. But he leaves a letter with a warning that said, "Do not open before 4th of November, 10:13 PM."

JONAS KAHNWALD POV

Time-skip, the story now takes place on the 4th of November, 2019, roughly five months after Michael's death. It turns out he has a son named Jonas. I think Jonas suffers from depression after the passing of his father since it's shown that he took pills the moment he woke up. Then, Jonas goes out to meet his therapist named Peter Doppler. They both took a walk in the woods. Jonas was still mad about his father for not telling him why he committed suicide.

When he went to school, he meets his friend, Bartosz. Bartosz is currently dating Martha, who Jonas found shocking. The look he gave suggested something happened between them before. They attended the assembly where Katharina addressed Erik's issue and told everyone if they have any information regarding it, they should come forward.

Later on, Bartosz wanted to go to the cave rumoured to be where Erik hides his "stuff". Jonas was reluctant at first, but agreed to go with him eventually, Martha too. Then out of nowhere, Magnus overheard their conversation and insisted going with them to the cave.

That night, Jonas met with Martha first, who briefly discussed 'the thing that happened last summer'.

Shortly after, Magnus came, bringing along Mikkel.

Jonas and his friends continued to walk until they reach the cave, and Bartosz was disappointed not to find the weed there because Franziska had arrived first and claimed it. Interrupting Franziska's and Bartosz fight, a loud noise emitted from the cave, shocking everyone. Their flashlights go dark. Out of fear, they all ran. The last to run were Jonas and Mikkel. Jonas slipped and fell. He had a hallucination of his father covered in black liquid before starting to run again. But Mikkel was nowhere to be seen.

When he finally reached his friends, Mikkel was not with him, neither was he with his friends.

ULRICH NIELSEN POV

Ulrich's first seen having sex with Jonas' mother, Hannah. I assume a family affair is going on, and I was right. Ulrich has a family comprised of his wife, Katharina, who is a high school principal, and three kids, Magnus, Martha and Mikkel.

I feel like the dialogue above is significant towards the story. This is purely a hunch.

Ulrich works as a policeman along with a woman named Charlotte Doppler. We first see them together being confronted by Erik's parents, who admitted even though Erik used to run away before, he always returned. Ulrich thinks he ran away, but Charlotte thought otherwise, and she seemed to have set him off when she implied the situation is not the same as Ulrich's brother disappearance, which happened thirty-three years ago. Okay, so far, there have been two (prominent) people missing in Winden. I think they didn't have much luck in finding Ulrich's brother.

Ulrich's mother, named Jana claimed to have seen a creature roaming the woods, describing it to have a gigantic head. At this moment, I couldn't help but feel like this is some Stranger Things shit. Also, she found a snack wrapper his brother used to love before he went missing. Jana believes something is happening out there that their minds can not comprehend, and it's the same thing that happened 33 years ago. At this point, I'm starting to think, okay, what is up with 33 years ago?

When Ulrich heard the news that his son, Mikkel has gone missing, Ulrich ran into the forest yelling out his name. Dawn arrives, and he didn't find his son. Then, he heard a dispatcher's call claiming they found a child's body. Ulrich rushed to witness it. But after thoroughly checking to make sure it's Mikkel, it turns out the child wasn't Mikkel. I was also suspicious to see the child, because, based on his clothing, it wasn't the clothes Mikkel wore the night he went into the woods. Also, the child's eyes had burn marks for some reason. I’m suspecting it’s Ulrich’s brother. He has been missing for 33 years and if he died somewhere in between, he would not be the same age as Ulrich.

HANNAH KAHNWALD POV

When Jonas complained about the expired food and lack of electricity in the house, he yelled for his mother. His mother, named Hannah, was having sex with a man named Ulrich. I don't think Jonas knows about this. We'll see how this will fare in the future.

Hannah goes to the nuclear power plant with a large briefcase. It turns out she is a massage therapist and had massaged Aleksander, the power plant's director. He's worried about the nuclear power plant. He mentioned that it had been 33 years since the day he came to Winden. He looks like a bad guy to me. I don't think his work is clean. He gives off this Russian villain vibe who wants world domination.

Hannah went to school to attend the meeting. She meets Katharina. Katharina hasn't completely suspect her cheating with her husband. She left quietly and went outside to smoke. She met Ulrich, who was on his way, but stopped to meet Hannah.

REGINA TIEDEMANN POV

Regina Tiedemann answers a phone call from her bank who has been in business with her hotel for 20 years. She explains the reason why her hotel's business isn't good lately was due to Erik's disappearance, but it sounds like the problem has been going on for longer than two weeks. Then, Regina became angry with the bank's representative and slammed the phone down. She also mentioned that she build her hotel business by herself without help.

In the meeting, Regina had disagreements with Katharina, and when she said that Katharina should "mind her own problems", Katharina looked offended.

Everyone in the meeting received a phone call at the same time. It’s probably because of the kids reporting to the police that Mikkel has gone missing.

INES KAHNWALD POV

The old lady who's ripped out of the Kahnwald Family picture turned out to be Ines Kahnwald. In here, I don't know who she is, and the episode didn't explore about her yet. However, when Hannah called her, it doesn't seem to be her mother, so I'm guessing it's Michael's mother? Maybe. Also, Hannah seemed to harbour hate for Ines. She has Michael's suicide note and has been waiting for the whole day just to read it. When Ines finally opened it at 10:13, the camera didn't show the contents of the letter, nor did Ines read it out loud. Later, she placed the letter back in a box and cried. Perhaps the contents of the note will be explored in future episodes. I'm dying to know what's written in it.

OTHER CLUES:

In Winden's Rest Home, an old man named Helge repetitively says "It's going to happen again. It's going to happen again. It's going to happen again." What's going to happen? He knows something.

Helge then walked out of the rest home heading somewhere, chanting the same words. Eventually, Helge arrived at the school and walked into the meeting. Charlotte stopped him. He asked if it was too late before being escorted out.

---

A man walked out of the cave wearing a raincoat with a hoodie. Who is this man? I feel like he's the reason why Erik's missing. He could have kidnapped Erik or something.

---

The scene that surprised me was when they showed Erik being held somewhere in a brightly-lit room with an electric chair in the middle of it. It got me thinking where he could be. Was he abducted? Or did he go there willingly? The episode ends with Erik tied to the electric chair, and his eyes are blocked by a metal covering.

---

Despite being a therapist himself, he seemed to be troubled with something and he’s keeping secrets from his wife. I’m looking at him as a major suspect though. Not sure if the other characters are going look the same way as I do.

MY THEORY:

So my theory is this. I think Erik is hidden somewhere in the cave and the only person who knows the ways of the cave is the man in a raincoat. The deceased child found in the woods probably met the same fate as Erik. I think he got kidnapped before, and then this man in the raincoat did some experiments on him, resulting in him dead. This situation doesn't look good for Erik, though. I have a feeling he's going to die.

Also, why is it that whenever the camera showed the cave or the nuclear power plant, a forbidding soundtrack starts to play. What the fuck is going on—

#dark #dark season 1 #episode recap #dark tv series #tv series

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tetrakys · 4 years

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MCLUL 18

The episode starts where the previous one had left: either in Nath’s flat if you decided to follow Amber, or in Castiel’s if you didn’t. Either way, Candy goes to Nath’s place after Amber calls her and the same dialogue unfolds. Nath explains that he has been back in town for weeks because Erik, his cop friend, tracked him down as soon as he’d left and they are now working together to collect enough evidence to dismantle the cartel for good. He’s playing the bait (hence the traffic light-looking attire) and wearing a wire under his clothes. He leaves soon after saying that he will be back once he’s done with this dangerous mission.

The rest of the episode is mostly about university work, the last we will ever see. First, Candy practices her presentation with Rosa, Morgan and Alexy. We assist a fight between the two lovebirds that soon morphs into a sweet declaration of love. Later, Candy keeps practicing alone first and later with Yeleen (if you chose it).

We also attend Rayan’s final class. The first part is about the group work, each group reports their experience. I thought this whole group work sub-plot was going to lead to something, either a mini-arc for Chani, where she learns to be less of a perfectionist and shows her art to the world, or some kind of drama with Melody, or at least something important for the degree. It was all very tepid, almost as if the writers had changed their mind and dropped it from the plot. The second part of the class is, instead, about relaxation techniques in the park. Because it makes total sense in a modern art history course.

After all this, Candy goes to the café to tell Clemence she is going to quit soon. Clemence tells her to not rush into this decision because there’s no job for history of arts majors and she may end up having to keep working as a waitress (charming as usual, but also strangely nice?). Also, an improbable friendship is born when Clemence shows lots of interest in Chani’s magical aptitude.

That evening Nina sends a text saying she’s witnessed the cops arresting her assailant, and Candy and Priya have a discussion about Nath and what that could mean for him.

The day of the thesis discussion Candy is very stressed, but she finds Castiel outside the class and he helps giving her relaxation technique tips. She also gets a little spooked finding Rayan in the class (I don’t see why? Seems pretty normal to me). Anyway, time-skip to the end of the exam and Candy is pretty satisfied with herself. She even buys Chani a crystal as a thank you for her support and encouragement for her own exam.

In the evening Candy attends a party Hyun has thrown to celebrate the end of the academic year. She had also invited her parents and the illustration shows the moment she introduces the LI to them. Everyone except Nath. Having sneaked into the café’s kitchen, his illustration portrays the moment he tells Candy he’s finally free from the Cartel.

The episode ends in the middle of the party.

THE END

Now let’s go into more detail on everyone’s route:

Here, I’m saying it... Nath is always 100% bangable. Even like this, once the problematic leggings and the blinding yellow t-shirt are off, there’s really nothing to talk about.

I found the resolution of Nath’s route very anticlimactic, happening off screen. If Candy got somehow involved however, it would’ve probably been quite trashy and ridiculous so there was really no win in this crazy scenario. It just feels they dragged too long, only to create angst, something that they resolved with just a few words and no involvement on our part. If MCL is indeed ending in a couple of episodes, this was basically the main recurring plot-line of the whole season and it fell short, at least for me.

Him acting as a bait... let’s say it was fine, he showed some courage. But there are two things that didn’t make sense for me (in this episode): firstly, his explanation to why the cartel didn’t simply kill him, because they thought it was easier to pull off a mugging than a murder, especially if the victim was a snitch. REALLY? What does it even mean. These people were really kind drug lords: first hiring a young boy out of nowhere, then beating him up when they found out he had betrayed them instead of killing him, even giving him three days to say goodbye and skip town, and later exposing themselves enough letting him stay in town for weeks instead of killing him on the spot. Also, second thing, shouldn’t he have cut a deal with the police for his immunity BEFORE he helped them? They would’ve given him pretty much anything to shut down a whole drug cartel. I don’t know Nath, you should be so smart, at least get a lawyer next time.

A round of applause to Candy for spilling the beans with everyone about Nath’s dangerous and super-secret plan 👏👏👏

The reunion with Nath, if you are on his route, is cute and pretty emotional. She falls on the floor, overwhelmed, and he kisses her and reassures her. All this in front of Amber. The scene in the kitchen at the end of the episode, however, was a little less emotional than I would’ve liked. Especially the illustration, there was NO NEED to include Amber in it.

I did appreciate the choice to not introduce him immediately to the parents, it really wasn't the right time.

Bae is particularly charming when he laughs and smile. Both a hottie and a cutie, he’s the whole package.

I think BV tried to apologise for the lack of Castiel’s content in the previous episode, because this time we had plenty, well... more than with had the others.

After the scene in Nath’s flat, he takes us to the dorms on every route, but if you are on his route you can choose to spend the night at his place. To find an excuse so they wouldn’t hook up, BV wrote that Candy feels dizzy and they just cuddle. She’s not dizzy on any other route, just tired. And now that I’m writing these words I’m having an AWFUL SUSPICION THAT I DON’T EVEN WANT TO WORD EXPLICITLY, please no... just no.

His relaxation technique was funny, pretending to be super confident, but if you’re his girlfriend he gives Candy a breathtaking kiss right before the final exam that ensures victory for both of them.

His meeting with the parents is super chill, my Candy and him were together in HS, so they remembered him and love him already, not sure if anything changes otherwise but I guess not. Philips goofs in front of him, dancing horribly joking that he should be on his next music video and they all laugh (except maybe Candy, but it’s a happy moment nonetheless).

Crack and Rum, Castiel’s band name according to mom 😂

Now, I left the bad part for last:

Yeleen touches Castiel’s arm while talking to him in front of the café on any route. Even if he’s not our boyfriend I wanted to clock her. B*tch there is a strict NO TOUCHING policy here. But when he’s our boyfriend I timidly told Castiel that the parents were coming AND I LOST 10 FREAKING POINTS!!! What. The. Hell. Should I fight with him too? I feel like I should. This requires a heated conversation!

The green dress is super hot, and Candy is a total snack, but she’s just one small accident away to show her nipples to the world. (Surfboard my ass, Castiel)

As usual there’s very little to say about Hyun’s route. He’s excited to meet the parents and doesn’t realise they were already there, so he keeps blubbering Candy about their summer trip and kisses Candy in front of them. When he figures out he gets bashful, but they all laugh it off.

Honorable mention to Philip for not knowing where Slovenia is. SERIOUSLY??

Look at this fierce power couple, it looks like they’re about to conquer the world or rob a bank. Probably both.

Was it the right moment to spill the beans about their relationship in the middle of a college party. No. But did I enjoy their power walk, hand in hand, in the middle of the crowd? YES.

The parents’ reaction could’ve been worse. Philip could’ve gone ballistic. We didn’t see the “man-to-man chat”, probably because it was a tricky one to write, it could’ve sounded either ridiculous or trashy. Kudos to BV for taking the coward way out and skipping the problem altogether.

Rayan said that he loved her and it was sweet. However, Candy talking about how much she's into him in front of Sweet Amoris knowing that that is my Lys account felt like being sucker punched.

Also, Rayan got a tenure track position. I. Hate. Him. (I’m not envious, not at all)

Priya tearing up when Candy tells her that she wants to be with her completely is probably THE MOST FREAKING CUTE THING I’VE EVER SEEN. Cuter than cat videos. (But less cute than duckling videos. There’s nothing cuter than a baby duck).

The parents are happy to meet Priya, zero drama in Candy’s coming out, I found it refreshing, I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed a bad reaction (even a short one). They even all dance together until late night. The illustration shows Priya accepting Philip’s challenge at a sort of dance-off.

A few final comments:

I didn’t understand aunty’s comments about a masked party at the end of the school year, is that a French thing?

Philip not knowing where Slovenia is, and Hyun having to explain that it’s an European country, makes me think that they’re trying to convince us the game is not set in France. Mph.

I also wonder where Hyun’s parents live exactly. It can’t be Korea since Hyun goes back home all the time, even just for a weekend.

Everything points out to the end of the story being about a new separation, everyone moving away to achieve their own future.

Alexy is probably going to follow Morgan to Washington.

Rosa is moving to the beach house (which is not very far, but not exactly in town either).

Yeleen is excited to live in London. (The girl is going to get a HUGE wake-up call the moment she realises that apartments here are tinier than her dorm room, quite bad and life is so expensive that (if she doesn’t want to accept money from her mother) with a tourist guide salary she’s probably going to afford only a tiny room, in the middle of nowhere, in a flat shared with 10 other people).

Castiel is going on tour.

Hyun will probably want to move closer to his family after the trip.

Nath may or may not go to jail.

Priya wants to go back to India to fight social injustice.

Rayan is the only one staying in town for sure.

I GUESS, after some angst about a possible separation and break-up, the series is going to end with Candy making a life choice that brings her closer to her crush.

Anyway, the end is coming and I’m sad.

#my candy love #mcl #mclul 18 #amour sucré #amor doce #mcl review

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crystallized-iron · 4 years

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Fic Recs

I really don’t read as much as I should, but there have been some really great ones. MCU and X-Men recs under the read more.

I think... if I counted right, this is 25 recs here. I may have gotten carried away a little bit. Enjoy.

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Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked by Kellyscams Rating: Explicit

Steve's just moved back to Brooklyn after spending ten years in California trying to make a life for himself as an artist right after high school. Having escaped to the other side of the country following the sudden death of his mother, Steve feels guilty about abruptly leaving all his friends for so long, unfulfilled, scared and nervous about started college at his age, and unbelievably lonely. So when he meets Bucky Barnes, a young sex-worker, at a bar the night before his first day of classes, temptations might be too high to resist.

One night paying for sex with the most sinfully gorgeous guy is nothing to brag to the papers about, huh?

S'not like he'll ever see him again anyway...

...Right?

And we pulled each other like gravity by hllfire Rating: Explicit

Erik accompanies Charles, Crown Prince of the Xavier Empire, to his first diplomatic meeting on the planet Themis, where he finds out something about the Prince and they end up talking about the past and how their paths had crossed before.

Fill for the Day 1 of Cherik Week: Space AU.

Bitter Sweet by LadyDarkPhoenix Rating: Teen

Bucky comes home from the war, finds out he has a daughter he never knew existed and now he must cope with life after the war while taking care of her.

Alternate timeline where Bucky's rescued after falling from the train, but Steve was never told and goes into the ice anyway.

Broken by NotEvenCloseToStraight Rating: Explicit

It took months of therapy for Bucky to break his Winter Soldier conditioning, and Steve was there for him, encouraging him to talk about his past, his fears, his time as the Soldier. And Bucky talked about everything-- except why the barest mention of an Alpha makes him panic. When Steve brings Bucky home, Alpha!Tony is ready to welcome Bucky with open arms and wings, but Bucky can't look at him, can't be in the same room without his wings flaring out to keep the Alpha away, a broken Omega panicking in the presence of a strong Alpha. But Tony is a good Alpha, and the team pulls together to help Bucky, showing him what it means to be loved, to be healthy and whole, and one day when Tony holds his hand out, Bucky trusts him enough to take it. And Bucky realizes that with a family behind him, with the safety hes found in the Omegas, the companionship from the Betas, and the unconditional love from the Alpha--HIS alpha, he isn’t broken at all. But with a team like the Avengers, tragedy is never far off, and this one rocks the family to their core. How can they fix the broken pieces of their lives when their Alpha is gone?

Close to you, I’m home by OneWithoutAName Rating: Teen

As Erik is searching the manor, he finds something strange in the attic. He knows that he needs to go to Charles, if he wants some answers. After all, why would there be a nest in a small dusty attic room, when there were countless rooms with ridiculously soft beds all around the manor?

Goodbye Brothers by LadyDarkPhoenix Rating: Teen

A look at Dum-e during the events of Iron Man 3 and beyond.

It’s Not What You Think... by LadyDarkPhoenix Rating: Teen

Bucky walks in on Tony dirty talking in the lab but it's not what he thinks.

Letters to Bucky by NotEvenCloseToStraight Rating: Explicit

Stuck in rehab after a near-fatal accident, Tony reaches out via letters to a soldier overseas, and Bucky is more than happy to write back, drawn to Tony for a reason he can't quite name. One or two letters turn into a years worth, then come the phone calls, with Tony quickly realizing that Bucky's voice, with that rolling Brooklyn accent might be his new favorite sound. When Bucky shows up unannounced at Tony's door, one thing leads to another and maybe a confession or two is made. But Bucky's tour overseas isn't over yet, not even close, and they have months more of distance between them. Then Bucky disappears, missing in action, and Tony doesn't know if he will ever get his soldier back. And if Bucky DOES make it home, will he be the same boy from Brooklyn who sent Tony love poems, or has his time away and his injuries changed him for good?

BONUS CHRISTMAS CHAPTER ADDED 12/10/18

Let your light shine by OneWithoutAName Rating: Teen

Inspired by Moomin TV series from 1990 and the episodes “The invisible friend” and “The invisible Child”. It’s the start of the summer break and Erik, a 13 year old boy living in a small house with his mother in the outskirts a small(ish) English town, is stuck in home because of the rain. The evening seems to get interesting though, when a strange man arrives with an invisible telepath boy and asks them to help him become visible again.

Loving a Vampire by Feelingsinwinter Rating: Mature

In the 19th century, Tony is a greatly appreciated and skilled inspector. His dire need to find the murderers and killers to every case he is given is well known among the people and while it doesn’t always help him to get the answers he needs, at least it makes it easier to convince people to talk to him. When Mary Ann Nichols is found dead, Tony Stark doesn’t know the investigation will put his life in harm’s way, put his marriage with one James Buchanan Barnes on shaky ground and shove him in a situation he wasn’t ready to face.

When a murderer does their best to earn the name of a monster, Tony is ready to do anything to stop them.

My beacon in a storm that is the world by OneWithoutAName Rating: Teen

Erik hated this planet. And he had seen a few along the years as a pilot of the most troublesome research team that had ever existed.

Or, they find a new alien species and Erik catches a bad case of feelings ragarding his relationship with Charles.

Of Broken Dreams and Mended Hearts by Kellyscams Rating: Explicit

When the House of Barnes is left in massive debt after the death of George Barnes, their oldest son and heir, Bucky, is forced to sacrifice his own hopes and dreams by entering an arranged married to Steve Rogers. Steve seems kind enough, has a prominent job in the government, and was even voted Society's Best Catch. But the House Rogers is significantly higher in status than Bucky's family, which means Bucky is marrying up in Society, and marrying up doesn't only come with rewards, it also comes with certain...expectations and losses--some of which Bucky might be willing to do anything to avoid. And those opportunities might come his way.

Unless, of course, he actually starts falling in love with his new husband...

Pirates Heart by NotEvenCloseToStraight Rating: Explicit

The 1700s, the Golden Age of Piracy, and Captain Steve Rogers has all he wants: a ship, a loyal crew, Bucky at his side, and the horizon offering a new adventure everyday. But an impulsive kiss gone wrong leads to a marriage between Steve and Tony Stark, and now Steve doesn't know what to do about ANYTHING. Steve loves Bucky, but something about Tony draws him in. Tony is too innocent for this life, but he picks up a sword anyway. Bucky is Steve's, but when he offers his hand to Tony and now the three of them are something new. When the truth about Steve's mission to ruin the Stark name comes out, Tony runs away, leaving Steve and Bucky behind in search of answers to the secrets hidden from him his whole life-- about his company, about Uncle Obie, about his parents death.

Steve and Bucky cant abandon their mission against Stane and Tony cant deal with the answers he finds in New York. Is this the end? Is Tony gone forever? Or will he leave his old life and return to the sea and the Pirates that hold his heart?

**BONUS CHAPTER ADDED 2/4/19!!** **BONUS CHAPTER ADDED 5/15/20!!**

Random Encounter by g33kyclassic Rating: Explicit

Charles is just a typical London commuter...until he sees the most gorgeous man on earth standing a few feet away from him.

Regret is in the past by OneWithoutAName Rating: Teen

Six years after first class, the cold war escalates and the missiles are fired, destroying the world as it was known. Those who managed to live, fight for survival against each other and against the living dead. One would think that the mutants have advantage, but Shaw was wrong in his assumption that the radiation would make them stronger. On the contrary, it made them weaker, their powers only half of what they used to be. In this world of waste land, Erik and what’s left of the brotherhood are trying to survive. It’s five years later, they are cornered by the zombies while they were trying to gather supplies in abandoned town. The situation seems hopeless, until a silver haired boy appears out of nowhere and tells them to be ready to run.

Small Indiscretions (Can Save the World) by LadyDarkPhoenix Rating: Teen

Captain Steve Rogers has defeated the Red Skull but lost his own life in the process, leaving behind a grieving Peggy and guilt-ridden Howard Stark. After looking to Howard for comfort following her great loss, Peggy finds herself facing the scariest mission she’s ever encountered: motherhood.

While this news is devastatingly unwanted for Peggy, Howard sees this as a golden opportunity to give his bride Maria the child she never thought she could have. With a little convincing and promises that she won’t have to be involved with the child’s life if she doesn’t want to be, Peggy agrees to keep and have the baby for the Starks, own personal comfort be damned. She wasn't planning on it being so hard, or finding someone she didn't want to lie to along the way. AKA what if Peggy Carter was more than just Tony Stark’s badass aunt?

The Consequence of Hiding by g33kyclassic Rating: Explicit

Charles is completing his PhD at Oxford when he finds himself in dire need of a new job to support himself and Raven. Erik is a grumpy Mutant Student Counsellor who has yet to fill his student assistant position. Enter Prof. MacTaggert and her matchmaking ways to bring her student and her friend together (in platonic, professional compatibility, of course). Will things stay platonic for Charles and Erik? Only time will tell.

The Funeral by LadyDarkPhoenix Rating: Teen

Tony attends the viewing and funeral of his parents. The other members of the company's board are not amused by his actions there.

The Risks by OneWithoutAName Rating: Teen

Inspired by post on Tumblr It takes Erik by surprise how Mystique doesn't seem to remember just how much Charles has done and risked for them, for their kind. But it seems that Erik wasn't quite aware of the risks either.

The Robot Who Could Feel Pain by slightly_salty_ace Rating: Teen

In which Tony leaves Afghanistan more machine than human. Or rather, Iron Man leaves Afghanistan. To the world, Tony Stark is dead.

Or...

Steve is convinced that Iron Man is just a robot with sass because the future is a strange place and he's stopped questioning things.

But when someone from Tony Stark's past returns, putting Iron Man in danger, Steve is forced to start asking questions. Specifically questions about his feelings towards a certain red and gold robot.

The Shared Dream by TurtleTotem Rating: Teen

Charles's cryo-pod malfunctions and wakes him up a century before everyone else. Will he spend the rest of his life alone on a ship full of sleepers? (A Passengers AU.)

The Soldier by LadyDarkPhoenix Rating: Explicit - Read Warning and Tags!

There's something wrong with Bucky. Something very wrong and it may have dire consequences for his friends and loved ones.

Time Falls Away by NotEvenCloseToStraight Rating: Mature

The Battle of New York: Tony flies himself and the nuke through the wormhole and when his suit shuts down and he starts to fall, he knows he's going to die. But then he wakes up in an alley in Brooklyn, two strangers staring down at him in confusion and Tony is sure he is dreaming when he shakes hands first with pre-serum Steve Rogers, and then Bucky Barnes. Trapped in 1942, Tony befriends Steve, and falls in love with Bucky but America is at war, and Bucky and Steve ship out to join the cause. Tony knows all the stories about the Howling Commandos and knows what’s coming for the soldiers, and has to live through history as first Bucky falls, and then Steve disappears. Tony is left alone in the 40's, crying himself to sleep in the house he had shared with his best friend and his lover. But then he wakes up on the pavement in New York, the Hulk roaring in his face, Steve staring down at him, and he has to wonder if it was all a hallucination. When Tony fell through the sky, did he fall through time as well? Why does Steve act so cold towards him? Were he and Bucky really that happy together?

Did it all really happen, or is Tony in love with a life he can only have in his dreams?

We want the same thing by hllfire Rating: Mature

Charles is locked up underground, where his telepathy won't be a problem, deemed too dangerous now to be kept free. Erik pays a visit.

Fill for the Day 2 of Cherik Week: Dark!Charles.

Your Love Alone Is Not Enough by LadyDarkPhoenix Rating: Explicit - Read Warning and Tags!

In an alternative post Civil War, Clint and Bucky fell in love and tried to make a life together. But then Thanos happened and Clint embraced the darkness within himself trying to cope with all his loss.

This is how after Bucky returned, Clint still can't cope with what happened and who he's become. How even though he seems to have it all, his own mind is his now his greatest enemy. Bucky tries to help but how do you help someone that doesn't believe he should be saved?

#fic recs #too many different ships #mcu recs #xmen recs #enjoy

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hearteyes-for-killmonger · 5 years

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Kindred • Part 10

A/N: More on J'Kobi, your father and how you came to be.

J'Kobi was your father's name and he was from a country that he called Wakanda, a country you'd never even seen pictures of. He always said you'd see it in America one day. Everyone would see and feel Wakanda. Every black person would be hailed as important, necessary, and worthy of honor. The infighting within our own communities would cease long enough for us to take over and right the world, cleansing it of its evils. One day. He was convinced.

One time, he took you to the park and you both played catch until you got tired. Then he carried you on his shoulders, walking all the way to a small corner store for ice cream, a mom and pop joint. He told you then about your necklace being a precious heirloom from him to you. You promised him you'd never lose it.

You rub the necklace between your fingers absentmindedly as reminisce, looking aimlessly out over the dashboard through the windshield. The necklace feels cool, much colder than usual. Erik stands outside in fresh clothes pulled from his trunk, pumping gas near your apartment while you sit antsy in the passenger side in clean clothes taken from your apartment. The car no longer smells of fresh piss and the bag in the back is doing a decent job of trapping the death stench of its contents. Holding onto your thoughts, you sit and wait for Erik to finish and walk around to his door, climbing back in and starting the car.

"My dad," you say aloud catching Erik's attention as he looks at you, giving his full attention. You know it's only for the vibranium but it still means something that he's listening. "My dad," you sigh. He pulls away from the pump and parks, waiting patiently and silently, his eyes on you. He doesn't speak or attempt to do anything more. The silence lends itself to your thoughts bringing clarity. "My dad," you say for the third time. "He was my hero and then he die- was murdered," you sigh trying to keep yourself together. Oh God, he was murdered. The thought of it is still hitting you in waves as you process it. Every time you try to go on, the words get stuck in your throat and you can't breathe.

"Don't force it," Erik whispers looking straight through the windshield and away from you. You suspect he's giving you your dignity by looking away and you're grateful because you feel like a wreck all of a sudden. You don't want to, but you feel yourself trying to cry. "Don't hold it. It's grief, it's gonna get you now or later, might as well be now.. I still cry and I've known about my old man for years."

Fat tears stream down your face and you can't control them. They run and keep running and you sniffle burying your face in your hands. You feel Erik bump your arm lightly and for a second you're irritated until you see the paper napkin in his hand, his head still turned away. Taking the napkin, you blow your nose. Sniffing, you sigh and he reaches out to grab the soiled napkin throwing it out of his window. There's a long peaceful silence before he speaks again.

"My old man... He was my hero too," Erik says stoicly as though he too is lost deep in thought. It takes him a minute, but you watch his face as he remembers the past. It makes you wonder about the memories he has. You'd love to hear them. "He was the realest nigga in Oakland and he wasn't even from Oakland... He was willing to risk it all for the cause and for my mama."

He goes silent staring at the floor and you turn your attention back to the windshield.

"It's gonna hurt like a bitch... and it's gonna drain you.. make you tired, but then you're gonna come out of it. Eventually. For now, just chill an-"

"No," you sniff. "I wanna talk about this. I need to talk about this with someone... My dad," you attempt again, pleased when the lump in your throat shrinks.

The silence stretches on for minutes, but it isn't uncomfortable. You just have a lot going on in your mind and you know he does too.

"..When I was seven... No, before that... I can remember how smart he used to be. He could fix any toy," you smile remembering all the things you broke. "I was a clumsy child, but he never got mad. Never. Not once. That was how cool he was... and he could solve any math problem on my homework. He even knew how to help me when I had issues with teachers or other kids in school."

Erik looks over, his eyes going between the windshield ahead and your face, but you aren't exactly focused on him, you're off into your memories.

"His voice is still with me," you nearly whisper. "I've never told anyone this. I've never said it aloud.. but his voice.. is so vivid when I close my eyes." You close your eyes and appreciate the silence. When things get quiet and you focus, you can hear him speak as he used to when you were young.

"What did he say," Erik asks gently. You smile remembering.

He'd say, "Wena mkhulu kunalesi sizwe, ncinane. Unamandla kunentaba. (You are greater than this nation, little one. You're stronger than a mountain.)"

The necklace vibrates in your hand scaring you as a blue light shoots from it. You slam your hand on the console. An image like a presentation appears on the windshield as if it's a projector. Erik's eyes go wide and look from you to the image that stutters before becoming clear. It's your father's face and he's talking.. to you.

"Wena mkhulu kunalesi sizwe, ncinane. Unamandla kunentaba." He smiles and it's the exact same smile as you remember. You're frozen in awe. "If you are watching this video made for you, dear daughter, you are as clever as I knew you'd be," he grins. "Baba is sorry he had to leave you, but he did not leave you empty handed. There is a shed that I have purchased. It should remain even when I am no longer with you. Go to the old church I used to take you to. There is a shed that should be undisturbed. Go there and break the vase next to the door. You will find a key. Take that key and move the rug on the ground. There will be a door. Unlock it and you will see stairs leading down into a small underground room I had built. There is 10,000 there for you to use as you please. I pray it will be of use to you in your adult life. In this room you will also find a great storage of metal. This metal is extremely valuable, so valuable in fact that many will kill for it, but it is natural to Wakanda. This I also entrust to you."

You look to Erik and his eyes are still as big as plates. You wait and shockingly he doesn't ask you anything. You half expect him to take off and fly down the down in search of a church with a shed, but he doesn't move. Suddenly the video blinks and you panic briefly, not wanting your father to leave you again.

The scene changes and you hear his voice but there's another man on screen. You realize you're seeing things from his point of view as though there were cameras in his eyes.

"Your mission should you choose to accept it.. is one of great importance," an authoritative man said with a firm stare as he planted a firm hand on J'Kobi's shoulder. Who was that man?

"T'Chaka.. That's the man who killed our fathers," Erik snarls, eyes squinted. Hits disgust becomes yours as you stare at the treacherous king.

J'Kobi's Story

Intrigued, J'Kobi straightened, his pride flaring in his chest.

"My allegiance is to the people of Wakanda. For the people, I will do anything, go anywhere."

T'Chaka nodded, a slight and fleeting smile crossing his face as he patted J'Kobi's shoulder. "Good man. That's why I called on you." The high sun lit the room in a silent golden haze cast through the large window in the castle room. The air went still as J'Kobi listened for the king's request, looking him in the eye. "I'm sure you've heard that I am assembling a team of trusted and talented individuals for Hetut Zeraze."

"War Dogs. Yes, I've heard. You wish me to be a War Dog, king?" J'Kobi feigned surprise convincingly. Of course he had heard. His intelligence was unmatched and his ear was always to the ground. He was two steps ahead of the King and the castle's doings at all times but that fact did not conflict with his loyalty. No, he loved his country and all of the people in it.

"The US is sniffing around our borders again," T'Chaka said bluntly. "I need an inside man to infiltrate their country and report their capabilities. I need to know how much of their talk is simply talk in regards to weaponry and central intelligence. Report to me everything you discover."

"When should I go?"

"As soon as you can. Access to the jet is granted. You have clearance. Meet with my Dora Fashola and she will provide you with funds in American currency as well as a brief history and basic information. Knowing you, you won't need it," T'Chaka smiled and there was no warmth in his eyes. If anything, it was a message to J'Kobi that he would be watched. The king knew that J'Kobi was highly intelligent. Too intelligent to be manipulated. J'Kobi took a humble bow and headed down the hall heading straight to where he was pointed.

J'Kobi knew just as much about the inner workings of the castle as he did about Wakanda itself. He met with Fashola, a strong woman.. capable. She was also a concubine of the king as many of the Dora were. J'Kobi didn't agree with combining the roles of concubine and protector of the throne, but who was he to comment of pass judgment. King T'Chaka could and would do exactly as he wished. He listened to every word Fashola had to say about the USA. Basic knowledge that the average American citizen would know and false propaganda that the typical American believes to be true. He determined that to be an American meant to dumb himself down.

That was the beginning.

Once in America, after extensive research, he successfully forged legal documents and hacked various systems entering himself not only as an American citizen born and raised, but as a graduate of Harvard law. He studied American culture, laws, global relations, and kept contact with other war dogs located in other countries through Wakandan technology. They made sure his information about America was well-rounded and accurate.

When he infiltrated the CIA, he learned the real deal. He regularly tapped phones, recorded private conversations held in rooms, and hacked into the computer databases. He even made his way into and bugged the White House. Everything he learned, he reported back to Wakanda. Then he met Victoria in Washington, DC. She was a woman with wide hips, a large afro, and a bold nature. She was amongst a group of African Americans picketing segregation. When he approached her for the first time, she cussed him out.. vividly.. thinking he was just another lost black man shucking and jiving for a pat on the back and a few caucasian dollars.

It took educating himself on the plight of the African American to realize that she was justified in her verbal attack. If he were in her shoes, he would have reacted the same. He decided to trust her, telling her everything about himself and Wakanda. She was mindblown.

Being with Victoria lit a fire under him to care for something other than Wakanda and soon all he saw and cared about was Victoria. His new purpose became to please her and whatever was important to her became important to him.. so important in fact that when his CIA job required that he move out of the country, he refused. For Wakanda he stayed in the US, but for his WIFE he quit. He couldn't go along with orders and a system that went against her interests and she begged him not to aid in the destruction of black communities. She never liked the fact that he worked with the CIA nor did she care for Wakanda. They were all jive in her mind. They didn't care about anyone other than themselves.

That cut him to the quick and he determined to be different in her eyes. Ear to the ground, he linked up with a war dog placed on the opposite side of the country in Oakland, California. He was of royal blood, brother to the king and his name was N'Jobu Udaku. Stevens was his American name. Together, they plotted to smuggle a trove of vibranium into the states and they were successful. The vibranium was to be forged into weapons and placed into black hands everywhere. All at once, the people would revolt and take the country. Blacks in the government, military, school system, prison system, on the street, and everywhere.

Victoria heard of these plans and she approved of the use of vibranium to equip blacks, however, she held no care for Wakanda. She let it be known that she'd rather J'Kobi be a plumber for the rest of their marriage than an agent for the US or Wakanda.

When he left the CIA, that was exactly what he did and she was ecstatic. For one, she got to see him every day and for two, he was no longer a threat to her black American brothers and sisters. They lived modestly in adoration of each other, taking each day with purpose and love. Then Victoria got pregnant and fell ill. Within the same year she gave birth she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Every day she got weaker it seemed. J'Kobi was distraught, but he hung on for her sake. He worked hard to convince her to visit Wakanda for medical care, but she would not go. He called for N'Jobu and N'Jobu showed up with a bottle of Wakandan pills for the pain.

"How is Erik," J'Kobi asked.

"He is precocious," N'Jobu smiled. "He wanted to come with me to visit you, but he had basketball practice. His uncle James, a friend of mine, is watching him. How is Y/N? Will you give her the key to Wakanda?"

"Victoria doesn't wish it, so I won't. However, WE will bring Wakanda to the states, right? So therefore it doesn't matter."

"I envy your confidence," N'Jobu smiled.

"It's an affirmation, brother. I'm speaking it into existence, is all. I have to be positive," J'Kobi nodded.

The image disappeared as did the light from the necklace and you held it between your fingers again. Your father.. he hadn't left you afterall. He made it so he would always be with you. When you look to Erik his head is against his headrest.

"So what now," you whisper.

He's silent for a while and you wait. He shakes his head. "Your call."

Staring him down, you think about it and you really want to go to that shed. You spit out the address of the old church and he doesn't move. "Drive," you command.

"You okay?" He looks truly concerned.

"Do you actually care? Drive," you command again.

"If I didn't care I wouldn't ask," he says still not moving.

"Erik.. ukuba unomdla uze uqhube. (If you care then drive.)"

"Ewe u nkosikazi. (Yes, Princess.)"

"Don't call me that."

Smiling, he puts the car in drive and pulls off. "Whatever you say."

"Why are you so aggravating?"

"Maybe I like you more than I let on," he shrugs.

"I wish you'd like me a little less," you frown. You both know you don't mean it because as soon as he looks at you, your face cracks into a smirk.

"Yeah... aight," he warns playfully, his brows high. Something tells you that he's as confused about his actual feelings as you are. You don't think he'd seriously hurt you, but you still don't really trust him.

@muse-of-mbaku @imaginewhoever @whoramilaje @panthergoddessbast @thadelightfulone @misspooh @inlovewithmakeupcomicsanimelove @marvelpotterlove @youreadthatright @forbeautyandlife @theunsweetenedtruth @bidibidibombaclaat @myboyfriendgiriboy @dameshaemonique @blackpantherimagines @vikkidc @hidden-treasures21 @mysidefanting @hold-me-like-a-heart-beat @syndrlla97 @winteroflife @thotyana-in-this-hoe @texasbama @gingerylimonte @princessstevens @magic-madness-heavensin @wawakanda-btch @scrumptiouslytenaciouscrusade @wakanda-inspired @blackgirloneshots @thegucciwaffle @thiccdaddy-mbaku @monogamous-nympho @drsunshine97 @purplehairgawdess @trevantesbrat @indigoxsummers @cccccx1 @dynastylnoire @iamrheaspeaks @blowmymbackout @fonville-designs @they-call-me-le @theblulife @raysunshine78 @sheisexcellent

#erik killmonger #original #erik stevens #killmonger #erik killmonger fanfiction #erik killmonger imagines #erik stevens au #erik killmonger imagine #erik killmonger x reader #erik x reader #erik stevens x reader #erik stevens x you #killmonger fanfiction

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beyondspock · 5 years

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DON OSTERTAG: OFF STAGE

DINNER AT THE NIMOYS’

The elder Nimoys, Dora and Max, were living in a first floor apartment in a red-bricked building in a middle-class section of Boston when I met them. It wasn’t the house where they raised their two sons, Melvin and Leonard, in. This was their retirement home they moved into after Max left his barbering trade.

It was during the second leg of Leonard’s one-man show ,VINCENT, tour. During the first leg, which ended months before, our little troupe consisted of Leonard, his wife Sandy, his dresser Erik, Dennis Babcock, who was the Special Events Coordinator for the Guthrie and the person responsible for converting the bare-bones VINCENT that Leonard brought to the Guthrie and turning it into a full-blown show and for booking the first tour in which he also served as Tour Director. I was the show lighting director, show set-up carpenter, and show electrician.

On the first leg of the tour, a Guthrie production, we jumped from city to city. We spent a lot of our time together, stayed in the same hotel, often on the same floor, and ate many of our meals together. We even spent three days living in Leonard’s home in L.A..

The second leg was completely different, a week of brush-up and four weeks of shows, all in the Wilbur Theater in Boston, Leonard’s home town. It was no longer a Guthrie show, but was promoted by a New York producer. Leonard and his wife, Sandy, stayed in a hotel downtown and were kept busy with friends and relatives. I stayed in a theatrical hotel in the theater district. The first tour had been something special. This time it was like theatrical tours usually are.

I had left the Guthrie shortly after we got back from the first tour and was free-lancing off the Union Hiring Hall. Dennis Babcock had taken a short leave of absence from the Guthrie and helped us get the show back on it’s feet, and then he went back home. Like I said, things had changed.

Leonard said no matter how busy he would be in Boston he wanted Denny and I to met his folks. ‘They want to meet you two. Dora will cook us one of her great dinners and Max will entertain us.’ Leonard set it up for the third evening the set-up week.

One of the things I was surprised by was the fact that both of Leonard’s parents barely came up to his shoulders. One thing I was not surprised by was the immaculate condition of the apartment. Sandy, Leonard’s wife had not come with us, but she had warned us not to feel guilty about making our visit extra work for Leonard’s mother.

‘Her house is always dust free and polished like a mirror. You could walk in at two o’clock in the morning or six o’clock at night, anytime, and the place would look the same, like she worked hours to clean. And as far as cooking a big meal… Max might have left for work with only a cup of coffee and a bagel and lox for breakfast, but no matter what, there was always a big meal waiting when he got home. Of course,’ she added, ‘Homemaker and mother was the only job Dora ever had.’

We walked into the hard wood floored dining room and sat down. Denny and I both had made an attempt to take our shoes off in the hallway, but Max wouldn’t let us. We sat down and Max poured us a glass of wine. ‘Nothing fancy. Kosher. Gets the taste buds alive for Momma’s cooking. L’chaim,’ he said raising his glass. ‘To life.’

[For Max Nimoy’s adventures as a barber and how Dora and Max met please go to the original posts]

(...) I had accepted the offer for seconds, but politeness made me turn down the offer for thirds. Mrs. Nimoy told us that they were going to see VINCENT the night after the opening. She said that they had seen it when we were in Washington D.C. I remembered many of Leonard’s family attended a wedding there. That is where I met Adam, Leonard’s son, but did not meet Leonard’s folks.She said that she really enjoyed VINCENT, but it made her sad. ‘Such an artist. And such a life. But,’ she added, ‘It is a great show. You all should be very proud.’

I had accepted the offer for seconds, but politeness made me turn down the offer for thirds. Mrs. Nimoy told us that they were going to see VINCENT the night after the opening. She said that they had seen it when we were in Washington D.C. I remembered many of Leonard’s family attended a wedding there. That is where I met Adam, Leonard’s son, but did not meet Leonard’s folks.

She said that she really enjoyed VINCENT, but it made her sad. ‘Such an artist. And such a life. But,’ she added, ‘It is a great show. You all should be very proud.’

Momma’s favorite though is when Leonard plays Tevye in FIDDLER, Max told us.

‘Tradition! Tradition!’ Max sang out. Mrs. Nimoy frowned at him.

‘It reminds me of our life in the Ukraine’, Mrs. Nimoy said smiling. ‘Even when Leonard is not in it. I like the story.’

Max laughed. ‘And she really like it when Leonard’s friend, Zero Mostel was in it. They were rehearsing it here before they reopened it on Broadway. Leonard brought him over here for supper one night’, Max told us. ‘Now there was a man wasn’t afraid to accept thirds.’

‘Charming man,’ Mrs. Nimoy said. ‘I cried when he died last year. Way too young to die. Such a shame. Such a good actor, too,’ she added.

‘And a brave man who wasn’t afraid to stand up for his principals,’ Leonard said, his voice drifting off as he spoke.

Max jumped in breaking the sad mood that had settled in. ‘You know, Leonard, I think maybe my story about cutting The Goat’s ear had something to do with you liking Van Gogh so much. What do you think?’

‘If you say so, Poppa,’ Leonard smiled. ‘And maybe your talking about your scissors subliming gave me the idea for Spock’s Vulcan salute.’

‘Leonard,’ Mrs. Nimoy said as she stood up, ‘Don’t humor him! Now who wants dessert? Apple pie and ice cream.’

Source: https://donostertag.wordpress.com/2018/02/05/1618/

DON OSTERTAG: OFF STAGE

DESSERT AT THE NIMOY’S

(...) Later in my hotel room I thought back on the night and meeting Leonard’s parents. And I thought of all the framed pictures around the dining room. All the pictures were of their two sons, their weddings, their children. There wasn’t any pictures showing off their celebrity son in his many roles like Spock or Tevye. Oh, I imagine somewhere there were scrapbooks filled with pictures and articles of Leonard; but that was a something not to be confused with their pride in their FAMILY, the most important part of their lives.

I never had the privilege of seeing Dora and Max again. Max died in July of 1987. Dora died the following December. But meeting them that one time under those homily circumstances showed me where their son Leonard got his down-to-earth humanity.

https://donostertag.wordpress.com/2018/02/10/dessert-at-the-nimoys/

#Voices #stage #parents #vincent #Leonard Nimoy

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cheapjerseyschinashopping-blog · 5 years

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pound for chops

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Words: 5K

❤️#BUNBUNWEDNESDAY ❤️ (early)

DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ TWELVE. YOU WILL BE UTTERLY CONFUSED.

ALSO......PLEASE DON’T HATE ME AFTER THIS.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TAGGED IN THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

MASTERLIST

SPACE BETWEEN (12)

“He’s lost his goddamn mind.”

“He really had her arrested?”

“Come now, he can’t seriously believe her to be guilty of these accusations?”

“He is clearly hurt by this and not thinking straight.”

“And what of Bunme? What is he to tell her? Oh, your mommy is in jail for alleged crimes against Wakanda?”

“I’m not sure he’s going to tell her anything. Bast, he hasn’t even let her know that he’s returned.”

“We think she doesn’t know,” N’Jobu sighed. “Bunme is a very smart and crafty child. She very well may have caught wind of their return.”

“I can’t believe that she’s really his child,” Nakia shook her head, her face filled with astonishment. “I can’t believe she lied.”

“She must have had a good reason,” M’Baku chimed.

“Just like he probably thinks that he had a good reason for locking her up like some criminal.” Hawla hissed, pacing across the floor, rubbing her growing baby bump. “He was wise to have his wing of the palace guarded by Doras and that I am with child cause if not for them....” She finished with a groan, her husband placing his hand on her knee to calm her down.

Just then, Shuri and Erik walked into the room, both of them wearing irritated expressions.

“He still will not allow you access?”

“It’s a smart decision cause as soon as I get close enough, I’m knocking his bitch ass out.” The prince growled.

“We can’t just leave her in prison,” Shuri threw her hands up. “What are we to tell Bunme?” The general prayer among the group of concerned individuals was that the little princess would sleep later than her usual 10:00am wake-up-time in order to give them extra time to figure out a course of action.

“We shouldn’t have to tell her nothing. She should be free to tell her herself.” Erik was visibly and soundly irritated by everything. “Damnit, I knew she should have told him. If she would have just listened to me-“

“Wait, you knew?” Nakia pressed.

N’Jobu spoke up and explained how he and his son came to figure out the truth. Erik then chimed in toward the end to inform how Y/N was stopped from telling the truth after a phone call with her sister.

“At this point, does any of that even matter? Our number one concern and priority is figuring out how to get her out of this mess.” M’Baku informed, everyone offering various nods and small quips of agreement.

“You two are the highest in terms of the chain of command, can’t you free her?” Hawla sighed in desperation.

“Unfortunately, with the amount and severity of the charges being alleged against her, only the king can authorize her release.” N’Jobu shook his head, a deep scowl on his face.

“We could break her out-“

“And make her look even more guilty?” Nakia rolled her eyes at Shuri’s kind but naive suggestion. “No. Our only course of action is talking sense into T’Challa.”

“Or beating it out,” Erik muttered earning a glare from his girlfriend.

“I second that motion.”

“M’Baku!”

At that moment, Okoye entered the room full of mixed emotions.

Shuri stood up from her seat and wasted no time. “Can we see him?”

The general hesitated, aggravating Erik.

“Talk, Okoye.”

The fierce warrior glared before sighing. “He is not here.” Variations of “what” and “where has he gone” were thrown at the woman before she loudly and plainly stated. “He went to go see her.” Silence. “Alone.”

“To free her?” Hawla’s voice was full of hope.

“No.” Okoye’s eyed dropped to her ground. She was ashamed. “To take her testimony.”

♔ ♔ ♔ ♔ ♔

Prisons in Wakanda were far different from the cells back in Niganda. This was something Y/N learned upon being locked in her “cell.” Though she hated even being there, she had to admit that a square shaped cell, covered by transparent walls of vibranium with a bed, mirror, table, and other pieces of furniture was far from what she was expecting.

Perhaps she received such a room because of her status as a royal. However, aesthetically pleasing surroundings could not make up for the inner turmoil that she felt.

She knew that telling T’Challa the truth would be a difficult task, but she never imagined that it would bring about such detrimental consequences. Laying on her side, staring at the wall across from her, all she saw was the broken man before whom she pleaded. All she could hear were his harsh words.

Yes. The fact that she was being accused of such vile treacheries bothered her to her core, but her main concern was getting through to T’Challa. If only he could give her time to explain herself, stress to him that she was going to tell him the truth that very night, but circumstances beyond her control prevented it from happening.

However, her biggest and main concern was Bunme. She didn’t know how her baby girl was doing and prayed that she was not told of her mother’s current whereabouts. How could you explain to a five-year-old that her mother was in jail? She didn’t want that stress on her daughter.

She just prayed that T’Challa felt the same way.

The princess sat up and looked straight ahead, her eyes immediately connecting with a stoic-faced lover of hers.

She wasted no time in standing up and walking toward him, stopping in the middle of the cell, his eyes raking over the stretch pants and an oversized shirt that she’d been given as part of her detainment.

She had so many things that she wanted to say to him yet her mind kept drawing blanks. Words failed to leave her mouth. It took a good minute for her to garner a sentence and even that was marked by brevity.

“Bunme-”

“She believes us to still be away on our mission.”

That bit of information brought some comfort to the young woman despite the remaining anxiety that ate at her. “So she doesn’t know that I’m here-”

“No.”

She winced from his tone and dropped her head. “Good-”

“Five years,” he spoke, his eyes focused on the floor, his jaw tense as he struggled to maintain composure. “I’ve missed five years of her life because of you.”

Her slumped shoulders and red eyes gave away her dejection. “T’Challa-”

“I was not there for her first steps, her first word, her birth.” She clenched her eyes shut at his pained delivery. “Why?” She sniffled and went to speak when his fist banged against the wall, causing her to jump back in shock. “WHY?”

“I was scared, T’Challa!” Y/N shouted, wiping at her eyes. “I was terrified at how you would react! I didn’t even know how to react.”

“You should have told me, you knew how I felt about you.” He was legitimately hurt by her deception, not that she could blame him. She’d done this, created this mess. “Did you honestly believe that I would turn you away?” It was damn near unbearable. She couldn’t take the disappointment in his question. She’d never seen him look so vulnerable.

“I don’t know,” she sniffled, her eyes avoiding his as he was now staring directly at her. “I was already hesitant on what to do and then I talked to my sister-”

“Your sister?” He interrupted, his tone starting to transition into anger. “So you trusted someone who you’d told me time and time again treated awfully over me? You allowed her to dictate what you did with my child?”

“If you would give me a chance to explain,” she crossed her arms and moved closer to the barrier between them. The physical barrier. “My parents we-”

“Inkosi Yam,” Okoye came running into the room. She sent an apologetic and sympathetic glance to Y/N before looking over at T’Challa. “It’s Klaue. We have a location.”

The Black Panther straightened and turned to a despondent Y/N whose eyes told a story that he’d yet to hear, but his first duty was to his people. He had to get Klaue behind bars before anything else.

Without another word, he turned to follow his general out the door.

“I didn’t do what she said, what they all believe me to have done.” Y/N called out as soon as Okoye was out of her line of vision, her voice barely above a whisper. “I would never betray you or your country. You must know that.”

He stopped, his fist clenched at his side as he looked over his shoulder. The queen held a little hope that her last-minute statement got through to him, penetrated the dense wall of betrayal and pain that she’d created.

Instead, her heart broke even more as he kept on walking. Once he was gone, she released the sob that she’d been holding in the back of her throat, covering her face with her hands as she went to go sit on the bed.

“Well,” she jumped from the introduction of the new voice, going to her feet, the tears continuing to stream down her face. “That was rather…...anticlimactic.”

Her eyes narrowed to crinkled slits. “You son of a bitch.”

Dumi smiled, walking up to the glass, his arms crossed. “I know you must be upset.” He laughed as she went to hit the glass, her eyes glowing white. “Now, now, princess, let’s not behave too recklessly.”

“This whole time you’ve been lying to me.” She hissed, her mouth trembling from a perfect combination of anger and hurt. “I trusted you.”

It made her sick to know that such a person had been around her poor child for five years. The man was practically a father figure and not once had she picked up on the underlying sinister nature. Truthfully speaking, she blamed herself. She should have seen through his facade.

“You mean as he trusted you?” His eyes widened with faux innocence as he motioned to the area where T’Challa and Okoye walked out just minutes prior. “Such a shame how that all turned out. Truly.”

“Why?” She whispered, her heart yearning, needing a reason.

“That comes later,” he nonchalantly waved her off. “What I will say is….do you remember Atu Arziki? No? What of Sibusiso Nuru?” He stepped closer to the glass, his eyebrows raised. “Still nothing?” She was silent, her brain wrecking for an idea as to who those two people were, but the names weren’t ringing a bell.

Y/N gasped loudly when he punched the glass. “Well, let me refresh your mind, princess. Atu Arziki was my older brother who just so happened to be unlucky enough to be forced to serve as a training partner for a young mutant child who refused an order from her dictator parents to kill him-”

She started to move back. “No-”

“Well, the dictators didn’t like their precious daughter’s act of obedience. Not at all. They were just requesting the death of the boy, no one else, but that little bitch couldn’t even do that.”

“Stop,” she squinted her eyes and covered her ears.

“So do you know what they did?” His smile dropped as his eyes hardened with anguish and heartache. “They killed him and his entire family, letting only one lucky child live to know to never again make the same dire mistake.”

She dropped to her knees.

He shrugged. “And Sibusiso Nuru? Well, he was a decorated Wakandan War Dog, one of the best. You remember him from your conversation with your sister, yes?” Y/N didn’t even bother to express surprise. She’d already garnered that Dumi was listening in on her phone calls with Anajah. She would have also bet that it was him who filled Ramonda’s head with all those lies regarding her working with Klaue. “Until he was captured, tortured, and murdered while stationed in Niganda. His family took it extremely hard, but none harder than his poor daughter….Ayo.”

“What?” Her eyes were bug-eyed as the second in command stepped from the shadows with a smirk on her face.

“Ah, yes, but Ayo always swore she would extract her revenge on her father’s killers.” Dumi continued, eyeing the warrior from head to toe. “It was such a perfect pairing, her and I. You know, guarding your little brat while she was at school became much more bearable after the union of Ayo and me.”

“You bitch,” Y/N sneered, her nose turned up at the sight of the woman who’d not only betrayed Y/N, but her king, and her country. A thought crossed her mind. “You two helped Klaue escape….didn’t you?”

“She talks too much.” Ayo rolled her eyes and looked over at Dumi. “Let’s speed this up, please.”

“So impatient,” the man snickered. “Ah, yes, of course. We are actually here to break you out.”

“And why in the hell would you do that?”

“To take you back to Niganda to answer for your crimes against our country,” he continued, his head tilted. “Did you really think we would allow you to escape? You or your sister?”

At the mentioning of Anajah, she froze just as her heart stopped. “What? What have to done to her?” She placed her fists against the wall. “If you even think of hurting her-” She was cut off by the Zenzi member rolling his eyes and lifting up a tablet with a video playing. Y/N gasped as she took in the sight of her bleeding and bruised sister, tied up by his wrists and ankles being savagely beaten by four men, members of the Zenzi.

“No!” She cried out, her heart breaking at the sight. “Stop! Please don’t hurt her!”

“Oh, don’t worry, princess. She’s fine…..for now.” Her forehead dropped against the glass. “You parents on the other hand…..” He sucked his teeth, hitting a button on the screen before pained screams of agony filled the princess' ears. She looked up and immediately felt her stomach drop.

On the screen, were her parents, tied up against two wooden poles, surrounded by hay and flames.

They were being burned at the stake.

Melting skin, intestines oozing out, and just the horror of it all prompted the princess to dub over and start vomiting.

“Yeah…..not an easy sight to stomach, huh?” He chuckled in jest. “Oh, and while I hate to be the one to pile on the agony-”

“The children’s hospital has been planted with bombs that will go off with only a simple phone call,” Ayo interjected. “500 children. Dead. If you don’t cooperate.”

“Why are you doing this?” Y/N sobbed, palms flat against the floor. “Why?”

“Niganda has suffered for too long under the rule of your family. No longer will we be repressed.” Dumi hissed. “Your parents are dead, yes, and eventually, your sister will be too unless you come with us.”

“And do what?” She screamed before another wave of projectile vomit hit.

“Share the same fate as your parents.”

She stared ahead, momentarily paralyzed by his statement. “W-w-what?”

“Your brother left long ago and is no longer a problem. Your sister could care less about us, but you, you are the anomaly that we cannot underestimate.” He narrowed his eyes. “If we are to truly become free from the terror of your bloodline, we must eliminate all possible threats to our new age.” A beat. “That includes you.”

So overcome by her grief, she didn’t even notice Ayo walk over and disable the shields as Dumi stepped into her cell, standing over her.

“Of course, you could always stay here and face Wakandan judgment, but then you have the blood of your sister and 500 children on your hands.”

All she could do was cry. They wanted her dead. She knew that the Zenzi wanted her family off the throne but she never could have imagined the brutality that would extend her way. She never pictured herself being punished along with her parents.

Her parents….they were dead.

She didn’t know how to process that. On one hand, she felt nothing. They were far from good people. On the other hand, she felt everything. They’d given her life, brought her into this world.

Did that not count for anything?

“So princess,” Dumi smirked, watching as she threw up, her stomach in shambles from the grisly and disturbing video. “Would you like some time to think about your options?” His smirk transformed into a sinister smile as he watched her hunched back begin to shake from the intensity of her sobs as her vomiting ceased. “How about ten minutes? No, that’s too long. Five?”

Y/N was stuck between a wall and a hard place. Going with them meant that she was signing her death warrant. Not going with them meant that her sister and 500 innocent lives would be lost.

Y/N wasn’t even sure if they would stay true to their word and spare the innocent if she agreed to forfeit herself, her life.

But was she willing to risk it?

She wanted to scream.

In a flash, Dumi had the princess up against the wall, his hand wrapped around her throat. “You have thirty fucking seconds to make a decision, thirty seconds till I make the call, thirty seconds till they’re all dead.”

The thought of all those innocent babies dead….because of her. It gutted her.

Almost as bad as just the thought of what she was about to say.

“No,” she managed to get out despite the lack of available oxygen. “I’ll-”

He tightened his grip, lifting her up so that her feet were starting to dangle.“What was that, Nala?”

“I’ll do it,” she forced out, her eyes clenched shut to keep the sight of the monster before her out of her vision. It was no use though because she was still haunted by the graphic execution that she’d just been forced to watch. There was no escaping this terror. “I’ll do it.”

♔ ♔ ♔ ♔ ♔

“I want an autopsy done immediately,” T’Challa hissed, storming into the palace.

The lead that they had on Klaue was accurate sans one bit of information.

He was dead.

Stabbed through the chest some type of object, his body collecting insects and smelling of rotting flesh once they found him.

T’Challa was livid. He wanted the man alive, to stand trial, to see him suffer as they sentenced him to death.

Twice he’d been deprived of the justice that he so desperately sought.

T’Challa was preparing to head up the stairs when he felt someone coming behind him. The skilled warrior immediately grabbed the attempted assailant by the throat and forced him against the closest wall.

“Erik?” He was confused not just by the fact that his cousin was apparently trying to attack him but by the terrified look in his eyes.

“We gotta do something.” Was all he said as T’Challa released him.

He truly was in no mood for his cousin’s games. “About-”

“Come on,” Erik did not wait. He immediately headed for the library, the king surprised to find the bulk of his companions waiting for him.

Except that wasn’t the most surprising. No, what was surprising was the sight of Y/N interacting with Bunme who was sitting on her mother’s lap.

What?

The child’s eyes lit up as they landed on him. “Baba!” Bunme quickly jumped down from Y/N and scurried over to T’Challa who crouched down to lift her up and hug her against him. “You’re back!” She giggled as he struggled to find the correct words.

He wanted to act as though nothing had changed, like she was still the same little girl whom he’d grown to love, formed a bond with.

But she wasn’t.

Before, he viewed her as the daughter he always wanted but never had.

Now, she was the daughter that he always wanted and always had.

Slight change in wording.

Extreme difference in meaning.

“I’ve missed you, sam isipho.” He murmured into the top of her head, kissing her cheek.

Bunme giggled and pulled back with a broad smile. “Now we’re all back together again!”

His heart ached. If only she knew….

“Baby,” Y/N spoke as she stood up. That’s when T’Challa saw it. The anguish in her eyes and the strange bracelet on her wrist. It looked so familiar. “That’s what I need to talk to you about….mommy….” Her voice broke. “Mommy has to go.”

Bunme frowned as she wiggled in his grasp, prompting him to carefully place her down on the floor. “Why?” She started walking towards her mother. “You just got back.”

“I know,” she sniffled as T’Challa looked around the room and finally picked up on the fact there wasn’t a single person in that room who wasn’t fighting tears if not openly shedding them. “But….you know the bad people back in Niganda….right?” Bunme nodded as Y/N got down on both knees and lightly grabbed her shoulders. “Well….they’re going to do something very bad if mommy doesn’t go back.”

T’Challa was utterly confused. What in Bast name was going on?

He pulled Erik to the side. “What is she-”

“This terrorist group called the Zenzi executed her parents, has her sister hostage, and are threatening to bomb a children’s hospital if she doesn’t turn herself over in the next hour,” Erik spoke in a rushed, quiet, and dangerously controlled voice.

T’Challa moved back ever so slightly as his eyes widened from all of the information. “Turn her over for what?”

A brief look of hurt flashed in Erik’s eyes before he calmly responded with, “What do you think, T’Challa?”

“But what if you get hurt?”

“Oh, don’t worry, Bun Bun.” Dumi’s voice sounded as he walked in the room, his signature smirk on his face. “I’ll be there with her the whole time.”

T’Challa growled and went to lunge at Dumi when Erik and M’Baku moved to restrain him.

“He’s with the Zenzi, T’Challa.” Erik hissed in a low voice as the king kept his deadly glare on the former guard. “Do anything to set him off and one phone call damns everybody to death.”

The king stopped. Dumi was a spy.

He suddenly wished that he’d killed him when he wanted to.

Bunme ignored Dumi, untrusting of the man ever since she was told that he wasn’t “nice anymore” by her mama following his firing, her pout still as prominent as she proposed the question that Y/N had been dreading. “When will you come back?”

It took everything in her not to break down right then and there.

“Do you remember what I told you when the bad people tried to hurt us in Niganda before we came here?” Bunme reluctantly nodded. “I told you to hide in the closet while mommy fought them, and you asked me the very same question….so I’m going give you the very same answer.” T’Challa heard his sister's quiet sobs as an equally distraught Nakia tried to comfort her. “Where’s mommy?”

Bunme slowly lifted her index finger to her heart. “Right here.”

Y/N smiled through her pain. “And how long is mommy going to be there?”

Again, a pregnant pause. “Forever.”

“That’s right, baby girl.” Y/N sniffled, reaching out to caress the top of her head. “Mommy loves you so much.”

“Mommy, why are you crying?” Bunme questioned gently as Y/N dropped her head to try and blink away her tears even though she knew it was no use. “I’m scared….I don’t want you to go.”

Y/N felt all resolve break as her little girl threw her arms around her, clinging on to her for dear life, her own tears staining Y/N’s shirt. “Please don’t go.”

“I’m always with you, Bunme.” She promised, tightening her hold on her daughter for one last embrace. “Always.”

“Alright,” Dumi rolled his eyes and walked over, grabbing Y/N by her upper arm and yanking her to her feet. “Time to go, princess.”

“Hey!” Bunme shouted, crying and rubbing her eyes. “Leave my mommy alone!”

T’Challa immediately went over to grab her. “Bunme-”

“Baba,” she turned to him, the sight of her crying breaking his heart, but he maintained his stoic expression. “You gotta help mommy! Please!” At that point, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Even M’Baku was blinking away tears. “You promised you’d always protect her!”

T’Challa looked at his former lover, the anguish in her eyes, and then over at Dumi who was watching them closely, waiting for the king to make a move.

He only had one option.

T’Challa delivered with all the coldness that he could muster, “There’s nothing I can do.”

Heartbreak….just….heartbreak.

“It’s okay, baby.” Y/N tried to reassure as Dumi started to drag her out the room. “I’ll be okay.”

“No!” Bunme went to run after them, but T’Challa restrained her. “Mommy, please don’t go!”

The older princess looked from her daughter to her love one last time and whimpered out: “I love you.”

With that, she disappeared from their site.

“Mommy!” Bunme was screaming at that point, trying to hit at T’Challa. “Let me go!”

“Sam Isipho,” he attempted to calm her down, but it was no good.

“No! I hate you!” Those three words rendered him speechless as he unconsciously let her go, Bunme making a sprint for the door.

Nakia quickly jumped up and wiped at her eyes. “I’ll go get her.”

T’Challa couldn’t even respond as those words oscillated in his mind. Well, before he felt himself being pinned to the floor.

“You weak ass son of a bitch!” Erik yelled, raining fists on his cousin. “You just let her go like that?!”

T’Challa broke from his trance and easily pushed Erik off, jumping to his feet. “Er-”

“Man, fuck you!” Erik was in no mood for excuses or explanations. “You foul as shit, T’Challa!”

“Erik,” Shuri attempted to speak up but was cut off.

“Naw! You know they gon kill her right?! Probably torture her too! And yo’ ass didn’t do shit to stop it!” He continued as M’Baku moved to hold his arm. “You really gon let her d-”

“SILENCE!” T’Challa finally snapped, marching over and snatching him up by the collar. “I would see myself dead before I allowed that to happen!”

Erik maintained his fierce expression. “Then why the fuck did you just allow him to take her like that?”

“If I had given him any indication that I plan to go after her, who knows what he would have done?” T’Challa retorted harshly.

“Wait. So we’re going to save her?” Hawla questioned with the first hint of hopefulness to enter the room all day.

“Of course,” T’Challa did not hesitate. “But we’re going to need some help.” He informed, pushing Erik away and pulling his Kimoyo bead to his mouth. “Has he arrived?”

“I have,” everyone turned to the door where a dark-skinned man with a deep accept and solid build spoke boldly. “And just in time, it would seem.”

Erik sized him up. “Who the fuck are you?”

The man also eyed him from head to toe and scoffed before walking over to T’Challa. “We must hurry. My sister is in more danger than she realizes.”

“She’s powerless too.” Shuri chimed as T’Challa regarded her with confusion. “That bastard managed to break into my lab and steal the power disabling device that I’ve been working on. Somehow he gained access and knew that I’d completed it.”

The bracelet. T’Challa suddenly realized. That was why it looked so familiar.

“You don’t understand,” Belay shook his head. “Y/N is an extremely powerful mutant, but her weakness always has and always will be her love for our people. Whoever plans to take the throne should want her at his side, using the lives of Nigandans as collateral to secure her as his queen. The love of power would certainly overpower the hate and contempt for my family.”

“What are you saying?” T’Challa pressed. He was in no mood for riddles.

Belay’s eyes softened ever so slightly with fear.

“I think she’s walking into a trap.”

♔ ♔ ♔ ♔ ♔

Y/N stirred from her sleep to find herself being dragged through the grand palace of Niganda.

Well, it wasn't necessarily sleeping.

She’d been knocked unconscious as soon as she walked into the plane.

“Wh..” She tried to talk, blinking several times to clear her vision as she looked to her left to see Ayo and Dumi walking side by side. “Where are you taking me?”

“To our leader, of course.” Dumi scoffed. “And future queen.”

She stalled. Queen? What?

“You fool,” she managed to insult but cried out when one of the men dragging her on her knees hit her on the side of her head. “Niganda doesn’t allow women to rule.”

“Correction,” Y/N’s head shot up as she desperately searched for the source of the voice. That voice. She’d know it from anywhere. “They used to not allow women to rule.”

Y/N’s heart was beating erratically as she finally zoned in on the individual who emerged from the shadows. “Anajah?”

The bruised woman smirked. “It seems we have much to catch up on.” A beat. “Sister.”

#t'challa x reader #t'challa udaku #black panther fanfiction #black panther x storm #black panther x mutant!reader #t'challa #Black Panther imagine #Erik Killmonger #Shuri #Nakia #M'Baku

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uzumaki-rebellion · 5 years

Text

Black Boys Bloom Thorns First: Volume 2 Chapter 10

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"I was like a satellite spinning away

Almost lost forever and leaving no trace

Floating through the darkest reaches of space

To another galaxy

Our polarity shifted around

There is nothing left holding us down

But it's just gravitational

We are unstoppable

I just can't escape the pull…"

Lianne La Havas – "Unstoppable"

Being away from Califia was always tough on N'Jobu. But being away from her and Erik was brutal. His return to Wakanda for his annual check-in had him jumpy and in a constant state of worry. Califia could hold it down, and James was around now, so he had a source of comfort. He gave James a few bucks to watch the townhouse while he was away and to not let Califia know he was doing it. Things were getting tough in the Bay area. Drugs, murders, and unemployment were on the rise, and as hard as Califia worked to help young people avoid the dangers, she was just a drop of water in an ocean of ills. Now she had their son to watch over too and it kept N'Jobu on edge while he was away.

Dante was a big help in watching over his family, but he had his own struggles. Budget cuts had made him one of many looking for work. His having a criminal background made it difficult to find steady employment and he was down in the dumps. N'Jobu asked him to look in from time to time on his grandson and daughter. He made sure to leave some money on a weekly basis in Dante's bank account to keep him floating. Times were tough. Everywhere.

Soliel and Negra Li were informing them of the struggles in Sao Paulo, and with the new fascist and right-wing elements rising around the globe, Serah was even worried about staying in Europe with Addae. Rolita was busy trying to stop pipelines and toxic waste being dumped onto indigenous lands in the States. She was a new mother herself and her people were uniting with other Native tribes to push back on the government. Native murders at the hands of the police had risen, and as quiet as it was kept, the numbers were outpacing Black Americans. Rolita was busy publicizing murdered and missing Native women too from the States up through Canada. Califia and her women friends were deep in the trenches with no end to their work in sight.

This was bothering N'Jobu the longer he stayed in the States.

His brother's edict was for War Dogs to infiltrate, observe, report, and not interfere. But it seemed to N'Jobu that many of the problems in Black communities could easily be solved if Wakanda took a more active role in influencing the communities they were spying on. Small covert actions that could change the course for many struggling communities without showing their hand. His own son had to navigate these roads in the future. N'Jobu wanted to make sure there was safe passage for him.

But T'Chaka would not hear of it. He was interested in subterfuge only if it benefited Wakanda. Wakanda only.

N'Jobu sat eating breakfast with his mother and father on the balcony of the sunroom. Umama prattled on about T'Challa's first day of school and all the new and exciting things the boy had done while N'Jobu was away. It was difficult to sit there with his parents and listen to them talk up his nephew when he was bursting to tell them about his own son. How Erik was adjusting to his new teeth, how his language skills were that of a much older child, how Califia was teaching him several languages at once, how he was already learning basic capoeira and ulwa moves. He had finally stopped biting people he didn't like. Now Erik just glared when he encountered unpleasant people. But he was also very affectionate. When he knew people, he loved people and would constantly give out kisses. They had to stop him from kissing the neighbor's cats and dogs though.

It hurt. Deep down in his soul.

He wanted to show his parents pictures and videos that he had taken just for them. The time wasn't right. Maybe two more years. Two more years and he would bring Califia and Erik to the palace. Carry his son into the throne room and announce his name to everyone. N'Jadaka. Son of Prince N'Jobu and Califia. He would marry Califia in front of everyone and lay claim to what belonged to his son.

Until then, he sat with lackluster energy picking at his breakfast and pretending to listen to all of T'Challa's exploits. It was a burden and he carried it the best he could.

When breakfast was over, he made his way to T'Chaka's military room for a new debriefing with other War Dogs from ninety countries and over two hundred cities.

Entering the silver and gray room filled with warriors and elite soldiers, N'Jobu chose to sit in a spot furthest away from his brother. He felt constricted wearing his military uniform. Oaktown had spoiled him with regular clothes and a life that fulfilled him. It was difficult coming home and wearing the mask of a soldier/Prince.

The amphitheater seating filled up quickly. Some of the council elders were present. N'Jobu was surprised to see Gcuma sitting near T'Chaka. He was under the impression that Gcuma was leaving the military.

The meeting started with news footage of incidents detrimental to Wakanda's autonomy. Niganda was putting more pressure on the U.N. to look into their land claims. A Senator in Virginia was questioning Wakanda's relationship with countries considered problematic to the States. This same Senator had the relative rising in San Francisco politics that N'Jobu was keeping tabs on.

The London War Dog, D'Beke, code name Alton Desmond, stood before them all and relayed his misgivings about Parliament in London.

"We need more War Dogs infiltrating politics, your highness. We should also take direct action—"

"That we shall not do," T'Chaka said.

D'Beke glanced N'Jobu's way. They had commiserated the night before together about bringing up direct action. N'Jobu felt it best that D'Beke bring it up openly so that T'Chaka wouldn't think he was forcing his brother's hand. Coming from someone else may clear the way for open honest talks. It was a no go, and N'Jobu caught his brother glaring at him after D'Beke sat down.

Sita, a War Dog in the Netherlands asked for permission to speak. She had trained with N'Jobu when he first went into the military. She was a hell of a pilot and not enamored of royalty. Her father was part of a group that years before questioned the viability of Wakanda still being a monarchy. They were still pushing to reform the government into something new and not so antiquated and elitist.

"Your Highness, are you even open to discussing direct action?"

N'Jobu, (and he was sure D'Beke did too) waited with bated breath for T'Chaka to respond.

"No," T'Chaka said.

Sita just stared at the King then sat down. Now N'Jobu knew for sure there were other War Dogs out there besides him and D'Beke wanting to do more out in the world.

When the meeting ended two hours later, T'Chaka summoned N'Jobu to his private quarters.

N'Jobu paced the front room of T'Chaka's quarters waiting for his brother to arrive. He checked his kimoyo beads for messages from Califia. She sent him new pictures of Erik eating ice cream with his great-grandmother Nana Jean and Grandpa Dante. She also sent one of her in their bathtub taking a bubble bath with Erik, his braids covered in thick soap suds. They were both smiling at each other, and in that shot, Erik looked more like her with his cheeks puffed up and their noses touching. He missed them terribly and it darkened his mood being in his brother's quarters having to follow orders. He just wanted to get back to his family. Hold his woman and child. Cook dinner for them. Tuck his son in bed. Make love to his wife. He felt out of orbit being in Wakanda. It felt less like home and more like a prison. He couldn't be himself.

T'Chaka entered and N'Jobu saw his Doras stage themselves outside his door. N'Jobu sent Yejide and Ometeko away from the quarters. They awaited him elsewhere. He knew he'd want to go drink or go for a drive after seeing his brother.

"Baby Brother," T'Chaka said pointing to a sofa for N'Joba to sit.

N'Jobu waited for his brother to get to it.

"I see you are influencing others with your need to not follow protocol," T'Chaka said.

"I have no idea what you are talking about. Influence?"

"I know you and D'Beke have spoken about direct action. Having him bring it up does not hide the fact that he was speaking your words. And Sita—"

"He is his own man—"

"—her family has always wanted to end our reign and our legacy. How you could sit there and let her voice your opinion… that is going against our family—"

"Stop. Just stop, T'Chaka. I am not the only one out there who sees what is going on. We are in a position of power to make great and lasting changes out in the world—"

"I am not King of the world. I am King of Wakanda. My concern and allegiance are to Wakanda and the Udaku family. Wait until Baba gets word that Sita is parroting your thoughts and—"

"I have not spoken to Sita. She is speaking her own words. So is D'Beke. Why are you so against the idea of direct action?"

"World problems are not our problems. Your job is to spy. Collect information and relay it. Nothing more. Do I need to replace you in Oakland?"

The hairs on N'Jobu's neck rose.

"No."

"Then do your job and keep your mouth shut. You War Dogs are just pieces on the chess board that I am running. I move you. You do not move me."

N'Jobu bit his tongue.

"Yes, your Highness," he said bowing to his brother. He wanted to be out of the room and away from T'Chaka. He didn't need this bullshit. But he didn't want to lose his family.

"If I hear any more word about this and it stems from you, I will take you out of that place and haul you before the Council. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes."

"There should be no schism between us. You are a soldier and a War Dog, but you are also from this House. You will hold your tongue. Any words that come from your mouth will be from me and only me. There are vipers among us who would delight in seeing our House go asunder. We are one blade, N'Jobu. Not two."

T'Chaka's eyes were bold and threatening. N'Jobu puffed up his chest and tried to deflect by making his voice sound nonchalant.

"Let us dine together this evening. It would be nice for us to have some time together away from our responsibilities," N'Jobu said.

It was the last thing N'Jobu wanted to do. His desire was to be in his quarters alone and face chat with Califia while she ate and fed their son, catching up on their day, looking at their faces. Hearing his baby boy's laughter. But he had to smooth things over. Get T'Chaka's thoughts away from bringing him home forever.

T'Chaka's eyes searched deep into N'Jobu's. Perhaps he didn't want to do that—

"I would like that. It has been a long time since we have hung together as brothers. Forgive me N'Jobu. I forget to make time for us as a family so often. You know how it is, duty first."

"I understand."

"I hope you do."

"Uncle N'Jobu!"

N'Jobu turned and saw his nephew wearing his school uniform, dark blues and silver. His hair was in neat twists.

"T'Challa!" N'Jobu said opening his arms wide as his nephew ran to him. N'Jobu lifted him up.

"I did not get to see you yesterday, Uncle."

"I know. I apologize. Shall we have lunch together tomorrow, just you and I in the garden?"

"Yes!"

N'Jobu put T'Challa down and watched his nephew go to his father's side.

"See you at dinner," N'Jobu said.

"You are dining with us, Uncle?"

"Yes."

T'Challa's face lit up and N'Jobu felt his heart grow warm. T'Challa was a sweet boy and T'Chaka was holding up his responsibilities as a doting father. So was N'Jobu.

"See you both tonight," N'Jobu said taking his leave.

Walking towards the elevator that would take him to his suite, N'Jobu ran into his mother coming from the family library.

"My Son," she said holding out her hand to him. N'Jobu took her hand and followed her into her private study.

"Where is Baba?"

"Visiting with some Council Elders. Sit."

N'Jobu sat near her and his mother kept his hand in hers.

"I miss you," she said.

"I miss you too, Umama."

"Why do you stay there?"

N'Jobu found himself caught off guard.

"N'Jobu…how much longer must you be a War Dog? What are you trying to prove?"

His mother's eyes were wet like she had been crying before she ran into him.

"Umama," he said touching her face.

"You should be home with us. You should be an Ambassador. Do you know they are considering Gcuma for that position?"

"No."

She was weeping openly and N'Jobu felt his spirit sinking.

"Umama…"

"I want you to come home—"

"I can not do that now. I love what I do—"

"But we need you here—"

"I cannot leave Oakland now—"

His mother's lips trembled and she wiped her eyes. He wanted so much to tell her everything. Lay it all out there. But all he could do was weep with her and lay his head on her lap. She stroked his scalp and he felt like he was five-years-old again. He wept for himself and Califia and his son Erik. He bawled like his heart would fall out of his chest.

"N'Jobu. What is it?" she asked lifting his chin up with her hand. She could see there was something more in his eyes. He felt the confession on the tip of his tongue. He saw Califia's face with Erik's. Just say it. Tell Umama. Release the secret.

"Umama, it is hard being so far away from my family."

The words were for his wife and son. He let his mother think otherwise. She could still comfort him even if she didn't know the truth.

"As long as you are happy where you are, my Son, I will support you. But I wish you were here. When you become a father one day, you will understand what I am saying….ah, my Son…go ahead…let it out."

N'Jobu buried his face in the folds of her skirt. He would take her words and surround himself in her love. It was all he could do for now.

He fell asleep on his mother's lap. He awoke to her sometime later with her still stroking the back of his head. She appeared to sense something was not right with him, but she soothed him as best she could.

Before he left for dinner with T'Chaka and T'Challa, he reached out to Zinzi. He needed her warmth and friendship to prop himself back up.

Califia cooked herself and Erik butternut squash soup for dinner. She found that reducing her intake of meat, wine, and excess dairy helped her lose weight. N'Jobu didn't want her to lose too much, he was happy with her bigger size, but she wanted to get into fighting shape again. Since N'Jobu loved her no matter what size she was, there was no pressure to lose anything fast, so her gradual weight loss coincided with her return to intense capoeira training. The pounds dropped naturally. She was coming to terms with discovering a new center of gravity for her body.

Her favorite part of teaching at the studio now was watching Erik try to copy her moves. The boy was good. Teaching him early was her goal. Something else she noticed about him: he loved to dance. She could play a song and her boy could keep on beat naturally. His eyes watched her every move when she worked with her martial arts students, but when she started offering dance classes, jazz and hip-hop in particular, Erik was behind her mimicking her steps. He would have her dying with laughter when she turned around after demonstrating a dance combination and he would be bouncing and clapping his hands. The shocking thing was the boy was really good. His arms would be up and his legs would follow the beat, but it was his facial expressions that would have the classes falling out. He was feeling the music. When it really got good to him, he would call out, "Mommy! Mommy!" and she would stop to watch him, encouraging his movement and often joining him.

Tonight she was playing James Brown's Live at the Apollo Volume Three while she cooked, keeping it on loop because her little man was cutting up. They both grooved to the classic 1968 sound, and when her computer lit up with a face chat call from N'Jobu, she happily turned on the screen, James Brown still hollering in the background. It was early in the morning for her man.

"Babe!" she said blowing him a kiss.

N'Jobu's smile was wide as he watched her shimmying as she stirred their soup and put it on simmer.

"Hey!" he said watching her. She was wearing a thin body-hugging t-shirt and short-shorts, so she knew he was peeping her hard, as she intended. It was the little things she did to keep reminding him that he needed to get his ass back to her.

"Where's my boy?"

"Erik," she said looking over at him bouncing on his legs to the music next to her. She moved the computer so that the screen revealed Erik. James Brown was yelling, "Power to the people!" and Erik was rocking it out, his little hips swiveling in his huggy diapers.

"Get it, baby!" Califia called to her son. N'Jobu started laughing and they both cracked up when Erik started copying James Brown by saying, "Beep, beep," in a call and response moment.

"Soul Power!" Califia sang out.

"So Powah!" Erik responded.

"Put up your fist, Erik. Do it for Mommy."

Erik watched Califia hold up her fist and he followed suit.

"That's a soldier right there!" Califia said bending her legs and taking a hold of Erik's hand and swaying with him. She lifted him up on her hip and danced around singing, "Ain't it good to ya?"

The song morphed into Hot Pants and Califia wiggled her ass in her shorts making sure N'Jobu could see her cheeks bouncing to the Godfather of Soul.

"You guys are killing me!" N'Jobu said.

Califia covered Erik's eyes and made her ass clap in front of the computer.

"Aye, put him to bed real quick, I need to show you something," N'Jobu joked.

"Hold on a minute," Califia said. She walked into the living room and turned down the music. She carried Erik back into the kitchen and put him in his high seat. She put soup in his kiddie bowl and let it cool while she scooped a big bowl for herself. She moved the computer to the kitchen table and sat next to Erik.

"How are things?" she said blowing on a spoonful of soup before feeding it to Erik.

"Tough."

Califia stared at his face and finally noticed something was off.

"Is that all?"

"I want to come back to you, that's all. It's rough being here."

She scrutinized his face even more.

"Did something happen?"

"No…no…nothing serious. Just the usual boring stuff. I'm ready to come home."

She smiled whenever he said that.

"Baba!" Erik called out waving to N'Jobu.

"Baba will be home soon. I miss you," N'Jobu said.

Erik leaned forward, his lips puckered and his hands stretched forward.

"Hold on," Califia said picking up the laptop and bringing it towards Erik's face. She watched Erik lean closer and give the screen a kiss as N'Jobu did the same.

"You want to give Baba another kiss?" Califia asked.

"You Mommy!" Erik said pushing her face towards the screen. She pressed her lips on the image of N'Jobu wishing she really was smooching her man. Even though he was gone for only thirty days, her stomach still felt uneasy when he was away. Her body never failed to miss him in their bed. She found herself crawling up the walls without him and her adult toys did nothing for her anymore when he was gone. Even now, hearing the sound of his voice and seeing his face made her feel hot and bothered. She could see it on his face too by the way he was looking at her. If Erik were asleep, she would be upstairs in their bed naked, showing N'Jobu all that he was missing, and her man would be doing the same as they did when they were in college. Her legs would be spread wide open for him and he would be sharing himself on the screen too.

She put the laptop back on the table and continued feeding Erik. N'Jobu stayed quiet just watching them, listening to her talk to Erik using different words and encouraging him to answer her back.

"Baba…Baba…" Erik said moving his head around trying to look at the laptop.

"C'mon, let's finish this first," Califia said.

Erik wouldn't be still and Califia turned to look at N'Jobu, wondering what was distracting the boy.

N'Jobu's eyes were watery, and he tried to fix his face but it was too late, Califia saw the sadness there.

"Babe, what is it?" she said. Putting the spoon down, she focused all her attention on N'Jobu.

"I miss you, that's all—"

"It's more than that. Talk to me."

"I was told to fall in line and not rock the boat or else I would be removed from my duties."

Califia's face turned wooden.

"Removed…taken away from us?"

She tried to hide the panic in her voice. But he heard it.

"I'm not going to do anything to agitate my brother or cause him to do that. Don't worry. It just shook me up a bit when he threatened me with it."

"How are you rocking the boat?"

"I think there are things that my country could be doing and my brother disagrees. And since he is the King…he makes the rules."

She knew the stubborn streak in N'Jobu was strong. He liked having his way, but she knew nothing of their monarchy other than what he told her. King T'Chaka seemed like a hand in fist ruler capable of anything, especially if was sending spies into the world.

"N'Jobu…please…don't do anything—"

"I won't, don't think about anything like that—"

"-just do what you have to do to get back here."

"I will."

She tried her best to appear calm and collected. When Erik began turning his mouth away, she knew he was finished with the soup, so she wiped his lips and chin clean and moved him onto her lap to rock him. He reached up for her chest and she was surprised because it had been several days since he sought out her milk. She thought he was finally done with her.

She gave him her nipple and N'Jobu watched her feed Erik more until the boy was nodding off to sleep.

"He cries when he doesn't see you in the morning," she said.

"Just a few more days…"

"I know, but he still checks the bedroom sometimes to see if you are there. He sleeps in the bed with me waiting for you at night."

"Are you waiting for me at night too?"

"Always."

"When it was just you, I could deal with this check-in. But with Erik…"

"I know."

She watched his face for a moment.

"What?" he asked.

"How long are you going to have James checking on me?"

"How did you find out?"

She smirked.

"I caught him sitting in his car when I was taking out the trash. I don't think he was expecting me to walk up on him."

"He's good people and he's doing me a favor."

"I understand. But Daddy is around and so is Junie."

"He wants to do it."

"I won't stop him."

She rubbed Erik's side. He had his right hand still holding the swelling of her breast and his mouth was still loosely on her nipple even as he slept.

"I better take him upstairs—"

"Just wait…a few more minutes. Let me just look at him…and you."

She reached up to pull Erik away from her breast to fix her bra and shirt.

"Don't. Please…leave him be," he said.

She stayed put and stroked the back of Erik's head.

"You give me peace when I see you with him like this," he said.

She saw N'Jobu breathe deeply. His eyes fell upon Erik and she saw something go across his face, some type of inner turmoil, and then it passed. His eyes went back to hers.

"It'll be okay," she reassured him, but she only said that to try and convince herself.

He wiped his eyes and sat back from the screen.

"Until I see you again," he said and blew her a kiss.

He was taking a chance meeting D'Beke in Birnan Azzaria.

The two men took cover inside an out of the way bistro near the border of Canaan and Azania. No one recognized N'Jobu when he went in, and he suspected that no one would say anything anyway. Azzarians tended to mind their business. Out of the Wakandan citizenry, Azzarians were closer in kind to the Jabari tribe, tolerating the hierarchy and its history, but creating their own unique way of living. It was a city that was geared toward pleasure and stimulating the senses.

The bistro was semi-full, but is was still early in the evening and N'Jobu enjoyed a platter of fried calamari and yam fritters. He sipped a thick beer flavored with pears as D'Beke tucked into yellow rice and baked chicken.

Birnan Azzaria was far enough away not to cause T'Chaka suspicion. N'Jobu made sure his brother caught him packing away condoms in an overnight bag when he left the palace. If it looked like he was roaming the city for women and fun with his military buddies, T'Chaka would ignore him. He just needed to remember to get rid of the prophylactics before he returned to Oakland or else Califia would have his head.

"Would he really take you out of Oakland?" D'Beke asked.

"Yes."

"Then he would not hesitate to remove me from London."

"Have you been speaking with Sita?"

"No. She has her own agenda. I was surprised she spoke up at the debriefing."

"We should continue our work, but hold off on doing anything right now—"

"But things will get worse—"

"They will, but I cannot take a chance at this time. We shall wait, and when the King and Council have softened, when the world comes knocking on our door, then we will come forward."

D'Beke swallowed a large gulp of his beer.

"I will follow your lead your Highness. But it grows uglier in London and France…Germany…the runoff will hit our borders one day soon."

"How well do you know Sita?"

"Well enough. She is bull-headed. Rumored to have lovers up and down the western borders. One up in the Jabari mountains too—"

"Really? Passionate people…"

"She is a passionate woman. Did you know she is the great-great-granddaughter of Tunji the Rebel?"

"Yes."

"It is ironic that she would serve the King and your family when her own family wants to abolish the monarchy."

"Every family has their own rebel I suppose."

D'Beke gave N'Jobu a sly look. He ignored it.

"We will cool our communications for a time, D'Beke."

"As you wish."

"I will not meet with you here next year."

"Understood."

N'Jobu paid for his drink and meal, slipped on dark glasses, and left D'Beke seated inside the Bistro. He checked his kimoyo beads and summoned his Doras to retrieve him at another location. Yejide and Ometeko were faithful to him, but he could not take a chance that they could be used to entrap him with D'Beke. He quickly walked through a street bazaar and made his way through several open café patios before he went inside a boutique hotel and waited in a crowded lobby.

Within fifteen minutes he saw a palace cruiser pull up in front of the Hotel. He jogged out and hopped in the backseat, Yejide drove and Ometeko rode shotgun.

"The palace," he said settling back in his seat for the long drive back to Birnan Zana. The golden city didn't feel so golden to him anymore.

Califia thought she would hear from N'Jobu before he came home. But his last three days in Wakanda were a silent terror for her. Her calls and face chat messages went unanswered. He was supposed to arrive that Sunday evening and she almost lost her mind with worry when he finally called her from North Carolina. He would arrive in Oakland as scheduled.

Her father was visiting and she had hoped that Erik could stay awake so she could take him to the airport with her, but he was in a dead sleep and she didn't want to wake him so her father stayed at the townhouse so she could pick up N'Jobu alone.

She was circling airport parking when N'Jobu sent her a four-word text, "Be ready for me."

She felt her stomach flutter. He was hungry for her. Those words were his code. Her clit was already thumping in her panties. The last three days had been stressful not hearing from him. She needed sweet relief from his touch. But his words in the text let her know he was going to be selfish. He wasn't going to cater to her needs, at least not in that initial joining together of their bodies. He was going to take. There would be no giving on his part. She felt her face getting flush already. She would have to figure out a way to get her father out of the townhouse fast when they got back. Erik would have to sleep in his room tonight no matter how much he missed his father. Baba wanted Mommy bad.

She parked his Blazer and checked her lipstick and eyeliner in the rearview mirror. Her eyes looked so bright and eager. She slipped her hand under her skirt. The crotch of her panties was already soaked through. She could feel the outline of her clit poking out and when she touched it, she moaned inside the car. Goddamn, that man. She thought about masturbating and having an orgasm right there, but N'Jobu would know what she had done. His four-word message had subtext. She was not to cum in any manner until he allowed her. His needs were to be satisfied first.

She let her index finger circle her clit, her stickiness drenched the tip of her finger. She found herself whimpering as she touched herself.

"Jobu," she gritted through her teeth, so tempted to plunge her greedy fingers deep inside her sopping folds. She saw his lips and his nose and his eyes and his hands in her mind and her hips started gyrating in the driver seat. Just one. One little orgasm. What could that hurt?

Her cell phone lit up. "Heading to baggage claims."

She jumped out of his car and ran to the airport entrance before she got herself in trouble.

Chapter 11 HERE.

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