#They both have fucked up doppelgängers they would find it funny.

[fantasykiri5]

A pair of birds of prey for days 15 and 16 of @hermitadaymay !!! Definitely not a day and a half (?) late

#my art #Hermitaday #hermitadaymay #hermitadaymay2024 #hermit-a-day may #Hermit-a-day may 2024 #Hermitcraft #hermitcraft fanart #falsesymmetry #falsesymmetry fanart #welsknight #welsknight gaming #welsknight fanart #WHY DID I DECIDE TO DRAW THE STUPIDEST POSE FOR FALSE AND ARMOR FOR WELS AND WINGS FOR THEM BOTH ALL IN ONE DRAWING… #These cunts have six total hours tracked on them… I didn’t even do a background because they took so long… #and thats not even counting looking for armor and feather references like this took two straight days #I’m very proud of it though #anyways they’re NOT related I was in the middle of drawing and realized they looked uncannily alike. So I made the wise decision to give- #-Wels the same mole I give False and the same little lower lash because they’re nose and eye shapes already matched #they’re not siblings (shown by one of them not even being an actual raptor bird) but they do look uncannily similar #and I’ve decided now that my False and Wels like to just lie to people and say they’re twins for fun. #They both have fucked up doppelgängers they would find it funny. #anyways False is a red tailed hawk (specifically a dark morph) #and Wels is a peregrine falcon #armor is so hard to draw guys never draw armor it SUCKS. I did get to have Laois Dunmeshi Touden on my screen for reference the whole time- #-I was drawing Wels though so it’s not all bad #still baffled I draw the human body part of that pose for false so easily though. Fully believe I was possessed by one of the Greek muses- #-or something because I do not know enough about anatomy to have that shit memorized but it looked normal when I looked at it so. Shrugs #anyways YES i will get to Etho tomorrow… I may just draw him WITH Joe because I wanna draw him but I don’t wanna think about posing two- #-difference pieces… though then I’d have to pose them together… but the appeal of putting a Kakashi cosplayer and a muppet next to each-

[just-a-quirkless-loser]

New Beginnings

Part 1, Part 5

Part Six: Sharing is Caring

Alpha Mirio x Omega OC x Alpha Shinsou

Words: 3.3K

Enjoy 😉

“Shinsou, stop hogging her!”

“Fucking scoot over then.”

“Awwwww, Kitten is blushing.”

“Fuck you, shitty man,” Chiyo glared at Aizawa from across the room.

Shinsou and Mirio have been...weird lately. It started with the touching (well, Mirio has always been a physically driven alpha) which Chiyo didn’t know how to feel about. She’s always been touch-starved but, this was something new entirely. Now, It’s not uncommon for Chiyo to be dragged to one of the couches in the common room so Shinsou can hold her for hours (she��d never admit out loud that she loves rubbing against his lean, muscular frame).

Mirio has also been coming over a lot more lately; really, he’s been coming over every day (which has led to Chiyo currently hiding away in her room for some space).

“Bambiiii, let me in,” Chiyo had her head against her door as she made no moves to open it. Mirio has come over plenty of times but, he’s never been in her room before and she doesn’t know if that’s okay...socially at least.

Everyone has been teaching her about pack dynamics and mating practices (she never really paid attention to that seeing as she never considered settling down; she was sure whatever infatuation she had with Shinsou and Mirio would go away. After all, she knows there’s no way she could have that type of relationship). So, she knows for a fact that she, an unmated omega, cannot let Mirio, an unmated attractive alpha, in her room.

“C’mon, Chiyo. I just want to cuddle,” Mirio laid his head on the door. He’s starting to get a bit frustrated.

“Smiles, can’t we cuddle downstairs? After I get some time to myself. But, we can’t stay up here alone.”

“Why not? Things were perfectly fine when they didn’t talk to you about pack stuff. It’s because I’m an alpha?” Chiyo whines in her mind. She can tell she’s upsetting Mirio and that’s the last thing that she ever wants to do.

“No, well, kinda I guess. I just don’t want to send the wrong message. You understand, Smiles? Right?”

“Depends. What message of me being in your room would send? And, to who are you so worried about bothering with the message?” He can’t help the anger and jealousy that flowed in his voice. “Is someone courting you?”

“No! No one is trying to do that- at least I don’t think anyone is- and I just don’t want people to think I’m leading you on. Jirou told me I messed up and hurt Shinsou the last time,” Chiyo flinched at the image of how Shinsou’s face showed betrayal when she went to have lunch with Mirio.

“Don’t listen to her. Shinsou told you everything was fine.”

“I still don’t want my pack to think I’m not trying to listen to what they told me. I’m really trying hard,” this is one of the rare moments when Chiyo shows her vulnerability. Mirio can tell how important it is for Chiyo to gain her pack’s approval but, he needs to do this for their relationship.

“Chiyo, let me in,” she gulps. “Omega, now!”

“But, Mirio, we shouldn’t do-“

“Let. Me. In,” Chiyo opened the door with her head hung low. Mirror pushed her way through and wrapped his thick arms around her waist. Her purple hair was still a bit damp from her shower from earlier and her lilac eyes were kept downcast.

“You’re here,” Mirio releases a few calming pheromones to keep her level headed.

“I’m here. Can you look at me? Please?” She glances up into his eyes. “Those beautiful eyes for such a beautiful omega.”

Chiyo flushes red and pushed Mirio away so she could lay down in her bed.

“How was your day?” Mirio sat beside here, his body heat weeping into her blankets and ingraining his scent into her room.

“It was okay, Shinsou brought some ramen for me since I was busy with the girls,” Chiyo snacks her lips as she zoned off to think about the delicious noodles. “It was so spicy. I’m surprised Bakugou didn’t want any.”

“He’s not supposed to want any,” Mirio quirked his brow. “Do you share your food with him often?”

“Well, it’s not just him. I do it with the whole pack. Mina told me that sharing is caring,” Mirio smirked but remained quiet. “Did you have a good day?”

“I spent the day with Tamaki and his mate. They’re so funny when they’re nervous,” she giggled. Mirio finds almost everything funny.

“That’s good. How’s Nejire?” The blue-haired bouncy beta was always getting into some trouble around the school. “Is she still getting ready for that modeling agency?”

“Yeahhhh. She’s been running around getting new outfits and makeup. That’s actually one of the reasons I came to talk to you,” Chiyo quirks her brow.

“Why would you need to talk to me?”

“She needs an extra model for one of her portfolios and I kinda told her that you would love to help,” Mirio’s teeth nibbled at his lip.

“You know I wouldn’t want to do something like that, Smiles.”

“You’d only have to take like three pictures. I just couldn’t let Nejire continue to cry and worry herself. Please, could you do this for me?” he gave her his puppy eyes. In the back of her mind, she knew she couldn’t refuse the big alpha practically begging for her help. It wouldn’t kill her to help; that’s what friends are for.

“Fine. But, just this one time,” Chiyo grinned as Mirio smiled. His smiles always make her feel warm inside when they stretch all the way across his face. He twirled her in his arms, slightly nuzzling her neck.

“Thank you, Bambi.”

“Sooo, is that all you needed? Or, was there something else you signed me up for without my permission?”

“Well, I wanted to cuddle but, more privately. Away from everything and everyone else. Just us,” Chiyo pushes her lip between her teeth. “And, before you say it’s a bad idea, I asked Shinsou.”

“Okay, 1.) When did you and Shinsou start talking so much? And, 2.) You do realize you have to talk to me first? I don’t belong to him. I don’t belong to Aizawa. I belong to no one,” Chiyo’s body clenched up, some of her older emotions surging back.

Images of being in that cage plagued her mind, the feeling of being held captive and treated as a prisoner made her palms sweat. Chiyo had never told anyone where she came from (although, to be fair, no one had asked) and she planned to keep it that way. But, moments like these remind her just how damaged she was.

“No, no, no. I’m not saying I need his permission or anything because you’re your own person,” Mirio pushes some of Chiyo’s hair behind her ear. “I just know you care what he thinks and how he feels. Plus, Shinsou’s a good guy once I got to know him. Kinda reminds me of you.”

“How?”

“You’re both moody sometimes. You both have purple hair and purple eyes. Both of you isolate yourselves when you feel you’ve spent too much time around people. You’re both not used to extended physical contact unless you initiate it.”

“I-you watch us this much,” Chiyo didn’t know whether to feel flattered to have someone want to know that much about her or feel weird that he’s been paying that much attention to her.

“Yeah, I do. I can’t help it. I’ve let too many things slip past me,” Mirio’s eyes darkened. Chiyo had never seen Mirio look so dejected.

“Are you okay?”

“Do you ever just want to stop smiling?”

“Well, I never smile unless I’m with you so I don’t think I’m qualified to answer that question. But, I don’t think I could imagine a world without my Smiles.”

Mirio didn’t say anything as he swept her up and laid her on her bed, following in behind her as he rested his hand on her navel. They laid there, just allowing the silence to envelop them. Every moment, Chiyo would whine to herself because Mirio’s scent kept warping her. For him to be so close with his hands on her kept her mind spinning fast.

“Chiyo, what are you thinking about?”

‘Fuck, I can’t tell him the truth,’ The way Mirio smirked against her skin let her know he knew exactly what she was thinking.

“Just thinking of food,” that normally would be a good lie if Mirio didn’t feel her tense up.

“No, I don’t think that’s what you were thinking about. Try again.”

“It really is good.”

“Uh huh. What kind of food?”

“The kind you eat,” Mirio chuckles as he hears a knock on the door.

“I’m willing to bet all the food in the world that’s your doppelgänger at the door.”

“Shinsou isn’t my doppelgänger.”

“I never said it was Shinsou,” Mirio got up and answered the door. Low and behold, Shinsou stood there, arms crossed.

“You both never came back downstairs,” Shinsou comes to the other side of the bed and laid next to Chiyo’s body. “You’re just gonna let Joker over there take all your time?”

“Joker?”

“He’s always smiling.”

“I actually kinda like the name,” Mirio smiles even harder.

“Why don’t I have a nickname?” Chiyo rolled her eyes.

“Do you want one?”

“No. That’s fucking stupid.”

“Someone’s in another mood,” Shinsou pulled her closer to his chest. Chiyo pouted but kept still, knowing she was caged in between them.

“Is there any reason the both of you are in here with me?”

“Nope. Does it bother you having both of us this close to you?” Shinsou leaned in further causing Chiyo to retreat into Mirio. “Being able to touch you without any else seeing?”

“Uhhhh,” such an intelligent response deserves the prize.

“Stop teasing Bambi. You’re gonna break her before we even put our hands on her,” Mirio’s teeth were nipping at the side of her neck. Her shivers caught their attention, letting them know how much she enjoyed being teased.

Right then, Chiyo felt complete. She felt the love that they had for her and that terrified her beyond belief. She felt their heartbeats speeding up at their proximity to one another. She felt herself being brought to peace because of these two alphas. The shadows in her life were slowly being lifted and they were one of the reasons why.

‘It’s got to be hero worship,’ but, she knows it’s not. Aizawa’s her hero yet, she doesn’t feel these things when she thinks of him. This is different. She loves Aizawa as a father (the only father she’s ever had). She...likes these alphas as something more romantic.

‘I can’t like them,’ she does. She wants to bury herself in their entire beings. She likes spending time with them. She likes being this close to them. She likes knowing they like to spend with her.

‘Fuck,’ she needs to leave.

“Chiyo, come back,” Shinsou was shaking her shoulders. He locked eyes with the small omega, steeling her into reality. “Where’d you go?”

“I think I should get some sleep,” Chiyo sat up with her arms around herself.

“Baby, what’s wrong? Your scent changed,” Shinsou keeps shaking her (maybe he’s trying to shake away her thoughts).

“Can you get off?” She says it in such a cold way that the boys shut their mouths and move towards the door. They both look back, wanting her to stop them, but are disappointed when she doesn’t say anything.

Chiyo waited till the night time came. All of her pack mates were nestled in their beds or with their mates (but, that’s a story for another time). This would be the perfect time to leave.

‘I should leave a note,’ she decides against it. She’s a coward; It’d be too hard for her to say goodbye.

So, she’s gone. Out the window-out of their lives. She ends up on a rooftop after a few days. More specifically, the same rooftop she used to meet Aizawa on.

He’s not there and she is. She knows that he’s looking for her but, it doesn’t make her feel any better. After years of conditioning, she’s not sure she can feel normal or feel emotions like she should.

She wants to go back home to the dorms (it’s become her home) and she wants to be with them but, she can’t. How can she? She’s always been told she’s not supposed to be happy so, how can she? She was birthed for one reason; destroy the world. Yet, here she is again, living in this world that’s shown her something new and something that she needs. She can’t destroy it.

How would the relationship even work? They share her? They spilt their time with her? How would sex work in the future?

‘I don’t even know if they want me for sure,’ she’s always been the type to overthink. But, something in her tells her that they feel the same.

Aizawa pops up next to her, doesn’t say anything, only picks her up and swings her back to the dorms. Chiyo knows he’s disappointed in her lack of trust in him.

Chiyo is about to open the dorms door when Aizawa chooses to speak.

“Chiyo, what happened?” Chiyo didn’t bother to acknowledge Aizawa’s presence behind her. “Chiyo...Omega.”

“I don’t belong here,” she’s dejected (that’s the finest way to describe this feeling in her heart). “I thought I could do this and be normal but, this just isn’t me.”

“You’ve been doing so well. What happened?”

“I like someone. Well, it’s not just someone,” Aizawa didn’t say anything. He knows this is hard for her but, he has to give her time for her to speak to him. “I’m not normal. No matter how hard I try to be.”

“What makes you think You’re different?”

“I like two people,” she chuckles with no humor behind it. “I want to be with two people-two alphas at that. That’s normal?”

“It’s not completely unheard of. Polygamy is becoming more popular.”

“Can you hear yourself? It’s not right. Who would want to share their mate?”

“Some people feel a spiritual bond that connects them,” he shrugs his shoulder beside her. “Some people like having someone else to protect their mate in their stead. It’s not hard to believe that two people would want you.”

“I’m nothing special.”

“You are; you don’t see what we see.”

Chiyo stood from the concrete and rushed inside the dorms. The pack was waiting for her as she ran into the common room.

“CHIYOOOO,” Uraraka jumped on her as soon as she came in to their sights. “Don’t ever worry us like that again. Jirou almost knocked us all out. Don’t even get me started on Mirio and Shinsou.”

“Jirou?” Chiyo quirked her brow.

“Yeah, shitty girl got mad so she sent out a burst of sonic waves. Shit’s still ringing my ears,” Bakugou was up next to hug her.

“Jirou?” It’s kinda hard to believe. Jirou is docile, even if she is an alpha.

“Yeah. Jirou. She cares about you.”

“Where is she?”

“She’s in her room. Present Mic had to come knock her out,” Chiyo winced. “Make sure to see her when she wakes up in the morning.”

“Ofcourse I’m going to see her.”

“Good,” Midoriya pops up on her side. “I’m glad your back. I told everyone Aizawa would bring you home.”

“So, you didn’t cry?” Midoriya blushes.

“He cries at everything,” Todoroki deadpans.

“It wasn’t even a full on cry. More like a few sad tears,” Iida laughs next to Midoriya.

“I can’t help it; I thought she was gone forever,” they all somber at his words. Today, they almost lost one of their own, not because of a villain but, because she thought she needed to leave. “Please, don’t ever do anything like this again. I don’t think we could survive it.”

“I won’t,” she doesn’t intend to. Keyword: intend. Chiyo can feel their eyes from across the room before they close in on her.

“Omega, what the fuck were you thinking?” Chiyo’s mouth falls open like a fish. This is the first time she’s ever heard Mirio cuss.

“I-I uh.”

“She wasn’t fucking thinking. Were you?” Shinsou leans down to her height and levels their eyes. “You thought you could leave us? And, no one would come looking for you?”

“I needed space.”

“Permanent space?” She can’t deny it. She didn’t plan on coming back. Didn’t plan on ever seeing them again. It was a split decision to get caught by Aizawa.

Chiyo stalks off to her room, closing the door behind her. Her men follow her on her trail, giving her some space before knocking on the door.

“Omega, can we come in?”

“Why? Why are you always trying to push your way in my life? I was fine before any of this. I didn’t feel any of this. I wasn’t so fucking confused.”

“Why are you confused? Talk to us. Help us understand,” Mirio wanted to bust down the door but, he knew that would only make you escalate the situation.

“There’s nothing to understand. There’s nothing going on. Just, leave me alone.”

“Something is clearly wrong. You keep avoiding us,” that was true. Sometimes, it’s hard for Chiyo to accept how she feels and not degrade herself.

“I just want to be alone.”

“No one really wants to be alone. You think you want to be alone because that’s how you’ve always been. But, you have us.”

“No, I don’t. Fuck I’m such a whore. He was right. She was right. Everyone’s always right about me,” Chiyo skinned her knees with her nails. Everything next happened so fast. Shinsou and Mirio could smell the blood-her blood.

“OMEGA, STOP. LET US IN,” they were banging on the door.

“IM JUST A WHORE. NOTHING ELSE. GOD. I DONT KNOW WHY I THOUGHT I COULD DO THIS-“

“DO WHAT?!”

“LIVE.” That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Both of them slammed into her room, chests heaving as they kept their eyes on her shivering form. They rushed to her side, each of the nuzzling the sides of her neck.

“GET OFF. GET OFF. GET OFF. GET offffff,” Chiyo sobs as Mirio and Shinsou kiss her tears. “Just leave.”

“Why do you want us to leave?” Mirio’s been crying. He doesn’t look like himself without his smile.

“Because I can’t control myself when both of you are here.”

“Why do you need to control yourself?” Shinsou wants to smirk (through his anger at the least) because he knows what’s going on.

“Because I-“ Chiyo knew she shouldn’t have tried to answer but, her mouth was moving rapidly on its own. Shinsou’s mind control was taking over and, she could have stopped it if she wanted to but, she wanted to relinquish her control to him.

“You what? Answer, truthfully.”

“Because I love you both. Because I want to kiss you. Because I want to cuddle with you all the time. Because I want everyone to know that I love you. Because, when I’m with you, I can’t think right; I can only think of being with you and enjoying the moment.”

“Was that so hard to tell us?” Shinsou grins as he pecks at the corner of Chiyo’s bottom lip.

“Stop.”

“Why?”

“Because, It’s not fair to either of you.”

“Why?”

“Is that all you both can ask?”

“You’re evading the question,” Mirio rests his hand on her navel like he always does.

“I can’t be with both of you.”

“Who said that?”

“Society.”

“Fuck society,” Mirio smashes his lips on hers, tilting her neck to give Shinsou some room to place a few kisses. Her saliva pools in her mouth as he lightly bites her tongue. Her core is pooling and she’s stuck rubbing her thigh to alleviate the feeling.

“Awww she’s bothered,” Shinsou leans in to grin harder.

“Shut your fucking face.”

“Bambi, such a potty mouth.”

“You both can’t gang up on me like this,” cue the pouting.

“Awww she’s pouting,” Chiyo slapped Shinsou in the eye. “Okay, I deserved that.”

“Are you guys sure you’re okay with this?”

“Just like Mina said, sharing is caring.”

——————————————————————————

@orokayagi @sinclairsamess @sakurashortstack @coupsnflower @writing-garden-sandersides

#bnha #anime #bnha fanfiction #fanfic #mha #mha fanfiction #ao3 #author regrets nothing #fanfiction writer #omegaverse #abo dynamics #a/b/o dynamics #shinsou x oc #mirio x oc #alpha mirio #alpha shinsou #dadzawa #we’re all quirkless losers #bnha oc #mha oc #polygamy #possessive

[womenstan]

Heaven In Hiding - Nooreva

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28058616

Two friends, a mind-blowing kiss and a misunderstanding.

red colored lips and narrow hips

angel dusted hair and skin so fair

take my hand and make me blush

seal my lips and let me touch

Parties were fun. Objectively, Eva knew that. There was booze, music and available mouths to latch onto. So, yes, usually parties were fun. Except this one wasn’t.

See, since Jonas, Eva had never been able to find a stable relationship. That was fine back in high school, when most parties consisted of random people hooking up in bathrooms and throwing up in bushes. But now, Eva was a little older and, most importantly, the only single one in her friend group. Isak had Even, Chris was inexplicably still with Kasper and Vilde… well Vilde was probably holed up in a corner of the living room meowing at Magnus. Sana and Yousef were the only ones who weren’t constantly busy eating each other’s faces and, thus, could have an actual conversation with Eva. However, they had decided to spend the winter break visiting Yousef’s family in Morocco, leaving Eva on her own in a sea of unbearable couples. Even fucking Jonas had managed to find a girlfriend to bring to the party (granted, at least those two weren’t all over each other yet , but it wasn’t like Eva could interpose herself between Jonas and his new conquest without things getting a little awkward).

So, while everyone was cheerfully decorating christmas ornaments, dancing on the make-shift dance floor or making out on Isak and Even’s worn-out couch, Eva was alone in the kitchen, gulfing down little pâtés and drinking her third… no fourth… glass of wine. To be fair, she didn’t even want to come in the first place! But Vilde had guilt-tripped her into coming by saying that Isak would be disappointed if she didn’t show - which, bullshit, as Isak seemed much more preoccupied with reaching the depths of his boyfriend’s throat than with Eva’s presence. It’s not like Eva wasn’t happy for all of them, of course she was, they were her friends! So, yes, she was glad that they were all getting some on the regular, but she did feel alone from time to time. Like tonight.

If only Noora was here…

No. Nope. Bad idea. Eva was not going to go down memory lane right now. There’s no way she was even gonna let her brain try to remember that kiss. Fuck. Here we go.

Truth was, Eva was never good at dealing with her problems and her emotions. Her motto was ‘ignore it and when you can’t anymore, drink it away’. Usually, that worked quite well, as her intoxicated brain tended to be more horny than anything else. But this one particular memory seemed to always find a way to sneak its way up to the front of her thoughts, especially on nights like this where she was feeling particularly lonely. The memory in and of itself wasn’t a bad one, god no. It was probably her fondest memory to date. No, the problem wasn’t the memory, it was what happened after the memory.

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

See, at the end of her first year at Nissen, Eva had gone to a party at William’s house with all of her friends. Eva didn’t like William very much, but if there was one quality that man possessed, it was knowing how to throw a good fucking party. The music was great, the view from his rooftop was incredible and, most importantly, the supply of alcohol was never-ending. So, of course, to honour the gods of wine, Eva decided to steal a bottle for herself. At first, she was planning to drink it slowly as the night went on and, thus, avoid having to go back to the table for refills. Brilliant, of course. What Eva had not planned for was to immediately spot Jonas making out with Sara in the middle of the rooftop, the sun shining directly on them, as if to taunt her. It wasn’t even necessarily that Eva wasn’t over Jonas : she still loved him dearly, but she had grieved their relationship by this point. No, it was more that Eva felt lonely and undesired. The one combo that always leads to her making mistakes. It took Eva a total of fifteen seconds for her brain to compute that this was, in fact, Jonas kissing down Sara’s throat and not an eerily similar (and equally eager) doppelgänger. Then, she was back inside in a matter of milliseconds.

She sat down in the relative darkness under the stairs that led to the rooftop, gulping down her bottle of wine faster than Dionysus ever could. She sighed, closing her eyes and letting her head fall backwards on the ramp. The position wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it was bearable, which Eva felt reflected well her internal feelings. So, she stayed seated there, drinking from her wine bottle, alone and lonely.

And that’s exactly how Noora found her some time later, her bottle now almost emptied, her eyelids heavy under the added weight of the alcohol circulating through her body. Noora, beautiful, kind, considerate, Noora, squatted down to Eva’s level slowly, a careful look on her face, as if she was approaching a wild animal. To be fair, that’s probably what Eva looked like right now, curled in on herself, holding the bottle of wine like a lifeline.

‘Er du ok?’ Noora asked, trying to meet Eva’s eyes with her own.

Slowly, Eva raised her head, looking at Noora for a grand total of one second before bursting into tears. Noora let out a soft sigh and crouched down next to Eva, bringing her arm up around her and squeezing Eva into her side thightly.

‘Do you want to talk about it?’, Noora whispered near Eva’s ear. Eva tried to answer and, instead, let out a pathetic whimper, which only made Noora bring up her other arm around Eva’s sobbing form. Their position was far from ideal, but Noora didn’t seem to mind as she held Eva through her crying fit and Eva certainly didn’t mind, burying her head in Noora’s neck and inhaling her soft lavender perfume. Eva’s sobs slowly turned into quiet tears, the only sound interrupting the silence hanging in the air being Eva’s slight sniffles as she tried to compose herself. Once she felt like she could actually utter a word without tears flowing down her cheeks, Eva began to reluctantly move out of Noora’s comforting embrace. Noora let her go slowly, kissing her head tenderly before wiping away the mascara that had run down Eva’s face with the pad of her thumbs. Eva was a bit embarrassed, but as she held Noora’s gaze, searching for a hint of annoyance, all she found was tenderness, love and maybe a little bit of worry.

Shakily, Eva let out a ‘Ja, I’m okay’, her voice barely a whisper, but Noora heard it anyway. The corners of her mouth pulled up into a soft smile and she nodded slowly, her eyes set on Eva’s.

‘I’m sorry for…’ Eva began, gesturing around, ‘this. I was just tired of being lonely and unworthy of love and I guess my feelings chose this moment to come out’.

Noora’s smile faltered a bit and Eva felt worry constrict her heart. Had she said too much? Maybe Noora had finally gotten tired of all of Eva’s whining and complaining? Eva lowered her head in shame, telling herself off mentally.

‘Eva. Eva, look at me,’ said Noora, lifting Eva’s chin softly with her index. Noora waited until Eva found the strength to look back into her eyes, before she went on, ‘You’re the best person I know. You’re a caring, smart, funny person who’s worthy of all the love there is in this world. If someone thinks otherwise, then they’re wrong, because I know anyone would be lucky to have the privilege to love you.’

By the end of Noora’s short speech, tears were back in Eva’s eyes. But those weren’t tears of sadness, even though Eva didn’t quite know what emotions she was feeling. Her heart was beating so fast that she thought it would fly out of her chest, her head was spinning slightly (although that could simply be the wine) and she felt hoards of butterflies spreading their wings in the pit of her stomach. Inadvertently, Eva’s gaze dropped to Noora’s perfectly reddened lips. Her lips that looked so soft, so inviting in this dim lighting. Her lips, whose mere view ignited a fire within Eva’s body and a true tornado inside her mind. When Eva raised her eyes back up to Noora’s, the intensity she could read in them led her to believe that Noora’s body might be sending her similar signals. For a moment, they just looked into each other’s eyes, but it wasn’t tender anymore. The tension between them was palpable and Eva felt her own head slowly gravitate towards Noora’s, as if an invisible string was bringing them together. Noora’s head seemed to follow the same path, as they both made their way towards each other, never breaking eye contact. Once their lips were mere millimeters away, Eva moved her head back slightly to be able to gaze into Noora’s eyes properly.

‘Anyone?’, she asked, her voice barely audible as every muscle in her body had seemingly turned to liquid in Noora’s proximity.

Noora’s eyes seemed to search for something in Eva’s own for a moment, but they found what they were looking for fast enough and Noora whispered back ‘Anyone’.

It was like that one word set something off in Eva’s brain, because next thing she knew, she was closing off the last bit of space between their lips.

Eva had been kissed before, enough that she actually considered herself experienced in the matter. Kissing was fun, very fun even, but it was nothing compared to what Eva was experiencing right now.

As soon as their lips collided, it felt like her brain imploded. Every bit of her body was on fire and the only thought going through her head was ‘More. More. More.’ What began as a chaste kiss quickly turned into more, both of them unable to satiate their own bodies. Noora raised her left hand, caressing Eva’s face as she licked into her mouth, deepening the kiss. Fireworks were going off behind Eva’s eyelids and it felt as if time had stopped. Eva twisted her hands in Noora’s hair, trying to get impossibly closer, melting into her arms. Noora followed suit, letting her right hand toy with the hair on Eva’s neck. At that sensation, Eva let out a whimper she was automatically ashamed of, but the shame rapidly turned into pride as she felt Noora smile slightly into her mouth. Eva let her hands wander down Noora’s body, before settling on her hip, just under her black blouse. Noora slowly started to lower herself down, bringing Eva along, when the door to the rooftop burst open. The two girls jumped apart, frightened. William and Chris stumbled down the stairs, teasing each other loudly, before coming to an abrupt halt once they noticed the two girls holed up under the stairs.

‘What are you girls doing down there?’ William asked, looking more confused than anything else.

Noora’s gaze was burning into the side of Eva’s head, but Eva refused to meet her eyes. She knew what was coming. Noora had let herself go for a minute, but she was probably already regretting it. Who would choose messy, unstable, untrustworthy Eva over perfect, steady, beloved William? Eva knew it, she even understood it, but she still had enough pride to try to avoid direct rejection at all cost.

‘Oh, girl problems, you know’ Eva tried to joke, letting out a small laugh that almost sounded like a sob. William and Chris exchanged a look, before seemingly deciding it wasn’t worth further questioning.

‘Ok… Well Noora, do you wanna come up?’, William asked, ‘I’ve got a slow dance lined up that has your name on it’, he added before winking.

Noora’s eyes still didn’t move from Eva as she said, hesitantly, ‘I’m not sure William… We were kind of in the middle of something…’ Fearing that Noora would want to talk about it , Eva quickly got up, dusting off her pants and quickly mumbling an excuse about her mother coming home unexpectedly before practically running out of the front door. The last thing she heard was a disbelieving laugh and a ‘What the hell?’ coming from Chris, but she was fast down the street before anyone could think of going after her, tears streaming down her face, her shattered heart left on William’s immaculate penthouse floor.

The couple next days were a blur of hangovers, tears and troubled dreams. A week later, Eva’s mom came home and she decided Eva had moped enough. She sat on her bed, sighing as she saw the continuous stream of tears that had established a permanent residence on Eva’s cheeks. She bent down slightly and caressed Eva’s hair tenderly, which only resulted in making her cry even more.

‘Love, what happened?’, her mother asked, her tone serious and worried.

Eva simply buried her face deeper into her pillow, shaking her head.

‘Whatever it is, Eva, hiding alone in your room won’t solve it’, her mom said.

Eva sighed and spoke into her pillow. ‘Well maybe I won’t solve it, but at least I can avoid it’.

Her mom’s caresses came to a halt and she hoisted Eva up into a sitting position, despite the girl’s protests. Once Eva was sitting up, crossed-legged, her mom brushed away the dirty strands of hair that were falling in her face and firmly gripped her face with both hands.

‘Eva, listen to me for once. Avoiding your problems is not a solution. Avoiding your problems only lets them grow and grow and grow, until you inevitably have to confront them. It’s better to face a small stone than to climb a mountain.’ Eva let out a small laugh at that metaphor, ‘Go face your pebble Eva, before its weight becomes too much for you to bear.’ Eva’s mom smiles at her softly and Eva can’t help herself but smile back.

‘You know mom, sometimes, you actually have good advice,’ Eva teased her mom, now fully grinning.

Her mom raised her hand to her chest in faux offense shouting ‘How DARE you insult your mother like that, huh? How dare you?’, before starting to tickle Eva, sending the both of them into a fit of laughter.

Maybe her mom was right, maybe if Eva faced Noora right now, things could still be fixed between them.

The next day, Eva showed up to the Kollektivet with a bag full of their favourite snacks and a new hope blossoming in her chest. She knocked on the door and wasn’t at all surprised when an overjoyed Eskild opened the door for her.

‘Hi! Hi! Come in, come in! To what do I owe this pleasure?’ Eskild inquired, a bright grin on his face.

Eva’s grin was probably just as big as she answered, ‘Oh, I’m coming to see Noora!’

However, her grin fell rapidly once she saw Eskild’s expression turn into one of slight discomfort.

‘Ehrm… How do I say this… I really thought she would have told you… Especially you…’ Eskild went on as he started to nervously move around the kitchen.

Eva felt panic rise in her chest as she imagined the worst scenarios. ‘Eskild! ESKILD!’, Eva shouted, finally getting Eskild to stop pacing around anxiously, ‘Just tell me.’

Eskild schooled his face and put a comforting hand on Eva’s shoulder. In his eyes, all Eva could see was pity. ‘She… ehrm… Noora left for London last night, Eva’

Eva felt as if her brain had short-circuited. Maybe she had misheard? What on Earth would Noora be doing in London anyway? ‘In London? Why would she go to London? Are you sure?’, Eva asked, her voice betraying her growing worry.

Eskild just looked at her for a moment and it clicked in Eva’s mind. ‘William’, she said. It wasn’t a question, but Eskild still had the decency to nod.

‘Do you…’, Eskild started, ‘Do you want some tea? Biscuits?’, he rummaged around in the cupboards before turning back around and adding, ‘We don’t actually have biscuits. Or tea. I can get you water?’

Eva quickly declined and made her exit. As she walked to the bus stop, she was expecting more tears. She was expecting to feel betrayed, sad, angered even. But she just felt empty, numb, lonely. Just so fucking lonely.

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

Now, here she was, over two years later and absolutely no sign of life from Noora. Eva had tried to feel bitter at her, to hate her, but she never could. Whatever she had felt in the seconds they had kissed had forever sealed Noora into her heart. Now, every other hookup felt too boring, too unappealing. Hence why she was here, at this party, alone. It didn’t even matter that she didn’t have a guy to fool around with, because no matter if she was truly alone or not, Eva constantly felt lonely. A loneliness that had set camp in the Noora shaped hole in her chest.

Noora’s sudden disappearance from Eva’s life had made such an impact that, sometimes, Eva would find herself hearing her voice as clear as day, then turning around with excitement only to realize she had been mistaken.

Like right now, for example, as Eva could swear she clearly hears Noora’s voice coming from the living room. Except Noora is in London with her boyfriend and definitely not at this christmas party.

‘Hi! Or should I say… H?’ a sudden voice speaks from behind Eva.

Eva is so startled that, as she turns around, she lets her wine cup slip out of her hand and onto the floor (good thing Isak and Even’s cups are all made of plastic, huh), spilling red coloured liquid all over the floor. Eva’s dress and her shoes get stained, but Eva couldn’t care less.

She couldn’t care less, because standing in front of her, in the flesh, is none other than Noora. Noora and her eternal bright red lipstick, smiling shyly at her. Eva is so stunned that she simply freezes and stares at Noora, her mouth slightly agape and her brain working overtime to try and compute the situation.

Noora doesn’t push, simply staring at Eva and fiddling anxiously with strands of her hair.

When, finally, Eva realizes that Noora is really standing in front of her and that this isn’t another one of those pesky dreams, she feels all of the emotions she had suppressed for the past two years flood back to the surface. She lets out a watery ‘Noora?’ as tears pile up in her eyes. Noora’s smile drops slightly as her eyes, still so kind and so affectionate, take in Eva’s state.

‘Can we talk? Privately?’ Noora asks carefully, testing the waters.

Eva doesn’t even have time to mull over the question before her mouth lets out a ‘Of course’ and before she knows it, she’s leading Noora down the hallway and into the bedroom. Once they’re both in, Eva closes the door behind them and slowly turns to face Noora.

She’s sitting on the bed, her legs crossed, looking down at her hands laying in her lap. Eva is simply standing by the door, entirely unsure of what to do in this situation. The longer she just stands there, the more the awkwardness between them grows and at one point, Eva can’t take it. She marches rapidly to the bed and sits down unceremoniously. There’s another long moment of silence between them, as neither seems to know where to go from there. Eva sighs loudly and starts ‘Look, I don’t know why you think you can just disappear for two fucking years without giving me news and then come back as if-’

Her speech is interrupted by Noora’s lips crashing into hers with full force, which does hurt a little bit, but the pain is rapidly overcome by pleasure. This time, it’s anything but slow and soft. Two years of pent up feelings from both sides are released into one moment, leading the kiss to rapidly turn passionate. Noora doesn’t waste any time before slipping her tongue in Eva’s mouth, guiding her to lay down on the bed at the same time. Eva’s hands are roaming Noora’s body under her shirt as she obeys Noora’s silent command and lays back. Eva brings her hands to the front and tries to unbutton Noora’s blouse, unsuccessfully, instead ending up getting stuck in Noora’s hair. Noora yelps slightly from the pain and they break apart for a moment, giggling.

Noora stops her movement on top of Eva and softly caresses her cheek, gazing into her eyes. There, Eva can see nothing has changed from the last time they saw each other. Noora’s eyes are filled with love, tenderness and care. Eva is pretty sure her own eyes reflect the exact same emotions. But in hers, there’s also worry, and she can’t restrain herself from asking the question that’s been swirling around in her brain since she saw Noora again.

‘What about William?’ Eva whispers. Noora looks lovingly into her eyes and slowly traces the outline of her face, down to her jaw. She bends down slightly and brushes her nose with Eva’s fondly. Eva can feel her eyelids drooping just from those little attentions.

‘Fuck William. We’re over.’ Noora answers back in the same hushed voice.

‘Over, over?’ Eva questions back, her tone growing hopeful.

Noora kisses Eva chastely, barely brushing their lips together.

‘Over, over. When I was in London, I felt like a piece of me was missing. I kept trying to fill it with material, friends or even time with William, but nothing worked. I just felt empty,’ Noora begins.

Eva nods along, ‘Yeah, me too. Just hollow.’

Noora smiles sadly, ‘Yeah. About a year in, William and I broke up because I learned that he cheated on me.’ At that, Eva perks up, getting ready to insult him, but Noora puts her index on her lips and brings her back down, effectively shushing her. ‘It’s okay. He’s in the past. But after that, I went to see a therapist to try and figure out why I was feeling this way. To try and be happy again’. As Noora continues to speak, Eva strokes her hair in encouragement. ‘And I slowly came to the realization that… I was in love with you. I am in love with you. And that nothing and no one could fill that emptiness, except you. If you still want me.’ By the end of her sentence, both girls had tears streaming down their faces.

‘Of course I still want you’, Eva assured her. ‘You’re it for me too, you know?’

For a moment, they just stared at each other, smiling goofily. Then, slowly, Noora closed off the distance between their bodies, and their lips. This time, it was much softer. Eva could taste strawberry lipstick and a bit of salty tears on Noora’s lips as they kissed lazily on the bed. They kept kissing as they undressed each other, stubbornly refusing to separate their lips even for one second, despite the added challenge. Eva removed Noora’s bra delicately and as she raised her hand towards her body, the door opened and a shout came from its direction, halting their movements.

‘Oh God No! My eyes!’ Isak screamed, turning around faster than humanly possible. ‘Please tell me you’re not fucking in my bed’ he added, pleadingly. From further down the apartment, a ‘OUR BED!’ came, to which Isak only groaned.

The girls bursted into laughter, Noora falling completely over Eva, incapable of supporting her body through their fit. ‘Oops?’ Eva said coyly, before laughing again. Isak muttered a ‘whatever’ before getting out and closing the door behind him.

Once they were finally able to calm down, the girls decided it might be best for everyone if they continued this Christmas celebration at Eva’s place. They quickly gathered their clothes and left the apartment under cheers from their friends who seemed to find a lot of enjoyment in the girls’ reunion.

That night, Eva and Noora, like young teenagers, fooled around, talked until the early morning hours and fell asleep in each other’s arms. The next morning (and every morning since) they woke up still embracing each other, content, full and, especially, no longer lonely .Two friends, a mind-blowing kiss and a misunderstanding.

#nooreva #noora sætre #eva mohn #skam #skamverse #alteradventcalendar

[here4theheartbreak]

Who’s the King?

AO3 Link Here!

Relationships: Min Yoongi x Min Yoongi Genre(s): Smut, Angst

Rating: Explicit Tags: Self-cest (sorta), Alternate Universe, Inspired by Daechwita (Music Video), Royalty AU, Parallel Universes, Violence, Mild Blood, Minor Jeon Jungkook/Jung Hoseok | J-Hope, Minor Kim Namjoon | RM/Kim Seokjin | Jin, Mentioned Kim Taehyung | V/Park Jimin, Minor Character Death, First Kiss, Barebacking, Riding, Rimming, Oral Sex, Coming Untouched, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: Suga gets thrown into an alternate timeline. It's the Joseon dynasty - sort of - but the country is being ruled by his cruel doppelgänger- King Min Yoongi. Suga gets wrapped up in an assassination plot in order to get home, but learns that everything isn’t always as it seems.

Word Count: ~20.1k

His head was pounding as soon as he opened his eyes. Why was it so bright? What did he do the night before?

“Hey, Mister – I don’t think you should be here,” came a small voice to his left. He turned, squinting against the unforgiving morning sun. The small child was dressed in rags, his feet bare and hair long and messy. A streak of dirt was running across his nose.

“What?”

The boy gasped a little. “Wow, what a big scar… Who are you? How’d you get into my yard?”

“Your yard?” He growled. “I’m fucking Suga, shouldn’t you recognize me?”

The little boy tilted his head and giggled. “That’s a funny name. I’m Namkyu. Are you okay, Mister Suga?”

Suga coughed, lifting himself first onto his knees and then standing. He looked around, brows furrowed. The last thing he remembered was stumbling out of the club in Hongdae with Jin, laughing about scaring the pants off some wannabe gangster who’d tried to rough them up.

Now he was in a dirt patch, surrounded with a shabbily placed fence. A small hut was to his left, the door hanging crooked. A large, white dog sat on the porch.

“Where am I?”

“Hanseong. This is my house.” Namkyu pointed. “How’d you get here? You’re wearing really funny clothes.” He reached out and touched one of the zippers on Suga’s jacket. “Is it metal?”

“I—Hanseong?” He repeated.

“Sure! The capital.” Namkyu pointed upward. Suga followed where he was pointing, seeing a large, towering structure on a hill. It looked like the capitol buildings that Suga had seen in history books in school. He furrowed his brows.

“It’s 2020, right?”

“What’s that?”

Suga spun around, panic clenching his throat. “Who is ruling?” He asked suddenly.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” Namkyu asked. “Everyone knows the ruler. King Min Yoongi.”

“What did you say his name was?”

“King Min Yoongi. He’s the youngest King we’ve had. No one really knows what he looks like except a certain few… He’s pretty mean to the village though, so we kinda all hope…” Namkyu shrugged and smiled sheepishly.

“Namkyu! Who’s that?” Suga looked up, seeing an older woman open the door.

“Gramma! I found him in the yard!” Namkyu called. Eager to prevent the inevitable scream for the police, Suga hurried up to her and bowed.

“My name is Suga, ma’am. I’m so sorry to intrude, I wandered in last night. I had been drinking, I’m from out of town. Could you point me to the city exit?” He asked. Her eyes narrowed. She glanced over at Namkyu then back at Suga before pointing to the left.

“Go out our gate and follow the road. You can’t miss the village gates. But if you’re not from around here, you’d best move quickly… The guards don’t take kindly to strangers wandering in unpermitted.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Suga bowed low once more and turned.

“Oh wait. Take this.” She disappeared in the hut for a moment before returning with a large conical hat. “That scar is pretty noticeable. You could frighten someone, or catch the wrong attention.”

Suga hesitated then took it, carefully tying it under his chin. “Thank you.”

He glanced at Namkyu, who was looking at him with his head cocked. He smiled a little and nodded. “And thank you for waking me up, Namkyu. I would have been in a lot of trouble if you hadn’t. Can you imagine the sunburn?”

Namkyu grinned then. “Nice meeting you, Mr. Suga.”

Suga chuckled and headed out, slipping through the gate onto the dirt path. He could see a horse coming up from the left, and to the right he could hear the bustle of people. He stepped as far off the road as he dared, lowering the hat over his face to hide his scar. He walked toward the bustling noise, his mind working a million miles an hour.

Last night was the year 2020, and he’d been in Seoul. He was the leader of a relatively powerful and well-known street gang. His best friends were Jin and Namjoon. He’d been out drinking – celebrating. And then he woke up… Here. Wherever here was. It was clearly Korea, they spoke the same language, but Hanseong? Seoul hadn’t been called Hanseong since the Joseon dynasty, if his schooling hadn’t failed. And the King...

Only a few living people knew Suga’s real name. Jin and Namjoon knew it, of course – they were his closest friends and confidants. His parents, though he never spoke to his mother and his father died three years before. And he supposed the children in school back in Daegu, but many of them – according to varied reports, thought he had died at some point. To everyone else, he was Suga. His real name though, the one on his birth certificate from that rundown hospital, was Min Yoongi. The King’s name.

Suga reached the market district and was immediately taken aback. It was bustling with life, stalls lining the road as people walked or led animals through. The annoyed shouting of salesmen and laughter of children, the promises of fresh meat, real spices, sweet fruits. The scents of a village – manure, home cooking, fish, and perfumes – permeated the air around Suga, making him a bit woozy. He could see the gates of the city rising up in the distance, and rushed down the street toward them. He kept his head low, unsure what would happen if someone called him out for not belonging. His clothing and shoes were out of place, and he could feel the weight of his pistol still in his inner pocket. How had he gotten here?

Suga bumped into a tall, slender villager in his rush, mumbling a canned apology. “Yoongi?”

Suga hesitated. He turned and looked at the man he’d run into. Jin stood in front of him, dressed head to toe in clothing of the period they seemed to be in. A fishing rod was slung over his shoulder.

“Jin!” Suga cried, hurrying toward him. Jin’s eyes widened. He grabbed Suga’s jacket as soon as he was within reach and slung them both off the street, pinning Suga against a wall behind a couple of stalls.

He backed up immediately and dropped into a full bow, forehead to the ground. “Apologies, my King. I was so startled seeing you out and about, I needed to hide you.”

“Wh—” A wave of nausea began to form in the pit of Suga’s stomach.

“Jin. Please, it’s me. It’s Suga… Please tell me you know where we are.”

Jin looked up hesitantly, his brows furrowed. “What sort of alias is Suga? What does that mean?”

“Wh—Jin, come on. We were out having drinks last night.”

Jin rose, stepping close to Suga. His eyes narrowed as he searched his face.

“You… You’re not King Min.”

“Goddamnit, Jin, this isn’t funny!” Suga snapped, shoving Jin backwards. “Where the fuck are we?”

Jin stumbled, then went forward. He dropped his pole and turned his net, jamming the handle into Suga’s stomach. The pain radiated through Suga’s entire body and he doubled over, groaning. Jin slammed him back against the rough brick wall, using his body to pin Suga’s and the net handle against his throat.

“Who are you?” Jin hissed, going almost nose to nose with him. “Why do you look like the King?”

Suga struggled for his pistol, but the Jin lookalike in front of him had him firmly pinned. This wasn’t his Jin. His Jin was sweet, an older brother and confidant, always supportive. Gentle. The man he trusted with his entire life.

“My name is Suga,” he rasped. “I don’t give a fuck about your King. I just want to find out where I am. I’m from 2020. Seoul, South Korea.”

Jin’s eyes narrowed. He relaxed the pressure of the net enough to let Suga draw in a much-needed breath.

“How do I know you’re not lying?”

“Why would I lie? Do I look like I belong here? I was out drinking with my friends last night in the year 2020. I’m twenty-seven, I have a small dog named Holly. I lead a gang of guys who spend their days fundraising for gay groups and fighting against capitalism for fuck’s sake. My best friends are Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon. They’re lovers.” Suga’s shoulders slumped a little as he relaxed against Jin’s grip. “I just wanna get home.” He muttered. The fight drained from his body, replaced with fear and nerves as he spoke. Tough covers or not, he was lost, and arguing against everyone and everything would do him no favors.

“If I let you go – you won’t run?”

“Not if you can help me.”

Jin lowered the net and stepped back. Suga coughed, rubbing his sore throat.

“My name is Kim Seokjin too. I grew up serving the royal family. I’m King Min’s personal servant. Kim Namjoon… He’s a smart man,” Jin smiled a little, a familiar expression that had Suga aching for his Jin. “He writes. Very well educated. He’s a doctor.”

“He’s crazy smart where I’m from too. Are you and he…”

“Uh..” Jin chuckled and shrugged. “Sort of.”

“I know this is weird…”

“That’s an understatement… There are so many people eager to end the King’s reign… How can I trust you?”

“I’m going to reach into my pocket, okay? Don’t freak out.”

Jin’s grip tightened on his net, but he nodded once.

Suga reached into his jeans, pulling out his wallet. He held it up and opened it, withdrawing his driver’s license. “See?” He held it out for Jin.

Jin blinked at it. “What’s this?”

“My ID. It says my name and my age and everything.”

“It… I can’t read this.”

Suga scowled. “What do you mean? It’s right there!”

“I was never taught,” Jin shrugged.

Suga’s face dropped. He’d get nowhere like this. He pulled out a ten thousand won banknote and held it up. “Look! Money from my time. This is Sejong the Great. He was King.”

Jin took the banknote and flipped it over, his brows furrowed and mouth in a concentrated pout. “You say this is money? But it’s just paper. Sejong was never King. He was Yoongi’s brother, the title was stripped from him. Yoongi was named heir.”

“It’s what we use. That or these.” He held up one of his credit cards. Jin plucked the card from his fingers. He flipped it over, scowling.

“What is this?”

“A piece of plastic.”

“It’s money?”

“It stores money. Hey!” Suga tugged the card out of Jin’s hand when he made a motion to bend it. He put his wallet away and rubbed his temples. “This is ridiculous.”

He leaned back against the wall, puffing out his cheeks in thought. “So, it’s not time travel, that’s impossible… And the timeline is wrong, Sejong was made King… So what is it. A giant joke? No, that’s… Impossible. Am I sleeping?”

Suga dug his thumbnail into his arm, hissing. “Not sleeping. Drugged?”

He rubbed his arm over the rough wall behind him, scowling. No, that felt pretty normal. He examined the light hairs on his arm… Normal. He reached out for Jin. That cloth should be rough.

Jin stepped back, smacking Suga’s hand out of the way. “What the hell are you doing?” He cried.

“Making sure I’ve not been drugged,” Suga grumbled. He touched the fabric of Jin’s shirt and nodded. “Okay… So, I’m not drunk, not drugged, not dreaming.”

“No, you’re standing in the middle of the marketplace acting like an animal,” Jin grumbled, crossing his arms.

Suga huffed. “Well, do you have any useful advice then?” He asked, flinging his arms out in frustration.

“Well, there is the royal advisor. councils the King in everything and knows almost everything. I don’t know that I believe your tale of being from the future or… A different future… But it would make sense to go to him. If someone that knew the King’s face were to see you on the street… Things may happen.”

“What things?”

Jin twitched his head to the side, shrugging. “The King is not adored in the village.”

“Why not? You mentioned people eager to end his reign…”

“It’s not my place to say, especially not to someone I know nothing about. And is wearing his face… Down even to his scar.” Jin touched Suga’s cheek. He jerked back.

“I don’t like being touched.”

“Nor does the King.” Jin shook his head. “The resemblance… It is frighteningly uncanny. It’s as if the boy I grew up with is standing in front of me, wearing such rags and… This dark hair.” He grimaced. Suga touched his own hair peeking out from under the hat.

“What color is his hair?”

“White as snow. Long and beautiful,” Jin said proudly. “Anyway… Come. Let me get you to the palace. But… I’m still not sure…” He pressed his lips into a thin line, looking Suga up and down. Suga scowled, crossing his arms.

“What’re you staring at?”

“You look so strange. These clothes.” Jin touched one of the zippers on Suga’s coat. “And the fabric of your pants.”

“Yeah, they’re jeans. They’re comfy. Better than whatever the hell canvas you’re wearing,” Suga grumbled. Jin frowned and looked down at his clothes. “My brother’s partner made me these. They’re very comfortable.”

Suga scoffed. “Whatever. How do you suggest I blend in more?”

“Well, I think you and my brother are the same size. Come to our home. I’ll let you borrow something of his.”

“Nuh-uh. I am not wearing any potato sacks.”

“It’s better that than be killed on the spot by one of the royal guards, isn’t it? Not that I would be hurt if you were… Has anyone ever told you that you have quite an abrasive personality?”

Suga laughed, both out of surprise and humor. “I’ve been told.”

“But I have to admit… I am curious how this all ends up. So hopefully you don’t die too quickly. Come on, my home is right back this way.”

Suga followed reluctantly after Jin, having to dodge a few times to avoid his pole and net. He peeked around the marketplace as they walked, hit with a pang of homesickness. Today in his world would have been Saturday. He and Jin would have met up with Taehyung and gone down to the soup kitchen, volunteering with some of the homeless. They would have all spent the evening together, playing games and wandering the city he loved so deeply.

Suga was lost deeply enough in his thoughts that he bumped into Jin’s back when he stopped. “Hey—” Jin turned and put a finger to his own lips.

“Shh now, don’t wake them.” He whispered.

Suga peeked over Jin’s broad shoulder, surprised to see the “them” Jin was talking about was a large, beautiful black dog with a coat of long, shaggy fur, and a younger man, hat pulled over his face to hide from the sun, sleeping on the dog’s side.

Jin crept around the two with comically exaggerated movements, using his pole and net as a sort of balancing rod.

Suga cocked a brow, looking once more at the dog and boy pair. He shrugged and followed after Jin, the toe of his sneaker scuffing a rock in the path. Jin winced visibly and turned. The dog’s eyes were open, staring directly at Jin. He let out a low, deep woof, and the sleeping boy stirred. He sat up, pushing his hat back. Suga was taken aback by how familiar he looked. Long, dark hair in a ponytail, and a perfectly shaped nose and mouth, he could have easily been an idol in Seoul.

“Kim Seokjin!” He snarled, revealing large front teeth that would have looked comical if not for his already impossible beauty. “I’m going to get you!” He scrambled to his feet and took off, the dog following close behind. Jin screamed and bolted toward an opening in a fence, kicking up dirt and rocks as he ran.

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#mygsnet #btsbookclub #bangtanhq #networkbangtan #boymeetsmxm #ficswithluv #yoongi x yoongi #royalty au #parallel universe #smut #angst #minor character death #self-cest #min yoongi x suga #suga x suga #mywriting

[we-want-mini-mini]

Since I have no self restraint, I’m writing another prompt/one shot.

Essentially, normal girl Lia (or some OC) whose a big fan of DC comics and the like ends up in a weird inter dimensional accident and ends up in the DC universe (it can be a mix of canon because fuck canon, up to you).

But, where did Lia end up exactly? Fucking Gotham.

The moment she realizes this is decides: Nope. Nah. Nada. No sir-y. This is NOT happening. Fuck this. I might end dying, or, worse, BECOME A FUCKING MAIN CHARACTER IN THE BAT CLAN. NAH. HELL NO.

Lia decides that, no, she will not involve herself in the Bat Clan/Wayne’s at all. Nope. Nah. Too much drama. Too much angst. Too much fucking skin tight suits and my poor Pan heart can’t TAKE all the HOT, RIPPED hero’s like what the fuck.

Now, this can play out in a variety of ways:

Lia is, say, around the same age as one of the Batboys. It can be any of them, up to you. Now, she some how ends up in Gotham Acdemy and begrudgingly befriends them. Cue angst (especially if its Jason. Considering in canon, if Jason survives he becomes Red Robin thats all I know lmao). If Lia is friends with the second Robin, it’d bring up the deliemma of: does she tell him that he’s gonna fucking die and then come back to life. Oh and, she’s actually from an alternate world were everyone thats like a superhero/vigilante is a fictional character. Honestly, if done well, can definitely stir the feelings of the poor saps who read the moral deliemma of Lia. Now, who is Lia? Someone who doesn’t want to get involved. If she avoids Jason in the beginning, does she have doubts and wants to warn Batman of Jason impending death or not? Like, that sort of shit panic attack inducing. There’s a lot of things you guys can do to torture not only Lia, but also the readers who might be like: “TELL HIM! TELL HIMMMMM!!!” or, “fuck, even I don’t know what I’d do” and etc. There’s a lot of leeway.

They are grown, and are in college (let’s say the events of Death in The Family happened and everything surrounding Red Robin striking out to find Bruce whose lost in time). This Lia is much older, recently graduated from college and currently interns for Wayne Enterprises. See, Lia is just another intern in a global colgomerate cooperation, there’s no way she’d ever run into any of the Wayne’s. None at all. But. But. She does. Some how she becomes the Executive Assistant to Tim (he once saw how she managed an entire fucking department’s schedule even though a group of people spontaneously quit. She was able to somehow salvage that shit in under three hours. And, Tim might or might not have fallen slightly in love with her—). Lia, now, a fresh 20-something year old, is now the Executive Assistant to another 20-something year old who happened to run one of the most rich and powerful companies in the entire world holy shit. Now, we follow the adventures of Lia, whose now one of the most powerful persons in the entire company (and proxy the world, I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️). Lia, let’s say, is a fucking god at manipulating people, making connections, accounting and management, and also a Very Tired Recently Graduate of GU. She, cannot, and will not deal with the constant bullshit that the Bats pull regularly. So, Lia can either passive aggressively hint that, yeah Tim, you definitely got that broken arm from a golf accident. Oh hey, I also heard the Red Robin foughy Killer Croc and also sported a broken left arm like you! What a coincidence, right? And she’d say this with a straight face. Tim knows that she knows, and Lia knows that Tim knows and yeah. Alternatively, she could outright tell him: “look, Tim, I swear to god, if you put off another meeting without a day notice just because some gang member got the better of you.” “Wait, gang member—?” “—do NOT interrupt me. Look, I know Bruce Wayne is Batman. Not the whole, ‘Bruce Wayne and Batman are the same person! The butts match!’ type of thing. I know he is Batman, you Red Robin, Dick Grayson is Nightwing, Red Hood is the weirdly alive Jason Todd, etc etc. There’s no point in feigning the fact that I don’t know. Because, I do.” They stare at eachother for a bit, and Tim falls just a little more in love. “How... Actually it’s dumb to ask you how you know, but, how long?” “Good tactic to ask me how long I’ve know instead of how I know. But, to answer your question: I’ve know since I was around...” THE FRAME FREEZES now, should Lia say 8, since, technically, she’s know since she was 8 that Bruce Wayne is Batman, considering the whole parallel universe thing. Or, does she say 18, the age in which she arrived into this world? Now, that decision can prompt many things to happen. For one, if Lia says 8, Tim is gonna be so awestruck and also be dry curious. If 18, Tim is still amazed (that she knows at all). Either answer would also illicit this response: “...you’ve known for so long, yet never told anyone?” Lia shakes her head. “You guys have a secret identity for a reason. Plus, I’m not in the business of becoming a vigilante or whatever. I’ve tried my best to steer clear of all of that, in all honesty.” “Huh. Makes sense. Wait. Then... why did you start working at WE, if you knew our identities?” Lia stares at him like he’s grown three heads. “Dude. This is WE. One of the most powerful companies out there, why wouldn’t I work here? But, the ither fact of the matter is that I didn’t expect to become your fucking Executive Assistant. Like, I couldn’t just deny the offer, my mother would’ve disowned my ass the second she heard I turned down such a prestigious position.” Lia shuddered. “Fuck, I can hear her curse me out in like, five different languages.” Let’s also say, at one point or another, Lia’s mother arrives, and say, is the most terrifying person Tim has ever met (and Tim’s faced off against Ra’s al Ghul, a functionally immortal man with a fucking army of highly trained assassin at his disposal).

Lia is tame honest to god tame compared to her mother (if her mother is like, 5’3”, that’s even more hilarious tbh). Essentially, if Lia’s older and somehow become Executive Assistant to Tim (or Bruce, because, fuck canon) it would be so god damn funny (read “The Executive Assistant To Batman” in which Tim nene became Robin but still knows the identities of the various Gotham vigilantes. Oh, and, he’s the Executive Assistant to Batman. It’s so fucking hilarious and y’all gotta check it out. It’s on AO3).

Number 2, is a lot more light hearted compared to the moral deliemma of Number 1 (as, is Lia is the same age as Robin!Jason, and knows that he’s gonna die, but she also doesn’t want to get involved with the vigilantes presents a very large problem). Number 1 is great for angst and a character study for this OC. Number 2, is a more light hearted, fun scenario (as it avoids the can of worms called “Do I Warn the Bats of Robin!Jasons impending death or not because I honestly don’t want to get involved with the Bat.”.

I, personally, would love to read Number 2 (please make Lia, or whatever OC, a god damn Tired of Your Bullshit, amazing assistant to the CEO of WE, competent af and very, Very Tired of the Bats BS, and, PR is Going To Skin Me Alive and Roast Me Over A Flame). Maybe some drama, angst sprinkled in (there’s the blatant fact that, Lia is a completely different world. One that has superhero’s, aliens, magic and so, so much more. The fact that she’s in her doppelgänger’s body could cause some dissociation/body dysphoria and that sort of stuff. It’s a great opportunity for a character study for Lia/your OC).

Regardless of you choose 1 or 2, the basic premise is:

Some rando kid (or young adult, whichever strikes your fancy) who loves to read Batman/DC in general. Ends up in some weird ass accident that lands them in the DC universe, specifically Gotham. Everything about their pervious life and the life in his world is the same (or not, up to you), only difference is that there’s an alien powered by the Sun and that cannot he injured (unless it’s by a glowing green rock). They decide, pretty early on, that they want nothing to do with the vigilantes of Gotham (which also means they have to avoid the Wayne’s and Co, which should be ways right? Right?? Gotham is really big, I’ll probably only ever see them in passing, I’ll be fine—). But, the universe said, LOL, nope. And they end up befriending the Wayne’s somehow. The rest? Up to you. If they befriend Robin!Jason they have to cope with the moral deliemma of getting involved to save his life or not. Or, maybe this is the world where Dick is still Robin. Do we save Jason early on, or not? What about Tim? Cass? Stephanie? Or, what if, they end up in a world in which Jason died and came back, Bruce came back from being lost in the time stream and Damian is now Robin.

Essentially: OC ends up in the DC universe, specifically Gotham. Decided not to ever get in involved with the Vigilantes/Wayne’s. However, the universe said nope and they become friends with one of the Bats/Waynes regardless. Now, how the fuck do they cope?

BONUS: Lia manages to avoid the Wayne’s/Vigilantes of Gotham completely. How? She ends working for LexCorp. As Lex Luthors Executive Assistant (basically the same way as she became the Executive Assistant to Tim). Now, she has to cope with the fact that she works as the Executive Assistant for Lex fucking Luthor of all people. She can hear her mother shaking her head in Disappointment™️. She hates the universe. Also, Lex Luthor is pretty open about his Evil, Bastard Schemes with Lia for whatever reason (much to Lia’s utter fucking chargin). She discreetly sends info about these Evil, Bastard, Devious plans to the Bats. Cue her realizing that, to ensure Luthor doesn’t suspect her, she’s gotta get GOOD at hacking and computer science. And get good she does. Like, her utter fucking Done-ness over Luthors Supervillain ways and her wanted to never be found out by the Bats is like taken to Infinty in the 10 dial scale. Somehow, she manages to both avoid suspicion from Luthor (cue intense moments in which Luthor is talking to her, and he’s speaking in a weird direct way that makes Lia think he found out and she mentally plans for her subsequent “death” and fleeing of the country and when Luthor finishes his sentences it just him praising her or something else innocuous. Lia felt like the sun was lifted off her shoulders.) She’s always on edge. Her hair is slowly turning grey. Luthor notices and makes a comment and Lia simply laughs while making a underhand comment about how Luthors bald so he doesn’t need to deal with greying hairs. Lia stops laughing realizing oh shit I just insulted my boss in the most underhand way. What ghe fuck. But Luthor just laughs, much to Lia’s relief. Her hair is still greying from the stress. Anyways, she inadvertently becomes a techno vigilante that can rival the famed Oracle (let’s say, for the sake of this prompt, Lia’s code name is Reaper because she was drunk and apparently in the mind of her 13 year old self when she came up with it). Reaper’s name is slowly growing, as Lia does some other stuff with her new found skills in hacking. She mostly helps the Bats by giving them crucial info on Luthors dealings and the like.

One day, she realizes, that, oh shit. I became the one thing swore I’d never become. What type of Shakespearean shit is my life—

If someone does the situation in which Lia/their OC becomes Luthor Executive Assistant and then inadvertently becomes a Vigilante themselves because, sure, they don’t want to get involved, but, fuck Luthor and Eat the Rich. Also, I would love it if said fic included the most stress inducing scenes were it seems like Luthor found out about Lia and the whole Reaper situation but he actually DIDN’T and Lia is here like, sweating god damn bucks while her hair slowly falls out. Please. Write this shit. It would be

✨Immaculate✨

Anyways, hope you like this prompt/one shot because I damn well enjoyed writing it!

#fanfic prompt #oneshot #gotham #batman and robin #batkids #batman #dick grayson #bruce wayne #tim drake #damian wayne #stephenie brown #spoiler #robin!jason #robin!dick #superman #dc universe #funny #angst #fluff #multiverse #dc oc #dc comics #batdad #wayne enterprises #lex corp #lex luthor

[calumbringbackthewatermelonshirt]

Why You? (C.H.)

a/n: ENEMIES TO LOVERS bby aww yeah its here. this is only the first part, there will be a part two i swear!! (Maybe even part three idk). also, disclaimer: I really, really lover the name gemma!! I think its super pretty!

There were two things in this world that Gemma was certain of. One, that her parents had really fucked her over by naming her Gemma. And two, Ashton Irwin had terrible taste in friends. 

Well, friend.

Calum Hood. The bane of Gemma’s existence. Somehow, when he walked into the room, every rational thought she ever had left. They replaced themselves with the need to make passive-aggressive comments. 

Now, Gemma prided herself on the fact that she was very much not a bitch. Well, as much as possible, she wasn’t. But it was hard to not hate this man. His irritating smirks, the way he smoked, even how he always called her Germ (Gemma, Gem, Germ. Real clever, Cal).

But what ticked her off the most was how he always barged in unannounced. To everything.

This was especially inconvenient now. You know, since Gemma was half drunk and sobbing her eyes out on Ashton’s couch.

“I don’t get it, you know?” It had been a tough day at work. It was always a tough day at work. Gemma watched as her tears plunked into her wine glass, a frown reflected back to her on the maroon surface. “I’m just plain better than him. So why am I always last for promotions?”

“It’s probably the fact you think you’re better than everyone.” Oh, great. If there was one thing this night was missing, it was that ever-present nail on a chalkboard voice.

There were several different types of drunks, as far as Gemma was concerned. Weepy, fun, angry, needy, philosophical, and blackout. Normally, Gemma was a very fun drunk, the life of the party. But she was about to turn into the Incredible Hulk of drunks. 

“Cal, what’s up?” Ashton jumped off the couch, a smile on his face and a hand outstretched to greet his friend.

“Was in the neighborhood. Figured I’d stop by and see if you wanted to hang.” Cal shot daggers at Gemma then, crossing his arms. “Didn’t know you had company.” 

He practically spat out the word.

“Whatever, bitch boy. I was leaving anyway.” Gemma threw the blanket off of her, using more force than necessary and began snatching up her things. She hated acting like this in front of Ashton, but if Gemma didn’t stomp her feet to release anger, well, there was a chance Cal wouldn’t be able to have kids in the future.

“Gem, wait. You’re drunk.” Ashton caught her arm, concern written all over his face. Gemma watched him as he kept glancing over at his keys on the kitchen counter. His concern wasn’t her problem, though. 

“I already called for an Uber. It’ll be here in five.” Gemma made another move for the front door, only to find Ashton’s hand still on her arm, a tight vice grip.

“At least wait inside where you’ll be warm.” She almost said yes. It was right on the tip of her tongue, waiting to spring into the world and agree. And then.

“Nah, let the drunk wait out in the cold. Maybe she’ll sober up a bit, eh?” Calum fucking Hood. The door was slamming shut behind her before Ashton could even blink.

Gemma could see her breath in the desert air. That’s what kept her from screaming into the night sky. Well, that and basic social constructs. But Gemma kept it in. Each time a puff released out into the night sky, she felt a little more tension leave her shoulders. Yeah, she still wanted to feel her hands around Calum’s neck. And yeah, she still wasn't promoted. But at least there was the cold.

--

“Why do you two hate each other?” Ashton stood at his door with his eyes closed and forehead resting on the frame. 

“I have no idea what you’re referring to.” Cal was rummaging through Ash’s fridge, looking for something to drink out of boredom.

“I’m serious. Why? Why are you two constantly at each other’s throats?”  Ashton spun, rubbing his hand roughly over his face. There was always this tension between the two of his friends, and it was torture for Ashton. Every party playing the negotiator, every dinner he was the peacekeeper. Hell, he practically had to put them in a time out the last time they went to the bar together. It wasn’t like he could just not invite them to things. Gemma and Calum were two of his closest friends, and he wanted them at important things. “I mean, on paper, you two should be best friends.”

Cal spat out the kombucha he had found in the depths of the fridge. “What the fuck?”

Calum and Gemma had nothing in common. Nothing. Cal was cool, confident. He was a normal fucking human being.

Gemma Rossi was out of her mind. She was a control freak, and barely tolerable even at her best. Everything that came out her mouth was both petty and passive aggressive.

“First off, I am nothing like that psychopath. Second, what the fuck?” Cal’s voice rose more and more with the second what the fuck. This time it was his turn to slam things, the kombucha splashing out onto the counter as it made contact with the top of the kitchen island. 

“I’m serious. You’re both funny and cool. And know-it-alls.” Ashton was starting to see this. See everything. Calum and Gemma paired perfectly together. They had enough similarities to get along, but plenty of differences to still have stuff to talk about. This was maybe brilliant. 

“You’re out of your mind.” Cal rolled his eyes, hard. The last time he had a full length conversation with Gemma, she told him he was drinking beer wrong. As if that was even a thing. 

Cal was tired of this bullshit spiel Ash was going on. It was hard enough having to interact with her almost daily. He didn’t need Ashton comparing him to her now. It wasn’t that Cal didn’t want to like her. In fact, he tried to see the best in people even at their worst. But the way Gemma was so full of herself, so sure she knew everything. God, it set fire to something deep within his soul. 

When he told Ashton as much, Cal did not enjoy his response. 

“That’s called being horny, mate.” Ash let loose a giggle, rubbing his hands together. The grin stayed on his face. “And that whole sure of herself thing? Confidence.” 

Cal just grumbled and swallowed the rest of his kombucha in lieu of a response. Truth was he didn’t have one. It was hard enough trying to convince himself to be civil with her, much less try and see her as a likable person. 

--

Coffee was a safe space for Gemma. Caffeine had never really had an effect on her, but it was comforting. She didn’t care hot or cold, as long as the coffee was strong. 

So when none other than one Calum Hood sauntered his way into her favorite shop next to the recording studio, she deflated, to say the least. 

All she wanted was one thing. One thing unmarred by the smug jerk that was Calum Hood. She brought her phone to her face and her coffee to her lips, trying to hide as much as her face as possible as she attempted to escape from the shop without speaking to him. Well, walked dignified, not escaped. She wasn’t afraid of speaking to him, of course. She would merely prefer not to. 

“Hello, Gemma.” Ah, there it was. He was leaning with one shoulder on the wall, waiting in the queue. It would have been kind of hot, had it been anyone else. Well, it was still kind of hot. But Gemma would never admit that, not even to herself. Feelings for Calum were like bathing in mud. Disgusting on principle, no matter how good it might feel. 

“Hey, Calum.” She forced a smile onto her face, but it greatly resembled the smile of the Mona Lisa. Practically non-existent. So much for escaping unnoticed. “I have some papers for you to sign when we get back to the studio.” 

“Ah, look at the little lawyer, ever the professional.” Cal smirked at her, his arms still crossed as he stepped up to the counter to order his drink. “Since you did say ‘we,’ I’m assuming you want me to walk back to the studio with you. Now, while normally I find desperation unattractive, I’d love to accompany you back to the studio. If you’ll so kindly wait as I get my beverage.” 

Gemma had to find a new job. When she signed up to be a legal representative for bands, she thought it would be exciting. Meeting new people, traveling the world. She didn’t know how much of a pain in the ass said bands would be. Maybe at her next job she’d get respect. She could see it now, her own little fantasy keeping her sane as she stood next to her least favorite person in the coffee shop. She didn’t feel inclined to leave the fantasy, that is until Calum started snapping his fingers right under her nose. 

“What.” Her voice was flat. Gemma had recently come upon the decision that no emotion was probably better than anger her voice, so she kept it neutral. 

“I was just asking you what you got.” Gemma looked at him with a blank stare. Got? Got what? She certainly didn’t have anything for him, if that was what he meant. 

Calum must have seen the confusion on her face, judging on how hard he rolled his eyes. “To drink.” 

“Oh. Just a cold brew dark roast.” Gemma started down at her shoes, a small smile playing upon her lips. Who was this man next to her, asking downright civil questions? If it had been anyone else, she could have mistaken it for some twisted form of casual, pleasant conversation. She glanced up at Calum again to make sure that it was, in fact, Calum Hood standing next to her and not some reverse-doppelgänger that was kind instead of evil. 

Then Calum snorted. “Guess that explains why you’re so bitter all the time. The coffee is a reflection of your soul.” 

Ah. There it was. 

---

Calum didn’t know why he said it. They had been having a decent conversation. He had even thought to himself how nice it was to have a talk with her that didn’t include fighting. So why had he gone and ruined it? He had never been the self sabotaging type, even though there was nothing to sabotage. He didn’t want there to be anything to sabotage, either. 

But when Gemma had smiled at him, well, at something he said… It was kind of nice. That’s why he said that. She was about to say something, Cal could just tell. But he turned away from her, going to retrieve his coffee instead. It was hard enough watching her smile and charm the pants off of their bosses every day. He didn’t need her fake attitude with him as well. Although, if there was one person Gemma was never fake with, it was most definitely Cal. She had been up front with her dislike of him right from the start. And she never tried to hide it either. 

Still, as she followed him out of the coffee shop with several exasperated sighs, he couldn’t help but wonder about what it was like for her to smile at him and mean it. He shook his head quickly. It was probably awful. He would never enjoy her smiling at him. It’d be weird… and gross. 

The studio was at most a four minute walk, but god, did it feel like an eternity. So much awkward silence ensued, Cal almost wished they were screaming at each other. Which, she was probably close to doing. 

“Listen, darling, if you want me, you can just say so.” Calum figured it was a good enough ice breaker. Gemma could yell and rant all she wanted, but Cal just wanted her to get it over with before they got to the studio. The studio was his sacred space. 

“All I want from you is silence. And to be left alone, but I’ll settle for silence at the moment.” Gemma was clutching her coffee like her life depended on it. Her Knuckles were practically white, and Calum could swear that there was a vein bulging in her forehead, just like the cartoons. 

“Well, your wish is my command, dollface.” Calum mock-bowed and could hear her practically growling. The smirk that played upon his face was just reflex at this point. Making her angry was so easy these days. He bowed again as he held the door for her when they got to the studio. Just to rub it in. 

---

“I’m done with him. Ashton, if I never see him again, it’ll be too soon, I’m telling you.” Gemma dropped her head into her hands and sighed. What was the point of life really? “In fact, I might have to strangle him.”

“I’d really prefer if you didn’t. We kind of need him for the band.” Ashton leaned on the counter adjacent to Gemma, staring hard at her. His brow was furrowed, as if he was trying to make a tough decision. About what, Gemma had no clue. “We should go get drinks tonight.” 

“Um, no? You’re literally a recovering alcoholic. There’s not a chance in Hell I’m putting you in that situation, especially when you’ve come so far.” Gemma picked her head up, studying every inch of Ashton’s face. She could not have been more proud of him, each day her heart swelling more with pride and love in his progress. She would never, ever let herself even think of putting him in a situation that could harm him. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Ashton chuckled, twisting a ring on his index finger. “Better than ever, actually. I was thinking we could just go to a restaurant, actually.” 

“Oh. Well in that case. Sure.” 

--

Thirty-eight minutes. That’s how long Calum had been sitting alone at the bar of some poorly-lit restaurant waiting for Ashton, without so much as even a text. Ashton had a lot of great qualities, but being reliable wasn’t one of them. 

Minute thirty-nine was when he noticed her. Gemma. 

She, too, was sitting alone at the bar, just a few seats down. Calum was guessing that she hadn’t noticed him yet, since she hadn’t fled the bar like a trapped animal. 

She was furiously typing on her phone, a petulant frown upon her lips. Her dark hair was pulled up into a ponytail, but there were a few little strands falling out around her face that did nothing to conceal the alcohol induced flush on her cheeks. 

Cal was wondering why she was here. That is, up until a large man came up and put his arm around her shoulders, leaning in until his lips were practically on her face to speak to her. 

Cal almost looked away. He almost left, almost minded his own business. 

Until he saw the look of disgust on Gemma’s face. And the way she tried so hard to get his arm off of her. 

Maybe he hated Gemma, but she didn’t deserve this. No one did. 

“I don’t see a boyfriend anywhere.” God, Calum could smell the stale beer on his breath from here. He didn’t know who this guy was but it didn’t take a genius to figure out that Gemma wanted nothing to do with him.  

“How bout now?” As the drunk straightened, Cal sized him up. While the man probably had about fifty pounds on him,  Cal had a solid two inches on the drunk. 

But the drunk just grumbled something about ‘whore’ and ‘not worth it’ and waddled away. 

Gemma, for the most part just looked defeated. Slightly surprised, but again, mostly defeated. 

“Hello Calum.” It came out with a heavy sigh, but Cal still took the seat next to her. 

“Aw, hello to you too babe.” The bartender slid Cal’s half finished drink back down to him, and Cal took a long sip. “Don’t look so happy to see me.”

Gemma snorted. Like actually snorted, as in the sound a pig makes. And then she laughed. Calum was convinced he had broken her. Who knew that was all it took. 

“I’m sorry. It’s just. Why you? Why did you, of all people, have to be here? What god cursed me with having to deal with you constantly? It’s just- why are you here?” Gemma looked incredulous. She stared at Cal, one eyebrow cocked, and a sarcastic smile on her lips. 

“Ashton told me to meet him here and then never showed.” As soon as Cal said Ashton’s name, Gemma fully choked on her drink, coughing and everything. Cal just stared at her, wondering if she was so drunk that she could remember how to swallow. Was that even possible? 

“Okay. I should go.” Once again, Gemma was trying to escape having to have a conversation with Calum. He had half a mind to just let her go. But curiosity got the better of him, so he followed her out into the frigid air. 

“Hang on. What do you know?” He stood next to her on the street. There was something going on for sure, something she knew that he didn’t. 

“According to you, nothing.” She smirked, clearly reveling in the fact that she had something he wanted. 

“Spill.” It was cold, and Cal just wanted to be at home in bed, not here playing games with Gemma. 

“Fine.” Gemma shivered in her sheer top, clearly as cold as Calum. “I think Ashton set us up. I was supposed to meet him here, too.”

“I’m going to strangle him.” Cal closed his eyes and tipped his head up to the sky, exhaling slowly. 

“You and me both.” Cal watched as Gemma turned away from him and began walking down the dark street, her shoulders hunched for warmth. 

Calum really had to learn to bite his tongue. And not stick his nose in other people's business, especially not Gemma’s. Still, it was getting harder and harder for him to convince himself he didn’t care. Even though he didn’t. Care, that is. She could walk home in the cold, all alone in the dark. Wouldn’t matter to him. Not one bit. In fact, it’d probably be good for her. Teach her a lesson about forgetting her coat. 

That reasoning was how he found himself walking her home, his warm leather jacket around her shoulders. 

@rip-lukes-balsamic​

#no proof reading we die like mne #calum #calum hood #calum hood fanfiction #calum hood 5sos #calum hood 5 seconds of summer #calum hood fanfic #calum hood oneshot #calum 5sos #calum imagine #calum 5 seconds of summer #calum 5sos au #calum 5sauce #calum 5 sauce

[hippychick006]

15.13: Destiny’s Child - Episode Review/Recap

[Image of episode missing, because out of 15 photos of the promo, only 1 photo was of Sam and Dean and it wasn’t that good.  Other 14 photos were a combination of Ruby, Jo, Castiel and Jack - I shit you not]

I think this episode highlights beautifully many of the issues I and I know a lot of other people are having with the show.

The highlights of the episode are undoubtedly the scenes where AU Sam and Dean interact with our Sam and Dean.  This is why I make a big deal of how much they are being paid per episode. Look at what happens when you write for the people earning the quarter of a million dollars in the episode.  Look what happens when you have it just be them, with no “fan favourite” side characters to pander to.  Chemistry happens, and watering that down or separating it entirely, adding someone into it or trying to force it between characters who just don’t have it, is one of the shows biggest issues in recent seasons and largest contributor to people not watching live or choosing not to watch at all because without that chemistry that made the show special, what are you left with?

Drabbernatural my friends, that’s what you’re left with.

The lowlights of the episode are all the scenes that have been written to pander to a small percentage of the watching audience, so pretty much the rest of the episode in all honesty.  

Under a cut because some people are in denial.

THEN

Flashback to Castiel watching porn about a pizza man.  All that’s in my head from this is Meg!  I think we’re getting Meg (let’s be real, I know we’re getting Meg as it’s already been on my dash, but I would have still thought this regardless of spoilers).  There it is, there’s the canon Megstiel kiss 😍. I’m amazed Dabb managed to keep his big mouth shut on this spoiler.  Anyway, skip this in the entirety to move onto...

NOW

Loved, loved, loved this opening scene. 🥰. Loved everything about it from start to finish.  No complaints whatsoever.

We start with Sam and Dean.  Just Sam and Dean like the good old days 😍. I can’t believe how happy that makes me and they haven’t done anything yet.  

Sam’s going through the books, Dean’s on the laptop, barely any space between them and they appear to be trying to find where Chuck is. They seem to be having no luck.

Sam: Any sign of him? Dean: Nah, nothing yet.  Chucks probably trashing a few dozen universes outside of CNN’s range.

They hear a noise and rush to investigate.  They see a bright light filtering through the bottom of the door of one the rooms. As they look at it, the light (as well as the noise) disappears.  Instantly in hunter mode, Dean indicates for Sam to open the door and they see…

A tiny car that I thought was a mini but have been reliably informed by someone much more knowledgeable than me (which isn’t too difficult tbh) is a Fiat 500. Thank you @alexa-alcantara​.  It’s a cute little car, and a beautiful colour but my own experience of owning a Fiat is not a good memory.  My garage telling me they call them the “Fix It Again Tony” of cars did not help me look any more favourably at them, but on the plus side, I built up a good relationship with my garage from the many hours I spent there.  The car is in front of a portal so it’s clear it’s just come through from one of the other worlds.

Emerging from that cute little car is 12’ 6” of muscle in the form of AU Winchesters.  The car practically groans in relief (I do see it lift up slightly) as they get out to the tune of “I want you” by Savage Garden.” Thank you once again Shazam as I’m as shit on music as I am at identifying cars.  

Did I say I love this scene?  I just…love this entire scene. AU Dean’s in the driving seat (of course), We see AU Sam’s foot emerge and he has no socks on – which I’m wondering is a shoutout to that photo shoot they had with no socks. Possibly it’s the fashion right now which I know even less about than cars or music. The entire scene, it’s just… perfection.  It’s just so well shot, I love that AU Sam and Dean could not be more different from our Sam and Dean from their clothes to the hair. I’ve fallen in love with both these new characters within a 10 second timeframe and they haven’t even spoken yet! That is the genius of Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles on screen, together, without extras, supported by the entire crew from special effects through to wardrobe.  They can all bring their A game which makes it all the more disappointing in the scenes and episodes where they don’t bother.

AU Dean looks back at the portal they came through.

AU SAM: Bro…We did it

AU Sam and Dean fist bump at their success and I’m in danger of losing it.  😂 Side note to size kinkers; that is not Jared and Jensen’s hands there 😂. Hey, no judging from this blog, but I personally don’t consider Jared “huge” and Jensen “tiny”, but you do you.

AU Sam and Dean are too flushed with their own success of getting through the portal to notice our Sam and Dean yet.  Meanwhile, our Sam and Dean are looking at the new arrivals with increasing horror.

AU Dean finally notices our Dean and we get the “Sam” “Dean” “Dean” “Sam” exchange between the four of them.

AU Sam and Dean: What the heck? Our Sam and Dean: What the hell?

Somewhere, I’m hoping that there’s an AU world where they say, “What the fuck?” because I think that would really please Jared.

Each look horrified at the other – I think AU!Sam may be on the point of tears seeing his doppelgänger dressed in plaid.

The portal starts making a loud ominous noise, AU Dean says “aw nuts” and AU Sam and Dean look at each other before the portal goes haywire, exploding in a bright white light, causing our versions to shield their eyes.  When they look back up, AU Winchesters, the car and the portal have all disappeared and the room is back to normal.

What the Heck?  You bring them back right now show!  Don’t be bringing in waste of space or “fan favourite” characters when all I want is these two.  

Sadly, the show does not listen, and we’re forced against our will onto the next scene.

Sam and Dean are explaining to waste of space that a rift opened in the armoury (is that right? I didn’t see any weapons in that room, but it sounded like he said armoury).  Sam says two guys stepped out that looked just like them. Dean: except not, and don’t even get me started about the car. Waste of space does not understand which is his standard operating procedure since his first episode tbh.  I’m not sure if this is still supposed to be funny; it’s been 11 years since season 4. 😴. 

Dean says welcome to the club.  

What?  The dumbass club?  Sam and Dean are such dumbasses that they need Billie to suddenly appear to confirm they’ve met an AU version of themselves running from their reality. Seriously?  😡. They know other worlds are being destroyed, they rescued Kaia from one in the process of being destroyed and that was only last week!  They don’t think that other Sam and Deans in other universes are going to be figuring out what’s happening and trying to do something to stop it?  It doesn’t make sense.  Sam and Dean do reckless things, but they aren’t dumb. 😡

As an aside, what I loved about the AU Sam and Dean we just met, is that they didn’t try to save their world, they were only interested in saving their own pretty asses by trying to jump worlds and I love how different they are from our Sam and Dean who would, and have, sacrificed themselves in a heartbeat to save their world.

I used to like Billie but all the monologuing over the last couple of episodes is 😴 which is not the actresses fault, but there are also some issues with delivery of the lines (because it’s boring). Key point from this entire boring scene is:

Billie: He’s almost done, wrapping up all those other worlds and when he is…Sam: it’s our turn

Billie agrees and says they need to be prepared.  She has the next step… for Jack.

Jack appears on cue, eating a sandwich.  He says he’s ready and feeling good about it.  I’m feeling I’m missing a scene somewhere. Did he already have a chat with Billie, so he knows what she’s about to say?  I’m not sure but don’t care enough to spend any time on it.

Billy monologues that the first quest (eating the hearts) was to strengthen Jack’s body. Step 2 is more spiritual in nature.

Waste of space: can you be more specific? Me: you’re that asshole that asks questions during presentations, aren’t you? Give her a chance to monologue ffs.  She was just about to tell us before your unnecessary interruption. I don’t even have a clue what your contribution to this scene is, other than pre-emptory meltdown avoidance of 200 accounts on twitter.  Death: Jack needs to find the occultum Sam: the occultum? Occultum, that’s Latin for… hidden. Where do we find it? Me: you’re so smart 😍 Death (sarcastic): I don’t know… It’s hidden

Ah yes, a side character making the Winchesters look stupid never gets old. 🙄

Anyway, more boring monologuing later, it’s been hidden for centuries, it’s sacred and potent.  It’s not a weapon per se but it’s powerful.

Dean(sarcastically): Okay, thanks, big help.

She asks Jack if he’s ready and he says he is. She says that’s good, that they have to be ready and vigilant and not stupid (looks at the Winchesters).  Dean’s eyeroll matches mine almost exactly.  Sick, fed up of the Winchesters being called stupid by side characters.  Oh, I said that already.  Well I am!

Avoiding this scene in future and moving on.

Sam and Dean are researching the occultum.  Or at least Sam’s researching and ranting about the occultum, but Deans playing with an elastic band and barely listening. Sam gets his attention and asks what he’s doing. Dean’s thinking about things and how if Jack kills god, that still leaves “you know who”. Sam says: Amara. Dean thinks that if Jack kills god, he’ll have to kill her too, because if you take Chuck off the board, that throws things out of balance and the world ends. If there’s no God or Darkness, nothing is out of balance.

Sam: Okay, Yeah, but who takes over, Jack?

Dean contemplates that and is about to answer when Jack walks in, blowing a bubblegum bubble and announcing he just learned how to do that.

Dean turns back to Sam: Probably not

I love little scenes like this, zero pandering, just classic Supernatural and classic Dean. 😍

Overall, it was another good brother scene (taking aside the boring plot which we can’t do anything about).

Parents Sam and Dean speak to Jack about how he’s going to take down Chuck because Billie hasn’t been clear on the plan.

Dean: Yeah, when you go up against Chuck, you’re gonna what? (makes boxing moves), duck and weave, or just go in for the full smite? 😂

My Dean is back with the one liners in this episode and I love him.  

Jack: Yeah, you know, something like that

Dean’s face. 😂

Unsurprisingly Sam and Dean are not reassured, they’re about to ask more questions when waste of space walks in and good news guys!  Unbelievably, He has information from fellow waste of space/plot device Sergei (does waste of space only have one contact?).  The show aren’t even trying anymore with this shit. Istg. 🙄 Ah what would we do without waste of space?  Definitely have a much more decent episode if I’m going to be perfectly honest.

Anyway, when waste of space announces who he has information from:

Dean: Him? Are we that desperate? 😂

Of course, Sergei knows about the occultum 🙄. He would have been extremely useful to have had around in the early seasons. Each episode would have been tied up in 30 seconds with one phonecall to the font of all knowledge.  I hate characters like this and the laziness of the writing to continue to fallback on him.

Supernatural writer: Hey boss, I’m stuck a little on the occultum storyline Dabb: Have you tried using waste of space and Sergei? Supernatural writer: I didn’t think of that! Great idea, thanks!  I guess that’s why you’re the boss! Me: 🙄 you lazy 🤬

Waste of space monologues about the occultum and what happened to it, he starts off that its divine in origin and was housed in a temple for hundreds of years before…

Dean: it was plundered by pirates! Waste of space: No Dean: it was dug up by tomb raiders! Waste of space: No Dean: it was seized by the king of the dead and his war lords.  Am I close? Waste of space: looted by invading mongol hoardes for trade on the black market Dean: on the black market (looks at Sam) That’s what I thought. I was going to say that next, that was the next one.

Sam indulges his hunter husband.  Oh wait, this is our Sam and Dean, not the AU version.  Rewinds to check.  No, Sam is indulging his hunter husband. He asks waste of space where it is now.

Long explanation later, the object was given to a faith healer in return for saving the owners life.  

Faith healer?  How convenient.  Now, who do we know that’s a faith healer? 🙄

Waste of space doesn’t have a name – are you kidding me? He must have had a name to go to the faith healer. He at least has a description.  She was attractive 🙄 and had glowing hands while healing.

It’s your wife, Jensen!  Erm I mean, Sister Jo.  

Imagine that entire scene with waste of space and Sergei plot device removed, Sam found the information from research and that entire conversation was between him and Dean.  Infinitely better and rewatchable.

Sam and Dean go off to visit Jensen’s wife Sister Jo who at this point of the show’s run has somehow been cast in 4 previous episodes and every single appearance has been completely forgettable.  This one is no different.

I’m going to rant for a second.  This stunt casting, bringing back of “fan favourites”, nepotism, lazy writing crap is really dragging the quality of the show down. We’ve had so many shit, boring, waste of time episodes this season.  You could have replaced a couple of them with the Winchesters trying to track down this elusive but needed item.  Make it hard for them, get rid of Sergei and Jensen’s wife Sister Jo and make the finding of this artefact interesting and more believable by introducing new characters for them to interact with.  This is just… really bleh.

Anyway, Sam and Dean go to see one of the most boring characters ever created, and that includes waste of space who was badass in season 4-5, a dick yes, but a badass none the less so he gets a pass.  This is not a good scene, it’s worth fast forwarding and forgetting it ever existed, not least because of bad dialogue and questionable acting. I am really, really not a wife hater, but neither will I give someone a free pass because of who they are married to.  You come on the show, you get judged on your own merits, same as any other guest actor. Long story short, they want the thingamajig I’ve forgotten the name of because I had a 6 hour watching break to work up to watching this scene and that was not nearly long enough. Jo doesn’t want to give it to them, and Sam and Dean pull angel blades on her.  She says she didn’t have it, Ruby does.

Where’s that gif.  Where the fuck is that gif?  Oh, found it…

This next scene, I just 😡🤬😡🤬😡🤬😡🤬😡🤬😡🤬😡🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬.  Okay, I can do this, woman’s up and presses play, weeping for what once was the entire time I’m watching.  

We get a pointless scene which as predicted, is nothing less than a gimmick, written only to have “the wives” on the show in the same episode and in the same scene.  I think this is the angriest I’ve ever been watching a show and we haven’t reached the point in the episode where Sam is reduced to a doorstopper.  Oh yes, that gem has still to come.  🤬😡🤬!!!

Somehow, even though Ruby is terrified of angels and Jo wasn’t on earth at the same time as Ruby, they somehow not only met, but worked together.  Jo says the vessel suits Ruby better than the blond.  Not in this household missy.  We stan the infinitely better Katie Cassidy (fine there might have been a childhood crush on watching reruns of her father that sways the debate in her favour slightly but that’s neither here nor there!).

Okay, no sorry.  I thought I could take one for the team, but I can’t. This entire scene would not ever have been made if the show was in the hands of a competent showrunner.  It’s just complete nonsense with absolutely no attempt by the writer to respect the audience or canon and not worth even documenting what happens as it’s all a crock of 💩. Do yourselves a favour and ignore it.  All you need to know is Ruby has the thingamajig they need. It was stashed somewhere in hell.

Back at the bunker, Jack has take out, lots and lots of take out; pizza (no pineapple), fried chicken, hot dogs, nachos, Chinese food… Waste of space joins him.  They talk about Jack not having a soul.  Jack says he understands why Sam and Dean were angered by what happened to Mary

Castiel: by what you did to Mary

He gets a pass for this line (and his name back briefly) because it needed to be said so he wasn’t a waste of space for once.

Jack sees things have changed, especially with Dean.  

I see a bit of chatter on this one.  I don’t understand the chatter.  Sam forgives people, this goes way back that he’s able to forgive people and not hold a grudge.  He’s had a darkness inside him his entire life, he’s had to fight against his nature to be who he is, so of course he’s going to be more forgiving, more understanding of someone he sees as being similar to him.  Add to the fact that Sam did not build a strong relationship with Mary - he’s sad she’s gone - but I think he’s more accepting of it than Dean. All of this has been shown in episodes, so when Jack asks, “Will he ever forgive me?”  He’s not asking about Sam because he knows through Sam’s words and actions that Sam has forgiven him, but he knows Dean hasn’t.  I don’t have an issue with this, and you know I’m a bitter Sam fan, I’ll reserve my anger for later in the episode.

So, for me, waste of space only talks about Dean for the same reason (and shockingly not because he’s gay for the human).  He says, “Dean, he feels things more acutely than any human I’ve ever known, so it’s possible he can work through this. One day he may explode, let it all out and breath deeply and move on.”

Jack asks how long that will take. waste of space says he doesn’t know.

I understand the point of the scene, it’s not the worst. I’d prefer if my boys were saving people, hunting things obviously, but this was an okay scene.  I do like Alex and what he brings to the table – though don’t like when too much focus is put on him or Sam’s relationship with him is sidelined.

Sam and Dean return to the bunker.  Dean asks if Sam’s sure they can swing this again.  Sam says they still have Rowena’s notes from the spell. Dean: Okay, Samwitch, lets do this.”  I love how Dean hates witches, he was still wary of Rowena though could see her uses, but the minute Sam is a witch, Dean’s all aboard the witch train. 😂

Waste of space appears, Dean tells him that they sorta know where the occultum is.  Waste of space looks worried and they know something is wrong. They follow him through the bunker to one of the rooms.  Their AU selves are projected on the wall.  I just… Why was the entire episode not their doppelgängers?  I love them. AU Dean screams (but we can’t hear him). AU Sam seems far more relaxed about the situation.  They can’t see or hear our Sam or Dean.  Sam asks waste of space where they are.

Waste of space thinks the blast trapped them between dimensions as the rift and their world was destroyed.  AU Dean tapping on the wall, and trying to get a cell phone signal, I just can’t… 😂

Dean: Are they in pain? Waste of space doesn’t think so.  Dean says “Good” goes to leave.  Sam tries to stop him.  Dean says they’ll deal with them, but first they have to go to hell. Waste of space: woah, you do?

Sam explains that’s where Jo said Ruby stashed the occultum

Waste of space: Ruby? The demon you were sexually intimate with?   Dean: Sexually intimate? Sam (strongly): Yes!

I’ve seen a lot of chatter on this one as well. Some claiming that Dean is questioning the choice of wording by waste of space.  I don’t see that.  I see this as another fail, that they are somehow trying to claim Dean doesn’t know Sam and Ruby had a sexual relationship, even though Sam went into it in explicit detail in “I know what you did last summer”, to the point Dean asked him to stop.  If they were going for the choice of wording, they failed in both facial expressions and dialogue.

They have a discussion, not worth repeating, too much focus on waste of space. Upshot is Sam and Dean are going to Hell.  

Sam and Dean arrive on the Charmed set in Hell.  I’m expecting them to meet Julian McMahon striding down the corridor.  They meet a demon who informs them that Rowena is hosting a reception for newly condemned souls.  The demon doesn’t seem happy about that. He starts taking them to Rowena.  This is a pretty pointless scene tbh.

Back in the bunker, waste of space says to Jack that he doesn’t trust Jo’s story, he wants to speak to Ruby who apparently is in the empty.  I’m losing it with where entities end up these days. I’m guessing if demons are exorcised, like Meg was, then they go back to Hell.  If they are killed permanently, like Alastair was by Sam, they end up in the Empty?   I guess it makes sense.

Anyway, waste of space needs Jack’s assistance to get to the empty. He needs Jack to kill him…

Damn, false alarm, it’s only an “almost kill”.  Yeah, I would probably be too thorough.  Okay Jack, carry on, you’re up.

I don’t understand how he’ll be able to do anything in the empty, won’t he be kept in a state of nothing?

Jack reminds waste of space that the empty doesn’t like him. Waste of space says he’s far from happy so he should be okay.

Jack: Cass, I, I may not have a soul, but I know killing you is wrong, what if I screw up? Waste of space: well then, I’ll be lost forever… but I think you’ll do fine.

Jack has to draw out most of waste of space’s life force into a flask, and keep an eye on him so he doesn’t die for real. He also has to tend the spell to ensure Sam and Dean are not lost in Hell forever either (but to me it seems really easy to get in and out of, not like the early days so don’t see them being stuck there as a problem).  Remember back in season 2 when hell was this...

Sam: Hell is like, um ... (punches Dean)... well, it's like hell, even for demons. (punches Dean again)... It's a prison, made of bone and flesh and blood and fear. 

Good times.  Now we have Barbie!Hell and anyone can just walk in and it isn’t scary.  But yeah, tell me again that I should stop being critical and the show hasn’t deteriorated beyond all recognition

Sam and Dean follow the lackey they met in Hell to where Rowena is hosting a meet and greet for the new arrivals to Hell.  Or at least that’s where they were supposed to be taken, turns out it’s a trap. Of course, it is, because dumchesters 🙄, but at least we get a decent fight out of it as they are set upon by three demons carrying angel blades.  Dean kills two, Sam holds the third hostage so they can find out who betrayed them. Unsurprisingly it was Jo 🙄 Sam then kills the demon (after Dean gives a nod to do so).

Dean: that bitch set us up!

We switch to sister Jo and see her packing up and leaving, so she must know her plan failed, and Sam and Dean will soon be after her.

We’re now in The Empty with waste of space and for sure as shit, this scene changing whiplash, disregard of canon, lack of continuity between other episodes, focus on side characters has to mean this is a suck-lemons episode. He’s shouting for Ruby.  He doesn’t get her, we hear, “Hello Clarence”

Waste of space spins around and it’s Meg!  He’s so happy to see her and disappointed that it’s the empty. No offence to Rachel, love her, she does great in the episode and Megstiel will always be canon, but just not interested in any of this.

Next scene is waste of space and Ruby.  Fast forwarding other than to say no sweetie, Sam didn’t kill you, but I don’t blame you, I blame the writers who are too lazy to do any research. Sam should have killed you, but it was Dean that did it.  

Another scene between Ruby and Jo, as forgettable as the first.   Lucifer and Michael weren’t circling their vessels when you were still breathing you morons.   Lucifer hadn’t yet been released, but what is canon on this show when you can blast it aside and have the wives in a scene together and isn’t it wonderful?  Eh, I’m gonna say hard no on that one.

Another scene between Ruby and waste of space. In true Ruby style, she’ll help him if he gets her out of the empty.  Oh, and the occultum is a place, not a thing, that’s all we need to know.

Fast forwarding all of this as it’s pandering trite, not worthy of my time, besides the dumbchesters are back from Hell and I think Jack might be in trouble with them.

Jack (guilty): Guys… you’re back Dean (looking between Jack and waste of space’s body): Jack? What the hell?

Severe whiplash alert!  We’re back with Ruby and waste of space. Ruby monologues that the Empty is a place where all you do is dream about your regrets over and over for eternity.  Well then, just as well I have no regrets in life, other than watching seasons 12-14 of Supernatural.  Wait, imagine that on repeat for eternity.  NOOOOOOOOOOO!

Waste of space says he knows.  In fairness to waste of space, at least he will have a vast range of playbacks on the amount of regrets he should have over the years, so he won’t get bored anytime soon.

Whiplash alert!  We’ve left the corned beef actors and are back with the porterhouse steak.  They advance on Jack.

Jack: He’s dead, kind of… for now Sam: What?!

Whiplash!  Get me back to the porterhouse damn it!   Waste of space agrees to try to get Ruby out, she whispers in waste of space’s ear, “the occultum, it’s…”

Whiplash!  I’m suing at this point in the episode tbh.  

Jack: Cass went to the empty, hopefully to find Ruby, hopefully to find out where this occultum thing is located, hopefully (puppy eyes)

Whiplash!  Ruby steps away and disappears.  Waste of space’s face is interesting, and I’m intrigued where it is.

Whiplash!  

Sam and Dean’s faces. 😂

Sam: that’s way too many hopefullys! Dean: Bring him back, now!

Okay Hellers, here’s a test.  If Sam had said that line, would you have interpreted it as Sam speaking as a parent or Sam concerned about waste of space because he’s secretly in love with him? Dean is obviously concerned, but he’s speaking to Jack as a parent.  

Jack opens the flask to release waste of space’s grace.  But The Empty (still in Meg’s form) is reluctant to let him go.  Turns out as she’s torturing waste of space that The Empty has a deal with Death, she helps Death and she can go back to sleep when Death’s plan works.  We alternate between waste of space being tortured and Jack trying to revive him.

Dean: come on, wake up pal. Dean: Come on Cass, come on Dean: Cass!

Pandering!  

Waste of space wakes up.  The Empty says, “see you soon”

I hope she does because yes, I love watching a show where my leads are made out to be dumbasses and the waste of space that should have been killed off years ago is the hero.  I’m losing count of how many episodes that’s happened this season. Sick of it. 🤬

Waste of space (looks at Dean): you made it back Dean: Yeah, and so did you!  You’re an idiot by the way! Sam chimes in: What if this hadn’t worked?

Waste of space says it did [work].  The occultum was never in Hell.  The occultum is the safest place in the world. Jo was never going to give that up. Waste of space knows where it is and asks, “Am I still an idiot?”

I’m actually so angry right now.  Who does this?  What shitty writer makes their lead cast look like idiots in order to big up a side character. What does he have on someone because I’m at a loss for any other logical explanation at this point for them willingly ruining the show.

Anyway, Dean says “well yeah”. Me: hell to the fuck yeah, you’re still an idiot and I hate you even more after this episode than I did before.

Sam wants to go to the place.

Jack reminds them if Chuck checks in on them and sees what they’re doing, they’ll lose.

Dean’s plan involves using their doppelgängers to pretend to be them.  They’ll open up a rift and he thinks waste of space’s grace will be enough to pull them through. Sam thinks it might also blast them to another world.

AU Sam and Dean are playing rock, paper, scissors.  AU Sam throws scissors and wins.  AU Dean’s reaction. 😂

Sam mixes up the spell for the portal and they place it at the wall where AU Sam and Dean are trapped.  Bright light later and…

… it obviously works because AU Sam and AU Dean are now sitting at the map table with a beer in front of each of them.  Our Sam and Dean are currently standing.  And I cannot do any justice to this scene.  It is perfect from start to finish.  Go watch the genius of Jared and Jensen at play with no one else cluttering up the scene.

Upshot of this scene is that AU John is (or was) alive, they got separated coming through the portal. He spoils them, (Dean: he spoils you?!) John has set up a very successful business called Huntercorp. They get paid (Dean: you get paid?!) for hunting monsters all over the world and have a private jet.  I would ask what they’re doing driving around in a Fiat 500 instead of a luxury car, but I’m having too much fun, so it gets a free pass and I won’t nitpick.  Let’s headcanon it’s all they could get a hold of to get through the rift and leave it at that.  They keep toasting their beers to their dad, “the best guy ever” but they don’t seem too cut up that he and their world have gone splody.  I love these versions, they seem to be fine they made it through and they have each other.  I’d like to see one without the other as I think they’d give our brothers a run for their money in the codependency stakes.  

AU Sam’s pinkie is raised while he drinks, and I can’t with the silent genius that is Jared Padalecki when he inhabits a character.

Our Sam and Dean during all of this. 😂.

Dean explains to the AU’s that they need them to pose as them for a while.   In order to do that, Sam tells his AU self he has to lose the man bun.  AU Sam’s reaction 😂.  He is not happy.  AU Dean closes his eyes and sits back, putting a hand over his mouth.  I thought at first he wasn’t happy at our Sam, but no, the reaction is because he knows how his Sam reacts about his hair (*whispers* I suspect AU Dean has suggested many times that AU Sam let his hair down… for reasons and AU Sam has refused, so its an old argument).  Sure enough, AU Sam says he will not.  Our boys ignore that and also tactfully suggest they will need to change their clothes.

Next, we see the impala at night, driving towards a church. All TFW 2.0 are in the car. 🙄

They walk up to the church doors and Jack says he knows he hasn’t been doing this as long as them, but doesn’t it seem too easy.

They agree and at that moment hear a growling.  

Jack: is that a bear?

Dean starts trying to get the church doors open by picking the lock

Sam: No, it’s more like uh… Waste of space: hellhounds Sam (as the hellhounds are approaching): Dean… Dean, you wanna hurry a little bit?

Dean gets the door open and they all get inside just in time. Sam and Dean get the door closed and Dean asks Sam if he’s got it.  I’ve seen a lot of chatter on this one. This scene alone highlights one of the many, many things wrong with the show and why it’s no longer enjoyable.  I think they were trying for ha ha comedy. Sam trying to keep the door closed while they are all standing around like idiots, but it isn’t funny and reduces Sam down to muscle rather than what he actually brings to the show, and both waste of space and Jack are stronger. 

Waste of space should have been holding the door (or not been there at all, which is preferable) and the scene should have been Sam, Dean and Jack.  No excuses for why it wasn’t done this way (other than pandering).  A line of pandering is annoying but acceptable, sidelining Jared to cater an entire scene to them is completely unncceptable. You’ve pissed off the Jared/Sam fans which are many more than Misha/Castiel (despite what they try to tell themselves), and you’ve pissed off the brother fans which are the majority of the audience.

Waste of space says the top of the cross points the way and they all look up at the cross high on the church wall.

As a side note, the Hellers are so cute, counting Sam and Dean standing in a church with their “son” as their wedding.  Refrains from slapping 8.23 down in front of them where Dean actually said some vows along the lines of “don’t you ever dare think there is anything past or present that I would put in front of you!” 😍

Sam (being paid $250k for this): Guys! Can you maybe move it along?

That’s not the cross they are looking for, because at that point, clouds miraculously clear outside, allowing moonlight to shine through a window and highlights an area on the church floor.  I mean I like that x marks the spot but I’m not sure about time of day/year and position in the sky etc. to know if this is realistic, like will it still be the exact same spot at 6pm in December as it is midnight in summer?

Jack points it out to them and Dean bends down to open the floorboard.  

Sam: Guys, I can’t hold them forever!

Dean lifts the floorboard which contains a velvet bag. He opens the bag and pulls out a golden snitch.  He hands it to waste of space and asks if it’s a map. Jack suggests it might be a key.   Waste of space reads the enochian passage on the golden snitch (which if he hadn’t been written into this scene, Sam could have done that).  

Golden Snitch: in order to be in the occultum, the occultum must be in you. Me (immediately): swallow it!

There’s a reason Sam’s holding the doors closed as he’d have got that within a second.  The others are just looking around dumbly. 🙄

Back with AU Winchesters and AU Sam, wearing plaid, man bun still in place, is watching “powderpuff princess and friends” channel on the laptop, which seems to be about kittens. 😂   AU Dean appears carrying two beers

Au!Dean: they said lose the man bun, Samuel (love that he goes by Samuel) Me: Wow, AU Dean really wants Sam to let his hair down…for reasons AU Sam: look, hillbilly clothes are bad enough, I have to draw the line somewhere and my hair… is sacred (Jared added this 😂)

AU!Dean rolls his eyes, denied once again.

AU Sam asks what they do now.  AU Dean says, drink beer and sit in front of a computer screen

AU Sam: that’s their lives?  He’s still drinking the beer with the pinkie out. 😂. Chuck would know straight away this wasn’t Sam and Dean. Sam’s face drinking the beer. 😂 He’s high maintenance for sure.  AU Dean is much less fussy and I think would adapt quite well to the new world.

AU!Dean has found our Dean’s bustyasianbeauty.com internet history. 😂  

AU Sam: Can you imagine if dad caught us with that kind of stuff?  Goodbye trust funds.

AU!Sam’s not interested in the ladies and I don’t think he’s happy that AU Dean is either.

AU!Dean: I gotta tell you Sammy, this Sam and Dean, you know, sure they’re simple, but they’ve got this place of their own, there’s no quarterly reports, there’s no investor calls, there’s nothing to do but hunt monsters, drink beer and watch porn. AU!Sam: Yeah AU!Dean: they’ve got it made

Switch to our Sam and he’s really struggling with keeping the hellhounds out, while waste of space and Dean are arguing is another pandering scene (which has already had at least four in the episode). It’s been written solely to please the 1%ers who no doubt will create thousands of tweets from their 200 accounts with “old married couple and their son.” 

These people are incapable of looking at characters and continuity, they don’t care if it’s likely a character will do something just as long as they get content for their ship.  But I care, the majority of the audience care.  The Dean we know and love would just not under any circumstances abandon Sam at the door on his own.  This is where the writing is failing.  If they are incapable of writing a scene that makes sense in the bigger scheme of things, that doesn’t change the standard operating procedure of one of the two leads, then it has no place in the show.  I could have written a scene between waste of space and Dean that would have given the 1%ers more than enough fodder (they get excited over lamps, it wouldn’t be that hard to do), while at the same time, not ruining Dean’s core character or sidelining Sam to be a doorstopper for an entire fucking scene. Besides, all the old married couples I know are old and still married because they never argue, they finish each other sentences and smile fondly at their idiot other half when they do something idiotic, because it’s their idiot.  Kind of like… Sam and Dean.

Jack ignores them as much as I do, he turns away while they are still arguing. When he turns back, Dean looks at him, 

Dean: “Where’s the thing?” Jack: I ate it Dean: You What?! Jack: well, he said it had to be in me… so… Dean (internally) Sammy’s going to fucking kill me. (Externally) No! spit it out! Jack (laughing): it’s fine, nothings happening

Something’s definitely happening as Jack doubles over in pain.  Sam can only watch helplessly from the door as a bright light erupts from within Jack and then he disappears.

Again, that scene would have been infinitely more watchable if waste of space hadn’t been shoved into the space Sam should have been, but no, he’s still holding a fucking door closed.  I shit you not. 😡🤬😡🤬😡🤬😡🤬🤬😡🤬😡🤬🤬🤬!

Jack wakes up in what we find out is the garden of Eden.  The creepy little girl from Angel approaches him.  “You must not be human, humans may not enter here, are you an angel?”  Jack says it’s complicated but asks why humans can’t be here. She says they were banished, and god hid the garden away from them. Jack says he was told the place might change him somehow.  She responds that it might if he’s the chosen one. He’ll know soon enough.  She leaves him alone.  I’m speculating at this point that Jack isn’t the right person, but Sam is.

We whiplash briefly back to the church.  Yes, my fellow Sam fans, Sam is still a $250k doorstopper while waste of space and Dean continue to argue.  This isn’t good drama for anyone.  Dean is completely ooc in not helping Sam.

Harry Potter Jack meets the garden of Eden snake.  Luckily Jack can understand parcel-tongue as the snake talks to him. Who are you really? Who are you meant to be?

We get various flashbacks, none of which show Sam all that much, and I think that’s deliberate, though badly done.  The one person Jack has never had to question until the malac box was Sam.  I still maintain that Jack knows Sam forgives him and loves him unconditionally, but he knows Dean doesn’t, which is why the focus was on Dean.  The annoyance would have been much less if Sam hadn’t been a doorstopper in place of a significantly lesser character.

Anyway, Jack collapses on the ground and he’s crying by the end of it.  Same Jack, same tbh.

Back at the church, a bright ball of light comes through the cross window and floats down towards the church floor, right in front of Sam before moving to hover between Sam and Dean (again if waste of space hadn’t been there, this would have been a much better scene).

Sam’s thrown away from the doors and lands on the floor. Dean rushes forward to stand in front of his brother… oh wait, no, that’s in my version, the suck-lemons version has Dean actually take a step back, while the hellhounds advance on Sam who is closest to them.  Like he literally doesn’t move a fucking inch, and people are asking why we are unhappy?  Who the fuck was that, because it wasn’t Dean Winchester. 😡

The bright light gets brighter, I think it kills the hellhounds, rather than just repels them.  When the light clears, Sam sees Jack lying on the floor in front of him. He says “Jack” which draws the attention of Dean who shouts “Jack”.  Oh, that gets Dean’s feet moving 🙄.  They watch as Jack sits up and Dean asks him if he’s okay.  Jack doesn’t answer.

Back with Dean and AU!Winchesters.  Dean’s trying to herd them out the bunker, thanking them for their help.  AU!Dean suggests they could all live in the bunker together.

AU!Sam: like a club (AU!Dean points at Sam in agreement).

Our Dean doesn’t share his toys very well and thinks that would just be weird.

AU!Dean (he definitely wants our Sam, with the whole hair down thing he’s got going on): it wouldn’t be so weird

Dean knows what AU!Dean wants and tells them to go to Brazil

AU Dean asks if they can keep the flannel shirts, Dean says no, and tries to hurry them along.

AU Sam and Dean turn to go, but AU!Dean turns back and says that when they were looking around, they saw it

Dean: It? AU!Dean: the car Dean: You didn’t…. touch it AU!Sam: We “drove” in it 😉 Dean: You What?!

Awkward looks all around until AU!Dean says, “And we’re leaving…” smacking AU!Sam on the shoulder and pushing him up the bunker stairs.

AU!sam: oww, my arm, you’re hurting me!” AU!Dean: Sam! AU!Sam: Dean… Dean (angry): Have fun in Rio!

I like the scene so I’m trying not to nitpick the fact the car was with our Sam and Dean and the AU versions couldn’t possibly have found it, much less “drove” in it.

Dean goes to find Sam who is leaning on the wall outside I’m guessing Jack’s room.  He asks if the kid is okay.  Sam says he doesn’t know.  Waste of space comes out and says Jack seems to have recovered but there’s something different about him.  No one’s been to the garden since the exile, until Jack.

They all go in, yes, even waste of space, and it turns out it wasn’t Jack’s room, but the kitchen and I have to seriously question why Sam - who is unquestionably Jack’s main parent - was outside and not with him. *whispers Jared has obviously done something or not done something to bring the petty wrath of Dabb down upon his beautiful head, no other explanation at this point. Roll on Walker and Jared ensuring that show doesn’t get stolen out from under him by a backstabbing co-worker and petty showrunner.

They approach Jack and he says he is so sorry.  He is crying and says it was his fault.

Waste of space says Jack’s soul is back.

Jack looks up at Sam and Dean and asks them to forgive him but the camera focuses in only on Dean.  Pats my fellow Sam fans consolingly on their heartbroken backs.

#spn spoilers #15.13 #destiny's child #episode review #episode recap #spn critical #very critical #anti dabb #anti castiel #anti everyone involved in this show right now #tbh

[rainsonata]

Doppelgänger 13/15

Chapter 13: Transformation 

Fandom/Pairing: Elsword; none Rating: T Word Count: 10,034  

Summary: It was like looking into a mirror. What happens when one’s reflection talks back and throws uncomfortable questions? El Search Party struggles to find entrance into the Demon Realm, but Dominator has a plan.   

Alternative Title: Dominator fucked up and now everyone meets their alternative selves    

AO3 Link  I  FF.NET Link

— [Chapter 01] [Chapter 02] [Chapter 03] [Chapter 04] [Chapter 05] [Chapter 06] [Chapter 07] [Chapter 08] [Chapter 09] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13] [Chapter 14] [Chapter 15] —  

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Class Notes: 

Canon Path: Knight Emperor, Aether Sage, Daybreaker, Rage Hearts, Code: Esencia, Comet Crusader, Apsara, Empire Sword, Doom Bringer, Ishtar and Chevalier (Innocent), Bluhen   

Alternative Path: Rune Master, Oz Sorcerer, Anemos, Furious Blade, Code: Ultimate, Fatal Phantom, Devi, Flame Lord, Dominator, Timoria and Abysser (Catastrophe), Richter

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Herrscher 

Immortal’s friends called it the Demon Realm. Demons referred to the region they have arrived at as Varnimyr, a land of darkness inhabited by the Dark Elves and demonic creatures. This Demon Realm was similar to the one Herrscher and Immortal’s friends came from. It was in the sword user’s interest to regroup with the rest of the El Search Party, or what was left of it, to acquire the Dark El. Herrscher no longer cared for the El, but it was important to Immortal. 

Unlike Immortal’s friends, he wasn’t as concerned about the trivial details of concepts like timelines and dimensions. Herrscher went wherever Immortal went. Humans, elves, and demons were not aware that timelines and dimensions overlapped with each other. How could they be when most were more concerned about themselves?

“Why do we bother waiting for them?” Paradox was referring to their counterparts. In his child form, the time traveler groaned. “We can’t stay longer than we should.”

“When did you start to care about that? You made it very difficult to find you.” Offering his hand to Herrscher, the redhead felt how cold and lifeless the other being’s hands were, “Are you okay, Ain? I didn’t come too late, did I?”

Herrscher shook his head. Fighting Richter would not be an inconvenience, he wanted to tell Immortal. He would have been able to deflect his alternate’s attacks but accepted his friend’s concern.   

Lying on the floor with his face half turned, Herrscher took Immortal’s hand without hesitation, noting how warm they were in contrast to his. He too used to possess the same warmth humans had. Without attachments to the Goddess, he was beyond redemption, yet Immortal allowed him to stay by the swordsman’s side.  

“You weren’t supposed to find me,” Paradox sneered. 

If looks could kill, Immortal would have been six feet under from the glares Paradox was sending to the multiweapon user. Herrscher couldn't understand why Immortal placed trust in him (“A bad decision, really.” Paradox quipped. Herrscher agreed.). Appearing when opportunities of scourging the El arose, Paradox’s appearances were sporadic with no apparent objective in mind. His unorthodox fighting style made him a formidable ally, but only when their objectives happened to align. 

Rubbing the back of his neck, Herrscher let a breeze cool down his core from its excessive use. Dimension traveling was more of Metamorphy’s area of practice than his, which was manipulating and traveling in between the void of the abyss. Not that Immortal understood that no matter how many times he explained it.  

“Finding you was such a hassle,” Immortal complained. “Do you know how many dimensions it took to get here? Did you know there’s a dimension where people pay millions of ED to watch girls like Aisha sing?” 

“Why should I care?” Paradox deadpanned. 

“There was a dimension where we were all maids,” Immortal ignored the snide question. He grabbed Paradox by the shoulders and dropped his voice into a stage whisper, “You wore pigtails and said some very rude things to me.” 

With little clues to where Paradox could have gone, it took Herrscher and Immortal several attempts to guess the correct coordinates. Herrscher was omniscient to what happened in the void, but not what happened to inhabitants in other dimensions. Immortal proclaimed he had a hunch for the fifth time before Metamorphy unceremoniously took over the team despite the younger man’s protesting. It appeared that Metamorphy did not place as much trust in their leader as Herrscher did, but he had to acknowledge that their method was not efficient in finding Paradox. 

“Where are the other losers?” Paradox searched for the fourth member of their team. 

“You mean our friends?” Immortal snickered when he caught the time traveler scowling. “Come on, did you think I would be that irresponsible to bring a bunch of people with me?”

“Why would that be a problem?” Furious Blade examined Paradox’s child form. He didn’t explicitly voice his thoughts, but his emotions were clear from the confusion in his knitted brows to the existence of the time traveler. “Tell me what happens if there are too many of us.” 

“Having all of you here is making everything unstable,” Paradox said with a bored expression. “When there are too many of you, it overwhelms the dimension until it’s forced to reset itself by destroying everything inside it.”

“Which is funny because that means some of you will stop having noses and turn flat like a pancake,” Immortal laughed. “Then the sky turns upside down and you’re breathing underwater.” 

“Not funny,” Paradox growled, displeased by Immortal’s side comment. “If I have to clean up another mess you made one more time, I’m leaving you here.”

“That’s cruel,” Immortal chuckled. “Anyway, it’s impossible to get everyone here.” He stopped smiling and leaned his head back. His eyes turned glassy and his voice became quieter, “I haven’t seen Elesis in weeks and I’m not sure where Lu and Ciel went.”

Herrscher exchanged a dark look to Paradox, who averted his gaze and feigned a yawn of disinterest. The time traveler’s face relaxed, but the rest of his body was tense and his shoulders rose to the mentions of Bloody Queen. Restless and unable to remain idle in the wake of the El’s instability, she disappeared one night with a cryptic note that spoke little of her whereabouts. Immortal shrugged it off as his sister leaving with good intentions, but Herrscher had come to understand that he was doing what humans called a facade. Their leader was pretending that he wasn’t bothered by his sister having gone missing. 

Iblis and Anular’s presence was as erratic as Paradox, coming and going whenever Immortal and his friends were fighting bigger monsters and demons. Anular was nothing more than a shadow of his former self, silently following his master without raising his voice. He was what Herrscher was if he still had devotion for his creator. There was nothing but the void to answer his calls. 

“Why did you look for me?” Paradox asked. 

“Can’t a guy call his friend when he misses him?” Immortal feigned a hurt expression. 

His eyes grew bigger in what he called ‘puppy eyes’. Herrscher didn’t see the resemblance because Immortal wasn’t a canine with ears and a tail. However, it was a human expression used when the late Sieghart wanted something from the person he was talking to.   

“Spare me the excuses.” Paradox rolled his eyes.

“Fine, you’re no fun.” Immortal dropped the farce and snorted, “We tried to get back into the Demon Realm, but got lost because we don’t have the right coordinates. So we went to look for you since that’s your thing.” 

“And if I say no?”   

“Then we’ll be stuck here to annoy you until you help us,” Immortal said with a lazy grin. 

Light flashed around Paradox. His limbs elongated into thin lanky appendages and his hair reached to his ankles. As an adult, he was almost a head taller than Immortal. He looked down at the redhead and crossed his arms as the two of them engaged in a staring contest.  

“Tada~ Raven and I are finally here!” A small shadow appeared with one hand on their hip and flashing a victory pose. “Sorry to keep you waiting ♥.” 

“There were more demons than we anticipated,” Nova Imperator apologized. Dressed in black and red, the former leader of the Black Crows carried a heavy blade over his shoulder with a Nasod arm. Towering over Metamorphy, he made quiet footsteps and always placed care in his words. 

“I knew they didn’t come without you,” Paradox continued leering at their leader.

“Hey, don’t ignore a girl when she talks to you!” Metamorphy growled. Walking between the two men, she had to tilt her head back to glower at Paradox. She jabbed a glove finger into his chest where the glowing core was. “Do you know how long it took us to figure out which dimension you were in?”

“Yes, yes, Elbrat told me.” Paradox rolled his eyes again. “And I suppose you’re going to say I messed up this dimension too.” 

“Yes, you did!” She waved her arm in reference to the corrupted sky, “Look at it, it’s tearing itself apart!”

Ms. Magical Girl was correct with the sky breaking up like the static of primitive human devices Immortal once found under wreckage in Altera. Deep shades of red and violet cracked beneath the sea of blue, giving a crackled effect from the shards created by Paradox portals. Herrscher had visited many dimensions, but seeing structures of the current one become undone reminded him of Henir.   

“That’s flattering, but not everything is my fault.” Paradox cackled, “I’m not the one bringing over extra people to break the dimension further.”

“So it’s my fault because he wouldn’t stop asking me where you went?” Metamorphy gestured to Immortal. “He kept saying ‘Add would help!’ and now you’re acting smart with me?” 

“I’m already smart,” the man smirked. 

Metamorphy screamed. 

“Aisha, no!” Immortal fought to pull the staff away from Metamorphy. “You can’t hit our ride home!” 

The magical girl held her staff high with both hands like a baseball bat, tilting it to one side and aiming for Paradox. She lost her balance and fell headfirst into the ground when Immortal wrestled to stop her. 

“It’s always ‘Aisha, take us to Elrios’, ‘Aisha, we need to get to the Demon Realm’. We looked for this guy because you asked nicely,” Metamorphy sat up and dusted herself. “I’m the only one who can do that because this brat only shows up when he feels like it. Ain only does it when Elsword tells him to.” 

“That’s why I need you to stop fighting long enough so we can get home.” Immortal let out an exasperated sigh, “I don’t need us to break another dimension.” 

“Another?” Blade repeated. 

“It must be confusing and overwhelming to see all of us,” Nova slapped his hand over Paradox’s shoulder. “Hope our lost cat didn’t give you trouble. How many of you are there?” 

Paradox scowled; he shoved Nova’s hand aside and hissed in being compared to a small animal. Even in his adult form, he appeared shorter than his actual height with his head lowered and having a crouched back. His tails twitched and coiled against his thigh like an angry feline. 

Unoffended by the time traveler’s rejection, Nova exchanged a sheepish smile to Blade’s wary one.   

“Twenty-four. He kidnapped one of our friends,” Blade said without tact.   

Herrscher heard footsteps from behind them. There were many of them. It sounded like there were at least half a dozen of them. A deep frown indented into Herrscher’s features, unable to recognize the sound of the strangers’ footsteps. They belonged to people he had not met before. They must be the people Daybreaker coaxed Richter into alerting about their presence.

“They’re here,” Herrscher said. 

A man stormed into their circle with a wild look in his eyes, his face identical to Paradox’s. Having a set of Nasods circling around the scientist, Dominator walked around half-dressed with bed hair and his jacket sliding down one shoulder. The sleep-deprived scientist ignored Herrscher’s presence but gawked at Paradox, recognizing his own face in a mix of awe and disgust.   

“There’s five of them now?” Dominator stopped to catch his breath. 

“You’re already out of breath? You don’t look like you’re used to doing more than lifting a pen.” Empire observed Immortal’s friends bickering, “They all look and act so different.” 

“We arrived as soon as we heard from Richter about new people coming,” Crusader was behind Dominator. “Has there been any conflict?” 

“No,” Blade shook his head. “It looks like they’re here to take back Paradox. They came here with the help of their Aisha and Ain. Those two seem to have control over dimension and space.” 

Eyes turned to Herrscher, who was standing as still as the dead trees the Dark Elves used to make their bows at the edge of Varnimyr. Not as talkative as his teammates, Herrscher was one to let others discuss what was needed to fulfill their needs. There was little to be added to the conversation when they could continue talking without him. 

“You’re Ain?” Empire stared. 

“Yes,” Herrscher said. “Is there something you want to address with me?”

“N-no,” she waved both hands and shook her head.  

Queen’s alternate momentarily lost her composure and gawked at the celestial. Herrscher didn’t mind the stares, but the captain of the Velder Knights did. Forcing her eyes away, Empire turned her head and faked a cough. Her face tinged pink from the blood rushing up to her cheeks as she mumbled an apology for her rudeness. Herrscher never would have seen such a display of emotions from Immortal’s sister.   

“Their team has three people with dimensional powers?” Dominator frowned.  

“Other members of the party are on their way,” Ultimate reported. The Nasod queen of destruction gazed at Paradox’s adult form, analyzing the time traveler’s machines and processing the data from the rest of the third El Search Party. “Rena said it was urgent.” 

“She makes it sound scarier than it actually is,” Crusader chuckled. “It’s like a giant union party. I didn’t think more people would show up.” 

“Let’s hope there aren’t more,” Dominator had a dark expression. “According to Dynamo, we’re pushing this dimension at its limits.” 

“Who’s fault was that?” Blade deadpanned. 

“Are you placing the blame on me?” Dominator feigned a surprised gasp. 

“Yes,” Ultimate and Blade said.   

Worn down with heavy eyelids, the former mercenary rested his human arm over the base of his blade. He, the elf, and Ishmael’s idol were on watch and patrol when Herrscher found them by Immortal’s orders. Their whispers reached into the depths of the woods where Herrscher overheard their conversation. Relaxed and without concern for the dangerous world around them, Daybreaker and Richter’s conversion reminded Herrscher of a more innocent time. When Herrscher first met Twilight and was curious about her upbringing in an elven village, before he lost sight of the Goddess and could no longer hear her. 

“Then who was the one who kidnapped Elbrat and made us go on this mad chase?” Dominator huffed. 

“We can blame each other all day, but that’s beside the point.” Empire said, “Look, I know our actions have made us look bad.” 

“Taking Elsword hostage increased our stay and the likelihood of the dimension becoming unstable,” Ultimate stated. 

“Taking hostage?” Crusader laughed nervously, “Those are strong words, Ultimate.” 

“I know,” she said. 

“Yes, that.” Empire agreed, “but we cornered Paradox. My brother said he could control time and space. Can’t he return everyone back to their dimensions and reset everything? That should reverse the damage, right?” 

“Can you do that?” Metamorphy looked at Paradox. 

“If that was the case, then I wouldn’t be here,”the time traveler said.  

There were two instances Paradox left an impression on Herrscher. When they first met, Paradox was known as Diabolic Esper and caused a wreckage in Hamel to rescue their leader. The second time was when Paradox returned from the Forgotten Elrian Sanctum, laughing and crying about how he couldn’t save Her. Despite having powers beyond human technology, Paradox rarely smiled.      

“That brings us back to the drawing board,” Crusader groaned. 

“I should have known at least one version of myself would actually attempt time travel after talking to the meathead.” Dominator paused, “Wait. Why are you smiling at me?” 

“Did you enjoy my present?” Teeth exposed, Paradox bared a wide grin. “It was sad seeing you try so hard to jump dimensions.”  

Dominator fumed. 

“You made us enter the wrong dimension?” Blade asked. 

“He made those coordinates, not me.” Paradox shrugged, “I just gave the device a power boost.” 

“What were you doing in their dimension?” Nova asked. 

Paradox giggled for an answer. 

“If we don’t act quickly, things will get worse.” Empire looked to Metamorphy for answers, “Isn’t there something we can do? We told the El Masters we would retrieve the Dark El, but we also promised to protect the people that live here.”  

“Protecting demons? How chivalrous and unlike you,” Metamorphy said with a coy smile. “There’s one person who might be able to fix your problem. Perhaps we can ask for his help, right, Add?” 

Paradox hissed. 

“Who is it?” Immortal asked. 

“Why are you acting like you don’t know?” Metamorphy shook him by the shoulders, “You’re pretending to be funny, right?” 

“Actually…” Immortal scratched the base of his neck with a sheepish laugh. 

“Dimension has reached its capacity,” Ultimate interrupted the two. “We have fifty-nine minutes and fifty-nine seconds to evacuate and resolve the issue before this dimension disintegrates.” 

“This can’t be good,” Nova sighed. 

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Nova Imperator

Crimson bled into the deeper indigos, casting away the night and molten light peering past the dusted clouds. Wind picked up loose strands of Nova’s hastily done ponytail. Portals cracked split the skies into smaller fragments, crystals forming around the edges like the ones created by Paradox. Fireballs escaped from portals and crashed at their feet, sending seismic waves through the ground. An unsettling feeling rose from the pit of his stomach as the former mercenary shielded his eyes.  

Empire drew her blade and stabbed it into the ground for stability. The captain knight held her ground with gritted teeth. She kneeled down and clamped her eyes shut from the brightness of 

the fireballs. Crusader mouthed unheard words over the chaos, reaching out to check on his teammate. 

Smoke and fire lingered in the air when the shaking stopped. The fireballs ceased but Nova knew that wasn’t the end of it. The earthquake opened to be brimming with agate and crystals from the Shadow Vein nearby. It wouldn’t be long before demons show up in the wake of the dimension’s demise.      

“We need to evacuate everyone,” Nova shouted to his teammates over the chaos. 

“There’s twenty-four of them and five of us,” Metamorphy did a quick headcount. “Three of us can take them to a safe place where time and space won’t be affected by all of us existing. This means…” 

“Ten people for each of us,” Paradox said. “One of us will only have nine people including ourselves. You two already have the coordinates. I won’t waste time explaining something you two already know.”

For once, Herrscher and Metamorphy didn’t stop to argue the time traveler. Paradox wasn’t an easy person to work with, but was the most familiar with traveling between dimensions. Delaying their evacuation could spell the end for all of them. 

“We’re going as smaller groups to find your friends,” Metamorphy explained to the strangers. “Once everyone in our groups are here, we’ll be taking you to a safe place. Why don’t you and Eve come with me?”

His concern mirrored Nova’s. A man who rarely raised his voice, Blade was more comfortable letting others talk while he processed their words. He wore a permanent frown and wasn’t quick to trust, putting thought before he spoke and asking questions before making final decisions.     

Ultimate assessed the offer. Examining the new El Search Party with mild interest, Nova caught a faint smile at the edge of her lips. The simple gesture was a reminder that she was sentient and alive, a contrast from the Eve that went by the name Code: Sariel.     

“I will join,” Ultimate said after an uncomfortable moment of silence. It was Moby who beeped, bouncing up and down midair in agreement to the Nasod Queen’s decision. “Do you want me to notify the two El Search Parties about the new arrangement?” 

“That would be great!” Immortal beamed, “Add will tell you where to meet up and how to split the groups.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Paradox scowled, but pulled out a set of screens to type in the locations and details to send over to Ultimate. “Will this be enough?”

Ultimate didn’t answer immediately. A small ping caused her eyes to briefly light up as the Nasod queen scanned Paradox’s message. With a small nod, her lips quivered as she drafted a message to send to the two El Search parties. Remy beeped once as Ultimate promptly dispatched the memo. 

“Thank you, Add.” Ultimate closed her eyes. “We will be meeting them in our respected groups.”

“Hey, you.” Paradox waved his arm over to Dominator. “Edgy brat and the mouse will be with us.” 

“I’m edgy?” Immortal looked pleased at what was meant to be an insult. 

“Why am I a mouse?” Crusader asked. 

“I have a name!” Dominator exclaimed. 

Nova had trust that Paradox would stop the group of four from sidetracking. The time traveler was more goal-oriented than Immortal, who sometimes liked to stop and smell the roses. Eye shadows formed under his eyes, likely from lack of sleep and from the amount of energy required in dimensional traveling. The excessive portals in the sky reminded Nova of the man’s antics. He was happy to see Paradox being cooperative with their plan of escape, although the time traveler often took their orders as mere suggestions. 

“Is there something you wanted to say to me?” Paradox looked at Nova with suspicion. “Did the brat bring you here to convince me to stay with you losers?”    

“Something like that,” Nova laughed. “Good to see we caught up to you before you left. Ain and I were starting to think we wouldn’t find you.” 

“I doubt that,” Paradox said. “Am I really worth that effort?”

“Worth it or not, I’m happy to see you will be helping us in evacuating the people we have involved ourselves with.” Nova remarked.   

“Yeah, I’m a wonderful person.” Paradox rolled his eyes. “That leaves you with the rest.”

“I’m fine having Ain and Elesis join me,” Nova looked to Herrscher and Empire. “Do you mind?”

Herrscher shook his head. 

“We just met, but I will trust you because my teammates do.” Empire agreed.   

Before they left, Nova and Immortal made sure they all had the details sent to them by Ultimate based on Paradox’s coordinates. There wasn’t much time before the worse was to come. With little else left to say, Nova made eye contact with the remaining members of the opposing party before parting ways. He had to hope that all of them would act fast enough to avoid premature death. It won’t be long before demons are triggered by the increase of energy coming from the portals.

They headed to the eastern side of the main camp. The sun was starting to sink lower into the horizon when they made their way over with time to spare. Herrscher moved silently beside Nova with no word coming from the abyssal being, a single eye glued to the ground. Empire was more apprehensive, dashing forward with an alert eye over her shoulder with one hand ready to pull out her claymore. 

“We’re about five minutes away from our destination,” Nova announced. He slowed himself into a light jog to check the map again. This part of the Demon Realm was similar to the one he and his friends had visited in the past, albeit the falling sky and crumbling dimension.

“Did Paradox make your communicators too?” Empire asked. She showed interest in the devices he and Herrscher possessed. 

Designed as an earpiece, each was individually designed to fit comfortably into their owners’ ears. Each device was pristine white with its edges bordered in thin lines of black and pink. Light glowed from its centered blue core marked by a gold trim. With the newest updates, it was able to pick up signals as long as each member was within a short radius.    

“No,” Nova said. “Eve did.” 

The ground shook. A group of Shadow Drillers emerged from the caverns of the Shadow Vein, scurrying out on their fours and shrieking. Dozens trampled over each other as they struggled to run away from the chaos of the shaking earth. One stepped over another’s tail and snarled. Their cries enraged the rest of the group. One of them made eye contact with Nova and charged.

“Not good,” Nova crossed his blade with a Shadow Driller skull bashing into the base. 

“They think we’re the cause of this?” Empire whipped out her claymore. “They’re agitated!”  

“Not my concern,” Herrscher said. Pulling his scythe from behind, he produced a white sharpened edge. Dark clouds formed as he suctioned the demons inward to immobilize the frenzied crowd. Black blood squirted out from where Herrscher marked them. 

Nova wrestled for control of his blade from a trio of the shadow monsters lunging after his weapon. Flames burst from his Nasod arm to ward off the rest of the Shadow Drillers. Dashing inward, he coated his blade with fire. The demons cried from the intense heat and lashed back.    

Red sparks flew from Empire’s blade. She threw herself to the side from a demon curling itself into a ball and rolling out to the red knight.  It fired hardened spikes out from the sharp stubs on its body. Empire hissed in pain and let out a warrior cry. Her blade lit up red and gold as she spun around. Demon bodies were tossed into the air and Empire struck through their bodies before they could hit the floor.

Sweat collected at his forehead and energy concentrated from the core of his Nasod arm. Sparks flared from his fingertips. Heat rose and fanned the back of his hair. Flames ignited and burned the demons down, rising higher. Another source of fire exploded from the sides. That wasn’t his flame. A fire demon?    

“Sword Fire!” A red-haired man stepped into the flames. He pulled out a great blade and swiped at the masses. 

Red runes with the fire insignia became visible in the air. Nova and the demons looked up at the curiosity. The runes glowed a brilliant light before imploding onto their targets, setting the shadow monsters into ablaze. The demons scattered in the surprise ambush, bumping into one another in their attempt to escape. 

“Supreme Punishment!” Two figures appeared together. 

The enemy was cornered by larger demons summoned by blue flames. The Shadow Drillers and the Shadow Guards whimpered when they were tossed aside. Their eyes glowered at being outnumbered and sank back into the shadows. 

“How anticlimactic,” Timoria yawned and pointed to the brawler on her right. “It’s his fault we showed up late. You were the last to wake up.” 

“How is it my fault?” Bringer twitched, “You took forever to pack when the elf woke you up first!” 

“Lu, it’s too early to argue over something so trivial.” Abysser sighed, “Can’t you take this argument later when we’re evacuated?” 

“Sorry to keep you guys waiting!” Rune grinned, “Hope we weren’t being an inconvenience!” 

“Is everyone all right?” Daybreaker rushed over to inspect the burns on Nova’s arm. “You should get that checked! You’re losing blood!”

“I’ll heal him,” Bluhen said with an easy smile. 

“The dimension will collapse soon,” Herrscher started. 

“We are not leaving,” Daybreaker snapped. 

Her pale face illuminated under the moon to show the shadow under her eyes. She glared at Herrscher as if challenging the abyssal being to ignore her. Herrscher had a cool expression and lowered his scythe. Nova mouthed a thanks for Herrscher to see. This Rena wasn’t Twilight, but her words still had bite if tempered enough. 

In contrast to Herrscher, Bluhen was if someone took the abyssal dweller’s color scheme and saturated it by several shades. Bluhen’s face was framed by bright green eyes and gray feathered hair. Carrying a mischievous smile, there was no weight in his steps as he blasted away the remaining demons before hopping over to Empire with his hands behind his back. 

Taking the former mercenary’s injured arm, Bluhen produced a water bottle to clean his wound. Angry red flashed across Nova’s skin. The familiar pain hissed through his pores as Bluhen applied pressure into his wound. Dense light sang through his skin and Nova felt a jolt of energy travel through his body. When he opened his eyes, the wound had closed and appeared to be a few days old. Bluhen didn’t break a sweat. Impressed by the healing magic, Nova commended the priest and thanked him with a curt nod.  

“You’re lucky there’s a healer,” Bringer said. 

Nova looked up from where he sat to see a set of narrowed eyes. The brawler crossed his arms with a haughty look on his face. This was Add? Lacking the black sclera, Bringer made himself appear bigger by standing with a straight back and had more color in his complexion than Paradox.  

“You don’t need to make everything sound like a vague threat,” Empire facepalmed.

“No, he’s right.” Bluhen agreed. “They would have lost the fight because they were outnumbered and outpowered.” 

Bringer gawked at the priest, surprised by Bluhen’s response but said nothing. He blinked a lot and coughed to cover his embarrassment. Placing a hand over his mouth, Nova could see Bluhen fighting back a smile.  

“Of course, I’m right.” Bringer boasted.  

“It’s good to see you had no trouble finding us,” Nova said. He hid his bemusement in the silent exchange between the two. “We’ll be leaving once my friend completes the preparations.”   

Bluhen lifted Nova’s arm up, applying pressure again to the previously injured joints to check for broken bones he may have missed. Pleased with the results, he offered Nova an elixir often used for soldiers suffering heavy blood loss. Judging by the panicked look in Empire’s face and Daybreaker’s reaction, his injuries must have been concerning for the group to halt everything. Nova accepted the elixir, popped open the flask, and chugged it in one gulp. He focused on the bitter taste from the berries used to make it. 

“He drank it all?” Rune’s jaw dropped. 

Herrscher floated over to Nova, ignoring the stares from the strangers as he pulled out his scythe. People stepped back, raising their weapons before Nova shook his head and waved his Nasod arm. 

“He’s going to open a rift for us,” Nova explained. “I’ll stay at the end to make sure everyone makes it to the other side. There isn’t much time before it closes, so we’ll have to be quick.”  

Bluhen’s eyes fell over to Herrscher with interest. The priest had his hands clasped together as he carefully studied the celestial. It was a shame their stay was temporary. None of the differences will matter at the end of the day unless Metamorphy was willing to do more interdimensional traveling.     

“Richtie told me about you,” Bluhen said without looking up. He saw Herrscher’s confusion and explained, “The one who tried to kill you.” 

“Celestials don’t die,” Herrscher said. “I’m not as human as you.”

“Then why do you help them?” Bluhen asked. 

“Elsword told me to.” 

“I see.” Bluhen’s pleasant smile wavered, visibly disturbed by Herrscher’s indifference. More questions threatened to roll off his tongue, but instead turned to Nova, “Everything is healed. Don’t strain that arm for at least a few days.” 

“Thank you,” Daybreaker said. “Will this world be destroyed?”

“I don’t know,” Nova admitted. “But we’ll do everything we can to make sure everyone makes it out of this.” 

Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, Daybreaker crossed her legs and ran a finger over her bow. The resemblance between her and Twilight was strong in the way she looked past Nova’s relaxed smile. 

Swinging his scythe to the side, Herrscher dragged the sharp blade from across. Green light shone as he ripped into the hems of space to cut open a thin line. Pulling back, Herrscher forced a portal open to reveal a dark void looming back at the abyssal being. The opening was big enough for a person to walk through. 

“The portal won’t remain open for long. ” Herrscher said. “Elsword, you should go first.” 

“Go ahead,” Empire nodded to Rune. “We’ll be right behind you.” 

Everyone gathered and filed into a line with Rune at the front. Winking to his teammates, Rune turned around to walk through the portal. In a flash, the redhead had disappeared before being followed by his sister and the rest behind them. Nova was left with Herrscher maintaining the portal. The celestial remained still.  

“Do you think there really is a way to undo this mess?” Nova surveyed the damage caused by Paradox. 

Herrscher replied, “That is not my concern.” 

“I would be surprised if it was,” Nova chuckled. “We should join them before they worry about us.” 

Herrscher nodded. 

Walking past the lines that blurred between different dimensions, Nova’s vision went black. His surroundings vanished as he was joined by Herrscher beside him. They had to hope that their teammates were as lucky as them in escorting the other El Search Parties. It wouldn’t be long before they learned if their plan was a success. 

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

Mad Paradox

Being the generous person he was, Paradox agreed to go with the edgy brat’s plan. What else was there to do with a dimension threatening to burst open from the insides? Not that it was his intention. If he wanted to wreck a dimension, there were more efficient (and better) ways to do it. 

There was no benefit out of destroying the current one where Knight and his… friends resided in because they probably wouldn’t even notice until it was too late. What was the fun in that? Watching Knight squirm from demons was enough entertainment for the time traveler, but alas, that came to an early end. He wasn’t going to pit himself against a mob of adventurers over one boy. 

A loud crack snapped from behind Paradox. Gravity pulled him in and the man fell through the portal he had created, landing neatly on his twos and balancing on Dynamo to support his weight. The screams of full-grown men followed coming from Immortal, Crusader, and Dominator crashing at his feet.    

“Your cannon is on my foot!” Immortal shouted. 

“I’m sorry!” Crusader pulled the oversized weapon away from the researcher. 

“Both of you are too heavy!” Dominator complained. 

How could those three make so much noise when they were the only ones here? Paradox hopped off Dynamo to watch the three idiots fumble around. Crushed by Crusader and Immortal, Dominator came out at the bottom of the pile. He waved one arm to grab onto Crusader’s cannon and glare at the blond. The guardian of Hamel scratched the back of his neck with a feeble smile. 

Immortal sat on top of the two with one leg over the other. He screamed when Dominator sat up and had Dynamo nudge the sword user away. Waving his arms around, Immortal hopped around before falling over Crusader. Both men howled in pain because one jabbed an armored elbow into the other’s stomach. 

“If you’re done, would you like to stand up so I don’t look like a fool when the other brats are here?” Paradox drawled.  

“Why couldn’t you just portal us then go back to rescue the others?” Crusader asked. Pulling one knee up, he got up on his feet with his Destroyer over one shoulder. 

“I’m not doing more work than I need to,” Paradox scoffed. 

A set of eyes landed on Paradox. Their gaze fixed onto the back of his head as he gingerly flicked a piece of dirt off his plugsuit. He knew whose eyes they were. Who else would it be? Paradox had lost track of the number of times this similar scenario had occurred, too many times for it to bother him. He was reluctant to admit that he missed the novelty of discovering alternate dimensions when the other El Search Parties marveled over their counterparts.   

Grumbling to himself about being dogpiled by heavy people, Dominator was busy patting the dust off his clothes. He Dynamo was a set of magenta-colored cubes, blinking light as they floated beside the scientist. Looking at Dominator was blinding. Dressed in a white suit with lilac and gold accents, his appearance and behavior was exactly how Paradox remembered. How could someone wear so much white? 

“Can I help you?” Paradox tried not to laugh when their eyes met.

The time traveler recognized the stare he was receiving from Dominator. It was the analytical gaze, fighting to make use of every bit of knowledge the researcher had about Nasods and time travel to understand Paradox’s existence. He knew a part of his shoulder chipped every few minutes or so. Not even the heaviest jacket could hide that because it also disappeared with the rest of his body if he wasn’t paying attention. 

“Does it exhaust your energy to maintain two forms?” Dominator asked. 

Of course Dominator would want to know. Paradox wasn’t fazed by the intrusive question, tucking his limbs inward and gloved hands over his knees while sitting on Dynamo. Crusader and Immortal exchanged questioning looks to each other, debating to themselves whether or not to join. The guardian of Hamel chose to sit on the ground while Immortal leaned back against one of his swords planted in the rough terrain. Dominator remained standing, ignoring Dynamo nudging the scientist to sit down. 

“No,” Paradox laughed. This Dominator was faster about asking personal questions than the last one. “I simply choose to be one form more than the other.” 

It was easier to conserve energy by investing in one form than the other. He often opted for the child form for its utility but preferred his adult form when given the chance.  

“And this is all done with Nasods?” Dominator asked. 

“This is beyond technology and science,” Paradox said. “Having second thoughts about time traveling, Domi?” 

“Domi?” Crusader covered his mouth mid-yawn. 

“No,” Dominator stiffened. Good, then Dominator must have done the calculations to realize that genuine time traveling to their past wasn’t possible. The scientist crossed his arms and looked over to Dynamo in deep thought. “That’s not my current goal.” 

At least one of them was the sensible one with realistic goals. 

“Why would you waste your time dealing with us?” Dominator asked. 

“Would you prefer to stay and become an inverted donut?” Paradox drawled. “It’ll be over before you can even think about it, but fun to watch.”

“A donut?” Crusader squeaked. 

“An inverted one,” Immortal said unhelpfully. 

Paradox grinned. 

Making the El Search Party squirm never became old, unless it was the transformation path. Then it became a hassle because none of them took Paradox seriously or laughed with him. He fought the urge to roll his eyes about his teammates, or whatever they were. Teammates was a loose interpretation of his relationship with the people he sometimes chose to involve himself with when wandering through time and space was getting dull.   

Dominator was less affected by Paradox’s threat and rubbed his chin, likely musing over his words and rendering its meaning. The scientist was never one to take words at the surface level. None of the Adds did, but Dominator liked to tread over his thoughts and actions before settling on one. 

“You’ve gone through many timelines to be familiar with what happens when you mess with time and space,” Dominator stated. 

Perceptive as always, Paradox rested his head back. He couldn’t expect less from his counterpart’s intuitive eye.

“Then it shouldn’t be a surprise that you’re not the first Dominator I’ve met.” Paradox winked, “Did you say hi to Doom Doom for me?” 

A small noise of discontent came from Dominator. ‘Cat’ came to mind when Dominator tucked his arms over his lap and mumbled something about a meathead. Dominator waved away Dynamo bouncing against the side of the scientist’s head.    

“How did you know about that nickname?” Crusader asked.

“As I said, this is not the first time I’ve met you.” Paradox said. 

Observant, but still reactive to the unknown. It was too easy to spook his alternate, Paradox giggled. He knew it was easy to scare Crusader too if he was in the mood to test how jittery the guardian of Hamel was. Better not push them to the edge so early when the rest of the party hasn’t arrived yet. They were waiting for six more before departing to the next world. 

“How did you learn to control portals?” Crusader asked. 

Paradox continued smiling, showing his sharp teeth for an answer. The question in itself didn’t bother him, but the number of times and how it was a different person from each dimension asking the question did. He lost track of how many times a person asked the big old question as if he was obligated to retell them his sob story. It reopened old wounds to form new ones on his visible failures to save Mother. They didn’t need to know about her or why he was partially stuck with the form of a child. 

Immortal forced a laugh. The sword wielder raised one arm and smacked Crusader’s back with enough force to make the blond straighten his posture. 

“No need to fuss about the details,” the sword wielder beamed. “You can forget about us once this is sorted out!” 

“How can we forget about you and the other people we’ve met?” Crusader said, “Everyone is so different from their other selves, but it helps cover all our weaknesses in the things we usually can’t do. I know it’s best that we all return to where we came from, but I think it would help if we were to learn from each other before we leave.” 

“That’s for the man to decide,” Immortal shrugged. “As you may know, we’re not meant to be together without threatening our worlds.” 

“Are you talking about Paradox?” Crusader was confused. 

His question was thankfully interrupted by the sound of a woman screaming. Good, no more questions from the brats! Crusader was almost as bad as Dominator about asking questions and Immortal was no help warding them off his back. Continuing to lean back in a pose he claimed was ‘cool’ and feigning an innocent smile made it clear that Immortal was enjoying seeing the time traveler gain the spotlight.   

Immortal and Crusader rushed over to see a young woman at the bottom of a steep hill. She was lying on the floor with her legs comically sticking up in the air. Her white gown hung her body like tissue paper and her face was bruised by her poor landing. 

“Are you okay?” Flame frantically went over to check on Apsara. There were five other strangers with the Flame Lord with different reactions to their fallen teammate.  

“I warned her about the hill and she still fell,” Oz sighed. 

“Is this the feeling humans call disappointed?” Esencia asked. 

“That’s a strong word to use,” Crusader sweatdropped.  

“Can you feel your fingers?” Anemos asked. 

“I can feel them fine!” Apsara sat up and pouted. Her eyes lightened up when she saw Crusader, “Chung! Are these the people who will be helping us?”

“You mean Paradox and Immortal?” Crusader asked. “I think so. We can leave once everyone is here, right?” 

This wasn’t a party of adventurers, it was a mob. There were still a lot of people even after splitting them into three groups. It wasn’t there was a fourth person who could consistently transport multiple people to another dimension. 

“Thank you for helping us,” Rage said. He was a masculine man, whose armor barely covered his body and was recognized by the grotesque Nasod arm. The arm was a living organism that breathed in unison with its host.   

“Sure,” Paradox said. His muscles tensed in response to the El Search Party’s gratitude and reliance on him. 

“What took you so long?” Dominator asked. 

“We got lost,” Oz said. “Even with Escencia, it isn’t an easy map to read when the landmass is shifting.” 

“That’s because of all you extras,” Paradox snarked.  

“Which will be fixed soon,” Immortal added while glaring at him. 

“How can you say that with so much confidence?” Anemos asked. “Will this plan restore what has been lost?” 

“There’s no need to fight,” Apsara protested. “They’re offering to help us. Isn’t that enough? I’m sure more will be explained once we’re in a safer place.” 

“Since we are the cause of the world becoming unstable, removing ourselves would be the first step to repairing the damage.” Escencia said, “There’s no need in delaying our departure.” 

“Then a neutral zone where all of us can exist is the best place to be?” Flame asks. 

“Try not to throw us to the side or upside down this time,” Dominator waved his hand. “Some of us get motion sick.” 

Paradox made a note to absolutely open a portal flipped upside down. His smile made Dominator turn paler than he already was. The scientist sweated when Paradox opened his mouth to show pointed teeth. Black saliva dripped from his mouth and cackled when Dominator screamed.  

“Enough, already!” Immortal lost his patience and snapped, “Quit fooling around!” 

Sticking out his tongue, Paradox manipulated Dynamo to give a few twirls before opening a series of portals. They merged into a bigger portal. Its outer edge was formed by time crystals channeled by El resonance. Pink sparks flew dangerously from them, but it wouldn’t be a problem as long as Paradox was still here to control it. 

Turning to grin at the bewildered adventurers, Paradox laughed. No one could understand time and space travel, not even him. Maybe Immortal’s insane plan would work, but he wasn’t one to hold his breath. After all, repairing dimensions was a messy business even Paradox had little experience in. However, Paradox wasn’t going to be the one fixing the mess. That was someone else’s problem. 

As each group member exited into the portal, Paradox closed his eyes. The sky was a ruinous red. Dust and ash from shaken earth were still coming down. It wouldn’t be long before this dimension would see its demise unless that someone could fix it. Well, that wasn’t his problem. The last to leave, Paradox leaped onto Dynamo and flew through the portal, following the screams made by the rest of the El Search Party.  

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

Metamorphy

No amount of glitter and magic was going to resolve Metamorphy’s problem sitting opposite to each other and avoiding eye contact. Knight and Aether arrived at their meeting spot in a shouting match before Furious Blade had to separate them, still shouting to each other as Metamorphy begged them to calm down. Code: Ultimate’s glassy eyes reflected when the queen of destruction said the new members were not part of their original party. 

No matter, that didn’t change the original plan in gathering everyone to fix Paradox’s latest fuck up. Or at the very least mitigate whatever damage was done to the current world to prevent its complete collapse. There was still time. 

The tension in the air was palpable between Knight and Aether. Covered in a thin sheen of dried sweat, Knight had his hands curled into fists over his lap in a quiet fume. Aether was less secretive about it and had her arms crossed, turning her head away from the redhead with a small huff. Her counterpart was cruel in giving Knight the cold shoulders, but Metamorphy also didn’t know what could have caused Aether to give the redhead that type of treatment. 

“Are there more coming?” Blade asked. 

“We’re still waiting on five people,” Metamorphy said.  

The magical girl checked the message sent by Ultimate and forwarded to dozens of other people. As expected from Seraph’s alternate, it was succinct with a set of precise directions and a map leading to the meeting location. They were to meet north of the camping site, still within the range of the canyons surrounding the Shadow Vein. She was expecting the El Search Party to arrive as a group, but Knight said something about Chevalier still packing for the trip. Metamorphy recently received two messages that Herrscher and Paradox had gathered their groups to leave. She didn’t expect her group to be the last one! 

Man, this blows. Metamorphy blew a stray strand of hair hanging over her eyes. Watching herself pretend Knight wasn’t sitting across from her was painful. Placing one finger under her chin and tilting her head to the side in thought, Metamorphy frowned. It looked like it was time for her to interfere before one of them did something stupid out of spite. 

“Hey, do you have any questions you want to ask before we leave?” Metamorphy asked in the most cheerful tone she could without twitching her eyelids. She leaned against Aether and forced a smile, “I’m sure you must have a lot of questions about where we’re going!”

“I would if someone would stop hesitating every time we’re trying to save ourselves.” Aether purposely gave a side-eye to Knight with venom in her voice.   

“It’s not always about us,” Knight lost his temper. “We’re going to leave behind the people we said we were going to help!” 

“You can’t help people if you’re dead,” Aether said. 

“We’ll figure out how to save both of us without abandoning them,” he argued. 

“Like you did when you committed suicide by sacrificing yourself to the El?” She snarked. 

“Is this what it’s about?” Knight growled, “I wasn’t trying to kill myself! It was either me or Elesis. I only wanted to save her and everyone else!” 

“That’s so heroic of you,” Metamorphy feigned a swoon and batted her eyelashes. She tried not to laugh at Knight’s blank look and stiffened posture. The boy was clearly unused to that sort of response. “Giving yourself away because you see little value in yourself over that of something bigger than you.” 

Metamorphy beamed when she felt two pairs of eyes glaring at her and did a little curtsy with her skirt. She knew she had hit a sore spot because Knight clawed his hands over his armor with extra fervor and gritted his teeth. The magical girl could see the wheels turning of Knight fighting back the temptation to snap at a stranger that shared his teammate’s face.  

“Is that what you think he did?” Aether was the first to speak. Good, her attention was directed to someone else than the person she was taking her anger out on for the last twenty minutes. She was looking at Metamorphy as if she was seeing a ghost. 

“Did I get the details right?” Metamorphy asked with an innocent smile. She switched to a darker expression and lowered her intonation into a more sober one, “All Elswords share the same brain cell. Every one of them will do some variation of the same event. Yours isn’t any different than ours.”

“What did your Elsword do?” The Eve called Ultimate asked. Her cold exterior was veiled by concern and curiosity, traits Metamorphy hasn’t seen on Seraph in years. It was saddening to see that most Eves retained their emotions except for the one Metamorphy grew up with.  

“Gave himself away to the El to save his sister,” Metamorphy said. “His sister was saved, but he wasn’t. We were lucky to find his body and pull him back before the El permanently consumed him. The El extended his powers over the Dark El and made him stronger. ” 

“But his sister isn’t here?” Blade noted the use of past tense.

“No one has seen her in weeks,” Metamorphy showed her discomfort. Immortal put on a happy face, but she knew it was all a farce. Pulling the team together was his last attempt to find a purpose in retrieving the El as a guise to relocate Bloody Queen. “We came here looking for Paradox because Immortal wanted everyone together to fight against the new enemy. It didn’t occur to us that there would be more of you.” 

Knight was silent. All of his anger disappeared in place with a solemn smile. He was sympathizing with Immortal, nodding in understanding despite little else being said about the sword user. Metamorphy didn’t have to say more. 

No matter the size of the enemy or new cause, all Elswords saw the importance of gathering as many allies as possible. It made hiding from enemies difficult because of the sheer size of their group, but it gave them an advantage in number. However, with Queen missing in addition to Paradox and the demons appearing sporadically, their current team was standing at eight permanent team members. She knew it broke Immortal’s heart to see it remain relatively small for an adventurer party in comparison to the other paths. 

“No one would be angry at you for leaving,” Metamorphy looked at Knight with a kind expression. “You did what you could to help them. They would have liked you to take care of yourself too.” 

“That’s what Elesis told me too,” Knight said. “I feel like leaving is letting them know I failed.” 

“Failing in what?” Ultimate asked. 

“Helping them from the source of their home being destroyed,” Knight explained. “Someone out there is going to use the Dark El for selfish reasons.” 

“As to be expected,” Blade said. “When something of great power exists, there will always be people seeking for it as they did with the El. I haven’t met these people you speak of, but they have made it to this point on their own before you step foot here. Like you and your friends, they will find a way to make it through today.” 

“Are you saying there might be another way to save the El other than the Dark El?” Knight said. 

“I don’t know,” Blade admitted. Dressed in white, his Nasod arm was structured with balance and weight in mind. His face wasn’t framed in as many scars as Nova’s. “I do believe that you don’t need to sacrifice a part of yourself to help others. No war was won by a single person. It takes a group of dedicated people to make the changes that matter the most to people.” 

“Do you value yourself so lowly?” Aether asked. “Is it because of something we did or say to you? I just wanted you to know that you’re so important to the team. Without you, I don’t think we would have gotten to Velder, let alone to the Demon Realm. Our team would have fallen apart before that.” 

“I know,” Knight said. “I didn’t say anything before, but I’m scared. What if all of this was for nothing? We help the demons, but then there’s no Dark El. Or the Henir cultists found it first. So many things can go wrong…” 

Aether let out a soft laugh. Quiet and melodic, it bounced off the canyon walls surrounding the outside of Shadow Vein. Knight looked up from his lap, confused by her reaction and looking over to Metamorphy for a hint. The magical girl shrugged. 

“We place so much weight on you,” Aether said with a sad smile. “You didn’t have to take the lead, but you always did. With enthusiasm, but then that went away because of all the danger we were always in.” 

“Raven or Elesis should have been the leader,” Knight said. “They have more experience than me. What would a kid like me know?” 

“At eighteen years old, you are no longer a child.” Ultimate said, “but I agree that your current arrangement is not productive for the party. It would be more effective and efficient if you were to make more decisions as a group rather than rely on one person.” 

“Is that something your team does?” Knight asks. “Rune told me about it and I thought it was strange how different even our teams operate.” 

Is that how it worked for these two parties? Metamorphy was interested in hearing more. Every El Search Party had a different setup. Some relied on a single person as their leader, often Elsword unless he was killed or the responsibility was handed over to another person, usually Raven or Elesis. She once met a party led by Ciel. It was… strange and more often involved searching for ingredients for new recipes. Other parties made decisions as a group or focused on a few key members to make important decisions.       

“You don’t have to choose the path others did before you,” Blade said. “I think you of all people know that the most. Choose what works for you so you don’t overwork yourself.” 

“I want to help everyone,” Knight said. “But that isn’t possible, is it?” 

“We’ll help you,” Aether went over to sit next to Knight, leaning against the knight with a bright smile. “Once we’re back together with the others, we can start making decisions as a team.”

“Thanks, Aisha.” Knight smiled back, “You’re not so bad when you’re nice.” 

Aether twitched and threw her staff at the red-haired knight. Folding her arms across her chest, the mage spun around and scowled. So much for a short moment of peace, Metamorphy laughed.  

“Since when wasn’t I nice?” Aether asked. 

“I’m joking, I’m joking!” He held up both hands, “I didn’t mean it like that! I mean you’re cool, uh, thoughtful!”

“I suppose I’ll take that as a compliment,” Aether picked up her staff and pouted. 

“You’re expecting a lot of him to take a hint,” Metamorphy winked at her counterpart. “He doesn’t know, does he?”

“Know what?” Knight asked. 

“Thought so,” Metamorphy smirked. She cupped Knight’s face in between her gloved hands and gushed, “You’re so cute not knowing anything.” 

“Hey!” Aether protested. 

Knight’s face turned into the same color as his hair. 

Metamorphy dropped her hands and jokingly stuck out her tongue to her counterpart. She could see why Paradox was inclined to stay with the two groups. They were so much fun to talk to! She couldn’t wait to tell her teammates about the new people she had met.  

“They’re here,” Ultimate said. Pointing through her line of vision were five silhouettes framed by dark shadows cast by the sun against the granite floor. 

A woman in a black cocktail dress walked beside a man wearing white armor and a blue scarf. Devi was chuckling at something said by Phantom, who was pointing to Metamorphy and making gestures to himself. The cyan colored eyes and hair gave away Richter’s identity in how he kept looking back at the two demons walking behind him.  

Hulling heavy bags were Chevalier and Ishtar. Their eyes shone like stars, lost in their own separate conversation. Metamorphy overheard mentions of food and exotic spices from a faraway land. It was strange to see the demons be talkative over the dreaded silence she more frequently witnessed between Anular and Iblis.  

“There you are!” Metamorphy ran up to them with open arms, “Now we’re ready to take off!” 

“Where are we going?” Richter asked. 

“Will there be demons?” Devi smirked. 

“No demons,” Metamorphy shook her head. “I think you’ve all been to this place. Henir's Time and Space?”

“I see.” Phantom said, “It’s a neutral space because Glave made it so that there can be multiple copies of the same person.”

“You think Glave can fix this?” Chevalier asked. 

“He certainly has the abilities to suggest he can,” Ishtar remarked.  

“After telling us about the corrupted monsters, Glave must have seen some kind of use in us,” Blade said. “It wouldn’t hurt to ask him for help.”  

“Exactly!” Metamophy said, “Besides, I think there’s a way to reset this dimension so that any of the damage done right now will never happen.” 

“How?” Aether asked. 

Metamorphy looked at the nine people entrusted in her hands, knowing fully well that Immortal trusted her in taking them to safety. It was a lot to ask, but she wasn’t ready to give up on these people just yet. Despite the number of dimensions she had visited, she never stayed long enough to see the fates of their denizens. She wanted to see the future of the lively people she had barely talked to.  

“Why, I’m glad you asked!” Metamorphy heard herself speak. She clasped her hands together with a cheerful smile, “It means we’re going to let this dimension collapse on itself!” 

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

Author Notes: When I first drafted the outline for this fic, I imagined it to end by chapter 8. I started this fanfic out of the wish to see all the paths interact in some shape or form. It means a lot to me to see that many people want the same. Everyone’s feedback was encouraging and it helped me keep going. I’m not sure when the next update will occur because of work, but I plan on continuing with the story until the very end. Sorry for the long chapter. 

#elsword #eltag #elsword fanfiction #doppelganger #mywriting #my writing #Elboy #Rena (Elsword) #Aisha (Elsword) #Raven (Elsword) #Eve (Elsword) #Chung (Elsword) #Ara (Elsword) #Elesis (Elsword) #Add (Elsword) #Lu (Elsword) #Ciel (Elsword) #Ain (Elsword)

[padawanton]

what do you think Astra and Alexa would think of the alternate universe Brainys, if they got a chance to meet them?

“Well aren’t you two just a couple of cuties,” the duplicate of their father said as he crouched down to get on eye-level with Astra and Alexa. He was identical to Querl of course, but he had his hair tied back and wore green shades that the twins were sure he didn’t actually need.

“Daddy, why does your AI look so funny,” Astra asked.

“Sweetheart,” Querl said, “this is not an AI hologram, this is my doppelgänger from another universe; I wanted him to meet you two.”

“He still looks funny,” Alexa said.

Querl pursed his lips.

The Other laughed and smiled at Querl, “you have wonderful children, Brainy. I’m really happy for you.”

Querl smiled back at him.

————————

“This doesn’t make any sense,” Alexa said.

“Yeah,” said Astra, addressing their parents who sat in front of them in J’onn’s ship, “you said we were supposed to meet one of Dad’s doppelgängers but all I’m looking at is a vast expanse of nothing where, according to the ship’s coordinates, an Earth should be.”

“What’s going on,” Alexa asked.

Kara and Querl shared a look that said they knew something the girls didn’t. “You’ll see soon enough,” Kara said, smiling at them.

Querl got up and made his way to the back. Astra and Alexa watched as he entered the air-lock and then left the ship. They looked back to the windows and watched as Querl drifted in space, tethered to them by a single cord. He pulled a large, glowing cylinder from his pack, and in an instant, their view was completely engulfed by a planet.

“What the fuck!”

***

“Dad, why did you have a bottled Earth,” Alexa asked, voice trembling.

Querl took a deep breath, dissipating the pit that had formed in his stomach. “After the Crisis event, one of my counterparts that fell through the wormhole managed to bottle his Earth before it was destroyed. He tried to open it on our Earth-“

“That doesn’t sound like a good idea,” Astra said.

“No, it wasn’t. It would’ve destroyed both Earths, but we managed to convince him to bottle himself and allow us to find a safe space to restore his Earth.”

“And you managed to find a universe that just happened to not have an Earth.”

Querl nodded, “correct.”

“Cool,” Astra said, “so, uh, I guess we’re going down there now?”

“That’s the plan,” Querl said.

——————

“Um, good morning,” Astra asked as she and Alexa walked into the kitchen. They expected to see their parents, of course, sitting at the table, quietly sharing coffee before the twins woke up. What they didn’t expect to see was a strange woman sitting between them, not drinking coffee but still chatting softly.

“Good morning, girls,” the woman said, smiling at them.

Astra narrowed her eyes, more so from just waking up than suspicion, “let me guess, you’re one of our dad’s wormhole doppelgängers that ‘lives’ in the Big Brain.”

“Impressive,” the woman said, “how’d you figure that out?”

“Well,” Alexa said, “you’re clearly a coluan.”

“And you’ve got the same dorky jacket as Dad and John Lennon.”

“John Lennon?”

“It’s, uh, what she calls the other Querl,” their father explained.

“Ah. I see.”

“So, what’s up, is there some kind of cosmic emergency that’s so high-stakes that we need help from Brainiacs from other universes,” Astra asked jokingly.

“No,” the female Querl said, “I’m here to spend the day with you girls, get to know you.”

“Huh, okay.”

#mywriting #cyclone-rachel #astra and alexa #brainy #kara danvers #supergirl #au: supergirl and the supergirls #director!brainy

[atths--twice]

Chapter Four 

Erasing the Line

The final chapter into the journey back to each other. It has been a difficult and often sad journey, but they have persevered and now what will the future hold?

November 1998

Scully sighed as they pulled up to Mulder’s apartment, glancing at him as she put the car in park.

“Thanks for the ride,” he said, as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

“Wait, please.”

He turned his head and looked at her, his eyebrows lifting. She could see the small bruise on his face, the one he told her the “other” Scully had given him. Her lips curled up, even though it was not exactly funny.

“Seriously? You’re laughing about this again?” he asked, as he gestured to his face.

“I am not laughing,” she said and shook her head, her eyes wide and innocent.

“The hell you’re not,” he grumbled, shaking his head at her. “I’m hurt and you think it’s funny?”

“When you run off on your own and get yourself in trouble, yeah, I do think it’s a bit funny.”

“Good to know,” he said, giving her the sad puppy eyes. She rolled her eyes and sighed, giving him a look. “Did you want me to wait, just to laugh about the bruise on my face? Again?”

“No, Mulder, that’s not why I wanted you to wait.” He stared at her and waited as she exhaled out of breath.

“You know what? Why don’t you come up? I’m sure whatever you have to say would be better said over a cup of tea.” He smiled and opened his door.

A cup of tea in front of each of them, she took another deep breath and looked at him. He smiled at her, tilting his head to the side. She rolled her eyes again, at the worry he had caused her over the past few days.

“You can’t keep doing this, Mulder,” she said, letting out a breath.

“Scully, this assignment we’re stuck with--”

“I know,” she said. “I know you’re bored. Christ, it’s tedious to say the least. But going off on your own… we are still partners, the last time I checked. We may not have the X-Files, but we still have each other. You… you still have me.”

His eyes widened as he looked at her, his words from so long ago, now spoken back to him. He cleared his throat with a sigh, as he wrapped his hands around his cup of tea.

“Last time we were reassigned, we were separated. And this time, as shitty as this assignment is, literally speaking, at least we're still together,” she said quietly. “You going off on your own and pulling these stunts… they might cost you the chance to one day get the X-Files back. Cost us that chance.” He nodded as he looked down at the table, one finger tracing circles upon the surface.

“You can’t keep going off on your own, Mulder.”

“A ghost ship in the middle of the Bermuda triangle, is hardly your type of thing, Scully,” he said in a low voice, that sent a shiver of desire down her spine.

“Maybe not,” she agreed. “But neither is finding you floating facedown in the middle of the ocean. Nor is running around the bureau trying to find someone to help me with information on your whereabouts.” He looked up and she raised her eyebrows at him.

“I had to leave fast and…”

“Nope,” she said, shaking her head, letting him know that excuse would not cut it. He sighed and she shook her head again.

“You would have told me not to go. Like Puerto Rico,” he said matter-of-factly.

“And look what each place got you: no hard evidence and the beginnings of a shiner. And nearly killed. Until I showed up that is,” she said, with the same matter-of-fact tone. “That alone should be reason enough to make sure I’m there with you; my exquisite company notwithstanding.”

He laughed and she crossed her arms with a smirk on her face. They stared at each other and she felt they had reached an understanding.

Things were a little rocky right then with them. After the lack of hard evidence in relation to Antarctica, the loss of the X-Files, a new superior, and the aforementioned shitty assignments they were currently assigned to work on, they were both snippy with each other at times.

Now though, just them sitting together in his apartment, it felt like old times. His eyes burned into hers and then it felt like old old times, when a look from him would lead to hours spent in bed.

Not wanting to push, knowing they were not quite ready, she stood up and sighed with a smile. He stood as well and they stared at each other for a few seconds longer, before he nodded and she turned to go.

“So, we have an accord?” she asked, standing by the door. “I really don’t like to run around the bureau and make a spectacle of myself. Nor do I really want to chance kissing Skinner in the elevator again.”

“WHAT?!” he demanded, stepping closer to her. “You kissed Skinner?!”

“Yeah, and unless you want to hear about it again, you’ll be sure to not leave me out of your hijinks.” She opened the door and he stuttered behind her.

“When… when you say you… kissed him…”

“What about that sentence did you not understand?”

“Pretty much the whole fucking thing,” he said, crossing his arms and staring at her.

“I don’t know how I can make it any more simple. I kissed Skinner in the elevator.” She crossed her arms and stared at him as she shrugged her shoulders.

“Is that something you do on a normal basis?”

“Not as such. But as I said if some things become routine, then so do other things.”

“Is that right?”

“It’s how we evolve,” she said with another shrug.

He exhaled deep breaths through his nose, staring at her with hard eyes, and she wished she could know exactly what was going on inside of his mind.

“Okay, well I’m gonna get going now. You get some sleep, Mulder. And keep an eye on that bruise, I would hate for it to get worse.” She stepped through the door and into the hallway.

“Why did you kiss him?” he asked quietly and she turned to look at him, his face serious.

“Because he helped me find you,” she stated, without hesitation.

“How did you kiss him?”

“With my lips?”

He tilted his head and exhaled deeply, out of his mouth this time, his jaw clenching when he was finished.

“Do you need a demonstration?”

“I don’t think it would be too much to ask for,” he answered and she took a step closer, watching his eyes dilate and his breathing become ragged.

“Well, you see, I was practically begging anyone for help,” she said, stepping closer and licking her lips. “Skinner, Kersh, Spender… Skinner just happened to get what I needed first.” She put her hands on his chest and he cleared his throat.

“You… you would have kissed… Kersh?”

“Well, I mean, I didn’t plan on kissing Skinner. It just happened.” She slowly grasped his shirt in her hands and he moaned softly. “I was just so happy to get what I needed, what I so desperately wanted, I got carried away.”

“And you… you kissed him like this?” he asked, nodding down at her hands grasping his shirt, and she fought back her laughter at the thought of kissing Skinner with such a slow, sensual approach.

Nope. Never gonna happen. But, Mulder did not need to know that.

Not yet.

“Well, I was very happy.”

“Scully…” he whispered, his breath smelling of tea.

“Yes, I was very happy to learn of your whereabouts… as you were apparently gallivanting around a party ship, with my doppelgänger, in a red satin dress and a fancy hairdo.” She stepped back and he leaned forward, a look of surprise on his face.

“Wha…”

“Mmm-hmm,” she said, stepping back again with a smile, continuing down the hall backwards towards the elevator, her eyes on him the whole way. “I guess we each have a mystery, to which we'll never truly know the answer.” She pushed the down button and as luck would have it, the doors opened immediately. She stepped inside and waved goodbye, staring at his mouth hanging open until the doors closed.

Laughing, as she hit the lobby button, she shook her head, thinking of all the pouting he would now do over the next few days.

The elevator began to slow down, and she looked up, knowing it had not yet arrived in the lobby. Stepping back, she made some space for whoever was waiting to come inside. When the doors opened on the third floor, she was surprised to find Mulder standing there, slightly out of breath.

“What…” Was all she was able to get out, before his lips were on hers in a bruising kiss, as he walked her backwards and pushed her against the elevator wall.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he bent his legs, lifting her as her legs went around his waist. His tongue was exploring her mouth and her fingernails pressing into his neck, when she heard the ding of the elevator, announcing its arrival to the lobby.

He pulled back and lowered her to the floor, straightening his shirt as he stepped back. Running his fingers through his hair, he looked at her, and motioned for her to step out.

Clearing her throat, she smoothed down her own hair, slightly dizzy as she walked past him and out of the elevator, turning to look at him as she exited.

“It better not have been like that,” he said, staring at her with desire in his eyes.

“Similar, but not exactly the same,” she teased, licking and then biting her lips, savoring the taste of his kiss.

“Jesus Christ,” he muttered, shaking his head, his eyes staying on hers as the elevator doors closed.

Laughing, she walked out of the lobby and to her car, knowing he would no longer be forgetting to include her on his little side adventures.

_____________

April 1999

Scully smiled as she watched Mulder talking to the little boy who had been shagging balls for them for the past hour. He was cute, although she wondered about his dated clothing and where his parents were for him to be out late and on his own.

Deciding not to worry about it, she fanned her coat open and closed, trying to cool herself down. She was hot, but by no means was she going to take off her new coat. Mulder had been right, it was expensive.

“Thanks again, Poorboy!” Mulder called as he walked back toward her, grinning widely.

“Sure thing, Mister!” He waved and ran off, seeming to disappear into the night.

“Where is he going?” she asked, looking around to see if she saw anybody else in the area.

“Not entirely sure, to tell you the truth.” He made a worried face at her as he looked over his shoulder.

“You didn’t think to ask why a child was out on his own?” she asked incredulously.

“Umm…”

“Mulder!” She laughed and slapped his arm with a shake of her head.

“Relax, his parents are a couple of fields over. They said to leave the stuff here and they would come get it later, so we’re free to go if you’re ready.” He smiled at her and she looked around, then grinned back, looking him up and down.

“What?” he asked with a chuckle.

“That was seriously it? That was my birthday present?” she asked, waving toward the field. “Or have you got something in the car or hidden on your person?”

“Ohhh… do you want to pat me down to see?” he asked, sticking his arms out wide and wiggling his eyebrows at her.

“No, that’s okay. It would be something small, if it fit inside of your jeans pocket and well, I prefer bigger gifts,” she said with a shrug and a heavy put upon sigh.

She stared at him, watching his face go through a myriad of emotions as he tried to decide what to say to her. She waited, wondering when he was going to get to the joke, but he held his tongue which surprised her.

“Nothing, huh? No quip? No joke about size… of gifts? Nothing?” she teased with a grin and he raised his eyebrows as he smiled mysteriously. “Really?”

“I feel like it doesn’t need to be said, because I know that you enjoy, I mean prefer, big… gifts.” He inclined his head toward her and she laughed.

He picked up his bat and they started to walk to their cars. She took a deep breath of the sweet nighttime spring air and exhaled happily.

“So, it wasn’t a gift-gift, but did you have fun?”

“I did. I liked it. Thank you for the baseball lesson. It was the best one I’ve ever had. The only one I’ve ever had, so the competition isn't very fierce.” He laughed and she winked at him.

“Well, anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed it, because you can’t take it back.”

“Oh? He didn’t keep the receipt?” He bumped her shoulder and they both laughed.

“Jokes aside though, Scully, you’re a natural at baseball.” He grinned and she nodded with a head tilt.

“Huh…” she said, taking her keys from her pocket and holding them in her hand. “It’s almost as though a girl growing up with two brothers, and playing with countless other children on naval bases all over the world, wouldn’t know how to hit a baseball.” His eyes widened and she grinned.

“You… you knew?”

“Mulder, I’m 35 years old. Do you seriously think I’ve never hit a baseball? Never in my life?” He stared at her and she chuckled.

“I… I honestly don’t know what to think. You’re… Jesus, Scully, you’re a puzzle I don’t think I will ever solve,” he said softly, as he shook his head.

“Probably not,” she teased and he laughed. “But won’t it be fun trying?”

“Without question,” he said softly and she nodded with a smile.

Then something shifted and time seemed to slow down. They stared at each other, a silent conversation being spoken between them, the actual words not yet ready to be said.

Things were changing, she could feel it. The words Padgett had said, had been ringing in her head for weeks.

Agent Scully is already in love.

If only Mulder could have heard the way her heart had raced and known the thoughts that had been in her head, or more accurately, were in her head.

If he had been able to know, he would have known how much she loved him, and more importantly, for how long. But she had stayed silent.

They never discussed it. It was pushed aside as were so many other things, though his eyes had silently asked many times. She had wanted to tell him,  but she had also been terrified.

Why was it so hard to say the words out loud? Especially when they both already knew the truth?

The sweet smell of grass began to invade her senses, as the night air cooled her still warm body, and she cleared her throat.

“Well, it might not have been expertly wrapped, or wrapped at all, but it was a lovely gift just the same. Thank you, Mulder.” She grinned and he nodded, though he did not smile, his eyes traveling her face.

She placed her hand on his arm and squeezed gently, and it seemed to wake him up. He shook his head lightly and smiled with a chuckle.

“You’re welcome,” he said and she took a step back. “Next year, I’ll be sure to find you something really good and wrap it in a big box.”

“Oh, no need to wait until next year,”she said, as she stepped to her car. “Christmas will be here before we know it. I also enjoy getting gifts on that day as well.” She smiled as she opened her door and heard his laughter on the breeze.

“Duly noted,” he replied, nodding his head at her.

“Good night, Mulder,” she said, and got in the car. He put his hand up and nodded  again, an adorable smile on his face.

Driving away, she knew how easy it would be to either turn around or surprise him and wait for him at his apartment. Taking a deep breath, she shook her head.

Not yet.

She knew something was coming. A time when all the little signs would finally be enough. __________

January 1, 2000

“Ow!”

“Oh, shut up.”

“I’m injured here, and you’re manhandling me, or womanhandling. Be gentle.” He pouted and she rolled her eyes as she adjusted his sling.

“I’m barely touching you. Stop being such a baby.” He huffed out a breath and she smiled. “There that should be better. I swear they never do it quite right.”

“You mean, they never do it to your standards,” he quipped, wincing a little as he looked down at his arm.

“No, I mean to what I would consider standards acceptable by all doctors,” she said, watching him move his arm to how it was most comfortable for him.

“Yeah, yeah, sure Doc,” he said, looking at her with a half smile.

“You say you want me to be nice and then you get to be sassy?” she said, raising her eyebrows at him. “I’ll just head out then. See you tomorrow.” She stood up and stepped past him, no intentions of leaving yet, but wanting him to think so. The chair scraped behind her as he stood up quickly and she smiled.

“Come on,” he growled and she turned around with a chuckle. He shook his head and sighed.

“It is late though and you took a pain pill. I actually should be going and give you a chance to rest.” She smiled and his face fell.

“Oh. You… you didn’t want… to stay?” he asked, clearing his throat. “I thought… that you might want to stay.”

“Do you want me to stay?”

“Only if you want to stay.” He blinked and pitched forward a little.

There it was, she thought, seeing the heaviness in his eyes.

“I think it might be a good idea for you to go to bed,” she said with a smile, reaching for his arm to help him to the bedroom.

“I’m… I’m okay. Just uh…” He stumbled forward again and she choked back a laugh.

“I know you’re okay. But let’s get you into bed, anyway. Come on.” She tugged on his arm and placed a hand on his back. He bumped into the wall and cursed as she laughed softly again.

“Do you need to use the bathroom?” she asked and he shook his head.

Leading him to the bed, she helped him sit down and took off his shoes. Helping him to lay down, she covered him with the blanket, and he sighed heavily.

“I… I wanted,” he sighed, his eyes already closing. “Scully…”

She waited and watched him, knowing it would not take him long to fall asleep. He was a lightweight when it came to painkillers or any type of narcotics. Considering his size, it always made her laugh when he fell off to dreamland.

“The bigger they are, the harder they fall,” she said quietly, watching his mouth drop open, as he fell into a deep sleep.

Bending and kissing his forehead, she walked out of his room and into the kitchen to grab him a glass of water. Picking up the bottle of painkillers, she brought both into his bedroom and set them on the nightstand. She turned on the bedside light, not wanting him to wake up disoriented in the dark. Kissing him once more, she smiled as she left the apartment and locked the door.

New Year’s Day, she thought as she drove home. Not the true millennium, but try telling that to the non math geeks.

She smiled and then sighed, thinking about the kiss they shared in the hospital; sweet and tentative, like a new beginning.

It had been over a year since their hot and frenzied kiss in the elevator. The one that had her stopping for batteries on the way home, not sure if she had enough at home to calm the arousal he had stirred within her.

A year of lingering gazes, cases that brought them together, literally living together, and ones that pushed them apart. Moments of happiness, fear, worry and sadness. Times when hurtful words were spoken, and though forgiven, still lingered there. Trust questioned and cracked, only to come back stronger, with a quiet energy they both recognized, but did not discuss.

Of course not, she scoffed, shaking her head. Of course we haven’t discussed anything.

Instead, there were days and nights in motel rooms, driving in cars, riding in airplanes, when she ached for him, but said nothing.

The world didn’t end?

His words echoed in her head and she sighed. No. It never had.

The world she had constructed to keep her heart safe, to ignore it as best she could since the morning she left his bed in a quarantine facility. That world had not ended, but carried on around her walled off heart.

So many times, she had pushed him away or denied her feelings, not wanting to create a problem between them, and risk their professional partnership. It hurt to do so, but the alternative, living without him, that felt like the world ending. Her world anyway.

So, she kept her world safe and guarded and it had kept spinning.

But… the times she had laid in his arms, naked and sated from the pleasure he had brought her… that world not ended either. If the world carried on in those moments, and continued carrying on now when she was alone and without him, then what in the goddamn hell was she doing driving home, when her world was behind her, no doubt drooling on his pillow?

“Jesus,” she laughed, shaking her head as she pulled over and turned around, her decision made.

The only decision really.

Dropping her keys on the dining room table, she took off her jacket, leaving it on a dining room chair. Her shoes were dropped beside it and she took off her shirt as she crossed into his bedroom. She shimmied out of her pants and walked over to the bed.

Sure enough, he was out cold, a small spot of drool on his pillow. She smiled at him, knowing that if seeing him slack jawed and drooling made her love him even more, she had made the right decision.

Taking out one of his shirts, she took off her bra, put on the shirt, and laid down beside him. He snorted and she jumped, laughing at herself as she did.

Closing her eyes with a smile, she fell asleep, her dreams peaceful.

Aside from the snorting zombies.

__________

The sun was streaming through the windows when she heard a groan behind her. Turning over, as she blinked her eyes, she saw him holding his arm in his sleep. Glancing at the clock. she saw with some surprise. that it was 8:30.

It had been almost eight hours, no wonder he was groaning. She got up and walked around the bed, placing her hand on his shoulder, as he groaned once more.

“Mulder. Hey, let’s get you some pain meds, okay?”

“Hmm,” he moaned, and then his eyes flew open. Blinking in the bright light, he looked her up and down, as though unable to believe she was standing there.

“Scully?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Come on, let me help you sit up. You need to have some water. Would you like a pain pill or just some ibuprofen?”

“Scully?”

“Yes, it’s me,” she laughed, helping him to sit up, mindful of his sore arm.

“You’re wearing one of my shirts,” he said confusedly, looking her up and down again.

“Yes, I am,” she answered, as though she did it every day. “Here have some water.”

He sat up, swinging his legs off the bed, and sitting on the side of it. Groaning again, he shook his head, one eye closed as he looked at her.

“You’re here.”

“I’m pretty sure that we’ve established that, Mulder,” she laughed again,  handing him the glass of water.

He took a few drinks, his eyes adjusting to the light, and his mouth twitching with a smile. Pulling the glass from his lips, he licked them, and stared at her.

“You came back,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“I did.”

“I’m glad.”

“Me too.”

They stared at one another, both of them grinning like complete fools.

“You didn’t answer my question. Do you want a painkiller or just some ibuprofen?”

“Why did you come back?” he asked, not answering her question.

She took the glass from his hand and placed it on the nightstand, suddenly nervous that her decision may not match his own.

“Scully?” he whispered, and she looked at him, as she took a deep breath.

“The world didn’t end,” she answered and he grinned at her slowly.

“No, it didn’t,” he said softly.

“I mean… all this time, the world hasn’t ended— together or apart,” she said quietly, breathing deeply. “We decided that our partnership had to be enough, and it has been— for the most part. But… not anymore. It’s not enough for me anymore.” She stared at him as she opened and closed her mouth, further words she wanted to say getting stuck in her throat.

“Are you… you don’t want… this anymore?”

“No.”

“Oh. After last night I thought…” He shook his head, his shoulders dropping.

“NO! Oh, Mulder, no,” she said, stepping closer to him. “No, that’s not what I meant.”

“What did you mean?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.

“I don’t want our professional partnership to be enough anymore. Because it’s not. It’s not enough, Mulder.” She took a deep breath and waited, her heart pounding.

He stood unsteadily to his feet, a grimace on his face as he clutched his right arm. She licked her lips and swallowed hard, stepping back to give him some space.

“It’s not enough anymore?” he asked, his voice low and soft.

“No,” she whispered, shaking her head, her mouth dry. He nodded, bringing his left hand up to her cheek, his thumb stroking softly.

“Oh, Scully…” he breathed, and she brought her hand up to hold onto his wrist. His smile matched hers at the memory from years ago, when they had taken their first steps on this life changing journey. He took a deep breath and shook his head, his eyes shining with happiness. “It’s about fucking time.”

#Oh yeah #angst with a happy ending #suffer a little to love a lot #better together

[beaubaltsoul]

just got back from seeing endgame. some thoughts below.

DO NOT READ IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, DUH! 

So I feel like I should preface this by saying that I'm not really the type of person  who wants or likes to dwell on the bad parts of movies. If I go to the theater to watch a movie it’s because I'm excited to see it. I WANT to be there, you know?

That being said, as I sit here after having just come back from seeing Avengers Endgame, trying to find the right words for how I feel, all I've got is: sad. *insert helpless/confused shrug gif*

(Edit: I started writing this as soon as I got home from the movie but that has now been many hours ago)

I mean it’s the end of an era I guess, so maybe sadness is just par for the course. Things ending are kind of like small deaths. There’s gonna be a grieving process. But y'all, I just don’t think that’s what it is for me. (At least not completely.)

I like the mcu a lot. I don’t like it unequivocally and unconditionally. I have favorite and not so favorite mcu films. I have favorite and not so favorite characters. We all do. That’s the cool thing about the world of superheroes. There's a whole lot of variety and options.

And overall, I really did like Endgame I think. The fights were intense and thrilling, the funny parts were funny, mostly coming from who you’d expect, and other times coming from a surprising source. The emotionally heavy parts were a mixed bag for me. Some of them made me feel a lot of things. Some of them didn’t make me feel anything. If only because some of them were centered around characters that I have not connected to or cared about in other movies.

But all this so far has just been me giving a kind of vague review of the movie. What I really came here to talk about was how unexpectedly pissed I got about Natasha’s arc in the movie.

I should let you know that I don’t know much about the character of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow outside of what I've seen in the mcu. And even within the mcu she hasn’t been one of my favorite characters. I've liked her and appreciated her, she just hasn't been my fav, you know?

So anyway, I don't really know how to transition to this smoothly so I'm just gonna outright say it: I'm so fucking pissed they had Nat sacrifice herself on Vormir to get the soul stone. I'm just. SO ANGRY ABOUT IT. It was an absolutely horrible inverse parallel to Thanos killing Gamora to get the soul stone. They made me watch another woman be sacrificed to serve the story. And once again, they gave us that awful prolonged shot of her dead body at the bottom of that cliff just like they did with Gamora.

Like, y'all! what the fuck! I know Natasha willingly chose this for herself and I know that Clint was just as willing to sacrifice himself, and he actively tried to to so and there was a scuffle, but that deosn’t change the fact that it ended up being Natasha. I really desperately hoped that since she sacrificed herself, since the two of them were willing to lose their own lives instead of forfeiting someone else’s, then they’d get the stone and also get to keep their life. I thought maybe the soul stone would reward them for making the selfLESS choice instead of the selfISH one. But she died just like Gamora. And she remained dead. I just really can’t get over it. 

The one woman on the original Avengers team didn’t even get to participate in the final epic showdown and I'm very unexpectedly emotional about it. 

Speaking of the final showdown, everyone’s entrances, all those that got dusted portal-ing in from across the globe to fight Thanos and his army, was definitely one of the well-earned emotional highs of the film.

And I'm sorry but I really need to talk about a few other parts of the movie that irked me.

First of all, I CANNOT BELIEVE that they didn’t let Nebula kill Thanos!! That woman has been trying for soooo long to kill that bastard and they fucking gave that honor to Thor at first, and then Tony at the end. And I get that this is an AVENGERS movie, that those original six would be the focus of the film. And I get that every single protagonist in the film has suffered greatly because of Thanos, but are we not all agreed that Nebula has the most personal stake in this fight against Thanos? That fucker physically and emotionally abused her for most of her life and then killed her sister just as she and Gamora had begun to have a healthy relationship with each other. NEBULA DESERVED TO KILL THANOS. I really thought they would at least give her that.

And lastly, and I recognize that this is my own personal bias since Carol has been one of my favorite characters for many years now, but I had really thought/hoped that Captain Marvel would be more involved. I know the Russo brothers talked a lot about figuring out how to involve her without having her overpower the other heroes, but I think they did a shit job of it. They just crippled her character by sending her back into space to do whatever, while everyone else figured out how to fix the universe. She was left out of most of the movie only to come into the final fight towards the end to take out Thanos’ giant ship that was bombing the battlefield. Like, the Russos only wanted Carol to be powerful when it when it was convenient for them and other than that she was unnecessary. It’s so annoying. And god, they painted her as such a better-than-you lone wolf type of person, I hated it. Like, yes, Carol is a very independent and capable woman, but she’s also absolutely a team player and I don’t think the Russos understand her. Please Marvel, let Carol be written by someone who understands her from now on. And I know that Brie filmed her parts of Endgame BEFORE Captain Marvel had started filming, so that might be part of the characterization problem. But the problem is also just men.

And I guess I was also hoping for her to be more involved because I thought there would be more of a passing the torch feel to the movie. Not just for Carol, but also for Peter and T’challa (and also Valkyrie???) There kind of was for Scott I guess? And there definitely was for Sam. Again, I know this is an AVENGERS movie, so the original group would be the focus, but yeah, just to repeat myself, I did think there would be a sort of group passing of the torch. A bit disappointed that there wasn’t.

We did get short haired Carol which was a blessing. And we also got that really cool part of the final fight where all of the female superheroes teamed up for a hot second. But it really was just a hot second y’all, it could have lasted a little bit longer. ALSO, there was some emotional emptiness to it because NAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE TOO.

Okay, I lied above, this is actually the last thing i'll say. I'm fine with how they ended Cap’s story. Was it a cookie cutter happy ending that we’ve seen countless times before? Yeah kinda, but like I said, I'm cool with it. I am of the opinion that both Steve AND Peggy deserve to get what they want most, and what they want/wanted most was each other. They finally got their dance, and then they got a lifetime together and I'm happy for them. (Side note, old man Steve looked like Joe Biden and it made me uncomfortable. I really hope Chris Evans doesn’t age into a Biden doppelgänger. That would be sad.)

I really don’t know what this post has turned into. It’s mostly just an outlet for me to express my feelings about the movie. I just wanted to say somewhere how incredibly sad I was about Natasha’s story arc, even if I'm still mostly confused about why exactly it impacted me so much. And also to express my disappointment about some other aspects of the movie. And like, I get it, this is a big fucking film in terms of characters involved and that’s a really difficult balance to pull off, but I just feel like where sacrifices were made, they were made to the detriment of some of the female characters. idk. Natasha’s death just really fucked me up y'all. 

#avengers endgame #avengers endgame spoilers #endgame spoilers #natasha romanoff #black widow #mcu

[thewondersofsmut]

Belonging

Request: So I know you write for both Tvd and spn. Which is great btw I can't seem to find enough fic writers who do both. But I was wondering, and I feel really bad for asking you this bc I already sent in a request and I'm sure your probs really busy so don't feel pressured, if you would be able to do like a crossover one shot where the reader is Elena's twin sister and she leaves town bc she's tired of never being the one or something and she meets the Winchester and can be a Sam or Dean pairing idc – @artsyicon

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Warnings: language, angst

Word Count: 1406

I took a long time to finish this but I really enjoyed writing this! 

Feedback, comments, or anything is appreciated!

Want to get tagged in my stories? Join the tag list!

(gifs not mine, credits to the owners)

You dyed your hair blonde, you did't have the same eye color, you were pretty much almost opposite of Elena, your twin and yet all eyes are on her, her and only her. And that made you snap, you sat on the couch, listening to how to protect your twin from Klaus. "Oh my fucking god! Can you all shut up?!" You exclaimed. Everyone's eyes turned to you. "You all wanna know what's so fucked up? She may be the doppelgänger but didn't it occur to you narrow headed people that Elena and I share the same blood?! But hey, Klaus could be stupid to think that he can also use my blood but yeah, lets just protect the one who looks like her after all I could just be his blood bag." You said and stormed up to your room. Everyone fell silent. Damon and Stefan frowned as they heard you pack. Stefan turned to Elena but before he could speak, you were dragging two bags down the stairs.

Damon sped up to the door to stop you. "You're not going anywhere, princess." He said. "Get out of my way, Damon." You glared at him. "You are not going anywhere–" "Let her go." Elena said, with her I'm-30-minutes-older-than-you voice. "What?" Damon knitted his eyebrows. "You heard her, let. me. go." You said and the great mysterious Damon got intimidated with your tone. He stepped to the side and you got in your crappy car, shut it, and drove. You drove endlessly towards the west and after a week of deciding whether this was the place to stop, you finally felt it. The town sign Grants Pass went into view and you stopped at a nearby diner. Before you can exit your car, you saw two men approaching and you held the wooden stake that was conveniently in your car.

You rolled down the window and the shorter one leaned down. "Is there anything I can help you with?" He asked. "I just got into town, I'm not looking for any trouble." You replied with a smile. "It's not really safe here, you better go." He said. You felt droplets of water into your arm and you looked at him and he was holding a small vial. "Excuse me, your water is dripping. And where I'm from, it's much dangerous." You said and eyed his hand. "She's good, Sam." You heard him yell from across. "How so?" He asked. "You know what, I'll tell you over coffee?" You offered and he looked weary. "It's really not safe to be here." He said. "I think I can handle myself." You said. You got out of the car but before you can make a step, a person rushed to you and bared his– fangs? "Oh are you fucking kidding me?!" You said as both guys shielded you from them.

That vampire put up a fight with the two guys and might as well help them you thought, you grabbed your stake and when the coast was clear you went ahead and stabbed that monster in the heart. The men looked at you, shocked but with the upper hand they got, they decapitated the vampire. "Um..." You started. "Are you a hunter?" The taller guy asked. "No? Kinda? Why didn't that thing like die when I staked it?" You asked. "Cuz they're... weird." The shorter guy replied. "I had to deal with vampire and I left and they're fucking everywhere." You tone was scary. "We gotta go." You looked towards your car only to find it smoking. "Ugh!" You screamed. You were on the verge of a panic attack but the shorter guy grabbed you into his arm as the other grabbed your bags from your car. You followed them to their car and you sat in the back.

"What's your name?" The taller guy asked. "(Y/n)." You replied fiddling with the bloodied stake. "My name is Sam and this my brother, Dean." He said and Dean raised his eyebrows at you. "Where are you from?" "Mystic Falls, Virginia." You answered. "You drove all the way here?" Dean asked. "Yeah." "Why?" You sighed. "I have twin who is more special than me I guess and theres this Original, one of the first vampires created is looking for my sister and she dating this vampire who has a vampire brother who's in love with her. It's all doppelgänger shit. All too messy." You explained. "Don't worry sweetheart, we handle messy too." Dean replied. "What made you drive all the way here?" Sam asked. "I didn't feel like stopping. Each place I end up in felt empty and the one place that made me want to hop off was a total wreck." You answered.

A complete silence surrounded you all as Dean drove. "You can stay with us." Dean said out of nowhere. You and Sam looked at him like he was crazy. "You trust me enough to let me go with you? I mean, I just need to hop off to a safer place, find a car, and let you two go on your merry ride." You said, shrugging. Sam and Dean conversed with their eyes and mutter and you waited for a reply. Sam looked behind to you with a smile. "We'll gladly let you stay with us, we just gotta make sure you're –not like them." He said and you smiled. "I'm grateful for your offer but I don't wanna be a burden..." You said. "I don't think you'll be, sweetheart." Dean said, meeting your eyes through the rear view mirror.

You aimed, an eye slightly closing and you took your shot. You smiled, putting the gun down. "Nice shot, sweetheart." Dean mused looking at your 1/8th an inch inside the bullseye shot. "The best one I've done so far." You commented with a chuckle looking at your low precision.  "Well, I think you can handle a dagger?" He asked. "Yeah? I think I can." You replied. "Back where I'm from, those types of vampires die with a wooden stake to the heart." You added. He raised his eyebrows with a slight frown and nodded. "Huh, guess there's many types of vamps." He said and you shrugged.

"Well, are you ready to go on the supply run?" He asked. "Sam coming?" You asked and you'd be lying if you didn't see a hint of hurt on his face. "Nah, said he wanted to stay to read the lores." He said. "Nerd." You muttered making Dean chuckle. "Well, let me get the list of what we need, 'kay?" You asked and he nodded, watching you intently as you walked away from him. You also would be lying if you didn't feel his gaze burning a hole through your shorts.

"Have fun!" Sam called out as you and Dean made way to the garage. You shook your head smiling, Sam had seen the connection you two had from the very first time you met. Dean have had this instinct to protect you when you thought no one would ever do, not the like the people you thought were your family.

"Hey, before you want to go to the store, want to grab some pie or something at the diner?" He asked, turning to you as you drove on the stretch of highway. You tilted your head to the side. "Are –are you asking me on a date, Winchester?" You asked. You sounded confident but inside, you were dying. His cheek turned a tinge of pink but hid it well with a smirk. "Dean, you remember the first night we met?" You asked, feeling suddenly shy.

"Yeah."

"I've stayed with you two for 3 years and despite the messy hunting life and demons and angels shit, I've never felt at home like I do this past years. And funny thing is, I feel most at home when you and I are together, like this or the at the gun range. I know I sound super sappy–" The car veered to the side and just as quick as lightning, Dean turned to you, hand softly cupping your cheek, his lips crushing against your like magnets.

Your initial shock was replaced with a sigh of relief.

You molded your lips with his and soon enough, you needed to breathe. "Funny thing is, that's exactly how I've felt with you." He replied, copying your words. "I'll take that pie and ice cream offer."

Tags

@sallyp-53 @andkatiethings @kpoplover1306xdepressedgirl315

#dean winchester #dean x reader #dean winchester x readear #dean winchester fluff #dean fluff #spn fluff #dean winchester fanfic #dean winchester fanfiction #dean winchester one shot #dean fanfic #dean one shot #spn fanfic #tvd fanfic #tvd angst #the vampire diaries #supernatural

[latishiante1001]

Your Turn

Fandom: SPN Ship: Deancestiel (Dean/Endverse!Dean/Endverse!Cas) Rating: Explicit  Warnings: Adult Language and Content, Smut Tags: Spit Roasting, Threesome, End!Verse

Summary: Continuation of ‘You Loved It,’ except this time, it’s the other Dean’s turn. Word Count: 2213

A/N: This is a sequel to my past fic, “You Loved It”, so it would make a lot more sense if you read that first. I hope you guys enjoy this!

Day 4: Spanking | Mirror Sex | Spit Roasting | Dacryphilia (Crying)

The first thing notices as he wakes up is that his body isn’t squished between two large men, one of which, a man that looked exactly like him and the other, like the man he realizes he loves. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed and pulling on a pair of boxers, Dean walks through the house, looking for the two men that made him feel good. Really good. “Cas! Dean! Or, other me! What the hell do I even call you?!” Dean calls. “You can still call me Dean, Dean.” Endverse!Dean answers, walking through the door and, of course, Cas is right behind him. “It’s just weird saying my, our, name and be calling someone else.” “Well, not really someone else.” Cas says, not-so-subtly looking at Dean in boxers. “You know what I mean.” “You’re right, it is weird. But this whole situation is weird, so...” “Not wrong there.” Dean agrees, nodding his head. After that, an awkward silence falls over the room. Cas is, of course, the one to break it. “Well, this is awkward. How about we take this weird situation and turn it into a good weird situation?” Cas suggests, wiggling his eyebrows in a suggestive manner. “Does he always propose sex as a solution to everything?” Dean asks. “Yeah, pretty much. That or drugs or alcohol.” Endverse!Dean answers, quickly. A little too quickly to know Cas has does that a lot without being there almost every time. “You twins agreeing or what?” Cas asks impatiently. “I’m down.” Endverse!Dean agrees, again, a little too quickly. “Why not? But you,” Dean points at his lookalike, “and I are switching.” “I’m not down.” “What? Why?” Dean asks. “I let you do the same to me! How is this any different?” “You got here from a different time, you needed some stress relief.” Endverse!Dean reasons, shrugging. “What? And you don’t? You’re the leader of these people in an apocalyptic world! How the hell is my situation any more stressful than yours?” “He’s got a point, beautiful.” Cas interjects. “You know sex is always a good stress reliever for you.” “So you’re on his side now?” Endverse!Dean asks unbelievably. “Technically, I’m on both of your sides,” Cas jokes, laughing. “Sorry, sorry. And no, I’m just saying that you deserve some stress relief too.” “No! It’s not happening, I’m not doing it.” Endverse!Dean argues, walking away. “Have fun you two!” Cas sighs before walking and grabbing first Dean’s hand and then Endverse!Dean’s hand in the other and walking towards the bedroom, “Yes you are.” Endverse!Dean tries tugging away but Cas has an iron grip on his arm, “Come on, Cas! You’re not gonna force me! That’s not you.” “It’s definitely not me,” Cas agrees, closing the door behind them when they get in the bedroom. Cas turns towards Endverse!Dean and tells him, “You’re going to give in,” before placing his hands on Endverse!Dean’s face and kissing him. He puts up a bit of a struggle before melting into the kiss, placing his hands on Cas’ face. Like before, Dean finds this view extremely arousing. Turning around, Dean walks over to the chair and sits down, more than willing to watch for a bit. Cas catches his movement and pulls back to ask, “You’re not joining in?” “Oh, I will. It’s just I figured I would watch for a bit while you get my doppelgänger to give in.” Dean answers, looking a little to intently at Cas’ beautiful lips. “Alright, but don’t hold out too long,” Cas tells Dean before going back to kissing his Dean. The two continue to kiss, completely forgetting about Dean as they lose themselves in the kiss, in each other. Cas starts to tug at Endverse!Dean’s shirt before he takes a hint and they both break apart to take their clothes off. They then collapse onto the bed, naked, back in a lip lock that God himself couldn’t pry them out of. Cas moves his hand down to take Dean in hand, moving slowly over it, driving Dean crazy. “Damn it, Cas. Stop teasing!” “Oh, sweetheart, I haven’t even started. Plus, we wouldn’t want you to finish before our guest gets a taste of you now would we?” Cas answers, still moving his hand as slow as ever. Apparently, Endverse!Dean got too fed up to wait any longer and decided to take things into his own hands. Dean flipped them so Cas was on his back and he was above the former-angel. “Oh, we’re playing like that, are we? Alright, I’ll bite,” Cas says smugly. “I know you will,” Endverse!Dean snarks, making Cas chuckle. “You love it,” Cas says before smirking and flipping them with ease so their positions were reversed. Endverse!Dean’s eyes widen in arousal and surprise as these were the moments when he forgets that Cas isn’t an angel anymore. “You’re always surprised by that.” “What can I say? Your strength surprises me sometimes.” Endverse!Dean says, shrugging. Cas doesn’t answer with words, just surges forward to press his lips against Dean’s with the intention of melting him even farther. Using all his tricks, it doesn’t take long for Cas to get his Dean to become a beautiful, pliant, moaning mess. With his right hand, he motions behind him for Dean to come into the action. Dean notices and takes off his clothes before going over to the bed and getting on the left side of Cas, laying next to his lookalike. Cas opens his eyes and locks eyes with Dean before giving him a motion to take over the kiss with his eyes. Dean nods and moves closer. Cas lifts his head slowly, away from Endverse!Dean’s lips and Dean moves forward to lock lips with himself. Endverse!Dean’s eyes fly open and he goes rigid at the change before Dean slides his hand into his hair and tugs a bit, making him relax again. “Good, good. Fuck, have I mentioned how hot that is?” Cas asks, feeling himself get harder at the sight. Endverse!Dean smacks his arm for the comment. “It is!” Dean chuckles into the kiss, muttering just for his doppelgänger to hear, “He loves this way too much.” “Mhm,” Endverse!Dean hums, chasing Dean’s lips. “It’s a little scary.” That makes Dean laugh before he moans as his twin’s hand moved up to rub at his nipple. Dean decides to do the same, moving his hand to Endverse!Dean’s chest. The action makes them both moan as Endverse!Dean moaned at the pleasure and clenched his hand that was on Dean’s nipple a little harder. While the two were playing with each other, Cas grabbed the lube and moved into position to stretch his fearless leader. Pouring some of the lube on a few of his fingers, Cas moves his hand towards his Dean’s entrance. Endverse!Dean moans and jerks his hips up as he feels a finger sliding deep into him. Dean looks down and sees Cas fingering his double. “Hey! I wanted to do that!” “Well, you two were busy. Come here and do it then.” Cas says sassily, sliding his finger out of Dean. Dean gives a deep kiss to his double before moving down, taking the lube from Cas. “You better be careful down there, me!” Endverse!Dean tells his doppelgänger before he’s shut up as Cas claims his lips. Dean pours some of the lube onto his finger before sliding one into his twin. “God, you’re tight. Was I this tight last night?” “Tighter. I’m guessing it’s ‘cause we didn’t do this often in your time.” Endverse!Dean answers, moaning. “Like you said last night, I’m not gonna break. You know your boundaries...” Dean slides another finger into his lookalike, searching for that special bundle of nerves. He knows he found it when his twin shudders when his finger brushes across it. Smirking, Dean slides his fingers out before slamming them back in, hitting his doppelgänger’s prostate dead on. “Fuck!” Endverse!Dean cries out, breaking the kiss as he throws his head back. “Oh god. Please, do that again.” Dean hits it again, the reaction from his twin the same, if not better. Dean slides another finger, feeling his doppelgänger stretch around his fingers. An idea pops into his head. “Hey, me, you okay with me doing what you did to me last night?” There’s a moment of hesitation before Endverse!Dean says, “Yeah, just-“ “-be careful. I know. I wouldn’t do anything to you that I wouldn’t do to myself.” Dean finishes, sliding another finger into his twin. “Oh god. That feels so good,” Endverse!Dean moans, his upper body writhing on the bed. “Can you tell that your future self likes the stretch?” Cas asks, smirking. “Figured he, I, would since I do too.” Dean replies, spreading his fingers apart. His twin’s breath hitches on a moan. “Please! Make me stretch! I need it so bad! Dean, please! Ah fuck!” Endverse!Dean begs before crying out as Dean bends his thumb and slowly slides his fist into his twin. “Oh god. I- I can’t! I can’t do it.” “Shh, shh. Look at me. Dean, open your eyes and look at me,” Cas comforts and doesn’t continue until he’s looking into Dean’s beautiful green eyes. “You can take it, I know you can.” Endverse!Dean gasps as the widest part of Dean’s fist slides into him. “Fuck, that feels so good. God, the stretch. I had no idea this felt this good.” “Wait, you’ve never done this before?” Dean asks, surprised. “No.” Suddenly, Cas starts chuckling. When asked by Dean as to what was so funny, he replied, “The both of you were the first ones to fist each other’s asses.” “Well that’s a hell of an experience.” Endverse!Dean says. “Tell me about it.” Dean agrees, twisting his hand. Endverse!Dean gasps, moving down to push himself farther onto the hand inside of him. “Oh god, this is too much. I’m gonna come soon if we... fuck ... keep doing this,” Endverse!Dean warns, moaning as he feels himself coming closer and closer to his orgasm. “Well then, we might want to move on and I have an idea as to where to go with this...” Cas agrees, smirking. “I don’t like that look, Cas.” Endverse!Dean says, wary. “When you two are done, I want you to get on your hands and knees.” Cas explains. Before Endverse!Dean can say anything, he cries out as Dean thrusts his hand into him one last time before slowly pulling his hand out. “W- Why do you want me on my hand and knees?” “You’ll see, now do it.” Cas says vaguely. Endverse!Dean turns onto his stomach before lifting himself up on his hands and knees. Cas moves in front of him and motions for Dean to go behind his twin, which he does. “You’re gonna blow me while past you is going to fuck you.” Instead of the groaning and protesting that Cas expected, his Dean moans and nods his head, “Yes, please.” Cas smiles before placing his cock right at his Dean’s perfectly kiss bitten lips. Leaning his head back on a moan as Dean takes his cock in his mouth, Cas places a hand in Dean’s hair. “God, that’s hot but weird at the same time. What is my life now, I’m getting turned on while watching myself suck Cas’ dick.” Dean mutters under his breath. “You ready, Dean?” Endverse!Dean nods his head as best he could in his position. Dean takes himself in hand before placing himself at his twin’s entrance and thrusting in, making them both moan. Endverse!Dean pulls off just to say, “God, that feels good but you might wanna hurry. I’m not gonna last long,” before taking Cas’ cock back into his mouth. Dean smirks before slowly pulling out and thrusting back in, forcing his doppelgänger to take Cas in deeper. Starting a hard, fast pace, Dean begins to fuck...well, himself. “Damn, you feel good.” Dean’s thrusts started a vicious cycle as his thrusts made his twin moan and force himself farther onto Cas’ cock which made Cas moan and grip his Dean’s hair tighter which made Endverse!Dean clench tighter around his twin. It just kept going and going for what felt like hours until the three men felt themselves about to fall over the edge. Endverse!Dean moans louder before whimpering and crying out around Cas’ cock as he comes hard, shooting come onto the bed sheets below him. The vibrations around Cas’ cock made him yell his lover’s name as he shoots down his Dean’s throat, who greedily took every drop. Dean thrusts a few more times before shouting his own name, which was weird in itself, as he came deep inside himself, which was also weird. Both Cas and Dean pulled out of the man between them before laying themselves on both sides of him. “That was amazing.” Endverse!Dean says quietly, on the edge of sleep. “That it was.” Cas agrees, closing his eyes. Dean hummed his affirmative before falling to sleep next to himself and a form of the man he loved. God, this situation is weird.  

A/N: I hope all of you enjoyed this! I'm really, really proud of it. Send in requests for the upcoming days that are for my fandoms! My fandoms include: - Supernatural - Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit - Marvel Cinematic Universe - Sherlock - Fast and Furious - Star Trek Reboot - And more so don't be afraid to ask for something not on this list!

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[firebirdsdaughter]

Okay...

Finally sitting down to watch Zi-O ep 4...

Let’s game?

Well, no, actually no, we won’t, but I was trying to be thematic.

And in no particular order:

Okay, that explains it. When I saw the preview images it looked like they were talking to Emu, and then Geiz and Sougo both henshined and took a knee for some reason. It’s actually the other way round.

Geez, Emu. Since when were you this uncommunicative and unhelpful? That’s Taiga’s job!

Like seriously, you know these two are Kamen Riders. Just explain yourself to them instead of making weird vague statements.

Geiz at it again w/ the grump. Have I mentioned--you know where that’s going.

Tsukuyomi w/ the intercede again. I’m liking this trio.

Okay, I wanna know who Goggles is. The guy whose hand Geiz was holding in that future-flashback? A friend? Brother? This being Toei it’s unlikely to be a boyfriend, but it’s still possible. He looks like he mighta been a nice fellow, I’m sorry he died.

I guess this is a lot to take in, and Sougo is generally pretty slow on the uptake, it appears, so... But looks like he’s getting it now.

Tsukuyomi, I really hope you’re aware just how much of a problem child you just decided to adopt.

I actually agree w/ someone else I saw, I think. I kinda wish they would give her a better reason than ‘I don’t know’ for this. Like, I’m liking the idea that she doesn’t want her childhood friend to technically become a murderer by killing someone who is, at that point, still innocent, but this ‘I don’t know’ thing is kinda... meh to me. It doesn’t feel touching or sweet, and is even kinda out of character... But that’s just me. She’s super great, but she otherwise seems so decisive and confident that it’s a little odd.

OH MY GOD IT’S THAT CHURCH! I mean--it’s that wizard Bugster!

Fun fact, that Church is not just a Toei set. I have seen it in about FIVE other shows I think (don’t ask me to name them all, I can’t--but Kaname Jun was in one I think)

AH! Brave is here! But it’s back in 2016, episode... 2? Or maybe 3, but it would be when Hiiro literally just got there, so he’s still an ass. I mean, I still love him. But he was an ass.

Geiz, mister straight forward, just fucking informs them he’s from the future, I love him.

Maybe this has something to do w/ Hiiro’s sense that he should help them before... Aside from grumpy secondary solidarity, ofc.

‘From your perspective,’ Geiz, you are literally from 2068. I’m pretty sure, excepting folks from 2069 onward, that that’s the future from everyone’s perspective.

Also, to get this out of the way: AAAAAAH! SETO IS SO PRETTY! OH MY GOD I LOVE HIM SO MUCH EVEN WHEN HE’S A DICK! AND ESPECIALLY WHEN HE’S NOT!

Note: I don’t love him because he’s a dick, but what I love is grumpy, pretty much jerky characters who come out of that bc they start caring about someone or something (again, in Hiiro’s case). Did that make sense?

Also, I’m actually giggling bc of how much of a pompous ass my grumpy surgeon son was. The fact that this is literally like, right after he first showed up, means that he’s at peak dickishness and it’s really funny to look back.

Kids pulling on Geiz. God, honey, what were you expecting when you put that thing on? Well, at least they’re aware of how goofy it is.

On that note, ARE WE EVER GONNA SEE YOU WITHOUT IT?

Also, dear god, someone get this boy some fashion advice. I’ve SEEN that preview image sweetie. You canNOT dress yourself.

Oh my god, it’s the hospital helipad. Now I’m nostalgic.

Okay. Emu can teleport to game worlds now? Al... Alright then. You know what, whatever.

And Emu’s getting thrown around again. Some things never change. What’s still funny about this is still that Ijima Hiroki is (still) not a short man. He’s 5′ 10″. This, to me, makes how much Emu get’s thrown around utterly hilarious.

See, Emu. This is what happens when you don’t pull a Taiga, and discuss things w/ people. You’re the one who forced Hiiro to learn that, why are you doing it?

Aw, Sougo appreciates that Tsukuyomi is trying to save the future w/out killing him. Good kids.

Where’s that B99 ‘cool motive still murder’ picture? I mean, I know it’s a kid. But dude... You don’t have the right to other people’s lives (or body parts) just bc your son is dying.

Hm... I know people are thinking it’s named after Hiiro, but... What if it’s named after his dad? I mean, Kagami Haima was the director of the hospital, he had to start somewhere. To me that feels more logical? Bc it’s only been two years since Ex-Aid, that’s awfully fast to name a medical procedure... But it’s just a thought.

You know what, I bet Hiiro feels bad for brushing Geiz off in the past, so now he’s like ‘I must do everything I can to help these kids out bc when I met them before I was a jerk.’ Part of his ‘stop being an anti-social grump’ attempt. And he’s worried about Emu.

Does the Time Majin have an AI? How did it know to fly up to the roof right then? Is it telepathically connected to Sougo now?

So Uhr is helping Ora/Hora out? Maybe there is hope for a villain-family dynamic after all...

Also apparently that’s Takeru’s mech? Takeru has a mech? I really need to finish Ghost... But it’s either just for the sake of cameo, or it’s related to how Geiz got the Ghost Ride Watch. Now I’m wondering if he maybe stole the Drive and Ghost Watches from the Time Jackers? But if that’s the case, why did they have them? They usually use the Another Rider Watches...? Are Takeru and Shinnosuke okay? Oh my god, did Takeru die again? Actually, I guess Shinnoksuke also died a lot in that one movie so... Oh dear.

Is Sougo transforming in tiny spaces gonna be a thing now?

Come to think... Since the opening, we haven’t seen Woz. What’s prophet boy up to?

This tiny gremlin child who I adore and want to pinch the cheeks of just giggling to himself in his busted mech like a five year old.

Sorry, Geiz, you can’t beat the bounce.

Sougo just fucking slams this thing w/ the Time Majin.

And so, the path toward very reluctant and at first very awkward friendship begins. Let’s a-go kids!

But also god that boy is skinny. Honey, do you even HAVE hips? Are you okay?

Geiz is having feelings but is very confused right now. Punching things is generally a good venting method.

And the boys are still very bad at not being good at teamwork. Like, they’re already synchronising in pretty much every fight they’ve been in--not just in henshins but in attacks and so on.

Emu that looks NOTHING LIKE YOU, WHY would you call it a doppelgänger.

Since this is after Hiiro first showed up, it means that the two of them still don’t like each other (bc it took them a while to get there), so I’m not surprised that he wouldn’t call Hiiro immediately if something came up. Plus this may not show up bc CR relied on reports by witnesses and were in an abandoned warehouse. But then why is Emu...? Oh, I don’t know.

Was his henshin really always that deep?

Oh! There he is! Woz! I was wondering where you were! So, uh... Where were you?

Geiz: ‘Oh no, not again!’

Wow, he did the hoppity hop thing!

HE HAS GIANT BUMPS ON HIS ARMS! I LOVE THE GIANT BUMPERS ON HIS ARMS!

(I think they’re meant to be buttons?)

Aaaaand, right on cue, there Woz goes again.

Emu just like ‘okay then, let’s roll w/ this then, I guess!’

Wait, but the Brave and Snipe (and Genm, and then there’s Para-DX, and Poppy, and Cronus... Though I guess those last ones may not end up existing since they’re post-this?) Watches don’t seem to be in-show, so... Does that mean that Hiiro and Taiga keep their powers? Bc there was a Crozz-Z Ride Watch, so I now understand Ryuuga losing his, but there were so many Riders in Ex-Aid... Though maybe there’s a whole butterfly thing that simply by removing the primary everything is effected. Bc if you had to account for each individual Rider... Imagine how complex and difficult shows like Ryuki and Gaim would be to explain/sort through.

Hiroki has such a nice smile. Actually, pretty much everyone is Ex-Aid had a nice smile when they smiled.

Oh, god, yes. I really hope that the Rider trying to teach Sougo how to do the finisher in some way (miming for Emu, explaining for Sento) is a thing every time... Though I guess since they couldn’t get Gentaro we won’t get to see him do it... But maybe Takumi will? (I’ve never actually watched Faiz, so I have no idea what the finisher looks like)

Oh, hey. When Sougo hits him it says it in... Kanji, I think? But in Japanese characters of some kind instead of English.

ATTACK OF THE SUBTITLES!

Geiz standing of to the side trying to act cool while these two dorks help this man up.

... He’s wearing socks and... You know what, this is Japan. They’re probably his shoes for inside, and because he was running out to the ambulance with his dying son, he didn’t bother to change.

I love how Emu is like ‘who could we possibly... OH! That asshole!’ (again bc this is the very early season, back hen we didn’t like each other)

HE SAID IT! I guess they cut away so Seto didn’t actually have to eat the cake. Apparent he doesn’t actually like sweets? Maybe bc he’s such a sweetie. ^^

I really love it when the ones playing the ‘serious grumps’ are really adorably dorky and super nice. Like apparently, Seto was the funny and fun one, which I find so cute and hilarious.

Sougo here, getting into the groove of things during his second rodeo.

Emu’s like ‘are you two together?’ and Geiz is like ‘someone shoot me.’

Awwww. Of course Hiiro saved him. Though they haven’t shown us anything yet... So, maybe, even in the altered timeline, he and Emu still ends dup becoming close somehow? Can I pretend that’s the case? Seriously, Hiiro needs that kid. Otherwise he’s just gonna continue forgetting how to be human.

Why do you need another plate? But I think it’s cute how Junichiro is making so much food. I wonder if it’ll be like Mario in Zyuohger, where when he find out (if he doesn’t already know) he decides to just make life at the shop as homey as possible.

Geiz, maybe you should start using his name? Just to, you know, keep Uncle from getting suspicious?

ALSO WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WEARING WHY... I just can’t anymore. I love my dorky fashion disaster assassin son.

Here we are w/ the intense staring again. Wouldn’t be KR w/out it.

Geiz and Tsukuyomi be like ‘wow no pressure.’ Seriously, Geiz looks like he’s having a small panic attack back there.

He looks very pretty, though.

Aw, they’re keeping their Ride Watches together!

Well, there’s clearly a friendship theme, so I’m hoping there’s a level of deepening the bonds that just started forming in this episode. Unfortunately, I know nothing about Faiz other than apparently Kaixa is a horrible person (given that the preview images imply he’s strangling some poor girl, I am inclined to agree), so I can’t make any guesses there.

All I ask for Christmas is ONE episode where Geiz doesn’t wear that damn collar thing. I know it’s only been four eps but just ONE.

And, in final news, looks like they’re switching the Watches around.

Okay! Well, that's that for now. Now, my head hurts and I still want pizza, so... Not much else to say. Imaginary pizza for anyone who read all of this, you really didn’t need to do that.

I’m gonna pretend Hiiro and Emu are still friends somehow. Having a good time here, looks like we’re looking at another solid trio and I love it. Also, w/ OOO and Ghost apparently coming up... Good times.

#Kamen Rider Zi-O #just some thoughts #just some immediate thoughts #how many different ways can i say that? #have I mentioned I love Geiz? #that's it that's his tag now #looking forward to reluctant friendship #this three are seeming like a good trio and I might smell an OT3 on the horizon #to the degree that i end up shipping anything #not really a huge shipper and even when I do I'm not as into it as some other people #not as an insult simply as a fact #i have a couple of specific ships that i legit 'ship' but otherwise i'm more invested in family and friendship relations #whether it be blood or found family or otherwise #though i guess found family falls under friendship #head still hurts #still want pizza #so long and thanks for all the fish #Timey Wimey Rider

[justfangstvdto]

Open Coffin | Chapter 12:  “Where do we go from here?”

Pairing: Kol x SalvatoreSister!Reader

Chapter Summary: Y/N and her brothers, still in the Lion's den, have to deal with secrets that will be uncovered by none other the master puppeteer himself; Klaus. But behind the Puppeteer´s back, a plan has been formed that will change the course of action.

Warnings: angst, drama, horrible time management, typical violence, plot divergence (as always)

Word count: 3346

Tags & Author Note at the bottom. Feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

Open Coffin Masterlist

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Previously on Open Coffin: 

“Stefan. Where is the lovely Elena tonight?” Elijah asks, changing the subject to something more pleasant.

Or so he thinks.

“I don't know. Ask Damon.”

Klaus laughs out loud, while Elijah seems to be startled by Stefans reaction “I'm sorry, you've missed so much.” He says “ Ah, trouble in paradise.”

“One more word about Elena and this dinner's over.” Stefan flashes Klaus a false smile, his eyes dead serious.

Klaus smiles and puts a finger to his lips as a promise to keep quiet about Elena.

“You know what, probably best just to keep Elena in the do-not-discuss pile.” Damon

“You're probably right.” Klaus agrees “It's just the allure of the Petrova doppelgänger, still so strong. What do you say, brother? Should we tell them about Tatia?”

“Now why should we discuss matters long since resolved?”

“I don't see the point either.” You shrug “You fell in love with Tatia like you two fell for Katherine. And Elena.”

“Well there are other stories to tell, Y/N.”He says and stares at you, torturing you with his eyes “For example, there is your undying love for my brother Kol.”

“What?!”Damon chokes on the wine he was drinking, glaring at you from across the table.

That bastard.

The room falls completely silent. Merely the fireplace crackling in the background deflects from the fact that everyone is staring at you. Only Stefan looks at the ceiling, rolling his eyes at Klaus awful timing.

Speaking of Klaus, he, of course, smiles like a Cheshire cat.

“Oh, you were unaware of your sisters love affairs?” He says fakely offended by his indiscretion “How rude of me.”

“Niklaus, this is not the time to-” Elijah begins, the Peacekeeper in him in full swing, but Damon interrupts him

“No no do tell. We´re curious, right Stefan?”

“Not really, no.” Stefan shakes his head “I know all I need to.”

“You knew?!”

“Leaving the oldest brother in the dark. What a turn of events.” Klaus puppeteers yet again.

You bite the inside of your cheek to avoid saying anything about Klaus unnecessary commentary.  

Damon once again proves that he doesn't trust you still. Not even when it comes to love.

“Are you gonna say anything or are just gonna sit there?”

“What do you want me to say? I won't apologize for falling in love. “

“Love? You can't actually think you one, know what love is and second, think that he, a Mikaelson is capable of anything remotely close to love.” He blurts out suddenly unaware of his environment. He looks at both Mikaelson brothers and raises his hands in defense “No offense.”

“And you would know that how? Right, you don´t. You haven't known me for centuries.” You glare at him, your fury rising to an already unhealthy level “Besides, I don't see why you should be allowed to judge me anyway, considering your past. Or present.”

“That has nothing to do with-”

You plunge the knife you had been clutching into the expensive table, the pinch damaging several inches  “It has everything to do with that!”

“Finally!” Klaus claps as if to congratulate himself “I feared you’ve lost your fire.”

“I'm so fucking sick of your double standard.” Damon swallows, quite a bit baffled by your sudden offense “Need I remind you,  you are in the same exact situation with yet another doppelganger claiming to be so in love you’re willing to sacrifice your relationship with your own brother. Do I like any of that? No. Do I judge you because of it? Actually yes, but I would never tell you what to do. So, don´t you dare judge me or the only good thing that has ever happened in my life. Don´t you dare.”

The room falls silent yet again, only the breathy laugh of Klaus on the opposite side of the table. He, of course, seems to enjoy this quarrel, especially because for once it's not him and his sibling's bickering.

Must be refreshing indeed.

“Now now, we don't intend to judge anybody, now do we? Your brother, as well as I, are merely curious about how you came to know of my brother's whereabouts in the first place.” Klaus asks, more satisfying his curiosity than Damons “Somebody must've sent you. I would´ve known if a Salvatore lived in New Orleans.”

“Do you really want to know who send me? I don't think you'd be happy with the answer.” You say and Klaus narrows his eyes, trying to gather any information as to who you're referring to.

“You were sent? Like a spy?” Stefan asks, now curious despite his previous statement.

“You could say that.” You nod“ It was in 1913. I was ordered to gather information about the Original family. So I did. When I learned of Kols history I discharged my mission and we joined forces.”

“Why would you do that?”

There it is. The moment at the crossroads. You could either go down the same path you��ve been trodding on since you returned to this dreadful town. It's the path lead by the fear of losing your brothers again, so you kept secrets hidden behind lock and key or you sugar coated them to lessen the blow.

Then there's the unknown, foggy path, where every secret and bottled feeling lies out in the open. The road might be lonely, but if there is one feeling you´re used to it is loneliness.

Screw it. Nothing left to lose anyway.

Secret´s out. Better to abandon the path the led to nowhere.

“Because he was abandoned by his family like I was. The odd ones out that nobody seemed to care about.”

Stefan looks on his plate as does Elijah, a rush of guilt rushing over both of them. Stefan seems to feel responsible for sending you away after he figured out that you were the one that told your father about Katherine. And Elijah, well, he stood by while Klaus daggered his siblings and did nothing. Of course, he feels guilty. He should.

Klaus and Damon, on the other hand, don’t seem to be too faced by all of it. Their masks of anger and wit still glued to their faces.

“And somewhere along the line, we fell in love. Until he decided to take him away,” You reminisce, pointing at Klaus,“ simply because we planned on doing the same to him he did to all of his siblings.” You look at Klaus, his face unchanged, almost bored by the telling of your story. “And you saw it as a betrayal, didn't you? As if you never betrayed your family before.”

“And despite all your joined ambition look where you are now. Kol is safely tucked away, as is the key ingredient of the weapon that has the same effect as a common dagger. You´ve dealt your cards, now haven't you?”

He's right. You have dealt your cards and you don´t have an ace in the hold.

“So, that's why you waltzed back into town, isn't it? To find Kol?” Damon asks, eerily similar to Stefan only mere days ago.

“No, Kol not the only reason. I came back to help Stefan. And maybe even for you. Not that you care of course.”

“Now now, Y/N, don't forget the best part about your arrival. Or should I say Elijah´s arrival?

“Niklaus.” Elijah shakes his head, warning his little brother to stop treading on the path of alienating you and your siblings.

But Klaus being Klaus he decides to make things worse instead. “Tell me, who falsely lured my dear brother to Mystic Falls with the promising news of yet another Petrova doppelganger, hoping it be me who comes running?”

Stefan snickers at Klaus words and shakes his head in disbelief.

“Something funny?” Klaus asks, not quite understanding the reason for Stefan's amusement.

“Yes. You.” Stefan looks at him  “She wouldn't do that, you're lying.”

“Such faith in your sister. It´s ill-placed I'm afraid.” Klaus sighs and looks over to you “ Isn't that right Y/N?”

Stefan glances over, his eyes fixated on you once he sees the guilt written over your face “Tell me he's lying.”

“I can´t. It's true.” Your voice is shaking with the heartbeat that seems to be stuck in your throat.

Stefan blinks once before he lowers his head, the truth sinking into his bones. You are responsible for Elijah finding Elena. You're responsible for Klaus coming back here and breaking his curse. And you are responsible for everything that has happened after.

How could is own sister, that he loves, be the cause of his misery that has befallen him?

“Say something, please.” You plead, burning tears of frustration and hurt threatening to fall from your eyes “Fine. We're right back where we started, aren't we? After everything I did for you.”

“You mean what you have done for yourself,” Damon speaks out what presumably everyone in this room is thinking.

“Nothing I did was intended to hurt you or Stefan, but believe whatever you need to believe. I know that my intentions coming back here were true. Not entirely unselfish, but true. If you can't see that, so be it.”

Klaus opens his mouth to pour another tinge of salt in open wounds, but Elijah stops him from doing so.

“That's enough.” he says “Why don't we move this evening along and discuss the terms of this proposal, rather than relive memories that have no place at this table?”

“You know what, you go right ahead. I'm done.“ You throw the handkerchief over the plate and get up “Congratulations, Klaus. You win. You burned me out. I give up.” You look at Stefan who refuses to even meet your gaze.

You don't even have to look at Damon to know what he shares his brother's fury.

Tears roll down your cheeks as you turn around, not looking back once. Slamming the door behind you, tears now freely running down your face blurring your sight.

You showed them the side you´ve been hiding. The rotten part of yourself. All the lies, loneliness and secrets were put out in the open. All the feelings of despair and loneliness.

You spoke the truth and you were judged for it. Worse, you´re ended up right where you started. Yet another set of memories that will soon crumble, be immortalized and buried six feet under.

What´s left to do then leave and never look back?

Exactly, nothing.

Meanwhile at the Mikaelson Manor

“Let´s get to the deal then. ” Damon says and leans forward, his elbows resting on the table “Klaus gets his coffin back, in exchange, he and the Original extended family leave Mystic Falls forever.”

“The deal sounds fair, brother.” Elijah shrugs.

“I don't think you understand. Elena's doppelgänger blood ensures that I will always have more hybrids to fight those that oppose me. I will never leave her behind.Nor will I leave my family.” Klaus shakes his head and gets up to pace the room “Let's say I do leave her here, under your protection, what then? How long before one of you turns her into a vampire? Or worse, how long before she dies caught between your feuding?” Damon looks at Stefan at Klaus words, but Stefan keeps his head down, still digesting the secrets that have been laid before him. “You see, each one of you truly believes that you're the one that can protect her, and that is simply a delusion. Gentlemen, the worst thing for Elena Gilbert is...the two of you.”

Damon gives Klaus a weak smile “I'm gonna get some air.”

“Let me deal with this.” Elijah springs up from his seat and follows Damon outside.

“Well, I guess the only reason you agreed to this evening, Klaus, is to drive a wedge between us,” Stefan says, as he paces the room. He can´t seem to sit still anymore.

“Oh no, you're doing that well enough on your own.” Klaus laughs, obviously still very amused by the chaos he caused.

Klaus and Stefan turn their heads as Elijah and Damon reenter.

“Elijah...is there a problem?” Klaus asked wearily, already sensing that something appears to be wrong

“Where are your manners, brother? We forgot dessert.” Elijah takes the cover off the tray one of the servants bring in.

Two silver daggers lie on it.

Klaus looks at the tray and his eyes widen “What have you done?”

“What have you done? You see, I've learned not to trust your vulgar promises, Klaus. And after your despicable act tonight I decided to abandon my tactic. We're doing this on my terms now.”

Right on cue, Kol enters the room, eyes burning at the sight of his bastard brother.

“Kol.” Klaus says, fear written over his features. Kol is the sibling he fears the most, especially now that he just severed the ties with you and your brother. Kol will be furious once he finds out.

And if Klaus and Kol share one aspect of their personality, it´s rage.

“Long time, brother.” Kol walks towards him and Klaus backs away.

The oldest brother Finn, now undaggered as well suddenly appears and grabs a dagger and stabs Klaus through the hand “Finn, don't!” Klaus rushes away, bumping into his sister.

“This is for our mother.” Rebekah stabs Klaus in the heart with the remaining dagger: She pulls it out the dagger out and Klaus falls back into Kol's arms and he restrains him.

Elijah looks at Damon and Stefan switching before his eyes land on Kol. Should he tell his little brother to go with them to find Y/N? Or would Kol feel even more excluded as he already does if he sends him away?

“Stefan, Damon, you're free to go.” Elijah says and gives them a nod “This is family business.”

“Salvatore?” Kol pushes Klaus over to Finn, the thirst for revenge overshadowed by the longing he feels for you.“Was your sister with you´?

“She left.” Damon answers shortly. He is still bitter about the secret you´ve been hiding. Right now, he couldn't care less where you are.

“Take me to her,” Kol demands.

Stefan and Damon share a quick look, having one of their silent conversations. They both know that if Kol is anything like his siblings, he won't take no for an answer.

Besides, Stefan can't help but think how you are dealing with this situation.

Even after everything you´ve done to get here, he knows that sometimes drastic measures like luring the Mikaelsons to Mystic falls and every chaos that has unfolded is necessary. If it was in this case, he has yet to figure out.

“Fine.” Stefan agrees to Kol´s demand “Let's start at home.”

Kol glances out the slightly dirty passenger window, outlandish looking cars fly by, accompanied by strangely dressed people either talking or looking at a handheld device.

It's safe to say he's confused by the sudden time leap.  He feels even more like an outsider in this day in age, than he used to.

“So you´re-” Damon begins to talk, attempting to form some sort of non-awkward road conversation.

“I'm in no mood to talk. Especially not to you.” Kol blows him off. After everything you've told him about your family quarrels, Kol doesn't have the slightest desire to talk to Damon.

“Nevermind, I do have one simple question.” Kol shifts in his seat to catch a glimpse of Stefan in the backseat “Who do I have to torture to find out who scared  Y/N away?”

“Who do you think?” Stefan scoffs, the answer obvious to him.

“Nik, of course.” Kol looks out the window, hands clenched and lip twitching.“Let me guess, you played his hand, didn't you?“

“It's her own fault. She could've told us the truth.” Damon says, the bitterness and fury hearable.

“Because you handle the truth exceptionally well the last time.” Kol scoffs and shakes his head.

Your brothers remind him so much of his own siblings. He too is always the first to blame or the one that´s judged the harshest, even if his own siblings committed as awful of atrocities.

Sometimes even worse ones.

Y/N | Boarding House

You´ve been crying all the way to the Boarding House. Calling it home now, would not be appropriate. At least not anymore.

Your brothers searched for the first indicator to push you away again. And Klaus served it on a silver platter.If they want to get rid of you so badly, so be it. You'll cross the town borders in the next minutes without looking back.  

A new adventure awaits.

Another road redefined.

You swing the heavy bag containing your belongings over your shoulders, as you turn to get a last look at your room that has never quite felt like home. You close the door behind you, as well as the metaphorical door of this failed attempt to reconcile with your brothers.

Alone, like you´ve been used to for the last 100 years.

Maybe it's better this way. Wherever you to set foot in chaos soon seems to follow. They´re better off without you.

You open the front door, stepping outside under the darkening sky, your heart both heavy for leaving, especially the way you do, but the tiniest part of you feels freer.

Finally, they know what you´ve been hiding for a long time. Not everything still, but the most important parts.

You take a deep breath before turning to close the door behind you. The wind seems to pick up once you do, a swift breeze running down your back. Before the door fully closes, a firm hand wraps around your neck, squeezing tightly before pulling you into the darkness with a swift break.  Your bag falls on the floor, as does your phone as your attacker drags you away at rapid speed.

Not a minute later, Damon speeds down the driveway and Kol jumps out while it's still moving, impatient to see you again. He has the brightest smile on his lips and he knows once he can wrap his arms around you, every pain he endured will be washed away.

He´ll know he´ll be whole again.

His smile quickly falters as he stops at the door that's still ajar, the bag on the floor catching his attention. He looks around him in panic, searching for any indication of you. When he can´t find one he kicks the door open in rage and worry, speeding through the entire house searching room for room, but nothing.

Kol balls his fist and returns outside, grabbing Damon by the neck holding him firmly a few feet above the ground.

If this would be any other vampire than your brother, he would go straight for the heart. But he knows no matter how much your brothers hurt you, you would never let anyone hurt them as long as if there's no way around it.

“Where. Is. She?” Kol grits through his teeth, voice dangerously calm and sharp.

“Knock it off! We don´t know where she is.” Stefan intervenes, but Kol doesn´t budge.

Stefan then switches from defense to offense and speeds towards him. Kol doesn't even have to look behind him to anticipate the attack and grabs Stefan as well.

“If you would´ve stood by her for once in your pathetic lives, she would be here. Now you will help me find her. And we will find her, do you understand?” They nod, face already red from the loss of oxygen.

“Very good.” Kol releases them and they heave for air, coughing their way back to normal breathing “Let's get started then, shall we?”

A/N: Guys, before I start, please put the pitchforks down!!! I know letting them miss each other by just a moment this is cruel, very cruel in fact. But how boring would´ve been if I just went with the normal plot line. I mean, I am a sucker for that overdramatic running into each other's arms thing, but the angst won once again.

Also, what do you think about the secret(is) revealed? Do you think Stefan and Damon overreacted? I know where I stand, where do you´? ;)

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#kol x reader #kol mikaelson imagine #tvd #tvd imagine #the vampire diaries #the vampire diaries imagine #kol mikaelson #open coffin

[foldingfittedsheets]

In my dnd campaign we were recently assailing a keep. There's me, an elf Druid, a dragon born fighter, a tiefling rogue, and a half orc cleric.

I sniff around and find an owl-bear in one tower, and we know where the king we're attacking is. We argue over whether to kill the owlbear or release it to freedom and the cleric and rogue decide to roll a die to see what we do. It came up in favor of the rogue but our DM reached over and turned the die, convincing both me and the cleric that Selune's will is to not fight the owlbear.

So I decide the best way to assail the keep is by sneaking in through the windows that are ten feet up. But I'm a direwolf. And I can't talk to my party. So I grab the tiefling and fling him on my back and leap up the wall to deposit him inside acing both athletics, strength, and stealth checks. The fighter and cleric have just watched me run off with the rogue that I canonically am not fond of and decide to assail the castle front themselves because they think I have abandoned them. I run past them to leap at more windows and scout hobgoblins, goblins and more goblins. At which point the fighter and I start slaughtering goblins while the cleric tries to get them to convert to his goddess Selune, and after many bloody scenes of battle in which I was the only one to sustain any damage, we have cleared a bloody swathe to the kings chamber. Which runs along the same path to the owlbears tower. The party then argues about what to do, distract the king by saying the owlbear is loose? ...Actually loosing the owlbear? At which point my Druid becomes convinced that Selune wishes the monster to be freed and if it happened to follow a trail of blood and goblin bodies to the kings chamber then that was her will. But I'm a direwolf. And I can't talk. So I just started dragging around bodies and the cleric and fighter decide now is a good time to hide because they don't love this plan. And the tiefling gets ready to release the owlbear and join me on a high broken wall.

Our tiefling opens the owlbear door and BOOKS it, escaping it by one point on the DMs die. The owlbear slams into the kings door and attacks all parties inside in blind rage, including the king, a wolf, and a drow.

At this point the DM throws his hands up and says he'll do some quick rolls to decide how things will fall out and we all loudly protest that we want to be entertained. He then rolls a battle by himself against himself between four parties. The wolf bites the dust quickly defending its master, the king and the owlbear face off and after an abortive attack the drow attempts to flee. Directly into the door that our cleric and fighter are hiding behind and in full sight of the nocked arrow of our hiding rogue.

She takes the arrow, slams through the door, takes three massive subdual attacks and drops. We're feeling pleased as punch when her skin melts and reveals her for a doppelgänger. We then turn our attention to the king and the owlbear who are both almost dead. The king finally drops, and a single arrow finishes off the owlbear.

After looting sufficiently and rescuing the troublesome dwarf we were there for we question the doppelgänger, prevent it from killing itself with spare the dying, charming it with charm person and force it to reveal everything with zone of truth.

At the end of it all as the dust settled our DM couldn't fucking believe it. "You just- worked around two very major battles. I didn't even mean for Selune to have a stance, I just thought it would be funny!"

#funny #dnd #dnd stories #elf druid #owlbear #5e