#bro wifed up a golden retriever | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

elysian-entries · 3 years

Text

One film, two visions; The Justice League

It’s 2017; the highly anticipated “Justice League” film, directed by Zack Snyder, is set to be released later in the year as a continuation of the DCEU.

A blockbuster movie showcasing the biggest DC characters uniting. Taking down the ultimate super villain; bound to fulfil millions of past and present children’s, as well as current adults and elderly dreams.

Then a fork in the road appears, Snyder and his wife, Deborah, step down from the colossal project due to the incredibly woeful loss of their daughter, Autumn. News hits the fans like a brick. Resulting in Joss Whedon and the Warner Bros. Studio stepping up to the mantle. Or at least attempting to.

Whedon's theatrical cut lost Warner Bros. Pictures approximately $60 million dollars. With overall painfully negative reviews and reception. Breaking the hearts of DC fans everywhere.

4 years, campaigns, hashtags, sky banners, petitions, and billboards later; I can’t say how many of us would have predicted receiving the holy gift that is the “Snyder Cut”, in its full 4 hour running time glory (in a 4:3 ratio, which somehow adds to the grandeur). 4 years of dedicated, passionate and determined people helping in any way they can for the cause. It was a journey to behold.

A large section in Snyder’s 4 hour venture is used to build dimension and depth in the characters. Making an absolute world of a difference. Something that was sorely lacking in Whedon's cut. The film had a completely different feel and atmosphere instantly.

There's no better example of increased depth in characters than Cyborg's (Ray Fisher's) narrative. I was engaged, and intrigued by his story. In Whedon’s cut, he isn't even given a second thought. His entire backstory was cut as well as his father's important role also being stripped. His scene where he sacrificed himself in order for them to find the mother box was gone. And it took away such an important, integral part in Cyborgs story, and in the film in general I believe and also realised having seen the two movies; the complicated but delicately developing relationship between father and son. And just the whole story in general made such a difference in Snyder's cut, it really is almost indescribable the difference it made. It just felt so much more genuine and heartfelt. Like a real developed and executed narrative.

In Snyder's cut we were shown detailed flashbacks that fully fleshed out his character, his morals and his relationships. Creating a much needed deeper connection with the audience. We experience his conflicting journey to accepting his responsibility, accepting the past, the "gift he has", and his purpose in the league. Leading into receiving closure. He was given great and meaningful importance and purpose in this cut.

Similarly, Ezra Miller's Flash was too given a largely more meaningful and impactful role that left quite the impression on me. His character was light-hearted and charming but still had those important, emotionally impactful scenes. Which were painfully lacking in Whedon's cut. I was left loving Barry Allen a lot more than I already did. Barry's scenes with his wrongly convicted father were hard hitting for me. They also play a large part in making later scenes more impactful. Like his detrimental importance during the final fight. In Whedon's cut his big hero moment was saving a Russian family. The overall the inclusion of the family was superfluous and extraneous, along with the robber at the start and many other things. Not only that but Whedon's cut gave the Flash a silly, attempted comical relief role. To be fair he attempted to give everybody a comical relief role. Which hardly worked because none of the attempts were actually funny and were at time agonizing. It ultimately lacked substance and came across as almost immature. The scene where Barry went on about brunch was painful. Leading me to ask, why? Why was this so important to film Whedon?

After re-watching Whedon’s version, I had gained a new found appreciation for Snyder's representation of Barry. '"Make your own future, make your own past"; he echoes his father’s words. "Your son really was one of them, the best of the best," as his theme "At the Speed of Force" plays in the background of this pivotal moment. A powerful scene reflecting Barry's ulterior motive, doing his father proud. Which invoked many tears. And still does whenever I re-watch the scene or listen to the song. As if it were the first time experiencing it. Thomas Holkenborg's soundtrack truly amplified emotion and made the scenes much more powerful, It makes for one of the absolute best scenes in the movie; I'd say one of, if not my absolute favourite.

His job in charging up Victor was completely removed and I have to wonder why. Instead Barry was left to participate in "bug duty" (bugs being one of his fears also). Barry's role in Snyder's cut, and that one incredible scene where he broke the rule was arguably better than Whedon's Justice League as a whole.

I think the only scene in Whedon's cut involving Barry that I thought was actually meaningful was where he was faced with his first real mission. And he was confronted with his fears of "obnoxiously tall" beings. He appeared anxious and frantic. Fearful. Communicating to us his inexperience. And Batman simply told him to just "save one". To which he then, without struggle, saved them all. And was also able to participate in the final battle. The "save one" scene made those achievements more meaningful.

The scene after they won the battle, showcases the victorious team standing proud; and Barry with a sweet, goofy, golden retriever-esque smile plastered on his face. What a loveable smile.

An interesting contrast is the scene in where Barry reveals to his father his new position at an “actual job”. In Snyder’s cut the father was absolutely over the moon, shouting at the top of his lungs, "his foot is in the door!" repeatedly in excitement. It tugged at my heart strings; his shameless pride in his son. Making me wonder how he would have shown his pride if he found out Barry saved the whole Earth and humanity. We can assume Barry had that unequivocally powerful underlying thought too. Contributing to his saccharine reaction. In Whedon’s cut the reaction was softer and more timid but nonetheless a sweet moment. Barry becoming bashful.

It was a sweet touch to have Cyborg and Flash finally fist bump during that victorious scene after Victor rejected Barry's initial advance in Whedon's cut. Ezra Miller improvising that “racially charged” line, acknowledging the possible racism attached to a fist bump I assume. The whole fist bumping being "racially charged" was not included in Snyder's cut. The grave digging scene was entirely different. Which I far more preferred. It was a group excursion. With a little positive interaction between the Atlantean and the Amazonian. And funnier, more light-hearted dialogue between Barry and Victor.

Aquaman’s contrast was interesting. In Whedon’s cut he actually sought out to obtain the trident to help the league (although he was always disagreeing with them). Compared to Snyder; where he was apprehensive and had to be hesitantly persuaded by Willem Dafoe’s character Vulko (who was completely absent from Whedon’s cut). This was also an importantly established relationship by Snyder. Arthur first makes his desire to help the the team known saving them from the water rushing from Gotham Harbour. He isn't acknowledged in the theatrical cut but in Snyder's cut Diana notices and takes a moment to take in his presence (I assume?). Then Barry asks who that guy is. And of course we all know, it's Aquaman.

I particularly liked how Snyder chose to include Barry asking for Arthur's opinion on military hats. It's an odd, minimalistic thing to include - the reasoning as to why I like it. I also thought it was quite charming.

A scene I think deserves a mention is when Aquaman is first introduced, and then rejects Bruce's offer, he then makes his way back into the ocean. A farewell song is performed. This was quite early in the film and I think the voices being hauntingly beautiful, yet slightly eerie/poignant set the perfect atmosphere. A well done scene.

His overall character was also contrasting. He became a genuine hero who was proved capable of more than water powers and silly moments. Including that god-awful lasso of truth scene. In the theatrical cut he was bitter, a bit of a joke, not caring too much about the events that were unfolding. He had more of a heroes’ sense of purpose within Snyder’s cut.

Gal Gadot did not gain too much from the extra scenes. Though different to the theatrical cut, Snyder had paired her with a repetitive character establishing theme. It could be referred to as ancient lamentation music. Hauntingly beautiful. Something I could only assume would be the battle cries of the Amazonian warriors and the Amazonian warrior inside Diana. In some ways possibly over used, though I thought it was brilliant. It has a special place in my heart because I love that type of soundtrack. The almost eerie, maybe poignant but overall emotion provoking type. Especially her introduction scene where she faces off against the terrorists )which was overall better in Snyder's cut) The haunting warrior moans fade into her classic theme to create an incredible atmosphere. And that atmosphere was definitely missing in Whedon's cut, in more than just that one scene. It was also sorely lacking the lamentation music. We also didn't get that sweet interaction between Diana and the little girl.

When Diana began detailing Steppenwolf and the mother boxes past to Bruce, the cuts were very strange and abrupt/awkward in some way. And it felt silly and rushed; and I think that perfectly describes the whole film.

Whedon's cut also included uncomfortable scenes. Almost forcing characters to be funny where it was just completely out of place and character. Or just downright inappropriate. To be fair, Whedon is known for the Marvel movies in which fourth wall dimension breaking and odd self ware/ironic jokes are heavily used. One of the main reasons I don't particularly enjoy them, but rather enjoy the darker, more meaningful DC movies. I say meaningful in the way in which we are completely transported into this universe; where it's taken seriously and has obvious effects and meaning to the characters. Compared to Whedon's Marvel films in which the threat is joked about and the characters make fun at their expense.

Another negative contrast is the colour grading and overall shots. A good example is the conversation between Lois Lane and Martha Kent. In Whedon's version the colour is poppy, reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or The Office. As if it were an empty shell of a TV show. Lacking any artistic or symbolic aspects. Whereas Snyder's conversation between Martha Kent (who was actually Martian Manhunter) and Lois Lane was beautiful. The lighting was dim, with steam from their hot coffee creating a brilliant shot and conveying the perfect mood. Almost a piece of art. A lot of Snyder's cut looked as if it were ripped straight out of an incredible graphic novel. His talent when it comes to filmmaking is grandiloquent. Compared to Whedon's over saturated and flat scenes as if it were from a cliché sitcom.

Whedon also made the Justice League a lot more dysfunctional than it needed to be.

The scene where the team unanimously come up with the plan to revive Superman seemed really silly and lackluster in Whedon's cut. In Snyder's cut it was a genuine moment. A "wow" moment where the penny dropped. It gave me goose-bumps. The way it was implied, the explanation/analogy with the house, and then Cyborg creating a Superman visual as the team, standing around the table, stared at it in awe. All thinking the same thing. Without even having to say it (as Barry pointed out) It was a uniting moment. Whedon's version was just, disappointing. Lacking any impact at all. And it made the team seem disconnected in a way. Whereas in Snyder's scene the league's thoughts were in unison.

There was also an agonizing amount of Wonder Woman praise. I think praise is a...well...nicer way of putting it. It was more so adolescent boy humour, immature if you will; with her being the butt of the joke. To the point where it was little uncomfortable and borderline unnecessary. And to another point where Gal Gadot refused to do a scene, (the one where Flash lands on her) and Whedon insisted so much on still including it - that they used a body double. A scene so stupid and pointless it actually hurts. Why, Whedon?

Superman's main feature in this film is his moustache. Or, lack thereof. At the beginning of the theatrical cut, we witness the infamous Superman film scene, where we are introduced to his CGI moustache…then “Everybody Knows” by Sigrid plays as we see the aftermath of his death. I really enjoyed this scene, the song and the atmosphere. I think it was a strong start, setting the poignant mood. But of course it all goes out the window and downhill from here.

The biggest difference between the two Superman’s was the elimination of the godforsaken CGI removed moustache and the introduction to the “Recovery Suit” in Snyder's cut, which was a brilliant touch. We actually see Clark stumble upon the suit. A scene where various voices from his past, echo in his mind. An equally important and impactful scene; where he flied up into the universe, overlooking the Earth he is to protect.

I also really liked the whole, "Lois Lane is key" setup, with the eerie premonitions and glimpses into the “Knightmare”. Adding yet another deeper layer to the narrative. Setting the scene for Snyder's envisioned sequel.

In Whedon's cut during the first confrontation where Clark is confused immediately after his resurrection - the previous BvS battle is implemented more. With the "Do you bleed?" question being revisited. Giving us an unwanted closer look at the strange looking $3 million dollar CGI.

I liked Snyder's first confrontation better. It included more action and participation of all parties. And it was just a longer scene, making it seem more plausible and less silly. Before Clark reached Bruce he went through every member. Resulting in a little appreciated interaction between Arthur and Barry. I also thought Whedon’s scene showing Superman throwing Batman away like a ragdoll added to the ridiculous nature.

During the final battle. (Not mentioning how uncomfortable the colour grading was causing an unlikable atmosphere. Especially when it became daylight, taking away the exciting and intense atmosphere.) Whedon's Superman's entry was a little plain. Maybe cliché. Banging on about "truth" and "justice". Which isn't necessarily bad. It's just, maybe, too Superman? We then see the relieved faces of all the members. Batman's giddy smile was by far the best. It was nice to see genuine happiness and I think that played an important role in communicating to us Bruce's character arc. From lowest of lows, and his conflicting attitude towards Superman in BvS, to Superman giving him incredible hope. Though it slightly made me uncomfortable.

Snyder's entry of Superman was brutal in the best way. Appearing just before Cyborg was chopped to bits. Giving us that epic moment of 'He came.” Superman mercilessly rips into Steppenwolf for the next minute or two. No breakaways. Which was a great choice. It perfectly showcased his abilities. Though in the theatrical cut he was shown to be the only capable one of saving the world and being the real “hero”, in Snyder’s cut, especially The Flash, they were all shown to be powerful with meaningful parts to play.

Bruce Wayne appeared more guilty and conflicted about what happened in BvS in Whedon's cut. Though he was overshadowed in terms of writing by Superman and Wonder Woman. He also was the one who brought in the "big guns" a.k.a Lois Lane as a contingency plan in case the Superman resurrection went awry. In which it did. In Snyder's cut it was coincidence, or the doing of Man Hunter in that mysterious scene. Bruce was also quite tense and wasn’t too much a bright beacon of hope as he was in the Snyder cut. Even despite Snyder's vision of him being reminiscent and heavily inspired by Frank Millers version; darker, older, broken and violent in a way (which is brilliant) he still had this character arc. The lover’s tiff he suffered with Diana was irritating and what I thought was superfluous. Creating an unnecessary disconnect with the group. It wasn't an interesting sub-plot/complication at all .

Bruce's character arc (from the dark BvS time, to the hopeful present) was more thoroughly shown in Snyder’s cut compared to Whedon's. I briefly mentioned Bruce's schoolgirl grin when Superman arrived right on time. Though Snyder more effectively showcased this positive rise through his obviously increased in optimistic attitude. When the team are off the defeat Steppenwolf once and for all Alfred asks Bruce how he can be so sure of the Man of Steel’s arrival. And Bruce replies full of vigour, “Faith, Alfred, faith!” And in another instance Barry questions their strength against Steppenwolf due to the amount of demons he has won against. Bruce declares that, “He’s never fought us. Not us united.” It was a powerful statement that heavily elevated excitement for the final fight.

During this final fight, Batman basically goes out on a suicide mission. Then the rest of the league join him for a family reunion. The Snyder cut better represented this with an astounding freeze-frame, slow motion shot of the team. It nicely established the power of unity in this case.

The way in which Steppenwolf was defeated was vastly altered. Changed completely. Mostly due to Darkseid’s absence in the theatrical cut. Darkseid added an important extra layer of looming fear, and even gave Steppenwolf more depth. It gave him an important reason as to why he was doing what he wasy doing. As we saw his utter dedication to Darkseid. It alerted us of the larger dangers that were present. Steppenwolf’s death in Whedon’s cut was ultimately debilitated after seeing Snyder’s version. Instead of being anti-climactically eaten alive by his bug minions as the sun rose; (maybe it’s a personal preference but I heavily dislike the daylight, especially for action scenes) his head was chopped off, first horn by horn, then from the neck. His decapitated head thrusted back through the portal into his own world, landing at the horrifying Darkseid's feet, along with the terrifying parademons. Engulfed by a fiery hellscape. The horror that Earth could have faced. But still could face. It reveals the deeper and darker enemy, beyong Steppenwolf looming just beneath the surface.

A sinister tune plays, as we see the victorious Justice League looking back at them. The portal then closes. Although a victory, we can’t help but wonder what the demonic and powerful entities, far more powerful than Steppenwolf, have in store for Earth’s future.

The Knightmare vision being apart of that future. It's set up from BvS to the very end of Justice League. It's a very intriguing part of Snyder’s vision. The moment where you can link up and see the connections between all the post-credit scenes and the “premonitions” is an epiphanic moment. It’s a whole other narrative on its own that you can analyse, hypothesize and discuss. It’s a very intriguing/exciting concept to think of what would have been Snyder’s future movie where Barry (as we saw previously reverse time) goes back to warn Bruce that “Lois Lane is the key”, to avoid the whole disastrous scenario. We can gather that he is referencing what we see at the end of Snyder's cut, Superman turned evil. The death of Lois Lane, whose skeleton we saw Superman cradle previously, we can assume had a hand in that, and possibly the Anti-Life equation too. It's an incredible narrative, and there are few things I would love more than seeing the Snyderverse come to life on this epic scale again.

We also finally get a glimpse of Snyder’s joker. A very exciting moment for me. Seeing any new iteration of the Joker is an exciting moment. Could Jared Leto somehow redeem himself?

Well, it sure was infinitely times better than the Suicide Squad rendition. This Joker was actually eerie and unsettling. I felt almost uneasy watching these scenes, and his odd laugh caused shivers to form down my spine. Jokers comments about “boy wonder”, whom we find out was indeed Bruce’s adoptive son, were heartbreaking (I believe he was actually referring to Dick instead of Jason surprisingly as his grave was once seen in a previous movie) Leaving me holding my breath, wondering what Bruce would say next, or what other wretched thing Joker could say. Of course the "reach around" comment was a bit off, but I’ll just brush over that.

We also learnt of Arthur Curry’s death, Harley Quinn’s death. Proving that Snyder had such a colossal plans for all the characters, dead and alive.

It’s a poignant feeling; to see this incredible, vast narrative, just beneath the surface, unfold. Knowing that we won’t be able to see it fully developed. As of now.

While watching these two completely different cuts of the same movie; it occurred to me and I am sure many other people, that attempting to produce such an in depth narrative intensive movie on the small scale that Whedon attempted, will commonly end in a painful, empty and superficial representation. Or maybe that really was just Whedon's vision.

As the epilogue ended, the credits rolled. Hallelujah began playing, sung by Allison Crowe. And as they rolled, in big letters the words; "For Autumn" took center focus. White against black. Clear as day. Like a bus, it hit hard. The reason I was sitting on that couch finally having the great honour to watch such a film. The courage it must have taken to continue and finish such a project is beyond admirable, it's heroic. Also non-profit. It only further proves what we already knew, that the intentions were pure, as no one ever doubted.

Also acknowledging the giant billboard on one of the buildings promoting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. A very important cause, especially to the Snyder’s. To date fans have raised over half a million dollars to the AFSP in honour of Autumn. A truly incredible feat.

When looking at the two movies side by side, it blows my mind to see the difference that I do. The emotion, meaning, the depth. It all just made sense in Snyder's cut. The emotion was palpable, absolutley unmistakable. Things mattered more. The people mattered more. There were reasons, and purpose. It was a genuine journey for every one of the characters, and I felt it. There were so many little scenes that made so much difference that added depth and meaning, emotion.

And I cannot say such words for Whedon, though I won’t put all the blame on him. Warner Bros. is about equally responsible. .

The true, original and intended Justice League; expatiated heroes, people, stories and journeys coming together on a grandiose scale, executed with passion and care. But also giving us a bittersweet taste of Snyder’s epic trilogy that could have been.

The end of the saga; and the rest of Snyder’s visions, are left unfulfilled; as of now. But regardless, remains as one of the things I hope to see come to life. Watching this movie, and the feeling I had during and afterward is indescribable. I want to say a massive congratulations to Zack Snyder. The film was beyond breathtaking. It really is so special and it will forever have an important place in my heart.

Though I think the most important thing to take away from the Snyder's incredible work is Autumn's story.

Thank you Zack Snyder.

For Autumn.

www.imdb.com/title/tt12361974/

29 notes · View notes

peonybane · 5 years

Text

Agape and Pragma: Chapter 2

Pairings: OT7 (BTS) x Reader

Word Count: 3.9 k

Genre: Hybrid AU, Fluff, Angst, Sci-Fi, Smut (eventually)

Summary: Your entire world had be torn asunder by just one lab test. Time heals all wounds, but does it really? What will it take to feel whole again?

Warning: Nightmare scene surrounding the idea of an infant death and trauma coping.

Hybrid Types: Peacock Jin, Serval Yoongi, Golden Retriever Hoseok, Great Dane Taehyung, and French Lop Eared Rabbit Jungkook… with more to come.

a/n: So, this one is kinda all over the place. First, bonus points for whoever knows what show I’m quoting. Secondly, this chapter is angsty as FUCK in the second half. But I promise Chapter 3 will more than make up for it. I also have no self control and am posting a day early.

<--- Previous (Chapter 1)

“You sure you don’t want to stay a few more days? I’m sure Deeba wouldn’t mind.”

“Shortstack~”

You smiled sheepishly as your best friend called you out. You weren’t ready. Even though you knew that this wasn’t forever, you still weren’t ready to let him go. He had been your rock through one of the hardest parts of your life, just as you had been for him. He held you through your mourning, through your rage, through your joy.

But deep down, you knew this what needed to be done. You could see it in his eyes; there was life there, life that had never been there before. How could you take it away from him.

He gave you a tight hug, burying his face in your hair. He may not have been a Hybrid, but working and living with them for so long had him picking up some interesting habits, such as scenting. “I’m going to miss you, Beefcake. I can’t believe you’re actually going.”

“Come on, now. Don’t guilt me like that. You’ve got so much going for you.”

You giggled out, “What do I have going for me? Is it that I’m pretty? Tell me I’m pretty, Liam.”

He laughed, knowing exactly where you were going with this. “Were I unwed I would take you in a manly fashion.”

“Because I’m pretty?”

He laughed. “Because you’re pretty.”

You both laughed, pulling away from each other. Liam flicked your forehead. “Don’t overwork yourself. And if I find out from one of these three that you’re overworking yourself again, don’t think I won’t come back and ask Deeba to beat sense into you for me.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I’m sure I can handle myself. And I’m glad that you finally found your other half.”

While Liam smiled down at you, you could still sense a bit of guilt and sadness radiating off of him. You knew why— he felt guilty about finding his own happiness when you’ve only started finding a new one. You lightly patted his cheek. “Go… be happy.”

He leaned in and kissed your forehead. No more needed to be said. You both had said everything you needed to. Besides, it’s not like this was goodbye for forever.

Liam turned his attention to the boys. Immediately, Taehyung pulled him into a tight hug, mumbling something about how much he was going to miss him again as he scented Liam. Liam just chucked and rubbed Taehyung’s floppy brindle ears, knowing that it was one of the best ways to calm him down, and more importantly, to stop him from bawling.

As soon as Taehyung was done saying goodbye. Liam did another couple of rounds of fair wells with the other two. Taehyung joined your side, his head hanging a bit in sadness. You leaned against him, reminding him that you were there for him. He rested his head on yours as you guys watched Liam wrestle with Jungkook and Hoseok one last time before he bid you all one last farewell.

Your giant puppy let out a sad little whimper as Liam disappeared into the crowd. You reached up and ruffled Taehyung’s unruly hair. “It’s not forever, Tae Tae. Just imagine, once he and his wife are settled in, they’ll come visit us.”

Taehyung nuzzled into your hand, looking down at you with sad eyes. He took your palm in his and brought it to his lips, leaving small kisses in the center of it. A light blush rose in your cheeks, still not used to Taehyung’s chosen form of affection with you. You continued, giving him a sweet smile, “Will getting some ice cream help?”

If you didn’t know any better, your roommates had teleported into the car, with Hoseok in the driver’s seat. You laughed, turning to join them. This was it. This was your family now.

^~^~^~^~^

The days before had been busy and tear filled as Liam explained his decision to the boys, with Jungkook being the surprisingly biggest weeper. In the few days that Liam was home, he transferred the deed to you; complete ownership of the house and the acreage that surrounded it now belonged to you.

It didn’t feel real yet, even as the boys helped Liam when they could with putting his stuff in boxes and helping him pack the things he would need immediately in some suit cases. It still didn’t feel real yet even as the boys starting moving things out of your room while you worked and into the master bedroom at Liam’s behest. It didn’t feel real even as Liam had Deeba Skype you all for the first time. It didn’t feel real even as you cooked Liam’s favorite meal of stuffed cabbage rolls and pilaf for his going away dinner.

No, it didn’t feel real until later that night after dropping off Liam that when you dragged yourself off to bed, only to find that your weighted blanket had been removed from your old room, along with most of your stuff.

You realized that the boys had moved it to the master bedroom when you hesitantly entered. You let out a breath that you didn’t realize you were holding. This… this was reality. This was your new home.

After changing into pajamas you climbed into the massive bed. Sure it was the comfiest bed you had ever laid in, but it was cold. It was too big. It felt so… impersonal. You got up for a moment and gathered all of the pillows together, creating a barrier. Laying back down again, that barrier made it easier to fall asleep, almost as if someone was spooning you from behind.

^~^~^~^~^

“Hobi, are you sure it’s alright for me to tag along?”

“It’s more than alright. In fact, I think Jin would pout if he found out you weren’t coming with.”

You could help but chuckle a little as Hobi pulled into the drive away of this little cafe on the outskirts of town called ‘Seesaw.’ “Is that right, now? I didn’t think I left that strong of an impression.”

Hoseok nodded his head excitedly as he parked the car. He got out and rushed over to your side of the car, opening the door for you and you unbuckled yourself, his fluffy tail going at a hundred miles per hour. Upon helping you out of the car, Hoseok lead you towards the cafe.

As soon as you entered, Jin flagged you both down, calling Hoseok’s name. As you walked towards him, you noticed that there was another sitting with him as well. You were a bit surprised to see the Hybrid from the other night, Yoongi.

Both men stood as you and Hoseok joined them. Jin and Hoseok did a quick bro hug then Jin turned to you. He took your hand once again and kissed it. “It’s wonderful to see you again.”

“You as well, Jin.”

Stepping back, he waved towards Yoongi. “This is my dear friend, Yoongi.”

Eyeing you a bit, Yoongi took your hand and shook it. You smiled at him. “It lovely to finally meet you, Yoongi. And thank you for the drink from last time.”

“And you as well. I’m glad you liked it.”

Jin smiled from ear to ear; there was a knowing glint in his eye. As you all sat yourself down, a waitress came by to take your orders. Jin and Hoseok ordered some sort of complicated lattes, with Jin ordering a spiced coffee cake to go along with his. Yoongi ordered an iced americano and an old fashion donut, which surprised you a bit. His initial impression making you believe he was more of a black coffee type of guy. You ordered an iced caramel macchiato.

The waitress smiled and nodded, walking away to place your orders. As soon as she was out of earshot, Jin turned to you, “I hope the drive here wasn’t terrible. It’s a little out of the way but they make the best coffee in town.”

You smiled back, “Well, with your recommendation it must be absolutely spectacular.”

You all continued to exchange small talk and pleasantries. Well, you, Hoseok, and Jin exchanged pleasantries. Yoongi just sat there, staring off into the distance, kind of out of it actually. Soon the waitress returned with your drinks and promised to be back with the food. You all thanked her and took sips on your drinks. Well, except Yoongi. He was downing his coffee like his life depended on it.

Quipping an eyebrow, you asked, “Sleepless night?”

The ears perched high on Yoongi’s head swiveled around a bit. “A few actually.”

He sighed then leaned back, rubbing the back of neck. “Haven’t been able to write anything good enough for work. Not to mention the stresses of finding a new place.”

“A new place?”

Jin replied, “Yeah, our landlord gave us final notice that now instead of turning the condos into a hotel he’s going to demolish the whole thing and turn it into a store as soon as possible. We got until the end of the month to move out.”

As the waitress came back with the food (when she brought Yoongi’s doughnut, Jin couldn’t help but say, ‘The serval has been served,’ before letting out a windshield wiper laugh), Yoongi seemed to have sensed the question forming in the back of your mind. Taking a bite of his doughnut, asked for you, “You’re wondering how two successful working bachelors are rooming together?”

You blushed a little, hanging your head in shame.

“That one,” Yoongi pointed to Jin, “Is only good for cooking and basic cleaning. He can’t do laundry, plumping, or handle bills to save his life. I, luckily, am the opposite. Not to mention,” he took another bite of his donut, “He puts pretty much all of his extra money into his restaurant and helping some people with paying for their tuition. I get a head of myself and let Hoseok talk me into donating to every charity he’s involved in.”

You looked at him in mild surprise as he continued to munch on his doughnut, looking quite disinterested in the rest of the world. Jin on the other hand had enough shame for the both of them for once, the tips of ears turning a nice shade of scarlet. You sipped on your coffee for a moment to distract yourself.

As you looked out the window, you had a thought. The words were out your mouth before you could even stop them. “Why don’t you guys move in with us? Even if its just for a little while until you guys can find your own place.”

Jin choked a little on his coffee. Yoongi’s usual neutral expression was broken by raised eyebrows, his large ears at attention. Hoseok looked over at you with an excited smile, his butt starting to wiggle from the force of his tail wagging from under him. “That’s a great idea!”

Jin interrupted, “We don’t want to be intruding.”

You replied, “Believe me, you’ll be far from it. With only half of the rooms being occupied, it’ll be more than welcomed. Besides, if you really feel guilty about it, you can pay rent if you’d like. Though I won’t charge you rent if you cook once a week and Yoongi plays us a song once in a while. I’ll just ask that you contribute to the pool for utilities. We do it evenly between us.”

This time you couldn’t keep the smile from gracing your lips as you looked at the both of them. Jin and Yoongi exchanged glances. Jin spoke first, “Could we get back to you on that?”

Your smile grew even bigger. “Of course.”

And with that you let the conversation naturally flow, getting to know the two other men.

^~^~^~^~^

Just two short weeks later, Jin and Yoongi were moving in. Hoseok insisted that Yoongi take over your old room, conveniently making them room neighbors. Jin took the room across from Jungkook and as all the boys were moving the boxes in, you could already hear the yelling from Jin as Jungkook continued to make fun of the other man.

You couldn’t help but laugh to yourself in the kitchen as you continued to cook the welcome dinner. You had tried to help the boys with moving Jin and Yoongi in but quickly realized that it was futile as five healthy, strong men were way more than enough as they moved Yoongi’s piano into a corner of the living room.

Dinner ended up being simple— just some pasta, grilled chicken, and a salad. Nothing too fancy, but certainly in big enough portions to keep up with five ravished Hybrids.

Their timing was perfect since all five ended up in the kitchen just as you were finishing up with cooking dinner. “Oh! Shortstack! This smells delicious!”

Hoseok came up behind you and hugged you, leaning in and sniffing your hair. You giggled and you tried to push him away. “EWWWWWWW…. Boy cooties!”

Hoseok laughed again, deciding to cover you in even more sweat as you protested, his tail smacking the counters in excitement. Finally he let you go, grabbing a plate to start piling food on. Taehyung showed Jin and Yoongi how dinner went when you all were able to sit down together.

Nothing fancy or formal, rather, it was comfortable and casual with everyone just grabbing a plate and piling on food. Jin looked at Jungkook, startled as he sat down across from him at the table, having piled on more chicken than anything else on his plate.

You laughed, looking at Jungkook’s plate as you also settled in to eat. “You think you got enough food there, Wild Boar?”

Stuffing his face, Jungkook replied, “That’s Bun Bun to you.”

You let out an unladylike snort as you peered over at Jin, a confused look gracing his face. “I- I don’t understand.”

In between mouthfuls, Taehyung replied, “Even though Kookie is a rabbit Hybrid, we’re pretty sure the scientists messed up and spliced him with some sort of predator as well. My money is on bear.”

In quick session Hoseok replied, “Mountain lion.”

Then followed by you, “Wild boar.”

Hoseok continued, “Kookie is big for a rabbit, even for a lop.”

You interrupted, “Don’t forget unusually strong.”

He continued as Jungkook just shot the room his usual bunny smile, “He’s aggressive as hell and the only ones that can take him on in wrestling are Liam and Tae.”

Indignantly you said, “What about me?”

Jungkook laughed. “Shortstack… hate to break this to you, but I let you win.”

You made a face of mock hurt, pointing your fork at him, ready to fence. “Raise your fork, Kookie! My honor is at stake! En garde!”

Kookie laughed, humoring you. You both sparred for a little bit, but as always, Kookie won. As you pouted, very unhappy with your loss, Hoseok leaned over and ruffled your hair. Jin finished his food, patting his belly, “Yah, that was wonderful. Thank you very much!”

You couldn’t help the smile that snuck its way onto your face. Yoongi looked over at Taehyung, who was pouting a bit. “What’s the matter with you, puppy?”

“I was hoping she’d make her famous poppyseed rolls….”

You sighed, clearing the table with Jungkook’s help. “Tae Tae, you know ‘Crack Rolls’ are only for birthdays and Christmas.”

“But it’s a special occasion!”

“You know I can’t make them while you’re working.”

Jin quipped an eyebrow. “‘Crack Rolls?’”

Jungkook started laughing as your face flushed a deep scarlet. Hoseok joined in on the laughter as he accompanied Jungkook in washing the dishes. He said, “She makes these fantastic poppyseed rolls. They’re so good, you can’t stop eating them until they’re all gone.”

Jungkook continued from there, “Tae gets his own roll for that reason. The biggest problem is that every time he seems to have one, he’s always randomly selected for a drug test at the school he works at. And he comes back as positive. Every. Single. Time.”

You all had a laugh at poor Tae’s expense. His entire face flushed and you were sure if you could see through the fur covering his ears, those would be beet red as well. You walked back over to Taehyung and kissed his cheek, which only made him turn even redder, but even as a regular human, you could tell it stopped him from being embarrassed. “I’ll make you a batch when school is no longer in session. Deal?”

You held out you pinkie finger for him. Even his own pinkie engulfed yours by its sheer size as he hooked it around your own. “Deal.”

The smile on your face grew bigger. You pulled away from Tae and turned to the rest of them. “You two get ready. Puppy piles are a regular thing in this house. So tonight, what will it be? Indiana Jones or Harry Potter?”

^~^~^~^~^

Nothingness. That was what surrounded you. Well almost. It was dark, except for the little pin prick of light, off in the distance. You stumbled towards it, the only refuge in this seemingly endless darkness.

Instead of feeling safer as you got closer, you could feel the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. As you approached, you noticed that the light was emanating from an old television set. You advanced with caution.

At first, the screen was covered in static. But the closer you drew near, images would increasingly flash across the staticy snow. With each flash, you could tell what was appearing on the screen, each image making your heart hammer harder and harder.

At first it was vague, just a baby. But as the flashes increased, became clearer and clear that it was your baby. Once you were in touching distance, the static ceased. Instead this time, the sight before you had tears welling in your eyes.

From your arms, your baby was roughly grabbed, tearing them from you as she wailed bloody murder. You screamed for whoever it was to stop, but the you on the screen couldn’t do anything, it was as if you were frozen, completely unable to move a single muscle. The screen flashed static for moment before it switched to Taka’s face. An unknown woman, faceless, stood behind him as he passively dropped your daughter… as if he were dropping a ball.

Your wails started to mesh with the babies until she suddenly fell silent. You fell to your knees, clawing at the screen, trying to do something…. Anything to try to save her.

Your wails were cut short by a sudden, slicing pain in your abdomen. You pressed your hands your abdomen, looking down to find blood… so much blood.

Suddenly, you heard a wail once more… a baby’s wail. At first, the pain kept you from figuring where the sound was coming from. Your heart stopped as you realized it was coming from your abdomen.

You scratched at your abdomen, crying, scared and confused. You didn’t know what to do. You just needed to save her. Just needed to—

You were violently shaken awake, Taehyung’s panicked voice calling your name. Adrenaline still pumping through your system, you stared back at Taehyung’s panicked face. You looked around the room, seeing your other roommates standing in your doorway looking frazzled. Jin and Yoongi looked confused and scared. Jungkook and Hoseok standing on either side of your bed, ready to help Taehyung if need be. Heeding them for only a moment, your panic returned, the adrenaline and the images still fresh in your head.

Scratching at your now red stomach, tears still streaming down your face, you cried, “T-Tae, I have to help her. She’s hurt or worse. Tae! W-Where’s my baby? Where is she?! T-Taka! He took her—“

Tae took ahold of your wrists, using his strength to overpower you, trying to keep your from hurting yourself even further. He called your name over and over again, his voice trembling as you continued to fight him. You continued panicking, only to soon find a pair of strong arms hugging you from behind. Jungkook whispered your name in your ear, “Shhhh… please. Please stop hurting yourself. It won’t fix everything that’s already been broken.”

You started hyperventilating, your mind still reeling with fear, with anger, with grief. Slowly, you started to stop fighting. Weeping weakly as both Taehyung and Jungkook released their hold on you, you closed your eyes.

The boys shifted, Taehyung moved to get in a better position, pulling you into his lap. He wrapped his arms around you, holding you close, his hands still loosely encircled around your wrists for fear of you trying to hurt yourself. Leaning his head against your own, he started singing to you. It was low and you weren’t exactly sure what it was he was singing, but it sounded like one of the lullabies he would sing to his kindergarteners during nap time.

Jungkook removed himself from the bed, keeping a wary on Tae. He let Hoseok take his place.

Slowly, Hoseok reached towards you, lifting your shirt to check if you’d added any more scars to your stomach. Hoseok kept an eye on Taehyung even as he examined you, knowing how protectively aggressive he would become around you whenever you had an episode like this. During these episodes, Taehyung barely let Hoseok near you, never mind Jungkook; the only reason Jungkook was able to hug you was because of how distracted Taehyung was, trying to keep you from hurting yourself. The only reason Taehyung let Hoseok near you was because as a fellow canine Hybrid, Hoseok had the same instincts as Taehyung, though not quite as strong— no one had as strong of instincts as Taehyung did.

As soon as Jin and Yoongi took a hesitant step into the room, Taehyung gave them a warning growl, making them both stop mid step. Jungkook swallowed, taking that as his cue to excuse himself, still keeping an eye on Taehyung as he did so. “Come on. Let’s go get the first aid kit for Hobi. I’ll explain what’s going on to you.”

Jungkook dragged the other two away. The moment they were no longer in view, Taehyung turned his full attention back on you. He brought one wrist to his lips (instead of your palm like he had down earlier that day), kissing the scars from the time you’d tried to scratch your wrists open from a similar nightmare. As he kissed, your finger grazed his cheek. The wetness found there brought your attention to it.

You turned slightly to look up at his face. His brow was knit together in worry, his normally perky and floppy ears were flush with his head. His eyes were brimming with tears he was desperately trying to hold back. Your lip trembled looking at him before you gave in and buried your face into his chest, weeping.

Taehyung held you tightly, grounding you as you wept, Hoseok stroking your hair.

Whispering in your ear, Taehyung reassured you, “None of this is your fault. If I could I would take your pain for you. Stop blaming yourself. Please… stop punishing yourself.”

He kissed the crown of your head and continued to sing softly to you. You fell into a dreamless sleep, still wrapped in Taehyung’s arms.

As always, reviews, comments, asks, and tags are always loved! ~Peony

Next (Chapter 3) —>

Agape and Pragma Masterlist

Masterlist

388 notes · View notes

phantomwarrior12 · 5 years

Text

Save It For The Living

Prompt: Save It For the Living by Smash Into Pieces

Words: 1,542

Warnings: Swearing, reader death, a shit ton of angst

Summary: The ones we love the most are the hardest to let go.

A/N: Hey folks!

Two fics inside of two weeks, that’s gotta be some kind of a record for me. xD Anyway, here, have some straight angst.

Please leave a like/comment to let me know your thoughts!

Enjoy!

~ Phantom

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

Wish I could see you happy

Get on with your life without me

Think of me as something beautiful

Not the bitter end

I'm the reason why you're feeling life is broken

So hear me

I don’t want your love

Save it for the living

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

"Damn it, Y/N, hold on!" Gabriel scrambles for the archangel blade, fear gripping hold and he can see the blood seeping from your wound.

"Aw, you still have a soft spot for that particular mistake?"

"Shut up, Lucifer!" He blasts his older brother back a few feet and it grants him enough space to retrieve the blade.

"Whatcha gonna do, baby bro? Fight me or save the girlfriend? Man, that gaping hole in her side really doesn't look good." The Devil taunts, peering at you with something akin to amusement.

"Go to hell." You choke out, applying pressure to your stab wound.

"I run hell, sweetheart. I've been there more than enough times."

Gabriel steals a glance over his shoulder at you, concern etched into every inch of his features.

"I'm okay. Kill the bastard." You assure him with more confidence than you have.

"Hang in there, Y/N." He gives you a short nod, focusing his attention on his older brother.

"Oh, come on, Gabriel. This is pointless. You know I'm going to win, baby bro. Might as well throw in the towel and try and save your whore."

"My whore can take care of herself. You, on the other hand, are going to wish you had someone watching out for your soon to be very dead ass." Gabriel twirls his blade, circling with Lucifer.

"Call me a whore again and I'm going to gank you both." You bite back, managing to prop yourself up on one elbow.

"Sorry, sugar." Gabriel apologizes, a playful lilt in his voice, his gaze never leaving his big brother.

"You should be," your eyes skim the surrounding room, no doubt hoping for cover if too much grace is thrown around.

"You know, with Sam and Dean both upstairs, you won't have the Winchesters swooping in to save the day. Little Cassie is trapped in the Empty, and Jack, well, without his grace, he ended up just like those sorry excuses for surrogate fathers, in the ground. When I kill you, you'll stay that way."

"You overestimate your abilities, Lucifer. You may have taught me everything I know, but you've never been the better trickster."

Lucifer's eyes widen for a moment, spinning just in time for the real Gabriel to bury the blade in his chest.

"That is for trying to kill me, you dick." He twists the hilt of the archangel blade and the light behind Lucifer's eyes flares in a show of brilliant white and blue and fades. Gabriel lets him drop to the floor, the shadows of his wings painting the floor beneath him as Gabriel steps over and rushes to your side.

"Y/N--"

"I'm still breathing, feathers, calm down." You assure him, wincing as you try to sit up.

"Don't try to move," he kneels beside you, concern bleeding through whiskey as he assesses the extensive damage, "Hold still," he reaches for you, surprised when you stop him.

"Don't."

"Sugar, you're dying. I need to heal you," he argues, confusion replacing concern.

"I'm done."

"What?" He stares down at you in disbelief, "What do you mean done?"

"I don't want you to heal me, Gabriel."

"You're not making any sense--"

Your features soften, "It's time to let me go, feathers."

"No, you're disoriented, let me help--"

"Gabriel," you interrupt sharply, taking his hand in yours, trembling fingers entwining with his, "Please, just hold me."

The archangel starts to protest, cutting himself short only after his eyes find yours. He isn't sure he knows how to breathe beneath the weight of your request, the silent plea in your eyes that he prays you don't mean suffocating any glimmer of hope. It feels as though an eternity has passed before he relents, shoulders sagging in defeat before he gathers you into his arms, agony lacing his voice as he speaks, "All right, sugar. You win."

Golden hues flare when his hands smooth over your skin, a firm, yet delicate hold as he cradles his favorite soul. Once, it was calming--borderline reassuring--to watch the burning embers ignite beneath his touch, almost as if the flames are fed by his proximity. He was never sure you were aware of it, if the racing of your heart and the crimson in your cheeks told you exactly how you felt, just as it told him. The archangel almost wishes he could've shown you how brightly your soul glowed when he touched you, when his grace merely whispered across your skin from the other side of a room, when his wings wound affectionately around your frame when you dozed off on the couch with a lore book draped haphazardly against your torso.

He wishes you could've seen the world as he does, seen the electric sparks in all living things, the glimmering lights beneath flesh as ordinary people do ordinary things. It's a beauty to behold, but, most of all, he wishes you could've seen his true form in all its glory. He wishes he could'vs shown you the golden feathers that line his wings, the celestial behind the vessel, the being that has fallen, irreversibly, in love with you.

Yet, now, with your soul flickering, wavering, fighting to stay alive, or to let go, he aches for a time before the joy left your eyes. A time when you were surrounded by friends--Sam, Dean, Castiel, Jack, Bobby--your family. When they finally passed, when the archangel was all you had left, he was forced to watch, in agony, as you slowly lost interest in the life the two of you had fought so hard for.

You missed them, more than anything in the world, you missed the people who had made life worth the fight. Lucifer may have dealt the final blow, but you had died, with them, years ago. He can see that now. His ability to keep you young, to keep you at his side--it was a curse more so than a blessing.

"Sugar--Y/N," his voice cracks, his hand pressing against the gaping wound in your side as he fights back tears.

"It's okay. I'm ready, Gabe," you offer a weak smile, the pad of your thumb brushing over his cheek and he inclines his head into your touch.

"I'm not. I know it's selfish--please, let me heal you."

There's a tenderness in your gaze, the shattered shards of your heart aching for him, "No. I've surpassed my lifetime, I've--" a cough tears through your frame and Gabriel tightens his hold around you, grace seeping beneath skin to ease the discomfort.

"Please, don't ask me to let you go." He leans his forehead against yours after you regain your breath.

"That's exactly what I have to ask of you, Gabriel. It's been a good life, one that most can only dream of. Not many can say they spent the better part of fifty years with an archangel that was willing to smite hoards of demons to rescue his wife from hell."

A small smile spreads tugs at the corner of his lips and he swears he can feel the relief rolling off you like waves, "I told you, the title was only technical. Angels don't have wives, we have soulmates."

A coarse laugh, more of a hollow wheeze, fills the quiet room, "You really wanna argue 'bout that now?"

"Hey, it's my last chance to prove you wrong." The smile flourishes across his features and he can read the telltale signs of amusement in your eyes.

"Always have to have the last word, don't you, feathers?"

His heart soars at the nickname, pounding in his chest as he swallows the lump building in his throat, voice faltering as he speaks, "You know me, there's a reason they call me Mr. Right."

His gaze darts down towards your chest, the spark of your soul fading, the thrum of your heart failing and he sets his jaw. He can feel your eyes on him, staring up at him with concern and he summons all the strength he has left to force the agony from his gaze.

"You'll be okay without me," you promise, "I'm just upstairs. You can visit, Gabe."

"I know, I'll just miss you, sugar." He presses a soft kiss to your forehead, tears slipping silently down his cheeks.

"I'll miss you, too." Your eyes lock with his, "Always remember, Gabriel, I love you."

"I love you, too, Y/N."

There's a shadow of a smile in your lips before your chest falls for the last time, y/e/c falling shut as your head sags against his shoulder.

It takes a moment and Gabriel crumbles, his frame curling around yours, wings encircling his trembling form as the tears fall freely. He isn't sure how long he holds you, but, at last, he picks you up, carrying you from the abandoned church.

He gives you a hunter's funeral. He knows what it means and he knows he'll never be able to bring you back, but it's what you wanted. So, he stands just beyond the pyre, flames dancing before whiskey orbs as the hole in his chest crumbles into a chasm.

He's on his own, once again and he hates it, but, he'll carry on. For you.

"Goodbye, sugar."

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

Taglists are open! Send me an ask/message to be added!

Gabriel Squad: @thewhiterabbit42 @erisunderthemoon @stuckoutsideofthebox @nuvoleincielo @lyselkatz @high-church-of-the-holy-dick @fand0maniac @lovelyhexbag @shaylybaby2032 @soul-fandom Forevers: @heaven-hell-imagines @a-mess-of-many-fandoms @currentlyfangirling99 @bofa-deans-nuts @emiwrites3reads

#gabriel spn #gabriel x reader #gabriel #spn #supernatural #phantom writes

67 notes · View notes

kentparsonbirthdaybash · 5 years

Text

Cards Close to the Chest

Prompt: Supernatural

Characters: Kent, Aces Ensemble

All of the guys chirped Parse for buying a pack of tarot cards. He might have been their star-talent rookie, but that didn’t mean he was above some healthy razzing. Especially since he bought those cards, at all fucking places, a Barnes & Noble. The guy lived in Vegas but he bought his occult knicknacks at a store that was designed for bougie soccer moms. Seriously, who did that?

“Since when does Barnes & Noble even have tarot decks?” Carl wanted to know, raising his voice to be heard over all the hooting and hollering.

Parse just shrugged, looking cool and collected as ever. “I think it was part of some special promo. They were in the section with all the books for twelve-year-olds about vampires.”

“Oh, God, I think I saw that,” Max recalled, his face scrunched up in memory. “Edmonton, right? God, what a hellhole. Couldn’t even find a decent coffee place, so we had to go to ’Noble’s in-store cafe. They fucked up my latte, too.”

Parse swept his gaze over the assembled team. “Anybody want me to do a card reading for them?” he offered, brandishing the deck at them. “I think I’ve about got the hang of it.”

His generosity was met with a chorus with a chorus of scoffs and eyerolls until Burnsy, one of the vets, volunteered.

“Always wanted to have my fortune told by somebody,” he said easily, shooing Carl out of his own stall and sitting down beside Parse. “Go ahead, Parser. Solve the mysteries of the universe. Or at least tell me how I’m going to do in our next game.”

Parse had Burnsy select three cards from the deck (“Six is the usual for reading an entire future, so we have to scale that down to focus on just the game.”) and then did his best to decipher them. The rest of the locker room either feigned disinterest or listened with skeptical expressions, curious in spite of themselves.

“So, it looks like you got the Page of Cups, which means a happy surprise is coming your way. Then there’s the Three of Swords, which means there’s gonna be some suffering. And then we have the Nine of Wands, which means … resilience and determination. Huh.” Parse squinted at the foldout page of instructions. “So, I guess you’re going to suffer, get a nice surprise, and then recover? Can’t be sure of that order, though.”

“What’s there not to be sure about?” Carl asked scornfully. “He’s going to get hurt and then get better. That’s generally how that works.”

“Well, at least we know I’m not dying,” Burnsy said cheerfully. “Thanks for reading my fortune, bro. I guess we’ll see if it comes true or not.”

While Parse still got grief from some of the guys about giving up hockey and becoming Vegas’s next great stage magician with those cards of his, everyone forgot about the prediction for Burnsy. That was, until their next game, when an attempted slapshot at the Flyers’ goal in the last four seconds of play rebounded off of Burnsy’s thigh, entering the net and giving the Aces their victory.

“Wait a minute, that’s exactly what you said would happen,” Jello recalled when they were out for drinks later that night. “Parse, you said that Burnsy would suffer, but there would be a happy surprise, and then he’d get over it. Well, the dude took a slapshot to the leg, got us a goal, and now he’s left with a hefty bruise where the puck hit him. But he’s still gonna be okay.”

“Hey, that’s right,” Parse said, but he didn’t seem especially amazed. “Guess that did happen, huh?” There was a teasing look in his eyes, which were blue that day.

“Just a coincidence,” Carl insisted. “If he broke out those cards again and tried to make sense of them, none of it would come true.”

“Wanna bet?” Jello challenged, raising his chin stubbornly.

So, with fifty dollars riding on the outcome, the next day Parse did a full card reading for a neutral party: Max.

“Something you’ve wanted to happen for a while is gonna happen soon,” he informed Max as he pored over the cards. “But there’s strings attached, and it’s going to be difficult at times but rewarding at the end of the day. And also—” he tapped the Empress card, “—this one means motherhood, so possibly a kid will be involved?”

“God, I hope not,” Max said fervently. “Neither Lauren or I want kids.”

But just a few days later, when they were on the road, Max got a call from his wife, telling him that their elderly neighbor had fallen and broken her hip. The lady would be in rehab for the next six weeks and wouldn’t be able to take care of her dog even afterward. What would he think about them adopting a four-year-old Golden Retriever?

“I mean, we’ve always wanted a dog,” Max explained to the other guys. “We’ve talked about getting one but never really got around to it, so we’re totally going to do this. I really like that dog, too, she’s a real sweetheart.”

Jello was emphatic that the circumstances proved him right. “Lauren getting a dog is basically her becoming a mom!” he insisted. “She’s still responsible for another living creature. And some people refer to their pets as their kids!”

“One, no it’s not,” Carl said flatly. “Two, those people are freaks. Three, this proves nothing.”

But a number of the rest of the team was convinced that it did, and suddenly Parser was regularly performing card readings for several of his teammates. Skeezy wanted to know if he should move into a development with an HOA (Parse predicted an inevitable sacrifice of freedom for contentment), Red was questioning how meeting his girlfriend’s parents would go (Disastrously, but through no fault of Red’s, and to his ultimate benefit), and Chazzer checked to see if his holiday plans would go smoothly (They wouldn’t and would just leave him disappointed).

One by one, each of Parse’s predictions came through. Skeezy found out that he couldn’t build the dream deck he’d always wanted if he moved into the HOA neighborhood, so he decided to look for a house elsewhere. Red went to meet his girlfriend’s parents, but her father announced during dinner out that he was divorcing her mother, rendering the rest of the visit extremely uncomfortable. His girlfriend, however was enormously impressed by him sticking it out with her despite the awkwardness. And Chazzer ended up stranded at the airport for nearly forty hours due to a blizzard taking place during his layover, missing his visit home entirely.

“So, like, everything he says is going to happen ends up happening,” Max concluded during a team breakfast. “He has a gift.”

Carl snorted. “No, he doesn’t. He’s making guesses and some of his guesses work out. You could read your horoscope in Seventeen magazine and get better results.”

“Yeah, how fair would it be if God or Buddha or whoever made Parser made him psychic and a total beast when it comes to hockey?” Jazzy put in.

“Maybe he’s so good at hockey because he’s psychic,” Jello suggested. “Everyone has always said that the reason he can score like he does is because he can anticipate where the puck is going to be. Maybe he’s not anticipating. Maybe he already knows before it actually happens.”

They all paused to think about that, even those of the team who were more skeptical about Parser.

For his part, though, Parser didn’t seem bothered one way or the other about if his predictions turned into reality. Whenever someone came up to him and began talking excitedly about how the cards had been right, he responded with a modest shrug and a small smile, casually engaging with his teammate but not seeming very moved by what they had to say.

“Do you even believe any of this mumbo-jumbo?” Carl demanded one day as he and Parser tossed a medicine ball back and forth between themselves during sit-ups.

“Not especially,” Parse replied easily, amusement glinting in his green eyes. “Definitely not as much as I’ve convinced some of the guys on the team to.”

Carl scowled. “Then why the Harry Potter act? Is it just a joke to you? A way you can secretly chirp the other guys?” Maybe Parser was just out to make fun of everybody. Maybe he was just trying to be a dick.

Parse tossed the medicine ball at him with unnecessary force. “No,” he replied flatly. “I don’t care if they believe it or not. I just think it’s good for them to believe in something, like destiny or fate or some bullshit like that if they’re already stressed out about what’s going to happen next. Helps them deal with it, weirdly enough. Guess they figure there’s nothing they can do if it’s already in the cards.”

“Pathetic,” Carl snorted.

“No, it’s not.” Those weird mood ring eyes of Parser’s went stormcloud gray. “Not if it helps the guys deal with what’s bothering them. Some people struggle with not knowing what’s going to happen in the future. This is a solution for that.”

“Huh.” Eyeing Parse and seeing the frown on his face, Carl decided that continuing this line of conversation would only increase the danger of Parser lobbing the medicine ball at his head. So he wisely changed the subject. “You ever use those cards to find out something for yourself? Like, about what’s going to happen to you down the road, I mean.”

Actually, he was really curious about the answer, about if Parse had ever believed in the cards to tell him the future, or if he’d originally bought them with the idea of tricking the guys and helping them cope. If it was the second one, then that was super weird.

Parse’s eyes went even darker, going nearly black. “No. Not ever.”

But Carl somehow got the feeling that he was lying. He noticed that when Parse spoke, his thumb was stroking that Memorial Cup ring he’d won back in Juniors, the kind that were given to only the captain and the alternate captains of the winning team. When they’d seen that Parse still wore it after being drafted into the actual League, Carl and some of the other Aces had assumed it meant he was an arrogant prick.

Now, though, Carl wasn’t quite sure what it meant. He also wasn’t sure why Parse lied about those cards—it wasn’t like the chirping had seemed to bother him before.

Still, the next time he saw Parser surrounded by teammates, each of them with a specific question they wanted him to answer by reading the cards, Carl kept his mouth shut. If their hotshot rookie wanted to do something to help out the team in his own freak way, Carl wasn’t going to stop him.

#submissions #prompt week #submission #parse prompt week #kent parson #omgcheckplease #omgcp

46 notes · View notes

v-v-malfoy · 5 years

Text

Fallin all in you

How any guest at a wedding could actually enjoy themselves would always be unexplainable to Castiel. He sighed deeply and looked over to his left where his son Jack was happily eating a pice of cake, entertaining half of their table by how adorable he looked by doing so. He smiled at his son and removed a few crumbles from his sons dress shirt.

It was the day of his favorite brothers wedding; he really should be happier... It wasn’t that he didn’t feel thrilled about the fact that his brother was finally settling down with the love of his life, it was just that it reminded him way to much of his own wedding six years ago. He had adored his wife Amelia and had been over the moon with the news of her pregnancy shortly after their wedding. It had been just like he had imagined how his life would go, until his beloved wife died two days after having their son. When he was honest with himself, he had been hiding himself with Jack and his work in his own little bubble, working at home and avoiding all kinds of human interactions besides walks to the playground and shoppingtrips. His brother Gabriel had always been by his side, especially while the first horrible year after Amelias death lasted and Castiel had been overwhelmed with grief and the novelty to care for an infant. But as a team, it had worked out. Then four years ago, Gabriel had found his groom. Of course Castiel had met the man that had stopped Gabriels endless affaires and had been pleasantly surprised by him. His brothers usual preferences were tall and gorgeous blonde women with great curves, Sam Winchester was the complete opposite. Well, he was tall and very handsome; but also very much a man. He was a lawyer from Lawrence that had opened his own law firm with his brother and their uncle shortly after graduating Stanford and they seemed to be pretty successful doing so. Gabriel had often tried to tempt Castiel to meet Sams family but Castiel had always declined. Meeting new people if he didn’t absolutely had to wasn’t exactly his favorite thing.. He tried to work on himself to get outside more, mostly for Jack because his son loved humanity, but still he avoided groups of people. But obviously there was no way of getting around his brothers wedding. It was a nice and rather intimate party of around fifty people, but it still felt overwhelming. Also it hadn’t really helped that Sam’s elder brother Dean was the most handsome man Castiel had ever laid eyes on. He tried not to stare at the gorgeous figure next to Sam who appeared to be very outspoken and open. As soon as Castiel had seen him for the first time this very morning, he had stopped wondering why Gabriel wouldn’t shut up about the Winchester’s. Obviously he loved Sam, but he also genuinely liked Dean, which seemed to be very fun to talk to and a true friend. Also he had played with Jack for a while and Castiels heart had melted faster than he would ever admit. But even though everyone seemed to love Dean, Castiel had felt absolutely intimidated by his beauty and had merely managed to say hello to him. He hated himself sometimes for being this bad around people, but he couldn’t help himself. When Amelia had been by his side, he had felt safer and his social anxiety had been quieter. But now that he was alone there was no getting around it anymore. He sighed again and watched how his brother listened in awe to a story Sam was telling the group. Gabriel deserved to be this happy. Being lost in his thoughts, Castiel hadn’t noticed that Jack had finished his cake and jumped happily to his feet. „Daddy, can I go over and play with Boomer, please?“ Castiel nodded at his son and smiled as the boy ran after Sams huge golden retriever. A hand appeared on his shoulder and he looked up to see Gabriel taking Jacks seat. „How are you doing, little bro? You seem lonely, buddy.“ Gabriel looked at him with his usual worried expression. Castiel really didn’t wanted him to be worried at his own wedding so he plastered a smile to his face. „It’s fine. I’m just not used to be surrounded by so many people. But it really is a nice Party, Gabe. I’m so happy for you guys.“

„I know you are. Just want you to have fun, too. But we’re gonna dance in a few, thought I’d give you a warning. I bribed Dean to sing for our wedding dance, try not to drool on the tablecloth.“ He winked at him and walked over to Sam who held out a bottle of whiskey to Dean, who seemed a little less self secure while he nervously fumbled a guitar out of it’s case.

Sing? That intelligent, gorgeous, kind and funny man could also sing? Did that man had no flaws at all..? Castiel nipped at his champagne as he watched him take a big gulp out of the bottle his brother offered him. „You really sure you want that stupid song?“ He heard Dean ask Sam while he flushed and covered his eyes with the bottle for a moment. „Yes that one. Please Dean.“ Yeah, yeah. No need for puppy eyes.“ Dean took another big gulp and started to tune the guitar as Gabriel proudly announced their first dance as a couple. The other guests stopped their conversations and gathered around the couple and Dean. Jack and Boomer came running to Castiel, the dog sat down next to him and his son climbed on his lap and snuggled into his arms. He pressed a kiss to his head and looked up again, only to see the eyes of a smiling Dean on him.

And wow, that smile could end wars. He flushed and managed to smile back, hating himself for being shy as a teenager. Sam kissed Gabriels hand and got the smaller quirky man into a dancing position as Dean played a soft melody. They moved slowly as Dean started to sing, but Castiel was too mesmerized by his voice to really watch the dance. It was just a stupid romantic Popsong, but Deans voice was deep, and just as beautiful as the man himself.

„Be my summer in a winter day love

I can't see one thing wrong

Between the both of us

Be mine, be mine, yeah

Anytime, anytime

Ooh, you know I've been alone for quite a while

haven't I? I thought I knew it all

Found love but I was wrong

More times than enough

But since you came along“

Castiel felt like crying. He had goosebumps all over his body and couldn’t tear his eyes away from Dean who stared at his guitar with the most beautiful blush on his cheeks.

„I'm thinking baby

You are bringing out a different kind of me

There's no safety net that's underneath, I'm free

Falling all in

You fell for men who weren't how they appeared, yeah

Trapped up on a tightrope now we're here, we're free

Falling all in you“

He hugged his son closer to his chest and tried to look normal. With every second he felt how he lost more and more of his heart to this man that he hadn’t even really ever talked to.

„Every time I see you baby I get lost

If I'm dreaming, baby, please don't wake me up

Every night I'm with you I fall more in love

Now I'm laying by your side

Everything feels right since you came along“

How could one man be this perfect? Castiel felt like he could see the depth of his glowingly beautiful soul while he sang and gave up looking normal. He thanked heaven for creating this song, the perfect moment and Dean himself.

Dean ended the song by playing the soft melody for a moment longer before everyone started clapping. Castiel was still overwhelmed by his feelings and felt frozen. As usual, Jack brought him back to reality by asking very loudly; „Daddy, why are you crying?“ He looked at his son whose tiny hands started to wipe tears from his cheeks. „Sorry darling, I didn’t notice. I really liked the song.“ Jack beamed at him. „Me too! Dean is awesome, right dad?“ Castiel nodded fiercely and prayed that no one else had noticed just how much he had liked it. Jack laughed happily and jumped back to his feet to try to get Boomer to do a wedding dance with him as well.

„So, I’m awesome, huh?“ Castiel almost dropped his glass when Dean appeared right in front of him and nervously scratched his neck. „Stupid song, but Sammy really likes it. This seat taken?“ He pointed at the empty seat next to Castiel who stared at Dean dumbfounded and managed to make an inviting gesture to the chair. „Cool. So, how come a gorgeous man like you is hiding all alone over here? You are Castiel, Gabs little brother, right? Shame we haven’t really met before.“ Castiel blushed even more and nodded lightly, unable to stop staring into Deans eyes. „He mentioned you’d be hot so I had to check you out...“ He grinned sheepishly. „Any chance a guy could hope to dance with you later?“ Castiels mouth dropped open. „You? With.. me?“ „Yeah, you down? I didn’t manage to find a date for the wedding, well thank god for that! Would have been awkward to dump a stranger at my brothers wedding to hit on the best man.“ He laughed nervously. „Err.. Yes. Yes I would like that.“ „Great! So you having a good time here? I heard you are a...“ Castiel accidentally interrupted him midsentence. „Do you know how breathtakingly gorgeous you are?“ He tilted his head and stared into Deans eyes. „There’s just no way you are also a nice person. You are a lawyer, so I guess you have to be pretty smart, your voice makes me cry, your face and your body are worth being sculpted into marble and you seem great with people. There can’t be a perfect human being. You have to have flaws.“ Dean looked shocked at Castiels speech, but laughed then. „No one ever described me as perfect.“ He smiled and put his hand to Castiels cheek. „But if you have to know, I’m pretty impulsive sometimes.“ Cas smiled at Dean as he moved closer, waited for a moment as they were only an inch apart and kissed him.

#destiel #castiel #spn #oneshot #drabble #dean winchester

4 notes · View notes

jbuffyangel · 5 years

Text

Outlander 4x08 Reaction: “Wilmington”

To say I go through an emotional roller coaster watching “Wilmington” is an understatement.

Let’s dig in...

Roger found Brianna! That was a seriously awesome reunion hug. REWIND TIME.

Roger’s face when Brianna says, “I wanted to call you but I didn’t know how to tell you I love you” is worth a permanent freeze frame.

I know its been months and months and they’ve traveled through time, but we are not doing Brianna’s first time in a shack. No sir we are not. Zip it up Roger. Down boy.

“We’re not engaged. That seemed to be very important to you.” You’ll find that when it comes to men Brianna things that are very important become less important when presented with the opportunity to have sex because sex is most important 99.999% of the time.

Marriage is still important to Roger. We have just hit the .001%. Take a gander Brianna. This doesn’t happen often.

“Well then you have all of me.” WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE’RE GETTING MARRIED? YEAH!!!!!!!!!

I guess all a guy has to do to convince Brianna to marry him is to travel across time and risk life and limb. It’s so much simpler just to say yes when presented with jewelry girl, but do you I guess.

Seriously, I think Roger is going to burst from happiness. He’s a golden retriever with a Scottish accent.

“How can I say no to a man who pursued me for 200 years?” Facts.

Roger and Brianna are using an 1800s loop hole so they can have sex. I love this show.

We’re still not doing it in a shack kids.

It’s a hernia bro. Those ain’t pretty and it’s not going away with time.

Every time Claire is sent with “the wives” Jamie gives her a look like, “Sorry about the 1800s misogyny babe.”

“That’s Colonel George Washington.” I audibly yelled, “WHAT?” and then I fangirled along with Claire.

“Chopping down cherry trees.” HAHAHA!

Jamie and Claire are actually boozing and talking politics with friggin George Washington. AMAZEBALLS.

Every time Jamie doesn’t know something about American history I’m all, “Come on Jamie. Read books!” and then I remember none of it has happened yet for him and I feel dumb.

Only Outlander can make a wedding & sex in a shack romantic as hell.

Jamie & Claire and Roger & Brianna are all in the same time and place but don’t know it. I am ready to pull my hair out.

Whoa. I guess Jamie and Claire aren’t going to be the only ones with hot love scenes.

“If I take you now it’s for always.” Holy shit Roger. I’m gonna faint.

Roger and Brianna’s pillow talk is adorable. Annnnnd they’re going again!

This play is terrible though right?

Jamie just ruptured a man’s hernia so he could save Murtagh. I SHIP ONE BROMANCE.

Jamie is hitching a ride with George Washington. Love it.

Just do what Claire says. Those are the rules of Outlander if you don’t want people to die.

Be grateful we have anesthesia now.

“No need of you. The lady has it in hand.” Damn right she does.

Murtagh you are gonna get your Scottish ass arrested again fool.

There isn’t a speck of blood on that white dress.

Jamie sent Fergus to save Murtagh!!! I just want all the characters to go to Jamie and Claire’s house for a pint and play some checkers or something. Is that so much to ask?

OMG OMG OMG OMG I FORGOT ROGER KNEW AND DIDN’T TELL BRIANNA. THIS IS BAD. SHE IS GONNA BE SO PISSED.

Roger: What could you do?

Brianna: This.

All the reasons Brianna is listing for why Roger should have told her also apply to Frank. Is she just not going to address that her father knew and did nothing too? Is she even angry at Frank? Or is she just throwing all her anger at Roger? Brianna has a right to be angry at BOTH men but it feels like she’s only holding Roger accountable. Well, he’s also the only one out of the two who is alive so that might have something to do with it Jen. I just did a whole thing there in my head.

Sophie Skelton’s acting improves dramatically when she’s opposite Richard Rankin. This gives me great hope.

Yeah, pulling out the “you have to listen to me now because you’re my wife” isn’t the way to go Roger. *hands him a shovel*

Children you are married. You don’t get to cut and run when things get rough. Put your big boy and big girl pants on now.

“You’re acting like a child.” Sorry Roger. Team Brianna on this one. Should have told her dude. I told you to tell her but did you listen to me? Nooooo.

“No one is stopping you.” Ouch.

So are they married? Not married? Just saying the words so they can bang but don’t really mean them? Get it together Outlander Next Generation.

I’m having a very difficult time believing Roger would leave Brianna unattended at night during this time. I have a very difficult time believing Roger would leave Brianna unattended at night in present day. He literally traveled across time because he thought she might die or get hurt. They have one fight and he peaces out? Come on writers.

“Washington’s day will come.” Yup, he puts a boot up your ass. It’s fantastic!

DON’T. GO. WITH. HIM. BRIANNA.

Oh my God he rapes her???? I hate this damn show sometimes.

Oh holy freaking hell. This is why Roger leaves because Brianna can’t get raped if he’s around! I really don’t like the writers right now.

Wait a minute. Did they marry Brianna and Roger in this rushed wedding just so her first time wasn’t rape? And since she slept with Roger then it is open season on Brianna? She’s not a virgin anymore so now they can introduce the rape storyline???? It’s not appropriate to rape any woman at any time - virgin or not. But the timing of all of these events feel especially messed up. I’m sorry. I’m just really angry and upset right now. What the fuck? *walks away from computer to eat my feelings*

Still processing, but I’m eating a cookie so maybe things will look up soon. Damn this show is hard to watch sometimes. It’s just one horrific thing after another. Merry friggin Christmas, writers.

I just want to cry because everything Claire says to Marsali about being unable to protect your child from all the awful things in world became true for Brianna. But Claire doesn’t even know she’s here in this time or what happened.

Just tell me Jamie gets to kill Bonnet. No, tell me Roger gets to torture Bonnet for hours culminating in cutting his dick off and then Jamie gets to kill him. No, scratch that. Roger tortures, Brianna cuts off the penis and Jamie kills him. I’m very much invested in this being a father, daughter and son-in-law activity. Claire can come too. She probably has ways to keep him awake during procedures.

Well I guess Brianna and Jamie get to bond over their mutual traumas. That’s just swell Outlander. They couldn’t have bonded over their mutual love for math or something?

I just wanted Brianna to go to Fraser’s Ridge, meet her father and have tea and biscuits with her parents. Yes, I know that it doesn’t sound dramatic to you writers but sounds like a friggin dream come true for me!

Ugh. Everything is awful. I need more cookies.

And Brianna is just going to “solider on” because she wants to save her mother. She is going to bury her trauma like Jamie because she’s a Fraser through and through. WHY DOES THIS SHOW HATE ME? WHY ARE THEY DETERMINED TO EVISCERATE MY SOUL? WHYYYYYYY?

I’m still really ticked off. This is a horrible thing to do to Jamie’s daughter after everything he went through with Black Jack Randall. The writers can control the story. Can we stop with all the rape?

I don’t know you guys. This episode was so wonderful and so awful all at once. I’m so sad and angry. I’m gonna watch Love Actually.

#outlander #outlander season 4 #outlander season 4 reviews #outlander 4x08 #brianna randall #roger mackenzie #roger and brianna #jamie and claire #jamie fraser #claire fraser #outlander season 4 review #outlander reaction

37 notes · View notes

dcathwithoutglory-blog · 5 years

Text

it’s jay. again. my browser just crashed. so i’m just gonna copy and paste my old intro. there’s no time to try and make it better. rip !

⌊ priyanka chopra, cis woman, antigone ⌉ ⏀ have you spoken to ALEXANDRA “ALEXA” MEHRA recently? the THIRTY-FOUR year old who’s been in seneca for SEVEN YEARS or so? either way, they always seem to remind me of FLOWERS PLACED ON A GRAVE, A RUSTY COMPASS, STORMS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT whenever i see them on main street. on a good day they’re pretty MORALISTIC, but they can also be RESISTANT. ⌊ jay, 19. est, she/her ⌉

the story of antigone that y’all probs already know but jic.

triggers: brief implication of incest but like wbk, brief mention of suicide, death, creon bein a bitch

brief overview of antigone (character + eponymous story):

antigone was born to oedipus and jocasta.

we all know what happened there. after that, oedipus was like “see no evil feel no evil” and jocasta yeet’d out of living.

her brothers went to war against each other. when creon ascended to the throne, he allowed burial for eteocles with honors, but was like “lmao if u bury polyneices i will kill u”

but antigone was like ‘lmao SURE JAN’ and tried to convince ismene, her sister, to help her bury polyneices. ismene was like ‘ok that’s a rly bad idea like good luck but count me out tbh.’

antigone is rly bad at digging graves tho so polyneices’s body was found and creon was like ‘oh my GOD’ and she’s like ‘fuck the government viva la morality!’

then creon was like ‘ok anyway rmr when i said u wld die if u buried polyneices so ig now u have to be buried alive in a tomb’ then antigone was like ‘actually i’ll be hanging myself before u can do fuck the government’

then he was like ‘at least u’ll be dead! oh wait -

Y’ALL GO SAVE EVERYONE’ but then it was too late

antigone and his son had both killed themselves and everyone, including himself, were just like

“get WREKT creon!!!!!”

alexa ( play despacito ).

triggers: suicide (x2), death (x3), mental illness implications, war, brief mentions of torture and murder

ok now onto alexandra ! so, like i did for valda, i looked up names that shared the same meaning as ‘antigone’ (which essentially means “against”) and one of the suggestions was alexa but i also wanted it to sound. super valiant. but at the same time. i wanted it to be something that could have a conversational nickname. so im already hc’ing that she has ‘despacito’ saved on her phone. also alexandra is my middle name so like?? stan list?? OK ANYWAY.

alright, so alexandra was born to a very upper-class family. her father was a politician and her mother was a successful lawyer. they provided well for the perfect nuclear family –– two sons, two daughters, a golden retriever, two cats in the yard life used to be so hard now everything is easy cause of-

like... her early life, say birth to age 14, was... nice. actually normal and nice. have i ever done that before? has my own edgelord ass ever done that before? i don’t think so.

which is why things obviously took a turn for the worse

but yeah. when she was 14, she was like “hey mom idk how to do pre-algebra” (a mood) but there was no response from her mom. so shrug city, you know? she just went to her older sister instead. but like... so much time passed.... and nothing....

finally, this nosy bitch decided to be like “ok i’m gonna go see what tf she’s doing” and that was just... a terrible idea. instead of finding her mom doing her nails or talking on the phone or any number of reasons she may not have come out yet, she found her mother hanging from the ceiling fan.

she tried to get her brothers’ and sister’s help, and they tried so desperately to help (you know, while also calling 911 and their father), but it was to absolutely no avail.

after this hella traumatizing experience, the children grew closer as the father grew farther.

he began getting lost in his own mind, sometimes accidentally mixing the past with the present, a la willy loman style. he would hold slight conversations with their ‘mother’ while at the table, then began holding them with various others from the past. it was pretty clear that his mind had just been looking for an excuse to snap, and the death of his wife had been the perfect scapegoat.

although it had originally just affected him in his home life, he began holding said conversations in the presence of people outside his family.

this is not good for a politician.

i mean it’s not good for anyone but...

his support immediately began dropping. his team gradually left him, finding there was no way he would ever be able to gain another victory if he kept on living in a limbo between the past and the present. given that he’d started ‘talking to his brother’ during one of his speeches...

rest in peace to his career.

alexa (play despacito) was 18 at the time, her sister - 20, one of her brothers - 21, the other - 24.

they were all legal adults! some of them had even moved out! so their father figured his next move would not affect him in the way their mother’s death had!

so he shot himself.

the only people who showed up at his funeral were alexa and her sister. her eldest brother proclaimed that flying across the country would be too much of a hassle for that, and the other brother simply did not respond.

her eldest brother did, however, enlist in the army after setting legalities in place that would allow him to send money back to his siblings. he had joined simply because it was an easy opportunity (what with all of the propaganda), but his decision prompted the other brother to do the same –– this time because he was talented at ‘the art of fighting.’

and bc more money but like... get wrekt.

alexa’s sister dropped out of college to work a full-time job –– one that paid fairly handsomely. alexa took some odd jobs.

aka, everyone was trying to make money.

creon was right when he said “money! nothing worse”

so things kind of dipped when the eldest brother was killed. after an accusation that he’d become a traitor, their other brother had taken it upon himself to ‘anonymously’ torture and shoot him. but the other side did it!

which everyone knew was a lie.

because of the accusations, he was not only not allowed a military funeral, he was also not meant to be buried in any honorable fashion. instead, his body was returned to his hometown to be buried there following a quiet and uneventful funeral.

his grave was left unmarked.

nonetheless, the grave was visited every day, new flowers laid atop.

meanwhile, their other brother was considered a newfound military icon. he’d gotten rid of a ‘traitor’ (they continued to pretend it was someone from the other side, of course), he’d killed many an enemy, he’d done this and that and this and that and it all made him look so morally grey to alexa and her sister (who, granted, had yet to find out he’d killed their other brother), but like such a white knight to his fellow soldiers.

he truly rose in the ranks. it was what he was meant to do.

but the more he killed, the more he tortured, the lack of grief towards his brother’s death...

alexa’s sister wasn’t buying her hypothesis. it wasn’t necessarily because she saw their other brother was some pure being, but because she simply didn’t believe he was capable of that.

the next time alexa saw her brother, she got confirmation enough. what to do with the information, she wasn’t sure, but she knew she had to do something...

murder wasn’t the solution... she didn’t have any military connections that would allow for her to spout some lie about why he needed to be dishonorably discharged... but what he did couldn’t skate by...

to this day, she is still wondering what she can do to fuck him over. his success in the military keeps growing grander and grander, thus rendering any fake dishonorable discharge excuses completely moot. her sister still doesn’t believe that there really is a solution –– that, while it is greatly harmful, there’s absolutely nothing they can do and ruminating on it is worthless –– trying to find some quest to defeat their own brother is absurd.

although she has since moved to seneca, attracted to its small town appeal, she continues to visit her eldest brother’s grave every week –– it’s about a two hour drive, so it’s worth it.

she’s taken up work as a cemetery caretaker

because of COURSE she would.

and, although its pay is.... lousy, she’s been making due. for the tombstones no one visits any longer, first she’ll look them up to make sure they weren’t slave-owners or anything, she’ll bring them their own flowers. the dead deserve just as much respect as the living, hm?

personality.

i just realized i didn’t do this for valda (aka, i’m about to update her intro with it), but a total enneagram type 2.

too empathetic for her own good, too ‘this person whom i do not even know deserves flowers’ for her own good, too ‘i’ve got to protect _______ by doing _________’ for her own good

a capricorn

so driven by her own moral compass, she does not CARE about anything that says she has to go against it

her moral compass can be super faulty sometimes tho

pretty quick to make assumptions tbh, but has so far been right abt most of them.

so also driven by gut feelings ig

dramatic tbh. i mean she’s the adapted version of a character whose first lines contained “there's nothing, no pain—our lives are pain” SO.

also p independent (as in i said valda was independent), but her vendetta isn’t against men in general, rather just her brother who is still alive

so like,,, that said,,, holds grudges.

im bad at personality sections!! as has been stated before!! but i think the gist has been gotten across!!

wanted connections.

so rn i only have one specific one which is her sister and can be found on the wc page

will come up w/ unique ones later but until then open 2 hearing urs/brainstorming!

tl;dr.

(refer to triggers listed before the bullets.) a lot of death? like mom kills herself then dad turns into willy loman then dad kills himself. brothers both join the army. one brother kills the other brother for being accused of being a ‘traitor.’ said brother doesn’t get a proper funeral and his headstone is unmarked. the other brother rises in the rankings and alexa knows what happened. convinced her sister of it, but her sister is more logical and let her know that she was very angry too, but making her entire life about it would do nothing but endanger herself and others. moved to seneca because she liked the small town feel. still visits her eldest brother’s grave every week to leave flowers. works as a cemetery caretaker bc WHY NOT. brings flowers to graves that are either unmarked or no longer visited. i hope you read all of that and just thought ‘oh my god fckin EDGELORD’ because you’re right.

alright ! fin.

like this or hmu if you’d like to plot !

#divined.intro #i wanted 2 put my tl;dr in a blockquote but y'all my browser's being so weird SO.#ALSO if i RECALL there r like 100 typos in this i wrote it at like 5am asdfjlk PLS J BEAR W/ IT

5 notes · View notes

selenelavellan · 6 years

Text

Mamma Mia! AU

Dirthamen, Deceit, Fear, Venavismi, Nona and Gran-Gran(mentioned) belong to @feynites

Serahlin, Miriel, and Katra belong to @scurvgirl

Cirimeni belongs to @justanartsysideblog

Ana belongs to @lycheemilkart

“I have a secret,” Darevas grins to his brother as they stare out at the ocean, half breathless from the end of their morning run around the island.

Felasel glances up from the rim of his glasses as he wipes the sweat from his brow. “Should I be worried?”

“No,” Darevas says.

Pauses.

“...No?” he repeats as he tilts his head and looks to the sky, less sure of his answer the second time around.

Felasel frowns as he steps closer to his twin. “I swear to the Gods, Darevas, if this is another last minute change to your wedding-”

“It's not!” He pleads, hands up in innocence. “It's a.....gift? It's a gift, yes.”

“For Miriel?”

“For you! And for mom. And...also for me.”

“So, mostly for you,” Felasel says flatly.

“Mostly for us,” Darevas assures him. “Do you remember that notebook we found in those old chests in the storehouse?”

Felasel nods slowly, arms crossing over his chest.

“I managed to pick the lock-”

“You picked a lock?”

“Picked a lock, broke a lock-semantics aren't the important part of this!”

“So what is?”

Darevas takes a deep breath and announces “I invited our dad to my wedding!”

Two teal eyes close in frustration as Felasel runs his hand through his hair. “Our dad left before we were born; he didn't even know mom was pregnant, Darevas. He left because he was engaged to someone else-”

“Well yeah, ok, so that's what mom told us when we asked. Buuuuut...”

Felasel peeks one eye open, heart giving a heavy thump in his chest. “...'But'?”

Darevas clears his throat, pulling an old worn down journal with the image of a raven decorating the cover from the back pocket of his pants, opening up to an earmarked page with a flourish.

“July 17th...” he recites “ 'What a night!'”

“Oh I so don't want to hear this-”

“Well you need to, so hush,” Darevas clears his throat as he continues reading aloud.“'Dirthamen rented a boat and rowed me over to the little island' -that's here, that's Llomerryn- 'We danced along the beach, we kissed beneath the stars and...'dot, dot, dot!”

“Please do not go into the details of our mothers 'dotting'.”

“No problem, bro. Anyways, she goes on with 'Dirthamen's the one! I've never felt like this before, the way he thrills me, it nearly kills me...oh, it makes me dizzy! I practically feel like singing when he does his...thing!'”

Felasel nods slowly as he listens, running his hands through his hair and tying it into a low ponytail.

“So this Dirthamen is our father, then?”

Darevas shrugs, scrunching up his nose. “He leaves soon after to go get married and mom realizes she's never going to see him again, which fits with her story.”

“What an asshole,” Felasel sighs. “Well, we knew that much already, but thanks for the TMI on mom's old sex life-”

“No it's not done!” Darevas declares “August 4th : 'What a night! Deceit rented a motorboat, and we went over to the little island. Though my heart still stings for Dirthamen, Deceit is so spontaneous and romantic. He's such a talented, funny guy, and Fear is so sweet and caring. One thing lead to another and....' dot dot dot!”

Felasel groans, and settles his head into his hands. “Ok. So...Ok.”

“August 11th,” Darevas continues without pausing. “ 'Des turned up out of the blue, so I said I'd show him the island. He's so easy to relax and unwind around and so understanding, I just couldn't help it and...' dot, dot, dot!” Darevas finishes, arms wide open as he grins in triumph at his twin brother.

Felasel looks more concerned than impressed with his discovery.

“Ok...so there are at least three people that could be our father, time wise, depending on our mothers sexual practices” Felasel reasons aloud. “Which one did you invite?”

Darevas grins wider and wiggles his eyebrows.

“Oh no. Darevas, what have you done?”

“Invited our dads!”

“With what, 'hey there I might be your son, please come to my wedding?'”

“Well...no,” Darevas admits sheepishly. “They uh...think mom sent the invites.”

“No.”

“And given what we know,” Darevas says shaking the journal between them pointedly “Unsurprisingly, they all said yes!”

Felasel takes a deep breath. Pinches the bridge of his nose, and walks until he is knee deep in the ocean water, before letting out a loud, frustrated scream.

...Well.

Maybe mom will react more favorably, Darevas hopes.

It has been a very long time since Dirthamen was in Rivain, he thinks.

Longer still since he visited Llomerryn in particular.

Selenes letter is tucked safely away in the pocket of his coat, after he had practically raced out of his office to come visit at her request. There are many people in his life he never expected to receive personal correspondence from. Fewer still are those he had hoped to hear from. After the death of his mother, followed by the swift divorce from his wife, there had been little time for anything other than memories and responsibilities.

He had never dared to hope that...after everything, she might possibly want to see him again.

Is this what giddiness is?

It is...very freeing. He feels very light, even in his cotton suit and the barely present air conditioning of his cab.

The air here, so far away from Denerim, feels so much cleaner even in the humidity that fills it.

He steps out of the cab as it parks, retrieving his luggage from the trunk as he pays the driver.

Just in time to see the boat pulling out of the dock.

There is another elven man, with shoulder length black hair and very fashionable sunglasses shouting after the boat, calling for it to come back as another, smaller elf retrieves their luggage from their own cab.

There is an older qunari man standing on the back of the boat, waving to them in a friendly, though unhelpful, manner.

“Dammit,” The elf mutters.

Dirthamen sighs as he watches the ferry drift ever father away. “My sentiments exactly.”

“ExCUSE ME!” Yells another elf as he practically rolls out of a third cab. “Somebody stop that ferry!”

“Sure, no problem,” Drawls the shorter elf from earlier. “We were just standing here for our health, after all.”

The man with the long hair huffs, tucking a long loose strand of hair behind his ear and revealing a small golden hoop earring. “I have to get to Llomerryn. When's the next one?”

“Lunes,” Says the elf from earlier, lifting his sunglasses to rest on top of his head. “Monday.”

“Well that's no good, I need to get to a wedding.”

“Bride or groom?” the smaller elf asks, scrolling through the screen of their phone without looking up.

“Groom,” Hums the long haired elf as he takes a familiar looking wedding invitation out of his bag to inspect it. “Though I've never actually met the man.”

Dirthamen feels his brows furrow.

Curious.

That is the same situation he is currently in.

“I'm Deceit,” Introduces the one with the sunglasses as he holds out his hand. “And this is Fear; no worries, they don't really bite so long as you keep your hands away.”

“Noted,” Drawls the one with the longer hair and freckles that are poking up the longer they are in the sun. “I'm Des; I only bite if you ask nicely.”

Dirthamen is about to introduce himself as well, when a shadow passes over their makeshift group, and yet another dark haired elf calls to them, this one seated atop the spreaders of a sailboat loaded with several crates of produce.

“Hey!” He calls down with a grin. “You all need a ride to the island?”

Yes, Dirthamen thinks.

They certainly do.

Serahlin is exceedingly grateful that she and Ana were able to catch the last ferry of the day. Though it might've been a bit more considerate for them to hold it until sometime past the early morning so that she could have gotten her full eight hours in, but at least she managed her full facial routine.

Goodness knows how terrible this much direct sun exposure can be for your skin.

It's been quite a bit since she last saw her dear friend after all, and she's eager to show off just how amazingly well she's been doing since she cut Darris out of her life.

So she strides behind Ana as the red headed elven woman pushes past people with quiet apologies, seeking out a seat for the two of them on what is, she thinks, a dangerously overcrowded boat.

A qunari woman with a potent smelling basket finally scoots aside enough to clear a space on the bench by the rail for the two of them and Serahlin quickly takes the opening, relieved to be off of her feet for a moment. She looks fantastic in heels, but they're still absolute murder to walk in on uneven ground.

An older elven gentlemen offers Serahlin an unlabeled green bottle and she turns him down as politely as she can manage, even as Ana eagerly takes the bottle, popping the cap off with her teeth.

The man grins, and pulls a familiar book out of his wives bag; Ana is smiling politely on the cover, surrounded by a wealth of plants and vegetables.

“He's got your book,” She teases, nudging Ana as she blushes and agrees to autograph inside the cover.

“Even all the way out here,” Ana smiles to herself. “It's really gotten so much bigger than I expected, I can hardly believe it.”

“You've turned the whole world green,” Serahlin compliments. Happy for her friends success, even if she's not one to get her own hands dirty with gardening. “Everyone's growing and planting and composting now. “

“I know. Isn't it wonderful?” Ana beams, handing the book and pen back to the man.

Getting ready for a wedding is no easy task; Miriel knows this, as she pricks her finger on a pin.

“These look amazing, Mir!” Katra croons, spinning in her soon-to-be bridesmaid dress in the mirror, while Miriel tries to stay focused on getting Cirimeni's modifications right.

Cirimeni signs in return about how excited she is about the wedding, and how nice they're all going to look tomorrow.

Miriel smiles softly. “Yeah. If I had my way, it would've just been a quick vow on the mainland, or maybe even back in Antiva, but Darevas really wants this whole...” She sighs, and laughs a little. “production. Could've saved our money for traveling instead of flowers and food for the whole island. But it's nice. I'm actually starting to get excited for it, now that you both are here.”

He's a romantic, Cirimeni signs into the mirror.

“And I love him,” Miriel finishes, stepping back after finally getting the shoulder of the dress to lay where she wants it.

The door swings open, and Darevas and Felasel step into the room, still damp from their usual dip into the ocean after their morning jog.

“You two look great!” Darevas compliments, lifting the two girls off the ground together and swinging them in a circle.

They've been together for so long already, and she still feels stunned by his strength sometimes.

“Alright, be careful, vhenan!” She calls, tapping his shoulder. “There are pins in the dresses still, and you’re still all wet.” Darevas puts them down and steps back, hands on his hips as he nudges his brother approvingly. “Don't they look great, Felly?”

But Felasel seems momentarily stricken by something, his eyes stuck on Cirimeni.

Miriel resists the urge to laugh; she's never seen him knocked off his rhythm like this, but she supposes Cirimeni is a beautiful woman after all, and it's the first time he's actually seen her.

“Felasel?” Darevas repeats.

Felasel clears his throat and nods.

“You look...luminous,” He manages, voice cracking slightly as his eyes still never leave Cirimenis face.

“Do you need something?” Miriel asks, hoping to take some of the pressure off and alleviate the awkwardness in the room.

“Just grabbing a clean shirt,” Darevas says, reaching past her to snatch one from their dresser, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he does.

Miriel feels her own face heat up at the affection, and tries to keep her heartbeat from increasing too greatly. They're getting married tomorrow, surely her body can withstand its urges until then.

“Ok, ok, you got what you needed, now shoo,” She says with a small giggle. “We're very busy right now.”

Darevas grins and gives her one last deeply passionate kiss before stepping back out the door. Felasel hesitates for a moment, before giving a deep bow to Cirimeni and placing a more polite kiss to the back of her hand.

Miriel shakes her head and shoos him out behind his brother.

Honestly.

It's almost enough to make her put stock in that old legend about love and the island.

Almost.

“You realize you'll have to tell her,” Felasel informs Darevas once they've moved into his own room.

“It's fine,” Darevas dismisses, slipping into his new shirt and throwing his old one into Felasels hamper.

“Why haven't you told her already?”

“Because Miriel would say that I should tell mom.”

“You should tell mom. She's going to kill you already, you could at least get honesty on your side here.”

“By the time mom finds out, it'll be too late.”

Felasel sighs as he buttons up his own shirt and shakes his head.

Really, she has enough to deal with around here. This could send her into a full breakdown if it's not handled well, he worries.

“Aren't you even a little curious?” Darevas pushes. “Don't you feel like there's a part of you that's missing?”

“No,” Felasel answers flatly.

“Well, I do,” his brother argues. “And when I see our dad, I'll know who he is, and who I am, and everything will fall into place. You'll see, and you'll thank me for it later.”

Felasel crosses his arms in disapproval, but doesn't say anything more about it.

No matter what, Darevas is right about one thing; It's too late now, anyways.

Des isn't quite sure how he managed to luck into being on a boat in the middle of the ocean with such a devastatingly attractive set of elves.

If he weren't already on his way to get back into Selenes good graces, he thinks he might be trying quite a bit harder to turn this short boat ride into a much longer, much more luxurious sort of rendezvous.

Their unofficial captain, Venavismi is focused on keeping them afloat, while Fear seems relatively preoccupied with sitting in the dead center of the sailboat and trying very hard to convince themselves they aren't exactly where they are. Deceit beside them is running their hand in soothing circles over their back and humming a song that sounds strangely familiar.

In a flash, Des realizes he's seen Deceits face before; on a magazine cover. Several magazine covers actually, the man is essentially a rock star back in Fereldan.

What could they possibly be doing coming out to a little Rivaini island like this one?

“I know who you are,” Pipes up the quiet one, Dirthamen as he sits down beside Des. He's removed his coat in the heat, and Des is mildly tempted to loosen the poor dears tie as he gives him back a curious smile. “You're Des, aren't you?”

“I am,” Des grins, turning to make eye contact.

Dirthamen practically lights up. “I read your books; Fab in a Cab on my way to Nowhere. They are quite exciting reads, and very nice to have on long business trips. Although I have been told I am very stoic on the outside, it is very thrilling to be off on some grand spontaneous adventure in my own mind for several hours.”

“You should try it for real some time, then.” Des winks.

“Oh,” Dirthamen says, deflating slightly. “No. I am not the spontaneous type.”

“You're a...close friend of Selenes?” Deceit asks, apparently listening in to their conversation.

“I've barely spoken to her in twenty years,” Des admits. “But then she sent me this invite, so I think she's finally forgiven me.”

“An invite out of the blue?” Deceit asks warily.

Des nods, and Dirthamen begins to look slightly puzzled beside him.

“You know that is strange,” he says. “It was the same for me-”

“Going about!” Vena calls from overhead as the boat begins to turn, several of the cords tightening in response.

One of the ties beside Dirthamen unravels from where it had been loose, and Des has to stifle a laugh as the man, still in his tie and vest and button down, goes chasing after it and ends up pulled a good two feet before he gets a solid grip and stance on it.

“Got it!” Dirthamen calls as his voice cracks slightly, and Des can't resist getting up to help.

It's a good excuse to put his arms around someone, at least.

Selene has been on the island of Llomerryn for a very long time.

Long enough that she knows every nook and cranny, every shortcut, every trail. Every crumbling structure on the island, including her own.

It causes her no shortage of stress, and with her sons wedding coming up tomorrow (Tomorrow, she can hardly believe how quickly everything has happened), it's a very, very large relief to know that two of her very best friends are coming to the island for the event.

She practically skips out of her jeep, running all the way down to the dock to greet them on the last ferry of the day. Her outfit is hardly glamorous, a pair of old overalls and a loose blouse, but it doesn't matter as her chest swells with joy and she sees a familiar pair of elves stepping off the boat.

Serahlin, as stunningly beautiful as ever and dressed as though her way of life absolutely agrees with her in her pink skirt and coat, perfectly tailored with matching heels, and long dark hair cascading down from a lovely sunhat. Ana follows beside her, carrying a large bag filled no doubt with many of her home-grown lotions and salves, freckles scattered over her face bright in the sunlight and wearing a very cute banana patterned sundress.

“Well well well, what have we here?” Selene calls loudly to her approaching friends, who quickly strike into their old poses. Selene takes on her own as well, pretending to hold a microphone with one hand up-stretched towards the sky and fidgeting with energy and excitement she's barely felt since her youth.

“For one night!” Ana yells, tilting her head up to the sky

“And one night only!” Serahlin continues

“Selene and the Superstars!” They all yell and laugh in unison before running towards each other in joy.

There's a blur of old choreography and hip checking as they laugh and greet each other, Selene lifting Ana up off the ground slightly before putting the smaller woman back down and bringing Serahlin in for a very tight, very overdue, hug.

“Oh, I missed you two,” She hums, leading them back to her jeep.

“Well that’s what happens when you go and isolate yourself on an island in the middle of nowhere,” Serahlin jokes. “Not like I could hop a plane to get here, there's no airport!”

“So sorry Serahlin, I'll be sure to add an airport to the island for you next time,” Selene teases back with a laugh “Just as soon as I marry some disgustingly rich person, and right after I finish making all the necessary repairs to the parts of the hotel that are still standing. Let me know if you find someone looking to burn a couple million bucks, yeah?”

“It's a rich mans world,” Ana muses aloud.

“You think there are going to be any eligible men at this wedding?”

“Ready to remarry already?” Selene smirks.

“No, not for me!” Serahlin laughs, pointing at Ana on her other side. “For her! Now that her book is a best seller and she's tripled the species of plants most people can name off the tops of their heads. It's time to find someone to share that success with!”

“Oh, not for me,” Ana laughs. “I'm not looking for anything like that-I'm just fine where I'm at, I'd much rather travel and focus on my plants than worry about something like that.”

Ana quickly changes the subject before anyone can push it any farther. “Are the lovebirds going to be moving out after the wedding?”

“Oh,” Selene sighs as she parks the car in front of the hotel. “Who even knows? I have no idea what's going on in Darevas's head anymore, he's been so strange all month. He's going and getting married so young and he wants this big huge wedding, and I don't understand any of it, but I'm doing my best. I just want what's best for him you know?”

“Do you want him to move out though?”

“Of course not!” Selene snorts, turning off the car and popping out the side.

Miriel greets up, waving as she runs towards the group Selene smiles and returns the wave.

“Here comes the bride!” She declares, gesturing to her future daughter in law. “Serahlin, Ana, this is Miriel. She's going to be my daughter starting tomorrow.”

“It's nice to meet you!” She greets politely, moving to help carry the baggage.

“Oh, you don't have to do that-” Serahlin interrupts, but Miriel just raises an eyebrow.

“There's a lot of stairs...” She warns ominously, and Selene nods in agreement behind her.

Serahlin relents, as they follow Selene through the old stone archway at the front of the hotel and up a truly astounding number of stone steps. By the time they reach the top, Serahlin and Ana both are nearly out of breath, taking a seat on a bench as quickly as they can.

“It can be a lot if you're not used to it,” Selene says as an apology. “I appreciate you making the trek.”

“Auntie Serahlin, Auntie Ana! You're here!” Darevas calls, leaning over one of the railings of the hotel windows.

“Oh goodness, they've grown so much!” Serahlin gasps as Felasel and Darevas both come out from the open door before them, each taking one of the women in their arms in a tight hug.

“You two are so tall,” Ana laughs as Felasel places her back on the ground. “And so handsome!”

“Yeah, that’s them. A couple of heart breakers these two,” Selene teases, giving each of her friends a glass full of water, to help cool them down in the thick heat of the island.

Her sons exchange a look that gives her pause, but with so much going on already, she decides not to push it at the moment, instead pulling laundry down that she meant to get put away before they arrived in the first place.

Darevas's attentions leave Serahlin as Miriel comes back from dropping the luggage off in their room, brushing her hands.

“How was the trip in?” Felasel asks, helping Selene to take down some of the sheets and linens.

“A bit crowded,” Ana admits. “But a lovely view. The flora here is really beautiful!”

“Isn't it?” Miriel grins. “I wish we could pull in more people to show it off to, but no one even knows we're here.”

“Felasel and I are going to start a website,” Darevas adds “We're just trying to figure out how to market it to really let people know who and where we are. This place has so much potential, but it's practically a secret.”

“It could be one of the ultimate romantic vacation spots,” Miriel sighs “It's rumored to be the site for the All Mother's Fountain you know, the goddess of love? The legends say that if you drink from the fountain, you’re supposed to find true love and happiness.”

“I'll take some of that,” Serahlin says, raising her cup up in a mock toast.

Miriel smiles, and Darevas distracts her again with a deep kiss before dragging her off to discuss details for the next day.

Selene shakes her head in fondness as Felasel mentions leaving to check on the bridesmaids, leading her own friends into the rooms she's set aside for them.

“Do you really want tourists?” Ana says as she follows.

“Well, maybe not an abundance,” Selene admits “But a few would be nice, to help with costs at least.” She sighs to herself as she looks at the walls of the room; a beautiful shade of blue, but worn down by time and sand and desperately in need of a new coat or two. She leans forward to open one of the windows, for a cross-breeze and lets out a soft cry as one of the doors falls off and lands below them with a loud crash. With an uneasy grin and an apology to the people working below, she quickly darts out and down to retrieve the panel, Serahlin and Ana following behind her.

“Do you need help with money, darling?” Serahlin asks in a worried tone.

Selene laughs it off, “Oh, honey, no. I've got it under control, I'm just whining, you know how it is.”

The ground beneath her feet shakes violently suddenly, and she nearly loses her balance as she tightly grips the wooden piece of her window, a large crack appearing over the mosaic crescent moon in the middle of the hotel courtyard.

“What was that?” Ana asks, clutching at the edges of her dress.

“Oh, it's just the world moving. Par for the course around here,” Selene laughs, shaking her head at her abysmal luck. At this rate, she's not sure if the hotel will even survive the wedding. “C'mon, I'll go fix your window and then we can go have some fun.”

Deceit lets out a quiet breath as he steps onto the docks of Llomerryn.

It has been quite a long time since he came to visit. A quiet pang of guilt fills him; he meant to visit Nona and Gran-gran more often, even after everything that happened with Selene, but then his singing career had taken off and they'd passed on together, and he'd just never managed to find the time to come and check on things.

They had taken such good care of him, of his mother, back before...

He sighs, readjusting his sunglasses.

Well, he's here now.

Fear looks over the invitation one last time, as they follow the GPS on their phone all the way up to the hotel. Vena gives them his own directions on top of that, and they thank him, as he gets started unloading his produce and they move on with their own trip in mind.

The invitation had been unexpected, when they had gotten it. Fear was worried something was wrong, hearing from her so suddenly after twenty years of silence, though even they could admit that it would be nice to see her again.

Their romance had only lasted a week, but it had been a very good week.

About halfway through the walk, Deceit recognizes the trail, as a familiar looking hotel comes into view when they crest over one of the hills.

They end up stopping, all four of them, at the top of a set of a staircase he hated climbing even in his youth that's only become crueler to his aging knees. The view from the top is astounding though, the ocean and mainland both in view in the afternoon sunlight.

“Hi,” Comes a voice from behind, and all four of them turn at once. There’s a very tall young elf with dark hair and tan skin and bright eyes staring at them all. “Can I help you?”

“Hello,” Dirthamen speaks up “We are here for the wedding? I am Dirthamen Evanuris.”

“Desire, but please call me Des.”

“Fear.”

“I'm Deceit,” He finally finishes, capping off the introductions and taking off his sunglasses.

The young elven man stares at them all for a moment, eyes glancing to each of them in turn as his breath seems to speed up. Deceit worries that perhaps something might be wrong, judging by the way he’s staring at them all.

“You're expecting us, right?” Deceit says after an uncomfortable minute of silence.

“Yes!” The man says, suddenly breaking out into a large grin. “Yes, of course!”

“You're not...” Des says, taking a step forward, eyes squinting slightly. “Are you Selene's son?”

“I am, one of them. I have a twin brother as well. I'm Darevas, I'm the one getting married tomorrow. It's so...” He lets out a breath with a laugh. “It's so good to meet you all!”

Deceit thinks for a moment that the name sounds familiar; Nona or Gran-gran knew someone with a name similar to Darevas, he's fairly certain. Certainly not this one though, he's far too young to have known them before their passing.

Another strange coincidence. Not an uncommon occurrence on this island.

“Would you mind if we saw our rooms before we meet up with your mother?” Dirthamen requests, shifting from one foot to the other uncertainly. “I would like to freshen up beforehand.”

“Same,” Des chimes in, raising his hand slightly.

“Sure,” Darevas nods eagerly, “Follow me.”

Des leads the way, then Dirthamen, then Deceit, and finally Fear bringing up the rear.

Curious, Deceit thinks. This isn't the normal way to the hotel, this is a back route that was usually only used by the workers or operators. It's hardly the scenic route, most of it back ways and narrow passages through old storage rooms that are clearly starting to wear down in their old age.

Deceit's practically amused by the situation as they're lead down an old set of wooden stairs, past the bleating sheeps and goats and into what he is almost certain used to be the goat house. Darevas directs them up a wooden ladder, and Deceit resists the urge to snort at the site of their 'room'.

Something is definitely up.

Dirthamen looks notably confused and concerned at the air mattresses lying on the floor, one of them already deflated, while Des purses his lips beside him.

“Well, this was a great tour,” Des hums, tugging slightly on his earring. “But it'd be great if you could show me my actual room now.”

“Pretty sure this is your room, Des,” Deceit finally grins.

The colorfully adorned man deflates slightly, while Dirthamens shoulders fall in a dejected manner.

“Can we see Selene now?” Dirthamen attempts, one hand still on his suitcase.

Darevas swallows, barely able to contain his grin as he bounces slightly on the balls of his feet. “I sent the invitations, actually. My mom has no idea about any of this.”

Des lets out a long groan, hip jutting out as he rubs a hand down his face, while Dirthamen's face falls at the news and Fear lets out a disappointed tutting sound beside him.

“She's done so much for me, and my brother, and she's told us so many stories about you all and the good old days,” A lie, Deceit knows without having to say anything about it. “And I thought she'd be so happy to finally see you all again! It could be such a wonderful surprise for her, to find out you're all going to be at my wedding.”

Des takes a few steps forward, closing the gap between himself and Darevas. “Hold on, hold on. I can't be here; Selene said she never wanted to see me again the last time we were together. Are you telling me she doesn't even know that I'm here?”

“That was years ago,” Darevas tries to assure him. “I'm sure she's moved past whatever upset her back then! She's going to be so happy to see you all!”

Dirthamen shakes his head, rubbing at the back of his neck sheepishly, while Deceit trails a hand over his head and through his hair.

No, that doesn't sound like Selene at all.

“Please,” Darevas pleads, putting on surprisingly effective puppy dog eyes despite the fact that he's easily the tallest person in the room. “It would mean a lot to me.”

“Why?” Fear asks.

“I can tell you went to a lot of trouble to arrange all of...this,” Dirthamen deters. “But I think perhaps it would be for the best if we all went back to the docks and tried to find a boat home.”

“Yep,” Des agrees, popping the p as he turns to reach for his suitcase.

“Nope,” Deceit argues, reclining out on the biggest of the mattresses. “There's probably not any boats leaving right now. Besides, Dirthamen, you said you wanted to be more spontaneous; this is an adventure. It could be good for you.”

“Oh,” Dirthamen ponders, looking up at the wood on the ceiling. “That is true.”

“Ok, look,” Darevas finally says, dropping the pleading tones. “It was a long shot any of you would even reply when I sent the invites. But you all said yes, you've all made the trip, and you're all here. Surely you thought there was something worth coming back for, something other than the wedding of someone you've never met before. Something special, like....some sort of siren call, maybe?”

All four of them let out a unanimous groan, and Des plops down on the edge of Deceits mattress with a laugh.

“Oh, you're definitely Selene's son alright,” he gripes. “A troublesome little minx, just like she was. I hope your brother's not this bad.”

Darevas grins, hands on his hips. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

Deceit shakes his head and gives a laugh of his own.

The sound of a door opening and someone humming rises up from below them, and it's been twenty years, but Deceit has never forgotten that voice.

All of them stand back up, moving almost mindlessly towards the ladder while Dirthamen quietly mumbles “That's Selene,” and Deceit feels slightly embarrassed.

A siren call may not have been quite so far off, all things considered.

“No no no no no nonono,” Darevas whispers, moving between all of them while Dirthamen tucks the bottom of his shirt in. “Listen, she can't know about this, she can't. I have to go, but I need you all to promise me that you'll stay, and not tell anybody that I invited you. Ok? Promise?”

Deceit hesitates, but one by one they all promise not to tell or to leave the island until after the wedding. Darevas pulls a board covered in sheet music away from a window and sneaks out with a large smile, one finger pressed to his lips as Des puts the makeshift window cover back in its place.

“Wouldn't happen to know where I could at least get a shower, would you?” He mutters softly to the open air.

Well, Deceit thinks. This might just be an even more eventful weekend than he planned on.

There's something wonderfully grounding about the familiarity of flora, Ana thinks.

Even with the thousands upon thousands of different species, and the variations between those here on Llomerryn and those back in Fereldan, it's easy for her to tell what she can take clippings of back home, and which she can't.

Selene had wandered off after a few drinks to finally fix the new crack in her courtyard, and Serahlin had decided it was a good time to take a shower so Ana thought it would be as good a time as any to explore the island on her own.

Though, she realizes now that she's wandered all the way back down the hills, and ended up back near the docks.

Damn.

She's dreading the walk back up all those stairs, when she hears a small clatter from one of the boats still tied up, rocking slightly in the roll of the waves. There's a tall, long haired elven man loading empty crates onto what she assumes is his sailboat. Her feet take her towards it, curiosity overriding her better thoughts along with a need to make sure he's alright.

Her feet are silent on the wooden dock, but somehow he sees her coming all the same.

He lets out a long laugh.

“Sorry, I'm all out!” He calls.

Ana blinks.

“Um,” She says. “Sorry?”

He gestures to the pattern on her dress. “Bananas? I'm all out, I just finished dropping off today's shipment to the kitchens already. You'll have to ask Selene or Miriel about getting some, I think they're supposed to be for the wedding tomorrow.”

Ana blushes, clutching onto the edges of her dress. “I wasn't- I'm just visiting the island, I'm a friend of Selenes.”

“She's got a lot of friends here today it seems,” Vena muses aloud.

“What?”

“Nothing, nothing,” he says with a shake of his head as he wipes his hand clean on the bottom of his shirt before holding it out for her. “Well, any friend of Selenes is a friend of mine. Venavismi, at your service.”

“Elanna,” She introduces. “But I go by Ana.”

Venavismi grins. “Ana-banana.”

Ana laughs into her fist, feeling her face heat up at the name as a strange sort of warmth spreads through her.

“Here for the wedding then, Ana-banana?”

“Mm-hm,” She grins. “Are you going to be attending?”

“Sure am. I've watched those boys grow up too long not to. Used to help Miriel get onto the island when the ferry wasn't running too.”

“How mischievous,” Ana teases. “You sneak her in a lot?”

“Depends; how much are you into bad boys?” He says with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

Ana laughs again. “Not so bad, really,” She admits. “I spend most of my time with my plants, back in Fereldan.”

“Oh, do you have an orchard too?”

“No, most of my plants are potted,” She admits. “You have an orchard?”

“Back on the mainland, yeah,” He preens. “I supply quite a lot of the fruit around here.”

“But you're all out of bananas,” She tsks teasingly. “What a shame.”

“Hold on,” He says, darting back onto his boat and digging through a crate.

He pops back out a minute later with a small yellow fruit, and tosses it to her with a wink. “It may not be a banana, but babe you put the stars in my sky.”

Ana blinks, and looks down at the starfruit in her hands.

She can feel her face turning an even deeper shade of red as she clutches it with an awkward laugh.

“Right! Well that's-I mean,” She stammers, very much out of her element very suddenly. “I should-I should get back to Selene,”

“Sure,” He nods with a self-satisfied smile. “See you at the wedding, then?”

Ana nods quickly, before disappearing back into the forest, starfruit clutched tightly to her chest.

What a terrible pick up line really.

...But she can't really deny the effectiveness of it, either.

There are a lot of things Selene expected to happen this weekend, and prepared herself for.

A giant crack in the middle of her courtyard was not one of them.

She's sighing at the caulking gun she keeps in the goat house that the animals don't even go into anymore, wondering if it's got enough left in it that she can just seal the crack and move on to other things.

It's the best she can think of right now, at least.

Absently humming an old tune aloud, Selene hears something shift around overhead.

Ah, damn. What kind of vermin could have gotten into the goat house? There's no rats or squirrels on the island, or is there an infestation problem now too?

Maybe she'll get lucky, and its just the sound of the wood and stone settling in their old age.

...Still.

She should probably check, to make sure there's no unexpected vermin running across the aisle tomorrow at the wedding.

She climbs up the stairs, popping the hatch up only to find it covered by something heavy that’s been moved on top of it. One of the chairs she thinks, peeking through the opening she could manage.

She nearly freezes, as she sees a pair of legs in tight black jeans in front of her.

Her eyes slowly graze up the legs, legs she knows, legs she remembers, until they settle on a too familiar face.

Deceit? She thinks, momentarily stunned. What on earth are they doing here?

Fear is behind them, browsing absently on their phone and donning a much more professional haircut than the half-buzz they had had twenty years ago.

There's more people though.

A pair of bare knees with a familiar freckle pattern stare back at her, a long magenta skirt resting between them and attached to another elf with familiar long dark hair and golden eyes that still have that same spark they did back before...before.

Des, she realizes, heartbeat racing as she finds one more elf in the top floor of the old goat house.

Dark cotton slacks with a purple button down, and two slate blue eyes that she used to dream about for so long, eyes she hasn't seen since they told her he was leaving her behind, and going back to his life in Fereldan.

Dirthamen, she swallows, letting go of the hatch and dropping down from the ladder.

Her heart is racing, as she fans her face and tries to keep from overheating.

What are they doing here?! All of them, together?

How could this even happen?!

They weren't even supposed to-Des and Dirthamen swore they'd never come back, and Deceit had practically abandoned them for his music, and she had been left behind, forgotten really by all of them, caring for Nona and Gran-gran in their last few years and eventually purchasing and renovating the hotel while they were all....were all...

She sighs, and covers her mouth with her hand.

Damn it all.

She moves her hand down to her chest, feeling flames beginning to lick up beneath her skin just from the sight of them.

Damn it all, they're all still outrageously attractive.

How dare they show up here, now, and pull all of these old emotions she's spent twenty years ignoring back up? There's so many other things to do, to worry about-

Gods, what if Darevas or Felasel see them?!

If she had wanted to see them again, she would have invited them years ago. Not now, certainly not in her...current state, she thinks picking a stray thread off of the sleeve of her blouse.

No.

No, she's done well, just fine without them! She's raised two wonderful sons, and cared for the island and she's done it all on her own.

Their faces flash through her mind. Moments long buried of nights in the beach, in rooms of this very hotel, on blankets and next to guitars and books and...

She lets out a sigh.

Mamma mia, she's just gotta get one more look. One more, and she can center herself, and move on with her life.

She's not sure when, specifically, she climbed to the roof, only knows that she's here now, staring down at the access hatch and saying a silent prayer for strength as she bends over for one last look at her past lovers.

It’s really a disastrous moment, when the wind catches her off guard, and she falls straight through the opening.

She lets out a loud groan, her legs straight up and apart from the shock of the fall, thankful for the half-inflated air mattress she landed on. Staring up at four familiar faces, grinning back down at her.

“You've always had the best entrances,” Des teases, stepping towards her.

She can't help it; she laughs.

Selene quickly crosses her legs and tucks them beneath her as she struggles to sit up, glancing from one pair of eyes to another, surrounded, somehow, by all the people she loved so fiercely nearly twenty years ago.

“I better be dreaming,” She finally says, tucking her hair behind her ear and once again cursing her abysmally terrible luck. “You all had better not really be here.”

#Mamma Mia AU #Dirthalene #Banana Ship #mirevas #chantilly couple #Selene Lavellan #Des #lots of perspective shifts in this one #Adannar will be appearing in the next installment for Serahlin no worries #this is easily the longest thing I've written in MONTHS i hope you enjoy it #now im going to go eat something

22 notes · View notes