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silassinclair · 2 months

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Introduction!! Yandere Wild West Outlaw x Reader

CONTENT WARNING: Guns, Violence, Fem Reader, For 16+ Readers Preferably (Ik i cant stop you younger little shits from being here)

Mayor John L/n should have known better than to attract the attention of Maddox Graves; the West's number one most wanted criminal and outlaw. But Y/n L/n's Father, John L/n, is a fool.

It all started when John L/n rode into town on his fine horse. Tonight he was going to drink at the bar and chat with the other townspeople about some small town drama. When John arrived outside the saloon however he noticed all of the posts had horses tied to them already. John looks around and sees a free spot! Just as John hopped off his horse to tie the rope around the wood post another man beat him too it.

The man shoulder checked John as he tied his black horse to the post.

“Hey I was about to tie my horse there you brute! And how dare you hit me!” John says angrily.

"I had my horse tied here first old man. Go find some place else to tie yours." The Mexican American man says; his accented voice rich and deep. The bottom half of his face is concealed by a dark red bandana. His cowboy hat is a dark brown color, a contrast to the black attire he adorns.

"Do you know who I am young man? I own this town! Now get your filthy horse out of my way before I teach you a lesson!" Mayor L/n shouts aggressively.

The outlaw frowns disapprovingly under the cloth of his bandana. This greedy old fart dare insult his stallion? And threaten him?

The outlaw brings his masked face close to the older man, making the older man back up nervously. Bringing his rugged hands to his hips the outlaw moves his long black leather jacket to the side, revealing one of his two revolvers. Each revolver being a stunning silver color with black metal engravings. No other gunman in the west had such weapons, no one other than Maddox Graves.

The mayor notices the shining gun and he gasps in fear for his life. "Those guns! Y-You’re M-Maddox Graves!" He shouts in newfound fright.

"That's right old man. You fucked with the wrong guy. Telling me to move my horse and insulting him in such a way? You're a real old fart I tell ya. Ya had some real balls o’ steel to threaten me too." The outlaw says as he pats the back of his midnight black stallion.

The mayor doesn’t waste a second as he goes to his horse as quick as possible. He gets on it's saddle to ride off. Luckily, he escapes the outlaw. However the outlaw already knows where the mayor lives.

And he will not let him get away with what he has done. No one disrespects Maddox Graves unless they want to end up in their own grave.

"Father? Are you alright?" A young woman says. The woman's name is Y/n L/n, and she's the one and only daughter of Mayor John L/n. In this shit stain of a small town that is on the bottom corner of maps, she brings light and joy. The townspeople adore her presence and work ethic. Though she is wealthy and the daughter of the mayor she does volunteer work in local farms and helps look after the town’s children.

Though Y/n L/n has no Mother, not anymore. So John L/n protects her with his life. She’s all he has left and he may have just lost her tonight for what he has done.

"How can I be so foolish?! Oh god what have I done!" The old man says in despair as he rushes over to his daughter. He embraces her in a desperate hug which she returns gently with a pat to his sweating back.

"Father whatever is the matter? What has you in such a stress?" She asks with genuine concern.

The old man holds her plush face gently in his wrinkled palms. He gazes into her eyes, for it may be the final time he get to do so.

"I have made a mistake Y/n... I insulted a dangerous outlaw and he may come here to our home. I need you to hide okay... Whatever you hear, do not leave your hiding spot."

Y/n feels her Father tremble. "Father I don't understand! Please whatever it is let me hel-"

"NO! I CAN HEAR HIS HORSE OUTSIDE! GO UPSTAIRS AND HIDE NOW!"

The poor young woman yelps as her Father pushes her away. She is about to argue but the desperation in his eyes makes her only nod and run up the stairs and do as she's told. Y/n goes to her bedroom and opens the door to her oak wardrobe. She hides behind a few gowns and shuts the door enough for there to be a crack.

There are sounds of talking downstairs. Y/n can hear the voice of her Father and another. The other voice is deeper and strikes fear into her core. She can hear how desperate her Father is as he pleads for his life.

“You got a little girl right? Would be a shame if she lost her Father.” The deep voice says.

“Yes! So please spare me Graves! I’ll give you money, anything you want! So please leave us in peace!” The old man begs on his knees.

“Hmmm.” The dark outlaw ponders.

BANG

Y/n covers her mouth as she yelps in horror at the sound of the gunshot. Her body trembled, the silence now was frightening. No longer did she hear the sound of her Father begging for his life. All that was left was a deadly silence.

Her Father was dead.

“Come out girl! Your Father isn’t dead~ He’s just sleeping.” Maddox taunts as he blows the smoke from the end of his gun before returning it to its holster.

Tears fell from Y/n’s eyes as she struggled to steady her breathing. She could hear his footsteps ascending the stairs. Slow, and taunting. He was taking his time.

“I don’t like playing games. Now come out before I kill you.”

The hiding woman refused to make a sound. Her survival instinct made her once trembling body as still as a statue when she heard his footsteps enter her room. She felt frozen as his steps stopped right outside the closet door.

“I know you’re in here little girl. Now come out.”

She didn’t.

“Okay, you asked me to do this.”

Light flooded into the wardrobe as Maddox nearly ripped the doors off the hinges from swinging it open so hard and fast. Inside he heard the scream of a woman and suddenly a boot clad foot coming out from behind gowns kicked him in the groin. Keeling over in pain he clutched his jewels and fell on his knees.

“OO- YOU BITCH!” He yells. His eyes widen when he sees her though. She peeks her head out from behind the dresses and gowns. Her face is soft and stained with dry tears. Rather than a young girl who he thought, it was a pretty woman who looked to be a few years younger than him.

“You’re a disgusting man!” She says angrily and runs out of the closet past the kneeling outlaw. Dashing down the stairs she sees her Father on the ground, bleeding from his side.

“Father!” She calls to him desperately as she kneels by his side and cradles his head. He’s still breathing, thank god. But he’s losing a lot of blood. So Y/n grabs the hem of her dress and tears off a strip of the fabric and ties it around his torso.

“I-I’ll run to town and call for a doctor Father.” She says with a weak smile. His eyes are closed, he seems to have passed out from shock.

Just as Y/n stood up to run out the door to get help a gunshot rings out and the bullet hits the doorknob she was just about the grab. Whipping her body back in shock she looks up and sees Maddox at the top of the staircase, his smoking gun aimed at her.

“You’re a wild one aren’t you missy?” He says with a smirk. A freshly lit cigar hangs from his mouth.

Y/n stands by the door as still as a statue as Maddox comes down the stairs. Now standing before her the height difference is very stark. Her head only reaches his shoulders.

“Let me leave… My Father is dying. I need to get to a doctor.” She says with a wavering voice.

Maddox blows smoke in her face and laughs.

“He may as well be already dead girly. He’s lost a lot of blood. And besides, even if you did make it to town you would come home to him dead. There ain’t enough time for dilly-dally.”

He was right, unfortunately. Y/n tried her best to hold back her tears. She had to stay strong, she couldn’t show weakness to this bloodthirsty killer. But she could only handle so much.

She looks behind the outlaw and sees her Father grow more pale as the seconds tick by. The moment she noticed her Father’s chest still… and a final breath escape his lips.. Y/n felt like her life was over. Her Father was dead. All hope is lost for her as she crumbles like an ancient statue.

“F-Father, my Father is dead! You killed him-!” She breaks down and grips her hair in her hands, sinking to the floor. Maddox only watches with a small grin as he tosses the cigar to the side.

“He was an old man who was gon’ kick the bucket soon anyway. I only sped up the process a lil’ princess.” Maddox says with a mocking coo. But Y/n looks up at him with a piercing glare. Her hands turn to fists and she strikes. Her fist collides with his face, causing him to whip his head to the side. Y/n stills as she awaits his reaction. He is eerily silent and his downcast gaze is dark.

But then she is suddenly met with a chuckle. His deep, rich laugh radiates throughout the home. Like an infection that invades the young woman’s eardrums. She can’t stand it.

“You hit hard little lady, I like that in a woman.” Maddox grips her chin, squeezing her face and puckering her lips.

“Such soft lips… Wonder how they’d feel against mine. Poor lil thang like you needs a strong man in her life.” His condescending tone sparks rage in Y/n. This man, no… this beast. This murderer. She needs to take revenge. To kill the man who killed her Father in cold blood. But not now. No, she would have to wait. She needs the right moment to strike.

And she doesn’t mind playing the long game. She’ll play along for now.

Hey yall, it’s me. I’m SLACKING so hard. School and work has been busting my balls and writers block is eating me alive. But this Oc got me out of the gutter. Hopefully yall like him! I plan to write for him more.

#yandere #yandere x reader #x reader #yandere imagines #yandere x you #yandere oc #yandere oc x reader #yandere cowboy #yandere outlaw #fem reader #obsession

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ichorai · 17 days

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ties that bind ; nanami kento ; march 14th.

pairing ; nanami kento x reader

drabble synopsis ; even the strongest sorcerers need to be saved sometimes.

themes ; fluff, slice of life, established relationship (married), parents au

warnings / includes ; gojo has no sense of boundaries, tiny hint of jealous nanami at the end, and all the jujutsu students are just chilling in this one :) can you tell i'm in desperate need of slice of life content, introduction to the other kids reader has with nanami! yuriko (born 2019), hiro (born 2020), and takara (born 2023)!

series masterlist.

14th march, 2024

With the cold remnants of winter fading into the soft blossoms of springtime, you and Nanami ventured out to the parks with the kids more often. This time, you’d brought the Jujutsu students along to enjoy the day as well—Yuji and Megumi were playing a rather competitive game of catch with a frisbee, Nobara and Maki were off buying ice cream from a cart vendor, and Toge and Yuta were leaned up against Panda, all soaking up the afternoon sun.

Nanami was by the playground, gently pushing Yuriko and Hiro, five and three respectively, on the low kiddie-swings with a small smile on his face. His lips were moving as he spoke to them, but you couldn’t hear from the bench you were sitting a few feet away. You were rocking a stroller, carrying your youngest daughter, Takara. Her soft hair, a shade somewhere between you and Nanami’s own heads, was pulled into a tufty bun, which threatened to come loose with the position she’d fallen asleep in.

Gojo had also invited himself to the excursion, currently sprawled out in the space beside you, having his third—or was it his fourth? You couldn’t quite remember—brightly-colored popsicle. The two of you had exchanged quite a few pleasantries, but mostly it was just him chatting away about his students and the missions they often frequented.

“I still don’t really understand,” you said, which made his head turn your way. “I can’t believe you actually teach these kids how to survive by dropping them in dangerous situations like that.”

The thought of your own children going on to learn in such a way made a shiver run down your back. Nanami would also surely pop a blood vessel if he thought about it for too long.

“They wouldn’t die,” Gojo responded easily. “Not on my watch, at least. I can save anyone. Anyone who wants to be saved, anyway.”

There was a distant tone to his words, but he was wearing a wide smile as he regarded you through his blindfolds.

“Hm…”

“Don’t be worried about them,” he reassured you. “Trust me, showing them the real world is the best way for them to learn.”

“I know,” you said, voice small. Your eyes darted to Yuji, who had leapt an incredible distance up in the air to snatch the frisbee Megumi had tossed. “I just worry for all of them so much. It’s like they’re all my kids too now, you know?”

Gojo licked a long stripe up his melting popsicle, humming. “They’re stronger than you think. Besides, they’ll always have each other.”

Your next words made Gojo freeze in place, tongue still stuck out flat over the popsicle.

“If you save everyone, who saves you?”

Gingerly, Gojo pulled away from the popsicle. He laughed then, but it was slight and hardly genuine.

“I don’t need to be saved,” replied the white-haired man. “I’m the strongest.”

That elicited a soft snort of amusement from you. You weren’t looking at him anymore—instead, facing your husband at the playground, who had taken to helping Hiro and Yuriko onto a see-saw. A fond smile graced the corner of your lips.

“Everyone needs to be saved at some point, Satoru. All we have is each other, in the end.”

There was a long silence as Gojo thoughtfully slurped up what was left on the popsicle stick. He was already itching for another.

He reached out to pinch at your cheek, ignoring your noise of surprise. “You’re so cute, you know. I’m so glad Nanami married you.” His words were high-pitched and crooned right into your ear.

“Ack—Gojo, stop!” You were laughing, nose wrinkled as you swatted at his hand.

Gojo had to pull away eventually, because he could feel your husband’s exasperated glare fall onto him. A second longer, and he figured Nanami would’ve pulled out that blunt blade of his.

#nanami kento x reader #nanami kento fanfiction #nanami kento x you #jujutsu kaisen fanfiction #jjk fanfiction #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #nanami kento ff #kento nanami x reader #kento nanami fanfiction #nanami kento fluff #nanami kento drabbles #nanami kento imagines #jujutsu kaisen fluff #jjk fluff

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gwenllian-in-the-abbey · 2 months

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There's this weird thing going on Reddit right now where people are claiming that legally, Rhaenyra children are not bastards. And I was wondering if you agree or disagree. I think that people are just making up their own canon lore at this point.

Hi anon,

I think what gets kind of muddled in this discussion is what "legally" means in the context. Generally speaking, children born within wedlock are considered legitimate until proven otherwise. Now in the medieval world, it's not like you were issued a birth certificate that you could whip out and say see, it says right here who the father is! There were no DNA tests, it was all a matter of word, and by and large a woman's virtue was her word, and it was what kept her and her children protected within the framework of medieval marriage. But the reason why bastardy matters in this context is also important. It's not like Rhaenyra is trying to collect child support here, nor is she a common merchant's wife whose husband has decided just to roll with it. She's the heir to the throne and the parentage of her children is a matter of inheritance and dynastic succession, so it's not a situation where a legal loophole is particularly helpful as a gotcha. There is not at this point in history a comprehensive codified law that clearly defines what these terms mean and defines the rights and obligations of parents and children legitimate and illegitimate, mostly you have combinations of precedent, tradition, oath, and a healthy dose of might makes right.

(I saw another reply to this question in which the responded basically goes, "free yourself from the shackles of this construct! Marriage isn't real it's an oppressive institution and the idea of bastardy is made up, so let it go," and while it's true that marriage, legitimacy, etc. are all social constructs and not absolute states of being, they started off as having a functional purpose within a certain social framework. And this is a basic problem a lot of people have with George's world, it's not that we have to have the views of a 12th century French peasant, or that everything has to be historically accurate, but George chose the medieval world as a setting for a reason, and it's not just an aesthetic one. Characters in even a quasi-historical setting have to act within the constraints of that setting. We have to understand that people don't know what they don't know. The medieval world doesn't have any framework for the introduction of feminist ideals. Westeros hasn't even had a Christine de Pizan yet. You couldn't walk up to a medieval peasant woman and say "marriage is a tool of patriarchal oppression and bastardy is a social construct," they'd look at you like you had two heads. And so we have to acknowledge that you can't simply start dismantling existing social structures if the framework doesn't exist to replace them with something better that offers more protections for a broader group of people, and at this point it definitely doesn't. Making an exception for one very privileged woman does not mean progress for all women, instead it often means destabilization of the flawed system that does exist, and even more violence against those less powerful in order to enforce the exceptional status).

So from a medieval point of view, marriage was pretty much a non-negotiable for a woman. And women weren't simply getting married because they were pressured into it by their families or because their fathers were opportunistic assholes, they got married because unmarried women had no legal status or standing. In most places they could not sign contracts or own land. A woman could join the church or get married (or become a prostitute, but it's not like sex workers had freedoms or protections either). Divorce wasn't a thing, and annulment was hard to get and usually available only as a tool for men to set aside their wives. So, for all intents and purposes, once you were married, that was generally it, you were stuck for life (the upside is that widows did get a lot more freedom, so marrying an older guy and waiting it out was not a bad option sometimes, all things considered). But what marriage did provide was assurance that you and your children would be protected and provided for. Marriage was a practical agreement, involving dowries, inheritances, and alliances sealed in blood. And this is one of the reasons why bastards could not inherit. Inheritance for once's children was one of the few perks of a marriage for a woman (this is, incidentally, why Alicent is so pressed about her children being effectively disinherited. There is NO reason for her, as an eligible maiden of good standing, to marry a man who will not provide for her sons, king or not). And of course, a man's bastards are obvious and are disqualified from inheriting (setting aside legitimization because it is not nearly the easy out that people think it is). You can't really pass them off as legitimate because your wife clearly knows which children she gave birth to, whereas a man might be told he is the father of a child when that child's father is in fact someone else.

In a dynastic marriage, all of this becomes even more important. Marriages were made as alliances and to strengthen the ties between kingdoms or houses. A child seals the marriage agreement by binding two bloodlines and creating kinship bonds that will last beyond the current generation. Those kinship bonds can ensure peace between kingdoms at war, trade agreements, and military aid. Passing a bastard off as trueborn breaks that agreement; it violates the very principle by which the agreement was made. And in this context, it doesn't actually matter if the father claims the children as his, because in a dynastic marriage inheritance is not just a personal matter, it's a matter of the state. The truth matters to a great many people, more than just the immediate family. A lie doesn't become the truth simply because the liar isn't caught, and there's no statute of limitations or court ruling that will ever put the matter to rest for good. Passing off a bastard as trueborn destabilizes the succession and breaks the dynastic bonds that the marriage was meant to establish. When the bastard heir in question attempts to take the throne, it won't be a smooth transition.

So what does it mean that Laenor and Corlys agree to pass Rhaenyra's children off as trueborn? It means that their bastardy cannot be proven at the moment insofar as the legal father, Rhaenyra's husband, is playing along and covering for Rhaenyra, and Viserys is backing them up by giving this his "legal" stamp of approval. But again, our view that it's no one else's business but Laenor and Rhaenyra's and that Viserys "legalized" their status is very modern. Jaehaeyrs and Alysanne were not considered married in the eyes of the Westerosi until they'd had a bedding ceremony, that is, the consummation of their marriage was witnessed. Royal marriages and the children that come from them are a public matter because the succession affects everyone in the realm. Laenor, Corlys, and Viserys can protect those children in the short term, but Laenor and Corlys and Viserys won't live forever, and they could withdraw their support for those children and renounce them as bastards at any time. Harwin could admit to fathering them, Rhaenyra and Harwin could get caught in the act, or someone else close to them might confess. Sure right now the black faction are all one big happy family, but 20 years down the line when bastard Jace takes the throne over trueborn Aegon III? There are multiple people in the family who could confess to knowledge of the bastardy, including Aegon III himself. The bastardy is too obvious and there are too many legitimate heirs of both house Targaryen and house Velaryon getting pushed aside in favor of bastard born children for it to be an issue that simply disappears because Rhaenyra and Laenor say so.

So "legal bastardy" is a pretty meaningless concept when it comes to royal succession because it's not a matter that's going to be settled by some neutral third party in a court of law. What matters in the long run is not whether or not Laenor claimed the kids, what matters is whether or not the situation is questionable enough that people with the power to challenge it might challenge it. And we see even within the actual narrative of the Dance that this is indeed the case. There is already a situation brewing with the other branches of the Velaryon family who are rightfully pretty pissed to see their ancestral seat pass to someone with no blood ties to the family (and as an aside, people will say Vaemond was self-serving, and of course he was, but that doesn't make him wrong, and maybe Baela or Rhaena should have inherited instead, but neither they nor their father were pressing their claims because they were backing up the bastard claimants, so was Vaemond supposed to do that for them?). And yes the king and Rhaenyra can cry treason and they can kill Vaemond and cut out tongues, but using force to silence people for telling the objective truth is by definition tyranny, and that's exactly the sort of situation that would get the nobility nervous. Because if Rhaenyra has to silence people already and she's not even queen yet, what will Jace have to do when he takes the throne? That's the real problem, not the "legal" status of Jace and his brothers, but the practical ramifications of hiding the truth.

#asks #the strong boys #hotd discourse #bastardy #team green #anti team black

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ssa-atlas-alvez · 1 year

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Sunflower Seeds (BAU x cowboy!reader)

Warnings: Death, sadness, abuse, bad foster parents, death of a child, murderous foster parents, smoking, addition (to cigarettes)

Word count: 2403

Taglist: @xweirdo101x @xdark-acadamiax @ara-a-bird @heidss @chubbyboyinflannel @pendragon-writes @migwayne @bigolgay @technikerin23 @supercriminalbean @honestlycasualarcade @caffeine-mess @1s3v3n1 @oddmiles @kevyeen @stealing-kneecaps @criminalskies

“This case is a rough one, folks,” Garcia said as she entered the room, handing you each a file. “Some sicko in Colorado is targeting foster kids,”

Hotch made sure the briefing was short, not wanting to waste any time before you all got on the jet.

"What are you doing?" JJ asks.

"Readin' the file." You answered, before offering the bag of seeds you were currently making your way through, "Sunflower seed?"

"Why are you eating sunflower seeds?" She sits down next to you and you shrug.

“Got hungry,” You lied, “‘S all I had in my bag,” JJ rolls her eyes slightly as she chuckles with a smile.

“Garcia’s calling,” Morgan cut your current conversation and you all turned to the laptop.

“Speak and be heard!” Garcia exclaims as she pops up on the screen.

“Have you managed to look up the foster history of the victims yet?”

“The database is running as we speak,”

“These kids were all well behaved,” You state with a sigh, flicking through the file, “I don’t understand how they were in so much trouble at school,”

"I bet you were such a sweetheart as a kid," Garcia teased, the rest of the team chuckling.

"Er, no ma'am, I was not," You answered, embarrassment flushing against your cheeks, "I was actually quite the little shit - pardon my language. I mean I was goin’ through a lot, but that doesn’t excuse my past behaviour, I did chill out at about fifteen though,"

“What happened at fifteen?” Reid asked curiously.

“My Mama and Pops adopted me and Aden,” You said with a small smile.

When you got to the station, introductions and the set up was quick and soon enough, the team had all split up to different crime scenes. Hotch, however, had asked you to stay at the station, to interview different foster kids who might have known or seen something. Hotch had told you that he would be back soon, he just needed to follow a lead with Prentiss.

“Excuse me? Mr FBI Agent, sir?” You look up, a small boy, only about seven. He was the last one to be interviewed (in fact you were about to go and get him for his interview), his foster parents had dropped him off three hours ago and left, claiming that they needed to pick up another one of their foster children from daycare. You had made sure the boy had been comfortable sitting in the breakroom with some snacks, a drink, and a colouring book.

“Hi, how can I help you?” You ask, giving him a small smile.

“I- You are FBI, right?” When you confirmed, he continued, “Is there a way you can tell them to move me to a different foster home?”

“What’s your name, kid?”

“Jacob,”

"I'm (Y/N)," You said, before asking “Why do you want to move, Jacob?”

You furrowed your eyebrows as he answered, “I want to be with my sister.” You swallow the lump in your throat, only having known the worry about being separated from your sibling.

“I can try, kid,” You said, “But I can’t promise anything…”

“They’re not nice people.”

“Who?”

“My foster parents,” Jacob whispered, “They yell… and they throw stuff…” You close your eyes for a moment, being able to read behind the lines.

“How bad is it?”

“It’s bad,” Jacob’s voice wobbles as he tries his best to keep his emotions at bay.

“Hey, kid, look at me,” You crouch down and wait until he’s looking at you, “I’m g’nna make sure this place gets shut down, you hear me?”

Jacob gives a small sniff as he nods, desperately wiping at his eyes. “It’s okay, kid, it’s okay.” You mumbled, pulling him close to your chest. “I promise, I will make sure you go somewhere nice.” Jacob clung onto you tightly and you lightly rocked the pair of you back and forth in hopes of helping him calm down.

“Jacob, your foster parents are here to collect you,” Hotch said as he appears in the doorway and your heart breaks as Jacob only clings onto you tighter.

“Jacob, hey, look at me,” You swallow slightly before continuing, “I’ll do everything I can to get you somewhere else, okay?” He nods as he forces himself to let go of you and stand up.

“Promise?”

“Yeah, kid, I promise.” You reached into your pocket, making sure the foster parents weren’t looking before you handed him your card. “You have access to a phone?” He nods, “Okay, you phone me if you need me, okay?” He gives another nod as he pockets the small card. You watch as Hotch leads him out of the room, to his foster parents and you have to look away for a moment. When you gather the strength, you look back to find Jacob looking at you anxiously, you give him what you hope is an encouraging smile and then he’s gone.

You didn’t account for the foster parents being the killers. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

It’s been maybe five hours since getting back to the hotel when you get the phone call, it’s the middle of the night and you were laid in the dark trying to sleep. When you answer it, Jacob’s scared whisper on the other end of the phone, begging you to come and get him, that he was in the kitchen, and he was scared. And then the line goes dead. You’re standing up and putting your shoes on as you wake Hotch up, only giving him enough time to knock on Rossi’s door before you’re out of the hotel and in one of the SUV’s ready to go.

You all but kick the door off it’s hinges as you enter the house, heading straight to the kitchen, stomach dropping when you see his small figure on the floor. You’re kneeling next to him in an instant as you put pressure on the wound.

“Hotch? Hotch, call an ambulance, he needs an ambulance-” You rush out when he walks into the room. Hotch nods, with a grim look on his face as he takes in the kid’s condition, knowing he’s not going to make it.

"You're g’nna be a'ight kid, you hear me? You're g’nna be a'ight," You give him a small smile, “You’re g’nna be just f’ne,”

“You came?” Jacob’s voice is quiet and you have to strain your ears to hear him.

“Course, kid,” You reply, “You’re g’nna be okay kid,”

“Promise?”

“Yeah, kid,” You answer, voice shaking, “You need’a hold on, a’ight??”

Jacob nods slightly before he goes limp in your arms, “Kid?” You bring a hand up to lightly tap his cheek, “Kid?! Kid, come on! Hotch!” When Hotch is in the room, you look up from Jacob’s face to Hotch, “Hotch, he’s stopped breathing, what do I do?!”

“I don’t think there’s anything we can do.”

“What?” You look up at him, face a mix of desperation and anger, “Hotch, we can’t do nothin’-”

“(Y/N), he’s lost too much blood, nothing we can do will help him,”

“We could try a transfusion-”

“We both know we can’t do that,”

“We have to do somethin’!”

And then the rest of the team (minus JJ - who stayed behind to be with Elena, Jacob’s sister, who had made her foster parents take her to the station in worry for her younger brother, she had quickly told JJ about her ‘big sister intuition’) and the paramedics arrive. It takes Hotch and Morgan to pry away and you want to hit both of them for it. Instead, you get into one of the SUV’s and drive back to the station. You needed to be the one to tell his sister.

JJ looks up when you enter the room, “JJ, can you give us a minute, please?” JJ studies you for a minute before she nods, telling Elena that she’ll be right outside.

“Where’s Jacob?” You swallow heavily as you sit down on the couch, next to Elena.

“I- I’m so sorry,” You begin, “I did everything I could, but he- he didn’t make it,” Elena’s eyes are immediately filled with tears as she stands.

“No, no you’re lying! No!”

“I’m so sorry.”

“This is your fault! This is all your fault! You killed him!” She screams and just hearing it makes your throat hurt. You stare at her, desperately trying to keep the tears at bay as she continues to scream at you. “Your fault! All your fault!” She shouts, hitting your chest as she does, you barely flinch. “All your fault!”

You look up, meeting eyes with JJ as Elena lands another open hand hit against your chest as she yells. Your eyes drift back to Elena as she collapses against your chest, sobbing. “I got you,” You mumble, and she grabs your shirt tightly in her fist as she sobs loudly. “I’ve got you,”

“He can’t be gone,” She hiccups, “He can’t be dead. He can’t be.”

“I’m so sorry,” You mumble, swaying lightly. “I’m so sorry,”

The door opens and closes quietly and your head shoots up. JJ gives you a small smile as she sits next to the two of you, she gently scoops Elena in her arms and gives you a look – telling you to have a moment to yourself. You nod a thanks and leave.

You walk straight to the closest shop – not stopping to talk to any of the team, mind too caught up as to how you still haven’t managed to make an arrest, despite knowing exactly who was behind all of this. Being caught up in your own head also meant that you didn’t hear Hotch tell Morgan to follow you and keep an eye on you.

You were usually so good, whenever you had the urge to pick up a cigarette again, you'd munch your way through your weight in sunflower seeds until it left. But after this case? There was no way that was going to happen now. When you get there, you buy a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Wasting no time, you sit on the curb outside of the shop, lighting the cigarette now in your hand and taking a long, deep breath. Part of you had missed this.

And then, out of pure luck, you spot Mr Richards, Jacob’s foster dad, crossing the road. You ditch the cigarettes and lighter on the floor and the next thing you know, you’re sprinting after him and then tackling him to the ground. When he struggles, you pull your arm back and punch him, and then again and then- A hand’s on your shoulder, trying to pull you off.

“(Y/N), that’s enough.” Morgan? You ignore him and shrug the hand off, punching him once more before you’re ripped off of him and being held back. Richards is on the floor, groaning. Prick.

The rest of the team all jog to the scene, Prentiss and Reid cuffing Richards and Hotch approaches you and Morgan. “What happened?” He’s looking at you as he speaks, but you assume he’s talking to Morgan, so you continue to glare at Richards, whose nose is still bleeding. You can’t help but smirk slightly at that.

“He tackled him and kept punching,” Morgan answered shortly.

“Take him back to the station, don’t let him see Richards.” Morgan nods as he leads you to the SUV.

You're restless on the flight back, legs shaking, hands fumbling. You knew everyone noticed (it was a bit hard not to), but we're thankful that no one said anything yet. Your body was itching for another cigarette. The familiarity of it between your fingers, the repetitive motion. You place your hand in your jacket pocket, feeling the small box and feel yourself relax slightly.

"Clint Eastwood over here has been smoking," Morgan said.

“So?” You asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“So it’s not exactly good for you,” He answered, you huffed slightly.

“I’m not doin’ this now,” You reply, closing your eyes as you let your head hit the back of your seat.

“Let me talk to him,” JJ says softly and there’s the quiet sound of someone sitting down opposite you, “(Y/N)?”

You open your eyes, finding yourself automatically gazing into JJ’s. “Yeah?”

“Talk to me,” She says softly and you have to look away. You don’t want to spill everything. You don’t want to be vulnerable, not when the others are so close by. You knew the second you started, you’d want to tell her everything, spill your heart out. So instead, you just shake your head.

“I’m fine,” You give a small smile before shutting your eyes once more, you hear her sigh and feel her gently place her hand on your shoulder and then it’s gone and suddenly you feel cold.

When the jet lands, Hotch makes it known that he wants to talk to you in his office. You don’t say anything, you just nod. And so, you follow him to his office.

“Normally, I wouldn’t be too concerned,” Hotch said, “But this isn’t healthy, smoking isn’t healthy. You’re using it as a coping mechanism.”

"I know it's not exactly the best solution-" You began, "But it's better than, I don't know, some coping mechanisms for sure."

“You need to talk to someone about this,”

“I’m fine.”

“(Y/N), I’m serious,” He says, voice stern. “You can’t bottle this up.”

“Hotch-”

“Don’t make me put you on leave, (Y/N).” That hits a nerve and the next thing you know, you’re sort of yelling.

"What do you want me to say Hotch?! I held that kid as he died Hotch!" Your raised voice caught him off guard, you didn't generally raise your voice. "I- I told him he was gon' be 'kay. And then I had to tell his sister he'd died. And what, y’all expect me to just be 'kay after that? I'm sorry to disappoint ‘cause I ain't. N I'm sorry if that means I'm not the person you thought I was or if that somehow disappoints you, but I- I can't just forget about it that easy,"

“Of course you’re allowed to be upset, it’s normal.” Hotch replies, keeping his voice comforting but still stern, something you didn’t even realise was possible until meeting Hotch, “Take the weekend to relax, we’ve all got the time off, see how you feel on Monday, okay?” You nod, mumbling an ‘okay’, “Alright, I’ll see you later, have a good weekend.”

“You too,”

“And (Y/N)?” You turn to him, “Try and quit the habit while you’re ahead,” You give a small nod and leave the office.

#cowboy reader #bau x cowboy reader #x cowboy reader #Criminal Minds Fanfiction #Criminal Minds #criminal minds fanfic #aaron hotchner #spencer reid #david rossi #Jennifer Jareau #derek morgan #Penelope Garcia #emily prentiss #male!reader #male reader #x male reader

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samgirl98 · 8 months

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Forgotten Demon Twin 4/?

Prev | Next

Damian crossed his arms. A part of him wanted to be angry at Danyal. How dare he lie to them? They wanted to ensure he was fine, and here he was, not telling them the whole truth.

Then, the guilt set in.

Damian wouldn’t have to have asked if he had checked up on his brother if he had remembered he had a brother. Why was he so angry? They were strangers to Danyal. Of course, he would keep his secrets close to his chest. He had lied to the League, knowing that it could result in his death. Lying to the famous ‘no killing allowed’ Batman must’ve been easier.

Danyal sat in midair, his legs crossed.

It was difficult to see Danyal as, was he a ghost? Was his brother dead?

“How did you gain powers,” Richard asked, “Neither Talia nor Bruce have the metagene.”

Danyal shrugged but didn’t answer.

“Listen, I appreciate that you guys care enough to come and visit me, even if it is years later,” he mumbled the last part. It still made the family flinch, “But I don’t owe you guys anything. I don’t have to explain the ifs, whys, and buts. Just because you guys feel guilty, you can’t just uproot my whole life and claim to care and want to take me away from the only loving family I have ever known.”

“I’m not in any danger here—”

“You’re a child hero without adult supervision,” Bruce said.

“—And I have everything under control.”

“You shouldn’t have to have everything under control, Danny. I understand the need to help, but you’re young. You deserve to have some help.”

“What makes you think I don’t have help?”

“Really, do your parents know you’re Phantom?”

Danyal said nothing.

“We want to help, Danyal,” Damian said.

A look of anger marred Danyal’s face.

“Help? Like when you said you would help me train, shoved a sword through my shoulder, and then pushed me from a tower?”

Damian flinched and ignored Tim’s judgmental look.

“That was wrong of me. I apologize for everything I’ve done to you.”

Danny was about to say something before stopping. He still wasn’t one hundred percent sure this wasn’t a trap and didn’t want to give Damian a reason to take him back. So far, it looked like the League was no longer involved, but Batman and his…children were an unknown factor. If he could convince them to leave…

“Daniel James Fenton, you are in big trouble, young man!”

Uh-oh. Irate older sister alert.

Every member of the Batfamily was surprised that an angry teenage red-haired girl had snuck up on them.

She was carrying a green and white baseball bat, and her eyes seemed to glow.

Duke noticed she had a weird aura around her, too. It wasn’t as strong as Danny’s, but still there.

“Who are you people? Why is a group of mostly adults meeting my younger brother in the middle of the night in a desolate park?”

The girl looked at everyone at them and gave a double take when she spotted Damian. She turned to Danny.

“Why are they here,” she asked loudly.

“Jazz, this is Bruce and Damian Wayne. They are my biological father and twin brother. Oh, and everyone else is Bruce’s adopted kids, I guess.”

Wow, he had Damian’s introduction skills.

She turned around and crossed her arms. The bat was still in her hands.

“I’ll ask again: why are you here?”

“I just found out about Danny and wanted to meet him?”

Jazz walked up to Bruce and, without hesitation, poked Bruce’s chest with the baseball bat.

“Oh, and you couldn’t have waited until morning and talked to our parents first? You just had to lure my baby brother away from the safety of his home and basically ambush him?”

“Jazz,” Danny whined, embarrassed.

“I’m just saying it how I see it, little brother.”

“There were some outside circumstances that would’ve made meeting,” Jazz interrupted Bruce by banging the end of the baseball bat on the floor. It left a crater.

“I don’t care about you’re ‘outside circumstances.’ Most of you are adults, and you have a minor with you at night without his legal guardian’s knowledge. If you want to talk to Danny, meet our parents first and set up a meeting like a normal person.”

“Jazz, you don’t understand who they are—”

“I don’t care if they’re the president. Rules exist for a reason. Now come, Danny, we’re going home. Tucker and Sam are worried.”

Danny detransformed and followed Jazz. The last thing he heard was the butler say, “I like her.”

He sighed. It was going to be a long ride back home.

____

Tim had yet to learn what happened.

One minute, he was introduced to the Demon Brat’s twin brother (who seemed more mellow than Damian). The next, they had been attacked by some creature that Danny beat in under ten seconds.

He knew Danny had been lying when he opened his mouth, and Cass had confirmed it. He hadn’t had time to interrogate the kid, though, before an angry red-hair, who reminded him a bit of Barbara, showed up and chewed Bruce out while holding nothing more than a baseball bat.

“Well, that was…interesting,” Duke said.

“I like her,” Jason said, “She stood up to Bruce.”

Bruce glared at Jason. It wasn’t often he got chewed out, and it had never been from a teenage girl. He didn’t like it.

“So, next course of action,” Tim asked.

“Tt, obviously we get Danyal out of this…situation. He shouldn’t have to deal with all of this alone.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, baby bat.”

“Why not?”

“Danny seems to be attached to his adoptive family. He’s suffered a lot in the League. Don’t you think we should consider his feelings?”

The brat thought about it before deflating a little but said nothing.

“So, I repeat: what now?”

Bruce said nothing, not sure what to do.

Suddenly, the smell of earl grey tea was heavy in the air, and he felt the phantom hand of his late surrogate father.

He took a deep breath and said, “It’s time to meet the Fenton.”

#Forgotten Demon Twin #dc x dp #dp x dc

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holy-puckslibrary · 1 month

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sid to a furry friend's rescue!

florist!reader gets flustered during sid's calendar shoot

oh, nothing... just them playing house doing a mentorship day and stirring up the rumor mill... another tuesday!

gif from @ehghtyseven

Sidney remains cautious around the local amateur matchmaker, adopting a level of vigilance, one not unlike that of the state he experienced while on duty, whenever she and her cohort openly collude on his behalf. Unfortunately for him—and anyone else audacious enough to be single in their vicinity, their movements are as unpredictable as they are assured to occur.

He could be milling around the market down the block from the station, or waiting for his order at the hole-in-the-wall café beside your shop—even his mailbox was fair game. Blissfully alone one minute, and the next? He's center stage as Halifax's Most Eligible Bachelor, unwittingly sifting through a rolodex of eager contestants, many of whom present in name only.

Their community wasn't remarkable small, but it was quiet. So, Sid could understand the appeal. The residents, many of whom were nearing retirement or already had been for several years, had little else to fuss over. It wasn't uncommon for a single person to become a central topic of conversation at the bingo table or the church pew. Everyone got their turn.

But, of the community's ever-dwindling pool, Sidney Crosby is most definitely the favorite, with you not far behind.

When you arrived, Sid breathed a sigh of relief. Fresh meat meant that, at least a little while, the heat would be off his back. He could go about his business without a peanut gallery or having to stand trial over the state of his (non-existent) romantic life.

It felt somewhat callous to hope for someone else's life to be probed and scrutinized the way his has been, but his reprieve was long overdue. And it wasn't as though he intended for you to fend for yourself. He knew firsthand how relentless Madame Matchmaker—as she liked to be called—could be, and therefore, he could be a vital resource and a nice shoulder to lean on.

You were receptive to his aid and grateful for his kindness, and while Sidney anticipated this alliance of sorts would be largely one-way, he was pleasantly surprised to realize a positive, unintended consequence—a deterrence to meddling. With you by his side, Sidney was approached significantly less.

You both were.

And you knew why. It wasn't hard to connect the dots; appearing together effectively marked you as "off-limits," and, therefore, not worth their time or help.

However, it soon became clear the rouse worked a little too well. And, unwilling to fabricate a half-truth or outright lie, the horde of Cupids found reason to descend with renewed fervor. This time, with a fresh initiative: to bring their fantastical assumptions to fruition.

Today's doings were further fodder, and the pile of pooped toddlers curled between you being the chief culprits.

For nearly eight hours, you looked and behaved like a stereotypical nuclear family out for field trip. The day began with a breakfast spread seated at your breakfast nook and a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. Then, a trip to your shop for a light lesson in floriculture and an introduction to bouquet arrangement, before the four of you made your way to the station for an edu-chat on fire prevention and safety. And, of course, a gear try-on and (assisted) turns with the fire hose. (Sidney wishes he would've snuck a photo of you donning his helmet.)

As the sun slipped closer to the horizon, you crumpled onto a bench framing the park in the center of town.

Managing two children together for Mentor Day seemed less daunting than going it alone, and it had been—but at what cost?

The hushed giggles just within earshot are measure enough.

"We're never going to hear the end of this, are we?"

Sidney hides his splitting grin behind his hand, all too aware of the typical spectators not two yards from where you're sat. It was best to find amusement in their meddling whenever possible.

"Definitely not," he concurs.

You lapse into comfortable silence, as you usually do around this hour on one of your back porches. The fading sun paints the town square in a buttery golden light soon after. Neither of you can resist stealing glances, open and lingering, too eager to watch the color dance across the other's face to worry about public perception and speculation.

Tired eyes tracking over your face, Sidney hums, "Today was a good day."

He watches you nod in agreement, a dreamy little smile pulling at your mouth. Behind the children's heads, your warm fingers tangle in his. His heart thuds when your hand gently squeezes his three times.

"Yeah, it was."

—

someone let me give him kids! now!

as always, i would really appreciate if you reblogged my work, left a comment or dropped by my inbox w some feedback :) fandom runs on engagement, and so do writers!! thx a mil in advance!

READ MORE OF THEM HERE!

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sunyandmony · 2 months

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"As the founder of Playtime CO. I, Elliot Ludwig, announce the grand opening of the Playcare! Where we hope that we can bring a smile to all the children visiting and more happiness in their life... F̘͍͖ͫ͘o̯̱̊͊͢r̴̨̦͕̝ẹ̿͋̒̕v͒̄ͭ̏̇ẹ̿͋̒̕r̴̨̦͕̝ ḿ̬̏ͤͅo̯̱̊͊͢r̴̨̦͕̝ẹ̿͋̒̕.."

More under cut ⬇

Hihi everyone, it's me!! Your silly:D

After starting this series I knew that all my characters would need a introduction, and with that I also came to the conclusion that I'll give extra the effort to make even some fun facts! For now yes there's only one au for Poppy Playtime, but I plan on making more that I'll take a darker approach with towards the series! (As I myself was not TOO pleased to find out how much cool stuff was scrapped in the newest chapter just to make it merchandiseable..Not saying it's bad, but could've been better!)

Anyways, aside from that all, I present you with the facts!!

Head canons for any aus I have made/will make! (counts for both reality universes and cartoon universes):

🌥️Dogday is actually a very timid being, even if he's brave on the outside when in danger. He is actually the softest at heart and this has got him in trouble with staff/kids/parents/teenagers...Dogday and Catnap were originally made to perform together on a stage, a show for kids that happens once per week. The idea was scrapped and they became attractions at the playcare with Miss Delight. Dogday also likes sightseeing, which is why his area is made specifically for that!!

🌙Catnap definitely is a mood, since he's always distant from people he doesn't like. He opens up so hardly that he mostly gets along with Dogday and the other smiling critters only. He hates adults/parents for a reason... He is very chill and laid back around kids. Catnap was originally supposed to wear clothes, but the idea was scrapped and he was simply given a charm. His prototype outfit did have a blue nightcap, but it was thrown away. Catnap however found it and kept it to himself. His tail can also infinitely stretch!

❤Bobby is the more motherly in nature, and she's always the one to help out overwhelmed kids, since it's part of her. She always helps the others to find the good in themselves and helps them with their emotions, mostly Kickin' and Hoppy are her main focus. She's always gonna be there to listen to you and give advice, or directly try to help(which once get her in trouble, since she's not supposed to go out of the playcare without permission). Over time she has made a quiet corner in the outskirts of the playcare and helped kids find their way there in case they don't like the playcare as is.

🍰Picky is the chef! Something you don't know about cooking or food? She knows it! She's the one that makes food for the orphans and kids, during the day she also secretly sneaks snacks outside to give to the kids since usually they were getting thrown out on a daily. She hasn't been once caught, her stealth always helped out. Picky can also secretly sing just as good as Catnap, since she's there most of the times during nap time to help him out. She just doesn't sing in public.. She also has her own restaurant!!

🧘‍♀️Hoppy is the most agile and has the best reflexes (alongside Kickin'), she always exercises which made the staff make her a separate area which is now a free daily course for kids to learn sports. She always slows down and repeats even twenty times what she said just so the one listening to her can understand what she's trying to say! She always leaves a cold first impression, but the more you know her, the more she opens up! She's the enthusiastic one of the critters!

🏃‍♂️Kickin' is the fastest out of everyone! He's a bit competitive but he never goes too far!! Since he doesn't want to hurt anyone or overdo anything (such as the races in the race away area). He won't bother you if you say 'no' ever again. He respects everyone just as much as they respect him. He looks up to Dogday as a leader, taking examples of kindness from him and trying to recreate them(half of the times failing and actually needing one of his friend's help) to become a better critter.

🎨Crafty is one of the best art teachers! She helps out the kids that like art to improve, giving advice and examples!! She will do the same lesson even ten times just so everyone understands. She doesn't let anyone fall behind! She always gets free time to help everyone, from making people happy to doing bets with Kickin' or painting the 'sky' with a disabled kid, nothing is too much for her!! Dogday keeps calling her out, but she doesn't want to admit it every single time he says it. Crafty always takes her time with her work even if it takes hours, or even days. She won't hurry anything up, because a job is only properly done if it's with patience! Crafty has (asked for) made her own art atelier, in which she does everything with the kids or adults that are interested. She does not have any exceptions just because of age!

💡Bubba is as smart as can be, of course smarter than the average person in their life. From helping kids that go to school with homework to helping the orphans learn anything they want, he will do it all! He won't judge you if you can't learn as fast as other kids, or anything of the like. He has no favorite students. Bubba works alongside Miss Delight in the school, entertaining the kids and being the teacher for other lessons that the Miss Delight teachers won't teach/aren't able to teach(even if they want to).

This all will also be linked in the master post just so anyone new can find it!!:3

Asks are open for everyone, so don't be shy! Even if you're not from the fandom or don't know anything, don't be afraid!

Anything about the au you want to know from me? Just specify it's towards the mod and I'll answer!

Anything directed towards the characters doesn't have to be specified!(if it's in context with everything happening, if not, specify!!!)

Some time later I'll also make a FAQ(frequently asked questions) in case some of them get repetitive! (Which will also be linked in the master post!)

Hope this was worth your time:(

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writerthreads · 2 years

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How to write a gripping beginning

by Writerthreads on Instagram

Personally, I find beginnings to be one of the hardest parts of the whole book because it's so important. The beginning is what makes or breaks your book. It's what keeps readers interested after they pick it up at a store, or when they first download it on their Kindle. Below are some tips, as well as some analyses, on how to perfect a story's beginning.

Introduce your main character and the setting: Mrs. Dalloway

By "introduce", I don't mean a giant 10-page info dump on royal family tree or the ten kingdoms the world is made up of. Rather, I'm thinking of a character in a place, or doing something. The best, and one of the most famous examples would be how Virginia Woolf started Mrs. Dalloway:

Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself.

Already, you have the titular character, Mrs Dalloway, introduced. She's doing something, too. She's saying that she's going to buy flowers herself, setting up a scene later where she's probably going to, or back out of, buying flowers. The pronoun "herself" suggests to the reader in Woolf's era that she's of a middle-class background and that somebody (eg. a servant) would normally be running errands for Mrs. Dalloway, but the character wanted to do this simple task herself.

I could go on forever about how each word in this simple sentence has implicit meanings and my ex-A Level Eng Lit teacher will probably be very proud of me, but that's not the point. The main idea is that in just a single sentence, a lot is being revealed to the reader without the writer having to info dump anything.

Allow me to continue to the second paragraph of the book:

For Lucy had her work cut out for her. The doors would be taken off their hinges; Rumpelmayer's men were coming. And then, thought Clarissa Dalloway, what a morning-fresh as if issued to children on a beach.

More characters are introduced now: we have Lucy, Rumpelmayer and his men. Mrs. Dalloway's full name is revealed, and so is her personality through her thought. It's childlike, whimsical and light, and that's why her name "Clarissa Dalloway" is used here instead of the stiff "Mrs. Dalloway".

In just two paragraphs, we are introduced to the titular character and some minor characters are mentioned. We also know bits and pieces of what's going to happen. Woolf artistically starts off the book with simple prose. Everything is well thought out, yes, Virginia Woolf is a literary genius, yes, but this is something that we can all do: write a simple introduction without weighting readers down with lots of detail we don't need, and get straight into the story.

Start in media res

Fun fact: "in media res" is also the name of our Discord Server!

When you start in the middle of an action, readers are transported straight to the story, hooking them in. For example, if you were writing a rom com, you could start with the main character bumping into a long-lost friend:

Emma saw a familiar cowboy hat bobbing in and out of the crowd in front of her. Emma found herself pushing through sweaty limbs into the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse of the person who wore the hat, trying to see whether it was really her friend who had ghosted her five years ago.

Obviously this isn't the best beginning in the world, but you get the point.

Try something interesting

A strong story opening makes you want to know more. Donna Tartt does this perfectly in A Secret History:

The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation.

What is up? Who is Bunny? What's so serious about their predicament? Tell us more!!! Bunny's death makes us want to know what has happened, while mentioning the characters' situation wants us to know what's going to happen. Tartt forces us to continue on to find out the full story.

Lead with a strong statement

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy:

Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

Tolstoy’s first line introduces the domestic strife that drives the story’s tragic events, using a bold, sweeping statement, while Dicken's catchy first sentence introduces us to the book's main themes.

There are way more examples of good beginnings that you can only learn from by reading. If you're a beginner, literally comb through a library shelf of the genre you're writing in and see how published authors have written their beginnings. Alternatively, you could go check out our post on the best story beginnings for more ideas!

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live-laugh-neteyam · 1 year

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You Have Me ||| neteyam x omatikaya!reader

part one of The Future’s Better Than Yesterday | series masterlist | next |

pairings: neteyam x omatikaya!fem!reader *aged up*

summary: mostly just an introduction to the characters and storyline. bits of reader’s backstory and abilities. featuring sweet and over protective neteyam

words: 2.9k

warnings/notes: fluff, slight angst, mentions of death, reader’s parents are dead, insomnia, nightmares. I’m so nervous about this I hope you like it. Probably some errors sorry in advance. Italics = flashback

Pandora glowed with her breathtaking bioluminescent haze. The forest slowly came to life with the dawn of a new day. Slight breezes swayed the flora delicately. A sweet citrus smell filled your lungs as you took a deep breath. Your home never failed to leave you awestruck. Often you'd spend your mornings admiring the Great Mother's beautiful creations.

There were many places in the forest that you would consider your favorite. Every time you witnessed the majesty of the Hallelujah Mountains you felt your breath catch in your throat. You marveled at the power and elegance they held. Something that mighty made you feel insignificant; putting into perspective that you are just a spec in this vast world.

The Tree of Souls felt safe like a mother embracing her child. And for you, it really was. It was the only way for you to know your parents without having met them prior. Meeting them for the first time terrified you. You were unsure if they'd even recognize you, but there they were with their arms open waiting for you. Nothing is ever really lost.

You found yourself now in a small clearing in the forest. From an outsiders view it wasn't anything special, but to you it was everything. It was a secret spot that no one else knew about, well you and one other person.

Your childhood best friend Neteyam introduced to the clearing when you were children. Ever since, it's been just for the two of you. A place to laugh and goof off, a place for deep thought, and occasionally a place to cry.

***

Your bottom lip was quivering and your eyes glossy. Neteyam knew you were about to cry. Panic filled his body as he didn't know what to do. He always had a plan, being clueless scared him.

That and he'd never seen you cry before.

Placing a gentle hand on your shoulder he turned you to face him. Tears were already starting to fall. You tucked your arms in hugging yourself.

“What is wrong Y/N?”

You felt the eyes of bystanders burning holes into your head. You’d rather have Eywa take you now than to have the entire clan watch you cry.

“I don’t want them to see me cry.” You sniffed.

Springing into action Neteyam took your hand leading you away from the village. Not questioning him you let him take you through the forest. You didn't care where, you just needed to be away from everyone else.

Pulling back foliage he revealed a beautiful clearing. Your eyes widened as you took it in. It overlooked the forest giving you one of the most beautiful views you had ever seen.

"What is this place?" You asked.

Neteyam shrugged nonchalantly, "I found it while exploring. Thought it would be a good place to be alone."

"It's perfect." You agreed.

He led you in and gestured for you to sit. Crossing his legs he sat in front of you. Frowning he noticed the tears still falling down your cheeks.

"Please tell me what is wrong Y/N." He pleaded.

You were hurt. He needed to know what he could do to make it stop. Just the sight of you like this made his heart clench.

"You won't understand." You were looking everywhere but his eyes.

"Let me help you. Please Y/N." He took your hands in his giving a gentle squeeze.

“I don’t have a family Neteyam!” You snapped unintentionally letting all your pent up emotions out on him. Eyes widening you looked up to him in shock. Had you really just said that?

Neteyam was hurt by your outburst but even more hurt by your words. He knew your parents were gone but he thought you were happy with his family- happy with him.

“I’m sorry.” You took his hand, “I didn’t mean to yell at you.”

He nodded at you to continue. He was trying not to overreact, wanting to listen to your explanation before coming to a conclusion. Neteyam was wise beyond his years for a ten year old.

"I just see all the other children with their parents. And then I see yours and I- I want that for myself."

"I know you think I'm selfish but I can't help it. I want my own family. I feel like I don't even know who I am without them."

You never knew your parents. Your father died during the battle with the sky people. A fierce warrior you hoped to live up to. After a complicated birth your mother fell asleep never to open her eyes again. They managed to save you but it was too late for her.

She never even got to hold you.

A part of you felt like you were being dramatic. You've had a good life, fortunate enough to be raised by the people. But it got lonely. You'd spend nights with different families never having a stable home to go back to.

Jake and Neytiri were the closest thing you had to adoptive parents even though they technically weren't. You desperately wished they were. Often you'd day dream about your parents, your mind painted them to be much like the Olo'eyktan and his mate.

"I'm all alone Neteyam." You said between sobs hugging your legs up to your chest.

Quickly as if his life depended on it he locked you into his embrace. He let you cry it out against his chest. Gently rubbing your head like his mother does to calm his siblings down.

“You are not alone Y/N.” He soothes. “You have the people, my family loves you so much, and you have me.” Neteyam softly pulled you away from him so he could look you in the eyes. “You’ll always have me Y/N.”

***

Blinking back sleep you felt your eyes grow heavy. The prior night of not sleeping suddenly catching up to you. Tugging your legs up to your chest you hugged yourself. The day hadn't even begun and you were already exhausted.

You weren't always afraid of sleeping. It wasn't until the visions got worse. You'd rather not sleep than see the images in your mind. This week had been particularly bad. You found yourself here every night trying to stay awake.

"Y/N?"

The familiar voice pulled you from your thoughts. Looking up you were met with the face of your best friend.

"Morning 'Teyam." You sleepily smiled at him.

Neteyam's face lit up at the nickname. His bright cheery smiled reminded you how much of a morning person he was. Needless to say you were not one yourself.

"Getting an early start today Y/N?"

Afraid of disappointing him you kept your gaze on the view in front of you. You were well aware that he didn't like you staying awake through the night. He reminded you every chance he got.

Releasing a heavy sigh he looked over at you concerned. "You haven't slept at all have you?"

"You know I try not to."

"You are going to worry me to death one day Y/N." The boy chuckled but he meant it. He constantly worried about you, wanting you to be healthy and happy at all times.

"How long?" He asked bringing the mood back down.

"About a week." You shrugged.

Rubbing his hand against his face he grumbled something into his palms. He was mad at himself for not noticing sooner. "You've gone a week without sleep? This isn't healthy Y/N. You need rest."

"I know. They just started to scare me again."

The sight of you exhausted and completely defeated broke his heart. Neteyam wanted nothing more than to take the pain away. Even if he'd have to bear it himself he'd do it if it meant you never had to.

Neteyam was one of the only people in the clan that seemed to care more about you than your abilities. Instead of focusing on the miracle from Eywa he kept his eyes beautiful tormented girl in front of him.

He wasn't bothered with understanding the future. It would happen soon enough. All he cared about was you being able to live without being scared of your own mind.

But it got worse as you got older. Your dreams more intense and freighting. The scenes played over and over again until you finally woke up. That's why you made the choice to stay awake. If you never went to slept the visions never came. It was as simple as that.

When you were younger you never really noticed the visions. They were mild and always of something pleasant. It was as if they were normal dreams.

Being a kid you of course told everyone everything. For awhile no one paid any attention thinking it was just the normal chatter of a child. But when you started sharing very specific details that later unfolded people started to notice.

One of those people was the Tsahìk herself. After praying and consulting with Eywa she discovered that you had been gifted by the Great Mother herself. Ever since Mo’at took a special interest in you.

You admired the spiritual leader grateful for her guidance. But you knew deep down she kept you close because of your abilities.

“There’s still time, try and get some rest.” Neteyam urged you.

“I don’t know Teyam, I have lessons soon.” You reminded him with a sigh.

“I know, I know. Just try. I will stay and protect you.” The boy grinned down at you.

Not having the energy to argue with him anymore your head plopped onto his shoulder. You were out like a light. Unsure if it was from purse exhaustion or that Neteyam’s presence made you feel safe.

He wrapped his arm around your sleeping figure pulling you in closer to him, careful not to wake you. His cheeks flushed as you snuggled into him. Neteyam could get used to this.

***

Grinding herbs with Kiri the two of you were finishing up your lessons with Mo'at. Seeing your potential she took you under her wing teaching you to become a healer.

It was something you enjoyed. You wanted to be useful and this made you feel like you could give back. Plus Mo'at was also training Kiri. You jumped at the opportunity to spend time with your friend.

While you considered Neteyam to be your best friend Kiri was all that and more. She was the sister you never had. She knew everything about you and you her. You’d thank the Great Mother every day for Kiri, she was truly a blessing.

Pausing you yawned into your elbow. Kiri immediately noticed and frowned. She knew exactly what you had been doing. She had her suspicions but received confirmation when Neteyam told her that morning.

Not knowing who else to tell he went to Kiri. She used it as the perfect opportunity to tease her older brother. However she was also worried about you.

"Do you want to spend the night tonight? It will be fun like when we were little." Kiri asked while cleaning up.

Lifting your brow you glanced over at her. It wasn't unusual for Kiri to suggest something like this. However you felt suspicious because of your conversation with Neteyam earlier.

"Did your brother put you up to this?" You asked with your back still to her.

Kiri's glance softened rushing over to you she put a gentle hand on your shoulder. "I can not lie to you," she started, "he told me that you haven't been sleeping. I thought maybe coming over could help."

"Kiri you know why I stay awake. It's not like I don't want to sleep, I'm just-"

"Afraid of what you will see." Kiri interrupted you. "I know. But maybe tonight will be different. We will not know until we try." She gently tugged on your arm, "at least stay for dinner."

You looked over to the corner of the tent where your mat laid. Once you got older you made one of the healing tents your makeshift home. You didn't want to be a burden to the people.

"Please." Kiri pouted her bottom lip giving her best puppy dog face.

Playfully you pushed her rolling your eyes. "I can't say no to you."

Throwing her hands up in victory Kiri let out a cheer. "Let's go." She practically dragged you out of the tent.

You loved spending time with the Sully’s. The atmosphere was always warm and welcoming. Even though it made you feel guilty, sometimes you wished that you were apart of their family.

Neytiri was cutting fruit preparing for dinner. Little Tuk was playing with a wooden Ikran toy. When she saw you her face lit up. “Y/N!” She exclaimed crashing into you for a hug.

“Hi Tuk.” You giggled as you picked her up. “I’ve missed you.”

Neytiri smiled seeing you and her daughter entering their home. “Ma’Y/N it’s been so long since you joined us for a meal.” She warmly hugged you.

“I know. Next time I won’t wait so long to come back.”

Nodding in approval Neytiri went back to her preparations. Looking around you noticed the men of the family were missing. Lessons had ran overtime again.

As if on cue Lo’ak bursted through the entry of the tent. His eyes lit up when he saw you before turning into a wicked smirk.

“Hey bro your girlfriend is here!” He loudly teased.

Neteyam was next to come in. His eyes huge and his face flushed. “You fucking skxawng.” He muttered making sure to smack Lo’ak on the back of his head.

You hoped the blush on your cheeks wasn’t noticeable. You had a crush on your best friend for a long time, you just thought it wasn’t noticeable. Apparently you were wrong.

“Ow” Lo’ak dramatically rubbed the back of his head. “It’s the truth.”

Shaking his head Jake entered. “You’ll have to excuse my sons Y/N. They insist on acting like children.”

You giggled at the look both Neteyam and Lo’ak gave their father.

After greeting everyone Neteyam quickly made his way to you taking a seat next you. His eyes never left you throughout the evening. He asked you all about your day, because he genuinely wanted to know but also just to hear your sweet voice.

Kiri and lo’ak constantly rolled their eyes. Tired of seeing their brother pining over you.

Later Kiri helped you make up the spare mat. You felt Neteyam’s gaze on you the whole time, trying your best to ignore it.

“Just try to get some rest.” Kiri smiled.

Weakly smiling you nodded. You were terrified. Not only because you were going to try to sleep but you were trying in some else’s home. The last thing you wanted was to make a scene.

Laying down you met his glance from across the room. He looked focused possibly a little worried. You smiled at him. He immediately returned the gesture.

Curling up you closed your eyes praying for a normal night of sleep. It didn’t take long for you to drift off. Neteyam stayed up until he was sure you were asleep. Counting your rhythmic heavy breaths.

***

It looked like the aftermath of a battlefield. Smoke and fire clouded around your beautiful home. Death and destruction were everywhere. Bodies of fallen Na’vi soldiers covered with red littered the ground. Their blood seeping back into the ground, until all you saw was red.

***

You woke up gasping for breath. With a splitting headache and blurry vision you stumbled your way out of the tent. Sitting down outside you tried your best to take deep breaths. You felt like you were starting to hyperventilate.

A few moments later Neteyam noticed you were missing. His whole body filled with worry he went looking for you. It didn’t take him long as you were sitting right outside the tent.

His heart sank the moment he saw you. You were trembling, gasping for breath with tears stinging your eyes.

“What is wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt?” He fired too many questions at you. You were too overwhelmed to answer him.

Gently wrapping his arm around your shaking frame he pulled you into his chest. “Deep breaths for me.” He softy said.

After a few minutes you managed to calm your breathing. “That’s it. Good job.” He praised you gently rubbing his hand on your head.

“It hurts Teyam.” You muttered against his chest.

With furrowed brows he crouched down to look at you. “What hurts?”

“My head. The bad ones hurt.” You sniffled through your tears.

You hadn’t told anyone but as your visions got more intense, they started to affect your physical health. Often leaving you with the worst migraine you’d ever had.

He held you closer trying not to cry himself. The girl he was hopelessly in love with was in pain and there was nothing he could do about it. He wanted to take it all away but all he could do was watch.

Neteyam couldn’t help but question why the Great Mother would gift you with this if it caused you so much pain.

He placed a gentle kiss to the top of your head trying his best to comfort you. “It’ll be okay. I’m right here.” He soothed.

“Will you stay up with me?”

His heart broke at your pitiful frame. “Of course I will. However long you want.”

•••

Ahhhhhh I was really nervous to post this I hope it’s readable

#avatar #avatar the movie #avatar the way of water #kiri avatar #neteyam #avatar imagine #avatar fanfiction #neteyam x na'vi!reader #neteyam x reader #writing #neteyam fanfiction #fanfiction #neteyam imagine #becca writes 🌙

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dragonworshippersblog · 3 months

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Can someone explain me why team green supporter have this strong belief that Rhaenyra will kill her half-siblings once she takes the throne? Analyzing the show rhaenyra never did something that might suggest that he would have killed Alicent's children, the only moment where she speak against one of them is when she had been accused of something that could have led to her death and that of her children; but for the rest of the season if somebody of the green did something questionable against her she just say nothing and endure. I saw a post weeks ago (so I don't remember the author since I didn't save it) claiming that this fear came from the killing of vaemond, but it sounds nonsense; vaemond litterally call the heir to the throne a whore and her sons, in line to inherit the throne, bastard. What she was supposed to do? What you all expected her to do? To have him get away with a cut tongue after she had been humiliated of front of all court ?

"But she publicly disobey the king's order, he said a tongue was the punishment so she made it clear that she would override the king's orders, she feels empowered to do everything "

Is not just what alicent did at ep. 7? Didn't she override king's order and tried to mutilate a five years old boy where the king publicly said that the matter was over? And yet I didn't see rhaenyra plan to kill all of the green because they could be a threat to her, she understands it to be an isolated case.

"rhaenyra is not the problem, daemon is. He would surely kill the pretenders to the throne even if Rhaenyra forbade him to do so."

Despite the fact that daemon, even if represented as impulse in the show, was never seen to be violent against his own blood (only the scene with rhaenyra but that was after the usurpation). He loves rhaenyra and viserys too, there's no reason to think he would have hurt Viserys' children in any way, despite his dislike of Alicent. In fact in the book he act against them after an usurpation, the death of her daughter and her stepson. I think he waited a long time to act, didn't he? If he had been so determined to eliminate Alicent's children, why didn't he act sooner to prevent possible usurpation? He was able to send killers into the castle in the middle of the war, why didn't he find a way to get rid of them sooner? To have them killed and make sure that suspicion did not fall on him? like poison or something similar? Because he didn't want to hurt viserys' kids, he didn't like them but neither want them killed.

After this huge introduction, rhaenyra would be the regnant queen so daemon would be a consort, nothing more. Yet why are the green convinced that daemon would not listen to rhaenyra’s orders? The answer can be safely found in their actions. The green disobey to the king's order for like more than eight years, attacking Rhaenyra, plan to deprive Rhaenyra's son of his inheritance, plotting a usurpation and all the other stuff. They are convinced that this is normality (disobey the king's order and get away with it, in fact after alicent cut rhaenyra's arm she said to her father that viserys may punish her and his response was not to worry bc he wouldn't do anything).

"the realm wouldn't accept her / her bastard. People would have looking for aegon to be king"

Rhaenyra was supported by 53 houses, and four big house (stark, tully, arryn, greyjoy) against 28 house and two big house (lannister and baratheon) of aegon; if the realm had not accepted her nor her sons, how do you explain the fact that she has nearly twice of the supporters as aegon? Also, Rhaenyra's eldest sons were beloved and demonstrate themselves to be valid claimants to the throne. Cregan and jace arrange the marriage between cregan' son and jace's future daughter, lord manderly want joffrey to be betrothed with his youngest daughter. Lord borros, one of the most misogynist men quoted in fire and blood (had four daughters and yet spent all his life wishing to have a son to succeed him, and claim that a son is more important than a daughter) ask lucerys which daughters of him he will marry in exchange for his support. It doesn't seem like people avoided them, quite the opposite. Not to mention, jace is the only person in fire and blood who is defined as a "worthy heir to the throne" also by green supporter themselves. And in the book their kinship is only speculated, by none other than Alicent and his children and no one believe this gossip after their eggs have hatched. Also when aegon became king, he didn't declare them as illegitimate, the author himself recognized them as laenor' son.

If aegon wouldn't directly challenge rhaenyra's throne, the house that support him wouldn't start a rebellion; they would literally not have had the material to win, also because the dragons would have flanked the far superior armies. This is just an excuse used in the attempt to justify that the scheming of team green divided the realm, not the ascension of a woman.

In conclusion if the green stayed on their place they would not have played as important a role as before, otto for example, but they would all still be alive.

"As you make your bed, so you must lie in it", and the green are the only one to blame for their downfall.

#house of the dragon #rhaenyra targaryen #house targaryen #daemon targaryen #queen rhaenyra #alicent hightower #anti otto hightower #anti alicent hightower #anti alicent stans #aegon iii targaryen #joffrey velaryon #jacaerys velaryon #lucerys velaryon #fire and blood #house hightower #aegon ii targaryen #anti aegon ii targaryen #queen aemma arryn

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dittydipity · 9 months

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what is kagepro? - a quick guide

you may be seeing the word "kagepro" around a whole bunch, especially during august, but what the hell is it?

you may have heard or seen something from kagepro without realizing it! you know that vocaloid song, kagerou daze, about the kids who get hit by a truck and are stuck in a timeloop of saving each other? that's actually one of the songs from kagepro.

kagepro, short for the kagerou project, is a series created by vocaloid composer jin (also known as shizen no teki-p). it's a mixed media series that has music, manga, an anime, movie, a radio talk show, books, etc but i’ll try to keep it simple!

basic premise: people who die on 8/15 are taken to another world called the kagerou daze and if they return to the real world, they will have gained a “snake ability” that will turn their eyes red when used. a group of teens that have these abilities form a little gang but are thrown into an endless timeloop.

THE MEDIA

if you want to get into it, there’s a bunch of different ways you can do it, but do keep in mind: each form of media is NOT just a different adaptation of the story.

kagepro is a timeloop story, and each form of media is actually a different timeline (or “route”). the music videos, the anime, the manga, the books - each one is only a piece of the whole story. that’s why many people may have seen the anime, mekakucity actors, and gotten super confused because the anime is actually one of the last routes haha.

but the order of media that has been generally agreed upon to be the most coherent is music videos -> manga -> light novels -> anime

a lot of kagepro media, esp the light novels and manga, are hard to find since they’re almost entirely out of print, but there’s translations or e-book versions of them available, or if you skip them there’s summaries that people have made. you can also ask me if you want :]

music videos

i’ve actually made a couple playlists for the songs! one is in release order and the other is in story chronological order (mostly).

release order: - i tried to get all the original ia/miku versions of the songs with the original pv if there was one - a couple might be a little out of order since some songs came out together in the same album

this is the order that fans got the music, so if you want to try to figure things out and put things together the way we did you can go with this order!

chronological order: - tried to grab some english covers where i could, but if you don’t like eng covers there are plenty of noneng covers or you can use the videos from the other playlist. there's plenty of really great covers out there! - exceptions to the “chronological”: children record acts as the cover/opening song for the series and summertime record is the ending song for the series - some songs aren’t in here bc they’re not part of the music route (they’re mostly from the newer albums and are kinda like ‘epilogue’ songs after the ending of the anime/good ending or are songs made for the anime)

THE STORY

if you don't want to go through all the media yourself, here’s a video explaining the whole story by breadbox/david toth! he also has other really great kagepro videos

youtube

[a bit of an extra] a very common misconception about the story/mechanics: people do not have to die in pairs or with somebody else on 8/15 to enter the daze. i didn’t realize this myself until super recently

all in all, the kagerou project is a story about finding strength and support from the people around you, moving on to look towards the future, and overcoming trauma.

there’s definitely other people who have also made guides or summaries or videos that are much better and cover much more than i did, but i hope this was a decent introduction!

feel free to reach out and/or ask me anything! i'm sure there are also plenty of people who would be willing to help newcomers understand kagepro as well :]

happy kagerou day!

#feel free to add on or correct me if i got anything wrong!#i did try to keep this more to being about how to get into kagepro so i didnt cover the story as much #kagerou project #kagepro #mekakucity actors #.d #*#Youtube

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number5theboy · 10 months

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I just want to talk about how TUA’s pilot episode uses specifically the Phantom Medley, ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ and ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’ as interconnected character (re-)introductions, because they are so, so good.

So, the Phantom of the Opera Medley gives us our first, mostly silent introductions to five out of the seven siblings. Everyone is doing their thing: Luther is on the moon, Diego is being a vigilante, Allison is at her movie premiere, Klaus is released from rehab and instantly relapses, and Viktor is playing the violin part of the medley by himself on a stage. It establishes what each of them has going on in their life, and it establishes that all of them are alone. The Medley is an instrumental arrangement of several songs from the musical adaptation of the Phantom of the Opera, which is an interesting choice in itself, being a story about a brilliant, reclusive, and unhinged genius who harnesses a young girl’s talent for his own personal gain. There is more to it, but this is the relevant part, for obvious reasons. This is also the scene where we see the siblings find out about the death of the shadowy figure that nurtured their powers and abused them for selfish reasons. If the medley had used the lyrics of the musical, the first song used in the medley – the main theme – has as its key lyrics the following: “The Phantom of the Opera is there, inside my mind.” And isn’t that something for the adults introduced to this melody, whose puppet master messed them up so badly during childhood that that still lingers in all of them, a throughline of that first season?

To this first introduction, ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ serves as a re-introduction. It’s the same principle: a musical montage that focuses on each sibling to an overarching song. The theme of being alone is carried through, but this time, surprisingly, they’re not lonely. They’re not unified, they are certainly not getting along, but you get a feeling of their shared past. There is something that tethers them together. And where in the Medley, only Viktor could hear the music, because he was playing it, this time, the music is fully a part of the world. They’re all listening to the same song. They’re alone, but they’re not. They’re alone together, which is a step closer than it was in the Phantom Medley. And while the first montage focuses on what they were doing, established their occupations, this montage just gives us them…being. Existing, without anyone watching. Not their father, not the other siblings. We get such good insights into their personalities. Luther’s un-awareness of his own body leading him to accidentally punch the plane model. Diego’s array of dorky dance moves. Allison’s hesitance before she gets more and more into the song and allows herself to let loose. Klaus dancing with the ghost of his father. Viktor’s dancing being contained and unassuming. The title line, ‘I think we’re alone now’, just perfectly fits, and it’s a great example of visual media recontextualising a song’s lyrics. The original song is about sex, specifically the prohibition and taboo of teenage sex, and with the framing of the show, the lyrics instead become as literal as they could be. “Children behave / That's what they say when we're together / And watch how you play / They don't understand,” becomes about their childhood, about how they were never allowed to be kids, how they had to obey their father’s whims. And now he is gone, and they are alone, and it is good. Kind of. Sort of. While that iconic slow zoom-out visually shows that, their unity, despite all their differences, it is also all of them inside the Umbrella Academy. Them, and Grace, and Pogo, still in an environment that Reginald made. Reginald is still inside their minds. He is gone, but the structures he built, the damage he did to them is not. It’s this moment of catharsis, this instant where each and every one of the siblings allows themselves to be, to live, just for a moment, brought together by Luther playing a song loud enough for everyone to hear, where they think they’re free of Reginald’s abuse, and the rest of the show is them finding out that the death of an abuser doesn’t erase the effect he had. And then the music gets disrupted by someone quite literally crashing the party. But he crashes it from outside the house, because he is the one least concerned with (and, in this season, very clearly least affected by) Reginald.

Five gets his own musical (re-)introduction, and he gets it seven minutes before the end of the episode. Different from his siblings, we get to see his personality before he gets his musical key scene. And we meet him as a kid first, his arrogance, his powers, the use of teleportation to knock a guy out with a stapler. He then appears to inadvertently interrupt the first moment of unity his siblings have had in decades. He brushes off their father’s death. Casually reveals that Reginald has been dead to him for 45 years. It doesn’t matter to him. He has other things on his mind, but of course he doesn’t tell them, why would he? The arrogance is still there, his powers too. He’s insufferable, the viewer understands, and different. Different because he looks like a kid, a literal embodiment of the Umbrella Academy at its height, all knee-high socks and blazer, frozen in time, while at the same time having lived a very different life from his siblings. That’s all the viewer knows of him, by that point. And then ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’ happens, and the understanding of the character shifts abruptly, as do the stakes for the entire show. While the introduction scene with the Phantom Medley and the re-introduction scene to ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ are about these different siblings, apart, but maybe closer than they think they are, united by the loss of their father, ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’ shows you that this one has a completely different set of problems from his siblings. Namely, he is being tracked down, a wanted man, a very skilled killer. The two montages are so calm in comparison to the breakneck (pun intended) pace of Five’s kill spree. He takes out half a dozen men armed with machine guns by outfoxing them, killing them with a wide variety of items in a wide variety of different ways. While ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ contrasts the Phantom Medley, ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’ contrasts the Five previously established in the show, especially his childhood self, and shows how his skills have developed. The innocence of the school uniform is quickly lost when he uses its tie to strangle a man to death. The first line in the song is ‘Istanbul was Constantinople / Now it’s Istanbul / Not Constantinople / Been a long time gone, Constantinople.” It’s about how something is technically the same thing – a schoolboy, perhaps – but time has irrevocably changed it, and it can never go back to that old version, because it hasn’t existed in a long time. It’s about Five, and it’s about the apocalypse, and the Commission, but it’s not about Reginald. ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’ is the only non-diegetic song of the three discussed here, as in, it is not part of the show’s internal universe. The song is not playing in a jukebox in the diner. It doesn’t partially exist in the universe, like Viktor’s violin being the violin in the medley, or Luther playing the vinyl in the house. It is so different in principle and execution from the other two scenes, but it is still a scene meant to convey an understanding of the character, just like the other two are.

And despite it being purposefully and obviously different, I still think that ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’ belongs to the other two scenes, that they form a united whole of introductions to the Hargreeves siblings. The diner scene rhymes with the other two, I think, in its marked differences, but there are threads that tie them together. How the violin is a key instrument in both the Phantom Medley and ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’. How the medley shows the Hargreeves in the lives they had carved out for themselves away from Reginald, ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ positions them in the house they grew up in, in the Umbrella Academy, Reginald’s domain, whereas ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’ is set in a place where the kids defied Reginald. How the theme of loneliness and being alone threads through all of them. How the songs are, in order, partially diegetic (siblings apart but tied together by their past), fully diegetic (siblings enjoying the same thing despite being physically apart) and non-diegetic (the one sibling that is apart from them in age, time, space, part of his upbringing, you name it). How pertinent the lyrics are in each case, even the ones that aren’t technically in the song. I just think all three of them are brilliant needle drops that add so much to the story, the understanding of the characters and their relation to each other, just in the microcosm of this one pilot episode. Also they’re all incredible bangers.

#my meta #tuamre #Soundtrack #i love all of these scenes SO much they are so good at showing and showcasing these characters

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moqi2004 · 3 months

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Omgomg I need to see Dalv being introduced to Starlo's family

Hi! Sorry for how long this took! I wrote about 400 words last Wednesday and couldn't get myself to write more, and I was busy after that. It's done now though, and I hope you enjoy! I will tell you that on the proofread, I screamed to myself saying "THEY'RE GAY" multiple times out loud.

And to the anon who more recently asked for this same thing, you get your wish early :) congrats!

Family Introductions

Words: 1530

Cross-Posted on Ao3

Tags: implied past Staroba (one sided), family interactions, fluff, self-consciousness, anxiety, family teasing, sugary sweet, reassurances, Starlo being a proud boyfriend.

Summary: Starlo takes Dalv to meet his family in Sunnyside Farm. Dalv is understandably nervous about this. He finds that he has nothing to worry about.

Fic under the cut. Enjoy :)

Dalv’s first time in the Wild East had been the most fun he’s ever had. At first, the heat had been difficult to deal with, and the grains of sand loitering around within his shoes were almost unbearable. Luckily for him, his boyfriend was there. Starlo had offered to carry his cloak while they walked, which Dalv was quite happy to let him do. He also rolled up the sleeves on his shirt, attempting to cool down his body as much as possible. It didn’t take Dalv long to notice that Starlo was staring at him, eyes widened and face slightly flushed. Dalv bashfully held back from bringing it up.

He made a mental note of the reaction regardless.

The Wild East itself was a quaint little tourism spot with limited technology. Dalv noticed that most shopping and general commerce was done in Oasis Valley just west of there, while classic Dunes entertainment was celebrated right here. With a rustic tavern and even a jail (for show, thankfully), the place felt like it had jumped right out of a children’s tale! The aesthetic and charm quickly drew Dalv in, allowing to forget about the unbearable heat for just a moment.

Having the opportunity to meet all of Starlo’s friends was truly a blessing for him. After saying a quick hello to Ceroba, who he had kept in close contact with after she visited him in Snowdin with a box full of corn, he was introduced to The Feisty Four. They were all a joy to get to know. Dalv was content to sit and watch as Ed and Moray teased and bantered with Starlo, Ace staying back with him to make sure he was comfortable. Dalv had to reassure Ace a couple of times that he didn’t feel like he was being dragged around or forced into goofing with the posse. Star did have to stop Mooch from looting Dalv’s person a couple of times.

The two of them didn’t linger for very long, however. While Starlo did consider his posse as a second family, the real reason the two came all this way was so Dalv could visit Starlo’s family. As the two walked past Blackjack’s and out of town, Dalv couldn’t ignore how his heart began to race and his mind began to panic. What if Star’s family didn’t approve of their relationship? What if they didn’t like him? What would he do if things went wrong? Would he and Star have to…?

“Hey, Dal? You doin’ okay? Yer shakin’ a bit…”

Dalv’s attention quickly snapped towards Starlo. In his thoughts he had failed to notice that they had stopped walking, the pair’s hands carefully intertwined. Starlo could probably feel just how sweaty Dalv’s palm was starting to become.

“Uh- I’m…”

Dalv wanted to tell Starlo that everything was okay…

He knew that would help nothing.

“I’m worried… I don’t really know if your family will like me…”

“Dal…” Starlo reached towards him with his free hand and rested it against his cheek, “I know my Ma and Pa will love ya. With a huge heart like yers, I know they’ll see ya for the monster I love. Heck, with the dedication to yer work and experience growin’ corn yerself, I’m sure even Orion will get along with ya! All you need to do is be the vampire I fell in love with.”

“But what if they hate me-”

“If they hate ya I’ll drag ya outta there and shower ya with all the kind words ya deserve t’hear.”

“So you won’t… Leave?”

“Of course not, darlin’... Never.”

Starlo leant forwards and pressed a delicate, reassuring kiss to Dalv’s forehead. Dalv allowed his shoulders to relax and nestled himself within his boyfriend’s arms. Star returned the hug eagerly, pressing a couple more light kisses to his horns. Dalv was unsure why he was so apprehensive in the first place. He had Starlo, after all. He knew the Sheriff was a noble and kind soul. He was ashamed to even think that he considered Star leaving him because of his family’s reactions.

“So, uh,” Starlo spoke up, the two still embraced, “you still ‘aight to do this?”

“Of course,” Dalv broke away with a warm smile, “lead the way.”

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *. 🦇 .* :☆ ﾟ｡･ ───

Dalv was certain he had stepped into his own personal heaven. He knew that was probably a little sad, calling a corn farm the equivalent of paradise, but he truly couldn’t help it! The farm was a quaint little area with a corn field bigger than what Dalv could ever grow back in The Ruins. A cute, cobbled path and a little white house completed the homely feel that Sunnyside Farm radiated so strongly. Nearby, a four-pointed star in messy overalls and a plaid shirt was tending to the crops. Star momentarily glanced towards Dalv before waving.

“HEYYY, ORION!” he yelled, causing Dalv to jump a little.

The star turned around, eyebrow raised and lips drawn in a line of mild annoyance. He then caught sight of Dalv, who squeezed Starlo’s hand for support as the two were approached.

“Starlo,” Orion briefly regarded, “who’s this?”

“Right!” Starlo moved his hand from Dalv’s to wrap his arm around his shoulder, “Orion, this is Dalv, my partner! Dalv, this is Orion, my brother!”

“H-Hello there,” Dalv held out his hand for Orion to shake, "It's, uh, nice to meet you. This farm looks so well maintained, you must do an excellent job keeping the crops at this quality. I struggled to grow my own in The Ruins because of the lighting conditions and drab environment, but I found that with enough love and care the stalks can still grow to be incredibly strong and durable. It really portrays the… Strength of the… Plant…”

Dalv trailed off, eyes wide. Oh no, he’d been caught corn rambling! How could he let himself do that??? He focused back on reality when he felt his outstretched hand move up and down.

“You managed to grow corn in a place like that?” Orion asked, letting go of Dalv’s hand.

“Yea, he did!” Starlo chimed in, looking at Dalv with the proudest expression, “really impressive stuff, too! I’ve seen it myself!”

“Ah, it’s nothing that impressive-” Dalv began.

“Starlo!”

The three turned at the call of Star’s name. A sun monster and a moon monster walked down the steps of the house’s front porch. Starlo happily waved to the both of them, Dalv looking at him and then giving a small, shy wave of his own. When the two approached, the moon wrapped Starlo into a hug, which he seemed content with accepting. The sun monster came over to jostle the hat on Star’s head, as if ruffling the hair he didn’t have. The two then regarded Dalv, who Star was eager to introduce.

“Ma, Pa, this is Dalv! He’s, uh…” Star flushed a light pink, “he’s my partner.”

The two simultaneously looked to Dalv, who willed himself not to shrink backwards at the attention. He’d done many organ concerts at this point, but the stage fright from that could barely compare to the anxiety he felt at this moment. He steeled his mind. Please don’t hate me please don’t hate me please-

Dalv feels his hands being held. It felt different to Starlo’s hands-

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Dalv,” the moon monster smiled sweetly, holding both of his hands within her own, “my name is Crestina. I’m Starlo’s Mother. Thank you so much for being there for my little boy.”

“Ma, please…”

“Oh, it’s no problem at all, miss,” Dalv beamed.

“My name’s Solomon,” the sun monster added, “and truly, I’m glad Starlo finally found someone else after all these years. I thought that after Ceroba, he’d-”

“Pa, come on!”

“Sorry, sorry!” Solomon let out a hearty laugh.

“Don’t pay them no mind, Dal, I beg of ya…”

“Don’t worry, Star” Dalv looked at his boyfriend.

Dalv wasn’t sure what came over him after that. He just… Spoke.

“Honestly, I should be thanking all of you,” he began, “thank you for raising Star. I’m so happy I was able to meet him. He’s the kind of monster who can make any situation fun; who can bring joy everywhere he goes. He’s just so… Warm. So much so that I feel that same warmth whenever I’m with him. He’s supportive of me and my art, he’s amazing to talk to, and the only person I can think of spending all my time with… I couldn’t imagine life as it was before I met him… So thank you for having me, and uh, hopefully I can be the monster to stay by your son’s side.”

Dalv turned to Starlo, who’s face was a glowing scarlet. His jaw hung slack and his eyes were blown wide under his hat.

“He’s perfect,” Crestina whispered to herself.

“Huh?” Dalv looked towards her, hands still within hers.

“Come with me, Dalv,” Crestina began to walk, gently guiding Dalv along with her, “I simply must show you our family photo album. I can assure you, my Starlight was an absolute treasure growing up-”

“MA!”

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REBLOGS > LIKES

#corn yaoi #uty dalv #uty starlo #uty north star #darlo #undertale yellow #writing requests

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carefulfears · 11 months

Text

let's chat about mulder and names <3 (and bear with me because i'm not feeling great today)

"who'd you tick off to get stuck with this detail, scully?"

following only "no one down here but the FBI's most unwanted," and "isn't it nice to suddenly be so highly regarded," his third wise-crack is the first to address his new partner by name; effectively endowing dana with new identity as soon as she crosses the basement office threshold.

one of the few things that i get a kick out of in season nine, is how everyone has a first name again, after mulder leaves.

characters that we have known for years as "scully," "skinner," "doggett," and "reyes" become "dana," "walter," "john," and "monica."

it means something else, in this particular group, in this particular absence.

when scully's father passes away, mulder addresses her by name for the first time (visibly throwing her off as she clocks the difference, chuckling and repeating it back) to check on her personally, before suggesting that she take some time away from work.

and this continues to be the line drawn throughout season one, a way that he signals a personal connection apart from the professional; notably here in lazarus, when concerned for her safety ("this one is important to me")

carrying over to his next partner, he also utilizes this timing to establish connection with krycek, when they were working together.

(i believe that krycek is the only character other than scully that we hear mulder call their first name? do with that what you will!)

and seven years later, to reference and recall that connection, in the end.

after nearly a year together, always the learner, scully attempts to reciprocate this method; addressing him by his own first name, when she has something personal that she wants to communicate.

when she's cut off, and he interrupts with a laugh and shake of his head.

he tells her, "i even made my parents call me mulder," which is not true- but as discussed here- isn't a ploy for distance either. rather, it's more to say, "this is what i prefer from those close to me."

his parents, diana, senator matheson, CSM at times, all call him "fox." everyone in his personal life (aside from TLG) calls him "fox," regardless of if he's asked them not to in the past.

for some, it's a power play. for others, an insult. some just don't care.

my favorite thing about this scene in tooms with scully, is that she doesn't pause. she doesn't reconsider, or redirect. she doesn’t address it. she doesn't look away. she attempted to establish intimacy in one way, and was communicated with, and she takes it in strides.

it's barely a breath before she says exactly what she had planned on saying, adjusted only slightly to accommodate: "mulder, i wouldn't put myself on the line for anybody but you."

our first introduction to another scully girl, a comatose dana tells her sister through astral planes to say "mulder."

i love this about missy, that she holds crystals over her sister's body and listens. she instantly corrects herself the next time she sees mulder, offering that respect her sister had demanded.

and the first time we hear scully speak after her abduction is to correct her mother, before even opening her eyes.

this is part of their secret language, these identities that they have. the name that he gave her, and the one that she never questions. she takes him exactly as he offers.

diana says "fox" like she has something to prove, scully says "mulder" like it's an endearment. her secret treasure that only she understands.

after all, scully has heard this story: the only thing that stays the same each time mulder recalls samantha's abduction, is his memory of her screaming for him.

"fox" is the last thing that he ever heard his sister say, and it remains hers only. the only exception being the lost children that he tries to save, for her, whom he always introduces himself to by first name.

after a while, that intimacy trick from the beginning becomes moot, as the professional becomes the personal. the work becomes life, and dana becomes scully.

she might be “dana” to everyone outside of that office, but does it compare?

and he only employs it one more time between season 1 and season 9, in the field where i died, an episode all about connection and interpersonal fate.

a whisper, a question: dana, if we had known each other always, in every life, would it have changed things?

she gives him his answer: no. she wouldn’t change a day. and she remains “scully.”

(look at my baby daddy dawg i'm going on the run from the law)

until season 9 brings change, and they are so removed from that office that it would be unrecognizable.

and she’s “dana” over and over. she’s “dearest dana.” she’s his “son’s mother.”

and 25 years after that car outside tooms' house, we hear scully use his first name for the second time. barely above a whisper, it's a personal confession; he's her secret-keeper, he's her accomplice, (he's her son's father).

#txf.txt

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