#i just draw them as cuddlies it keeps me sane
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#death note#l lawliet#light yagami#lawlight#i just draw them as cuddlies it keeps me sane#٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶#my death note art
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A Different Kind of Fight
Fic request from @im-just-like-other-girls. I got a little emotional writing it, as the premise to the request was pretty intense, but I like where it ended up. Warning for suicidal thoughts and some swearing.
***
Steven’s knuckles were bone white as he gripped the steering wheel, so tight that Connie thought the wheel might break in half. He turned off the music when a song by Sadie and Shep came up, and now the only sound was his uneven breathing, and the accelerating roar of the old engine.
“It’s a nice night,” Connie muttered, glancing up at the full moon hanging in the sky. The forest and the ocean blurred by either side of them up the curving mountain road.
Steven gave a curt nod, gaze fixed straight ahead.
“Thanks for letting me come with you. I know you wanted to be alone, but you’ve been alone so much lately.”
Another nod.
She wanted to press more. She wanted to demand that he tell her everything, but she knew to tread carefully. If she pushed too hard, he would shut down, like he’d done many times over the past few months.
“So, where are we going?”
He shrugged. The motion was stiff.
“Ok, then why are we going?”
“Why?” he glanced over at her for the first time since she’d gotten in the car, “I needed to get away from them. I’m no good for them anymore.”
“Steven, they’re your family! They love you and-“
“I hurt him, Connie. I hurt my dad.”
Steven’s voice and his hands shook now.
“And then you healed him,” Connie said, offering a weak smile.
“The van wasn’t so lucky. That was his home.”
“That van was older than you. It didn’t have many miles left, anyway. And he can afford a-“
“Argh! You don’t get it!” Steven’s skin flared pink, casting an otherworldly hue on his dashboard. The car lunged forward as the gas pedal hit the floor and they swerved as he overcorrected for the curve in the road.
“Steven, be careful!” Connie gasped, bracing herself by placing her hands on the ceiling of the car.
Her breath caught in her throat as his breaks screeched, whipping into a gravel margin at a scenic overlook.
“Get out,” he said in a low, shaking voice. His pink skin faded in and out, struggling to return to its normal color.
“What? Here?”
“You were scared of me just now, right? That’s probably smart.”
“I’m scared of reckless driving, yeah! Why don’t you let me drive? We can go anywhere you want.”
Steven shook his head violently, tears spilling over his eyes. He was shouting now, “I shouldn’t have brought you. Get out of the car!”
“Like hell you shouldn’t have brought me! You’re gonna kill yourself driving like this.”
“And?”
“What do you mean ‘and?’” Connie demanded, and when Steven said nothing added, “What are you planning on doing when I get out of the car?”
“You know I’m stronger than you, Connie,” he stared straight ahead, refusing to look at her, “I’m asking you to get out of my car. If you don’t do it on your own, then I’ll carry you out.”
“And then what if I do get out?” she demanded, “What are you gonna do, crash the car off the mountain?”
“I,” his voice cracked and he cleared his throat, “I need to do this before I change my mind. It will be better for everyone. I wish you could see that.”
Connie felt her throat swelling, and her tears came so quickly that everything looked like she was underwater, sinking into the ocean.
Steven’s blurry form reached for her hesitantly and stopped just before touching her.
“I shouldn’t have brought you with me,” he repeated. His voice was softer now, in a way that was more broken than gentle, “I thought maybe with you here I wouldn’t want to- I thought that- Connie, all I do is hurt people. Even now I’m hurting you.”
“That’s not true, Steven! You saved my life the first time you met me! I said you were incredible, remember? I still think that.”
“That was then. That was before I was so messed up! I’m no good at helping people anymore. I’m not incredible, I’m not anything good. That’s why you have other friends at school that you see more than me. That’s why you’re going to be leaving for college. Because it’s better for you that way to get away from me!”
“Shut up!” cried Connie, flinging her arms around him and curling up in his lap, soaking the shoulder of his jacket with tears and snot. Steven’s hands froze in the air until they gradually lowered down to touch her back. Instead of embracing her, he plucked her off of him and placed her back in the passenger seat.
“I’m sorry I made you cry. I’m sorry for everything.”
“You’re my best friend, Steven,” she whispered, “You don’t have to be saving an entire species or galaxy or person to be worthwhile to me! I just want to keep growing up with you. Time may change how often we see each other, but it won’t change how much I love you.”
Steven did not act shocked at her love confession. It was said between them countless times over many years, albeit mostly from him since he was the sappier of the two. The word “love” had grown a few more layers of meaning than it had from their childhood, although neither of them knew the moment the transition took place. Maybe it was in the days locked inside Pink’s tower, not knowing if they would make it out before starving to death. Maybe it was after he had his gem pulled out by White. Maybe it was when he returned from space- a broad, strong teenager in place of the cuddly child.
“I love you, too,” he croaked, “I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing!”
“Ok, I’m sorry for apologi-“
“Steven!”
“R-right,” he choked out a weak laugh and stared at his lap, “It’s hard not to when I’ve felt like I’ve had to apologize for my existence my whole life.”
“Some parents bring kids into the world without thinking about the consequences,” she thought of Rose Quartz with her saintly image now eradicated from Steven’s house, “That wasn’t a choice you made.”
“I know.”
“And some parents,” she paused, choosing her words slowly, “don’t really know how to parent, even if they love their kids more than anything. Especially if these parents are traumatized aliens from space all dealing with their own shit.”
He nodded.
“I think they’ve taught you- unintentionally- that you had to put everything you felt on the back burner in order to be a Crystal Gem. You had to be useful in order to spend time with them. It was like you were filling a bucket for years, and now it’s overflowing.”
Steven started crying then and continued for several minutes. When Connie’s delicate hands wiped away the tears, he didn’t stop her.
“You’re not going to get out of the car, are you?”
“Not without you.”
“I figured as much. Stubborn.”
“Like my mother,” she said proudly.
“Does it bother you,” he asked in a small voice, “that I still want to do it? That I think about it every day now? About how nice it would be to not worry about the future? To not have to deal with all this change?”
“It does bother me,” she took his hand, “But you know, everything changes. And this will change, too. You won’t always feel like this. So please, just don’t give up. You are still my first and my best friend. And I would never be the same in a world without you in it.”
Steven sank his face into his hands, and all Connie could do was hold him. She didn’t know how long he sobbed for, but it was long enough that her arm he was leaning on fell asleep. She couldn’t stop marveling at how this boy who was stronger than any human on the planet could seem so small.
Once Steven’s breathing was steadied again, she said “I’m sworn to be your knight and fight by your side. That includes this kind of fight, too.”
He nodded, burrowing into her soaked shirt. His arms entwined around her tightly, pulling her closer, and he let out a shaky exhale she hadn’t realized he was holding in.
Connie pulled Steven’s chin up to meet her eyes, giving him a little smirk, “And if you shut me out again, I’ll fight you.”
This earned a little laugh out of Steven, and it was like music to her. There was a time when they were even sparring partners, but with Steven evolved into his full powers, Connie couldn’t hope to catch up to him with any amount of training due to her 105-pound wiry human frame. Luckily she had learned other ways to contend with him when needed, and she felt she’d won their match that night.
Steven straightened in his seat, grabbed a bottle from the cup holder, and splashed some water in his face. He wiped himself off with the sleeve of his jacket. His eyes were still red and puffy, but there was a life back in them that Connie hadn’t seen in sometime. Then he got out of the car.
“Steven,” Connie rushed after him, “where are you going?”
“It’s ok, I’m just getting some stuff.”
He walked to the back of the Dondai and creaked the trunk open, “I can’t go back there tonight. I need some time. I’ve kept all this camping stuff in my trunk for a while now, just in case I needed to get away. It’s really kept me sane a few times.”
Connie looked into the large pack stashed in the car. There was a sleeping bag, a lantern, freeze dried food, a large jug of water, a knife, some extra clothes, and a filter to get more water from the river.
“I can go ahead and take you home. I’m sorry I was telling you to just get out earlier with no ride. I wasn’t thinking straight. I promise you that I won’t do anything rash tonight, ok? I’m just going to camp. And I will call you first thing in the morning to let you know I’m still here.”
Connie crossed her arms, “No way in hell am I leaving you alone tonight.”
“B-but I promised I would-“
“Nope, not doing it,” she struggled to sling the pack over her shoulders before Steven easily lifted it from her, “I’m camping with you.”
“Well, the only problem with that is that I just have one sleeping bag.”
“And? We’ve literally shared a body before. You think I draw the line at sleeping bags?”
Steven’s cheeks flushed a deep red, and it sent a thrill through her to see him get so flustered, “That was when we were kids.”
“Well, if sharing a sleeping bag sounds crowded we could fuse.”
His eyes snapped up to hers, wide and hopeful, before they fell again, “I don’t think I’m ready to fuse right now. With anyone. I’ll just let you have the sleeping bag. I’m ok without it.”
Connie rolled her eyes, and they began their hike into the forest.
Steven lightened up little by little as they walked, pointing out his favorite spots to her, and wild plants he’d learned to forage from. His mind became clearer as the air did, rising above the pollution of the city and its inhabitants.
He shrugged his jacket onto her shoulders as she shivered. The mountain got a lot colder than the beach did at night.
“We’re almost there, Connie. There’s the perfect spot right up ahead.”
She could hear babbling water as they approached a clearing right by the bank of a mountain stream filled with wildflowers. The water glittered in the moonlight, and a herd of deer stared at them cautiously from the trees.
“So, this is home for the night,” he said.
She watched him as they set up camp, conversation not coming as easily as it used to. There was a tension in the air that didn’t used to exist between them, and Connie felt like she was studying him to see how much of his calmed mood was genuine.
They gathered wood, built their fire, and ate re-hydrated mac and cheese with canned vegetarian chili for dinner. Only the occasional phrases passed between them to relay needed information for the tasks at hand. Connie got the impression that he did appreciate the company, but that he was also relieved they weren’t talking too much. She figured it was fine to go at his own pace in opening up, as long as he was safe, and eventually the silence became serene and welcome.
“It’s so quiet,” she said as their food settled.
“It’s not,” he said, eyes staring at the dying embers of the fire, “Listen.”
When she stopped focusing on their lack of words, the sounds of the forest filled her awareness. Crickets sang, water ran, leaves rustled, fire crackled, and wind whistled. She closed her eyes, taking it all in.
“You like listening to everything out here?” she said, smiling.
He nodded.
“Do you come out here as a kind of grounding technique? I was reading about those in my psychology textbook.”
“I guess you could call it that. Talking is hard for me right now. But the sounds out here talk to me, and they don’t expect me to talk back. They’re not disappointed if I don’t say anything at all.”
“I’m not disappointed, Steven.”
He blinked and stared at her with wide eyes, “I’m glad.”
Connie was trying to put together something else to say when Steven stood up suddenly and furled out the sleeping bag.
“I’m going to go to sleep. Goodnight, Connie.”
“Oh, goodnight…” she wiggled herself into the sleeping bag and watched Steven lay on the grass.
“You sure you don’t want to come sleep by me?”
“N-no, that’s ok. It’s a nice night,” he said, despite that he was visibly shivering.
Connie was glad he could not hear how hard she rolled her eyes.
“It’s kind of cold tonight,” she said.
“You’re cold?”
“Yep, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
She gave a fake little sneeze and grinned as she heard Steven sigh and get up. She rolled over and looked at him standing above her, clutching one arm and averting his eyes.
“I have a feeling you’re manipulating me,” he said.
“Don’t worry, Universe, I won’t take advantage of you.”
“I guess it would make sense. To keep warm,” he said slowly.
“Sure would. Now shut up and get in.”
She unzipped the bag and let him sidle in beside her before closing them both in like a toasty cocoon. She twined one arm around his waist and the other tangled in his soft pillow of hair, stroking his scalp to make his body soften and relax like her mother use to do for her when she had a nightmare.
She stopped when a sharp point pricked her hand, and looked down to see a small horn barely protruding out from his curls.
‘Great,’ she thought, ‘yet another new and mysterious thing about my half-alien best friend.’
She considered telling him about it only for a second before deciding whatever the horn meant could wait until morning. They had both been through enough, and Steven looked so peaceful.
She laid awake for much longer than he did, repeating in her mind what Steven wanted to do to himself just a few hours before. Her entire chest ached even considering a world lacking Steven. Laying in the forest with him, she knew the night had ended in a small victory, but they were not out of the woods yet. She had a feeling the new pointed growth on Steven’s skull represented that.
“Connie?” he said in a bleary voice, thick with sleep.
She startled, “Yeah, Steven?”
“I was a little cold, too. Thanks.”
Connie smiled and kissed his forehead as he drifted back off. A small victory was a lot to be thankful for.
#tw: suicide#suicidal ideation#fic request#angst#hurt/comfort#fluff#connverse#lizzywrites#suf fic#su fic#steven universe future#su leak
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CSUAPR prt 51 update
The world outside their bedroom was dark when Lance woke. Shuffling off to the bathroom, he returned to find Keith still snoring softly. He’d really fucked up. He’d let everything get too much for him, then broken down. Considering the bathroom light was the only one on in the cabin, other than their bedside lamp, he’d missed decorating Keith’s cake too. He’d missed the whole afternoon. Climbing back into bed, he wriggled in an attempt to get comfortable as he lay facing his husband. Keith was so beautiful. His soft silky hair mussed by his pillow, drool dried in the corner of his mouth. He wished he could hold him. Have Keith’s back up against his chest. His face buried against Keith’s nape, as his husband burrowed into his hold. He missed the way Keith would roll over in his hold, the sheer amount of affection in his eyes as he smiled up at him. He missed him. And showering. Quiznak, he missed showering where he could wash Keith’s hair. He missed watching the suds running down his husband’s toned back. The way Keith would melt as he massaged his scalp... He loved him so fucking much. Keith had lost muscle mass while in his coma, a tiny bit more fat sat on his stomach. If you hadn’t spent hours simply tracing Keith’s form with your eyes, you wouldn’t know. You also wouldn’t see the small hesitations Keith made now as he tried to figure out his own strength. Keith’s eyelashes fluttered, a puffy sigh escaping his lips as his hand moved. Blinking half a dozen times rapidly, Keith scrunched his eyes tightly, then proceeded to wrap his arm around him as tried to get closer than Lance’s stomach allowed “Mmm, babe?” Reaching out, Lance brushed Keith’s fringe from his face. His husband was so handsome. Keith could have had his choice if anyone in the universe. Opening his eyes, Keith blinked those gorgeous purple eyes at him, Lance’s face was full of love “I’m here. You go back to sleep” “Nooo. Not until you tell me why you’re awake...” “I was watching you sleep. Thinkin’ ‘bout how pretty you are” Keith ducked his head, yawning through his nose as he slid his hand up to Lance’s hip “You’re the pretty one. Very pretty” “No, babe. You are. I love you” Keith frowned at him, his hand moving from Lance’s hip to his shoulder “What’s wrong? You don’t smell very happy” Lance hummed. The only thing unhappy about the situation was that he couldn’t cuddle his husband “I’m fine. Scouts honour” “Then why do you seem so sad?” He wasn’t so much sad as he was missing how things used to be “I’m not. I was thinking about how much I love you. I miss holding you” “That just means I get to hold you” “I know. I miss it though. I miss washing your hair and holding you when you wake up” “Babe...” Lance sniffled softly. There might have been times he wanted to shoot Keith in the foot, but he was so incredibly fortunate to have the man for his partner “You’re so beautiful, Keith... I love you so quiznakking much” “Hey, you’re the beautiful one. What’s going on here?” “I just... I love you and I’m so grateful. I don’t know how I could made it through any of this without you. I’m... I’m really... I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d want by my side for this” Keith’s smile sent happiness flooding through his veins “You don’t need to look so sad. You’re my pride and joy, Lance. You’re my husband... and that... that makes me so fucking happy” Lance felt himself blush, wishing his stomach wasn’t in the way. He really wanted to kiss his husband. Keith’s pouty lips were so damn kissable. Trying to settle his racing heart, Keith whispered his slight nudge “Babe?” Lance swallowed, he wanted to kiss him. He really wanted to kiss him “I want to kiss you” “Then kiss me” He would if they weren’t in such an awkward position “You’ll have to come to me... because I can’t reach you” “Oh, babe... here, come here” Rolling onto his back, Keith moved to kiss him. The kiss was deep, full of meaning. Lance’s eager to return it, to show his husband how important and irreplaceable he was. Between his legs grew wet, as the kiss morphed into a desperate need to feel some much more. To feel the heat of Keith’s skin, to watching his face as he fell apart. As the kiss broke, Lance let out a shaky breath “Wow” “Wow” Keith echoed his breathy statement, hair falling down to frame his face as nuzzled at Lance’s cheek. The sensation tickled his skin, the Cuban smiling as he tucked Keith’s hair back behind his ear “I want to have sex” Keith snorted softly “You do?” “I want my husband. I want to feel you... I feel like my heart’s going to explode if I don’t...” “We can’t have that” Why didn’t Keith get it? Why didn’t he acknowledge how strong he was? How wonderful he was... He wanted to forget the pain of Keith leaving that night. He wanted to wash away the pain he’d carved onto Keith’s heart “I’m serious, Keith. I’m so in love with you that I don’t know what to do anymore. You’re my everything. You’re my partner. My partner in crime. My accidental husband that was tricked into a union with me. You keep me sane and you pull me back from the edge like it’s as natural as breathing. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring myself back. I couldn’t fix me...” “You don’t need fixing. I love you. You’re allowed to have feelings. You’re allowed to have bad days” “But today’s your birthday. I want you to have the happiest birthday ever. You’re my world, Keith. My lover and my husband. I want to feel you... I want to spend this now having sex with the man I treasure. Happy Birthday, babe” Slowly and sweetly Lance fell apart under Keith’s hands. His husband’s lips upon his body like a ravenous wolf upon a bone. His hands never seemed to stop moving, a kiss or touch, neither here nor there, but both “and” and “and not” at the same time as tried to catch the fleeting feelings of fingertips or lips only for it slip away before he could catch it. The unique sensations only Keith could strum to life stripped away his bullheadedness. Long caramel legs wide as he lay exposed, Keith teasing him to the point he felt he was going to crumble if his husband didn’t let him come. With a shallow thrust, he was drowning, gasping for air as his hands clenched the blanket beneath them. Rolling his hips slowly, the muscles in his legs undulated, body clenching around his husband, drawing him deeper into his sopping wet heat, only Keith... Keith knew how to play him. His thrusts kept shallow, he reduced him into a babbling mess, words of love slurred into words of need. Keith would oblige, thrusts hard and deep until his toes started too curl and all language lost form, then would edge off, remaining only ever so slightly buried inside, teasing him into this trembling sweaty mess. Reaching for his husband’s hand, Keith stared down at him with hooded eyes, his hand taking his as he slid from inside of him. Crying out in loss, Keith kissed his palm, nuzzling softly as if they weren’t lost in the heat of sex. Forming words with his kiss swollen lips, Lance couldn’t comprehend them. Their position changing as Keith moved from between his legs, an arm finding its way between his back and the blankets, Lance left dizzy as he went from being beneath his husband to straddling his lap in the space of a few moments. Now the one gazing down, Keith kissed his hand again, a hand on his hip the support offered as Lance rose to sink back down. Whimpering his husband’s name, Keith rolled up, the position finally giving him everything he needed. Trying to ride Keith, he could barely lift his body to find his rhythm, hand torn from Keith’s to balance himself as he rode his husband unashamedly. With curved back and bared throat, his vision mister red. Orgasm finally tearing through him as came in hard jolted bursts between them, cum dripping from the bottom of his swell, soaking his crutch and pooling on Keith’s stomach. Keith stretching him wide as he swelled inside, flooding him as his chanted his praises. He loved this man. He loved him... Legless and unable to stand, keith fetched a cloth to clean him down with. Wiping him clean, his husband pressed kisses to the places the cloth passed over. All Lance wanted was to cuddle with him now, but Keith was too good to him. His husband cleaned him down, helped him back into his sweats then to the bathroom. Hunched from the fire running through his back and legs, Keith sat him on the toilet, fetching paracetamol and heat pads for him. That had meant his husband had to wake Curtis to ask for the paracetamol. Measuring the dose, his husband apologised, Lance didn’t want apologies. He loved him. He loved being close to him. He didn’t regret having sex with him, the sex it’s self wasn’t the problem. It was sitting in his husband’s lap for as long as he did. Making sure he was comfortable, clean and heat padded in the right places, his husband supported him back to their room. Keith stripping off the top sheet then fussing him under the covers before spooning around him. It was a nightmare free night for them. Lance waking after Keith. His husband’s hand against his belly as their twins slept. Wriggling against him, Keith kissed his shoulder. His husband’s dick was poking against his arse, Lance mentally snorting as how eager Keith was despite the night before “Good morning, sleeping beauty” “Mmm... morning... seems like I’m late to wake up” “Nah, you’re fine. How are you feeling?” “Happy” Placing his hand on Keith’s, Keith nuzzled into the spot he’d been kissing “Good. I was worried you’d be sore from last night” “‘m ok. Are you ok?” “Yeah. Yeah, I think I am” Sliding Keith’s hand down, his husband took the silent invitation, rutting up against his arse as they reached the band of his sweats “Babe?” “I want it... like this...” “You sure?” “Yes, birthday boy...” Keith was slow and gentle. Aroused before he woke, neither of them lasted long. Laying in a tangle of limbs, and a very protruding stomach, their twins seemed to think it was time to make their presence known given their parents were awake. Handsy and cuddly, Keith was going a little crazy as he nuzzled and kissed him. Tickled by his husband’s fringe, Lance’s giggled “What’s so funny?” “If I told you, you wouldn’t show me mercy” “I might. It’s my birthday... I can be generous” “Your hair’s tickly” Leaning further over him, his husband’s hair draped across his face. Laughing, he shoved Keith back “What happened to being generous?!” “What did I do?” Playfully teasing him, Keith knew damn well what he did “You know what you did... It’s assault with a long dead mullet!” “That’s nice... it’s my birthday and you’re picking on me” “I will when you’re tickling me!” There was a pause before Keith poked his belly “Hey, babe...” “Yesss?” “I love you” “I love you, too. You’re such a dork” “Again, it’s my birthday. What happened to the Lance who was telling me how much he loved me?” “I slept it off...?” “And you’re really alright? Last night was... it was pretty full on. We haven’t done edging like that...” They hadn’t done edging that like since he’d turned into this... with an over active pair of watermelons in his stomach “Babe, you’re worrying too much... I don’t want you to worry. I don’t want you to feel bad for us enjoying... that... I love you” “I know you do. That’s why I don’t want you to feel like you can’t say no” “You have no idea what my libido is like... seriously, I could go again right now” “You wouldn’t be able to walk” “At least I wouldn’t be a horny wreck... seriously, please. I love you. I... I like... this. This... us. I didn’t think... I didn’t think I’d ever want something like this after what happened. But when I’m with you, I feel like I can do almost anything. I might have been a bit emotional last night, but I swear I’m ok” “A bit? You looked ready to cry before we started” “That’s because...!” Keith nipped at his shoulder, Lance knowing he’d have to explain, but it wasn’t always easy to find the words to explain emotions and feelings. Sometimes the right word simply didn’t exist “Because?” “Because... I love you. It hit me last night, all over again. All the support you give me. How alive you make me feel... how beautiful you are. I mean, like, neither of us are perfect, and this is probably the longest we’ve gone without fighting, but like... I couldn’t ask for a better husband and sometimes I feel like I can’t say that, even when I do... like... I mean... I just love you” No one had ever called him “Eloquent” and meant it... He’d said “like” far too many times for his liking. He couldn’t help the rush of love or the rush of affection he felt when Keith would smile at him. That private little smile that seemed to say far more than his words could. Nuzzling into him, Keith sighed “You say it everyday, babe. Don’t forget that” “Sometimes I don’t...” “You don’t always have to do the actual say. The three of you make me so quiznakking proud” “Even with sweats half down and your dick up my arse?” “Yep. Especially with your sweats half down and my dick up your arse. It’s going down now” “I wasn’t sure that was a setting...” Keith slid back slightly before thrusting forward, the drag felt too damn good. Squeaking, Lance blushed. Kissing his below his ear, his husband was a shit “What was that?” If this kept up they’d never end up getting out of bed for the day. His husband had to detach and stop his “pervy octopus” ways “I have to pee” “Then I guess we’ll have to finish in the shower” * Keith was a the happiest he could possibly be as they walked into the living area. Sitting on the kitchen counter were a small pile of wrapped gifts, Krolia stood in front of something blue she seemed quite proud of, with Korra on her shoulder. Curtis was at the oven, a small stack of pancakes on the plate to the left of him. Beside him, Lance came to a stop. Nudging him softly with his shoulder, his husband smiled at him “Sorry, hard kick. I’m ok. They’re super active now” Lance’s scent was tinged with sadness, his eyes misty “You sure?” “My ribs are being bashed. Let’s get you your birthday breakfast” “Ok. Do you want to cuddle on the sofa with me while we eat?” “Yeah. That sounds good” Lance took the lead, leading him into the kitchen to stand by Curtis “You’ve gotten better. Minimal burning around the edges... and look at those bubbles!” Curtis rolled his eyes at him, Keith wrapping his arms around his husband as he rested his chin on Lance’s shoulder “You’re not funny. Yes, you can take what’s there. The butter’s already on the table. Happy Birthday, Keith” “Thanks, Curtis. Those look great” Curtis waved his egg-flip “At least someone appreciates my pancakes. Keith, you forgot to return my paracetamol last night. You’re forgiven because it’s your birthday, but next time can you try to remember please?” Keith’s “No problem...” overlapped Lance’s “Aw, babe. Everyone wants to pick on you today”. Curtis shook his head, he probably didn’t want to know “Take your pancakes and sit down already. I’ll bring more over when I’m done” “Thanks, Curtis. You’re the best” Trying not to let Lance go as he shuffled along behind him, the slipped past Curtis and into range of Krolia. Grabbing his arm, they were both jolted back as his mother leaned in to kiss his cheek “Happy Birthday, Keith” “Thanks, mum. And thank you, Korra” His little sister’s eyes were open, staring at him as he kissed her forehead. She looked happy. Happy and chubby... and maybe a bit confused “We weren’t sure that you were getting out of bed today, were we Korra? Your big brother certainly kept us both waiting” “It’s my birthday, I’m allowed to sleep in” Krolia side-eyed him, then lifted Korra off her shoulder, nuzzling and kissing her chubby cheek she seemed so happy to have her. Keith felt a stab of jealousy. Happiness and jealousy... “Don’t you listen to your big brother. He wasn’t sleeping at all... but he did give us time to decorate his cake, didn’t he, baby girl. Luckily Curtis baked it yesterday. It gave us time this morning, yes it did my darling” The blue thing he’d noticed on the counter turned out to be a dark blue frosted cake. His mother had whipped up some cream to pipe along the top, the bowl and bag sitting next to the cake. Keith’s brain ticked over. The previous days walk where they’d been allowed out for over an hour. Lance covering his moment of sadness with that little white lie he knew he was telling. Lance and Curtis had talked about his birthday. They’d planned the cake together. Seeing it assembled, Lance must have realised whatever he’d had planned was no longer possible. Having talked to Shiro the previous afternoon, Shiro has agreed that too many people face to face would most probably be bad for Lance’s mental health. Pidge was still making the trek to see them in person, bringing with her their presents to him and setting up the TV for a face call. Coran had wanted to come see them in person too, but understood that Lance might not be up for visitors. Shiro wasn’t completely sure if he was coming to visit or not, meaning it’d be a surprise for all of them to see what he decided to do. Miriam had been right, and having forgotten that his birthday was coming up, he’d also forgotten that Lance always wanted everything to be perfect for the people around him. In a way it was good that he’d forgotten or he would have been stressing over his husband’s mental state further the closer they got to today. Kissing Korea’s cheek, Krolia held her out to him. Letting go of his husband, Keith took Korra into his hold. His little sisters hand tightening around the bunched fabric of his shirt with her tiny fingers “I’ll be done in a couple of ticks. I must say, I’m quite proud. I know I didn’t bake it, but I haven’t turned it a complete mess yet. Curtis got photos of Korra helping. They’ll look great in the album Lance got for you” “Mum! It’s supposed to be a surprise” “Oops. I’m out of sync with your Earth customs. Last time I was doing this, you were just a small babe. Now eat your pancakes and relax” Lance cut their pancakes for them. His husband feeding him bites as his sister slept on his shoulder. Keith wasn’t exactly sure how to feel about his mother making him a birthday cake. On Daibazaal it never would have happened. Here she was acting like it was the most natural thing in the world. Then there was Lance and Curtis to consider. He didn’t know if they’d planned to decorate his cake while they slept or if the three of them were going to attempt to decorate it together. Teleporting back from wherever he’d been, Kosmo’s whole body started wagging at the sight of pancakes. Sitting beside Lance, he whined until Lance finally looked at him, then used his biggest, widest, puppy-dog eyes on him. Sighing, Lance plucked the top pancake off the pile, rolling it up before passing it over to their fur son “I don’t know if you deserve it. You haven’t wished your father a happy birthday yet” Kosmo didn’t care. His tail only thumped harder as he got up to place both paws on Lance’s leg and nudge at his arm “These are for you father. You’re going to get fat” Yipping as if insulted, Kosmo turned his face away. Picking up the knife to tackle the next pancake, Kosmo broke his false huff lunged in under Lance’s arm, tonguing up the side of the stack as he closed his jaws around the edge and teleported over to munch down on his stolen treat in front of the unlit fireplace. Sighing, Lance threw the knife down on the plate. The clattering sound startling Korra who started to cry. Patting his sister’s back, Keith didn’t know what to do. Shooting a pleading look to Lance, his husband was quick to hold out his hands “You should be able to handle one crying baby, Keith” Ignoring his mother, Keith passed Korra to Lance who took the little girl up in his arms. Placing her on his shoulder, he patted her back softly as he bounced her while hushing her softly. His husband melted his heart all over again. He wasn’t sure how to soothe his sister, yet Lance wasn’t shying away from her cries. Rubbing his cheek against her head, he kissed her beanie as she continued to cry, though not as loud as it had been “That’s a good girl. Yes, it is. I know. That big bad knife scared you, baby girl. Yes, it did. Don’t worry, that knife isn’t going to scare you anymore... shhh... there’s a good girl... I know... I know. It’s your big brother’s birthday today. You can’t even talk yet and you sound just like him. All bark and no bite... you’re probably exhausted my little princess. It’s barely breakfast and you’ve had to serenade us, as well as be completely adorable” Calming Korra down, she drifted off to sleep on Lance’s shoulder. Keith simply staring at the pair of them, wondering if Lance knew what he was doing to his heart. He was so good with children. He didn’t get angry or annoyed with her, instead he was all gentle smiles and love with his little sister. Catching him staring, his husband scrunched his brow “What?” “You look good like that” “Holding Korra? She’s doing all the hard work when it comes to looking good, but you make it look so easy baby girl. What your brother doesn’t know is that having a baby in the house involves a lot more screaming than one short song. When you have a baby you can’t return them to their parents because you are their parents” “You’re still better at this than me” “Keith, babe. You saw the size of my family at Christmas. If you’re not good with babies, then you’re screwed because there’s always some kid around” Keith felt a momentary stab of pain. Yeah. He’d seen Lance’s dozens of relatives... and while he’d in care he’d come across a small child or two, but he didn’t know how to “Dad”... Reaching out, Lance placed his hand on his knee “You’ll get there. You got me through withdrawal. You got me through peopling. You got me through losing Allura and losing everything else. You’ll get through being a dad, because we’re a team, right?” There was a huge difference between a screaming Lance and a screaming baby. Smiling sincerely at him, Keith wasn’t able to stop himself as he surged forward to steal a kiss “I fucking love you” Lance snorted, both of them casting a quick glance to Krolia who seemed lost in the world of cream piping, then back to each other. Lance ducking his head slightly “I love you, too. Do you want to take her back? I need to change” Why did Lance need to change? His husband was better dressed than he was “Are you...?” Lance gave him a sigh, careful to lift Korra off his shoulder and settle her down on Keith’s “I’m leaking. I didn’t think to put nursing pads in my bra” Sliding his chair back, Keith got a good look at Lance’s wet chest. Arousal rushed to pool in his belly, his husband detecting the change in his scent “And this is why we can’t have nice things. I’ll be right back” Lance coming back drew out to 20 minutes where his husband hadn’t returned. Enough time had passed for Curtis to be bringing more pancakes over to the table “I’ll take her, you go check on him” He hadn’t needed to say anything, they both were worried over Lance not coming right back. Not confident in passing Korra, Curtis took her off his shoulder, Keith giving him a nod before heading off to find Lance. Finding Lance wasn’t all that hard. Their bedroom door was open, and sticking his head in he found Lance sitting on their bed, staring down at a small blue onesie that had been part of the pair gifted by Lance’s grandmother “Everything ok, babe?” “Yeah. It fell out when I went to grab my pads out. I was thinking about how small babies are” Walking over to their bed, Keith sat himself down next to his husband. Resting his head on his shoulder, the onesie seemed tiny “Do they come that small?” Lance snorted “Yeah, babe. What happened to Korra?” “Curtis is having cuddles. You’ve been gone a little while” “Had to clean up, then I had to pee, then I to grab my nursing pads out and change my shirt... it’s so much effort” Keith laughed softly, as long as Lance was alright that was the main thing “You’ve gotten so lazy” “I’ve gotten huge. I’m nearly out of clothes you know. If I get any bigger this stomach isn’t going to fit my shirts” “I don’t mind you being shirtless” “In front of Curtis?” “Maybe not” “I had the feeling you’d say that... I prefer wearing shirts, especially now” “Bad body day?” Lance nodded “It’s harder to have a good one. Sorry, it’s your birthday...” Nope. He wasn’t having Lance beating himself over this “It’s fine. I want to understand. Did you and Curtis plan that cake for me?” Lance started folding up the onesie so the small lamb on left breast of the tiny garment was upright “You really notice everything, don’t you?” “If mum...” “Your mum wanted to. I kind of figured that it’d happen with how long I slept for last night... We were going to surprise you in the morning. But it’s fine, she’s your mum and Korra helped too. It’s a nice memory” “You’re not sad?” “A bit, but today is about you. I want you to have a really good birthday. I mean, it’s better than last years...” “Yeah, well, no ones trying to kill us now. Plus, we’re going to be dads soon...” Trying to inject enthusiasm in his tone failed when Lance turned to him, his husband placing the onesie in his lap “You are going to be an amazing father. I know you’re scared, I’m scared too. I’m terrified something will go wrong at the last moment. That I’m going to drop a baby. Or that I’m just going... that I’m not going to be able to cope after giving birth. But you. I know you’re going to smash it out of the park. Because everything you put your heart and soul into doing, you always smash it out. You’ve always been a fighter, babe. You’ve got this” “Do I?” “You do. It’s like when you became Black Paladin. You didn’t think you could do it, but I did. Until Blade work got in the way...” Hadn’t Lance given him enough shit for it at the time? “I remember missing a certain Razzle-Dazzle routine...” “And I remember missing my only friend... I’m going to get depressed if we keep talking about it. My point is, you’re stronger than you let yourself believe. I love you. They’re going to love you” Cutting himself off to take a breath, Lance pushed that smile he disliked to his lips. Keith letting him get away with it simply because his husband realised he’d stepped on one of his own triggers so had promptly tried to move past it before he became stuck on it. Lifting the onesie, Keith traced over the embroidered sheep with his thumb “I’m scared of how small they’re going to be” “Me too... I hope they look like you” “No. I hope they look like you” “Are you kidding me? You’re the whole package. With your stupidly perfect hair and those eyes... I can’t say no to those eyes. Plus, you’ve got a nicer nose than I do” “What’s wrong with your nose?” “I like yours better?” “I think you’re cuter” Lance rolled his eyes at him “We’re going to get stuck here with you not admitting you’re gorgeous as you call me beautiful, and then, before we know it, your birthday is going to be over. Come on, Daddy Keith...” Plucking the onesie from his hand, Lance sat it down in the bedside table. Keith taking his hand as he stood “Alright, Daddy Lance. You’re still beautiful” “You’re an idiot. A soppy loved up idiot” “Mhmm... your idiot though” “Yep. And I’ll shoot anyone who says otherwise in the foot” “Babe, you can’t shoot everyone you don’t like” “We’ll have to agree to disagree” Keith knew he shouldn’t encourage Lance when it came to shooting people. His husband may act like he had no problem with it, especially with the number of people he’d killed, but he knew that the weight of what he’d done weighed on him heavily. If Lance did shoot someone else, then part of him would break beyond repair... Still, it was nice to know his husband was as possessive of him as he was of Lance. Lance loving and wanting him was the best present he could ever ask for. “There you two are. We thought you might have gone back to bed!” In their short absence Krolia had finished decorating the cake. The pile of pancakes were half gone. A broke plate lay on the floor, and Kosmo was nowhere to be seen. Having moved his presents to the kitchen table, Keith supposed it was a subtle hint to open them. Trying to pull Lance into his lap, his husband smacked his grabby hands away “Nope. You need to unwrap your presents, not me” “Can’t I do both?” Lance pouted, hands on his as he stared down at him “Aren’t you two worn out from last night and this morning?” Lance immediately blushed deep red, trapping his bottom lip in his teeth in embarrassment. Keith shot his mother a glare that Krolia shrugged off. Curtis hadn’t told them that they were being too loud... so why must he suffer the embarrassment of his mother doing so “Muuuum. Not cool” “You were up quite late...” Pointing at her with his right pointer finger, he grabbed Lance’s hand with his left hand. His threat deadly serious “If you say one more thing about our sex life, I’ll be taking my presents and my husband, and we’ll be spending my birthday in our bedroom” “Relax, I’m only teasing you both” “It’s ok, Keith. Open your presents. Krolia already told you mine, so save that one for last” He’d wanted to open his husband’s first, purely because it was from his husband. He was annoyed his mother had ruined the surprise, but he’d be lying if it hadn’t spiked his curiosity over what could possibly be in the album. Having all this attention on him wasn’t unpleasant, yet it also wasn’t all that pleasant. He didn’t know what facial expression he was supposed to make, or what he was supposed to say “Fine, move your chair and sit next to me” “You’re such a big baby” “Yep. Now sit down next to me” “Only because it’s your birthday, and I’m feeling generous” Keith laughed lightly at the way Lance threw his words back at him “Oh, merciful husband of mine, won’t you sit beside me” Wrinkling his nose, Lance poked out his tongue “Too far. You ruined it. Scooch over so I can fit?” “Deal” From Curtis he received a mug. Curtis looked slightly apologetic, but it did have Red on it, so it was instantly elevated above a normal mug. He’d also brought him a new black leather jacket with red trimming on the inside pocket. The choice screamed Lance more than Curtis’s shopping style. Lance had probably been going to gift it to him, then told Curtis to do so. Curtis didn’t know his sense of taste with clothing... which was pretty much “if it was clean and it fitted, it’d do”. His mother had a new Luxite blade for him, three colours woven into the design. Purple for Krolia, pink for Korra, and aqua for Kolivan, to remind him of his family on Daibazaal. Korra had gifted him what looked like a Kosmo plushy, and a “best big brother shirt”. Krolia insisted that he wear the shirt, while holding his sister on his shoulder and his new blade in his hand so she could send a picture to Kolivan. Keith was already in position before he thought to object to being bossed around. Lance found it all funny, his objections died in his throat as the sight of his husband’s smile. Knowing he was biased, his best presents came from his boys and his husband... and Curtis. Confined to the cabin, Keith had no idea when Lance and Curtis had had time to plan their presents... even when the third one taking Lance by surprise. Sliding what he knew to the album from Lance towards him, when he’d picked the present up, there’d been a second beneath it with Curtis’s neat handwriting across the tag. Drawing his brow, Curtis laughed at his facial expression “It’s for both of you. It’s also from Shiro. I may have also added to your present Lance...” Lance leaned past him to reply to Curtis “Should we be worried?” “Not really. You don’t have to open it right now, if you don’t want to” “Is it dirty? Or wrestling related?” “Lance, not everything I touch is wrestling related” “No... sometimes you touch Shiro” Curtis spluttered, the poor man covering his face with his both hands as he leaned heavily on the table “Babe, I think you broke him” “I think I broke him too. Open it already, I want to know what’s inside” “I want to open yours first” “Spoil sport” From Lance it was a beautiful album, a little clumsy where he’d decorated the from by hand in diamanté’s spelling out “Our Twins”. Inside was photos of Lance at various stages of his pregnancy. His baby bump as it grew, as well as the ultrasound photos, and a small pocket for the drive containing the videos. Flicking through, he could tell the last few photos were taken by Curtis. There were photos of Lance’s growing bump, Lance napping, Lance sleeping with his belly showing, and naturally photos of Kosmo and Lance. Some were of the pair of them both sleeping, some where of Kosmo resting with his head on Lance’s swollen stomach as Lance rubbed the spot between his ears. In one he had his paws on the bump with his tongue lolling out as he gazed up at Lance “I hope you don’t mind. I know you weren’t in the mood for photos when I picked you up. Some of them came from Marco, that lifted off the security feed in the outpost. Most of the selfies I lifted from your comms when you were sleeping after you told me you wanted to make Keith an album. In the album I’m gifting you, it’s got photos from the tour. So it’s not just of you. Shiro helped by providing the coordinates to match where they were taken. Miriam also sent through copies of photos from Christmas” Unlike his husband, he wasn’t quite so quick to cry, but he felt incredibly overwhelmed seeing Lance’s pregnancy progression carefully displayed with love and care. They’d received so much support from their friends. Keith had no way of ever paying them back for what they’d done for them. Pulled into a tight hug by his husband, Keith buried his face against Lance’s neck. On the night of the explosion, he could have lost all of this and he’d never have seen his boys born. He’d never been able to hold Lance again. See him smile or laugh. He never wanted to be in a situation like that again. He didn’t want his husband worrying that he’d never come home. That he’d widow him with two young boys to raise. He wouldn’t be going on another mission. Not when he had the future with Lance that he’d always wanted right in front of him. He didn’t know what he’d do as he transitioned, only that it’d be something low key and something that wouldn’t take him from his husband’s side. He wanted to give Lance everything he could “Keith?” “Let’s do it... let’s get married again... When we’re here, back on Earth with them... I want to do it. I want everyone to see you...” “Babe, we don’t have to get married again. I’m happy with you. I liked our first marriage” “I’m happy with you too... but we can... with everyone. With Mami and Jorge... and all your family... That big white wedding you always wanted. It might take a while, but I want it. I want you” “You’re an idiot. You’ve already got me” “I love you... I love them...” “I know you do. I know, babe. You ready to open your presents from our boys?” “I want to stay like this a little longer” “Ok, whatever you need. I’ve got you” From his boys he was gifted cheesy gifts that were so Lance. A tiny shirt that said “I asked my dad, but he told me to ask my father”, another saying “stuck in an infinite loop of dad jokes”. Lance had also found him a pretty blade made of metal he couldn’t recognise, tilting it small dots appeared. He wasn’t exactly a rocket scientist in intelligence, so didn’t realise the whole blade was decorated with small galaxies and stars. Curtis was quick to scold him as all weapons were supposed to be kept in a safe, where as Lance had to have had that in his possession since his arrival. His husband shrugged it off, entirely unapologetic for his gift. It seemed to Keith that most of the weaponry he had been collecting now came from his husband rather his own desire to seek it out. Lance paid ridiculously close attention to everything he said. He’d mentioned liking a pendant he’d seen at a market stall on one of the planets they’d toured. Sure enough, it was carefully and loving wrapped in the small pile, though now from their boys instead of his husband. It was thoughtful and completely Lance’s style to spoil him, despite his husband being the one who deserved to be spoilt rotten. His boys had also gifted him games for his hand held, with a little note reminding him of the sleepless nights to come. By the time he finally finished opening everything, it was already pushing lunch time. Cleaning up the table, they were shooed to the sofa where Keith was finally allowed to have his husband in his lap... kind of. Lance wasn’t feeling comfortable with his stomach, so the concession was his husband laying with his feet in his lap while Keith thumbed through the album from Curtis. He kind of felt a little stalked as he looked at the candid photos of him Lance. Their smiles private, only for each other as they danced, not that he remembered dancing, but obviously it had. With the pressure bearing down on them to appear perfect, he really had forgotten some of the best moments of the tour. Like Lance sneezing and scaring the group of aliens near them. His face was all wrinkled up in the photos while the aliens looked ready to run. Them eating some weird alien ice cream that wasn’t really ice cream but Lance had begged him to let him try it. Lance in those sheer robes they’d been gifted, hands on his stomach with a slight blush on his face as he realised Keith was staring at him. Then there were the Christmas photos. Lance dressed up, helping hand out presents. His husband in his lap for a not so child-friendly kiss. Him receiving his present. Lance kissing his cheek while Keith blushed. Nadia and Sylvio hanging off the pair of them. Shiro having his hand swatted at by Curtis as he attempted to grab another cookie. Keith meeting Lance’s grandparents. “Anything interesting in there?” Tapping his feet together, Lance was bored and attempting to get his attention “A few things...” “It’s not fair. My stomach’s in the way” Lance was attempting to peer over his stomach, the position couldn’t possible be comfortable “You’re going to hurt your back like that” “Joke’s on you, it already hurts” Closing the album, Keith balanced it on the arm of the chair. Lifting Lance’s legs off him, he grabbed his husband’s hand, pulling him to sit. Blinking, his husband paled, blood dribbling slowly from his nose “Quiznak... hang on” Climbing to his feet, Keith jogged over time the kitchen, watching his husband over his shoulder in case Lance collapsed “Got up too fast...” “Hold still. Your nose is bleeding” Lance hadn’t seemed to notice until his fingertips brushed under his nose, his mouth forming a small “o”. Retrieving a handful of paper towel from kitchen, he was halfway back when there was knock on the cabin door. Whoever it was could wait until Curtis opened the door. Crouching down in front of Lance, Keith held the paper towel up to his husband’s nose, Lance taking over so his whole face wasn’t hidden behind the wad “I’m fine. You don’t have to look at me like that” “Like what?” “Like it’s something more than a bit off dizziness and a blood nose” “You’re really pale, babe. I don’t want you to have a seizure...” “Keith, I’m not about to have a seizure. I’ve got that thing in the back of my head for those” Lance didn’t... he didn’t seem well. Not simply dizzy from moving too fast. He was pale and sweaty, each time he started to slump a fraction he’d jolt back upright “I’m still allowed to worry” “Nope... Oh! Hey, Pigeon! C-Coran!? What are you doing here?!” “I’ll “pigeon” all over your arse! What do you think we were doing here?! Someone had to celebrate this loser’s birthday! Don’t tell me you two are being gross already?” Keith’s instincts told him to protect Lance from their “intruders”. His husband bopping him on the head as he growled. Pidge didn’t care about his growl, her arms filled by a giant wrapped box. Carrying it over she placed it down on the coffee table, kicking him lightly on the arse as he did “Happy Birthday. This is from Hunk and Shay. My arms are dead, thanks for the help Curtis! You’ve had plenty of time to move your cabin closer to the camping area!” Curtis gave a deep laugh “Don’t be like that, Katie. I saw the hover trolley. I know you didn’t have to carry that box the whole way” Pidge hissed at the use of her actual name, Keith saw her start to flip Curtis off before putting on the face an angel, all smiley on the lips and all schemey in the eyes. Keith was sure she’d have her revenge before she left “That doesn’t mean that box wasn’t heavy. Anyway, losers. I’m here now. Don’t tell me keith gave you a blood nose...” It wouldn’t be the first he had, nightmares and flailing limbs sometimes wound up in accidents “Ha ha. No. I didn’t give my husband a blood nose. What’s in the box?” “I don’t know, birthday boy. You’re going to have to stop being so gay for Lance and check it for yourself” “Like you haven’t already sussed it out. I know you better than that” “Nope. It’s a surprise. Hunk warned me I wasn’t allowed to peek” “That makes a first” Seeing she “couldn’t” flip Curtis off, Pidge flipped him off. Lance gave a small laugh that he failed to turn into a covering cough. Keith had thought his husband would be more on edge with Pidge present, but he seemed to be fine with her and Coran visiting without notice. Quiznak. Coran... The poor man was hovering near the sofa “Coran. Thanks for coming. You didn’t have to” “Hush, my boy. It’s your birthday...” He was there for the both of him, but could see the way he was staring at Lance with concern in his eyes. His present shifting from one hand to another as he rocked on his heels “... We had a good season with the junipers this year. It’s a fine vintage” Did that mean he was being gifted Nunvil? God, he hoped it wasn’t nunvil... nothing fucked him up quite like nunvil “Thanks, Coran. You can put that on the table if you like” As Coran turned to do just that, Pidge launches herself up “You snooze you’re loose” Claiming the side closest to the fireplace on the sofa, Pidge grinned across at Coran. Keith wanted to sit back beside his husband, but that’d make them a seat short. He kind of felt rude telling Coran to sit on the coffee table... Coran would wave it off. His mother wouldn’t be impressed, Lance would be awkward about it, not thinking about his back as he volunteered his seat. Lance’s back was the only reason he was holding himself back from hefting Lance into his lap. Fuck. He had to be responsible “I’ll grab another chair, why don’t you sit beside Lance, Coran?” Pidge’s smugness fell, her victory of scoring the free spot next to Lance was for nothing. Lance wiped off the last of the blood, Keith taking the paper towel from him as he went to be a “responsible adult” “I promise I’m not contagious, just pregnant” Watching over his shoulder, he wasn’t jealous at all. Nope. Just be sure it was his birthday, and they were taking what should be his spot... he wasn’t jealous at all... “That wouldn’t worry me one bit, my boy. How are you feeling?” Sitting beside Lance, Lance moved everything so slightly away from Coran. Throwing out the bloodied paper towel, Keith grabbed a chair and lugged it over to the living area. As he sat, he couldn’t help noticing there was forced space between their two friends... maybe opting to grab a chair from the dining area had been a bad idea “Tired, but ok. A little confused, but I’m happy to see you both. After the way Pidge grumbled about the walk, I didn’t think she’d be in any hurry to rush back here” Pidge playfully shoved Lance’s arm, Lance grimacing at the touch. Instead of being offended she simply rolled her eyes “That’s because Coran brought another gift, and you’re both technology challenged. Annnnd, someone has to connect you guys with all our friends” That went right over Lance’s head, his lover seemed more interested in what Coran had brought. Maybe he was hoping it was a gift they could both partake in “Another gift?” Sliding off her shoulder bag, Pidge grabbed her laptop out. Keith hadn’t even noticed she’d be sporting the shoulder bag. He hadn’t wanted to admit it, but he seemed to be less observant when it came to the world around them. Lance held so much of his focus that Curtis could walk around the cabin naked and he wouldn’t notice if it didn’t directly affect his husband “Perhaps it’s better we show you. Keith, you’re not going to want to miss this” Keith was clueless as to what was happening. He was sitting, leaning on Hunk’s mystery gift as Pidge connected her laptop to the TV. Curtis had grabbed them a round of drinks, while Krolia had settled down with Korra in her lap. All eyes were on the screen, other than his that were on Coran and Lance. Lance was leaning back, Coran holding a holopad of sorts that he was tapping on. Keith assumed it was something to do with what Pidge was up to, and it proved to kind of be, just not in the way he thought “Now, feast your eyes upon the minions!” Making her proclamation with a wave of her hand, blue light glowed from beneath the holopad, Lance’s gasping as their twins came up on the screen. Reaching over him, Pidge held her hand up for a high-five, then was left hanging for few very long ticks. Coran seemed quite proud of himself when he realised he was leaving her hanging an high-fived her back. Keith didn’t give two shits about the pair of them. His eyes wide... no way... He didn’t have words... practically tongue tied as he stuttered out “A-Are t-they...?” “Admit it, we’re the best friends you ever had. Portable scanners exist, but this one is a Pidge and Coran special for your birthday. Holy quiznak! Look how big they are! Dude, you have people in your stomach!” Their twins were so much bigger than he remembered them being. Their tiny hands were real hands. Their noses actual noses... and faces... and their feet. He could see their toes... heck, he could see their eyelids and little lips... “Holy fuck... Would you look at that” Curtis summed it up perfectly. No one scolded him, Krolia following up “You look nearly full term... how far along are you supposed to be?” Keith wasn’t sure, half-heartedly throwing over his shoulder “30 weeks?” His mother hummed. Keith ignoring the sound in favour of watching their boys, both looked upside to him... were they supposed to be pointing downwards? He was sorry to say, but this had become his favourite birthday present. Watching their boys move, he wanted to see if he could see the movement under Lance’s skin. His husband wouldn’t be comfortable with that... maybe he could ask Coran if they could borrow the scanner “Dude, can you feel them kicking your ribs?” “Yeah...” “That’s so weird” “Thanks, Pidge” “Not bad weird. I mean, look at my minions...” “I told you before, if you want minions you have to do nappies” “You can’t pass your crappy jobs onto me” Lance groaned. Keith still let this all wash over him. His boys were so big now... Had his father had this with Krolia? Probably not... the shack was pretty isolated and his mother couldn’t exactly go to the hospital... “Keith, are you ok?” Reaching out to him, Coran placed his hand on Keith’s shoulder, the half-Galra jumping at the touch. Keith wasn’t sure if he was ok. They were... they were perfect. He wanted to do everything in his might to protect them... How could anyone hurt a kid? Sure, some kids were absolute shits, and some parents were even worse, but... fuck... “I need a moment... sorry, guys” “Keith...” Ignoring his mother, Keith fled from the living room. He could hear Lance telling Krolia to stay, not to follow him out onto the veranda because he knew what this was about. His mother wasn’t impressed. Krolia may have seen his memories... Lance... Lance hadn’t, yet it was easier to talk to him because he hadn’t... He wasn’t his parent, he was his lover. Every bit of Lance accepted him the way he was. Lance wrapped his arm around him as Keith leaned on the veranda railing. Kissing his shoulder, his husband didn’t push for an explanation. Letting him find the words for what he wanted to say by himself. Pushing lightly off the railing, Keith turned into the hold. Breathing in his husband’s scent, Keith told himself to calm down. His nails had turned to claws as he’d gripped the railing, Lance should have been scared of the way he looked, but his husband was holding him as if they’d been born to do this. He wasn’t the people who’d hurt him. He wasn’t the teen lashing out, angry and confused about who he was and his place in the universe. Here he was, with the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. The man that could irritate the absolute quiznak out of like there was no tomorrow, but he was also the love of his life. Who’d taught him all kind of things about himself. Who was always there to support him... “I’m sorry” Lance kissed his temple “Babe, it’s ok. You’re ok. I could see it all over your face. You’re allowed to miss your dad. You’re allowed to worry about the future” “I... think I had a moment” “You did. I thought you’d prefer me than the others. That was a pretty “wow” moment for both of us. I totally didn’t expect that to be happening today” Nosing are Lance’s collarbone, Keith nipped lightly at his husband’s necklace chain. It was in the way of where he wanted to kiss. Keith wasn’t sure what to say. He loved seeing his boys. He loved that he got to see them again after so long... When he didn’t find his words, Lance continued “Yeah... They’re... Let’s say I’m a bit more scared about them coming out of me than I was. They... my butt hurts at the idea of how big their heads and shoulders are when compared to my... well, yeah... I guess we know why I’m so fat” “You’re not fat, babe. I’m sorry... they... Quiznak. They’re amazing” Seeing them in 3D... seeing their faces... They looked so... so incredible “It was the first time you’d seen them since my birthday. You’re allowed to need a moment. You don’t need to be sorry for anything. You’re going to be an amazing father. I know it. You’re father would be so proud of you. So proud of you... I’m proud of you” “Thank you. I don’t understand how people can hurt children...” “I don’t either, baby. But whatever happens, we’ll figure it out. I’ve got your back” Keith pulled back, Lance’s moving to cup his face as he kissed him sweetly. His husband nuzzling against his nose until Keith finally agreed “I know you do. Let’s head back in” “Yeah. You need to open that box from Hunk and Shay. The suspense is killing me here. I feel like it’s going to be food, but then there’s that mystery... like maybe it isn’t food... but maybe it is... who knows what’s in the box” Snorting, Keith shook his head. Pidge and Lance were both as bad as each other, though he’d bet good GAC that Pidge had peaked “We can’t have that. I feel like if it’s Hunk, it has to be food” “Oooh maybe he sent more of those cupcakes... they were sooo good” “Or maybe he sent himself to check up on us?” Lance laughed, Keith happy to play along with the mystery, even if the suggestion was completely impractical “If they’d had to wheel it in, I would totally be behind that theory... but Pidge was carrying it... unless... If he found a way to make himself lighter... Oh, God! Hunk could be trapped in the box” “You’re such an idiot” Lance nodded, sounding proud as he bragged “Yep. I get it from my husband. You should meet him. He’s the idiot to my idiot” Snorting again, Keith would never tire of the way Lance always managed to make him feel like the most loved person in existence “He sounds amazing. I bet he’s good looking and great in bed” “He is. He’s hands down the most handsome man I’m married to. But he’s also this great big grizzled softy that loves cuddles. Don’t tell him I said that though. He’s got this whole “emo brooding bad arse” thing going on. It’s hot as hell” “Your secret’s safe with me” “Awesome. Gotta protect this reputation of mine. Can’t have him knowing how much I adore him, or how happy I am to have him in my life” “I know for a fact he feels the same way about his husband. He’s told me how much he adores you, and how incredibly proud he is when it comes to you... but don’t tell him I said that” “I’ll keep your secret if you keep mine?” “Deal” Catching a glance at each other’s faces, they both shared a small laugh. Lance moulding into his side as they turned to head back inside the cabin. Keith wasn’t sure what was coming next, but thanks to his husband he felt sure he could handle it. * The mystery of the box was solved. Hunk had sent enough food for a small army. All of it allergen free, and all of it apparently good in some way for Lance’s pregnancy. Lance seemed a little disappointed there weren’t cupcakes, but that only lasted as long as it took to find home made caramel slice neatly packed towards the bottom of the box. Claimed by his husband, Keith didn’t have the heart to take it away from him. Pidge was the only one to take a piece of the slice when Lance offered it around, everyone else could see how excited Lance was over it, whereas Pidge simply didn’t care. The gremlin was setting up the group call for his birthday, after sending the video of their boys through to Miriam. Miriam would be part of the group call, as would Lance’s team. This was supposed to be for him, to celebrate his birthday, but the previous day Lance had fallen asleep while Mami had talked. His husband was missing his mother something chronic, he’d realised that during his chat with Shiro, now he’d be awake to see her. While they’d been out on the veranda, Coran had moved to sit in the recliner that Curtis had been in, he now had Korra sleeping on his shoulder. His mother, Curtis and Pidge were sitting on the sofa, leaving the recliner for him and Lance. He hadn’t wanted to hurt his husband’s back, but the fudge had perked him up. Lance now snuggled up in his lap with the fudge sitting on his belly. Shiro was the first person Pidge called, his adoptive brother was a gushing mess over the video of their twins. Curtis didn’t help by being just as gushing over the whole thing, and their roles as godparents to the boys. It hadn’t registered but this was the first scan Curtis had seen in person. The first time he got to experience the joy that came with each scan. They’d seen the zoomed in scans before, but not with the twins looking so human. So close to being born.
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“OC asks that reveal more than you think”
...part the first. From here. I decided I will do this for everybody, so I will not get too carried awa--oh, what am I saying? I mean that I did want to do Laura after all, but I also want to do some others, and doing them all at once should help deter depression that might result from analysing the darkficcier-than-darkfic stuff. And since this will be long, I’ll just post a few answers at a time. So, here we go.
***
1. Do they sleep with a stuffed animal? If they have multiple, who's the favorite?
-Laura: She sleeps with a living sex panther. I expect she had LOADS of toys as a kid (Lars-Erik in the movie is drowning in tons of fancy, expensive toys, the pampered little nipper he is). But I don't see her being that much into playing with traditional dolls--except for those fucked-up bondage/dark ritual games she bonded over with Birgitte.
-Fadl: I bet he slept with several as a child. And gave them swords made of stix. His favourite was a stuffed horse. When he has to spend nights in tents, he sleeps next to his horse, in true nomadic Arab warrior fashion. (The reason they kept the horses in their tents were because tribal raids were rampant, JYSK. All those "oh, those curious foreign customs!" anecdotes never tell you that bit.)
-Zainab: she sleeps with several soft, warm living lesbians she has been stuffing with dildos beforehand. If it's too hot to share a bed, she just hugs a big pillow so she won't suffocate on her own tits and stomach during the night. The pillow quite likely has embroideries of naked ladies, too.
2. Can they take care of a plant? What about a pet? What about a child?
-Laura sucks at plants. Torsten is an avid gardener and faps over his orchids (probably literally. Improves the alkalinity of the soil). Pets? I don't think she really is a pet person, even if she probs had the token pony all little rich girls have. But she had stable hands to take care of it. Torsten, weirdly, would get along with animals, I think, and would be all cuddly and not at all evil in his interactions with them. He strikes me as the sort of person who hates most humans but loves animals, and that pet-owning is one of the few things about him that he does "normally," when the rest of him is batshit insane. It's not an unusual pattern with mental people (the cat lady said somewhat defensively). A child?! Well. If you've read the fic, you know how they deal with children. Don't ever let them near them... please. Especially Uncle Torsten.
-Fadl: I suspect he's actually a really good gardener when he puts his mind to it! Perhaps, in his old age, that's what he starts to fill his days with at Thousand Suns--after all, the house was named after the orange trees growing in its gardens and courtyard. So maybe he decides to make it a matter of personal pride that the oranges turn out as smashing as possible. (Omg, I need to use this in a fic! Jaffar shows up and juggles with the oranges; Salsabil and her mother develop a press, Anwar glugs the juice to fuel his dance practice :3) Animals-wise, he is really, really, really big on those horses, as previously established. As a youth and in his early adulthood in Raqqa and Baghdad, he would go to the horse races with Jaffar and cheer at the Barmakid horses he had himself brought up and co-trained. And kick everybody's arses at polo, likewise with horses he'd helped bring up. Children? Don't bring it up with him if you value your life (cf. The Earth's Turning--you'll have to read that one to know why).
-Zainab: sucks at plants, abhors kids, only just gets along with animals, but doesn't really form particularly deep bonds with them. She only has domestic/work animals like horses and camels and donkeys and chickens and hounds and cattle, and has, at some point, had at least one elephant to show off with.
3. Ask them to describe their love interest.
-Laura: “My Daddy is mad, bad and dangerous to know. And I love him; I don't know what I would do without him. And he most certainly wouldn't know what to do without me, either, the aimlessly drifting cad that he is.”
-Fadl: “Zainab is a heathen goddess. And just as capricious and cruel. But I cannot help it--the marvels of her soft, ample curves, golden hair and Hyperborean blue eyes hold me captive. This Viking bitch has well and truly conquered me, and I might as well admit it. But not to other men besides my brother; God, no. A man has to retain at least a façade of dignity, even if in his mistress's bed, he may be as a slave.”
-Zainab: “Lina? She is my little mouse-mouse, my little golden pearl, my everything! She completes me, in possessing all that I lack: a calm and steady temperament and a head for numbers and books. She keeps me sane, cheers me up, is a good conversationalist and on top of that, she is insatiable in bed. I never grow tired of lapping at that delicious little cunny of hers until my mouse-mouse squeaks--what's that? Oh, you wanted to know about *Fadl.* Well, he has his uses, does my bold stallion. But he needs a fair amount of training still. But I am nothing if not an expert at the art of breaking in unruly colts...” *cracks bejewelled, plump little knuckles*
4. Do they look good in red?
You know, at first I thought I'd Photoshop these, but then I realised it'd take me an entire week. So you just get quick and dirty (literally) doodles doodles I ended up fixing in Potatochop for two fucking hours because fuck the messiness coloured pencils engender :P
Laura:
(She doesn‘t wear her hair like that for most of the time in the fics, but I still love drawing her with Bunny’s ginormous Nancy Drew/The Beloved Brat-era cloud of golden curls. And unlike Bunny, she has Torsten’s nose.)
Fadl:
I... kind of got carried away by what Clone Brush/Burn Tool could do, there. He ended up looking as colourful as a medieval European jester. Well, he is a fucking clown, though, so... what the hell.
Zainab:
Glorious red frock over sapphire-blue, diaphanous shalwars! I reckon the belt and the trim on the sleeves is actual gold. Because she could afford it.
But, yeah. I think the girls win this round. Maybe I’ll ‘shop Fadl in red if I find a good bodyshot of the right kind of chap in the right kind of red sherwani or something. But now, I’ve definitely done my arms and hands and back in for the day as far as Photoshop goes, so that’s it for tonight, folks!
#meme#doodles#ocs#fadl#zainab#laura erika barring#of roses unfurling#devilry#writing#meta#sort of#laura'd be ravishing in that jessica rabbit getup wouldn't she?#bonita granville#basil rathbone
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Waiting Game - Derek Hale x Reader
Summary: (Y/n) knew being in a relationship with a soldier would be hard, but she never anticipated the heartbreak it would bring.
Pairing: Soldier!Derek x Female Reader
As always, thanks to @agirlwithpointlessideas
Derek Hale Masterlist
A heavy sigh escaped (y/n)’s lips as she rolled over in bed just to find the other side empty. She knew she should be used to it by now, it wasn’t the first tour Derek had been on. But it was still so hard, she always woke up alone, missing the way Derek would slowly wake her up in the morning by scattering kisses across her face and neck, his stubble tickling her as she blinked her eyes open.
Forcing herself to get up, (y/n) padded down the hallway, gently pulling Maisy’s bedroom door opened to peek inside. The little girl was snuggled into her duvet with at least ten cuddly toys dotted around her bed. (Y/n) smiled softly, the longing in her chest easing slightly as she knelt by her daughter’s bed. Running her fingers through Maisy’s hair, she watched as the six year old’s eyes fluttered open. She nuzzled into her mum’s hand before asking the same question she asked every morning that Derek was on tour.
“How much longer?”
“Two months, sweetheart” Maisy smiled sleepily, before clambering into (y/n)’s arms and snuggling into her neck as she carried her downstairs. (Y/n) walked over to the calendar next to the fridge, handing Maisy the pen so she could cross off another day. The lines were messy but they only made (y/n) smile because it meant she was one day closer to seeing her husband.
Setting Maisy down, (y/n) started to make breakfast when there was a knock at the door. Scott walked in carrying his son, Rory in his arms. (Y/n) cooed at the two-year-old, reaching out to take him as Scott took over the cooking. She honestly didn’t know what she would do without him, they kept each other sane as they waited for their partners to come home.
“Have you heard anything?” (Y/n) tickled Rory’s stomach, laughing as he gurgled happily. She shook her head, trying not to focus on the disappointment threatening to weigh down her chest. Derek sent messages as often as he could but sometimes that meant waiting for extended periods of time.
“Not today, have you heard anything from Allison?” Scott grinned as he flipped over the pancakes, pulling a letter out of his back pocket and passing it to (y/n). She chuckled as she read Allison’s words, relieved to hear that their unit was doing well as they made progress with their mission. Handing the letter back, she moved to set Rory in his highchair before helping Scott plate up the food.
When Allison and Derek had first left, the two of them had been lost and alone. (Y/n) would always be thankful for the day they bumped into one another on base and decided to spend some time together. It was still difficult but they didn’t feel quite so alone anymore. They finished breakfast, Scott pressing a kiss to (y/n)’s cheek and ruffling Rory’s hair before leaving to go work at the animal clinic downtown.
(Y/n) placed the care package she’d been preparing for Derek on the kitchen table, looking through its contents as she wondered what else she could add. She’d already wrapped his favourite coffee and a new book along with several of his favourite snacks. Looking over at Maisy and Rory as they watched TV, (y/n) smiled as an idea grew in her head.
“Sweetness, do you want to make something to send your dad?” Maisy jumped up, the TV long forgotten as she rambled about all the different things she was going to draw her dad. Within an hour, the kitchen table was covered with a multitude of pictures Maisy had made, even Rory had tried his hand at drawing with his stubby little fingers. Knowing Allison would love it, however illegible it was, (y/n) folded it carefully before writing her name on it so Derek would know to give it to her.
It took Maisy a while to decide what she wanted to send to her dad, but eventually, she singled out three drawings that she deemed good enough. The three of them made their way to the post office, delight running through (y/n)’s veins as she thought of how happy Derek would be when he received it.
The phone rung as (y/n) was preparing the kids’ lunch, she cautioned herself not to get excited but that didn’t stop her from rushing over it.
“Hello”
“Hey baby” (Y/n) felt relief ease the tension in her shoulders as she leant against the kitchen counter. Pulling in a shaky breath, she felt a smile tug at her cheeks.
“How have you been?”
“Good, I miss you both but they’re keeping us busy” (Y/n) closed her eyes, imagining he was in front of her, that she could reach out and brush that one stubborn lock of hair away from his forehead, that she could get lost in his icy green eyes as he smiled at her.
“We miss you too, Der. We sent you something today” Derek chuckled softly, making her heart flutter.
“You didn’t have to do that baby”
“We wanted to and you deserve it” (Y/n) tried to ignore the tears slipping down her cheeks, not wanting to make Derek feel guilty as she was overwhelmed by the deep tone of his voice that was so familiar and yet seemed so distant.
“How’s Maisy doing?” Her eyes flickered over to their daughter, watching as she played with Rory.
“She’s amazing, she’s playing a camel in the Christmas play which means I’ve got to figure out how the hell to make a camel costume” A smile brightened (y/n)’s face as Derek laughed down the phone.
“It’s only October and they’re already organising the Christmas play?”
“I’m kinda thankful, to be honest, I’m going to need as much time as they can give me” He snickered, no doubt shaking his head at his wife’s antics. He was quiet for a moment as he contemplated his next words.
“I might be home by then” Derek’s voice was barely more than a whisper as (y/n) brushed away a stray tear.
“Yeah, I’ll have the tree up and everything” Her voice hitched at the thought of spending Christmas without him if his tour was extended.
“(Y/n/n) please don’t cry. I’ll be home before you know it” (Y/n) nodded despite the fact he couldn’t see her, not wanting to panic the children by how distraught her voice sounded. Derek swore under his breath, signalling that he was running out of time to comfort his wife. “I love you, baby, give Maisy a kiss from me”
“I love you too” (Y/n) held the phone closer to her, as if it meant she could hold onto Derek for just a little bit longer. “Stay safe”
“Always” She squeezed her eyes shut as the call ended, letting her arm drop as she tried to focus on the positives. Derek was alive and safe, that was all she needed to know. (Y/n) prayed that the next two months would fly by so she could be back in her husband’s arm again.
#derek hale x reader#derek hale angst#derek hale one shot#derek hale imagine#derek hale au#soldier!derek#dad!derek#derek x reader#scott mccall#allison argent#teen wolf#teen wolf fic#teen wolf angst
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A Town Called Mercy - Doctor Who blog
(SPOILER WARNING: The following is an in-depth critical analysis. If you haven’t seen this episode yet, you may want to before reading this review)
Toby Whithouse writing a Western episode? Now this should be exciting!
...
Pity it isn’t.
Okay, that’s not entirely fair. It’s not a bad premise and the first half of A Town Called Mercy is actually pretty good for the most part. A cyborg gunslinger is threatening the nearby town of Mercy, refusing to let anyone out unless they hand over an alien doctor called Kahler-Jex. It’s a great setup and there’s a lot to love. Mercy itself looks incredible. I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Westerns, and this captures the best of the genre. The mysterious stranger that walks into town, the dark antihero out for revenge, but has a kind heart underneath, the morbid undertaker, the noble sheriff trying to keep the peace, it’s all there. Not even Matt Smith’s childish goofiness could ruin it for me. I also love the Gunslinger. He’s a sympathetic character and the makeup design is brilliant. One of the best ‘monster’ designs I’ve ever seen in this show. Ben Browder was good as the sheriff Isaac and I did initially like the character of Jex, played by Adrian Scarborough (Look @furrychimp, it’s Mr. Jolly from Psychoville! XD).
Then comes the moral dilemma, which starts off so promisingly. Turns out Jex, the nice, cuddly alien doctor who gave Mercy electricity and heating and a cure for cholera, is actually a war criminal. The man responsible for performing brutal experiments on his own people in order to win a war, and the Gunslinger is in fact one of his victims out for revenge. Awkward.
There’s a lot of potential there, isn’t there? Much more interesting and complex than the Daleks wanting to take over the Earth for the ten billionth time. Unfortunately this is all undermined by Whithouse apparently not trusting the audience to understand this dilemma for themselves. A lot of this episode seems to consist of Jex blatantly spelling out for us in black and white either things we already know or things we could have worked out for ourselves.
“It would be so much simpler if I was just one thing, wouldn't it? The mad scientist who made that killing machine, or the physician who's dedicated his life to serving this town. The fact that I'm both bewilders you."
Yeah. Thanks for that. Perhaps you should go on Mastermind. Name: Kahler-Jex. Specialist Subject: The Fucking Obvious.
Sitting the audience down like we’re fucking idiots and explaining all the moral quandaries to us just lessens the impact of it. It’s annoying. For instance, it’s possible to draw comparisons between Jex’s actions and the Doctor’s in the Time War. It’s a nice subtle thing that makes the Doctor’s behaviour that much more impactful and the conflict much more interesting. Or at least it could have been if Jex didn’t draw attention to it with his clunky and cliched ‘looking at you is like looking into a mirror’ line. How about crediting the audience with some intelligence?
So the Doctor gets pissed off and chucks Jex over the line before pointing a gun at him. And like with Solomon’s death in Dinosaurs On A Spaceship, people for some reason have a problem with this. Okay, time out for a minute. Have any of you lot ever actually watched Doctor Who before? I don’t know where you’ve got this idea that the Doctor is a gun fearing pacifist from, but it’s grade A bollocks. The Doctor has done violent things before. The Doctor has even used a gun before. Okay, he only resorts to those actions if there’s no other choice and will always try to find a peaceful solution if he can, but he’s never been above getting his hands dirty. For some strange reason, over time people have taken this from a man who only resorts to violence when he has no other choice to a man who NEVER resorts to violence EVER.
The thing is it’s one thing for the fans to hold this blatantly incorrect opinion that the Doctor is a pacifist, but it’s another thing entirely when the writers start buying into that bullshit too. First there’s Amy who asks “since when did killing someone become an option?”, which is just a profoundly odd thing to ask. What, did the millions of Cybermen that the Doctor killed in A Good Man Goes To War in order to find her not count? What about all the Silence who died in Day Of The Moon? What about Solomon in the previous episode? That’s quite a selective memory you’ve got there Amy. And then later on during the mandatory lynch mob scene, we get the Doctor dropping the clunker that ‘violence doesn’t end violence’, which is just beyond moronic. Look, no sane minded person wants to resort to violence. Nobody wants to go to war or fight people deep down. Of course we should always try to find a peaceful solution and diplomacy is great when it works, but sometimes that’s just not an option. We sometimes have to resort to violence in order to defend ourselves or for the greater good. It’s not ideal, but that’s the reality of life. I’m not saying the Doctor needs to be a violent antihero or anything. What I am saying is that both the writers and the fans need to stop over simplifying the Doctor’s character and the conflicts he encounters to such an idiotic degree.
So back to what I was saying, the Doctor points a gun at Jex, which I have no problem with by the way and neither should you (besides the Doctor reels it back in when he says he genuinely doesn’t know if he could pull the trigger, so it’s still very much in character thank you very much), and Amy starts to scold him for his behaviour. On the surface this seems to be a powerful character moment for Amy, but if you look closely it actually doesn’t work at all. See the Doctor raises a very good point, saying he wants to honour the victims first and that he agonises over the people who have died because of his mercy. This is something the show rarely touches on. The Doctor often moralises over whether it’s right to kill villains like the Daleks or the Master and usually shows mercy, which is all very well, but he never takes into account the number of people who die as a result of his merciful actions. I think this is the first time in the show’s history that the Doctor has ever acknowledged this. That his mercy toward enemies like the Daleks have led to some truly horrific consequences. At a glance it looks like Amy’s talk about how they need to be better than Jex addresses this, but it actually doesn’t because that’s not an answer to the point the Doctor has raised. She basically just reiterates the Doctor’s usual position. That doing good now lets you off of any negative consequences later on. This isn’t an answer to the dilemma, but the problem is the Doctor treats it as though it is. What’s the point of raising big questions if you’re just going to gloss over them?
It’s at this point the entire episode starts to fall apart. The minute Jex is revealed to be a war criminal, he suddenly morphs into this pantomime villain constantly trying to goad the Doctor only to then revert back to his nice, cuddly self at the end when it’s time for him to make his honourable sacrifice. This isn’t a morally grey character. This is more like dissociative identity disorder. Even the Gunslinger’s character starts to become a shambles. The rules surrounding his morality don’t make the slightest bit of sense. He creates a line around the town and orders them to hand Jex over to him so no innocent lives will be lost, but there’s a moment where Jex is is standing right in front of the Gunslinger inside the line. Why doesn’t the Gunslinger just shoot him? The only thing stopping him is a line of his own making. Then later he makes a mockery of the whole ‘no innocent lives’ rule by marching right into town and threatening to kill everyone unless they hand Jex over, which begs the question why he didn’t just do that in the first place.
And what’s the Doctor’s plan? Get everyone to put on face paint and run around to distract the Gunslinger while Jex escapes. Fuck me, it’s just as well the Gunslinger did show mercy in the end with the townsfolk, otherwise the Doctor would have been responsible for more deaths thanks to his own mercy (oh the irony). Also, face paint? I thought the Gunslinger was tracking Jex via his clothes. Now it’s facial markings? In fact, doesn’t the Gunslinger already know what Jex looks like? Why not just search for him specifically? He had no problem picking the Doctor out using his advanced targeting, facial recognition software thing. Why not do the same with Jex? It’s all just daft.
I’m really annoyed by this. Everything started off so well. All the ingredients were there for an intelligent, morally complex episode as well as a great tribute to the Western genre, but it’s all ultimately ruined by some truly sloppy writing on Whithouse’s part. Damn it!
#a town called mercy#toby whithouse#doctor who#eleventh doctor#matt smith#amy pond#karen gillan#rory williams#arthur darvill#steven moffat#bbc#review#spoilers
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YohaRiko!
ok anon you know me so well
under the cut because this one is long
How did they they meet?you saw the anime they met when riko handed Yoshiko a flier to aqours first live (with only the 2nd years) I just want to say how this motivated Yoshiko.
Who developed romantic feelings first?Yoshiko, she fell for Riko slowly. Riko’s calm smile had a way to make her cool off and her voice was somehow able to convince her to not act as crazy (that one time when yoshiko was on the table and only Riko was able to tell her to get off)
Who is their biggest “shipper?”Mari, she was the first one to notice that they both had feeling for each other. Being in Guilty kiss together means she had allot of opportunities to set them up. for example :calling them over for the night at her hotels and saying she had other stuff to take care of so they’re in a room by themselves.
When did they have their first kiss and under what circumstances?Yoshiko accidentally fell over once and with her luck(?) she managed to kebedon Riko. They both get all embarrassed. Riko closes her eyes hoping that it was a dream and Yoshiko loses balance and accidentally kisses Riko. They couldn’t meet each other’s eyes for a whole week.
Who confessed their feelings first?Riko was just content with being able to experiance Yoshiko from a distance. Yoshiko doubted that Riko would like her in the first place so Mari being the mom of Guilty Kiss sets up a confession. *by locking them both on the roof*
What was their first official date?they went on a picnic to watch cherry blossoms Riko made strawberry sandwiches and they just enjoyed each others prescience until it got late.
How do they feel about double dates/group dates?Yoshiko would get jealous and Riko doesn’t like PDA so they generally don’t do group dates. They would do it if aqours as a whole go out but generally they would politely refuse.
What do they do in their down time?Yoshiko summons demons goes shopping, for datenshi clothing or accessories. Riko likes watching Yoshiko and sometimes she gets bouts of inspiration and draws her girlfriend as well.
What was the first meeting of parents as an official couple like?Yoshiko’s mom wasn’t surprised. she figured it out herself and generally very supportive of their relationship. She even teased them about it when they told her for the first time.Riko’s parents was glad that Riko found a girlfriend she was very self deprecating (calling herself normal even though she clearly is not) they saw how Riko was happy when she’s with Yoshiko before they revieled themselves so they fully support their relationship.(Yoshiko keeping her Yohane persona at bay clearly helped)
What was their first fight over and how did they get past it?Probably Chika, Yoshiko was jealous over how Riko is constantly hanging out with Chika and Riko retorts that Yoshiko is always hanging out with Hanamaru. They both realize that they were both jealous and they confirm their feelings again.
Which one is more easily made jealous?Did you see the above. They both are rather protective over the other so they get jealous easily. Riko hides it better though.
What is their favourite thing to get to eat?Riko loves sandwiches and Yoshiko love strawberry and put them together and you have strawberry sandwiches. :3
Who’s the cuddly one? What their favourite cuddling position?they both are pretty cuddly. Yoshiko when her persona breaks and when they’re alone Riko is surprisingly cuddly. their favorite position to cuddle is when Yoshiko sits on Riko lap while they are facing each other. They are able to enjoy each others warmth while looking into each others eyes.
Are they hand holders?yes!!!!
How long do they wait before sleeping together for the first time? What’s the circumstances?sleeping together or sleeping together ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)if sleeping together then in like a couple of months of dating. if ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) sleeping together then also a few more months after that, they were watching tv late at night once and a really steamy part of a movie and they both look at each other knowing exactly what the other one is thinking and…. (I’ll leave that up to your imagination)
Who tops?depends on their mood explained it in a previous ask
What’s the worst first they’ve ever gotten into?Lets just say there was this one time with ropes and Riko needs to study on it more and Yoshiko needs ointment for her hands. study safe roping guys gotta keep it safe sane and consensual
Who does the shopping and the cooking?Riko, though Yoshiko surprisingly cooks quite well.
Which one is more organized and prone to tidiness?Riko, Yoshiko isn’t a slob but she’s not the one who cleans when not told to do so.
Who proposes?Yoshiko, or rather Yohane. “will you be my little demon forever, Lily?”
Do they have joined Bachelor/Bacheloette parties or separate?They have separate ones, Riko’s is more sane and calm while Yoshiko’s is well lets say calm is the last word that you’ll use to describe it.
Who is the best man/maid of honor? Any other groomsmen or bridesmaids?best man/maid isHanamaru . while bridesmaid is Chika.
Big Ceremony or Small?Yoshiko wanted a big one but Riko convinced her to have a small one.
Do they have a honeymoon? If so, where? to hell ofc. they went to England and then Germany (shout out to the world image girls)
Do they have children? How many?twins ones is looks like Yoshiko and acts like Riko while the other looks like Riko and acts like Yoshiko.Sakura and Tsubasa (look i know the name is taken but like come on hane is means wing for god sake.) also check out @pretty-bomber-head‘s one about yohariko too, they posted their’s while i was writing this one and it took all of my being not to look at it while writing.
#ahhh this one took a long time cuz i kept getting distracted lol#hope you liked it :3#yohariko#yoshiriko#tsushima yoshiko#yohane tsushima#riko sakurauchi
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