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harrowharkwife · 1 year

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anyone else getting such a sixth-sense, hair-on-the-back-of-your-neck feeling from these past episodes, that just seems to get louder with each passing week?

it's like the writers *know* they're playing chicken with us at this point- it's not a fourth wall break, but something close to it. a quiet tapping on the glass, a "hey, pay attention, viewers, i'm talking to you," telegraphing a very quiet, but very clear message: hang on. hang in there. you're not crazy, there is something here, it's coming, we're going to do it. but we're going to do it right. and that takes time.

taylor moved out eddie joined the show, what, four months seasons ago, buck? you could have replaced the couch gotten them together by now.

you the audience can't keep playing these guessing games, maddie writers. if you can't figure out what he wants, maybe you should tell him us what you want what's gonna happen. (‼️‼️‼️)

the rules are very simple. one hand must be touching a car at all times. it's a game of endurance, patience. no exceptions. last one standing watching drives home in this beauty gets the prize they've been waiting for. let the games begin!

our lunch date was 2 o clock, wasn't it? yep. i figured you forgot, but after you canceled the last few times, decided that I would force the issue.

i don't know. maybe i just don't have the patience for these movies ships anymore, you know? two people meet, you know that they're gonna end up together. and then you have to watch 'em bumble their way through stupid misunderstandings for two hours seasons. i don't know. it's kind of annoying. so you'd rather your rom-coms have less "com?" i don't know. i guess i would rather see two people overcome real problems and... still get their happy ending. that would be more satisfying. yeah, it would be. (‼️‼️‼️)

i don't understand. isn't this what you've been wanting? what the two of you been working towards? it is, it just feels like i'm waiting for... something. you didn't skip the morning after conversation, chim. you just delayed it. and you added a whole new complicated layer. (‼️‼️‼️)

we were playing hide-and-seek and he just disappeared. what, do you think maybe he's still hiding? i don't know. it's been a really long time. and i've looked everywhere.

we're past apologies. this is a promise. i'm not going anywhere. i'm done running.

but when you are, you'll know. and then you'll be ready.

hey, karen. it looks like i'll be home a little bit late.

it was significant, and we want to give the brain story time to heal develop on its own. how long will he be sedated? at least 24 hours. run more tests, then see where we are tomorrow. i have no doubt, but we don't know how he the general audience will or will not respond to the treatment this storyline. we have to be prepared. (‼️‼️‼️)

you knew. didn't you? i suspected. i didn't know for sure until she called 911.

today you learned how the element of surprise can refocus a caller's viewer's attention. [a song] was playing on his radio, and by hearing me sing it... it got him to pay attention. (‼️‼️‼️)

never enough time. until one day work stops, and everything finally comes into focus. you're not sure what you're looking at. what was the point of... any of it?

that's 'cause you were searching for something. what are you looking for now? that's what i'm gonna find out.

you guys are really doing it all, huh? marriage, house, and... and kids real, actual, canon buddie? kind of. we've sort of hit a snag on that last part ... nothing seems to get the job done. (‼️‼️‼️)

he the writers room has been lying right to my face. in his defense, science club sperm donor plot does sound kind of boring. joining was his idea. probably knew it would make a great cover. smart kid. (‼️‼️‼️)

half the thrill sometimes is doing something and thinking you're getting away with it. (‼️‼️‼️)

buck! where the hell you this storyline going? pull over! now!

you woke up behind the wheel with someone poking at you for gay rep, you panicked, hit the gas, and here we are.

i had to fight every instinct within me not to shove him their relationship in the car and make a beeline to the airport send it out into the world.

maybe you're the writers are overcorrecting because... because i didn't protect you the story enough. you had to grow up a lot faster than you should have. but that doesn't mean you can keep christopher a kid this story under wraps forever. you can't stop the biological clock from ticking. there a snooze button i can hit? you know, children viewers, they don't just pick up on the things we say and do. they also pick up on the things we don't. (‼️‼️‼️)

look, i just wanted to come by and apologize for the other night. we pretty much blindsided you, and i really feel terrible about that. that wasn't the right way to ask show you.

doing nothing is giving me more anxiety than trying to do everything.

when you're trying and you want it, and it's just not happening, it's devastating.

how badly do you want to be a really good doctor to make canon buddie happen? enough that i will put myself and my family through another 12 months of hell if i have to repeat this year. but i'm really hoping i don't have to.

i've been giving this a lot of thought. uh, thinking about, you know, wh-where i am in my life where we are in this story and what i want, and... and how this would fit in with that. uh, and honestly, i... haven't figured any of that out. i have no idea what i want. but it is clear to me... that you the audience know what you want. and one thing i do know is-is that i want to help you have that. are you... are you saying what i think you're saying? i'm saying yes. (‼️‼️‼️)

no, it wouldn't be enough. we need something stronger. well, you know what? this is a DIY family, so let's DIY it. (‼️‼️‼️)

all right, you've got 20 minutes to convince me this was a good idea.

han, what did you do? what needed to be done. set me buddie up on a date without even talking to me the audience about it? well, when you put it like that... that's psychopathic. listen. hen, you need to move on from eva move this plot along. you weren't gonna do anything yourself, so i just gave you a little... nudge.

turning in those papers the script... makes it real. well, the longer you put this off, the more you're gonna torture yourself. go talk to bobby. then we can move on to the next chapter. (‼️‼️‼️)

our drivers writers must be testing out programming for our vehicles. they're the ones who figure out the right sequence of maneuvers to get the robot the show, the characters, the audience to do what we want it to. (‼️‼️‼️)

the robot will be able to take water and soil samples audience reactions. then run tests to detect the presence of the elements needed to support life.

i've been working on this project for five years now. i'm telling you we cannot do that. all i'm saying is this is our future, and we're gonna get left behind if we don't do something big. (‼️‼️‼️)

alvin: well, maybe we should change the purpose of our mission. karen: guys, guys, we gotta lower our voices.

life as you know it is about to change.

when do you send it into space the world? not for a few more years episodes. we have to make sure every little thing about it is in perfect shape, and then we have to figure out the best way for it to complete its mission. (‼️‼️‼️)

you are not a firefighter anymore a writer and you're too close to the situation. i love you. now let us do our jobs. bring her buddie back to me, cap writers. guaranteed.

hey. i'm sorry i was late. the traffic was, you know, traffic. i was starting to think i really did get stood up this time.

she was afraid you might do something fool-headed and try to force your way inside that building half-ass that storyline. bobby wouldn't let me. how long have they been inside? 20 minutes. feels like forever. it'll be soon.

the room is a bomb and the door is the fuse.

when i felt like i'd lost you forever. and it scared me. to think of you being gone. never having a chance to fix things or try again.

i thought i'd lost you. nope. still here.

waiting is mind-numbing.

i thought it would never arrive. came a long way.

maybe the good luck charm's already working its magic. maybe!

you teased an unboxing canon buddie the other day. oh, no, no, no. i look horrible we're not ready yet. besides, i can't wait. we'll, um... we'll re-pack it get less obvious about it for now and do it tomorrow in full glam in a big poetic dramatic storyline.

we're gonna have to cut it apart, piece by piece.

so, you're really doing it? i'm really doing it. and-and i figure, if i am, i... i should do it right. you know, set them buddie up with the best chance for success. (‼️‼️‼️)

listen, it's a run of bad luck, but it turns around tomorrow.

(said in a manner clearly criticizing the 'grifters') the best grifters queerbaiters know how to play on people's the audience's desperation.

can we please do something about this before something else happens?

i know we asked a really big favor canon buddie of you. probably too big. and it's-it's okay if you're having doubts. no, guys... you understand, if you changed your mind, we understand. we just can't really handle the not knowing what's going on because, you know, we keep imagining the worst. and after everything we've already been through as gay fans, honestly, it really means a lot... guys, hey, hey, stop. listen to me. i haven't changed my mind. okay? i w-i want to do this for you. i promise. (‼️‼️‼️)

how long have you known? more importantly, how long you been holding out on us? oh, looks like we're here.

on the site, there's a little box, "terms and conditions." she checked "i accept." she should have known this would happen. y'all signed up for this!

you'd think that he'd the writers'd welcome the publicity. well, with publicity comes scrutiny from people like me straight audience.

at this point, he's all in. time for one last desperate attempt. (‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️)

do you need a minute? no, i don't-i don't need a minute, i just, uh... sorry, i just, i-i would really rather do this now, like, with, like... right now.

i mean, the longer we stayed away from the water from making them happen, the more the fear would grow.

which brings us to:

so, what'd she have to say about my future?

🤡

#911 #buddie #evan buckley #eddie diaz #911 meta #911 spec #911 speculation #long post #listen y'all i might be clowning but like. i think I'm onto smth here!!!#god i worked so hard on this post. i formatted this on MOBILE y'all are WELCOME

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ooc-miqojak · 3 months

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Fuck you @netflix - especially for forcing me to use Netflix in a tab on a browser, now, instead of just letting me use the app for Windows; even Hulu can manage that with ads... and they're Hulu. The whole point of streaming was to not have ads ever. At all. That's just called cable TV - the thing we were trying to escape by paying for streaming services that were all shows and movies, and none of the annoying ads that will never, in any of our lifetimes, convince us to buy stuff. Everyone in my generation that I've ever met has actually explicitly said that they go out of their way to NOT buy things they're shown ads for, even, because of how disruptive they are. Now you even have to buy into multiple streaming services AND pay more just to not have ads? So... why aren't we just paying for cable and watching shit on TV (since most TV stations are online as well, now), then? What's the difference? Netflix killed cable, then became cable. They killed Blockbuster...then replaced it with nothing, because they're just shittier cable, now.

At least I can use adblock origin and enjoy Youtube ad-free. Or occasionally allow them, even, so my favorite small creators can get some cash, instead of Netflix... who forces you to watch ads, then cancels your favorite show after one season because people didn't binge watch it 10 times a night per person in its first week.

At this point, the only reason I have Netflix OR Hulu is because I bought something else and those services came with those other things for free. If they'd told me 'pay more for Netflix without ads or suffer' I'd have told them to go fuck themselves while I cancelled my sub.

#netflix #streaming #hulu #streaming services #fuck you netflix #I wish a very 'I hope you die' to whoever gave the go ahead to ads on Netflix #why do we have streaming services if they're just the same thing as what they replaced and claimed to be better than?

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sublimeobservationarcade · 5 months

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Silencing Of The Drum Death Knell For ABC As Alternative Media Voice

The sudden axing of the ABC’s current affairs programme The Drum is the final nail in the coffin for a progressive national broadcaster. More than a decade of Coalition sniping and undermining of the ABC has denuded it. Silencing of The Drum death knell for ABC as alternative media voice. The conservative media in Australia has been expanded to include an ABC, which lamely kowtows to the Murdoch News Corp lead in setting the news agenda in the 2020’s. The Drum was the last vestige of conscience in a media landscape bereft of progressive passion. “The ABC’s primetime panel show The Drum has been axed after more than a decade on air due to dwindling ratings. Justin Stevens, the ABC’s news director, said the move was “no reflection on the achievements of the team over the years”, adding that the program had been a successful platform for “unearthing new talent from around Australia”. “ (https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/dec/12/the-drum-abc-cancelled-why-ratings-network-panel-show)

Death Of Progressive Voice On Australian TV The Drum started life on the radio on Triple J, as a current affairs show for a youthful audience. Its cutting edge authentic news coverage quickly drew an audience beyond the confines of the youth demographic. On TV under the guidance of Julia Baird it morphed into a programme, which covered things usually neglected by the blokey mainstream media in Australia. New voices were being heard on TV. Women’s voices and the voices of Indigenous Australians. This spread to the voices of the disability community and the voices of LGBTQIA folk. It was not all one way traffic, however, as there would be a growing smattering of those holding opposing opinions and views. Social conservatives, also, made regular appearances on The Drum. It was the best panellist current affairs show on TV, in my opinion.

I loved The Drum ABC Has Been Silenced By Conservative Forces What are we left with on the ABC in the glaring absence of The Drum. The cynical David Speers on Insiders, where politics trumps policy and ideas week after week. The 7.30 Report does a good job but it is middle of the road stuff in the main. Four Corners is a worthy institution and a survivor. Apart from that the ABC has become this fluffy broadcaster featuring in-depth weather and disaster coverage. It goes for the safe option these days and I cannot help thinking that its management are Coalition vetted social conservatives towing the party line. I miss the ABC. I miss that ABC that once had courage and represented those who weren’t a part of the corporate power zone.

The Drum Was Diversity & New Voices Where will the voices once heard on The Drum now be heard? There is no progressive media on free to air TV in Australia. The Drum was the only and last of its kind. Women’s voices will be silenced – thanks to the ABC management. Disabled voices, for so long unheard, will go quiet again thanks to a dismal ABC management. Julia Baird helped so many Australians find their voice and reach an audience. Indigenous voices. LGBTQIA voices. The Drum was a champion for minorities and those victimised by an indifferent commercial media. The Drum was passionate and worthy. Much on the ABC is light weight entertainment and middle of the road fare. I mourn the death of the progressive voice on free to air TV.

We will be left with a conservative media landscape paying tokenistic lip service to the views of those who stand outside of the mainstream. The ABC is chasing ratings with inane quiz shows and fluff. It used to represent intelligence and a progressive cultural agenda. It has been denuded by Coalition budget cuts and infiltrated by yes men and women in its management ranks. The Drum was one of the last things left worth watching. Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of - Money Matters: Navigating Credit, Debt, and Financial Freedom. Read the full article

#ABC #Australia #JuliaBaird #news #NewsCorp #politics #TheDrum #TV

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charmingyong · 3 years

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Sukidesu

Genre: local!Yuta x tourist!reader (gender neutral), fluff, a dash of angst

Warnings: none

Word count: 1.9k

Plot: You went on a solo trip to Japan after your friend backed out, despite the fact that you barely knew Japanese as you were relying on your friend to be your translator. Thankfully, a local boy helped you out with his limited vocabulary in English.

A/N: in loving memory of my japan trip that got cancelled last year (eff you covid!!) Please let me know if there are any issues with the gender-neutral assignment.

gif: mine

- ❀ -

“I’m really so so sorry, Y/N. I feel so bad,” Aeri said over the phone.

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine. And I’m always down for a challenge.”

Aeri being the one who planned the trip was upset that her boss decided to be rude and have her come in for work, stressing about her presence being needed to handle a very important client. “I swear, I would have handed my resignation letter if it weren’t for the good pay.”

You rolled your eyes at her words. “Don’t say that. I’m sure we can go again together in the future.”

“Yeah, but are you really okay going alone? You don’t even know any Japanese except for like four words or something.”

She was right. You had only picked up a few words from the handful of anime shows you watched, not to mention that you knew nothing on how to read any of the writing systems. “I have the translator ready on my phone. I should be fine.” Though your confidence wavered the last second before hearing the boarding announcement of your flight, you tried to remain strong and think that everything would all work out. “It’s time for me to go now. I’ll text you when I get there.”

- ❀ -

[Memory one]

You let out a long sigh as you stared at the foreign characters on the menu board, never learning any of the Japanese writing systems. The lady owner patiently waited for you to give her your order.

“I… I don’t know,” you muttered, your head hanging low. Anything would do as long as it filled your stomach and was an authentic local specialty.

“Um hello?”

You heard from behind you. Turning around, you found a boy giving you a shy look. “Oh hi,” you politely greeted back with a confused look.

He shifted on his feet. “I uh... you help?” he offered with an unsure tone as he struggled a bit with his broken English.

“You want to help me?”

He nodded.

You smiled gratefully. “Thank you so much! I just want anything good and will add to my experience here.”

“Good?” The boy picked up and said, “I...” and lost his words before pointing at him and then at the owner.

“Oh, you want to order for me?”

He hesitated but nodded eventually when hearing ‘for me.’ “Yes.” The boy turned to the lady, placing an order with two fingers held up. The lady smiled and quickly got to work preparing the round fried food, and soon enough handed two plates of takoyaki to each of you.

You thanked her and took a bit of it with your chopsticks, eyes going wide with the flavour bursting in your mouth. “Woah! This is really good!” you beamed happily at him. “Thank you so much! And oh, I almost forgot. I’m Y/N,” you introduced yourself with a wide grin.

He mirrored it back, making him look like an angel with his healing smile. “I Yuta.”

- ❀ -

[Memory two]

“So cool,” you uttered under your breath as your eyes wandered around the vast array of Japanese sandals on the walls.

Too busy deciding which style to go for, you didn’t hear another customer enter the small traditional shop until they spoke your name.

“Y/N?” The voice was familiar, and you twirled around to see Yuta’s smile grow, relieved that he guessed you right.

“Oh! Yuta!” you smiled back. “It’s nice to see you again.”

He nodded in agreement. “Yes. How... are you?”

“I’m great, except...” your eyes traveled back to the wall.

His face fell slightly in worry. “What wrong?”

You shook your head. “Nothing bad. I just don’t know which pair to buy. They all look so good,” you pointed to the variety of sandals.

He hummed and asked, “Can I help?”

You blinked at him. “You want to?” An opinion from the local cute boy was definitely something you’d be down for.

His pearly whites were on full display as he nodded eagerly. “Yes.”

- ❀ -

[Memory three]

Just as your eyes were fixed on observing the cute little souvenirs on the shelves, you heard a series of loud knocks on the window and you jumped, being startled greatly by it. You looked out the window and found a familiar Japanese boy peeking into the shop, laughing happily when he caught your attention. He backed off to make his way into the shop.

“Yuta, you scared me there,” you laughed it off.

He sheepishly apologized. “Sorry.”

Shaking your head, you said “It’s okay. But it’s nice to see you, once again.”

He nodded and was lost in his thoughts for a moment. “Um Y/N?”

“Yes?”

“You alone?”

You nodded. “Yeah, my friend couldn’t come, and I really wanted to explore Japan. So I came alone.”

He took in your words, his brain on full gear to process them. “Can I help?”

“Help? Like how?”

He pointed at himself. “I... uh travel... you...”

It took you a few seconds before you were able to grasp his thought. “Do you want to be my tour guide and show me around here?”

“Ah! Yes. Your tour guide,” he beamed excitedly like a little child who learned a new word.

That sounded like a great idea. While you had the itinerary that you and your friend prepared, you weren’t dead set on doing everything list there as long as you were able to enjoy your time and explore to your heart’s content. After all, you were going to come back anyway with your friend in the future. And a plus point with having Yuta as a guide, you wouldn’t be struggling with your limited Japanese ability.

You nodded, your lips curling up joyfully. “I’d love that.”

- ❀ -

[Memory four]

“Yuta? Where’s-”

You had probably asked the Japanese boy a million things by now when shopping inside the variety store. Before Yuta became your traveling buddy, you had to rely on capturing the Japanese writings on your phone and have the texts translated via an app. Not to mention having to stroll down the aisles endlessly looking for a particular thing.

He showed you the ramen cups of interest as well as recommended some face masks, cleansing tissues, and sweet treats, especially matcha flavoured. “This good,” he pointed out.

You hummed curiously and put them all in your basket. “Thanks, Yuta. You’re a lifesaver.”

His ears perked up at the thought of him ‘saving your life’ and smiled proudly.

- ❀ -

[Memory five]

“You sure you’re doing it right?” you asked worriedly.

Getting lost in Japan was not on your to-do list. But it was fine to as long as you weren’t alone.

Yuta was trying to figure out how to get the tickets printed at the Kyoto Station. “Long time,” he chuckled nervously.

Going around Kyoto was apparently something he hadn’t done in a while being an Osaka man. You shrugged, “Looks like this will be an experience for both of us,” you joked.

He managed to have gotten the right tickets and you two sat in the train side by side. “Kyoto pretty,” he commented. “Very good,” he added with thumbs up.

The train began moving and you by the window made sure to pay attention to the scenery.

“Wow! The cherry blossoms are so beautiful under the blue sky,” you chatted cheerfully. “And those houses look so pretty,” you gushed, getting anime vibes from how neighbourhoods looked in them.

Yuta watched you getting excited over the sceneries, and was pleased to show you something that wasn’t on your itinerary in the first place.

- ❀ -

[Memory six]

Yuta watched you closely as you licked the matcha soft serve in hand.

You let the cold cream swirl around your tongue and hummed. “Wow, this is nice!”

He beamed, squealing as he clapped his hands from the happiness. “Yes,” he exclaimed. “My favourite,” he pointed to your cone.

The cream got stuck in your throat and you choked a little. His eyes grew concerned and asked, “You okay?”

“Yeah yeah, don’t worry. It’s just... you look so cute when you get happy like that,” you spoke a little shy.

He blushed deeply and looked away, a smile threatening to tug at his lips from hearing you call him cute.

- ❀ -

[Memory seven]

Ferris wheel.

The perfect way to end your trip by looking out into the nighttime view of Yuta’s hometown.

He sat across from you as you curiously looked at every lighting in the city. “Wow, it’s all so really beautiful, Yuta,” you breathed out.

His smile wasn’t his usual one. It was more forced, almost sad and you noticed it.

“What’s wrong?”

He shook out of his thoughts and said, “Nothing. Um... you like Japan?”

A fond smile took over your features. “Yes, very much. It’s all thanks to you, Yuta.” Your heart started aching at the memories made during your trip. If it weren’t for him, you would have struggled to get through with the littlest things.

He hummed and gave you a courteous smile before fixing his eyes out the transparent windows of the cart, silently willing himself to not tear up in front of you.

- ❀ -

[Memory eight]

Tears threatened to spill out of your eyes as you became emotional and super grateful standing in front of your personal Japan tour guide for one last time at the airport.

“Thank you so much for all your help, Yuta. It was really nice meeting you,” you smiled sorrowfully. Truth being told, you were sad that you had to say goodbye to an amazing friend made on your beautiful journey. “Let’s keep in touch. You have my contact, right?”

He nodded. “Yes. Um Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

Yuta dug his hand inside his pocket and pulled out a cherry blossom keychain. “For you,” he said, holding it out for to take.

You were speechless, not expecting a gift from him. “For me? Why?”

He was quiet for a moment before speaking up. “I like you.” His confession caught you by surprise. “I hope you come back. I... I hope we still talk...” he trailed off, doubting himself if he said the right thing at the wrong time, considering it was minutes before you’d have to catch your flight.

Slowly, your head nodded to his words, confirming them all. “We will. We will keep in touch, I’ll come back again. And I like you too,” you spoke sincerely with soft eyes.

- ❀ -

You reminisced the beautiful memories made in Japan with Yuta. It had been almost a year and the two of you were in frequent touch, talking about anything and everything in your video calls. You even learned some Japanese while he worked on improving his English.

While your eyes were focused on glancing at all the people sitting in the cafe, the door chimed open and in walked the Japanese boy that you had been waiting forever to see again.

He spotted you immediately and made a straight beeline towards you. “Y/N!” He beamed excitedly. “I’m so happy to see you again!”

You laughed at his cuteness. “Same, and you’ve gotten better speaking English.”

“All thanks to my beautiful English teacher,” he flirted boldly.

You rolled your eyes playfully at him and asked, “So Yuta, are you ready to explore my country?”

#cznnet #nct #nct 127 #yuta #nakamoto yuta #nct yuta #yuta x reader #nct x reader #yuta fluff #yuta scenarios #yuta imagines #nct fluff #nct scenarios #nct imagines #charm

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h50europe · 3 years

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Why the ending of the series finale felt off for many of us (and what PL could have had really in mind) - Aphorisms

As you can easily see from the photos, season 11 was a safe bet, as was a new team member, McCole. What could have been, it says, written by Justin, the wife of Alex stunt/stand-in double. I'm going to play the advocatus diaboli.

In the penultimate episode of H50, Lenkov created a new character. He was sort of based on Steve, but also not. As it turned out in the last episode, Cole and Steve also had a mutual friend: Catherine. Why does that not really surprise us? The rumor mill was really churning, and it was a given that PL was definitely going to bring her on board. So, without further ado, he made her a key person. She was the one who cracked the ominous code that Doris had left for her son. Question, couldn't Jerry have done that just as well?

Anyway, PL set up Cole and Steve. But the chemistry - for us - wasn't really there. They could have just as easily put anyone next to Steve. PL built on the military past of the two (what else) and finally the common denominator: Catherine. Oh, how original. NOT. If you look at this constellation, you can already guess where this was going. But there remained this one obstacle: Danny.

Well, no problem, Lenkov thought and had him kidnapped without further ado. All planned because of all the great McDanno moments we got to see in season 10. So appropriately for lulling, even if these moments did not have nearly as much heart as in previous seasons, but hey, the fans would swallow and relish it, PL thought.

Then came the obligatory threatening call from Daiyu Mei (note the clever pun ala Yoda: die you may...), and the drama unfolded. The whole thing was further clarified by the words of Wo Fat's ex: "I have the person you care about most in the world." Bummer, as she is not talking about Catherine but Danny. Queerbaiting at its worst. Then comes the usual. And during the escape attempt, Danny, who is already half-dead, gets shot. So far, so good, or not.

Danny's injuries could have easily been fatal. So now I'm going off the premise and just claiming that this was PL's original plan. Why? PL did mention at one point that he could imagine H50 without Steve or Danny, but he certainly wasn't stupid enough to believe that. It was nothing more than a smoke grenade. But what PL had wanted for a long time was the end of McDanno. He preferred another ship. But while McDanno sailed blithely across the seven seas, PL's fav ship never left the harbor. But now, he had the ultimate opportunity with a new, equal partner at Steve's side (Book'em Cole), who also pulled Catherine out of a hat.

PL's heart did somersaults. What a great plan that was. Alex didn't say anything about really wanting to quit, even after the series ended. While he had been open about his departure after season 7, there was no need to hide this fact now in season 10. And as you can easily see, all signs were pointing toward season 11. What PL didn't count on was the massive resistance from CBS.

In contrast to PL, they had no problems with Scott/Danny or McDanno. They knew that this was the heart and soul of the show. And PL's protector Moonves was no longer available because he had been kicked out of the network. So PL's back was against the wall. And nothing and nobody could change that. Too bad, because actually, PL had everything perfectly planned.

Danny would either die on the way to the hospital or later in the hospital. This would lead Steve to a massive revenge attack, which should have ended in a brilliant showdown (brilliant for PL, not necessarily for the fans), but Daiyu Mei escapes eventually. Then, Steve would have been driving around aimlessly. We were possibly shown some flashbacks, only to end up at Casa McGarrett, where Catherine would have already been waiting for him. Nice reversal of the goodbye scene from season 6.

The conversation between Steve and her would have been similar to Danny's, except that it wouldn't have been about his parents, but about Danny and that he just can't take it in Hawaii any longer. Too much reminds him of his dead friend. Steve also wanted to pay his final respect and bring him back home to Jersey. Of course, Catherine suggests joining him. What else? Now that one ship sunk, PL could easily replace it with HIS fav ship. And because Cole has done so well, Steve also entrusts him with the task force's leadership. Before Steve leaves to accompany Danny on his last journey, he hands Cole his credentials.

Steve and Cath stand next to each other at the airport and watch as Danny's coffin is loaded onto the plane. Then they board the plane together, ending with them holding hands as we know it. Fade out, season 10 ends.

How would it have continued in season 10? Danny's funeral would have happened off-screen, like so many other pivotal scenes. Steve would have maybe spent an episode or two mulling it over and then returned to Hawaii to hunt down Daiyu Mei with Cole and the team, which now included Catherine.

So much for Lenkov's wet dream, um, plan. However, because CBS knew that McDanno was the heart and soul of the series, they found this idea more than lousy and turned PL down. We could imagine that Alex also threw in that he would certainly not continue without Scott. There was a short back and forth, and it was decided to cancel the show. So we've come full circle to the sloppy, heartless execution of the last episode and the absolutely meaningless words PL put in Steve's mouth as a result. Due to lack of creativity and apparent lack of time, the deadline seemed to be predetermined, considering how quickly the soundstages at Diamond Studios were obliterated.

The crew was equally surprised when PL succinctly informed them that there would be no season 11. See the post from an angry crew member on IG.

Can we prove any of this? Nope, but it's the only reasonable explanation for why the show ended the way it did. Namely, completely illogical, with a Steve who was more than just off the rails. At the very beginning of the series, Steve gives completely different reasons for staying. If you do a rewatch, you'll see.

Everybody knows that you don't solve problems by running away. You don't get rid of the weight that you carry around with you. Steve may be a stubborn mule, but one thing he has never been: self-centered. And if Danny was really the most important thing in the world to him, as Mei said, then he wouldn't have dumped him in the end. Because that's what you do when you really love someone, you stay and fight against all odds. Especially when someone is in a bad place, like Danny, who has just jumped from the brink of death.

You don't suddenly go on a self-realization trip and kick the person who's already lying on the ground. But that's exactly what Steve did. At least the way PL wrote the part. The man must have really lost it when he wrote those lines. I'm sure he was enjoying pure schadenfreude.

And if you take a close look at the two protagonists, you can clearly see the reluctance with which they shared it all with the audience. There was no more room for any affectionate ad-lib actions that we knew from before. They could only stubbornly reel off what was in the script. PL would have done well to sit down with Scott and Alex and find a common solution instead of imposing his version on them and the audience. That's what people with integrity do, but the man never any.

In our opinion, the show's ending ranks among the dumbest and most unimaginative of all time. Rarely a person manages to drive a show against the wall in such a way and at the same time assassinated the main characters. PL shouldn't be proud of it. He should rather stand in a corner and be ashamed of himself.

And now you can go ahead and bash us, or just ignore the whole thing and keep on scrolling. Thank you for your time and for letting us share our thoughts with you.

#McDanno #steve mcgarrett #danny williams #scott caan #alex o'loughlin #H50 the final chapter #H50 series finale #Lenkov #lance gross #cole #catherine

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johnsamericano · 3 years

Text

“Corruption Pt. 4” w.y.h

Genre: College!au, angst, fluff, smut

Pairing: professor!lucas x fem!reader. Ft. Chenle

Warnings: this thing keeps getting shittier so 😗✌️

Summary: Lucas never thought of falling for a student, but from the first day you walked into de classroom you had him wrapped around your finger.

corruption m.list.

You sat down on the couch, watching your professor as he walked around your coffee table.

“You both know this goes against the rules. You could get fired.” He pointed at Lucas, who was holding your hand, rubbing circles over the back of your hand to soothe you. “And you could get expelled.” Lucas could feel your hands tremble the slightest.

“We know.”

“And then why are you doing this?”

“I guess because of love.” You smiled at your boyfriend whose eyes were sparkling as bright as ever.

“God, I love you so much.” Kun fake gagged at the sight of the sweet couple in front of him.

“I won’t tell anyone, but you need to be careful.” He grabbed his coat. “I’ll see you on Monday, y/n. Care to walk me out, Yukhei?” He nodded, abandoning his place beside you to walk him out.

“Kun, about my parents...” He said as soon as he’d closed the door behind him.

“I won’t say anything, but don’t you think it’s a little unfair for her? She’s risking everything for you, Lucas!”

“I know, just give me some time to figure things out, okay? I’ll find a way to convince them.”

“You should leave her before things get more serious.”

“I know I can fix it, Kun. I’m not leaving her.”

“I really hope you can, but please, don’t hurt y/n. I can tell you mean the world to her by the way she looks at you.” Kun patted his friend’s shoulder before walking away.

Lucas composed himself and went back in. He found you curled up on the couch, soft snores coming out from your mouth. He pulled out his phone, taking a few pictures of you. You looked so pure, so fragile. He was almost afraid to break you when he carried you to the bedroom.

“I’m sorry, sweetie.” He hugged you tightly. “I love you, so much.” He kissed the top of your head.

(...)

You moved uncomfortably between your boyfriend’s arms as you slowly woke up.

“You’re crushing my ribs.” Lucas had been awake for a while now, observing every single movement you made in your sleep.

“Too bad, I’m not letting you go anytime soon.” You lifted your head, your eyes meeting with his own.

“Did you cry?” Your delicate fingers touched the reddened are around his eyes.

“Maybe I did in my sleep?” He lied. “I dreamt you left me for one of your classmates. What a nightmare.” He snuggled into your chest, his nose tickling your neck.

“Stop it!” You giggled while trying to push him away.

“Oh, I’ve got a surprise for you.” His hand reached for his phone, unlocking it and proudly showing a picture of you as his wallpaper. “You looked so cute in my shirt, I couldn’t resist.”

You didn’t say anything, instead, wrapping your limbs around his body while kissing his neck.

“I love you.” You whispered while giggling.

‘She’s risking everything for you, Lucas.’

“I love you too.” ‘And I promise to make things right’ he mentally added. “Would you like some pancakes for breakfast?”

“Sound great.” You hummed, pulling him closer to your body. The room was so quiet that for a moment, you could hear his calm heartbeat.

“Come on, you’ll be my assistant today.”

After a few burnt pancakes and giggles, you sat down on the table, enjoying the comfortable atmosphere around you. That was until Lucas received a call.

“Hold on, I have to take this one.”

“Okay.” You kept stuffing your cheeks with the fluffy pancakes while he locked himself inside the bedroom.

“Mom?”

“Yes, honey. Are you busy?” She cheerfully greeted.

“No, what’s up?”

“We’ve arranged a meeting for you to meet Yuqi. You’re gonna love her, she’s such a polite girl and-”

“I don’t want to do this, mom.” Mrs. Wong heart sank at her son’s saddened voice.

“I was just like you before I met your father, but not all arranged marriages are bad. Just give her a chance. Besides, if we keep postponing this, you’ll get older and it’ll be more difficult to find a suitable partner for you.”

“But what’s so wrong about being single?”

“Sweetie, just trust us, okay? We’ll be there next Friday. Love you.” And just like that, she hung up.

He came out of the room with a small frown replacing his usual smile.

“What’s going on?” You asked worriedly, abandoning your spot at the table to cup his cheeks. “Xuxi?”

“It’s nothing, baby.” He shrugged, forcing a smile to stop you from worrying. “Eat your pancakes, they’re gonna get cold.”

(...)

You sat down on a bench, using your break to read through a textbook, preparing yourself for your upcoming tests. The weather was nice, not too windy, not too sunny. ‘It’d be great to go out on a date with Lucas.’ You thought, immediately disposing the idea. It was Friday, the day you usually met with him. But he had cancelled your plans.

You stretched your legs on the large bench, immediately feeling your knees cracking from being on the same position for more than ten minutes.

“The school is so big, honey.” You faintly heard someone’s praising, not paying much attention to it until you heard a familiar voice.

“I suppose so.” You smiled to yourself, turning your head the slightest to catch a glimpse of him.

He was walking beside an older woman, their arms intertwined. They looked alike, so you guessed it was his mom.

“What are we looking at?” The sudden presence of your best friend made you jolt.

“You’re so nosy.” You redirected your gaze to the book between your hands.

“Wanna do something tonight? I just received my pay from the coffee shop, I can treat you something fancy tonight.”

“Sounds nice. What time?”

“8:00, don’t be late, or else I’ll leave without you.” You hummed, your eyes going through the printed words.

After Chenle left, you looked up again, searching for Lucas. But he was already gone, probably giving his mom a tour around, you thought.

Chenle took you to a fancy restaurant, one that had recently opened near your campus. He was wearing a black button up shirt along with dressing pants.

“Looking good, Mr. Zhong.” You mocked when he picked you up.

The place was located at a rooftop, fairy lights decorating the dark night sky. There was some jazz music playing in the background, setting a calm mood.

“Good evening, may I offer you something to drink?” An elegant waitress offered.

“A bottle of your finest champagne please.” The lady nodded, walking away after giving you a brief smile.

“Your job must pay really well.”

“Nah, I’m just rich.” You playfully kicked him under the table. “Hey, isn’t that...” his eyes went wide. “No, never mind.”

“What?” He tried to stop you from turning around with all his might, but you ended up looking behind you.

Your face went pale as your eyes followed the couple in front of you. The female hugging his arm tightly.

“What is he doing here?” Lucas sat down in front of his companion, a beautiful woman with big eyes and curly hair.

“I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding.” But even Chenle knew it probably wasn’t.

You stayed silent, pulling out your phone to text him.

‘Where are you?’

Your gaze was fixated on his figure, watching him pull out his phone and clench his jaw as he saw your text.

‘I had to meet someone.’

‘Who?’

He didn’t reply, how could he? He hated the mere idea of lying to you. Your thumb moved automatically, pressing the small phone icon beside his contact name. He grabbed his phone once again, excusing himself to answer your call a few steps away from his table.

“What’s up, baby?”

“Who is she, Yukhei?” He lifted his head, looking around for you. A few seconds later, his eyes met your own.

“I can explain-” you hung up, not wanting to hear his lame excuses.

Your eyes started tearing up.

“Y/n, look at me.” Chenle reached out for your hand, his thumb caressing the back of it reassuringly. “Do you want us to leave?” You nodded. “You can leave first, I’ll wait for the waitress.”

Your feet found their way to the exit, not sparing Lucas a glance as you walked out. But he was quick to catch up with you.

“Sweetheart, this isn’t what it looks like.” His usually confident voice was now shaky as he spoke.

“What did I do wrong?” Your voice was so tiny, it broke his heart in a million pieces. “I gave you everything I could.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, just let me explain.” Luckily, your best friend arrived, pulling your arm gently so you were closer to him.

“Lucas, I believe your date is looking for you, and things would only get worse if she found out about your relationship with y/n.” Yukhei didn’t want to leave you, nevertheless, Chenle had a point.

He kneeled down in front of you, cupping your cheeks lovingly while memorizing the texture of your skin, in case it was the last time he touched it.

“I’ll explain it to you as soon as possible, okay?”

Chenle glared at him as he walked back in, leaving his broken girlfriend behind.

“Let’s get you some ice cream.”

#nct smut #nct au #nct imagines #nct ot21 #nct x reader #nct #nct 127 #nct scenarios #wayv #wayv smut

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chilly-me-softly · 3 years

Text

Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright • Chapter 23

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18 - Chapter 19 - Chapter 20 - Chapter 21 - Chapter 22

A few months later the situation between Evelyn and Jack was quite stable, both of them very happy with their relationship and always doing their best to see each other as much as possible. Not everything had always been rosy, of course, sometimes distance or small misunderstandings turning into big ones had contributed to create bumps along the way. But the two of them always found a way to fix things, either in person or from a distance.

Cece continued to grow pampered by everyone, giving smiles and babbles here and there. It was impressive how much she had achieved in that time, how she could keep everyone trapped around her little finger. How much love Evelyn felt for that little creature who every day added a brick to her personal growth and development.

Another football season was coming to an end and Jack had made her a proposal she'd had a lot to think about recently. Villa's last game would be at home and not only had Jack asked her to go to the game, but also to take part in the traditional lap of honour to thank all the fans for their support during the season.

Needless to say, she had taken a few days to think about it. Taking part in the event would certainly have meant first of all making their relationship public, exposing not only her but also Cece and giving the green light to various gossips and unwanted free opinions. On the other hand, however, there was being able to spend time with him, in his world. Taking the relationship a step further.

It was in those moments that she realised that her good intention to think less and act more would be more difficult to carry out. If she could let herself loose on some things, well, there was still something of her old self that surfaced from time to time. It was always like that, she knew from the start that she would eventually go but until that day she wouldn't stop worrying about this and that, about what might happen....

As she sits on the bed keeping an eye on Cece who is playing with the puppet given to her by Ben, Jack phones her. A smile automatically forms on her face as she runs her finger across the screen to accept the call. It's time to give him an answer.

"Hey you"

"Hi. Where are you? Doesn't look like your room to me or am I wrong"

"We're in Ben's room. Apparently this girl here got bored of hers" Evelyn shifts her phone slightly to also frame Cece who continues to chew on that bear's ear she holds in her hands undisturbed.

"Who is he? Who is he? Is he Jack?" she coos as the little girl pays attention to that familiar figure she now sees regularly, waving her little legs and babbling something making Jack smile.

"Hi sweety! Hi! I miss you so much"

"So I have news for you"

"Really?"

"Don't act like you didn't call just for that" he chuckles throwing a quick glance at the calendar where the date is marked a thousand times with a black marker.

"So what did you decide?"

"Well me and my girl have been consulting a lot"

"Oh yeah?" he interrupts her smiling cheekily as he closes one hand in a fist and uses it to hold up his head.

"Yeah" she teases him sticking her tongue out at him as Cece starts opening and closing her hand to greet him.

"Ha ha she doesn't like it when you're a smartass. Tell him we're not going anymore"

"That's not true!" his voice almost covers the last part of what she's saying but in reality he's understood all too well that in a few days he'll be able to hold them both again, and the smile on his face cancels out the poor attempt to claim he's offended.

"Say bye bye to Jack"

"Nah she likes me"

"To sleep, sure. I'm a little jealous to be honest she has the blanket with your scent on it though"

"You have me" he promptly replies as she bites her lip moving her gaze out of the camera frame.

And they continue to talk as they always do, the confirmation took a load off both of them, with Jack most of the time just watching the two girls while Evelyn plays with Cece wishing time could move faster. Until they are forced to interrupt the conversation due to a nappy change and the little one has already hit her with the puppet a couple of times.

Evelyn and Cece arrived at Jack's a few days before the last game of the season. He has promised that sooner or later they will also be able to get out of that house and maybe take a walk in the park taking advantage of the beautiful days the weather is offering, but the first few days are for him and no one else.

He comes home after the last training session of the season a little later than usual because he stopped for a little extra with some teammates and finds no one downstairs. As he goes upstairs, however, Evelyn's voice and Cece's little cries become more and more indistinct enough to take him to his room, and when he opens that door he can't help but smile. The two of them are playing tenderly with Evelyn leaning over to kiss the little one's tummy and the baby laughing moving her tiny hands, closing her fists around her mommy's hair.

He can't help himself when Cece won't let go of a lock of Evelyn's hair causing her to moan, laughing and blowing his cover. Evelyn looks up at him immediately lighting up and signalling for him to come closer.

"We have a surprise for you" she tells him and his curiosity immediately ignites so much that he almost runs making those few steps that separate him from the bed.

"What is it?" Evelyn simply shifts her gaze between him and the girl wanting to point at something and he after a moment gets the message by lowering his gaze, his eyes immediately falling on the Villa crest and wandering over the small kit trying to find differences from the usual. But it's only when Cece rolls onto her side, showing part of the Grealish name on her back, that he swears his heart has stopped beating for a few moments.

Cece's kit had always been plain, no name no number on the back. Evelyn had always felt on the edge for a choice that was so simple on the outside but actually brought up so many questions. Should she have had 'Daddy' written on it? No it was too soon. What did Jack think, was it too much? And again, does using his surname mean forcing him to take responsibility? What are we? Geez, the fight with her madness was really open.

And it was Jack who had then put an end to her paranoia, as always, and bought a small plain kit, giving her further time to clear her head and be satisfied with the fact that for the time being she would still wear the kit while supporting the team he played for.

"Since we're only going to see each other tomorrow when the game is over, we made a preview just for you" Evelyn pulled him back into the room and he reached out to the little girl taking her in his arms.

"Probably for the best or Jack would have cried in front of the whole stadium. Don't you think so too?" he murmurs cuddling the little girl, who seems to just want to reach up his nose, under Evelyn's tender gaze.

"I can't wait for tomorrow now. I mean look at this!" Jack lifts her up in the air like in the Lion King scene so he can look at that name once more and Evelyn can't help but laugh at the boy's excitement, happy it was the right choice after months.

The atmosphere in the stadium is something sensational, but she wouldn't have expected less to be honest. That's how it is when someone cares about a team, you stick together through thick and thin. It's a mutual kind of love. It doesn't matter if the previous week went well or badly, every time you try to do your best on one side and show all the support on the other. And that season for Villa had not gone badly at all, no one's fate depended on that game but it was still an opportunity and should be taken as such.

That hour and a half passed between watching something of the game, entertaining Cece, chatting with some of the girls she had already met in the previous months until the final whistle blew and little by little everyone began to prepare to take the field. Having fulfilled their duties more or less, even the players can finally allow themselves to relax. Jack is quick to find them and take Cece in his arms leaving her a loud kiss on the cheek, happy for the win and the moment.

"Ready?" Evelyn just nods, following Jack around the field but still remaining a little on the sidelines allowing him to do what he needs to do, greet the fans and enjoy the moment. More than ever she can understand when both he and her brother referred to those people as a second family, seeing them all gathered there happy and smiling joking with each other or playing with their kids. Everyone seems to know everyone, everyone is nice to everyone and she really has a good time getting to know this new family.

Once home and having put Cece to bed, who had fallen asleep in the midst of all the commotion, the two of them enjoy a moment alone snuggled up on the sofa.

"Today was nice"

"Evelyn" Jack sighs and she waits for him to continue, but when that doesn't happen she lifts her head from his chest meeting his eyes, "Move in here"

"What? Are you sure? Just know it's different from having us here only once in a while"

"I want everything. I want you here every day when I wake up or when I go to sleep. I want you here to cheer me up or have fun together. I want to live both of you every day, I want to be part of your lives fully, make this our home and I don't want to worry anymore that you might leave. I want to give you everything I'm capable of and build something strong with you" Jack strokes her cheek softly.

"So what do you say?"

----

I just want to let you know that there won't be a chapter next week, I need to focus on something else but I'll be back for the last chapters normally then. In the meantime I hope you enjoyed this one x

Tag: @alexajanecollins @emwritesfootball @rosie7703

Chapter 24

#every little things gonna be alright #football imagine #football imagines #jack grealish #jack grealish imagine #jack grealish imagines #ben chilwell #ben chilwell imagine #ben chilwell imagines #original #my writing

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watch-grok-brainrot · 3 years

Note

For the character and letter prompts: how about D. Subtle kindnesses, with the yunmeng trio?

Here you go! Sorry it took me so long! I got overwhelmed making gifs and then doing some other stuff. I really enjoyed this prompt. It wouldn’t have been something I explored on my own. I don’t know if the kindnesses were all SUBTLE, but this is what came out of it.

Assumptions: 1) WWX and JC are on speaking terms. 2) Post canon. 3) CQL JC who is softer and kinder than MDZS JC. 4) WWX lives in CR and doesn’t really go to Lotus Pier much. 5) WWX and LWJ are married.

Thanks again for being patient! <3

Visit Often in the Future

Word count: ~1540

Characters: Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, Lan Wangji (brief appearance), Lil Apple

Rated G

Warnings: Not much really... canonically dead characters.

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

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come along?” Lan Wangji asked his husband as Wei Wuxian packed a qiankun pouch.

“I’ll be fine. You need to preside over Qingming events in your family. And I owe it to Jiang Cheng to show my face in Lotus Pier.”

“If he lays one fin-” Lan Wangji began, but Wei Wuxian shushed him with a finger.

“He won’t. He’s always more angry and louder than he actually means. I need to go see Shijie and let her know everything that’s happened and show her that Jiang Cheng and I will be ok.”

“Fine. You know I cannot deny you anything.”

“You’re so good to me Lan-er-gege. When I come back I’ll thank you properly,” Wei Wuxian said as he bid his husband goodbye with a kiss and went to fetch Lil Apple for this trip to Yunmeng.

~~~

The familiarity of Yunmeng never failed to surprise Wei Wuxian. After nearly two decades and across two lifetimes, the place seemed unchanged: the same smells of food and rain, mostly similar shops and stalls, and even many familiar people.

He guided Lil Apple through the crowds, stopping to look at trinkets in stalls. He picked out something Jiang Cheng and Shijie would like from their childhood. For Jiang Cheng, he got a little glass dog, clear bodied with purple floppy ears -- he blamed his residual guilt from when Uncle Jiang got rid of Jiang Cheng’s pets when he was first taken in. He then purchased a simple sandalwood hair stick with one end intricately carved into a blooming lotus flower for Shijie. Her style had always been elegant but not ostentatious. Maybe he could burn it as an offering to Shijie this year. Maybe the peacock would enjoy seeing her wear it in the afterlife.

Wei Wuxian settled Lil Apple in the stables and went to watch Jiang Sect sword practice. Before he even got close to the Sword Testing Hall and main courtyard, he could hear Jiang Cheng barking out instructions.

“Lift up your arm! Squat lower for a better horse stance! How can you call your base stable with that form?!”

Wei Wuxian smiled and lept onto a banister, perching and watching.

Jiang Cheng seemed to have matured in the last two years since their altercation in the Jiang Sect ancestral hall. He held himself with less tension and his instructions were more precise. Instead of hitting the disciples as Wei Wuxian remembered him doing in the past, Jiang Cheng guided their arms and adjusted their legs in place. He could see some of Uncle Jiang’s kindness in the current sect leader.

Wei Wuxian reached into his qiankun pouch and held the dog in his hand, rubbing his thumb over the coarse ears and smooth body. The little figure really seemed appropriate for Jiang Cheng -- hard as rock, cute (at least for such a wretched creature), and full of various textures.

“Jiang Cheng! Mind if I join in?” Wei Wuxian called from where he perched.

“Wei Wuxian! I didn’t think you’d show your face! Do you even remember any of our forms? Can your weak body handle it?”

“Well, we won’t know until we try!” Wei Wuxian hopped down from his perch and set his stuff onto the ground. He grabbed a practice sword and joined the students in their forms.

“Let’s see if the former head disciple remembers Jiang Sect teachings,” Jiang Cheng huffed as he continued drilling his sect.

Wei Wuxian felt himself falling into the familiar pacing and movements of the Jiang Sect sword forms. Each thrust, jab, and extension of his arms brought him a sense of ease. He quietly thanked himself for picking up cultivation shortly after the Guanyin Temple events. It took him a few months to get accustomed to Mo Xuanyu’s body proportions but afterwards the movements and his qi started flowing in unison -- something he had not felt since the fall of Lotus Pier years ago.

By the time sword practice finished, Jiang Cheng approached his former shixiong. “I see you picked up cultivation again.”

“Yup! Since i have a new body, I figured I might as well see if I can make use of it.”

Jiang Cheng hesitated before clenching his jaw and asking, ”Do you want to spar with me?” He paused and then added, “Wooden swords. No spiritual energy.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes lit up, “Just like old times. I”ll do my best to kick your ass! Loser buys lunch!”

Much to Jiang Cheng’s chagrin, he was forced to buy Wei Wuxian lunch. But he did get a cute purple glass dog as thanks. Why Wei Wuxian even had a dog figurine was beyond Jiang Cheng’s comprehension.

~~~

The next day sword practice was canceled for Qingming preparations.

“Wei Wuxian! How dare you think you can visit Lotus Pier for Qingming without helping out?” Jiang Cheng’s voice bellowed across Lotus Pier, trying to track down the elusive Yiling Laozu.

“Jiang Cheng, I am helping! I’m supervising, can’t you tell?” Wei Wuxian leaned against a pillar of the Sword Testing Hall, held up a small bottle of Lotus Breeze Wine, and gestured in the general direction of the bustling Jiang Sect disciples.

“You need to clean too!” Jiang Cheng said as he plucked the bottle of alcohol from Wei Wuxian’s hand and replaced it with a broom and a few rags. “Go to the Ancestral Hall. Sweep the floors, polish the tablets, set out the offerings. Get it done in two shichen. There are many more Qingming preparations to finish!”

“Alright alright,” Wei Wuxian said as he sauntered towards the Ancestral Hall.

“And pick up the pace. Don’t set a bad example for the juniors!”

“Alright! Alright!” Wei Wuxian called back and headed to do his task. He stepped into the Ancestral Hall and stopped. There was an extra table set up with two memorial tablets. Did someone else die? But wouldn’t he know about it?

He shook his head and started cleaning the floor. He’ll have to clean them anyway. He’ll find out then. After the floor was swept, mopped, and polished, he pulled out a new rag and started cleaning the memorial tablets. He remembered Shijie sitting by the lotus-shaped altar and crying over Madam Yu and Uncle Jiang’s tablets. He remembered himself and Jiang Cheng as children being forced to kneel before the spirits of the dead after they got into trouble. He remembered learning the names of all the Jiang Sect ancestors from the last few hundred years. From the oldest to the most recent, he carefully wiped the dust from their names.

He got to Madam Yu and Uncle Jiang and held them a bit longer. Closing his eyes, Wei Wuxian muttered, “I hope you’re proud of Jiang Cheng. He’s done well for the sect. Under his care, Lotus Pier has gotten stronger and become well respected. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help him more. I hope you forgive me for that.” He opened his eyes and returned Madam Yu and Uncle Jiang to their rightful spots.

He then reached for Jiang Yanli’s tablet. He wiped it down and spoke to her, told her about A-yuan and Wen Ning and Lan Zhan. He spoke of the rabbits his Lan Zhan kept for him and of all the new Gusu rules. He described the way the pine trees bent under the snow in Cloud Recesses winters and the food Lan Zhan cooked just for him during that time. He told stories about night hunting adventures with Jin Ling and the Lan Juniors, about how Jin Ling was growing up to be a respected sect leader. After a quarter of a shichen, his voice started to crack and he finally returned his Shijie to rest beside her parents. He then pulled out the hair stick he bought for her. “I hope you like this Shijie. I miss you so much.”

The last two tablets were not with the others on the lotus altar but set aside on an offering table in a prominent location. Wei Wuxian almost dropped them when he saw the names: Zangse-Sanren and Wei Changze. What? Why? His fingers brushed over his parents’ names. Was this why Jiang Cheng told him to come here? Did Jiang Cheng plan this all along?

He fingers tightened as he slowly lowered himself onto the floor. Even when Uncle Jiang was alive, memorial tablets of his parents were never in the Ancestral Hall. He had never gotten a chance to speak to them or tell them about his life. Suddenly faced with two lives worth of memories, Wei Wuxian found himself speechless. He opened and closed his mouth a few times and finally returned the tablets to the table.

Pulling over a pouffe, Wei Wuxian knelt before his parents’ names. He lit three sticks of incense and bowed solemnly thrice. “This unfilial son, Wei Wuxian, pays his respects to his parents, Wei Changze and Zangse-Sanren. Forgive me for my years of transgression.”

Outside the Ancestral Hall, Jiang Cheng leaned against a sliding door, hidden from view. “Uncle Wei, Aunt Zangse, A-Jie. I hope you’re enjoying your time with A-Xian today. I promise he will visit you often in the future.”

66 notes · View notes

waitimcomingtoo · 4 years

Text

Violent Delights

Pairing: Peter Parker x Stark!reader

Synopsis: Tony finds out about your relationship with Peter and forces you to break up. You tell yourself what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, but it ends up hurting you

Part Two

Masterlist

Keeping things from your father wasn’t easy, but you’d managed to hide the fact you were dating Peter for exactly 78 days, four hours, and twelve minutes.

Kisses were exchanged in FRIDAY’s blind spots and you’d only hold hands out of sight or when you were alone. Your dad knew you and Peter were close friends, so he didn’t question the date nights, though he didn’t know they were dates, or the frequent trips to each other’s rooms. Being with Peter was amazing on its own, but keeping it a secret made it exhilarating. As much as you loved it, you knew your time as a secret couple wouldn’t last forever. The other Avengers were getting suspicious. There had been too many instances of you falling asleep on Peters shoulder during a movie or Peter mysteriously having lipstick on his lips for them not to notice. Despite their suspicions, no one said anything.

You watched your father walking out of the kitchen one afternoon before leaning across the kitchen table and planting a kiss on Peters lips.

“What was that for?” He smiled in surprise at your sudden display of affection.

“Because I adore you.” You put the last bite of your sandwich in your mouth. “Are you ready to spar?”

“That gluten free bread really got you energized.” Peter laughed as you bounced up and down on your heels.

“You know it, baby.” You put your arms around his neck and started to lean in.

“Baby? I believe his name is Peter.” Your dads voice came from behind you and you jumped, quickly putting your arms behind your back. You spun around and you and Peter put on your most innocent smiles. Tony gave you both a quizzical look as he retrieved the cell phone he had left on the kitchen counter.

“It was an insult actually, since Peter is so feeble and weak.” You said quickly. You squeezed your eyes shut at the lame cover up.

“That’s my girl.” Tony smirked. “But “baby” is a little on the kinder side. I’d call him “fetus” if I were you.” Tony put his phone down and picked up and apple instead. He took a bite of the apple, kissed your forehead, and left the room. You let out a breath of relief and turned back to Peter.

“Fetus?” He asked sharply.

“I’m sorry! I had to think of something quick.” You apologized. “He almost caught us.”

“He almost caught you. I was just an innocent bystander. That would’ve been your fault.” He put his hands on your waist and pulled you towards him so your chests were touching.

“Do you really want to play the blame game with someone you’re about to spar with?”

“Good point. Sorry, sweetheart. It was our fault.” He smiled before pressing a tender kiss to your lips.

“Peter Benjamin Parker, what do you think you’re doing?” Your fathers voice booming made you break away from his kiss immediately. Your stomach dropped and Peters face turned a hot shade of red. You jumped out of his embrace to face your father.

“Dad! What are you doing back in here?” You stammered.

“I forgot my phone.” Tony said calmly, never taking his eyes off Peter, as he picked up his phone. “Does Fetus want to explain why he was just kissing my daughter?” He cocked his head and stared daggers at Peter.

“Uhh, no?” Peter squeaked under Tony’s glare. Tony let out a short, humorless laugh and you held your breath.

“No? If I wanted to laugh right now, Parker, I’d watch Cap to try and use the DVR again. Do I look like I’m in the mood to laugh?” He looked at you for an answer to his question and you shook your head.

“No. You don’t look in the mood to laugh.” You answered.

“That’s what I thought.” Tony nodded curtly and turned back to Peter. “So, humor me. Why were you kissing my daughter?”

“Because she’s my girlfriend, sir.” Peter toughened up and looked Tony in the eye. “I was kissing my girlfriend.”

“His what?” Tony looked at you with an eerie smile that made your spin tingle.

“His girlfriend.” You repeated, trying to be brave. “Peter and I are dating, dad.”

Tony looked down at his shoes as if he was examining his feet. He nodded while keeping his head down.

“How long?” He muttered.

“Dad-“ You tried.

“How,” he snapped his head to you, “long?”

“Two months.” You said quietly.

“And 18 days.” Peter added and Tony let out a little laugh.

“But that’s it.” You promised. “Just the two months.”

“You’ve been dating Peter behind my back for two months?” Tony walked over to you and asked, unable to conceal the disappointment in his voice. You racked your brain for the least disappointing answer you could give you father.

“And 18 days.” Peter cut in again. You shot him a look and he looked down in shame. Tony whipped his head around to glare at Peter.

“Sorry.” Peter mumbled.

“Oh, you’re gonna be sorry. In fact, you better start praying I even give you a chance to be sorry.” Tony left you and stood directly in front of Peter. “I do not want to hear another word out of you, kid. You better run before I lose it.”

“Mr. Stark, if you could just let me expla-“ Peter began.

“I don’t want an explanation from you, Parker. I don’t want anything but your absence. You better run home right now and start praying I let you set foot back in this building ever again. I hope you enjoyed your two months and those precious 18 days because they’re over now. You are forbidden from dating my daughter, do you understand me? Beat it. I mean it.” Tony said through gritted teeth just to Peter so you couldn’t hear. Even with no audio, you knew it had to be bad.

“Dad, please. This is as much my fault as it is Peters. Don’t take it all out on him.” You spoke up and Tony looked at you. You could see the pain in both his and Peters eyes.

“Oh, trust me honey, I’m not. You’ll get your bit later.” Tony assured you. “Right now, I need Peter to leave this building and not look back.”

“Dad-“ You tried again.

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir.” Peter cut you off while giving Tony an apologetic look. He picked up his backpack and swiftly walked out without a goodbye. You watched him leave and soon you and your father were alone. Tony just stood there, watching the door Peter left out of.

“I know you’re mad, but that was completely ridiculous and he-“ You broke the silence.

“Zip it, arachnophobia. You and I are gonna have a little talk in my lab. Now.” He demanded. You gulped and followed him to the lab where he closed the doors behind you.

“When we’re you gonna tell me that you and Spider-Boy were together?” He asked as soon as the doors closed. He didn’t look as angry anymore. More so on the disappointed side, which was 100 times worse.

“We were gonna tell you, I promise we were, but we didn’t know how.” You said, feeling your face heat up. You knew you were in deep trouble.

“And you couldn’t figure it out two months and 18 begrudging days?” Tony asked rhetorically.

“You know how you’ve been since we all took on Thanos. You’ve been more protective than usual, and I get that, but you haven’t been most open to me doing much of anything. You won’t even let me use the microwave anymore.” You tried to lighten the mood but he didn’t crack a smile at your attempt.

“That’s because I listened to my daughter turn to dust over an intercom five years ago.” Tony reminded you. You felt the guilt pool in your tummy. You were turned to dust while talking to your dad on the Avengers intercom, and he could never forget how it sounded. Ever since you returned, he was extra precautious about and around you.

“I’m sorry, dad.” You said weakly, not knowing what else to say.

“Don’t apologize.” Tony pinched his nose bridge and tried to calm down. “This is just jarring for me, okay? I was under the impression that you and Peter were friends.”

“We were.” You insisted. “Until we became more. When we came back from the snap, we realized how short life was. He kissed me that night and I let him. Then he asked me to be his girlfriend and I said yes.”

Tony looked at you for a long time. It was still strange for him to be so much older when you were the same age. He took you in in the last moments before he had to break your heart. He sighed and nodded his head.

“I forbid you from dating Peter.” He said finally. You recoiled and felt your brain short circuit for a moment at your fathers words. You blinked in surprise and looked at your father in betrayed confusion.

“What?” You asked.

“I don’t approve of this relationship.” He told you with a sad shake of his head. “You’re too young and he’s too…Peter.”

“You cannot be serious.” You felt tears sting your eyes when he showed no sign of joking.

“Deadly serious, actually.” Tony quipped. “You have to break up with him or there will be consequences.”

“Like?” You folded your arms in frustration.

“Like him losing his suit and all Avengers privileges. Like you not being allowed to help with missions anymore. Like you being cut off from the Stark credit card. Need I go on?” Tony rattled off. You felt a shortness of breath at the feeling you were gonna lose this argument.

“It’s Peter Parker, dad.” You reminded him. “I thought you liked him.”

“Oh, I love Peter. But I’m not going to allow you to date a boy who will break your heart.” Tony said simply as he began to type away on a keyboard.

“He won’t break my heart!” You exclaimed, even more frustrated at him barely paying attention.

“He will. He’s a superhero, Y/n. Superhero’s are bad news.” Tony sighed, not looking up from the keyboard. “He’s gonna make promises he can’t keep and dates he won’t show up to. And when he cancels on you for the millionth time after he promised he wouldn’t because he off fighting crime, it’s gonna break your heart. Being second place to this job will break your heart.” He looked at you blankly. “Don’t believe me? Ask your mom.”

“Dad, you and I both know there is no boy in this world I could date who wouldn’t break my heart. It’s what boys do. It’s their thing.” You claimed. “And yeah, I’m not looking forward to it, but it’s a part of life. It’s how you grow. Wouldn’t you rather I get my heart broken by a boy I love that I can learn to forgive over some random jerk?”

“Honey, this world is gonna break your heart in a million different ways, ways that have nothing to do with boys, ways I can’t protect you from. But this, him, this I can protect you from. I’m sorry, but my answer is no.” He put the keyboard down and walked over to you, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. You felt the tears finally falling down your cheeks.

“But I love him.” You said weakly. Tony smiled sadly.

“So do I. But I know him. I was him. And who I I used to be is not good enough for my daughter.” He said softly.

“Then who is?” You asked bitterly, pushing his hand off your shoulder.

“What about Thor? I’m pretty sure he’s indestructible. Or Captain Marvel. I hear she’s available.” It was Tony’s turn time try and lighten the mood.

“She’s dating Valkyrie and I don’t want to be with Thor. I only ever want to be with Peter.” You said stubbornly. Your dad sighed and sat on top of a lab table.

“I thought that exact thing about dozens of different girls, girls whose names I don’t even remember, before I met your mother. Trust me, Y/n, me not allowing you to date him is what’s making him appealing to you. It’s the whole “teenage rebellion” thing. You are my teenager, and you are rebelling. If I laid back and gave you two the green light, you’d be bored with each other in a month. The sneaking around and “forbidden” romance is what’s keeping you together. If there were no obstacles in your way, you wouldn’t even look his way. I guarantee it.” He insisted but you didn’t believe it.

“You’re wrong.” You stated. “You’re wrong about all of this.”

“Actually, he’s wrong. He’s wrong for you. There is nothing I can say that will make you believe I’m right, and I know that. But honey, I am. You’re gonna thank me for this one day.” Tony said as he picked up his keyboard again.

“And what did I do until then?” You sniffled.

“Find someone else. Or even better, find no one. You don’t need boys. Boys disappoint. And I say that as a boy who has frequently disappointed.” Tony looked at you and shrugged.

“So you want me to be lonely for the rest of my life?” You snapped.

“I want you to be safe.” He put his hands on your shoulders, all playfulness in his voice gone. “And happy. Dating a superhero will make both of those things impossible. It took me nearly dying to realize that. And when I did, I destroyed my suits and started spending time with my wife and daughter. And that’s why People Magazine named me “Sexiest Man Alive.” He held up the magazine with his smiling face on it. “Look at that. Is that Captain America? Oh! Look at that. It’s me. And you see what it says right there? What my secret to a happy life is? Knowing when to walk away.” He pointed to the quote on the cover. “That’s what you need to do, honey. I know you love Peter, but you need to walk away.”

“And if I can’t?” You whispered.

“He will.” Tony said.

“He wouldn’t.” You answered.

“I’d make him.” Tony retorted. You put your face in your hands and felt your shoulders shake.

“Daddy, please!” You begged.

Tony’s eyes softened at your words. He knew only called him “daddy” when you were scared. He thought back to the last time you used that word.

“I don’t know what’s happening, dad. I think somethings wrong with me. My body feels fuzzy.” You said over the intercom. Tony touched a hand to his earpiece, knowing you couldn’t feel it but praying you could.

“Hang on, honey. It’s gonna be okay. I’m right here.” He tried to keep his voice steady as he spoke to his dying daughter.

“I’m scared, dad. Please come home.” Your voice wavered.

“I’m so sorry, honey. I’m on another planet right now. Just hang on. Don’t go anywhere.” He tried to keep you as long as possible.

“My hands…my hands are- daddy whats going on?” You asked him.

“I don’t know, baby girl. I wish I could tell you.” He said in defeat.

“I’m scared, daddy.” You sniffled as you faded away into dust.

“I’m so sorry, but this is for the best.” Tony snapped out of his daze. “He’s wrong for you. You’ll see it one day.”

“You better hope I do.” You stated before you stormed out of the lab. You stomped loudly on the way to your room and slammed the door as hard as you could so your dad would hear. You wiped the tears off your face and tried to compose yourself.

“FRIDAY, call Peter.” You said out loud.

“I’m sorry, I cannot call Peter.” FRIDAY responded.

“Why not?” You asked, slightly annoyed.

“The Baby Monitor Protocol won’t allow me to.” FRIDAY replied and you took a step back.

“The what?” You asked. “Then how am I supposed to tell him to come over?”

“Peter Parker is banned from the Avengers Compound for the weekend.” FRIDAY announced and you felt your fingers clench into a fist.

“Why?” You snapped.

“The West Side Story Protocol.”

“When did my dad have time to set up these protocols?” You wondered in frustration.

“Mr. Stark programmed them while you were talking with him in his lab.” FRIDAY informed you.

“Then I’m going to his house.” You picked you your backpack and headed to your door.

“Sorry, boss. You’re not allowed to leave the compound for the weekend. It’s called the Rapunzel Protocol.” FRIDAY said.

“Of course it is.” You huffed and set your bag down. “He’s literally locking me in a tower. What does he expect me to do all weekend if I can’t see Peter? We used to hang out every day even when we weren’t dating.“

“You have training with Bucky in five minutes to keep you occupied.” FRIDAY said as she projected a schedule on your wall.

“Then I’ll go after that.” You said.

“Then you have dinner with the team.”

“And after that?” You sensed a pattern.

“Something called “Stark Family Game Night”.”

“No way. Stark Family Game Night is co-word for the Avengers trying to lift Thor’s hammer while Thor laughs and eats banana bread. I’m not doing that again. Someone always ends up crying.” You put your foot down.

“Your father insists he wasn’t cry-“

“He was!” You snapped before flopping on your bed and letting out a groan. “This is so unfair. I finally fall in love and my dad has to ruin it. Peter and I are Avengers. He can’t keep us apart forever.”

“He can.” FRIDAY said.

“Why do you say that?” You sat up in bed and heard a small tap at your window.

“The Romeo and Juliet Protocol.”

“What does that entail?” You asked, slightly distracted by the tapping.

“That you’re kept apart on missions, never scheduled to train at the same time, never seated near each other, and I have to send an alert your father if you and Peter are alone in a room together.” FRIDAY responded.

“So that’s it? I can never be with Peter again?” You laughed bitterly, jumping slightly when another tap hit your window.

“I’m sorry, boss.” FRIDAY apologized.

“You call me boss, but I’m the one listening to you. That doesn’t seem very- God what is that tapping?” You couldn’t take the noise anymore and went over to your window to investigate. You opened your balcony doors and heard a crunch under your feet. You moved your foot and saw a small pile of pebbles on the ground. Suddenly, another small pebble flew past your head and hit your window. You looked up and saw Peter perched on the rooftop of the building across from you. He saw you on the balcony and sighed happily.

“Oh, thank God you heard the pebbles. I was about to throw a rock.” He whispered loud enough for you to hear.

“Were you throwing pebbles at my window?” You smiled shyly at the outdated romantic gesture. You never thought you’d live to see the day a boy threw rocks at your window to get your attention.

“I had to get your attention somehow.” Peter said. “Karen told me about all the protocols your dad set up. An alarm is gonna go off if I come within fifteen feet of the Avengers compound.”

“How far are you?” You asked.

“Sixteen feet.” He shrugged with a cocky smirk.

“Clever boy.” You laughed, finally smiling again after the day you’d had. “That’s why you’re my boyfriend.”

“I still am? Your father didn’t talk you out of it?” Peter asked timidly.

“Nothing could talk me out of it.” You promised, and Peter smiled fondly. “How am I supposed to get out of here though? Or are we just gonna say “parting is such sweet sorrow” and call it a night?”

“I think you’re forgetting who your boyfriend is.” Peter held up his wrist for you to see. You couldn’t even roll your eyes all the way before he shot a web and you and pulled you over to where he was. You landed in his arms and he pressed a gentle kiss to your lips upon impact.

“See? Nothing can keep us apart. Not even a silly protocol.” He assured you as he moved some hair off your forehead.

“There are actually multiple silly protocols. Four and counting.” You sighed and watched curiously as Peters face fell. His eyes darkened before he dropped his gaze to the floor.

“Oh.” He said quietly and loosened his grip on your waist.

“What’s wrong?” You asked at his sudden indifference.

“He really doesn’t want us to be together.” Peter said sadly and he looked up at you. You put your hands on his face but he looked away again.

“Who cares? It’s not his decision.” You tried to comfort Peter.

“What did he say about me?” Peter asked as he brought his hands up to your wrists and rubbed his thumb against them.

“This has nothing to do with you. He loves you. This is entirely because you’re a superhero.” You assured him. Peter cracked a smile and that and seemed to accept that you were telling the truth.

“I know him. He said something.” He insisted. You sighed, knowing you had no way around telling Peter the truth.

“He said you were bad news.” You admitted.

“Bad news, huh? I kinda like it.” Peter smirked. “Anything else?”

“He said you were wrong for me.” You added and Peter laughed.

“He says that I’m wrong for you?” He asked.

“Yeah.” You smiled at his improved mood.

“And here I was thinking he was a genius.” Peter kicked a rock off the roof and chuckled. “He’s all turned around. We’re meant to be.”

“I don’t know gotten into him.” You said as you took Peters hands. “He’s never forbidden me from doing anything before. I don’t know why this is so upsetting for him.”

“Was he angry?” Peter toyed with your fingers.

“Livid.” You replied.

“He’s really made up his mind about us, hasn’t he?” Peter asked, searching your eyes and hoping to receive a different answer than the one he knew he was going to get.

“Yeah.” You told him softly. To your surprise, Peter smiled and kissed the back of your hand.

“Then is this a bad time to tell you I’m in love with you?” He asked coyly, and your face lit up the New York City night sky.

“Not a bad time at all.” You said before throwing your arms around his neck and kissing him for all you were worth.

You told your dad you had broken up with Peter and reused to give him any details beyond that. You and Peter got used to the sneaking around over the next few weeks, trying to be even more discrete than before. He was allowed back at the tower but was never allowed to be alone with you. He had to wait to whisk you off your balcony after Tony thought he had left. All your nights were spent on the rooftop next to the tower with Peter before he had to go. The sneaking around was difficult, but it was romantic. Your 78 days became 100 and you and Peter had planned to celebrate on the rooftop. Just as you were getting yourself ready to see Peter, your dad knocked on your door.

“Hey, kid.” Tony said sheepishly as he entered your room. There had been an awkward rift between you and your dad since your fight. You chose to be icy towards him for what he had said that day, even if you were still seeing Peter. You looked at him out of the corner of your eye and continued brushing your hair.

“Hi dad.” You said flatly.

“You look nice. Hot date?” He joked and you glared at him.

“Funny.” You deadpanned.

“Sorry. Maybe that wasn’t the best joke to make.” He scuffed the floor with his shoes and walked further into your bedroom. “How you holding up?”

“I’m fine. Just lonely.” You guilted him as you touched up your lip gloss. You heard him sigh and he came to stand behind you, looking at you through your mirror.

“I know, honey. I came in here to tell you that I’m proud of you for staying away from Peter. I know you really cared about him and that this has been hard on you, but I promise it’s for the better. If I was in your situation, I never would’ve listened to my father. I’m really proud that I raised a daughter who knows better. I’m really glad you’re my protege.” He smiled at your reflections in the mirror. You were surprised with his kind words after you’d been so cold towards him. You gave him a soft smile through the mirror.

“Thanks, dad.” You said softly.

“It may seem like it, but breaking up with Spiderling is not the end of the world. I’ve seen the end of the world, and it has nothing to do with teenage boys.” He joked, making the ice between the two of you return. He was under the impression that he had broken you up with the love of your life, yet he chose to make jokes. You shifted away from him, less than amused at his words. He noticed your indifference right away.

“Look, honey, I hate that I had to do this to you. Trust me, it hurts me too.” He said sincerely. “I love Peter and in any other world, I would’ve been proud for him to be dating my daughter. You might think breaking you guys up was cruel, but sometimes, you have to be. I know you’re hurting right now, but you staying away from Peter proved to me that you’re stronger and more capable than I thought. So, I got you a little something as an “I’m sorry I made you break up with your teenage boyfriend” gift. When you’re done sulking, check your dresser. You might find something you like.” He offered before he kissed your head and left your room. You stood in silence for a moment, contemplating your next move. Whatever he had gotten you, you didn’t deserve it. You hadn’t actually broken up with Peter.

You walked over to your dresser and found a large black jewelry box. You opened it up skeptically and found a ring inside with a pendant that looked that the arc reactor. You slid it onto your finger and a bright blue light shine from it. You picked up the card that was inside the box and recognized your fathers handwriting.

“For my hero. Press the center. -TS”

You pressed the center of the ring and your entire body was encapsulated in an iron suit. You looked in the mirror in disbelief. You finally had your own suit, something you’d been begging your father for for years. It resembled his, but was a deep violet, the same color as your bedroom walls, with honey colored accents.

His nickname for you.

You teared up at his sweet gesture before your face fell flat.

You didn’t deserve it.

He gave you the suit because you stayed away from Peter, but you hadn’t. You’d let your father down. A tap at your windowpane broke you out of your sadness. You looked out your window and saw Peter on the rooftop across the street, giving you a friendly wave. The butterflies you normally got in your tummy upon seeing Peter were replaced by a sick feeling in your gut. You gulped, knowing what was coming next. You flew over to where he was using your new suit, your heartbreaking at the joyful look on his face when he saw it.

“No way! Your dad finally gave you a suit?” Peter asked excitedly. “What made him change his mind?”

“He gave it to me for breaking up with you.” You said gravely and Peters smile faded. He wasn’t an expert on reading girls but he knew something was coming. He saw the dark clouds in your sky.

“Oh.” He said softly, gingerly touching your wrist in an attempt to make you rethink what you were about to say.

“Peter-“ You began.

“Please. Whatever you’re thinking of doing, don’t do it.” Peter begged as his eyes filled with tears. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

“What if it hurts me?” You asked weakly. “He was so proud of me for staying away from you. You should’ve seen his face. If he finds out that we’re still together, it’s gonna break his heart.”

“He won’t find out. We’ll find a way around it. We can-“ Peter scrambled to come up with a plan.

“Peter.” You cut him off and his lip began to tremble. “You know my dad. Sooner or later, he’s gonna find out about us. He could take away your suit or ban you from the tower forever. Aren’t we better off staying friends when it guarantees you can stay on the team and talk to me? Is it really worth it to take our chances on him finding out when we’re risking you being removed from my life permanently?” You asked, praying he would understand and see things your way. The look on Peters devastated face told this wasn’t gonna be as easy as that. He wasn’t going down without a fight.

“This is worth it to me. This is worth everything to me.” Peter shouted as if you weren’t listening to him.

“You say that now, but if he catches us, I’ll never see you again.” You warned him as hot tears rolled down your cheeks.

“I’m willing to take that chance to be with you. You’re the love of my life.” Peter cried.

“And you’re mine.” You promised. “But we need to be adults about this. I can’t risk losing you forever. I have to love you enough to let you go.”

“You don’t have to let me go.” Peter said desperately.

“I do, Peter. I’m so sorry, but I do.” You whispered in a horse voice.

“Please.” He begged. “Don’t be cruel to me.”

“Sometimes”, you sniffled thought of your dad, “you have to be.”

“Not to me.” Peter shook his head. “Please, I love you.”

“I love you too.” You said quickly.

“Then why are you breaking me?” Peter cried.

“My fathers says-“ You tried.

“Forget what your father says!” Peter shouted and you quieted down.

“Peter, l wish I could but I can’t disrespect him like this.” You said gently. “I love you, but I love him too. He gave me this suit because breaking up with you made him finally believe I can be on the team. He trusted me to do the right thing and I let him down.”

“You’re choosing the suit over me.” Peter said bitterly.

“I’m choosing to be obedient.” You defended yourself.

“Obedience has never gotten anybody anywhere!” Peter yelled in distress. “Romeo and Juliet weren’t obedient!”

“And they ended up dead.” You yelled back. Your eyes softened when you watched him wipe away a tear. “These violent delights have violent ends, Peter.” You said softly.

“Come on, now. You know I didn’t read the book. You know I Sparknoted it. You know I don’t know what that means.” Peter said darkly.

“It means someones gonna get hurt. We can’t just do whatever we want and not expect consequences.” You told him. “My father has been through a lot. He nearly sacrificed himself to save the world, Peter. I can do this one thing for him, even if it kills me.”

“So this is it for us?” He asked in a small voice.

“It has to be.” Your voice wavered. He nodded and rubbed his eyes for a long time.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” He said without meeting your eyes.

“Are we still friends?” You asked timidly and Peter let out a painful laugh.

“I don’t know if I can be your friend.” He answered honestly.

“I’m sorry, Peter.” You reached for him but he pulled away. You didn’t try again. You knew not to.

“Yeah.” He nodded and put on his mask. “I’m sorry too.”

Tag List 🏷

@maybemona @foreverxholland @writing-for-hours-on-end @lavender-writer @captainmandeestudent17 @whatareyouhidingpeter @takenbyheartstrings @ultrunning @imyourliquor-youremypoison @theolwebshooter @andreasworlsboring101 @guksmyfav @waiting-to-be-myself @letsloveimagines @ho-ho-holland @peterparkoure @a-villain-vying-for-attention @justcallmehitgirl @averyfosterthoughts @jackiehollanderr @tiny-friggin-human @celestial-skylines @loveat2am @mara-twins

#peter parker x reader #peter parker x you #peter parker x y/n #peter parker x stark!reader #peter parker x stark!daughter #peter parker fluff #peter parker angst #peter parker fanfiction #captain america #spiderman #mcu #tom holland angst #spider man homecoming #marvel #tony stark #iron man #tom holland x you #tom holland x reader

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incarnateirony · 3 years

Note

It's possible Flash's premiere #s don't look as hot as usual because of the blow-up after the firing of H@rtley Sawyer, the guy who played R@lph Dibny, after past racist/misogynistic tweets of his resurfaced around the time the Floyd protests were bursting across the country. It sparked debate about whether he should be fired for older opinions when he's supposedly changed (not noting that flash is also a work-place and not just a tv show), but ppl were saying they'd no longer watch bc of it

Tiny violin for the CW (it could also be the shuffled timeslot, we’ll see)

Is AA really the only non-cancelled/final season show they have running above like 0.15 that doesn’t have some sort of major bullshit around it? It would explain why it’s up 20% on the year to year average while everything else is 40-60% down. (Or in Walker’s case, down almost 30% within the same year as its forebearer within the same 12 months period in the same time/slot).

CW only partially depends on live--I’ve said this. But if its live space completely devalues, their ability to sell ads that make up for their costs of running broadcast deplete, their ability to be sales worthy to cable networks is shaky, etc. Like when--was it Spectrum? Turned off the CW as well as several other channels on a related package for how much they wanted to air it.

It’s one thing for your normal shows to be running 1/3 everyone else with your tops running 1/2 everyone else or in SPN’s case at the time a few years back before it had a minor crunch (and I do mean minor, bronlies would never understand how little the descent meant what they would claim it did) almost 2/3 everyone else (around S11-13--and SPN was like 2nd-3rd on the network then). It’s another if your shows are by and large running 1/6th the average and your tops are running 1/3 the average.

Selling that adspace is gonna be a bitch. Especially if the products are all surrounded by controversy.

There’s the fact that the parent companies bankroll it expecting digital profit, but if they’re skewing way too old, they’re not even going to stream well to make up for it (Nancy Drew, Walker at the top of that list, the latter way more.) The others will handle okay digitally, but the question is at what point is it just not enough?

What’s summer going to look like, especially when the US is mostly vaccinated? What’s fall going to look like once decline kicks in?

Again, CW’s products are down 40-60%. The industry average from 1 year prior is 13%... across 5 networks, of which CW is one. If you remove CW’s crunch, it’s actually more like... 6% on other stations. Which is what I mean with this year’s YTY not being the same as other years with more people watching classic TV live on classic stations seeking entertainment during covid. CW used to be the one holding above the line, not diving below it.

There’s a good question-- will it only drop another 13-15% between now and fall, or will the universe catch up once everyone can resume normal and it drop more like 20%? And if CW is running 6-40 now, well... let’s say 3 x 6 20, 40 x 6 = 240? UH. Well we can’t go negative ratings but. Let’s take 0.1 down as the -40. Well it can’t go 0.6 down.

It will be fascinating to see how it translates. CW might already be so bottomed it doesn’t matter. a show running 0.2 losing another 40% for example will be running 0.12

All I can say is CW better hope, truly, this is “just” boycott impact and that it can’t spread any further. A show running 0.2 right now losing 15% by fall season will at least “just” premiere at 0.17. And that’s where most of their “big” shows are gonna settle this season -- 0.2. Multiple properties are running under 0.1. Many will inarguably be under it by fall 2021.

In a literal best case scenario, unless CW’s ratings somehow get a miraculous bounceback, it’s Fall 2021 average season ratings are likely to look like:

S&L: TBD, but maybe 0.18, if we’re being nice, it it could land at Walker level. Flash: 0.17 (if it even comes back, rumor it isn’t) AA, if it holds: 0.15 Walker: 0.12 Riverdale: 0.1 Batwoman: 0.1 Charmed: 0.07 Nancy Drew: 0.07

While the industry average is probably gonna be around 0.56~

Ouch?

You can go “live doesn’t matter much” only so long. Then keep in mind they have to figure out what to do by fall 2022 when those numbers go down to like

S&L: 0.15 Flash: 0.15 AA, if it holds: 0.13 Walker: 0.097 Riverdale: 0.078 Batwoman: 0.078 Charmed: 0.059 Nancy Drew: 0.059

*if all shows maintain retention.* While the universe will be like 0.47 around it.

Charmed and Nancy Drew would be rounding down to 0.0 by 2023. Batwoman and Riverdale would be fighting not to. Walker will be running a strong 0.08 if it's lucky. Flash won't be around by then. AA may... maybe. It's shiny new premieres might debut at a strong 0.15 before falling in 30% like its recent premieres to uh *checks notes* 0.1, woo. With a TV universe operating around maybe 0.38.

If they tried to air another year.If they pushed through Fall 2023, by Fall 2024, s everal of these products will be rounding down to 0.0 that didn’t. Think: Riverdale, Batwoman, Charmed, Nancy Drew, all 0s. Walker, if it stays “strong”, around 0.06. Everything else not breaking 0.1, even with a TV universe functioning at 0.29. Like, that’s its best situation kind of thing, too. That’s assuming there’s no more 40-60% drop for the CW specifically. Which is the point on continuing to make noise NOW. Because the 2022 or 2023 numbers could even hit by Fall 2021 if the press stays on.

At some point, CW classic broadcast is going to be forced to fold them, several years before the rest of TV channels are going to have to.

Then the question is what happens to CW products.

Remember what I said about kicking CW in the shins so you can hold the parent companies accountable directly? And that now was the time? Yeah.

I don’t think the CW is going to be around by fall 2023. The question is how much we can speed up its heat death, and force companies to make hard choices. Does HBO REALLY want to order CBS products that don’t even perform digitally just to feed money to CBS and not keep it themselves? Will the WB deal in management stand if they’re not married over a child company to host it on Max? How many years until Walker is grounded to CBS All Access? If they even choose to keep producing it?

How many years until we stop being fed bullshit marketing, and start making the parent companies actually manage their products and put it on main TV if they’re gonna be shitlords about the content with a woke rainbow flag on CW anyway?

Keep. Kicking them. In. The shins.

Do it. NOW.

This is also why it’s important to stop streaming all content that ever aired on the CW through paid platforms like Netflix and Amazon.

Those companies pay to host that product to gain subscribers. If the material isn’t performing, they stop paying the IP holders--be that WB or CBS--meaning it’s harder for the CW to peddle its products off that way.

Jazz. Fucking. Hands.

KEEP. KICKING THEM. IN. THE SHINS.

STOP. STREAMING. ANY. OF THEIR STUFF.

KEEP. BEING. LOUD.

Join #IStandWithNadria May 18 7pm est.

Schedule your tweets NOW. There’s plenty of content to use in the tags already if you need material.

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orangegreet · 3 years

Text

No Minor Miracles | Chapter 10

In the End, In the Beginning

In which we get a jail break and some deaths and some light and some life and maybe the end of the world.

The shrieking cries of the volcra overhead melted into the drumming of hooves across the earth.

All of it, loud and incessant and completely cancelled out by the pulse of blood pounding in his head. The circling thoughts that spurred him forward.

He is going to kill me in the morning. She had said.

Aleksander had never seen her look frail. Not in his memory.

The Grisha slaver bar that kept her powerless, kept the wrath of her Sun at bay, flashed through his mind again.

Fucking cowards. The Darkling pushed his horse harder. Faster.

The Shadows of the Fold reached for him as he passed just as worshippers extended hands of blessing for their Saint.

Behind him, Ivan and Fedyor urged their horses forward, almost falling out of the dome of Light he held overhead.

It had been easy this time—effortless really, to call the Light up from within himself. As if Alina herself had searched through his cupboards and produced it for him with a gentle smile.

Alina. His Alina. His person.

Held captive by a megalomaniac. A fucking degenerate otkazat’sya scum who would sacrifice every Grisha life in Ravka to gain a fraction of power.

Zlatan would soon learn true power. Would see and know it intimately as the force of his Darkness crushed Zlatan’s bones from the inside.

The horses were huffing but none of them faltered their gait. Aleksander was grateful. Fedyor had chosen well.

His Heartrenders had not questioned him when they learned Alina was in trouble and he would be going across the Fold to get her. Feydor left immediately to prepare the horses and Ivan, after a long look at his General, proceeded to delegate duties to the next in command.

It had not slipped Aleksander’s notice that Ivan would elect to follow his General into the Fold deferring his right to become the acting General of the Second Army. As was his rightful succession.

Ivan had scowled for the duration of the preparations which effectively relieved Aleksander of the urge to thank him.

The Darkling lowered his brow, narrowing his eyes as they neared what must be the middle of the Fold. A white stone building was crumbling on his right and the mirroring of events was painful to recognize—the way history often did repeat itself.

He had lived long enough to see that the adage was true.

A woman he loved, killed for fear of what she was, for fear of Aleksander himself, by a power-hungry individual trying to stamp out any threats to his reign.

Only now it felt like a chance to do it all again. To change it all; to rescue and to fix instead of fail and destroy.

It would be different this time. This was Alina. She, a Sun Summoner, an immortal like him and a woman who was stronger and more powerful than anyone could imagine.

A woman whom he had crushed mercilessly just a few weeks before.

Not for the first time since he had met Alina did Aleksander curse his own pride.

This might not have happened had he been able to come to terms with everything she had done and just forgiven her in that fucking cell. Forgiven her on the journey through the Fold.

Not left her alone in a field. Not buried her under the weight of his disappointment.

Had he not learned this lesson from years of experiencing the same treatment from Baghra? Another immortal who would use her years and her influence to leverage pain and guilt over him—shame him into doing as she wished? Into feeling the weight of her expectations with an unyielding rigidity?

Could he not have at least given her something to hold onto—something that said, I am angry and I am hurt but I am yours all the same?

No, instead he had crushed Alina and sent her back into the arms of a Grisha-loathing Secessionist to play spy. Fucked with her head and her heart and expected her to recover fine.

Expected her to be stoic in her duties and not slip up. As if he had been able to keep his head after their every encounter. He was a fucking fool.

They were so alike, he and Alina. In hindsight, her reasoning and her motives and decisions all seemed remarkably easy to understand.

He had been bitter at her for shutting him out. Hurt at her apparent lack of trust that she would not confide in him. It was fair that he should feel that way and yet, would he not have done the same?

Had their years been reversed, had it been Aleksander who was so fresh and new to the world, would he not have hungered and grasped for his own independence?

Alina did not want to need him anymore than he wanted to need her. He could not fault her for her actions—not for long anyway.

When he removed himself from the torturous back and forth they had both endured and inflicted on each other the last several years, Aleksander could not deny the plain truth before him: Alina was his match in every sense of the word.

Alina was and would always be the only one who could meet the depth of his power and counter it. Descend into the cavernous pain he carried and draw him out of it. Climb to the heights of his passion and somehow drive him higher.

It might be cosmic or ancient or fated by the Saints but even outside of all that, Aleksander simply wanted her. Alina. His Alina. Just as she was.

Aleksander wanted her very soul for himself and he would tie their Light and Dark together more completely than any paltry tether if given the chance again.

He is going to kill me in the morning.

He pushed his horse forward.

The city was eery in it’s quiet.

Aleksander shrouded their party of three in shadow as they trotted through the streets. His eyes were sharp but half of his focus was on the pull of the tether, guiding them closer to Alina.

He had zero intention of visiting her friends, despite her requests. Getting to her himself was far more important. Still, he slowed as they were nearing the place he knew they had held him weeks before.

“I fucking knew it! You will pay, Darkling.” A voice shouted from his left and he raised a fine blade of darkness only to feel that clenching in his chest once more. That blood thickening, heart seizing clutch of a Heartrender.

Aleksander growled at the spasm and the screaming Heartrender emerged from an alley. Ivan immediately used the same technique against her and Aleksander was free from the thrall once more. Fedyor sat on his own horse, working to restore his General.

“Stupid girl! He did not do this.” Baghra said, joining the fray from her hiding spot. “Stop. All of you!” She demanded, grabbing the Heartrender from the ground where she had crumpled under Ivan’s will.

The Darkling snarled at them both as he darkened the street with his irritation and shadows sloughed off of him in billowing sheets.

“Good. You’re making this quite easy then.” He said through clenched teeth.

He gripped his reins and cricked his neck to keep from killing both of them and barked out Alina’s message, “Alina is being held captive by Zlatan. She said he knows she is the Sun Summoner and asked me to warn you.”

Aleksander turned his gaze on his mother, growling the words at her, “Your Sun Summoner held captive by the man you traded her to in the first place.”

He glared at her. His thoughts screaming at her. Was this a better life for her, mother? Do you believe I would have done worse to her—worse to the world than terror Zlatan intends to unleash now?

He wanted to ask it. To make her hurt. To make her regret. There wasn’t time.

The reins were tight in his hands and he could not help the added insult he bit off as he left. “Do what you will with that news, you glorified Grisha slavers.”

Picking up his reins, he kicked his horse back into motion and continued through the streets.

“Darkling! Stop!” They called after him. Aleksander did not heed them. Alina called to him in the night and he would not give them another second of wasted time.

“Follow him then, you fools! He knows where she is!” Baghra’s voice echoed up the street. The sound of hooves followed and he knew they would not be far behind.

Aleksander tracked Alina all the way to a mansion on the wealthy end of the capital.

Ivan and Fedyor flanked him on either side as they dismounted. His gaze flicked to the people they now had in tow.

The dark haired woman he recognized as the Heartrender who tried to knock him out again. Next to her was large man and behind them stood four others, unknown to him and irksome merely in their culpability of Alina’s engagement and enslavement.

“I assume you are here because you are loyal to Alina.” He said with a clipped edge.

The woman’s eyes narrowed at him but she nodded.

“Very well. Seeing as I don’t know how many people we can expect inside, it would be foolish not to work together.”

They looked uneasy and the Darkling growled at them, his barely controlled rage spewing from his hands as his shadows blanketed around their ankles, “In case you are missing something, Alina is to be executed in the morning by Zlatan. I’m certain she is inside that home at this very moment and I will not waste time fighting the Grisha who put her there.”

He twitched his fingers and his shadows tightened around their calves. The Darkling watched with a sick grin on his face as they lurched in place.

“We are not following you, Darkling. We will get her out ourselves.” The woman said, pulling her leg free.

“I don’t think you will.” His voice was quiet and dangerous now. Ivan and Fedyor stood to behind him, preparing for a fight. “It was you who gave her to Zlatan in the first place. You’re the reason she is in there now.”

A few of the members shifted guiltily and the Darkling barked at them again, “How long since she lost contact with you?”

A few of them jumped but the Heartrender simply glared at him.

“A little over a week.” The man beside her said.

Aleksander growled at them, condemning them once more. “Reckless. Sloppy pieces of shit.”

“We will fight alongside you, Darkling. Tonight we will.” The man said. The woman glared at the ground but nodded.

Aleksander scrutinized them, loosening his shadows and forcing himself to turn away from them. “Alina is being held underground. Kill anyone who gets in your way but hear this—Zlatan is mine.”

Zlatan was not home.

Or, at least, those were the last words the guard could squeeze out of his throat before the Darkling snapped his neck.

It felt different to kill with his hands. Different wrap his fingers around a throat and twist. Different to physically touch the skin of someone as their life force abandoned their body. Still, it was the only thing that satisfied on this night.

The place had been crawling with First Army soldiers. West Ravkan soldiers, as they preferred to be called. He and his Heartrenders and his borrowed Grisha army had swarmed the home like a plague and he winded his way toward the back of the house, looking for access to the basement.

Underground. He knew she was underground.

“General!” Ivan called from the next room over. Aleksander entered the small parlor where Ivan was unceremoniously shifting a corpse across the floor and lifting the rug from the edge of the room.

A hatch.

The Darkling lifted it and grasped a lantern from the wall.

“Find Fedyor.” He said to Ivan as he began to descend the stairs into the floor, “I will get Alina and we will set out for the Fold again.”

Ivan hesitated by the door.

“Fedyor, Ivan. Find him first. Then we will go together.” Ivan nodded and left.

When he found her, she was asleep.

Beautiful, even with dark circles under her eyes and a pallor to her skin. Both of which had little to do with captivity or starvation and everything to do with the fact that she was an extremely powerful Grisha forced to suppress her power.

Aleksander gingerly lifted the slaver bar, extending her arms out in front of her and laying the bar on the ground.

He conjured the Cut and sliced through one end, as close as he dared cut near her wrist. He took a breath and severed the other side.

Aleksander tucked his arms beneath hers and pulled her into his lap, her head lolling back against his shoulder as his hands met around her stomach.

“Alina.” He said in her ear. A kiss to her cheek. Another to her hair.

“Wake up, solnyshka. You are freed.” Alina stirred in his arms and, with little ceremony, he brought her hands together, forcing her to conjure the tiniest amount of Light. Hoping to feed her a little before they had to move again.

The chamber around them was forced into relief, putting the little gas lantern to shame.

Her eyes fluttered and Alina sighed, sinking into him. Her back pressed into his chest. “You’re here.”

Her forehead fell against his jaw and he could not help the way he held her face there, whispering a silent prayer of gratitude to the Saints for this moment. For her voice and her Light and her life. That she was not gone from him.

When his prayer was done he whispered more words to her. “I’m sorry, Alina. I am so sorry, my love, my Star.”

Her hand caressed his jaw and he nuzzled her in return. Her silence now assuredly attributed to her fatigue as opposed to malice for him. “Come along, we will help get you out.”

And then, to his added relief, “General!” Ivan and Fedyor emerged. Fedyor, clutching his side but otherwise smiling at the sight of Alina and her Light and the way she was sitting up in the arms of the General.

“If the Sun Summoner is able, we must move. They are calling in others now. We cannot face many more soldiers tonight.” Ivan advised.

Aleksander nodded, pushing from his legs into standing and bringing Alina with him.

Her thin, white shift snagged against the buckles of his kefta and with a sharp pang he remembered how she had clasped them together herself in the dacha.

How she had dressed him in his black kefta and his traveling cloak and her hands had smoothed the core cloth and then she had begged him to run away with her.

“Ivan. Come hold her up for a moment.”

Aleksander removed his kefta and threaded her arms through the sleeves. His fingers worked quickly on the clasps and when she was covered in the warm black shield, the only protection he could give to her right now, he lifted her into his arms.

The other Grisha, her ‘friends’ were waiting by the exit. At the sight of her, it looked as if they would reach for her. Expect him to turn her over to them.

The Darkling practically hissed at them, holding her away from them, but it was Ivan who was done with it all.

“Out. Everyone. More are coming. Get to the horses and disperse. They cannot chase us all.”

Everyone dispersed, the woman with a lingering glance at Alina. The three men hurried to their horses and the other Grisha to theirs, quick and silent in their movements.

They had just mounted, the General adjusting his posture in the saddle as Ivan lifted Alina into his arms, when the unmistakeable sound of a dozen horses echoed through the streets.

The General looked at Fedyor, hunched on his horse and waiting for Ivan to join him—he would need assistance on horseback with his injury. Ivan and the General locked eyes.

“Go. Get a head start. We can handle them.” Ivan said.

Aleksander almost protested and then Ivan had slapped his horse on the haunches with a firm hit and Alina jolted in his arms as his horse took off down the city streets.

The pursuit was something of a blur.

The West Ravkan soldiers followed them through the streets, tracking them until they reached the edges of town. Aleksander and Alina were saved more than once by the help of a Tidemaker or Squaller who was hidden in plain sight and ready to impede the pursuing enemy.

He was glad for it as he felt helpless to do much else at the moment. Alina seemed so precarious in his arms and he wondered if they had not done more to her in captivity than prevent her from using her Light.

Wondered if they had performed experiments on her. Bled her and drained her. She should not be so frail from a week of captivity. Not his Sun.

Still, they were nearing the Fold now and Aleksander would need his hands to gather Light if they were going to cross.

“Alina, please. If you can, sit up and lean against me. I need your help to get through the Fold.” Alina stirred, her eyes flickering again.

“‘M sorry.” Feebly, she brushed her hands against each other and sighed as she illuminated everything around them. Like the burst of a dawning Light she lit up their location and Aleksander panicked.

“No! Alina! Stop!”

She did not know. Could not know what she had done. Horses gathering in force sounded behind them, locked on their location now and Aleksander pushed his own horse hard toward the safety of his creation.

The blight he left on the earth. The thing which he meant to protect him and all Grisha would now have to protect him and his Sun.

History would not repeat itself. He would not let her die tonight.

“The Sun Summoner!” He heard the shouting echo across the field even as they neared the black curtain. True dawn was breaking on the horizon. The reddish glow mixing with her bright white.

Aleksander tucked Alina further into his chest, holding her with the frame of his arms and she was finally waking up.

“Sasha. Where are we going?” Her eyes opened, the black Shadow Fold billowing across their vision.

“Oh good. I do like it in there.” She said, absently, “It’s like being covered in you. So familiar. Always so familiar. Even before I ever met you, going into it was like being home.”

Alina sounded delirious now and Aleksander wanted to cry. He swallowed it down and answered her.

“Yes. We are going into the Fold now. I might need your help to Light it—I don’t have my hands free.”

Alina nodded, squeezing his thigh in response and Aleksander heard another set of hooves drawing closer.

“Now Alina!”

Alina conjured her Light and the dome put his to shame. It was broad and beautiful and white, splitting the curtain of the Fold as they entered.

The Light was too big. Too bright. Others had joined them under the dome.

Aleksander urged the horse faster but he knew it was long tired from their long evening.

“Alina, please, pull your Light in just a little.” He urged.

It was useless. Alina’s hands were no longer touching and her Light shone from her anyway. Persistent. Bright.

Her consciousness was wavering and the Light brightened and he could not tell if he was adding to it or not.

“Sun Summoner! Halt!”

Gunfire. His horse faltered. Aleksander looked around frantically but realized it was only a graze to the flank. His horse was good, strong, used to battle and gunfire. It carried on.

Darkling! I know you’re in there! The voices from the past echoed in his head and he knew they were not there and history would not be repeated on this night.

Aleksander could not bring his hands together though. He was terrified Alina would fall and their horse would slow down and all would be lost again.

They neared the center of the Fold. He could feel the pull of the creation point. It called to him. More than it ever had before. A persistent tug on his tether. The same tug he felt when Alina called to him.

Perhaps something in the Making at the Heart of the World was rooted into the Fold as well. Perhaps creation simply echoed from this very spot.

The beginning of time, the creation of the earth, the creation of the Fold.

Perhaps it all centered here in this magnetic pull and out of it’s gravity, Alina and Aleksander were born. Shadow and Light. Magnetic poles arrived to stabilize an otherwise wavering world. Arrived to hold everything and everyone in balance.

More gunfire. “You are still my betrothed, Sun Summoner!” Zlatan was with them, taunting them.

Here’s the little witch who’s been stitching him back together. Aleksander shook his head, willing the words away.

Adrenaline was spiking and Aleksander looked helplessly up at the white Light overhead and brought his hands together to conjure the shadows. He tried to direct them and felt Alina slip a few inches in his grasp, her feet lolling dangerously around the front legs of their horse. A few more inches and she would impede his gait. Would pull them all down.

“Fuck.” He cursed, anxiety mixing into his fear as he clutched Alina by the stomach and pulled her back up.

“The Black General! Did you see the shadows. That’s the General of the Second Army!”

“Are you intending to kidnap my fiancée, General?!” Zlatan shouted behind them.

Stand down, Grisha! The white stone building illuminated beneath the dome as it had not been illuminated in centuries. So bright he could not look at it directly.

Darkling! I know you’re in there!

More gunfire and this time a bullet found his back. He lurched and clutched Alina to him, willing her to hold on in case he lost his grip. Willing her to be hidden completely from their range. Shield her with himself.

The horse was slowing. The graze from before was bleeding profusely now. More than a graze evidently. Blood was spilling heavy down the buckles of the saddle.

“Sasha?” Alina questioned. His hands brushed over the black kefta he had covered her in, bulletproof and safe.

History would not repeat itself.

Another shot. Their horse was trotting and the enemy was upon them, just yards away as the beast came to a stop. As it kneeled.

He and Alina rolled to the side, hidden behind the safety of their horse. The horse who was giving it’s life for them.

Aleksander was growing cold. Shock. Bullets in his back. Bullets in his side.

He looked at her. His Light. His love. Bullet now lodged in his stomach. That was the one that was killing him.

He peaked over the top of the horse. His eyes caught on the anxious West Ravkan General who kept one eye on the wavering Light overhead. One last act. Aleksander could do this for his love. One last act to show her no one would dare hurt her on his watch.

He lifted himself to kneel. His arms sweeping out from his sides and gathered the lingering Shadow—it was waiting—ready to do his bidding. One last dark deed. The thin blade was formed so quickly. Aleksander released it.

The surge of victory at watching the head and shoulders of Zlatan detach from his body filled his chest and warmed him even as he watched Zlatan’s soldiers stagger their horses away from the mess in horror. Those men did not matter.

She was safe. He had done what he should. History would not repeat itself on this night. Aleksander was so tired. He could not reform the Cut if he tried.

“Aleksander?”

Alina looked more awake. He was relieved. Finally, she was bouncing back. Too late for him but early enough for herself. To save herself. Everything would be okay for her. That was what he wanted.

A better world for her. She would lead it.

“Alina?” She looked at him and he realized he had seen this look before. Only, he didn’t remember until now.

“I am having the strangest sense of déjà vu.” He said.

Tears were slipping out of her eyes and he was watching her and he felt certain now that he had seen this all before. A snowy battlefield, flecked with blood.

“What are you doing?” She asked. She tried to pull his face up to hers. A Fjerdan wolf dead beside him and Alina yelling at him on the other.

“What are you doing? Stop. No. You said—not again. Please.” Aleksander watched her eyes close and her face was pinched in pain and it hurt to see her hurt. She had called him weak, weak for leaving her. For dying.

“Don’t cry, solnyshka. You will be safe and that is what matters. You will make the world safe for all of our people.” His hand touched her cheek.

Zlatan’s men had not come close and he could only assume it was for fear that she would rescind the Light or fear he would send another blade of shadow. His mouth tasted like bile and tinged with the metallic taste of blood.

“You have the advantage in here, Alina. The Fold is a place only you can conquer.” He smiled and it was almost whimsical in nature. “It was made from me, after all. You were made to conquer me, were you not, little Star?”

Alina hiccuped a laugh and grimaced at the pain in her weakened body.

“Don’t leave me, Sasha.” She said and he frowned at the sign of defeat in her shoulders. His own eyes filled with tears. He had done this with her before.

“I do not want to, Alinochka.” He whispered and his vision was blackening and only had a few moments to say what he wanted. “You have inspired me, Alina. Made my life good. You will inspire everyone. Do not doubt it.”

Her mouth kissed his and he saw blood on her lips when she pulled away. “Please, Sasha. I cannot go on without you.”

Their tether was sizzling and splitting in his chest, itching to burst forth.

Aleksander was dying. “I’ll find you in the after, Alina. I swear it.”

Her hands were shaking.

They trembled as she touched his face.

His features were slack, no quirked brow, no glare for her. No devious, cunning smirk.

No breathless, open smile, as if he just realized he was caught staring.

Instead she smoothed her quaking hands over his cheeks, pulling him fully into her lap.

The horse at her back took a shuddering breath. It too, was dying. Would be dead in another minute.

Zlatan’s men were there. They were still yelling. That much registered in a distant back room of her brain but then she closed the door.

Everything was muffled.

A tiny pinprick of light illuminated them now. It was small and Alina felt it dying out inside herself, growing dimmer with a smothering loss.

The men moved to stand closer than she would like, their exit from the Fold far too far away to survive on their own.

She did not look at them. They did not move toward her, their fear of the volcra kept their eyes turned up.

It was possible to pull him back. Aleksander. She could bring him back.

She had done it once. Reforged the broken tether and tied his life back to hers. They were Inevitable. One would not exist without the other—not while she was around to ensure it.

He was dying and she was suddenly reaching desperately for their tether. Their lifeline. She forced it to the surface, the fractured electric thing barely connected to their chests. A sliver of light held onto his body.

She wrapped his limp hand around the tether and covered it with her own.

Together they ventured into the abyss. Into the Making at the Heart of the World. That place that belonged to them alone.

Only—

Aleksander was just as lifeless here. His eyes were still closed and she could not feel his breathing.

Alina felt herself beginning to panic. Anxiety and panic and chemicals in her brain lighting her up with a dying surge of energy.

She poured into him all the Light she contained. Drove her beams into his chest over and over and over. Could not explain why she was doing it. It made no sense. She was no healer and maybe her Light would only drive his Shadow farther and farther away from her.

But, it could only be them. It could not be one without the other.

Where Light traveled, Shadow was compelled to follow and she will not allow him to abandon in his duty.

Not now.

Nothing was happening and as her Light surged, the abyss itself began to fade around them.

Quite suddenly, they were back into their pocket of the Fold and those insignificant West Ravkan soldiers were still surrounding them. Crowded close. Terrified that her light would blink out completely and the volcra would descend.

Alina clutched for their tether again. Nothing but the frayed end of rope was returned. Spitting and hissing electricity like a live wire.

Nothing to ground her anymore. Nothing to hold her to the earth. Nothing to balance her out.

Hemorrhaging Light filled up inside of her chest.

Aleksander was gone. She was alone.

In the beginning, Light had joined Darkness. In the end, Darkness had left the Light and all this debating she had done over whether or not to end the world and start over was so silly.

It had never been a choice. A path she could choose to take or not to take.

Alina was alone and the wrongness of it was impossible to overcome. This was not choice. This was Inevitable.

In the end, Light would shine bright enough to blind all of creation. Blind everyone and everything and nothing would be seen but Darkness. Beautiful, glorious Darkness.

In the end it was not a choice that she made.

In the ending, this was as Inevitable as they had been.

Alina stared at the soft, blank face of her love, lost to her in the here and now.

Saint Alina, Sun Summoner and Mother of the West looked up toward the sky.

She opened her mouth and let loose an unholy wail.

White hot Light burned out of her mouth in a beam that ripped through the Shadow around her and overhead. She could not stop the wave of energy anymore than she could stop her own anguished grief.

Aleksander was limp in her lap and it was finally happening. The Sun Summoner was combusting from the inside and the power of the Sun would ravage her body and rend it to shreds.

That did not matter anymore.

Nothing else mattered in this moment.

The heat surged around her and she did not even register the shrieks of Zlatan’s men or the volcra as they burned up in the light that touched them. Gone with very little fanfare in the end.

But then, the entire earth would be gone with little warning and no time to grieve. No time for regret even.

Light poured from her body and scorched the earth and expanded within the Fold farther and farther in a growing radius around her.

Her and her Shadow, alone at the center. The center of the Fold, the center of life itself.

Had he longed for Alina before he created the Fold? Had he known she could exist before he unleashed his Shadow and necessitated a Sun Summoner join him? She could not ask him in this life and so she did not want this life anymore.

At last, she was going to blink out of the world.

Shining out of it with the blinding, fiery fury of a collapsing star, imploding from the inside.

Alina was powerless to stop what had begun.

What force could possibly contain her anymore?

She was so young. She could not keep it in any longer. Never learned to control it properly. Perhaps she was never meant to.

The radius of her light had expanded to the edges of the Fold and where it was erased from the earth, more daylight rushed in and illuminated the scene.

The fire Light was hotter than any she had ever created. Maybe hotter than anything that had ever existed.

Hotter than the fire and combustion of creation itself. Hotter than the Light that burned at the Making at the Heart of the World. She should know, shouldn’t she?

It was past the point of return and the Light would surely swallow everything in its path.

It was beyond anything known. It was beyond the beginning. She would forge a new beginning, though she did not mean to do it.

It was happening now and no one could stop it.

And then—

Something was knitting itself inside her chest.

Born from the fiery core or maybe born from that solitary cool bit of Shadow that she knew lay just beneath her power. That bit of Shadow inside of her that stabilized it all.

Her chest was itching and then Shadow was swirling into her Light.

“Alina.”

His voice reached her and she prayed her thanks to the Saints that he was on the other side of all of this. He was waiting for her.

She had collapsed the world to get to him and it had worked.

Aleksander stirred in her arms, flesh untouched by the ancient power emanating from her being. They were not in the After. He was returned to her on earth. Untouched.

Untouched because Light would never be able to conquer Shadow. Not completely.

Her wailing stopped but she looked at him helpless as she continued to burn. Light beams emanated from her limbs and out of her chest and her gut and every inch of her skin.

Who could stop a star from dying?

Aleksander cupped her face. “It is going to be all right, solnyshka. I know what to do.”

His thumb stroked her cheek, soothing her.

Of course he knew what to do. He had done this very thing four centuries before. Only he had not had Alina to help him. To push back on him and his Shadow.

Aleksander closed his eyes. Shadow denser than she had ever seen—denser than the Fold itself, poured out of him.

Where her star fire was loud with the vibration of radiating energy, his dark matter was deadly silent. It slithered to the very edges of her Light’s reach and encapsulated it.

The world went dark around them. There were no volcra here. No screeches or voices. There was only they two. Shadow and Sun. Dark and Light.

A dying star, shining it’s brightest at it’s imminent collapse and the black hole born from the sheer power of the supernova.

The dark matter swirled and undulated and it was an unyielding master of the Light.

Alina watched it awe as it pulled on every ray that attempted to escape. The Dark curled around it, cooling it, taming it into submission.

Alina gasped for breath, the column of light pouring out of her was gentling at last and cooling off.

“Look at me, little one.”

Her eyes blinked with bleary tears.

“At me.” He said again, coaxing her face.

Her eyes met his steady gaze.

“Breathe with me. We will survive this.”

His voice was soft and unwavering and she burrowed into the assurance it offered.

Her Light gentled and dimmed and then faded entirely at the center of the black hole he created.

Her eyes stared into his. She gave him a small smile which he returned. Both of them captivated in the silent awe of what they created.

Alina laughed. A watery laugh as tears poured down her cheeks and he kissed them over and over.

She sighed, weariness overcoming her and Aleksander soothed her and she let her eyes close, submitting to her exhaustion.

Only then did he call the dark matter back into himself, allowing the natural light of the morning to beat down on them.

They huddled together, centered in the fresh, circular lesion at the heart of the Fold. The buildings of Novokribirsk discernible on one side of him and the army outpost in Kribirsk on the other.

He surveyed the damage, miles wide inside the fold. Wide enough for a small village.

The only casualties were easily explained away. Zlatan and his men no more than dust in the desert. Who would care for the disgraced general and his men? The monsters who would seek to kill the Sainted Sun Summoner?

No one need know how close she came to rending the world apart. No one would know this was an accident—that her powers got away from her.

He could spin this. This—an obviously intentional attempt to banish the Fold—the people would weep and bow at her feet as they were meant to do. The people would not come for her in their fear.

His hands cradled her sleeping form and he allowed himself a smile.

“You cannot escape me now, Sol Koroleva. You watch us. Together we will drag this world into a new age.”

He kissed her cheek, her answering breath somehow, miraculously cool against his skin. He pulled her head close and held her, whispering in her ear.

“When you wake, the world will have been made new.” He stroked a hand over the back of her head, her hair white and gleaming in the morning sun. “You delivered it another miracle." He laughed to himself, tears tracking into her hair from his cheeks, "My cursed, relentless little Saint. Just another miracle.”

#darklina fic #darklina fanfic #darklina #alina x aleksander #aleksander morozova #alina starkov #power dynamics #politics #the grisha trilogy #grishaverse #physics #theoretical physics #darklina server

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writingwithcolor · 4 years

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Magical person in history, on not intervening on human rights issues

I am writing a dating sim/visual novel set in the present day. A major (non-romanceable) character is an ancient sorceress who moved from France to the Pacific Northwest in the 1850s. She is white. She is shown to have powerful magic. She also works closely with the main characters and develops personal relationships with them as she teaches them magic, giving each character comfort and advice during their respective stories.

Considering the events in America around her move-in date, there’s no way she could have missed the horrible human rights abuses going on, and there’s no way she was too powerless to help, even when most of the fighting and slavery was so far away. So I’m having trouble balancing “don’t make her a white savior by having her personally fireball Robert E. Lee” against “Hogwarts University is cancelled because Dumbledorette didn’t care about slavery.” I had the idea that the magical regulating body back home in France didn’t want her to intervene due to political reasons, so she helped out in small ways that could safely fly under the radar. She later realized that she prioritized her social standing over the suffering of countless others, so she began making a point of reducing human suffering as much as she could.

I can’t imagine this will show up in more than one small scene, but doing it wrong could really sour the whole thing. Is this backstory still icky? Should I just not mention it and let readers headcanon what they please?

I’m wondering what you think was happening in the PNW at the time for the fighting and slavery to be “far away.” Washington State had the Cayuse War at exactly this time period, Oregon didn’t ratify treaties and was calling for the extermination of “the I*dian race” in roughly this time period, and California’s Gold Rush created the California Genocide starting heavily in the 1840s, picking up steam in the 1850s, which included slavery of California Natives thanks to a law enacted in 1850 that lasted for 13 years.

This is all from the top five results of googling “pacific northwest genocide 1850”, for the record. It’s not exactly hidden history.

So suddenly your character’s lack of movement in healing the poisoned populations as disease ravaged the area, in attempting to stop or at least buy and free the enslaved Natives being auctioned on their doorstep, or in attempting to get treaties ratified and honoured looks a lot more damning.

This is not counting any of the future events that happened at the turn of the century, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Hawai’i monarchy being overthrown, and Federal Order 9066, which is the WWII concentration camps (that included Japanese, German, and Italian individuals). This is just to name a handful of coastal issues in the next 100 years, completely ignoring Jim Crow, residential schools, the San Francisco Earthquake (which nearly had Chinese people relocated to the worst land imaginable for gentrification purposes, had the Empress of China not stepped in), and many others.

In short: she would have had hundreds of opportunities to end suffering, and focusing on a single event as a small scene feels disproportionate to how much she could have done.

And honestly? The French were no angels.

The Second French Colonial Empire was one of the largest empires in history, and it began in 1830, covering roughly a third of Africa. The First French Colonial Empire began in the 1600s, and had both India and North America, primarily Canada.

She was white. French. You don’t specify her birth year other than “ancient”, but considering the sheer amount of territory-grabbing France has been doing since Normandy invaded England in the eleventh century AD, I’m going to assume her birth year is somewhere more recent than that. Therefore, I’m going to assume she has been around the Catholic Missionary Attitude that France had; one could call that attitude the bedrock of its existence for at least a millennia (and is still visible in modern day).

So tell me: when did she break out of it? What made her even care about human atrocities, when she has likely grown up watching France commit them her entire life?

Because let me just say, she has had plenty of opportunities to realize she did nothing in the face of her neighbours’ hatred of people not like them, and she has never taken them before.

Did she (or her parents, if she was born around this time) decry Napoleon re-introducing slavery in France in 1802? Side with Haiti when it declared independence in 1804, and hate that the government forced Haiti to pay for the “theft” of slaves and land (that was only paid off in 1947)? Is she presently championing for France to pay Haiti the money it wrongfully took from the country? Did she hate the delays in stopping the French slave trade, which took 11 years to actually stop after it was banned on paper?

Unconditional emancipation was only reached in 1848, after all. I don’t care if she was born in 1830, there was some sort of major racial event happening in France all throughout the late 1700s to mid-1800s. Where did she side then?

Abolitionism was not an unknown concept in France, so it is possible she had already been working towards it quietly, but that would mean she would have felt guilt at inaction much earlier, depending on when she began decrying slavery—if she was even delayed in decrying it, which I will admit is possible.

And if she was an abolitionist, would she have even listened to the French government in not at least easing the genocide around her? Because she would have watched nearly 100 years of the French dragging their feet on stopping slavery in their empire, and known how BS it all was… if she saw it that way.

That’s just abolitionism, and is not even counting the French relationship with the Native population in Quebec and the Great Lakes region, which is a giant tangle of proxy wars, colonialism, missionary work, and very, very, very complex relationships that started off good and ended terribly.

So I ask again: why did she only start caring then?

Speaking of proxy wars, the Napoleon Empire wanted a Confederate victory, because the Confederacy was its source of cotton and the American Civil War created a “cotton famine” in France that basically forced the textile industry into a massive downsizing. The Confederacy also tolerated Napoleon’s plans for expanding the empire in Mexico, which actually had begun in December of 1861.

So when it comes to how a magical board would rule—even though France was officially neutral in the war, the court of public opinion (among politicians and capitalists) was more on the Confederate side than the Union side. Many politicians secretly worked with the Confederacy, until they abandoned them when the Union showed signs of winning. The only reason France officially remained neutral is because a war with the British was inevitable if they acknowledged the Confederacy, and Napoleon didn’t want that.

I shall work under the assumption that because it was rather literally on her doorstep when she moved to America, she lost insulation to it (if she hadn’t thought about it before), but I will say how iffy that makes her look in the long term if she had so many opportunities beforehand (at the very least, seeing slaves in France).

My other option is the word “ancient” is liberally applied and she was only in her 20s or 30s when 1850 hit, and therefore had not had many opportunities to see otherwise (but she still would have seen slaves in France, likely).

Onto the white guilt and white saviour aspects

Strictly from a writing perspective, you have to determine if she changed the course of history, or not. This would not necessarily be within the realm of white saviour, seeing as white people were the only ones listened to at the time. You can see people who changed the course of history in this period by looking up the pastor who insisted Lincoln hold fair trials for the Dakota, which brought the execution count from over 200 down to 38. You can also look at Alice Fletcher, who made quite a few laws designed to protect Native people, but whether or not they were successful is up for debate (and she regretted some of the laws she helped enact).

If not, then you have the current tangle you’re dealing with.

Option 1

She was unestablished in America and relied on the magical regulations board to protect her, and she figured working small and under the radar would mean she could do more good long-term by not being killed, so long as you establish that such a threat is viable.

This option only works if she’s an active advocate for the slew of other racist acts that pass once she’s settled in America, of which I gave many examples above.

Option 2

She actually did change the course of history in perhaps a mixed way, or perhaps a positive way. She could have relied completely on being a white, well-to-do voice in the community, which would have granted her some privilege without using a drop of magic.

This can apply to any point in history, seeing as there were a lot of others to pick from. It would be particularly useful once suffrage was achieved, and if she was part of suffrage, did she call out Susan B. Anthony’s racism? Did she encourage allowing non-whites to vote?

Option 3

She was slow to care, and did not actually understand what a big deal it was that such atrocities were happening until it was too late. This leads to her dedication to atonement the strongest, but you have to be careful about white guilt. This option can go along with option 1.

This allows her to be a passive player in future racist events, but makes her an even more privileged white character who PoC will have a hard time seeing as kindly, and you should go out of your way to show white players how unkind and privileged she was, and perhaps still is.

Option 4

she doesn’t actually care much, because she has a president of not caring about atrocities happening in France, and her bigotry shows up in other ways in modern day and she’s just a kindly-but-bigoted character. She’s your wonderful grandma who you have beautiful memories with… she just doesn’t care about anyone not white.

This can go along with option 3, as she was so slow to realize that she is still bigoted and hasn’t done any work, but her racism is going to be more covert and you’ll have to do research on microaggressions and how to frame them.

Based off the way her lack of action is framed in-story and how little a plot role it plays, I would say that option 4 with a dash of option 3 appears to be the most likely interpretation of her character by PoC. She’s lip-service to progress, at present, but seems to have made no strides in losing her social standing to be an ally.

Now here’s why I don’t think you should let readers headcanon her however they want:

White players in particular are going to minimize her culpability in what happened, and think that she did all that she could, and she is a Totally Redeemed Character now. In fact, they’ll probably wonder why she’s even an Atoner, because she did something, right? She helped, right? And now she’s helping and that’s plenty. She’s good to the players, so she is a Good Person.

Meanwhile PoC players are going to see yet another white author ignore the fact that colonialism was happening en masse at the time, and that white people deeply benefited from it, and are going to see the “it happened in the past why do you keep bringing up racism?” defence continued.

Let her be flawed. Let her be on stolen land and acknowledge it every time she teaches them something, and let her sit and exist in the guilt that happens when she realizes she could have stopped the theft but didn’t. Let her not wallow in self hate, but acknowledge her mistake with every lesson the main characters receive, and let her work on righting that wrong by championing “land back” causes that centre Indigenous voices.

Let her dialogue options show every trace of how the past is not over because the past’s actions are still being felt and reparations have not been made. The settler state is still controlling the land she has made home and she knows exactly what they did to get it, and she passes that knowledge on.

Let players be uncomfortable with the knowledge that, if they sit by and “only do small things when they can, to not lose anything”, they are complicit. Let white people see they must well and truly denounce what has been given to them by their racist, colonial ancestors in order for PoC to “stop talking about racism.”

Make her use whatever income she makes be paid in part to Native causes, as rent for the land she occupies unfairly. Make her refuse to teach bigoted students who want “mystic secrets” that aren’t hers to give, that were appropriated centuries ago. Make part of her life’s work be hiding away Black and Indigenous spiritual leaders to minimize the loss.

Let her past be imperfect. And do not force redemption on her, but instead let her own the fact she made catastrophic mistakes that will not be redeemed until land has been returned to the Native population. Until all forms of slavery are abolished. Until colonial powers give back all the resources and finances they stole from their colonized regions. Until the privilege that white people spilled so much blood to secure is no more.

Because if you want her to truly be a good character who does not support racism? That is the level you have to step towards.

Everything else is simply whiteness trying to make itself feel better.

~Mod Lesya

#Writing question #submission #ask #genocide #colonialism #fantasy #witches #racism #white privilege #white women #white savior #white guilt #ally #asks #Long post

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