#tomas is a son mourning father

[cienie-isengardu]

Tomas brought that mean talk Bi-Han gave him on himself. Bi-Han only said he's tired of waiting and Tomas went on a speech why that's disrespectful to their dad. Tomas was out of line. Bi-Han should have been even harsher.

Mortal Kombat 1 made it clear that Bi-Han was not at his best mental state. Kuai Liang himself admitted to be aware that his brother’s frustration ran deeply while at the same time apparently neither Scorpion nor Smoke figured out it was their own behavior and treatment of Bi-Han that fueled the frustration in the first place. The one thing the game consequently showed is that whatever Bi-Han will say, be it an opinion about Lin Kuei’s future or just angry complain, all his brothers have to say back to him is father this, tradition that and I think even the most patient person at some point would reach the breaking point. And Bi-Han did reach his, otherwise I doubt he would openly confront Kuai Liang about their father’s death. 

So as much as it is understandable (human) that whenever Tomas or Kuai Liang mentioned father or the tradition Sub-Zero lashed out in frustration, anger alone is a poor excuse for saying mean things - unless in that scene Bi-Han did in fact speak his mind about not considering Smoke to be a true Lin Kuei. Which I doubt is the case, as they were called for the first big job in a while, and looking how

Liu Kang did not recognize Tomas through the whole story mode

Bi-Han had a final say in who is accompanying him, as he rejected aid of Raiden (Fire Lord’s current Champion) and Kung Lao and Liu Kang did not try to impose them on him

I think if Grandmaster truly had an objection to Smoke performing Lin Kuei duty or not deserving being one, he wouldn’t take Tomas on the top priority mission ordered by a very concerned Liu Kang when there were plenty of other more experienced warriors to pick up. Frankly, even if Bi-Han had a doubt about his younger brother’s skills, it wasn’t a baseless assumption, as the infiltration of the enemy's fortress proved Tomas lacks battle experience in that regard. As was seen during his fall after Nitara’s attack - instead of using his powers that literally allowed him to fly, he screamed in panic and using a knife to stop the fall was his second option after instinctively grabbing the wall with his hands failed. Which proves Bi-Han’s point but it didn’t override the decision to include Tomas into Lin Kuei duties. 

But I digress, so let’s come back to the awaiting scene alone. 

Bi-Han: “How long are we expected to linger?" Kuai Liang: “Patience, Bi-Han. There are many demands on Liu Kang's attention." Tomas: "Were he here, Father would advise us to wait without protest."

For one, Tomas did not say anything about Bi-Han being disrespectful to their father nor even to Liu Kang, only that the man would advise them - mind you, them, not Bi-Han alone - to wait as long as needed without a protest. Considering the real possibility that up to his death, their father was the final authority whose words settled any dispute between brothers, Smoke brought an argument to support Kuai Liang’s Patience, Bi-Han. There are many demands on Liu Kang's attention. He simply said what father would do himself in their situation. Something he and Kuai Liang take comfort in, as they held father’s teaching in high regard, while Bi-Han did not recognize the man’s authority any longer - what the younger brothers may know already but still ignore due to their own grief, or Bi-Han up to this moment managed to keep down his frustration under more or less effective control.

This exchange led the discussion away from Liu Kang’s treatment of high-ranked Lin Kuei to the more dangerous subject of father’s teaching and tradition:

Tomas: "Were he here, Father would advise us to wait without protest." Bi-Han: "But now he is gone and I am Grandmaster." Kuai Liang: “His teaching did not pass with him. They should still guide us." Bi-Han: "Guide us, yes. Shackle us, no." Tomas: “We can't abandon tradition." Bi-Han: "Mind your place, Tomas. Father may have taken you in, made you one of us... but your blood will never be Lin Kuei."

For me, Bi-Han’s response was harsher than Tomas’ words deserved, especially as the “your blood will never be Lin Kuei” has nothing to do with the main course of the argument - i.e., following father’s teachings and upholding tradition. If Bi-Han wanted to point out that Tomas is not in position to decide the course of the clan's politics, as it was Grandmaster’s choice alone, he could have said so instead of bringing Tomas’ past. However, at the same time, Sub-Zero’s words could be much harsher and hurtful, for example to deny him the brotherhood or right to consider himself one of Grandmaster's sons. 

The whole bicker was avoidable or at least could be toned down much better if Tomas did not bring their father into discussion. Considering that Kuai Liang was aware his older brother’s patience is a thin ice due to deep frustration, we can assume Tomas knew that too. I feel like if they acknowledged Bi-Han’s complaint or at least allowed him to vent his anger in peace, none of the following arguments would follow. 

I mean, Liu Kang called Grandmaster for top important mission (capturing Shang Tsung and destroying soulstellers), so we can assume Bi-Han and his brothers drop whatever they were doing at that moment and came ASAP only to be forced to wait for unknown to us period of time - that could be a ten minutes or hours, so Bi-Han’s complaint is not baseless. 

At the same time, I feel it is unfair to accuse Tomas of stepping out of line, as that was no formal meeting and he did not undermine the authority of the Grandmaster and older brother before outsiders. The scene was solely about them and their relationship and if Bi-Han felt comfortable to break out of his Grandmaster’s role to vent his frustration to younger brothers when they were all alone, Tomas had the same right to feel comfortable enough to state his opinion in the following discussion. This is them being brothers not the leader and subordinates, the way they were during the war meeting with Liu Kang.

Please, note, Bi-Han  as Grandmaster is singled out and to whom Fire Lord addresses only, while Smoke and Scorpion stood in their place in silence and won’t speak until the meeting is officially over, i.e. after Sub-Zero’s final decision (“We will leave immediately”). If Tomas spoke during that meeting anything contradictoring Sub-Zero’s words, even if his words were correct, then yes, that would be stepping out of line and deserves any lecture the Grandmaster would consider fitting or even dealing with Tomas’ behavior once they returned to home. 

But during the moment between brothers alone from any outsiders? It is different situation, different power balance to begin with (and really, if they didn’t feel comfortable in each company and didn’t consider waiting together as the quiet moment between just them as brothers, outside the clan politics, I doubt Tomas and Kuai Liang would sit while Bi-Han, their leader, was standing).

Did Smoke really need to bring their father into discussion, especially if he knew the late Grandmaster was a sensitive topic around Bi-Han? It could be easier to just avoid that topic however if we can acknowledge Sub-Zero’s frustration as the reason for his harsh behavior and lashing out in anger, I feel we should also acknowledge that Tomas, the same as Kuai Liang, was a son mourning the loss of father. As Smoke and Scorpion had no idea about Bi-Han’s (passive) role in their father’s death, and we don’t have an idea how long time passed since that incident, so there is a chance it was still recent occurrence and the brothers tried - and failed - to find a common ground between Sub-Zero’s ambitions and Smoke & Kuai Liang’s mourning.

Maybe Tomas was so wrapped up in his grief, he didn’t care or didn’t notice he was provoking Bi-Han? Maybe he on purpose kept bringing the late Grandmaster (tradition) into discussion to force his brother to talk about their father, because grieving people sometimes avoid talking about the dead and he did not want repeat what happened to him not speaking about mother and sister, as intro dialogue implied he did not talk about his biological family after their death (Scorpion: You never speak of your mother and sister.)

For me personally, this scene is not about who stepped out the line and who should be lectured, but rather a needed indication from the narration point that the brothers are drifting apart after their father’s death. Both sides have said things that rubbed the other in the wrong way (hearing non stop about father and tradition adds fuel to Bi-Han’s frustration, Tomas’s hearing no matter how hard he will try, he will never be a true Lin Kuei hits into his sense of self-worth), but even the closest siblings sometimes argue and it happened here.

The argument should not even happen in the first place, and maybe would not happen in any normal circumstances  but since Bi-Han and Tomas and Kuai Liang are affected by things outside their control - frustration and mourning respectively - it is understandable the heavy emotions led them to clashed over relatively small things. 

If there is one thing to say for sure, they have some serious communication problems and that is only partially about Bi-Han not saving their father and lying about that. The story mode showed us Bi-Han trying to explain his reasoning - and as much as game keeps his arguments as vague as possible, he still openly states what he wants for Lin Kuei and himself, while his brothers cling to "tradition" and "father said so" but won't present any countrarguments why those things should matters. Which is a major problem, as both sides want different things and can't find a common ground to agree on.

So no, I don't think Tomas was at fault in this scene, at least not in the sense he wanted to hurt Bi-Han by bringing father into discussion, the same as I don't think Bi-Han should be harsher. What they should have done was to talk about the issue in peace and work out the solution, but alas they weren't given a time nor opportunity until it was too late.

#mortal kombat #bi han #sub zero #smoke #tomas vrbada #my replies #i feel like this scene and their clash is blown up out of proportion by fandom #either as bi han being bastard just to be bastard or tomas being bastard for talking about father when no one asked him to do so #but we needed this little clash to know things aren't okay between brothers #bi han is frustrated #tomas is a son mourning father #the same as kuai liang for the matter #but whatever they said here did not indicate bi han hated tomas or tomas was afraid or abused #bi han had right to complain #tomas had right to talk about father and looking up to his teaching in stressful situation #still it didn't stop them working well together on mission and bi han showed his worry for the adopted younger brother #so the clash here did not affect their relationship that much #thus wasn't a serious argument to be remembered i guess #and also i know sometimes it is good to avoid subject that may frustrate your companion #but sometimes confrontation is also needed to move on with the problem #i feel like tomas falls into second category here #he wants to acknowledge the elephant in the room #and as kuai liang's bio says he was concerned about bi-han's politics and new path for lin kuei so tomas probably felt the same #even if he went about it clumsily

[fsfghgee]

Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)

Bi-Han Canons and HeadCanons 

@comradewitcher

Bi-Han is a mama's boy and everything he does is in hopes of honoring her memory. Since Tomas came into their lives, he began competing for her attention and seeking her approval for everything.

Bi-Han has daddy issues. As the Grandmaster's first son, he grew up constantly watched and pushed to the limits to one day be worthy of inheriting his father's position.

Like all Lin Kuei, Bi-Han trained to be a deadly and stealthy warrior since childhood.

Bi-Han's best friends are Cyrax and Sektor, but as heir to the clan's highest position he rarely had time to play like a normal child and often avoided venting to either of them so as not to show weakness.

Kuai Liang knows all of Bi-Han's weaknesses and frustrations. Bi-Han only knows all of Kuai Liang's weaknesses.

Bi-Han values strength and power above all else.

Bi-Han admires Rain's powers and would like to have him as an ally.

Bi-Han can't stand strangers touching him.

Bi-Han secretly respects Raiden and Kung Lao because they were apprentices of Madam Bo, a retired Lin Kuei.

Bi-Han loves to be praised and respected.

Bi-Han secretly respects Kenshi because his ancestors were fierce opponents of his Lin Kuei ancestors.

Bi-Han secretly respects and cares for Tomas, but he refuses to admit it and treats him harshly because otherwise it would make his father happy.

Bi-Han once looked up to his father (when he was just a boy).

Bi-Han was surprised to hear from Tomas that he once idolized him, largely because he always made sure of distancing himself from him, reminding him that they are not equal, etc.

Bi-Han believes that his father's attachment to tradition and blind loyalty to Liu Kang condemned the Lin Kuei to mediocrity.

When his mother died, Bi-Han was bereft and grew frustrated with his father's decisions. And as his father aged and refused to retire, whispers that Bi-Han should take leadership began to spread and when the Grandmaster was seriously injured in an accident, Bi-Han was advised to let nature take its course.

Bi-Han misses his mother and mourns her death to this day.

Bi-Han once saw Liu Kang as an uncle.

Bi-Han misses Kuai Liang's company.

Bi-Han is vain, but supporting Shao in battles in Outworld left him with no time even for basic care some days, like brushing his teeth.

Bi-Han regrets hurting Kuai Liang, but his pride prevents him from apologizing.

Bi-Han has had anger issues since he was a boy and often loses control when under stressful situations. This trait was the main reason why his father refused to retire and considered him unworthy of holding his position. Bi-Han suspects to this day that his father would have preferred Kuai Liang to have been born first.

Bi-Han is proud of his appearance because he takes after his mother. And he is even more proud of having inherited her combat skills.

Both of Bi-Han's parents were excellent fighters.

Bi-Han's father was a close friend of Jerrod.

Bi-Han once admired Sindel a lot. And the news of her death was devastating for him. He regrets having been busy freeing Shao from prison in Outworld, rather than protecting his brothers, Sindel and her daughters in battle against Shang Tsung's Titan counterpart.

#bi han #bi han sub zero #bi han headcanon #subzero mk1 #mk headcanons #mortal kombat #mk1 #mk1 spoilers #lin kuei #mortal kombat 1 #mk2023 #bihan #bi han mk #bi han gif

[lialacleaf]

Simon Riley x Reader: Baking Headcannons Pt. 4

The Finale

Thank you all for your support of the Baking Headcannons! Despite this being the finale, I will be posting one shots for this series to my Patreon account in the near future!

Little feet pitter-patter across the floor of your home, and you watch from the couch as a small head of blonde hair pops up, a little hand swiping a lemon shortbread cookie off the plate settled on the counter.

Your home is often full of sweets and baked goods, and you're certain your husband gains a pound or two when he comes home from deployment. It's not like he's not going to work it off later anyway.

"Momma, why do you like making shortbread cookies so much?" Your daughter has always loved your cookies just as much as your husband does, and you smile at the memory of your first attempt at making them.

Simon always knew when you'd pulled his mother's cookbook out, and you could only describe the way he slunk into the kitchen as a lost puppy following his nose home by the smell of his favorite treats.

"What is it with you and the shortbread?" you asked one evening, licking lemon batter off the spoon once you'd stuck the cookies in the oven.

The look he gives you is so close to a smile it hurts. "Mum used to make em' for my birthday," he'd say, and you'd swallow thickly, bumping his shoulder playfully with your own.

Six months later you'd perfected the recipe for his birthday, just like his Mum would have done for Simon if she were still there.

After that, shortbread cookies had become a tradition. They were the first thing you and Simon baked when you moved in together and were featured on the dessert table at your wedding.

You still felt your face grow red at the memory of your mother profusely thanking Simon for teaching you how to cook, as she no longer had to fear for the safety of her kitchen during the holidays.

Blueberry shortbread had announced the arrival of your firstborn son to the team, and Johnny had beamed as he proclaimed himself an uncle, crumbs collecting at the corner of his mouth.

It didn't escape your notice that Simon wished Tommy was there to share a beloved family treat to celebrate the news, and the absence of an uncle, aunt, and cousin would be forever mourned. He hung an old family photo in the nursery, a promise that while they were gone, they would never be forgotten in the Riley household.

The first thing you baked with your son was his father's favorite shortbread cookies, and Simon had caught the two of you licking the mixing bowl with pure adoration.

"It's a very special family recipe," you explain to your daughter, lifting her into your lap as Simon simply smiles at her from beside you, your son already curled up against his father's side as he doses off with a full stomac of sweets.

"Do I get Grandma's cookbook if I get married before Tomas?" your daughter asks, and Simon chuckles.

"If the lad can't cook I suppose you'll need it," Simon offers with a grin directed your way, and you swat his leg playfully.

"If you get Grandma's book first, you'll have to give it to Tommy's wife someday, welcome her into the family," you warn, and your daughter's features pinch in disbelief.

"No one wants to marry Tomas," she says in disgust, and you can't help but laugh at the way she whispers her brother's name, as if not to wake him so that he might defend his charm.

"Funny, they said the same thing about your father," you snickered, and Simon rolled his eyes.

"Mhm. And yet I was the one winning you over with my skills in the kitchen."

You smile as your daughter giggles, nestling between you and Simon contently.

You have everything you could ever need. Everything you could ever want. You've given Simon more than he ever thought he would have in his lifetime, and it all started with a cookbook.

I hope you guys liked the ending! This was originally supposed to be one part but then it just kept going...

tags: @i-feel-violated @oranoyaora @beautifulcollectivewolf @notsosweetcheeks @vinithechocolatevampire @prttylilkittn @babygirl-riley @animarix @emily-roberts @bibbyreads @originaldeerhottub

#simon ghost riley x reader #simon riley #simon riley x reader #simon ghost x reader #simon ghost riley

[paraliveimaginesblog]

hii, i’d like to request shogo with heliotrope, thank you!

Shogo Yamato:

Heliotrope - the determination to do anything for their loved one.

With the way Shogo was wrapped around the toilet, you would have thought he went on a bender the night before.

He had always known you were a fan of his dad. He had overheard you talking about him with one of your friends, standing a few feet away from him; he had thought at first it might be an attempt to get his attention, but when you never so much as glanced his way, he realized it was just an unfortunate coincidence. It had made him sick to his stomach to think about and he had made a bit of a scene rushing to the bathroom, actually capturing your attention with that. You had knocked on the bathroom door asking if he needed you to run to the café nearby to get water, and it had really taken off from there.

It turned out you had heard of VISTY, you were fans of them with or without Kei you had reassured, even showing a bit of the idol fan energy when you started talking about your favorite songs. It had set Shogo so at ease he had completely forgotten your interest in his father, happy to talk about himself and the things he wished to accomplish. You hadn’t brought him up either, not suddenly or without cause, but there was no reason for you to dance around the subject since you couldn’t possibly know it was such a sensitive matter for him.

So the day you asked for his dads autograph was inevitable.

You weren’t a couple yet but that was more his own procrastination than anything. You talked daily, saw each other as much as possible, received many tidbits of insider information from Toma who had excitedly asked for your number the second he knew Shogo had a crush on you. You had become friendly with each member, weaving yourself into an important part of his life, and it’s why the request crushed him.

Was it all a ploy just to get that?

Would you have laughed at him if he really did ask you out?

It was stupid to even think that, the guilt eating at him despite never saying a word to you about it. He knew how much it would hurt your feelings that the thought of you using him had even crossed his mind, and he didn’t intend to ever tell you about the moment of weakness. The nausea eating away at him made him want to shut himself away but… you had asked something of him.

And he was pretty sure he loved you.

So now that was something he just had to deal with.

You did things you didn’t want to for the ones you loved. Even if it wasn’t fun, or put you in an uncomfortable position, love made it all worth it. Making his (prospective) partner happy was all Shogo could think of, and he tried to keep it in mind while looking at his fathers number in his contacts. He hadn’t spoken with him in who knows how long, and he wondered if his dad would even let the conversation begin before…

He couldn’t do it.

With shaky hands he dropped his phone on his bed, sitting on the corner and putting his face in his hands. He needed to splash cold water on his face, or take off his jacket, anything that wasn’t simply mourning the fact he couldn’t do one simple thing. His father would probably be pleased to know that the person dating his son was a fan of his. He had to do it, had to ask for you, to make you happy, he could ignore his dad for the rest of his life after he just got this over with—

“Shogo! I’ve been calling for you!” You entered the room casually, using your foot to shut the door behind you, face in your phone which left you painfully unaware of the state he was in. He tried to perk himself up but the minute your attention was on him you could see how pale he was, the way sweat streaked down his face. “Hey, hey, are you okay? Are you not feeling good?”

You placed the back of your hand against your forehead, taking his temperature and seeing he was a little overheated. You coaxed the jacket from his shoulders and watched as it fell back without much resistance. You were about to head into the bathroom to get him a wet rag when he began to talk.

“I… Sorry, I couldn’t get the autograph and I…” You looked at him with a confused head tilt, almost as if you had forgotten the request you made of him. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, well, it’s not really a big deal.” You shrugged your shoulders as Shogo looked up at you, using the sleeve of his jacket to wipe the sweat away from his forehead. “Oooh, actually. No wait, one sec.”

Before you got distracted from your original mission you stepped into his bathroom and came back with the rag, placing the cool cloth against his forehead. He’s feeling a little more settled now that you’re here, an effect that you always seemed to have on him no matter how much he was panicking. It was just too easy to forget about all the hard parts of life when you were with him.

“Okay, back to business!” You reached over to grab the bag that had been slung over your shoulder when you entered the room, shuffling through before revealing the recently released limited edition VISTY album. “See, look at it! All shiny and new! I had to wait forever in line, and man those people behind me looked like they were gonna rob me when I got the last one—But I did it!”

You looked so happy showing it off to him, heart pounding in his chest at the way you held it so close to your own.

“So~ To make it even more limited edition, could I have an autograph from my favorite Yamato?”

Shogo thought he might pass out, but at least he knew he could rely on you to take care of him.

#Paradox Live #Paralive #Paradox Live Imagines #Paradox Live x Reader #Paralive Imagines #Paralive x Reader #Shogo Yamato #Yamato Shogo #Yamato Shogo x Reader #Shogo Yamato x Reader #Scenario #Flower Meme

[theladyofbloodshed]

If you still need prompts: Nesta was banished to live outside the village and comes across an injured Cassian

I might write a part two to this as it was lots of fun!

The Exile and the Injured

Chosen one. Sacrificial lamb. Different sides of the same coin. Every twenty years, a maiden was chosen at random to be sent to the small cabin located near the Wall that separated the mortals from fae-kind. Those girls were banished until their screams could be heard in the dead of the night. Weeks later, the cabin would be checked; it was said that scratches were etched into the stone floor, claw marks traced into the wooden beams, and blood left permanent stains across the stoop. Nobody knew what took the girls – fae or a creature just as foul – but as long as the sacrifices happened, nothing stepped foot further than the forest, the harvest was always bountiful, and the winters mild.

Families prayed for sons. The Archerons had been cursed with three daughters, so when their name was the one selected, terror squeezed their father’s heart. Of the three, the middle was engaged to a handsome, young male of good status but she had already given her maidenhead to him; the youngest though wild and strong, had her fun rutting in the hay with a local boy and could not be chosen for the task. It left only the eldest to carry her people’s duty on her shoulders.

Nesta’s sisters wept on her final morning with them though the cold terror that ought to have numbed her, never came. The villagers prepared her, some saying prayers of thanks, some saying ones of mourning. Blessed-one. Cursed-one. Saviour. Victim. Being sent to her death had some perks at least: a hot bath had been drawn for her with fresh water only for her use. It had been filled with bubbles and pressed flowers. Women from the village combed her hair, buffed her nails, plucked her, massaged her then rubbed fragrant oil onto her body. A new gown had been produced solely for her; something like a wedding dress made of delicate white silk and spider-web gossamer fibres. A large spread of food was laid out solely for her; a final feast. It was more food than Nesta had eaten in all their years of poverty and she felt a stab of anger that she couldn’t fill her stomach with more to make up for all those bitterly cold nights of starvation.

When the dark night drew in, still the fear did not come. She was little more than a baby when the last girl had been damned. Her mother had witnessed two maidens taken and told her stories that the woman had wept and begged. That one had been carried into the woods and her own mother had collapsed from the horror of it. After a day spent amongst so many fussing women, Nesta was quite glad to have peace that night.

She was allowed a final goodbye to her family. Elain sobbed, Feyre fought to hide her tears, and their father lacked any words. That was no surprise. There was probably relief on his part that he and Nesta weren’t forced to share a roof anymore.

Nesta was accompanied through the dense wood by a group of soldiers either holding swords or torches to light the path. One recited ancient vows to her, confirming that if she tried to leave her cabin and return to her home, she and all of her family would be slaughtered. She was reminded that this was an honour. The stories were known to Nesta. Most maidens were dead within a couple of nights. Oddly, she found that she did not care. She had no prospects otherwise in their tired, little cottage. She had punched Tomas Mandray in the nose when he’d tried to rip her bodice from her – and he'd ensured she had a reputation in the village as a tempestuous wench so other men steered clear. A life as a lonely spinster or a sacrifice - what a selection.

There was no key for the cabin, but there was a bolt on the inside though she doubted it would be much of a defence. When the males left her alone, with a basket of food, Nesta let out a sigh of relief. The cabin was dusty, but liveable. Despite the night, she opened the single window and lit a couple of lamps. It had more space than their cottage, and only she would be sleeping in the bed tucked into the corner. There was a humble stove that looked as if it had never been used as well as a couple of pans, a set of cutlery, and a large carving knife. The sheets on the bed definitely needed to be washed tomorrow. There was even a bookshelf with a number of yellowed books on it. She’d devour those in a few days. It was odd to plan for a future when something would likely come to drag her off either tonight or the next, but Nesta was loathe to sit idle.

The dawn broke early. Blackbirds rustled in the tree outside, their song waking Nesta. She’d slept little, not through fear, but because she had been mentally cataloguing everything that needed to be done in the cabin. While porridge cooked on the stove, she swept the singular room and removed the cobwebs. The bed was stripped. She lugged a bucket of water from the stream and heated it to wash the sheets in. Without a line, she hung them from a tree to dry.

Time passed quickly; when she prepared dinner – more food than she’d ever had the luxury of eating in the past – she saved the seeds to plant in the soil she had tilled earlier. All those hours listening to Elain prattle on about her beloved garden had a use after all she supposed.

When night fell for the second time, Nesta lay on the clean bed only in her chemise reading a book. Animals scurried by outside, an owl hooted as it swept through the air, but no monster came to take her away. Nothing rattled the door or coaxed her from the cabin. So, when Nesta had read enough, she returned the book to the shelf and stretched out in bed, content to be alone.

Days passed. Every week, Nesta left out her basket and it would be replenished with food from the village. They were likely wondering – just as she was – how she still drew breath. Perhaps Nesta’s temper was even too much for a monster. She missed her sisters, sometimes, but mostly she was content to potter around at her own leisure. Daringly, she had asked for material and sewing supplies one week and they had arrived with the next week’s basket of supplies. Heavens forbid they upset the chosen one.

Autumn bled into the beginnings of winter. The food came less frequently now. Once, there had been a note ordering her to stop doing whatever it was she was doing to drive the creature away. In all the nights spent cloistered away in the woods, Nesta had not seen nor heard any signs of something sinister. Once, there had been a fox screaming but she chased after it with a broom and it soon kept away. Perhaps the other maidens had simply gone mad with boredom or loneliness. All Nesta knew was that she was alive still and keeping herself busy by sewing and writing. Her house was always tidy.

What she did lack, however, was an axe. When she had requested one from the village, she was informed that weapons were not allowed. She gathered fallen branches and snapped them into pieces, but the thicker ones were too strong for her. Much of the wood was damp and her stores ran low with the encroaching winter. She had been rationing her supplies with the anticipation of the colder weather, choosing to save the long-lasting ingredients for winter.

A thump woke her. The sheer force of it made the whole roof tremble. For a moment, Nesta thought a tree had fallen and braced her hands over her head for the roof to collapse.

In the distance, there were shouts. A low rumbling of men’s voices laced with the snarls of dogs. Could it be the monster had finally come? Or perhaps it had been, found Nesta lacking, and was approaching the village for a new maiden. But what was the thump?

Her heart beat quicker than usual as she gripped the carving knife and exited the cabin. The voices came from the south, from the mortal lands. Hesitantly, Nesta held her lamp out and began to search the perimeter of the cabin in only her boots, her cloak, and her night gown. Her rigorous modesty had faded with only herself for company.  

There, hunched over on a side, was a man. Not a monster at all. A dim red light pooled from spots on his clothing. It was a strange sort of leathery skin.

‘Are you hurt?’

There was no response. She edged closer then recoiled with horror at the sight of his wings. Fae. Not a man. A male.

And the humans hunted him. Three large, ash arrows had shredded through his body.

Stories of the fae were ones used to scare children, she always believed. Still, she had always worn her iron bracelet. She’d expected him to look more other. Pointed teeth or black eyes or mottled skin. He was handsome in a rough sort of way. Ebony hair spilled over his face. Nesta held her hand close to his mouth and could feel he was breathing, slowly but detectable. She ought to have left him there. Ought to have gone back inside, pulled the covers up to her chin and forgotten about him. But she could not. She was transfixed by this fae male. By the beautiful, broken wings draped across the undergrowth.  

The humans came closer. Not knowing why she did it, Nesta threw her cloak over the male’s clothing, blocking out the red glow. His eyes opened groggily. She pressed a finger to his lips. His hand gripped hers, keeping her finger on the soft skin of his lips. His own hand was warm, rough with callouses but still gentle.

The dogs would scent him, she realised with horror.

‘Stay,’ she whispered, not knowing if he could understand her tongue.

She strode forwards, holding her lamp aloft, meeting the humans near the ring of trees that surrounded the cabin.

‘Do you mind not waking me up in the middle of the night? It’s terribly rude.’

‘Move aside. There’s a fae in the woods.’

‘Maybe it is my beloved, here to drag me to Prythian.’

The male closest to her shifted slightly. The dog he was holding by a leash, pulled and whined.

‘It’s injured in these woods somewhere.’

‘You will ruin our land,’ she warned. ‘If there is a fae here, he has come to claim me. Your intervention will spell twenty years of bad luck on our people. Leave.’

They stared at her with a wary curiosity. Most women, she supposed, might have begged to be taken back to safety rather than usher in their demise. The threat of cursing the village had worked though. Although the dogs still tugged forwards, the men relinquished their pursuit.

‘He’ll die anyway,’ one said as they turned. ‘Tomas hit him twice, Ivorn a third time.’

Nesta waited until their footsteps died down before she approached the male. He’d sat upright, wincing slightly. One of the arrows had lodged itself in his shoulder after ripping through his wings, two more pierced the membrane.

‘Are you here to kill me?’

‘It wasn’t in my plans for the night, sweetheart.’ With a groan, he hauled himself to his feet. ‘You’re the one with the knife pointed at me. What are you doing out here in the woods at night?’

‘Witchcraft.’

The male cocked an eyebrow at her. ‘What are you really doing?’

‘Summoning a demon. And look, he hit my roof and woke me up.’

He rested a palm against the wooden cabin to steady himself. Each breath seemed to lance pain up his broad body.

‘You can’t fly,’ she realised.

He grimaced. ‘Not with these arrows in me.’ He reached around as if trying to snap one, but yelped with pain. ‘They’re ash. Typical mortals. You’ve always been savage creatures.’

The snarl in his voice did not scare her, even as the deep reverberations shook the ground.

‘I didn’t shoot you,’ she protested. ‘I’m the one stood in my nightgown while you wear my cloak protecting you. I’m waiting in this godforsaken cabin for one of your kind to kill me.’

That snapped him out of his rage. He glanced down at the grey cloak covering his glowing stones. He’d draped it over her shoulders before she could argue with him. His hand lingered around her upper arm, the warmth seeping through to her goosebump covered skin.

‘You should go inside. It’s too cold for you out here.’

His head bowed towards hers and Nesta realised exactly how tall this fae male was. His body caged hers against the cabin wall.

‘Do you want me to remove those arrows?’ Why was her voice so breathless? Why was her pulse hammering with thrill when it should have been quaking with fear?

‘Your husband won’t mind if you bring a handsome male home?’

‘Where is this handsome male you speak of? Will you introduce us?’

The fae tipped back his head in low laughter than sent a ripple of pleasure down Nesta’s spine. His hand gripped hers, inspecting the fingers and finding them absent of a wedding ring. She should have drawn her hand away. Shouldn’t have let him look at her with such an aching hunger.

‘Follow me.’

#nessian #one shot #the exile and the injured #nesta x cassian

[thestarkerisobvious]

Treasure

This is it.  This will be the last chapter of The Thing That Lives Under The Bed that I will post on Tumblr.  After this, the quest to put it alllll on AO3, where I will publish the conclusion.

Endless thanks to @mrstarksbaby.  He knows why.

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At 13, Peter made friends with the Thing that Lived Under the Bed.  But things change.  Nothing stays the same (not even  2000 year old demons.)

SEVENTEEN

Chapter 5         Treasure

For two hours he got to dig by himself.  As he did he turned it all over in his mind, digging through everything that Tony had said, sifting through everything he hadn’t said.  

Tom Dylan Post had ordered Tony to kill him.  Tony readily obeyed.  Finding out her brother had, in essence, killed himself, Ada ordered Tony to kill her too… no… she had begged him to do it.  Fell to his feet and clung to him and begged.

And Tony had tricked her.  Tenderly and lovingly.  Put her off until midnight.  Described a spell that required the participation of three family members.  Ada might have even pulled it off despite all that – she probably had dozens of uncles and sisters and “youngest members” she might have tricked into it.  And, hell, if Ada could have found that many family members that were willing to watch her die, it might have been a good idea.  But even in that event, could she have really gotten Nana Justina, the Matriarch of the entire family, to write a prayer for the occasion?

What Tony had said… and what Tony hadn’t said.  

He hadn’t said “No.” 

He hadn’t said “Obviously not, I work for your father.”  

He didn’t deny her.  She was collapsed at his feet, clinging to him and begging him to kill her.  He told her “I can deny you nothing” and then pointed Ada towards multiple family members that certainly would deny her plenty.

And then there was Tomas Post Sr.  Peter knew absolutely nothing about the man, except for one thing.  The man had come to Tony demanding to know where his son was, and instead of saying “He chopped up your daughters’ best friend, I killed him and destroyed the body.  You’re welcome,”  Tony had barely said anything.  He waited patiently for the family to find 3 black animals to create a spell to force him to tell what he was perfectly willing to tell anyone who asked. 

When Peter stopped to rest he sat and looked at the foundation, trying to remember the details of the house he had seen that night.  He knew he had seen it before… and now he remembered where.  Anyone looking for information on the Post family knew about the massive donation of artwork that the Post family had made to various museums in New York City, some of which Peter and his family had been to.  He had seen black and white photos of some of the paintings.  Casa do Sul they were all called.  Tony had called it the South House.

Of course, the South House wasn’t there for the artist colony of the 1920’s to paint.  Had Tony shown it to them, in their dreams, the way he had shown it to Peter? 

* * * 

Naturally Peter wanted to dig up whatever was buried beside the South House by himself.  Whatever was there, Tony had meant it for him.

So, of course, by the time evening came he was digging with 4 other people, with two people waiting at the house for news of the dig and one 12-year old person running messages and supplies back and forth.

Peter had set out with his shovel completely forgetting that the DeSlaughters would arrive for Saturday Morning breakfast-and-cartoons.  They always traveled when PeeWee’s Playhouse was on.  No one liked PeeWee’s Playhouse.  (They usually ate during Kidd Video because no one claimed to like Kid Video either.  Although, secretly, Peter thought Kidd Video himself was incredibly cute.)  So when the trio arrived and Peter wasn’t there, Mike set out to find out why.

When Mike went back to the house to get a second shovel, Matthew got involved.  And when Matthew was sent back to the house to get some rope, Uncle Ben and Mr. DeSlaughter got involved.  Soon Monica was running supplies, and messages, back and forth.  Aunt May and Mrs. DeSlaughter were at the house preparing a large celebratory meal (or perhaps a consolation dinner) for that evening.  Whatever was in the trunk Peter and Mike had discovered, Peter hoped it wasn’t too personal, because he was going to have to find out in front of everybody.  And “split the loot,” at least according to Matthew.

“I don’t think it’s loot,” Peter said repeatedly.  “I think it’s something Tom Dylan Post buried here.  Maybe right after he killed Laura Foster.  Maybe after they burned the house down, the wreckage, what was left of the house, it would have hidden the freshly filled in hole.  So they never noticed.  But I don’t know what he would have buried… certainly not his murder weapon.  He left his knife at the scene of the crime, that’s how they knew it did it.”

“What if it’s his dead body?”  Matthew had asked more than once.

“That’s possible,” Peter assured him.  “I really think that he killed himself, and that the family hid it.  In those days committing suicide was a very big scandal.  And it is a lot easier to hide a dead body than a live one.”

“Wait… we’re looking for a dead body?”  Mike asked.  “What is this, a Stephen King novel?”  

“How would he kill himself… and then bury himself, Mike?”

“His family probably killed him to stop him from killing his brother,” Matthew offered.  “He wanted to kill his brother Abe Sexton because Abe Sexton told everyone Laura Foster was going to marry him only they thought it couldn’t be true because he was only 14…”

“So we’re looking for the dead body of the annoying little brother?”

“No…” Matthew said, rolling his eyes.  Although Peter had said it too.  Peter also knew this story.

“I told you Abe Sexton lived with the sheriff’s son who lost his arm and almost bled to death because the sheriff had pissed off Lavern Post but then Lavern Post healed him anyway and Abe Sexton lived with him for like 50 years until he died, the Sheriff's son died, and then Abe Sexton moved back home to take care of his mom.  Everyone knows that.”

“So… we’re digging up the dead body of some gaywad annoying little brother?”  Mike joked.

Both Peter and Matthew glared at him.

“All the Posts are buried at the Post Graveyard which isn’t even on our property so what are you freaking out about,” Peter said,  “And  we’re digging up whatever Tom Dylan buried before anyone knew to come look for him.

“Know what Matthew?” Peter called out, hoping to ease the tension.  Matthew looked angry and ready to leave.  “We should really write a book about the history of this whole place.  We know more than anybody.

* * * *

Peter and MIke groaned when Mr. DeSlaughter arrived in his pickup truck, which he managed to pull almost up to the shed.  Even Matthew was disappointed.  All three had been excited about getting what they had found out all by themselves.  Mr. DeSlaughter and Uncle Ben had many observations and had several pieces of unwanted advice.

But in the end, some of the advice was good.  They were the ones who looked at the wooden chest at the bottom of the hole and suggested digging a ramp to bring it up.  Attaching ropes to the handles of the chest proved fruitless when the first handle snapped upon contact.  Getting the chest out of the hole in one piece was delicate business.  How it had even held together at all was a mystery.  But the long processes of getting the buried chest out of the ground was making Peter impatient, and finally desperate.  He had no way of explaining to the men around him (and the occasional Monica) why it was the contents of the chest that was more important than the ancient trunk itself. 

At least Peter didn’t have to explain why he had started digging.  Although Uncle Ben raised an eyebrow when Peter mumbled vaguely about his dream, the DeSlaughters only nodded sagely.  The entire DeSlaughter family put a lot of stock in dreams.

It was absolutely going to be evening before they could move the chest up the earthen ramp they had created for the task, but Peter would not be persuaded to leave it till the morning.  They chose to work by the light of the truck headlights.  Matthew and Mike were just as impatient to see the contents of their buried treasure.  Matthew, in particular, was convinced it was actual treasure.  Secretly, Peter had other ideas.

The massive, old fashioned lock on the front of the chest didn’t dissuade them when the trunk was clearly coming apart at the hinges.  Only Uncle Ben mourned the destruction of the possibly-valuable antique box while the other three men wrenched off the lid.  Matthew held his flashlight up to show them what was inside.

The old-fashioned rifle that sat on the top of the folded clothes naturally caught the attention of Mike and Mr. DeSlaughter, who took it to examine by the light of the cab of the truck.  Peter was grateful because that brought the witnesses down to three; himself, Matthew and Uncle Ben.  He assigned Uncle Ben to pull out the clothing, mostly dresses and what might have been billowy white nightgowns, which Ben carefully laid out on the tarp that Monica had delivered that afternoon.  That only left Matthew holding the flashlight, angrily demanding ‘where the gold and diamonds were.’

And the bottom of the chest, under all the clothing, Peter saw it.  The huge leather book.  Beside it sat a smaller black box.  Peter picked it up and shook it.  When the contents rattled, he handed it over to Matthew, who quickly disappeared.  

Peter picked up his own flashlight, his heart hammering, and reached into the bottom of the chest.

He didn’t have long before the others noticed his silence and came back with their own flashlights, demanding to know what he had found.

“It’s… I think it’s…” he said, hastily laying his hand over the seal on the leather cover before Mike could see it.  “I think it’s a diary,” he lied.  The book was handwritten, so he might be believed.  It was full of pictures and strange circles and seals with congruent and concentric triangles,  but girls sketched in their diaries sometimes, didn’t they?  As for the geometric shapes… well… was there a law that said girls couldn’t fill their diaries with geometry?

“It is, it’s a diary,” he said to the men who were crowding around him now.  With the cover open, they couldn’t see the seal.  Five flashlights shone down on the inscription on the first thick page.

“Is that...?”  Matthew was the first to speak.  “… wait does that say…?”

“Yes,” Peter said calmly as the other reacted to the two words written there in a beautiful, practiced script.  It seemed so obvious to him now.

“It’s the diary of Laura Foster.”

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

This is the end of the Tumblr Publication of The Thing That Lives Under The Bed.  

The rest of the book Seventeen will be published on AO3.

Thank you for reading this far.

                                      --WW

#The Thing That Lives Under The Bed #TheWitchway writes stuff #Von's Moodboards #Demon!Tony #Starker #Peter Parker/Tony Stark

[itwill-comeback]

So, not to be that bitch who rolls up with the angst and mourning psychology for the fandom but uhh...

People need tangible evidence of something to wrap their heads around it, especially if it's something painful so just keep in mind:

People grieve easier when they can see & touch a body after that person has died because it staves off the natural assumption that if you just never see that person again they just left, they're not dead, they're just not with you. So one the one hand Vlad seeing his parents dead would erase the illusion of them simply disappearing but because they didn't leave actually bodies it gave him nothing to hold & mentally translate into their being dead. [The idea is that the child can see the body and make the connection that the body is here, but the person is not. Think of Simba in Mufasa's death scene.] Children especially have to see and interact with something for it to make sense, Vlad not having bodies to hold once his parents die makes it harder for his child mind to conceive that they're actually dead, which can create a stronger sense of denial.

On top of that, children when losing a parent usually don't process that grief the way adults do. Rather than going through the usual stages of grief, kids default into the idea that they've been abandoned by their parents, because they're reliant on them, which can create resentment.

This would explain why Vlad had no interest in helping plan his parents' funeral and burial, he actually couldn't conceive that they'd left him all alone. That was the issue, that they'd left him behind. He still wasn't understanding that they were dead, not abandoning him. These two things are so similar that to a child, they're the same. It also likely didn't help that he couldn't go back into his house after the fire, he immediately started living with Nelly, the hope that one day he'd wake up in his own bed, in his own house, with his parents there, had to make grieving difficult. This also explains why Vlad is clingy and doesn't ever want Otis to leave town, or why he freaks out when Henry wants to be released from being his drudge, or why he's so delighted to befriend the goths, or why when Eddie puts him in the school newspaper his first inclination is to run away, the idea that anyone will or won't stay around with him is really impactful. The idea that his presence has value to others, and that people would miss him if he left is jarring and foreign.

And the cruelest thing is that in all actuality, Tomas had abandoned him, he did leave Vlad behind, and his mother had been stolen from him. Vlad would've hated himself for being mad at them for abandoning him, but Tomas actually did, so the anger is sensible and twofold because not only had Tomas run out on him, he'd snatched Mellina from him as well.

It's worth noting that even if Mellina wasn't trying to protect her son and get him as far from Tomas as possible, Tomas probably still would've killed her, because ultimately that would leave Vlad with little foundation for life, abandonment has lasting effects and puts Vlad in a position of weakness for the foreseeable future. Which is exactly what Tomas wants, it makes it easy to kill Vlad and harvest his powers if he grows up awkward and unable to make strong connections with people. If he's standoffish and meek this 1) makes it easy for him to go unnoticed by Elysia and 2) makes it easy to restrain him when it comes time to actually take his powers and 3) on the off chance Elysia finds him they aren't going to be impressed and aren't going to want to help him.

The way that Tomas regards Vlad when he shows up again at the end of the series isn't at all like what would be expected of a parent who had to leave their child behind for their own safety. Tomas only concerns himself with convincing everyone that he had to leave, he isn't bothered if Vlad's hurt by his sudden reappearance, he isn't desperate to gain Vlad's forgiveness. He is however, very very possessive of Vlad, plainly objectifies him and claims him like property in the end, and it's not as if he put a lot of work in as a parent, in reality he probably acts so possessively because he's been planning and planning and researching for years and years to see this prophecy come to fruition. He spent so many years working towards this goal, and then to see D'Ablo attempt to snag those powers while he was gone, after all his hard work? I wholeheartedly believe that Tomas killed D'Ablo in a fit of fury, he could've easily kept hidden from the Stokerton Council and D'Ablo would've never been the wiser. Hell, even if the Council knew he was around, it's not like D'Ablo was gonna help Vlad at all. Instead he goes out and corners D'Ablo with Vikas and kills him, burns the body and everything, so the rest of the Council probably thinks he's missing somewhere.

Truly D'Ablo did Vlad a huge service by forcing him to get stronger and unintentionally introducing him to his uncle, and a slayer he could befriend, two of his greatest assets. Vlad would've been too weak, uninformed and without any allies if Tomas had had his way. If Vlad had never met Elysia he really would've been a lamb to slaughter. I always thought the Abraham and Isaac undertones were an interesting addition to the plot.

There's probably nothing as satisfying as the idea of an abandoned son learning to replace his shitkick father with found family and then literally killing off his father as a right of passage into adulthood. Tomas really came that close to an unreal amount of power and Vlad said Sike! You thought!

#:: casper speaks (shouting into the void) #grief #psychology #the chronicles of vladimir tod #chronicles of vladimir tod #vladimir tod #fandom stuff #:: lighting off the blaze (headcanon)

[selenecrawford]

The Odd pair 1

Warnings: None at the moment I will provide them as the story progress.

Notes: Well new story I will work this one a bit slower than I did with the first one. Bear with me, and as always feedback, comments and likes are welcome. I hope you enjoy this story. Have fun ^^.

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Selene was on her way to her hometown to attend her father's funeral. It was a surreal sensation for her who spoke with him two days before by phone. Although Selene abandoned her home in a hurry 20 years ago, she still hold the place dear to her. Her job on one of the top PR business was taking all her time leaving just some hours for socialize wish she used it to sleep, walk around the city and evade dates. Her co workers and friends always joked about her being the crazy lonely lady until she get cats. But Selene wasn't interested on marriage or love. A long time ago she decided that was not for her.

The trip took longer than anticipated but it was her choice. The funeral was at two in the afternoon and she managed to arrived at noon at the house. Leaving her things on her old room, Selene managed to dress in a black suit dress with a pencil skirt and a black blouse. Her hair was made into a conservative bun, her makeup was subtle but perfectly hiding her scar on the nose. She decided to use some new brown contacts. She didn't noticed they were colored until she put them on. She left it on her travel bag for emergency cases. Since she forgot her glasses she decided to use them.

She arrived just in time to the funeral home. Most of the people was there waiting for the service to begin. Walking around no one dared to speak to her.

(I guess no one recognizes me) she thought.

Selene was no longer the tomboy she used to be. Always short hair, a few freckles on her face and the scar on her nose. She used to be a little chubby, wearing oversize shirts and jeans with a baseball cap. Compare to what she looks now Selene understood why no one thought she will be the same girl she was. Taking a look around she found many of her childhood friends around. Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Tomoyoti, Ieyasu Tokegawa, Sasuke Sarutobi, Mitsuhide Akechi and Mitsurani Ishida. Missing were Masasmune Date and Kenshi Uesugi as well as the Takeda boys. A pang on her heart was felt at the memory of them specially Shingen the older brother.

“Selene is that you?” a hand on her shoulder let her know that Masamune recognized her.

Smiling softly she turned around but Masamune's smile died when he saw her eyes. “Sorry, Miss.”

“Masamune it's me, Selene. I just made a mistake buying contact lenses and got these instead.” Selene was happy to see her best childhood friend. Her Dragon as she used to call it.

Masamune's smile grew into a wide grin and carefully hug her lifting her a bit of the floor.

“So this is not a prank?”

“No, its me be still being clumsy as ever.” she giggle softly.

“It's good to see you, kitten.” his nickname for her.

Soon the others approached and started to hug her and saying their condolences. Everyone was amazed to see her so changed. The service was soon to be begin so everyone took their seats when Shingen, Yukimura and Kenshin arrived. Selene remained unaltered and waited for the minister to continue.

Although late Shingen arrived to the service. He was shocked to hear that his mentor and almost second father Tomas Crawford died. They always met for weekends. Fixing an old Shelby Mustang that Tomas wanted to fix for her daughter's birthday. Shingen could barely remember Selene. After playing that prank to her on high school. Selene left the town without a word to go to college on another country. Leaving everyone on the dark. Tomas was always talking about her but it wasn't until five years ago that she managed to contact him again.  Tomas will always go out of town to visit her but he never said what was her job or where. Shingen never thought of her no more than a little sister, but Tomas had always mentioned that he would loved to see them together. Selene had a crushed on him but he didn't felt the same way. He thought the prank was harmless until Masamune told him how much it had hurt her. He thought of asking Tomas her address to send a letter but never muster the courage to do it.  Shingen also was upset for the way she neglected her father all those years. But although he wanted to tell her one thing of two he never asked for her address. In the end he became a wealthy man on construction business. He never lacked a good woman to warm his bed but lately he had preferred to live alone. One night stands, became boring and when he tried to get into a serious relationship the women were not interested. At some point Shingen thought this was Karma for what he made Selene go thru. Perhaps he might be cursed who knows. On the corner of his left eye he found a beautiful women with brown eyes. She was wearing all black the standard mourning attire. While in others it might looked ordinary in her look elegant, even beautiful considering the occasion. Shingen keep looking at her to see if he could remember her. Nothing on her features seemed familiar except her eyes. For some reason her eyes although brown remind him of someone else.

“And now we have some words from Tomas daughter, Selene. Darling could you please pass to the front please?”

To his surprise the woman who he was eyeing was in fact Selene. When she passed next to him a hint of lavender was left in the air. She looked delicate, yet with a strong will on her face. Her features soften a bit when she took a look at the room. But once she made contact with him, her gaze turn into cold one. Shingen couldn't hid his surprised.

(She can't still be upset isn't she?) Shingen thought surprised at her coldness.

“Thank you everyone for being here. I know papa, will be happy to have everyone here. Specially you Shingen since you both were really close.” Her gaze pose on him and for some reason Shingen didn't like it. Feeling uncomfortable he moved on his chair into a more straighten position.

“My father, was a man of simple life. He loved my mother dearly until her final days. And now he is going to meet her. I loved him dearly, even when we were very different, I know I couldn't be the son he always wanted but I know God never left him alone. Thank you for coming here today.” said Selene in the end blinking rapidly to contain her tears. Still too shocked to react Shingen couldn't take her hand when she passed him by. For the rest of the service Selene made it impossible to get near her. She was always speaking with someone and he for someone unknown reason lost the confidence to speak to her.

In the end Selene stayed until the workers started covering the tomb. Throwing a piece of dirt on the hole, she turned around to smash in front of Shingen's chest. Losing a bit of balance Shingen hold her, before she took a step back.

“Sorry I thought I was the only one. Excuse me.”

“Selene, why your eyes are brown? Were you trying to hide from me?”

Selene turned around not believing what Shingen had said.

“Wait, what? Me hiding?” she laugh a bit before saying. “I'm' sorry but I don't have any motive to do that childish thing. I made the mistake of buying colored contacts when I was buying them online. They were on my carry on when I came here. Now I have to go there is several things to do. See you around Takeda.”

“Wait Selene?”

Selene left without turning back, her heart was threatening to go out her ribs cage fir the way it was pounding. A mix of longing and hate were taking hold of her. For one side she was happy to see him. The years were wonderful for him. He looked even more handsome than before. Still with a wonderful smile as always. And still part of her could not forgive the prank he played on her. It wasn't a bad one but it hurt her feelings. At that time she was such a drama queen and she felt it was the end of the world. Taking her memories back to the box where she buried them in her mind Selene went home.

Shingen saw Selene leaving him in a hurry. She was not the shy tomboy that had a crush on him. She was a full grown woman and quite beautiful. The only problem seemed that she hated him and now he wanted her. Letting a huge sigh out Shingen went home to see his family and get in touch with the rest of the gang.

@colivara @elievalentine @notsafefortum-blr @datemasamunemaiwaifu @unstoppablelinda @cailannuesugi @yeshasays @masa-little-kitten @kimi00twin @kouei116 @epicdragonlady @shouta-bakugou @jennacat84 @sengokuotaku82 @serenity-writes @pirateprincessyuki @mikamiw @xathia-89

#ikesen #ikesen shingen #fanfic

[insxeme]

brain: DOOT DOOT LETS WRITE ANGST ALL DAY ON MY NOTES APP AND FINALLY POST IT

              the metal of the rapier blazed red hot, like it was being stoked in a forge, when the halfling’s thumb grazed enrico’s mark. enrico only had time to yelp and drop the blade before tomas and otis had pounced on him, knocking him to the ground and holding him there by his shoulders. enrico shrieked and thrashed about, snapping his exposed fangs like a rabid dog. accompanying his inherent enraged madness, were tears of unimaginable grief, only slowed as otis tapped into his thoughts. his already unhinged mental barriers didn’t shut otis out, so the compulsion of sleep came without much difficulty. enrico’s grief-ridden screams dissolved into barely coherent mumbles— words of justice and treachery regarding his beloved son’s demise. presumably mutterings of a man who was mad. as a thick blanket of unconsciousness settled over his mind, the last thing he recalled lucidly hearing was tomas’s voice over the phone, requesting that enrico’s brother come collect his sibling. a dreamless oblivion was welcomed, if only because it finally silenced the tortured thoughts that ran rampant since he discovered the unexplained death of his son. had dorian suffered? had there been any possible thing he could have done to stop his dear son’s death? would his own demise be a a merciful alternative to centuries without such a precious piece of his heart? manic, crazed thoughts hellbent on justice and uncovering what enrico insisted was treachery — and retribution for being unaware of dorian’s death until it was common knowledge in the whole of elysia. a father couldn’t even mourn his son with a funeral pyre, only rumors that dorian’s corpse was recovered under strewn leaves and that his death had occurred before enrico had been forced to escort em to bathory. the halfling boy had every opportunity to tell him of dorian’s fate and yet, he didn’t. because of that, enrico had been fully prepared to decapitate a mere child, insisting that there was treachery behind his son’s death.

                the silence of sleep was not unending, however, for enrico was violently awoken by an immense pain blossoming from his chest. vision came into focus to see tomas crouched above him, the hilt of a familiar rapier in his hand. enrico’s wide-eyed gaze followed along the blade until he could see that it had been plunged into his chest, piercing through the heart, the most vital organ for any vampire. the edge of the blade had pierced entirely through enrico’s back, causing blood to soak through the grass and dirt underneath him, dying the foliage a deep red. the organ was desperately trying to beat around the sword that had pierced straight through it, sending spurts out of the fatal wound as it did so. tomas’s gaze was unfeeling, apathetic. enrico tried to inhale, perhaps to bark out curses in elysian, but he choked on the blood that bubbled up into the back of his throat. crimson spattered from his lips, spotting tomas’s cheek with droplets of blood. tomas didn’t show any reaction other than a lazy blink, like taking care of such a nuisance was beneath him. he shoved the blade further, diving the tip of the blade into the ground, dragging the metal through enrico’s heart as he did so. enrico screamed in agony, feeling every tiny movement as the organ that remained presumably immortal began to fail. a weakness was uncomfortably settling throughout his limbs like an omen of the quickly approaching death, and enrico’s fist that had curled around tomas’s shirt was forced to fall. another desperate inhale drizzled more blood out of his mouth, sliding down his jawline and staining his hair. enrico’s vision wavered from tomas’s face to the night sky above both of them. did dorian suffer like this? did his beloved son meet his end with the same agony of centuries of life suddenly coming to an abrupt halt? a sudden fear and uneasiness about what was fast approaching? all of these questions rushed through enrico’s dying mind, but his thoughts began to slow and fade as death came close. dorian... his most beloved son... would he be there at this threshold of oblivion too? maybe death would really be favorable to life, if only because father and son could be reunited in death. the thought was comforting and as the life dulled from enrico’s eyes and his body relaxed, he wished for it to be true.

#death // #blood //

[thekingsparty]

&. BASICS

Full Name: Eilionoir (Eleanor) Sutherland, later MacLeod

Nicknames: Elle, Ellie

Age: 17 at the time of her death.

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Date of Birth: April 20th, 1669

Place of Birth: Leith, Scotland

Gender & Species: Female, Human

Current Location: n/a

&. MORE BASIC INFO

Languages: Gaelic, English

Religion: Pagan

Education: None 

Occupation: Waitress at a tavern

Drinks, Smokes, & Drugs: none, none, none

&. APPEARANCE

Tattoos: None

Piercings: None

Reference Picture: Face claim Holland Roden

&. FAMILY INFORMATION

Parent Names: Tomas and Aileen

Parent Relationship: she loved them dearly, but they died when she was young

Sibling Names: Eachann

Sibling Relationship: good, he took care of her until he married

Other Relevant Relative: n/a

Children: Gavin MacLeod

Pets: none

&. BIOGRAPHY 

Eilionoir was born a little sister to a six year old boy. Ever since she was a little girl, she was the light in the dark for the family in a very difficult period of time. When Ellie turned four, her mother died in an unnecessary brawl at the local tavern and then it had only been her brother, father and her for another few years. Her father never quite found peace again after losing his wife, he drank and he mourned her until the day he died, which was only a few years later. He joined a war he couldn’t win and got himself killed in battle, leaving a fourteen year old boy to care for his little sister in a world that wasn’t kind to anybody. 

As a smith’s apprentice, he got by most of the time, he kept his sister fed and Ellie grew up a moderately happy child, still in mourning over the loss of her parents, but at the same time she’d seen enough of her father to know he was better off with their mother. Life hadn’t been very kind to him and she’d wished for someone to come in and help him cope, but help had never come. 

When her brother fell in love and married, Ellie’s world stood upside down once more. He left, moved in with his wife and it was on her then to pay for a rood over her head, so Ellie began to work at the tavern, just like her mother, serving ale and food, making as much coin as possible a day. Some days she wanted to quit, but ..what else could she do? She was fourteen when she first met Fergus. After a year or working and saving, she’s had enough money to order a new dress at the local tailor. She’d heard of that shop down the road of the tavern, but she’d never been there. Her dress was old, worn and with her growing steadily, it was coming short. 

She was just a customer at first, or so she thought. The shop owner, a young man, he was nice to her and very polite, but he had a sadness about him that she couldn’t let go of. The one thing she disliked most was to watch people suffer and he was suffering. He was cold-hearted and secretive, she could see through the polite smiles and she decided to change that. He was eight years older than her, but she was very responsible for her young age and a lot more rational than Fergus himself. She wormed her way in through his defenses and the pain and soon, she’d found she had fallen for the man whose worst enemy was himself. 

Fergus softened up around her, she saw a side of him nobody else ever did before. She was the light he needed to shine and he fell hard for her, just like she’d fallen for him the moment their eyes met. She convinced him to stop drinking himself to sleep, she convinced him there was good in this world and that he was worth being alive. He deserved to be happy. He deserved anything and everything. And most of all; He deserved to be loved. 

It was a little less than a year after they met and a month after they married, that Ellie realized she was with child, with his child. He was unhappy at first, insecure and self-loathing still, but she was there to catch him and her happiness was contagious. They lived above the shop, it wasn’t glamorous or very fancy, but they had a roof over their heads, a steady income of coins, food and enough space for a little family. But she was to never meet her son. The nine months up to Gavin’s birth were the best nine months of her life and surely Fergus’, too. They were happy, they were in love. 

It wasn’t meant to last forever. 

Complications during birth, Gavin didn’t want to be born - or so the doctor claimed. Fergus stayed with his wife, he held her hand until the doctor sent him outside, he locked the door and did what Ellie asked him to; Save my child. 

She made Fergus promise to love it, to care for it and raise it, but when he was let back into the room to find the love of his life had passed, Fergus knew he couldn’t live in a world without her. 

#pregnancy tw #death tw #long post for ts #long post #aaaaand there we go #finally wrote this down #and broke my heart xD #ι waѕ worтн ғιve pιgѕ aт leaѕт ( нeadcanon \ мυѕe )

[masterlistcrawford]

The Odd pair 1

Warnings: None at the moment I will provide them as the story progress.

Notes: Well new story I will work this one a bit slower than I did with the first one. Bear with me, and as always feedback, comments and likes are welcome. I hope you enjoy this story. Have fun ^^.

—————————————————————————————————-

Selene was on her way to her hometown to attend her father’s funeral. It was a surreal sensation for her who spoke with him two days before by phone. Although Selene abandoned her home in a hurry 20 years ago, she still hold the place dear to her. Her job on one of the top PR business was taking all her time leaving just some hours for socialize wish she used it to sleep, walk around the city and evade dates. Her co workers and friends always joked about her being the crazy lonely lady until she get cats. But Selene wasn’t interested on marriage or love. A long time ago she decided that was not for her.

The trip took longer than anticipated but it was her choice. The funeral was at two in the afternoon and she managed to arrived at noon at the house. Leaving her things on her old room, Selene managed to dress in a black suit dress with a pencil skirt and a black blouse. Her hair was made into a conservative bun, her makeup was subtle but perfectly hiding her scar on the nose. She decided to use some new brown contacts. She didn’t noticed they were colored until she put them on. She left it on her travel bag for emergency cases. Since she forgot her glasses she decided to use them.

She arrived just in time to the funeral home. Most of the people was there waiting for the service to begin. Walking around no one dared to speak to her.

(I guess no one recognizes me) she thought.

Selene was no longer the tomboy she used to be. Always short hair, a few freckles on her face and the scar on her nose. She used to be a little chubby, wearing oversize shirts and jeans with a baseball cap. Compare to what she looks now Selene understood why no one thought she will be the same girl she was. Taking a look around she found many of her childhood friends around. Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Tomoyoti, Ieyasu Tokegawa, Sasuke Sarutobi, Mitsuhide Akechi and Mitsurani Ishida. Missing were Masasmune Date and Kenshi Uesugi as well as the Takeda boys. A pang on her heart was felt at the memory of them specially Shingen the older brother.

“Selene is that you?” a hand on her shoulder let her know that Masamune recognized her.

Smiling softly she turned around but Masamune’s smile died when he saw her eyes. “Sorry, Miss.”

“Masamune it’s me, Selene. I just made a mistake buying contact lenses and got these instead.” Selene was happy to see her best childhood friend. Her Dragon as she used to call it.

Masamune’s smile grew into a wide grin and carefully hug her lifting her a bit of the floor.

“So this is not a prank?”

“No, its me be still being clumsy as ever.” she giggle softly.

“It’s good to see you, kitten.” his nickname for her.

Soon the others approached and started to hug her and saying their condolences. Everyone was amazed to see her so changed. The service was soon to be begin so everyone took their seats when Shingen, Yukimura and Kenshin arrived. Selene remained unaltered and waited for the minister to continue.

Although late Shingen arrived to the service. He was shocked to hear that his mentor and almost second father Tomas Crawford died. They always met for weekends. Fixing an old Shelby Mustang that Tomas wanted to fix for her daughter’s birthday. Shingen could barely remember Selene. After playing that prank to her on high school. Selene left the town without a word to go to college on another country. Leaving everyone on the dark. Tomas was always talking about her but it wasn’t until five years ago that she managed to contact him again.  Tomas will always go out of town to visit her but he never said what was her job or where. Shingen never thought of her no more than a little sister, but Tomas had always mentioned that he would loved to see them together. Selene had a crushed on him but he didn’t felt the same way. He thought the prank was harmless until Masamune told him how much it had hurt her. He thought of asking Tomas her address to send a letter but never muster the courage to do it.  Shingen also was upset for the way she neglected her father all those years. But although he wanted to tell her one thing of two he never asked for her address. In the end he became a wealthy man on construction business. He never lacked a good woman to warm his bed but lately he had preferred to live alone. One night stands, became boring and when he tried to get into a serious relationship the women were not interested. At some point Shingen thought this was Karma for what he made Selene go thru. Perhaps he might be cursed who knows. On the corner of his left eye he found a beautiful women with brown eyes. She was wearing all black the standard mourning attire. While in others it might looked ordinary in her look elegant, even beautiful considering the occasion. Shingen keep looking at her to see if he could remember her. Nothing on her features seemed familiar except her eyes. For some reason her eyes although brown remind him of someone else.

“And now we have some words from Tomas daughter, Selene. Darling could you please pass to the front please?”

To his surprise the woman who he was eyeing was in fact Selene. When she passed next to him a hint of lavender was left in the air. She looked delicate, yet with a strong will on her face. Her features soften a bit when she took a look at the room. But once she made contact with him, her gaze turn into cold one. Shingen couldn’t hid his surprised.

(She can’t still be upset isn’t she?) Shingen thought surprised at her coldness.

“Thank you everyone for being here. I know papa, will be happy to have everyone here. Specially you Shingen since you both were really close.” Her gaze pose on him and for some reason Shingen didn’t like it. Feeling uncomfortable he moved on his chair into a more straighten position.

“My father, was a man of simple life. He loved my mother dearly until her final days. And now he is going to meet her. I loved him dearly, even when we were very different, I know I couldn’t be the son he always wanted but I know God never left him alone. Thank you for coming here today.” said Selene in the end blinking rapidly to contain her tears. Still too shocked to react Shingen couldn’t take her hand when she passed him by. For the rest of the service Selene made it impossible to get near her. She was always speaking with someone and he for someone unknown reason lost the confidence to speak to her.

In the end Selene stayed until the workers started covering the tomb. Throwing a piece of dirt on the hole, she turned around to smash in front of Shingen’s chest. Losing a bit of balance Shingen hold her, before she took a step back.

“Sorry I thought I was the only one. Excuse me.”

“Selene, why your eyes are brown? Were you trying to hide from me?”

Selene turned around not believing what Shingen had said.

“Wait, what? Me hiding?” she laugh a bit before saying. “I’m’ sorry but I don’t have any motive to do that childish thing. I made the mistake of buying colored contacts when I was buying them online. They were on my carry on when I came here. Now I have to go there is several things to do. See you around Takeda.”

“Wait Selene?”

Selene left without turning back, her heart was threatening to go out her ribs cage fir the way it was pounding. A mix of longing and hate were taking hold of her. For one side she was happy to see him. The years were wonderful for him. He looked even more handsome than before. Still with a wonderful smile as always. And still part of her could not forgive the prank he played on her. It wasn’t a bad one but it hurt her feelings. At that time she was such a drama queen and she felt it was the end of the world. Taking her memories back to the box where she buried them in her mind Selene went home.

Shingen saw Selene leaving him in a hurry. She was not the shy tomboy that had a crush on him. She was a full grown woman and quite beautiful. The only problem seemed that she hated him and now he wanted her. Letting a huge sigh out Shingen went home to see his family and get in touch with the rest of the gang.

#ikesen #ikesen sengoku #ikesen shingen #fanfic #fanfic ikesen

[wolfypuppypiles]

Klance fic: Coming Home

Chapter one of my series “It took six years”

Lance adjusted his grip on his cane, fist clenching so hard his knuckles turned white. Keith stood beside him and waited as Lance refused to move forward. After six years, away, he was finally home.

His house looked just the same and he could hear voices from inside, some he recognized, and some he didn’t. His chest ached with how badly he wanted to see his family again, but it had been six years and everything was different.

“What do I tell them?”

Keith placed a comforting hand on his husband’s waist.

“I don’t know. We can stick to the story the garrison gave us. We were sent out on an urgent mission and went missing. We lost all communications with command but completed our mission and came home. All other details are classified. No mention of aliens or going off planet. We were all pilots.”

Lance nodded. Once they had defeated Zarkon and saved the universe they’d finally returned home, but had gotten strict instructions from the garrison to keep all details quiet. No one could know about aliens or the fact that earth was almost destroyed.

Lance nodded, swallowing his anxiety as he smoothed his Garrison uniform.

“Okay.” He took Keith’s hand, squeezing it tight as he lifted his cane with the other, dragging his bad leg with him as they approached the door.

Keith looked at Lance one more time, silently asking if he was ready. Lance nodded and Keith knocked.

A happy voice called out from inside. “Coming!” The woman had a thick accent and Keith heard Lance’s breath hitch. Then the door opened and there was his mother. The familiar warm eyes and round face, that smile that Lance had known since birth melting into shock.

She stared at her son, hands coming forward to reach for him as she whispered in awe.

“Lance? Es que tú?”

Is that you?

Lance could barely see through his tears. He choked on a sob as he nodded.

“Sí mamá. Soy yo, estoy en casa.”

Yes mama. It’s me, I’m home

The woman flung herself into Lance’s arms and Lance hugged her back fiercely. Keith let go of his hand to take his waist instead, holding him up so that he could use both arms to hug his mother, leaving his cane waiting by his side.

Keith felt his chest growing tight, watching his husband finally reunite with the family he had missed for so long. Lance and his mother were crying loudly and she finally released him to take his face in her hands.

He had grown up since she last saw him and it showed. His jaw was stronger as were the set of his shoulders and he’d put on muscle which was evident in his lean frame. The woman traced a thumb over his skin, meeting the roughness of his stubble.

She spoke English now, her thick accent still wobbly with emotion. “My heart has been broken for six long years and you’re finally home. Dios, you’re so big and- oh, what have they done to you?”

She looked down at his hand now back on his cane, his other clutching her arm. He looked down at his bad leg. The scars were covered by his clothes, and he was glad she didn’t have to see them.

“I’m a little broken, Mama. But I won’t ever leave again. I promise.”

Her face crumpled once more and she took her son in her arms. When she let go she wiped her eyes and finally looked at Keith, seeming to only just notice his presence.

“Hijo, who’s this?” Keith looked to Lance, his husband raising his eyebrow just a little, in question. Keith nodded and Lance gave a small smile in return. It might be a little too soon to spring the whole ‘I’m married to a man’ thing after just coming home.

Lance wiped his face with a shaky hand as he introduced him.

“This is Keith, he was with me on our mission for the last six years. He’s saved my life more times than I can count.”

Lance’s mother smiled and threw her arms around a surprised Keith.

“Thank you for bringing my son home.”

Keith brought his arms up to hug her back. Lance was right, her hugs were amazing.

“You’re welcome, Mrs McLain.”

“Call me Maria.”

She let him go and took Lance’s hand again, beaming at him as she pulled them both inside.

“You have to see everyone and-Oh, I’ll have to call your father. He’ll be so happy to see you. Come inside, I’ll find everyone.”

Lance limped into the house, Keith beside him as they came to a stop at a small table in the living room. Lance looked down at it, eyebrows furrowed as he touched the picture frame resting there. It was a shrine. For him.

Photographs and candles were placed on a white cloth, wilted flowers dropping petals onto the floor.

Lance’s mother put a hand on his shoulder.

“They told us you were dead. That garrison said you went missing with some others and they couldn’t recover your bodies. I mourned my baby, we all did. I lit a candle for you every day, mi hijo. Everyday. You have to tell me what happened, but first you need to see everyone.”

Lance nodded and watched her run through the house, calling for the rest of the family.

Keith looked down at the shrine and felt a longing he hadn’t felt in years. They were finally free from Zarkons rule and he had no family to go home to. Team Voltron was his family. No one would have even noticed he was missing. No one mourned him.

His thoughts were broken by Lance’s quiet voice.

“I’m glad you’re here with me. I don’t think I could have done this on my own.”

Keith smiled at him. Lance always knew what to say. He smiled at his favourite idiot and took his hand to kiss his knuckles.

“Your mum’s nice.”

Lance nodded and let out a small laugh.

“I guess she’s your mother in law now.”

Keith didn’t have time to properly absorb that information before the room was full of people. Lance’s siblings and nephews and nieces all crowding in and demanding to hug him.

Lance hugged each one, crying again as they all remarked at how much had changed. Lance’s family was much bigger than it was when he left and a small group of children crowded around his legs for hugs with their tio Lance. Maria fret over her returned son, asking everyone to be careful with him.

Keith usually would have felt awkward or left out in this situation but he knew how much it meant to Lance so he held his waist to keep him standing through all the hugs. He was a part of this giant family now and the thought was immense and welcome. Lance had told him about everyone. His older sister Sofia and his big brother Tomas as well as the youngest twins Dante and Mateo.

Tomas held his little brother by the shoulders as he looked him up and down, eyes full of tears.

“They told us you died. We had a funeral. We buried an empty coffin and they paid Ma and Dad to be quiet about it and sent us a shitty flag. What the hell happened? Why were you gone so long?”

Lance felt sick at the thought of some garrison official coming to his door to tell his parents he’d died. His family mourned him for six years and he was finally back and he couldn’t even tell them the truth.

“I’ll explain everything when dad gets home.”

Ten minutes later the door swung open and Lance’s father stepped through. He froze in the doorway at the sight of his formally dead son in the middle of the room. Lance took his cane and limped over to him, standing up straight and raising his hand in a salute. His father didn’t return the gesture, only surged towards him and scooped him into his arms.

“I can’t believe it. You’re home. My boy is back.”

Lance hugged him back, eyes scrunched shut.

“I missed you all so much. I’m so sorry I didn’t come back sooner.”

Lance was released and his father slapped a hand on his back.

“Look at you. You’ve grown up. Come sit down, tell us everything.”

Keith took Lance’s arm again as he helped him limp to the kitchen where everyone took a seat at the table. Usually Lance was okay just using his cane but his bad leg was protesting all the excitement and he was grateful for the help that his husband provided.

Keith sat beside him at the table as everyone sat eagerly waiting an explanation.

Lance wasn’t sure how to word everything. He didn’t want to lie but he also needed to keep his family safe from the truth. They would already worry if he told them he had been fighting a war, telling them he fought a war in space, against aliens would be much worse and take a lot more explaining. So, he went with the story the garrison gave him.

“There was an attack on the garrison six years ago, and they needed people to fight. It’s … the details are classified so I can’t tell you where we were or who we were fighting but… we went to war. It was a small team, Keith was with me as well as a few others. We lost communication with the garrison early on and we couldn’t make it back until the mission was over. I wanted to tell you, I wanted to come home so badly but…we couldn’t.”

Maria nodded and squeezed her husband’s hand, smiling from where they sat beside Lance.

“You’re home now. Everything is okay.”

Tomas looked both horrified and amazed at the thought of his little brother being a soldier.

“You…fought in a war?”

Lance nodded, a small smile lighting his face.

“Yeah. It took a while but…we won.”

Lance’s father, Raphael, gestured to the cane sitting beside his son.

“And that’s why…?” he wasn’t sure how to phrase it. Everyone in the room went quiet and Lance looked over at Keith before speaking.

“There was a mission about six months ago, it went badly. We were in enemy territory and completely outnumbered. The whole team was trapped with no means of escape and no back up coming.”

He looked at Keith, sitting beside him with a sad frown.

“Keith still hasn’t really forgiven me for what happened.”

Everyone looked to the red paladin as he shook his head.

“Because it was the stupidest thing you’ve ever done.” He looked out to the table to people awaiting the story and sighed.

“Lance decided that the only option was to surrender. So, he stood with his hands up and walked right over to the enemy. He made sure they thought he was the only one there, so that the rest of us wouldn’t be caught.”

Lance watched Keith talk, hating the sad tone, and idly massaged his bad leg.

“We had one grenade, made from scrap by our mechanic, and the plan was to throw it into the tunnel with the soldiers. But it went south quickly and Lance couldn’t get out in time. He blew it up while still inside.”

There was a chorus of gasps as Lance looked embarrassed and Maria reached out to smack Lance on the shoulder, gripping his arm in her hands in worry.

“No, Hijo! ¿por qué harías eso?”

 No, son! Why would you do that?

 Lance patted his mother’s hand as she squeezed his shoulder.

 “I’m fine, Ma, calm down.”

 She smacked at his arm again, face pinched in worry as if she didn’t know if he made it out of the explosion alive or not.

 “No, no eres. Now shh and let me hear Keith.”

No, you aren’t.

 Keith took a breath as he looked at Lance. That mission had been so bad. He had never been so afraid in his life.

“The enemy were all dead but Lance was trapped under there with them. It took two days to dig him out and it was touch and go for a while. We weren’t sure if he was going to make it and even after that we weren’t sure if we would be able to save his leg. It had been crushed under the rubble and we had a really good medic and he did all he could but... some of the nerves couldn’t be fixed.”

Lance rubbed Keith’s shoulder, remembering how horrible those few weeks were after the accident. Keith hadn’t left his side and it had been a tough recovery period for everyone.

Keith swallowed and kept talking, looking at Maria and Raphael.

“It took four weeks for him to heal and walk again but he’ll always need the cane. The damage is irreversible. I’m sorry.”

Everyone wore the same look of grief and shock on their faces but Lance took Keith’s hand and leant forward to kiss his sad mouth.

“Hey, I’m okay. I’m here, everything’s fine.”

Keith was very aware that Lance had just kissed him in front of his entire family and kept his face low as everyone looked at their joined hands and noticed the matching wedding bands.

Sofia spoke first, her husband sitting with her as her children played at her feet.

“Are you two...?”

Lance looked at Keith and smiled, squeezing his hand in pride. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure how his family would react but he loved Keith more than anything and while he couldn’t be truthful about where they’d been he could tell them about this.

“Keith and I are married.”

He held Keith’s gaze long enough to see the love and happiness in his eyes at the words, before turning to his family. Thankfully they were smiling.

Maria threw her hands up and reached for the two men.

“Mi hijo es casado! Oh, mis hijos, qué feliz estoy!”

My son is married! Oh, my boys, I'm so happy!

More hugs were exchanged, this time with Keith included, and everyone was asking questions again.

“How did you guys meet?”

“When did you get married?”

“How did you have a wedding in the middle of a war?”

Lance was beaming as he answered them and Keith watched his husband’s eyes light up.

“I knew him at the garrison but we didn’t really meet properly until we got sent on the mission together. We didn’t really get along at first-“

Keith laughed and interrupted.

“No, you didn’t like me. I was apathetic towards you until you pissed me off.”

Lance waved a hand.

“Yeah whatever, we weren’t that close at first but traveling around and fighting battles with only the same six people to keep you company makes for fast forming friendships. Keith and I ended up getting close and I realized I liked his dumb mullet head for some reason.”

Everyone looked a little confused at the mention of a mullet since Keith’s hair had grown out and was more shoulder length now. He had it tied into a bun and Lance looped a finger into a strand of hair as if fell free, playing with it teasingly before Keith tucked it back behind his ear.

“Yeah, he used to have a mullet but he grew it out. It’s like he’s allergic to haircuts.”

Keith laughed and bumped his shoulder against Lance’s.

“And his lame pickup lines worked for some stupid reason and I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He asked me out in the middle of a mission and we just ended up together. I’m not even really sure how it happened.”

He looked at Lance with a smile, his voice wistful and happy. Sofia and Maria both aww’ed and Lance continued with the story.

“Keith helped me recover from the tunnel explosion and when I was mostly on my feet again he gave this long sappy speech and proposed. It was so cute.”

He leant forward and rubbed his nose against Keith’s, smiling like the idiot in love that he was. Keith picked up the story.

“It wasn’t really a legal marriage since we couldn’t sign any papers or anything with the whole ‘no one knows we’re alive’ thing. But we went to a small village where they have a beautiful tradition. They mate for life in their culture so the ceremony was less, a legal commitment, and more a bonding of souls. They believe everyone has someone who’s soul fits perfectly with theirs and for me that’s Lance. I don’t want anyone else.”

Lance blushed and nodded. “It’s a bond that can never be broken. Now that we’re back we’ll have to have another wedding here. One that legally makes us husbands.” He turned to his parents as his thumb rubbed over the back of Keith’s hand.

“Oh, I should probably tell you. I’m Lance Kogane now.”

Keith pressed a kiss to Lance’s cheek.

“My parents died when I was young and I don’t have any other family so Lance offered to take my name so that my family can continue.” The two men looked at each other, and everyone in the room could see how much they loved one another.

Maria looked as though she were about to cry.

“That’s my sweet boy. I’m so proud of you.”

Lance rolled his eyes as his mother fret over him, fixing his collar and rearranging his hair, truthfully, he loved it. He had missed his family so much and it was almost overwhelming to be home again.

Keith could see he was getting worn out from all the excitement and his bad leg was acting up.

“How about we give everyone some time to process everything. Lance could do with some rest and there’s a lot for everyone to take in.”

Everyone looked tired and Tomas nodded.

“Sure, I’ll show you to the guest room.”

Keith stood from the table and helped Lance stand, trying to ignore the way everyone watched. Lance winced but held in any noise of pain as he got to his feet, his bad leg weak and heavy as he hobbled with his cane. He tried to keep his back straight but it didn’t make a difference to how obviously bad his limp was.

He swallowed his embarrassment and squeezed Keith’s hand. He’d gotten used to it, they would too.

They were lead down a hall to a small room, Tomas excusing himself to collect their bags from the car. Keith helped Lance sit down on the bed and knelt to tug his shoes off.

“You okay?”

Keith nodded and got Lance settled in bed, taking his jacket and cane.

“Yeah, your family’s nice. And I’ve always wanted to know where you grew up.”

Lance took his husbands hand as he lay in bed, Keith sitting beside him.

“They’re your family too now. It might be a lot to take in at first but they like you. I can tell.”

Keith smiled and leant down for a kiss.

“Thanks. Now get some sleep.”

(there will be more and the series will include fics of the stories keith was telling like when lance got hurt as well as their wedding. I would reeeeallly love to know what you think of this so please give me some feedback. As usual this and all my fics can be found on fanfiction.net and ao3 with the same author name as my url on here.)

#klance #keith kogane #lance mcclain #voltron #voltron fanfic #whump #klance fanfic #future klance

[phgq]

Novo Ecijanos mourn death of former Gov. Joson

#PHnews: Novo Ecijanos mourn death of former Gov. Joson

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- The Philippine Flag is flown at half-mast at the provincial capitol here to express grief over the death of former governor Tomas N. Joson III, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 72. "It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dearly loved, Papa/Lolo Gov. Tomas N. Joson III," said former Vice Governor Edward Thomas Joson on the passing of his father who served for 12 years as the father of Nueva Ecija province. There was no mention of the cause of the former governor's death but he reportedly had prostate cancer. Incumbent Governor Aurelio Umali ordered the Philippine flag to be flown half-mast at the capitol ground for 40 days. "Kinikilala ng Kapitolyo ang kanyang malaking ambag sa serbisyo publiko, at ginugunita ang mga mabubuting ala-ala ng kanyang liderato sa buong Lalawigan (The provincial government recognizes his big contribution in the public service and remembers the good memories of his leadership in the whole province), Umali said in a statement. Fondly called by the Novo Ecijanos as Gov. Tommy, the former governor was the eldest son of former guerilla officer and late Gov. Eduardo "Tatang" Joson of Quezon town, this province. Gov. Tommy started his political career as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) in 1980, became vice governor until his election as the province's chief executive from 1992-1995 and 1998-2007. As governor for 12 years, he waged the "Nueva Ecija 2000" which embraced holistic program on infrastructure (roads, bridges and classrooms), as well as agriculture by establishing Nueva Ecija Fruits and Vegetable Seed Center, and Greenhouse loaning program, among others. Former provincial tourism officer Annaliza Eugenio said Gov. Tommy also empowered farmers aligned with promoting nutrition that includes the establishment of Nueva Ecija Federation of Dairy Carabao Cooperatives "that boosted the dairy industry in the province". This, Eugenio said, became the provincial government’s machinery in fighting malnutrition through its milk feeding program. "Aside from the formation of various farmers organizations and cooperatives, Gov. Tommy implemented backyard tilapia production, and initiated housing program for farmers called “Pabahay sa Magsasaka”, Eugenio added. In his few remaining years in office, Gov. Tommy transferred the seat of government to this city with the vision of making the province's capital as sports and cultural haven with the construction of state-of-the-art sports complex, Nueva Ecija Convention Center, Eduardo L. Joson Memorial College, and dormitory for provincial scholars. He also established the provincial dialysis center, eye center, and mobile community health units to provide affordable medical services. "In his 12 years as the father of the province, he touched many lives, held many hands and lent not only his ears but also his heart to bring the best in every citizen of this province," Eugenio said. Gov. Tommy's wake is at the JF Resort in San Isidro town and interment will be at Loyola Marikina on July 29. The schedule of his wake is as follows: July 24 for family only and July 25 to 28 will be open to the public following the strict guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force policies on necrological or funeral rites. "Due to the pandemic brought by Covid-19, we sincerely understand if you will not be able to physically join us to attend the necrological service. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time," the younger Joson said. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Novo Ecijanos mourn death of former Gov. Joson." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109978 (accessed July 24, 2020 at 10:18PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Novo Ecijanos mourn death of former Gov. Joson." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109978 (archived).

#Philippines #News #Filipino #Pinoy #Tourism #Politics #Culture #Editorial #Environment #Society #History

[midniteseanymph]

REVIEW: Trust the Focus by Megan Erickson (With Spoilers)

Summary: Fresh off their college undergraduate graduation, best friends Landry and Justin embark on a summer-long road trip to scatter the ashes of Justin’s father, a travel photographer. Landry is out-and-proud, and Justin is deeply in the closet and in love with his friend due to his mayor mother’s conservative politics. 

My rating: 2/5

Let’s get these things out of the way since they are relatively minor complaints and have no real bearing on the plot: (1) those are the shortest, most uninformative, and least interesting blog posts I’ve ever read, and I have no idea how it went viral, unless what went viral was Justin’s coming out post, (2) there were couple mistakes like “peace” instead of “piece” and using the word “national” instead of “state.” It wasn’t too jarring for me but it does make the book feel unedited, and (3) like several other people I really hated the nicknames “Jus” and “Lan” and what felt like an overuse of them.

I’m not sure how I feel about several the sports-star-in-the-closet guy and out-and-proud-fashionable guy. While I’m sure people like this exist in real life and there are couples made up of these men, it feels too common and boring in fiction, especially as this was written by a woman. But my main issue with this book is more or less the way the plot went. It’s just Landry and Justin in an old RV driving across the country, taking photos, scattering ashes, and writing a blog. There are few other characters and they appear infrequently, leaving Landry and Justin (whose POV the story is written in) to move the plot. It’s a bad idea. 

I understand that coming out is difficult, especially when you know your parent isn’t going to be supportive, and I understand that cutting your family out of your life or getting kicked out of your family is horrible. But Justin still manages to be a relatively annoying character. If he were mourning his father, it might have made more sense, but he mostly lashes out at Landry because he can’t deal with his attraction. It would have been more forgivable if he didn’t acknowledge he was an asshole right before he said something mean again. Justin is 22. I’m pretty sure when I was 22 I had realized when I was messing up and saying bad things. It takes Justin most of the book to realize he can’t keep blaming his mother and needs to take some responsibility for his own actions. He could come out–it’s difficult and it’s going to be horrible with his mother–but he isn’t dependent on her at 22. And whatever she does or says, it’s not okay to take out your anger on your best friend of ten years, and it’s definitely not okay to call him a f*g in anger before he knows you’re gay.

Then after this scene, Justin follows Landry, apologises, tells him he’s gay too, and kisses him. Then Landry gives Justin a hand job. I am not sure what the point of that was and I definitely don’t think it was necessary or even a good choice plot-wise, and this is coming from someone who tends to veer off into sex frequently in her own stories. Sometimes it’s wise to wrangle those tendencies back in or at least delete them from the final draft.

This is when the book starts to go downhill. They have an argument. Landry’s upset about Justin lying to him for years. He storms out. Justin feels guilty. Landry is pissed. And this is probably my biggest issue with this book: no one acts like adults. I expect this in YA with 17 year olds. At 22, I think you should be able to have conversations like adults.

Then Landry tells Justin about this time that he went to a club and was sexually assaulted. A horrible crime, but I can’t help but wonder why the author chose to use this plot point. It makes Justin feel more guilty, and I can’t help but feel like the author is blaming him for not coming out sooner, at least to Landry. They make up (sort of; Landry basically says “I’ll try to forgive you”), there are blowjobs, they move on.

Then they go to a B&B and Justin completely overreacts about sharing a bed even though the lady at the front doesn’t care. Landry gets pissed. They make up. Landry says he forgives Justin for lying, and himself for getting sexually assaulted (which… I understand where the author is presumably coming from but Landry did nothing wrong and I wish that was made clear), and even kind of the guy who assaulted him. And we move on again. 

Main gripe number 2: This book is a series of fights and makeups but it’s less “emotional roller coaster” and more “two guys who overreact and angst a lot because of it.”

They visit Justin’s baseball teammate Tomas and he comes out to him. Tomas doesn’t seem super surprised and he doesn’t react badly. They go out with Tomas’s gay brother and his friends to a gay club; Justin lets Landry dress him in really tight jeans. They come back and have anal sex after a few drinks, which seems like a bad idea. It seems like an excuse to share “I love yous” as if they needed an excuse. 

The next morning Landry wakes Justin with a blowjob in order to kind of manipulate him into working on a photography portfolio instead of working on his mother’s campaign when they return in the fall. They fight but at least this one is quickly resolved at least. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with so many arguments in it.

There’s a couple of cute scenes, Landry tells Justin he thinks he’ll back down from coming out to his mother, they go out on a first official date for Italian. Landry makes a new blog post and Justin’s mother sees the photo in it and calls him to tell him she suspected it and now it was confirmed and he needed to come home immediately and deal with his responsibilities and ya know, don’t ever let her constituents know she has a gay son. She doesn’t specifically say that but that’s the gist of it. Justin, without even knowing what picture she’s talking about, starts yelling at Landry about it. Justin is off blaming people again without ever considering he plays a part in this too. I think this when this book officially crossed from “this is bad but still entertaining” to “seriously this is just ridiculous now but I’ve already read most of it so I might as well finish.”

Justin tells Landry that in some of those picture it’s clear they’re having sex and storms off. Landry also storms off, Justin realizes when he goes back to the RV. Landry is not Justin’s whipping boy and rightfully takes a bus back home to California where he doesn’t have to deal with Justin’s bullshit and blaming. Justin realizes the next day that Landry had been drawing versions of some of Justin’s father’s photography calendar. He finds a letter from his father that implies he knew Justin was gay (which feels like a questionable authorial decision if he’s always managed to convince everyone else but not his parents). He resolves to come out to his mother and get Landry back and take back his life. He continues on his road trip. He reads Landry’s private emails in the laptop he left behind, talking to someone Justin’s dad knew about Justin’s photography. He gets an equal sign tattoo. He writes blog post coming out and about his tattoo and his former teammates are pretty supportive. Landry comes back, they make up, they get in a car accident.

What?

Yeah, in the last 40 pages of the ebook, the author goes, let’s get some more angst in here. Justin wakes up in the hospital, panics about Landry not being there (he’s uninjured), and his mother promises to be better about the gay thing. So that’s essentially the only reason he was injured. Seems like a cop-out to me but I’m not writing this. Anyway we cut to Justin working in photography and Landry and Justin living in an RV and everything’s fine. I’m all for happy endings but it feels a little weird after Chapter 19. Chapter 20 feels like a tacked on ending. It’s unnecessary.   But for me, I was just glad it was over.

Would I recommend it? If you like drama, sure. It was easy to read and was just fine for getting me out of my reading rut (I have a stack of books and zero desire to read). Otherwise, it’s not a great book and if you don’t have a lot of time to read I would probably choose something else.

#trust the focus #in focus series #megan erickson #review #read in 2017 #march 2017 #new adult