Nightshade
Chapter 17 | Chapter 19
Chapter 18: Double Double Toil And Trouble
TW: as per usual language, drinking, smoking, mention of drugs, some depictions of abuse this chapter, some gangish stuff, violence, flashbacks, a hint of suicidal tendencies, some blood, use of a slur (the F slur), Eddie's a flirty asshole but we love him, some deep conversations with Daddy Oz & a tender moment or two, costumes, fake horror (it's Halloween y'all), supportive friends that also make fun of each other, some smutty themes 👀
Enjoy the wild ride that is this chapter y'all! I edited it really quick so please ignore any mistakes I missed!
AO3 is also not working for me. I know they've been having issues all day and I'm not sure if they've fixed it or not yet, but I'll be keeping my eyes peeled and will get this chapter up there as soon as possible.
Edit: It is now up on AO3!
"-Fire burn and cauldron bubble!" Quinn wiggled her fingers in my face, dramatically cackling.
I brushed her hands away, shaking my head at her dramatics as I reminded her, "Halloween is still like four days away."
"So?" She questioned. "I'm not allowed to be in the spooky spirit?"
"You're allowed to be in whatever spirit you wanna be as long as you keep that spirit outta my face," I responded.
She put her hands up at her sides, eyes widening and brow arching. "Well damn! Somebody's grumpy today!"
I shook my head. "I'm not grumpy."
"Spill it," she urged, leaning on the hostess stand.
Normally I'd just wait her out. An easy enough thing to do, considering Quinn's impatience. Sadly, that wasn't an option when she stood inside my workplace just an hour before we were supposed to open back up for the night. So, with a careful look over my shoulder at the bar where Nicky polished glasses, and Jake began pre-slicing the garnishes, I sighed. "I'm playing nice with Simone, and she's been… Taxing today."
With a glance at the second floor, where the blonde was setting tables Quinn smirked. "Want me to hit her?"
"No!" I growled. "What part of playing nice would make you think hitting her is a good idea?"
"I never said it was a good idea," Quinn defended. "It'd be fun, though."
"It would," I whined, planting my face on the hostess stand. "It really would."
My friend gave me a pat on the back, carefully rubbing my shoulders. "What'd she do this time?"
I shrugged. "She's just… Everywhere. Helping me with my jewelry in the locker room, insisting on doing my hair, reminding me to double-check the reservations, to smile, and just everything."
"Okay, that's annoying," she agreed. "Why the fuck is she doing all that now?"
"I opened the door," I replied bitterly. It was a term Quinn, and I had used often, mostly referencing relationships with people we knew were going to be toxic as hell. Opening the door was essentially allowing someone with a reputation for turning your offered step into a mile a chance to do so again.
Quinn was notorious for chasing off men Prue had unintentionally opened the door for, while she herself opened the door to very few. Those she did open it to were usually the worst sort of people. People like Simone.
She clicked her tongue and shook her head at me. "It's been a hot minute since you opened the door. I think I'm gonna gloat."
I deserved that. The last time Quinn let an ex get away with too much, I was pretty smug about it. "Gloat away."
Her eyes narrowed. "It's no fun if you're fine with it. The least you could do is make some fuss."
"Holy shit, would you ju-"
"Lena," Simone interrupted with a polite smile. "So sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to remind you that it's the Peterson's anniversary tonight, so we'll want to show them an extra warm welcome."
Grinding my teeth through the smile, I nodded. "Thank you for reminding me. I'll make a note of it." Again. I thought, thinking about the four other times she'd reminded me.
"Excellent," Simone said, carefully lifting a hand to fix my hair before she set off toward the kitchen. Jake smiled at her as she passed, and that smile slowly extended to me.
"Jesus, look at that dumb smile," Quinn said, peering over my shoulder at Jake. "You're so fucked."
“Royally fucked.”
“He looks like he’s gonna start asking you to hang out with her for like… fun.”
I jabbed my finger in her face. “Don’t even say that!”
She rolled her eyes and slapped my hand away. “Relax, I’m sure he’ll take your polite refusal very well. It’s her I’m worried about. She’s treating you like a doll. It’s creepy.”
Olive strolled out of the kitchen as if on cue, smiling at Simone’s glare. “Yeah, well, considering the recent loss of her other plaything, I’d say it’s to be expected. After everything I said to her, I just didn't think I'd be her next target."
“It’s still working here?” Quinn asked in a seething tone as Olive made her way toward us.
“Hello,” she said, smug and self-important and very… Simone like. She looked Quinn up and down, taking in the sight of her witch attire. “Making some fun plans for Halloween?”
Quinn’s tongue was quicker and sharper than mine as she sized up the faux red-haired woman. “We already know what our plans are for Halloween.”
Olive smiled, foolishly meeting Quinn’s challenge. “Let me guess, a party at that run-down, old bar?”
"Yep.”
“Sounds interesting may-”
“You even think about showing up, and I'll tear that ugly ass red off your head faster than you can say desperate."
Olive took a moment to consider her opponent, likely thinking Quinn would be less of a threat because of her "simple" dancing background. That, of course, left out the years of fighting she'd done to survive in this city with no connections. Quinn took a step forward, that crazy gleam in her eyes and a smug smile tugging up the corners of her lips. Try it. She dared without words, but Olive heard it. She heard the crazed and wild challenge in Quinn, and with an abrupt clearing of her throat, she backed down. “I wouldn’t set foot in that bar again even if someone paid me. Besides, I have other plans."
Quinn nodded, a winning smile spreading on her lips, bearing her teeth to Olive. "I'm sure you do."
Quinn's body relaxed the second she was gone, and she nudged my shoulder. “Don’t forget we’ve got the hat drawing tonight.”
“Right,” I sighed. “What are the choices again?”
“Fuck if I know. That’s Prue’s department, remember?”
“Shit. That means we’re in for some very elaborate choices.”
She rolled her eyes. “Relax, I’m sure it’ll be fine!”
I gave her a look. “Says the woman that had to come up with a whole ass Sailor Moon costume in like three days.”
She nodded, chuckling at the memory. “Riiiigghhtt. We really should do costume picking earlier, shouldn’t we?”
“Probably.”
Her eyes drifted to Jake, and that sly smile returned. “If you could get your pretty bartender to dress up as something, what would it be?”
I glanced at him, focusing on that dark hair, the quickness of his hands as he sliced the lime in front of him, those deep waves of focused blue eyes… He glanced up, catching my gaze for a split second as I turned away. “Jake’s not going to dress up. He’s far too grown up for that sort of thing.”
“Would you just humor me for once?” Quinn complained. “What would you die to see him dress up as?”
“You know this answer!” I insisted, giving her that look.
She knew instantly what I meant, rolling her eyes. “Egon from Ghostbusters. I should have known.”
I shook my head, blushing slightly at the mention of my old childhood crush. “Shut up! At least my answer is simple, unlike your insane fantasy about the Scooby Doo gang."
Quinn smirked, biting her lip at the lewd thought my words brought back to her mind. She shrugged. "I'm bisexual. Sue me."
She moved past me, heading toward the bar. "Where are you going?"
"I've gotta give my girl a goodbye kiss," she replied with a dumb happy smile.
"Disgusting," I teased, watching her approach Ari, who beamed at the sight of her.
Sasha sashayed out from the main dining room, making a face at the display in front of him. "Ugh, young love. Absolutely horrifying, isn't it?"
My eyes drifted to Jake as he sent me a quick wink. "Yeah, it's the fucking worst."
*
Jake was in unusually high spirits. It was an odd feeling, the lack of weight on his chest, the ability to breathe freely for the first time in a long time. It was so odd that he sometimes caught himself holding his breath, waiting for an ache… For something to force that pressure back onto him. But then he just had to look at the beam of red hair standing at the hostess stand, and air filled his lungs again.
Lena was like a beacon, bathed in the low afternoon sunlight. She stood at the hostess stand, her shoulders holding a visible tension as she quietly worked. The stiffness Lena held whenever Simone would speak to her didn't go unnoticed. In fact, it was something that made him tense as well. Jake would always hold his breath for a few seconds, watching closely for signs either woman was bearing their breaking point with the other.
Simone was calm and polite, as she always was, and while Lena mirrored that, he could tell it was something that didn't feel as natural to her. Still, he appreciated the gesture more than she would ever know. It wasn't until Quinn strolled through the front door, dressed in a cheap witch costume, that he saw that tension lift even just a little. He couldn't hear their conversation, but it was Quinn, so he could only assume it was something mildly inappropriate.
As he worked, he caught her multiple glances, smirking at each obvious one. Jake liked her glances - liked the way his body felt beneath the crystal-like gaze of her stare. It made him feel important and desired and perhaps even a bit naked. Lena was the only person, aside from Simone, that could read him as though he were an open book. She saw every emotion and could practically read his mind all with her eyes. An addictive feeling, one he had no quarrel in chasing after.
Quinn happily made her way past the redhead, moving straight for Ari with purpose in her heeled steps. He wasn't at all surprised when she pulled the curly-haired woman into a sweet and lustful kiss. For a quick moment, Jake imagined what it would be like to kiss Lena like that. Out in the open, unafraid and uncaring of who saw them…
This thought was quickly washed away by the sound of Quinn's hand clapping on top of the bar. "You look awfully chipper today."
"I was having a very good time til you showed up," He teased.
She rolled her eyes. "Please, if anything, I've improved your day just by stopping by."
"Whatever you say."
"So, got any plans for Halloween?" She wiggles her eyebrows. "Got a costume in mind?"
Jake shook his head, continuing his work. "I don't do costumes."
Quinn acted surprised, but he could tell she wasn't. "Why not? They're so fun!"
"I'm not thirteen anymore," Jake replied with a flippant scoff.
Quinn's face hardened slightly, an offended and protective look filling her eyes with fire. "You should be more grateful. Some people don't get a chance to be thirteen." His head tilted slightly, noting her words but more so the tiny look over her shoulder at Lena. Interesting. "Anyway. I have a question for you."
"Which is?"
"What costume do you think our darling redhead would look good in this year?"
His eyes slid to Lena, taking in her form as she squabbled with Sasha. From where he stood, she looked like an angel, bathed in light, bright and glowing. "You ever see that Romeo and Juliet movie?"
Quinn's face scrunched up slightly as she chuckled. "The one with Leonardo Dicaprio?"
"Yeah." He shrugged, suddenly feeling silly. "She'd look good as Juliet. You know, from that scene where they first meet or whatever."
"The angel," she replied, looking at her friend. "A wonderful suggestion. See? I knew you'd be helpful."
He rolled his eyes at her. "Have a good day, witch."
She called, giving Ari one last kiss and a soft look. "See you tonight?"
Ari smiled wider and nodded. "Of course."
"Goodbye, servants!" Quinn hollered to the rabble, kissing Lena's cheek as she left.
Even after the door had closed, Ari was still smiling, a bright look in her eyes he hadn't seen even when she was high out of her mind. A longing, but a fulfilled-looking one. He would never admit it, but part of him felt jealous, a feeling he buried as he turned to catch another of Lena's glances.
*
I swiftly carried the plates back into the kitchen, gingerly setting them down on the table for Scott to glare at. “Table four says the chicken is dry.”
“God fucking…” He huffed, turning and tossing the food in the garbage. “Refire, two chicken!”
My eyes wandered to the station near the back, where a bright-colored bandana was still absent. “Is Isaac not here?”
Scott just shook his head, hurriedly working on the steady stream of dishes. “Said he was sick or something. I dunno. It’s been a few days, though. Have you not heard from him?”
“I called, but it just went straight to voicemail. He texted me an hour later with the same response.”
“Well, at least he’s got the sense to keep whatever he’s got out of my kitchen.”
I stared at the cook standing in my friends' normal place, focusing on the heavy pit that filled my gut. Isaac loved this job. There was nothing that could keep him away, not even a little case of the sniffles. If he was gone, for a whole week, no less, then there was something big going on. Whether that was some sickness, like he said, or something worse, I didn’t know. But, then and there, as I turned on my heel, I decided that after service, I was going to find out.
The night was long, filled with too many people that overcrowded the bar and the entryway. I triple-checked the reservation book, searching the pages for all the names of the guests that showed up claiming to have made a reservation. It was hell trying to appease them and investigate the sudden and unexplainable amount of individuals claiming to have been booked.
While I saw to the guests' comfort, Howard did some investigating. He asked who each guest spoke to when making their reservation but got multiple names of the morning hostess as well as a few prestigious servers that sometimes handled reservation calls. There was a string of phone calls made after that, asking them why they wouldn't check the books before making such reservations, but all of them claimed to have done so and found the time slots empty. There was something deeper going on, but I chose to let Howard handle it so I could focus on Isaac.
Once things started moving, they didn't stop. Everything flew by in a rush of bodies and fake pleasantries, but I hardly noticed any of it. I'd slipped to the back to text Isaac one last time. I have a hot meal from Nana to help you feel better. Can I stop by after my shift?
I expected to be kept waiting again, as all of us that had texted or called him had, but Isaac's reply was instant. That's nice, but I'm not really feeling very hungry. Best to stay away so you don't get what I've got.
That was the final straw. Isaac had been part of our group for years. He'd dated my brother, and never once in all that time did he turn away a meal from Nana or the chance at having company to help him feel better. Something was wrong. I didn't reply, opting to just show up anyway and deal with whatever he was going through when I got there.
I rushed through the last of service and hurried up to the locker room, stripping out of my lavender gown before anyone else even got upstairs. I rushed the dry cleaning bag to Howard's office along with the earrings and necklace he'd lent me. While everyone else passed to get to the locker room, I was already making my way to the front door.
Nicky noted my quick pace with a chuckle and a glass. “Slow down, Red. You move any faster, and we’ll have to replace the carpet.”
“Can’t tonight, Nick,” I replied, drawing Jake’s attention. “I got something I gotta handle.”
Jake turned, looking me up and down with tight-knit brows. “What’s goin' on?”
I shrugged. “Dunno yet. I’m gonna go check up on Isaac. It’s been like a week since anyone's seen him.”
“He lives out in Queen’s, doesn’t he?” Jake asked.
“Yeah.”
“I’ll come with.”
I smirked. “Yeah?”
He nodded, tossing me his jacket. “Yeah. Wait for me.”
While Jake changed, I hopped behind the bar to help Nicky clean everything up. I asked him about how things were at home and listened while the older man gushed about his daughters. He reminded me of my dad in moments like this, ones where the love he had for his family was practically pouring out of his eyes. While it was painful to linger on the memories of my dad and the hole now left in my heart his death left me with, I felt a sense of relief that Nicky’s children likely wouldn't know the horrors too many of us had.
Jake strolled out from the kitchen, pulling his shirt over his head with one hand while he held his jacket in the other. From the bar, I could hear Sasha’s taunting. “You really don’t have to come.”
“I know.”
“There any particular reason why you’re so adamant about joining me?” I asked as we walked out the front door.
“Queen’s is a sketchy neighborhood.”
“I think I can handle a few thugs,” I assured him.
Jake rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Put the jacket on. It’s cold out.”
I grinned, shoving my arms into his leather jacket. “Yes, mother. Oh, we gotta stop by Nana’s real quick.”
With a genuine smile, Jake turned down the street. “Good, she owes me a dessert.”
“Nana owes you a dessert?” I asked, tucking my hands into the warmth of his sleeves.
“Yeah,” he nodded. “She lost a bet.”
“Nana bet you?!”
With a chuckle, the bartender shrugged. “It was just over Quinn’s cake. She bet I wouldn’t find one Quinn liked, and I bet I could. Obviously, given how my shirt ended up covered in mascara stains, I won.”
I smiled up at him, watching the city lights bathe his face in that light that just made him look irresistible. “I’m kind of impressed.”
That devilish grin made my heart skip a beat as Jake replied, "That's what impresses you? Not my good looks or my bartending skill?"
"You know, I almost forgot about your superiority complex." I pinched my fingers together. "Just a little bit."
"Well, guess I'll have to dial it up then."
"Guess so," I said with a fearless grin. "Wouldn't want anyone to forget how amazing you are."
The diner was filled with people when we arrived, a bustling hub of family and food, and fun. We didn't even have a real chance to get through the door before Nana pulled us both into her arms, whispering her prayers. "Oh, my sweet children!"
I borrowed into her spiced perfume and her warmth, letting that rare and fleeting feeling of peace fill me. "How's your night going, Nana?"
She pulled away, holding both mine and Jake's cheeks. "Better now that I have seen you both. Are you staying for dinner?"
"I'm actually here to grab some soup for Isaac."
"Yes," she replied with a thoughtful hum. "Quinn told me he has been ill. I'll pack all his favorites! And you," she pointed at Jake. "I assume you'll want your dessert as well?"
Jake chuckled. "Only if it isn't too much trouble."
Waving him off with an Arabic curse, she smiled. "What do you want, sweet boy?"
"I'll let the expert decide," he deferred, gesturing to me.
"Do you have any sumac left?"
"Lemon?" She assumed correctly.
"You know me too well, Nana."
"Of course I do!" She hurried to the back, emerging with a pile of food and to-go boxes. Jake and I stepped up to the counter and helped her pack it all when she gave me a sly look. "On the topic of wants and knowing, I've meant to ask… What do you want for your birthday this year, my Habibi?"
I sighed and gave her a stiff smile. "You already know my answer, Nana."
"Hadha maratan 'ukhraa?" She sighed and stroked my cheek. "'Ant nur watastahiqu aliahtifal."
I knew the rough translation, having heard the words so many times before. You are a light, and you deserve celebrating. Ignoring the pang of guilt and sorrow, her words filled me with, I nodded to the back. "I'm gonna go say hi to Abdul."
"So I get no answer?"
Rolling my eyes, I kissed her cheek. "I gave you an answer eanzat eajuz eanida."
Nana whirled, the newspaper already rolled and raised to hit me as she shouted after me. "I am no old goat!"
Laughing to myself, I slid into the kitchen where Abdul and the other young cooks were pushed together, slaving over the food.
*
Jake watched Lena scurry away from the old woman with a smile. Nana returned the newspaper to the small holder and shook her head. "Such mischief!"
"She is quite mischievous," he replied.
"Stubborn, too," Nana added, shaking her head. "Every year, I ask what she wants for her birthday. A tradition for all of my extended children, and every year that girl tells me the same thing."
Jake leaned forward slightly. "What does she say?"
"She says: Don't fuss! I don't need anything, Nana."
With a shrug, he considered her reply. "Maybe she just doesn't want anything."
The old woman frowned and shook her head, a deep sorrow filling her eyes as she looked up at him. "No, that is not what it is."
"What is it then?"
She cursed herself quietly. "You are a smart boy, Jake. By now, it is no secret to you that our Lena's past is… It is complicated."
Looking over at the door the redhead disappeared through he nodded. "Yeah, so I've been told."
"It is no one's story to tell but hers," she insisted. "But, you will need to know that her birthday is a very painful and very joyous day."
"Patrick said it was when she got back. Where was she before?"
"An evil place," Nana said with bitter anger. With a quick shake of her head, she muttered another prayer before that anger quickly shifted to pride. "Our girl is so strong. Yet, she still feels the pain that those lost years brought. So, when she says she does not want anything… It is not what she truly feels. She wants so much but does not feel she deserves it because of what was done to her… Because of what she has done."
Jake frowned, the two refocusing on packing the food. In the silence of his own mind, the answers he had raged against the questions that lingered until the words were practically forced from him. "Who was he? The asshole that hurt her?"
Nana met his gaze of burning fire with one of her own. "A man I pray every day you will never have to meet."
*
With the food in hand, Jake and I caught a cab. The drive was quiet, filled with the smell of Nana's food and whatever clearly cheap cologne the cabbie had doused himself in. It felt awkward between us, Jake's playful mood having faded since I returned from the kitchen at Nana's. I could only assume it was because of worry about Isaac or something else that he simply didn't want to talk about at the moment. So, I swallowed my questions and shifted my focus to Isaac.
We approached the apartment with caution. It wasn’t the worst place I’d seen, but it was still very obviously run down and housing multiple gang affiliates. As I knocked, the scuff marks on Isaac’s door made my heart hammer in my chest. “Isaac! It’s Lena and Jake. We've got the food from Nana's.”
There wasn’t an answer, so I knocked again. Jake looked around, taking note of the way a few of the gang members stared at us. “Maybe he’s not home.”
From behind the door, I could hear the floor breaking with movement. With a sigh and a more gentle knock, I said, "Isaac… I don't know what's going on, but… We're here for you. All of us."
The locks clicked, and the door slowly opened, revealing my friend's black and blue swollen face. "Jesus."
A rough sob escaped Isaac's throat, pushing me into action as I stepped into his apartment and pulled him into me. "It's okay. I've got you. I've got you, Isaac."
Jake stayed standing while I sat beside Isaac on his couch and held him. I could tell this wasn’t his first time handling a situation like this, but no matter how many times he’d seen such, he still didn’t know what to do. No one did. I stroked Isaac’s hair and let him cry as he tearfully attempted to apologize for lying to us all. “I’m so sorry, Lee… I-”
“You have nothing to apologize for, Isaac,” I replied instantly. “Nothing.”
He wiped his nose with his long sleeve, only highlighting the cuts on his fingers. “I just didn’t want anyone to get hurt.”
I nodded into his head and gently pulled him back to look at him. “What happened?”
“It-”
“Don’t even try to tell me it’s nothing.” I shook my head. “This is not nothing.”
Nodding solemnly, he sighed. “My ex-boyfriend recently moved back to the city and heard I was doing well. He’s a toxic narcissist, so that obviously didn’t sit well. Apparently, he took it as some sort of insult or something and tracked me down. Almost busted my door down, and then he and some of his buddies beat the shit out of me.” Tears filled his eyes, and the far-off look in them told me everything I needed to know. “They said they’d be coming back, so I just… locked the door and hoped for the best… you know?”
"Did you call Dom?"
Isaac nodded, roughly wiping his eyes. "He said he'd take care of it. I tried calling him a few days ago, but he never answered."
Stay calm, I reminded myself. Dom was a busy man. He had his business to run, other gangs to keep his eyes on, and his attention was still on making sure Tony stayed gone. He cared about Isaac, about all of us, and if he told him he was figuring it out, then he was. These simple reminders did little to keep the frustrated anger from boiling up in my chest. If Dom was too busy to fix this, I'd do it myself. "Give me a name."
"No! Lena!" Isaac gripped my hands tightly. "I don't want you to get involved."
"Isaac." I gently touched his cheek, grinding my teeth together at the way he flinched. "Give me his name. Please."
"He could hurt you," the man insisted. "I would never be able to forgive myself if he hurt you, Lena."
I smiled a gesture that barely concealed my rage. "He won't hurt me. Please. Let me help."
The room was deathly still for a moment as Isaac cried. "Aaron. Aaron Walsh. He lives a few blocks away. But… He - he's got gang protection. You'll never get near him."
I pulled my phone from my pocket. "Yes, I will."
Jake took my place on the couch, holding an ice pack out to Isaac and calmly offering him any reassurance he could think of. "Come on, I'll help you pack a bag."
The phone rang three times before a grunting voice picked up. "This better be important," I could hear a female voice in the background, moaning as she demanded to know why the hell he answered a call. "I'm in the middle of something."
"Eddie," I replied. "It's me."
"Lena!" He cheered with another grunt. "Been a while, kid."
"Yeah, yeah, pull your dick out of whatever hooker you've got tonight and meet me at Ozzy's."
The man laughed. "Bossy, bossy! I take it this isn't a social call."
I sighed, punching the bridge of my nose. "Bring Alexi and Igor."
He shushed the woman. "This is serious, then? Give me a name."
"Aaron Walsh." I looked over my shoulder at Jake as he helped Isaac pack his bag. "I want to be there."
"Is the big bad Lena coming out of her shell?" Eddie mocked before he continued in Russian, sifter than before. "You know what tonight will be. Are you sure you're up for that?"
"I'm not stupid. Get your shit and meet me at Ozzy's." I replied.
"What about him?" Eddie asked, his voice growing tense. "You know it'll be war if he sees me."
"Just do it. I'll deal with Dom."
"At your command," he said with another laugh and a thick accent as he articulated his Spanish, "See you soon."
"See you soon,” I replied back.
Isaac made a fuss over Jake carrying his bag for him but relaxed slightly at Jake’s calm levelheadedness. It was new seeing the bartender so quiet and not smug, but I assumed it was just because this was how Jake was used to handling situations like this. Despite his constant slew of complaints and asshole-ish comments, Jake cared. He cared about the people he worked with, even the ones he didn’t spend a lot of time with, like the kitchen staff - Isaac included. As we drove to Ozzy’s, Jake was nothing but gentle, making sure that the battered and beaten man sitting between us knew he was safe now and that he wasn’t alone.
Ozzy’s was now fully prepared for Halloween, with lights adorning the old brick walls and fake spiderwebs hanging over the doorway. Even the bikers all did their part in making sure their bikes were scuffed up and looking the part to help sell Ozzy’s theatrics this year. We led Isaac inside, shoving people out of the way until we reached the bar, where everyone looked up to greet us. Their smiles all fell.
Quinn and Patrick were the first ones on their feet, steadily making their way toward Isaac and enveloping him in a hug. Prue asked questions, carefully examining him to use what first aid knowledge she had to access his injuries. The restaurant staff was livid, especially the kitchen, but it was my brother's reaction that made my heart sink even lower.
Peter stood at the edge of the bar, his eyes set in teary anger as he looked at the man he’d once told me he thought he loved. Anger wasn’t something Peter felt often, but when he did… it was difficult to keep his head on his shoulders while he was in that kind of state. So, instead of moving to embrace Isaac like everyone else, Peter disappeared out the back door. Ozzy gave me a calm, reassuring hand gesture as he followed close behind him.
“What’s everyone all riled up about?” Dom’s voice boomed over the music as he and a few bikers made their way toward the bar.
Turning my head to glare at him, I sighed. “Isaac’s been beaten half to death, so everyone’s kind of worried about him.”
Dom’s face turned white as he looked at the bruises and poorly bandaged cuts that littered the kitchen boy’s skin. “Holy shit.”
“He said he called you,” I told him, carefully watching the delayed reaction and the confusion play on his face. “Do you remember that?”
“I don’t,” he answered. Guilt swam in his eyes, along with a misty look that I knew too well. “I-”
"Well shit," a deep and mischief-filled voice boomed from among the crowd. Dom's face twisted in an instant. Shit. Eddie strolled out from the crowd, two of his biggest and best fighters at his sides. He looked Dom up and down with a bitter grin. "You got even uglier than the last time I saw you."
Eddie’s short, dark hair made him look younger, while the tattoos that stained his tanned skin made him look older… more experienced. It was the shit-eating grin of his that really sealed his reputation as the biggest asshole in the world. Asshole or not, Eddie had connections and manpower. He could help me get the justice Isaac deserved. But Dom wasn’t gonna like it.
The bikers moved, surrounding them in seconds as Dom shoved away from the bar and stormed toward him. "Get the fuck out."
Eddie's smile only grew. "You gonna make me?"
"Sure, I'd love a chance to kick your ass again."
"That time doesn't count," he replied, a deep-rooted sorrow in his eyes. "We both know I was holding back."
Dom shook his head. "Last chance. Leave, or this'll get ugly."
Eddie's brows raised slightly as he put his hands in his pockets. "I didn't stop by just for shits and giggles. I was invited."
"No one here would invi-"
"I called him," I blurted out. All eyes turned to me, even Dom's. The anger was mixed with hurt now, scorching me with that look. "I called him Dom."
"Alley," he growled. "Now."
Jake stood, looking ready to deck Dom in the face. I put a hand on his arm and shook my head. "I've got this."
He took a deep breath before he nodded stiffly. "Holler if you need me."
I smiled, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, tough guy, I'll be sure to scream your name.
"Promises, promises," he replied with a grin.
Dom had slammed the back door shut behind him. The uncontrolled rage was my first clue that something was off. The sight of him sluggishly pacing was the second. I shut the door behind me, drawing his attention back to me. "What the hell were you thinking?"
"I was thinking that Isaac needed help. And since you have apparently been too busy to answer the phone, I called someone I knew would."
"Jesus," Dom scoffed. "I said I was handling it, so it'll get handled."
Everything was off about him. The anger, the flippant attitude, not already having this whole thing dealt with… All of it pointed to one thing. "Are you high right now?"
He chuckled an entirely angry and bitter sound. "I'm a drug dealer, kid."
"Not one that uses his own product," I replied harshly. "Is this why you haven't been answering your phone? Have you just been getting fucked up all week while Isaac needed your help? What the fu-"
"God, just get off my damn ass about this, Sarah!"
The name broke both of us out of the heated exchange. Anger snuffing out like embers being doused with water. Dom's slightly bloodshot eyes grew wet as he ground his teeth together and turned away from me. I understood the pain that consumed him better than anyone. With a soft sigh and a gentle voice, I said, "I'm not her, Dom..."
"I know."
"I-"
"Don't. Don't you dare apologize," he said raggedly. "You know I hate it when you do that."
"I know."
With a grounding sigh, his back straightened. "Go. Eddie's a fucking moron… He's…" He shook his head. "He can handle this."
I nodded in agreement, carefully asking, "What about you?"
"I'll get my shit figured out."
"Promise?" I asked, almost timidly, holding out my pinky to him. A promise, but also a peace offering.
He looked at my finger, closing his own around it and shutting his eyes, letting one tear roll down his cheek. "I promise."
I carefully wrapped my arms around him. "I'm sorry."
A choked chuckle made his chest stutter. He held onto me for a second, squeezing me tight in a way that made it clear I wasn't the one he was hugging. Then, he gently nudged me away from him. "Go on."
Nothing I said would offer him the relief he sought. Nothing I said would bring her back. So, I turned and left, moving past the bar and to Eddie's side as he continued grinning and goading Dom's bikers on, hoping for a fight. "Big Brother all done tryin' to play puppet master?"
"Wipe that grin off your face," I replied. "Makes you look even dumber than you already are."
"Anything for you, Sweetheart."
His men stepped in front of us, acting as a wall of muscle as Jake tried to move beside me. I slapped the back of the nearest one, Alexi. "Touch him, and I'll break your fucking arm," I growled in Russian. "He's with me."
Alexi looked at Eddie, who gave Jake a curious look before he waved the men off. His dark eyes gleamed down at me with an unspoken teasing. "Hope your boy has a strong stomach. Tonight's gonna get real messy."
"We aren't killing anyone," I warned him quietly, hoping Jake wouldn't hear.
"Oh, you're no fun sober," Eddie whined as he threw his arm around my shoulder, deliberately cutting me off from Jake. "But, you know I'll do anything for you, Sweetheart."
Jake looked livid as we made our way out of Ozzy's toward the car waiting for us. I slipped beneath Eddie's arm and turned to him. "You don't have to come with me if-"
"I'm coming," he interrupted sternly as he eyed Eddie.
The man made an approving noise saying in Spanish, "We'll see how tough he really is."
"Just wait in the car!" I hissed at him, earning a pinch to my cheek as he followed my instructions. "Jake, this isn't going to be a pretty sight."
"I know that."
Touching his arm, I shook my head. "It's not like the fighting rings or boxing or even Dom's shit. This is… It's going to be a lot. I just want you to know you don't have to be there for it."
Part of me wanted to beg him not to come. What would he think of me when he saw the darkest parts come alive? Would that mild fascination his eyes shined with all the other times he saw me fight finally shift to disgust and fear? Would he finally see me the way I saw myself?
"I'm not leaving you alone with this guy," he finally said.
"Eddie's an asshole, but he wouldn't hurt me." Go home. Please.
Jake's determination didn't falter. "I'm coming with you, Lena."
I sighed. "Jake-"
"This asshole hurt Isaac," he said coldly. "And he's gonna keep doing it if we don't make him stop. I'm coming."
It was then that I finally understood Jake's intentions. He wasn't just coming with me to make sure I was safe, but because he was just as angry as I was that Isaac had to suffer through that kind of pain. More so, he thought he had to suffer alone, a thing both of us knew all too well.
I nodded. "Alright. Just…”
“Try not to get my ass kicked?” Jake asked with a hint of a smile.
I found some small comfort in his attempts to be normal about the whole thing - to act like we weren’t both on our way to kick some guy's ass with a bunch of gang members. It gave me some hint of hope that the insanity that followed me most of my life wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for Jake like it was for so many others. Maybe, when the time came, Jake would look at the darker parts of me and not be afraid. I forced myself to swallow those hopes as we climbed into Eddie’s car and settled into the fine leather seats.
Eddie was insufferable the whole drive. He asked Jake questions clearly meant to get a rise out of him, but he was at least impressed when Jake kept his composure. He was clearly unhappy with the company, but Jake didn’t let it get past a harsh scowl or a snippy comeback. And while Eddie would never admit it, I could tell he was impressed.
The car stopped in front of the alley leading to the apartment building this Aaron Walsh lived in. A group of gang boys approached, hands settled on whatever guns they had as Eddie got out of the car with a grin. “You’re gonna wanna rethink that.”
They kept up appearances as they spat at his feet. “The fuck you doin' on our turf?”
“Got some business with a buddy of yours. Aaron. It’d be in your best interest to let us get it settled without interruption.”
“You gonna kill him?” They asked, looking at one another for a minute.
“Not tonight.”
“Shame,” one of the boys replied. “Guy’s insufferable.”
The biggest of them nodded to the building. “Up the stairs. His place is B8.”
Fishing cash out of his pocket Eddie tossed it to the pavement. "Tell your boss I stopped by."
As we walked, I punched him in the shoulder as he giggled. "Stop being a moron. Mav's gonna fucking kick your ass."
"Relax, sweetheart," he purred in Spanish. "Mav likes me now."
"She does not!" I argued, using the conversation to keep from feeling the rise of anxiety in my gut as we neared the stairs.
Eddie knew, his eyes scanning my face for a moment before he sighed. "Last chance to leave before this gets ugly."
I shook my head, inhaling a deep, burning breath. "He hurt Isaac."
Leading the group up the rickety stairs, I marched across the catwalk and stood in front of the door. Bile wanted so badly to come pouring from my throat as every inch of me trembled with fear and rage. A monster fighting against the shedding of its human disguise. Eddie leaned against the doorframe, hood up and a relaxed nature to him that helped ease me as I pounded on the door.
Eddie smiled wide when it opened. "Trick or treat?"
"What the fuck?" The man asked, taking a defensive stance. In an instant, one pathetically short second, the monster broke free.
My fist collided with his throat, and he stumbled back into the apartment. Eddie laughed. "Well shit, looks like it's trick for you, pendejo."
I stepped inside first, eyes trained on the man as he scrambled to his feet and tried to swing at me. Stepping just off to the side, I let his fist collide with the wall. I grabbed his arm and shoved him back into one of the chairs at the table. His friends, people with bruised knuckles and poorly washed blood-stained clothes, all clamored around, trying and failing to get an upper hand on the sudden attack.
Eddie shot a warning into the table beside Aaron's head, and everything stopped. With a disappointed sound, he nodded to the table. "Sit down."
"I dunno who the hell you think you are-" Aaron tried to say.
"I am Eduardo," Eddie replied simply. "And you are the man that thinks it's fun to beat up ex-boyfriends."
Aaron's lips twitched into a smile as he chuckled, looking at his friends who joined in despite the two Russians towering over them. "So, the fucking fag is still lying bout me being his boyfriend or whatever? Pathetic." Setting his hand on the table, fingers marred with cuts similar to the ones Isaac had, he shrugged. "Seems there's been a misunderstanding."
The voice that echoed in the dark wasn't Eddie's or Alexi's, or Igor's. It was mine. "You like to play games?"
"What?" He replied with a laugh.
I gestured to his fingers. "Knife game?"
He shrugged again. "I play on occasion."
"More fun to make other people play, though, isn't it?" I could hardly recognize my own voice. Keeping my eyes far from Jake, still unsure of what I'd see if I looked at him, I grabbed the gun from Eddie's hand, knowing it'd be his trusty revolver.
Aaron smiled, and it was like I could see the scene Isaac had once described play in his eyes like some fucked up movie. I could picture him holding Isaac's arm down and tauntingly urging him to keep his fingers apart, or else as he moved the blade between his fingers faster and faster, cutting him deliberately. "It is pretty fun watching other people try to play a game you control the outcome of.”
"Play the game, Lena," Tony said, spinning the cylinder again.
I flinched at the mechanical sound of it whirling. Tony held the gun out to me, expecting me to take it, but I couldn't move. My body was suspended in a frozen state of shock. With an annoyed growl, he grabbed my hand and put the gun in it, lifting the barrel to my head and forcing my finger over the trigger.
Tears rolled down my cheeks. Click.
"Play." Click. "The." Click. "Game." Click.
He turned the gun on himself, eyes wild as he pulled the trigger. Click. The odd mix of relief and disappointment weighed heavy on my chest as Tony's deranged laugh echoed. With a careless swing of his arm, he turned the gun on the group of housekeepers.
Rada discreetly lifted a hand, urging me to stay in my seat and not draw any more attention to myself. He pulled the trigger again.
Bang.
I emptied the bullets, making eye contact with Aaron as I put one back in and spun the cylinder. "I'm partial to Russian Roulette myself."
Behind me, I could hear Jake make some sort of commotion as I lifted the gun to my head and pulled the trigger once. Twice. Three times. Click. Click. Click. Everything felt surreal, my body acting on its own as my mind lashed out. If I squinted, Aaron looked enough like Tony that I could pretend.
Inside, I was screaming, clawing at the imagined vision of him sitting smugly in front of me. Outwardly, however, I looked calm. My hands didn't shake. My legs never wobbled. It looked like I felt nothing at all.
"Reign it in, sweetheart," Eddie reminded me, the Spanish helping pull me from the memories and the reflex that came with them. He set a warm, calming hand on my elbow. "He isn't your monster."
This wasn't my monster. My jaw clenched, but my body relaxed. This wasn't about me. This was about Isaac. Aaron took my relaxation as a sign of weakness and quickly reached out for his knife.
Bang.
His knee practically exploded in a gush of blood and a sickening sound. Worthless I loaded another bullet into the gun and spun the cylinder. The knife slid across the floor as I knelt in front of the now screaming man, pressing the now rather hot barrel into the hole I'd shot in him. "I don't want to hear another excuse or lie come out of your mouth."
"I-"
I pulled the trigger again. Eddie clicked his tongue almost in time with the guns empty one. "I wouldn't play games with her pendejo. She's shot more men than you've even tried to fuck."
"You sought out my friend, and you beat him." Those were the facts.
Again he tried to argue, "I didn't even-" Click. "Okay! Okay! Fuckin psycho bitch!"
Click. Click. I could feel him shaking beneath the gun as I picked the knife up from the floor and held it to his throat. "You leave Isaac alone for good now. If you even so much as pass him on the goddamn street, I'll come back here, and I'll slit your worthless throat."
With a pathetic whine and a quick nod, Aaron relented. A sick rush of adrenaline and pride hit me as I stood, handing the gun back to Eddie and pocketing the knife. Eddie gave me a close look for a second, focusing on the blood that I was trying to ignore. “And now?”
“Now you do what you’re good at.”
He smirked, nodding to his boys, who didn’t hesitate to follow his orders. “No permanent damage tonight, boys. Just a good old-fashioned beating like the one they gave to our boy.” He fished an old bandana out of his pocket and held it out to me. “Go get yourself cleaned up, sweetheart. We’ll be right down.”
I took it and turned, eyes locking with Jake’s. Jake. I had almost forgotten he’d come, and then the rush, any good feeling I’d gotten from what happened here tonight, was gone. The shame and guilt and fear. His face revealed nothing about what he thought, eyes closed off, and his posture stiff. I swallowed the lump in my throat and quickly made my way past him down to the corner of the alley, where I was forced to sit by the uncontrollable shaking of my legs.
What was he thinking? I wondered, steadying myself with my hands on the cool pavement. Did he finally see it? The monster I was? Jake walked calmly to my side, lowering himself to sit beside me. With an almost painful sigh, I forced the question out. “Well, what are you thinking”
"I think…" He began, and I closed my eyes and braced myself for whatever hideous word he'd chosen. "That was pretty badass."
"What?" I asked, head shooting up and eyes opening wide, practically gawking up at him.
Jake smiled, sitting beside me and gently wiping some of the blood off my hands with Eddie’s bandana. "Don't look so surprised, princess. You know I like watching you fight."
I shook my head. "That wasn't a fight. That was assault."
"Asshole had it coming after what he did to Isaac. He should consider himself lucky."
"Very lucky," Eddie's voice chimed in as he and his men joined us. "He's alive and won't have any lasting damage. Just like I promised."
I quickly stood up, wrapping my arms around him. "Thanks for showing up. I know it was the last thing you wanted to do tonight."
His strong hand rubbed my back. "On the contrary!" Pulling me off him, he swiped a thumb across my cheek, likely rubbing off some blood. "I've always got time for you, sweetheart. Sabes que."
“Still, you know I appreciate it.”
“I know.” He nodded to his car. “Let’s get outta here before Mav shows up and kicks both our asses.”
“She wouldn’t kick my ass,” I argued. “She actually likes me.”
“Whatever.” He nodded to Jake as he stood, now beside me again. “You didn’t throw up. I’m impressed.”
Jake didn’t look too pleased with Eddie’s slightly condescending tone as he shrugged. “Thanks, I guess.”
The drive back to Ozzy’s was less tense now that Eddie wasn’t actively trying to piss Jake off. They dropped us off at the front door, where Dom and the bikers were assembled, each one of them ready to fight. Eddie made a show of pulling me in for a long hug, and I could practically see his grin at Dom’s angry face. “Don’t be a stranger, sweetheart.”
“Don’t get yourself killed, asshole.”
He laughed as they drove off, and the instant I turned, Dom looked me up and down. “You alright?”
I nodded. “Yeah. You?”
With a tense look on his face, Dom just shook his head. “I’m workin’ on it.”
"So…" Jake said with a tense clearing of his throat as we slowly made our way back inside the bar. "This Eddie guy was a real asshole. How do you know him?"
I nodded as we walked. "Eddie is an asshole, probably the biggest one I've met, but he's actually pretty sweet once you get to know him."
Jake seemed to tense at my words as he stared straight ahead. "So, was he an ex or something?"
"Eddie?" I asked with an arched brow. "An ex? Hell no! I wouldn't fuck that sleaze in a million years, not even in my more adventurous days."
"Why does he call you sweetheart all the time then?"
"Cause I am a sweetheart," I teased, bumping into him until a smile appeared on his face. "Eddie's weird. He gave me that nickname years ago when I almost bit his finger off." His head turned, and I could see the glimmering interest in that story shining in his eyes. "It's a long story. I'll tell you some other time. Anyway, he runs one of the gangs. Mostly Russians but he's got a few hispanic members as well. They're the ones that set up all those fun, highly illegal fights I used to frequent."
Jake seemed to relax as he asked, "What is it with you and gangs?"
I shrugged. "I'm just so likable."
Everyone was still gathered around Isaac, who Prue had bandaged up better. Things were clearly less tense than before, but Quinn and Patrick, in particular, kept their eyes trained on the door, looking out for any sign of trouble. The two guard dogs looked relieved when Jake and I returned, both their hackles slowly lowering as they waved us over. Isaac rose carefully from his seat, and I carefully held the knife out to him. “He won’t be bothering you again.”
Though his face was swollen, I could still see the fear vanish from him as he held that stupid knife to his chest before falling into my arms.
*
Peter watched Isaac closely from the back door, not inside but not entirely outside. Ozzy had found him in the alley shortly after he departed, knowing full well Peter couldn’t just walk away when Isaac was still in such visible pain. The two sat in the alley quietly for hours before Lena returned, and the tension finally resolved among them. No one wanted to just move past what had happened, but after Isaac’s insistence, they did. Everyone but him.
Finally, Ozzy spoke. “You can’t keep this up forever.”
“Keep what up?”
“Quit that,” he scolded. “You ain’t stupid, boy. You know exactly what I mean.”
He was right. Peter knew what Ozzy was referring to… he knew he spoke of the relationship between him and Isaac. It wasn’t bad, not really. The two had slept together multiple times, dated a little, and they’d both decided not to pursue it. Such an easy breakup should be a good thing, right? But Peter wasn’t stupid. He’d noticed how reluctant Isaac was to agree to part ways. He’d noticed every single lingering glance they shared every day that followed over the years. Isaac had visited him just as much as Lena had while he was stuck in the hospital. Isaac had spent the night with him on the nights where he felt particularly weak, and he’d done it all with a loving smile and no complaint.
Isaac may have agreed to the breakup, but Peter was the one that was responsible. He’d let his fear… his sickness rob them both of something that could have been beautiful. A life.
“What if…” he didn’t even want to vocalize the words. “What if I get sick again? What if I die? I don’t wanna leave him like that, torn up over some lost love.”
Oz nodded, gently reassuring him that those concerns were valid without needing to add words to it. “That is a very difficult thing to get through. Death is always hard. But, there is something worse than losing a love… it’s realizing too late that they were the love of your life. It’s wasting all the time you could’ve had together.”
Peter sighed. “He and I… we tried this already, and it’s too complicated.”
“Life’s complicated, my boy,” Ozzy laughed. “To have someone you love along for the ride is all anyone can hope for. And you love that boy. I can see it. He loves you too, by the way.”
“He does?”
“Course he does,” the old man pinched his cheek. “You’re your father's son, after all.”
Peter felt the tears stinging his eyes as he looked at Ozzy and shook his head. “I’m scared, Dad…”
The old man’s eyes grew glossy within seconds as he held Peter’s head in his hand and nodded. “I know. Oh, I know, my beautiful boy. But, as a foolish old boxer once said: fear ain’t stronger than you are…”
“Fear’s only got the power you give it.”
Ozzy nodded. “You gotta live this life to the fullest, Peter. Live it because it’s the only one you’ve got. You know that better than anyone.”
With a firm nod, Peter felt the anger and the fear in his chest dwindle. “I love you, Dad.”
Enveloping him in a tight hug, the old man sniffled into his shoulder. “I love you too, son.”
He wiped his eyes and made himself presentable as he walked back into the bar, approaching Isaac slowly. The man’s eyes lit up, still so swollen and black and blue, but the same eyes he’d fallen in love with. “Can we talk?”
“Sure.” Even after being beaten and ridiculed, Isaac was still so trusting. He followed him out to the alley and met his gaze unflinchingly. “Is something the matter?”
“N-no…” Peter sighed. “I just wanted to apologize for leaving earlier.”
Isaac looked disappointed as he nodded. “Oh, right. Well, I forgive you.”
Silence filled the chilled night between them. Peter shook his head and closed his eyes for a moment, imagining his father giving him an encouraging nod and a thumbs up. You can do this, kiddo. He could do this.
*
I was finally able to relax as the situation faded into the past where it belonged. Prue pulled a small bag out of her pocket and held it out to me and Quinn. “Time to draw costumes!”
Quinn pulled a paper out quickly, taking a quick glance at it before shoving it into her pocket. “What’d you get?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She teased with a smug grin.
“Fuckin bitch.” I reached over and pulled a paper out, shrugging at the neatly printed angel.
Quinn relaxed in her seat. “What’d you get?”
I answered her with my middle finger and stood up, heading out the back door to meet up with Jake in the alley. Peter and Isaac were lip-locked by the gym door, happily unaware of my presence as they lost themselves in each other. Just like old times, I wanted to tease, but instead just kept my head down and walked past them.
Jake and Whisky were relaxed on the couch when I walked through the door. Jake nodded to the door. “See your brother and Isaac on your way in?”
“Yeah,” I replied with a soft laugh as I sat beside him, scratching Whisky’s chin. “It’s good to see them back at it.”
“They looked happy.”
“I hope they are.” I snuggled into his side, exhaustion finally taking hold of me. “They deserve that.”
Jake turned to smile down at me, nudging me. “Why don’t we call it a night and get you home?”
“You haven’t even gotten to smoke yet.”
He shrugged. “I don’t mind. Besides, you look like you’re about to pass out.”
I groaned when he stood up. “I’m comfy, though!”
With a brilliant look in his eyes, he tapped my knee. “You’re it.”
“You fucker!” I jumped up, hurrying down the alley after him as he ran, Whisky following close on our heels.
*
Jake was sure they looked insane as they chased each other down the sidewalk, narrowly dodging people the whole way to Lena’s apartment, where she finally slapped her hand on his back and breathlessly laughed. “HA! I got you!”
“You did,” he replied, gesturing to the front door. “And I got you to your apartment.”
“How sly,” she replied, shrugging off his leather jacket and tossing it to him. “Here. It’s cold out.”
He held it, quietly appreciating the warmth that still lingered from her body heat. “Thanks.”
“Goodnight, Jerk.”
Rolling his eyes, he shrugged the jacket on. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”
She groaned, flipping him off as she closed her apartment door. He was still laughing as a soft meowing and a gentle nudge against his leg made him stop and look down. Hemingway wove between his legs, rubbing his head lovingly on Jake’s jeans. “Hey, bud. Did you follow us all that way?”
Meow.
Jake looked around at the slightly busy street. It wasn’t like the bar. There were more cars and more loud noises that could spook the little cat. So, Jake carefully gathered him up in his arms, tucking him into his leather jacket. “Well, I can’t just leave you out here. Guess you’re coming home with me tonight.”
Carrying the surprisingly calm cat the whole way home, Jake quickly deposited him on the floor of his apartment, hanging his jacket up as Hemingway cautiously sniffed about the new space. While the small creature was hairless, Jake could still tell he had dirt built up on his skin, so he searched his bathroom for a soft soap and got a bath set up for him.
Getting Hemingway into the bath was more challenging, but thirty minutes and a soaking wet floor and shirt later, the cat was clean. Jake leaned against his counter, shirtless and eating a reheated carton of rice from the Asian restaurant downstairs. He watched the small cat fling himself between the bed and the chair before burrowing beneath the covers and settling with little paw movements that Jake couldn’t help but find adorable. He made a mental list of all the things he’d need to get in the morning to help the cat settle into his apartment, having abandoned the very thought of putting him back out on the street the second he brought him home.
Laying in bed that night with the light snores and purring of the cat buried somewhere in his bed, Jake felt more at ease, finally letting the unexpected stress that the day had brought wash away.
*
Halloween was a popular holiday in the city. New York was always crowded, but on Halloween, it was crowded and filled with costumes, horror, and kids. Hectic and crazy and kind of beautiful. Prue’s apartment was light and colorful, with plants in every corner as Will and I sat across from one another, waiting for her to finish getting dressed.
He was dressed as Fred from Scooby Doo, which meant that Prue 100% pulled Daphne this year. She emerged from the bathroom and squealed happily. The purple dress complimented her skin tone and made her smile pop. She was adorable, and it was obvious that Will agreed by the way he jumped to his feet and met her in the doorway with a smothering kiss.
I averted my eyes, quietly readjusting the small set of wings on my back as the sun began to fully vanish on the horizon. “You two look amazing.”
“You look cute!” She signed back, carefully helping fix my hair and simple white dress. “Just like Juliet in that movie.”
My eyes narrowed. “That’s pretty specific. You and Quinn wouldn’t happen to have rigged the draw… would you?”
She clapped, turning away from me to avoid any more questions. “Time to go!”
Sneaky little bitches! If they’d rigged the costume draw this year, that meant I was going to be in for a long night.
*
Jake looked at the box sitting on his bed, oddly actually considering putting the costume on and dressing up for the first year in, well, forever. He didn’t, though. It was like he told Quinn he wasn’t a kid anymore, and he sure as hell didn’t do costumes. So he put his leather jacket on and headed to the door. “Behave while I’m gone, Hem.”
The cat continued to play with the toy Jake had gotten him as he walked out the door and headed to Ozzy’s. It was no secret that Jake wasn’t a fan of Halloween, an opinion that Simone greatly influenced all through his youth. The fake scares and the cheap costumes and decorations just never appealed to him. A sign of maturity, as Simone put it. So he moved through the streets, avoiding the festivities and rolling his eyes at the sight of the pumpkins that lined every block.
Ozzy’s was the only spot he kind of liked seeing decorated. It was clear the old owner put a lot of effort and thought into it, and it certainly brought the business in. The line stretched out and around the block, and he was glad he wasn’t going to have to wait in it. Music and lively celebrations filled his ears as he hurried down the stairs and made his way to the bar where his friends were supposed to meet. Ozzy smiled from behind it, dressed as a skeleton and serving drinks with fake eyeballs in them. “Happy Hallows Eve!”
Jake chuckled. “Happy Halloween, Oz. Where’s everyone?”
“Quinn and Ari are in the booth. Sasha is running around telling people to lift his sheet, and the others are kinda scattered around.”
“Lena here yet?” He asked, ignoring the old man's grin.
Quinn’s voice echoed from behind him, clearly trying to sound like the redhead. “Of course I am!”
Turning he couldn’t help but instantly laugh at her fake red wig and very dramatic interpretation of one of Lena’s outfits. That laughing only intensified as Ari slid into the free space beside her, dressed head to toe in some of his old clothes she’d likely snagged from his locker. “Holy shit.”
“We’re hilarious, we know,” Quinn bragged.
Ari smiled, breaking character. “I’ll put these back in your locker when I’m done with them.”
“Keep em,” he insisted. “They’re old anyway.”
She and Quinn frowned as they looked at his plain clothes. “Did you not get the costume?”
He rolled his eyes. “I got it, but I told you I don’t dress up.”
Quinn made a disapproving sound and folded her arms across her chest. “Fine then, but it’s not us you’re disappointing.”
“I’m sure everyone else won’t care that I’m not dressed up.”
They both smiled as they looked behind him toward the entrance. “I dunno about that.”
He turned, heart-stopping at the sight of Lena standing at the top of the stairs. She was bathed in the lights Ozzy had set up. She was in a simple but stunning white dress with two small wings on her back and her hair delicately half-tied up. An angel. A very specific angel, he realized, turning to look at Quinn, who just nodded at him.
*
I hurried through the crowd and instantly sent Quinn a glare. Her fake red hair was practically glowing beneath the lights as she spread her arms wide and smiled. “Like my costume?”
“You look like a cheap hooker,” I replied.
“Careful,” she warned with the most smug grin I’d ever seen. “These are your clothes.”
Ari emerged from the bar, dressed in a familiar t-shirt and jeans with a leather jacket. “Holy shit.”
“I’m Jake!” She giggled happily.
“I see that.”
Quinn pulled Ari in close. “Should we make out to really sell the act?”
Ari wiggled her brows. “Yes, please!”
I moved past them, meeting Jake’s widened gaze with a hot blush rushing to my cheeks. He was in is normal clothes, not dressed up in anything festive or remotely Halloween themed, just like I’d expected. Hiding the pang of disappointment with a gesture to Quinn and Ari I cleared my throat. “Those two are quite the pair, aren’t they?”
Jake just nodded, casting his eyes down at his feet. “I gotta go.”
“What?” I asked as he made his way past me, quickly heading toward the door. “Okay then…”
The night carried on, and after an hour or two, I decided to finally stop watching the door, hoping Jake would come back. Ozzy slid me another drink as Patrick and Katie finally showed up, dressed Morticia and Gomez from the Addams Family. “You look amazing!”
“So do you,” I replied, meeting her hug.
“Where’s the boy?” Patrick asked, looking around at the sea of people.
I shrugged. “He left.”
Katie frowned. “Not a fan of Halloween?”
“I don’t think so,” I answered, trying not to sound too bummed out. “He didn’t even dress up or anything, so I guess I should’ve seen it coming.”
Patrick’s lips curled into a smile as he nodded to the door. “Oh, I wouldn’t count him out just yet.”
I turned, eyes finding him in seconds as he stood above the crowd on the stairs leading in from outside. My eyes widened, jaw growing slack in awe. He was dressed head to toe in a Ghostbuster costume, Egon judging by the glasses, my childhood crush. He looked like a dork, and I fucking loved it. I…
Shaking my head, I looked at Quinn, who fixed her red wig and nodded me toward the stairs. I should have seen it coming. Of course, she would set Jake and me up in hopes we'd fuck before the bet between her and Sasha expired. As I watched Jake vanish into the crowd, my heart thundering in my chest and my body moving to find him, I realized she might've just pulled it off.
We met in the center of the crowd, bodies all dressed in various costumes, moving to the music beneath the everchanging green, orange, and purple lights. Jake looked even better close up, I quickly realized as my mouth went dry. Quinn 100℅ pulled it off. His eyes trailed down, taking in every inch of my costume while mine did the same with his. “Hey.”
He smiled, looking almost nervous. “Hey.”
“I thought you didn’t do costumes?” I gestured to him.
“Usually, I don’t,” he chuckled. “But, I figured, why the hell not?”
"You know," I started with a burning face as I moved closer and dragged my finger down the buttons of his costume. "I've always wanted to fuck a Ghostbuster."
Jake chuckled. "Why am I not surprised?"
I shrugged, daring to meet his heated gaze. "That your way of saying you're not interested?"
He shook his head. "Oh, I'm interested. Always thought girls in angel costumes were sexy."
"Why's that?"
"I don't know," he replied, distracted. "But I am very interested in seeing that dress above your hips and those legs wrapped around my waist while you moan my name."
I smiled, my body shifting closer to his as if on instinct. "These wings aren't the best quality, but they'd be a good place to pull on, you know, to help bounce me." The on your dick bit of the sentence didn't need to be said aloud for Jake to catch my meaning.
His eyes shifted to them, hands grabbing a fist full of my dress. "That's a very good idea. Though, I am very tempted to just rip it all off you."
"How blasphemous." My eyes were practically glued to his lips. "Meet me in the alley?"
He opened his mouth. "Are you-"
"I'm not drunk or high or anything." I pressed my lips to his, soft and short, pulling away to whisper against them. "I want you."
His fingers traced down my spine, testingly tugging on the base of the wings. "Good, because there's nothing I want more than this."
I pulled back, lifting his head with a finger beneath his chin to correct his wandering eyes. "Don't keep me waiting."
"I wouldn't dream of it, princess."
As I slipped out the back door and practically sprinted through the gym to the alley, no one seemed to notice. I paced, heart racing and body feeling hot even in the cold air, waiting. When the door opened a minute or two later, and Jake closed it behind him, both of us just stood there and watched each other for a minute. I moved first.
My hands fisted into his costume, pulling him down to meet my ravenous lips. His hands instantly pulled my dress up, exposing my bare legs to the October air. With one hand keeping my dress up, he used the other to pull my thigh up to rest along his waist. Jake turned us both, pressing me into the rough brick wall where he pulled his lips away from mine to breathlessly order. “Take your underwear off.”
Suppressing a moan with teeth to my bottom lip, I followed his desperate command and slid the simple pair of panties down my legs, kicking them off to the side and looking up into his black eyes. “Better?” It was meant to sound smug and confident, but instead just sounded so… wrecked.
Jake’s hands slid up higher, fingers gliding along the curve of my bare ass with a nod. His hips pressed into mine, forcing a shocked moan from my lips. “Yeah, that’s better.”
“Fuck,” I whispered, burying my hands back into his shirt and pulling until the buttons popped and his chest was exposed to me.
My hands slid down his shoulders, helping him pull the material off so I could run my nails down his back. “God damn.”
Hoisting me up, Jake used the wall to help steady me as my legs wrapped around his waist, his deft fingers reaching between us to roll his thumb along my already sensitive clit. I ground down on him, the hot moans filling the air between us with fog. “Jake.” I threw my head back, opening my neck to the desperation of his mouth. “Couch. Now.”
He pushed himself back, stumbling until we both flopped onto the couch, his fingers buried inside me as my hands fumbled with the rest of his suit. My hand wrapped around his cock, pumping him in time with each lift of my hips. His mouth fell open, and a sharp gasp filled the alley as his free hand grabbed the base of my wings and started pulling, guiding me up and down. “Fuck, Lena!”
Withdrawing his fingers, his pulsing dick settled between the lips of my pussy, each movement of my hips making the tip of him catch against my clit in a way that made my legs quiver. Our lips hovered over one another, moaning and breathing into each other like it was what our lungs needed. Our dark eyes reflected one another's hunger and our desire, but deeper inside them was an unnamed thing… something so vulnerable and tender that it made the reality settle over us. This was real. This thing between us was more than sex… more than want.
Real.
“Jake,” I whispered, my hand moving between us to help guide him.
“Come on, princess,” he encouraged, roughly tugging on the straps of my dress. “Don’t keep me waiting.”
The gym door slammed against the brick. “GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF ONE ANOTHER!”
Sasha’s thick accent made Jake and I freeze, but not in shock or in embarrassment. Rage, pure fucking rage, filled my lungs and Jake’s eyes. “SASHA!”
Quinn and Ari drunkenly grabbed at the Russian. “This is cheating!”
“You can’t just barge in on them!”
“This is America, lesbians! I can do whatever I want!” Sasha yelled, also drunk.
Grinding my teeth together, I moved off of Jake’s lap, ready to start punching people. Jake got himself redressed and grabbed my arms to keep me from lashing out. “Are you guys fucking serious?!” I yelled. “Our sex is not any of your business, and you absolutely have NO RIGHT barging out here when you know we’re-”
Sasha’s watch beeped. Midnight. He cheered and waved his hands in the air. “I WIN! Pay up, you vaginas! I WIN!”
“On my god!” I groaned.
Ari and Quinn fished cash out of their costumes. “You guys couldn’t have jumped on each other like two minutes earlier?”
I pointed my finger at Quinn. “I’ll fucking kill you.”
Jake and I spent the remainder of the night bitterly watching everyone else around us enjoy their night, unable to sneak off again because of Sasha’s constant and loud presence announcing to everyone that we almost did it in the alley. If he hadn’t been plastered, I would have punched him. “And I stormed into the alley and pulled them off one another!” He drunkenly proclaimed again.
I still might punch him.
When the time came to go home for the night, I got saddled with the idiots that were too hammered to handle themselves. Quinn, Ari, and Sasha. Of course. The drunken fools rushed down the sidewalk, leaving Jake and me a pissed-off horney mess behind them. The whole walk to my apartment felt like torture as I listened to my friends laugh and tease all the way to my front door. Sasha slammed into it, giggling as he turned to shush everyone else. Fucking idiots. I shook my head and turned to Jake, who looked just as pissed off as I was.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," I said somewhat dejectedly as I turned to go inside.
Jake's hand cupped my elbow, gently pulling me back to face him. Our lips connected, fire igniting between them as we both sank into one another. We'd kissed so many times in the past month that this shouldn't have been much different, but it was. This kiss felt the same as our first one had. Raw and too real, filled with something deeper than either of us were capable of admitting. It went beyond want or need… Beyond everything either of us had known up till now.
As we pulled away from one another, our eyes locked, the emotions in them mingling together. Wanting and not wanting. The longer we looked at one another, the more obvious it was that we both had the same realization. Jake's breath fanned across my face as he bumped my forehead with his. "Night, princess."
"Goodnight, tough guy."
*
Peter stood next to Isaac as they looked out at the dark waves from the top of the bridge. They took their time, enjoying the silence and the breeze before Isaac finally lifted his arm and threw the knife off the edge. From where Peter stood, he could almost see the anger and the pain leave Isaac. Their hands intertwined, and the two walked away together, just like they had all those years ago when Peter had stumbled on the suicidal boy with dark curls and eyes that reflected the light so beautifully.
Hand in hand, they walked away from the painful chapters both of them had been stuck in. Hand in hand, Peter and Isaac shared a look - a promise. They’d face whatever came next together.
Together.
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SnK S3E12 Poll Results (Manga Reader Version)
The poll closed with 487 responses. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Please note that this is the results of the manga reader poll. Anime only watchers are suggested not to read if you do not wish to be spoiled about certain events! Anime only viewers, click here to view your poll results!
RATE THE EPISODE
481 Responses
The final episode of the first half of S3 was another banger with positive reactions. Compared to earlier in the season when manga readers seemed more dissatisfied with the adaptation, we are happy to see that the final episodes of the arc turned out to be a much more positive experience!
Considering this episode was essentially just the calm before the storm, I was pleasantly entertained by it. Not the best episode because not a whole lot happened, but still it did what it needed to do.
I was super worried they would change something in this episode but thank Ymir-sama it's okay.
IT WAS AWESOME AND THAT ENDING IS ONE OF THE BEST THING THIS ANIME HAS EVER MADE!
This episode was so good! And funny! And angsty at the end! All the ingredients that make a good AOT episode
Very good, the preview was spooky and the whole episode had humor to lighten the mood, some emotional stuff and High Anxiety Cliffhangers to finish us off. Its gonna be a long 6 months.
HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE FIRST HALF OF SEASON 3 AS A WHOLE?
481 Responses
Overall, the first half of season three was satisfying for manga reading poll takers despite the changes.
All in all, absolutely stunning season. From the bottom of my heart, thank you WIT.
It was a really good episode. It followed manga perfectly. Every ep. of Uprising should has been like that. Too bad it wasn't, that why I rated the whole series pretty lowly. Honestly, I expected something better. But that was fine, not the worst. Yet, I would have changed a lot.
Really good way to end this half of the season. Can't wait to see the next half. It was nice to see a "calm before the storm" episode.
It was a brilliant idea to end the first part of season 3 right there, by doing this we were given proper construction to this arc.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE SEASON TAKING A BREAK UNTIL APRIL?
481 Responses
About 37% of respondents are sad to see the anime take a break, but nearly half of voters are fine with the break stating that it’s not too bad of a wait, with some who are even looking forward to the breather for a bit (we’re looking forward to having a good rest as well although we will miss the anime!).
I'm okay with it since it means that we will a get a really well made RtS arc. But they really should've said that the break was going to be this long earlier. Or just called it season 4
Waiting is something we SnK fandom know how to do, unfortunately
As a manga reader it's easy to not be too upset since we'll have plenty of chapters during that time.
It's nice to get a breather before shit hits the fan.
I don’t mind waiting 6 months when I know it means the animation will look a lot nicer as a result
I feel like i would have been less upset if they just told us from the start how its gonna be... I hated the uncertainty
If it means a fantastic second cour then I'm all for it. I mean my life is empty and I wish I were dead, but other than that I've accepted it!
6 months for preparing myself to let Erwin rest in peace
I AM NOT READY FOR RTS THIS IS LITERALLY THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A HIATUS WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WIT
WAIT Studio
Does Annie have some space next to her for the next 6 months?
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SCENES WERE YOUR FAVORITES?
480 Responses
The Survey Corps’ sendoff was the most favorite moment of the episode, followed closely by Eren and Jean’s nostalgic fight. Levi and Erwin’s talk after the meeting made it to third most favorite scene of the episode, followed closely behind by Eren, Armin and Mikasa’s conversation. Everyone losing their minds over meat was another favorite.
Erwin was so perfect, I loved his little laugh, I thought the whole interaction with him and Levi was done so well... god, I'm gonna miss him so much, it actually hurts.
Good breather episode, comedy gold with the dinner scenes, and the send-off was just as fun as it was touching. Also, the extra scene was creepy and great, but I hope anime-only watchers don't spoil themselves trying to find the meaning to it...
I think they did a really good work with the Erwin x Leviv talk, and EMA talk... Since enfatizing Erwin's reasons, and showing Armin's, It became more clear Levi's choice in future
I loved EMA talk... it made me pretty sad because of the events which now are taking place in the manga. That was good to see them together in the anime.
My Eruri shipping heart was in tatters, I tell you. I've been looking forward to the ""I'll break your legs"" scene for ages now, and shit, watching it was a literal punch to the gut. Erwin's beautiful roar of victory on the wall, his final ""SUSUME"" just... I was in awe.
Sasha nomming on Jean’s hand was even funnier animated
The 104th dinner scene was just perfect! It's been so long since we had a scene of such warmhearted camaraderie, it really brought back all my season 1 feels for the babies. Beautifully done.
Overall great Episode, really liked how they foreshadowed Erwins Demise and his conversation with Levi, EMA talk was great too, and the serumbowl scene made for an amazing cliffhanger
DID THE GLITCHED ENDING SCARE YOU?
483 Responses
The abrupt reminder that SNK is a horror anime definitely seemed to work! The majority of people were scared by the ending at least a little bit, and some were thoroughly terrified.
"Blink and you'll miss it" my a**
Honestly it reminded me of how horrid the show actually is. I forget it's not all cute and funny scenes with a tinge of "yikes" that happened, but instead vice versa
I knew it was coming in the ED but didn't know WHEN and I was just anticipating it like a dark corridor in a horror movie XD
Moreso that scare me, it got under my skin and just stayed in my head the rest of the day.
Scare is not the right word. The option I'm looking for is FUCKING WRECKED
I learned that apparently a lot of you watch shit alone in the dark. But to answer the question, no, not at all.
It thrilled me to see them cleverly setting up the next half of the season this way
Only the Levi's distorted "you guys". The glitched ending was awesome
I saw some screencaps of it prior to watching so I was somewhat prepared but it was way creepier than i thought it would be, it spooked me
It wasn't actually SCARY, but I fucking loved it. So twisted and creepy
rip ears in that ending, it makes for some great youtube reactions though lol
Well, mark me down as scared and horny
SHOULD ZACKLEY’S ART BE REALIZED?
478 Responses
We suppose the real question is, when will Zackley’s “art” stop becoming something we ask about? :P All in all, most of you agree that it should not be seen or talked about. 21% of you are still finding humor in it.
HOW MUCH DID YOU ENJOY THE SEQUENCE OF EREN AND JEAN FIGHTING?
483 Responses
Most of the viewers enjoyed Eren and Jean’s antics with 84% rating the scene with a 4 out of 5 or higher.
Mikasa letting them fight and not dragging Eren way is the best part! It's such an important character development for her. Also this Episode was full of parallels to their training days. Great episode.
Eren and Jean bringing the Drama™ (as expected of Eren and Jean)
THE SURVEY CORPS HAS NEVER EXPERIENCED A SEND-OFF LIKE THEY DID IN THIS EPISODE - FAVORITE PART OF THIS SCENE?
481 Responses
The surreal experience of getting a positive send-off like this made Erwin’s smile and shout the overwhelming winner here, and for good reason! A smaller portion of respondents enjoyed Springlestein being themselves and a few called out Levi’s face in the comments:
All of it. Because it will be the first and the last time we'll see it
YYYYEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH
Levi looking at screaming Erwin like "WTF Erwin"
Hange smile
LEVI'S SOFT LOOK
I like the manga version better because Levi's smile was softer there
Levi's expression when Erwin did his triumphant shout.
literally everything about it was perfect
WOULD YOU LET LEVI BREAK YOUR LEGS?
480 Responses
While 58% of respondents cannot understand why anybody would want their legs broken by Levi, a small percentage were even asking for it.
THE EPISODE WENT EXACTLY AS THE ORIGINAL MANGA!
478 Responses
So, the story behind this one is that one of the pollsters posted this “question” on our original document as a joke while another one of us was at work. When the one at work got off, they put the question onto the poll form while the person who created the “question” was not online, not realizing it was meant to be an unpublished joke. This was completely overlooked during the final proofread. It was never actually intended to make it onto the poll but since one of us always tries to rush through things, here we are! In any case, we hope you guys had a good laugh, because we all collectively lost it when we realized the mistake much too late!
wow y'all throwin shade with this Q huh
Yes, it is Erwin's birthday celebration after all
Glad that Erwin and the crowd’s screaming was a ‘dialogue’ and that he screamed again.
Makes sense, given how its purpose is to set up the new arc. Not much need to leave things out for the sake of pacing.
They done it so perfectly! I love that episode and love the hope in the air, my man similing and being happy, I love they see people cheering for them. THAT was earned.
It still modified some moments like Armin thinking of Eren and Mikasa instead of the bullies in the manga. Maybe it's better and more consistent with the following events.
Thanks God! The whole series should has been this way. Compared to the sad 1st episode of Uprising, this one was a true masterpiece.
u people need to get the salt in your blood checked, let others be dissatisfied with something they care about? please and thanks
i don't care if it went exactly as the original manga or with some changes as long as the episode is good
THE CHAPTER SIGNIFIED THE START OF A NEW ARC, BUT THE ANIME USED IT TO END THE FIRST COUR, WAS THIS A BENEFICIAL DECISION?
478 Responses
The majority of folks thought shifting the send-off to the end of the cour to create an uplifting cliffhanger was a good way to end the season. Several people called attention to how much contrast was felt between such a positive ending and the credits scene.
I think it works great, especially the triumph of the send off and the "oh shit, what's happening" moment in the ED
should have been the first ep of the next arc, with the send off as the cliffhanger
It was a nice, fun send off for the arc. Has the suspense of the scouts going towards the foes. The next episode with the next chapter/s will be perfect for getting back into the series after 6 months
WAIT Studio used it as an effective cliffhanger but from an adaptation perspective it's just like the Wall Titan. Something to keep the audience's attention at the cost of the narrative's flow. If the season was going to be split then rushing the Uprising Arc at breakneck speed resulting in one extra episode was pointless.
The opening of 73 is a perfect opening for the second cour, so I knew from the beginning of the season that ending in this chapter would be their aim. The second half won't struggle for content, and they can either push ahead flashbacks (I expect some of Bert's parts from 96 making it into the adaptation of 77) or content that didn't make it in the first half used to extend other parts (Eren's experiments for Armin realizing how to beat Bert in 81)
I think this will help the second part by being on the way to Shiganshina to start it off.
Heck cliffhangers!
LEVI WASN’T EXPLICITLY SHOWN EAVESDROPPING UNTIL THE END OF EMA’S CONVERSATION, DO YOU THINK THIS DIMINISHED THE FORESHADOWING?
478 Responses
The vast majority of respondents agreed that as long as we saw him listening to them, that’s ultimately all that matters. A small few believe that not showing him listening in on them earlier will diminish the overall impact when he makes his decisions later, however.
I don't think it matters, especially if the anime includes a flashcut to this moment post-decision, which will make its important even more obvious for viewers who may not remember this scene at all.
I'm not sure, I guess it did seem more ambiguous here. They'll flashback to it when serumbowl happens though.
Wouldn’t have spent more time on it. This show is about subtle details. I think its ok.
It still worked, but I would have liked it to have been made clear that he saw Armin's expression when he was talking about the ocean
No, but i think it was nice in the manga to see that at the beginning of the conversation he was standing and ended up on the floor by the end of it. Small detail, but i took it like he didn't mean to listen in the beginning but decided to stay in the end because of what he was hearing?
No, because it was a detail it meant a lot more. Subtle details have greater impact in visualities, manga is a different medium and the scene was used properly for its medium.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WIT SHOWING *THAT PART* OF THE RTS ARC AS A TEASER?
480 Responses
38% of respondents believe that the teaser was a great way to keep interest in the series high. 20% specifically feel that it will keep the anime only fans invested. About 21% of respondents combined don’t think it was the smartest choice on WIT’s end while almost 10% are just not ready to see that animated at all.
Even though I already know what will happen, my body *isn't* ready for this shit to come, except for the lightning spears
Honestly, I thought it was stupid as fuck and a cheap way to keep hype up for anime-only people. I would've preferred my anime-only friend to go into RTS completely blind.
I think it's great because it lends itself a lot of hype for the next half as well as leaving it very open ended. Especially because they cut out lines about the serum.
I think this teaser shocked more the manga readers than the anime onlines.
It's the worst part of the manga they could spoil. I'm not sure what they intend to do by showing such a controversial moment
It was brilliant. Anime only watchers don't often get the experience of agonizing over certain cliffhangers monthly, but with this flashforward looming in their head, they have a whole season of suffering ahead of them. SUFFER LIKE US, ANIME ONLIES!
I really liked it but I think they could have shown a part of Bert/Reiner/Zeke’s convo since we saw Bert and Reiner at the end of the episode, and it would have anime-onlies wondering who the glasses guy is
I was shocked and hyped at seeing them include this scene, but at the same time I’m sad that anime-onlies were spoiled that at the very least Mikasa, Eren, and Levi will survive until this scene, destroying any tension of them dying
I'm really conflicted; on one hand, I was very surprised in a positive way, cause it was a ballsy and unexpected move. On the other hand, I understand that anime viewers might be sick of spoilers bc of the scene at the beginning of ep1.
It gave me anxiety lol. Please someone save my babies from their horrible destiny
One hell of a cliffhanger and I can't really imagine anything better to show everything going wrong (Colossal nuke is way too obvious, for example), but the people complaining about spoilers do have a point...
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR RTS’S ADAPTATION?
480 Responses
WHAT SEGMENTS OF RTS ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING ANIMATED NEXT COUR?
481 Responses
Over half of respondents feel that the Return to Shiganshina arc will be delivered just as well as Uprising was. 37% of respondents feel it will be much better than Uprising’s adaptation. A small few don’t have much faith in the second half of the four.
FUCK ME UP!! R.I.P. ANIME ONLIES
GIMME THE 2ND COUR NOW!
I don't know if I'm emotionally prepared for this arc
I’m going to have 6 more months to mentally prepare myself for the return to shiganshina arc and I still won’t be ready
from an adaptation perspective it's going to be the same as the previous seasons. WAIT Studio excels at certain aspects of packaging SnK into anime, but as a whole it's a bad, rather than amazing, adaptation.
Is there a "NOPE I am not ready for RtS arc" in the questions?
WHAT SEGMENTS OF RTS ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING ANIMATED NEXT COUR?
481 Responses
The most anticipated segment of the Return to Shiganshina arc is the suicide charge + Levi totally wrecking Zeke. Following closely behind are the basement reveal, the serumbowl, Grisha’s diaries and flashbacks, the ocean and the showdown with the 104th and Reibert.
Kill me! I cannot believe I have to wait 6 months for RTS. 6 months until I can see Reiner and Bertholdt in action and the FREAKING BASEMENT!!!! I was fine with a 3 months break but 6 is too much ;____; I want to see Grisha's past animated
What everybody is waiting for the RtS Arc: the basement, Reibert fight, Levi soloing the beast titan, the ocean.
Me, an intellectual: THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS THUNDER SPEARS (and Grisha's backstory)
can't wait to see historia looking graceful as hell in front of the sunrise while the SC goes off to fuck reibert and zeke up
The only thing I can think about is Zeke.... *screams* ZEKE AND EREN! THE JAEGERBROS! AND THE GRISHA FILES! SO MANY JAEGERS *dies*
I'm definitely looking forward to RTS okay, but I'm dreading it more, honestly. But the one thing I'm looking forward to, and really hoping they'll animate, is Levi taking down those Titans on the way to Zeke. I know the focus is on Erwin's last charge in the manga, and rightly so, but DAMN, I want to see Levi do that -I honestly don't think anyone, even Mikasa, could do what he did there.
I have a fever, and the only prescription is Season 3 Part 2
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE?
A pretty decent choice for a midseason finale. But most important, a pretty good choice for episode 49. Once we're back in April, the series will be celebrating having made it to 50 episodes. Just 2 years ago, we were wondering if we'd ever get episode 26, and now we're getting to a landmark episode that will be exciting and memorable! Nothing between chapters 70-72 could've worked as such a landmark, in my opinion, but chapters 73-74? Absolutely perfect for it.
And my ship finally got some screen time
But damn wit... I almost got a heart attack because of the glitched ending!! Please, I at least want to survive to see manbun Eren animated
For anime watchers: I enjoyed watching your confusion over that ED. May you all be prepared by April 2019.
My heart is filled with so much Eruri that I may cry. You could literally see how much concern Levi had for Erwin in his eyes.
I love Bertoto and Raina more than myself. Guess, I'll die in April.
I'm an Erwin Lover™ and the show is gonna come back right around my birthday so this was Great and I'm Fine
It was out of character to see Eren fully clothed.
The moment when SC were cheered up and Erwin was so confident and happy and then they left into the sunset gave me goosebumps and almost made me cry :') it was a beautiful, strong, encouraging moment for SC!!
Let me just tell you how fucking HYPED I am for the next season after those previews during the ED. HYPED. And Jesus fuck yes, Armin looked like a charred French fry that got left behind in the oil. THANK JESUS. I was afraid WIT might downplay that, but no, my boy gonna be the CRONCHIEST.
The glitches were great and not too spoiler-y but WIT absolutely ruined it with the Eren/Mikasa/Levi scene. They showed too much.
rip ears in that ending, it makes for some great youtube reactions though lol
Erwin looked fine as fuck
Wit, you better be paying for my doctor visit. My ears were bleeding with your little trick you pulled at the end.
This episode. THIS FUCKING EPISODE. Man what a way to end the cour. REALLY, standing ovation to WIT. That glitch ending was just like that tiny Titan-in-the-wall scene at the end of season 1 that made me go looking for the manga. Absolutely brilliant stuff.
Thanks for these polls.
WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES?
446 Responses
Thank you to everyone who participated!
Please keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming Uprising Arc poll!
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