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purplerose244 · 4 years

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Thoughts journal about Season 13!! 💪💪 (1/4)

Phew, I actually made it to the English release without spoilers! 🤩 I do know general things about little plots for the ninja, hopefully nothing major! Finally, the Cole season we've all been waiting for, with Rock Mom and possibly plenty of our Earth baby development! COLE IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT LAST!! 🖤🖤

Well, I know I'll be shooting rainbows from my eyeballs if I see even one Nexo Knights reference! For the rest I don't really know what will happen, I'm curious! 🤔

It's the 6th of July, and here we go!!

GENERAL THOUGHTS

Is it just me or the dialogues sounds better? More built up, funnier, cohesive just like in the earliest seasons of Ninjago? Maybe it's just me but I'm really appreciating 🤷‍♀️

It also doesn't feel that rushed anymore! Which was my biggest problem in Prime Empire really. The episodes seem to me like fragments of a nice movie, not a too long story forced into 11 minutes. I'm very happy with the quality so far, I feel good about this for now! 👍

No matter what season it is, you can count on The Fold to make an AMAZING intro!! Freaking awesome, it was epic and very final battle like 👌👌 I WANT THE FULL VERSION ASAP!!!

SHINTARO

I do appreciate we are not forgetting about the adventures we had until now, it feels like from season 11 forward we are building a new backstory of. But they still show stuff from the very first seasons so I'm happy anyway 😍

Pff, Cole plays Prime Empire right after being trapped in it. And Lloyd joins in! YES!! Maybe there is hope for a season without greenie being traumatized! 👍👍

Also he's doing laundry because I DON'T WANNA DO THE DISHES NO MORE~ 😎

The chicken is back 😂 The constant reference to the movie we are all kinda attached to a this point (well I am, LOOK AT THE LITTLE HAT 💕💕)

Is it me being a "I've rewatched this show way too much" type of fan to feel that Nya saying that Jay using Spinjitzu for chores will get Wu mad might be a reference to how the guys had cleaned the very first Destiny Bounty with that? You think that Wu found out and got crazy mad? That would be kinda cool 😂😂

Okay, poor sensei and all, but he's kinda right 😅 I like Wu, I really do, but Aspheera was a problem kinda because of him, they all going to another dangerous realm could have been dealt a lot better if he hadn't been so on edge and in Prime Empire he freaking got kidnapped by NORMAL PEOPLE. Maybe he is getting old 🤷‍♀️

At last, he has returned...

THE ONE AND ONLY RULER OF NINJAGO, THE POSTMAN!!! 💜💜💜 Was he missing since March of the Oni? I can't remember if he was around for the Aspheera part 🤔

Soooo, not to be that person, but a secret group of royals asking the ninja to meet them in a place that was never open for outsiders before then? Kinda... feels familiar... *SoG flashbacks* 😰

Okay, not the biggest fan of Misako, but her scolding Wu was kinda fun 🤣 Needed to change the animation for her to get a bit of personality apparently 😉

Ah, you left Pixal behind to let her do... chores. Well, if you guys are happy 😒

Ninja babies all excited ❤💚💙🖤🤍💦 Also I'm excited because there is FINALLY a white heart between the emoji! I didn't notice it until now, I just need a gray/maroon heart now 😍

Jay screaming NOT MADE UP cracked me up so much 😂😂 Gosh I love my bluebell

A bit of action scene, nice, nice, also Cole going full buddy mode to save Jay gives me my beautiful Bruise vibes 💙🖤💙🖤

Well hello Brian

Looking good 💕💕 The designs are rocking in season 12 and 13, I cannot tell it enough! Super super cool

Overall nice episode, seemed more nicely focused than usual, I don't know if it's just me. I'm happy anyway 😁

Ooohhhh, so the sails were ripped off by the bats, and they were flying thanks to the soldier guys with wings. It makes sense, I was confused by the trailer, now there's the answer!

IN THE DARK

Okay, Vania introduction, I wonder what kind of princess we will get after last ti-

Vania: I'm such a big fan of you, I was the one that insisted at having you here! 🤩

... besides the fact that she sounds and looks absolutely ADORABLE, I'm kinda with Lloyd about feeling suspicious... because that's exactly how Harumi introduced herself back then 😅 And away it goes, the possibility of Lloyd spending a season without feeling disturbed or traumatized...

Ah, there we go, Cole and Vania. Soft looks, instant attention and... that's it? Idk, Jay and Nya's meeting had that one very awkward color question (💙❤💙❤), Kai literally heard romantic music while looking at Sky (❤🧡❤🧡), Lloyd was being mocked all the way by the guys as he looked at Harumi (💚😰💚😰). This one seems a bit weak? I don't mind it actually, I'm actually a bit curious about how it will develop since it started like this 🤷‍♀️

References to Hiroshi's Labyrinth and the Tournament of Elements, my fangirl heart is happy 😍 Is it too much thinking that the maze was a reference to Shadow of Ronin, since they all went there in the game while in the show only Lloyd was at the Labyrinth? Idk 🤷‍♀️

JAY SAYING COLE IS HIS BEST FRIEND, YES!! YES!! FINALLY, HAVEN'T HEARD IT SINCE SKYBOUND!!! BROTP IS BACK 🖤💙🖤💙 Also Jay confused that Vania is interested in Cole, pff, you clearly don't know the fandom 😂

But it is a bit fishy, does she knows stuff? Now I'm into it...

Lloyd sneaking in, that was creepy 🤣 And ninja like, of course

I kinda like how this is going, Cole straight up saying dude, I just met her, calm down. Like, I do understand green bean and I'm kinda on his side, but still 🤷‍♀️

Cole: I'm not just gonna jump on the lovesick wagon like you weirdos, geez

"It felt like a cloud of warm contentment." I'm gonna use this whenever someone asks me why have I been in my bed all day 😎

I know they all believed Cole was just dreaming the purple guy, but honestly they could have just said "Cole, we had flaming snakes raining on Ninjago a few weeks ago, what are you so worked up about?". But yeah, ROCK MOM FINALLY!!! I wanna know more!! 😍😍😍

Mr Sparkles 😂😂 So cute

Vania is cool for now, she is basically the innocent Harumi without a scarring tragedy from her past changing her into a vengeful villain... yeah 😅

Did Cole notice that she talks a lot and loud, kinda like Jay? Is that why he seemed a bit annoyed? 😂😂

For now they don't seem that annoyingly into each other, they look chill, no major lovesick moment or anything. I like it, I don't know if this ship will be super important or something, but at least I'm happy they are dealing with it in a different way 👍

With all these creatures chained up and a crazy dude making them work, Cole must have one HECK of a flashback from back in Chen's island 😵

Okay, I get the drama, I get the lair which is

Legit cool, with that nice Underworld vibe, but really? A wood door with ropes behind a lava fall? Security measures who? 😂😂

So Skull dude is the bad guy, and has a mask. People with masks means big reveal at some point. I like dudes with masks 😗

Aaaahhh, figures it was too easy being in a literal mine with the power of Earth. They really can't keep their powers for more than five seconds now can they 😂😂

But this seems interesting, is it connected with the burst thing they said in the trailer? Or even Cole's mom? Is this Skull Sorcerer connected to her? I HAVE QUESTIONS PEOPLE!!!

I am legit enjoying this 👌 They are building up questions and I do hope we'll get a good flashback moment with Rock mom... or even finding out if something else happened to her... EXCITED 🤩🤩

So to be the main ninja of a season lately you have to be either without powers (Kai Fire Chapter) or trapped in an unknown place (Zane Ice Chapter and Jay Prime Empire). Cole got them both 😅

IT REALLY IS ROCKY'S SEASON FINALLY 😎😎

WORST RESCUE EVER

Mm, the king is being weird, what's up with this mountain thing? Does he know who the Skull Sorcerer is? QUESTIONS

So Vania keeps being extremely adorable, I think I really like her character 💕 We'll see what will happen with her, how she will interact with the others, especially Lloyd since he seems very suspicious... can't really blame him 😅

Kai ready to argue with a king because one of his friend is in danger, THAT'S MY FLAME BABE ❤❤❤

Okay, the conflict between the two tribes, I read about this in some plots of the season. Not sure how that will play, but

I did laughed at this 😂 Sorry Mole

Okay, seriously, have we not learned anything from letting Kai come up with a plan? The notoriously bad planner Kai? The think before talking Kai? The let's follow the sun because yes Kai? I love him to dead but really, it was meant to go bad right away even if the title wasn't that 😅😅😅

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO GOT EMOTIONAL AT COLE'S NINJA-GO WHILE DOING SPINJITZU?? 😭😭 They don't say it that much anymore before spinning, it kinda hit my tornado shaped heart 🖤🖤

I expected at least a comment about them being similar to the Skulkin, too bad. Not fundamental though, I'm really enjoying this so far 👍

Well, all of the ninja are trapped now 😅 Is Wu going to come for the rescue? Is Vania? I know they will be separated and will all go on separated quests, and I'm kinda more looking forward to it now. Let's see what happens!! 🤩

THE TWO BLADES

Considering how big of a fan Vania seems to be of the ninja, I bet she had those figures way before this moment 😂

Wooooo, hearing someone addressing Cole as the leader, does this count as a major throwback to pilots and season 1? I would make it count 😍

Okay here Vania does seem into Cole, we'll see how that plays out 🤷‍♀️

Ooooooooohhhhhh, vengestone! This actually make more sense than the last two times they were left without powers 😅 We never actually saw where that material came from, and here there's an actual mine full of it! Very cool, I like this! Big question is, what does Skull dude need all this vengestone for? 🤔🤔

Okay, the legends fits, sounds good enough but... she? SHE?!? WAS THAT ROCK MOM??? She was clearly a ninja and she did spinjitzu!! I didn't even considered the possibility, I only saw Misako, Doubloon and Aspheera knowing Spinjitzu before!! An actual mom?? THAT WOULD BE EPIC!! 🖤

Pff, these tribes are a bunch of idiots, I actually like them 😂 I like them better than the rats of Prime Empire that's for sure, but maybe that's just me 🤔

Aww, this Mino creature is cure! Cole did pretty good with him, does he remind him of Rocky? ☹

Nice, this I was waiting for! Cole and Lloyd together, leaders collaboration 💚🖤💚🖤 It didn't last much, but I think there will be more of it? I HOPE SO!!!

So the blades must be somewhere hidden, if they really have been taken by the Skull Sorcerer. I mean, even in Prime Empire they thought for sure Unagami was Dyer, so I wouldn't jump on it right away 🤔

There we go, the divided team! I knew about Kai and Zane stuck together, I remember stuff not too promising about Nya having to fight for Jay, but I'm honestly really enjoying the season so far! I like the pace and it doesn't seem as rushed as before! I hope we get to some good plot twists and backstories soon!! 🤩🤩

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raywritesthings · 4 years

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Bird in a Storm 7/17

My Writing Fandom: Arrow Characters: Laurel Lance, Oliver Queen, Ted Grant, Roy Harper, McKenna Hall, Quentin Lance, Lucas Hilton, Female OCs, Male OCs Pairing: Laurel Lance/Oliver Queen Summary: The confrontation between the Hood and SWAT on the roof of the Winick Building goes differently, altering the course of Laurel’s career, relationships and efforts to save her city forever, the shockwaves of such an altered path making themselves felt throughout her family and friends. *Can be read on my AO3, link is in bio*

Ted enjoyed all of his lessons. He wouldn’t be in the business if he didn’t, even if it was all he was good at. Just like with his opponents in the past, each of his students brought something different and challenging to the ring.

Though none were perhaps as interesting as his new student: Dinah Laurel Lance.

She had taken to boxing like a dog with a bone. No one would say she was the natural body type for it, but she made up for all that and more with sheer determination. He’d been right about that good little girl act, too; the more time she spent punching the bag was time spent learning not to keep it all bottled up under a sweet smile for others’ convenience. He didn’t know everything about her life, of course, but he could surmise the highs and lows from how many times her name had been dragged around by the press for this or that thing.

She wasn’t all tough girl, either. She had a good heart no matter what clothes she was wearing or who she was trying to impress. But he hoped training here was giving her the space to figure all that out, who she wanted to be now that she’d been thrown aside by most of the people in her life. For the first time, perhaps, she was getting to go out there on her own terms.

Today there was a spring to her step and an even brighter fire in her eyes. He found himself curious and decided to remark on it.

“You’re in a good mood.”

Her answer was slightly muffled from the mouth guard she had in. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. Something happen?”

Laurel paused between combinations to shrug and took out the mouth guard. “I stopped my friend’s purse from getting stolen the other day.”

“That right?”

“Mm-hm.” She took a few steps away to wipe at her neck and brow with a towel, swatting her ponytail to the side. “Got a bloody nose for it, but it was worth it.”

Ted nodded slowly. He had thought the blood and sweat and bruises were worth it, too, once. “Maybe you should’ve gone into enforcing law instead of studying it.”

Laurel snorted. “Believe me, I tried. Dad wouldn’t let me join the police academy.”

There was the chip on the shoulder again. She had a lot of those, from what he could tell.

“How was the other guy?”

“Sprained wrist. I didn’t really mean for that to happen. He was just a kid.” Her shoulders lifted and fell in a shrug. “Sara’s bullies were kids, too.”

Ted got his water bottle and took a swig. “Well, part of what you learn to do here is minimize harm. Yours and others.”

Laurel nodded and reached for her gloves to pull them back on.

He could tell throughout the rest of the session her mind was still on the encounter with the purse thief, the same way he used to turn thoughts about his matches — both official and not — over in his head long after they were over. She was more alike him than not, despite their different backgrounds.

That didn’t necessarily mean good things.

---

McKenna was really starting to wonder. Oliver was certainly a different guy than the party boy she remembered in her wild days. But she wasn’t sure if that meant he was a better boyfriend.

He seemed distracted, was the main thing. As someone with a lot on her own plate, she could understand to an extent. But it always seemed as if his mind was miles away and five steps ahead in the conversation.

They had yet to go out since that failed dinner date that was interrupted by an alert on her pager about the Dodger. Not like that had ended up being useful; the art thief had gotten away that night along with the Hood when he made a surprise appearance. Oliver hadn’t called to make new plans yet, and McKenna had been too busy to do so herself. She chose to stop by his club late one evening instead. It was a little out of her way, but she figured the direct approach would work better than playing phone tag.

He seemed happy enough to see her. They talked for a little while, nothing of real consequence. She had a shift to be getting to, after all.

His phone buzzed where it sat on the bar top, and McKenna couldn’t help noticing the notification that popped up. Especially since he was staring at it with a troubled frown.

Carjacking on Blake St. Red Honda.

McKenna raised an eyebrow. “You got a neighborhood watch app for the Glades?”

Oliver gave a little shake of the head, seeming to come back to the conversation. “I like to know what’s going on around the club.”

She smirked. “What have I told you about leaving things to the police?”

He held out both hands. “I am, believe me. I learned my lesson after you let me off for the Vertigo thing. Thank you for that, by the way.”

“We all get a little crazy about family sometimes. I got a sister.”

He nodded.

She checked the time again and pulled a face. “I should get going.”

“Alright. We’ll talk soon,” Oliver promised. He waited a beat and only leaned in to kiss her cheek when she offered it. She couldn’t say she didn’t appreciate him waiting for permission.

McKenna arrived at the bullpen to find an uncharacteristically distracted Lance at his desk. His eyes kept jumping to the radio he’d left sitting there, and she could tell he was rereading the same few lines of the latest report he’d gotten on the Hood.

A couple of officers entered the bullpen and he was suddenly up like a shot, just about when McKenna was going to ask if something was wrong.

“Hey, Valeres,” he called. One of the officers stopped and walked over. “That carjacking case, did you check that out?”

“Went to the owner’s residence and took down some information.”

Lance nodded. “Nothing else happening in that part of the neighborhood, though.”

“Nothing we picked up.”

Lance nodded. “Alright. Good work.” He turned and headed for the break room, probably for another cup of coffee.

Valeres looked to her. “Any idea what that was about?”

McKenna could only shrug.

“Blake Street is one block over from his daughter’s new place,” said a low voice just behind her. She looked back to find Hilton standing there. “He was asking you if everything was safe over there.”

McKenna frowned. “Why doesn’t he just ask Laurel?”

Hilton sighed. “They haven’t really spoken regularly since the Hood incident. So he’s taking the indirect approach. I never said it made sense.” He returned to his own desk long before Lance got back to his, coffee in one hand and the other dragging through his hair. He touched the frame of a photo briefly just before he sat down; a younger him with two smiling girls.

Oliver wasn’t the only one acting a little crazy about family, then. And maybe Oliver wasn’t just crazy about his family.

Were they really even dating? Or was his mind still occupied with the girl he’d once wronged?

It could be just as he said, that he’d gotten the neighborhood watch app for his club. But then, wasn’t that the job of his security to monitor things?

McKenna was someone who was fiercely herself. That hadn’t changed just because she’d given up the late nights at bars for late nights at a desk in the bullpen. She believed that there wasn’t a need for sorry in a relationship, but by that token a relationship required absolute trust.

She sent Oliver a text asking to meet up the next day. It was well past four in the morning when he finally replied that they could.

He took her to Big Belly Burger for lunch. It seemed so unlike something for the heir to the Queen fortune to do, but she liked that about him. She liked Oliver, and that was only going to make this harder.

“Hey, thanks for meeting me.”

“It was no problem.”

“Well, I know how busy we’ve both been.” They ordered their food and ate for a while in mostly silence, broken only by the occasional question about work. They didn’t seem to talk about much other than work. She’d tried asking once about his time away, but that had gone terribly.

Once she had finished, McKenna wiped her hands on a napkin and drew in a breath. “I guess I’m just wondering where we see this going, Oliver.”

He set his food down and frowned. “You mean us? I thought we’d just take things as they went for a little while.”

“I’m worried they’re not really going anywhere, is all,” she confessed. “We both have things we’re prioritizing in our life over this. I’m trying to solidify my position as a detective on the force, you’re trying to open your business.”

He nodded but waited for her to continue.

“And there might be people we’re prioritizing, too.”

Here, he spoke. “What do you mean?”

“You aren’t the only one keeping an eye on the Glades. Lance was interested in that carjacking, too. Because of Laurel.”

“McKenna…”

“I’m not accusing you of anything,” she stated for the record. “I’m just asking if there’s some unresolved stuff you need to work through before you’re ready to give a new relationship a chance.”

Oliver sat there, his face blank but his eyes showing just a hint of an internal struggle. “Laurel was my friend before everything else.”

McKenna nodded. She remembered.

“And she’s always going to be someone I care about. That doesn’t change no matter who I’m with or what kind of disagreement we might be having. That’s something a potential partner should probably know about me.”

McKenna took that in. She wasn’t a jealous type, and she trusted that those five years on an island had taught Oliver a lesson about cheating. She also didn’t believe Laurel could be interested in being one of many women after that experience. But did she want a relationship where she knew on a certain level her partner maintained a commitment to a past lover? That would warrant more thought.

“Okay, here’s something you should know about me,” she decided to say for now. “I’m very dedicated to my job, and I will do what is necessary. That’s going to put me in danger a lot of the time, especially with my being on the anti-vigilante task force. I could, theoretically, be killed out there.”

“Well, not by the Hood. I mean, he hasn’t killed anyone in law enforcement, has he?”

“Not as yet, but he’s fought them. He’s a lawless killer, Oliver. We can’t assume he has any boundaries.” She watched him shift uncomfortably. “I know you’ve been through some traumatic experiences and lost people close to you. I’m telling you that you could lose me too, unexpectedly and violently. Is that something you’re okay with?”

His mouth opened and then closed. She thought he might be considering the idea for the very first time.

“Here’s my suggestion,” she continued. “We take a break, think things over, decide what we both want and what we’re willing to agree to. I want us to be able to trust each other, Oliver, and that means knowing where we’re coming from.”

He picked at a fry. “Yeah. That makes sense.”

“Okay. Text me when you’ve had a chance to think about things. We’ll talk. Open line of communication, right?”

It took a beat longer than it should have, but he lifted his head to meet her eyes. “Right.”

McKenna managed a small smile and stood, leaving the restaurant. She honestly believed this was the best choice for them going forward. If it wasn’t meant to be, it wasn’t meant to be, but she’d rather come to that decision as rational adults than see it end in some messy catastrophe.

And it wasn’t necessarily over yet.

---

Roy wandered down the aisles at Khan’s, looking for something cheap he could make one-handed. His wrist was still bothering him, but he had money now from selling off the pain meds. He could put up with a little pain just for that. The cash could last him through the whole next month if he budgeted it right.

Thea Queen had come by his place once since their meeting that day. He didn’t know how she got his address, or why she’d bothered. What was he to her besides some sort of helpless case she could feel good about?

At least, he’d thought that way until she’d opened up about her past with drugs. Now he wasn’t sure if she was doing this to make herself feel better or if she genuinely didn’t see why they couldn’t be on good terms. She didn’t get that wasn’t how it worked in this town, did she?

A scream came from outside. Roy dropped the hot pocket he’d been considering and raced out the door, Mr. Khan on his heels.

Two women stood by the bus stop in some kind of ethnic dress. The one had her arms over her head while her friend tried to shield her, her hair falling loose. Roy turned to the right and saw a man with a shaved head jogging up the street and waving a colorful scarf through the air as he whooped and hollered.

“Yeah, this is America!”

Roy’s good fist clenched. “Hey!”

The man gave a start and then picked up the pace, almost all the way down the block. Roy was about to start after him, but a hand landed on his shoulder.

It was Mr. Khan. “Hood!”

“What?” Roy looked around. It was broad daylight, was the vigilante really—

“Hood. Your hood, boy. For the lady.”

Roy glanced back at the women, now crying as they huddled together. He shrugged out of his red hoodie and tossed it to Khan, then took off down the pavement.

“I’ll be right back!”

Roy rounded the corner and kept going, the man re-entering his line of sight and giving him a burst of speed. He was almost a full block behind him though. A few shoppers and shop keeps were out along the sidewalk, some of them staring at the man in confusion as he passed.

He could feel a stitch in his side as he kept up the brutal pace. He wasn’t going to catch up.

“Hey, somebody stop that guy!”

The man glanced back over his shoulder at Roy’s desperate yell, and that gave a woman the opening to jut her leg out and trip him. A very familiar woman.

“Oh no,” Roy breathed to himself as Laurel reached down and picked up the scarf.

“Jesus, lady, I’m bleeding!”

“Yeah, well don’t use this to mop it up. Doesn’t look like it belongs to you.” She looked over to Roy as he made it the rest of the way there. “So, what’s the story?”

“There’s a lady back there,” Roy panted, jerking his thumb back towards where he’d come from. “That’s her head scarf thing.”

Laurel nodded in understanding, then glared down at the man on the ground.

He glared right back. “Like that’s proof. You assaulted me!”

“Great, you can take it up with the police. Make sure to ask for Detective Lance,” she replied with cool confidence. Then she turned and bent to pick up a watering can Roy only just noticed she’d had to set down to stop the guy.

The guy scrambled up and grabbed hold of her hair in one quick flurry of movement. Roy darted forward, catching him around the neck while Laurel struggled to throw them both off.

“What’s going on out here?” An old woman asked, standing in the doorway of the shop Laurel had come from, Green Glades.

Roy staggered back in the next instant as Laurel broke free, a tearing sound and a cry of pain resulting. The guy staggered back as well but twisted and pushed Roy off him, and he only just caught himself on his good arm as the guy took off.

“Laurel!” The old woman cried. “Are you alright, dear?”

“Fine, Pam,” Laurel said with more of a grunt than anything. She was gingerly prodding at her head. “I think he tore out some of my hair.”

Roy winced. That had to hurt.

Pam came forward and brought an arm around Laurel’s back. “Let’s get you inside, then. Have a look at that.”

“Yeah, let me just—” She turned back towards Roy, holding out the head scarf that she’d balled up protectively in her fist. “Can you make sure this gets back to the woman?”

Roy nodded. Khan could probably point him in the right direction if the two of them weren’t still at the bus stop.

“Sorry about that,” he added, gesturing to his head.

Laurel shook her head. “You were doing the right thing. I’m glad I could help.”

She started to follow her boss inside, but Roy called out, “Hey. Why’d you tell the guy to ask for Lance?” The few times he’d had run-ins with the cops so far, the guy was a total hardass.

Laurel smiled, a little wry. “He’s my father.”

Roy stared in surprise as she disappeared through the door of the florists. Sure, detectives weren’t rich the way Thea Queen was rich, but what was a cop’s daughter doing slumming it out here with the rest of them?

Roy returned to the bus stop by Mr. Khan’s store to find no one there, but a look inside the shop revealed the man had brought both women inside to recover. He presented the head scarf sheepishly and was met with tears and profuse thanks, both of which made him uncomfortable.

“You are a good boy at heart. We may make a good man of you yet, Roy,” Mr. Khan declared. Roy just shrugged as he pulled his hoodie back over his head.

Then he took a walk over to the community center. It didn’t do much these days besides organize little league teams, but it had free WiFi and he didn’t have to buy anything to use it. He got out his phone and searched the name Laurel Lance, surprised by the number of articles that popped up.

The woman everyone had said was in with the Hood. She was the same person.

Roy didn’t know how he felt about the Hood. On the one hand, part of him thought it was about time some of those men the vigilante had gone after got a bit of a taste of repercussions. On the other hand, little had improved in the Glades themselves.

He read about Laurel’s fall from grace after the kidnapping incident, how the pro bono law firm she’d worked for had let her go after pressure from on high. Typical. The system was broken from top to bottom, even the people that were supposed to be helping. Either they looked the other way or they got chewed up and spat out like she had.

But Thea Queen was still friends with Laurel, even though the older woman had supported a vigilante who made it his business to go after the one percent. Maybe the Queen heiress wasn’t completely the high and mighty princess he’d always assumed she would have to be.

---

Laurel spent that night nursing the back of her head where it was still sore from the scuffle outside the shop. It would feel better eventually, and she was lucky Pam had been more concerned about her well-being than about employees rough housing out in front of her store.

“You did a good thing stopping that man. Lived up to your name, too. The laurel is a symbol of victory,” her boss remarked.

“Well, I guess I was owed one by now,” Laurel replied wryly.

When she recounted the story to Anita and Jerome over dinner at their place, the two seemed far more animated about it.

“Girl, you’re crazy!” Anita exclaimed as her boyfriend let out a low whistle. “Are you trying to end up in the hospital?”

“I didn’t really plan to get involved in a fight. It just happened. I would have been fine if he hadn’t gotten a hold of my hair.”

“Yeah, well that’s one advantage to keeping things short,” Jerome said, passing a hand over his own cropped cut.

“Yeah, you might be right,” Laurel had agreed quietly, taking another bite of her acarajé.

She liked her hair the way it was, but she could see how it disadvantaged her in a fight. That was one of the things they’d gone over back in her old self defense classes.

She posed the question to Ted at her next lesson. The man shrugged.

“It’s your decision. I don’t teach people to fight dirty in the ring, so you should be fine.” His look turned rather pointed at the word should, so Laurel quickly changed the subject.

What clinched the deal was Anita, or more accurately her job. The hair salon her neighbor worked at was doing a donation drive, according to the flyers on her table when Laurel came over for their informal sewing lessons. Hair above a certain length would be taken to make into wigs for those unable to afford buying them.

“Do you think my hair would work for this?” She asked, fingers touching a flyer.

Anita paused after making another stitch. “Yeah, could get some inches off you. You’d have to be willing to go pretty short, though. Would you be okay with that?”

She shrugged. Laurel had never really had short hair before, but then what was the harm? It would grow back. After all the change in her life recently, this felt like such a small thing, and it would help somebody else. More importantly, it was something she could choose to do, rather than her being forced into doing it.

“Okay,” said Anita. “Stop by when I’m there. We’ll make sure it looks good.”

Laurel came by the salon the next day after work, glad for the chance to put up her feet and let somebody else pamper her a bit. Anita smiled wide when she saw her reflected in the mirror.

“Hey! Give me fifteen to finish up.”

Laurel waited, letting the chatter of the salon wash over her. She recognized a few women from here or there in the neighborhood. One had even come in to the shop for a bouquet arrangement for her mother the other day. Laurel had put the whole thing together herself without Pam’s supervision.

Soon enough, she was sat in the chair by her friend after a quick wash that had felt pretty good. “So I’m thinking we can still give you a little length on the one side if we part your hair further on the left. See?” Anita combed her fingers through to give a demo of the effect.

“Yeah, sounds good. I trust you.”

Anita shook her head, her long ponytail swaying side to side. “You are too willing to roll with the punches, Laurel. Alright, let’s try it.”

It was a lot longer sitting in the chair than at her usual hair appointments. Anita kept pinning up, cutting, pinning, and cutting over and over again. She felt, gradually, like a weight was being taken off her.

Eventually, Anita used the blow dry and fussed with her hair a bit, then told her to check it out in the mirror. Laurel stared at herself for a solid minute, processing the difference.

“You hate it. Oh, I knew you would.”

“No. It’s...just really different.” She gave an experimental shake of the head, seeing how her hair moved now. “I think I needed the change.”

“Yeah?” Anita played with it some more. “It is kind of fun. The new you.” She leaned in closer. “We should dye it. Do something real crazy.”

Laurel grinned. “Maybe next time. Thanks for doing this.”

“Hey, thanks for donating.”

About the only person she had to show her new look off to the next day was Pam, and the older woman was very complimentary which certainly didn’t hurt her ego. A couple of customers who had been in once or twice before remarked on it as well to her surprise, and Laurel found herself smiling through most of the day.

Pam shuffled up to her as she finished counting up the register. Laurel handed her the total that went into the woman’s safe upstairs. “Here you are.”

“Thank you. I have something for you, too.”

Laurel froze, and then it hit her. “Another plant?” Her violet hadn’t survived long past the transfer to Tupperware container, so she should have realized something like this might happen.

Pam nodded. “I want you to try again.”

“I just don’t know if raising plants is for me, Pam.”

Her boss acted as though she hadn’t heard. “Sansevieria trifasciata. 'Laurentii'.” She hefted a much larger potted plant with long, straight leaves and no flowers onto the counter. “Known by a variety of names. ‘Snake plant’. ‘Mother-in-law’s tongue’. I prefer ‘Viper’s bowstring hemp.’”

“Bowstring, huh?” Laurel sighed. “Okay, what do I need to do to take care of it? How much sunlight should it get?”

“That’s the beauty of it. You don’t have to keep it by a window, you don’t have to water it much. It’s a tough plant, evolved to survive a harsh sun and droughts — and it thrives in the dark.” She smiled. “The night is when it comes alive.”

Laurel found herself smiling back.

She carried the plant the whole walk home, balancing it with care as she took out her keys to unlock her door. Rather than leave it on a windowsill or somewhere else precarious, Laurel stuck it in a corner on the floor. She brushed her hands off on her jeans and stood back to admire the effect. Not bad.

Laurel made herself some canned soup and afterwards washed all her dishes from that week. She clicked around on her phone for an hour while she waited for the water to heat up again for a shower. Once her nightly ritual was completed, she sank into bed, hardly even noticing the lumps in the mattress as she drifted off.

A hail of bullets slamming into some far-off wall ripped her from sleep. Laurel sat up in the dark, listening intently. There was a faint echo of return fire even further away. She waited and listened some more.

Silence. She didn’t know whether to breathe a sigh of relief or not. Silence also meant no intervention, not from the police or anyone else.

Laurel laid back down but couldn’t seem to find whatever comfortable position she’d had on the lumpy mattress. Or calm her racing mind.

She sat back up again, drawing her knees to her chest and hugging them.

As much as she spoke of the hope Oliver was giving people, living here forced her to face the facts: fear was the ruling emotion of the Glades. Fear and apathy. After all, she hadn’t even bothered to phone the police, had she? Not when she knew they wouldn’t come.

The Glades had been abandoned by just about anyone who had the power to do something about it, and even Oliver was here by coincidence more often than not. He was more concerned with the billionaires on his father’s list than the people they’d hurt. Laurel didn’t doubt he cared, but it was in an abstract sort of way; they would benefit in the long run from his interventions. Trickle-down justice for a system built on trickle-down economics.

Laurel got up and went to her little kitchen, rooting around in the dark to see if there was any tea left in her cabinets. Something to calm her down. She was only being so uncharitable to him because she was tired. It would be impossible for Oliver to take on all the city’s ills, five years of training or no.

The mission was probably easier to rely on. It was concrete and had an endpoint, however distant. How could any one person hope to turn the tide of violence and crime in the Glades?

But if no one did anything, nothing would get done. Wasn’t that the whole reason she believed in Oliver’s crusade?

Maybe the problem wasn’t that one person couldn’t change everything. Maybe the problem was that she and everyone else were relying on just one person.

Laurel shut the cabinet and turned away, leaning her back on the countertop. That kind of thought froze a person, really made them question what they were doing.

What was she doing? Sitting around in a cramped apartment, barred from the courtroom and her way of making a difference. And not for the first time. She’d become a lawyer to help people, and she’d only chosen that path because she’d been denied even the chance to apply for the police academy. Since she’d been turned away once more, it was time to find another means of saving the city. And Oliver was already providing one example.

An illegal one. But in a system as broken as theirs, did legality really matter?

She’d lost her job, her boyfriend, her father hardly wanted to talk to her anymore except to try and convince her to sacrifice her principles for a bit of comfort. What more did she have to lose?

People in the Glades didn’t have another option like she might. They didn’t have people ready to bail them out or let them live in safety. They didn’t have the choice to be involved in this fight or not; their very homes had been turned into the battleground.

If she was going down this path anyway, why not commit to it?

Laurel breathed in and out, her heartbeat loud in her ears. This would change her whole life. If she were ever caught…

But she couldn’t keep living like this anymore. She didn’t want to wait for things to happen to her. She didn’t want to constantly feel like there was more she should’ve done.

No more trying to save the world. Time to actually do it.

#lauriver #laurel x oliver #laurel lance #oliver queen #arrow #green arrow #black canary #my writing #bird in a storm

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willel · 5 years

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Season 3 Review

TLDR; I’ve only watched it once so far. My opinions are relatively positive, but I did have this... weird feeling like something more was meant to happen but didn’t.

The Review:

Here’s the order I will go in. Plot review, and then character by character review. For the characters, I’ll try to put the shorter reviews on top. Don’t expect a perfect review, these are my free flowing thoughts.

Plot:

Plot was ok? I’m going over it in my head right now and there’s nothing in particular I didn’t like. Like last season, maybe they could’ve spent more time on other characters and relationships? Relationships that REALLY needed it? The flow of the story moved at a decent pace. I didn’t really feel like it was dragging at any parts.

I know this will be an unpopular opinion, but they just have way too many characters. When you have this many characters, you spread your story thin. It happens every single time. Why do writers never learn from this? The more you add, the more time you have to give them, time you don’t have?

But now it’s too late. Maybe some of these characters can fall back into the background? (Such as Robin, who I didn’t mind really)

As for how everything resolved, it was ok I suppose. The Mind Flayer? He was cunning, sure. But not nearly as cunning as the fandom dreamed him up to be, and I preferred the fandom interpretation. For a while we’ve all been predicting the Mind Flayer wouldn’t immediately go for El. He’d go for her friends and family, or Will’s friends and family, or Will again and then make it’s way to her. It’d make his beef with her very personal. Like take Mike. Or Hopper. Someone she’d least likely expect.

But no, it was taking random victims from town, or people El already didn’t like or know. (which by the way, I feel sorry for those poor people. Some were just children. Tsk)

Things could’ve gotten so much more cunning and creepy. Like they’d all be questioning if they’d been infiltrated by the MInd Flayer and someone in the Party wasn’t on their team or something. I dunno. Something.

As for how everything wrapped up, I don’t think Hopper is dead for one. Joyce was breaking down and assumed he was dead, but was she actually looking at his crispy body, or just an empty spot? If it’s empty, why do I feel like he escaped into the portal or hid somehow? Huh

And the very end?? As predicted, the Byers are moving away. I know before the season released the big theory was Will and El would be kidnapped, but after we got a still of Jonathan caressing Nancy’s face (they both looked to be crying), the shot of The Party biking away from the Byers empty house... I dunno. Something was off. Would Joyce still move if they were gone? I mean surely she would’ve stuck around Hopper to get help in finding their kids, and I highly doubt Hopper was gonna move anywhere.

I remember a very long time ago, Noah mentioned something about characters coming together, but not in the way he expected. And more recently, he said something happens at the end of season 3 that will give him and El more screen time next season.

This leads me to 2 conclusions. All that Byers fluff I wanted is next season... AND SO IS ALL THE EL AND WILL I WANTED.

But... I feel like there was so much opportunity to put some stuff in THIS season, you know? So, I’m kinda conflicted right now. I look forward to it next season, but I also feel it could’ve fit in this season 2.

CG looked good. Better than I was expecting. So good job folks. My biggest takeaway is simply too many characters. There just is.

So, onto the characters!

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Characters

Erica: Very happy with how this turned out. We’ve already got black nerd rep with Lucas, but now his little sister too? So rare to see in media to be honest. It would be so cute if she joins The Party for DnD games. Not as a main maybe, but the person to go to for math.

Robin: You know, I’m glad it took the turn it did, with her being gay and all. I’m glad they aren’t trying to pair every single person under the sun. I think it’s good that Steve found someone that gets him, but that is truly just his friend that happens to be a girl. That said, I don’t know what there would be for her to do in future seasons, you know? Like, maybe she serves a role similar to Mr. Clarke where she can crack some code or something. But as a character? There’s no where for her to go, you know? And that’s not a bad thing! I think she can totally work as a supporting character. (though I feel conflict with that too. Cause she’s LGBT representation and we’re kinda imbalanced with the cast if you know what I mean)

Steve: I was fully expecting them to turn Steve into a complete goof and lean in too hard on the meme. They still kinda did, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. His doucher side still popped out now and then. Some scenes with Robin I liked (the bathroom discussion). Other times they spent WAY too much focus on his story (the “do you remember ms. Clicker” and “ooo the ceiling is wavy”). That said.... I feel like Steve’s character has also been mostly resolved? Where does his character go from here? Maybe he’ll get a girlfriend, but like Dustin’s girlfriend, I don’t find it necessary to focus on or anything. He’s got a friend his age now, still friends with Dustin. If there weren’t so many Steve fans, I feel like it’d be a natural progression to have Steve fall back a little too. (but I doubt that’s going to happen.)

Dustin: Dustin. Mmm. Dustin. I always feel like I have so little to say about Dustin. Not because I dislike him, but hey. We all have our favorites, right? I’m glad he took Erica under her wing and showed her it’s ok to be a nerd.... SD THAT HE BROTHER COULD’VE HAVE DONE THAT, but I digress I digress. Sometimes, your sibling isn’t the one to show you the way. It’s cool that he got a girlfriend I guess, so he actually wasn’t upset about Max and Lucas at all. He basically had similar feelings to Will, but less angry and intense. Was not interesting in the whole singing situation, but it was nice to have a comedic comeback with Lucas and Max teasing him.

Lucas: Lucas, my other son. He served the role I thought he would this season. The love doctor, trying his best to set his bestie on the right path. I mean, I guess his advice was sound, but El isn’t Max. His and Max more toned down relationship is how I feel like 14 year old romances should be. Teasing each other. Teasing mutual friends. Playing around. Hugs. They’re sweet. Wish we’d gotten more time of them talking about stuff going on though. I thought Max and Lucas would kinda work together to give their friends some space and give them time to think or something. Not Lucas actively working to get them back together and Max almost doing the opposite. I’m so happy that he was trying to apologize to Will about the dnd campaign. Will insisted he didn’t care anymore, but I bet he still appreciated Lucas bringing it up and saying it was a good campaign. What a good friend. So cute that they worked on the fireworks together. AND THE SEASON STAPLE HAPPENED, THEY HUGGED! YES. AND LUCAS WAS ACTION MAN, CUTTING EL FREE OF THE BEAST

Max: Max was definitely out of have fun this season. I’m glad she made a new bestie and they got along great. Though I do think Max could’ve approached the “you should be more independent” situation more gently (because El will take it all literally and do stuff word for word), it is what it is. The end result was positive. I’m glad Max called Mike out on being a little too controlling/protective, but you would’ve thought the others would’ve said something sooner? I guess Will tried but we all know how that went. Lucas poked fun at him, but didn’t really push for change. So, it’d make sense for Max to be the one to do it I guess. El had to make things change, not Mike. What I did not like this season was Max on multiple occasions trying to get through to Billy? We saw what their relationship was last season. Toxic as all hell. I’m sure Max wouldn’t want Billy to die or get morally wounded or involved in the supernatural shenanigans but... something was just off about everything. Mm.... like... she’s seen what Billy can do. Would she really doubt he did something bad that hard? It would have been nice if El had a “I need you to trust me.” line with Max like she did Mike. They’re both in their own way trying to dictate what El should be feeling (Max much less so, but still). Even if Max believed her, would’ve have changed much either way. Moving forward, where can her character go? Maybe some family stuff? Billy’s dead now. Where will Neil’s abuse go? Because, it’s clear he’s always just been a piece of shit.

Mike: Mike wasn’t as cruel as he could’ve potentially been, but he certainly was a little shit sometimes. His love and affection for El was clearly becoming an obsession. I’m glad he was basically forced to take a step back and had to try and work things out. El gave him virtually no pity or reward until she felt like he earned it. And the whole thing with Will? Ooof. What were you thinking Mike? Will obviously put a shit ton of work into his campaign and then you treated it like a joke the entire time and didn’t realize you were being a butt until Will finally had enough. Mike has always been very emotional and hot headed. He easily gets tunneled visioned too. But you know, despite liking girls and being with a girl, Mike Wheeler is still Mike Wheeler, a nerd who doesn’t know how to deal with girls really. I’m sure by the next time we see him, he’ll be much better.

Hopper: Hopper??? He was.... basically a dick the whole season. While I didn’t mind he was being the “leave enough room for jesus” trope he had going on, threatening Mike and making him lie to El was just.... what the heck are you doing Hopper? You’re really going to risk your relationship with El and Mike because you don’t like that they’re kissing so much? I get that you miss spending time with your brand new daughter, but I’m sure eventually all those butterflies would calm down and you could have your father and daughter times again. He should’ve swallowed his pride and did what Joyce said. And then Joyce? Omg Hopper please. She lots the man she was potentially going to marry and move away with less than a year ago. I know you’re horny, but please have a little class? I don’t hate Hopper, but man. He was WAY out of line sometimes. And I probably only feel this way because Joyce essentially told him “Screw you” multiple times. I can see why Joyce was hesitant to jump into a relationship with Hopper. He does share a few qualities of Lonnie. Don’t get me wrong, not NEARLY as toxic. But Joyce spend the whole season arguing with him like she did her ex husband. That can’t feel good, you know? Hopper needed to be better. He needed more time. Buttttt, unfortuntelyyyyy, time that could’ve been used for that.... wasn’t used for that. As for his death? To be honest, I won’t be convinced until I see a proper body. But just.... he was so considerate and patient last season with Joyce. What happened? Ooof

Joyce: Joyce. Best mom Joyce. I love her. Always have, always will. She did not take any shit this season from anyone. I can tell she was beyond pissed that Hopper was blowing off her concerns yet again. It was hilarious that she left him alone to yell into the void and was like, “No it’s ok. I’m just gonna borrow these and break into the facility without you.” I wanted soooo much moRE TIME WITH HER SONS. OR WITH EL. What are you doing Duffers? Then again.... when I really think about it, Joyce hasn’t had anything to do except worry about one of her sons in season 1 and season 2. It was a nice change of pace for her. She had her own adventure of sorts and that’s great. That said, I did love the .00002 second clip of her and Jonathan wiping his face. And I love that she was hugging Will so tightly that he actually said, “I’m suffocating.” I also liked that Will and Joyce cried in each other’s arms..... BUT WHAT THE HECK, SOMEONE GIVE EL A HUG PLEASE

Jonathan: I will say Jonathan’s nonchalance toward Nancy’s treatment did not feel quite like him, but I guess I understood his point of view after they were fired. Like, OBVIOUSLY he didn’t like Nancy’s treatment, but I guess the Byers financial situation has gotten so bad he just.... let that stuff slide (Joyce mentioned how Hopper was her first customer and she’s doing nothing but putting clearance labels on all their store products, so her job is definitely not safe) I’m glad we were granted not only the arguments, but also their apologies and whatnot. I feel like it’s in Jonathan’s nature to be skeptical until he’s proven utterly wrong. Not a bad trait to have, just makes him a wee bit hard headed. I was sorely missing Byers bro time. Omg there were so many opportunities to have them not just next to each other, but speaking and stuff? Or worrying about their mom? Or something? What is up with that? Ooof. They said this season was reminiscent of season 1, but I don’t see that at all. Even when Will wasn’t there for most of the season, the Byers still just... had so much???? going for them??? But now? There are no gifsets I can make this seasons of the bros basically. Or of Joyce and Jonathan. Like, nothing. And that’s a shame. (Just that scene of them driving in the car basically) Though, LET ME JUST SAY IT WAS SO BIG BROTHERLY THAT JONATHAN WAS TRYING TO HELP EL BUT WAS UNABLE TO CATCH THE WIGGLY CREATURE. AND TRYING TO PROTECT EL FROM THE WRIGGLY MOUTH TENTACLE. He’s so soft.

Nancy: Nancy had a lot to do this season and that’s great. I wonder now that the two hot dogs holding her back the most in the post are gone if she can finally shine and make a name for herself? Or maybe she’ll follow her mom’s advice and work for a different paper? I’m glad she stood up for herself and followed through with her investigation. Also, it was kinda cute that Mike called for her when the big beast was breaking through the ceiling

Karen: KAREN. I thought I was going to be really mad at you this season, but I’m glad you turned things around. Ted sucks, but he’s not a creep or abusive. If you want a new life Karen, then I hope you do it the proper way. Just divorce him or whatever. But you know what? Karen dragged his ass out to a crowded fair and he actually seemed to be enjoying himself so maybe he just needs a push in the right direction. As for the kids, omg. I’m glad Mike and Nancy finally came to her to cry and talk. Maybe they didn’t tell her everything, but at least they told her something? You know? And she had beautiful sound advice for Nancy. Karen is back in the graces of good moms again.

Will: WIll my boy. I know they said Will would be getting a break this season, but other than his friendships falling apart and feeling like the worst... to me, it was kinda odd how the Mind Flayer didn’t care about Will at all? Will is basically giving away all of the Mind Flayer’s secrets and he doesn’t care at all? Does he not know? Surely the all powerful Mind Flayer can tell... unless it’s not the Mind Flayer piece that’s giving Will this ability to sense him. Like, Will really has a sense evil ability I suppose. Which leads me to WIll’s power. I think this can be considered Will’s power, but I have a problem with the way they implemented it. Will sensed things sure, and could tell the Party if the monster was nearby or something. But... why have Will feel that so late? Wouldn’t this plot point be better implemented by Will feeling the Mind Flayer much much sooner? Or within people when they aren’t acting psycho with black veins? Why have Will say “Oh yeah, something bad is here.” When it’s obvious something bad is here. You know what I mean? I mean, technically he was feeling it before anyone else noticed anything, but not enough time to properly warn them. You know? Maybe this is a matter of practice makes perfect. He needs to work his new muscle to get a faster heads up. But yeah, my prediction in that way was right. His powers would be related to sensing or feeling. In some episodes, there were these various moments where I was sure Will was going to step forward and say something. Or offer El advice or comfort (like when she was diving deep and Flayed Billy was being mean, because he’s seen and felt some shit too), but it never happened. It always fell onto Mike to resolve. And I mean, that’s ok I guess. And typical of him to do so. I was also expecting more people to notice when Will was touching his neck and stuff, but Mike only noticed that one time in the movie and no one else paid attention. Also, it was weird that it took Will so long to notice Nancy and Jonathan’s struggle in the hospital. Side note, Will the Wise had me ROLLING. Will should join the drama club after all. He’s amazing. He should become an actor. On the topic of his sexuality, I have changed my mind on it. While before I was certain he was gay, now I think he’s either gay or aroace. Or both. To be honest, I’m not well versed on the subject, but whether he’s ace or not, I think he’s still gay. As for where his character is going? I hope his BRAND NEW SISTER EL can get him to chill on the “All girls are icky” routine. Pffff. My boy, you don’t gotta romantic like a girl to be friends ya know. Honestly, I can’t believe Will and El only really had 1 conversation on screen. That is BOOTY. P.S, I’m glad there wasn’t a love triangle. It would have been a mess. Lol

El: And nowwwww, to El! El dealt with a lot this season. I remembering mentioning to a friend that everyone demands Will get a break, but never mention El getting a break. She was basically tortured this season. I’ve discussed her a lot in Mike’s section, but to summarize, I’m glad she found her own form of independence this season. She was taking on a little too much Max (like she was with Kali. And before that, Mike), but by the end, you could clearly see she really coming into her own. A little mix of everything with her own self coming through. Now, onto her powers. So, they’ve changed how they work a little. Apparently, El decides who can and can’t see her in the void. That means, the ONLY people who have broken this rule is her mother and Flayed Billy. That whole thing with Will? That’s because she wanted him to hear her at the very least. And also, apparently anyone can talk to El while she’s in that place because she heard Mike like she heard Joyce in season 1. Also, that power to dive into memories wasn’t Terry’s power. Or rather, that’s yet another power El has that her mother has too. At this point, it kinda feels like they’re just piling any ability onto El that fits what they’re trying to do with the plot. It is an interesting choice that she’s lost them for now, but I wonder why exactly. You can still hear when she’s using her power, but nothing happens. Now El can really be a “normal” girl until they reappear (which they’re bound to do). Also, IT IS SO SO AMAZING THAT JOYCE TOOK HER IN AND NOW iT’S A FAMILY OF 4 AND JOYCE IS LEGIT HER MOM OMG. EL HAS A MOM!!! (Ok, she’s always had a mom. But you know what I mean) She’s now living in a house with more people. And although Joyce is a very clingy paranoid parent, she is not clingy and paranoid like Hopper. If there’s a problem, she properly address it with her kids. I think El will really like this new take on family with Joyce.

Other:

Was SO happy to see Bob. I’m glad his memory is alive. Would’ve liked to see Will think about him, but I guess Will had another things going on. Still. Would’ve been nice. Very nice. Also glad to see Dr. Owens for a split second. You know, I really liked that Alexei guy. He turned out to be kinda adorable and was really trying to help. It’s so sad what happened to him honestly. Didn’t care for trying to make Billy sympathetic, but I guess if you’re going to kill him off, you should better understand why he’s suck a dick. I guess. And, it’s quite sad all those people disintegrated into poo. I feel like I already said this.

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Conclusion

Although my feelings have not completely settled, there is one thing that’s clear. I still prefer season 1 and 2. I basically feel like everything I expected to happen this season is actually going to be next season. It’s a weird feeling to have. Makes me feel uncertain. Should I really be looking forward to the promised next season when I felt like this one surely could’ve had more? Know what I mean?

I want to say I should definitely be getting what I want next season. But... I wish it were this season.

As for what’s coming next, well, obviously the Russians are dumb and they opened a gate. And they have an American prisoner. But anyway, I wonder what the Mind Flayer/Demogorgon is going to do next. Track down El? Mmm.... and I guess the US government right now must not be a threat whatsoever. Not with Owens in charge. Mm. El faced no backlash being seen by all those government goons.

Ok that’s it for now. If ya got questions my askbox is open.

#stranger things #spoilers

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sindearlyconnormurphy · 7 years

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Say You Won't Let Go [Connor Murphy x Male!Reader]

Title: Say You Won’t Let Go Fandom: Dear Evan Hansen Pairing: Connor Murphy x Male!Reader Requested: by like three people lmao Summary: Connor takes you home for thanksgiving–the hitch is that Connor is still sort of closeted. He’s not going to let that kind of them stop him from loving you. Warnings: Connor’s potty mouth | Mentions of homophobia | Mentions of neglect and abuse | First person reader | not proof read A/N: last upload before I leave on my trip! Yay! It’s crazy late here. This is a combo of a few request: three people requested a male reader, one person requested Connor sort of “adopting” a male reader who gets neglected and abused at home and taking care of them, and someone else requested Connor and a male reader go home for thanksgiving with lots of angst, and we all know I love angst. Hope this is good! Love you all and thanks for 800+ followers! (I’m going immediately to bed after this hoo)

“Connor?”

“Mm.”

“Connor,” I called again. He brushed his fingers across my knuckles again, dangling between us on the leather carseat. He was staring ahead, so it was concerning to see him so absent. While driving.

“What?”

“The light’s green,” I told him in a weak voice, watching his dark eyebrows furrowed blankly before fumbling, hands grasping for the wheel and slamming on the break. His dark hair was a curtain between us, eclipsing most of his face from my view.

“Sorry,” he mumbled heatedly under his breath, his hands tapping at the wheel anxiously. “Sorry, sorry, sorry.”

I folded my hands in my lap, careful to stay calm. Connor’s paranoia could be contagious sometimes, and his anxiety was filling the car with fumes I didn’t have the capacity to escape.

“I’m scared too, Connor,” I mumbled softly, watching his white knuckled grip clench and unclench on the steering wheel, licking his lips before glancing surprisingly out of the corner of his eyes at me.

“Hey,” he whispered softly, voice hoarse, chancing to take his hand of the steering wheel to reach for me. His painted nails raked harshly against the fabric of my jeans, up and down my thigh in an attempt to soothe me–and, in a way, it helped because it distracted him from his inner monologue. “I’m not scared. If they,” he paused, taking in a heavy sigh and letting his eyebrows drop low over his eyes. “If they say anything, we’ll get up and go. Get a hotel for the next few days and then go back to school, alright?”

“Going home is making you nervous,” I said neutrally. “This was a mistake.”

Connor’s hand wrapped vice like around my knee, shaking it a little too roughly. “This is not a mistake. I’m not letting you go home to your shitty parents, alright? Besides,” he grumbled. “This is a decent test for my parents, too. If they’re asswipes, we go immediately.”

“Okay.”

My stomach twisted nervously as the main streets and shops gave way to country field and subdivisions, little white picket fences with dogs and rosebushes I hadn’t grown up in a neighborhood quite like this, and yet it amazed me–suburbia, for all its obvious perks, could still contain dark secrets.

Connor, subject A.

He hadn’t been home in awhile–he and I had spent the summer together working on campus, sharing a dorm. I knew he was civil with his folks and all, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t positively green as we pulled into a perfectly cemented driveway, three nice cars already parked in an open garage. Connor shifted the car into park, turning off the engine, but instead of exiting let his eyes close and leaned against the steering wheel for just a moment.

It was hard–I could see how hard it was. How uncomfortable he felt.

I wasn’t sure if I’d made it better or worse.

I wasn’t sure how he’d worded it to his mother on the phone when he’d asked if I could join the party for thanksgiving–I knew he’d told her I wasn’t in the best standing with my parents. I wasn’t sure if he’d asked if he could bring “a friend” over or “someone I’m seeing”.

He hadn’t said boyfriend. They didn’t know. He wasn’t out.

It was maybe four yards to the door–just a few steps, less than sixty seconds, and everything in Connor Murphy’s family dynamic would change.

Watching Connor swallow, forehead pressed into his hands where he was folded in on himself in the driver’s seat, was almost heartbreaking. I didn’t know if I made it worse or better. I didn’t even know how he felt.

I hadn’t been home since I graduated.

I reached out, scratching lovingly against Connor’s back through the fabric of his hoodie, feeling his shoulders relax beneath my hands.

“I guess this is me fucking up again,” he laughed mirthlessly. “Christ, they’re gonna have a field day.”

“You can take me somewhere else,” I offered, my voice thick at the suggestion, praying he wouldn’t really do that, but understanding if it was what he needed. “You don’t have to come out–”

Connor sprung off the steering wheel, spinning, eyes wide, pink lips partially parted, his bony hands twitching I’m his lap.

“You,” he choked, seeming to be at a loss for words. “I didn’t mean–you aren’t the mistake, sweetheart.” He reached forward, lithe fingers cradling across the back of my neck, his thumb tracing my jaw. “You–fuck, I love you.”

Connor’s slate eyes were searching, and I saw all the manic fear in them before they shut so that he could surge across the car, sealing his soft lips to mine.

It was almost comedic when he got like this–desperate, hungry, and nothing lustful about it. Connor was so uniquely physical and so poor with his words, this was the only way he knew to communicate that he loved me.

And I loved it. And I loved him.

There were a few knees to my ribs as he climbed across the median, fumbling to get into my lap, his little lithe body folding perfectly against mine, his hands still knotting into my hair.

“Connor–” I tried to protest with a laugh, surprised when he simply swallowed the words and continued.

“I love you,” he hissed again, wrapping both his arms around my neck, leaning back to glare determined at my collar bone. “I love you, please–”

“I love you,” I assured, pulling him back to press his face into his neck. “I love you, sweetheart, but you have to calm down. You aren’t gonna be able to articulate to your parents if you’re this panicked. I can’t do it for you.”

“Fuck,” he cried, voice thick, pressing my face closer to the juncture of his neck. His hair was down today, kissing my temple. “I lied. I’m fucking terrified.”

“It’s okay,” I promised, scratching at his lower back soothingly. “I’m right here.”

——

We didn’t bother to bring in our bags, not when there might be a chance that we might have to haul them back out in a quick fit, Connor swearing during it all.

He couldn’t stop fidgeting–it had been awhile since I’d seen him like this. Yes, the Connor I had met nearly a year ago had been stoic, pensive, and reclusive–but he’d also had an air of newly acquired calm and confidence that had been difficult to resist. He had smiles that seemed like they costed him, but only after he gave them, and he, more often than not, gave them without thinking twice.

Recovering, he told me, he was recovering. It was more than enough.

He kept scratching behind is ear, frizzing the fawn tone hair there so that the curls ticked upward just a little higher than the rest, his mouth twitching as he clenched and unclenched his jaw in a way that would make for robotic kissing later. The way his hands shook, I was surprised he didn’t stick them in his pockets–he wiped them on his jeans enthusiastically, stepping into the foyer as his mother answered the door.

The Murphy’s looked as perfect as the photos on Facebook had portrayed–I knew it was for my benefit. Cynthia Murphy was loud, and it was done in a way that her own face cringed with the overdone politeness of it all. She grinned at me so that the apples of her cheeks looked high crested like Connor’s when he smiled without thinking, his eyes crinkling at the corners, making his hollowed cheeks dimple. Her eyes were vaguely panicked, and I looked away, giving her the time to process what was clearly a misread signal from Connor.

Larry Murphy shook my hand, much too roughly, making it obvious where Connor had acquired it, and smiled like I was the campaign aid to his greasy politician. It made me nervous, unsettled, and I watched Larry Murphy stuff his large hands into the pockets of his slacks.

Zoe Murphy was lazing artistically against the leather couch in the living room, only slightly visible from the foyer. At her parent’s call, she didn’t move, but offered us a wave without looking up from the television. So Connor hadn’t been lying about their strained relationship.

“It’s so good to meet you! Connor got us all excited over the phone,” Cynthia crooned, patting her husband on the shoulder, her eyes still panicked behind her painfully wide smile. Her lips cracked in the same way Connor’s did. “Worried for nothing, I see. It’s always good to meet Connor’s friends.”

I smiled, my face pained.

He could lie. Right now. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye, and I knew he was thinking about it. Smile, pretend, I really got you guys this time! Slap me on the back, call me bro, smile and nod when his father asked about the cute girls on campus. He could cut me down right here, and he knew it.

Connor was smiling politely, his hands still twitching at his sides. He was painfully close to me, too close for them not to notice, our shoulders brushing. They were taking it in with darting eyes and slim pupils, eyes cutting between us, begging for an explanation.

“What do you mean?” Connor asked in a strained voice, obviously attempting to be civil. The smile on his face, while trying, was a fraud.

Cynthia had begun to wring her hands, licking her lips as if attempting to come up with something in a way that wouldn’t offend me. She laughed too loudly.

“You just, you said over the phone you were bringing home someone you wanted us to meet,” she smiled apologetically in my direction. Behind the two of them, Zoe Murphy had rolled into a sitting position, her auburn eyebrow arched, her lipglossed mouth in a froze oh.

“Yeah,” Connor said slowly, eyes glancing from me back to them in a can you believe this? sort of way, clearly more for their benefit than mine. He wanted them to say it for him, but the wouldn’t. They weren’t the kind of people who were going to wish for this or be thrilled Connor was finally himself.

He was trying to come out, and they were pressed so tightly against the closet door, Connor was going to need a fucking cannon to get himself out.

Larry made a noise in the back of his throat, impatient, disguising it with an exasperated laugh. I watched Connor tense, his shoulders locking and his mouth falling open. Scared.

“She just means,” Larry laughed awkwardly, making an aggressive eye contact with me in an attempt to demean Connor, “We thought Connor meant a girl. We thought he might be getting serious with someone.”

Boom.

To his credit, Connor didn’t explode. He didn’t scream. He did it slowly, softly, without words, the same way the Connor I knew everything about and the Murphy’s had never met did everything.

He just smiled–not forced, but serene and genuine, and glanced down to where his pale hand, freckled across the knuckles was bumping against mine, and laced out hands together. I wasn’t looking at the Murphy’s, but I could hear their sharp intake of breath over the rapid pounding of my heart.

Connor was smiling at me, the apples of his cheeks eclipsing his eyes that were watering with the uncertainty of the moment.

And I was so proud.

He chose me.

He chose himself.

“I am,” Connor said, his voice certain from where he smiled at me in awe and adoration. “Serious about someone. This is my boyfriend.”

—-

“It could’ve gone worse.”

Connor, laying facedown on his twin bed could’ve been slightly endearing, slightly adorable, if it hadn’t been for the face he was screaming into his pillow.

“It could’ve gone a lot fucking better!” He screamed, leaning up to scratch at his face with his black chipped nails–a bad habit that had me lunging forward to take his wrists, replacing his hands onto my hips and sitting beside him, letting him fall face first into my chest with a humph.

“They didn’t make us leave,” I reminded softly, combing a hand through his soft hair and kissing his temple. Connor just groaned against my chest.

“My dad passed out,” Connor hissed against my chest. “Fucking went unconscious. Because I’m gay.”

“Again, not the worst reaction.”

“Oh my God, dude, please let me be negative!” Connor grunted, pulling back, stuffing his hands into his hair, causing me to reach up again to remove them.

“Stop that,” I mumbled. “Keep those on me.”

He frowned, but still reached forward tenderly to cup the back of my neck, eyes searching for something in my face. Leaning forward till he blurred, close enough to kiss, he pressed his lips to the corner of my mouth, tilting his forehead to rest against mine with closed eyes.

“I worship you,” he whispered, sending a violent chill down my spine, my own hands reaching up to tangled in the fabric of his hoodie. “I’d do that again and again to be with you.”

“Con,” I whispered, pouting my lips to beg for a kiss, sighing happily when he obliged me, nudging me backwards gingerly against his mattress which was struggling to hold two grown men.

He was tender, loving as he pressed chaste kisses again and again to my lips, before sighing and laying his head against my chest, reaching up to run his thumb absently across my jaw.

“Your sister seemed supportive.”

“What part of ‘Holy shit, no way!’ seemed supportive to you?”

“She was smiling?”

“Babe–”

“I’m sorry,” I conceded, reaching up to again card my fingers through his hair. “It’s just…they didn’t throw you out, Con. They didn’t call us names. They didn’t burn your things. That’s a luxury I didn’t have when I came out to my folks.”

He sighed, pressing his nose against my chest again, kissing over the fabric of my shirt with a pained expression. “I know, baby, and I’m so sorry. Just–I’m taking care of you from now on, alright? You don’t have to worry about that stupid shit anymore.”

“I know sweetheart,” I sighed, leaning down to kiss him again, knotting my hands into his long hair and going deeper, feeling Connor’s long legs give way to straddle me, his own hands framing my face to keep me firmly in place.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered against my lips, before diving back in with fervor, licking up into my mouth, pulling a small laugh from the both of us.

“Con–” I warned.

“I know,” he groaned, pressing his face into the side of my neck and stretching my shirt collar to reveal a stripe of skin, beginning to suck a vicious hickey there, earning a surprised yelp from me.

“Connor, you can’t–”

“Knock, knock!”

We sprang apart, both of us scrubbing at our faces, attempting to control our breathing. Connor stared wordlessly at the still closed door for a long time, before his mother called his name again and it dawned on him that she was asking permission to enter his room.

“Come in.”

Cynthia smiled apologetically upon entering, balancing a tray in her hands and sitting it on Connor’s desk, still covered in papers, before seating herself in the desk chair. Connor shifted, obviously uncomfortable.

“We haven’t touched your room,” she said softly, smiling a bit differently than she had downstairs. “Left it just the way you liked it.”

“Thanks,” he said softly, picking at the duvet with his fingernails, before thinking better of it and reaching out to take my hand again. Solidarity.

Cynthia Murphy smiled.

“I brought you cookies–Connor doesn’t like pie, I’m not sure if he told you,” she said to me with a grin, extending a plate I took warily, thanking her warmly as I could. “I know a lot of people eat pie on Thanksgiving, but I’m honestly not even very good at making it–”

“Mom,” Connor called desperately, looking at her with wild eyes. Scared.

“Your dad is just fine,” she promised, still smiling at him like he was the most important thing in the world. Connor’s expression told me he’d never seen it before. “And he’s gonna come around. He just needs a minute, is all.”

Connor nodded, admitting it was reasonable, even if he didn’t like it. “You?”

She smiled, and for the first time I noticed her eyes were wet. “You’ve found somebody, sweetheart. That’s the most important thing. Look how much you’ve grown–I’m so proud of you, Connor.”

I let them hug. I let them cry. I let Cynthia hug me, thank me, take my face in her hands and promise me that I had a home here as long as I loved her son.

It was a lot. It was so much.

And when it was over, it was Connor and I wrapped around each other in his twin bed, our faces desperately close and whispering softly to each other.

“I think my mom wants me to propose.”

“You sure your dad’s heart can take it?”

“Haha, Prince Charming, you’re hilarious.”

A beat of silence, so long that I thought he’d fallen asleep, before I felt his lips linger at my temple. “Thanks for loving me.”

I tightened my grip on his sides, kissing his collar bone lightly. “Always, sweetheart.”

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